here are those that want to own land and then those that grow alongside it. Heather Land and her family are the latter. For over fifteen years, they have lived in a parcel of lush green pasture of originally 144 acres located on the outskirts of Ouachita Parish. Step by step, they have transformed what began as rolling hills and a spacious pond into a modern homestead complete with gardens, farm animals, and a palpable feeling of serenity. As they prepare for a new chapter in their lives, the Land family is eager to share the story of their home Luna Moon with the hopes of manifesting someone, who like them, deeply lives the poetry of growing roots.

“It was just pasture,” says Heather, as she sits cozily in an upholstered armchair, the golden afternoon light brightening the living room through a glass garage door. Outside, two white turkeys gobble close to the glass pane, eager to be as close to her as they can. “In fact, where the house sits now was another rolling hill that we had to kind of taper down and we used the dirt to create the pad.” The Lands had a lot of construction before them when they first purchased the property, including building a driveway, establishing plumbing, and wiring electricity. Originally, the house was a custom erected steel building. “There were no front doors. I just had two windows. And then upstairs the common space was our bedroom. We had a bathroom. We had the laundry in the closet that goes to now what is the attic,” says Heather, pointing to the living room area, now brimming with natural light from French doors providing a panoramic view of their wraparound porch and front pasture. A far enough look reveals a herd of cows and some horses.

At a certain point, the Lands allowed themselves to dream a bit more, which is when Heather began thinking of the ways she could make the metal building they already called home look like a farmhouse—warm and inviting. Already drawn to the industrial feel of the house by way of the metal purlins and concrete floors, she began to build its personality. “So I just took that and ran with it.”

One of the major changes began with exchanging the original sold metal bay doors with windowed roll-up doors. “I wanted to erase the division of the outdoors and in,” she says, referring to one of her favorite views, the pond, now busy with the fluttering hijinks of a variety of ducks and geese. Her bathroom, which is in the same wing of the house as the kitchen was also a point of reconstruction. “How do I get every square inch of that view, right, and still have a bathtub and a shower,” she remembers considering. The result—a white tile shower, a vintage bathtub, and four large rectangular windows that make the bathroom feel like a greenhouse.

Everything in the house is very open. “I don’t like walls. We don’t have many doors,” says Heather, adding, “I want the house to feel welcoming. I want you to walk through the door and not be able to pinpoint what it is that you are feeling other than you’re supposed to be here.” Hitting on all of the senses, the interior of Luna Moon is intentional and immediate. Walking through the door feels like you are being hugged by layers of warmth—the softness of the furniture, accents on the walls, and pops of color from rugs to the brick fireplace.

“I like everything in the house to have a purpose, really,” maintains Heather who doesn’t incorporate many “beautiful little vignettes” as decor. Instead, the trinkets hanging around every nook

“I love everything old. I love everything used,” Heather says, recalling how she imagined that she had found an old warehouse that she had to turn into a farmhouse. “So in this hard space of metal and concrete, we brought in wood to soften, and we brought in reclaimed brick for texture and authentic aesthetic and interest.”

ABOVE: Another large furniture staple of the home, which the family will be leaving behind as well, is a large kitchen island from England. Heather spotted it at the Traditions On Trenton warehouse and was told, “It’s a monster. Someone’s gonna have to build a house around it.” Instantly, she knew she would be the one to build around it.

BELOW: Heather says of her dining room table, “That table makes me happy.” It belonged to her grandfather who had it made “years and years and years ago.” At one point, a portion of it burned, and the legs got charred, but was salvaged by her mother and aunt.

and cranny of the first floor are more akin to a collection, life slowly building around the home, beautifully effortless. “That’s always my goal, for everything to look real, look used, and to be inviting,” later adding, “I want it to feel like you can come in from outside and sit on the furniture, you can put your bare feet on the furniture, you can pull a book off the shelf.”

Everything has a story at Luna Moon. Next to Heather, a worn leather chair is draped with a textured throw. “You see this chair. It’s a hot mess, but it sits comfortably and it serves its purpose,” she asserts, also making mention of a “little dresser” in the dining room that holds all of her daughters’ schooling and games. It’s tattered but whimsical, and most importantly, it evokes the beauty of eclectic living. “That’s my aesthetic,” she stresses. Heather keeps scanning the room looking for pieces that stick out to her. She lands on her dining room table, and after taking a beat says, “That table makes me happy.” It belonged to her grandfather who had it made “years and years and years ago.” At one point, a portion of it burned, and the legs got charred, but was salvaged by her mother and aunt. Heather ended up building a temporary top out of two by ten pieces of wood. “We never did a proper top,” she says, though it would never be necessary. The moment she noticed that its surface had become layered with paint and glue, she realized, “Ah, this is our life. These are our fingerprints all over it.”

Another large furniture staple of the home, which the family will be leaving behind as well, is a large kitchen island from England. Heather spotted it at the Traditions On Trenton warehouse and was told, “It’s a monster. Someone’s gonna have to build a house around it.” Instantly, she knew she would be the one to build around it. “It was the hub of the first house we built together. And it’s been the hub in this kitchen ever since. And now it will stay. That’s because it belongs here,” she says, pointing out the extension she built alongside her husband with wood that came from old porch posts that her aunt gave her and barn wood from Tennessee.

The Lands wanted a place that felt like a getaway, but what they have created over the years can be described as a sanctuary.

ABOVE: The Lands wanted a place that felt like a getaway, but what they have created over the years can be described as a sanctuary. From raised beds to a pond, this idyllic home is suited for the kind of life where you can plant your feet and allow the power of seclusion to guide every step.

“I’ve called it my island because that’s what it felt like for me,” she says, intentionally referring to her home as sacred, calm, nourishing, and peaceful. “It’s inspired me in so many ways. And the girls, you know, they grew up barefoot, and running outside and climbing where they could, exploring, hanging from trees and trying to zip line from the roof of the golf cart.” In other words, Luna Moon has all the makings of an idyllic childhood.

“The house has evolved as we have evolved as a family. We have continued to create the space conducive to the life we were leading. And in return, we have evolved as visionaries, buildors, and creators. It’s all been very life-giving,” Heather explains. Essentially, they have wholly embraced their corner of the world. “There’s something wonderful about this, seclusion and walking through the woods,” professes Heather, who keeps returning to the word intentional. “Our blood, sweat, and tears are in this place, all with nothing more than the intent of creating a lifestyle for ourselves and for our girls.” With that said, the family welcomes anyone who is hungry for the kind of life where you can plant your feet and allow the power of seclusion to guide every step.

All serious inquiries can be sent to Heather Land on her Instagram account at @evolutionofland.

HOMECOMING IS MORE THAN A FOOTBALL game, it’s an opportunity for the past, present and future to connect. Alumni and students come together to share laughs, reminisce over old memories, and make new ones. The ULM College of Pharmacy’s “Pharmily” did just that over the weekend of October 7th.

On Friday, October 7th, the college held it’s annual Pharm.D. Career Fair, where pharmacy-related businesses from across the U.S. spent the morning meeting students and sharing information about jobs, residencies and other opportunities. Many students were able to interview for prospective positions during the afternoon and line up jobs for the future. ULM College of Pharmacy preceptors were also invited to attend a free preceptor conference to earn required continuing education credits. Our preceptors play a big part in training students and giving them the necessary hands-on experiences needed to prepare for graduation and starting their pharmacy careers.

Friday evening those celebrating milestone reunion years were treated to a Class Reunion ReWINEd event — a private wine tasting and food pairing led by Russell Kicey of Tonore’s Wine Cellar. Alumni from the classes of 1972, 1982, 1992 and 2002, and their guests, enjoyed tasting various wines and learning about the wines and wine making process. Special guests in attendance were Brian Bond, Mike Cooper, Leroy Frederick, Errol Moran, and Mark Mouton, all celebrating their 50th year pharmacy school reunion. The fun continued as attendees headed downstairs to dance the night away to the sounds of D.J. Kyle, enjoy food and spirits, and catch up with other pharmacy alumni at the College of Pharmacy annual alumni party. Some lucky guests walked away with pharmacy swag and other door prizes.

The fun continued Saturday on ULM’s main campus, with the annual Pharmacy Super Tailgate Party. It was a beautiful day and pharmacy alumni, students, faculty/staff and their families and friends were treated to a fun-filled day of good eats, games and fellowship. The Cajun cuisine at the tailgate is always something to look forward to and included jambalaya, fresh cracklins, lamb chops, pork with white rice, and chicken with mango sauce. Tailgaters also enjoyed fried fish and hushpuppies catered by Ben Christmas and Rob’s Cookie Cakes sponsored by Morris Dickson. As tradition has been, the tailgate was sponsored by the Louisiana Pharmacists Association (LPA), Louisiana Wholesale Drug (LWD), and the Louisiana Independent Pharmacists Association (LIPA), with some of the organizations’ members and ULM pharmacy alumni serving as cooks for the Cajun feast. Following the afternoon of tailgating fans headed to Malone Stadium for some Warhawk Football.

Anyone interested in joining our ULM College of Pharmacy “Pharmily” or learning more about pharmacy school, can take part in one of many opportunities listed on the website. Go to: www.ulm.edu/pharmacy/ prospective to learn more. Thanks to all who came out to celebrate with us and we look forward to seeing you next year!

WALSWORTH & CO. IS NORTHEAST LOUISIANA’S premier furniture, wedding registry and gift retailer. From beautiful velvet accent chairs to custom upholstery, jewelry to candles, and everything a bride wants for her new home, Walsworth & Co. has you covered.

Local interior design and furniture shop, Walsworth and Company has been a downtown staple since opening its doors in 2014. Featuring a premier decorator showroom that was recently renovated, Walsworth and Company offers selections from furniture, bedding, and lighting, with fully customizable and unique pieces from The MT Company, Uttermost / Revelation, Wesley Allen, McKinley Leather Furniture, Riverside and Universal Furniture allowing you to commission pieces that reflect your unique style and specifications.

Their walls are adorned with curated works of art, intricately designed mirrors, and unique wall hangings all complemented by plush sofas, coffee tables, dining and bedroom furniture. In addition to their vast selection of furniture finds, Walsworth & Company has a robust collection of accent pieces fit for any space, from area rugs and throw pillows to vases and coffee table accessories. With such a broad selection, it’s no surprise that Walsworth & Company is the decorator destination for the Twin Cities and surrounding areas.

Along with providing our community with one of the most expansive home decor choices in the area, the team at Walsworth and Company have created Down the Aisle, the premiere wedding registry of Northeast Louisiana. Down the Aisle boasts more than 1,400 square feet devoted to “must-haves” for the modern bride including place settings, beautiful glassware, flatware, bedding and more.

Walsworth and Company also offers choices to find the perfect unique gift for nearly any occasion. They carry candles from Nest, Nouvelle Candle Company, Capri Blue, Nouvelle and Orleans. Looking for a little sparkle? Walsworth & Company offers gorgeous selections from Ronaldo and Mariana.

Want to retreat from the cooler weather? Relax and unwind with our luxurious bath collections from Lollia or Spongelle. These soothing scents will have you ready to cap the night off in a buttery soft pajama set from Barefoot Dreams or PJ Harlow - both companies off chic lounge wear and cozy accessories for sweet dreams.

With fall and the holiday season upon us, Walsworth & Company is sure to have all of the items you need to complete your shopping or wish lists. After shopping, simply leave the wrapping to the professionals; where you can always expect a beautifully wrapped gift anyone would be thrilled to receive.

Whether its time for a new accent piece, holiday home makeover, or if it simply time to pamper yourself. The staff at Walsworth and Company are fully prepared to assist you.

Mark your calendars for this year’s highly anticipated Holiday Open House on Sunday, November 6th from 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. and the Champagne Stroll on Thursday, November 17th from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.

IT’S HARD TO BELIEVE MY STORE on Forsythe has been open for ten years. My father started our jewelry business in 1952. I grew up working in the jewelry store as a thirteen-year-old, then when I was sixteen, I went to my first jewelry school, Holland School for Jewelers in Selma, Alabama. Later after high school, I attended Paris Junior College in Paris, Texas, where I studied Jewelry Design and Gemology. The thing I enjoyed the most at school was hand-fabricating jewelry from a flat metal plate. This technique, which I am known for in my jewelry designs, ensures the finest quality jewelry possible because the metal has structure. The metal is dense and hard, making it much less likely to tear when worked. Jewelry you will find in a jewelry store is mass-produced by a process called lost wax casting, but this process produces a product where the metal has no structure and is much softer.

An example is when a ring bends easily on the bottom. Fabricated metal doesn’t bend, dent, scratch, or wear out like commercial jewelry. It also takes a higher polish than cast jewelry because it is so much harder. Handfabricated jewelry will last for generations, whereas a cast piece typically lasts twenty to thirty years. I have exclusively been constructing handmade jewelry for the last ten years, customizing jewelry to my customer’s tastes. I enjoy nothing more than creating a unique one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry made without a model or mold tailored to the specification of my customer. Over the last ten years, I have designed hundreds of engagement rings, wedding bands, and jewelry commemorating special occasions like the birth of a child or an anniversary. If you come in soon, we may have time to make that special handmade one-of-a-kind gift of a lifetime before Christmas.

This Christmas, we will celebrate 70 years since my dad, Edwin Dupont, opened our jewelry store in Rayville with an anniversary sale. Our inventory has never been more extensive or unique. Customers can save up to 50% on select purchases from our stock, and everything is discounted by at least 20%. So now is the time to take advantage of our 70th Year Anniversary Sale while the selection is the best. We have tennis bracelets, stud earrings up to two carats, beautifully designed pendants, and rings. Layaway available!

From a customer: Molly says, “The most beautiful ring I’ve ever seen! Thanks, Mr. Dupont, for your exceptional talent and creativity for my 24th Wedding Anniversary! I’m still in tears and shock over the magnificent brilliance and clarity of every stone! 8 carats of eye-popping diamonds! God is good!”

wwww.DupontJewelers.com facebook/dupontjewelers Trade - Restore - Redesign - Sell Dupont Jewelers on Forsythe in Monroe Makers of Handmade Fine Jewelry

THE ST. FRANCIS MEDICAL GROUP IS PROUD TO announce the opening of the St. Francis Oncology & Hematology Clinic. Serving patients in this clinic are the following providers: Scott Barron, MD; Coy Gammage, MD; Barry Weinberger, DO; and Rebecca Hood, APRN, FNP-C. Conveniently located on the second floor of the St. Francis Cancer Center Building at 411 Calypso Street in Monroe, the clinic is just around the corner from St. Francis Medical Center.

Also at this location is the Northeast Louisiana Cancer Institute, offering comprehensive radiation oncology services, as well as St. Francis PET Imaging and the St. Francis Oncology Infusion Clinic. St. Francis recently invested nearly $4 million, creating a soothing and beautiful space for patients visiting the St. Francis Oncology and Hematology Clinic and the St. Francis Oncology Infusion Clinic.

“Bringing these services and oncology physicians together in one convenient location greatly enhances the care experience of patients fighting cancer,” said St. Francis Medical Center President Dr. Thomas Gullatt. “Being able to stay close to home and receive high-quality cancer care that is coordinated and accessible can help reduce the worry and stress associated with a cancer diagnosis.”

These highly experienced doctors and nurse practitioner are supported by a team of over 30 healthcare professionals working together to provide the best patient outcome and experience possible. Clinic hours are Monday – Thursday, 7 a.m. – 5 p.m., and Friday, 7 a.m. - 12 noon. Clinic staff can be reached at (318) 966-1970.

Dr. Scott Barron received his medical degree from Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in Shreveport. He completed his internal medicine internship and residency at the LSU School of Medicine in New Orleans. Dr. Barron also completed his oncology Fellowship at the LSU School of Medicine. He has been on the St. Francis Medical Staff since 2001.

Dr. Coy Gammage received his medical degree from Louisiana State University School of Medicine in Shreveport. He completed his fellowship in hematology/medical oncology from the LSU Health Sciences Center, where he also completed his residency in internal medicine. Dr. Gammage joined the St. Francis Medical Staff in 1997.

Dr. Barry Weinberger earned his medical degree from the Des Moines School of Osteopathic Medicine &Surgery. He completed his internship in internal medicine at Iowa Methodist Medical Center. Dr. Weinberger completed his internal medicine residency at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation. He continued his educational training with two Fellowships at the National Institute of Health Clinical Center - one in oncology and the other in hematology. Dr. Weinberger has been a member of the St. Francis Medical Staff since 2003.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17 and join these businesses for a Holiday Open House. Parterre, Haven, Artistic Designs, Palette House and Plume, Woodstock, In House Interiors, and Randy Smith Jewelers. This Open House will be an all-day event starting at 10:00am. From 3:00-7:00 businesses will have light refreshments and they will be open late until 7:00. Every participating shop has donated a gift certificate or item to create one large door prize for this event. In addition, the Neville House has generously donated a one-night stay for a girl’s night. This package is valued at over $700, so you will want to be in this drawing! The more shops where you make a purchase, the more chances you have to win this fantastic door prize! Shopping local this holiday season is the best way to support businesses that are there for you all year long.

Haven is an upscale design and gift shop. This boutique offers fine bedding, a large selection of home accessories and gifts for both men and women. They offer beautiful complimentary gift wrap and personalized service.

Inspired by travel, friends, and personal collections, Parterre collaborates with artists and vendors to bring you beautiful, unique accessories and statement pieces to add to your surroundings, whether inside or outside. With our exceptional inventory and bountiful plants, Parterre has what you need for the holiday season or any season!

Palette House & Plume is a home furnishings and clothing boutique located in the historic garden district. They are a curated boutique for your home and wardrobe offering a variety of furniture, home goods, gifts, and clothing.

Come shop with Randy Smith Jewelers. They have a wide selection of new, estate, and antique jewelry. All of your jewelry needs can be found at Randy Smith Jewelers.

In House Interiors recently opened its doors in August. They carry instock case goods along with home decor and gifts. They are a warehouse style furniture store that prides itself on selections that are affordable and make a statement!

Woodstock Monroe offers a little bit of everything! From vintage finds, local goods, trendy clothing, and more; they have you covered for the holiday season!

Artistic Designs recently added a new Gift Shop featuring items with unique stories from Monroe and around the world. Our framing design center offers a selection of picture frame moulding and mat boards along with ready-made and easel back frames.

WITH THE HOLIDAYS JUST AROUND THE CORNER, it is time to get your house ready for those guests that will be arriving soon. With Haven’s new expansion, there are so many choices for in-stock bedding, you are sure to find something you love. Haven’s staff can help you pull a new look together, whether you are looking for a coverlet or just new shams to change the look of your current bedding. Stunning abstract art or throw pillows can provide a quick update. Haven has small tables, and several in-stock chairs in both swivel and stationary styles to provide a quick refresh for your guest room or living space. Stunning design accessories in lacquered boxes, trays, and bowls can pair beautifully with new design books for the perfect coffee table look this holiday season. A new rug display shows many options, and most can ship out within a week.

Haven is the ultimate gift destination, and it is not too early to start your Christmas shopping! Haven has expanded every section of their shop. The bath section has several new lines mixed in with customer favorites. Library of Flowers has beautiful packaging and scents perfect for gift giving. Kai’s signature scent is a great choice, as well as the popular aloe-based Caren which is perfect for sensitive skin.

Barefoot Dreams does not disappoint this fall and Haven always has an amazing selection. New cardigan styles are in-stock with more on the way. A poncho debut and a lounge set in the light color sea salt will surely be a hit. Plenty of Barefoot Dreams throws and socks in every color. For the men, Cozy Chic bamboo shorts, light weight t-shirts or lounge pants are a great gift. Barefoot Dreams is that one gift that everyone loves to receive!

Haven has added several pajama styles to their already amazing line up. Fun prints, short sets to appeal to the younger generation, and a beautiful new lavender color from PJ Harlow. Pair any of these with a robe or slippers and you will have the best gift under the tree.

Join Haven and several other local businesses for a Holiday Open House on Thursday, November 17th from 10:00-7:00. Light refreshments will be available from 3:00-7:00. Participating shops donated to a large door prize! Every purchase from a participating shop will be entered into the drawing to win this prize valued at over $700. This is a great way to kick off your holiday shopping, while supporting local businesses.

Also, be sure you join Haven for Black Friday and Small Business Saturday. The first handful of purchases each day will receive a free gift. Follow Haven on social media to stay up-to-date on new merchandise arrivals and events!

GRAB YOUR GIRLS AND HEAD TO NORTH MONROE’S trendiest boutique, located at 214 NorthPark Drive, just half a mile from Ouachita Christian School. You’ll find women’s clothing in sizes small-2X, jewelry, gifts, and Swan Creek Candles. Some of our favorite pieces come from Judy Blue Jeans, Mia Shoes, and Taylor Shaye Designs. From great gift items to an assortment of clothes, there is a fashionable find for everyone in store.

Owned by Ellie Dyess, Blush by Elle originally was conceived as an online store in December, 2018. Along with selling clothes to virtual consumers, we also participated in numerous pop-ups at locations around the Twin Cities. With the support of our community and loyal shoppers, our dreams of owning a brick-and-mortar became reality when we opened our storefront in September, 2021. Since then, we’ve focused on adding amazing options for women of all sizes, along with fun finds to our already expansive collection.

Always in style, we love this year’s fall trends and have a great selection of items to choose from. This season you can expect to see a wide array of colors, from traditional fall favorites like mustard, maroon and olive to hot pink. And, we have staple items every woman needs in her closet: denim jackets, leather ankle booties, and little black dresses. What’s our favorite look for fall? Leggings or Judy Blue Jeans (they are flattering for every figure), a basic tee paired with a flannel and boots.

Not only do we have this season’s best looks, we also have the area’s best scents. Upon entering Blush by Elle, you will be greeted with the sweet smell of one of our holiday candle collections - a musthave for the upcoming season. Our quaint little storefront is filled with the season’s newest arrivals, and we guarantee our customer service and personal shopping experience will have you coming back again and again. Not only do we offer these services, gift wrapping is complimentary.

At Blush by Elle, we strive to support small, local, and womenowned businesses. Over half of our vendors check these boxes and we are continually adding to that list. There are weekends that we host other locally-owned small businesses popped up in our shop. There’s always something fun happening at Blush by Elle.

We would love to invite readers to our first Holiday Open House on Saturday, November 19th from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. We will be releasing our holiday clothing collection, gift ideas, and will also have a few local vendors including Linc-ed Forever Permanent Jewelry. So come by and get your holiday shopping done, and enjoy a few sweet treats while you’re here.

WE ALL KNOW HOW DIFFICULT it is to lose a loved one, but when that loved one starts to lose their memories, it can be even more heart-wrenching. Dealing with a parent’s memory loss can be incredibly difficult. However, there are things you can do to make the situation easier. Here are a few tips: 1. Try to be patient. This is probably the most important thing you can do. It’s easy to get frustrated with your parent when they can’t remember something, but it’s important to try to be patient. They’re not doing this on purpose, and they’re probably just as frustrated as you are. 2. Keep a routine. Routine can be really helpful for people with memory loss. It gives them a sense of stability and can help them feel more in control. Try to stick to a regular schedule for meals, activities, and medications. 3. Simplify their surroundings. Too much stimulation can be overwhelming for someone with memory loss. Try to declutter their home and simplify their surroundings. This will help them feel less confused and stressed. It’s also a good idea to remove anything that could be dangerous, like knives or heavy objects.

Isolation can be really tough for someone with memory loss, and staying isolated can actually cause their symptoms to worsen. It’s important to encourage socialization and activity of all types. Engaging in physical, social, and mental activities contributes equally to decreasing the risk and potentially improving the symptoms of memory loss in older adults.

If you’re struggling to cope, we can help. Gardens of Somerset is a vibrant senior living community that offers a wide range of amenities and services to our residents. We know how difficult it can be to deal with memory loss, and we’re here to help.

We offer a variety of programs and activities that are designed to help our residents with memory loss. We have a special memory care unit that is staffed by trained professionals who are dedicated to providing the best possible care. Our memory care apartments are designed to promote independence and provide a safe and secure environment.

We offer daily nursing services, which include medication management, assistance with bathing, dressing, and grooming, help with other activities of daily living, and so much more. We also offer round-the-clock security and a call system that allows residents to summon help at any time. Our wonderful staff is available to meet with residents and their families to discuss memory care options. We can help inform you on how to handle the idea of such a big transition and guide you on the best way to set a new resident up for success when moving in to our community.

If you’re looking for a supportive, caring community that can help your loved one with memory loss, we hope you’ll consider Gardens of Somerset. Please contact us to schedule a tour or to learn more about our community.

DR. JANINE HOPKINS, M.D., F.A.A.D. IS A BOARD- Certified Dermatologist and experienced physician practicing in Monroe since 1996. She received training through a progressive program with an emphasis on surgical and cosmetic dermatology at LSU’s School of Medicine in New Orleans.

Dr. Hopkins is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology and the former secretary and treasurer of the Louisiana Dermatological Society; she also served as the past state chair for the Dermatology Foundation, and is a member of the American Society of Dermatological Surgery, and the Ouachita Medical Society.

Dr. Hopkins’ practice focuses on skin cancer prevention and detection, general dermatology, laser treatments, and cosmetic procedures with an emphasis on non-surgical facial aesthetics and body contouring. Dr. Hopkins lectures at medical meetings in the U.S. and internationally on both laser and facial aesthetics. She uses her expertise, education, and training to focus on what will work best specifically for each patient’s skin and body type.

While attending and lecturing at professional medical meetings, Dr. Hopkins is constantly learning new techniques and technologies. We are now introducing the newest treatment offered at Hopkins Dermatology, Avéli – the long-term solution setting a new standard in cellulite. Avéli delivers a long-term reduction in the appearance of cellulite in the buttocks and thighs for a wide variety of women covering the full spectrum of cellulite complexity. Smoother skin in the procedure area is visible shortly after a single in-office procedure once swelling and bruising subsides. While many treatments approach cellulite blindly from the outside-in, Avéli is the only minimally invasive procedure that uses a hand-held device guided by an expertly trained provider—to manually target and release the septa bands causing cellulite from the inside-out. This procedure is now available exclusively by Dr. Hopkins in Monroe Louisiana and Southlake Texas.

Please join us in celebrating our grand opening for Suite B of Hopkins Dermatology. Special packages will be available for purchase.

Tuesday November 29th 6:00 PM 2509 Broadmoor Blvd. Suite B Monroe, LA 71201

AS THE SEASON CHANGES SOME LEAVES TO THE SHADES of amber, we give thanks as we begin to celebrate the holidays that round out the year. Amongst those holidays and traditions, we also remember the golden memories of those who are no longer with us. We reflect on the moments and revel in the wonderful impact they had on our lives. This past year has been one of many firsts in my life. This will be the first Thanksgiving without my mom, Jan Downing and grandmother, Jean Downing as well as the second without my dad, Ron Downing. It has put a big change in our family traditions. I will miss my mom’s oyster dressing as much I miss my grandmother’s pies and sweet potato casserole.

It is also the first season without two of my dearest friends who exemplified in the art of entertaining, Deanie Baker and Dianne Cage, who always knew how to bring together the perfect gathering. They worked their magic in the most amazing ways. Deanie left us the day after Christmas last year, and Dianne left us just last month. From the holidays to celebrations of life, they knew how to pull it off. Of course, they worked better on their own turf with their own visions. I imagine right now that Victor Cascio is probably keeping the peace as they battle it out in the kitchen working on holiday dishes.

Golden gatherings abound this season at Revival. On November 5th from 11am- 5pm, and November 6th from 1pm-5pm will be holding our Holiday Open House to celebrate our 3-year anniversary. We will host a Sip and See on Thursday, November 17th from 5pm-8pm.

As we move toward the Christmas season, Revival will host a threenight art show. It will begin on December 1st, 2nd, and 3rd featuring Monroe, Louisiana native/Los Angeles actor and artist, Monti Sharp, in his first show in Louisiana. “Through the Kaleidoscope” features depictions of pop culture personalities, nostalgic toys, whimsical portraits of pets, and vibrant interpretations of his faith. We are delighted to showcase his talents.

With any gathering, it’s those signature touches that add a bit of panache. We have been curating the perfect collection of pieces for entertaining as well as gift giving. From gold and black matte stainless champagne flutes and martini glasses to etched heron barware, we have found the perfect accompaniments for your gathering. We also have beautiful serving pieces arriving to dramatically elevate your tablescapes.

As the seasons of our lives change, so do the moments we celebrate. We redefine and reevaluate our priorities in life. The gatherings that we host bring new memories as we remember those golden ones we will cherish in our hearts and minds.

Allow us at Revival to assist you over the holiday season for all your gift and entertainment needs. Revival is located at 300 Walnut in Historic Downtown Monroe. Our hours are Tuesday- Friday 11am-5pm and Saturdays 10 am- 4pm. May you have a blessed Thanksgiving with family and friends.

AS A CHILD WHEN SOMEONE WOULD ALWAYS ASK the million-dollar question, “What do you want to be when you grow up”, I would always tell them, I want to own my own bakery where my mom, and grandmother could work with me. Years would go by of working various jobs, getting married, and having babies, and my husband and I finally start the process of opening our own Bakery, Sweet Loves.

My mother’s mom (my grandmother- I called her Mom) has always been my person. We would get up in the morning and eat breakfast, watch The Price is Right, and then have a mayo sandwich, before the magic started. At the age of 3, I remember my grandmother telling me today we are going to make tea cakes. Little did I know at the time how much that one simple little thing would bring me so much joy later in life. It became a thing that once a week we would make tea cakes and the recipe was “secret!” She would always tell me the key to the perfect tea cake is to roll with it in your hand. Fast forward to me opening the bakery and I could not wait for her to come on grand opening to see half of her recipes on display. So just know when you purchase a tea cake from my store, my heart jumps for joy each time because they hold a special place in the heart. My mom was always the one making cakes in the family. She loved to create and try different kinds. The holiday season has always been my favorite, so we always go all out! Thanksgiving we will have pies, cakes, bars and cookies stocked in the cases to purchase. I tell everyone that if you want to be guaranteed a treat for your holiday celebration, make sure to go ahead and give us a call to get on the books. Once Thanksgiving is over, we will swap over to a Christmas wonderland! It was always a tradition that my mom and I shared to make Christmas candy. Keeping that tradition alive we will have fudge, divinity, pecan tarts, candied nuts, and much more in our cases daily for purchase!

Let’s not forget the coffee. When I started this whole journey, I wanted to have a place where you could come and get cake and coffee like the old days. Coffee and sweets to me just go hand in hand and I’m happy that I can offer that.

My customers have no idea how much it means to me when I see the smile on their face or the story they tell when they get something their family used to make and haven’t had in years. Makes all the long days and journey to get here worth it! From the bottom of my heart thank you for letting me live out my dream.

MENTAL HEALTH, PHYSICAL HEALTH, QUALITY of life and safety. All of these can be significantly affected by one thing—a bad night of sleep. And while we all experience an occasional sleepless night, when it becomes a nightly occurrence, sleep insufficiency can put your life and the lives of others at risk. Because when you are tired, you are less alert, less focused and more irritable, which can lead to dozing off while driving or working and make everyday tasks more difficult to perform.

Did you know that more than 40 million Americans have chronic sleep disorders and conditions that make it hard to sleep during the night and stay awake during the daytime? Most notably, 18 million of those suffer from obstructive sleep apnea. This sleep disorder is the result of airways in the back of the throat failing to stay open while you sleep, despite your body’s efforts to breath. The result? Snoring, pauses in breathing, choking and gasping for air in the middle of the night. All of these symptoms not only interrupt your sleep—leaving you tired and groggy during the day—but they also reduce your blood oxygen levels and can lead to more chronic medical conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke and depression.

Another common sleep disorder is insomnia, or the inability to fall asleep or stay asleep. Acute insomnia is typically due to life circumstances like a stressful week at work or receiving bad news. However, people can suffer from chronic insomnia if they experience symptoms three or more times a week for three or more months in a row.

If yourself or a loved one is experiencing sleep problems, our Sleep Specialists can turn your sleepless nights around! The Delhi Hospital Sleep Center is led by Dr. Mohammad Cheema, who is a Board-Certified Sleep Specialist, President of the LA Academy of Sleep Medicine, and specializes in Pediatric & Adult Sleep Medicine. Dr. Cheema is joined by Dr. Corey Albritton, Internal Medicine Physician and Kevin Holcomb, RPRSGT, CRT. Together, they provide medical expertise to diagnose and treat the full spectrum of sleep disorders, close-to-home at Delhi Hospital.

Talk to your primary care provider about a referral or give us a call at 318-878-6341 so you can achieve optimal health through better sleep.

Take a virtual tour of our state-of-the-art Sleep Center and learn what to expect during your sleep study at www.DelhiHospital.com.

ARTICLE BY DAN CHASON

I‘ve known Bill Petrus for over 40 years and consider him a close friend. He and his wife Lori own TP Outdoors in Monroe and Bill is the host of TP Outdoors Adventures Television Series which airs on most local channels in Northeast Louisiana for almost 12 years. There are a lot of things that I’ve seen put a sparkle in Bill’s eyes but few compare with his annual Wounded Warriors Hunt and his Handicapped Hunt. This year it was held at Mercer’s Whitetails in Richland Parish. Festivities included meals furnished by Sheriff

Gary Gilley and the Richland Parish Sheriff’s Office and Catfish

Charlie’s in Monroe. Hunters were allowed to shoot management does and were even asked to shoot predators as a bonus. One of the hunters was Tyler Jones of Eros, Louisiana. Tyler was afflicted with Arnold Chiari malformation and spina bifida at birth. Has had over 32 surgeries and is a paraplegic who is confined to a wheelchair. But being confined hasn’t stopped this young man from hunting. His obsession with New Orleans Saints football, video gaming and none other than Elvis Presley keep his days full. That was until he was convinced to go to a MedCamp of Louisiana summer camp where he met and later married the love of his life. Now after being married 4 years, he lives to enjoy his wife and family. Tyler started hunting at an early age. His dad, Chris outfitted him with a shooting stick and Tyler is able to shoot and shoot well. In fact to date, he has taken 7 deer. His hunt in his words:

“My sister Elanie Jones and I showed up for the first hunt and were really excited. We (Elanie, Ethan Hall and me) got into this big box stand and saw an 8 point buck, still in velvet and two bobcats.

That was really cool. I didn’t get a shot at a doe so Mr. Bill called and invited me back for the second hunt. We went to a different spot and a doe did come out. I fired and she dropped. Since there were other hunters out, we waited. All of a sudden I saw movement and here came another doe with a spike. Ethan texted Mr. Jeff and they let me shoot again. I dropped her in her tracks. What a hunt!” I will never forget that experience. Our second hunter highlight is on Josh Butler. Josh is a veteran of the US Army. On August 9, 2018 he was a victim of a home invasion.

He was stabbed 24 times (including both eyes) shot in the back with a crossbow, suffered fractured ribs and a cracked skull, leaving him completely blind, deaf in one ear and only partial hearing in the other. You may ask how a blind man shoots a gun? To hear Josh tell it the concept is simple: “Trust your spotter. Having had the military background as a military policeman, trusting your team mate is the key to success.” I asked him how his handicap has affected him and he chuckled. “The only thing I can’t do is swing a hammer. In fact my friend took away all the hammers I owned. I can weld; I redid my whole shop from woodworking to electrical and even plumbed it. I can do just about anything I put my mind to.” That was apparent on the Veterans Hunt and I’ll let Josh tell his side:

“The first weekend I hunted, I only saw bucks and had a doe on me right at dark. I passed on a late shot as I don’t want to shoot at a deer and wound it. So I just enjoyed that great food that the Sheriff fed us and visited with old friends and new ones. The next week, Bill Petrus called and asked if I could hunt on the next weekend. I’m sure his ears are still ringing as I was excited to be invited again. My spotter on this round was Dustin “Duck” Campbell who I visited with while we were eating Catfish Charlies. I had the hot spot that morning and we told Bill. By the time I got back to the stand, Bill had snuck another ground blind in down from me. We picked at Bill but it was fine as I wanted my friends to have a chance, too. I waited as Doug told me there was a deer in my lane and it was a big doe. I had to slide my rifle out the left side window very carefully. I shoot a 450 Bushmaster with an Omega scope and it is very accurate. I got set up and had my

spotter Doug in my ear ’...little left...back to right....whenever you are ready.’ That’s the hard part to not wiggle after getting the okay to shoot. I squeezed the trigger and the deer went down, shot right through the neck. We waited on Bill and the camera crew who walked up and said, ‘Why did you shoot a coon Josh?’ My stomach almost went through my throat and Doug didn’t say anything. I’m thinking surely they didn’t pull a rotten joke on me and I shot a coon! The bad feeling passed soon as the high fives started as we got to the deer. I not only had killed a doe, I killed the largest doe taken either weekend. It was a hunt of a lifetime for me.”

Both hunters were thankful for the hunt but reiterated WHY we hunt. The friends we meet, the fellowship and most of all the appreciation shown by the hard work that everyone put in to make these hunts possible. To hear them recalling their hunts made me feel like I had been there myself. To witness men who have lost things that we cannot appreciate is a testimony to the goodness in people. Thank you to all the folks who put this together but especially to Jeff Mercer, Bill and Lori Petrus and to all of the guides, workers and participants. There is good in this world and it is refreshing to see outdoorsmen helping each other. Hats off for a wonderful event and memories of a lifetime.

NASH (NON-ALCOHOLIC STEATOHEPATITIS) IS A progressive liver disease that occurs from the accumulation of an abnormal amount of fat in the liver. It’s called “non-alcoholic” because the patients affected by NASH drink less than three drinks per day for men and less than two drinks per day for women. This silent disease affects 14% of middle-aged US adults.

The excess fat will lead to liver inflammation and liver cell injury. This may lead to advanced liver fibrosis (scarring), which can progress to liver cirrhosis. In fact, up to 10-15% of adults with NASH may have cirrhosis. NASH is a silent disease because most patients don’t feel any symptoms until the disease has progressed to advanced stages. Some patients may experience pain in the upper right abdomen. An ultrasound may detect excess fat (steatosis) in the liver. Normal liver enzymes on routine blood tests do not rule out NASH.

Causes of NASH & Risk Factors: NASH affects about 14% of the US population, which equals about 47 million people. NASH is a consequence of a sedentary lifestyle and is associated with excess fat and sugar in the diet. NASH has more than doubled in the last 20 years due to the epidemic of diabetes and obesity. NASH affects one in three adults over age 50. It is the number one reason for liver transplant in women and the second most common reason in men, only second to alcohol. NASH affects 25% of adults worldwide and more than half of patients with diabetes. Risk factors for NASH include the following: overweight/ obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol/triglycerides, hypertension, 50+ in age, Hispanic ethnicity, and metabolic syndrome.

Liver biopsy is the gold standard; however, a presumptive diagnosis can often be made based on the patient’s medical history, laboratory tests, and new innovative imaging tests. FibroScan® is the first device to be FDAcleared. It is the recognized standard for the non-invasive assessment of liver health. It works by emitting a pulse of energy, which is felt as a slight vibration on the skin. FibroScan then measures the speed of this energy to rapidly determine liver stiffness that correlates to liver health. The exam is painless, takes 5-10 minutes, and provides an immediate result.

Currently, there are no FDA-approved treatments for NASH. Modifying your dietary and lifestyle habits is the best way to keep NASH from worsening. Additionally, proper control of the associated conditions such as diabetes, lipid abnormalities, and hypertension, will help slow the progression of NASH. We offer clinical trials through our affiliate, Delta Research Partners to help discover safe and more effective treatments for NASH and other diseases. Delta Research Partners has locations in Monroe and Bastrop.

For more information about our current clinical trials, visit www.deltaresearchpartners.com.

On October 5th, the Downtown Gallery Crawl in Monroe and West Monroe was held at multiple galleries. Mixed media artist Margaret Moses exhibition was on display at The Neville House. Guests were able to meet the artist and view the exhibition, along with light hors d’oeuvres and drinks in the beautiful Neville House. Ruston has added a brand new mural to it’s beautiful city. The Valspar Be Bright Mural reveal was held October 12th in downtown Ruston. This day was full of smiles, hugs, good food and live music. This piece was designed by KaDavien Baylor, a graduate from La Tech, who came back to his collage town to design the most amazing piece of art.

Dr. Michelle McEacharn, University of Louisiana Monroe’s Dean of the College of Business and Social Sciences, along with her family, donated $25,000 to establish the McPhearson/McEacharn Opportunity Scholarship at a press conference Wednesday, September 28th at the Laird Weems Center.