BayouLife Magazine April 2022 by BayouLife Magazine

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28 14 / BLUEBERRY SMASH

Looking for a drink to tickle your tastebuds? This simple blueberry lemon smash is a refreshing springtime staple.

APRIL 2022

20 / ENGLISH IVY

This ornamental evergreen vine has become a popular choice for those looking for an attractive container plant. English ivy can be trained into topiaries of various shapes or grown in simple planter.

24 / EASTER PARADE

Big and bold colors are the staple of this mantelscape designed by Taylor Bennett and Tiffany Jones

28 / SALT DOUGH ORNAMENTS

Want a fun family project for Easter? These salt dough ornaments are the perfect way to get the whole crew involved in group craft activity that everyone will enjoy.

4 APRIL 2022 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

42 / LESLIE RATCLIFF

Leslie Ratcliff uses acrylic paints to depict the sights of her little Tensas Parish town, hoping to share just how beautiful St. Joe really is.

132 / ON THE FARM

Though a small operation, La Bonne Vie Farm’s steady growth has allowed Heather and Robin Richard to extend the goods of their labor to this small riverboat community in Tensas Parish.

A P R I L 2 0 1 8139 / LAKE LIFE

92 / ONCE UPON A PILLOW

112 / THE WALKING PIG

The Walking Pig is styled as a modern Southern pub serving a varied menu of hand-crafted foods and beverages housed in a renovated 1930s storefront, one of many quaint businesses on Plank Road.

The season’s hottest looks– floral print dresses, white linen, two-piece swimsuits – are your passport for lake living.

pril is our annual travel issue and this year our annual road trip took us an hour up the road to St. Joseph. Growing up in Rayville, a lot of our friends had camps on Lake Bruin, and the State Park was always a big attraction for my camping family. I learned how to ski on Lake Bruin, and also had my 12th birthday party there... the same night a tornado ripped through the area (that’s a good story). This year, our whole staff loaded up and took off for a camp located on Lake Bruin. We brought our fishing poles and spent our first night on the pier soaking in the sunshine before heading to Plank Road the next morning. If you’ve ever been around our group at any event, you know it’s hard to miss us – we like to laugh and we like to talk. We made our way through most of the shops: Shop All Daye, The Cottage, B. Viz Designs, Folkway Co. Mercantile, Leslie Ratcliff Art and through the Tensas Parish Library and Museum. We stopped for lunch at The Walking Pig, which was absolutely delicious – I had the pulled pork and cabbage, along with the deviled eggs. I think we sampled almost everything on the menu and went back the next day to try what we missed. After our lunch break, we headed to Becky Vizard’s home studio on Lake Bruin. Becky’s home is beautiful, the raised beds overlooking the lake were full of curly kale and cabbage, and the landscaping was littered with delightful animal topiaries and sculptural chairs. Inside housed Becky’s studio which was full of beautiful textiles and quirky art. As she walked us around the grounds, you could tell how much she loved her community and the partnerships she had made with the school, businesses PAGE 64 ST. JOSEPH REVITALIZATION

and residents in the area. We laughed at stories of her children - especially the ones of critters that routinely made their way in the house by way of her son and his friends. Because of her success in the fine arts, her entrepreneurial spirit, and her leadership in the revival of that special place she calls home, Rebecca Watson Vizard is our April BayouIcon. Read her article on page 92. The following morning we caught up with Jane and Richard Netterville. My kids love stopping by the marina in the summers for a few scoops of ice cream while we are filling up. Jane is a one-stop shop for St. Joseph’s history, real estate, lodging, boat rentals, music, food and gas – and almost everything else you could need on your trip. Her son, Robert, ferried us by boat to our fashion shoot destination. Our family has been extremely fortunate to know the Gillikins, as my husband has been an employee of their company for over ten years. When I was trying to figure out where we could shoot this month’s fashion spread, their gorgeous camp immediately came to mind. Christine Gillikin, along with Mrs. Sheryl and Mr. Steve welcomed us with a beautiful charcuterie spread and mimosas, while letting us cruise around their property. See these pictures from our Lake Life shoot on pages 139- 147. There are so many wonderful articles in this month’s issue. Special thanks to all of our hosts at St. Joe – we truly enjoyed our time in your beautiful community. We hope you enjoy reading this month’s issue of BayouLife Magazine. Make sure to be on the lookout for nominations for BayouBuzz awards to start soon. Happy Easter!

Cassie

BayouLife 1201 Royal Avenue Monroe, LA 71201 Phone 318.855.3185

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PUBLISHER & OWNER Cassie Livingston cassie@bayoulifemag.com COPY EDITOR Cindy Foust GRAPHIC DESIGNER Meagan Russell meagan@bayoulifemag.com ADVERTISING SALES EXECUTIVE Katelyn McAllister katelyn@bayoulifemag.com Courtney Thomas courtney@bayoulifemag.com Jenny Pankey jenny@bayoulifemag.com ART DIRECTOR Taylor Bennett LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER Kelly Moore Clark CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Darian Atkins Nils Borquist Dan Chason Laura W. Clark Dr. Leslie Coffman Kenny Covington Shannon Dahlum Lou Davenport Cindy Gist Foust Starla Gatson Kerry Heafner Val Iriron Paul Lipe

Erin Love Meredith McKinnie Dr. Timothy Mickel Guy Miller J. Preston Parry Georgiann Potts Vanelis Rivera Emily Roberson Delia Simpson Beatrice A. Tatem Judy Wagoner Robert Wright

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Kelly Moore Clark Cassie Livingston

ON THE COVER Georgia Faith Hill in Lake Life photo 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.

6 APRIL 2022 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

Your Monthly Spirits Guide Doe’s Eat Place and Washington Wine and Spirits

PRING HAS ARRIVED AND WE COULD NOT BE MORE excited. For this article we are going to focus on items that go with warmer weather and grilling in the backyard. Whether you are relaxing on the back porch or coming in from mowing the yard, we’ve got you covered. We’ll start off with The Copper Can mule. This is the perfect easy drink for after mowing the backyard. A refreshing and ready to drink cocktail in a beautiful copper can this is made with six times distilled vodka, house-made ginger beer, and fresh squeezed lime juice. All you need is to get them cold or pour it over ice. This is a great mule with that beautiful ginger spice and citrus zing of the limes while being smooth. It’s a great way to cool off in the warmer weather. Next up we’ve got two fantastic reds that are going to blow you away this time of year. First, we have the Gulp Hablo Red Blend from Spain. We are big fans of all of the wines from this company as they are great values and come in 1 liter bottles. This is a vegan friendly wine made with organic grapes. This is a light bodied red that is great with a slight chill with delicious flavors of fresh herbs, strawberries, and stone fruit. This is that wonderful rare balance that occurs where you have a red wine with a profile that is reminiscent of a rosé. The second red we’d like to tell you about is the Unico Zelo Fresh A.F. from Australia. This is a unique blend of Nero D’Avola and Zibibbo. This interesting combination makes this a perfect red for white wine lovers. This wine is named accurately as the nose explodes with fresh plums and blueberries. On the palate this wine explodes with more blueberries and has a succulent and juicy mouthfeel. A great pairing with a spring salad or a juicy filet. This can also take a slight chill. We are sure that you will get a kick out of these flavorful and easy going, lighter styles of red wine. When we talk about spring wines we have to talk about rosé. Sand Point’s Rosé of Sangiovese is another hit from one of our favorite wine companies. This is, as they call it, a straightforward rosé with a bright nose of strawberries that carries onto the palate with the addition of crisp watermelon. As with all of Sand Point wines this is sustainably farmed and an incredible value. If you haven’t tried any of their wines, you should. They have also released a wonderful new zinfandel to add to their already impressive lineup of wines. 8 APRIL 2022 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

If you like to switch it up with the season and try new things then we’d like to turn your attention to the Spirit of Hven Sloe Gin from Sweden. This is made from a local harvest of sloe berries and then slowly macerated and added to the Spirit of Hven organic gin before distillation. After resting for three months they then add a touch of sugar to round it out. The bitterness of the sloe berries round out the gin. This gives you a spirit that has aromas of ripe berries, dried fruits, and almonds. On the tongue we add flavors of juniper and citrus with the slight bittering of the sloe berries. The finish is long with more berries and a touch of mint. We suggest having a classic Sloe Gin Fizz with this as it is a simple cocktail. All you need is lemon juice, club soda, a touch of simple syrup, and sloe gin. This is a cocktail that highlights the brightness of the gin while the sloe berries bitterness keeps everything in check. We suggest using the Sirop de Saizon out of Lafayette as your simple syrup. This is an amazing product that will take any cocktail up a notch. Now we’d like to tell you about our newest barrel pick of bourbon from Jefferson’s Reserve. The long wait is finally over and it is here. This is an excellent whiskey for new and experienced bourbon drinkers. In the glass it is a beautiful copper honey in appearance and bottled at 100 proof. On the nose you’ll get vanilla, butterscotch, smokehouse notes, and candied cherry. On the palate you’ll get sweet vanilla, honeycomb, fresh macerated cherries, and buttery toasted brioche bread. The finish is gentle with caramel toffee, French vanilla cream, and cinnamon toast. Swing by and get yours before they are gone and check out our other nine barrel picks currently in stock. Be sure to also come by and grab some of the Doe’s Eat Place steaks to take home for your grill with great weather and some of these awesome products. We hope everyone has a great spring and as always, thank you for letting us be your Spirits Guides here at Washington Wine & Spirits. 6 oz Filet - $13.87 1.5 lb Bone In Strip - $22.49 2 lb Bone In Ribeye - $46.99 2 lb T-Bone - $29.98 3 lb Porterhouse - $50.97

10 oz Filet - $23.12 20 oz Ribeye - $29.99 1.5 lb T-Bone - $22.49 2.5 lb Porterhouse - $42.48 2-5 lb Sirloin - $13.99/lb

Spring Cleaning for the Soul Getting Our Lives in Order

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

AST MONTH I SUGGESTED WE ALL MOVE FORWARD, onward and upward in acknowledgement of Women’s History month. This month I am suggesting we spring forth and cleanse our bodies, our minds our surroundings, our lives, our souls. Spring is officially here as are bright skies, mild weather, sunny and longer days. Spring is associated with changes in nature, brilliant colors, time springing forward and spring cleaning. The spring season can be symbolic of change, life being born, renewal, growth and starting fresh. Often spring is regarded as a hint something brand new is about to take place. For many spring creates a healthy sense of optimism and hope. In the mental health world the spring season is associated with increased energy levels and elevated moods necessary to make positive transformations. Springtime is often a season when we “clean out” the old and worn and celebrate the new and fresh. There are those who regard this as a time to break out of old patterns, to discard the physical and emotional clutter in an effort to obtain higher and greater goals. In this sense spring cleaning for the soul or decluttering is not just ridding our lives of material possessions it is letting go of the unhealthy thoughts, actions, ideas, feelings, beliefs and practices that clutter our lives. It is time for us to rid our lives of unnecessary clutter and get our lives physically and emotionally in order. Many find cleaning to be cathartic and the results to be affirming, relaxing and calming. Deciding what to get rid of whether it is material things or thoughts and ideas can be difficult. A young woman shared with me her story of her holding on to thoughts and feelings associated with negative childhood experiences. She admitted to having memories of being teased and often feeling left out. As a young adult she found herself seeking acceptance and wanting to please. Encouraged to focus on the good memories and let go of the emotional clutter she collected she reports being able to move past the negative thoughts and feelings while soaking in positive experiences. There are times when we have to let go in order to be able to take in and hold on to what is good and right for us as well for others. The energy and time we give to negative things compromises the energy we can give to positive things. Emotional decluttering is different for everyone. As a therapist I have observed many clients who have benefitted from cleaning up and cleaning out process, emotional purging, decluttering or elimination of emotional junk. These forms of letting go allows the individual to create new happiness and opportunities to seize the moment. Decluttering can be 10 APRIL 2022 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

essential for carrying out one’s goals and as a type of self-care freeing one from distraction. Emotional clutter is persistant, negative thoughts, ideas and feelings we have about ourselves, our lives and others. Emotional clutter is an internal narrative that can build over time and sap us of our energy as a result of circumstances and situations. For example, too many commitments, the inability to say no, bad habits, poor relationships, a job you dislike or people you encounter to name a few. Given the current state of the world affairs it is likely many are holding on to a lot of emotional clutter. Society has recently witnessed the two-year anniversary of the start of the pandemic a time in which we were forced to retreat, to isolate and to hold on to our thoughts, feelings and concerns oftentimes without meaningful way to release. The pandemic has shown us all how short our days are while the conflict between Russia and Ukraine has shown the world how quickly one’s life changes. These times points to the need to spring clean for the soul and to get out lives in order. Ways to spring clean for the soul. Allow time and space to discover the spring in you. Spring forth with new ideas and experience. Internalize the freshness of spring, work towards rebirth and personal transformation. Imagine what you want in life and act on it. Consider ideologies you want to let go of …materialism, sexism, classism and racism. Find a suitable intro into spring with a new outfit, changed hairstyle or trip to visit a friend. Be mindful emotional clutter like physical clutter can get in the way of what you’re trying to achieve. Acknowledge the things that are harmful to you and let go of them. Take note of your level of health and fitness and recognize the mind-body connection. Forego negative habits and adopt positive ones. Replace problems with new possibilities; be responsive to how you feel. Have a personal spring fling and reconnect with friends and family. Recognize your mood changes with the changes of the season; shift your attitude when necessary. Breathe in the regenerative powers of warm fresh air, soak up plenty of sunshine; sunshine can be fortifying while rejuvenating. Seek balance and harmony versus chaos and despair. Reawaken treasured values that lie dormant and capture springtime joy. Resurrect your life as necessary. Spring It on! Blooming flowers suggest spring has arrived… go ahead and let the changes of the season bloom in you. Wishing you a spring mindset. For more information about counseling services and outreach programming contact Dr. Beatrice Tatem at Wellness Initiatives, LLC 2484 Tower Drive, Suite 10, Monroe, La 71201, 318-410-1555 or at btatem.bt@gmail.com

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Coping with Spring Allergies Ochsner LSU Health - Monroe

PRING HAS RETURNED WITH ALL OF ITS GREENERY and glory! Unfortunately, not everyone looks forward to this season. Springtime can be challenging for people who suffer from allergies. Tree pollen is the biggest culprit for triggering allergy symptoms in early spring. In Louisiana, we are no strangers to pollen. Remember last year when your vehicle was covered in a greenish-yellowish dust? Well, that was pollen. Trees, grasses and flowers release pollen. The wind carries pollen away from its source to fertilize other plants. When pollen lands in your eyes or nose or on your skin, it can cause a reaction. Our body’s cells carry histamines, which are released to fend off allergens. The result is usually a runny nose, itchy and watery eyes, sneezing, coughing, and other symptoms.

WHAT ARE THE ALLERGY SYMPTOM TREATMENT OPTIONS? Depending on the severity of your reaction to pollen or other allergens, you may want to consider over-the-counter allergy medications. Antihistamines (like Benadryl, Claritin or Zyrtec) reduce sneezing, runny nose and itching. Be careful when taking antihistamines because they can cause drowsiness and other side effects. Eye drops can also help with itchy, watery eyes. A decongestant can help relieve congestion, and a nasal spray can reduce swelling of the nasal passages. If you prefer a natural remedy, you could try nasal irrigation. A combination of warm water, iodidefree salt and baking soda (or saline solution) is used to flush out allergens and mucus to open up your sinus passages.

WHAT ARE THE BEST WAYS TO DEAL WITH SEASONAL ALLERGIES? First, stay indoors on days when the pollen count is high. Local weather forecasts often include the daily pollen count. During the spring, consider keeping your doors and windows closed to keep out pollen. Also, make sure you clean and vacuum often to remove pollen, pet dander, dust and dust mites from household surfaces. If you spend any time outdoors, change your clothes and/or wash your hair as soon as possible to remove the pollen.

WHAT IF OVER-THE-COUNTER MEDICATIONS DON’T HELP? If over-the-counter medications do not help, schedule an appointment with your primary care physician. They may recommend seeing an allergist for further testing. If your allergies are left untreated, it can cause serious complications, such as acute or chronic sinusitis. Acute and chronic sinusitis have similar symptoms, including facial pain or pressure, fatigue, and headaches. Some of the symptoms can last for weeks.

WHAT ARE SYMPTOMS OF ALLERGIES? Allergies can produce symptoms that are similar to the common cold, but there are some differences between cold and allergy symptoms. A cold will last between 3 to 7 days, while allergies will linger for as long as you are exposed to the allergens. A cold may cause a low-grade fever, but allergies do not cause a fever. Both allergies and a cold can cause a runny nose. However, the discharge from a cold is thick and yellowish, while the discharge from an allergy issue is thin and watery.

HOW DO I PREPARE FOR ALLERGY SEASON? The best advice to prepare for allergy season is to start your medications early. Do not wait until the symptoms hit you. Begin your spring-cleaning earlier than usual. Track pollen levels, so you can plan tasks accordingly. Starting outdoor activities later in the day is smart since pollen levels are usually the highest in the morning. Hot, dry days will have more pollen than wet, cold days. Be proactive with your allergy prevention, so you don’t miss out on the beauty of spring! For more information, visit ochsnerlsuhs.org. To schedule an appointment with a primary care physician at our new Community Health Center on Louisville Avenue, call 318-330-7168.

12 APRIL 2022 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

BL UEBERR Y SMA SH

In a cocktail shaker, muddle blueberries and lemon juice. Add jam, St. Germain, bourbon and fill with ice. Shake and strain into glass. Top with sparkling water. Stir to combine.

styling by T A Y L O R B E N N E T T

photography by K E L L Y M O O R E C L A R K

BAYOU DR I N K

Looking for a drink to tickle your tastebuds? This simple blueberry lemon smash is a refreshing springtime staple. This craft cocktail combines bourbon, blueberries, lemon and jam for a drink that will sweeten your Saturdays.

2 tablespoons fresh blueberries Juice from 1/2 lemon 2 tablespoons blueberry jam 1 1/2 ounce bourbon 1/2 ounce St. Germain Sparkling water

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DIRECTIONS: Roast beet in foil at 425º for 60 minutes. While beet is roasting, process chickpeas, tahini, ricotta, lemon juice, garlic, salt, pepper and coriander in a food processor. Once beet is cool, use a paper towel to remove skin. Trim root end and cut in pieces before adding it to a food processor. Season with salt and add hummus to a bowl. Top with mint and poppy seeds and drizzle with oil.

styling by T A Y L O R B E N N E T T

WHAT YOU’LL NEED: 1 red beet 1 15 1/2 ounce chickpeas 1/3 cup tahini 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice 1/4 cup ricotta 1 garlic clove 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander Mint leaves, poppy seeds, olive oil

photography by K E L L Y M O O R E C L A R K

BAYOU R ECI PE

BEET & RICOTTA HUMMUS

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Bayou Buzzworthy

The Wossman High School Lady Cats are your 2022 LHSAA Class 3A Champions. The Lady Cats celebrated their first championship season in over 25 years. They were also honored by Dr. Brent Vidrine and other school board members following their championship title. A parade will also be held congratulating the Lady Cats on their winning season.

On March 5th, The Cinderella Project of The Junior League of Monroe held their 12th Annual Dress Giveaway where more than fifty high school juniors or seniors selected a prom dress free of charge. The mission of The Cinderella Project is to support local high school girls with resources that may not exist to them otherwise and to instill confidence, self-esteem, and the importance of community service.

The LouisianaTech University Engineering and Technology Management (ETM) program has been named the fifth “Best Engineering Management Online Master’s Program” in the United States for 2022. The Louisiana Tech College of Engineering and Science program earned the ranking based on the low cost of the degree and the option to complete it online. Students in the program have the option to earn a concentration in one of four focus areas: engineering management, management of technology, construction, or data science. 18 APRIL 2022 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

On Monday, March 14, 2022 Curtis Eberts, Executive Director of Ascent Monroe along with his staff hosted a ribbon cutting at the newly renovated office building in Monroe. Staff, friends, community leaders along with the Board of Directors helped celebrate Ascent’s 10 year anniversary with home made pies on National Pi Day. Guests enjoyed touring the newly redesigned office located at 502 North 2nd Street. Ascent is a non-profit organization that offers intensive, individualized care for children and families with complex mental health needs.

The Haberdashery celebrated their one year anniversary on March 17th with special sales and giveaways throughout the day. The Haberdashery is the best place to shop for thoughtfully curated quality cotton fabrics, notions, books, patterns, sewing machines, sergers and so much more! Visit Material Things’ website to view the class calendar for upcoming events.

PRUNING: Occasional pruning keeps the plants compact and attractive.

20 APRIL 2022 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

This ornamental evergreen vine has become a popular choice for those looking for an attractive container plant. English ivy can be trained into topiaries of various shapes or grown in simple planter.

styling by T A Y L O R B E N N E T T

WATER: The English ivy needs to be watered every two to three days as needed to keep moist during rooting period.

ENGL ISH IV Y

photography by K E L L Y M O O R E C L A R K

BAYOU PL A N T

LIGHT: This plant prefers shaded area and can be scorched in a hot, sunny exposure. In pots, these plants are quite cold hardy. They thrive in brightly lit areas inside the home.

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Alumni Spotlight ULM Alumnus: Dhu Thompson

H U T H O M P S O N C H A R T S H I S O W N P AT H . After graduating from Neville High School, Dhu enrolled at ULM, then NLU, with no particular career ambitions in mind. After one year, he took off and explored his love of the outdoors, backpacking and floating rivers, reveling in the beauty and promise of America. His respect for land conservation and a desire for something bigger landed Dhu at a few other higher education institutions across the US before finally coming to his senses. Returning home, Dhu sought out the advice of NLU History professor Dr. Richard Chardkoff. Dhu needed an educational foundation and a degree to open doors, and he wanted to get started as soon as possible. He obtained a degree in liberal arts and immediately took a job with Central Bank as a management trainee. Dhu climbed the banking ladder, becoming an officer and then Vice President in Commercial Lending, before leaving to work in the plastics industry. After another brief stint with Bank One, Dhu realized he didn’t want to be a banker and set his sights a little higher, purchasing a then financially-defunct plastics company in Stuttgart, Arkansas. Combining his appreciation for entrepreneurship and his love of conservation, Dhu believed he could turn the business around. Delta Plastics manufactures polytube used to irrigate farms, and while the new irrigation style dominated the market, the used plastic clogged local landfills. Dhu developed a recycling system to convert the used tubing to post-consumer resin used in the can liner industry. Thompson founded Revolution Bag in 2010, and marketed the can liners directly to users, acquiring clients such as NYC schools, Ford Motor Company, NFL stadiums, Las Vegas casinos, and the Library of Congress. Now, Revolution Bag is one of the largest post-consumer resin manufacturers in the US. Thompson loved building a legacy and producing a product with the lowest carbon footprint on the market. He notes, “With entrepreneurs, money may be a measure of success, but they are more often motivated by a love of the game.” Surrounding himself with smart, talented people, absent intimidation, and welcoming collective input grew his world and business immensely. Thompson’s banking background provided knowledge of business opportunities and financial requirements. In mentoring budding entrepreneurs with notable intelligence and financial acumen, Thompson often identifies a lack of experience and self-confidence. He recognizes achievements and peer recognition as the building blocks of self-confidence. Those things take time. Entrepreneurship tests a

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person’s resolve and truly lets people see their capabilities. With a firm belief in challenging individuals, Thompson sponsors the Arkansas Governor’s Cup. The contest consists of university students from across that state working alongside entrepreneurial professors, presenting business models to a judging panel. The models involve marketing, financial analysis, everything required to bring an idea to a business form. Over the last 12 years of Thompson’s involvement, several of those businesses have come to fruition. In 2020, Dhu approached ULM President Ron Berry about starting a similar competition in Louisiana. With the help of Cathi Hemed, ULM’s Director of External Initiatives, and members of the ULM Foundation, the first annual Pelican Cup will take place in April of this year. 15 applicants are competing at the inaugural event, and the awards ceremony will feature elevator-style pitch presentations. The top 3 winners will receive from $25,000-$10,000 dollars to bring their business ideas to the public. This event significantly opens the business world to young adults, many of whom possess no financial backgrounds. Exposure to business formats and plans brings potential entrepreneurs from various academic disciplines to the corporate table. The combination of a sound vision and a vigorous work ethic produces the corporate leaders of tomorrow. Thompson plans to grow the Pelican Cup, like its sister competition in Arkansas, to include numerous universities across the state of Louisiana. As a proud ULM graduate, Dhu Thompson believes in the power of young minds. His legacy, alongside several successful businesses and an environmentally-friendly product, is giving back to his community and this region by inspiring student leaders to show up and show out. The Pelican Cup will provide the access and guidance that potential entrepreneurs need to become prosperous community leaders and innovators. Dhu Thompson is a testament to the potential of ULM graduates in changing their world for the better. The ULM Alumni Association reaches, connects and celebrates alumni and friends to build lifelong relationships, and commit to the university’s missions of academic freedom, scholarship, diversity, excellence, integrity and service. We represent alumni who honor the traditions of our university and who share a sense of achievement and pride. We create a network of professionals, establish scholarships and advocate for our University through community engagement. Members of the Alumni Association support countless initiatives, and annual memberships are just $35. To learn more or to become a member, please visit our new alumni network at ulm.edu/alumni.

Big and bold colors are the staple of this mantelscape designed by Taylor Bennett and Tiffany Jones. A rainbow of bunnies perch on top of a chartreuse-painted mantel. Artwork by Jennifer Poe from Haven brings in happy hues from an accent chair and Easter egg tree. Use this inpiration for a whimsical approach to your holiday decorating.

24 APRIL 2022 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

styling by T A Y L O R B E N N E T T

photography by K E L L Y M O O R E C L A R K

BAYOU HOM E

EASTER PARADE

R E M E M B E R

C E L E B R AT I N G E A S T E R A N D A L L T H AT C A M E W I T H I T

One of the traditions that is I REMEMBER the way we a favorite of mine is the Easter used to celebrate Easter at our Sunrise Service. Usually several church in Delhi. The ladies in churches in a community will the congregation would bring gather together for an earlylots of Easter eggs to the church, morning worship service at which and a few high school students believers will celebrate together would hide those eggs on the the resurrection of the Lord. In our church grounds, carrying out town, three churches rotate acting their task prior to the arrival of as hosts for the service and the the younger children. Then, when three pastors alternate in sharing the youngsters had arrived at the privilege of preaching to those the gym, they would be turned assembled. An Easter breakfast is loose to locate and collect those then served by the host church. hidden eggs. After this roundup A final tradition associated with was concluded, the youth would Easter is one widely accepted and gather once more at the gym WHAT HAPPENED THAT FIRST EASTER observed by folks in Louisiana. where the pastor or another adult IS THE MOST IMPORTANT EVENT IN Actually, it is observed all around would share the meaning of Easter the world, but I doubt that there is with the children. The Easter THE HISTORY OF MANKIND. any state in our union that could Egg Hunt was an annual prelude match the enthusiasm of the to the celebration of Christ’s citizens of this state! That to which I am referring is known as “Mardi resurrection. Besides the hiding and hunting of Easter eggs, there are a Gras,” or “Fat Tuesday.” It is so big that LSU gives its students a whole week off to celebrate, or recuperate from, Mardi Gras! “Fat number of other traditions and activities that have become a part of the Easter season. Many of these are innocuous, but some are a far Tuesday” is the culmination of the Mardi Gras season and ends its activities, which include a lot of partying, and the start of Lent, a stretch from having any true relationship with Easter itself. Consider some of those practices that are pretty much benign time of self-denial that lasts until Easter. Let me suggest that we don’t let these things, fine as they relative to distorting this special season. One of the things that has more appeal to the ladies in our families is the habit of searching for, are (with some exceptions), hide, at least partially, the real Easter, not Easter eggs, but Easter outfits! Although this activity is not one of because what happened that first Easter is the most important event the things in which men folks take much delight, they usually will, in the history of mankind. Apart from Christ’s overcoming death, without too much protest, fulfill their role in this activity by offering we would have no hope of heaven. The Resurrection of Jesus came up their credit cards in support of the “hunt.” And the wives and three days after His death on the cross and was God the Father’s affirmation that Christ was His Son who had successfully completed children do brighten up the day with their new clothes. Another manner in which Easter is widely observed is by way the task that had been assigned to Him (Romans 1:4). Easter is God’s “Amen” to the redemption which Jesus purchased for His own by of the spring break. This vacation from school often coincides with the Easter celebration, and the students usually like this excuse for His substitutionary sacrifice for us at calvary. The Resurrection confirms the finished work that Jesus completed on the cross. getting out of their classes for a week. In conjunction with this break As we celebrate Easter this year, let us not allow anything that from school, some families will often plan a family vacation – that means that the children will not be the only ones benefiting from the we do in celebrating the season detract from what Easter means to us. And let the song in our hearts be, “To God be the glory!” Easter season!

ar t i c le b y PAUL L I PE o p in io n e x p re s s e d is t h a t o f t h e w r it e r

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Want a fun family project for Easter? These salt dough ornaments are the perfect way to get the whole crew involved in group craft activity that everyone will enjoy. Display your work for all to appreciate and enjoy as keepsakes for years to come. 28 APRIL 2022 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

WHAT YOU NEED: Mixing bowl and spoon Parchment paper Rolling Pin Cookie cutters Toothpick Paint

DIRECTIONS: In a large mixing pot, add flour and salt. Stir to combine. Slowly add water while stirring. Once the dough comes together, keep kneading with your hands until it is smooth and pliable. On a large piece of parchment paper, place dough in the middle with another piece of parchment on top. Roll out dough until 1/8” thick. Remove the top sheet of parchment and use cookie cutter to cut out your preferred shape. Peel away excess dough. Take a toothpick and make a hole in the top of each ornament. Transfer parchment paper with dough onto cookie sheet and bake at 300º for an hour. They are done when hard. Let the ornaments cool before decorating with acrylic paint. You can use spray poly to preserve the finished decorations.

styling by T A Y L O R B E N N E T T

photography by K E L L Y M O O R E C L A R K

BAYOU CR A F T

S ALT DOUGH ORNAMEN T S

INGREDIENTS: 4 cups all-purpose flour 1 cup table salt 1 1/2 cups warm water

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bayou

PAGES

“Raise My Ebenezer” by Richard Gerald Shrubb

“Early in my career as a killer, an experienced assassin once told me that the first time we kill someone, it’s because we were called by a need to do it. After that, homicide either makes us sick and we never do it again, or we like it so much that we look for more opportunities.”

n Dr. Shrubb’s first novel, a vigilante killer embarks on a soul-searching discovery of enlightenment mandated by the criminal justice system he evaded for decades. Mark Antony is torn between the moral hero he envisions and the ruthless executioner he has become. After a life of retributive crime that devolved into killing for sport and large sums, Mark is arrested for defending a stranger in a parking lot, a small-time offense for a long-time assassin. In conversations with the court-mandated therapist, whom Mark admires beyond female physicality, he begins chronicling his life in a diary. The vignette-esque accounts of killing those who needed to be killed quickly spirals into a crisis of conscience - or lack thereof. Lured by the title of arbiter of justice, Mark must decide if abandoning his lifestyle will warrant the self-retribution he desires. Shrubb likens his antihero to Dante from The Divine Comedy, a renowned 14th-century poem that imagines the afterlife in terms of punishment and reward via guides that accompany Dante through Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven. Dante’s overarching view of the transgressions of man throughout history are reminiscent of Mark’s meta observation of his

own flawed past and potential future. Shrubb’s social commentary on historical events, class distinctions, and gendered realities serve as both context and character development. While Mark’s flaws and mistakes are countless, his biting wit and desire for intense human connection overshadow his aggrandized attempts at solitude: “Emotional boundaries make good relationships in the same way that good fences make good neighbors.” He may keep moving on, but he will inevitably encounter someone else to rescue. Mark’s strength is also his downfall. This novel is not reliant on plot, though when an incident is detailed, it reverberates. Shrubb combines action, contemplation, and self-reflection into a manifesto that both defends Mark’s actions and confesses his sins: “We can be afraid of living without being afraid of dying.” The book’s page turner quality is complicated by the dense introspection invoked by its telling. After I read this novel in a day, I told Dr. Shrubb that I had to let the text ruminate a bit. It’s been almost a month, and I’m still thinking about it. This book bears reading again. Dr. Shrubb is an Associate Professor and Coordinator of the EdD Program at Louisiana Tech University. Aside from the busy nature of academic life, Dr. Shrubb found escape and release in the construction of his first novel. “I inspire others to feel confidence in themselves, which is important for me to state in exactly that phraseology, because “con” in “con artist” stands for “confidence.” That’s me - the confidence artist. I’m invisible, comforting, and easily dismissed. I do not inspire fear, worry, or suspicion. Then I kill you. Then I evaporate. So do you.”

REVIEW BY MEREDITH MCKINNIE

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Time to “C’s” the Day! Celebrate National Vitamin C Day with The Medical Spa

E P R O A C T I V E I N S E T T I N G YO U R S K I N U P F O R success in these coming months with our savings this month at the Medical Spa. National Vitamin C Day is celebrated annually on April 4th, and rather than celebrating for just one day, all Vitamin C products will be 25% off for the entire month of April! Vitamin C is one of our favorite ingredients at the Medical Spa. Why celebrate Vitamin C? Vitamin C is known for boosting immunity and combating a cold, but it’s also a powerful antioxidant for our skin. Vitamin C protects our skin from natural and artificial light, pollution, free radicals and provides anti-aging properties such as improvement in the appearance of wrinkles, laxity, and discoloration. Not all serums are created equal though. The most effective Vitamin C serums contain L-ascorbic acid, the purest form of Vitamin c, and a concentration between 10 and 20 percent. The Medical Spa has a wide variety of Vitamin C products to choose from this month. C E Ferulic by Skinceuticals – A daytime serum containing 15% L-ascorbic acid, Vitamin E and ferulic acid. Ferulic acid is a plantbased antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals and enhances the benefits of Vitamin C and E. Phloretin CF by Skinceuticals – A daily Vitamin C serum containing phloretin CF to improve the appearance of discoloration, fine lines, and uneven skin tone. Silymarin by Skinceuticals – An oil-free Vitamin C serum formulated specifically for oily and blemish-prone skin types. This serum delivers environmental protection, reduces oiliness, refines skin texture, and visibly improves clarity and fine lines. Obagi-C Rx System – A complete skincare regimen containing 10% ascorbic acid, along with 4% hydroquinone to reduce hyperpigmentation. The system includes cleansing gel, clarifying serum, night cream and SPF. Professional-C Serum – A concentrated Vitamin C serum packed with antioxidants to decrease the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles leaving the skin feeling silky soft. Available in 10%, 15% or 20%.

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Professional-C Peptide Complex – A facial serum that includes Vitamin B, Vitamin E and plant growth factors; all working together to improve the appearance of firmness, skin tone, fine lines, and wrinkles in as little as one week. Professional-C Microdermabrasion Polish + Mask – A multitasking 2-in-1 mask that exfoliates and provides a powerful infusion of 30% Vitamin C. Use 2-3 times weekly to reveal smoother and brighter skin! TREATMENT SPOTLIGHT Kybella is a medicine used to improve the appearance of moderate to severe fat below the chin (submental fat), also called the “double chin.” Kybella injections require minimal downtime, making them an easy alternative to surgical options. The active ingredient in Kybella is deoxycholic acid. Deoxycholic acid naturally occurs in the body, aiding in the breakdown and absorption of dietary fat. Kybella injections act the same way, destroying fat cells under the chin. Once destroyed, these cells can no longer store or accumulate fat. During treatment, you will receive multiple small injections, depending on anatomy and fat deposits. After treatment, you may expect swelling, numbness, redness, and areas of hardness in the treatment area. Each Kybella treatment is given 1 month apart. The number of treatment sessions will vary based on the amount of fat under the chin and your treatment goals. We recommend a consultation to discuss treatment and aesthetic goals. Be sure to come by The Medical Spa this month to take advantage of our specials, events, and to find out more about the medical-grade skin care products, and treatments 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 Street, Suite 406, across from St. Francis Medical Center. Also, be certain to follow us on St. Francis Medical Center Facebook page and Instagram so you can be up to date on the new and exciting things happening here at The Medical Spa.

AN APRIL SURPRISE

Historical Impressions

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

he ship sailed on April 2nd. Although the ship and its cargo were in view of anyone on the shore, the ship was on a secret mission; a mission that would change the tone of the war. By April 18th the ship was close enough to its planned location to initiate its mission before an increasing chance of discovery by the enemy could cause all to be lost. Beginning at 8:20 am, sixteen B-25 bombers left the deck of the USS Hornet and Lt. Col. Jimmy Doolittle led his raiders to Tokyo and other Japanese mainland cities. Planes as large and as heavy as B-25 bombers had never before taken off from the deck of an aircraft carrier. U.S. Army Air Force pilots had no experience with carrier take offs. A lot of planning, modification work and training had been done to bring the aviators, the bombers and the Navy ship to this precise point in time and space for a heretofore unimaginable military mission. The training for the raid and much of the aircraft modification took place 30-40 miles east of where I sit as I write this article. In 1942 there was no densely populated Emerald Coast or Redneck Riviera along the Gulf shore of the Florida Panhandle. The USAAF Eglin Field, near the small town of Fort Walton, FL had several remote auxiliary landing fields and bombing and gunnery ranges hidden away in what had previously been the vast Choctawhatcee National Forest. Eglin Field was also on the Gulf of Mexico which allowed over water flight training and was close to the Pensacola Naval Air Station where carrier landing expertise was taught. The USAAF 17th Bombardment Group had the most experience with flying the B-25. The crews of this Group were offered the opportunity to volunteer for an “extremely hazardous” but unspecified

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mission. In March 1942, 24 planes and 140 men from the Group were sent to Eglin Field to begin three weeks of intensive mission training with Doolittle and his Navy advisor. For secrecy reasons none of the crews or support personnel knew what their mission would be. Even the crew members eventually chosen for the raid would not find out until after the Hornet set sail. The B-25s had been modified to make them lighter and to extend their flying range. The planes were lightened by removing equipment such as the heavy radios and the Norden bomb sights. The bombers’ fuel capacity was almost doubled by methods such as having their belly turrets replaced with an additional gas tank. To compensate for the loss of the weapons, a mock “tail gun” was crafted out of painted broomsticks, which, it was hoped, would deter Japanese fighters from attacking from the rear. B-25 pilots were used to a take off run of over 3000 feet. An aircraft carrier with its after flight deck full of bombers had about 400 feet of available take off space. White lines simulating a carrier flight deck were drawn on two Eglin auxiliary field runways. The pilots practiced getting fully loaded bombers into the air within the limitations of a carrier deck. At the start of training the average take off distance for the raider pilots was 800 feet. With practice, additional aircraft modification and manipulation of engine settings, a take off roll of 287 feet had been achieved by the time the training was competed Short distance take off training was not the only focus for the Army aviators. Additional mission parameter training was conducted in cross-country flying, night flying, low-altitude bombing, and navigation and flying over water without visual landmarks or radio guidance.

Some of the aircraft and men who trained at Eglin were used as a reserve force. On 1 April 1942, 16 B-25s, 80 crewmen, and 201 Army maintenance personnel were loaded onto the USS Hornet at Naval Air Station Alameda in California. The Hornet and her escorts ships set sail on April 2nd. Only Doolittle and the senior fleet officers knew where the ships were headed and why. On the morning of April 18th, the Doolittle Raiders took off from the Hornet and brought the war to the Japanese homeland. Beginning about noon local time ten military and industrial targets in Tokyo, two in Yokohama, and one each in Yokosuka, Nagoya, Kobe, and Osaka were bombed by the American fliers. Fifteen of the bombers flew on to China after the mission where they ran out of fuel and the crews bailed out or crash landed their plane. One B-25, already low on fuel, diverted to the Soviet Union where the crew was interned by that then-neutral country. The crew was eventually “allowed” to escape into Allied-occupied Iran in May 1943. Thirteen aircrews made it to friendly Chinese territory with the loss of only one man who died when bailing out. Two aircrews were captured by Japanese forces in China. Of these two crews, two men drowned when crash landing in the water. The remaining eight men were sent to Tokyo where three were executed and one died in captivity. The remaining four men were repatriated by American troops in August 1945. Although it did little damage militarily, the raid showed the Japanese people that they were now vulnerable to attack from American forces. More importantly, the raid gave American morale a much needed boost after the the devastating effects of Pearl Harbor and the initial Japanese conquests in the Pacific.

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Tell us about the structure of the book. Dante’s The Divine Comedy focuses on the three big levels of sin. One is the categories of selfishness, and the next is minor sins, followed by violence and treachery. If you think about the flow of the book, I had to do that. My character begins in medias res, when he rescues the woman in the parking lot. In the very next chapter, he goes back to his childhood, a good kid who is self-occupied and pompous. I had to invent these stories about him getting his heart broken and show why he doesn’t value sexual monogamy anymore. I had to transition from sexual deviation to violence, so some of the early murders in the book are very sexual in nature. I wanted him to be an antihero, but I wanted him to be likable. Early readers claimed he sounded like Dexter - he kills people but he only kills bad guys. I wanted to show a nice guy could be deadly.

B AYO U PA G E S

An Interview with Dr. Richard Shrubb, author of Raise My Ebenezer BY MEREDITH MCK INNIE Why a novel? It was just always in me to do it. I don’t know if I ever even asked myself that question. I’m embarrassed to say that I’ve been working on this book for decades. In college, I majored in literature and very much liked Dante, not just The Divine Comedy, but all of his writings. I knew if I ever wrote a book, I would base it on Dante. My wife and I are devout Christians, and all of his books are based in Christianity. I started probably in my mid-20s, working on the book off and on. I was blessed with a career that just took off. I got a master’s and a PhD, then another master’s. I was first a teacher, then a dean, then a vice president and finally president. How much I could work on the book depended on my career trajectory. As president, I had no time to devote to writing. I didn’t write a word all those years. 36 APRIL 2022 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

You’ve described the genre for Raise My Ebenezer as Transgressive Fiction. Can you tell us about that? Similar to thrillers by Alfred Hitchcock, this is a type of literature where the protagonist violates basic values of society in a search for self-identity, inner peace, and personal freedom. In this genre, rule-following, sweet-natured people transform into acts of aggression (transgression). Tension is courageous and conflict begins within a complicated yet sympathetic protagonist. Themes of Transgressive Fiction are often sexual in taboo ways and usually involve gender conflict and dysfunctional family relationships. Protagonists shock readers in pursuit of a better life for themselves and for their surroundings. Imbedded psycho-social commentary is insightful, ironic, and deadpan. Transgressive writing is humorous in wise-cracking, paraprosdokian, self-deprecating ways along the lines of Joan Rivers, Chelsea Handler, Michelle Wolf, Whitney Cummins, or Alexandra Wentworth. Transgressive Fiction describes things in careful detail yet manages to surprise readers. The storyline delivers suspense and shock without abracadabra or tricks because readers receive details the whole time and still miscalculate the curveball, left feeling like they should have seen it coming, but didn’t.

L i ke m e , M a r k A n t o n y w a s b o r n i n 1958 , a child of the 60s and a young person in t h e 70 s . S o, t h e o n l y p a r t s o f m e t h a t a r e in there are my at tempt s to es tablish that timeline. I really am a veteran. In higher education, I took jobs that took me all over t h e c o u n t r y l i ke t h e c h a r a c t e r, w h o d o e s n ’ t really have root s. Those par t s of the novel a r e a u t o b i o g r a p h i c a l , b u t v e r y l o o s e l y. You’ve described your main character Mark Antony as an anti-hero. How much of you exists in that character? If I write another book, I won’t base it on anything. It’s too hard to do because you’re always basing it on the original author’s pattern. In Dante, all these episodes, or cantos, are separate from each other. In an effort to tie the episodes in my book together, I needed a timeline. My editor suggested choosing a timeline in history or mirroring my own. Like me, Mark Antony was born in 1958, a child of the 60s and a young person in the 70s. So, the only parts of me that are in there are my attempts to establish that timeline. I really am a veteran. I was married and divorced. After graduation, I joined the military and never really went back home again. In higher education, I took jobs that took me all over the country like the character, who doesn’t really have roots. Those parts of the novel are autobiographical, but very loosely. None of the female characters are real; they’re all in the aggregate. Here’s the part that is real - Phideaux the dog. He’s my Catahoula Cur, and he really does everything that I put in the book. He has these gorgeous, wonky eyes. He’s a rescue dog, and he’s crippled. I adopted him from Four Paws. He really does like to chase lizards in my firewood which aggravates me and rubs up against my rocking chair. I often sit and scratch his ears. Phideaux is the only character that is specific - his name, identity, the shenanigans he pulls - all of it. Tell us about the publishing process. When I tried traditional publishing, the feedback was very positive, but nobody knew my name. I heard, “We really like your book, but no one knows you and no one will buy it. Good luck.” One publisher recommended hybrid publishing, a merge between traditional publishing and self-publishing. The larger publishers use different names for their hybrid companies, but authors get all the same services, as long as I take on part of the financial risk.

Tell us about the sequel you’re considering. If the book does well, I’ll turn the parts originally cut out into the sequel. I want that one to be called Make a List, Check It Twice. It would be based on the woman Beatrice at the end who finds the diary. The sequel would be the same sort of vigilante novel, but from her point of view along with her friends. It would be called Make a List, Check It Twice because that’s what they do, to be very careful about who they plan to kill. Where can our readers purchase your book? Copies of Raise My Ebenezer are on sale at Number 9 Books in Ruston and online from Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Target, as well as my website: RichardGeraldShrubb.com Similar authors are Chuck Palahniuk, Silvia Moreno-Garcia, and Frank McAuliffe. Similar movies and television shows are Mr. Right, Mr. Inbetween, Breaking Bad, and Dexter. WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | APRIL 2022 37

Travel Changes Everything Local youth group Model 10/18 is set to travel to Paris in 2023

BY ROBERT WRIGHT

USEE DU LOUVRE. EIFFEL TOWER. CHAMPS-ELYSEES. Palace of Versailles. These are all highlights of Paris, France. In 2023, a dozen local girls will get a chance to experience Paris in person… and that will change everything for them. As a component of the Model 10/18, traveling offers young girls an opportunity to broaden their global perspective, giving them a worldview and a vocabulary of which to engage with and compete in a global marketplace. It’s not enough that they are good readers and see through the eyes of an author. They must be able to see it for themselves in order to be successful in the world in which they live. I’ve been a school teacher for more than seven years. A large part of my approach is through field trips. Teaching social studies requires the student to investigate museums and explore places of historic and geographical interest. They can’t fully understand history without a personal connection to it. There’s no better way to physically connect to it without going to see it. I’ve taken students to Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Memphis, Austin, Bentonville, Dallas, and Little Rock. “Big Yellow” (as students refer to school busses) has traveled many miles in pursuit of true social studies education though travel and exploration. As a youth, I had parents who invested in me by enrolling me in the Boy Scouts program. Through Scouting, I had an opportunity to see the country from sea to shining sea. From the age of 10-18, I traveled to Atlanta, Los Angeles, Sioux Falls, Detroit, New York City, Washington DC, Baltimore, Richmond, Pittsburgh, Memphis, Mt. Rushmore, The Alamo, Tuskegee, New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Dallas, Boston, Nashville, and San Antonio. These trips shaped my future as a teacher and program director. They also instilled patriotism and a love for the country like no other experience could. It changed everything for me, for there were many youth in my neighborhood who did not have the same experiences as me and the other Scouts. When I graduated high school, I enlisted in the US Marines. During my time in the Marine Corps, I embarked on the USS Tarawa and USS Duluth and traveled with the US Navy into the Pacific and Indian Oceans. I enjoyed liberty ports in Darwin Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Mahe Island Seychelles, Doha Qatar, Manama Bahrain, and Honolulu Hawaii. These trips around the world at sea would broaden my worldview and when I later became a teacher, the substance of them would fill my curriculum and my pedagogy. I launched a youth group for local girls in the summer of 2020, Model 10/18. I wanted to ensure that those few honor roll girls I began with were well read, well dressed, well spoken, and well traveled. It’s something to witness the eyes of our youth light up with excitement in seeing a new place. New surroundings. New cultures. New stores. A new way of living. If anything, it causes them to reflect and analyze their present

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lives, presenting an opportunity to shape their future.During the summer of 2021, I took six local girls to New York City. The girls of Model 10/18 had an opportunity to visit the 9/11 Memorial, Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum, and Times Square. This was a major investment in their lives as many had never traveled to the nation’s largest city and experienced those canyons of steel. In New York, we stayed at the Iroquois Hotel. It’s located on W. 44th Street and is only a few block from Times’ Square. We traveled around by Uber but there were many instances where a Taxi was faster and more available. In the wax museum, the girls enjoyed the full scale likeness of every celebrity from Michael Jackson to Brad Pitt to Prince Harry and Megan Markle. It was a fun interactive spectacle for them. At night they toured Times Square and the Rockefeller Center on a Pedicab, engulfed in the large lit screens of the night. It was an experience that I hope shapes their future, one that I hope adds to their dreams at night. However, this would only be an appetizer for things to come. In the next few years, it is my plan to take them to Los Angeles, Paris, London, Tokyo, and Johannesburg. The biggest deterrent to traveling is not time, but money. I try to fly Monroe at every opportunity that I can. Four of the six girls that traveled to New York flew out of Monroe. It’s taxing on the budget to fly in and out of the Monroe Regional Airport. However, when one factors in the extra travel costs and overnight parking assessed with getting on a plane in Dallas or Jackson, it works out to be the same amount. So on our next trips, we will attempt to continue the trend with flying Monroe. The costs to not travel, however, outweigh the costs to travel. It takes a village to raise a child. It was a village that helped me through my years of Boy Scouts. My father may have been the Scoutmaster, but there were dozens of local businessmen, elected officials, and concerned citizens who played an intricate role in financial support to see to it that the boys of Top Gun Troop 65 were able to travel thousands of miles around the country each year. It was an essential part of our growth as individuals and those community members are a reason for my worldview. They helped make it possible. Now that I’m grown, I am doing my part to help youth have similar experiences. I’m often hesitant to ask for further assistance from the public, but I realize I can’t do this alone. Regardless if the help comes or not, I’m committed to the 34 girls and all the future girls who are in Model 10/18. It is my goal to ensure that they get to see the world and let it shape their lives as much as their lives will shape it. It is my responsibility as a recipient of community support to do my part in making sure that they are well read, well dressed, well spoken, and well-traveled, for travel changes everything. For information about Model 10/18 or to offer support, email rwright2012@ gmail.com.

LDCC is Building Relationships EPC Shares Mutual Interests in Advancing the Local Economies of Northeast Lousiana BY DARIAN ATKINS

PA R T N E R S H I P I S A N A R R A N G E M E N T W H E R E parties, known as business partners, agree to cooperate to advance their mutual interests. Such is Louisiana Delta Community College’s journey with West Monroe business Etheridge Pipeline & Conduit (EPC). Both parties have a mutual interest in advancing the economies of Northeast Louisiana and equipping its citizens with skills to go to work locally. EPC is co-owned by brothers Caleb and Josh Etheridge. Born and raised in Grayson, Louisiana, they have an affinity for this area. “One of the things we’re passionate about is hiring local,” says Caleb. “We want to help build our local economy, so we approached Louisiana Delta Community College about developing a trenchless utility training program.” EPC has had difficulty finding locals with the required skills, so they figured they’d build them out of citizens who were hungry for a new career. EPC employees work in crews. “LDCC would train students to work every crew function within 6-8 weeks,” explains John Garrison, director of advanced manufacturing training at LDCC. LDCC is the only training provider that teaches all crew functions to a single class, and new classes would begin once the previous students have completed the course. EPC & LDCC are looking forward to providing more opportunities for the trenchless utility training program and three new upcoming training programs focused on rural broadband expansion to our students. Wendi Tostenson, LDCC’s vice-chancellor of education and student services, doesn’t want the cost of the course to be a deterrent to potential students and is appreciative of funding partners. “NOVA and EPC provided scholarships for our students,” says Tostenson. Several other local industry partners contributed to the program’s success. Says Caleb, “We brought in industry experts from each of the related fields: Drill Rite taught mud mixing, USIC taught line locating, and operators such as CenterPoint and Atmos Energy hosted damage prevention days as well. Ditch Witch of Louisiana came through for us as well, helping teach the students all the aspects of drill tooling and maintenance of the machinery.” These companies each provided specialized training at no additional cost to the program. With the assistance of the MJ Foster Promise dollars, adults twentyone years of age and older may qualify for a new pool of scholarship funds. “This funding is like TOPS for adults,” shares Dr. Randy Esters, 40 APRIL 2022 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

chancellor at LDCC. “These dollars will help remove further financial barriers citizens may be experiencing and aid them in developing a skill that leads to a high-wage, high-demand career.” EPC is extremely hands-on with students. “Being involved in instruction with these students gives us a chance to see who’s showing up, who’s willing to learn, who made it there on time, and if you couldn’t come if you communicated that to someone. These things are important to any employer,” explains Josh. Student KenDarrius VanBuren (KD) was the very first to be offered employment by EPC. “There are a few things that stood out about KD,” shares Caleb. “First of all, he never missed a day. He was there every day, ready to work. That stands out.” Josh noted KD’s grasp of the skill work. “He’s good,” says Josh. VanBuren was quick to volunteer to try out what was being taught. After receiving his offer of employment, VanBuren had a difficult time hiding the satisfaction of training well done. He said, “This is an unbelievable feeling. Words can’t explain. I’m on to a better career!” When asked who was going to be the first to hear his good news, he said his mom. “She wants the best for her son, and now I can do that. Now I’ve got the opportunity.” EPC & LDCC has changed the trajectory of a life, perhaps some generations of lives. As the Etheridge brothers talked with VanBuren and went over the benefits that would soon be available to him, he beamed with joy and the pride of accomplishment. VanBuren would serve as an example to others. The pathway to success costs dedication and commitment and a willingness to hang in there when nothing makes sense. Looking forward, LDCC plans to create a nationally recognized Utilities Infrastructure Training Center, including a gas technician and utilities lineman training programs. Says Tostenson, “We want to be the training source that delivers skilled workers to companies in this industry. We want to do this by building the training programs with strong partnerships and collaboration with industry experts.” “The requirements for admission to the program are to be over the age of 18, have a positive attitude, and be willing to learn,” says instructor John Garrison. “Now, there may be additional requirements by a hiring company, but these are LDCC’s requirements to enter the program.” For more information regarding this program, workforce programs in general, or becoming a Louisiana Delta Community College partner, call 318345-9384.

BayouArtist

Leslie Ratcliff

Leslie Ratcliff uses acrylic paints to depict the sights of her little Tensas Parish town, hoping to share just how beautiful St. Joe really is. She is a mother, wife, teacher and creator – she hopes to teach her students and children to see the world through a different lens – with a new perspective.

S TA R L A G AT S O N

K E L LY M O O R E C L A R K

ile after mile of white cotton fields, Cypress trees standing tall over Lake Bruin, or, if you find yourself there in the early spring months, a few freshly bloomed magnolia flowers are just a few things one might see on an evening cruise through St. Joseph, Louisiana, or while looking at Leslie Ratcliff’s collection of paintings. Though she will occasionally work with oil pastels and charcoal, Ratcliff typically uses acrylic paints to depict the sights of her little Tensas Parish town, hoping to share just how beautiful St. Joe really is. After all, she says, if you aren’t really paying attention, you might miss out on something lovely. “I think that beauty can be found in things we don’t necessarily think of as beautiful subject matter,” she explains when asked what draws her to painting local landscapes. “That’s a little bit of a goal that I have with my art: to find beauty in places we wouldn’t normally think about.” The scenes of St. Joe make up and influence much of the artist’s work, but like many other creatives, Ratcliff finds herself pulling inspiration from a variety of sources, including others in her field. “I’m inspired by lots of different artists,” she reveals, specifically citing Austrian painter Gustav Klimt as an example. “I love looking at art; I love going to museums. I also do some religious paintings. Madonna and child is one of my favorite things to paint as well.”

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AN EARLY INFLUENCE “My mom instilled [the importance of art] in me when we were young. She brought us to museums any time we went on vacation or [something] like that. We were always looking at art, and it became something that, through her, I became interested in.”

atcliff says her interest in art has been with her since childhood. “Any time we had a project in school or anything like that, I wanted it to be the best it could be. I had talent for sure. I wasn’t necessarily head and shoulders above other kids, but I kept working on it and trying new things.” Her mother played a pretty significant role in stoking the creative fire that burned inside her, Ratcliff explains, though she wouldn’t realize just how important her mother’s efforts had been until years later. “My mom instilled [the importance of art] in me when we were young,” she says. “She brought us to museums any time we went on a vacation or [something] like that. We were always looking at art, and it became something that, through her, I became interested in.” Her high school art teacher also contributed to her curiosity in creating art, she says, as it was during their class that Ratcliff learned painting was what she enjoyed the most. She explains, “Painting just clicked with me, acrylic painting in particular. That was what I was the most interested in. I took a lot of classes 44 APRIL 2022 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

in college with different mediums, but I always went back to painting.” Even though Ratcliff loved creating art from such a young age, her initial career plans didn’t include showing off and selling her own pieces. Instead, she would teach art. That’s how she found herself pursuing an art education degree from Louisiana State University in 2003. She began her undergraduate career studying photography but learned fairly quickly that wielding a camera wasn’t what she wanted to do. Then, she tried her hand at graphic design, but that wasn’t a good fit either, she says. Finally, she would up in art education. Combining everything Ratcliff already knew she loved — being around children, working with her hands, and art, of course — it was a perfect fit. Besides, she adds, she was sure a teacher’s schedule would allow her to live out another one of her long-held dreams: being a wife and mother. “I enjoyed the art, and thought teaching would be something I would like,” she explains. “I knew that one day I’d want to have a family and work around that, so that was part of my decision as well. I didn’t see myself at that point making art a career.”

B AYO U A R T I S T

Fortunately, someone else held that vision for her. Fast forward to a few years after her graduation from LSU in 2007. Ratcliff’s life was going according to plan — she was married, a mother, and an art teacher at a local private school — when a buddy of hers encouraged her to share a few of her pieces. “I had a friend here who kind of pushed me [and said,] ‘Hey, I’m having a party at my house. Why don’t you bring a few paintings?’” she recalls. “At that point, I wasn’t necessarily the most confident in what I had, but I thought, ‘Okay, I’ll try it.’” To Ratcliff’s surprise, people appreciated her work, and that affirmation was enough to motivate her to begin selling her art. “People reacted well, so I tried again,” she says. “But then, there were times —

Ratcliff’s journey as a creator was long and required a lot of patience.

and all artists go through this — where people [thought], ‘Well, that isn’t for me,’ and that’s okay, too.” Ratcliff doesn’t mind putting her work on display now, but the journey of building her confidence as a creator was long and required a lot of patience. But that makes sense, she says, as mastering anything takes a lot of time. It took years, she reveals, before she fully believed in her ability. “When I was in my early 20s, I wasn’t in the place I am today,” she says. “I could’ve quit and said I’m not a good enough artist. But I loved it so much that I kept going.” The New Iberia native believes patience, dedication, and the courage to put yourself out there are all keys to pursuing purpose, whether you’re an artist or not, declaring, “My message is, if you have something in your life you feel like you’re being called to do, just continue. Keep going. It takes time to flourish into what you want to be.” And, of course, having pure passion helps, too. Devotion for her craft was a catalyst of Ratcliff’s blossoming confidence, pushing her to continue striking lines of color across the canvas. The thrill of it all, she says, made it worthwhile. “The creative process is something I feel like I crave,” she explains. “I need to have [it] in my own life. When you step back from a painting and you feel like, ‘Wow, this is pretty good; I can pat myself on the back for this one,’ you have a feeling that…” She trails off before adding, “It’s something I need to have, I guess. I continued for that reason. I had to realize you have to let go of that trying to please people and paint the things I enjoy. For me, [painting] became more personal.” About eight years have passed since Ratcliff’s friend asked her to show her work at that party, kickstarting the process of honing her skills, building her confidence, and selling her creations. But coming into her own as an artist doesn’t mean Ratcliff has let go of the career path she started down at LSU. Art education still holds a place in her heart, and she continues working at Tensas Academy, where she has spent the last 12 years teaching pre-K through 12th-grade students. Doing so, she says, has only fueled her creativity more, and she assumes any educator would echo her sentiments about teaching: you learn just as much from your pupils as they do from you. “I get to try things in my classroom that are different from maybe what I would try in my own art, and it’s a lot of fun,” she says. “I’m always teaching them about artists, so I’m learning about new artists throughout the school year.” Ratcliff hopes every student she teaches learns the same lesson her mother taught her: art is important, whether they pick up a paintbrush, colored pencil, or marker after ending their time as a Tensas Academy Chief or not. This message is one she wholly believes in and is eager to share. “It’s so important, I think, for a well-rounded person,” she muses on exposure to art. “It helps you see the world through a different lens. That’s important to me, teaching my students and my own children to see things in a new perspective.”

Wine Over Water 15th Annual Event Benefiting Alumni Scholarships

H E U L M A L U M N I A S S O C I AT I O N I N V I T E S Y O U to attend the 15th annual Wine Over Water event on the beautiful ULM campus bridge. This is your opportunity to support scholarship funds which are instrumental in attracting our local scholars to ULM. Proceeds from the night benefit alumni scholarships, including the Spirit of the Warhawk Endowed Scholarship, and the ULM Alumni Association. The Spirit of the Warhawk Endowed Scholarship supports local students pursuing their undergraduate degree at ULM. Your ticket purchase ensures students of Northeast Louisiana can continue to strive for academic excellence and ease the financial burden. Ten scholarships were awarded in the 2021-2022 academic year. Our goal this year is to increase support for this scholarship and other alumni scholarships so that students throughout Northeast Louisiana have the opportunity to be the best in the world at whatever they choose to do. Wine Over Water is hosted by the ULM Alumni Association, and this event propels the association’s mission forward: To support ULM in “changing lives,” the Alumni Association connects, engages, and fosters relationships with current and future alumni to one another and the University through communications, events, and programs. Stroll across the historic ULM Bridge while sampling hors d’oeuvres from these local restaurants: Firehouse Subs, Podnuh’s BBQ, Inc., Red Lobster #543, 2 Dudes Brew & Que, Aramark, Azteca grill, Catfish Cabin of Monroe, Chicken Salad Chick, Copeland’s, Daily, Harvest, Fieldhouse Sports Grill, The Fat Pelican, Thurman’s Food Factory, Trapp’s on the River, Waterfront Grill, Jac’s Craft Smokehouse, All Things Nash in a Dash, CC’s Coffee, Miro’s and Newk’s Eatery. Wine Over Water could not be possible without these sponsors: Patron Party: • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana Band Sponsors: • Land 3 Architect Cabernet Sauvignon: • Scott Powerline & Utility Equipment Merlot: • Waste Connections • Argent Financial • Johnny’s Pizza House, Inc. • Architecture Plus • Little & Associates

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Pinot Noir: • Homeland Bank • Hand Construction • John & Debbie Luffey • Centric Federal Credit • Morehouse General Hospital • Edward via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) • Lincoln Builders Zinfandel: • Louisiana National Bank • Sheriff Jay Russell • Johnson, Perry Roussel & Cuthbert, CPA • Julie O’Brien • First Horizon • Origin Bank • Vantage Health Plan • North Delta Title Company Gift in Kind: • The Radio People • KEDM

• Atmos Energy • Holyfield Construction • Kimpa Hayes Boyd, CPA • Regions Bank • Strauss Interests • Thomas & Farr Agency • Boles & Shafto, LLC • Bancorp South • Sunquest Properties • Bayou Bowl • Progressive Bank • Skent N Dent • Alberto Ruiz • Intermountain Management • Entergy • Bank of Oak Ridge • Bare Necessities • Sir Speedy

This year’s event is sure to be an unforgettable night. The celebration will be held on Thursday, April 21st on the Northeast Drive Bridge that overlooks beautiful Bayou DeSiard. With food from many local restaurants, wine provided by Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits, and beer provided by Marsala Beverage, your taste buds will be delighted. These additions are sure to make the evening special, informative and deliciously fun! You will receive a commemorative wine glass, sunset boat rides on the bayou with B&L Marine, and entertainment featuring a New Orleans favorite, Troy Marks and the No Idea Band. You do not want to miss this evening of fun! Tickets are only $60, and the evening’s attire is dressy casual. Tickets are available online at ulm.edu/wine, by calling 318-342-5420, or at the Laird Weems Center located at 4400 Bon Aire Drive. Office hours are Monday – Thursday 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., and Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Don’t wait! Get your ticket today! To learn more about the ULM Alumni Association, please visit ulm.edu/alumni.

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The Liar’s Dictionary” by Eley Williams

“The thought became clear and clean: it would take just some small strokes of pen to transfer these doodled drafts onto the official blue index cards and he could pepper the dictionary with false entries. Thousands of them- cuckoos-in-the-nest, changeling words, easily overlooked mistakes. He could define parts of the world that only he could see or for which he felt responsible.”

n 1899, Peter Winceworth is a disgruntled lexicographer questioning the relevance of his work and his life. Tasked daily with defining words for the acclaimed Swansby’s Encyclopedic Dictionary, Peter is invigorated by a chance meeting with Sophia, a witty chess player who’s intriguing word play and attention to Peter befuddles him. The sudden attraction enlivens Peter’s daily observances, resulting in him longing for the language to acutely describe his current emotions. Encouraged by his newfound excitement, Peter daringly inserts fake words into the upcoming draft of the dictionary, “mountweazels” for the next generation of lexicographers to uncover. In 2017, Mallory is the sole intern at Swansby’s, working under David Swansby who is determined to put the dictionary online. Mallory is tasked with weeding out mountweazels, fake entries meant to ensnare

plagiarists, to give the online version more credibility in the digital age. As Mallory contends with the daily chore of untangling true words from faux representations, she is hounded by threatening phone calls to blow up the building. Like her counterpart from 100 years prior, Mallory struggles with socialization and self-definition and is allured by the seeming solidarity and structure of language. The historical fiction novel is told in tandem, chapters alternating between Peter and Mallory. For word lovers, this comedic take on the absurdity of language and life checks all the boxes. Williams’ grasp of the English language is impressive - how little most people know of it, how malleable the edges, how most assume the rules are more rigid than they really are. The comedy is not slapstick, but has that aura about it, as the characters can be so socially awkward as to stumble into unnecessary stress. I started really getting into the narrative about halfway through, as the vulnerabilities exposed themselves. Williams’ novel of words, about words, and the games people play with words will tickle the fancy of wordsmiths and those intrigued by the practice of lexicography. “Who was he to love her and to make passers of words? - to attempt to confine language is impossible and a fantasy and loathsome, it was like trapping butterflies under glass.”

REVIEW BY MEREDITH MCKINNIE

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BAYOUOUTDOORS

BIG O

ARTICLE BY DAN CHASON

1994 I was on Toledo Bend Reservoir filming a fishing show for “Dan Chason Outdoors”. Little did I know that this day would be one that I would remember for a very long time. We had fished on the south end of the lake as I had a tournament coming up and knew that the jig bite should be on. That year, the best grass was on the south end as winter high waters had destroyed my honey holes on the north end which was usually my favorite. I was coming out of Housen Bay when I saw a Ranger boat that looked like it may have arrived on the Mayflower. When I tell you it was original, she was original from the trolling motor to the outboard. The wind was high and the water was rolling. I could see someone from a distance trying to tie off to a tree and it was obvious the boat was not under power. I pulled up closer and saw one occupant and he was in about the same shape as his boat. He was every bit of 80 years old, lean and weathered, wearing the full old man coveralls topped with a orange deer hunting hat. I got close enough to him to ask if his boat was broken down and he replied that it was and thought he had gotten water in his gas. I asked him where he launched and he pointed across the lake and replied “at my camp.” So my cameraman and I threw him a line and about an hour and a half later, arrived at his camp. We were all soaked to the skin from the waves so the elderly man invited us into the camp and dry off and get some warm coffee. When I say camp, I’m talking a portable building that was no more than a one room bedroom/kitchen/bathroom. When I walked in it was like walking into a shrine to bass fishing. There were personal pictures of this man on the lake with the likes of Bill Dance, Roland Martin, Rayo Breckinridge, Bobby Murray, John Foxx, Ray Scott and even Forrest Woods. I tried to compose myself as I knew these people and had idolized them for years as my fishing heroes. The elderly man introduced himself as Ocey Tenison. I had never heard of Ocey Tenison but soon found out that he was one of the original fisherman of BASS and had guided professionally for years on Lake Ochechobee. There were hundreds of photos and there were memories in scrapbooks that showed a life spent on the water and fishing against the best of the best. One thing that caught my eye was a shadow box and I recognized the lure in it as a Big O crankbait. The Big O was one of the first crankbaits ever invented made completely from balsa wood. In 1973 Bass Master Classic Champion (2 times) Bobby Murray took the model and went plastic with it and introduced the lure to Cotton Cordell. Within 13 months it sold 1.3 million lures. This was unheard of at the time. The inventor, Fred 52 APRIL 2022 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

Young invented the lure and would hand carve and sign each one for the astronomic fee of $10 in those days. The name came from his big brother, Otis who was a large man which landed the perfect name, Big O. The lure today is still a staple with Cotton Cordell lures. As I looked at this lure in the shadow box, I commented on the fact that my grandfather loved a Big O crankbait. Mr. Ocey laughed and said, “Well it was probably one I carved.” I’m sure the look on my face made him explain further that prior to the Big O being sold to Cotton Cordell, the only way you could get one was if you knew Bobby Murray who got his lures from the inventor, Fred Young. Sure enough Mr. Ocey (being friends and fishing against Bobby) landed his prize of one Big O hand carved crankbait. Like many at the time, he took the lure and began to carve his own. Mr. Ocey said that everyone called his a Big O as they looked identical. Mr. Ocey told me “I called mine the Sweet O but basically it was the same bait. Big O’s were notorious for catching fish. They were so notorious that Mr. Ocey would rent them out on Florida lakes for $25. His biggest customer at the time was none other than Roland Martin. Mr. Ocey said that he could carve enough of them to make a good side living and pay entry fees for tournaments. After they went to Cotton Cordell and came out in plastic, folks starting buying the cheaper models but in all reality the original still can’t be beat. We said our goodbyes and every time I went to Toledo Bend, I would stop by and drink coffee with Mr. Ocey. One day we came by and he asked me how long I was in town. It was a two day tournament and he asked me to come by on Sunday before I left and I did. Mr. Ocey walked in his camp, retrieved a box and laid a hand carved, hand painted Big O crankbait that he had made for me that weekend.. I asked him to sign it and thanked him for the gift. That crankbait sits in a shadow box to this day and is one of my most prized possessions. A piece of the past that I look back and remember my Pop hurling it cast after cast. But most of all I remember a sweet old man who took the time to teach me the importance of friendship. I was fishing Toledo Bend a few years later and went by to see Mr. Ocey. There was a “For Sale” sign in the yard and a neighbor told me that he had passed away. I was instantly sad and regretted not knowing so that I could at least pay my respects to him. I’m sure today, many have forgotten him and many class fishermen who paved the road we now travel. I’ll never forget Ocey Tenison as he put a mark on my heart that I’m reminded of every time I look at his incredible gift and the payback for my one gesture of kindness.

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S TA R T SUMMER NOW by ERIN SHARPLIN LOVE erinlove@panachebyerin.com

on’t wait until the last minute to plan summer activities for the kids. One important tip for staying organized and stressfree is to be prepared. It will help you handle some of the many issues that pop up, and you will feel less stressed and more “on your game.” With that said, I want to share some of the ways I plan to keep my family entertained and having fun this summer with activities, day trips, outings, and learning opportunities (because I want my kids to be ready for their upcoming school year). Let’s call this our “Summer Bucket List!”

FAMILY ACTIVITIES

Take a trip to all the zoos in your area. A day of seeing, petting, and feeding animals would be a great experience. Pack up a sack lunch and trek from Louisiana Purchase Gardens & Zoo to the Delhi Safari Park. Camp in the backyard. Don’t forget the bonfire and S’mores! Make the experience a little less scary for the younger kids by bringing plenty of battery-operated candles to set out around the tent. Have a family movie night outside. Grab some cozy cushions and blankets and create a lovely outdoor setting that is perfect for snuggling and movie watching. If you don’t have a blank wall or blow- up movie screen, a simple white sheet will work just fine. Have a laser tag or Nerf gun war. Most kids love laser tag, and it is fun for the adults, too! Have a “make the best pizza” party. Challenge each person in the family to make the best pizza; then have a taste test to see who wins!

STAYCATIONS

DAY TRIPS

Shreveport, Louisiana – The Shreveport area has several fun things to do. We always enjoy Sci-Port Discovery Center, Gators and Friends Adventure Park, Holiday Lanes (experience glowin-the-dark bowling), and the Shreveport Aquarium. Jackson, Mississippi – Start at the Jackson Zoo and then go to The Natural Science Museum where you can also take a 2.5 mile nature walk. Have a budding farmer in your family? Visit the Ag Museum where you will learn all about the early cotton industry. Before leaving, have dinner at Char restaurant where the host gives magic shows! Vicksburg, Mississippi – There is so much cool history in Vicksburg. Visit Vicksburg National Military Park where you can see the USS Cairo – an old iron gunboat. And, you can’t go to Vicksburg without going to the National Monument. It is sitting on the battlefield where many soldiers lost their lives. There are many places to picnic, ride bikes, and take leisurely walks, too.

Now, I know that I have probably missed something in the suggestions, so please feel free to tag me on social media to let me and everyone else know about the great attractions our area, or nearby areas offer. Hopefully, this list will help you jumpstart your summer plans! I can’t wait to enjoy everything myself. 54 APRIL 2022 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

There are so many great things to do and see right here in Northeast Louisiana, too. This list is just the tip of the iceberg. Think outside of the box and come up with your own fun. The Northeast Louisiana Children’s Museum offers themed craft days and other fun activities on a regular basis. Be sure to check in with them to see about their upcoming events. The Louisiana Purchase Gardens & Zoo is a can’t miss for our area. How lucky are we to have such a great place? The Aviation Museum is super cool. Check out the aircrafts that were used in both World Wars. Biedenharn Museum & Gardens has a beautiful garden and is full of history. Don’t forget to get one of the bottles of coke. They can’t be beat! Restoration Park is perfect for those who like to walk in nature and enjoy beautiful scenery. I can hear the birds now. Kiroli Park is another great place to take the kids to play on numerous playgrounds, walk nature trails, and try their hand at fishing. They even have a new bird exhibit where guests can get up close and personal with the birds. There is a tennis court and dog park, as well. There is a great variety of fun and game places to take the kids, too. Surge Entertainment, Altitude Jump Park, Bayou Bowl, Excalibur Family Fun Center, Spartan Adventure Park, and Skatetown, just to name a few. The Ouachita River is perfect for boating, fishing, and water skiing. When the water level is just right, you can find beaches to cook out and lounge on, as well. Don’t forget about Poverty Point and Black Bayou, as well. Lots of nature and history in both.

When to Go Where Primary Care vs. Urgent Care vs. ER

HEN YOU NEED CARE, IT CAN SOMETIMES BE tricky determining if you need to visit your primary care provider, local urgent care or even the emergency department. But determining the best one to visit for your illness or injury can often help you get the care you need quicker. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE? For acute or chronic issues, your primary care provider is your go-to option. Armed with your medical history, your provider will be the most helpful in finding a health solution that fits with your lifestyle, and they can provide you with continuous care to further monitor your condition. For non-life-threatening injuries or illnesses, your best point of care will be urgent care. Minor cuts, allergic reactions and broken bones could cost you a long wait at the emergency room, but urgent care will be able to accommodate your condition much quicker. And lastly, a visit to the emergency room should be reserved for life-threatening illnesses and injuries. If you are experiencing a minor illness or injury, visiting the ER will result in a much longer wait time, as the ER team must first address those with life-threatening conditions. WHERE SHOULD I GO? Use this quick guide to help you determine which location is the best for your condition. PRIMARY CARE PROVIDER: • Annual physical exam • High blood pressure • Anxiety and depression • Back pain • Acid reflux • Diabetes • Health screenings • Medication refill • Arthritis and joint pain PRIMARY CARE PROVIDER OR URGENT CARE: • Allergic reactions • Eye irritation or redness • Minor broken bones in fingers and toes • Minor cuts that may need stitches • Sprains and strains • Skin rashes and infections • Severe sore throat or cough • Vomiting, diarrhea or dehydration 56 APRIL 2022 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

EMERGENCY ROOM: • Chest pains or symptoms of heart attack or stroke • Slurred speech or confusion • Seizure • Loss of consciousness • Head injury or pain • Loss of eyesight • Difficulty breathing • Open fractures, severe cuts or burns • Uncontrollable bleeding BENEFITS OF HAVING A PRIMARY CARE PROVIDER: A primary care provider (PCP) is your first point of care and is trained to diagnose and treat a multitude of common conditions, such as sinus infections, urinary tract infections, the flu and more. They can also help you manage chronic conditions, such as high blood pressure, anxiety, heart disease, diabetes and other health problems. Your PCP can address any health concerns that may come up and then refer and coordinate care with specialists when necessary. A study in JAMA Internal Medicine found that adults who have PCPs are significantly more likely to receive high-value care, such as colonoscopies and mammograms. Likewise, the percentage of people getting diagnostic and preventive tests such as blood pressure checks also rises with primary care, and people are more likely to fill prescriptions and receive routine checkups as well as annual flu shots. This all adds up to a more positive healthcare experience. By establishing a relationship with a PCP, you may feel more comfortable going to the doctor, as you’ll be seeing a familiar face who is already aware of your medical history and any ongoing health issues. You’ll also have a partner in your healthcare journey, someone who can advocate for you, answer any questions that arise and coordinate all aspects of your care. For example, if you need hospital care or rehabilitation, your PCP can provide support and guide you through any necessary processes. Many primary care facilities also make it easy to communicate with your doctor by offering secure online patient portals, where you can ask non-urgent questions, view test results and make appointments. Connect with one of our skilled primary care physicians by visitng stfran. com/primarycare.

Fishing With Kenny THE FORGOTTEN LIZARD AND THE SPRINGTIME BLUES article by K E N N Y C OV INGT ON

he fishing industry is all about the “what’s new and what’s hot.” What is the hottest new lure, the newest technique or even technology? Sometimes the best lure in your tackle box is one that has been put on standby, having been replaced by the newest fad. Bass fishing is an everevolving sport but sometimes newer is not always better. This is the case when fishing in the springtime with a soft plastic lizard. The soft plastic lizard has been around for decades. I won a tournament at Bayou Bartholomew in 1987 swimming a weightless 8-inch black/blue croc tailed lizard over grass. Glynn Blankenship and I won numerous events at Darbonne Lake in March and April with a black/blue lizard being our key lure. It has been a deadly springtime choice of soft plastic for many years but for whatever reason, people just do not use them like they used to. In this month’s Bayou Life article, I would like to reintroduce you to the soft plastic lizard. While there are many companies that manufacture soft plastic lizards, there are two versions that I use more than others. When throwing the four inch or eightinch variety, I use the Zoom Lizard. When using the standard six-inch version, I prefer the Big Bite Baits Pro Lizard. While I do believe any lizard will work when the fish are keyed in on this soft plastic, my reasons for choosing these companies are nothing more than the confidence I have developed from using these products. Each size has its own situations or techniques I associate with. This

is not to say that the sizes are not interchangeable because, based on the fishery, they can be. As a rule, I use the four-inch version when the fish first pull up shallow to spawn, after cold fronts or in heavily pressured fishing situations. I like to use the eight-inch version on lakes with a heavier stain in the water, fishing in and around grass or if I am targeting larger fish. The six-inch version is the standard size that is easily the most popular and is usually my first choice when flipping or pitching Cypress trees. When it comes to using a lizard, one of the things many people do not realize is just how versatile it is for catching bass. When I use the Zoom four-inch version my favorite way to fish is to rig it Texas style, weightless and use a spinning rod to skip it around flooded bushes and cypress trees. Pre-spawn fish that have just moved up are extremely skittish, but I have done very well with this technique. The biggest key is to be accurate when skipping the lure; spooling up your spinning rod with 20lb. braided line makes this much easier. Another good pre-spawn/ spawning technique is to Caroline rig the four-inch lizard. I have found if I scale down my tackle and use a 15 lb. main line with a 10-12 lb. leader, I catch more bass in the early spring and after a major cold front that takes place during the spring, than using the traditional Carolina rig set up. Another key to this technique is to use a thin wire, wide gap hook; this allows for better hook penetration. The six-inch Big Bite Baits Pro Lizard is a highly effective choice regardless of the lake or body of

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water you fish and it will catch both size and numbers of bass. The ways in which to use this size lizard effectively are numerous but there are some that have proven to be more effective than others. It is still my favorite size lizard when throwing the standard sized Carolina Rig. It is also my first choice when I am flipping and pitching to shallow targets during the spring of the year. For years one of the staples for anglers was using a white lizard when fishing for bass locked in on beds. The white lizard is easier for the angler to see even when fishing beds found in deeper water. The base white color also allows the use of dyes to change the appearance of the lizard, making it more appealing to the fish. The lizard is also a great alternative for the anglers who prefer using a Zoom Brush Hog. Fish become conditioned to certain lures and since they do not see lizards as much as they used to, it is a great alternative when fishing behind someone or if you are on a heavily pressured lake. While I do admit the six-inch version of the lizard is the most popular size, it is the one size I use the least. My preference has always been the Zoom eight-inch version simply because I have found I catch a better-quality fish when using it. The eight-inch is the perfect size for swimming over and around flooded bushes and grass. Because of the lures bulk, it works well in stained to even the muddiest of waters. Even without a weight, this size lizard is easy to control and cast in the worst springtime winds. When using the larger lizard, my preference is to use a 5/0 offset VMC Worm Hook, 25 lb. line and an eight-foot flipping stick. When I set the hook into a bass with this set up, the only place he is going is into my boat! One thing I do change is when swimming the larger lizard, I have found using a 40lb. braided line with the same 5/0 hook, increases my catch ratio. This is due to throwing the lure over longer distances and getting more strikes on the longer end of a cast. Naturally when using soft plastics, the conversation soon turns to, “what colors do you like?” This is an interesting question because I have found certain colors to work better on certain lakes. On Caney Lake for example, I have done better using a Junebug color. On the Mississippi River Oxbows such as Lake Providence, I have

had good success using the South African Special. On Lake Claiborne I have done well with Watermelon/ chartreuse tail. Each lake is different but if I were only allowed to pick three colors it would be: black/ blue, SA Special and Watermelon, regardless of the size lizard I am throwing. Some other good lizard tips that might help you put more fish in your boat this spring: 1) When fishing extremely muddy water, a good color choice is cotton candy/chartreuse. 2) Always use the lightest slip sinker as you can get away with. To compensate for using heavier line, use a heavier slip sinker. 3) A weightless Texas rigged lizard is a great follow-up lure for fish that miss other presentations. 4) Never use an EWG style hook when lizard fishing, always use a straight shank or an offset style hook. Once bass have begun their springtime spawning rituals, the further into the process they get, the harder than can be to catch. Once bass complete their spawning cycles many anglers believe these fish will move to deeper water and suspend making them harder to locate and catch. I have found that a lot of fish will stay around in shallower water for quite some time to take advantage of the easier meals that are in abundance. Right around the time most of the bass finish spawning, the bream will begin to spawn in the same shallow areas the bass has used. This is like bringing the canary to the cat. Larger bass, being the lazy creatures they are, did not get to be lazy and the size they are by being dumb. They understand what is about to take place and they eagerly await the opportunity to pay back the annoying bream that continually tried to rob their nests of eggs while they were spawning. `It is this time of year when topwater lures excel. Prop baits such as a Devil’s Horse, Pop R’s and the Bomber Long A are top choices and will catch giant post-spawn bass. The key to each of these lures is patience and lure placement. The better your casting ability and the more patience you have while working these lures, the better your chances of catching these larger, lethargic bass. One thing to remember about this type of topwater fishing, make sure you pay close attention to the lure cadence that got you the initial strike. The more you duplicate it, the better your chances of continued success.

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Max Porter Provisions Northeast Louisiana’s Newest Men’s Mercantile

ax Porter Provisions, a men’s mercantile offering everything for apothecary to apparel, general store items to unique gift ideas, is located at 206 Trenton Street in West Monroe. Parters Laurie Cochran and Cassie Livingston had a vision to open a store in the old Mojoware store that would appeal to men looking to shop for themselves or women looking for unique gift items for the men in their lives. Vintage family memorabilia and antique furntiure sets the stage for Max Porter. When asked about the name of the store, Livingston said, “The store is named for my father-in-law, Max Livingston, who we lost to leukemia in 2011. It’s a tribute to our family roots – acknowledging the hard-working, veteran who devoted his life to family and country. Among the brands that Max Porter Provisions carries is Paige jeans, a premium denim company that manufacturers all of their clothing in America. The Ampal Creative is another diverse line of socks, beanies and hats that are exclusively made in the USA. Shoppers can find a range of sauces and rubs from distributers like Hoff & Pepper, BBQ Rubdown, Strongarm Barbecue, along with drink mixes from awardwinning El Guapo Bitters. “The store definitely had ‘every man’ in mind when we were purchasing products,” says Cochran. “Whether you describe your style as western, modern, rustic, old-school, metro... our store has something for you.” A favorite of the owners are the candles from Manready Mercantile. “Manready was really the inspiration behind the store. A friend put it on our radar, and the next time we visited Houston we really fell in love with the products. My husband loves the room sprays and candles – these were the first orders that we placed for Max Porter,” says Livingston. There are also candles and fragrances from Guy Fox, an under-the-radar company that offers affordable and unique colognes that are warm and full of zest. Looking for a new razor? Supply offers an injector-style blade cartridge which allows you to reload the razor with ultra-sharp stubble-slicers, without ever touching a blade with your hands. Pair it along with Educated Beards delightful beard-grooming kit to keep your facial hair in place. Both of the companies, along with Duke Cannon are favorites of Livingston and Cochran’s husbands. While Max Porter Provisions origianlly only intended to carry a few clothing brands, the owners have expanded their apparel lines to include items from Duck Camp, Flag & Anthem, Howler Bros, and Criquet. “We have clothing for everyone – pearl snap Western-inspired 60 APRIL 2022 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

shirts, fishing shirts and light-weight shorts from Duck Camp, great looking golf polos from Criquet and favorites from Austin-based company, Howler Bros. We also carry boxers from Richer Poorer, socks from Ampal Creative, and fun hats from Sendero Provisions. Our husbands definitely weighed in when we were ordering clothing, and we couldn’t be more pleased with the unique apparel that we have.” Leather goods is among one of the largest selections of gift items in the store. There are some beautiful, hand-crafted leather goods like wallets, belts, dog collars and leashes, bags, coasters, trays and more. “The Atticus duffle from Will Leather Company is my favorite item in the store,” says Cochran. “With plenty of pockets for organization and a dedicated shoe compartment, its roomy interior will hold all your essentials and more. It’s the right size for an overhead compartment and leather strap make going through the airport a breeze.” Even though the leather bags are a must-have, Max Porter also has a vintage camo print bag line from another local manufacturer that has been one of our best-sellers. Along with drink mixers, Max Porter has several items to meet your barware needs – beautiful crystal rocks glasses, unique beer mugs and decanters, along with essentials like whiskey roks, perfect for the craft cocktail connoisseur. Whether you are looking for a birthday or gradutation gift, something special for Father’s Day, or just need retail therapy, make sure to stop in and visit Max Porter Provisions. “We’ve had such great response from our community. We genuinely found a need for a store like this, and feel that we will continue to evolve to become a shopping destination for Northeast Louisiana,” says Livingston. “If you haven’t had the chance to stop by and walk through, carve out the time to check us out. If nothing more, come in and have a great chat with our manager, Bradley Castle. He has a wealth of product knowledge and experience and is super entertaining.” Max Porter Provisions is located at 206 Trenton Street in West Monroe. The phone number is 318.737.7742 and you can find them on Facebook and Instagram. Store hours are Tuesday - Saturday 10:00 am - 6:00 pm.

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Marsala Beverage Company La Vida Más Fina

INCO DE MAYO IS ALMOST HERE AND MARSALA Beverage would love to help you celebrate the holiday with the largest portfolio of imported brand in the US. Marsala Beverage has been a partner with Constellation Brands for over 20 years. Constellation Brands is the visionary company behind the beer, wine and spirits brands that you love and have celebrated with for over 70 years. Driven, smart, passionate and agile, we are never content with the status quo, or playing it safe. We thrive on innovation and new ideas, and are at our best when pushing our boundaries. As an entirely American-owned company, they produce quality iconic brands such as Corona Extra, Modelo Especial, Corona Light, Corona Premier, Negra Modelo and many other beverages. As written on every bottle, Corona is crafted to be La Cerveza Más Fina, “the Finest Beer,” and the new campaign takes this philosophy a step further. Translated as “the Fine Life,” La Vida Más Fina encourages people to explore the fundamental truth that more fulfillment and joy can be found in just about anything, simply by changing one’s outlook. CORONA EXTRA With a refreshing, smooth taste balanced between heavier European imports and lighter domestic beer, Corona is an even-keeled cerveza with fruity-honey aromas and a touch of malt. The flavor is crisp, clean and well balanced between hops and malt. A superior taste profile from superior ingredients. CORONA LIGHT Corona Light is a pilsner-style lager with a uniquely refreshing taste—brewed for outstanding light flavor with a crisp, clean finish. Its pleasant, fruity-honey aroma and distinctive hop flavor make it a favorite of those seeking a light beer that is full of flavor. Corona Light’s naturally easy-drinking style makes it perfect for pairing with spicy and citrus-infused dishes. CORONA PREMIER Corona Premier offers the premium lowcarb, light beer experience you’ve been waiting for. Its refined, crisp taste and even-bodied feel makes it the smoothest and most drinkable Corona. With only 2.6g of carbs and 90 calories, Corona Premier is perfect for casual entertaining, sharing with guests, or rewarding yourself for a day well-lived. CORONA FAMILIAR The best beers are made to be shared. That is why Corona Familiar embraces the bright, crisp taste Corona is known for with a slightly fuller flavor, higher ABV, and shareable 32oz packaging. With strong ties to authenticity and heritage, Corona Familiar is best served in small gatherings with close friends and family, using the tradition of sharing to create meaningful experiences. 62 APRIL 2022 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

CORONA REFRESCA Corona Refresca is a premium spiked refresher that brings the taste of the tropics from Mexico to you. Available in Passionfruit Lime and Guava Lime, it is a bright, flavorful malt beverage with 4.5% ABV and natural fruit flavors. Crisp, flavorful, and never too sweet, Corona Refresca doesn’t sweep you away to the tropics, it brings the topics to you. CORONA SELTZER The #1 most refreshing beer is bringing a lighter, less filling option to the hard seltzer category. Introducing Corona Hard Seltzer, the only 0g carb, all Corona, hard seltzer. With 0g carbs, 0g sugar, 90 calories, 4.5% ABV and gluten-free, Corona Hard Seltzer is a tasty, better-for-you alcoholic beverage rooted in Corona’s chill attitude and high-end credibility. This 12-pack variety includes: Tropical Lime, Cherry, Blackberry Lime and Mango. MODELO ESPECIAL Brewed as a model of what good beer should be, this rich, full-flavored Pilsner-style Lager delivers a crisp, refreshing taste. Well-balanced taste and light hop character with a crisp, clean finish. Modelo Especial is characterized by an orange blossom honey aroma with a hint of herb. Modelo is the #2 imported beer in the US. NEGRA MODELO Negra Modelo, better known as “the cream of the beer,” is a Munich-type beer with 5.3º of alcohol that offers a balanced flavor and a delicate aroma of dark malt, caramel and hops. Today it occupies the first place in sales among dark beers in Mexico. This beer is accompanied by a bright deep amber color, which is adorned with abundant, white and compact foam. Negra Modelo was introduced in Mexico in 1925 as the dark beer called Modelo, to begin its great tradition. In 2014 it changed its image to a more sophisticated bottle but with the same content. Marsala Beverage is a local-based company that employs about 100 full-time employees, which all live and support the community of Northeast Louisiana. Each employee bases his or her success on never losing sight of delivering what is really important – quality products, timely service and a genuine concern for our customers’ needs. Please find us at www.marsalabeverage.com or follow us on social media: Facebook: Marsala Beverage Twitter : @marsalabeverag1 Instagram: @marsalabeverage

REVITALIZATION OF ST. JOSEPH ST. JOSEPH, A TOWN WORKING TO BREATHE NEW LIFE IN A REGION OVERFLOWING WITH NATURAL BEAUTY SITS JUST BELOW LAKE BRUIN’S SOUTHERNMOST CURVE IN TENSAS PARISH, WHERE IT INCIDENTALLY IS ALSO THE COUNTY SEAT. ARTICLE BY NILS BORQUIST PHOTOGRAPHY BY KELLY MOORE CLARK

American small towns and villages are often thought of in a romantic light as the kinds of places where you didn’t have to lock your doors and kids rode bikes down the street with baseball cards rattling between spokes and families along neighboring streets grew up together at barbeques and reunions year after year. People remember these communities fondly as bygone memories of better times, when their grandparents rocked on the porch, swatting flies and fanning themselves with the morning paper in the fading evening light. Thankfully, against the unpredictable whims of people deciding to move away from their small hometowns or the ups and downs of the inevitable uplifting and down turning cycles of life, small towns are experiencing a Renaissance of sorts. The term revitalization refers to a rebirth or a rejuvenation of life. Many towns dotting the landscape of Louisiana can hardly claim to be undergoing a resurgence of significance or a reinvigoration of industry that has fallen on hard times. Most if not all of these places never had a booming time period in their existence. Perhaps, then, the interest in the surging communities residing along stretches of sun scorched highways should be more viewed as seeing the possibilities of a dream to fruition, the citizens moving their hopes from the realms of what could be into the real world of concrete, hand painted signs, and individually crafted goods, available for all to see and buy and enjoy. The stories of revitalization, of rebuilding what once was, and those of building something new from a vision of what could be are stories of promise, dedication, hard work, and community togetherness. So many towns and cities 64 APRIL 2022 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

WALK THE PLANK Plank Road serves as the main street for businesses in St. Joseph, and over the previous few years, a number of new and diverse establishments have emerged in the effort to bring in new people both to move to town or to make it a travel destination.

in Louisiana, both large and small alike, need an injection of life, a push to restore the once thriving main streets, while others have recognized that need and are fortunate to have citizens who dedicate their lives and careers to those special places ready to be discovered and experienced. One such place that is steadily progressing is St. Joseph, a town working to breathe new life in a region overflowing with natural beauty and people exuding the ideals of Southern hospitality, and it sits just below Lake Bruin’s southernmost curve in Tensas Parish, where it incidentally is also the county seat. Residents of St. Joe, recognizing the potential connected with the renowned splendor of the lake and coastal delta surrounding the town, have begun to invest time and money into not only the downtown but the entire locale. With their visible progress, hope should drift along those highways and waterways that meander to and through every town in the state, joining each of them in a special kind of family tree, delivering the encouraging message of what can be done anywhere with the full effort and backing of everyone who lives there as well as from those who love to visit. As a town that originated in the 1840’s, St. Joseph owns a storied past with a background including acting as a major stop along the Mississippi River during the Civil War, being the location where a standoff with the Jesse James gang occurred, and was the birthplace of Cross Keys Bank well over 100 years ago when it was originally known as the Bank of St. Joseph. Most of Tensas Parish’s settlers began as cotton farmers, and while the crops have often changed from year to year, much of the land remains in use in the same way as it has been for almost two centuries. In that time, the parish has seen its population hit nearly 20,000 people in the early 1900’s, but now sits at just over 4,000, making it currently the least populated in the state. However, even with a low number of established residents, St. Joseph’s location makes it enticing for would-be vacationers and a treasure for those who have come to make it their homes or for those born there and who never left.

MOTTO FOR ST. JOE Come to play, plan to stay.

lank Road serves as the main street for businesses in St. Joseph, and over the previous few years, a number of new and diverse establishments have emerged in the effort to bring in new people both to move to town or to make it a travel destination during the lengthy Louisiana summer months, which includes the late spring and early fall, when the hot weather seems to creep in and linger. While this may be a deterrent for many people, those wishing to avoid the humidity and sweltering heat, others see this as a perfect opportunity to spend time in and on the water, fishing and swimming and congregating with friends and family. One of the best places to do so in the entire state, and some would even argue in the entire south, is on Lake Bruin. Lake Bruin State Park (https://www.lastateparks. com/parks-preserves/lake-bruin-statepark), a beautiful and well maintained 53 acre site, offers visitors not only the chance to enjoy the water but also biking, camping, and wildlife viewing. Additionally, they rent cabins of various sizes for comfortable accommodations as well as a pavilion for parties and other celebrations. For those smart enough to choose to visit the lake on weekends or long breaks, taking the time to shop, walk around and enjoy the scenery, and eat local cuisine all often go hand-in-hand. With that in mind, shops and restaurants are springing up along the main stretch of town, and most residents couldn’t be happier. Along Plank Road, where in recent times many storefronts stood empty, new energy is surging and growth is occurring. Faith Gremillion, who splits her time working as a teacher in Monroe and as a director for the Tensas Parish library, believes that the excitement in the area is warranted, especially when one considers the overall involvement a community must maintain in order to drive burgeoning businesses to great success. Among antique shops selling nostalgic riches, such as River Traders, and the newly opened gym, named Plank Fitness and cleverly featuring 66 APRIL 2022 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

THE JEWEL OF TENSAS The growth in “the jewel of Tensas” has been gradually developing, and many tremendous changes have happened in just the past five years

a logo of someone in the plank position, several of the businesses focus on artisans and their crafts. Folkway Co. Mercantile (https:// www.folkwayco.com/mercantile) specializes in offering local and regional goods among other items from around the world. Their diverse inventory, ranging from kitchenware, games, and even local produce, is sure to spark interest in even the most casual shopper. Rebecca Vizard, the originator behind B. Viz Design (https:// bvizdesign.com), made St. Joseph her global headquarters in 2016. Vizard and her talented and innovative team transform salvaged material into clothing, jewelry, and textiles, but she and her company are predominantly known for their pillows, which are purchased and shipped globally due to their incredible loveliness and unique craftsmanship. Shop All Daye (https://shopalldaye.com/), opened and run by Natalie Sutor, currently primarily sells women’s clothing and accessories, but will soon also offer children’s clothing as well when they expand on the store’s fourth anniversary during Easter. Leslie Ratcliff (https://www.instagram.com/ lratcliffart/?hl=en), a local teacher and artist, produces paintings utilizing multiple media styles in her studio, L. Ratcliff Art, located on Plank Road. She is one of several talented creators who draw inspiration from the region’s people, cultures, and environmental diversity.

St. Joseph is one of many towns beginning to embrace the possibilities of creating growth and expanding its population, cultural borders, and economic limits. Beyond the visual artists and retail shops, culinary artists are also making a positive impact on the town. Stacey Mobley and chef/ baker Jessica Mobley are the minds behind restaurant and bakery The Walking Pig (https://www.the-walkingpig.com/). Also located on Plank Road, The Walking Pig offers customers a wide range of choices, from Southern staples such as fried catfish

po’boys, cochon de lait po’boys, and grilled pimento cheese sandwiches to Angus beef burgers, healthy grilled mushroom wraps, and even a selection of delicious and imaginative tacos, such as the pork belly and southern fried chicken specialties. While rare for such a small, rural community to have an innovative eatery, the decision by the Mobleys to bring their creations to St. Joseph

is appreciated by everyone who enters their doors. Another restaurant bringing visitors from as far away as 100 miles is Maria’s Mexican Restaurant. Originally housed in a smaller location, the popularity of Maria’s has forced the owners to move to a larger facility in order to welcome their ever-increasing fan base. Maria’s provides standard homemade Mexican fare such as Spanish rice,

succulent refried beans with cheese, and nachos packed with toppings, but they also expand into new territory with numerous dishes featuring fresh avocados as well as their prawn shrimp cocktails. With these two restaurants leading the way and successfully growing, citizens and visitors should certainly expect even more culinary delights in the future.

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ealtor, business owner, and community supporter Jane Netterville is perhaps the biggest cheerleader for St. Joseph’s progress. Calling Lake Bruin “the jewel of Tensas,” and even coining the motto for St. Joe, “come to play, plan to stay,” Netterville and her husband, along with several members of her family, own and operate Netterville Landing (http://www.nettervillelanding. com/) on the northern shores of the lake. The business truly shines during the summer months, with visitors able to rent cabins alongside the lake as well as tubes, kayaks, and pontoons for water fun. Known for their first-class service and list of special events, including the “Thunder on Bruin” airshow, Netterville Landing pulls out all the stops to ensure that their guests will have the time of their lives during their stay. Beyond her business interests, Jane also gushes about the positive impact St. Joseph can have on people and their families. Having raised her own children there, she knows firsthand the significance of kids growing up in a small town where people seem to care about their neighbors, and safety and values are the norm rather than the exception. This sentiment is seconded by Natalie Sutor, who is originally from the Mandeville/New Orleans area, and who met her husband when they were both attending LSU. After moving back to St. Joseph, his hometown, they have begun a family, and Sutor stated that there’s no other place she would want to raise her kids, Harper

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and Piper, who just so happened to be the namesakes for her store (Harper’s middle name is Daye, a family name) as well as the upcoming expansion (Piper is nicknamed Sweet P, which will be the name of the children’s boutique). While some things have changed in the years Netterville has lived in St. Joe, she stated that the overall care shown by the community for each other has remained a constant. St. Joseph is one of many towns beginning to embrace the possibilities of creating growth and expanding its population, cultural borders, and economic limits. The only way this happens is when the people who live there recognize the potential in their towns and in themselves. Jane Netterville made a strong point, declaring that success can be had when citizens are creative, come up with strong ideas, and capitalize on what is available and on what people want when they come to places like St. Joe. The growth in “the jewel of Tensas” has been gradually developing, and many tremendous changes have happened in just the past five years. Perhaps in the coming months, the next groups of visitors, those going for the first time and those who come back year in and year out, will influence others to come along, to see what’s out there on the big oxbow lake in east-central Louisiana, to take advantage of the welcoming arms of the good people of St. Joseph who want nothing more than to share good times and beaming smiles with each and every guest fortunate enough to make the trip.

Meredith’s Musings SENTIMENTAL STUFF article by MEREDI T H MC K I NNI E

wo friends were combining households. It’s exciting, blending possessions, weaving two lives together. But when it comes later in life, when it’s not as much a new start as it is a fresh start, moving in together comes with a lot of physical stuff. Both friends had lived independently for over a decade, meaning years of household items bought and discarded, but not really discarded, only put in the unused bedrooms in case they come of use later. Whose coffee pot do we use now? Whose towels are newer? Do you need all those shirts? You only rotate through about six since I’ve known you. These are the questions asked and negotiations made when two houses become one. When my husband and I showed up to help one of these friends move in with the other, I was amazed at all the stuff. He had collected high school trophies, CDs without a CD player, 80s hit DVDs, dusty cookbooks, half-completed Word Find puzzles with the mechanical pencil still lodged in the sixth page, high school football practice tapes, jars of change, random cords that didn’t seem to power anything from this decade... in my opinion, JUNK. I paused over the boxes, exchanged anxious glances with the other friend, the one whose house was about to be invaded with these boxes of trash. Is he keeping this stuff? You can’t be serious? She quickly closed the nearest box, hiding the absurdity of this stuff being saved, much less moved, and we continued this process throughout the rest of the morning. On the way home, my husband and I started talking about stuff. When we moved in together, though we had both lived independently before we met, I don’t remember insisting boxes be thrown away. I don’t remember him having a lot of stuff. His apartment looked like the typical bachelor’s, bare minimum essentials and not a drop of personality, a blank slate on which to create. When I was practically living at his apartment anyway, I would casually bring in potted plants, a three-foot Christmas tree during the holidays, nothing extravagant. The place was less than 1000 square feet. And when

we moved into our first brick home, the stuff we brought was ours. Nothing was left behind or at the trash heap. I frequently throw stuff away; it makes me feel lighter. If it hasn’t been used in the last six months, it’s going before the end of the year. And that works in our home, in our shared space. But when I randomly go out into the backyard shop for one of the kid’s toys, I notice the stuff is piling up. We have old fake trees, Christmas decorations that seemed appropriate at the time, but haven’t been used in years. When I suggested we clean out the shop, I got a resounding, “No. I like my shop the way it is.” What is it with some people’s connection to stuff, the sentimentality of material possessions that seemingly have no sentimental value? And why is it so hard for some people to part with? Perhaps it has to do with how we’re raised. I grew up in a large house, with the attic encompassing half of the second floor. It wasn’t full. You could walk around up there, quickly locate whatever you were looking for. I also remember my mother cleaning the attic out, bagging up unused items to donate in the spring. If we weren’t using it, someone else could. I thought of things as just that, things. When my grandfather died, I remember my grandmother boxing up his clothes and selling his truck shortly after his death. Friends seemed surprised when I mentioned what she was doing, as if she should have held onto them a little while longer. She, too, saw stuff as just stuff. It wasn’t Papaw’s stuff anymore. Papaw was gone. Sometimes now I’m tempted to jokingly ask my friends where the boxes of Word-Find puzzles are, to suggest the mantle could use a nice big jar bursting with pennies. She would laugh. He wouldn’t. It’s not just stuff to him. And even though the boxes are buried in their nowshared attic space, it must make him feel better. Stuff is sentimental, and sentimentality is personal. People have individual quirks, and it makes life interesting. It may mean less attic space, but some battles should be left on the shelf.

Neville’s Top 20 Tigers

Neville Alumni and Friends Association Hosts Annual Banquet Honoring Students and Teachers

HE 21ST ANNUAL EDUCATORS & STUDENTS’ EXELLENCE Banquet honoring the Top Twenty Tigers of Neville High School 2022 and the teachers who inspired them was held on February 17, 2022 at the Bayou Pointe Event Center on ULM’s beautiful campus. This annual event is hosted by the Neville Alumni and Friends Association (NAFA). It is NAFA’s mission to provide supplemental funding for programs or projects to enhance the quality of instructional delivery and student life, and to promote excellence in higher education at Neville High School. ULM graciously aids NAFA in celebrating Excellence in Education. Each Top Tiger is presented with a special medallion which states “ULM Appreciates Excellence in Education.” We were honored to have ULM President Dr. Ron Berry, ULM Vice President Lisa Miller, and Kaitlin Arnett from ULM Recruitment present the medallions to our Tigers. Mrs. Katherine Sandifer, 2021 award winner, presented the 2022 Ouida McGee Educator Excellence Award to Coach Jeff Gregory. This prestigious award is presented each year to a Neville teacher who is outstanding in his/her field of education and goes way beyond their appointed course work to teach and mentor our students. Our beneficators of this award are Mr. & Mrs. Mike McGee ’64 and Mrs. Susan McElroy Weaver ’69 of James Machine Works. Our wonderful guest speakers were Dr. Jessica Johnston NHS 2006 and Dr. Jan Bagwell NHS 1971, mother-daughter local dentists who spoke of their experiences while at Neville and how much their education there influenced their life choices. The event was live streamed for the family and friends who were unable to attend. We thank Stewart Shelby and Will Anders with the Neville Tiger Network for making this possible. We graciously thank each of our loyal table sponsors who make the night possible and include: Allison & Bryan Taylor, Andrea & Wally McMakin, Brown Financial Network, Dr. & Mrs. Justin Tarver, Dr. Mena Cho, Dr. Tammy Johnston, Fewee & Daniel Bondad, Sheila & Frank Nettles, Fred Hill, Guy Campbell III, Lumen, Friendly Finance, Missy & Randy Parker, Progressive Bank, Ronnie Davidson, Shaw Oxygen Company Inc., Shelley & Brian Mercer, The Graduate Shop and The MAC. Thank you to our generous donors providing gifts for our honored teachers. They are: 1126 Boutique, Blend, Blueline Boutique, Catahoula Restaurant, Chicken Salad Chick, Cormier’s, Crawfish City, Daq’s, Fiesta Nutrition, Fit 4 Ever, Genusa’s Restaurant, Happy Days Car Wash, Hemline, KK’s Giving Tree, Levee Grill, Mary Dawson Photography, 72 APRIL 2022 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

Miro’s, Muffin Tin, Portico Restaurant, Pour & Char 19, Randall’s, Ron Alexander, Small Cakes, The Toggery, Thurman’s Food Factory, Tonore’s Wine Cellar, and Trio’s Restaurant. Our head table centerpieces were beautiful and donated by our longtime loyal alumnus Joe Farr. Lovely dinner music was provided by Mr. Rod Allen Payne. Our banquet committee was headed by Maggie Zentner along with committee members Kathy Hart, Caron McPherson, Nici Hanks, Emily Rash, Jennifer Graham, and Dana Jefferson. We also give special thanks to our Neville counselors Shannon Sanson and Laura Bryan. NAFA dedicated the 2022 Excellence Banquet in loving memory of our precious friend and committee member Carol Smith Payne. It was a wonderful evening! We are proud to have been able to honor our Top Twenty Tigers of 2022 and their teachers.

Dana Tucker Jefferson ‘66

NAFA Executive Director

Top Twenty students and the teachers they honored: Zoe Catherine Allen Ronald Donn Julie Brianne Alligood Beth Smith Ethan Jet Dela Cruz Bondad Bryan Butler Katherine Adele Burch James Rogers Margaret L Burrell Anna Rambin Caroline Louise Garrett Kathy Rasco Lela Kathryn Hansen Jeff Gregory Anna Elizabeth Harris Paula Garrett Wesley Breard Inabnett Coach Roosevelt Rankins Elizabeth Coley Loftin Kody Chase Nicklaus Brian Mercer Eric Herndon Addison Grace Nickelson Karari Hanks Hanlon Elizabeth Parker Beth Cummings Hannah Virginia Parker Katherine Sandifer Marc Victor Peters Susan Stewart Harneet Kaur Randhawa Meredith McKinnie Camille Mackenzie Taylor Wendy Waller Marah Elizabeth Trim Angela Harrison Benjamin Kasey Williams Sr. Chief Charles Grisby Renee Laine Young Mary Napoli Photo Creds to Mary Dawson Photography

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Lambda Sigma Chi Gives Back

Local Sorority Celebrates White Rose Formal Presentation and Highlights Philanthropic Efforts

AMBDA SIGMA CHI IS A LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL SORORITY founded in 1932. Over the years, Lambda has grown and continues to grow as a service and social organization. This year, Lambda members included 109 young ladies and 15 brother sponsors from Neville High School and St. Fredrick High School. President Ella Smith led the organization in many endeavors including organizing educational meetings, attending church, and planning service and social activities for the year. These past few years provided their own set of challenges throughout the pandemic as the group could not meet monthly for meetings or church attendance as they have in past years. The head officers and junior members had to adapt and find new ways to offer service to the local community. They started the year off with providing thank you cards to local healthcare workers at various facilities. The most important goal of Lambda each year is to give back to our community by both volunteering and providing monetary donations. Under the leadership of Chaplain Camille Taylor, Lambda members volunteered to help clean up Louisiana Purchase Zoo and downtown Monroe. Members also organized supply drives including canned foods for Food Bank, pet supplies for local Animal Shelter and school supplies for local school children in need. A yearly joyful experience is attending Dixie Diehard baseball games as a buddy for the players. Raising the standard of service that the organization will provide in years to come. Lambda also has a legacy of giving back to the community financially. This would not be possible without the collective effort of the members and our annual sweet potato fundraiser. This year the members were able to raise over $16,000 to donate to the local community. Financial donations went to local organizations including ARCO, the Cancer Foundation League, the Children’s Coalition of Northeast Louisiana, the Desiard Street Shelter, the Food Bank, the Grace Place, the Jeremy Barnhill Foundation, the John Clarke Foundation, Life Choices, MedCamps of Northeast Louisiana, the Methodist Children’s Home, Pilots for Patients, the Red Cross, River Cities Humane Society, the Salvation Army, Shelby’s Wish, the St. Francis Foundation, the St. Vincent de Paul Society, Two Penny Missions, Wellspring, and YoungLife, among others. 74 APRIL 2022 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

In January, Lambda held its Winter Formal dance and presentation of the Junior members. Dana Jefferson served as Master of Ceremonies. Junior members presented were: President: Ella Smith, Vice President: Addison Moses, Chaplain: Briley Kelly, Treasurer: Claire Taylor, Recording Secretary: Elizabeth Garrett, Corresponding Secretary: Adeline Brunini, Parliamentarian Anna Plummer, Historian: Mary Rutledge, Seregent-at-Arms: Lauren Been and Emerson Globke, Custodians: Landry Taylor and Karson Woods, Pledge Advisors: Stella Braddock, Ella Burkett, Elle Carter, Charlotte Robinson, Ryleigh Shelby, Claudia Sitton and Head Pledge Advisor: Addie Newton. Allie Alexander, Emery Bonnecaze, Madaline Clary, Claire Campbell, Abigail Dahlum, Olivia Delcambre, Ann Ellender, Charlie French, Lauren Graham, Sophia Greenwood, Olivia Hill, Caroline Hinkle, Riley Houser, Adeline Miller, Isabella Moore, Gabriella Napoli, Rosemary Nolan, Annabelle Oakley, Christine Oakley, Alana Pohlman, Hannah Smith, Elizabeth Swanner and Piper Yarbrough. Members were escorted by Brother Sponsors: John David, Brister Southern, Samuel Marsh, Drew Jarrell, Clary Mason, Garrett Cameron, Jake Dycus, Cobb Markle, Christopher Pettis, Michael Plummer, Chandler Pettis, Keith Johnson, Rudy Dozier, Garett Cameron, Luke Witherington, Henry Cagle, Nick Gault, Mason Shelby and Kaiden Oquain. The White Rose Court is voted on by the members and recognizes members for their commitment to the sorority. Lambda members are happy to have the opportunities to add to over 80 years of sisterhood and service. Thank you to the community for supporting Lambda and our endeavors. We are very proud of this outstanding group and know they will go on to continue to service the local community! Thank you to the community for supporting Lambda and our endeavors.

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IN THE GARDEN W

e likely could spend the remaining eight issues of BayouLife for 2022 on just the diversity found in azaleas. Indeed, thousands of cultivars have been developed and the variations in size, color, bloom time, and flower shape are truly mind-boggling. No other flowering shrub symbolizes springtime in the south like these members of the heath family (same family as blueberries). Though first introduced into southern landscapes in the 1830s by way of Charleston, Louisiana has played and is playing no small role in the prominence of these beloved shrubs in our southern landscapes. For example, we know azaleas were propagated and used in the landscape at Rosedown Plantation in both antebellum and post-Civil Warera West Feliciana Parish. Years after Martha Turnbull’s passing in 1896, her granddaughters ran a small nursery at Rosedown and sold an azalea they labeled ‘Rosedown Pink,’ which today is called ‘Early Lavender.’ And, if you’ve ever driven the long, winding driveway of Afton Villa Gardens in spring, just up the road from Rosedown, you were treated to a show of color on par with Fourth of July fireworks. ‘Afton Villa Red’ and several other popular azalea varieties make a spring pilgrimage to West Feliciana Parish worth the drive! Most of our favorite azaleas are cultivars of Rhododendron indicum. Formosa azaleas (Rhododendron indicum ‘Formosa’) are larger shrubs that have robust, trumpet-shaped flowers ranging in color from white (var. ‘Mrs. G.G. Gerbing’) to light pink (var. ‘George L. Tabor’) to deep red (var. ‘Formosa Red’), to deep purple (var. ‘Formosa Lavender’). They are especially impressive when planted as hedges or in large banks. Formosas, like all azaleas, are pollinator magnets, too! Look for swallowtail butterflies, sphinx moths, and hummingbirds when they are in full bloom! Kurume azaleas are shorter cultivars of both R. indicum and R. ponticum. This group includes the popular ‘Coral Bells’ variety, which has spectacular deep pink blooms. Other popular Kurume azaleas include ‘Hino Crimson,’ ‘Christmas Cheer,’ ‘Hershey’s Red,’ and ‘Snow,’ which, as the name suggests, has brilliant white flowers.

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< Most of our favorite azaleas are cultivars of Rhododendron indicum.

> ‘Koromo Shikibu’ Azalea from Carolyn Brooks, a local gardener.

Azaleas prefer acidic soils. Get your soil tested through LSU AgCenter .

“No other flowering shrub symbolizes springtime in the South like these members of the heath family (same family as blueberries).”

Satsuki azaleas are cultivars of R. eriocarpum and its hybrids. They are small, compact, mounding shrubs. “Satsuki” refers to “fifth month,” so peak bloom will be from late April into May. The most popular Satsuki varieties are the ‘Red,’ ‘White,’ and ‘Pink Gumpo’ azaleas. Their compact size and later flowering date make them perfect candidates for planting around trees, accenting entrances, or planting in front of a bank of Formosas or Kurumes. Native azaleas are highly prized because of a resurgence in popularity of gardening with native plants. Two species in particular, Flame Azalea (R. calendulaceum) and Piedmont Azalea (R. canescens), and hybrids bred using these and other species, are favorites. Unlike standard cultivars from nurseries, native azaleas are fully deciduous, so they provide a pop of color in an otherwise dormant landscape. Finally, if you’re looking to extend the azalea bloom in your landscape beyond spring, consider Encore® Azaleas. Developed right here in The Pelican State by Mr. Buddy Lee of the Independence/ Tickfaw area, Encore® Azaleas are available in dwarf and intermediate sizes, and in a stunning array of color and multicolored varieties. Check out Encore® Azalea selections at encoreazalea.com. Do yourself a favor and install some of these southern classics into your landscape. Keep these tips in mind for optimum azalea performance: Azaleas prefer acidic soils; a pH range of 5.0 to 6.0 is ideal. A soil test from the LSU AgCenter will tell your soil’s pH accurate to two decimal places. If your soil’s pH needs to be lowered, an application of either elemental sulfur or aluminum sulphate per

Tune in to Louisiana Living every Tuesday at 4:30 for In the Garden with Kerry Heafner of the LSU AgCenter.

the soil test result recommendation will do the job. Azaleas perform best in loose soils with good internal drainage. Drainage in soil with high clay content can be improved by adding organic matter such as peat moss, finely ground pine bark, well-rotted manure, or compost if enough is available. Azaleas are susceptible to both root and crown rots, so good drainage is key. Make planting holes two to three times wider than the root ball being planted and no deeper than the pot they were growing in at the garden center. Mulching will help retain soil moisture. Pine straw, old shavings, cypress mulch, or pine bark mulch (often called “debark”) will work nicely for mulching around azaleas. A good mulch will also add the aesthetics of an azalea planting, rather like framing a portrait or painting with the proper mat and frame. Azaleas require irrigation only during extended dry spells at a rate of 0.5 to 1.0 inch per week. Y’all run your irrigation systems too much! Irrigating azaleas three times a week could lead to root and crown rots. Check the forecast and if rain is predicted soon, overcome the urge to turn your irrigation systems on. Seriously. Stop it! Stop the insanity! If rain is scarce, a single deep watering once a week is sufficient. If rainfall is even somewhat frequent, irrigation is not required. Pull some mulch back and if the soil is moist, don’t water. Fertilize with a blend specially formulated for azaleas, camellias, and other acid-loving shrubs. One to two pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet of bed is sufficient.

Hats and Horses

Louisiana Delta Community College Foundations Hosts First Annual Event

OUISIANA D E LTA COMMUNITY COLLEGE Foundation will host the first annual Hats & Horses fundraiser event. This event will be held Saturday, May 7th, in the Advanced Technology Center on our main campus in Monroe, located at 7500 Millhaven Road. This is a great opportunity for employees, staff, community, friends, and graduates to help support scholarships that will assist Louisiana Delta Community College (LDCC) students as they seek an education to further their career in quality educational programs. Constructed in 2019, the Advanced Technology Center at LDCC is a state-of-the-art facility that is the perfect place to host our first annual Hats and Horses fundraiser event. This new $8.2 million dollar educational facility accommodates large groups and provides training for workers and students who work in our local industries. Come see for yourself our ever growing campus. As we say at LDCC, students can “Start here. Go Anywhere!” Tickets for the opening derby day are $50, with a VIP hour beginning at 2:30 in the afternoon while the derby races follow at 3:30. Come out and enjoy a delicious mint julep, your favorite cold beverage, savory Derby hors d’oeuvres, live music, and a silent auction. It is sure to be an exciting afternoon for an exceptional cause. Like all unforgettable fundraisers, dress the part and wear your most elegant hat for our competition. Then vote on your favorite horse in the derby. Each vote will be associated with your donation towards the Foundation’s mission and cause. At the LDCC Foundation, we believe every person, regardless of resources, should have access to a career and academic pathway leading to gainful employment opportunities. These future gatekeepers are then better equipped to care for the communities in which they live. It’s a sound and wise investment. In 2021 alone, the LDCC Foundation funded over $100,000 just in scholarships. As we celebrate our 20th year in the community, the impact has been tremendous. We have served over 53,000 students making an impact at each of our campuses throughout Northeast Louisiana. Our Foundation raises funds to support student scholarships, program equipment, staff development, and unique educational opportunities for all our students and community members. Our role at the Foundation is to find innovative solutions 78 APRIL 2022 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

that address these challenges and others. Opportunities like this fundraiser can help advance a career. In short, your gift can help fund dreams, dreams whose impact can have no bounds. Louisiana Delta Community College is an open-admissions college offering multiple paths to higher education, career, and personal fulfillment. We at LDCC pride ourselves on offering a friendly, student-centered learning environment where our students can flourish. While our main campus is located in Monroe, LDCC offers eight campuses in eight different cities throughout northeast Louisiana – providing you with the convenience of attending classes close to home. Campuses are located in: Bastrop, Jonesboro, Lake Providence, Monroe, Ruston, Tallulah, West Monroe and Winnsboro. In addition, we offer the most affordable rates in the region to help lessen the cost of continuing your education. “The LDCC Foundation scholarship awards have been a tremendous blessing in my quest in becoming a licensed practical nurse. Being chosen as a recipient for these scholarships is a distinct honor. Becoming a scholarship recipient has given me added drive and enthusiasm to push through the odds and finally complete the LPN Program at Louisiana Delta Community College” says Eloise Foreman, LDCC Foundation scholarship recipient. The LDCC Foundation was established in 2002 and is governed by a group of voluntary Board of Directors. We as a nonprofit organization work to increase financial support for our students, as well as helping to ensure the long term stability of Louisiana Delta Community College. We invite you to explore our academic offerings and admissions options on your way towards professional and personal growth. We hope that you will find Louisiana Delta Community College to be the ideal place to start and go anywhere! To become a sponsor of Hats and Horses event or to purchase tickets, contact Missy Amy at 318.345.9365 or email us at foundation@ ladelta.edu

Krewe de Life Mardi Gras Ball The Krewe de Life Mardi Gras Ball fundraiser was held on Saturday, February 26th at Bayou Pointe. Guests celebrated Honorary King Brian Gregory and Queen Living Donor Leigh Fletcher and Making Life Happen. Attendees enjoyed an enchanted evening of music from The Rouge Krewe, dinner, dancing and spirits. Guests also participated in a silent auction with fabulous items including sports memorabilia, local dining, gourmet baskets and more. All proceeds from this event benefited the LOPA Foundation and The John Clarke Perry Foundation. The generous contributions of guests and sponsors support LOPA’s Core Purpose of Making Life Happen and will provide assistance to families with children in need of life changing medical treatments. Visit lopa. org and johnclarkeperryfoundation.com to make any donations and contributions.

On the BayouScene

1 Carolyn Perry, Jonathan and Holley Perry 2 Aimee Kane and Cathy Whatley 3 Allison and John Davis 4 Lance and Eron Bethard 5 Ainsley and Matt Collins 6 Danyale Rushing and Alan Dupuy 7 Miles Stevens, Marcie and John Rhodes, Leigh and Bear Fletcher, and Donna and Andy Elderidge 8 Erin Veroni and Megan Gatte 9 Holley and Jonathan Perry 10 Jonathan and Holly Gibbs 11 Kristy and Blake Lockwood 12 Courtney and Seth Thomas 13 Frances and Jim Gregory 14 Spencer and Ann Caldwell, Brad and Erin Young and Holly and Mike Gray 15 M ichael and Mackenzie Wheeler 16 Lauren and Casey Smalley 17 Austin and Sydney Finch 18 Madeline and Megan Gatte

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Back on the Bayou Children’s Coalition Dragon Boat Festival May 14th

RAG O N B OAT O N B AYO U Desiard is back and bigger than ever! Over 500 rowers will race for bragging rights for the fastest time in 2022. Proceeds from this family friendly, action-packed event benefit the 20 plus programs of the Children’s Coalition for Northeast Louisiana. Teams will race in traditional dragon boats featuring 20 rowers and 1 drummer focusing on teamwork and coordination. Only a few boats have not been claimed – will it be your school or company? Did we mention this is a family fun event? In addition to the races, the entire family can participate with a Kidz zone filled with activities for children of all ages. All rowers and spectators can enjoy delicious dishes and treats from local food vendors as they cheer on their favorite team. We are proud to announce our Premier Sponsors including Southern Beverage Company, Choice Brands, Homeland Bank, Key Marketing Solutions, Union General, Entergy and Altitude. In addition, our Corporate Sponsors will be ready to compete and include VCOM – Louisiana, Fleet Feet Sports, Communihealth, Spearpoint Fitness, BCBS, Vantage, Thomas & Farr Agency, RCF Insurance, Raising Canes, Northeast Delta HSA, Origin Bank, Jim Taylor Auto Group, Lumen, Family Medicine Residency Monroe, River Oaks Family and Friends. Adding to our event are our fantastic Friends of the Festival including Newks, CC’s Coffee, Flying Tiger Brewery, Fleet Feet Sports, Bare Necessities, Acadian Ambulance, The Toggery, DB Real Estate, Waste Connections, H2GO Paddle and KTVE. 82 APRIL 2022 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

Schools/Youth Groups represented are Neville High School, Sterlington High School, Neville Junior High, St. Frederick, ULM, U-ACT, and River Oaks. Want to sponsor your favorite school? It’s not too late! Learn more about the Dragon Boat Festival at https://www.childrenscoalition. org/dragon-boat-festival.html or email dlandry@childrenscoalition.org for sponsorship information. FESTIVAL DAY SCHEDULE + FAQS Saturday, May 14, 2022 10:15 AM Team Captain Meeting (Mandatory) 10:45 AM

All Teams Lined Up For Team Parade

11:00 AM

Opening Ceremony + Team Parade - Team Spirit Award Will Be Judged During

11:15 AM

Races Begin

5:30 PM

Closing Ceremony + Awards

SPECTATOR AREA Spectators are encouraged to watch the races from this area. No recreational swimming will be allowed in the bayou during the event. Lawn chairs and blankets are welcome, however no tents will be allowed in this area. TEAM THEMES Teams are encouraged to have a name,

theme, and can dress alike. The drummer can dress in any sort of costume to match that theme - points will be given for Team Spirit. Although not required, team shirts are always a hit. FOOD Participants and spectators can purchase food and drinks from participating food truck vendors. All food truck vendors have donated to the Children’s Coalition so you are encouraged to support them. Official Festival t-Shirt - Event t-shirts will be available for sale online, during all pre-festival events and during the festival. Limited quantities will be ordered, so do not wait! PARKING While every attempt is made to allow for accommodations, please note that parking around the festival is limited and is NOT controlled by the Children’s Coalition. We encourage carpooling or ride sharing, and Uber+ Lyft are great options! THE CHILDREN’S COALITION FOR NORTHEAST LOUISIANA The Children’s Coalition for Northeast Louisiana promotes quality educaton and safe, nurturing environments where children and families can thrive through our four key areas: early childhood, parenting, healthy living and youth development. Together we educate, advocate, and care for children and the adults who support them. To learn more visit childrenscoalition.org.

2022 Women’s Symposium The 2022 ULM Women’s Symposium was held on Wednesday, March 27nd in the Bayou Pointe Student Event Center. ULM students, faculty and community members came together to discuss personal, professional, and cultural issues women face on campus and in their communities. Nine panels addressed questions about leadership, financial health, mental health, inclusion, social media challenges, harassment, negotiation, and networking. Numerous representatives from various businesses and organizations served on panels, sharing their knowledge on relevant topics. The Symposium inspires ULM students, connects them with community leaders, and shows them success up close. The Symposium recognizes outstanding individuals effecting change for women across the spectrum.

On the BayouScene

1 Stacey Gibson, Delia Simpson and Dusty Teer 2 Rhonda Arant, Diane Melton, Diamond Melton, KeyKey Allen, Stephanie Foster, Robin Cox and Gracie May 3 Mary Linda McCann and Paige Oliver 4 Gina White and Mary Francis Siggers 5 Ashley Ambrew and Asja Jordan 6 Michelli Martin, Meghan Risinger, Kelsea McCrary, Kim Essex, Jeshire Brice, Stacey Rowell, Joyce Posey, Angie Sturdivant and Lynda McMahan 7 Kelsey Bohl and Allison Camacho 8 Haylee Middleton, Amanda Martin, Lydia Price and Angelica Ritchie 9 Jeshirl Brice, Angie Sturdivant, Kimberly Essex and Stacey Rowell 10 Melissa Kiper, Allie Lee, Jo Ellen Gilliland and Mary Francis Siggers 11 Naomi Mitchell, Emily Cooper, Missy Amy and Darian Atkins 12 L auren Smalley, Eron Bethard and Haley Holley 13 Temika Cooks, Juanita Woods and Bedie Lewis

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Fashion Fusion: Feelin’ Vintage Vibes

Fashion Fusion 2022 was held Saturday, March 19th at the Monroe Civic Center. Models walked the runway in local boutique fashions, all to benefit the Cancer Foundation League. The event was produced by DBK Dance and Performing Arts. Participating boutiques included River Belles, River Outfitters, Cara’s, Dusty & Company, Eleven 26, Blue Line Boutique and Little Blue, Hemline, Rustico, CW Designs, HerringStone’s, The Nude Nomad, Max Porter Provisions and Ron Alexander Clothiers for Men. The Cancer Foundation League provides direct financial assistance to individuals diagnosed with cancer. Survivors received a standing ovation as they walked the runway and closed the show.

On the BayouScene

1 Charles and Brenda Marsala 2 Whitney Jackson and Asja Jordan 3 Miss Rodeo Louisiana, Sydney Albritton and Lacen Belle Caskey 4 Irelan Creech, Keely Crew and Julie Yee 5 Cindy Stone and Debbie Herrington 6 Malerie and Joe Pike 7 Cooper Thornton, Landon Graff, Clay Norris and Garrett Plant 8 Katelyn McAllister and Jessica Pollard 9 Allison Cattar, Terri Arthur and Nelly Elkins 10 Mike Teer and Dusty Teer 11 Hayven Ellis, Ryleigh Logue and Sara Heusel 12 Kim Shows-Porter and Ryan Kepper 13 Seaira Searcy and Darbi Billings 14 Donna Davidson and Debbie McNew 15 Barry and Maranda Hill, Camden Shivers and Georgia Faith Hill 16 Avie Hendrix, Brooklyn Friersom, Maria Rodriguez and Landry Smith 17 Kim Sherrill, Delora Walker, Jennifer Andrews, Jan Nelson, Laura Hassell, Angie O’Pry, Onna Gallagher and Kathleen Johnson 18 Tiffany Morrow, Bonnie Hay, Dusty Teer, Stacy Gibson

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Your Hometown Urologist Dr. Robert Marx Specializes in Vasectomies

S WE EMERGE FROM INDOORS with the weather warming, flowers beginning to bloom, and birds and bees pollinating, feel assured with a vasectomy you will spring into action this season. Don’t hesitate, now is the perfect time to schedule that procedure you have been putting off through the dreary winter months. A vasectomy is a medical procedure in which two tubes (the vas deferens) that carry sperm from the testicles to the urinary tract are tied and sealed. This prevents sperm from passing into the seminal stream and fertilizing a woman’s egg. Although it is permanent, it is surgically reversible in most cases. Reversibility is dependent upon time elapsed since the vasectomy. When it comes to forms of permanent male birth control, a vasectomy is the ideal permanent surgical procedure available to men. The procedure carries a very low risk of complications and is available to be performed as an outpatient procedure with localized anesthesia. Dr. Marx performs a nocut technique, which is the least invasive. The

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patient is sedated and local anesthesia is used in order to achieve a painless procedure. THE VASECTOMY PROCEDURE IS NEARLY 100% EFFECTIVE Prior to a vasectomy, patients may be asked to prepare by: • Washing the scrotum to prevent infection • Not shaving the area • Bringing a pair of tight-fitting underwear or athletic support to the surgery to support the scrotum and minimize swelling • Arranging for transportation home to prevent extraneous movement • Avoiding anti-inflammatory drugs prior to and following the procedure, which thins the blood and can cause excessive bleeding AFTER THE VASECTOMY After the vasectomy is completed, patients are advised to rest for two days in order to reduce swelling and allow the vas deferens to heal. Discomfort may last for up to a week after the procedure, with patients often being

prescribed anti-inflammatory or painkillers for pain. Patients are encouraged to avoid heavy lifting, straining or squatting for 1 week. If you do any of these activities for work, you may need to take off work or arrange for light duty. Dr. Marx can give you an excuse. Also, keep the area dry for a week as well. If you are considering a vasectomy, call today to discuss your options with Dr. Marx. Robert D. Marx, M.D. is this community’s hometown urologist. He was born and raised right here in Monroe, Louisiana. He graduated from NLU, now ULM, and graduated from medical school and completed his residency at LSU Shreveport. Dr. Marx has traveled extensively working with the leaders of the field in order to keep up with the latest and most successful techniques in incontinence. He has been in practice for over thirty years and conveniently operates at Glenwood, Monroe Surgical and P&S.

Lumecca Intense Pulsed Light For More Youthful Skin BY EMILY ROBERSON, RN, BSN

ICKEL PLASTIC SURGERY OFFERS NOT ONLY COSMETIC surgical procedures but also medical grade skincare services that are simple and cost-effective methods of providing a more youthful appearance. Natalie Todd, a licensed Medical Aesthetician, has been working with Dr. Mickel for over 25 years, and her experience shows. During the winter season, Natalie’s services are often focused on improving hyperpigmentation, sunspots, and melasma. Hyperpigmented skin can be an effect of sun exposure or hormonal changes, and Natalie has helped many clients improve their skin, resulting in a more youthful appearance. Her treatment of choice for women or men with hyperpigmentation is Lumecca intense pulsed light (IPL) treatments. What is Lumecca? Lumecca (IPL) is a powerful light treatment which targets skin imperfections such as age spots and visible veins, to help create a more even, clear skin surface - whether it’s on the face or elsewhere on the body. Unlike other IPL treatments, Lumecca boasts higher efficiency treatments and optimized light output, meaning Lumecca provides better results in fewer treatment sessions compared to other competing IPL machines. And, Lumecca’s “sapphire cooling tip” provides a higher standard of comfort for patients during their treatment sessions. Lumecca IPL treatments improve the appearance of your skin in

1-3 treatments, with 4 to 6 weeks between sessions. Natalie recommends pretreating the skin with ZO Skin Health Hydroquinone – from our medical grade skin care line - for 6 to 12 weeks prior to IPL treatments to optimize results. Lumecca is safe for all skin types, but a consultation visit with Natalie is required prior to scheduling IPL treatments. What to Expect: You will want to be sure to avoid unprotected sun exposure or tanning one month prior to treatment. During your treatment at Mickel Plastic Surgery, there will be a bright flash of light from the Lumecca device that feels like a light rubber band snap. Redness and a slight warming of the skin are normal after treatment and usually subside within an hour. Over the next 24-48 hours you may see a darkening of pigmented areas of the skin; in the week afterwards, the pigmentation will crust and flake off, leading to a more beautiful, clear, even skin tone. As early as the first session you will notice a significant change in the appearance and clarity of your skin. Multiple sessions provide even better results. Improvement in sun damage and complexion can be seen a few days after the first session and the treated area will continue to look younger and more brilliant over time with the most visible results after 1-2 weeks. Schedule a consultation with our experienced licensed medical aesthetician, Natalie Todd.

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Are Adjustable Beds More Comfortable? American Mattress Outlet is Your Local Mattress Headquarters

OD A Y ’ S S L E E K R E M O T E controlled adjustable bases are more stylish than the ones you may remember from late-night infomercials. Waking up in the middle of the night with pins and needles in your arms and legs is a common complaint. If you’re searching for that elusive comfort that allows you to fall asleep easier and stay asleep, an adjustable bed might be the perfect solution. At American Mattress Outlet we have a wide variety of options available on our showroom floor including adjustable beds by Structures and BedTech. For many sleepers, an adjustable bed could be the missing component that leads to getting a great night’s sleep. Those who suffer from back pain or sleep apnea, or who wake up feeling sore from sleeping in the wrong position are likely to benefit from an adjustable bed. The beds are simple: It’s a motorized base that changes the position of the head and/or foot area to customize your

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sleeping position for ergonomic support. Most are operated with a remote control, however some companies make bases that can be adjusted via a mobile app. An adjustable bed is also great for pregnancy. Finding a comfortable position to sleep in while pregnant can be very difficult. Elevating the foot area assists in resting swollen legs and feet and promotes restorative circulation. The zero-gravity position also lessens pressure on the spine, which can be a welcomed relief during pregnancy. For couples who don’t agree on which sleeping position is the most comfortable, some adjustable bases come in a split version. This allows each person to customize a position separately from the other side. A split adjustable bed is excellent for nights when one partner is awake reading, while the other is fast asleep. There are numerous benefits of sleeping in an adjustable bed.

For individuals who snore or who have sleep apnea, a more inclined position can be beneficial and in some cases curative. A reclined posture can be orthopedically more favorable to people with a variety of conditions. Shoulder injuries (e.g. rotator cuff, frozen shoulder, etc.) and those recovering from related surgeries tend to be much more comfortable in a reclined position. The team at American Mattress Outlet is prepared to help you take your sleep to the next level. Visit Robby and his team at 2200 North 7th Street, Suite A in West Monroe or by phone at 318.366.5565. Visit them online at www.americanmattressoutletwm.com or follow social media. Facebook: American Mattress Outlet Instagram: americanmattressoutlet

Look and Feel Your Best This Spring

LA Center for Women’s Health BY DR. LESLIE COFFMAN

HEN YOU DON’T LOOK YOUR best, you’re not going to feel your best. Over a period of decades, our clinic has acquired the equipment and expertise to offer a palette of state-of-the-art procedures to maximize your appearance. We strive to offer our cosmetic services and procedures at affordable prices, which represent real value in today’s world. These various high-tech services can be obtained at our private clinic here in the Monroe area for a fraction of the charge for the same procedure in other cities. We are aware that our patients are interested in getting the best value, and we are structured to deliver this. HYDRAFACIAL Everyone can benefit from the Hydrafacial procedure. It is inexpensive, gives immediately noticeable results, only takes about 30 minutes, and has no social downtime. The procedure is

extremely pleasant and relaxing. We have the latest Hydrafacial equipment and a dedicated technician to perform it in a private setting. The procedure minimizes skin discoloration and brightens skin tone, instantly minimizing fine lines and wrinkles. Your skin is saturated with antioxidants and peptides to maximize skin glow. Uncover a new layer of skin with exfoliation and resurfacing. VASER LIPOSUCTION We are among the earliest adopters of Vaser Liposuction in the world. In fact, we have taught and demonstrated this unique procedure for doctors from as far away as Seoul, Korea. Vaser liposuction uses a very small incision of less than 1/4 inch to emulsify and remove fat. The procedure is performed in the office under local anesthesia, saving the expense of a hospital or surgery center. The

results are immediate, unlike various noninvasive treatments which may or may not work. HORMONE PELLETS Hormone pellets have helped thousands of men and women achieve hormonal balance for restoration of their health. We offer hormone pellets and hormone testing in our clinic. The pellets look much like a grain of rice and are placed under the skin where hormones are released as they dissolve over a period of months. For most people, this is the easiest way to replace missing hormones. If you have fatigue, depression, anxiety, decreased sexual performance, muscle wasting, insomnia, or weight gain, it might be appropriate to have your hormones checked. STATE-OF-THE-ART LASERS Our clinic has state-of-the-art lasers for the treatment of numerous medical and cosmetic problems. Unfortunately, this involves too much information to include in this space but will be detailed in future articles. BOTOX, FILLERS, COSMECEUTICALS We also offer Botox, Juvederm fillers, and various cosmeceutical beauty correcting formulas, all priced competitively. Please call if we can provide you with additional information.

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B AYO U I C O N

ONCE UPON A PILLOW

Rebecca Watson Vizard has spent a lifetime exploring. Although Rebecca’s childhood was spent in Tensas Parish in the tiny town of St. Joseph in northeast Louisiana, her parents saw to it that she had glimpses of the world beyond from an early age. This awareness of people and cultures beyond those most familiar laid the groundwork for a life’s journey that has taken Rebecca literally around the world. Once in college, Rebecca dreamt of living abroad working as an artist. Today, half of that dream has been realized. She is a fine artist specializing in textiles, and her art has made her a wellrespected name in interior design worldwide. However, she does not live abroad, nor is her successful company, B. Viz Design, located in Paris. Instead, Rebecca returned home and eventually established her company’s “Global Headquarters” on Plank Road in St. Joseph. Through her work and the work of others dedicated to revitalizing this charming old Delta town, Rebecca and the “downtown team” are helping St. Joseph come alive again. Because of her success in the fine arts, her entrepreneurial spirit, and her leadership in the revival of that special place she calls home, Rebecca Watson Vizard is our April BayouIcon.

ARTICLE BY GEORGIANN POT TS PHOTOGR APHY BY K ELLY MOORE CL ARK

ebecca Watson Vizard admits that St. Joseph and Lake Bruin are her favorite places in the world. That’s quite a statement from someone who has traveled so extensively. Although her life “plan” did not include returning to Tensas Parish in it, life – as it often does – took an unexpected turn. As a result, she and her Uptown New Orleans husband, Michael, moved “north” to become permanent residents in 1987. Michael eventually joined Rebecca’s late father, William Wade “Bill” Watson, at Cross Keys Bank and is now Chief Executive Officer. Rebecca confesses that moving back to St. Joseph was a struggle after so many years in larger cities. “That was not in my playbook,” she says. “Even so, I think the best part of my career journey was that move. It took me nearly four years to get comfortable with the idea, but I did. My business and that location transformed my mind and my spirit.” CHILDHOOD MEMORIES Rebecca was born to Bill and Ruth Harper, her mother a native of Shreveport. Rebecca’s parents reminded her of Barbie and Ken when she was a child, except her parents were brunettes. Rebecca’s parents were younger than most of her friends’ parents because many of her friends were younger siblings in large families. Still, Rebecca had some tangible advantages from being an only child.

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Both of her parents had successful careers -- Bill was a banker and Ruth was an English teacher. They also both loved traveling, and did so often. New Orleans was a favorite “local” destination, primarily because Bill had gone to Tulane University as an undergraduate and for law school, and Ruth had graduated from Newcomb College of Tulane. They often traveled farther afield, however, with their young daughter in tow. “I remember our family vacations were always to a different place because they wanted me to learn something new,” Rebecca says. When Rebecca was 11, her mother took her to Mexico to tour archeological finds. When Rebecca was 13, Ruth enrolled in a class in Oxford, England, and Rebecca went with her for 3 weeks. Rebecca admits to pouting about going because she wanted to play for a softball team in St. Joseph that same summer. “What a brat I was!” Rebecca recalls. “I can’t tell you how life changing that trip was even though I didn’t realize it until later in life.” At 15, Rebecca toured Austria, Switzerland, and Germany with her parents. She especially loved Salzburg and Vienna. “I loved the wonderful art there even though I didn’t know much about it. My travel bug had bitten.” Rebecca’s paternal grandmother, Roslyn Newell Watson, lived nearby and she and Rebecca were very close. When Rebecca graduated high school, Roslyn took Rebecca on a Mediterranean cruise. One stop was Ephesus, Turkey – a country that remains a favorite for Rebecca. “I remember watching a ruin being excavated.

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The fresco colors were still brilliant at the ground where the archaeologists were digging,” Rebecca remembers. There were also plenty of wonderful things to do back in St. Joseph. Sunday lunches – fried chicken, of course – at her grandmother’s home were always special. Christmas was also celebrated at her grandmother’s home. Rebecca’s uncle and aunt, Phil and Allein Watson, lived on the other side of the Methodist church from Rebecca’s home. Their three sons -- cousins Ben, Brooks, and Scott – were like brothers to Rebecca. The four were inseparable. In the summer, they swam and water skied in Lake Bruin. “I remember our spending many days playing super heroes with pinned towels on our shoulders to make capes,” Rebecca says with a laugh. “We mainly ran up and down the levee and around our yards and the church yard. The faster we ran the higher our capes would fly!” Two childhood experiences offer a glimpse into Rebecca’s future success as an entrepreneur and artist. Her entrepreneurial spirit kicked in when she was about 5. She devised a way to make money from her father’s habit of swearing (not the really worst words, but swearing nonetheless) and teach him to mend his ways at the same time. Her plan was to take advantage of poker night when her dad and his friends gathered for a friendly game. “I hid around the corner in my little flannel nightgown and ran into the room yelling ‘25 cents!’ each time one of the men swore,” she recalls. “I did very well on poker night. I’m sure it was so irritating that they all stopped swearing – much to my dismay.” Around the same time, Rebecca’s love of art was triggered. When Rebecca had a babysitter, her mother left an art project for her to do. She looked forward to those nights because she loved the projects. Because her mother had many of her clothes made by a very talented dressmaker in St. Joseph, there were always scraps of material left over. Rebecca used these to make clothes for her Barbies and to decorate Kraft boxes to make homes for them. “I never played with my Barbies,” Rebecca admits. “I just dressed them and created environments for them.” When she was 9, Rebecca began spending 6 weeks each summer at Camp Waldermar (an all-girls camp in Texas). Waldermar was the first place that Rebecca took formal art lessons. “I won the gold medal in pottery,” she says. “I think this little accomplishment gave me the courage to take art classes in college.” LIFE LESSONS LEARNED IN SCHOOL Rebecca attended Davidson Elementary and graduated from Tensas Academy. She was active in both academic and extracurricular activities. Her parents had been good athletes, and so was Rebecca. She was active in basketball, track, tennis, and cheerleading. Clubs filled her time as well working with the school newspaper, 4-H (she loved the gardening and cooking competitions), and the National Society of the Children of the American Revolution (NSCAR). Grandmother Roslyn was a devoted Daughters of the American Revolution member and taught Rebecca the importance of genealogy and history. In high school and later at Newcomb, Rebecca had teachers who became significant mentors for her. She remembers Betsy Ratcliff James for the warm, encouraging, and inviting smile that never left her face. “I think I got my smile from her,” Rebecca says. Margo Wade taught Home Economics classes and made them fun and fascinating. She taught Rebecca how to sew – a skill that would prove invaluable. When Rebecca was a college freshman, her English teacher, Mr. Rossi, made fun of her southern accent. When the course was

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FINDING THE PIECES I just look for handmade textiles wherever I go,” Rebecca explains. “Flea markets are excellent places for these discoveries, although the pieces are becoming more difficult to find. I used to always find very thick raised embroideries every trip. Now I find one every 2-3 trips. The really special textiles are getting rarer.”

over, he told Rebecca that her intelligence far exceeded her accent. “I could not decide whether that was a compliment or an insult,” Rebecca admits. Pat Trivigno, Rebecca’s painting professor, was a favorite because of both his patience and his creative teaching methods. “When he wanted me to loosen up my painting technique, he tied my brush to a yard stick and made me paint from 3 feet away!” Rebecca found painting to be therapeutic and calming. The threehour class gave her a chance to bond with the other art students which brought encouragement to them all. It was her Louisiana architecture class with Professor Sam Wilson that brought together many of the things that Rebecca loves most about New Orleans. Professor Wilson walked his students through different areas of the Garden District or the French Quarter and explained the distinctive structures. Rebecca was to put this knowledge to good use later. LIFE LESSONS LEARNED BY LIVING At Newcomb, Rebecca joined Chi Omega Sorority and made many new friends. Because Newcomb was small, all of the fraternities and sororities were very close. Rebecca, like her classmates, had part-time jobs which Rebecca says taught her a valuable lesson – what she did not want to do for a career! Her plan was to move to NYC after graduation and work in advertising. From there, she hoped to get to Europe where she could paint and take art lessons from European masters.

A job in a frame shop was enjoyable when she was enhancing a customer’s art, but boring because she was alone often. She worked at a wine and cheese shop and loved learning about these staples to the “good life” and meeting people. However, working so many Saturdays didn’t suit Rebecca. A job with a travel agency was disappointing because it was mostly clerical. After she completed college, she worked for a short time as a stock broker’s assistant. She loved the research, but discovered that a 9-5 office job wasn’t for her. Remembering her Louisiana architecture class, Rebecca took the tour guide course in New Orleans and began working as a tour guide for convention groups. “I loved that job, and it led to my being a concierge for the Sheraton on Canal which was great fun,” Rebecca remembers. “I loved solving peoples’ problems, making dinner reservations, and planning their visit to New Orleans. I felt like an ambassador for the city!” AN OVERNIGHT SUCCESS WHICH TOOK 36 YEARS Rebecca’s expertise in textiles and fancy stitchery didn’t develop overnight. Instead, it was a steady journey of discovery. One Easter when she was 5, Rebecca’s maternal grandmother, Maxine Waller Harper, taught her how to sew buttons on a dish towel. Rebecca was mesmerized by the process and quietly stitched each button to the towel while others dressed. When leaving for church, Rebecca realized that she had sewn the button towel to her Easter dress. “I had a fit because I didn’t want to cut it off. My grandmother snipped the buttons off anyway,” Rebecca remembers. “I think that was the first time that I realized you could add something pretty to embellish something ordinary and make it extraordinary.”

hen the Vizards moved to St. Joseph, their daughter Sarah was quite small and son Ross would be born 2 years later. Michael’s bank work kept him very busy. Rebecca was working out of their home and admits that it was nerve-wracking at times. Still, there were perks. For one, it meant that she was able to be with her children when other mothers had to leave them in daycare. For another, Michael was “a country boy at heart.” When they first moved, Rebecca says he would put on his work clothes and then step into a camouflage jumpsuit to grab a quick hunt before work. “I grumbled at the amount of time he spent hunting because the kids were really little, but he cooked the most amazing venison I have ever had,” Rebecca says. “It became so that the only time I was disappointed in him was when he didn’t bring home anything for dinner. Before I had his cooking, I didn’t even like game!” Perhaps the biggest perk was the time that Rebecca’s children got to spend with their grandfather, “Touchdown.” When asked how her father came to have that name, Rebecca explained. When Sarah was a baby, Bill would always walk into a room to see her with his arms up like a referee. When Sarah would do it, he would say “Touchdown!” When Sarah began talking, she said “Touchdown” every time she saw her grandfather (and threw her arms up, too). “One time we were driving by the bank and Sarah was in the back in her car seat. She yelled ‘Touchdown!’ as we were passing by,” Rebecca says with a smile. “Before long Daddy was called ‘Touchdown’ by the whole community.” While the Vizards lived in Shreveport before Rebecca’s move “home,” Rebecca began her first business enterprise shortly after Sarah was born -- painting baby clothes and socks that she sold 96 APRIL 2022 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

to several children’s shops around Louisiana. She then painted some samples and set up in a friend’s booth at the Dallas Trade Mart. After more sales of painted children’s clothes than she could imagine, Rebecca realized that she would need more money than she had to buy the inventory. She made an appointment with her dad and asked for a line of credit. To her dismay, he turned her down because he didn’t think she was “credit worthy.” That rejection set Rebecca on a course for success. “I wanted to prove him wrong even more than I wanted to make money at that point,” Rebecca admits. She then proposed a deal to her sock vendor to see if he would send her the inventory and let her paint the socks for him. Within a month, he sold the splatter paint design to a national retailer. The venture was extremely successful and her sock painting lasted for nearly 8 years. At that point Rebecca had the funds to decorate her home on Lake Bruin, and soon friends started asking her for decorating advice. Very quickly she was hired by friends of friends and had interior design jobs all over the country. She realized how much it cost to make pillows out of a nice fabric with down forms and trim and thought, “For this amount of money, my clients should be able to get something extraordinary instead of a regular pillow that anyone can copy.” In the beginning Rebecca sold only to her clients and her mentor, the late Gerrie Bremmermann, a very successful interior designer in New Orleans. Bremermann was the one who encouraged her to focus on her now famous antique textile pillows. Rebecca took her several items – paper mache bows and hand-painted pillows – but it wasn’t until 1994 when Rebecca brought in her first antique textile pillow that Bremmermann told Rebecca that she had found her “calling.” Bremmermann sold Rebecca’s pillows through her Magazine Street shop and helped launch Rebecca’s name in design. Another mentor, Marina Tosini, met Rebecca at a textile booth in Paris in 1999. A mutual respect and friendship developed, and Tosini taught Rebecca both about textiles and how to negotiate at the flea markets. “Marina is a feisty Italian lady,” Rebecca says. “I have seen her every year since we met except for 2020. We have had many amazing adventures.” With travel comes adventure, and not always the kind one wants to experience. Rebecca was in Paris in January 2015 when the Charlie Hebdo shootings took place. Although she usually took the Metro everywhere, after that incident Rebecca didn’t feel safe doing that. “Fortunately, Marina knew someone who we could hire to drive us everywhere and avoid the major thoroughfares.” The decades-long hunt for antique textiles has meant that Rebecca has had to travel to faraway places. She admits that traveling was a challenge while the children were young, but Michael and their housekeeper, Belinda Prudhomme, made it possible. “I just look for handmade textiles wherever I go,” Rebecca explains. “Flea markets are excellent places for these discoveries, although the pieces are becoming more difficult to find. I used to always find very thick raised embroideries every trip. Now I find one every 2-3 trips. The really special textiles are getting rarer.” Rebecca has enough inventory for at least the next 5 years which she says is “kind of like oil reserves” and will keep her “ahead of the pack.” These embellishments are all antiques which are carefully removed and then placed on new fabric to give the embroideries a “new life” on a one-of-a-kind pillow. REACHING A L ARGER AUDIENCE With the worldwide web, Rebecca’s work is now accessible to a much larger potential buyer pool than during the early days when she traveled around selling pillows out of her trunk. Eliza

Sartor, Rebecca’s business manager, took advantage of the COVID shutdown to develop a new website (www.bvizdesign.com). She added more products besides pillows with help from Sarah and Bess Hogue, the St. Joseph shop manager. As a result of their efforts, in spite of the pandemic the business had a better year than usual. “I don’t think I could have done what I have done without the internet and easy ability to communicate with people all over the world,” Rebecca says. “It has almost leveled the playing field for designers who don’t live in the cities.” The downside of web marketing is that people can copy Rebecca’s work from the images they see. “Someone is taking the images from my website and having bad copies made in China,” Rebecca explains. “It is disheartening because I am close to retirement age, but I have 8+ people counting on me for their livelihood. The copies are obviously not my pillows, but I don’t want them to cheapen the look. I think plagiarism is one of the biggest problems in the design world today.” Ideas for new products come to Rebecca often (about every 10 minutes, she says) and from sudden epiphanies. For example, she was looking at a pile of antique vestment fabric scraps left over after the metallic trim had been removed. She had been throwing each remnant in a box. She noticed that they were all Christmas colors so she had mini-Christmas ornaments made from them. Her popular Fortuny dog collars came from the long, skinny scraps left over from pillows. “I like to keep the dog collars going because my favorite thing is to see a rescue dog in Fortuny. It’s such a Cinderella story!” Both of these items sell so well that she now has to buy the materials to make them.

THE CHALLENGES OF SMALL TOWNS In 2015 Rebecca published Once Upon a Pillow: A Story of Home, Design, and Exquisite Textiles. The book is now in its 3rd printing and sells not only in America, but also in London and Paris. Rebecca has met many people through her book, including new textile dealers overseas. The book was a major step in bringing awareness not only to Rebecca’s work, but also to her hometown. One year later, Rebecca took the proverbial deep breath and opened her first retail shop in St. Joseph. Two years later, she opened her second one, this time in New Orleans. She says that if she had stayed in a big city, she would probably have found a job she liked and would never have started her own business. “I never thought that I wanted to have my own line at any time. It just kind of happened from forging on from one thing to another,” Rebecca says. Rebecca knew that starting a business in an economically depressed area would be challenging. For one, there is a very limited labor force available. When Rebecca would hire someone and spend a lot of time training them, they would disappear when their earnings reached near the point where they would lose government benefits. Rebecca’s salvation came through finding older women who were gifted sewers. She tried a few until she found the most talented among them. Some ladies began making pillows on the side, but increased their production when they realized they could make a good living. Today Rebecca has 3 fulltime seamstresses and 2 parttime ones and hopes to hire more soon. “Opening the shop in St. Joseph was very stressful at first because I had no idea if it would work or not, but I knew it would be good for the town. After a year I started feeling more positive WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | APRIL 2022 97

about its sustainability,” Rebecca says. “After others opened shops in our precious little town I was thrilled. Seeing the town progress and revitalize has been most rewarding. But if it weren’t for the other cute and interesting shops and restaurants opening, I think I would have worn out. Kudos to the downtown team!” Experience gained while volunteering in NOLA public schools and for a mentally challenged children’s organization while she was at Newcomb changed Rebecca. Both experiences were heartbreaking, but also filled with moments of heartwarming compassion. When she moved back to St. Joseph, she continued that spirit of “helping out” others. She taught art at the elementary school when there was no art teacher. She helped get the local farmers’ market started. “The first summer I sat there every Saturday morning selling $3 seasoning salt that Michael makes,” Rebecca remembers. One of her more interesting “hometown projects” was the Bottle Cap Project. Through it, Rebecca taught at-risk children how to hammer and string bottle caps to sell to her to make chandeliers. She paid the children by the bottle cap, so they had to learn math before they could get a paycheck. The chandeliers are called “Beer-de-liers.” With this project, as with every job she has had, Rebecca learned something about mankind and the good and the bad. “Fortunately, the good outweighs the bad every time,” she says. FAMILY, FUN AND THE FUTURE Michael and Rebecca are a very happy pair, each perfect for the other. Each appreciates the other, and genuinely have fun just being together. Rebecca loves how caring and giving Michael is, and suspects that he has probably sacrificed a lot to help support her dream. “I’ve made him go places he would never have gone, but goes because he thinks I need a bodyguard!” she says. “He has encouraged me every time I have had a setback, and there have been many.” Their two children, Sarah and Ross, are excellent travelers. Rebecca says they are very flexible and love good food and cooking. Both have red hair, and Ross married another redhead, Brooke Kinbro from Nashville. Ross and Brooke recently presented Michael and Rebecca with their first grandchild, a darling redhead named Vivian Louise. Rebecca hopes to be called “Bizzy” when the little one can talk. Sarah is actively involved in B. Viz Design and will take over the business someday. She even worked for a time in Bremmermann’s New Orleans shop, learning the business from her mother’s mentor. One of Michael and Rebecca’s funniest travel adventures (among many) happened in Italy. They took a “bus to nowhere” on the advice of the hotel desk clerk who said to go where they were going by taxi would be much too expensive. They rode the bus and were dropped in a large field through which they hiked to get to the market Rebecca was seeking. Sweaty and dust-covered, they found so many textiles that Michael became concerned about how they would get them back to town. “I told him not to worry, that if the taxi cost 3oo Euros it would be worth it,” Rebecca explains. “Our cab back to the hotel was about $11. Clearly our biggest challenge is the language barrier!” What does the future hold? Rebecca hopes that more grandchildren will be born, and that Sarah will become more the face of the business. She would love to travel more “for fun, not work” with Michael, and to also spend time creating things from her many ideas without the pressure of selling them. Golfing with Michael is a possibility, and creating topiaries. Rebecca would also love to create collages from antique textiles with painting and perhaps try crafting jewelry from textiles. Those ideas are obviously still coming every 10 minutes! The little town of St. Joseph was very fortunate when hometown girl Rebecca moved back bringing with her enormous creative energy, a deep-seated love for home, and an unselfish heart that she has used to help bring hope to others. But Rebecca was very fortunate, too. After she left home to find her way in the world, Rebecca learned her most important life lesson -- that the world had been right there at home all along. 98 APRIL 2022 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

Boost Your Beauty Look and Feel Your Best

O MATTER YOUR AGE, EVERYONE WANTS TO BE THEIR best self. At DermaMediQ, Dr. Sowma and team consult with each patient to discuss expectations and treatment options to help them reach their aesthetic goals. There are a variety of treatment options available from mild treatments to more in-depth targeted procedures. Whether it’s treating fine lines, acne scars, sagging skin or achieving a more youthful glow, the staff at DermaMediQ is here to help you put your best face and body forward. Here are a few of the amazing treatment options available: Morpheus8, EmSculpt, laser hair removal and Forma.

MORPHEUS8 Morpheus8 is is a minimally invasive skin rejuvenation procedure that pairs microneedling with radiofrequency (RF) energy. Is the first and only full body fractional technology adjusted for sub-dermal tissue remodeling, dermal treatment and epidermal resurfacing. Morpheus8 is perfect for tightening specific problem areas on the body but also great for treating acne on the face. This procedure also helps improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, reduces the appearance of large pores and can help fade stretch marks.Treatments are quick and relatively painless, with the help of a topical numbing cream or local anesthesia, and requires little downtime. EMSCULPT Emsculpt is the first ever body sculpting and muscle building device. This procedure requires no injections, no surgery and no anesthesia which means that is absolutely no downtown. Emsculpt sculpts abs while simultaneously building muscle mass, resulting in well defined abs. One treatment with this unique device is equal to 20,000 sit-ups. Emsculpt also can help achieve an amazing butt-life without surgery or injections by building and tightening the buttocks. LASER HAIR REMOVAL Lasers are useful for removing unwanted hair from the face, leg, chin, back, arm, under arm, bikini line and other areas. Lasers can selectively target dark, coarse hairs while leaving the surrounding skin undamaged. Each pulse of the laser takes a fraction of a second and can treat many hairs at the same time. Small areas such as the upper lip can be treated in less than a minute, in large areas, such as the back or legs make take up to 20 minutes. Take shaving out of the equation with the use of laser hair removal. FORMA Forma is a skin and tissue remodeling technology equipped with a subdermal heating applicator. Radiofrequency travels via electrodes to deliver a non-invasive and pain-free treatment, and its controls allow the device to reach optimal temperatures. Forma effectively treats the forehead, upper and lower eyelids, nasolabial folds, jowls and neck. With a variety of treatment options available, DermaMediQ is your headquarters for procedures to help build self confidence, rid unwanted fat or sagging skin, and target problem areas. Dr. Sowma and her staff can help you achieve your beauty goals with a variety of minimally invasive options specifically suited for your desires. Call today to schedule a consultation and get ready to spring forward with a new, more confident you. WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | APRIL 2022 99

Move Your Body, Build Your Brain B AYO U H E A LTH | BY S HAN N O N DAH LU M

t’s well known that regular movement is vital for your physical health. Exercise decreases your chances of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease by fighting off insulin resistance and strengthening your heart. Maintaining your strength and mobility as you age helps preserve a higher quality of life, but it likely increases your longevity, too. Exercising your body is also important for supporting your mental health; the hormonal and biochemical responses that happen as a result of exercise help diminish stress and fight off depression and anxiety. Not only does a consistent exercise practice support your physical and emotional health, but it also supports memory and cognition. A study done by the University of Illinois at UrbanaChampaign in November of 2014 showed that a growing emphasis

on test scores in school children, at the expense of physical activity, actually led to decreased academic performance. Children who were physically active were found to have larger gray matter volumes in areas of the brain associated with cognitive control and memory. Moving their bodies not only helped grow their muscles, but it appeared that it also helped physically grow their brains. In another study, British researchers evaluated more than 10,000 subjects aged 35-55, and graded their physical activity as either low, medium or high. Sedentary individuals were more likely to display poor cognitive performance. Those with low physical activity also had diminished capacity to think logically and solve problems in novel situations than their more active counterparts. Don’t be disappointed if getting in a thirty minute

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workout doesn’t automatically improve your daily Wordle score, though. Exercise doesn’t directly make you smarter or better able to focus, but it does optimize your brain for learning and focus by increasing brainderived neurotrophic factor, or BDNF. BDNF is a protein that supports the growth, maturation and maintenance of your neurons. It allows you to make new connections and learn new material. It stimulates neurogenesis; the cell growth necessary to develop the brain in childhood and slow the aging process later in life. In addition, BDNF is found in regions of the brain that control eating, drinking and bodyweight, and it likely contributes to the management of these functions. As you age, levels of BDNF decrease, which appears to cause shrinkage of gray matter and reductions in the number of

synapses. This leads not only to a smaller brain, but learning and forming memories becomes harder, as well. Changes in levels of BDNF also occur with psychological disease. Depression and anxiety correlate with lower BDNF levels, while antidepressant medications may increase its expression and reverse shrinkage of the hippocampus. Part of the mechanism of how antidepressants work may actually be due to the fact that they elevate BDNF. A 2019 study found associations between low BDNF, anxiety, and binge drinking; indicating that those with lower BDNF levels may be more likely to suffer from alcoholism. Alzheimer’s and dementia patients have severely low BDNF, and some scientists think that boosting BDNF levels could help preserve their brain function. Other evidence suggests the

higher your BDNF, the lower your risk is for developing Alzheimer’s or dementia. Cannabinoids, like THC found in marijuana, temporarily increase BDNF levels in people who don’t regularly use it. The same effects aren’t seen in chronic users, however. Some studies have shown that regular marijuana use could have the opposite effect; it may directly decrease BDNF levels. For this reason, regular, long term use of marijuana may not only diminish memory and cognition, but it may also exacerbate or stimulate an earlier onset of psychological disease in vulnerable populations. Clearly, higher levels of BDNF is something you want to encourage when it comes to maintaining healthy brain function. Decreasing stress is one important element to preserving BDNF, so prioritizing healthy sleep patterns while avoiding processed foods, excess sugar and alcohol are all important. In fact, all the healthy behaviors you already know that are important for preventing metabolic disease apply to maintaining healthy brain function, too, because obesity, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes are all associated with lower BDNF levels. Of course, this includes exercise. One bout of exercise creates an immediate response to BDNF levels, but results are even better with regular exercise. Intense aerobic exercise (really getting that heart rate up) appears to be the most effective type of movement for increasing BDNF, but resistance training and high intensity interval training have also been shown to positively affect it. Even moderate movement like standing and fidgeting can supercharge

mental circuits and sharpen thinking skills, so if you’re stuck behind a desk most of the day, simply standing up while working can increase your mental performance. The environment in which you exercise seems to be just as important as the exercise itself when it comes to its effects on BDNF. Multiple studies have found that unlike people who exercise in clean air, those who exercise in polluted environments (such as jogging or cycling near heavy traffic) don’t experience the increase in BDNF levels that would otherwise accompany physical activity. Unfortunately, indoor environments are often even more polluted than the outdoors because of the chemicals present in the recirculating air. In a perfect world, you’d be able to regularly get out in a wooded environment to enjoy movement in the fresh air. Clearly, this isn’t always an option, but you can check the air quality index on your weather app before heading out. Prioritize going outside to move on days when the air quality is good, and on days it isn’t, stick with the gym for some resistance training. Exercise prescriptions aren’t going away. There is still no magic pill that’ll create physical or mental wellness in sedentary populations. Eating unprocessed foods and moving your body regularly are the lynchpin for attaining and maintaining your health. For maintaining brain function as you age, movement becomes even more important. Word puzzles and other cognitive challenges are great for keeping those mental gears spinning, but without physical movement to boost BDNF levels, you’re missing out on a key ingredient in maintaining a youthful brain. WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | APRIL 2022 101

WaterView Casino and Hotel Voted #1 in Vicksburg, MS Local Casino and Hotel Works Diligently to Provide an Award Winning Experience

ATE RVIE W CASINO & HOTEL IN VIC K S BURG is continuing our tradition of continuous improvement. The latest change is to our already awesome gaming floor. We’re expanding our conveniently located lobby slots area with some of the newest and hottest slot games available. There will even be a brand new service bar will be nearby to make sure you’re served your favorite beverages without a long wait. This new gaming space is set to open on April 1, so be one of the first to see it in its sparkling splendor! While you’re here, check out the completely renovated hotel. It’s bright and fresh, welcoming and relaxing all at the same time. You’re going to love it! Your experience begins in our beautiful new lobby. It’s so bright and welcoming! Every room has been updated with new tile flooring, fresh new beds and fixtures, and a lighter color palette to help you find your happy place. If you’re looking for maximum relaxation, be sure to ask for one of our riverside suites, complete with a jetted tub and some of the best views of the Mississippi you’ll find at any price! If you are hungry after your short drive, The Lucky Bean is open and waiting for your order! Now located in our former buffet space, our friendly staff is ready to serve. (Literally!) Starting with the allnew breakfast menu, going right into our award-winning Blue Plate special, all the way to a cooked-to-order steak or half rack of ribs, there’s something for everyone at The Lucky Bean. Now, we offer a

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variety of desserts and an array of beverages to make your meal all it can be. Our recently updated MYEDGE club makes it even easier to earn more and better rewards for playing at WaterView. It takes fewer points than ever before to move up from Blue to the Black card and added benefits all mean you’ll get more for your buck. Your MYEDGE card is your ticket to more FreePlay, more free food and hotel stays, our weekend promotions, gift events, live entertainment, and so much more. Use your card the whole time, every time you play to get all our MYEDGE club membership has to offer. There’s never been a better time to be a MYEDGE member! WaterView has so much to offer: the best selection of slot games in town, brand new electronic table games in addition to live games played with our friendly & experienced dealers, a super SportsBook with both live and 24-hour kiosk betting, fun promotions, a freshly renovated hotel and great food! There really isn’t any good reason not to come see why WaterView was voted Best Casino, Best Hotel, and Best Blue Plate special by the readers of The Vicksburg Post in their annual Best of the Best contest. Visit us soon to see what’s new for yourself!

Is Shoulder Pain Keeping You Down? The North Louisiana Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Clinic

OST PEOPLE TAKE FOR GRANTED DAILY ACTIVITIES such as getting dressed, brushing one’s hair, or putting groceries away. If you have lost full use of your shoulder, then you know firsthand how devastating it is to have to rely on others for simple tasks. You may feel helpless as shoulder pain and loss of motion can cause you to lose your independence. The good news is that there are treatment options that may reduce shoulder pain and allow you to regain your freedom. One option is reverse shoulder replacement surgery. The Zimmer Biomet Comprehensive Reverse Shoulder System provides a solution for those who suffer from severe shoulder pain and loss of strength and movement. Why Does My Shoulder Hurt? The shoulder is a ball and socket joint that is made up of mainly two bones. The ball portion of the joint is part of the upper arm bone (humerus). The socket portion is part of the shoulder blade. The ball fits into the socket and is held in place by a series of muscles known as the rotator cuff, allowing the shoulder to move. In a healthy shoulder, this movement of the ball and socket is painless. Over time, wear and tear or injury to the shoulder can result in significant pain and loss of movement. Treatments: Depending on the extent and cause of the shoulder damage, I provide a variety of treatments, including oral medications, injections, and physical therapy. When those treatments are no longer

effective, I can help you determine if it’s time to consider reverse shoulder replacement surgery. What is Reverse Shoulder Replacement? In a traditional shoulder replacement, the parts of the shoulder that have “worn out” are replaced with new parts that have the ability to function smoothly. The same is true with reverse shoulder replacement, except that the part of the arm bone and shoulder blade that serve as the ball and socket are reversed. In reverse shoulder surgery, the “ball” is attached to the shoulder blade, and the “socket” is attached to the upper arm. How Will I Know If I Should Have Reverse Shoulder Replacement? I will perform a thorough examination of the shoulder. This will include testing the muscles and tendons to determine how much strength and range of movement you have. In addition, I will perform X-rays, CT scans, and/or an MRI to help further assess the condition of your shoulder joint to determine if you are a candidate for reverse shoulder replacement surgery. About Dr. deGravelle: Since completing my Upper Extremity Fellowship and starting my practice here in Monroe, I have performed close to 1,000 of these surgeries. I provide same day surgery in an outpatient setting, generally taking me 15-20 minutes to complete. Patients are able to start therapy the first day following the procedure and progress quickly, with few functional limitations. The sky is the limit!

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Sublative RF Dermal Rejuvenation Lose Your Skinhibitions

WHAT IS SUBLATIVE RF? Sublative RF Dermal Rejuvenation is a bipolar radiofrequency technology that ablates the skin in a grid-like fashion. Sublative is proven to help correct skin surface issues such as moderate to severe acne scarring, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, decrease pore visibility, correct hyperpigmentation, and improve the appearance of stretch marks. HOW LONG DOES THE TREATMENT TAKE? Depending on the area being treated, Sublative RF treatments can take 30 minutes or less. IS SUBLATIVE RF SAFE? Sublative RF is a safe treatment for any part of the body including the face, around the eyes, the abdomen, and torso. DOES IT HURT? Mild discomfort is expected, but the treatment is not considered painful. Patients report feeling a sensation of heat, like a sunburn. WHEN WILL I SEE RESULTS? Results

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after a Sublative RF treatment are seen with 7-14 days; however, individual results may vary. Maximum results will be approximately one month after the third treatment. And, Sublative RF just got enhanced. Results may be enhanced with the use of ZO Skinhealth Brightalive Serum or Firming Serum. These serums are specifically designed for treatments such as Sublative RF to penetrate the area and maximize results. Currently, if you book a Sublative RF treatment this month at The Woman’s Clinic you receive the added service of Brightalive Serum Accelerated or Firming Serum Accelerated applied to your skin after the treatment. HOW LONG DO RESULTS LAST? Results from the Sublative RF treatment can be seen for years after treatment. Results can be maintained by diligent use of sunscreen, avoiding direct sun exposure, and maintenance of a good skincare routine at home with ZO Skin Health or another medical grade skin care.

IS THERE ANY DOWNTIME? Yes. You should plan for 3-5 days of healing after a treatment. Most patients choose to complete the treatment near the end of the week, so they have the weekend to recover. Healing times can vary from patient to patient. Makeup can be reapplied as soon as four hours after treatment. HOW MANY TREATMENTS ARE NECESSARY? This answer varies. Results can be seen after a single treatment, but typically a series of three is recommended to achieve best results. Patients with deeper imperfections may require additional treatments which may be purchased individually. ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS OR RISKS? Like any medical procedure, the treatment carries some risk. The normal side effects of the Sublative RF treatment are redness, swelling, rough texture, and micro scabbing. These side effects usually resolve within the healing timeframe of 3-5 days. WHO IS NOT A CANDIDATE FOR SUBLATIVE TREATMENTS? The Sublative RF treatment is not safe for those with certain health problems. It is not recommended for those with recent sun or tanning bed exposure. Those who are pregnant or breastfeeding or who have pacemakers are not a candidate for treatment. All our cosmetic consultations are free, so you can always schedule an appointment to see if this therapy is right for you.

Patient Finds Relief at Delta Vein Care Following a Brief Procedure, Patient is Finally Pain-Free

A R B A R A H O U S T O N , A V E RY active person, began dreading nighttime leg pain several years ago. “I could not sleep because the pain in my legs and feet were so significant. My legs also felt extremely heavy. And, I would experience Restless Leg Syndrome (the urge to constantly move one’s legs),” she said. “I decided it was time to seek help.” The Monroe native visited Dr. Bart Liles at the Surgery Clinic of Northeast Louisiana, home of Delta Vein Care, where she immediately felt welcome and reassured. “After my ultrasound, Dr. Liles immediately told me what the problem was: the valves in my veins were no longer working properly. Then he explained how he would address my pain. He was so kind and upfront about everything. I couldn’t have asked for anything better. I had so much hope after our first meeting, and that meant everything to me.”

Barbara underwent three procedures— over three months—to treat vein reflux, which occurs when veins cease to circulate blood properly. Dr. Liles treated her with radiofrequency energy, which he inserted through a small incision in the vein. This technique effectively heats and damages the vein wall, closing the varicose vein. Her experience after the first procedure, which lasted less than an hour, was “nothing like she anticipated,” she said. “I didn’t have any pain after any of the procedures. In fact, I returned to work the very next day.” Barbara, who worked in radiology for more than 42 years, spent much of her career on her feet all day, which contributes to vein reflux. Barbara vividly remembers her first night following the first procedure. “I was pain-free for the first time in years. It felt like a huge weight had been lifted from my shoulders. I was given my life back. I knew I could once again live a normal existence.”

The stark contrast of her life before and after the vein treatments led Barbara to joke with Dr. Liles. “I told Dr. Liles that I should be his spokesperson for this procedure because I had such incredible results. I want people to know about this option; I want them to know you don’t have to simply live with this kind of pain.” Barbara encourages those with leg heaviness or leg and feet cramping to visit Delta Vein Care at the Surgery Clinic. “Dr. Liles and his staff are truly incredible; they are professional and kind, and I appreciate them so much. They immediately answered each and every question. The experience changed my life.” Leg vein disorders can impact how we feel and, most significantly: harm our long-term health. Please read about Delta Vein Care’s minimally invasive procedures, all of which last about one hour and allow our patients to resume normal 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. Contact the clinic today with your questions about general surgery, vein care procedures, and weight loss surgery.

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B AYOUKID Z

Nostalgic Holidays Celebrate Each Day article by Cindy G. Foust

ell, here we all are readers, on the cusp of the great holiday… April Fools’ Day. Question is does anyone really observe April Fools’ Day anymore? I never hear anyone talk about a great joke they played, so I guess it’s kind of one of those holidays that has just lost its luster. But there was this one time, when Scott and I first got married, that I changed out the sugar in the sugar bowl he used for coffee and filled it up with salt, and that went over really well. Then another time on April Fools’, me and my two sisters (it always sounds better to have a “team” of culprits) put a plastic spider on the handle of the mailbox, you know, to play a simple prank on the mail carrier. Well, I don’t think she really observed this holiday either, because she wrote a sort of ugly note to my parents and said she was deathly afraid of spiders and she was sick with panic and fear when she pulled up to our mailbox and it made her almost quit her job. That was kind of terrible. Oh, and we sort of got in trouble. I’ve just never really had good luck trying to observe this specific holiday, and my memories, well, they are kind of bad, so I just let this day come and go without much fanfare. But Easter on the other hand, another holiday on the calendar for this month, now I could fill the pages of this magazine with my Easter memories. I usually promise our readers that I will write my “next month’s column” on something really exciting like cool ideas for dying your eggs. But I kind of lied, because I don’t really think anyone wants to read about how to Tye-Dye your eggs or how to dye them “economically” by submerging them in coffee. What in the world? How about just using some (stinky) vinegar and a few PAAS tablets or some food color like normal Easteronians? Oh the memories that last sentence conjures up for me. Let me be clear, for those that need to be brought up to speed with my column... we are a holiday family, rich with traditions, so if I let my mind just wander a bit, I can get nostalgic on you pretty quick. In my family, Easter was no different than the other holidays, and traditions have always been strict, like having the Easter Egg Hunt at my grandmother’s house. For years, we dyed eggs after lunch, and the 106 APRIL 2022 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

older family members hid them, probably several times before the day was over. As everyone sat around peeling eggs and salting them before we ate them (quite frankly, that memory kind of grosses me out now, but then it was ritual and we didn’t deviate from ritual), the little ones (or me when I was little) would walk around and crack eggs (boiled of course) on everyone’s heads. Ah yes, precious memories…how they linger. As time quickly passed, as it always does, us “littles” began hiding them for the younger kids. But if I wanted to give you one of my top “five” favorite holiday memories it would have to be the year me and my two sisters were getting ready to hide the eggs, and my late sister, Angel, disappeared on us. We waited and waited and waited... and we finally decided to just start hiding the eggs, because the younger kids were screaming. Off we went, ready to play the Easter Bunny, getting the 500 eggs hid, and still no Angel. Where in the world? Somebody finally let the little ones out and we are all in the front yard watching the craziness that ensues, when suddenly, without warning, we look down the hill and we see this 6’2 Easter bunny hopping down the “bunny trail.” Except it wasn’t just any Easter bunny, it was the “Michael Jackson” Easter bunny. You heard me right, Angel had snuck home (my parent’s lived right next door to my grandparents), and dressed up like her then idol, Michael Jackson (readers, don’t judge, we probably all agree he had a very strange and quacky lifestyle, but most of us have loved us some Billie Jean or some Thriller, right?) Yes, Angel hopped right through the yard, in her homemade costume, complete with sequined glove and high topped Converse, and moonwalked her way into my top five holiday memories. Those were the days. Fast forward in the time machine with me and I find myself writing about my memories for my readers, and wondering, what are some of yours? Does your family have traditions and rituals that you do every year? You can’t read my column and not know that I am going to always share some my Edith Bunker stories with my readers, and most of the time, in every column, there will be some sort of anecdote to remind us how

important our memories are. And for me, holidays give us opportunities to start new traditions, or participate and enhance old ones. We lost my grandmother, Bitsy, 7 years ago, and some of our rich Easter traditions have changed and look a little different, but have they really? I mean, the most important thing is that we are all still together, eating good food, dying eggs and still hiding eggs. I’ve been doing some reflecting these past few days, which never bodes well for my readers, but the reflection comes from some rather anxious weeks I have lived through. Oh, I’m totally fine, friends, I just got back from Houston and had an “all clear, doing great, go live your life” visit. On our drive home, the gratitude I felt was so heavy I rode most of the way home in tears. I’ve written before in previous columns about the humble experience of visiting a hospital like MD Anderson. I texted one of my good friends, Heather, after I left, and told her that the one thing spending a few days there will do, is remind you to be grateful for the able bodied healthy person you are. Even if you have to go for a routine check-up. This mindset is sending me all which of ways in my feelings (I am fairly confident that last sentence is a grammatical nightmare, but it’s how I’m feeling, readers), especially when my gratitude mindset meets my nostalgic memory mindset. As I sit in my big comfy chair this morning, enjoying the quiet of this space, I think about how things have really changed in my life, over the past 5 years. The loss of family and friends, a pandemic, a breast cancer “episode,” all of which are heavy and let’s just say it, hard. It’s easy to get in the lane of focusing on all that hard stuff and letting it control our focus. I am definitely sitting here with my hand raised high in the sky because that has been me. I think we also lose sight of the fact that our “littles” even if they are “biggles” (I totally made that word up but I’m loving the way it works in this column) are feeding off what they are seeing and feeling

from us. Can anyone else raise their hand to that, as well? My children are grown (24) and nearly grown (16) and they sense everything I feel. No matter their age, our children want to see us happy, healthy and positive, and as hard as it is sometimes to stay that way all the time, it’s important I think for them to see us at least trying. Right? Life is a gift and as cliché as it sounds, we should be soaking it all in… squeezing the life out of every second we are privileged to have. Rather than sitting in that lane with all the heavy, we should be focusing on the all the positive things in our life… a clean bill a health, a job we love, friends we adore, family you are fortunate to have. If anyone else finds themselves in the “dredge” with me let’s start with the upcoming holidays and show that dredge the door. Instead of Elvis, I’ve even been thinking of dressing up like Dolly Parton and singing Islands in the Stream for our biggles. That’s a joke, heck, my kids probably don’t even know who the Dolly Parton is! And since our littles are biggles now, instead of hiding eggs, I might just organize a Scavenger Hunt (this will probably go over great with my husband when the kids are running through our flower beds, but he didn’t divorce me over the salt in the sugar bowl, so maybe my marriage will remain intact after this, too.) Let’s go readers, take a little time and create some special plans, or work at strengthening the traditions you already have in place. Heck, even consider asking your kids what they want to do. Just shuck the dredge and move your families into a dredgless (another made up word) wonderful, memory filled season. My hope is that it will be filled with wonderful, quality time with your family, good food, great old (or new) traditions and maybe even a few Cadbury eggs.

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

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JLM Spring Market

On the weekend of March 11th - March 13th, the Monroe Civic Center was once again transformed into a bright and cheerful space full of vendors for the Junior League of Monroe’s 24th Annual Spring Market. This annual event was sponsored by Origin Bank and allows the community to shop with a purpose to support the League’s projects and programs for women and children at risk. On Friday morning, patrons enjoyed the Shop ’Til You Drop event, sponsored by The Mulhearn Corporation. There was early shopping with champagne brunch, door prizes and music by The Phantom Four. On Friday night, everyone showed up for the always popular Girls Just Want to Have Fun event, sponsored by Progressive Bank. There was extended shopping until 9 p.m. with food from Thurman’s, Market-ritas from Iron Cactus and music by Clara McBroom. Vendors ranged from local clothing boutiques to home decor, bath products, jewelry, candles and more. The Junior League of Monroe is an organization of women committed to promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women and improving communities through effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. The Spring Market serves as their largest fundraiser.

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On the BayouScene 9

1 Kinsley and Erin Foster 2 Ashley Norred and Allison Davis 3 Alexus and Demetria Charleston 4 Anna Varnado, Chelsea Babineaux and Jamie Johnson 5 Christie Ouchley and Toya Hubbard 6 Dodie Langley and Nadine Fares 7 Kyle and Ainslea Snellenberger and Avery Kea 8 Beth Vetrano, Evan Thurston and Jennie Wallace 9 Melissa LaCas and Tiffney Rome 10 LaWanda Elliott and Kristie Harrison 11 Morgan Eppinette and Whitley Johnson 12 Mary Earl and Morgan Johnston 13 Mandi Wilson, Lyndsi Logue and Kelsey Rose 14 Mary Claire Malloy, Crystal Malloy and Caitlyn Malloy 15 Mary Copeland, Sheleka Barnett and Tish Doyle 16 Jennifer Routon, Robby Compton and Lissy Compton

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More Residents Welcomed Home This Month Assisted Living & Memory Care Apartments

HE L O N G - AWA I TE D TI M E HA S ARRIV ED AS move-in residents fill the apartment homes in the new Phase II assisted living and memory care buildings. The city block campus in Monroe’s Garden District is abuzz with even more residents moving in, and more staff stepping into their roles. The professional staff expansion includes an LPN, a dietician, a new activities director, fitness instructors, and additional on-site managers – all for the purpose of enhancing the daily experiences in their residents’ lifestyles. All assisted living residents in Phase I & Phase II now enjoy dining together in the bright, spacious community dining area with an adjoining chef-inspired gourmet kitchen providing three daily meals and snacks. Memory Care residents have an exclusive window-lined dining area that is conducive to their comfort and security, adjacent to the beautifully landscaped inner courtyard. Daily activity amenities abound, featuring the ever-popular beauty/ barber shop, exercise classes led by local NextLevel Health & Fitness, garden & courtyard walkways, an art studio, and elegant gathering & activity areas. Each apartment provides a mounted TV, personal refrigerator & microwave oven, Wi-Fi connections, and cable TV with all utilities included. The well-liked shared endeavors such as musical entertainment, movies & games, birthday parties, themed events, church activities, and

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more are hosted in the gracious atrium gathering space in the original vintage-inspired building. There will also be shopping excursions, and complimentary transportation is provided for medical visits. A physician is on call 24/7, and pharmacy consultation/delivery is offered as well. There are one-bedroom & two-bedroom assisted living apartments in both Phase I and Phase II buildings, as well as one-bedroom apartments in the Phase II Memory Care building. The Memory Care services include all the expected amenities along with an individualized plan of care to maximize quality of life for your loved one. Full accreditation and a certified staff ensure proper attention for residents in this building. The unparalleled comfort, convenience, location and amenities of The Gardens At Georgia Tucker assure residents of an environment that can truly be called home. You can hear for yourself from some of the residents expressing their contentment when you visit GeorgiaTucker. com to view testimonial videos and comments. For the best in gracious assisted living, take a closer look at The Gardens at Georgia Tucker. Reservations and lease deposits are being accepted now for the remaining Phase II assisted living and memory care apartments. Please call 318-538-0040 to schedule a tour appointment. The administration staff will be pleased to show you around, answer any questions, and provide leasing & lifestyle information for you or for a loved one. Visit GeorgiaTucker.com for more details.

Mojo for Midlife?

Benefits of Bioidentical Hormone Replacement

BY JUDY WAGONER

A S YO U R M O J O G O N E O U T the window? Mother Nature plays a dirty trick on men and women. Just as we begin to enjoy our lives as empty-nesters, our lives often change overnight as we cope with night sweats, ballooning weight, aching joints, low libido, and fuzzy thinking associated with menopause and andropause. What’s happening? Hormone levels are plummeting and wreaking havoc in our bodies! As a woman, you are used to being at the mercy of your hormones. It’s been the story of your life. It all began with your first period. If you experienced pregnancy, your world was really turned upside down. As you approach menopause, the changes can be even more severe. This is when your reproductive system is preparing to shut down. The changes in hormone levels can be significant, causing troublesome symptoms. While not as disruptive as menopause, men’s sex hormones are also declining at

mid-life. The difference is their decline in hormones is not as sharp and sudden as a woman’s. They may feel small dips in their energy level, stamina, mental function, libido, and sense of well being. Men as young as 25 to 30 years in age are presenting with low levels of testosterone, which was not the case 10 or 20 years ago. This is possibly a result of environmental toxins. The good news is you don’t have to suffer and resign yourself to the infirmities of advancing age. The solution is to replace your lost hormones with human identical hormones, which are available to both men and women. Bioidentical hormones have the same molecular structure as those produced by the body. They look identical to your own hormones, estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, thyroid, growth hormone, and insulin. They’re taken from natural sources, such as soybeans or yams, and are more easily absorbed by the body than other types of hormone replacement. They come in the form of creams, pellets,

pills, injections, and patches. Professional Laser Center has been prescribing bioidentical hormone replacement for over 10 years now and our clients love it. Pellets are our most requested form of hormone replacement for both women and men. The tiny pellets are placed just under the skin in the upper quadrant of the hip, where they slowly release a stable, steady dose of testosterone and/or estrogen over the course of three to six months. The procedure takes about 20 minutes to perform and there is little to no pain or downtime. Our Nurse Practitioner, Elizabeth Hoskins, is a member of the A4M, the world’s largest Integrative Medicine organization, which focuses on the proper dosing of these hormones. Dosing is one of the most important factors in Bioidentical Hormone Replacement. “The dose makes the poison.” If not properly dosed, your hormones will not be balanced. When our levels are unbalanced, the communication between our cells is interrupted and major, negative changes can occur in the body. Human identical hormones can change your life! It is your MOST POWERFUL WEAPON in the war on aging. What are you waiting for? For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 318-361-9066. For a list all of our services, please visit our website at www. professionallaser.com.

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THE WALKING PIG DEVILED EGGS This twist on a traditional southern classic features crispy bacon, scallions and paprika on a hardboiled deviled egg.

The Walking Pig is styled as a modern Southern pub serving a varied menu of hand-crafted foods and beverages housed in a renovated 1930s storefront, one of many quaint businesses on Plank Road. A R T I C L E BY VA N E L I S R I V E R A A N D P H O T O G R A P H Y BY K E L LY M O O R E C L A R K

THE WALKING PIG he Walking Pig is an unusual name for a restaurant serving traditional southern favorites as well as creative versions of regional classics, but the evocative nomenclature comes with a story. Once upon an eclectic downtown scene in St. Joseph, Louisiana, an old bar and cafe existed on Levee Street. It was wellknown for its neon pig sign, a curiosity made all the more fun by the neon legs trotting back and forth in flashes. And, though it closed sometime in the 1980s, its revelries and crazy memories of merrymaking live on in the hearts of many townspeople. It was not a difficult choice, then, for Jessica and Stacey Mobley to pay homage to a locale with such a jovial grasp on the community when considering what to name their new restaurant. “Somebody just threw it out,” says Jessica, who was immediately fond of the name. “I just thought it was so cute. And, you know, fun, memorable.” Nevertheless, unlike its namesake, The Walking Pig, as it stands, is styled as a modern Southern pub serving a varied menu of hand-crafted foods and beverages housed in a renovated 1930s storefront, one of many quaint businesses on Plank Road that is sure to bring a celebratory squeal of delight to a new generation of revelers. Jessica originally grew up in the nearby town of Waterproof. “My family’s been here for many generations,” she says. After college, her husband Stacey got a job in video and film production in the Nashville area, so they made the move and stayed for about 25 years. During that time, Jessica, who has always had an inclination for culinary pursuits, began to network with restaurants through her own small business. After a while, she talked her husband into buying a food truck in order to further establish her business and eventually open a small restaurant. After three years of working from the food truck, the pair found a space outside of Nashville, a “little place” where a barbecue joint was moving out. “We thought, it’s really tiny, you know; it’s perfect to jump in. We can handle that,” she informs. Within a year, their tiny restaurant Delta Bound was “busting at the seams,” so much so that they had to expand, and “just by chance,” were able to use the space next door, doubling their square footage. Though they maintained that space for six years, the couple always considered returning to Tensas Parish. Consistently communicating with friends and family, they were informed of the revitalization efforts sweeping the historic downtown area. “It started looking like maybe we possibly could open a business here, and not have to wait until retirement to move back home,” says Jessica.

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T H E WA L K I N G P I G With a desire to assist in the downtown reinvigoration and a deeply rooted love for their community, the couple returned to their early stomping grounds. “We thought that would be awesome if we could take what we were already doing and bring that to St. Joseph,” enthuses Jessica. They shared their specifications and restaurant concept with Becky and Michael Vizard, the owners of the building that now houses The Walking Pig, and ultimately rolled up their sleeves and worked alongside them to make their vision a reality. The restaurant opened its doors on September 1, 2021, consequently setting in motion an exciting new economy offering jobs, training, and a place for the community to immerse themselves in entertainment and leisure. “We just really wanted to serve [the community],” she adds. When thinking of curating the interior, the pair was determined to provide a comfortable and approachable aesthetic, “so that people could, you know, feel comfortable to come every day for lunch if they want to, but also have a little bit of refinement.” The spacious interior of wood-lined entryways, hanging brass light fixtures, and woodpaneled roof creates an atmosphere suitable for a casual lunch, date night, or even a celebratory gathering of family, friends, and/ or co-workers. “We had a bunch of Christmas parties booked this past December,” says Jessica, who has observed parties running the gamut from “really casual all the way up to very dressy.” In order to further maximize the feel of the space, Jessica and Stacey leaned

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into the design instincts of Becky Vizard, particular, is a “big foodie” thanks to her owner of B. Viz Designs, who helped pick coaxing. Though the foundation of their out light fixtures and paint colors. “She and menu items stem from what they began I talked many times over design ideas for when owners of Delta Bound, they wanted the interior,” shares Jessica, who at the time to make sure they had standard items, like a was 400 miles away in Tennessee. “And it’s catfish po’boy people can’t get enough of, or not quite finished. You know, there are a lot “a really good hamburger.” of things that still we want to tweak and A few menu items featured smoked finish out and add to it. [It’s] just gonna meats, an influence from her husband, and have to come in stages because the most one that he developed while they lived in important thing was to get in and get open.” Nashville. “In Tennessee, you’re kind of One such idea that Jessica has been churning immersed in barbecue culture,” she says, involves enlivening the walls in the hallway revealing that he always wanted to learn the with newspaper articles, photos, and other careful and patient art of smoking meats, memorabilia from the town’s history. She has so he taught himself. “I love our smoked already started a collection with the help of chicken salad,” says Jessica. This “amped the town’s museum and library situated next up,” traditional Southern-style chicken salad door to the restaurant. “I think incorporates their smoked that would be so cool for people C O M I N G H O M E chicken, alongside the expected to be able to look through and pecans and cranberries. “We see what downtown used to With a desire to assist in the sell that by the pint,” she says, downtown reinvigoration of look like. You know what, St. Joseph and a deeply rooted referring to their grab-andwhere the businesses were... love for their community, the go fridge, which also consists what the houses looked like.” of a variety of dips (pimento couple returned to their early Taking a similar approach stomping grounds to open cheese, boudin dip, and to the menu, Jessica wanted to The Walking Pig. Neiman Marcus dip) and soups make sure that not only was she (butternut squash, black bean honoring southern cooking, but also keeping and roasted pepper, and braised cabbage). “I more modernized dishes approachable. “In love our tacos,” continues Jessica, who has Tennessee, you know, we call it deep south dubbed her creations “Southern-style tacos,” food. Here, it’s just you know, the southern using a flour tortilla, filled with regionallyfood that everybody loves,” says Jessica, inspired ingredients. Their pork belly taco is who aimed to, more than anything, make smoked Berkshire pork belly, pineapple pico, her dishes from scratch. “Having a scratch Sriracha honey glaze, and cabbage. More kitchen is what makes the food unique to on the wild side is their blackened alligator you.” Both Jessica and Stacey have a love taco: Louisiana gator tail, pico, avocado, and for the food industry, and her husband, in chipotle crema. Feeling down-home vibes?

Their Southern fried chicken taco is sure to please with apple slaw, guacamole, and Green Goddess dressing. Their catfish tacos are seasonal because it includes a sweet corn salsa and the corn used at The Walking Pig is ordered fresh, “which you can’t get really good all year round.” By far, the brisket melt sandwich is the most popular item on the menu. It is a smoked brisket topped with pepper jack, house BBQ sauce, and fried banana peppers and placed between house-baked white bread. “It was even one of the favorites in Tennessee. So it must appeal to a bunch of people.” Not to be outdone by the savory bliss the menu has to offer, a few sweet dessert items are always circulating the counters. In addition to cookies, pies, and puddings, Jessica has featured some truly unexpected layered cakes, such as the bourbonlaced Lane cake and Hummingbird cake, a banana-pineapple spice delicacy originating in Jamaica. Initially, Jessica and Stacey sought to use their culinary chops to offer some things borrowed and some things new to their flourishing community. By pushing the envelope on their menu items, they hope to inspire the Northeast Louisiana community to start seeking culinary adventures in their neck of the woods. “It’s kind of unexpected when you go to a sleepy place. And there’s, you know, a hidden gem that you love to discover. And it surprises you pleasantly,” expresses Jessica, adding, “I want people to feel like this is their restaurant.” The Walking Pig is located at 139 Plank Road Saint Joseph, LA 71366 and is open Thursday through Saturday between 11 AM and 2 PM, and Friday & Saturday between 5:30 PM and 8 PM. Visit their website https://www. the-walking-pig.com/ and scroll through their Facebook page to learn about their daily specials and seasonal menus. WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | APRIL 2022 117

Infant Swimming Resource Bringing Awareness to Water Safety

CCORDING TO THE U.S. CENTERS for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drowning is the number one cause of accidental death for infants and young children between the ages of 1-4. A child is 17 times more likely to die in water than a car wreck. Overwhelmingly, water near the home poses the most frequent and continued threat for a family. All caregivers are encouraged to be trained in CPR and parents are encouraged to install layers of protection in and around their homes to keep their families safe. BARRIERS A permanent, four-sided pool fence that encloses the entire pool is a great first step. Fences should be at least 4 feet in height and be equipped with self-closing, self-latching gates. Locks and alarms should also be installed well out of reach of children on all doors and windows leading to the pool. Be sure to also check for any other access points, including the often-overlooked dog doors!

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SUPERVISION Watching children constantly around the water, no matter their skill level, is absolutely necessary. Designate a responsible adult as the “water watcher” and segment supervision in 15-minute increments. Also, make sure that water watchers verbally acknowledge that they are on duty so that there is no confusion as to who is responsible for watching the child in the pool. WHEN TO USE FLOATATION DEVICES Avoid the use of floatation devices such as puddle jumpers and floaties during swim time. These devices create a false sense of security for the child and zero competence. The device encourages a vertical posture in the water which is not conducive to swimming. Small children do not have the cognitive ability to understand the floatation device is what is keeping them above water, so they will not hesitate to return to the water if given the opportunity. A parent should always be

in the water with their child and teach them it’s NOT OK to be in the water without mom or dad. However, a coast guard approved life jacket should always be worn while boating or swimming in open water such as oceans, lakes, rivers, and bayous. SKILL THE CHILD When layers of protection fail, your child’s ability to self-rescue is the only thing that will save his/her life. Your child should be taught how to roll onto their back independently and maintain a back float until rescued. Your child may also learn how to flip over and swim to an exit. These skills are called self-rescue. Infant Swimming Resource Self-Rescue® lessons are an added layer of protection for families, as the ISR program teaches children 6 months – 6 years old how to save themselves should they find the water alone. ISR Lessons are 1 on 1, 10 minutes per day (Monday Friday) for 4 - 6 weeks. Babies 6 months to 18 months will learn to roll back and float. Children over 18 months - 6 years will learn the swim-float-swim sequence. For more information on water safety and to learn more about ISR, please visit www.infantswim.com.

CFCF Seeking Family Therapists Center for Children and Families

HE CENTER FOR CHILDREN AND Families is seeking family therapists in our Northeast Louisiana location. The positions are available in several of our evidenced-based programs including Functional Family Therapy (FFT,) Functional Family Therapy - Child Welfare (FFT-CW,) and Multisystemic Therapy (MST.) Each of these programs provide evidenced-based counseling services for youth and their families. Our mission is to promote safe, healthy environments for children and families through advocacy, counseling, education, and prevention. The Center for Children and Families has developed and implemented innovative treatment programs that specifically target fractured family relationships. Our agency is highly respected throughout the community for our excellent standard of service to both providers and clients. At the Center, we are guided by the principles of servant leadership, where the driving force of our actions is not status or power, but serving

others as we pursue a common mission. Therapeutic Services has a reputation for terrific outcomes, not just because of the people that choose to work with us, but also because of the support we receive from the community. When a family feels like giving up, we seek to provide them with the tools and encouragement they need to keep going. When a positive outcome feels impossible, we are able to find a way. We meet families where they are, reminding them that they are not alone. Likewise, when discouragement comes knocking at the door, we remind ourselves of the countless families who are now thriving because our staff and clinicians have invested in them. When you join The Center for Children and Families, you belong to something bigger. You are a part of a family. At the Center, we believe that personal growth is just as valuable as the job that we have been hired to do. Through our Huddle series, we explore how we relate to each other and those around us. By developing community

through shared meals or taking time out to play, we find that being a part of this agency is more like being a part of a family. Our Core Values of Community, Respect, Integrity, Service, Teamwork, Empowerment, and Excellence are the guiding principles of our organization. We believe that these values are the very foundation for our philosophy, culture, and practices. Candidates for these positions must hold a Master’s degree in Counseling, Marriage & Family Therapy, or Psychology. Preference is given to candidates who are fully licensed as an LPC or LMFT or provisionally licensed as a PLPC or PLMFT in Louisiana. These are full-time independent contractor positions. The agency is a National Health Services Corp Approved site, with a federal student loan repayment program available for potentially qualified licensed practitioners. We are looking for someone with more than just the perfect resume. We are looking for individuals with a passion to serve children and families in our communities. Someone who doesn’t want to do this life-changing work alone. Someone who is ready for the opportunity to develop not only as a clinician, but also as a person. If you’re a qualified applicant who wants to be the hope for families in Northeast Louisiana, learn how to submit your resume at www.standforhope. org/apply.

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Baby’s First Visit To the Dentist

NE OF THE MOST EXCITING EXPERIENCES as a parent is watching your baby’s first tooth come through! It can also be one of the most challenging because, let’s be honest, a teething baby isn’t exactly a happy baby. Regardless, you may be wondering when is the right time to start taking your baby to the dentist? The answer is: as soon as baby’s first tooth comes through or by their first birthday (whichever comes first). You can expect to see tooth #1 between 6 and 12 months and some babies pop their first tooth as early as 3 months old (and in some rare cases before they’re even born). Taking baby to the dentist is extremely important to make sure there aren’t any irregularities in their teething patterns, to start tooth decay prevention, and get expert knowledge on how to keep your child’s smile healthy and adorable.

HOW TO SCHEDULE BABY’S FIRST APPOINTMENT? Scheduling your child’s first appointment is easy at Tuft Pediatric. Just give us a call at (318) 410-0044 and our support staff will direct you through the entire process of becoming a new patient. When scheduling an appointment, think about what would be easiest and most convenient for you and your baby. Consider scheduling when your baby is usually in a good mood and not during nap time. Many of our parents find the best time is in the morning., which will allow your visit to go much smoother. WHAT TO EXPECT? Here at Tuft Pediatric, while your child is under two, you’ll be shown into our baby exam room. Here you can hold your baby while Dr. Tuft examines them instead of them sitting on the big kid dental chair. Dr. Tuft will likely examine their gums, teeth, and check for correct orientation, cavities, or any irregularities. He will give you tips on how to maintain your child’s dental hygiene. He may apply fluoride varnish to their teeth to keep them nice and strong, despite our area’s lack of fluoridated water. Please feel free to ask Dr. Tuft any questions. For example, “How should I brush my baby’s teeth?” “When should I start weaning them off of their pacifier?” “How can I safely relieve their teething pain?” We strive to make our office a safe space for you to ask questions and get support. Your child’s safety and happiness is always our priority! We can’t wait to hear from you and meet your little one! Tuft Pediatric Dentistry www.tuftpediatricdentistry.com (318) 410-0044

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Where One’s Heart is Found Within One’s Style HARTFORSTYLE Can Be Found at Mercantile Monroe in Downtown Monroe

H O WO UL D YO U C O N S ID E R A LOCAL fashionista? HARTFORSTYLE is certainly devoted to following the vintage fashion of the day. She shares her love of fashion and style with each vintage piece she carries. This just means there’s more chance to find a style that resonates with you. Not everyones personal style is the same but can be inspired by pieces from our vintage collection. It’s easy to get overwhelmed when choosing the outfit of the day but at HARTFORSTYLE there are timeless pieces for all ages and will have you crushing on all of their outfits and ways she styles her looks and photos. From serious and chic to fun and feminine, be prepared for some closet eye candy. It’s not hard to see why HARTFORSTYLE has such following on social media - the stylish range of tasteful vintage wear would be a challenge not to become obsessed with. With our mission to inspire individual style with classic vintage wear, you are sure to find what you are looking for in the amazing collection we have on hand. Our retro pieces are perfect for mixing and matching. There are vintage inspired dresses with a modern twist, fun whimsical prints that anyone would love and skirts, blouses or graphic tees that you can get many different uses out of. Our pieces are timeless and are for any vintage loving guy or girl on any budget.

We are glad to be a part of Mercantile Monroe, located in the heart of Downtown Monroe. You can also follow us on all social media outlets for our news, updates and fashion thrifts and shop with us online at www.hartforstyle.com. HARTFORSTYLE is a second-hand online thrift business that focuses on the importance of repurposing clothing and preserving vintage fashion. 19-year-old West Monroe native Hartley Waldrop is the owner and curator of this business. Recently launching her new website, Hartley’s goal is that everyone would find their “heart” for style and learn to love vintage and unique fashion just as much as she does. Since starting this business when she was just 16 years old, HARTFORSTYLE has gained a following and a name for itself. Get to know Hartley and all that her business is about! HARTFORSTYLE Facebook: @hartforstyle Instagram: @hartforstyle www.hartforstyle.com now located inside Mercantile Monroe

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SIMPLY LOU SPRING FLING article and illustration by LOU DAVENP ORT

y the time this issue goes to print, it will be one of my favorite times of the year and spring will finally be here! I’ve been watching for signs of spring since January, but, “Old Man Winter” just wouldn’t go away! I guess I shouldn’t complain though. Last year, we had snow and ice. Luckily for us, this winter has been fairly mild, but, as we all know, we usually have one last “cold snap” before we really get into spring, and tonight, the weather says rain mixed with snow...and it actually snowed! It was pretty to watch, but I was thankful that is was just enough to “dust the ground.” When I was growing up, I could not wait to just be outside all the time. I lived in a neighborhood full of kids that were around my age, so, we were riding our bikes, making mud pies, and generally having a great time. My first memory of spring was the arrival 122 APRIL 2022 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

of my Mother’s tiny daffodils that she had planted along the top of the drainage ditch in front of our house. They were so pretty and I would pick countless little bouquets of them. My mom showed me how to put a little food coloring in the water that I put them in, and they would actually get a new color around the edges of the little flowers! My mother and grandmother loved working in the yard, and the last time I went by the house that I grew up in, there were still some of those shrubs, namely a “Spirea,” (or “Bridal Wreath”) as it was called back then, a Forsythia and a Flowering quince. I didn’t pick any of those Flowering quince though, after learning the hard way, because they have thorns! Later on in the year, they would plant annuals in the front flower bed. I have several pictures of those flowers, and although I don’t remember picking any of them, there were

tons of Bachelor Buttons, Zinnias, and one of my mother’s favorites, Impatients, (otherwise known as “Touch-me-nots”). There were Nandinas behind them, and Lirope bordering the beds. Needless to say, our yard was very beautiful. My first memory of learning about hummingbirds was when one flew into the large picture window in our living room. My mother rushed out to save it, but, luckily, it had recovered and flown away. I remember having all kinds of questions about them, and she got out one of our “World Book” encyclopedias, and we learned all we could about those fascinating little creatures. To this day, I love those little amazing birds. I have already bought a brand new hummingbird feeder, and am anxiously awaiting their arrival. If all goes as planned, hopefully they’ll start coming back around by March 15th!

I guess I got my love of plants, birds, and just the general outdoors from my mother and grandmother. My grandmother had a bedroom that she fully dedicated to all of her houseplants, although she called them “her flowers!” When she’d go to visit my other aunts, I was put in charge of watering all of those “flowers” of hers. It’s funny, I, too, have a living room full of houseplants now! I guess I learned, and got my love for them, honestly. Although, I don’t have a big yard anymore, I do have a small patio. Out there, I have several plants that I have “nursed” through the winter. One is my red honeysuckle, that I thought had died from all the ice last year. Determined to keep them going as best I could, I cut it back, kept it pampered, and now, it’s doing great, and beginning to climb up the small fence that I have. My ferns, a “Kimberly Queen,” and an Asparagus fern are doing great! Now that there’s been a bit of warmer weather, I can once again sit out there with them, and “watch” the world go by. When I lived in Vicksburg, my oldest daughter and son had to make wildflower collections in one of their classes. Of course, I helped them, and I ended up getting hooked! I found so many beautiful wildflowers over there, and I did dig up a “Jack in The Pulpit,” that I planted on the shady side of our house. By the time I moved many years later, it was over a foot high. I so hope the people who bought my house knew what it was, and that is now multiplying and maybe, just maybe, those little “Jack Babies” have filled up the whole side bed. Where I found this “Jack in the Pulpit,” was also teeming with other plants that were considered endangered species, such as “trillium,” “Golden Dragons,” and several other exotic species. They grew in a shady, old forest area and, again, I hope they are still there. It is sad to say, but most of those areas are quickly disappearing. There were other less than exotic species of wildflowers that I found, such as “Toadflax,” “Wild Geranium,” “Blue Eyed Grass,” and “Goats Beard.” They are so beautiful, and if you don’t look closely, you just might miss them. Right now, I have several “Blue Eyed Grass” plants out by the fence...another sign that I know spring is right around the corner! Along the highways, you can spot “Evening Primrose,” “Queen Anne’s Lace,” and maybe, just maybe, the “Crimson and Red Clover” that are beginning to make their appearances. It is about to be an explosion of color, and I cannot wait! Sometimes, it IS just the little things that make me happy. Even though we’ve had some snow, and our usual all-seasonsin-one-day kind of weather, I have been riding around looking for the “signs of Spring.” Just the other day, I saw several beautiful Azaleas bursting into bloom. There were Redbud trees just beginning to open, and I also spied with my little eye a gorgeous yellow Jasmine climbing along someone’s fence. At the Beidenharn, yellow tulips were beginning to bloom, and I am sure when I ride by again, there will be many others! The “signs of spring” are beginning to pop up all around us, almost as if nature is hitting a reset button, and ready to revive and reinvigorate everything around us. I, myself, am looking forward to all the pops of color that are starting to emerge, sprouts that are beginning to blossom, the many different songs of birds coming and going, the days becoming longer, and the overall feeling of happiness that spring always brings me. Let’s celebrate it! What signs of spring have you witnessed?

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Food Bank Partners with Local Municipalities To Host Drive-Thru Food Distributions

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WITH THE HIGH COST OF FUEL AND FOOD, WE KNOW that many of our neighbors are facing tough times again,” said Jean Toth, Food Bank Executive Director. We hear their stories every day: the parents skipping meals to save money, the retired widow choosing between food or medicine, or the children who rely on school meals to be fed. However, because of the generous community support of the Food Bank of Northeast Louisiana, our neighbors are not without hope. Our organization has hosted drive-thru food distributions since the beginning of 2020 as a response to the pandemic and other disasters. During the coming months, the Food Bank will host 17 mobile food distributions across the region to help provide food to our neighbors experiencing hunger. “We hope the food will help families who are struggling to purchase groceries, and will help to provide a peace of mind,” said Toth. The Food Bank is partnering with local municipalities and organizations to host drive-thru food distributions in Madison, Tensas, Jackson, West Carroll, Morehouse, Richland, Union, Caldwell, and Lincoln Parishes. Residents attending a distribution will receive groceries such as proteins, dairy, and fresh produce, along with a 30-pound box of shelf stable food items. “The money I don’t use for food, I can use it to pay bills like the light bill,” said Kacey, Food Bank client.

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Kacey lives in Chatham, Louisiana, with his wife and four grandchildren. Kacey told us his grandchildren enjoy the groceries they receive from the Food Bank, especially when he makes biscuits for them before school in the morning. “There’s a lot of nutritious foods, and our kids look forward to them,” he said. If you’re interested in helping, donations are needed. Every $1 helps provide about 3 meals. The Food Bank is also in need of volunteers. If you or your organization would like to volunteer with us, please call 318-322-3567 or visit foodbanknela.org/volunteer. “It’s amazing what our community can do when we come together. Thank you to all who help,” said Sarah Hoffman, Food Bank Director of Development. To see a full list of area food distributions, please visit foodbanknela. org/find-food. The Food Bank is the largest hunger-relief organization in Northeast Louisiana, providing over 7 million pounds of food annually to those facing hunger in the 12-parish region. This impact is made possible through the generosity of our supporters, volunteers, food donors and community distribution partners. At the Food Bank of Northeast Louisiana, we believe no one should go hungry.

Antioxidant Serums

Spa Nouvelle Talks All Things Vitamin C

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SKIN IS NATURALLY BUILT FOR repair. When bombarded by environmental assaults, the skin must focus on neutralizing oxidate damage which limits its capacity for reparative functions. Daily use of pure Vitamin C antioxidants, when properly formulated to penetrate the skin, protects against damage and enhances self repair to reduce signs of aging.” - Sheldon Pinnell, M.D. WHY USE AN ANTIOXIDANT? Research shoes that aging is the result of more than just years on the calender. Exposure to environmental elements such as sunlight, smoke, and air pollution causes signs of premature aging in skin. Not only does this lead to the formation of fine lines, wrinkles, blemish, and discoloration, it can lead to more serious conditions. Studies prove antioxidants effectively neutralize chemical reactions generated by exposure to environmental assaults.

SkinCeuticals was founded on the academic research of Dr. Sheldon Pinnell, who established and patented the first formulation parameters required for Vitamin C absorption and efficacy in the skin. He and the SkinCeuticals research team helped pioneer the advent of cosmeceuticals with he development of the original topical Vitamin C formula. These parameters came to be known as the Duke Parameters, the gold standard for effective delivery of Vitamin C to the skin. WHICH ANTIOXIDANT FORMULA IS RIGHT FOR YOU? SkinCeuticals has developed a full menu of high-potency formulas designed to provide the most advanced protection from environmental damage for all skin types and concerns. Some of Spa Nouvelle’s favorites include: AOX Eye Gel - an innovative serum-in-gel Vitamin C combination antioxidant treatment created specifically for delicate skin around the eyes.

C E Ferulic - an award-winning Vitamin C combination antioxidant serum proven to deliver advanced environmental protection agains atmospheric skin aging. Silymarin CF a powerful Vitamin C antioxidant for oily and blemish-prone skin that provides advanced environmental protection and helps prevent oil oxidation that may lead to breakouts. C + AHA - a two-in-one Vitamin C antioxidant and exfoliating serum that protects skin from free radical damage. Phloretin CF - a synergistic Vitamin C combination antioxidant that provides broad-range environment protection against damaging free radicals caused by UVA/UVB rays and pollution. Serum 10 AOX+ and 20 AOX+ - fast absorbing Vitamin C combination antioxidants serums that help protect skin from free radicals and defend against environmental damage. If you’re looking to protect your skin from free radicals, prevent early aging and reduce lines and wrinkles, the staff at Spa Nouvelle will guide you toward a skin regimen perfectly suited for your needs. Schedule your consultation with Drew Farr or Wendy Newsom, each have decades of experience helping women and men put their best faces forward. Spa Nouvelle is located at 1705 Lamy Lane in Monroe. Call 318.816.4949 or visit their website for a full list of aesthetic services and massage packages.

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Cities of Monroe and West Monroe Band Together Bringing Technology Opportunities to Rural Louisiana

HE CITIES OF MONROE AND WEST MONROE ARE banding together to bring technology opportunities to the Twin Cities. Both municipalities have entered into an agreement with Technology for Rural America (TFRA) that will help bring enhanced broadband infrastructure and the availability of significantly better broadband services to residences, businesses, government, and institutions like schools, libraries, and healthcare providers. The Twin Cities’ relationship with TFRA will help both cities find the best way to move forward amidst so many different funding opportunities and identify next steps for both cities’ priorities. Mayors Friday Ellis and Staci Mitchell recognize that the availability of robust broadband is more critical than ever to public health, education, healthcare, and a thriving community. “Access to reliable broadband is no longer a luxury but a necessity to recruit businesses and people to the Twin Cities and keep us moving forward,” said West Monroe Mayor Staci Mitchell. More than 42 million Americans lack broadband access, including rural communities. TFRA is seeking to expand rural broadband access. “Access to high speed internet is not only a workforce issue, but an equity issue,” says Monroe Mayor Friday Ellis. The cities also recognize there are significant state and federal

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funding sources available in the near future to assist both private broadband service providers and public entities like the cities. The American Rescue Plan Act earmarked $350 billion for a variety of services for state and local agencies, including expanded broadband access. Consulting with experts in the field of broadband will allow both Monroe and West Monroe to improve and deploy new infrastructure, aid affordability, and increase digital literacy that will improve the quality of life for citizens and businesses. Furthermore, working with experts like TFRA, gives both cities the opportunity to leverage established relationships and connections from across the country. “We view widespread access to high-speed internet services as a critical enabler for improving Education, Telehealth, online commerce and attracting businesses and jobs to our region. We believe the cities of Monroe and West Monroe are taking a leadership role in significantly transforming their communities by strategically focusing on, and planning for, a robust broadband future for their residents and businesses. We look forward to working with them in this important endeavor.” said Glen Post, TFRA CEO and Chairman. Next steps include completing and evaluating mapping data to determine specific broadband needs.

Finding Your Own Eggs on Easter Positive Steps Helps BY J. PRESTON PARRY, MD, MPH

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WHAT IF IT’S ME?” IS THE COMMON nagging thought at the back of the mind when trying to conceive. More specifically, it is common to worry if one’s eggs have gone from the sunny side to somehow having been poached. As a society, we tend to focus on the ovaries, when actually the uterus and Fallopian tubes can be just as relevant. However, the eggs absolutely matter and as we age, they are more likely to be the driving force. For highly fertile women (averaging 8 children) not using contraception, half will conceive for the last time at 40 to deliver by 41. This makes 40 a much more concerning cutoff than 35, but even at 35 women are six times more likely to have subfertility relative to 25 (30% vs 5%). If you are at a point where you want to conceive but haven’t, it is easier to get answers and treatment than to worry. For answers, many turn to a blood test called “FSH” which is an abbreviation for follicle stimulating hormone. It measures how hard the brain has to work to

convince the ovaries to make eggs (“oocytes”). AMH has become the gold standard blood test, and is tied for accuracy with ultrasound for antral follicle count. I prefer antral follicle count (AFC), as it can give an immediate result and pelvic imaging can give perspective for uterine and tubal factors, which can matter just as much as the ovaries. When combining one’s age with either AMH or AFC, more than 95% of the time women can have a reasonable sense of how their ovarian clock is ticking, even though quantity doesn’t always predict quality. The most common intervention for offsetting egg issues is to increase the number available through medication such as clomiphene or letrozole. This is particularly powerful if not normally releasing eggs (such as through stress or PCOS)—if going from zero eggs to one, that is a much larger boost than going from one to two. However, if egg issues are not the driving cause, there isn’t as much benefit as we would think from pills by themselves. We reflexively think to

treat fertility with clomiphene, but if a 30-yearold woman trying to conceive for 18 months has 2% monthly chances, how much is a second egg truly going to improve those odds if changing nothing else? Success has to be combined with safety. Ultrasound monitoring of oral fertility medications to confirm how many eggs are developing can help reduce the risk of a reality show, even though the body won’t always read the book. Oral medication combined with insemination is an economical route to conception for many, but the best control over eggs is through IVF (in vitro fertilization). This allows multiple eggs to be obtained all at once, to see how well sperm fertilize them, and even lets one test the DNA to see if the embryo is healthy or if it is likely to miscarry. Moreover, IVF allows freezing of eggs or embryos (fertilized eggs), which can help if postponing fertility for reasons ranging from career to chemotherapy. The ultimate solution to finding eggs is to have someone else do it for you. At Positive Steps Fertility, we can quickly and affordably help you understand your path to becoming a parent. Getting results often puts people in a better place—if normal, this is reassuring and if there is a problem, this can be hard (though most issues can be improved), but it is better than struggling for years without knowing. If you’re wondering about your own eggs this Easter, let us help—we’re “eggsperts” in family building!

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Traveling Chic Boutique A Mother - Daughter Duo Like No Other

F WE HAVEN’T MET, I’M COURTNEY PHILLIPS RILEY and I am so happy you have found my business! I am the owner and face of Traveling Chic Boutique-Louisiana. After graduating from Louisiana Tech University in 2017 with a degree in fashion merchandising and a minor in marketing, I decided that I wanted to follow in my dad’s footsteps and become a business owner. My mom, Kerri Phillips, hopped on board as she is passionate about fashion and travel as much as I am. In fact, I can confidently say “I got it from my momma!” After doing research, I found a company called Traveling Chic Boutique in North Carolina that allowed me to own a franchise! A mobile boutique allowed me to combine two areas I love (shopping and travel), plus I did not want to have a storefront. Now this is where the star of the team comes into the mix…my 1972 Airstream Globetrotter, Patsy, that houses my boutique. Finding new vendors and supporting other small businesses are something we strive to do for our customers as we travel Louisiana, Arkansas, and Texas. I want TCB to be known as a boutique that fits your look and budget regardless of your age. Because really age is just a number. When you shop with Traveling Chic Boutique-Louisiana, we promise you will find something new every time. How can you shop with us? You can find us at various events on most weekends. Follow us on social media to see where we are headed next! We also specialize in hosting trunk shows at your house, office, or event. We will set up a selection of clothing, jewelry, and more to let your friends, family, and colleagues shop until you drop! If you host the trunk show, you can choose to receive a percentage of the total sales in a TCB gift card or we will donate the percentage to your favorite local charity! Don’t want to host a trunk show or can’t make it to an upcoming even? That’s ok, you can schedule a private shopping session at a time that is convenient to you. We also have an online storefront and offer local delivery to Monroe, West Monroe, and Ruston! A common question I get is, “When are you opening a storefront?” The answer (for now) is, probably never! My true passion is found in getting out there and meeting new people, while maintaining relationships with my loyal customers back home. So for now, my storefront is Patsy, and my location is where ever we are headed to next! My customers who have followed me for a while, know me from Woodstock Home and Gift. I have worked there part time over the last five years, and every time I try to leave they find a way to reel me back in. And for good reason! I love the environment at Woodstock and I will continue to display some of my items there, and host popups with Christy at her store. How do you find us? Website: www.shoptcbwm.com Facebook: Traveling Chic Boutique Louisiana or join our VIP group: Traveling Chic Boutique-Louisiana Instagram: @tcb_louisiana Email: courtney@travelingchicboutique.com

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Gather Your Friends Brown Bag Concert Series

ELEBRATE THIS SEASON OF REBIRTH WITH FRIENDS, food, and fun! Join us every Wednesday in April for the Northeast Louisiana Arts Council’s noontime outdoor Brown Bag Concerts Series. Come on down to the lush green Palace Park at 220 DeSiard Street (beside the old Palace Dept. Store location), our venue for 2022’s first Brown Bag Series (public parking at 4th and DeSiard). In case of rain, we’ll move indoors to the old Palace Dept. store, next door to the park. Bring your lunch or just grab a $5 sack lunch on site from Newk’s Eatery including their famous tea. Mulhearn’s will again provide free cookies to make the events extra sweet. Water and lemonade will also be available. Picnic blankets and lawn chairs are encouraged! Performances are free, thanks to our sponsors Mulhearn’s, Newk’s Eatery, The Palace, and the City of Monroe. Here’s who will be on stage: April 6 - Joel Jordan - We kick off the Series with full-time musician and songwriter Joel Jordan (who also performs under the stage name The Reverend Joel David). Performing with Astro Motel, Jig the Alien, and as a solo act, Joel’s been all over the South and credits rock ‘n’ roll, the blues, and the Holy Ghost for saving his life. Come hear Joel’s musical expression of his soul-deep love of rock n’ blues as we get the Series underway. (Portions of bio courtesy strausstc.com) April 13 - Hal Mayfield - We hit our stride with this prolific young performer who lives to “play for people, make albums, and write better songs.” Hal’s inspirations are Woody Guthrie, Lead Belly, and Bob Dylan along with the sounds of groups like Old Crow Medicine Show and Nickel Creek. Hal has several albums to his credit already with performing experience near and far. Come join us as we bask in the tunes and sunshine down at the park. April 20 - Bethany Raybourn - Come get a taste of the folksyflavored roots Americana style of this local singer-songwriter in this third outing of this spring’s Series. Bethany got her start singing in church, and her musical talent has blossomed forth from there, shaped by folksy/country influences like Lucinda Williams and Neko Case. Come relax in the park and listen to this multi-instrumentalist perform her original tunes and some folksy favorites. as we head into the Series home stretch. April 27 - Anita Prophet and Rita Spillers - This duo’s talent moves the soul! Alice sings many different styles of music from Patsy Cline and Linda Ronstadt to inspirationals, standards and oldies. She has written and recorded a CD of Christian music, performed in Branson and onstage at the Dove Awards among many stage, TV, and radio appearances. Today she’s joined by local favorite pianist Rita Spillers. Rita played for Warehouse Restaurant guests for 25 years plus is a regular at many local churches and special events. With several CDs of her work to her credit, she imbues her performance with her love of her instrument and song. Today the duo’s music will lift your heart as we close out the Series and head into the Spring. For more information or to confirm the show will go on in case of rain, call the Arts Council office at 397.6717 or 397.6754. Visit the Arts Council online at www.nelaarts.com, find us on Facebook or Instagram @region8arts!

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ON THE FA R M Though a small operation, La Bonne Vie Farm’s steady growth has allowed Heather and Robin Richard to extend the goods of their labor to this small riverboat community in Tensas Parish, one experiencing a Renaissance, thanks to artistic and craft-based endeavors which their farm truly represents. ARTI CL E BY VA NELIS R IVER A AN D P H OTO S B Y KELLY MOOR E CLA R K

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or Heather and Robin Richard, baby chicks were the first animal in line to what has become La Bonne Vie Farm and Homestead located on the shore of Brushy Lake in St. Joseph “St. Joe” Louisiana. The flux of the pandemic pushed them to take action on conversations they had been having for a while, ones mainly directed at improving their food sources. “We started out with six little chicks,” says Heather. Six chicks led to a couple of ducks, which opened the door to goats, which inspired the purchase of a few rabbits, “And so it just kind of snowballed,” adds Robin. Two years later, the Richard family finds themselves surrounded by a troop of adorable and very active barn animals that not only have enriched their lives but have also allowed them to satisfy their basic food production needs. Though a small operation, the farm’s steady growth has allowed Heather and Robin to extend the goods of their labor to this small riverboat community in Tensas Parish, one experiencing a Renaissance, thanks to artistic and craft-based endeavors which La Bonne Vie Farm truly represents.

S M A L L B AT C H

Goat milk makes its way into some of Heather’s small-batch La Bonne Vie products, which include soap, lotion, bath bombs, and various aromatherapy merchandise. “My daughter has allergies and eczema and goat milk is really good for that,” she affirms. Currently, her products are available at Folkway Co. Mercantile, a chic boutique located in historic downtown St. Joe offering goods from regional artisans, mom and pop brands, and local seasonal provisions.

Originally from Mobile, Alabama, Heather was not one to have the idea of a farm and homestead in her purview. Nevertheless, documentaries like Food, Inc., and Food as Medicine jolted the couple and awakened in them a yearning to seek better food products. Heather, additionally, has always been concerned with the chemicals in food and how they could affect her health because cancer runs in her family. She started realizing that if she grew her own produce, cared for a few animals, she’d know exactly what she would be feeding her family. It was Robin who found the property, even before meeting Heather, with the intention of living close to his family who live in Waterproof, a mere 20 minutes from St. Joe. Even then, when they moved in during the summer of 2019, her focus was mainly assisting in the renovations of the lakeside property. The change to selfsufficiency was not immediate, but the first move was to get a garden going, though that was slow-rolling until, of course, the year of the pandemic came into play. The first item on Heather’s list was herbs. “I like learning the medicinal benefits of herbs and incorporating that too, that was important to me,” she says. Next, she chose microgreens because of their nutritional value and how easily they grow. “They’re so nutrient-dense,” enthuses Heather. “And they grow year-round,” chimes in Robin.

“When we started out, it was strictly for ourselves,” she says, emphasizing the importance of wanting to control where her family’s food originated. Already housing a flock of chickens and ducks, alongside her fluffle of bunnies, Heather posted on her Facebook page on a whim, only with the intention of sharing with friends and family how her life under quarantine was going. The responses were encouraging, and many vehemently asked when eggs would be available for purchase. As the animals came rolling in—more chickens, Nigerian Dwarf goats, more ducks, turkeys, quail, more bunnies, guineafowl, pigs, and most recently a donkey named Newton who acts as the livestock guardian of the farm (from their youngest boy’s wishlist)—a few problematic issues arose. “I think the biggest challenge has been rotating them…finding housing for them, building housing,” informs Heather. Though Robin takes charge of building the infrastructure for the animals, his job only keeps him home for a few days or weeks at a time. Only working with approximately 1.4 acres can be a game of Tetris sometimes, but thus far the grid in place is not only spacious for their livestock but easily accessible for the hardworking team. Finding organic feed also became an unexpected obstacle. “You can’t just go run and grab organic feed right down the road,” says Robin, adding that growing their own feed is on the horizon. WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | APRIL 2022 135

hile most farmers are up before sunrise, Heather is not the typical farm owner. “I go out by, probably, 8:30 [in the morning],” she laughs. “Sometimes before, but normally I get my son to school and then I start with the animals.” In addition to being fed once in the morning and once in the afternoon, Heather walks around the property throughout the day to make sure they have water. “We start with the pigs,” she says; they, apparently, are the first to be ready to eat. “And then the chickens and ducks are ready, and they’re, you know, fussing at you. The donkey will start braying,” she continues. “The rabbits are the quietest.” Though their loudest animal may well be the donkey, the pigs have ended up being the most demanding of the bunch, probably because they are the smartest. “They’re escape artists,” sighs Heather, who recounts that while she would love to put them on the grass, their sly nature has taken them to her neighbor’s yard, and so they are currently confined in a spacious fenced enclosure. Another problem child, for Heather at least, has been the quail. “They’re not my favorite,” she jokingly laughs, admitting she just hasn’t gotten the hang of them. Unlike chickens who torpedo toward her with longing affection when she grabs a handful of feed, the quail run the other way. “You’re gonna have to chase them down if they get out,” Robin explains. “They don’t love me as much as the others,” says Heather with a grin. The couple has gained a number of skills through YouTube tutorials and improved on that learning by joining organizations like Homesteaders of America where they were able to partake of an abundance of online resources on the subject of livestock. Thanks to the guidance from videos, podcasts, and blog posts, Heather and Robin began to process their birds and rabbits for consumption. Even though Robin grew up hunting and was exposed to animal processing, his aunt, who supplied part of their rabbit breeding stock, was skeptical about his proficiency. She viewed him as a city boy, as he had grown up between Baton Rouge and New Orleans. “We didn’t do a lot of rabbit hunting. I killed one rabbit, one time,” he admits. Yet, his resolve was unwavering, due mostly to his fear of the alternative protein sources lining the grocery shelves. Ultimately, living the farm-totable life has proven delicious and nutritious. Last Thanksgiving, the family had their first fresh turkey, which was aged, brined, then, two days later, fried and served. Thus far, Robin has taken the role of the butcher, and though Heather is “not quite ready yet” to make that jump, she knows that with his work hours, she eventually will. So far, Heather’s arena has been with the milk goats. Her first two goats, Willow and Lulu, came to them pregnant, so once they had babies, the farm started to get goat milk, which they immediately drank. Cow milk enthusiasts need not scoff at the thought because, of the multiple dairy goat breeds, the Nigerian Dwarf’s milk is the closest tasting to its herbivore counterpart. “Honestly, we weren’t really that worried about culture shock,” says Robin, adding, “It probably gets used in coffee more than we could use anything else.” While that is true, goat milk also makes its way just as frequently into some of Heather’s small-batch La Bonne Vie products, which include soap, lotion, bath bombs, and various aromatherapy merchandise. “My daughter has allergies and eczema and goat milk is really good for that,” she affirms. Currently, her products are available at Folkway Co. Mercantile, a chic boutique located in historic downtown St. Joe offering goods from regional artisans, mom and pop brands, and local seasonal provisions.

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HOMESTEADING MOVEMENT Homesteading may not be meant for everyone, but the products coming out of these regional, small-scale operations are part of a back-to-the-land movement that makes way for conversations about helping local resources flourish, improving and supporting small businesses, and ultimately strengthening the bonds of our community.

A few years ago, Heather laughed at the idea of buying chickens. Robin knew this of his wife, and once jokingly tried to convince her to buy a few chicks from an old-fashioned flea market when they lived in Mobile. “No way,” she said at the time, though Robin had already been considering permaculture, essentially for self-reliance. Back then, it was that “pie in the sky kind of dream,” he says. “It was a dream so big… [a] not-even-chasing-after-it type of dream, you know?” Now, they’re the kind of people that look for farmer’s markets and farm stands when they travel. They’ve discovered farm stays on Airbnb, and now try to filter their searches with the hopes of eating fresh eggs in the morning (though they tend to bring their own). Homesteading may not be meant for everyone, but the products coming out of these regional, small-scale operations are part of a back-to-the-land movement that makes way for conversations about helping local resources flourish, improving and supporting small businesses, and ultimately strengthening the bonds of our community. “I’ve just fallen in love with it,” beams Heather. “It’s so relaxing and it’s so rewarding to do this and to just look outside and see all my babies.” Follow La Bonne Vie Farm and Homestead on Facebook to learn more about their animals and products. Feel free to call them at (318) 766-0449 and ask about Heather’s soap-making workshops.

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LAKE LIFE

THE SEASON’S HOTTEST LOOKS– FLORAL PRINT DRESSES WHITE LINEN, TWO-PIECE SWIMSUITS – ARE YOUR PASSPORT FOR LAKE LIVING. SHOP ALL DAYE Both cool and comfortable, this button-down midi dress boasts a floral print with belt at the waist. Pair it with a multi-color bag with pompom accessory, white platform sneakers and a white hat with frayed rim.

HEMLINE MONROE This Caribbean blue crinkle two-piece is an 80s-inspired swimsuit that offers stretch recovery, allowing it to fit seven sizes in one. Pair with a white linen top elevated by cuffed and tacked sleeves, shell buttons and a cutie collar. Accessorize with chunky oversized hexagonal sunglasses, straw hat with scarf, natural raffia sandals and a multicolored block bag.

Hair and Makeup: Meka Bennett Model: Georgia Faith Hill Photography by Kelly Moore Clark Special thanks to the Gillikin family for allowing us to use their beautiful home for our Lake Life fashion shoot.

PALETTE HOUSE AND PLUME Georgia Faith is comfy chic in this striped linen dress with adjustable sleeves. Pair it with gold hoop earrings and straw hat with genuine leather chin strap and wood bead .

DUSTY & COMPANY A green sleeveless top with lace embroidery is worn with super distressed Judy Blue midrise denim shorts. Accessorize with white sandals with mesh straps, loop earrings and stackable beaded bracelets.

HERRINGSTONES A yellow and cantaloupe ruffle top is paired with a white button-down duster. A high rise vintage loose leg denim short is worn with these Italian-made platform sandals featuring a chunky heel and wide leather strap. Accessorize with yellow acrylic hoop earrings, black straw hat, horse bit necklace, Diff sunglasses and a multi-colored jute bag.

HARTFORSTYLE An upcycled kelly green knit sweater with block print is accessorized with a paisley print scarf and a khaki mini skirt with belted waist.

TRAVELING CHIC BOUTIQUE An aqua seamless crop tank is worn with high-rise distressed denim jeans. A flowy kimono with butterfly design completes the look. Travel in style with this blue tote, espadrille flats, and straw hat.

What’s All the Bruja? New Beers from Spoetzl Brewery

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

N 1909 THE RESIDENTS OF SHINER, TEXAS DIDN’T strike gold. They struck water. And shortly thereafter, they learned that they could turn that water into some pretty tasty beer. Today, every drop of Shiner is still brewed with the same pure artesian well water that has wet the town’s whistle for more than a hundred years. The modern day Spoetzl Brewery is a far cry from the old tin shed where Shiner first flowed back in 1909. Born in Bavaria, founder Kosmos Spoetzl’s passion for beer carried him as far as Egypt before arriving in tiny Shiner, Texas. There, he purchased the town’s brewery and became Shiner’s first official brewmaster, a post that he held for nearly half a century. After a long day’s toil in the fields, hardworking farmers around Shiner would often find a cold bottle of Shiner beer waiting on a fence post, left there by Kosmos Spoetzl. The farmers enjoyed some cold refreshments, and Shiner earned more loyal fans. Today, the employees at the brewery still raise a glass to Kosmos Spoetzl, creator of the original Shiner Beer Break. In the 1970s Shiner Beer’s reputation began to spread beyond the town of Shiner, eventually rising to fame in the Cosmic Cowboy Capital of Austin, Texas. There, in venues like the Armadillo World Headquarters, an eclectic group of hippies and rednecks enjoyed Shiner for just three dimes a glass. The beer was a hit, and a sign of things to come as Shiner would soon be enjoyed by drinkers across the country. Today, Shiner, Texas is home to 2,069 residents and a pretty famous little brewery. They say some things never change, but Shiner has added some great new brews to its lineup over the years. Here are some of the newest offerings. BRUJA TEX HEX IPA, 7% ABV, 60 IBUS* The newest beer in Shiner’s lineup is Texhex Bruja Brew IPA is a mythical IPA brewed with cactus water and Amarillo hops, delivering a medley of flavors from tangerine and pineapple to citrus and stone fruit. This brew has a bright, fruity finish with notes of minerality and cactus blossom. Pair with loaded nachos or beef brisket. 1909, 4.5% ABV, 11 IBUS Brewed with Heritage 2-row barley and Noble hops, this lager is delightfully flavorful and perfectly balanced. It has a subtle toasty

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aroma with restrained bitterness and a pleasant malt sweetness. Pair with grilled burgers, brats, steak kabobs and soft pretzels. STRAWBERRY BLONDE, 4.3% ABV, 11 IBUS The ideal spring seasonal beer, Strawberry Blonde is brewed with a mix of pale and wheat malts for a crisp finish. Nugget hops add a hint of resin, and lager yeast rounds out the fruit. The fresh strawberries come straight from Jim Collums Farm in Poteet, Texas. ORALE MEXICAN STYLE CERVEZA, 4.5% ABV, 9 IBUS Orale is a Mexican style cerveza brewed with agave, which gives it an earthy, mildly sweet flavor. Crisp and sessionable, Orale is vibrant, memorable, and delivers the excitement of a stand-out cerveza. Pair Orale with buffalo chicken or pork carnitas tacos. BREWERY TOUR VARIETY PACK Everyone’s favorite variety pack is back, but now in six pack cans. Brewery tour gives you gives you six different shiner brews in one package. Shiner Bock (the brewery’s flagship) is a rich American style dark lager with roasted barley malt and German specialty hops. Shiner Light Blonde is a smooth, easy drinking light beer with only 90 calories and 3.4 grams of carbs. Ruby Redbird has a hint of ginger and a kick of tart Texas Ruby Red grapefruit, making it ripe for the drinking. Agua Fresca is a brand new creation which takes inspiration from the traditional beverage served all over Texas. Brewed with watermelon and lime, it is light, fruity, and fresh. Sea Salt and Lime is a version of a light lager dressed with salt and lime. It is brewed with real lime peel and artisanal sea salt for a crisp flavor and refreshing finish. Lastly, Weisse ‘N Easy is an easy-drinking unfiltered wheat beer that is full of flavor but low in calories and carbs. Brewed with native Texas dewberries, it finishes slightly sweet. *ABV: Alcohol by Volume, IBU: International Bitterness Units 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.

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Snap, Crackle, Pop Why Are My Joints So Noisy? BY VAL IRION, MD

E’VE ALL EXPERIENCED IT: KNEES THAT SNAP WHEN we stand up, a neck that cracks when we turn our head and ankles that pop when we rotate them. Often, joint cracking can be loud – and perhaps a little disconcerting. It is no wonder that many people think there might be something wrong with their joints when they hear them snapping, popping, and cracking. Creaking and snapping joints can be annoying, but for the most part, they are nothing to worry about. Unless popping and cracking are accompanied by pain and swelling. These “POPs” are not good. These painful joint noises are often the result of an injury and needs to be addressed sooner versus later. Why do joints make noise? I hear about creaky joints from patients of all ages almost every day and the bottom line is that joints just make noise. Some of the more common reasons for popping joints: • Nitrogen bubbles: The joints surrounding tissues make synovial fluid to lubricate the surrounding area, protecting them from abrasion as you move. Nitrogen bubbles, a component of this fluid, often form in your joints. The cracking is the sound of gas being released from the joint, an action called cavitation. This process often occurs unintentionally when you walk, exercise, or get up from a still position. It takes time for nitrogen bubbles to form again, which is why you can’t repetitively crack the same joint until about 10 to 30 minutes pass. • Ligament Movements: Ligaments are composed of strong fibrous connective tissue that connects bones to each other. Your ligaments can be tight and may pop when you suddenly move or rotate at an unusual angle. • Rough Joint Surfaces: People often notice that their joints seem to make more noise as they get older. There is a good reason for that. The older you get, the more noise your joints can make, because some of your cartilage wears away as part of the normal aging process. The surfaces get rougher and your joints get a little noisy when they rub together. Joint sounds can come and go, depending on how you position your body when you sit and sleep, the amount of exercise you get, your age and just general wear and tear. What’s that sound? There are a few reasons why your joints snap and crack. If you are at the gym doing repetitive exercises, such as lifting weights or pushups, you might notice a clicking or soft snapping sound 150 APRIL 2022 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

each time you bend your arm or leg. This sound may be indicative that a muscle is tight and is rubbing and causing friction around the bone. The sound also could be coming from tendons rubbing over the bone. In this instance stretching before exercise can really help to reduce the joint noise. The shoulder is one of the noisiest joints… particularly during exercise. There are a lot of moving parts in the shoulder and several tendons that move over bones often resulting in snapping and cracking noises. What about cracking your knuckles? When you crack your knuckles, the sound is the result of the compression of nitrogen bubbles (cavitation) that naturally occur in the spaces of the joints. Even though you may have been told that cracking your knuckles will cause you to suffer from arthritis or make your knuckles swell or get larger, there actually is no scientific evidence to prove this. Popping and pain…time to see a doctor? If you hear or “feel “a popping sound in joint and it is accompanied by pain or swelling, you may have an injury that requires treatment. You should see your doctor popping is accompanied by: • Pain • Swelling • Bruising • Limited range of motion • The joint suddenly locks up after it pops. Cracking noises, which often sound like popping and often can be a sign of problems that require treatment, like gout, ligament tears, inflammation, and joint dislocation. How to avoid creaky joints… Move! Move! Move! You can avoid creaking joints by getting up and moving throughout your day. The more you move the more your body lubricates itself. If you are sitting or lying around, the fluid in your joints doesn’t move either. Activity and movement mean lubricated joints. My partners and I want to wish you and your loved ones a happy spring…get out there and enjoy the great weather and feel free to give us a call if you need to have a musculoskeletal spring check-up… we want to help keep you moving! Val Irion, MD is an orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine and joint replacement. To schedule an evaluation with Dr. Irion or the team at Orthopedic Specialists of Louisiana, please visit: orthopedicspecialistla.com or 866.759.9679

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Calendar of Events For a full list of event happenings in Northeast Louisiana, see our website at www.bayoulifemag.com April 1 - 3 She Loves Me She Loves Me is a musical with a book by Joe Masteroff, lyrics by Sheldon Harnick, and music by Jerry Bock. The musical is the third adaptation of the 1937 play Parfumerie by Hungarian playwright Miklós László, following the 1940 James Stewart-Margaret Sullavan film The Shop Around the Corner and the 1949 Judy Garland-Van Johnson musical version In the Good Old Summertime. It surfaced again in 1998 as the Tom HanksMeg Ryan feature You've Got Mail. The plot revolves around Budapest shop employees Georg Nowack and Amalia Balash who, despite being consistently at odds with each other at work, are unaware that each is the other's secret pen pal met through lonely-hearts ads. Hours: 7:30 PM - 10:00 PM Cost: $15 Venue: ULM Brown Theatre 4001 DeSiard St, Monroe Phone: (318) 342-3811 April 2 Landry Vineyards Concert - Code Blue & The Flatliners Landry Vineyards is proud to host a live performance by Code Blue & The Flatliners! If you enjoy rock, country, or just great dance music then this is for you. There will be food trucks available for food purchases. Also, Wine Bellini’s and drinks will be offered for purchase to support Landry Vineyards. Do not forget to bring lawn chairs or a blanket so you can have a place to sit. Spend your afternoon with your family while listening to local music, eating food and drinking Landry Vineyards wine! You can even take a wagon tour through the vineyards during the concert. Hours: 4:00 PM - 7:30 PM Cost: Adults: $10.00 Young Adults (13-18): $5.00 Children Under 12: Free Venue: Landry Vineyards, 5699 New

Natchitoches Rd, West Monroe Phone: (318) 557-9050 Rickey Smiley and Friends Rickey Smiley is a legendary comedian, actor, author, television host and award-winning radio host of the top-rated, nationally syndicated show, The Rickey Smiley Morning Show. Hours: 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM Cost: $60 Venue: Monroe Civic Center, 401 Lea Joyner Memorial Expressway, Monroe Warhawk Harley-Davidson’s 3rd Annual Crawfish Boil Warhawk Harley-Davidson will be having a crawfish boil, jumper for the kids, games, music, motorcycle test rides and more! Hours: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Venue: Warhawk Harley-Davidson, 6200 Frontage Rd, Monroe Phone: (318) 343-1650 North Louisiana Makers & Producers Market North Louisiana Makers and Producers Market is working to bring artisans, makers, crafters, livestock producers, and food producers together in North Louisiana. This is a community service that gives the area a fun, healthy way to come together and get to know their local makers and producers. Hours: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM Cost: Free Venue: Paramount Healthcare Consultants 1905 N 7th St, West Monroe Phone: (318) 372-4753 Week of the Young Child Join the Children's Coalition for Northeast Louisiana at Kiroli Park to celebrate the National Week of the Young Child with a picnic in the park. Admission to the park, sack lunches and activities will be provided. Hours: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

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Venue: Kiroli Park 820 Kiroli Rd, West Monroe Phone: (318) 323-8775 April 3 Goat Yoga at Double BB Farms Come join Double BB Farms for Goat Yoga at the farm! Goat yoga is for people of all ability or no ability at all! Hours: 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM Cost: $20 Venue: Double BB Farms 1816 Stubbs Vinson Rd, Monroe Phone: (318) 237-0827 April 5 - 16 Easter Village Come see the World’s Biggest Chocolate Bunny! The Children's Museum is hosting Easter Village in April. Bring your family in for baskets full of family fun! DEGGorate cookies, do an EGGperiment, visit with The Easter Bunny and more. Cost: $10 per person ages 2 and up Venue: Northeast Louisiana Children's Museum 323 Walnut St, Monroe Phone: (318) 361-9611 April 7 Downtown Gallery Crawl It's time to Crawl! Come and celebrate and experience the work of talented local artists while enjoying the warmth and charm of locally owned shops, businesses and eateries in Historic Downtown Monroe and West Monroe. Hours: 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM Venue: Historic Downtown Monroe and West Monroe Phone: (513) 857-1292 April 8 Off The Wall 2022 The 13th Annual Off the Wall fundraiser at the Masur Museum of Art is the area’s premier art auction featuring an excellent selection of art by artists in the community and from around the country. The party includes an expanded bar and

delicious food, both of which pair nicely with live music! Don't forget the ever-popular Bon Voyage Raffle. The raffle is a cash prize of $3,000! Hours: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Cost: $50 Venue: Masur Museum of Art 1400 South Grand, Monroe Phone: (318) 329-2237 April 8-10 Big Creek Trade Days Big Creek Trade Days are held monthly on the weekend before the second Monday of the month with over 100 indoor and outdoor vendors, food trucks, and fun for all ages! Hours: Friday & Saturday 9:00 AM5:00 PM, Sunday 10:00 AM-4:00 PM Cost: $5 per vehicle for the weekend Venue: 327 California Plant Rd. Dubach Phone: (318) 680-1304 April 9 Woofstock 22 Woofstock 22 is NELA's largest one day pet festival. One of the day's highlights is the Pet Advocacy Award given to an unsung hero who works tirelessly for the betterment of local animals. All area pet nonprofits will be on hand participating. Activities include a hippie pet pageant, all dog dash/dachshund dash, hippie costume contest, pet/family parade, fun run, pet/owner look alike, live music, and much more! Shop local with area artisans, boutiques, and unique finds. Bring your chair or blanket, grab something to eat from one of the food trucks, and enjoy the day. Hours: 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM Venue: Forsythe Park 2300 Sycamore St, Monroe Bunny & Me Breakfast Join the Easter bunny and enjoy the Bunny & Me Breakfast. Includes a CHICK-cuterie box and a visit with the Easter bunny. Tickets must be purchased in advance at nelcm.org.

Hours: 10:00-11:30 AM Cost: $15 per person Venue: NELA Children's Museum 323 Walnut Street, Monroe Cancer Foundation League's An Evening of Southern Elegance The mission of the Cancer Foundation League is to provide services to area cancer patients and to support the Louisiana Cancer Foundation. Join the Cancer Foundation League at their annual gala: An Evening of Southern Elegance. Seldom Seen, but strongly felt. Phone: 318-966-1953 April 10 Power & Grace This performance is the most requested performance Louisiana Delta Ballet performs. It is the Easter story told through scripture, dance, and a lot of emotion. It is a must see! Great for families, youth groups, Sunday School groups, or any group you can put together! Hours: 3:00 PM - Until Cost: Adults - $25; Students - $15 Venue: Monroe Civic Center, 401 Lea Joyner Memorial Expressway, Monroe Phone: (318) 345-1155 April 15 Pictures With the Easter Bunny Looking for a special way to enjoy spring and Easter? Kiroli Foundation and the City of West Monroe will be featuring fun events with a special guest on Friday, April 15th! Hours: 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM Cost: $5 Venue: Kiroli Park, 820 Kiroli Rd, West Monroe Phone: (318) 396-4016 April 16 Landry Vineyards Concert - Buddy Terzia & Friends Come celebrate an afternoon of fun with your family and community while listening to local music, eating local foods and drinking Landry Vineyards wine! Hours: 4:00 PM - 7:30 PM Cost: Adults: $10.00 Young Adults (13-18): $5.00 Children Under 12: Free Venue: Landry Vineyards, 5699 New Natchitoches Rd, West Monroe

Phone: (318) 557-9050 April 21 - 24 Ballet Under the Stars Beautiful dancing and an outdoor setting combine to make an unforgettable evening for patrons of North Louisiana’s signature Spring arts event. Celebrated choreographers will work their magic to produce a varied, full-spectrum concert of dance that covers many genres. Picturesque Kiroli Park creates the perfect backdrop for dancers to share their incredible strength, musicality, beauty and joy of dance. Venue: Kiroli Park 820 Kiroli Rd, West Monroe Phone: (318) 388-3011 April 21 Wine Over Water Wine Over Water is your opportunity to support scholarship funding by attending an elegant party on the beautiful ULM campus and Bayou Desiard. This year's event will create a new culinary experience for guests featuring suggested wine/beer and food pairings that is sure to make the evening special, informative, and deliciously fun! Enjoy Proceeds support "The Spirit of The Warhawk" scholarship (started by the Ouachita Parish Alumni chapter) and the ULM Alumni Association. Hours: 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM Cost: $60 Venue: Bayou Pointe Event Center, 100 Warhawk Way, Monroe Phone: (318) 342-5420 April 22-24 USA BMX Cajun Nationals The USA BMX World converges on the Ike Hamilton Expo Center for another exciting episode of the 2022 National Series. With a great, fun and fast track and killer competition, the action will be as awesome as ever! Venue: Ike Hamilton Expo Center, 501 Mane Street, West Monroe April 22 – May 1 Company: A Musical Comedy In this Stephen Sondheim musical comedy classic,35-year-old Robert struggles to make a wish as he blows out his birthday candles. Over a series of dinner parties, first dates, and thoughtful conversations, Robert attempts to understand the

pros and cons of marriage from his hilarious friends while beginning to understand his persistent bachelorhood. Hours: 7:00 PM-9:30 PM; Except Sundays: 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM Cost: General Admission: $30; Students: $15 Venue: Strauss Theatre Center 1300 1/2 Lamy Lane, Monroe Phone: (318) 323-6681 April 23 Celebrate Your Heroes 5K Fast 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run Celebrating Your Heroes and supporting hospice patients and families with living and burial expenses in Northeast Louisiana through the Hospice Promise Foundation. Dogs are welcome to sign up and costumes to dress as your hero are encouraged. Hours: 7:30 AM – 10:00 AM Cost: $30 Venue: Forsythe Park, 2300 Sycamore St, Monroe Phone: (318) 322-2235 April 29 Ouachita Live Join Downtown West Monroe at Ouachita Live! With delicious offerings from food trucks and great music, it’s sure to be a good time! Hours: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM Cost: Free Venue: Alley Park, 250 Trenton St, West Monroe April 30 Claws for a Cause Don't miss out on Dead Reckoning String Band playing, Spinner Entertainment's circus acts, and face painting with LA LunaChicks. The 318 Swampers will be out being Swampy. There will even be a petting zoo. 25% of profits raised will go to MedCamps to revamp their pool house! Hours: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM Cost: $50 per person and includes 3lb crawfish with potatoes, corn and free beer; Children - $10 Venue: Krewe de Riviere Den, 2519 S Grand St, Monroe

games and fun for the whole family. Venue: 400 Spillway Road, Chatham, Hours: 9 AM - until Shedfest Makers Market Come support the local craftsmen of the Ruston Community Men's Shed at their Annual Shedfest Makers Market. This is a fun event showcasing a large display of craftsmanship and woodworking talent here in Ruston. Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Cost: Free Venue: Ruston Men’s Shed, 2782 Hwy. 33 Ruston Phone: (318) 548-8722 April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Ruston Farmers Market Shop, eat, and support local at the Ruston Farmers Market. Choose from a wide selection of seasonal fruits and vegetables, meat, eggs, honey, jams, and other locally produced goods. Hours: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM Cost: Free Venue: Ruston Farmers Market, 220 E Mississippi Ave, Ruston Phone: (318) 957-1305 April 6, 13, 20, 27 Brown Bag Concert Series Join us every Wednesday in April for the Northeast Louisiana Arts Council’s noontime outdoor Brown Bag Concerts Series. Come on down to the lush green Palace Park at 220 DeSiard Street. Bring your lunch or grab a $5 box lunch on site. Picnic blankets and lawn chairs are encouraged! Performances are FREE, thanks to our sponsors Mulhearn’s, Newk’s Eatery, The Palace, and the City of Monroe. Hours: 12:00 PM - until Cost: Free Venue:Palace Park, 220 DeSiard Street, Monroe Phone: org (318) 397-6754

Caney Lake Gumbo Cookoff and Spring Festival Come out and support the community and local vendors at the 6th annual Gumbo Cook. Festival will include a silent auction, raffles, WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | APRIL 2022 153

154 APRIL 2022 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

BayouLife Magazine April 2022

Articles inside

LAKE LIFE

LESLIE RATCLIFF

THE WALKING PIG

ON THE FARM

ONCE UPON A PILLOW

SALT DOUGH ORNAMENTS

ENGLISH IVY

EASTER PARADE

BLUEBERRY SMASH