BayouLife Magazine March 24

10 / CUCUMBER AND SPICE

We’re seeing green this St. Patrick’s Day with this spicy serrano and cucumber cocktail. Perfect blend for a refreshing drink with a little kick.

16 / SPRING IN A BOWL

This spring simmer pot is perfect for adding a fresh, floral scent to your home. Upcycle florals from a leftover bouquet, add citrus, heat on low and enjoy the smell of spring.

18 / BLOOMING BRANCHES

Taylor Bennett created a beautiful display of blooming branches sourced from nature. Here’s some tips on how to create an elegant arrangement to your space.

48 / BAYOU ARTIST

Ginny Montgomery owns Clay & Canvas Art Studio, located at 115 Cotton Street in West Monroe, where she teaches a variety of art classes to children and adults.

58 / SPRING ABOUNDS

Taylor Bennett’s spring tablescape for Easter gatherings features a beautiful tablecloth from Material Things paired with Bordallo Pinheiro dinnerware, complemented by a stunning arrangement of tulips, cabbage and artichokes.

102 / BAYOU FEATURE

For Geneviève Wetzel, enduring hardship is an opportunity to create a community, summon inner strength, and raise awareness.

APRIL 2018

77 / THE ATTORNEY DIRECTORY

The ULM Women’s Symposium annually highlights women from across Northeast Louisiana for their individual achievements, professional and personal.

84 / THE WOMEN’S SYMPOSIUM

The ULM Women’s Symposium annually highlights women from across Northeast Louisiana for their individual achievements, professional and personal.

114 / BAYOU ICON

Debbie Hardy Sawyer has spent her life doing hard work to further her career and support her community. Because of her business success and her generous heart, she is our Bayou Icon for March.

122 / BAYOU EATS

While some are calling his revival “a big return,” Roy Arthur’s Monroe’s Restaurant is also a reflection of the current local community and aims to bring together some of the old and some of the new.

128 / BAYOU FASHION

Fashion Fusion 2024 will mark 13 years of celebrating a community coming together for cancer patients right here in our area.

This issue is always a favorite of mine – one dedicated to women’s empowerment. I feel like the older I get, the more I embrace who I am. For someone who has struggled with confidence and social anxiety in the past, it’s been aweinspiring to meet so many women that found their voice at such an early age. On March 20th, the 8th Annual Women’s Symposium will be held at Bayou Pointe Student Event Center on ULM’s campus. In this month’s issue, we highlight five of the 2024 panelists and why they were chosen as leaders in their respective fields. See this women and their incredible stories on page 84.

Highlighting strong women is a theme in this month’s issue. One such person is Debbie Hardy Sawyer, who has spent her life doing hard work both to further her career and support her community. An exceptional businesswoman, Debbie developed a stellar business career beginning with retail sales and then later specializing in industrial sales and manufacturing. A major door opened when she agreed to “fill in” with her husband, Bill, at Sawyer Industrial Plastics while the company sought a permanent customer service manager. Today Debbie is president and owner of the company, overseeing the day-to-day operations. But she has also always found time to do hard work for this community. Debbie says that volunteering is a significant part of her life where she finds fulfillment in helping causes, people, and the community at large. Because of her business success and her generous heart, Debbie Hardy Sawyer is our Bayou Icon for March. Read her article on page 114.

One of our favorite events of the year is back again! On March 9th DBK Dance and Performing Arts, along with The Cancer Foundation League presents

Fashion Fusion: Where Dance Meets Design 2024. To capture this year’s theme, From Cocktails to Crawfish...Livin’ on the Bayou, we took off to the bayou with Ashley Greer and Jacob Pihl to shoot this month’s spread. Taylor and Kelly waded through murky waters to help set up the pefect shots. Fashion Fusion 2024 will mark 13 years of celebrating a community coming together for cancer patients right here in our area. All proceeds benefit the Cancer Foundation League of Northeast Louisiana which provides medical assistance and supplies to local patients and families suffering from this dreadful disease. See this shoot on page 128.

This month we’ve published our fifth annual Attorney Directory, your source for obtaining current information for attorneys licensed to practice in Louisiana. From personal injury attorneys to those specializing in family law, this list is comprised of some of the best in the industry.

I want to thank ULM Alumni for choosing me to be their profile this month. I’m appreciative to all of the professors and my fellow classmates for making my time at ULM so enjoyable. We hope you enjoy reading this issue of BayouLife. As always, please remember to support locally-owned businesses!

1201 Royal Avenue Monroe, LA 71201 Phone 318.855.3185

WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

PUBLISHER & OWNER Cassie Livingston cassie@bayoulifemag.com

COPY EDITOR Cindy Foust

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Nathan Coker nathan@bayoulifemag.com

ADVERTISING SALES EXECUTIVES

Lindsay Adams lindsay@bayoulifemag.com

Katelyn McAllister katelyn@bayoulifemag.com

Courtney Thomas courtney@bayoulifemag.com

ART DIRECTOR Taylor Bennett

LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER Kelly Moore Clark

Dan Chason

Kenny Covington

Shannon Dahlum

Cindy Gist Foust

Starla Gatson

Val Irion, MD

Paul Lipe

Erin Love

Meredith McKinnie

Georgiann Potts

Delia Simpson

Beatrice A. Tatem

Vanelis Rivera

Guy Miller

Kerry Heafner

Andrew Patton, MD

Phil Trahan

Judy Wagoner

Kelly Moore Clark

Madison Nihiser

Brittiny Williams | Williams Photography

Ashley Edwards

CUCUMBER AND SPICE

We’re seeing green this St. Patrick’s Day with this spicy serrano and cucumber cocktail. Perfect blend for a refreshing drink with a little kick.

CUCUMBER AND SERRANO MARGARITA

1 ounce serrano infused tequila

2 ounces silver tequila

3 tablespoons of lime juice

1 teaspoon agave nector

1/4 cup sliced cucumber

To infuse tequila, combine serrano pepper slices with 3 cups of silver tequila and let it infuse for at least 24 hours. To make the margarita, combine all ingredients and muddle together, shake well and strain into ice filled cup. *You can blend it with ice for a frozen margarita.

CHINOISERIE EASTER

Creating these beautiful blue and white chinoiserie eggs are a fun and easy project that combines decoupaging your favorite Easter napkins.

Styled by Taylor Bennett

Photograph by Kelly Moore Clark

WHAT YOU NEED:

Blown-out raw egg

Decorative paper napkins with 3-ply Mod Podge

Painter’s brush or foam brush

Waxed paper

Separate the ply of the napkin keeping the chioiserie print on top and discard the rest. Tear off small designs on the napkins and put to the side. Next, paint Mod Podge on the egg and cover with small pieces of napkins. Smooth down by brushing Mod Podge over the top and even it out with your finger. Let dry on wax paper.

Wine Over Water

17th Annual Event Benefiting Alumni Scholarships

AS THE SUN SETS BELOW THE HORIZON OF BAYOU

Desaird, imagine yourself standing on the Northeast Drive Bridge within the picturesque University of Louisiana Monroe campus. Surrounded by your closest friends, former classmates, and neighbors, as you indulge in your newfound favorite wine and delectable bites from nearby eateries. As twilight falls, you make your way to the stage to revel in the lively melodies of the Main Event Band. Before refilling your glass, you embark on a serene boat excursion through the bayou, discovering the nocturnal charm of the ULM Campus.

This could be your experience at this year’s Wine Over Water event. Have you secured your ticket yet?

Your contribution means you are changing futures, which forwards the mission of the ULM Alumni Association. Proceeds from Wine Over Water benefit the Spirit of the Warhawk Endowed Scholarship and the Alumni Association. This scholarship is instrumental in attracting local students to attend ULM and specifically supports students in Ouachita and the surrounding eleven parishes. The Alumni team is counting on your participation to change the future of the incoming freshmen of Northeast Louisiana.

One of the 2023 recipients, Keriann Cassels a 2023 Educators Rising participate from Caldwell Parish High School shared, “I was so excited to hear that I had been given this wonderful honor and I am extremely grateful and appreciative of the support. I hope in the future I can be in a position to pay this opportunity forward to someone else and make a difference in a students’ life as the Spirit of the Warhawk Scholarship has done with me.”

Beverages for this event are provided by Southern Glazer’s and Marsala Beverage. The ULM Alumni Association would like to thank our partners B&L Marine, The Radio People, KEDM 90.3 Public Radio, KNOE 8, KTVE/KARD and Holland Broadcasting (KWCL-FM).

Stroll across the historic ULM bridge while sampling hors d’oeuvres from these local restaurants: AMAZE’N TREATS & EATS, Aramark, Avocados, Catahoula’s, CC’s Coffee, Chicken Salad Chick, Coca-Cola United, Danken Trail BBQ, Delta Biscuit, Fieldhouse Bar& Grill, Firehouse Subs, Gardens of Somerset, GudEaatz, Jac’s Craft Smokehouse, Panda Express, Raising Canes, Roll Play, Texas

Roadhouse, The Cookout, The Fat Pelican, Thurman’s Food Factory, and Waterfront Grill.

Past event attendees like Camellia Davis said that, “Wine Over Water is one of her favorite events to share with her girlfriends;” Diane Tabulog notes that,” There’s nothing like being with friends and supporting a worthy cause; and Renee Hebert, ULM alumnus and board member said that “the Best Is On the Bayou is an understatement” as she reflected back to last year’s event.

Wine Over Water would not be possible without generous support from our sponsors: ABG Counseling and Career Consulting LLC.; Architecture Plus; Argent Financial; B1 Bank; Bayou Bowl; Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana; C.A. Butler Counseling & Consulting LLC; Centric Federal Credit; Century Next Bank; Entergy; J.E. Dupy Flooring & Acoustical, Inc.; First Horizon Bank; Gardens of Somerset; Holyfield Construction; Homeland Bank; Jeff Johnson; Jim Taylor Buick, GMC; Johnny’s Pizza; Johnson, Perry Roussel & Cuthbert, CPA; Kimpa Hayes Boyd, CPA; Land 3 Architect; Little & Associates; Louisiana National Bank, ; Origin Bank; Raising Cane’s; Regions Bank; Scott Powerline; St. Francis Medical Center; VCOM; and Waste Connections.

With over 20 annual events held in Monroe and across the nation, alumni are actively shaping destinies and guiding the path for future Warhawks. Membership in the Alumni Association fosters participation in events like these, as well as numerous programs that benefit both our alumni and the community. Curious to learn more? Visit ulm.edu/alumni and explore the “Alumni Checklist” under the membership tab.

Tickets for the Bridge Party are $60 and tickets to the Patron Party, which includes the Bridge Party begin at $125. 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 – 11:30 a.m.

SPRING IN A BOWL

This spring simmer pot is perfect for adding a fresh, floral scent to your home. Upcycle florals from a leftover bouquet, add citrus, heat on low and enjoy the smell of spring.

Styled by Taylor Bennett Photograph by Kelly Moore Clark

WHAT WE USED: Sliced lemons, oranges, grapefruit, rosemary, roses, carnations and ranunculus.

BLOOMING BRANCHES

Taylor Bennett created a beautiful display of blooming branches sourced from nature. Here’s some tips on how to create an elegant arrangement to your space.

Styled by Taylor Bennett

Photograph by Kelly Moore Clark

TIPS:

Find branches that have buds that are not fully in bloom (Taylor used Quince branches, Forsythia and Magnolia liliiflora.) Using snips, cut the branch flush to adjoining branch. Next, cut a 1-inch slit in each branch bottom and smash the ends (this will allow water in). Soak the branches in room-temperature water for a few hours and remove any buds that may be submerged. Style the branches as desired. Make sure to change the water daily and keep from direct sunlight.

Living in Full Bloom

Women Who Advocate for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

MARCH,THE THIRD MONTH OF THE YEAR, IS A REFRESHING period filled with several awareness events, traditional holidays, meaningful observances, and celebrations. It is when the first day of spring occurs, when we move forward into daylight savings time, when flowers start to bloom and leaves begin to sprout. March is when we recognize Irish American Heritage and celebrate Women’s History Month. Women’s History Month is a national celebration of women’s contributions to history, culture, and society. Each year I look forward to Women’s History Month. I am extra excited this year because of the theme, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). This year’s theme recognizes women across the nation who understand and believe to have a positive future, they must take steps towards the elimination of bias and discrimination from their lives, organizations, institutions and the workplaces and spaces they and other women navigate. This theme merges my clinical work with women, children and men, my civic engagement and how I try to conduct my personal life. I believe in diversity, equity, and inclusion and yes it saddens me to know that there is a lack of equity, diversity and therefore problems with inclusion.

This month I have chosen to “ride the wave” of the 2024 Women’s History Month theme and do my part to bring attention to the fact many women continue to face-social inequities, disparities in treatment, and structural barriers in the lives they lead. Having a company and or institution culture that is supportive of all women and their mental health is not only the right thing to do it is the humane thing to do. It takes action and reaction; women in communities across the nation are helping to develop healthy social policies and programs within corporations, federal agencies and educational organizations to address injustices and harmful behaviors. That is the good news. On the other hand, in some instances, challenges have led to low self-esteem, shame, fractured relationships, loss of careers, unstable finances, burnout, poor mental and physical health and in some situation’s death. During 2024, we must stop and take the time to recognize the women who are committed to embracing everyone and excluding no one in their desire for opportunity. In my opinion, it requires strength to advocate for what you have been denied. It takes courage for women to advocate for practical goals like diversity, equity and inclusion when established forces aim to misinterpret, exploit, or discredit them. I am in awe of the women who experienced discrimination and have turned that experience into fuel by which they help others. Women’s rights are human rights. As community leaders, business owners, educators, mental health professionals, full-time mothers, members of civic and community groups, businesses and legislative bodies, women are in the forefront of reevaluating

the status quo. When in place DEI affords us all the opportunity to live our lives in full bloom.

The Women’s History Month theme is a direct challenge to the discriminatory practices rising in the country. Although controversial at times DEI are not new issues in this country nor is the need to push for them new. Women from all backgrounds have long experienced that an uneven playing field will never bring equality or justice. Many feel the need to speak up and work harder for fairness in workplaces and institutions. I believe every woman has a story to tell and gifts to share with the world. I also believe many women, particularly accomplished, female professionals have a mental health story where DEI is a workplace issue. An important part of Women’s History Month is amplifying the stories of those whose voices are often not heard. My motivation to address this theme stems from the number of women I see who share their stories regarding workplace matters as well as the recent news reports of women in academia and the struggles they endure. I am energized by the happiness of those overcoming adversity yet saddened by those stories told revealing trauma, emotional abuse, harassment, disrespect, unfair evaluation, and the impact it has on their overall wellness. On a personal note, after years of working in the university, I too, experienced a lack of equity. In reaction to a lack of inclusion, in 2014 I opened my practice Wellness Initiatives, LLC. Where we are all important and a goal to help individuals, especially women to find their voices is realized. When I think of Women’s History Month, I think of decade long resilience, determination, strength, mental tenacity, fortitude, barriers being broken, obstacles being overcome, grit, grace under fire, activism, advocacy, I think of these actions and reactions with pride, admiration, joy and gratitude. It has been through the higher educational system that I met with women like Shirley Chisholm, Anita Hill, Gloria Steinem, Cicely Tyson, Mya Angelou, Soledad O’Brien, and Tonya Lee left me with words of wisdom as I navigated an environment that lacked an appreciation for diversity, equity and inclusion. It would be a university system that would attempt to write me and other women in leadership out of their history.

This March be sure to celebrate the women who have made a difference in your life. To the women reading this article always remember how awesome you are and that you are your best advocate. The theme recognizes women who speak up, make a point of speaking up for yourself and other women. Affirming ourselves may not come naturally, yet according to the research recognizing the wonderful things you have done and continue to do can lead to improved mental health and resilience. Like flowers in spring, strive to live life in full bloom.

A Celebration of Irish Whiskey

With Does Eat Place & Beef and Barrel

FOR FOR THE MONTH OF MARCH AND IN HONOR OF

St. Patrick’s Day we wanted to focus on the wonderful “uisge beatha” which translates to the water of life from Gaelic. This wonderful spirit has been produced in Ireland for centuries with incredible care, tradition, and skill. There are many distilleries on the Emerald Isle and we want to make sure you have been introduced to some of our favorites.

We’ll start with Brogans Irish Whiskey for a smooth and mellow whiskey that’s easy on the palate and on the wallet. This is a 3 year old whiskey with notes of caramel, citrus, and oak on the nose. The nose leads to a light mouthfeel with flavors of candied apple, a touch of oak, and lift of sweet berries. The finish is surprisingly long, warm, and some lingering sweetness. This is perfect for a shot or cocktail base to celebrate the upcoming festivities.

Next we have The Busker Single Pot Still. This is a traditional Irish Pot Still whiskey distilled from malted and unmalted barley. On the nose we get notes of pear, apple, brown sugar, and banana. The palate presents cocoa, caramel, silky vanilla, and honey. The finish is easy and smooth with vanilla taffy, apples, and cheerios. If you a looking for a great introduction to single pot still Irish whiskey, this is a wonderful place to start.

We’ll now take a small departure from tradition and showcase a new expression from Tullamore D.E.W. Their newest product is a liqueur made with honey and whiskey. This is one of the best honeyed whiskies we’ve ever tried. This is made with 100% natural Bohemian Honey for a silky smooth texture and incredibly rich flavor that is not sticky sweet. This whiskey explodes out of the glass with honeyed vanilla. On the palate it is pure velvet with gentle spice, more honey, and more vanilla. This is a treat that is perfect for whiskey newcomers in general.

Now let’s take a look at a throwback with the Bushmills Prohibition Recipe. This Limited Edition expression is partnered with the Peaky Blinders to show how Bushmills would have tasted at that time. This means we have a product that is bottled at 92 proof, aged in ex-bourbon barrels, and un-chillfiltered. This translates to a more abundant flavor profile and a creamier mouthfeel. On the nose we get ripe bananas, pear, and honeyed caramel. Once you take a sip you’ll discover notes of sweet orchard fruit, honeyed vanilla, and more ripe banana. The finish is long and generous with notes

of more honey, vanilla, caramel, and sweet orange. This is punchy and sweet without being cloying. An amazing example of what Bushmills would have been like 100 years ago. This is a perfect introduction for newcomers to the world’s oldest licensed distillery.

Let’s move our attention now to Redbreast 15-year-old Single Pot Still Whiskey. Anything produced by Redbreast is exceptional and this one is no different. This is a whiskey that upon opening makes you think of spring. This is also made of unmalted and malted barley and aged in a combination of ex-bourbon and exsherry casks. The aroma starts with a light biscuity note that leads into baked fruits, reminiscent of peach cobbler, and caramel. On the palate this is a truly generous whiskey with rich notes of apricots, sweet cream, caramel, and subtle oak spice. This finish is a triumph! Notes of toasty oak, cinnamon, and leather combine to balance out the somewhat sweet palate. This makes for a dram that is both subtle and bold.

Finally, we’d be remiss if we didn’t talk about the number one selling Irish Whiskey, Jameson. This time we’re going to focus on the 18-year-old. This magnificent expression is finished in first fill bourbon barrels to enhance the vanilla core while also being initially aged in a combination of ex-sherry and ex-bourbon barrels. The nose beckons with notes of caramel, vanilla custard, toasty coconut, graham cracker, and sweet orange. These flavors carry forward into the rich palate but we also discover notes of banana, dried apples, and a bit of oak spice. On the luxurious finish we get toasted hazelnuts and toffee. This is an absolute masterpiece of what Irish whiskey has to offer. We expect no less from the legends that are at Jameson.

We hope that you’ve enjoyed this small sampling of the abundance of amazing Irish Whiskies that are out there. We hope that we can help you celebrate the rich tradition of Ireland’s distilling history and hope that you have a fantastic St. Patrick’s Day. As always, thank you for letting us be your Spirits Guides here at Beef & Barrel.

“Bittersweet: How Sorrow and Longing Make Us Whole”

“The young delude themselves that the music will never stop playing. So it makes sense for them to explore rather than savor; to meet new people rather than to devote time to their nearest and dearest; to learn new skills and soak up information, rather than ponder the meaning of it all; to focus on the future rather than to remain in the present.”

Ever notice the rejuvenating effects of a good cry, or how you linger in sadness for the profound realizations that manifest? In “Bittersweet,” Susan Cain explores the often-unexplored value in the bittersweets, one of the four Hippocratic temperaments alongside the happy, the aggressive, and the calm. Cain notes that the ideal human possesses traits of all four, but often one temperament is most prominent. One of the most interesting parts of Cain’s observations is the clash between one’s temperament and one’s place in the world. In America, we value the happy and the aggressive, rewarding such behaviors socially, economically, and personally. Strength and smiles reign supreme in American culture. Cain notes that existing in spaces where one’s temperament is not prioritized or understood can leave the bittersweets relegated to the background.

day, or if one often sees both happiness and sadness at once. While the chapters describe the state of the bittersweet and what to do with it, Cain also advises those of other temperaments to lean into the bittersweet, as “we’re built to live simultaneously in love and loss, bitter and sweet.” She claims that in sadness and hardship, we find inspiration. It reminds me of that saying, something about grief being unexpressed love.

In the Introduction, Cain presents a quiz, developed alongside research scientists, to determine one’s inclination to bittersweetness. The questions posed include whether one has been called an “old soul,” or whether one finds comfort in a rainy

Cain explores themes of loss, creativity, positivity, the inevitability of death, and grief. She insists that “Longing itself is a creative and spiritual state,” that “It’s urgent to live enchanted.” This book felt like a warm blanket - of course, I am an academic navigating my way through grief. As Cain is popular on the TED Talk circuit, she references other motivational speakers and cultural critics than illuminated this ideology around bittersweetness. At times, some of Cain’s deep dives felt a bit too deep, but Cain just as quickly would pull it back with a personal anecdote, a nod to a bevy of readers of all different mindsets. At the core, Cain’s curiosity reigns supreme, and she intends, or so I believe, for readers to tap into a readily-available resource that we all possess, though might be tempted to suppress.

“Our difficulty accepting impermanence is the heart of human suffering.”

Ochsner LSU Health

Staying Healthy This Spring

AS WE GET CLOSER TO SPRING AND TEMPERATURES fluctuate frequently, cold and flu season may have a resurgence until consistent, warmer weather hits. Just like in fall and winter, it’s important to arm yourself with knowledge about these viruses, who is most affected and how to limit your exposure.

The flu is a respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness that infects the nose, throat and occasionally, the lungs. In extreme cases, the flu can lead to death. The best way to prevent catching this contagious illness is to get an annual flu vaccine. The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices encourages people over the age of six months to get vaccinated.

Flu symptoms typically occur one to four days after a person is exposed and infected. Even healthy people can be infected, but some are at higher risk:

• People 65 years and older and children younger than five years

• Pregnant women

• People with chronic medical conditions, such as asthma, diabetes and heart disease

If you smoke, the flu is yet another reason why you should quit. A study from the U.S. National Library of Medicine – National Institutes of Health found that “influenza-associated hazard ratio was greater in current and ex-smokers than in never smokers for mortality of allnatural causes, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.” The study also concluded that smoking increases the risk of death in older people with influenza.

Flu viruses are spread via tiny droplets when infected people cough, sneeze or talk. The droplets can land in the mouth or nose of people in close proximity. Touching a contaminated surface and then touching your mouth, nose or even your eyes is another way to contract the flu.

Initially, the flu can present as the common cold. In addition to cold-like symptoms, you may feel some of the following symptoms: cough, sore throat, muscle/body aches, fatigue, runny/stuffy nose, feeling feverish and chills. Vomiting and diarrhea are also symptoms, but are more common in children than in adults. Complications from flu can include ear and/or sinus infections, viral pneumonia, secondary bacterial pneumonia and worsening of chronic medical conditions.

In addition to receiving your vaccination, the CDC recommends

preventing the spread of the flu with frequent hand washing, staying away from people who are sick and covering coughs and sneezes. Strengthening your immune system by getting enough sleep, getting moderate exercise and eating a healthy, nutrient-rich diet also helps your body fight the virus.

Sanitizing surfaces in your home is good practice if you or someone you live with comes down with the flu. Disinfecting doorknobs, phones, light switches and other high-touch surfaces will reduce the risk of contracting the flu. Maintaining a safe distance and wearing a surgical mask and gloves if caring for a sick individual is also a smart choice.

If you have the flu, you are most contagious three to four days after your illness begins. You may be able to spread the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick. Some otherwise healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning one day before symptoms develop and up to five to seven days after becoming sick. Certain people, like young children and people with weakened immune systems, might be able to infect others for an even longer time.

If you think you may have the flu, visit your primary care doctor or an urgent care to be tested and get next steps for treating your symptoms.

Primary Care and Urgent Care Locations:

Ochsner LSU Health – Monroe Medical Center

Family Medicine Clinic

4864 Jackson Street, Monroe, LA 71202

Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Ochsner LSU Health – Monroe Community Health Center

1625 Louisville Avenue, Monroe, LA 71201

Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Ochsner LSU Health – Urgent Care, West Monroe

207 Thomas Road, West Monroe, LA 71291

Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Saturday – Sunday, 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

To make an appointment at any of our location, call 318-330-7168.

“The Love Songs of W.E.B. DuBois”

“Even in a place of sorrow, time passes. Even in a place of joy. Do not assume that either keeps life from continuing.”

In Honoree Fanonne Jeffers’ first novel, the poet blesses readers with a multigenerational saga. The physically heavy text of historical fiction spans the lives of early Native Americans to present-day African Americans, showing the interconnectedness of life in America. The sweeping story is told through the eyes of Ailey Garfield who is struggling to find her place in the modern world while irrevocably tethered to her family and heritage. While carrying the burden of her own personal trauma and meandering through familial loss, Ailey embarks on an emotionally-revealing journey of uncovering the dark secrets of her family’s past and the enslaved in America.

Jeffers takes readers on a whimsical and heartbreaking voyage through the American South, a rollercoaster ride of emotions. As the chapters cycle from one perspective/ century to the next, Jeffers constructs a generational web of sorts, adding layers upon layers that seemingly resemble little more than snapshots of prose until well into the second half of the book. That being said, each layer is rich in historical detail with the benefit of immediate character reactions and continued reflection. Jeffers reminds us that

“When we speak about history, we speak about somebody’s life.” The text explores themes of Black womanhood, feminism, racism, perceptions of the South, and it flirts with Black masculinity.

The book begins with a multi-page family tree, noting the generational threads interwoven in the book. As I started the book, I glanced at the names, yet kept returning after I finished chapters to see who was related to whom. The swings between heartbreak and immense happiness feel authentic. Outraged at the treatment of Black Americans and inspired by their resilience, I felt the weight of the history alluded to in textbooks. Jeffers gives these Black Americans more than a name in a ledger, as practiced throughout history. She gives her characters soul-filling experiences, highlighting love, romance, and family connection. She forces us to consider the people behind the stories, the humans that American history attempted to erase.

I noted the length of this book, which checks in around 800 pages. But unlike thick texts that have us begging for a conclusion, Jeffers leaves readers wanting more. I hope more authors lean into longform writing, especially about topics, such as Black history, that warrant intense reflection.

“These are the incongruities of memory. It is hard to hold on to the entirety of something, but pieces may be held up to light.”

REVIEW BY

Alumni Spotlight

ULM Alum: Cassie Livingston

FOR CASSIE LIVINGSTON, COMBINING PERSONAL drive with her creative passion led to professional success. As a young girl growing up in Rayville, Louisiana, Cassie put her heart into extracurricular activities. Along with cheerleading and playing piano, Cassie was a competitive swimmer with the Indian Aquatic Club on the ULM campus. While attending Rayville High School, Cassie would drive herself to Monroe before and after school to swim, intent on obtaining a swimming scholarship. Her coach John Pittington was also the coach of the ULM Swim Team. When Cassie was awarded an academic scholarship at another institution, she studied architecture and psychology. Her father worked for an architecture firm as a structural designer, often taking Cassie along on large projects. She would study blueprints in his office and dreamed of one day designing homes. But life had other plans, and Cassie returned home and enrolled at ULM as a junior, changing her major to graphic design.

As a ULM art student, Cassie put all her attention toward creating, a passion since childhood. Professor Cliff Tresnor was a tremendous influence on Cassie, first posing the question, “What is an artist?” Whereas architecture is precise, she learned that art is subjective. She fell in love with Cliff’s classes in sculpture and drawing. Retired professor Brian Fassett taught Cassie graphic design, where she excelled in typography, a skill that would be integral to her current career. She studied under Gary Ratcliff for pottery and Bob Ward for painting. She started to imagine a career that integrated her creative outlet, a way to combine self-expression and financial stability.

Through the ULM Fine Arts Program, Cassie interned with DeltaStyle Magazine, then owned by Maré Brennan. Cassie became the primary graphic designer, and the work was labor-intensive prior to digital advancements in the field. When Cassie decided on a lifestyle change, she and a friend moved to Austin where she worked for a local magazine and met her husband Trent, also a Rayville native. Cassie would come back to Monroe every two weeks during production to help with DeltaStyle. When Maré sold DeltaStyle and finished her contract, Cassie interviewed for Maré’s position as publisher. Trent’s familial obligations meant the couple needed to be back in Monroe, so Cassie took the publisher position

at DeltaStyle until ultimately deciding to branch out on her own in 2012.

Cassie started imagining the possibility of publishing her own magazine, one with a correspondence budget and paid writing contributions. She envisioned a publication that truly reflected the heart and soul of northeast Louisiana. At the same time, Cassie and Trent experienced personal loss when Trent’s parents passed within months of each other. The couple also found out they were pregnant with daughter Stella after a long struggle with infertility. After talking over the implications of investing in a new business, Cassie and Trent started BayouLife Magazine with one month’s expensesa risky venture. With no prototype, Cassie and Toni Navarro (who was an essential part of the development of the magazine) relied on the trust of business owners in the community. The first issue of BayouLife debuted in October 2012. As a small business owner, Cassie keeps a community-focused mentality. The success of a small business directly impacts the lives of our neighbors, as they have no corporate backing to battle the natural ebbs and flows of business.

For the last 11 years, Cassie and her team have concentrated on making an aesthetically-pleasing publication that highlights the people and projects of northeast Louisiana. Style choices are integral to a magazine’s success. Cassie’s art and design background are central to BayouLife ’s success for the last decade, along with the tireless work and commitment of the entire BayouLife team.

As the owner of two businesses - BayouLife and Max Porter Provisions in West Monroe, Cassie sees how vital ULM is to this region. Aside from being a large employer, ULM works with local businesses and produces the talent to fill job vacancies. Economic development is integral to northeast Louisiana’s continued growth, and we are so fortunate to have local institutions in such close proximity. Cassie and Trent are proud ULM alumni, as Trent graduated from the ULM School of Construction, and later served as the president of the Industry Advisory Council. The couple are season ticket holders to Lady Warhawk softball and love attending Lady Warhawk basketball games. Their daughters Stella and Vivian look up to the ULM athletes. Cassie says, “There is something uniquely special about Northeast Louisiana and ULM is an fundamental part of that community fabric.”

Historical Impressions

HAPPY EASTER! HAVE A BOWL OF RADISHES!

Easter is a holiday traditionally associated with chocolate and other candies. How do you think your children would react if they woke up Easter morning and the expected chocolate and sweet treats were not there?

During World War II, Easter eggs, chocolates, and other candies that were commonly enjoyed during the holiday became scarce or even unavailable due to rationing. The rationing systems were put in place for many daily-use items to ensure that essential goods and supplies were allocated fairly and to conserve resources for the military. Under rationing, individuals were given specific coupons or tokens that entitled them to purchase limited amounts of certain goods, including chocolate.

On December 5, 1942, the War Production Board issued Conservation Order M-145 which banned the manufacture of chocolate novelties, including “products manufactured in a special shape commemorating, symbolizing, or representing any holiday, event, person, animal or object.” Boringly-shaped chocolate bars could still be made for consumers but only if the ingredients were available after meeting the government’s needs for the military.

The reasoning behind this strict rationing was chocolate was considered a luxury item and its production required ingredients that were affected by wartime shortages. Cocoa and sugar, the two principal ingredients of chocolate, were imported so what little supply there was had to be used in the war effort. Chocolate had been becoming scarce even before the ban since German U-boats in the Atlantic and Japanese conquests in Southeast Asia were choking off the supply of cocoa and sugar to America. Also contributing to the shortage was scarce labor. Many skilled confectionery workers (especially women) quit making candy bars and other sweets and opted instead for war production jobs that also required tactile dexterity such as assembling fuses and firearms.

Although a luxury item for civilians, chocolate was seen as an essential item for the military. Chocolate not only boosted morale, it was calorie-rich and a natural stimulant. Unfortunately it also easily spoiled and had a low melting point.

In 1937, the Army Quartermaster Corps began development of a new chocolate-based emergency ration that could survive the heat encountered in jungle and desert war zones. The Army gave manufacturers strict specifications for a 4-ounce chocolate bar that had to be high in calories and protein and not melt in high heat and humidity. Surprisingly the Army also did not want the bars to taste too good. Believing young soldiers would be unable to resist snacking, the Army specified taste should be “a little better than a boiled potato.”

Hershey’s ultimately developed the formula that was used by all manufacturers for the production of the new chocolate-based D Ration. The resultant chocolate bar packed 600 calories and could

remain solid at up to 120 degrees. This original 4-ounce D Ration was also tough to eat and not very popular with the troops. With the development of the non-melting formula, chocolate manufacturers shifted their production towards supplying the military with these chocolate emergency rations. In 1943, the formulation was changed slightly in 1943 to make it sweeter.

In addition to prioritizing cocoa and sugar as essential to the war effort, the War Production Board believed rationing these foods would promote a sense of shared sacrifice among the civilian population and especially children. As the board noted:

“American children will contribute to the war program by sacrificing chocolate Santa Clauses, St. Valentine’s hearts, Easter bunnies and eggs and other chocolate novelties. By giving up such items, the children will provide additional breakfast cocoa and chocolate bars for their soldier brothers and sisters who are fighting the war, for their fathers and mothers, some of whom are working in war plants, and for themselves.”

Conservation Order M-145 went into effect on December 15th so it had little impact on Christmas 1942. There were even enough stockpiles of already manufactured chocolates to cover Easter 1943. But new supplies ran out within a few months and manufacturers and retailers had to come up with substitutes.

For Easter 1944 and 1945, instead of chocolate bunnies, families had to make do with alternative homemade treats and sweets and toys such as plush rabbit dolls which had not previously been a part of normal Easter tradition. Children also received bunny-shaped pieces of wax, soap, or wood. Easter baskets did contain candy eggs sometimes but these were usually solid lumps of caramel instead of chocolate. Some families also decorated hard-boiled eggs as a substitute for chocolate eggs. Or if you were really unlucky, the “eggs” in your basket might just be decorated radishes.

As Americans needed to become more resourceful and creative, homemade non-food gifts, decorations, and festive meals became more common as parents sought to maintain a sense of normalcy and joy for their children during the Easter holiday.

Civilians and soldiers alike hoped that with the end of the war everything would return to normal and waxy potato-tasting bricks of chocolate would go away and the delicate and delicious confections of simpler times were return. Unfortunately, chocolate has such a long and complex supply chain which meant returning to pre-war style production after the war was difficult. Most cocoa came from British and French colonial possessions in West Africa and the cocoa plantation economies had collapsed during the war. Accordingly, Easter 1946 was another lean year for chocolate and it was not until early 1947 that a reliable supply was again available in the United States.

Small Changes, Big Results

Do you crave organization and simplicity, but feel like it is far from your reach right now? We all go through moments in time when our world seems to be spinning out of control. There are piles of laundry everywhere, bills that need to be paid, dishes in the sink, and homework that needs to be done. This is just the tip of the iceberg for most of us, but I have good news. There are some small changes that you can make now and reap the big results every day! I’m not saying that I’m about to give you tips that will automatically organize your house or clean the dishes, but the tips I offer will give you a sense of order and organization that you may not have otherwise. These tips are easy to incorporate and will bring a little more calm and a little less stress to your everyday life.

Small Change #1 – Make sure that the entrance you use every day is free and clear of clutter. This area serves as a transition between your “outside” (work) life and your home life, so it will immediately set the tone for the rest of your day and evening. Big Result = Instead of being hit with clutter and chaos immediately, you will have a clean and clear entrance that will welcome you and your family. Everything in your entrance has a purpose and a place. Book bags are placed where they go. Keys and sunglasses

are set in a tray. A lamp is on and offers a warm welcome while the scent of your plugin wafts peacefully through the air. You are ready for what the evening brings.

Small Change #2 – Close all doors including cabinets, closets, and rooms. Open doors create more visual clutter, thus creating unnecessary stress and chaos. Behind each open door is a task or job that needs attention or completion. These reminders keep you stuck in a cycle of unproductivity.

Big Result = Become more intentional with your time and reap the benefits of becoming more productive and present with your family. The things that need to get done will get done at a specific time and date that you have already assigned.

Small Change #3 – Plan your upcoming week every weekend. Every Saturday or Sunday, I suggest sitting down with a planner and planning out your upcoming week. Set all appointments, meetings, events, deadlines and practices. Make lists of anything that needs to be done or purchased and then schedule a time to make them happen. Include a spot in your planner for the weeks’ worth of meals, too. Big Result = This one small change will set you up for success every week! You will know what needs to be done to reach your goals and to complete your responsibilities as a wife, mother, friend, and entrepreneur.

You will get more things done than you ever thought possible!

Small Change #4 – Use the last ten minutes of every day clearing clutter, returning items to their proper place, and/or working towards completing a project. Set a timer and get going. You will be amazed at how much you can accomplish in ten minutes. Big Result = You will end the day on a positive note and wake up to a cleaner and more organized home. The feeling of accomplishment will be the motivating force that keeps you working towards your goals.

Small Change #5 – Organize and purge your refrigerator before the next shopping trip. I incorporate this task into my planning day – Saturday or Sunday. Remove any expired items and take note of items that need to be used up before they ruin. You can plan your menu accordingly. Big Result = Organizing and purging your refrigerator weekly will save you time and money in the long run. Knowing what you have in the fridge will reduce waste and get your creative juices flowing by encouraging new recipe creation. Having a clean and organized fridge can also encourage healthy eating by making clean eating more accessible.

Small changes can bring big results! Which change will you try first?

EASTER PARADE

Taylor Bennett’s Easter parade is a vibrant display of tulips, daffodils, pansies, English ivy, cabbage, kale and ferns, all beautifully arranged in a concrete basket planter.

Meredith’s Musings

IA SACRIFICE OF SELF article

admit it - I’m a people pleaser. Those who know me well are probably saying, “What? Blunt Meredith, who is first to put her foot down and call a spade and its bearer out for the ill intended?” Yes, I am one to speak up, especially for others, but not so much for myself. And if I do, it’s typically because I’ve swallowed and stewed on so much prior to the interaction in question. Perhaps it’s my southern upbringing, my cultivated femininity that I repel in most other aspects of my life. I insist on thank you notes when a text would suffice. Eight months pregnant and barely surviving carpal tunnel, I agonized through almost 100 thank you notes - and detailed narratives, not the store-bought cards with the word “thank you” emblazoned across the front. I told myself that this is what one does, especially when someone took the time to purchase a gift for my new baby. I routinely go out of my way to make others comfortable. Most don’t respond, or smile and say thank you. What I have noticed is the genuine appreciation of outsiders, and by outsiders, I mean people with whom I’m acquainted that didn’t grow up in the South. They are routinely shocked at the lengths I will go to accommodate others, especially in the workplace. Perhaps it is the inevitable imposter-syndrome so common in academic spaces. Anyway, it got me thinking about how we give, what we give, and what we

sacrifice in the process.

My reflex gift to others is time, not necessarily in their company, but time dedicated to filling someone else’s needs. Sometimes I spend an hour researching a treatment for a friend’s skin condition, or I peruse houses with the exact specifications of someone who casually mentioned wanting to move. If someone is pregnant, I hound them to create a baby registry and make sure it’s secretly distributed to all available contributors. I find fulfillment in the service of others. I routinely go beyond what is asked of me at work, which only ensures I’m asked to contribute even more. I rarely take a day off and feel guilty if I do. And while the goal of serving others is worthwhile, I’m noticing the daily indulgences that fall by the wayside in the absence of endless time. The other day Wilder, my six-year-old, approached with a picture she’d drawn. Without glancing up from the computer - on some goose chase for a beneficiary blissfully unaware - I urged her to come back later. When I noticed the drawing on the table, it featured me leaning into a computer screen and Wilder playing alone on the floor. That picture symbolized her impression of time spent with her mother, a mother focused on someone else. I wonder if the truth is that I’d rather be lost in someone else’s pursuit rather than playing with my children, as toddler toys

and all that such time implies ranks low on my want-to-do list. What worries me most is how I will devote so much of my time to people who don’t necessarily warrant it as opposed to those who genuinely need/ deserve my attention.

When I attend funerals - I know a dramatic pivot there - I often hear how the deceased woman was “selfless,” as if such a thing is a badge of honor. As a logophile, I think about that term often, especially when it is so often directed toward women. The “selfless” description is often met with sighs and smiles and professions of gratitude, but it zaps me every time I hear it. I wonder if said woman spent her whole life in the service of others without gratifying her own needs and wants. I wonder why we put female sacrifice on such a pedestal, insisting we all fall in line for the appearance of stability. Is selflessness worth striving for? I’m not suggesting we abandon the service of others, but perhaps we should routinely check in with ourselves - our whys, wants, and needs. When I pause and take a few hours or an entire day for myself, I never regret it. In fact, I crave more of it and instinctually hop right back on the hamster wheel as if I’ll fall into the abyss of selfishness, never to be seen or appreciated again. I don’t believe I’m in any danger of being labeled selfless, but I am leaning more into the idea of “self-too.”

Dental Related Anxiety

The Benefits of Sleep Dentistry for Anxious Patients

SLEEP DENTISTRY,ALSO KNOWN AS SEDATION DENTISTRY,

is a specialized approach to dental care designed to alleviate anxiety and discomfort during dental procedures. It involves the use of sedatives to help patients relax and feel at ease throughout their dental appointment. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals who experience dental phobia or anxiety, as well as those with sensitive gag reflexes or difficulty sitting still for extended periods. Sleep dentistry enables patients to undergo necessary dental treatments in a calm and comfortable state, ensuring that they receive the care they need without undue stress or discomfort.

There are several levels of sedation used in sleep dentistry, ranging from minimal sedation (where patients are awake but relaxed) to deep sedation (where patients are on the edge of consciousness but can still be awakened). The type of sedation used depends on the patient’s level of anxiety, the complexity of the procedure, and the dentist’s recommendation.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF SEDATION

Inhalation sedation, commonly known as nitrous oxide or “laughing gas,” involves the administration of a colorless and odorless gas through a small mask placed over the patient’s nose. This method induces a state of relaxation and calmness, helping patients feel more comfortable and at ease during dental procedures. Nitrous oxide is a mild sedative that allows patients to remain conscious and responsive throughout the treatment, making it an ideal option for individuals who experience mild to moderate anxiety or fear of dental procedures.

Oral sedation involves the administration of medication in pill or liquid form to induce a state of relaxation and calmness in patients before dental procedures. Typically taken orally prior to the appointment, these sedatives can range from mild to moderate in strength, depending on the level of anxiety or fear experienced by the patient. Oral sedation is particularly beneficial for individuals with moderate to severe dental anxiety or those undergoing more extensive treatments.

IV sedation involves the administration of sedative medications directly into the bloodstream via a needle, typically placed in the patient’s arm or hand. This method allows for precise control over the level of sedation, making it suitable for individuals with moderate to severe dental anxiety or those undergoing complex or lengthy dental procedures.

DECIDING WHICH TREATMENT IS RIGHT FOR YOU

Patients deciding which sedation method is right for them should consider several factors, including their level of anxiety, the complexity of the dental procedure, their medical history, and personal preferences. It’s essential for patients to communicate about their concerns, fears, and past experiences with dental treatments. Based on this information, the dentist can recommend the most suitable sedation option.

For individuals with mild anxiety or fear, inhalation sedation (nitrous oxide) or oral sedation may be sufficient to help them relax during the procedure. These methods allow patients to remain conscious and responsive while still experiencing a significant reduction in anxiety. On the other hand, patients with moderate to severe anxiety or those undergoing more extensive dental work may benefit from IV sedation, as this method provides deeper sedation and may even induce a semiconscious or unconscious state, making it ideal for longer or more complex procedures.

Additionally, patients should consider any medical conditions or medications they are currently taking, as certain sedatives may interact with existing health issues or prescriptions. Consulting with both your dentist and primary healthcare provider can help ensure that the chosen sedation method is safe and appropriate for your individual needs.

ASK ABOUT OUR MEMBERSHIP PLAN

We accept most major dental insurance plans, third-party payments, and offer flexible financing options. NELA Dental wants to make things financially easier for our patients. That’s why we offer membership plans as an alternative to insurance.

Our membership plans offer no deductibles, no maximums, and no denials. It includes two exams and cleanings and one set of bite-wing x-rays per year and 20% off all other services. While most insurance plans cap payouts each year, there are no limits to the benefits of our membership plans.

Call one of our convenient locations in Farmerville and Monroe to schedule your appointment today!

‘Taylor’ Made Homes

The Art of Whole House Remodeling: Turning Nightmares into Dreams

IN THE REALM OF HOME CONSTRUCTION AND remodeling, there exists a spectrum of experiences, ranging from mundane cookie-cutter projects to exhilarating ventures that breathe new life into a dwelling. For custom home builders and remodelers, the true joy lies in the latter—the opportunity to collaborate with homeowners to transform their visions into reality. While many projects may seem routine, there’s a distinct thrill in undertaking endeavors where creativity knows no bounds, where each home is a unique canvas waiting to be painted with innovation and craftsmanship.

At the heart of this transformative journey is the symbiotic relationship between the homeowner and the builder. It begins with a spark of imagination, a desire for change, and a need for someone to navigate the complexities of bringing those aspirations to fruition. For custom builders, this is where the magic happens. It’s not just about construction; it’s about understanding the homeowner’s dreams and aspirations and translating them into tangible designs that reflect their individuality.

One such project that exemplifies this collaborative spirit is the remodel and addition showcased here, led by Josh Taylor, owner of Taylor Made Construction. What started as a simple vision—a new metal roof, upgraded windows—is evolving into a breathtaking transformation, adding over 2,300 square feet and a new garage to the existing structure. It wasn’t just about expanding the physical footprint; it was about elevating the essence of the home, infusing it with character and charm that resonates with the homeowners’ aspirations.. a dream home for the Richardson family. A place where old memories will be remembered, and a place where new memories will be made.

Central to the success of such projects is the meticulous planning and attention to detail that Taylor Made Construction brings to the table. It’s not uncommon for hundreds of sketches to be drafted, each one refining the vision until it crystallizes into a threedimensional rendering that encapsulates the homeowner’s dream. This iterative process is not just about aesthetics; it’s about ensuring that every aspect of the design aligns with the homeowner’s lifestyle, preferences, and budget.

In the case of this remodel and addition, one of the standout features is the handcrafted trusses wrapped in cypress—a testament

to the artisanal craftsmanship and attention to detail that defines custom construction. These towering trusses, measuring 14 inches by 10 inches, not only serve a structural purpose but also make a bold and breathtaking statement, adding a touch of grandeur to the interior space.

But beyond the tangible elements, what truly sets custom builders apart is their ability to tailor their services to meet the unique needs of each homeowner. This requires not only technical expertise but also a deep understanding of the client’s vision and expectations. It’s about being adaptable, creative, and above all, empathetic to the homeowner’s journey.

As homeowners embark on their quest to find the right builder for their project, it’s essential to ask the right questions. What is the builder’s specialty? What types of projects are they best suited to handle? And perhaps most importantly, what projects or situations are outside of their expertise? By seeking out builders who are aligned with their vision and values, homeowners can ensure a seamless and rewarding experience from beginning to end.

In essence, whole house remodeling is not just about construction; it’s about collaboration, creativity, and craftsmanship. It’s about turning nightmares into dreams, transforming ordinary spaces into extraordinary homes that reflect the unique personalities and aspirations of their inhabitants. For custom builders like Josh Taylor, who thrive on pushing the boundaries of innovation and design, there’s no greater satisfaction than seeing those dreams come to life, one sketch at a time. As far as the future of this much anticipated home build, we will just have to stay tuned for its final reveal this summer.

BAYOU ARTIST

Ginny Montgomery

Montgomery owns Clay & Canvas Art Studio, located at 115 Cotton Street in West Monroe, where she teaches a variety of art classes to children and adults. Though Clay & Canvas is relatively new — the studio opened its doors in May 2023 — Montgomery’s journey as an art educator began years before she was doing it on her own terms.

IF YOU ASKED COLLEGE-AGED GINNY MONTGOMERY

how she’d use her Studio Art degree from Louisiana State University, she’d confidently tell you she was going to move to New York City and become a famous artist.

Living and working in the Big Apple didn’t happen. “I got a dose of reality after graduating,” she admits with a laugh — but regardless, Montgomery has built a meaningful career as an artist and art educator here in North Louisiana.

Montgomery owns Clay & Canvas Art Studio, located at 115 Cotton Street in West Monroe, where she teaches a variety of art classes to children and adults. Though Clay & Canvas is relatively new — the studio opened its doors in May 2023 — Montgomery’s journey as an art educator began years before she was doing it on her own terms.

After graduating college, Montgomery headed to Houston, hoping to begin living out her professional artist dreams. She got a job painting faux finishes and murals before realizing that alone wouldn’t be able to sustain her.

“I got a job as a wholesale rep for an art gallery in New Orleans,” Montgomery remembers, “But they relocated to a warehouse in Picayune, Mississippi. I went with them, and it was awful there.”

Montgomery gave up her wholesale rep gig, and, as many others do when they’re unsure of their next steps, decided to go back to school. She made her way back to Monroe, the city she called home from seventh grade to senior year of high school, and enrolled at the University of Louisiana Monroe to pursue a Master’s degree in special education.

“I think [art] is really good for problem-solving,” Montgomery says. “Every time you create art, you’re challenging yourself. You’re trying to do better than you did before.”

When her time as a Warhawk ended, Montgomery began teaching special education classes for the city. “I taught special ed for seven years, and I felt like I was a wonderful teacher,” she says. “I learned all the different methods of teaching kids with special needs at all different levels. I really went full-force into that for years and loved it.”

But one day, she received a phone call that would make her rethink and, ultimately, reroute her career path.

“The principal from Grace Episcopal School called me one day because their art teacher was retiring,” Montgomery tells BayouLife. “[The principal] had been my mentor when I was getting my special ed degree. She knew I was an artist and called to see if I’d be interested in teaching art at Grace. And I was. I started that next school year.”

Montgomery was comfortable in the classroom; she had her years of special education teaching experience to thank for that. But still, she says she was nervous about stepping into the art instructor role at Grace. Of course, she could make art. Not only did she study it in college and do it on the side of her teaching job, but she had grown up immersed in it. Her mother and

grandmother were artists, and she was one of Monroe’s talented art students during her teenage years.

However, teaching art was a different beast, she explains.

“It’s one thing to do art, to create art, but I’d never taught anybody to do any of the stuff I was doing,” she says. “I wasn’t sure how to do that. But when I toured the school and saw the space, I knew I had to do it. I couldn’t turn it down.”

Eventually, her nerves subsided, and teaching art to Grace Episcopal’s Pre-K through eighth-grade students proved to be Montgomery’s dream job.

“I had a massive art room, pottery wheels, kiln, and everything any art teacher could ever want,” she recalls.

Unfortunately, Montgomery’s time at her dream job came to an end. She left the school, and, armed with the pottery

wheels and kiln she purchased from it, began teaching classes out of her carport. She taught out of her home until the opportunity to move into a space, the one Clay & Canvas currently occupies, presented itself. And the rest, as they say, is history.

Montgomery says the response to Clay & Canvas has been wonderful, adding, “On the website, everybody that’s reviewed it has given it five stars. It’s all been good.” She’s also got a collection of glowing wordof-mouth reviews to back up the online ones.

“Just an hour ago, I had my homeschoolers class,” she says, “and I heard several of them say in conversation to each other, ‘This is the best art class I’ve ever been in,’ and ‘This art class is so much fun.’”

Statements like these make the work worthwhile, Montgomery says, as she loves knowing that there are others who find art just as enjoyable and meaningful as she does.

“I know how important art was to me growing up and still is,” she explains. “It’s a release and a way to cope. So, I love it when kids are able to enjoy it.”

She goes on to explain that, in her

opinion, art is just as important for students as, say, math or English, as it helps them develop more skills and traits than they might realize.

“I think [art] is really good for problemsolving,” Montgomery says. “Every time you create art, you’re challenging yourself. You’re trying to do better than you did before. You’ve got to figure out what mediums work together. It’s a learning process, problem-solving.”

Plus, she says, art is a mental escape, letting you focus on something other than the stresses of everyday life. Ultimately, creating art is good for the mind, body, and soul, according to Montgomery. That’s why, when she’s not instructing art classes, you’ll find her working on her own art practice. While some artists find joy in painting landscapes or abstract pieces, portraits and figure studies are Montgomery’s forte. She finds people and their appearances compelling, and she has since she was a child.

“I remember being super young and flipping through magazines, finding a CoverGirl or Maybelline ad or whatever, and sketching the face into my sketchbook,” she recalls. “It’s so interesting. Every single face is different, and you can find something beautiful in every single face you look at. It’s a challenge; it’s never the same thing.”

Most of the faces Montgomery paints are for commissioned pieces. However, when she’s feeling creative, she pulls out the paintbrush and makes work depicting or inspired by the faces in her life. Currently, some of her pieces are for sale at The Trove, one of Monroe’s newest shops located on Tower Drive. You’ll also find her art at the Northeast Louisiana Arts Council’s Blend 2024: Back on the Bayou event in May and the next Downtown Gallery Crawl. She also plans to participate in the Empty Bowls Northeast Louisiana event in April.

Montgomery says she’s grateful to be a part of a community that’s so supportive of art and artists. While she tells BayouLife readers to expect more and new things from her in the near future — “I would love to extend the hours and increase the classes [at Clay & Canvas],” she states before adding that she plans to offer kids art camps and weekly art classes for adults and teens at the studio this summer — she also encourages them to keep an eye on the area art community as a whole.

“I’ve made so many new friends in the last year that are fellow artists that I wouldn’t have met if we didn’t have all these cool things happening,” she says. “It’s an exciting time for all of us, and I hope the momentum [the art community] has right now keeps up.”

MASALA BAKED FISH

Enjoy this healthy and delicious Masala baked fish as a perfect meal during the Lenten season.

WHAT YOU NEED:

2 tbsp olive oil

2 tbsp lemon juice

2 garlic cloves

2 tsp Garam Masala

1 tsp curry powder

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1 1/2 lbs fish fillets

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Combine minced garlic, Garlic Masala, curry powder, olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper together in a large bowl. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and add the fish, skin -side down. Pat the fish dry and then spoon over Masala mixture. Place in over for 12-13 minutes or until fully cooked. Serve with your choice of veggies.

March Madness

Medical Spa by St. Francis Medical Group

MARCH BRINGS THE BEST OF LUCK FOR YOU WITH our March Madness Bracket – Spa Style. Each week will feature two popular services with incredible savings. You can vote for your favorite service via social media (Facebook and Instagram) and the winners will be featured in the winner’s bracket during the last week of March.

SCULPTRA

Sculptra is the only FDA-approved poly-l-lactic acid facial injectable treatment that works with your body to help stimulate natural collagen growth. Sculptra differs from hyaluronic acid fillers because it is a collagen biostimulator that addresses the underlying cause of aging skin from within — the loss of collagen. Collagen is a protein in the body used to form a framework to support cells and tissue. A healthy supply of collagen in the skin provides a smooth, youthful-looking complexion. With aging, you can lose about 1% of collagen per year. Sculptra is gradually and naturally absorbed by the body to reveal results over time, which can last up to 2 years.

REJUVAPEN NXT

Rejuvapen is an in-office microneedling treatment used to stimulate elastin and collagen production. This non-surgical, medical-grade treatment creates micro-wounds in the skin, triggering its natural repair mechanism. The result is overall skin rejuvenation such as smaller pore size, improvement in fine lines and hyperpigmentation and firmer skin. It can also improve the appearance of scars, including acne scars and stretch marks. Patients typically see results within a few days after the first treatment, with optimal results several months after a series of 3-4 treatments.

TOX TUESDAYS

The Medical Spa is now offering Tox Tuesdays! Every Tuesday will feature special pricing and discounts. Pricing will only be available during your appointment, no pre-purchasing. These spots fill quickly, so don’t wait to book. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram where we’ll announce each week’s specific featured discounts.

MEMBERSHIPS AND REFERRALS

Enjoy exclusive perks, pricing and discounts with a Medical Spa VIP membership. With three different VIP levels, there’s something for everyone. Monthly membership fees are deposited into your account and are yours to use toward treatments, products and services at The Medical Spa. In addition, members will also receive exclusive pricing and discounts.

We love building long-term relationships, so we’ve created a referral program to make it easy for you to share your knowledge about The Medical Spa and get rewarded at the same time. For every friend or colleague you refer, you’ll earn $10 once they make a qualifying purchase! Treat yourself and save money this year with either of these programs. To find out more information, call The Medical Spa at (318) 966-3772.

Call or come by The Medical Spa this month to find out more information about any of our specials, or to schedule a consultation. We are in the James R. Wolff Building (also known as the P&S Building) in downtown Monroe. Our address is 312 Grammont St., Suite 406, across from St. Francis Medical Center.

Follow The Medical Spa by St. Francis Medical Group on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date on all current events, promotions and new services.

CONCEALED CARRY OR NOT?

There is a lot of misinformation, particularly on the internet concerning Concealed Carry in Louisiana. With that there is even more misnomers concerning what, when, where and how you can be a legally armed citizen and exercise your rights to possess a firearm. As a concealed carry instructor through the Louisiana State Police, I can tell you that not a single class I have held is done without many of the same questions but more importantly many of the same mistakes.

Fallacy number 1: Bigger is better. I cannot tell you how many students show up with too much pistol that they cannot hit in the same area code two shots in a row. Accuracy far outweighs bullet weight as if you cannot hit your target, you are living in a fantasy world. I recommend a compact pistol that fits the shooter. Secondly, exam who the shooter will be. A revolver is the safest pistol, but most don’t understand the simple characteristics of accuracy. A revolver has 8 pounds plus of trigger pull. An automatic requires less than 4 pounds of trigger press. Many shooters think the more rounds put down range equals more personal protection. That is very untrue. Female shooters struggle with accuracy with revolvers due to the amount of hand strength to consistently maneuver 8 pounds of trigger pull but there is a solution. Hand position and a double finger pull creates an accurate and consistent function of the weapon.

Fallacy number 2: You can get a concealed carry permit via the internet. You cannot, the permit process involves attendance in a 9-hour course with live fire required as well, via a certified instructor. After receiving a certificate, you must apply through www.lsp.org via the concealed handgun division, pass a background check, pay your fees and wait on processing.

and have to use your firearm to protect yourself or your family, what is the first question that will be asked by the offender’s attorney in court? “What formal training have you had to carry a firearm?” None is not a good answer. Louisiana protects persons who utilized a firearm in defense of themselves or others by disallowing a lawsuit to be enforced on a person who follows Louisiana legal guidelines on deadly force.

Fallacy number 6: If someone is breaking in my house and I feel “fear of great bodily harm” and I have to shoot them, I need to drag them inside. Totally 100% false. If you are in fear of great bodily harm, the law allows you to protect yourself. Dragging them inside is considered obstructing justice and will not do anything but hurt your case. The law provides that if a person “is in the process” of illegally entering or breaking into your home you may defend yourself as you are in fear of “great bodily harm.” This can be your home, RV, office or anywhere you have a legal right to be.

Fallacy number 3: Men are better marksmen than women. Very untrue. In all of the classes I have held, women far outshoot men. One reason is that I don’t have to untrain bad habits and most women have not shot a pistol as much as a man. Teaching someone who knows little or nothing about pistol shooting, teaches the right way from the start and bad habits don’t have to be “untaught”.

Fallacy number 4: I will never get over recoil so I can’t overcome my fear of it. That is also very untrue. Training your brain to not react to negative recoil is not hard. It is not natural to put something that “blows up” in your hand and not react. Shooting is a natural function where the brain can be trained to be totally surprised when the round goes off. It takes a little time and practice but it is easily overcome.

Fallacy number 5: I don’t need a concealed carry permit. That is partially true. Louisiana is an open carry state and there is no permit required to carry a firearm in your vehicle. The vehicle is an extension of your home. However, think about this: If you meet the unthinkable

Fallacy number 7: If someone is breaking into my vehicle in my yard, I have the right to shoot them. Totally false. Louisiana law does not provide for deadly force regarding property crimes. Call the police and remain inside. Do not intervene. Your life is not worth any amount of money or property.

Fallacy number 8: I have a permit so I can carry my weapon anywhere. False, again. There are a number of places that you cannot carry a weapon. Examples that are not real obvious include places of business that sell alcohol to be consumed on the property (many restaurants) or places of business where signage states “no weapons allowed.”

Fallacy number 9: If I am in fear, I can draw my weapon to deter someone who has frightened me. This is false. The only reason you should ever draw your weapon is if you are in fear of “great bodily harm.” If you do draw your weapon and certain criteria is not present, you can be charged with aggravated assault. Assault is any threatening action but is not physical. A battery is defined as “unwanted touching.” An aggravated battery is when a weapon is used to harm another person.

These are a few of the fallacies that provide many of the questions raised concerning the legal carry of a concealed weapon. I never recommend that anyone permitted carry openly and I never recommend the use of a firearm for any purpose but for what it is intended.

At the website www.lsp.org there is a list of certified instructors. Take the time to take a course and I assure you it will be time well spent. We all have to right to live in peace and safety. Look for an instructor who teaches you how to avoid using a firearm by including situational awareness training so you can understand the criminal element and how to avoid being a situation where you are at a disadvantage.

SPRING ABOUNDS

Taylor Bennett’s spring tablescape for Easter gatherings features a beautiful tablecloth from Material Things paired with Bordallo Pinheiro dinnerware, complemented by a stunning arrangement of tulips, cabbage and artichokes.

Styled by Taylor Bennett

Photograph by Kelly Moore Clark

Special thanks to Susan Clark, Christine Gillikin and Ashley Burkett

Springtime in NELA means it’s time for the Seafood Circuit to offer fun and competitive opportunities for local players. First up is Shrimpfest, scheduled for March 15-17 at Forsythe Tennis Center. Contact Mark Taylor at 801-0772. Joel McGregor follows up with the Crawfish Classic April 5-6 at the MAC. Contact Joel at 387-2352 ext 210.

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TIPSTER SAYS

This month’s Tipster is Ivone Alvaro, ULM Head Tennis Coach.

Tennis is a sport for a lifetime. Whether you’re young or old, play competitive or just socially, tennis offers you numerous health benefits. Additionally, it serves as a platform for building connections and friendships. It’s never too late to start this amazing sport. So grab your racket!

I REMEMBER

I REMEMBER , visiting in the home of one of the members of the church in Delhi where I was serving as pastor. We were sitting in the kitchen, enjoying coffee and conversation, when I noticed a plaque hanging on the kitchen wall. The words on the plaque grabbed my attention – they read: “God, make me patient; right now!” This plea for immediate patience is probably more common than one might expect. Doubtless all of us could use an extra dose of patience, and the sooner, the better!

For instance, I have been experiencing the unwanted presence of a nemesis known as “arthritis.” To cope with this hostile invasion of my body by this pernicious enemy of my “castle,” I have been taking some meds designed to deter the pain. Needless to say, I was hoping for some immediate relief. Unfortunately, my time schedule for success and that of the meds did not coincide. Therefore, my patience is being tested and is not getting very high grades!

Since we are told in Hebrews 12:1 to “run with patience the race that is

set before us,” one might think that the encouragement toward patience would be prevalent in the Scriptures. Nevertheless, when I consulted my concordance, I was surprised at the limited times in which the word was listed. I believe, of course, that if the Bible states a truth just one time, that is sufficient to establish its reliability. Still, I was surprised by the limited number of references to patience in the Word.

Perhaps the Lord is using another tactic to teach us to be patient. Just think of the lapse of time between the first promise of the coming Messiah (cf. Genesis 3:15) and His actual appearance, recorded in the gospels. That was a long wait – and likely one that would promote a degree of patience.

Similarly, consider how much time has elapsed since Jesus left this earth with the promise to return. Since that time, the Christian church has waited, often without much evidence of patience, for His second coming. As Easter approaches late this month, thoughts of Christ’s return will likely begin to occupy the minds of many of us. And many will be inquiring, “How

long, O Lord? When will you comeback to gather your disciples and take us (them) to heaven?”

There are some reasons for the apparent impatience. Our world has been plagued by all manner of things: death, illness, tears, sin, Satan, suffering, wars, hatred, pain, misery, etc. How wonderful it will be when all such will be banished and everything will be peace and harmony in Christ’s Kingdom. I long for that day when all the effects of sin will be forever removed – and my longing is too often characterized by an impatience that wants results right now!

May the Lord forgive my impatience, but may He also hear our prayers, “Come quickly, Lord Jesus.” (Rev. 22:20)

A Vision for a Better Monroe

Energy, Vision, and Results are a Way of Life for Friday Ellis

MONROE MAYOR FRIDAY ELLIS EXUDES AN INFECTIOUS energy and optimism whenever he delves into discussions about the future of the City of Monroe. His political journey began in July 2020 when he, a virtually unknown candidate at the time, managed to captivate the hearts of the citizens by presenting a compelling vision of a thriving and growing Monroe. Reflecting on his victory, Ellis humbly remarked, “We had a lot of work to do to win the support and trust needed to run a campaign, but everyone we talked to was hungry for change and a new direction for Monroe.”

The 2020 mayoral election, culminating in Ellis securing victory, underscored the widespread desire for transformation within the city. In his dedicated three and a half years in office, Ellis has tirelessly worked on a two-part transformation, focusing not only on growth and progress but also on reshaping the mindset and attitudes of the citizens toward their city.

Assuming office during the COVID-19 pandemic presented a unique set of challenges, compounded by existing issues such as high crime rates and a declining population. Ellis acknowledged the grim situation, stating, “It was a pretty dark time, and people throughout Monroe were frustrated.” The city grappled with alarming murder and violent crime rates, earning the unfortunate label of the nation’s “most dangerous city.” Economic setbacks, including Lumen’s layoffs and the closure of major employers like State Farm, Accent Marketing, and GM, further exacerbated the challenges.

Despite these hurdles, Ellis has overseen significant economic development achievements. His tenure witnessed the announcement of an Amazon distribution center, the realization of Amtrak service in Monroe, and the establishment of a new Biomedical Research and Innovation Park. Multiple industry partner expansions and new developments along I-20 have further contributed to the city’s progress. Ellis attributes these accomplishments to the collaborative efforts of his dedicated team at City Hall, united by a common vision to make Monroe the best it can be.

After taking office, addressing Monroe’s crime issues were a first priority for Mayor Ellis. Monroe’s crime rate had skyrocketed during the previous administration. “We inherited a serious leadership problem within the Monroe Police Department which had affected morale and staffing. We had become of microcosm of what began

happening in larger cities with “defund the police” movements,” Ellis said. “It was critical we found a new, experienced Police Chief as quickly as possible. Chief Vic Zordan was selected from 10 candidates that applied for the position, and improvements in all areas, including staffing, happened quickly after he took office,” Ellis said.

In addition to rebuilding and restoring the police department for enhanced public safety, Ellis prioritized new parks and recreation development plans and an aggressive downtown strategic plan. These initiatives align with his broader vision of a Monroe that not only addresses immediate challenges but also lays the foundation for sustainable growth and improved quality of life.

Looking ahead, Ellis emphasizes the need for continued strong leadership and vision to further advance economic growth, job opportunities, and public safety. He urges the support of all Monroe voters who share his belief in steering the city toward a constructive course that benefits every citizen.

Beyond his commitment to the city, Ellis’s other favorite topic is his family. Married to Ashley for 23 years, they have three children: Friday, Asher, and Aurie, all attending Monroe City schools. Ashley, a former member of the state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE), represented northeast Louisiana for four years while also serving as an educator in Monroe City Schools and Louisiana Delta Community College.

As a couple, they navigate the same challenges, opportunities, time constraints, and stress that any other family faces on a day-today basis. Despite their demanding roles, they make every effort to attend their children’s activities, assist with homework, participate in cooking, and maintain bedtime routines. “We are no different than any other parents,” said Ashley. “We want our city to be safe, provide a great quality of life, and offer excellent opportunities in a city our children can proudly call ‘Home.’ I want them to know that their parents were courageous enough to serve when their community needed them.” This commitment to both family and community underscores Ellis’s holistic approach to leadership, where personal values and relationships are seamlessly integrated into his dedication to the betterment of Monroe.

The Most Refreshing Margarita

Cayman Jack - Neither Shaken Nor Stirred

THERE IS SOMETHING TO BE SAID ABOUT HAVING AN ice-cold drink on a hot day. Be it after a long day of playing in the sun, or an even longer day crossing things off the honey-do list, it’s always a perfect end to find one’s self sitting on the patio, looking out at nature under the hot sun and enjoying a crisp drink. Granted, after this day, breaking out a blender, cutting the ingredients, and making a fresh margarita may not be at the top of your list of to-do. Honestly, on a hot day, a lot of individuals crave that margarita flavor, with the freshness of the lime and sweetness of the agave. That is where Cayman Jack comes into play. With the bottled, malt margaritas you will get to enjoy something crisp and sweet.

Best enjoyed close to freezing, these bottled beverages have an incredible sweetness coming from the cane sugar, all mixed with delicious bitter limes and a deeper undertone from the agave nectar. Compared to other ‘margaritas’ in the bottle or can, Cayman Jack definitely surpassed each one with their ingredients and flavor. A little tip to up the margarita factor of this awesome little bottle would be to take a little margarita salt and sprinkle it into the open bottle.

Cayman Jack is a hand-crafted, ultra-premium malt beverage with smooth drinkability and just the right bite. Made with 100% blue agave nectar, natural lime juice, and real cane sugar, Cayman Jack makes it easy to discover something unexpectedly great. Drawing on the best of nature for inspiration, with a crisp and clean taste, it is arguably the most refreshing margarita in the world. Cayman Jack is available in 12oz bottles, 12oz cans and can also be enjoyed over ice.

Cayman Jack Margaritas fall under Mike’s Hard Lemonade portfolio. When the iconic hard lemonade was first introduced in Canada in 1997, it was spiked with vodka. However, when the drink was introduced to US consumers in 1999, the vodka was replaced with a proprietary malt liquor. Even as a malt beverage, Mike’s Hard still represented an exciting new world of possibilities to non-beer drinkers; Mike’s prides itself on being both easy to drink and easy to love. Being in the flavor beverage business, Mike’s has mastered the Flavor game.

Mike’s Hard Lemonade Simply follows a Four Step Brewing Process:

Ferment malt grains with our proprietary, bespoke yeast, filter through proprietary filtration technology, resulting in a very clean, neutral alcohol base. Squeeze and zest lemons to produce superior, natural lemon flavor. Add natural sugars and lemon flavor to the neutral alcohol base to produce the best liquids. Mike’s transforms this product

to many different flavors, such as Original Lemonade, Strawberry Lemonade, Peach Lemonade, Cranberry Lemonade, Black Cherry Lemonade and many more.

Spring is here and so is this springs most sought-after Seltzer. Mike’s Hard Lemonade Seltzer is the Full Flavor Hard Lemonade Seltzer with 100 Calories, 1g Sugar, 5.0% ABV, and is Gluten Free. The Variety Pack includes four refreshing flavors: Lemon, Strawberry, Mango, and Pineapple. Mike’s Hard Lemonade Seltzer is the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. With the kick of lemonade and the lighter, low alcohol profile of hard seltzer, Mike’s Hard Lemonade Seltzer is a sessionable beverage made for gatherings. While we’re deep in the second surge of an unprecedented global pandemic, it is anyone’s guess what next summer will look like, but knowing that this effervescent lemonade is on the horizon gives us one guaranteed bright spot.

The company also makes a higher ABV option, called Mike’s Harder, which contains eight percent ABV. Mike’s Harder comes in a variety eight pack of 16 ounce cans, containing two each of Cranberry, Lemonade, Purple Grape, and Strawberry. It also comes in a tallboy 23.5 ounce can.

Mark Anthony Brand’s also owns MXD Cocktails Co., a 12 percent ABV RTD. These “Wildly Good” Pre-MXD cocktails come in four flavors: Margarita, Long Island Iced Tea, Mai Tai and Strawberry Daiquiri.

Last but not least, White Claw fits into the “work hard, play hard” mentality of many young professionals, there weren’t any good options for a light and refreshing gluten-free drink that wasn’t either too sweet or too alcoholic. The 5% ABV White Claw Hard Seltzer is available in minimally sweet flavors with zero aftertaste.

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

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

Facebook: Marsala Beverage

Twitter: @marsalabeverage1

Instagram: @marsalabeverage

Fishing With Kenny

Soft Plastics for Every Situation

Alure in a tackle box is nothing more than a tool is to a toolbox. Each one has its own identity and a specific job it is used for. Some lures are specialty items, such as a weedless spoon or even a frog for example. Most of the time, both of these lures are used in specific situations for them to perform at their best. With this being the backdrop of this months “Fishing with Kenny” article, let’s look at some soft plastics that will produce for you year round, regardless of where you are fishing.

A soft plastic lure can be categorized in several ways. There are creature baits, stick worms, tubes, fluke style baits, plastic worms, lizards, swimbaits and craw worms, all of which are popular choices. The fascinating thing about each of these lures is most of them, when used properly and with the correct technique, will catch fish twelve months out of the year. Agreed, some of them are better at specific times but that still doesn’t take away from their yearlong effectiveness. Let us take a look.

One of the most popular soft plastics in the last several years is the “creature bait.” Two of the more popular lures in this category is the Zoom Brush Hog and the Reaction Innovations Sweet Beaver. It has been said that more fish have been caught in our area on a Zoom Baby Brush Hog than any other soft plastic and I have no reason to dispute this. However, over the past several years, I am willing to bet a Sweet Beaver runs a very close second. Both lures are effective in all water situations, depths, and seasons, usually by flipping and pitching the lures around any visible cover. Watermelon, Green Pumpkin, and Black Neon are the more popular colors and adding dye to the tips of the lures only adds to their effectiveness.

One of the forgotten soft plastics, largely due to the effectiveness of the aforementioned Brush Hog and Beaver, is the inch lizard. This was A lot of fishermen believe only choice, but I know of with great success. One of the better characteristics of the lizard are the numerous ways it can be fished. Flip it, cast it, Carolina rig with it, float it over the top of grass, use it for bed fishing; as you can see, its effectiveness is hard to dispute. Like all other soft plastics, there are colors abound but watermelon/chartreuse, cotton candy/ chartreuse and South African Special are really the only colors you will need.

of fish on a Senko, if I was forced to choose one over the other, it would be the Dinger, simply due to its durability. We could write a whole article on which colors are best but I have found the simpler I keep things the better I seem to do. Junebug, black/blue flake, and a shade of watermelon or green pumpkin will pretty much cover all the bases.

No matter if you fish a Senko wacky style, Texas rigged weightless, Texas rigged with a small sinker, or even Carolina rigging it, these lures are deadly, especially during the spawning season. If there is a better soft plastic for heavily pressured say I have never seen it. One when topwater fishing, the Senko follow up bait for fish that short topwater lure.

When was the last time you Texas rigged a craw worm? For most anglers, it has probably been a long time but for me, since the discovery of the Zoom Speed Craw, I have one tied on at all times. In my opinion, it is the best all round soft plastic lure ever made for bass fishing. There is nothing you can’t do with this little guy, and it catches numbers of bass, and it can catch you the fish of a lifetime. It is

The Speed Craw comes in two sizes; however, I use the smaller version 95% of the time. The only time I use the Super Speed Craw is when I am needing a bigger profile for a jig trailer. I do not believe I have ever fished a lake where I could not or did not catch fish on the Speed Craw. I have used it Texas rigged it for flipping and pitching, I have used it as a jig trailer on both a standard jig and a swim jig, I have Carolina rigged it, I have put it on a Shakey head and caught smallmouth bass in Arkansas, I have used it as my main bait for sight fishing bed fish. I have found a lot of colors in the Speed Craw that are effective fish catchers, but if I had to choose my favorite colors they would be South African Special, Junebug, Green Pumpkin Magic and Blackberry.

The Speed Craw is one of the soft plastics where I have noticed the rigging of it to be of the most importance. First, you want to use a bit heavier slip sinker when Texas rigging it. I like no less than a 3/8-ounce sinker and have used as large as a 5/8 because the lures effectiveness is based on the rate of fall. I always use a 3/0 straight shank flipping hook with 30 lb. test braided line. Give it a try, you won’t be disappointed, from January through December, the Speed Craw will catch bass!

Arguably the deadliest soft plastic of all times is the Senko style worm. There are many versions, all of them will catch fish, but to make things easier let’s focus on the Yamamoto Senko and the Yum Dinger. The Senko is heavily impregnated with salt and is a bit softer than the Dinger. While personally I have caught a lot

Wow, how the time has gotten away from us again this month. I hope we were able to share a few tips and ideas that will help you on your next trip to the water. It is in the heart of springtime so the fish should be biting! Be careful on the water and make sure you catch one for me!

Cheers To 70 Years!

Choice Brands Celebrates 7 Decades of Customer Service

THE YEAR IS 1954. JOE DIMAGGIO AND MARILYN

Monroe wed, Disneyland opens in California, the cost of gas is $0.21/gallon, and Elvis Presley begins his music career. Also in 1954, Choice Brands, Inc. is founded by the Elkins Family of Monroe. Known today for its vast portfolio of leading beer, spirits and non-alcohol brands, Choice Brands, Inc. was started by the late Frank Elkins, Jr., who at the time was running the beer business at Ouachita Candy Company for the Biedenharn family. At the age of twenty-six, he left Ouachita Candy to establish a new wholesale beverage company, starting with just a few relatively unknown brands – anchored by Miller High Life beer. With only six employees and fifteen parishes in Northeast Louisiana to service, the journey was difficult.

Over the next 20 years the company added wine and spirit brands, along with various regional beer brands just to keep the business afloat. Then, in 1972, the High Life 7oz Pony was introduced and helped skyrocket Miller High Life to one of the best-selling brands in America. Shortly thereafter, the Elkins Family purchased a second beer operation in Alexandria, giving them nearly a third of the state’s exclusive territory for Miller Brewing Company. 1975 saw the introduction of America’s original light beer, Miller Lite, which changed the beer business forever. Over the next several decades, Choice Brands was awarded exclusive rights to brands like Heineken, Red Bull, Abita, Yuengling and Sazerac just to name a few. Today, the company represents over thirty beverage suppliers and over two hundred brands.

The supplier - distributor dynamic is a true partnership. Peter Merz from MolsonCoors says, “When a company starts with three trucks and six employees and grows into a multi-branded operation covering 22 Parishes, you know you are doing something right. We are very proud and grateful to have Choice Brands and their team represent our brands across Louisiana. We look forward to seeing what the future holds for this great team.” Nicholas Krizic from Guinness/Diageo adds, “Choice Brands has been an incredible partner and a leader in their community. There have been many challenges and obstacles in the beer and beverage industry, particularly in the last few years. Choice Brands has not only overcome them but excelled in doing so. That is a true testament to

the strength and perseverance of their ownership and employees.”

Now in its 70th year, and fourth generation of Elkins family involvement, the beverage operation employs more than one hundred dedicated men and women – many having worked with the company for over 20 – 30 years. As with any successful business, the employees are truly the backbone of Choice Brands. “To have so many long-standing employees who have contributed so much to our success makes me proud of the way we’ve tried to run the business over the years” says Frank Elkins, III, company President.

The years of experience and dedication of the team at Choice Brands are reflected in the sentiments of our valued retail partners. “Choice Brands has been an integral part of the package beer market with the U Pak It Chain over the last 30-plus years,” says Jimmy Boyett. “We have always been able to count on them to bring in new and upcoming products the consumer is searching for. This enables us to pass along great new products to our customers. Choice Brands has been a great partner with U Pak It, not only as a vendor, but they do a great job in supporting the community as well. Congratulations on 70 years!”

Giving back is a priority for the company. Over the years, Choice Brands and Venture Marketing have helped raise substantial funds for many local charities and non-profit organizations. Through partnerships with unique local events such as Bayou Desiard Dragon Boat Festival and The Red, White, and Blue Air Show, the companies are able to raise funds for organizations like The Children’s Coalition and Chennault Aviation and Military Museum, while having fun with friends and neighbors. Other partnerships include St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, regional Ducks Unlimited chapters, supporting local arts organizations through Downtown Gallery Crawl and BLEND (NELA Arts Council), and many more. “In the end, it all comes down to community,” says Elkins. “And without the support of our employee family in these efforts, we would never be able to do all that we do.”

Be sure to like Choice Brands on Facebook and follow us on 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 and instagram.com/choicebrands.

Max Porter Provisions

A Men’s Mercantile on Antique Alley

NESTLED IN THE HEART OF WEST MONROE, ON historic Antique Alley, Max Porter Provisions stands as a beacon of style and sophistication for men seeking quality goods and unique gift items. Founded by partners Laurie Cochran and Cassie Livingston, this men’s mercantile offers a carefully curated selection of apothecary items, apparel, general store goods, and one-of-a-kind finds. Stepping into Max Porter Provisions is like stepping back in time, with vintage family memorabilia and antique furniture setting the stage for a shopping experience unlike any other.

The store’s name, Max Porter Provisions, holds a special significance, paying homage to Livingston’s father-in-law, Max Livingston, who passed away from leukemia in 2011. It serves as a tribute to a hard-working veteran who dedicated his life to his family and country, embodying the values of integrity, dedication, and family roots that are at the core of this unique establishment.

One of the standout features of Max Porter Provisions is its carefully curated selection of products that cater to the modern man’s lifestyle. From grooming essentials to stylish apparel and accessories, there is something for every discerning shopper. Here are some of the store’s favorite products that have captured the hearts of customers:

Fragrances and Candles by Guy Fox: Indulge your senses with the exquisite scents of Guy Fox’s line of fragrances and candles, perfect for creating a warm and inviting atmosphere in any space.

Supply Grooming Sets: Elevate your grooming routine with Supply’s high-performance grooming sets, including ultra-lather shaving cream and single-edge razors with NickStop technology for a smooth and comfortable shave.

Baseball Caps: Choose from a wide selection of uniquely curated baseball caps that add a touch of style to any outfit, making them a must-have accessory for the modern man.

Camp and Shwood Eyewear: Shield your eyes in style with Camp and Shwood eyewear, offering a great price point and a range of designs to suit every taste.

Turtlebox Outdoor Speakers: Take your outdoor adventures to the next level with Turtlebox, the ultimate outdoor speaker that combines rugged durability with exceptional sound quality.

Men’s Apparel: Explore a diverse range of men’s apparel from renowned brands such as Howler Brothers, The Normal Brand, Flag & Anthem, Criquet Shirts, Duck Camp, and Sendero, each offering quality craftsmanship and timeless style.

Gourmet Rubs and Spices: From spectacular sauces to gourmet,the pantry items at Max Porter Provisions are carefully curated and tested by our dedicated staff. One of the standout items is Olive & Sinclair’s duck fat caramels. For those looking to add a burst of flavor to their dishes, Spiceology and BBQ Rubdown seasonings are a must-have. These gourmet rubs are expertly crafted to enhance the natural flavors of your ingredients, whether you’re grilling roasting or sautéing.

As the seasons change, Max Porter Provisions welcomes new spring arrivals that reflect the latest trends and styles in men’s fashion and lifestyle products. Whether you’re shopping for yourself or looking for the perfect gift for the special men in your life, Max Porter Provisions has something for everyone.

Stay connected with Max Porter Provisions by following them on Facebook and Instagram or visiting their website at maxporterpro. com, where you can explore their full range of products and stay updated on the latest promotions and events.

Max Porter Provisions is more than just a store—it’s a destination where history, style, and quality converge to create a shopping experience that is truly unforgettable. Discover the charm of Max Porter Provisions on Antique Alley and immerse yourself in a world of timeless elegance and sophistication.

Elect Jamie Mayo For Mayor

Mayo’s Business Acumen and Overall Experience Sets Him Apart

JAMES EARL MAYO WAS BORN IN Monroe, grew up in Morehouse Parish and graduated from Bastrop High School. In high school, Jamie was recognized as a leader and team player who excelled in baseball, football and basketball. When Jamie was in the sixth grade, he played trumpet in the high school band.

Jamie earned a full basketball scholarship to Northeast Louisiana University (now the University of Louisiana Monroe). Mayo played point guard, a position known as a takecharge, leadership position, so it’s no surprise that Mayo led the team in assists for three consecutive seasons and ranks second all-time in ULM history in career assists with 370.

Jamie’s always been a leader—on the court, and in the community. He was a point guard and also a quarterback. Those positions require leadership skills, and he displayed those very early. He took charge of the game and motivated players to play well.

“Jamie is a consummate team player and leader,” says Coach Lenny Fant , NLU Jamie’s leadership ability was evident as point guard for the successful basketball teams at NLU under Coach Fant.

Fant’s teams won seven conference and/ or district championships. Fant’s team with point guard Jamie Mayo was his single-most successful record, 23-6 and NLU received a bid to play in the National Invitation Tournament. Coach Fant said Jamie is a consummate team player and leader on the court.

Mayo credits his BA in Business Administration and his business experience in banking and insurance with giving him the background to balance the city budget and protect the surplus.

Jamie earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from NLU. His degree and education earned him employment from companies such as State Farm Insurance, Allstate Insurance and Chase Manhattan

Mortgage Corp. Jamie’s business degree, business experience and conservative approach as former Mayor of Monroe served Monroe well in terms of balanced budgets and surplus during some very tough times.

Mayo said he chose to seek reelection because he loves the city he lives in and could easily continue working in his thriving consulting business but he cannot stand to see the lack of effort in addressing the violent crimes in Monroe.

Jamie married Angela Washington Mayo and they chose Monroe to raise their family.

They have two children (Jared and Ashley), both are nursing graduates of Grambling State University, and one grandson (Tyler Williams).

Jamie and Angela are members of New Light Baptist Church (Rev. James B. Johnson, Pastor).

The BayouLife Attorney Directory is your source for obtaining current information for attorneys licensed to practice in Louisiana. From personal injury attorneys to those specializing in family law, this list is comprised of some of the best in the industry.

Bayou DeSiard Title Company

417 North 3rd Street, Monroe 318-325-8800

Bruscato LAW FIRM

603 Jackson Street, Monroe 318.501.8173

Creed & Creed

1805 Tower Drive, Monroe 318.387.5800

Cummins and Fitts

Family Law Attorneys

401 Walnut Street, Monroe 318-600-4640

Guerriero & Guerriero

2200 Forsythe Avenue, Monroe 318.600.0000

Hudson, Potts & Bernstein, LLP

1800 Hudson Lane, Suite #300, Monroe hblaw.com | 318-388-4400

Matherne & Davis, APLC

3006 Armand Street, P.O. Box 6135, Monroe 318.807.9030

North Delta Title Company

1100 North 19th Street, Monroe 318.387.1100

Growing up in the heart of Monroe, Louisiana, John Bruscato’s life was shaped by the core values of faith, family, resilience, and service. In this close-knit community, these values weren’t just preached, but lived out daily. From learning the ropes of his family’s restaurant, Geno’s, to raising a family of his own, every experience has woven into the fabric of who John Bruscato is today.

However, the path to his career as a lawyer wasn’t a straight one. John experienced a pivotal moment during his college years at ULM in 2006, where he found himself in a legal predicament. Rather than letting it derail him, it ignited a passion within him. John gives credit to the guidance of his cousin, Tony, an experienced personal injury attorney. Tony’s mentorship not only introduced John to the legal profession, but also instilled in him the importance of fighting for others. John went on to earn his Juris Doctorate at Mississippi College and graduated in 2012. Once he graduated, John knew exactly what he wanted to do. He passed the bar, and founded his own practice, Bruscato Law Firm.

John Bruscato’s academic journey at the University of Louisiana Monroe, where he focused on marketing and economics, may seem unrelated to law at first glance. However, those studies equipped him with a unique perspective and skill set essential for personal injury law. Understanding the broader economic and communication principles has become his edge in navigating the complexities of each client’s case.

Choosing personal injury law wasn’t about following a trend for John Bruscato; it was deeply personal. Having experienced uncertainty and pain firsthand, he approaches each case with empathy and understanding. John Bruscato’s mission is rooted in

the belief that everyone deserves justice and validation for their story.

Faith, family, and service are the pillars of Bruscato Law Firm today. Every case taken on by John is a personal commitment to stand by his clients during their toughest times. Integrity, diligence, and excellence guide his approach, ensuring that each client feels genuinely cared for and represented.

For John Bruscato, success in law isn’t just about legal victories; it’s about making a tangible difference in people’s lives. John says, “It’s about setting an example for my children, showing them the importance of touching lives and making the world a little fairer.”

Bruscato Law Firm

603 Jackson St, Monroe bruscatolaw.com | 318-501-8173

As we face the challenges of an ever-changing world, John Bruscato’s commitment to his clients, family, and community remains unwavering. With optimism and determination, he embraces the opportunities ahead, knowing that every case, every client, and every family he serves contributes to a legacy of impact and compassion.

Today, John Bruscato resides in Monroe, where he and his wife, Cassie, raise their three children, Colby, Dash, and Vanessa Jean. John says, “They’re the heartbeat of my world. They push me every day to reach for more, not just for us, but for every family I am privileged to represent.”

LOCAL INJURY ATTORNEYS

Since 1995, Christian and Catherine Creed have provided outstanding legal representation to their clients in northeast Louisiana. As members of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, which recognizes prestigious trial lawyers in the United States, Creed & Creed focuses on personal injury litigation, including automobile accidents, 18-wheeler accidents, offshore accidents, wrongful death, and social security disability claims. Also, as members of the American Academy of Trial Attorneys, representing the top one percent of trial attorneys, the firm believes those who have suffered personal injuries due to negligence, through no fault of their own, should be fairly and adequately compensated. They believe in dedicated and personal service. Christian and Catherine meet personally with their clients to better understand the needs of their clients and the details of their case. They know how insurance companies operate, and they fight to protect the rights of their clients. In fact, the firm was recently recognized as one of the nation’s top personal injury law firms by the National Association of Distinguished Counsel and is the proud recipient of The American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys’ Client Satisfaction Award.

Christian Creed is an experienced trial attorney and persuasive negotiator. A graduate of LSU and Loyola University College of Law, Christian is also a licensed investigator, making him uniquely qualified to fight on their clients’ behalf. Moreover, Christian previously worked as a claims adjuster for several national insurance companies, so he knows how insurance adjusters operate and the strategies they employ. He has been representing clients throughout northeast Louisiana for over 25 years, and his experience ensures their clients the favorable outcome

they deserve.

Catherine Creed is a lifelong resident of our community with over 25 years of legal experience. A graduate of LSU and Loyola University College of Law, she is a former real estate attorney, who now devotes her entire practice to personal injury law. Catherine is a member of the Louisiana Association of Justice and Louisiana Land and Title Association. She is also a sustaining member of the Monroe Junior League and is actively involved with the United Way of Northeast Louisiana.

Christian and Catherine take pride in their Louisiana roots and are actively involved in their community. The Creeds are ardent supporters of our area’s schools, universities and non-profits. Creed & Creed was voted as Best Law Firm in northeast Louisiana in Gannett’s Best of the Best, and is an eleven-time winner of The Best of the Delta, Best Attorney category. Creed & Creed is a past recipient of the Good Neighbor Award presented by the Better Business Bureau and the Bart Award, which recognizes contributions by local businesses to the arts in northeast Louisiana by the Downtown Arts Alliance. Also, Christian was previously recognized as the James M. Shipp Jr. Memorial Young Business Leader of the Year by the Monroe Chamber of Commerce and received the first Community Spirit Award presented by NELA United Way. The Creeds take pride in being our area’s local injury attorneys.

Creed & Creed

1805 Tower Drive, Monroe creedlaw.com | 318-387-5800

LOCAL PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEYS

Guerriero & Guerriero

2200 Forsythe Avenue, Monroe theinjuryattorney.com | 318.600.0000

OFFICIAL INJURY ATTORNEY FOR THE ULM WARHAWKS

TOUGH, AGGRESSIVE, LOCAL LEGAL REPRESENTATION

99 YEARS STRONG

Founded 99 years ago, the law firm of Guerriero and Guerriero is one of the oldest and most prestigious firms in North Louisiana. With over nine decades of litigation experience, Jeff Guerriero continues the legacy started by his grandfather, Joseph S. Guerriero, and his father, Joe D. Guerriero. Jeff, his wife Elizabeth, and son-in-law Bryan Creekmore are proud to be a part of the legal profession and to carry on a family tradition of providing tough and aggressive legal representation to Louisiana plaintiffs. Jeff, a respected trial attorney, known for his compassionate and tenacious representation, has obtained some of the largest settlements and verdicts in Northeast Louisiana, collecting millions of dollars for his clients. He gives each case his personal attention and cares about his clients like family.

Guerriero & Guerriero is proud to be the official injury attorney for the ULM Warhawks. The firm handles cases involving personal injury; 18-wheeler, motorcycle, and car accidents; wrongful death; nursing home neglect; medical malpractice; drug recalls/injuries; defective products; oil field/

rig accidents; and mass tort/class action litigation.

Over his accomplished legal career, Jeff has won numerous distinguished awards including Bayou Life’s Best of the Bayou Top Attorney; Shreveport Bossier Magazine’s Top Attorney; Super Lawyer distinction; Pro Bono Lawyer of the Year; and the Better Business Bureau’s Good Neighbor award. Additionally, the American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys recently voted Guerriero Law firm one of the 10 Best Law Firms for Exceptional Client Services.

Jeff and Elizabeth both attended ULM and received their Juris Doctorates from Tulane University School of Law. Jeff served on the House of Delegates, the Board of Governors, and the Legislative Committee for the Louisiana State Bar Association for several years. He also served as the chairman of the Ethics Committee for the Fourth Judicial District Bar Association for over 10 years. Jeff is also the defense council for BKFC.

Elizabeth, an accomplished attorney in her own right, taught Business Law at ULM for 25 years and served on the House of

Delegates for the Louisiana Bar Association. Specializing in contract law, she has negotiated multi-million dollar entertainment, television and sports contracts.

Bryan, a graduate of ULM and Southern School of Law, is an integral part of the firm and puts his legal research and analytical skills to work for the firm’s clients. He has recently been selected as one of the top 40 under 40 community members by the chamber of commerce as well as being selected as a fellow to participate in the 2023 Delta Regional Authority leadership institute in order to help progress our region.

Guerriero & Guerriero is truly a local family business that for generations has, and continues to, serve and support the greater Ouachita area. The firm gives back to the community by supporting local charities and schools, ULM, sponsoring coat and toy drives, bike giveaways, Jungle Bells (free zoo admission with many holiday activities) and by participating in Christmas, Mardi Gras, and The Black History parade.

The Guerriero law firm is available 24/7. Call for FREE consultations.

Just dial 6 million - 318-600-0000.

Matherne and Davis, Attorneys at Law, are based in Monroe and represent clients throughout Northeast Louisiana. Their firm provides a broad range of legal services to clients, specializing in estate planning. They bring extensive experience and professionalism in every case and customize their support with every client based upon specific needs, concerns and goals.

Almost all individuals, regardless of age, marital status or net worth need to have an ongoing relationship and open conversation with a competent estate planning attorney. By creating a plan for the management of your assets in the event of disability and/or a plan for the disposition of your assets at death, the time and expense of the probate process and any potential estate tax liability, can be greatly reduced and the burden on loved ones can be minimized. They assist clients with comprehensive wealth management and estate planning strategies to best meet their needs and to help families with the transition of assets during lifetime and at death in the most efficient manner possible. Their services include the drafting and administration of wills,

Wills, Powers of Attorney, Trusts, Successions

powers of attorney, trusts, and successions. In addition, they are experienced and available to counsel and advise clients in the areas of donations, marriage contracts, tutorships, interdictions, Medicaid planning, business formation, taxation, and business contracts.

The faces behind Matherne and Davis may be familiar to you as they were both born and raised in North Louisiana and are very involved in the community. Valerie Van Matherne has been practicing law in Monroe for over 25 years. After graduating from Ouachita Parish High School, and ULM with a Bachelor of Business in Accounting, she attended Mississippi College School of Law. While attending law school, she passed the CPA exam and maintains her CPA status as “inactive.” She began her practice as a sole practitioner specializing in corporate law, successions, wills, trusts and tax planning. She also spent several years working in the banking industry as a trust officer.

In 2005, Valerie received her Certified Financial Planner™ Certification and has been a Board-Certified Estate Planning and Administration Specialist with the Louisiana Board of Legal Specialization since 2007. In 2013, Valerie partnered with

Lauren Davis to form Matherne & Davis, APLC.

Lauren Pickett Davis is a native of Delhi and high school graduate of Riverfield Academy. She graduated from ULM with a Bachelor of Arts in Government/History in 2001 and received her Juris Doctorate in Civil Law from Loyola University School of Law in New Orleans in 2007. After graduation, Lauren clerked for the Fourth Judicial District Court. Upon completion of her clerkship, Lauren practiced in Shreveport until 2012 when she and her family returned to Monroe. Lauren currently serves on the Board of Directors for Commercial Capital Bank.

Valerie and Lauren’s work history and knowledge are invaluable in assisting their clients in the estate planning field as they work closely with many of their client’s tax advisors and financial planners to ensure that their clients benefit from a comprehensive approach. Contact Matherne and Davis today to plan for your future. Whether you are planning a new business, in need of a pre or post marriage contract or estate planning, Matherne and Davis can help you today, so you don’t have to worry about tomorrow.

Founded 26 years ago, Bayou Desiard Title Company has been a cornerstone of the community, providing reliable title services since its inception. Gene Hastings and the other attorneys and staff members of Bayou DeSiard Title recognize that any company that has been successful for over two decades owes its existence to the individuals and community that it serves.

Bayou DeSiard Title Company

417 North 3rd Street, Monroe 318-325-8800

Bayou DeSiard Title specializes in providing closing services in connection with all types of real estate transactions. It handles transactions involving residential and commercial properties including sales, mortgages, refinances, donations, servitudes and lease/purchases. The company provides escrow services and writes title insurance for national title insurers. Bayou DeSiard Title is approved to handle matters on behalf of almost every banker, mortgage broker and realty office in Northeast Louisiana.

Cummins and Fitts Family Law Attorneys

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The company was formed in 1997 by local attorney Gene Hastings and he has since been joined by two other attorneys, Cooper Hastings and Larry Mullens. The attorneys are supported by a staff which prides itself on being experienced, professional and friendly. The individuals that make up our team are all determined to provide professional title services while maintaining a personal relationship with our clients. Everyone at Bayou DeSiard Title is a specialist when it comes to real estate transactions and this is why they can live up to the company slogan of “closing loans at the lowest possible cost to you”.

Because of its history of professionalism and community involvement Bayou DeSiard Title has been recognized with various awards over the years since its formation including the Chamber of Commerce’s Thomas H Scott Award of Excellence and the Rivertown Award of Excellence.

Cummins and Fitts is pleased to announce the addition of Attorney Lauren Jarrett to its team of family law attorneys. Established by Attorneys Daniel Cummins and Jessica Fitts, the firm specializes in cases involving divorce, child custody, child and spousal support, community property division, and adoptions. Since its founding in 2018, Cummins and Fitts has grown rapidly through referrals from satisfied clients. The only Northeast Louisiana firm focusing exclusively on family law matters, Cummins and Fitts offers its clients tailored, skilled representation and is dedicated to providing clients with the best available legal talent.

Lauren Jarrett joined the firm in May 2023. Lauren is a native of Monroe, Louisiana, and a graduate of St. Frederick High School. After graduation, she attended Louisiana State University, and received her bachelor’s degree of Science in Education. At LSU, Lauren was involved in numerous organizations,

including Kappa Delta Sorority. Lauren attended Louisiana State University Paul M. Hebert Law School, where she earned her Juris Doctorate. During law school, Lauren was a Dean’s Scholar and served as a Judicial Extern for Chief Judge Shelly D. Dick in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana. After returning home to Monroe, Lauren worked with Gene Hastings in the Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Trustee office, and then with Hammonds, Sills, Adkins, Guice, Noah & Perkins as an associate attorney.

Outside of work, Lauren enjoys spending time with her family and friends. Lauren enjoys watching her younger brother, William Patrick, play baseball and football at St. Frederick. Lauren is excited to be a part of the Cummins and Fitts legal team. As one of the firm’s five female attorneys, she offers an empathetic approach to what can often be an extremely emotional and stressful experience. Lauren specializes in the division of community property.

Hudson, Potts & Bernstein, LLP

1800 Hudson Lane, Suite #300, Monroe hpblaw.com | 318-388-4400

ATTORNEYS AT LAW

In March of 1994, North Delta Title opened its doors to provide the residents of Northeast Louisiana a single source for all of their real estate transaction needs. Specializing and focusing on residential and commercial real estate closings, North Delta Title has successfully closed over 35,000 real estate transactions throughout the entire state of Louisiana. Even though based in Ouachita Parish, North Delta Title handles closings throughout the state of Louisiana.

Partner, Amy Price Sawyer, was born in Monroe and currently resides in Monroe with her two children, Claire and Will. She is a 1997 graduate of St. Frederick High School where she currently serves on the Parent’s Association and as the President of the School Board. Amy earned her bachelors degree in Political Science from LSU in 2001 and later graduated Cum Laude in 2009 from Southern University Law Center, where she was a member of the Law Review. While attending law school, Amy was employed with several law firms as well as clerking with the Baton Rouge City Court. After graduation, Amy was employed as the law clerk for the Honorable Annette LaSalle

Since its establishment in 1875, Hudson, Potts & Bernstein has been a cornerstone of the legal landscape in Louisiana, earning its status as a landmark law firm through a combination of rich history and exceptional client representation. As the oldest and largest law firm in Northeast Louisiana, it has set the standard for legal expertise and dedication.

At the heart of Hudson, Potts & Bernstein’s success is its team of highly skilled attorneys. With a diverse range of practice areas covered, including corporate law, personal injury, estate planning, and more, the firm offers comprehensive legal services to meet the needs of its varied clientele. Attorneys include Gordon James, Robert Baldwin, Jay Adams, Brian Bowes, Stephen North, Donald Zeigler, G. Adam Cossey, Margaret Pruitt, Sara White, Jason Smith, and Morgan Livingston. Each attorney brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the table, ensuring

with Baton Rouge Family Court, where she clerked until returning home to Monroe in 2011. She joined North Delta Title in February of 2011 and was named Partner in 2014. Amy specializes in residential and commercial real estate transactions as well as business and succession law.

Amy is a member of the American Bar Association, the Louisiana State Bar Association, the Fourth Judicial District Bar Association, and is an affiliate member of the Northeast Louisiana Association of Realtors. She currently serves on the Louisiana Law Institute Property Committee and as a Director on the Board of the Louisiana Land Title Association. She is a past chairman of the United Way of Northeast Louisiana, where she still serves on the Finance Committee. She is a past recipient of the James M. Shipp, Jr. Memorial Young Business Leader of the Year award and was recently appointed by the Ouachita Parish Police Jury to the Industrial Development Board for Ouachita Parish. She is an active member of Jesus the Good Shepherd Church where she serves on the Flower Guild and as an Eucharistic Minister.

top-tier representation for every case.

Beyond its impressive roster, the firm’s commitment to its community sets it apart. Hudson, Potts & Bernstein demonstrates a dedication to making a positive impact beyond the courtroom.

As Hudson, Potts & Bernstein continues to uphold its esteemed reputation, it remains at the forefront of legal innovation and excellence in Louisiana. With a steadfast focus on client satisfaction and a dedication to upholding the principles of justice, the firm stands poised to continue its legacy of success well into the future.

the women’s symposium

The ULM Women’s Symposium annually highlights women from across Northeast Louisiana for their individual achievements, professional and personal. The panelists share their stories with ULM students and fellow community members to showcase the importance of success and failure in one’s journey. Here we highlight five of the 2024 panelists and why they were chosen as leaders in their respective fields.

Amanda May

For Amanda May, a Pineville native and LSU graduate, the path to northeast Louisiana involved a love of athletics and an appreciation of sisterhood. Amanda did not grow up in the pageant world, but the appeal of scholarships turned her attention to the Miss Louisiana Organization during her freshman year at LSU. As a trained ballerina, Amanda longed to perform, and the Miss Louisiana Pageant offered a chance to step out of her comfort zone. Amanda marveled at the talented, driven women in her orbit, each championing a cause close to their hearts. After winning the crown in 2007, Amanda moved to Monroe for the duration of her reign.

Amanda fell in love with ULM, and though she returned to LSU for her senior year, she moved back to Monroe after graduation to pursue a master’s degree and career in athletics. Since she had conducted sports interviews at LSU, The ULM Athletic Director offered Amanda a spot on the radio network team. Soon she transitioned to Spirit Group Coordinator and oversaw the ULM cheerleaders, dance line, and mascot. At Nationals, Amanda networked with Varsity staff and was named the Louisiana State Director for Varsity. Serving as a resource for cheer coaches across the state, Amanda was the point person for over 700 schools. She learned management skills that quickly resulted in her promotion to Corporate Trainer for Varsity. Now responsible for Varsity state directors across the country, Amanda emphasizes becoming a resource for potential customers. She encourages the sales team to advise customers even when they say no, to build trust for future interactions.

When it comes to working with people, Amanda knows relationships are the cornerstone of professional longevity. Her trajectory would not be possible without mentors along the way, and Amanda continues to give back to women coming behind her, whether it be in her work with Varsity or as Women’s Ministry Coordinator at her local church. She created Champions of Faith, an event that honors the testimonies of incredible women in our community. Amanda and her husband Brent have three children: Aly (9), Sadie (7), and Joey (5). Amanda will be speaking at the 2024 Women’s Symposium on March 20th on the panel entitled “Sisterhood and Solidarity: Mentorship in the Workplace.”

Angelique Drew

Angelique Drew possesses what can only be described as an entrepreneurial spirit, and the source of this self-starter attitude is hard to pinpoint. Unlike many entrepreneurs, Angelique did not grow up around business owners, nor was entrepreneurship impressed upon her by family members or friends. Nonetheless, Angelique started her first business in junior high, selling concessions to her classmates. She also identified an innate love for interacting with and helping people. After graduation, Angelique landed a job as a bank teller, quickly advancing to become a personal banker. Again, the relationships invigorated her love for the position. She knew how to connect with people and how to treat each client with respect.

After attending a conference, one of the entrepreneurs mentioned the profitability of the tax industry, sparking her curiosity and leading her to conduct research about the tax industry. Fifteen years later, Angelique still works with those same early clients. Those who were once dependents are now coming in to see Angelique with their own dependents. Creating a familial atmosphere is key to longevity when dealing with the public. Angelique prioritizes her community, and they reward her with continued loyalty.

Angelique opened her most recent business in 2016 with Kravins Restaurant. Angelique loves to see the joy on people’s faces when they take the first bite of Kravins. Like her clients at the bank and the tax service, the Kravins Restaurant customers make it all worthwhile. Angelique continues to invest in her community by conducting giveaways for those in the community and offering discounts to those who serve it. Being the boss of more than one venture can be taxing. It involves hard work, sleepless nights, and continuous problemsolving. Angelique’s motto is to “Focus on the resolution instead of the problem.”

Angelique Drew will be speaking more about entrepreneurship at the 2024 Women’s Symposium on Wednesday, March 20th, on the panel entitled “She Means Business: EntrepreneuHERship and Innovation.”

Tania Hilburn

Tania Hilburn understands leadership and how to foster an effective team. As a lifelong northeast Louisiana resident, hailing from Simsboro, Tania earned a bachelor’s in Health Information Management from Louisiana Tech. Unsure of a career route, Tania found a mentor in a family friend who taught in the Health Information Management Program on campus. Tania loved her classes, and upon graduation, took a job with Glenwood Regional Medical Center, then a locally-owned hospital. Tania handled records management and perfected a leadership style that prioritized people and relationships. When Glenwood sold 13 years later, Tania’s husband, Greg, suggested she apply for a position at Chase Bank. Though the job wasn’t in the healthcare industry, Tania thought her skills would transfer to the new environment. As the new Manager of the Image Capture Department, Tania realized she knew little about finance, but her people skills made her perfect for managing a team of professionals. Tania insists, “If you can lead a team, you can learn to do almost anything.”

The internal structures of the two entities couldn’t have been more different. Whereas Glenwood was a small, local business where Tania could stroll into the CEO’s office throughout the day, Chase is a global corporation with employees all over the world. Tania learned to build relationships across physical distance. While leading a Chase team in Monroe, she also managed a team in the Philippines. Tania learned to navigate cultural differences by becoming a good listener. The employees in the Philippines are amazing partners and an asset to the Chase corporation.

Effective leadership means making people the primary objective. Tania knows that if people are happy and the work culture is suitable to everyone’s needs, then the company can be profitable. As a manager, Tania makes sure everyone feels included, has a distinct voice, and knows they will be respected. As a boss, Tania approaches conflict resolution from a place of sincerity and honesty and prioritizes frank, constructive conversations. Intentional listening ensures that her team is happy. Tania Hilburn will speak more on this topic at the 2024 Women’s Symposium on Wednesday, March 20th on the panel entitled “Know Your Neighbor: Social Accountability.”

Brandi Cole

As Assistant General Counsel for Lumen Technologies, Brandi Cole knows firsthand the intricacies of ethics and compliance at a global company. Being a team leader on such a large scale was unimaginable when Brandi first decided to study law. After graduating from Louisiana Tech with a bachelor’s in accounting, Brandi enrolled at LSU Law School. Her father encouraged the career path, as Brandi excelled in reading, writing, and arguing. The pressure of potentially becoming the first attorney in her family was compounded during Brandi’s first law course. As the distinguished professor read through the names, he acknowledged certain people’s relatives who were judges or well-known attorneys. With no family history to lean on, Brandi decided that her success would rest on her work ethic and educational achievement.

When Brandi attended LSU Law School, the student population was about 50% women, a large increase for a profession historically dominated by men. Alongside the sizable female cohort, Brandi excelled. She learned that a familial background in law did not determine one’s success. She came to understand that she was capable of more than she thought possible. She held four clerkships in Baton Rouge and discovered a proclivity for people and people’s issues. She worked on cases involving interactions in the workplace, like discrimination and harassment. Those experiences allowed Brandi to network in her field and learn interpersonal dynamics in a business environment.

Brandi and her husband, David, decided to move back to North Louisiana to raise their children, Annie and Cooper. Brandi took a position on the Ethics and Compliance team at Lumen. Though the company now has a female CEO and other women in upper leadership, the technology industry is still male-dominated. Over her last 9 years, Brandi has seen Lumen make tremendous strides in gender equity and inclusion. As Brandi deals with interpersonal issues at the company across the globe, she recognizes that people have a need to be heard. We all have different backgrounds and unconscious biases, and listening to different points of view is vital to sustain a productive and inclusive workplace. Brandi credits strong male and female mentors for teaching her the value of hard work and courage when navigating difficult issues in the workplace. Brandi Cole will be speaking more on this topic at the 2024 Women’s Symposium on Wednesday, March 20th on the panel entitled “The Gender Variable: Leading Women in Male-Dominated Spaces.”

symposium • the women’s symposium • the women’s symposium

the women’s symposium • the women’s symposium

Dr. Avius Carroll

For Dr. Avius Carroll, personal wellness is not only a lifestyle but a chosen career path. Avius understands that prioritizing her own wellbeing is essential to individual fulfillment and that investing in others requires first investing in herself. As the Prevention and Wellness Director for Northeast Delta Human Services Authority, Avius develops and oversees preventative health programs for the people of northeast Louisiana. Initially, Avius interned with the state in the formerly-named Office of Addictive Disorders before being promoted to Regional Prevention Coordinator. In this role, Avius handles school-based prevention programs aimed to reduce access and use of alcohol, tobacco and other illicit drugs among youth. She does this through advocacy, programing, policy and education. Having attended secondary school when there were no prevention measures, Avius quickly observed the risks of underage consumption, and how prevalent first-time substance use was among middle schoolers. The addiction epidemic begins much sooner than people realize. As Avius matured in her position, she was promoted to Corporate Compliance Director, and later became the Prevention & Wellness Director.

Avius earned a Bachelor’s in Sociology from Louisiana Tech. She was intrigued by the study of how an individual’s environment affects one’s behavior. Avius earned a master’s in Public Policy from Grambling State, followed by a PhD in Public Health from Jackson State. Throughout her education, Avius worked in healthcare public

policy through her work with the Governmental Accountability Office, and as a published researcher. Pursuing a terminal degree, Avius planned to study and change community norms and behaviors. She interned with the Children’s Coalition, implementing programs to target asthma education and prevention in schools. By educating parents and school officials, Avius worked to make public schools “asthma free.” Dr. Carroll is the founder of the Carroll Group for HEAR (Health Equity, Advocacy and Research), a non-profit organization aimed at improving social determinants of health and addressing health equity in south Monroe. While her career revolves around preventive measures, her personal well-being involves intentional daily practices.

Avius advocates for deliberate measures to better one’s health and well-being. Her personal wellness pathway is defined by physical and mental self-care. Ultimately, Avius defines self-care as “a moment to or for yourself.” Dr. Avius Carroll will be speaking more on this topic at the Women’s Symposium on Wednesday, March 20th on the panel entitled “Mind, Body, and Soul: Nurturing Women’s Holistic WellBeing.”

An Evening With Teddy Roosevelt

Sponsored by The Monroe Garden Study League

THE MONROE GARDEN STUDY League, an affiliate of The Garden Club of America, is pleased to sponsor a community-wide educational program, “An Evening with Teddy Roosevelt”, featuring nationally known actor and historian, Joe Wiegand. The event is free and open to the public and will be held Wednesday, March 20, 2024, at the Strauss Theater Center in Monroe. The performance begins at 6:00 p.m. and will be followed by an informal “Meet the President” reception.

For over twenty years, Joe Wiegand’s Teddy Roosevelt Show has entertained audiences all across America, from the White House to Yosemite National Park. His performances are endorsed by the Theodore Roosevelt Association of Oyster Bay, New York, and have been featured annually at the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site. The Monroe Garden Study League is delighted to bring his talent to Monroe.

Considered one of America’s greatest presidents, Theodore Roosevelt fought vigorously to ensure a “square deal” for all Americans. As our youngest president, Roosevelt served from 1901-1909. He is remembered for expanding the role of the presidency, as well as the role of the United States in world affairs. “TR”, as he was affectionately known, was the recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1906 and the Congressional Medal of Honor.

Roosevelt’s presidency is perhaps best characterized by his conservation legacy. In 1905, Roosevelt created the United States Forest Service and established 150 national forests. He created the first federal bird reserve at Pelican Island, which would lead to the National Wildlife Refuge system. Using the power of the Antiquities Act of 1906, Roosevelt protected 18 national monuments, including Devil’s Tower, El Morro, Muir Woods, Petrified Forest, and the Grand Canyon. Additionally, the Roosevelt administration would add five

national parks, including an expansion of Yosemite National Park. In total, Roosevelt preserved and protected approximately 230 million acres of land for what Roosevelt remarked was for “the benefit and enjoyment of the people.”

In Joe Wiegand, the legacy of Theodore Roosevelt has found a worthy vessel. Brilliant scholar and showman, Joe’s performances are uniquely crafted for each audience and will surpass expectations. Continuing to build upon the conservation legacy of Theodore Roosevelt, The Monroe Garden Study League seeks to encourage environmental stewardship within our community, as well as educate individuals on the best ways to restore and protect our natural resources.

Please join us for an enjoyable evening of conservation and storytelling as we step back in time with America’s 26th president…it will be a”bully good time!”

New Pure Plasma Machine at Center for Women’s Health

Exploring the Benefits of Pure Plasma for Skin Rejuvenation

PURE PLASMA IS A CUTTING-EDGE technology that has gained attention in the field of dermatology and skin care. This innovative approach utilizes pure plasma energy to address various skin concerns and promote skin rejuvenation. In this article, we will delve into the science behind pure plasma for skin, its applications, and the potential benefits it offers.

What is Pure Plasma for Skin?

Pure plasma for skin is a non-invasive cosmetic procedure that harnesses the power of plasma energy to rejuvenate and improve the skin’s appearance. This technology involves the controlled delivery of plasma energy to the skin’s surface, stimulating a range of beneficial effects.

How Does it Work?

Pure plasma for skin typically works through a handheld device that generates a plasma discharge. This discharge consists of highly energized particles that create microinjuries on the skin’s surface. These microinjuries trigger the body’s natural healing

response, leading to the production of collagen and elastin, which are essential for skin firmness and elasticity. It is also fast, taking roughly 30 minutes per treatment. And since it does not damage the surrounding tissue, there is no need for extensive healing or downtime!

Applications of Pure Plasma for Skin:

• Wrinkle Reduction: Pure plasma treatments can effectively reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, providing a more youthful complexion.

• Skin Tightening: The collagen production stimulated by pure plasma can lead to improved skin tightness, particularly in areas prone to sagging.

• Scar Revision: Pure plasma can be used to address the appearance of scars from acne, surgery, or injury, helping to smooth and even out the skin.

• Skin Texture Improvement: Individuals looking to enhance the overall texture of their skin may benefit from pure plasma treatments, as they can minimize

irregularities.

• Pigmentation Correction: Pure plasma may assist in fading hyperpigmentation and improving skin tone.

Benefits of Pure Plasma for Skin:

• Non-surgical and minimally invasive.

• Minimal downtime compared to traditional surgical procedures.

• Stimulates natural collagen production.

• Long-lasting results.

• Versatile and can target various skin concerns.

Pure plasma for skin represents an exciting advancement in the world of cosmetic dermatology. While it’s essential to consult with a qualified dermatologist or skincare professional before undergoing any treatment, pure plasma holds promise for those seeking non-invasive solutions to address skin aging and other concerns. As technology continues to evolve, the future of skincare may be increasingly shaped by innovations like pure plasma treatments.

First Responders Appreciation Lunch

Hosted by Gardens of Somerset

GARDENS OF SOMERSET, A SENIOR living community, along with Freedom Behavioral Health Minden/Monroe and Brian Futch with Allegiance Hospice recently hosted a heartwarming event to honor and appreciate the local first responders who tirelessly serve the community. The event, a first responders appreciation lunch, brought together residents, staff, and local heroes for a memorable day of gratitude and camaraderie.

Recognizing the invaluable contributions of first responders, Gardens of Somerset took the initiative to organize a special event as a token of appreciation for their selfless dedication. The event not only served as a gesture of gratitude but also as an opportunity for the community to come together and express their support for those who protect and serve.

Residents eagerly participated in the event, contributing to the cookout and

actively engaging in various activities planned for the occasion. Their enthusiasm and generosity added a heartfelt touch to the event, creating an atmosphere filled with warmth and appreciation.

During the lunch, residents had the opportunity to sit and visit with the first responders, sharing stories and expressing their gratitude for their service. Some of the first responders, who were on duty, stopped by to grab a burger to go, appreciating the gesture even amidst their busy schedules.

One of the highlights of the day was when residents got the chance to interact with the fire truck and spray the water hose—an experience that brought joy and excitement to everyone present. The laughter and smiles that ensued showcased the genuine bond formed between the residents and the first responders.

The event was blessed with perfect weather—a sunny and beautiful day in

February, reminiscent of spring—a fitting backdrop for the occasion. The pleasant weather added to the joyous atmosphere, making the event even more enjoyable for everyone involved.

The overwhelming success of the first responders appreciation lunch has prompted Gardens of Somerset to consider making it an annual tradition. The positive feedback and the sense of community spirit fostered by the event have reinforced the importance of recognizing and honoring the contributions of first responders.

Through events like these, Gardens of Somerset continues to demonstrate its commitment to fostering a sense of community and appreciation for those who dedicate their lives to serving others. As the event concluded, the spirit of gratitude lingered, leaving an enduring impact on all those who participated.

In conclusion, the first responders appreciation lunch hosted by Gardens of Somerset served as a poignant reminder of the importance of acknowledging and celebrating the efforts of our local heroes. It was a day filled with gratitude, laughter, and heartfelt connections—an event that will be cherished and remembered by all who attended.

Welcoming Spring

At The Clinic at Gardens of Somerset

AS THE LAST MEMORIES OF winter gradually melt away, nature awakens from its slumber, painting the world in vibrant hues of green and blossoming flowers. The Clinic at Gardens of Somerset embraces this rejuvenating season with open arms, bidding farewell to the chilly grasp of winter and welcoming the warmth and vitality of spring.

Goodbye winter, spring is here! Spring is the perfect time to venture outdoors for better physical and mental health. Research suggests that spending time outside can improve your health by helping to reduce stress, lowering blood pressure and even improving Vitamin D levels. In the winter, we don’t spend as much time outside and may be lacking in this vital nutrient obtained from sunlight. Low vitamin D levels can actually lower your body’s immunity, increase your risk for heart disease and can put your bone health at risk. Longer days and warmer temperatures allow for more time to soak up what your body needs

to maintain normal levels. Just remember to wear your sunscreen, if you plan to be outdoors more than 15-20 minutes.

Extra daylight hours, also gives you more time to get in some afternoon or evening exercise. You can mow your yard, work in your garden or go for an evening walk to improve your hearth health and wellness. As the temperature levels do rise here in Louisiana, it’s important to stay well hydrated. Carrying a water bottle with you, can help you maintain your fluid needs. You may try adding fresh lemon, cucumber or mint to your water to add a little flavor and keep you from getting tired of drinking just plain water.

Springtime is also the time of year when fresh produce is readily available. Check out your local grocery store or farmer’s market and enjoy some fruits and vegetables you missed out on during the winter months. Peas, asparagus, kale, radicchio, apricots, avocados, strawberries and oranges are just a few examples of fruits and vegetables at their prime in

the spring. Try a few new fruits or vegetables each week and keep your plate bright and colorful for more appeal. It should be mentioned, that although there is more daylight available, eating a later supper or high calorie snacks before bed may not be the best choice for improving your weight and overall sleep schedule. So remember, spring is here—enjoy the birds chirping, the green grass and take steps toward good health by making healthy food choices and activities each day. Before you know it summer will be here!

Spring is a season of transition, a time to shed the old and embrace the new. As we bid adieu to winter, let us welcome the promise of warmer days and blooming possibilities. Join us at The Clinic at Gardens of Somerset as we embark on a journey of renewal, vitality, and the joy of outdoor exploration. Together, let’s embrace the beauty of spring and embark on a path to wellness and vitality.

The Munchkin Market Spring Sale

Upscale Children’s Consignment Sale

THE MUCH ANTICIPATED MUNCHKIN Market, the premier kids’ consignment sale in the region, is set to return this spring from March 12th to 16th, 2024, at Pine Grove Church, 4300 Loop Road, Monroe, Louisiana. This event promises to be a haven for families looking to stretch their budgets further while contributing to a sustainable future.

The Munchkin Market is not just a sale; it’s a community event that brings together families from Monroe and beyond to buy and sell gently used children’s clothing, toys, books, and gear. By participating, families can save up to 70% off retail prices on high-quality items, making the most of their budgets during these challenging economic times.

Moreover, the event emphasizes the importance of sustainability. Consigning and purchasing pre-loved items significantly

reduces waste and the demand for new products, contributing to a decrease in the overall environmental footprint. This approach aligns with the growing trend towards sustainability, as a recent report by the Environmental Protection Agency suggests that reusing items can cut waste by up to 50% annually.

The Munchkin Market also offers an excellent opportunity for parents to declutter and earn money by consigning their children’s outgrown items. In a period when extra income is particularly welcome, this aspect of the event provides a dual benefit of financial relief and environmental stewardship.

“We understand the pressures that families are facing today, both economically and environmentally,” said Amie and India, co-founders of the Munchkin Market. “Our mission is to provide a platform that not

only helps parents save and earn money but also fosters a culture of sustainability within our community. We believe that through events like the Munchkin Market, we can make a significant impact on our planet and our wallets.”

The Munchkin Market invites the community to join them in making a difference. Whether you’re looking to save on quality items for your children, earn money from your gently used goods, or contribute to a more sustainable world, this event is for you.

For more information about the Munchkin Market, including how to register as a consignor, purchase early bird tickets, or volunteer, please visit www. monroemunchkinmarket.com.

Patient Faces Stage Three Colon Cancer

Surgeon Dr. Patrick Smith “Talks to you in a way you can easily understand,” Says Patient

EUGENE LEWIS, NOW 70, UNDERWENT

his first colonoscopy at age 68. He urges others to get screened sooner than he did.

“I was diagnosed with stage three colon cancer. I thank God—and my wife Kim—every day for urging me to finally get my colonoscopy. Don’t hesitate to get this test; it’s easy and not painful.”

Kim began urging Eugene to get a colonoscopy when he started experiencing bloating and gas pain. After his colonoscopy revealed a colon cancer diagnosis, Dr. Patrick Smith, a surgeon at the Surgery Clinic of Northeast Louisiana, performed a robotic colon resection, removing Eugene’s cancer. Robotic surgeries are minimally invasive and result in less recovery time and less pain.

Eugene then underwent three months of chemotherapy and was declared cancer-free. Eugene can now “touch his toes,” Kim said with a laugh.

Dr. Smith is “the best doctor in the world,” Eugene said. “Dr. Smith talks to you in a way that

you can easily understand what’s happening in your body. He is also very down-to-earth and very kind. That makes a big difference when you’re going through something like this.”

Louisiana has the fourth highest colorectal cancer mortality rate in the U.S., according to the Louisiana Department of Health. Regular tests are vital because colorectal cancer doesn’t often cause symptoms in the early disease stages.

As we observe Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month (also known as Colon Cancer Awareness Month), it’s important to remember that if we are diligent about getting screened, the five-year survival rate is 90 percent.

People at average risk should get regular exams at age 45. Those with a higher risk for colorectal cancer might need to begin screening before age 45. They may also need to be examined more often or get specific tests. A colonoscopy is one of a few options for colon cancer screening. Talk with your doctor about the best options for you.

People at higher risk include those with:

• A personal history of inflammatory bowel disease (such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease)

• A family history of colorectal cancer or specific polyp types

• A personal history of colorectal cancer or specific polyp types

• A history of radiation to the abdomen (belly) or pelvis to treat a prior cancer

Late-stage symptoms may include:

• A change in bowel habits, such as more frequent diarrhea or constipation

• Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool

• Ongoing discomfort in the belly area, such as cramps, gas, or pain

• Fatigue

The Surgery Clinic of Northeast Louisiana, home of Delta Vein Care, houses surgeons Dr. Walter Sartor, Dr. Bart Liles, Dr. Patrick Smith, and Dr. Mohamed Bakeer. Contact the clinic at 398-2984 with questions about preventative health, general surgery, vein care procedures, and weight loss surgery. Learn more about our services at SurgeryClinicNELA.com

BAYOU HEALTH

WOMEN SUPPORTING WOMEN;

Why our Feminine Bonds are so Vital

There’s no arguing that humans are tribal creatures and that all we thrive in community with one another. It’s been shown in numerous studies that people who have strong support systems live longer, have longer health spans, and experience better disease outcomes than those without supportive bonds. While the quality of relationships for both sexes a ffects our psychological and physical wellbeing, there’s something really special about the relationships among us women.

In a study performed at UCLA, researchers found that female responses to stress could be alleviated through a release of oxytocin when surrounded by female friends. According to the study, “Females create, maintain, and utilize social groups, especially relations with other females, to manage stressful conditions.” As women, our friendships with other women may be more important now than ever, as our modern lifestyles have become increasingly demanding.

Both sexes display masculine and feminine energy in varying degrees. Masculine energy is characterized by logic, reasoning, doing, and achieving. Feminine energy is more intuitive, feeling, and oriented toward receiving and allowing. Generally speaking, women display more feminine characteristics than our male counterparts, which means our bonds with each other tend to be more intuitive and emotional. In fact, a survey published in Science Direct found that in comparison to men, women “more highly value friends who provide emotional support and intimacy.”

In my experience, the intuitive and emotional nature of my female friendships provides a certain comfort and support that I haven’t received in the same way from the male relationships I’ve experienced. My male relationships have been equally valuable, but the energy is di fferent.

Women, by nature, tend to be more emotionally expressive and lean toward support, nurture and trust in our relationships. It’s clear that all people need people, but for women specifically, there is something unique that exists between us.

In her book, “A Mind of Her Own: The Evolutionary Psychology of Women,” author Anna Campbell writes, ‘The friendships women develop with one another mimic the close “communal” relations normally found between blood relatives, with a strong focus on empathy and responsiveness to others’ needs.” Perhaps this is why our bonds run so deep. The close female friendships we forge throughout our lives

Our feminine bonds are a vitally important building block for a fulfilling, healthy life.

are similar to those we have with biological family members. Those of us who aren’t blessed with biological sisters (and even some of us who are) tend to create a sisterhood amongst our friends.

A survey conducted by American Perspectives Survey in March, 2021 concluded that women talk openly with each other more than men. This suggests that they tend to be more expressive of their feelings, share personal issues and seek support through their interactions. According to another survey, 88% of women told their best friend something they wouldn’t tell their partner, and 52% were in touch with their best friend every day. This emotional connection, along with mutual empathy and trust, helps build and maintain deep, lasting friendships.

Our deep, supportive female friendships breed trust and loyalty that provides incredible comfort. Gender di fferences across loyalty and trust in single sex relationships have been examined, and it was found that women displayed higher levels of trust amongst each other than men did. Perhaps this explains why the unique type of loyalty that’s created amongst women is known as “girl code;” it’s something that’s highly specific to us.

Women who are around their female friends experience an increase in serotonin, a neurotransmitter that controls mood and is

responsible for feelings of happiness. Along with the boost of stress relieving oxytocin we experience in the company of our female friends, it’s no wonder we crave a girl’s night out or a girl’s trip on fairly regular occasions. These interactions support our well-being on a very deep, physiological level. These connections bolster us and replenish the energy we expend while caring for our families and working demanding jobs. Our female friendships enable us to continue showing up in life as the best versions of ourselves. This means our feminine bonds are a vitally important building block for a fulfilling, healthy life. The head of psychiatry at Stanford University has even said one of the best things a woman can do for her health is to “nurture her relationships with her female friends.”

Women have come a long way in this world over the past century because of the path forged by strong female individuals. Perhaps it’s the strength, support, and encouragement women have amongst each other, however, that is our greatest strength. As women, I feel there is an invisible thread that connects us all. It’s an energetic, intuitive connection, and although invisible, it is unbreakable. The stronger and more supported we each feel individually, the stronger we are as a collective through this bond.

This month, as we recognize women’s empowerment and how far we’ve progressed collectively, I’m especially grateful for all the women who have supported me in my life. I cherish the bonds I have mutually established with the female friends who have become my chosen sisters. I know without these women, along with all women connected though to me through our shared feminine bond, I simply wouldn’t be the woman I am today.

Atmospheric Science Students Present at Conference

Meet With Congresswoman Julia Letlow

SIX STUDENTS FROM THE UNIVERSITY of Louisiana Monroe Atmospheric Science program, along with Associate Director of the School of Sciences Dr. Todd Murphy, attended the 104th American Meteorological Society’s (AMS) Annual Meeting in Baltimore, MD from January 27 – February 1, 2024. The AMS Annual Meeting is the largest meeting with a direct focus on weather, water, and climate, with thousands of people in attendance, taking part in more than 40 scientific conferences and symposia. The theme of this year’s meeting was “Living in a Changing Environment”.

At the meeting, Dr. Murphy and students Emily Allen, Haniston Holloway, Jake Lambright, Isaiah Montgomery, Rachael Restelle, and Alec Soileau, were able to network with other professionals in the field, attend talks on cuttingedge research, attend career and professional development sessions, and present their own research for community feedback. Each student also presented research they had completed with faculty mentors.

“The AMS Annual meeting is the premier national conference for atmospheric scientists,” said Murphy. “Having an opportunity to present here means our students’ work is seen by world-renowned experts in the field. Being able to receive feedback from these scientists, or just generally interact and network with the other attendees, is an invaluable experience for an undergraduate student. These types of connections often lead to job or graduate school offers in the future,” added Murphy.

While in the region, the students and Dr. Murphy made a special trip to Washington, D.C., to meet with Louisiana District 5 Congresswoman Julia Letlow. They spoke with Congresswoman Letlow about the Louisiana Mesonet, thanking her for supporting the project, and expressing just how critical the additional weather data will be for Louisiana.

“Much of what we do in atmospheric science has such wide-ranging implications for the public, but ultimately, none of the research matters if we can’t get it into the hands of people

who actually make real decisions in terms of laws or how government agencies operate,” said Murphy. “Meeting with Rep. Letlow helped to drive home the point that if you want to see policy in action, the people who make policy need to be well informed,” he added.

In January 2023, ULM received approval for $2,000,000 for the Louisiana State Mesonet Network Project. The request was sponsored by Congresswoman Letlow and was approved as part of the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2023.

Mesonets are interconnected networks of instrumented monitoring stations across an entire state or region that measure temperature, humidity, pressure, solar radiation, wind speed and direction, precipitation, and soil conditions. The Louisiana State Mesonet will feature 50 sites spread out in a grid across the state and will be managed by the ULM Atmospheric Science program. The program is currently in the process of site selection and construction.

IPL…For That Flawless Complexion

At Professional Laser Center

BEAUTIFUL SKIN IS THE HALLMARK of youth and you can have it. Intense pulsed light (ipl) can improve the color and texture of your skin without surgery. It can reverse most of the visible damage caused by sun exposure, noticed mostly on your face, neck, chest, and hands.

An evenly-colored, pigment-free complexion is important for maintaining a youthful look. Blotchy skin doesn’t reflect light very well so it makes the complexion look dull. But unified skin tones do reflect light… and can take years off of our appearance.

While it may sound like a laser treatment…it’s not a laser. Ipl uses multiple wavelengths of light, which means we can treat a variety of skin issues, including freckles, age spots, melasma, and rosacea. Rosacea is a facial redness caused by spider veins and acne-like outbreaks. All of our

patients are very satisfied with their level of clearing…especially with the redness of rosacea.

This “magic wand” can smooth and soothe facial woes. The light generates heat, which stimulates cells to form more collagen, as much as 20 percent more. Because it plumps the skin, it’s like getting a collagen injection, but using your own collagen.

Best of all, there’s no downtime. It’s truly a lunch-time therapy. Most treatments take about 45 minutes to perform. Afterward, there is just a flush, which goes away in less than two hours. You can apply makeup directly after the treatment.

Depending upon the severity of the problem…several treatments (one to three) may be needed to remove all pigment.

Uneven skin tones can add just as many years to our skin as having fine lines and wrinkles. After ipl, your skin will be more

even toned, creating a more youthful look.

Other services offered at professional laser center include pdo thread lifts, microneedling, laser hair removal, laser skin tightening, pinpointe foot laser, botox, filler, and bio-identical hormone replacement, which can be achieved with compounded creams, pellets, shots, troches, and capsules.

To schedule a consultation or appointment, call 318-361-9066. For more information about our services, visit our website www. professionallaser.com.

New Spring Arrivals at Haven

Just in Time for Easter

WITH EASTER AND SPRINGTIME quickly approaching, spring colors are showing up throughout the shop. A burst of color to welcome in the new season!

New art and design accessories have arrived, so it’s time to add color to your bookcases and coffee tables. Rotating color through accessories and decorative design books are a great way to add a refresh to your home.

Gardeners are counting down the days until spring arrives. Until then, pamper your inside plants with one of our plant care kits. Clean those leaves and fertilize regularly for a healthy plant. Haven has plenty of interesting gardening books to get you inspired to start thinking about your yard and flower beds.

Caldrea is back - one of the top countertop sprays and dish soap on the market. Haven has been waiting for it to be available for boutiques again after the company made

a transition. Sea Salt has always been a customer favorite and it is now stocked in their fabulous Countertop spray, linen/ room spray, dish soap and hand soap. Ginger Pomelo and Pear Blossom Agave are also top sellers and available in all the products. Pair any of these with a cute hand towel or book and you will have a great housewarming gift.

Haven has also expanded their candle offering in each line. New to NEST is the Indian Jasmine, which is surrounded by sparkling bergamot and spicy pink pepper. Another wonderful scent to try is Santorini Olive and Citron, which has notes of fresh lemon with Mediterranean olive leaf and black pepper. Linnea spring scents of Citrus Grove, Nectar, Heirloom Tomato (which is heavenly), and best seller Crushed Mint are all must haves! In the popular LAFCO area of the shop, Haven added the Rosemary Eucalyptus diffuser and the Paloma Melon candle, with hints of mint, wild rosemary,

and melon. Don’t miss the LAFCO Absolute Signature line at Haven. These layered scents in candles and diffusers are as amazing as their hand-blown vessels!

Haven’s newest loungewear line is restocked. Short sets in several shades of soft blues, as well as capri sets in black are both in stock. They are incredibly soft and wash well. Slippers in several colors are a great pair with any lounge set.

The Easter Bunny always shops at Haven. Pajamas, cute sleeping shorts, jewelry cases, bath soaps and hand lotions are just a few of the great Easter Basket finds at Haven. Cross earrings and religious necklaces with verses could be paired with a wonderful meaningful devotional. For the little ones, Easter books and stuffed animals are sure to bring a smile. Design accessories, lamps and books for your home, along with amazing gifts makes Haven your premier shopping destination in Monroe. Visit Haven today!

What You Should Know About the Signs of Colorectal Cancer

With St. Francis Health

EACH YEAR, THOUSANDS OF AMERICANS are diagnosed with either colon or rectal cancer, which are collectively known as “colorectal cancer.” Because these cancers are most effectively treated in early stages, it’s important to know the signs of colorectal cancer.

You might think of colorectal cancer as something that affects only older adults. But cases among older adults have been decreasing in recent years, while cases have increased among younger adults.

Because screenings are not recommended for most adults until age 45, it’s important to know the signs of colorectal cancer and to seek medical attention when you’re experiencing them.

Understanding Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer is a type of cancer that develops in either the colon or the rectum, parts of the digestive system. Most cases of this type of cancer begin as polyps, which are small, noncancerous growths. Over time, those polyps may develop into cancer.

The good news is that if a polyp develops into cancer, it typically does so slowly. That means that polyps can often be detected and removed before they become cancerous.

That fact makes colorectal cancer one of the most preventable types of cancer—precancerous polyps can be removed during a specific screening known as a colonoscopy.

Colorectal cancer screenings are recommended for most adults beginning at age 45. This is a change from a previous recommendation, which called for screenings to begin at age 50.

If you have risk factors for colorectal cancer, such as a family history of the condition, your medical provider can help you decide on a screening regimen, which may include beginning screenings earlier or having them more frequently.

Know the Signs of Colorectal Cancer

Even if you’re younger than age 45, it’s important to watch for potential signs of colorectal cancer. That’s because this type

of cancer is increasingly being diagnosed in younger adults, for whom routine screenings aren’t recommended.

While colorectal cancer becomes more common as we get older, it’s important for people of all ages to keep an eye out for these symptoms:

• Bloody stools, either bright red in color or dark

• Fatigue

• Frequent cramping or gas-related pain

• Incomplete bowel movements

• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation

• Persistent feelings of fullness or bloating

• Stool that’s a different size, shape or color than your norm

• Unexplainable weight loss

If you experience any of these symptoms, particularly if they persist for any length of time, it’s important to talk with your medical provider. He or she can help you determine the next steps, including diagnostic testing, such as a colonoscopy, to confirm the underlying cause of those symptoms.

Find out more at stfran.com/colorectal.

TOGETHER WE WILL BE

“During hard times, come and find me. I’ll hold your hand, and together we will be.” For Geneviève Wetzel, enduring hardship is an opportunity to create a community, summon inner strength, and raise awareness.

When her father was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2018, Geneviève Wetzel was just 10 years old. She remembers feeling confused, lost, and ultimately left behind. While her parents navigated the emotional, physical, and mental challenges of cancer treatments, Geneviève felt disconnected from the family for the first time in her life. But the broader community embraced Geneviève, showing the power of emotional support from surprising places. Through Geneviève’s experience, she turned tragedy into hope for other children like herself.

Daughter of Zeke and Courtney Wetzel, 16-year-old Geneviève is a sophomore at Neville High School. While running track and playing soccer, Geneviève serves on the Student Council and is a member of the Future Business Leaders of America. Zeke and Courtney insisted that Geneviève and her brother Vaughn learn a musical instrument, and Geneviève has played piano for over a decade. Last year, Geneviève turned her attention to the Miss America Organization, and she currently holds the title of Miss Belle of the D’Arbonne’s Teen. In meeting all the ambitious and talented young women her age from across the state, Geneviève instinctively knew the target audience of her platform - children with family members suffering from serious illnesses.

Prior to 2018, the Wetzel family was your typical close-knit unit. Having moved to northeast Louisiana when Geneviève was only 6 years old, they enjoy game nights - playing backgammon, chess, Catan, and Rummy 500. The Wetzels love dressing up and creating their own costumes for the New Orleans’ Mardi Gras parades every year, as Zeke is from south Louisiana. But in 2018, Courtney and Zeke, visibly upset, called Geneviève and Vaughn into their bedroom and gave them the news - Dad had Stage 2 colon cancer. About to start the 5th grade at Jesus the Good Shepherd School, Geneviève didn’t know what the cancer diagnosis meant. Her grandmother and aunt were also battling the disease, but this time, the patient was her dad, her rock, her cheerleader. The family cried together, each quietly pondering what life without dad might look like. For the next few days, Geneviève would catch Zeke randomly crying; it was like she couldn’t escape the diagnosis, and she couldn’t imagine life without her father.

Within a year, Zeke was in remission, and the family could breathe again. They knew it was a possibility the cancer could return, and in 2020, it did, yet this time the diagnosis was Stage 4. While enduring

Last summer, Geneviève started envisioning how to memorialize the Wetzel story and considered writing her own children’s book. While she didn’t know anyone her age who had authored one, she knew her story resonated with the public and that kids needed encouragement tailored for them.

“You can be resilient even though you feel like your world is crumbling.”

chemotherapy treatments, Zeke suffered a seizure and was put in a medically-induced coma to preserve his brain. Geneviève recalls it being the scariest time because they feared her father wouldn’t make it, but against all odds, Zeke pulled through. As Zeke continued treatment at MD Anderson, the family relied on Pilots for Patients, a local nonprofit that provides free air transportation for families needing diagnosis and treatments at medical facilities that are locally unavailable. Through the family’s interactions with Pilots for Patients, Geneviève saw how many other kids shared her experience, some even younger than she was. Geneviève realized that while life without her father was inconceivable, at least she had time and memories with her dad. Some of the kids she met couldn’t say that.

Still, looking inward, Geneviève knew her dad probably wouldn’t see her graduate or walk her down the aisle. Now with a terminal diagnosis, Geneviève was running out of time with Zeke. She began asking, “Why me?” and “Why my dad?” The stages of grief set in and yet Zeke is still here. The

outpouring of community support stunned the Wetzels, and Geneviève began to consider how she could give back. How could she help kids like her through this time? Through her emotional evolution, Geneviève realized that she could advise others by starting a community for children in the same situation. After winning her first pageant title, Miss ULM Teen in 2023, Geneviève took over the Facebook and Instagram pages run by previous title winners. She started posting about the work of Pilots for Patients to raise money for the organization. She brought on volunteer pilots and local patients to share their stories, then expanded to sharing her story and stories of other kids in similar situations. The online community is called “What I Know Wednesday,” which focuses and features children and their unique points of view. The community offers an alternative perspective on a tragic reality.

Last summer, Geneviève started envisioning how to memorialize the Wetzel story and considered writing her own children’s book. While she didn’t know anyone her age who had authored one, she knew her story resonated with the public and that kids needed encouragement tailored for them. When she started composing the story, she leaned into making the sentences rhyme, knowing the lyrical text would

captivate children. Geneviève teamed up with Keagan Vaughn, an art teacher at Sallie Humble Elementary, to illustrate her story. She titled the book Together We Will Be, and the aforementioned refrain appears throughout the text. Geneviève’s mom Courtney assumed writing and publishing a book would be easy, but the process is quite tedious - from budgeting, to securing barcodes, to purchasing copyrights, the Wetzels lumbered their way through to publication. Mentor Hope Anderson Fruge read Geneviève’s early drafts. Courtney and Zeke kept their distance, as they wanted the book to center Geneviève’s voice. Though it is the family’s experience, it is ultimately Geneviève’s story to tell. When the hard copy arrived in the mail, Geneviève squealed with delight and finally shared the story with her father. The publication of Together We Will Be allowed the Wetzels to reflect on their journey and recognize all the blessings throughout their experience.

Courtney is thankful for the blessings she took for granted before. She says, “You can be resilient even though you feel like your world is crumbling.” She is thankful for her community and has learned to ask for and accept help when needed. Her children Geneviève and Vaughn are smart, strong, and her ultimate support network. Courtney

is thankful for organizations who encourage young women to stretch themselves, even in times of hardship. For Geneviève, she’s learned that time is the most valuable part of relationships. While she doesn’t know how the future will look, none of us do. And she is thankful for the quality time she is spending with her father. Zeke always encourages Geneviève to outdo him, to shoot for the moon and take nothing for granted. Geneviève is thankful for their substantive conversations, and how he supports her wildest dreams, reminding her that she is one of his.

The Wetzels are a testament to hope in times of strife, to the imperative of community when we feel all alone in our sorrows. And their story serves as a reminder that sometimes the belief and the magic is found in the hearts and minds of the children. For they are the legacies we all leave behind, and through the children, we all keep on living.

All of the proceeds from Together We Will Be go to nonprofits whose mission is to support families during their critical illness journey. Copies can be bought locally at Revival Design & Consign and purchased on Amazon.

Leadership Ouachita Class

Monroe Chamber of Commerce Announces New Class

LEADERSHIP OUACHITA WAS ESTABLISHED by the Monroe Chamber of Commerce in 1988 to develop and empower the emerging leaders of northeast Louisiana to transform the region into a place recognized as one of the best places to live and do business. Over 950 residents of northeast Louisiana have graduated from the program. Today, we announce the 42 participants for the 2024 class:

Jasmine Belton, VCOM; Jake Branch, Louisiana National Bank; Eva Brown, City of Monroe; Josh Brown, Mid South Extrusion; Katelynn Brown, b1BANK; Leslie Caillouet, Ouachita Parish Clerk of Court; Jamie Carroll, Merrill Lynch; Chad Chambers, Consolidated Grain & Barge; Molly Cummings, Haik Humble Eye Center; Cody Cupp, Ouachita Parish Assessor; Robert D’Avignon, LA Purchase Council, Boy Scouts of America; Amanda Dobson, Etheridge Pipeline & Conduit; Ashley Dowling, West Monroe Chamber of Commerce; Mackenzie Ernst, St. Francis Medical Center; Zia Gordon, Monroe City Schools – Wossman High School; Jake Hale,

Steel Fabricators; Chris Hassell, Progressive Bank; Ashley Hendrix, Joe Gear Holdings; Alisha Holland-Lawson, McCann School of Business; Blaine Holloway, Lazenby & Associates; Angela Howard, Ochsner LSU Health Monroe; Kamryn Huggins, The Digital People; Alyssa Hughes, Ouachita Valley Federal Credit Union; Corbin Legg, Servpro Monroe West Monroe; Andi Lindsey, Caldwell Bank and Trust; Scott Love, Graphic Packaging Plant 8011; Quint Martin, Heard, McElroy & Vestal; Jon McCartney, 318 Construction; Alexis Moore, Etheridge Pipeline & Conduit; Molly Norsworthy, Origin Bank; Rocky Pierce, Nettech; Megan Proffer, Monroe Overhead Doors; Chris Ramsey, The Center for Children & Families; Hampton Roane, Silas Simmons; Mallory Sanaie, Thrive Pediatric Therapy; Eric Talton, Ochsner LSU Health Monroe; Sara Tuma, Holyfield Construction; Hollis Walker, Discover Monroe West Monroe; Shannon Warren, Unitech Training Academy; Yolanda Washington, City of Monroe; Cheyenne Weaver, City of West Monroe; Sam Winters,

Monroe Housing Authority

The 9-month program will begin with an opening retreat at Cypress Bend Resort in Many, Louisiana which includes basic leadership assessment as well as participation in SIMSOC, a simulated society. The retreat is followed by monthly sessions which continue through November and include government advocacy, workforce development, infrastructure, and all aspects of the community where leadership is needed to make an impact.

Title sponsor of the 2024 Leadership Ouachita Program is EPC - Etheridge Pipeline & Conduit. Additional sponsors include Alli Management Solutions, Drax, Ochsner LSU Health Monroe, City of Monroe, Creed & Creed, First Horizon Bank, Progressive Bank, KTVE/KARD, Stephens Media Group, and The Radio People.

Bayou Dental Group

Improve Your Appearance, Improve Your Life

ANY GOOD DENTIST IS INTERESTED IN SAVING

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

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

WHAT WE CAN DO FOR YOU

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

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

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

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

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

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

TRUST A DENTIST WITH YOUR TEETH WHITENING

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

Taking Time to Celebrate

Savoring Time with Family

Hello dear friends in our BayouLife family, as together we invite the warmer months of spring into our community. Alas, however, the bitter cold days are still amongst us, especially today as I sit in my big comfy chair and write my column. Donkey watching, of course. I wonder if she’s cold? Scott says no, that she has donkey hair and it keeps her warm. I think he’s just saying that so I don’t beg to bring her in. One day I’ll have to get Cass to publish her picture so everyone will understand and believe that my BFF is a four-legged donkey. Who loves honey buns, by the way. I’m not kidding, readers, when I tell you I’ve spent many hours sitting at that fence talking to this lovely animal. She is truly lovely, and I’m not kidding about that either. Okay, so maybe her tummy is a little pudgy and she probably needs an Oral-B toothbrush and a good scrub. Oh, and her “shoes” could use a new look. Any blacksmith’s out there want a side hustle for one day? But other than that, she is perfection to me. Mainly because she just sits there while I talk and tell her my problems. During my chemotherapy treatment, she was an exceptional listener, only really responding when I was slow to pass a carrot, or a pancake, through the fence. She can be impatient… she can. As I was watching her graze today, I got to thinking about the rather unconventional friendship between me and Glindsey. If anybody out there is trying to catch up thinking I have surely gone off

the feature column ledge, we thought my donkey was a “he” and not the “she” that she is for nearly two years. That’s right, for two years my donkey carried the male moniker, Glen, named after my cousin. So, we had to change her name and I picked Glindsey because it sounds like a glamorous and sophisticated name for a donkey. And I didn’t want her confused since we had called her Glen for two years. Through the years she has stood at that fence and “bayed” to me on pretty much a daily basis. To the point that my neighbors will text me to “go feed her” if it’s before 6:00 a.m. Did I mention she could be impatient? But like a true friend, she is steadfast in her love for me, you know, like a good friend can be. I have had the subject of friendship on my mind of late, not just with regards to my pets but to my real friendships, as well. They say true friends are hard to come by, but I have been blessed in the two-legged department for years with some really good friends. I had someone tell me once that the best friends we will ever have are the ones we make in high school. Hummmmm….I think at my age now, I would dispute that, because through the years of my life, some friends have come and gone, for a variety of reasons such as changing jobs or moving away, but I also have really good friends that I met just 3 years ago. Not life-long, right? But life-changing, for sure. On the other hand, I have friendships that date back to grade school. Or when

I moved beside them on Bonnabel Place…I would call them some of my life-support friends. In thinking about how I wanted to connect the proverbial dots in this month’s column, you know, starting with a donkey and ending with an episode from Friends, I got to thinking about how I have lived through the ebbs and flows of friendship in my own life, but I have also watched the ebb and flow through the eyes of my children. It’s hard to parent our children through friendship bumps and bruises, agree? When I was growing up, in the splendid absence of cell phones and social media, I didn’t have to worry about anything other than if my grandparents were going to be on our “party line” at night which would prevent me from calling one of my friends. Did I trigger anyone else’s memory lane on that one? Yes, quite simply, those were the good old days…long gone, and we’ve been left with watching our kids suffer at times through things they see and hear with their phones. Or computers. Or any means they have that transports them outside the safe confines of our homes. But here we all are, parenting through the trials and tribulations of friendships during the age windows that we

have to wonder if they are emotionally ready to navigate through. Does that make sense? I know, I know, I am not a child therapist or even a counselor of any sorts, but I am a parent and I can safely say that helping my children move through the different issues they’ve had to navigate all during the time their own bodies are changing at break neck speeds, hasn’t always been easy. At other times, it’s been fun to watch as they learn to support their friends, lean on their friends, and just enjoy being with their friends. I wish there was a simple formula that I could share, or some magic wave of a wand that would create friendships for your children that are healthy and happy and without troubles. But you see, the real truth is… that’s where they learn. They learn how to take both the heartache or the beauty or the disappointment or those bruises and grow. That growth is part of growing up, it’s part of deciding what kind of friend you want to be and what kind of friend you want to have. It’s the growth that teaches them resilience but at the same time grace and forgiveness. In truth, it’s the growth we all need, no matter our ages, in any relationship that we have. Listen to me parents, my children

aren’t perfect, they have made friendship mistakes and they have been on the receiving end of the not so easy situations, but you know what? They have pushed through all of it. Because I hope if we have taught them anything, it’s that through imperfection and flaws, oftentimes something really beautiful will bloom. In this season where my baby girl is finishing up high school, I pray she will take these friendships she has cultivated with her into college and her adult life. I pray that your children, wherever they are in their “friendship” journey, will cultivate similar friendships, even if there are bumps in the road. For there always will be, but the beauty of it is that those bumps teach us lessons, too. And if we are watching close enough as parents, it can also teach us lessons in our friendship journeys; lessons that will likely influence the kind of friend we want to be.

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.

Downtown Gallery Crawl

2024 Dates Announced

DOWNTOWN MONROE AND WEST

Monroe was crawling with art enthusiasts and fun seekers at the first Downtown Gallery Crawl of the 2024 season on February 1st. Presented by the Northeast Realtors of Louisiana, the Downtown Gallery Crawl, an initiative of the non-profit Downtown Arts Alliance, was designed to enhance the art culture of the 318 and to allow North Louisiana artists a platform to grow, prosper and connect with one another and the local community while continuing to revitalize the downtowns of Monroe and West Monroe. The Crawl’s mission is to provide interactive art education and to showcase and make accessible to the NELA community the works of emerging and established local, regional and national artists and artisans.

Participating galleries in 2024 include: Monroe- Flying Tiger Brewery, La Bella Events & Receptions, Revival Design & Consign, Standard Coffee Co., Sugar Gallery (presented by Black Creatives Circle of North Louisiana), The Good

Daze, and The Palace Gallery

West Monroe- Albritton Photography, Alley Park, Courtyard on Cotton, Max Porter Provisions, and Northeast Louisiana Arts Council Gallery

The Downtown Gallery Crawl is free and open to the public occurring every other month, six times a year happening from 5pm-9pm on the first Thursday of each month. Remaining dates for the 2024 season are April 4th, June 6th, August 1st, October 3rd, and December 5th. Participating galleries provide a free and fun environment for the community to interact with, observe, learn about, and acquire fine art.

The 2024 Downtown Gallery Crawl is made possible by the generosity of local sponsors including the Northeast Realtors of Louisiana (Crawl Presenter), Origin Bank (Crawl Believer), North Delta Title (Crawl Sponsor), Yarbrough Capital Advisors (Crawl Sponsor), and the Northeast Louisiana Arts Council.

In kind sponsors include Sir Speedy Printing, KEDM Public Radio, and Flying Tiger Brewery.

In addition to the Downtown Gallery Crawl, the Downtown Arts Alliance provides ongoing support to the Northeast Louisiana art community through the following art outreach and educational programming initiatives:

• TheDowntown Arts Alliance hosted an art competition for local high school and middle school art classes to create annual Christmas cards and display them around the downtown areas.

• In June 2023, Herons on the Bayou revealed its third and final wave of Herons rounding off the project with 100 full size herons throughout the Northeast Louisiana. Funds raised contribute directly to the Herons Give Back project.

• The Herons Give Back project will distribute the proceeds back into the NELA art community.

• During 2023 back to school, the DAA provided art supplies to the Children’s Coalition to support their back-to-school drive.

• Cultivate/Create Artist Residency program kicked off in 2022 which allowed two artists to live and work at the Neville House for two weeks and to create art.

The Downtown Arts Alliance and its community programs are supported by a grant from the Louisiana Division of the Arts, Office of Cultural Development, Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, in cooperation with the Louisiana State Arts Council, and as administered by the Northeast Louisiana Arts Council. Funding has also been provided by the National Endowment for the Arts, Art Works.

Top Benefits of Infrared Sauna

Found at Spa Nouvelle on Roselawn Ave.

THE FIRST BENEFIT OF INFRARED SAUNA IS improved skin tone. Infrared sauna therapy dilates the blood vessels, effectively increasing circulation throughout the body. This increased circulation not only helps remove waste products, but also helps deliver more oxygen and nutrients to the skin. Since our skin depends on these nutrients to form collagen (which keeps our skin firm), infrared sauna therapy can be a great way to improve skin tone and reduce wrinkles.

Flushes Out Toxins

Our immune systems are up against an arsenal of toxins that our ancestors never dreamt of: pesticides, toxic metals, PCBs in plastics, environmental pollution, and even GMOs (genetically modified organisms). Combining this with a lifelong poor diet is a set-up for accumulated toxins and a potentially weakened immune system. Luckily, infrared sauna treatments can give your body an extra push to eliminate these toxins.

Weight Loss

In a study of obese adults, researchers discovered “… body weight and body fat significantly decreased after 2 weeks of sauna therapy.” Researchers theorize this is due to increased heart rate and the body working (i.e., burning calories) to cool itself.

Improves Cardiovascular Function

The effects have proven so powerful that studies have associated sitting in an infrared sauna with a reduced risk of sudden cardiac death, fatal coronary heart disease, fatal cardiovascular disease, and even allcause mortality.

These effects are due to the increased heart rate, blood flow, and improved blood pressure in patients using infrared sauna therapy.

Pain Relief

Another excellent aspect of infrared sauna therapy is its ability to reduce chronic pain – without the negative side effects of some pain medications.

Wound Healing

Specifically, research out of NASA has shown that infrared light significantly increases tissue growth and cell regeneration due to our mitochondria readily accepting infrared light.

Boosts Circulation

This can have far-reaching benefits, from better skin tone (as discussed earlier) to lowered blood pressure. In fact, researchers discovered infrared sauna therapy significantly improves blood vessel function in diabetes and smoking patients with high cholesterol.

Fights Chronic Fatigue

A recent study found that Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), which results in extreme fatigue with no definitive cause, is greatly relieved in patients using infrared saunas.

Red Light Versus Blue Light

What is Red Light Therapy? Red light therapy uses near-infrared wavelengths that penetrate deep into the skin and muscles. It stimulates your cells’ mitochondria, boosting energy production and your natural healing mechanisms.

What Is Blue Light Therapy? Blue light therapy uses high-energy visible light, consisting of shorter wavelengths than red light. It only penetrates the first layer of your skin, targeting more surface-level issues. One of its most distinct qualities is that it activates photosynthesizers, which then stimulate reactions that break down bacterial cells. People use blue light therapy for the following: Acne treatment, Pigmentation control, Acne bacteria purification, Blue light therapy is most popular as a facial treatment for acne due to its surface-level penetration.

Law Enforcement Officer of the Year

LA Tech’s Assistant Police Chief Bill Davis Honored

LOUISIANA TECH UNIVERSITY ASSISTANT

Police Chief Bill Davis has been named

Law Enforcement Officer of the Year by the Ruston-Lincoln Chamber of Commerce. Davis’ award was presented by the Kiwanis Club of Ruston at the 104th Annual Chamber Awards Banquet on Feb 1st.

Davis, who has been part of the Louisiana Tech Police Department since 2008, was nominated by members of the Ruston Kiwanis Club, several of whom are University employees who have seen firsthand the impact of his leadership on campus.

The award came as a surprise to Davis, and its indication of the community’s confidence in and appreciation of his service is not lost on him.

“At this point in my career, I wasn’t expecting it. I’m grateful that Kiwanis felt I deserved this recognition,” Davis said. “It’s special to me for two reasons: one, I was chosen to represent Lincoln Parish law enforcement; and two, it was the Louisiana Tech community who selected me for this. It couldn’t mean more.”

Born in New Orleans, Davis moved to Ruston in 1979 to further his education at Louisiana Tech and joined the Ruston Police Department straight out of college in 1983 where he served until 2008. During his tenure, he served as a patrol officer, field training officer, training and public information officer, narcotics investigator, patrol supervisor and shift commander, all while rising in rank from sergeant to lieutenant to captain.

As a LTPD officer, Davis’ job duties include management, administration, training supervision, hiring and evaluation oversight, and investigation supervision. In addition, he is a part of several University committees focused on campus safety and the coordination of special events.

Davis is also second-in-command to Louisiana Tech Police Chief Randal Hermes, and the two have served alongside each other for many years.

“I am very appreciative of the Ruston Kiwanis Club for their support and recognition of our local law enforcement officers, and Bill

is very deserving of this honor,” said Hermes. “He has passed on his knowledge and expertise through supporting, training and mentoring our officers. His contribution to the Tech community is immeasurable.”

While acknowledging the award’s significance, the humble Davis still holds the community as his—and the department’s—first and foremost priority.

“The law enforcement we practice on this campus is geared toward serving our students, faculty and staff,” Davis said. “You have to have a heart for these people and this place, and I am confident that our police team here certainly does.”

Louisiana Tech University Police is a fully functional police department charged with promoting a safe and secure education environment by enforcing the laws, rules, and regulations that govern the University.

Cutting-Edge Treatments

Found at DermaMediQ

LOCATED ON LAMY LANE, DERMAMEDIQ IS revolutionizing the landscape of feminine wellness with its innovative treatments. Combining advanced technology with expert care, DermaMediQ offers a range of procedures designed to empower women and enhance their quality of life.

Votiva: Redefining Feminine Health

At the forefront of DermaMediQ’s offerings is the Votiva system, a groundbreaking treatment that utilizes radiofrequency energy and microneedling to address a variety of concerns. More than just a skincare solution, Votiva is the first of its kind to target sexual dysfunction and pelvic strengthening.

DermaMediQ’s team is dedicated to providing safe and effective treatments for common feminine health issues. From stress incontinence to vaginal dryness, Votiva offers a non-invasive approach to restoring function and enhancing appearance. Votiva empowers women to take control of their feminine wellness and sexual health. With quick, painless treatments performed inoffice, patients can experience potentially life-changing results in less than 30 minutes.”

EmpowerRF: Customized Solutions for Feminine Wellness

EmpowerRF takes a personalized approach to addressing feminine wellness concerns, utilizing a combination of radiofrequency and electrical muscle stimulation. With treatments tailored to individual needs, DermaMediQ’s trained team ensure optimal results without the need for general anesthesia or extensive downtime.

Patients undergoing EmpowerRF can expect to feel a gentle heating sensation during treatment, with minimal discomfort and virtually no downtime. This innovative approach to feminine wellness aims to improve functional health while boosting self-confidence and overall quality of life.

Morpheus8: Celebrity-Approved Skin Tightening

For those seeking a rejuvenating skincare solution, DermaMediQ offers Morpheus8, a cutting-edge treatment favored by celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Lindsay Lohan. By combining microneedling with radiofrequency, Morpheus8 stimulates collagen production and tightens the skin for a youthful, radiant complexion.

Celebrities and skincare enthusiasts alike have praised Morpheus8 as a game-changer in their beauty routines. Now, clients at DermaMediQ can experience the transformative effects of this trendy treatment firsthand.

Experience Transformation at DermaMediQ. With a commitment to innovation and excellence, DermaMediQ is redefining feminine wellness one treatment at a time. From Votiva’s revolutionary approach to EmpowerRF’s customized solutions and Morpheus8’s celebrity-approved skincare, DermaMediQ offers a comprehensive range of services to empower women and enhance their natural beauty.

DermaMediQ invites you to embark on a journey to rediscover confidence, vitality, and well-being. Book your consultation today and experience the transformative power of advanced skincare and feminine wellness treatments at DermaMediQ.

DEBBIE SAWYER

Debbie Hardy Sawyer is no stranger to hard work. She has spent her life doing hard work both to further her career and support her community. An exceptional businesswoman, Debbie developed a stellar business career beginning with retail sales and then later specializing in industrial sales and manufacturing. A major door opened when she agreed to “fill in” with her husband, Bill, at Sawyer Industrial Plastics while the company sought a permanent customer service manager. Today Debbie is president and owner of the company, overseeing the day-to-day operations. But she has also always found time to do hard work for this community. Debbie says that volunteering is a significant part of her life where she finds fulfillment in helping causes, people, and the community at large. Because of her business success and her generous heart, Debbie Hardy Sawyer is our Bayou Icon for March.

It doesn’t take long when talking with Debbie Hardy Sawyer about her life and career until her maternal grandmother’s name, Mable Edgar Sample, comes up. Sawyer readily admits that this grandmother who she lovingly called “Big Mama” was her greatest supporter and first mentor.

“Big Mama’s guidance taught me early on to stay away from drama and focus on the goodness in people,” Sawyer explains. “I remember the lessons of humility she taught me and the importance of surrounding myself with positive, forward-thinking people.”

When Debbie was a child, she remembers Big Mama telling her that in order to help yourself, you must help others. Now that she is an adult, Debbie understands what Big Mama meant. “I now understand that if you help others, it gives you rich fulfillment in your own life,” Debbie says.

GROWING UP YEARS

Debbie was born in Houston, Texas. Her father was John Monroe Hardy, and her mother was Joy Sample Hardy. When she was five, the family moved to Monroe. Her father was given the option to relocate to either Shreveport or Monroe with his job as a Sales Representative for Missouri Pacific. He chose Monroe primarily because his mother’s maiden name was “Monroe.”

Arkansas. That farm had an apple orchard plus a variety of farm animals – Shetland ponies, quarter horses, cows, chickens, and pigs. It was, Debbie remembers, “a perfect environment for kids.” Through these summers Debbie developed a close bond with her grandparents “Big Daddy” (Richard Sample) and “Big Mama” in Arkansas. She lived close to her paternal grandparents, Ross and Edith Monroe Hardy in Houston, so they were also close.

When Debbie was just four years old and the family was still living in Houston, she showed both creative thinking and an entrepreneurial streak. She collected interesting rocks on her grandparents’ Arkansas farm and brought them back to Houston. There, on the sidewalk in front of her home, the little girl set up a “rock store” to help her family financially. “Apparently I thought that having a side business would bring in more money to buy much wanted toys!” Debbie says with a laugh. On her first day going to kindergarten, she asked her mother to watch over her “store.” When she got back home, Debbie was delighted that all of the rocks were gone and there were pennies in their place. “Mom intended for this to end my business venture with my giving up my store, but my only thought was that I needed to get more rocks and maybe hire my mom fulltime!”

EDUCATION ADVENTURES

Debbie attended Lakeshore Elementary, Sherrouse Elementary, and Lexington Elementary. Her middle school years were spent at Lee Junior High, and then she went to Neville High School to complete her pre-college education.

SUMMER DAYS

Through the summers spent in on a farm in Glenwood, Arkansas, Debbie developed a close bond with her grandparents “Big Daddy” (Richard Sample) and “Big Mama.”

Debbie says that her family has traced their ancestors back to U.S. President James Monroe, so she has always felt a kindred spirit with the city. In a way, this town’s name and her father’s family name being the same helped early on to spur Debbie’s contributions to the community. “Family is central to my values, and I’ve always felt a responsibility to contribute to this community, carrying on the legacy of my father’s family name,” she says.

Summers were special times for Debbie as she was growing up. She spent them on her maternal grandparents’ farm in Glenwood,

There were several teachers who were important mentors to the young girl. During her elementary school years, Debbie loved Ms. Evans, Mrs. Poole, and Mrs. Seiler. When she was in Junior High, Debbie came under the influence of Mrs. Zoro who helped her understand the importance of math. At Neville, Joe Caskey and Dot Johnson were influential mentors for her. They shared, Debbie remembers, valuable life lessons on both leadership and teamwork.

Debbie has always been a “joiner” – relishing in belonging to a variety of different collections of friends – and that was evident early on. She participated in the Girl Scouts, the Law Enforcement Explorer Post, and church. Debbie’s talent and love for music meant that she was a very active participant in her church choir at College Place Baptist Church. Darrell Washam, church choir director and youth director there, had a major positive impact on her life. Debbie also thoroughly enjoyed being a Neville Tiger and have remains friends with many in her class even today. She loved being in her school band under the direction of Joe Caskey and learned so much from him about striving for perfection. During her senior year, she served as the Neville High School Band Drum Major.

After graduating from Neville, Debbie enrolled at Louisiana Tech University. There she joined Alpha Chi Omega sorority and developed a network of friends. One of her professors, Dr. Linda Sivils, was a tremendous influence. Through Sivils, Debbie’s interest in business and marketing developed.

While at LA Tech, Debbie participated in an internship at Lewis & Company in Ruston. The company, a department store now closed, provided an excellent experience for her.

BAYOU ICON:

After graduating from LA Tech (BA in Merchandising and Minor in Marketing) and studying overseas, she earned an internship as a sales trainee and became a new employee trainer for the Personnel Department at Saks Fifth Avenue in Houston. Following that internship, Debbie wanted to move back to Monroe and took a position at Selber Brothers of Monroe in retail sales and in the Buyers Program.

Debbie did graduate work at the University of Louisiana Monroe in Education. There Dean Catherine Vaughn was a mainstay in ULM’s education department and was helpful when Debbie enrolled in their education program. Debbie credits Dr. Sivils and Dr. Vaughn for helping to shape both her education and career paths. She also enjoyed taking classes with Dr. Jim Potts while at ULM. Her friendship with Dr. Potts remains today, as he became a mentor to her while he was working as Vice President for Workforce Development at the Monroe Chamber of Commerce.

GROWING A CAREER

Debbie began her career in retail sales with stints at Saks Fifth Avenue and Selber Brothers. After several years she moved to outside sales when she went to work at Butler Paper, a division of Georgia Pacific Corporation. At Butler she worked for Gene Simmons who became an important career mentor for her in outside industrial sales. During her 14 years at Georgia Pacific, she was one of the first women sales representatives traveling in a 3-state area including north Louisiana, south Arkansas, and east Mississippi. For her work, Debbie won numerous awards for sales and marketing.

LOVE, MARRIAGE, AND CHILDREN

While Debbie was working for Georgia Pacific, two of Debbie’s best friends and mentors, Ken and Diane Wagley, helped to guide her and challenge her in her career. They also just happened to know a fellow they thought Debbie should meet. They introduced Debbie to Bill Sawyer and their friendship quickly grew until one evening when Bill proposed at Warehouse No. 1, their favorite restaurant. The two married in 1986 and honeymooned on Kauai, Hawaii. “I had always dreamed of a honeymoon in Hawaii and Bill delivered, as he always has,” Debbie says. “Bill has also been a mentor to me as I have learned so much from him over the years. “One of the things that attracted me to him was his knowledge.”

The Sawyers have three children – Michael, Brad, and Jennifer.

Their sons reside in Monroe with their families, and their daughter and her family live in Nashville. Debbie is called “DeeDee” by her grandchildren as well as other youngsters she has mentored through the years.

For a time, Debbie decided to suspend her career temporarily in order to focus on her family. The suspension was shortlived because she truly loved working with people and missed that very much. Debbie “accidentally” reentered the work force by filling in with her husband, Bill, at Sawyer Industrial Plastics. That “fill in” position turned into a 34+ year career.

SAWYER INDUSTRIAL PLASTICS

Sawyer Industrial Plastics was founded in 1977 by Bill’s parents Bill and Yvonne Sawyer, Sr., together with Ed and Joy Nolan. Today it is a composite materials manufacturer providing products primarily for the paper industry. Debbie’s career there has flourished. Since joining the company in 1990 she has worked as a sales manager, vice president of marketing, and today is president and owner overseeing the day-to-day operations.

Debbie’s focus has been setting up, developing, and promoting international and domestic sales. To accomplish this, she has developed multiple programs and procedures which are now standard in the industry. Debbie has also been instrumental in setting up company operations that included import, export, and product training for distributors and technical sales representatives. To do this, she has traveled worldwide to train partners. In 1996 she began developing overseas distribution with Europe. Since then, she has added additional countries to make company sales reach worldwide. “I’ve been privileged to travel and do business across four of the seven continents, in many countries, and working with our representatives all over the world,” Debbie says. “I am really good at driving on the wrong side of the road, in Scandinavia, Europe, and Australia. I never tried driving in China.”

Fortunately, their industry was critical during the pandemic so there were no layoffs. There were challenges, however, including raw material delays. Even so, Sawyer Plastics had a well-earned reputation and that respect meant that the company was able to sustain global changes in the paper industry.

A GENEROUS HEART

Debbie has always loved volunteering and doing volunteer work is very much a part of her value system. “Volunteering is a priority for me, driven by a sense of gratitude for the success I’ve been

blessed with,” she explains. “Putting God first, followed by a focus on marriage, family, work, and then pursuing volunteer efforts reflect my values.”

Among her many volunteer activities are these: developed and implemented the first Workforce Investment Board for Ouachita Parish 81; developed, promoted, chaired, and even coined the name “Northern Exposure” for an annual lobbying business trip for 12 parishes in North Louisiana; chaired the Rivertown Awards Ceremony; chaired the local Junior League’s State Public Affairs Program; tri-chaired and developed the fundraiser for the Red Cross known as MASH BASH; developed and served as a committee member for North Louisiana Rural Redemption; helped with the First Ouachita Parish Woman’s Symposium; worked with Children’s Coalition; aided in getting CASA to Ouachita Parish; co-chaired Fashion Fusion Charity Fundraiser; and helped form the details for LA Tech ACT and created ways to help with funding which are still being used today.

PERSONAL VALUES

“Volunteering is a priority for me, driven by a sense of gratitude for the success I’ve been blessed with,” she explains. “Putting God first, followed by a focus on marriage, family, work, and then pursuing volunteer efforts reflect my values.”

Debbie, along with Doretha Bennett, also championed the formation of the Manufacturing Alliance in NELA which she named NELAMAC; Northeast Louisiana Manufacturing Alliance and Consortium. She developed a manufacturing workforce sustainability pilot program designed to help small, local manufacturers build a bridge among manufacturers, the education sector, the Workforce Commission, and the local workforce by training the workforce in manufacturing plants in real life conditions. Debbie’s hope is that this effort will help keep the local workforce in our area by showing them opportunities in manufacturing.

A personal passion of Debbie’s is helping cancer patients. As a result, she was a charter board member of the Louisiana Cancer Foundation and the Cancer Foundation League. She has chaired numerous CFL committees, developed and chaired the Angel Wings Charity fundraising project, and now serves as CFL’s president.

In 1997 Debbie became the first woman to receive the Jim Shipp Young Business Leader award. Other awards have come her way, but the Shipp award acknowledged all of her work within the community, not just in her career. Debbie has also been recognized for her work with the Monroe Chamber of Commerce (steering committee, manufacturing alliance), the West Monroe Chamber of Commerce (political action committee), Quota International, Leadership Louisiana, Louisiana Roundtable, Leadership Ouachita, Ouachita Parish Red Cross (board member), Girl Scouts of America (lifetime member and board member), and countless other groups. More recently while on the Board for the Monroe Symphony Orchestra, Debbie developed a Strategic Revenue Program to help sustain the Symphony for many years to come.

A LIFE BEYOND WORK

When one stops to consider the breadth of Debbie’s work and volunteer life, it is easy to assume that she is nearly perfect. Such is not the case. She readily admits that although she enjoys cooking, she is still trying to master the art of not burning the bread!

Debbie also laughs at the memory of her first formal meal for her young family. She prepared Chicken Cordon Bleu, but quickly

BAYOU ICON:

discovered the little boys wouldn’t try anything with that name. In a stroke of inspiration, Debbie renamed it “Chicken and Cheese” and it remains one of the family’s favorites.

Debbie enjoys traveling (not long ago a lifelong dream of touring the Greek isles was fulfilled) for pleasure as much as for work. She also enjoys making things, repairing things, and especially spray painting.

Bill and Debbie enjoy their weekends. They spend the morning discussing their week and planning fun often involving their children and grandchildren. For the Sawyer clan, family traditions are important. They love doing a taco bar in honor of Debbie’s mom, and making Thanksgiving snacks for all to enjoy. They also make candies such as white trash during the Christmas holidays for friends and family.

Debbie has never forgotten those special individuals who have helped her grow and mature. When Debbie was in her 20’s, Roy Heatherly (today President and CEO of the Monroe Chamber of Commerce) helped guide her during her Toastmasters training, helping her to gain confidence to prepare her first speaking assignment. Among many others, she also remembers Greg Kahmann and Dr. John Sutherland at ULM for their invaluable guidance and support.

Debbie says that she cherishes the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of others. Unlike so many, she has seized nearly every opportunity to do just that and has made an immeasurable difference for countless individuals fortunate enough to come under her care. Aren’t we blessed to have her working here with -- and for -- us all for the greater good?

Fabulous Fabric’s 25th Anniversary

On Thursday, February 8th Fabulous Fabric hosted a 25th Anniversary Open House. Holly Richard and her staff welcomed guests with lavender champagne and delicious charcuterie cups. Customers, friends, family and guests enjoyed discounted prices, and entered to win a raffle commemorating the occasion. Fabulous Fabric is located at 1803 Lamy Lane in Monroe. Stop by today to see their vast selection of fabrics, pillows, drapery, bedding, rugs and more.

On the BayouScene

1 Betty Malson and Holly Richard

2 Holly and Keith Richard

3 Lisa DIxon, Holly Richard and Gayle Shepard

4 Lauren Hartwell, Heather Hartwell, Holly Richard and Madison Hartwell

5 Melanie and Mike Colvin

6 Taylor Mabry and Kelly Hogan

IN THE GARDEN

We’re a quarter of the way through 2024 and this is the month we anticipate our last frosts. And, the 2024 Louisiana Super Plant selections have been announced! Louisiana Super Plants offer something for every landscape whether you’re looking for specimen-quality shade trees, evergreen foundation plantings, or seasonal color that will make your landscape pop and attract pollinators.

TWO NEW LOUISIANA SUPER PLANTS

First, let’s start with ‘Jane’ Magnolia, one of the so-called Japanese Magnolias that has actually been around for a good while. ‘Jane’ is but one variety in the ‘Little Girl Series’ developed by the U.S. National Arboretum back in the 1950s. Varieties in this series flower a couple of weeks later than other deciduous magnolias, making them more likely to miss late winter freezes that we often see here in the ArkLaMiss. ‘Jane’ is a burst of color. Large, fragrant purple flowers have white centers and cover the tree in spring. ‘Jane’ will rebloom in mid-summer, but to a much lesser extent than in spring. ‘Jane’ Magnolia is versatile, and will make a perfect specimen-quality small tree, reaching about 15 feet tall and about 12 feet wide. And, because of its rather compact size, ‘Jane’ Magnolia will also make an excellent informal hedge. It will perform best if not sheared off flat on top like most other hedges. In fact, most hedges will perform best for the long haul if not sheared off flat. Like other deciduous Magnolias, ‘Jane’ should be planted in organically rich, well-drained soil that is slightly acidic. Full sun is best but partial shade will do in a pinch. A good mulch will help the soil retain moisture and set ‘Jane’ off like a picture in a frame. If that’s not enough, ‘Jane’ will tolerate clay soils, too. And that’s important considering how loads of clay soil are often trucked onto new home sites. Once ‘Jane’ is situated in your landscape like you want her, it’s best to leave her where she is. Her fleshy roots may be damaged if transplanting is attempted, so choose the site carefully. ‘Jane’ Magnolia can provide years of brilliant spring color and it’s good to see her selected as a 2024 Louisiana Super Plant!

I’m sure we’re all thinking ahead to warm weather.

< ‘Jane’ will rebloom in mid-summer, but to a much lesser extent than in spring.

You’ll find Porterweeds available in a variety of bright colors with red and blue being the most popular.

‘Jane’ Magnolia can provide years of brilliant spring color.

Porterweeds are adaptable to many soil types and the sunnier the better.

Hopefully, this summer will be nothing like last year in terms of heat and drought, but we never know. The second 2024 Louisiana Super Plant selection won’t care because Porterweeds (Stachytarpheta sp.) are right at home in hot summer temperatures and dry conditions. And, if attracting pollinators to your landscape is the goal, you can’t go wrong with Porterweeds. They produce small flowers on long spikes that curl under when they reach a certain length. And, flowers produce copious amounts of nectar all day long. You’ll find Porterweeds available in a variety of bright colors with red and blue being the most popular. They are adaptable to many soil types and the sunnier their location in your ornamental beds, the better. Like anything else in our gardens, Porterweed will need soil that has good drainage, and it earns bonus points for being essentially pestfree and needing little fertilizer throughout the season. Porterweeds should be treated as annuals because the first killing frost will take them out. But you will enjoy a long summer season of their brilliant color when you make them an addition to your warm season color palette. For a tough and colorful nectar producer, be looking forward to finding Porterweeds in local garden centers and save a spot or two or three for this 2024 Louisiana Super Plant in your landscape!

VEGETABLES

If you started seeds in February for spring and summer vegetables, you may find it necessary to move them up to larger pots sometime during this month. Tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants are all surprisingly forgiving when it comes to transplanting, so don’t worry too much about damaging the young seedlings. Use your thumb and index finger to hold the seedling by a true leaf and a plastic fork works perfectly for gently digging out the young root system. Once your seedlings are transplanted up to a larger pot or container, regular watering with a watersoluble fertilizer (the blue stuff works just fine) will get your vegetable seedling off to a good start. Keep the potting medium moist, but not saturated and always make sure good drainage is provided. If you missed getting Irish potatoes planted last month, you still have a brief window of time to do so but don’t put it off much longer. Also, vegetable gardeners will be looking for the first asparagus (A. officinalis) spears this month. Asparagus is a great perennial addition to the vegetable

garden. Harvest from established crowns for several weeks then let the final spears grow into the lush fronds so the plant can store energy for next year’s crop. Asparagus is a heavy feeder, so generous helpings of compost in the planting hole will ensure a crop for years to come.

ROSE CARE

Roses can be fertilized for spring in late March. Both inorganic and organic fertilizers can be used. Inorganic fertilizers are often available as slow-release formulations. This means nutrients are available for a longer period of the season with less frequent applications being necessary. Organic fertilizer, such as aged manures, compost, blood meal, and bone meal may be applied for supplemental nutrients and to improve soil health. Nutrients may still be bonded to organic molecules and may not be immediately available to the plants, though. Some pruning can still be done this month, namely the removal of any dead or diseased canes. Cool nights and mild days will be conducive to fungal pathogens like black spot. Control with a systemic fungicide that is applied to the soil for uptake by the plant.

LAWNS

With spring rains comes an increased incidence of fungal disease in Deep South turfgrasses, especially in St. Augustinegrass and Centipedegrass. Talk-all Patch and Large Patch are fungal diseases (Rhizoctonia sp.) that cause yellowing and eventually browning in large circular patches. Control these with fungicides containing propiconazole or mancozeb. Deep South turfgrasses are undergoing root decline this month, so they’re putting energy into growing new roots instead of putting energy into new shoot growth. Fertilizing lawns this month really won’t be helpful even though temptation is strong. Wait until your lawn has come completely out of dormancy before applying fertilizers.

Monroe’s Restaurant

While some are calling his revival “a big return,” Roy Arthur’s Monroe’s Restaurant is also a reflection of the current local community and aims to bring together some of the old and some of the new. Arthur values family-owned restaurants with well-trained staff, consistent service, an inspiring atmosphere, and, of course, a passionate chef.

When Roy Arthur was ready for a new restaurant venture, he turned to a Monroe classic for inspiration. “I remember way back in the latter part of the early seventies and eighties, the name of it used to be called Monroe’s Steakhouse.” He fondly recalls the pull that restaurant had on the community. Whether there was a prom or a special event, seemingly everybody went to Monroe’s Steakhouse. “It was the place to go back then,” he says. While some are calling his revival “a big return,” Arthur’s Monroe’s Restaurant is also a reflection of the current local community and aims to bring together some of the old and some of the new.

“I worked for Johnny Huntsman with Johnny’s Pizza from seventh grade all the way through college,” says Arthur proudly. With such solid restaurant tutelage, he maintained his enthusiasm for the food industry, which led him to become involved with Portico Restaurant and Bar in 2017. After close to five years there, he tackled the restaurant business solo and opened Miro’s. “And then that’s when I decided to talk to the Perry’s about opening this restaurant,” he says. Pulling from his Johnny’s Pizza experience, it was important to Arthur that his kitchen takes a respectable amount of time to create dishes. “Back then, we had very good pizzas because of gas ovens,” he says, adding, “We weren’t worried about getting it out in a hurry.” At Monroe’s Restaurant, Arthur aims to provide the type of “top-notch” service that he tends to enjoy in other local eateries, like Genusa’s. He values family-owned restaurants with welltrained staff, consistent service, an inspiring atmosphere, and, of course, a passionate chef.

“When Roy brought me on, he basically just showed me the menu and said, ‘Make it tasty,’” explains Chef Jon Claiborne Mcknight. Cooking started quite early for Mcknight and his brother thanks to their grandmother who patiently passed down her culinary chops. Additionally, growing up in New Orleans naturally added to his gastronomic enthusiasm. During school vacation, he’d spend most of his time in the French Quarter working at a seafood restaurant alongside his father, who was a skillful chef and pastry chef. “It’s kind of bred into my lungs, you know? It’s just everywhere I go,” he says. A stint in California only exacerbated his exposure to an assortment of kitchens. He worked with Chef Peter at Loquita and Chef Weston Richards at Les Marchands Restaurant & Wine Shop. Additionally, he received mentorship from Jason Paluska at The Lark in Santa Barbara. Mcknight moved back to Monroe in 2019, but when COVID hit he decided to shelf his culinary career. He went into construction, and for five years freelanced his expertise, performing maintenance and repairs

on apartment complexes. The culinary world found him again by chance. He was at his grandmother’s house when she received a call from his uncle, a buddy of his who was looking for a chef. “I’ve got one right here,” his grandmother responded enthusiastically. For Mcknight, the opportunity felt like another shot. “So I’m putting a lot of effort into this, a lot of heart,” he says.

Mcknight’s effort began in the form of research, making sure that he maintained classic dishes on their intended flavor profiles. One such dish, the Burgundy Mushrooms, is a French classic. “I don’t want to change the way that is,” he underscores, adding, “I’m a very traditional type. If it’s supposed to be a certain way, then that’s the way it needs to be. I don’t need to vary from something that’s been done 1000 years perfectly.” Even so, there are a few recipes he claims are distinctly his, such as the French Onion Soup. Here he begins by caramelizing Spanish onions, which carry a sweet and subtle flavor. Sherry wine is added along with flour. The mixture is finalized with a rich beef stock made

Chef Mcknight recommends starting with the Cowboy ribeye. The restaurant orders the 10-ounce Hereford, a high-grade beef, and one of the best Mcknight has ever gotten to work with.

in-house every Monday. An ardent believer in making food from scratch, Mcknight saves all the onion peels to create steak dust—a combination of dry onion peels, salt, and garlic powder. “The onion peels bring out the flavor of the meat. It increases the whole marbling around it as you eat. So just a very good seasoning,” he says.

Attention to detail is most noted in how Mcknight handles the meat dishes. “I have a deep passion for red meat,” he claims, emphasizing, “I take a very deep pride in a good piece of meat to give to somebody because of how much money that it costs that person; it means that to me as well.” For like-minded meat enthusiasts, he recommends starting with the Cowboy ribeye. The restaurant orders the 10-ounce Hereford, a high-grade beef, and one of the best Mcknight has ever gotten to work with. Even the house burger is treated with Mcknight’s creative flare. In the Triple “B,” an 8-ounce patty is spread with balsamic glaze, topped with bacon, smoked gouda, caramelized onions, garlic aioli, and spring mix, and served with house cut fries. Add to any table one of their “Shareables” to further enhance what already promises to be a delectable culinary experience. Mcknight recommends his personal favorite the Mac and Cheese with White Cheddar and Bacon. This carefully crafted dish begins with a béchamel sauce—a French sauce made from roux and milk. The sauce gets thrown into a sauté pan where butter is added. Once melted down, lemon juice is added with a little bit of salt, and then cooked pasta gets added along with a “bunch” of cheese which gets rolled around and then topped with bacon. The final step occurs in a 500-degree oven, just for a minute or so. “It’s probably the best mac and cheese you’ll ever eat,” he affirms.

Leading by example, Mcknight keeps his past culinary experiences close to home, establishing a kitchen culture based on mutual respect. “Just the pure discipline, the understanding, and the learning to shut your mouth and listen,” he says, acknowledging that he doesn’t know everything. “I learned just as much value from anybody. You just had to be open to take.” In particular, he thinks of his time with Chef Weston Richards who, unlike other chefs he has worked with, led with understanding and patience, even when someone in the kitchen messed up. “That’s why I don’t look at cooking as a competition,” he says. “I look at cooking as learning and knowledge sharing.” Arthur echoes similar sentiments when considering the restaurant business in the area. “We all compete,” he says referring to other restaurant owners. “But we’re also all in it together…We all want to see everybody survive.”

This sense of community is a vital aspect of the atmosphere being created at Monroe’s Restaurant, one delicately complimented by the understated elegance of the interior. The black-and-white concept was designed by the Perrys. Glossy black and white tiles meet patrons in the side dining hall, sharing a room with the newly extended and fully stocked bar. Emerald hues radiate from a fashionable carpet in the dining room area, where walnut-colored tables and chairs are warmly lit by funnel-shaped sconces. In the bar area, leather stools line the white quartz countertop. Ultimately, the result has customers raving about the chic and romantic feel.

“It’s all about the customers,” says Arthur who, once again, has gleaned the importance of service from his experiences working alongside Huntsman, a man he considers great for the community and even the University of Louisiana Monroe. In his admiration, he recognizes the importance of supporting local businesses, but also of being the kind of local establishment that aims to improve a place he has called home for sixty-two years. He says, “All I’m doing is trying to put back into the community. That’s what it’s all about.”

Chanticleers Galentines

Chanticleer’s Boutique in Rayville hosted a glamorous Galentine’s night for the girls on Friday, February 9th. The event dazzled with fun, food, and shopping. To add to this perfect girls night was Botox by Kasey Thompson and Linc-ed Forever permanent jewelry by Shelby Templeton. This night sparkled with beauty, friendship, and shopping.

On the BayouScene

1 Kylie Brown, Heather Wisnor, and Laura Wood

2 Michelle Rainwater, Heather Wisnor, and Laura Wood

3 Le Fife, Kasey Thompson, and Ella Fife

4 Maddi Bridges and Alyssa Oliver

5 Mallory Cater and Katie Jackson

6 Nicole Franks and Allie Payne

7 Rachel Head, Lora Head, and Jerry Lynne Watts

8 Kayla Bridges and Riley Wyly

9 Savannah Morris, Mallory Cater, Katie Jackson, and Taylor Branch

10 Shelby Templeton

11 Zoe Pickett and Michele Weems

CHANTICLEERS

This classic top features a fun print with a Dolman sleeve and optional stand-up collar. Pair it with a high-waisted short coated in a sleek faux-leather finish.

LIVIN’ ON THE BAYOU

Fashion Fusion 2024 will mark 13 years of celebrating a community coming together for cancer patients right here in our area. All proceeds benefit the Cancer Foundation League of Northeast Louisiana which provides medical assistance and supplies to local patients and families suffering from this dreadful disease. Join us on March 9, 2024 at the Monroe Civic Center for this fashionable event.

Hair and Makeup: Meka Bennett

Models: Ashley Greer and Jacob Pihl

Photography by Kelly Moore Clark and Madison Nihiser

RON ALEXANDER CLOTHIERS

Jacob looks dashing in a button-down light blue dress shirt paired with a Max Davoli jacket and matching pocket square. Add a highstretch, dark wash jean for a modern touch.

DUSTY & COMPANY

This blousy long-sleeved alligator print shirt is perfect for transitional weather. Wear it with Judy Blue high-waisted jeans and accessorize with a white suede wide-brimmed hat.

MAX PORTER PROVISIONS

A performance polo featuring flying ducks is worn under a two-toned lightweight jacket and paired with Duck Camp’s brush pants. Top the look off with a mallard cap from Burlebo Outdoors.

HEMLINE MONROE

This blouse has a round neckline and elbow-length puff sleeves that add a touch of drama to your outfit. The sleeves are adorned with embroidered rosette and scallop detailing. Pair with a long denim skirt in an off-white hue and front slit. Accessorize with cream suede boots with a stiletto heel.

HERRINGSTONES

Fashion abounds in this beautiful green dress that features a striped print, v-neckline and belted waist. Add a long pendant necklace to accessorize.

PALETTE HOUSE & PLUME

This top is perfectly tailored with a classic shirt collar and button front. Wear it with these jade-colored cargo trousers with an ankle toggle. Accessorize with a Chan Luu necklace and retro-inspired shoes from Oncept.

RUSTICO

This navy and white gingham top features floral embroidery at the neckline and throughout the print. The puff sleeves add a flirty feminine touch. Pair with Risen high-rise denim in white and accessorize with pearl beaded bracelets.

Sports Medicine

Not Just For Athletes

WHEN THINKING OF SPORTS MEDICINE, MANY THINK it only focuses on helping athletes improve performance, recover from injury, and prevent future injuries. While that’s true, it’s not the whole story. Today’s sports medicine physicians treat people of all ages and fitness levels, from seniors to elite athletes, all with an array of common musculoskeletal issues. Val Irion, MD and Andrew Patton, MD are two of the fellowship trained orthopedic sports medicine physicians at Orthopedic Specialists of Louisiana. We recently asked them a few questions about why they chose the subspecialty of Sports Medicine and what a typical day looks like to them in their practices.

OSL: Why did you decide to go into orthopedics and why a Sports Medicine Fellowship?

Irion: I always gravitated towards medicine… only secondary to my love of sports. Growing up, I played about every sport you could play. When I realized early in my life that I was probably not going to become a professional athlete, I realized that pursuing a career in sports medicine could allow me to stay in sports. In college I worked for an orthopedic surgeon and really enjoyed it- that experience reaffirmed my interest and today I am fortunate to make it my career.

Patton: In medical school, I really enjoyed orthopedics and following my orthopedic residency, the subspecialty of sports medicine was particularly appealing because I saw an opportunity within a orthopedic practice that would allow me to treat all types of patientsall ages, all backgrounds, all different levels of function and get to help them restore that level of function to where they want it to be.

OSL: Is Sports Medicine just for athletes?

Irion: I get asked that question a lot… Pretty much everyone can consider themselves an athlete. I see patients of all ages and all activity levels- whether it be the weekend warrior, the high school athlete or the patient suffering from overuse injuries that could be interfering with their work duties or their daily activities.

Patton: The thing I love about Sports Medicine is that it does allow me to see all types of patients- different ages, different levels of function, different goals. Really, anything can be a sport. In many ways, I believe that Sports Medicine doctors are the general practitioners of orthopedic health.

OSL: What are the most common injuries you treat?

Irion: The main things I run into are general shoulder pain and knee pain. Certainly, I see a lot of larger joints that have more of the weight bearing stresses, a lot of wear and tear injuries like rotator cuff tendinitis rotator cuff tears. In the knee, I see degenerative changes, meniscal injuries, and tears. In younger athletes, we will see more acute injuries, such as ACL tears or labral tears. However, most of my patients fall into the category of the weekend warrior… a lot of overuse injuries and they are just trying to get back to their normal activities.

Patton: Although I see a lot of shoulders and knees, I also see a fair share of necks, backs, hands and acute injuries like fractures. I find that patients may initially come to see me with one issue…maybe hand pain and as we progress through the examination, they may tell me about their shoulder or their knee pain. That’s the great thing about being in Sports Medicine, we really look at the whole picture because we want to restore the patient’s level of function.

OSL- What about Mako Smart Robotics? Do you use it?

Irion: Definitely. I love robotic technology and am excited about where it is going. Currently, I utilize Stryker Mako Robotics for partial and total knee replacements. I am anticipating in the next five years, Stryker Mako will implement the technology for the robot to be utilized for shoulder replacement. With how successful the technology is with the knee; I think it will be a huge advantage for the patient and their surgeon.

Patton: Absolutely…when I joined the OSL team in 2020, I was excited to have the opportunity to utilize this technology and work and learn from my partner, Dr. Steven Atchison. Sports Medicine is about getting people back to their desired level of function as quickly and successfully as possible. By utilizing the robot (Mako Smart Robotics) combined with better perioperative education and advances in anesthesia, I believe, we are able to offer patients the opportunity for a better recovery and ultimately restoring them to a level of activity that they desire.

Val Irion MD and Andrew Patton, MD are both committed to keeping their patients active and healthy. Both physicians are currently accepting new patients of all ages and all activity levels. To schedule an evaluation with Dr. Irion or Dr. Patton, please call or visit Orthopedic Specialists of Louisiana: (318)543-BONE(2663) or orthopedicspecialistsla.com

CFL Annual Gala

The Cancer Foundation League held their annual gala on Saturday, January 20th at the Bayou Desiard Country Club. The theme was an Evening of Southern Elegance and the event was just that. Guests enjoyed hearing about the mission of the non-profit organization as well as bidding on live auction packages, silent auction items and mystery gift boxes. Music was provided by Lisa Spann and Company. Title sponsors of the event were Northeast Louisiana Cancer Institute, Northeast Louisiana Radiation Oncology, Dr. Ross Bland, Dr. William Zollinger and Doug & Amanda Hinton. Cancer Foundation League is affiliated with the Louisiana Cancer Foundation as a fundraising arm to help with outreach and to support the Foundation’s programs and services. They aim to provide direct financial assistance to individuals diagnosed with cancer.

On the BayouScene

1 Amanda McDonald, Christine Gillikin and Donna Davidson

2 Adam Beasley and Emily Bailis

3 Ashanti Jones and Victoria Hamby

4 Bill and Debbie Sawyer and Micheal Sawyer

5 Brittany Bourg, Holly Nichols and Lyndsay Mixon

6 Caron and Barry McPherson

7 Cassidy Boggs and Yasmeen Dickerson

8 Catherine Stuckey and Charles Marsala

9 Dianne Acree and Debbie Bourg

10 Doug Perry, Robert Perry and Daniel Guinn

11 Emily Nunelee and Stephanie Howell

12 Erin and Caleb Etheridge

13 Ginny McMullen, Renee Arringston and Laura Nickelson

14 “Men in Black”

15 Heather and Rick Guillot

16 Jada Taylor and Sandy Patel

17 Jennifer Andrews and John Luffey

18 Kara Sims, Erica Ryan, Wendy Waller and Liz McQueen

19 Maggie Humphries and Kyle Spatafora

20 Mary Beth and Michael Dickerson

21 Sarah Rix, Catherine Stuckey, Leslie Trahan and Karla Parker

22 Serena White and Marian Wilson

23 Whitney Reich and Myles Holyfield

The Vine’s Abide Conference

On Friday, January 26th and Saturday January 27th, The Vine of Northeast Louisiana held the Abide in the Word Women’s Conference. The conference was held at North Monroe Baptist Church and was sponsored by Community Pharmacy. Guest speakers included Jamie Ivey and Cassie Hammett and worship was led by The North Monroe Worship Team. Along with diving into the word, food trucks, vendor shopping and book signings were available during the conference. Client Services Director, Bethany Wilson and Executive Director, Amy Sherman are doing great things across Northeast Louisiana. The Vine of Northeast Louisiana exists to disciple women as they choose life for the unborn and hope for themselves. Make sure to visit thevineofnela.org.

On the BayouScene

1 Amanda Halley and Amber Hall

2 Ashley Lenard, Paige Harrell and Valerie Lazenby

3 Bethany Wilson and Amy Sherman

4 Bethany Wilson, Jamie Ivey and Amy Sherman

5 Bethany Wilson

6 Brittiny Williams and Katie Christianson

7 Cassie Hammett

8 Christina Albritton and Rachel King

9 Emalyn Fulmer and Kennedy Johnson

10 Erica Thompson and Emalee Bell

11 Katie Christianson, Christie Hill, Jessica Rogers and Lindsay Springfield

12 Macy Kennedy, Alyssa Murphy and Madelyn Sorenson

13 Mindy Lancaster, Jamie Ivey and Hallie Dye

14 Morgan Powell, Ashley Davis, Lindsay Springfield, Hannah Livingston, Erica Thompson, Ashley Burroughs, Katie Christianson and Tara Fuller

15 Blake Davis

Photo Credit: Brittiny Williams at Williams Photography

Calendar of Events

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

March 1

Take 3

This performance at the Dixie brings the refinement of a classical music background and infuses it with rockstar charisma.

Hours: 7:00pm

Cost: $35 advance, $45 day of

Venue: Dixie Center for the Arts, 212 N Vienna St, Ruston, LA 71270 Phone: 318-255-1450

March 2-3, 8-9

Monroe Symphony League Book Sale

Books, books, and more books! The Monroe Symphony League is hosting a huge book sale on March 2nd.

Profits benefit the Monroe Symphony Orchestra.

Time: March 2-9:00 AM to 5:00 PM; March 3-1:00 PM to 5:00 PM; March 89:00 AM to 5:00 PM; March 9-9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Cost: $2.00 First Day Admission for Adults. Free for Students.

Address: MSL Book Store

320 North 4th Street, Monroe Phone: 318-537-5171

March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

Ruston Farmers Market

Enjoy local produce and handmade products at this Ruston Farmers Market downtown.

Hours: 9:00am-1:00pm

Venue: 220 E Mississippi Ave, Ruston, Phone: 318-957-1305

March 2, 4

Grambling Men’s Basketball

Cheer on the GSU Tigers at this home game!

Hours: Various times

Cost: Varying ticket prices

Venue: 100 North Stadium Drive

Grambling State University Grambling, Phone: 318-274-2629

March 2, 4

Grambling Women’s Basketball

Cheer on the GSU Tigers at home.

Hours: Various times

Cost: Varying ticket prices

Venue: 100 North Stadium Drive

Grambling State University Grambling, LA 71245

Phone: 318-274-2629

March 4, 18

Creative Meetups

Artists gather together for open studio

time, sharing ideas and techniques.

Hours: 6:00-9:00pm

Venue: Creatives at Work 112 W. Alabama, Ruston Phone: 318-202-3202

March 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 13, 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24

LA Tech Baseball

Cheer on the Bulldogs at this home baseball game!

Hours: Various times

Cost: Varying ticket prices

Venue: J.C. Love Field, RustonPhone: 318-257-3631

March 5, 12, 15, 16

Grambling Softball

Cheer on the GSU Tigers at home.

Hours: Various times

Cost: Varying ticket prices

Venue: GSU Softball Complex, Grambling, LA Phone: 318-274-2629

March 7-10, 15-17

The Importance of Being Earnest

Oscar Wilde’s brilliantly clever comedic masterpiece, “The Importance of Being Earnest” tells the story of two young gentlemen in London, who each live a double-life, creating elaborate deceptions to find some balance in their lives.

Time: Thurs-Sat 7:00 PM; Sun 2:00 PM

Cost: Ticket prices vary.

Address: Strauss Theatre Center

1300 1/2 Lamy Lane, Monroe Phone: (318) 323-6681

March 8

Texas Hold 'em Poker Tournament

The Texas Hold 'em Rebuy Tournament is hosted by the Krewe of Janus on the second Friday of each month. All proceeds benefit the Krewe of Janus Mardi Gras Parade.

Time: Registration is at 5:00 PM.

Address: Krewe of Janus Float Den 901 Louisville Avenue, Monroe Phone: (318) 348-3237

March 8, 9, 10, 12, 20, 22, 23, 24, 26

LA Tech Softball

Cheer on the Bulldogs at home.

Hours: Various times

Cost: Varying ticket prices

Venue: Dr. Billy Bundrick Field, Ruston, LA 71272

Phone: 318-257-3631

March 9

St. Paddy's Bicycle Parade and Festival Bring the whole family for St. Paddy's Day arts and crafts, games, and so much more! Free green lemonade and additional food items will be for sale. The Bicycle Parade is open to adults, children and pets and is a non-motorized parade that can include bicycles, scooters, wagons, strollers, etc. The parade lines up at 12:30 PM and will begin shortly afterwards. Prizes will be awarded to the best-decorated adult, children and pets. Hosted by the West Monroe-West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce.

Time: 10:00 PM to 1:00 PM

Cost: Free

Address: Kiroli Park Phone: 318-325-1961

March 9

Children's Fun Day at the Biedenharn Museum & Gardens

Join The Biedenharn Museum on the Second Saturday of every month (Feb-Nov) for Fun Days! Participate in creative activities and explore Elsong Gardens. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Time: 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Cost: $5.00 per Child, Adults Free

Address: The Biedenharn Museum & Gardens | 2006 Riverside Dr., Monroe Phone: (318) 387-5281

March 9

VAMN! - Visual Artist Meetup

Join the Black Creatives Circle of North Louisiana every 2nd Saturday of the month at The Sugar Gallery for regular discussions about art studio practice and history/theory. Connect with artists and art enthusiasts alike. Bring something you are working on to discuss with like minds and get inspiration!

Time: 12:00 PM to 2:30 PM

Cost: Free

Address: The Sugar Gallery | 135 Art Alley, Monroe

March 9

Matt Andersen

A powerhouse performer with a giant, soul-filled voice and commanding stage presence.

Hours: 7:00pm | Cost: $35

Venue: Dixie Center for the Arts, 212 N Vienna St, Ruston, LA 71270 Phone: 318-255-1450

March 9

Fashion Fusion 2024

Turn up the volume with street chic style! Fashion Fusion is a high energy runway musical production with models and dancers performing choreographed routines presented by DBK Dance &

Performing Arts. This year's theme is "From Crawfish to Cocktails... Livin' on the Bayou". Come out and enjoy an exciting evening of fashion, music, dance, and food to benefit the Cancer Foundation League.

Time: 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM

Cost: Ticket Prices Vary

Address: Monroe Civic Center Phone: 318-325-0120

March 14 - 16

Spring Market

The Junior League of Monroe, Inc. presents its 26th annual Spring Market! Spring Market Kick Off event, included in General Admission ticket price, features food trucks, local school performances, and live music by Clara Rae. The Preview Party, sponsored by The Platter, will take place on Thursday featuring extended shopping hours, door prizes, a charcuterie spread, and live music with Cal Presley. Market-Rita Madness, sponsored by Iron Cactus, will take place on Friday featuring extending shopping hours, door prizes, appetizers, entertainment by DJ Worm, and $10.00 Market-Ritas in a souvenir cup with $5.00 refills.

Time: Thursday (Spring Market Kick Off) 10:00 am - 4:00 pm, Friday 10:00 am - 4:00 pm, and Saturday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm.

Cost: Ticket Prices Vary

Address: Monroe Civic Center | 401 Lea Joyner Memorial Expressway, Monroe

March 14

Lagniappe Brass

The Monroe Symphony Orchestra presents Lagniappe Brass, an evocative and entertaining brass quintet program that will thrill and delight.

Time: 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Cost: Adult $15.00, Student $5.00.

Address: Emy - Lou Biedenharn Recital Hall | 200 University Avenue, Monroe Phone: (318) 812-6761

March 15

Downtown Beer Crawl

This walking beer-tasting event will take you to local businesses in Downtown Ruston.

Hours: 6:00-9:00pm

Cost: Tickets available starting February 23rd

Venue: Downtown, Ruston, LA 71270 Phone: 318-251-8647

March 16

Greek Sneaker Gala

Join us for an evening of Greek honors, music, dancing, dining and glam at the black tie alumni Greek Sneaker Gala. At the heart of this gala is the mission to raise awareness and funds for the

Dr. Valerie S. Fields Greek Life Endowed Scholarship and support and celebrate the achievements of extraordinary individuals who, despite various challenges, have shown exceptional dedication to academic excellence, community service, and leadership. Music by DJ Grave Digga, hosted by the ULM Greek Life & the ULM Alumni Association. The event features food and a cash bar.

Time: 7:00 PM

Cost: $25 students $50 general admission $350 VIP table of 8

Address: Bayou Pointe Events Center | Warhawk Way, Monroe Phone: 318-342-5420

March 16

Super Saturday in the Garden

The Children’s Coalition for Northeast Louisiana opens the gates to the Origin Bank Family Garden on the third Saturday of every other month to host Super Saturday, featuring garden-based activities for children and adults, early childhood activities in the outdoor learning center, healthy cooking demonstrations using fresh produce grown locally, and community resources and volunteer opportunities.

Time: 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Cost: Free

Address: Origin Bank Family Garden | 127 Hall St, Monroe Phone: (318) 323-8775

March 16

The Northeast Louisiana Children's Museum Peanut Butter and Jelly Bean Dinner Theater

Don’t miss this Family Dinner Theatre featuring Mother Goose and Friends!

Time: 6:00 PM

Cost: $15.00 Per Ticket

Address: Northeast Louisiana Children's Museum | 323 Walnut Street, Monroe Phone: (318) 361-9611

March 16

Full Blown Pinks Car Show

Hosted by the Muffler Shop, the third annual Full Blown Pinks vintage car show will be held at the Downtown Monroe River Market! All proceeds from the show will benefit local cancer patients in need.

Time: 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Address: The River Market | 316 S Grand St. Monroe

March 18

318 Day

Here are a few ways you can celebrate #318Day or encourage others to participate in Discover Monroe-West Monroe’s Photo Scavenger Hunt. First, take a photo in front of 3 local attractions or businesses. Next, take a

photo in front of the new 318 mural on the side of Clifton and Company. Lastly, find 8 herons across Monroe-West Monroe to take a photo with. Share your photos on social media using the hashtag #DiscoverMWM and #318Day and head to the Discover Monroe-West Monroe Visitors Center for a prize! Or show off your artistic side with Discover Monroe-West Monroe’s coloring sheet. Pick up the #318Day coloring sheet at the Visitors Center or download it off the Discover Monroe-West Monroe website. Bring your finished sheet from March 18-20 to receive a small prize.

Time: March 18

Cost: Free

Address: 601 Constitution Drive, West Monroe

Phone: (318) 387-5691

March 19 - March 31

USA Table Tennis Olympic & Junior National Trials

Get ready for the USA Table Tennis Olympic & Junior National Trials taking place at the brand new West Monroe Sports and Events on March 19-31. The 2024 US Olympic Trials will consist of over 100 domestic and international players aiming to secure a spot on the US Olympic Team for Paris 2024.

Time: Tournament Times Vary.

Cost: Ticket prices vary.

Address: West Monroe Sports & & Events | 875 Constitution Drive, West Monroe

Phone: (318) 387-5691

March 20 - March 20 11:59:59 PM

Women's Symposium

As part of ULM’s celebration of Woman’s History Month, the Women’s Symposium - in a panelist/moderator format - discusses issues women face every day: networking, inclusion, leadership, professionalism, and financial growth.

Time: 12:00 PM to 6:30 PM

Cost: Students: Free. Faculty/Staff: $25. Community: $40

Address: Bayou Pointe Events Center | Warhawk Way, Monroe Phone: 318-342-5420

March 21

61st Annual Juried CompetitionReception

The Masur Museum of Art’s Annual Juried Competition showcases contemporary artists throughout the United States of America working in any medium. This year’s guest juror is Kerry Inman. Kerry Inman is the owner and director of Inman Gallery in Houston, Texas. The exhibition runs through May 4, with a public reception on March 21.

Time: 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM

Cost: Free

Address: Masur Museum of ArtMasur Museum of Art | 1400 South GrandMonroe Phone: (318) 329-2237

March 22

Big Daddy Weave

The Heaven Changes Everything Tour with Big Daddy Weave, Austin French, and Hannah Kerr is coming live to West Monroe this Spring!

Time: 7:00 PM

Cost: Ticket prices vary.

Address: Fair Park Baptist Church | 4354 Whites Ferry RdWest Monroe

March 23-24, 26-30

The Northeast Louisiana Children's Museum Easter Village

Have an EGG-citing time visiting the Northeast Louisiana Children's Museum Easter Village during the first week of April! Visit with the Easter Bunny, decorate cookies, participate in the White House egg roll, and experience the bunny patch and GIANT chocolate bunny!

Time: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Cost: $12.00 Per Ticket

Address: Northeast Louisiana Children's Museum | 323 Walnut Street, Monroe Phone: (318) 361-9611

March 23

The Northeast Louisiana Children's Museum Bunny & Me Breakfast Enjoy breakfast with the Easter Bunny at the Easter Village!

Time: 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM

Cost: $15.00 Per Ticket

Address: Northeast Louisiana Children's Museum | 323 Walnut Street, Monroe Phone: (318) 361-9611

March 24

Texas Hold 'em Poker Tournament

The Texas Hold 'em Freeze Out Tournament is held the next to last Sunday of each month. All proceeds benefit the Krewe of Janus Mardi Gras Parade.

Time: 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Cost: $120.00 Buy-in

Address: Krewe of Janus Float

DenKrewe of Janus Float Den | 901 Louisville AvenueMonroe Phone: (318) 348-3237

March 28

The Northeast Louisiana Children's Museum Easter Movie Under the Stars

Don’t miss this special movie night!

Time: 7:00 PM

Cost: $5.00 Per Ticket

Address: Northeast Louisiana Children's Museum | 323 Walnut Street, Monroe Phone: (318) 361-9611

March 29

Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day

Join the Chennault Aviation and Military Museum for a Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day celebration on March 29th!

Time: 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM

Cost: Free for Veterans; $10.00 for Guests.

Address: Chennault Aviation and Military Museum | 701 Kansas Lane, Monroe

Phone: (318) 362-5540

March 30

Landry Vineyards Concert - Mike McKenzie Band

Come celebrate an afternoon of fun with your family and community while listening to local music, eating local food and drinking Landry Vineyards wine!

Time: 4:00 PM to 7:30 PM

Cost: $10.00:Adults, $5.00:13-18, Free:12 & Under

Address: Landry Vineyards | 5699 New Natchitoches Rd, West Monroe

Phone: (318) 557-9050

ULM Baseball & Softball

March1-3: ULM Baseball vs. UIW

March 1-2: ULM Softball vs. Nicholls State

March 8-10: ULM Baseball vs. Alabama A&M

March 12: ULM Baseball vs. Ole Miss

March 15-17: ULM Baseball vs. Troy

March 19: ULM Baseball vs. Central Arkansas

March 20: ULM Softball vs. Southeastern Louisiana

March 22-24: ULM Softball vs. South Alabama

March 26: ULM Baseball vs. Louisiana Tech

March 28-30: ULM Baseball vs. Coastal Carolina

Live Music at Flying Heart

Enjoy live music from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM with no cover charge.

March 3: Message from Mercury

March 10: Frizzel Spur

March 17: Anna Lee’s Revolver

March 24: Grayson May

March 31: Jackson Culp & Co