BY JUDY WAGONER

IN TODAY’S AESTHETIC WORLD, there are many treatments for fine lines and wrinkles, such as Botox, Filler, and Laser treatments, but once our skin starts to sag and droop, seeking anti-aging treatments without surgery can seem challenging. If you’re looking for a safe, non-surgical way to lift and tighten sagging skin, anywhere on the face or body, look no further than PDO Thread Lifts at Professional Laser Center.

PDO stands for polydioxanone, a synthetic, monofilament, flexible, raw material that is absorbed by the body. A PDO Thread Lift is an FDA cleared procedure that uses these dissolvable sutures to tighten and reposition sagging skin. The procedure is less invasive than facelift surgery and is usually performed in less than an hour. Tens of thousands of treatments have been performed for decades and, so far, there have been minimal reports of sensitivity to the threads, allergic reactions, or severe side effects.

A good candidate for a PDO thread lift is someone looking to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin laxity, and enhance overall appearance. PDO threads are very versatile and can treat virtually all areas of the face or body. You can achieve desired results such as smoother and tighter necklines, higher cheekbone contour, softer eyebrows and smile lines, and defined jawlines. They also work great on the body to lift and volumize sagging knees, arms, buttocks, stomach, and bat wings.

Our Nurse Practitioner, Elizabeth Hoskins, will identify areas on your face or body that have loose skin. She’ll mark where the threads will be inserted and then inject local anesthesia into the treatment area, making it numb. Then, she’ll use a hollow needle to insert the threads underneath the skin. As she pulls the needle out, the threads grab onto loose tissue to reposition and tighten the skin. Results are immediate and will continue to improve over the next few months, as the inflammatory response encourages new collagen production.

The procedure can cause minimal swelling and bruising, but usually resolves in a week or a few days. Some patients also experience slight discomfort immediately after the treatment, but this usually resolves quickly. Overall, PDO threads have a significantly lower risk of complications compared to surgery.

Even though PDO thread lifts are not permanent, the results last longer compared to other cosmetic treatments. Typically, results from PDO treatments last up to 18 months or longer before another procedure or touchup is needed. The cost of the procedure can run anywhere from $300 to $5000, depending on how many threads are used.

So, what are you waiting for? Get started today and turn back the hands of time. For more information or to schedule a free consultation or appointment, call Professional Laser Center at 318-361-9066. Please visit our website, www.professionallaser.com to view our list of other services and procedures.

BY STARLA GATSON

IF YOUR IDEA OF A GOOD DAY includes perusing local storefronts in search of a few one-of-a-kind finds, you’re in for a treat at The Good Daze. In fact, given the rather impressive inventory co-owners Jackie Murphy and Hartley Waldrop keep stocked in the shop, you’ll probably have quite a few good days inside the vintage clothing and local goods store.

The Good Daze was created when Jackie and Hartley, who owned and operated Mercantile Monroe and HARTFORSTYLE, respectively, decided to join forces. Despite having two different businesses, the two shared similar goals: to give off good vibes and happiness while giving customers the same quality items both women had become known for.

Coming together just made sense, Hartley, a 19-year-old West Monroe native who founded HARTFORSTYLE at just 16, explained. She said, “When I first met Jackie, I felt like I had met an older version of myself.” She goes on to explain that both women had a strong love for vintage fashion and art and wanted to cultivate a space filled with happiness, creativity, and overall good vibes. “It was only fitting that we merge our ideas,” Hartley said. “[And] a lot of awesomeness can happen when two strong-willed women come together!” Thus, The Good Daze was born.

When you walk through the door of the downtown Monroe shop, you’ll not only see one (or both) of its smiling-faced shop girls and racks of classic yet stylish vintage clothing, shoes, and household items. You’ll also see items made by a few of the area’s creatives, — “the makers, doers, and shakers,” as Jackie calls them — including Eclectic Karma Design, Yeehaw Princess, and Daniel Myers. Whether you’re searching for a gift for a friend or family member or simply want to treat yourself after a long week, you’re sure to find something that suits you among the shop’s offerings.

Jackie and Hartley are proud to be a part of Downtown Monroe and are excited to serve the area through The Good Daze. Their journey as co-owners of the storefront has only just begun, but they are confident their skills and passion — solidified by the following and reputation both women built for their businesses as individuals — will only add to the community. “I feel as if the future of The Good Daze is bright and perfect for Downtown Monroe’s development,” Hartley said.

Perhaps the best way to see what The Good Daze is all about is to visit Jackie and Hartley in person Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. In keeping with the spirit of spreading good vibes and happiness, the building, located at 401 Walnut Street, is painted a bright and cheerful shade of blue — you can’t miss it!

However, if you want to get a glimpse of the items the two women sell before heading downtown or stay up-to-date on all the business’s happenings, you can check out the shop’s social media profiles: @thagooddaze on Instagram and TikTok and The Good Daze on Facebook. You can even shop online at www. thegooddaze.com.

AS YOU SEARCH FOR A FATHER’S Day gift, consider sharing this article; there’s no better gift than the gift of health.

A new Cleveland Clinic study confirms that only half of the surveyed men get regular checkups. In addition, approximately 72 percent would choose household chores versus seeing a doctor.

Why? Women tend to interact with the healthcare system earlier when they begin seeing gynecologists. Whereas men, unless something is urgent, may not see a physician until their 30s or 40s for routine screening.

Some men simply don’t like talking about their health — even when they visit a doctor.

Learn from our patients and review this checklist—all of which the Surgery Clinic of Northeast Louisiana and Delta Vein Care can address—with your loved ones.*

Melanoma. Like many, Buddy Hill spent his childhood outdoors. His parents were adamant about sunscreen, so a skin exam never occurred to him. Still, at age 77, he was diagnosed with Melanoma. “My mentality was to visit the doctor when I was sick or in pain. Later, when my surgeon removed the stitches, he knew which ones would hurt, and he would warn me. He made me part of the conversation, and he spoke to me in terms I could understand.” The majority of people in the U.S. diagnosed with Melanoma are Caucasian men over age 55.

Obesity. Jay Paul has maintained a 200-pound weight loss since 2013 and no longer suffers from high blood pressure, prediabetes, or joint pain. “I truly embraced this journey as life-changing and have found it much easier to enjoy hunting, fishing, hiking, running, and exercising.” The Surgery Clinic offers a nationally-recognized weight-loss surgical program.

Colon Cancer. Stephen “Tank” Hill said, “If you’re proactive in all areas of your health, your disease can be caught early like in my case. You need to take it upon yourself to manage your health. Caring for your health does not have to be scary or embarrassing.” The Surgery Clinic offers robotic surgery to remove cancer, making the procedure minimally invasive and the recovery time shorter.

Vein Disease. One of our patients vividly remembers the first night following the 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.” Delta Vein Care offers minimally invasive procedures that typically only last one hour. *This is not a complete list of all issues affecting men’s health.

The Surgery Clinic of Northeast Louisiana is home to surgeons Dr. Walter Sartor, Dr. Bart Liles, Dr. Patrick Smith, and Dr. Mohamed Bakeer. Contact the clinic today with your questions about general surgery, vein care procedures, and weight loss surgery.

L-R: DR. WALTER SARTOR, DR. MOHAMED BAKEER, DR. BART LILES, & DR. PATRICK SMITH

FROM THE MOMENT A COUPLE starts talking about popping the big question, the ring can be one of the most exciting items on the list. At Steve’s Jewelry they believe that the experience of shopping for an engagement ring is just as important as the purchase. Isn’t it true that diamonds are a girl’s best friend? Helping a newly engaged couple find the perfect ring is something the team at Steve’s take pride in. The proposal is one of the most memorable moments in a young couple’s life together and is one of the first stepping stones to a happy marriage. This is why picking out the perfect piece for your loved one is so important. It’s going to be a forever piece!

Located in the heart of Bastrop on the square, Steve’s Jewelry is a locally family owned jewelry store that has it all for the happy couple at every stage - from engagement to walking down the aisle. Understanding that there is a great deal of thought that goes into choosing an engagement ring, the team at Steve’s are here to help. There are various styles, shapes and sizes to consider as well as numerous designer lines and especially the bride-to-be’s personal taste in jewelry.

At Steve’s Jewelry, they carry a large selection of engagement rings and loose diamonds. Sitting down and helping couples understand the quality of what exactly it is they are buying. The diamond is the most important part of an engagement ring. At Steve’s, they take the time to educate you on the craftsmanship and caliber of each piece of jewelry.

Not only do they specialize in wedding and engagement jewelry, Steve’s provides a full showroom of everyday jewelry, gift items and more. They are able to do custom work using computer-aided design and custom wax carvings. They also have a full jewelry repair workshop to help restore all of your most valued treasures.

At Steve’s Jewelry they believe that the best part of being a jeweler is being able to take your piece of jewelry that may lack some luster and bring it back to life. Being able to help restore your family’s most prized possession is something the staff at Steve’s Jewelry values most. Their friendly and professional customer service is what separates them from the rest. They go the extra mile to ensure that their customers are pleased with every purchase, jewelry repair or custom design.

One thing that speaks for itself is the reputation of being in business for more than 45 years. Since 1977, owner Steve Perry and family pride themselves in making your experience special so that you will continue to share with friends and family how the process of choosing the right piece met your needs. The best referral is from a happy customer. Steve and his family always thanks God for the success he has had as a local jeweler. *12 - 24 months same as cash financing and in house layaways.

BY LESLIE R COFFMAN, M.D.

FOR YEARS THE WOMEN IN NORTHEAST Louisiana have had the convenience of choosing between three excellent hospitals for their labor and delivery needs. With the announcement of Glenwood Regional Medical Center’s pause of services, this has limited obstetrics options for not only my patients, but our staff at the Louisiana Center for Women’s Health.

Regarding my personal story, I am a solo, private, board-certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist in collaborative practice with two excellent nurse practitioners. Previously, both St. Francis Medical Center and Glenwood Regional Medical Center required me to be on-call 24-hours-a-day, 7-days-a-week. I have been on call continuously for over a year, and decided I cannot sustain this amount of call without backup coverage. Neither hospital offered me any relief from continuous call, so I had to make the tough decision to terminate my obstetric hospital privileges until (and if) appropriate coverage could be arranged.

Now the good news: our medical office continues to provide quality private prenatal and postpartum medical care in a comfortable atmosphere. Under the current system, your delivery would occur at either St Francis Medical Center, which still offers obstetrics or Ochsner LSU Health Monroe by the physicians who are contracted to do so. If this situation changes, I plan to resume delivering babies. We fully realize this limitation on services affects the available choices for women in this community, and we want our patients to know that we are fully-committed to provide women with unmatched care during their pregnancies, as well as excellent gynecological care postpartum. We pride ourselves on offering sexual and reproductive health care in a private, personalized setting that isn’t part of a hospital or larger clinical network. Personcentered care has always been a priority, and we will continue to strive to treat our patients with comprehensive, personalized care despite the limitations that we are currently experiencing.

We are the Louisiana Center For Women’s Health, and we are here to help. We offer a full range of state-of-the art services for women including: diagnosis and treatment of the pelvis, breast, ultrasound, hormone analysis and therapy, addressing symptoms of menopause, advanced laser procedures, weight management, and a range of advanced cosmetic procedures.

To set up a personalized, confidential consultation for any treatment or a preventative care appointment, call Louisiana Center for Women’s Health or book online at www.monroewomens.health.

Leslie R. Coffman, M.D. | Fellow, American College of Surgeons | Fellow, American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists | Fellow, American Society of Cosmetic Surgeons

CAKE TOOK A HUGE LEAP forward by opening its storefront at 115 Trenton Street in Downtown West Monroe. With the arrival of our new storefront, our original business model of expanding custom orders was suddenly flipped on its head. Custom orders were quickly being overshadowed by a growing demand of everyday patrons who had fallen in love with our storefront offerings! This has led to an everexpanding variety of cakies, cookies, macarons, brownies, etc. that has given Chef Becky an opportunity to showcase innovation and skill with food and flavor combinations that are both creative and surprising.

Historically a location for retail businesses or office space, 115 Trenton Street’s transition into a food service establishment was no small feat. Long days, long nights, blood, sweat, and tears were spent preparing CAKE’s new home. However, to Chef Becky, the satisfaction of unlocking the front door of her dream every day is more than worth the journey it took to get here. CAKE takes great pride in presenting a sleek, modern, efficient, open, and inviting bakery. Surprisingly though, the war horse and backbone of our bakery is our vintage 20-quart Blakeslee commercial mixer, circa 1970. Although our aesthetic leans toward “industrial-chic,” it has always been our intention for modern equipment to exist alongside the tried-and-true tools and furniture of the past. Though in stark contrast, the inclusion of antiques in our bakery was paramount in Chef Becky’s vision – a nod to our induction into the history of Antique Alley.

Since settling into our new storefront, CAKE has had the honor of being included in the West Monroe West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce’s 2022 Small Business Awards - receiving a nomination for the Community Champion Award and being awarded the Emerging Entrepreneur Award. CAKE is also proud to be amongst the nominees for the 2022 Thomas H. Scott Award of Excellence.

The concept of family is an integral part of CAKE’s unique philosophy and everyday operation. When customers come into our bakery, they are greeted with an atmosphere of warmth and welcome. The centerpiece of the bakery is a family table – where ALL are welcome and encouraged to gather. It is not uncommon to hear the sounds of children, siblings, parents, and grandparents all participating in the life and success of the business.

At Cake, Thompson and Kemp are marrying their childhood favorites--pralines, millionaires, fudge, and cookies--with the foundational techniques of traditional French baking. A big-city style with an at-home feel reflects their demand for excellence through simplicity. At this bakery, each confection is a celebration, a centerpiece, and a statement. And, Thompson’s eye for design and flavor literally and figuratively takes the cake.

Cake is located at 115 Trenton St, West Monroe, LA, and is open Tuesday through Friday between 10

MANY TIMES DISTINGUISHING between lumbar spine pain and hip pain proves challenging.

The sciatic nerve is a conglomeration of multiple nerves that run a short distance through the buttocks and upper leg before branching into many other small nerves in the lower leg. Patients describe their pain as “ants crawling on my skin,” “electric shocks,” “pins and needles,” and even “burning or scalding.” Their leg symptoms can be combined with pain in the lumbar spine and buttocks and hips.

Many different changes in the lumbar spine can cause “sciatic” pain and lower back pain. A bulging or herniated disc places pressure on the nerves and causes irritation. Arthritis in the joints of the spinal vertebrae occurs just like an arthritic knee or shoulder. An MRI is usually needed to determine specifically the level in the spine where the nerve is compressed and producing the symptoms. After an MRI, appropriate treatment recommendations can be determined. New robotic technology offers minimally invasive surgical options, which dramatically reduce operative time and patient recovery time.

However, because these nerves pass through the buttocks and upper thigh area, many find it difficult to distinguish between “sciatic” pain and hip pain. Many hip conditions remain overlooked because people think they are experiencing low back issues.

Signs of hip arthritis present more acutely in the groin and front of the thigh. Upon first awakening in the day, the first steps will be very difficult. As the day progresses, walking becomes a little easier, but after sitting a while, an arthritic hip doesn’t want to get up and get going again. Regular x-rays are usually sufficient to diagnose an arthritic hip, and a hip replacement effectively returns an increased quality of life to most patients who undergo the procedure.

Other problems in the hip can produce nagging, aching pain. Just as a baseball pitcher can suffer a labral injury to his throwing shoulder, a person can suffer the same type of injury to the hip joint. The labrum surrounds the rim of the socket of the hip and can be torn like the same structure in the shoulder. Arthroscopic hip surgeries can repair the labrum in the hip similar to procedures in the shoulder. An MRI arthrogram (with fluid in the joint) is used to diagnose injuries to the structures of the hip.

Hurting in the low back, hips, and legs is miserable. A great deal of time and frustration can be spent chasing the problem. Don’t assume “sciatica” has always been the issue and let the real problem go undiagnosed. Sometimes it may be necessary to take a step back and orthopaedically evaluate the structures that hold the majority of our weight each and every day.

Dr. Counts is a board certified orthopaedic surgeon who routinely performs minimally invasive spine surgery, joint replacement, and hip arthroscopy.

by ERIN SHARPLIN LOVE

erinlove@panachebyerin.com

Typical wedding customs have evolved along with many other social practices. Knowing what to do whether you are the bride or a guest can be overwhelming and confusing, so I am here to help by assembling a few tips on wedding etiquette and customs.

THE ENGAGEMENT

Getting engaged is one of the most exciting things that will happen in your lifetime, so it is understandable that you will want to shout it from the rooftops as soon as it happens. However, this is where the “old school” etiquette should be followed to a point. Before announcing your engagement on your social media pages, it is best to tell those closest to you personally. (Then you may shout it from the rooftops!) THE INVITATIONS

The traditional paper invitation is still the more appropriate way to invite guests to your wedding, especially if it is a formal wedding. However, it is now appropriate to have guests RSVP via a wedding website instead of the traditional mail-in card. Another tradition that shouldn’t be broken is the listing of the registry on the invitation. Your registry information should never be included with an invitation. *Note: I am still in favor of a traditional-style invitation with a handwritten or calligraphed name and address.

THE REGISTRY

It has become more common for couples to marry at an older age than before, so it isn’t unusual for you to have most of the typical gift items already taken care of. It is now okay to register for other home items and accessories that you may need instead of the typical china and glassware. In fact, many couples forgo china for an everyday dinnerware set now, anyway. Although, it has become commonplace to register for gift cards I am not a fan. However, it is perfectly acceptable for a wedding invitee to purchase a gift card as the wedding gift. THE PARTIES

All of the traditional parties that used to accompany a wedding can still happen, but now most will have a bit of a twist. As mentioned above, registries now tend to include nontraditional items, and so should the parties/ showers that are hosted. The following celebrations should honor the couple and their families – The Engagement Party, The Couple Shower, The Bachelor/Bachelorette Party, and The Bridal Shower. A formal invitation should be mailed for the engagement party and the bridal shower; however an e-vite or text invitation could be made for the couple shower and the bachelor/ bachelorette party. But, as always, the formality of the invitation sets the tone and dress-code for the event, so keep that in mind.

THE DRESS

The tradition of the bride’s wearing white on her wedding day is a hard one to break, but it is a bit antiquated. Feel free to wear whatever your heart desires on your wedding day! There are many beautiful colors and dresses that can be substituted for the wedding gown. and they still look “bridal!” Think outside of the box and look for beautiful embroidery or pink lace, for instance. The same goes for your wedding party attire. Break from tradition and make your wedding more memorable!

THE DRESS FOR THE GUESTS

Let’s squash this rule once and for all – you can wear black to a wedding! And, you can most likely wear white, as long as it is not bridal in style. Just keep in mind that a wedding isn’t necessarily the time to make a bold fashion statement as it is the bride’s time to shine. That is still an etiquette rule to follow!

THE CEREMONY

A traditional wedding ceremony can’t be beat (and it is expected) but as long as you include a few of the mainstay elements (processional, exchange of vows, exchange of rings, etc.), its okay to throw in a little fun to make your wedding stand out from the crowd! A few suggestions may be to have the wedding at a meaningful place, to include your pet in the ceremony, to honor special guests or those who have passed, to play nontraditional music, etc. The new rules include letting the couple personalize the wedding more while still showing favor, grace, and thanks for their family and guests.

While many brides have recently had to opt for smaller, or no reception, it is now time to party! And that means bigger and over-the-top floral and design elements. Have fun with it! Nothing is off limits except loud, tasteless music and food that doesn’t accommodate every taste bud and diet choice. While you are at it, why not make it a full … wedding weekend – Couples are now frequently opting for “wedding weekends” instead of a wedding day! The thought is to make the time that much more special for their guests, not just for themselves. Think – welcome party, daytime activities, and after-party brunch. What a great idea! With all of that said, there are still a few rules of etiquette that you should ALWAYS follow: 1. Do not arrive too early or too late! A good rule of thumb is to arrive around 20 to 30 minutes before the scheduled start time. Arriving too early may disrupt pictures, first looks, etc. and too late may disrupt the bride’s processional down the aisle. 2. Do not overindulge. Or you may be remembered as

“that girl.” 3. Never tell the bride or groom if you notice something that you think is wrong or incorrect.

Find an event planner or facility coordinator. 4. Never RSVP that you will be attending and not show up. It is proper to let someone know if something has changed. 5. Do not leave without speaking to the bride and groom. They are the reason you are there in the first place. Make sure you acknowledge the happy couple. 6. Always place your phone on silent during the ceremony and reception. Better yet, do not even bring it inside. That type of disruption isn’t only rude, it is embarrassing. 7. Unless your child is specifically added on the invitation, they are not invited. Some couples prefer children not be at their special ceremonies.

Honor that.

This year, couples should make everything more intentional, focus on the guest experience and create more personalized details.

MANY OF OUR PERSPECTIVES have changed over the past two years after being quarantined to our homes. Many of us have even adapted to working from home. I have lived where I work for almost three years now in a very comfortable setting here in Downtown Monroe. With much reflection, many of us have sought more comfort while keeping our living spaces classic. The normalcy of our lives has transitioned into a different way of life since pre-pandemic times.

We have embraced the glory days wholeheartedly. We have found refined refuge within our dwellings. Our gatherings have been more intimated and appreciated. We have fallen in love with our homes.

What was once old is renewed again. We are finding ourselves adding classic pieces and comfortable seating areas for indoor and outdoor entertainment. Many of these pieces are not just something you purchase within a big box retailer or online without a lengthy time delay for delivery or a million pieces to put together with foreign directions.

At Revival Design, we strive to fill our showroom with unique finds and quality consignment pieces. We curate wonderful local and regional artists to adorn our showroom walls in our vignettes to bring the spaces to life.

Our showroom is constantly flipped with new goodies weekly. What was old to someone is now renewed for another. We strive to have a wonderful tchotchke or signature piece to enhance any area in your home or outdoor area.

Over the past month, we have made some great shopping adventures to the hill country of Comfort and Fredericksburg, Texas where we found a renewed vision embracing a more relaxed lifestyle.

The adventure was a very rejuvenating experienced that has allowed our team to reboot for new creative inspirations. We have arranged for an array of fantastic finds to be heading to our showroom over the next few months.

Finding extremely unique and quirky things has been amazing. It has created a very needed reboot from myself and my team. I can best describe it as creative therapy for the soul. Creativity has always been in my blood but sometimes needs a spark. It is through resilience, faith, and favor that I have been given the strength to continue what I love so much. My parents and grandmother inspired me so much. Having lost them all, blurred my imaginative vision.

As summer begins, Revival is rebooted and ready to bring those creative vibes to your home. We are back doing interior decorator consultations as well as room flips and move in staging.

As we work to beat the heat, don’t think we are closed. We have just anchored our windows with draping to help with the torrid heat from the summer sun. Our current summer hours are Tuesday- Saturday 11 am- 5pm and Sundays 1pm-4pm. So, amidst your summer travels, shop local and bring your vacationing guests to the most unique shopping experience in Downtown Monroe at 300 Walnut Street.

WELCOME TO THE RAMBLING ROSE, A MOBILE BAR service for a dry hire company in Monroe, Louisiana. “At The Rambling Rose, we know how to throw a good party,” says owner Ragan Barnes. “It will be a unique and personalized experience for you and your guests. Our 1959 Chevrolet Apache truck along with our 1978 vintage horse trailer has been converted into a unique mobile bar that will be the talk of any event. If you choose us for your next party or wedding, we will make sure it will be truly special and something unique and personalized to your event. We’re here to provide you and your guests with a priceless experience.“

So, what does a dry hire company mean for you? It means you will save money on alcohol because you don’t have to pay additional markups or overspend on liquor not consumed. Due to Louisiana liquor license requirements, the client must provide the alcohol but the Rambling Rose provides everything else. Give your guests not just a bar but an experience.

This experience is also detailed oriented and we walk you through the step-by-step from start to finish. From your first inquiry to the proposal to the tasting consultation (the best part of the planning process!), your event will be a beverage experience that you could only dream of. “We love offering guests a unique signature drink for their big day. And, with a number of packages to choose from, we have options for every budget,” says Ragan. When it’s event time, The Rambling Rose shows up two hours before your event and come show time, we are set and ready to serve you and your guests the beverage experience that is a true celebration. Let us help you create a memorable experience that will have your guests raving!

Many people ask Ragan where this clever and innovative idea came from and she answers with a laugh, “My husband is used to my wild ideas! My first business idea was to start a custom sign company. But, I soon pivoted and with a little coaxing from me, my husband set me up with the vintage truck and trailer of my dreams! Now, I get to use these wonderful resources to help make someone else’s dream come true!” After getting health unit certified and the trailer stocked, The Rambling Rose has already been servicing customers at weddings, showers, engagement parties and corporate events. Not only do we offer drink services, we can customize The Rambling Rose’s service to cater to your needs. “We recently participated in a baby shower and served guests ice cream sundaes.” From luxury picnics, to engagement parties, baby showers to wedding receptions, The Rambling Rose is a must-have for your next event.

Find the contact form online at theramblingrose318.com for quotes and reservations. This experience will leave you and your guests ready to book your next event with our one-of -a-kind mobile bar service.

BY P. ALLEN SMITH

THE RECENT PANDEMIC HAS caused us to rethink many of the ways we have approached even the simplest daily activities. This need for change is most apparent in seniors as they have been the most vulnerable and isolated sector of the population (in our communities.) during these unprecedented times.

In 2017 I was approached by a wellrespected assisted living operator about looking at senior care in a different way. While Rodney Thomason, president of MAHC, had an outstanding reputation for delivering some of the best care in our region he wanted to do more. “We need places for seniors that we’d want to live in.”

He had seen firsthand the interest in the public coming for tours to see the gardens, farm, and ‘green’ home; enjoying a farm-totable meal and hearing the message of organic, chemical-free living.

Rodney was inspired after visiting my property, Moss Mountain Farm, and in some ways, wanted to use it as a model for a new approach. He had seen firsthand the interest in the public coming to explore Arkansas’ beautiful countryside overlooking the Arkansas River while touring lush gardens, ‘green’ home, connecting with the land by eating a farm-to-table lunch, and ending with a visit to see Heritage Poultry and other farm animals.

Replicating Moss Mountain wasn’t the answer, but much of what we do on the farm does spill over into this new concept, that later evolved into the Gardens of Somerset, in Sterlington, Louisiana. A strong focus will be placed on maintaining residents’ high quality of life through sensory stimulation, community integration, social engagement, exercise, proximity to green space, and access to healthy, locally-sourced food.

We want to keep seniors connected to the pulse of the community and to nature itself. By engaging the local community, nature, the garden, and developing sensory enhancing environments, we can vastly improve the quality of life and health for our future residents.

Placing a priority in the design by interfacing with nature and from the community is a hallmark of our approach. Creating a fabric of meaningful social interaction must be built into the DNA of a facility. The ‘sticks and bricks’ are simply not enough and its time we understand that buildings alone do not make a community. The design of a facility, both inside and out, must foster and encourage interaction, discourse, and engagement of its residents, staff, families, and members of the larger community.

The Gardens of Somerset, an 18-acre community located in Sterlington, LA, is designed to bring unparalleled living options to Ouachita Parish for older adults. Centered around outstanding architecture, the Gardens of Somerset will offer residents independent living, assisted living and memory care and a lifestyle focused on the things they love and cherish such as gardening, the culinary arts, exercise, and family. Call Ashley Kirk at 318-372-8348 to schedule a tour of Gardens of Somerset.