LESLIE RATCLIFF

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

STARLA GATSON KELLY MOORE CLARK

Mileaftermileofwhitecottonfields,Cypress trees standing tall over Lake Bruin, or, if you find yourself there in the early spring months, a few freshly bloomed magnolia flowers are just a few things one might see on an evening cruise through St. Joseph, Louisiana, or while looking at Leslie Ratcliff’s collection of paintings.

Though she will occasionally work with oil pastels and charcoal, Ratcliff typically uses acrylic paints to depict the sights of her little Tensas Parish town, hoping to share just how beautiful St. Joe really is. After all, she says, if you aren’t really paying attention, you might miss out on something lovely.

“I think that beauty can be found in things we don’t necessarily think of as beautiful subject matter,” she explains when asked what draws her to painting local landscapes. “That’s a little bit of a goal that I have with my art: to find beauty in places we wouldn’t normally think about.” The scenes of St. Joe make up and influence much of the artist’s work, but like many other creatives, Ratcliff finds herself pulling inspiration from a variety of sources, including others in her field. “I’m inspired by lots of different artists,” she reveals, specifically citing Austrian painter Gustav Klimt as an example. “I love looking at art; I love going to museums. I also do some religious paintings. Madonna and child is one of my favorite things to paint as well.”

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

Ratcliff says her interest in art has been with her since childhood. “Any time we had a project in school or anything like that, I wanted it to be the best it could be. I had talent for sure. I wasn’t necessarily head and shoulders above other kids, but I kept working on it and trying new things.” Her mother played a pretty significant role in stoking the creative fire that burned inside her, Ratcliff explains, though she wouldn’t realize just how important her mother’s efforts had been until years later.

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

Her high school art teacher also contributed to her curiosity in creating art, she says, as it was during their class that Ratcliff learned painting was what she enjoyed the most. She explains, “Painting just clicked with me, acrylic painting in particular. That was what I was the most interested in. I took a lot of classes in college with different mediums, but I always went back to painting.” Even though Ratcliff loved creating art from such a young age, her initial career plans didn’t include showing off and selling her own pieces. Instead, she would teach art. That’s how she found herself pursuing an art education degree from Louisiana State University in 2003.

She began her undergraduate career studying photography but learned fairly quickly that wielding a camera wasn’t what she wanted to do. Then, she tried her hand at graphic design, but that wasn’t a good fit either, she says. Finally, she would up in art education. Combining everything Ratcliff already knew she loved — being around children, working with her hands, and art, of course — it was a perfect fit. Besides, she adds, she was sure a teacher’s schedule would allow her to live out another one of her long-held dreams: being a wife and mother.

“I enjoyed the art, and thought teaching would be something I would like,” she explains. “I knew that one day I’d want to have a family and work around that, so that was part of my decision as well. I didn’t see myself at that point making art a career.”

Ratcliff’s journey Fortunately, someone else held that vision for her. Fast forward to a few years after as a creator was her graduation from LSU in 2007. Ratcliff’s long and required life was going according to plan — she was married, a mother, and an art teacher at a a lot of patience. local private school — when a buddy of hers encouraged her to share a few of her pieces. “I had a friend here who kind of pushed me [and said,] ‘Hey, I’m having a party at my house. Why don’t you bring a few paintings?’” she recalls. “At that point, I wasn’t necessarily the most confident in what I had, but I thought, ‘Okay, I’ll try it.’” To Ratcliff’s surprise, people appreciated her work, and that affirmation was enough to motivate her to begin selling her art. “People reacted well, so I tried again,” she says. “But then, there were times — and all artists go through this — where people [thought], ‘Well, that isn’t for me,’ and that’s okay, too.” Ratcliff doesn’t mind putting her work on display now, but the journey of building her confidence as a creator was long and required a lot of patience. But that makes sense, she says, as mastering anything takes a lot of time. It took years, she reveals, before she fully believed in her ability.

“When I was in my early 20s, I wasn’t in the place I am today,” she says. “I could’ve quit and said I’m not a good enough artist. But I loved it so much that I kept going.”

The New Iberia native believes patience, dedication, and the courage to put yourself out there are all keys to pursuing purpose, whether you’re an artist or not, declaring, “My message is, if you have something in your life you feel like you’re being called to do, just continue. Keep going. It takes time to flourish into what you want to be.”

And, of course, having pure passion helps, too. Devotion for her craft was a catalyst of Ratcliff’s blossoming confidence, pushing her to continue striking lines of color across the canvas. The thrill of it all, she says, made it worthwhile.

“The creative process is something I feel like I crave,” she explains. “I need to have [it] in my own life. When you step back from a painting and you feel like, ‘Wow, this is pretty good; I can pat myself on the back for this one,’ you have a feeling that…” She trails off before adding, “It’s something I need to have, I guess. I continued for that reason. I had to realize you have to let go of that trying to please people and paint the things I enjoy. For me, [painting] became more personal.” About eight years have passed since Ratcliff’s friend asked her to show her work at that party, kickstarting the process of honing her skills, building her confidence, and selling her creations. But coming into her own as an artist doesn’t mean Ratcliff has let go of the career path she started down at LSU. Art education still holds a place in her heart, and she continues working at Tensas Academy, where she has spent the last 12 years teaching pre-K through 12th-grade students.

Doing so, she says, has only fueled her creativity more, and she assumes any educator would echo her sentiments about teaching: you learn just as much from your pupils as they do from you. “I get to try things in my classroom that are different from maybe what I would try in my own art, and it’s a lot of fun,” she says. “I’m always teaching them about artists, so I’m learning about new artists throughout the school year.” Ratcliff hopes every student she teaches learns the same lesson her mother taught her: art is important, whether they pick up a paintbrush, colored pencil, or marker after ending their time as a Tensas Academy Chief or not. This message is one she wholly believes in and is eager to share.

“It’s so important, I think, for a well-rounded person,” she muses on exposure to art. “It helps you see the world through a different lens. That’s important to me, teaching my students and my own children to see things in a new perspective.”

THE ULM ALUMNI ASSOCIATION INVITES YOU to attend the 15th annual Wine Over Water event on the beautiful ULM campus bridge. This is your opportunity to support scholarship funds which are instrumental in attracting our local scholars to ULM. Proceeds from the night benefit alumni scholarships, including the Spirit of the Warhawk Endowed Scholarship, and the ULM Alumni Association.

The Spirit of the Warhawk Endowed Scholarship supports local students pursuing their undergraduate degree at ULM. Your ticket purchase ensures students of Northeast Louisiana can continue to strive for academic excellence and ease the financial burden. Ten scholarships were awarded in the 2021-2022 academic year. Our goal this year is to increase support for this scholarship and other alumni scholarships so that students throughout Northeast Louisiana have the opportunity to be the best in the world at whatever they choose to do. Wine Over Water is hosted by the ULM Alumni Association, and this event propels the association’s mission forward: To support ULM in “changing lives,” the Alumni Association connects, engages, and fosters relationships with current and future alumni to one another and the University through communications, events, and programs. Stroll across the historic ULM Bridge while sampling hors d’oeuvres from these local restaurants: Firehouse Subs, Podnuh’s BBQ, Inc., Red Lobster #543, 2 Dudes Brew & Que, Aramark, Azteca grill, Catfish Cabin of Monroe, Chicken Salad Chick, Copeland’s, Daily, Harvest, Fieldhouse Sports Grill, The Fat Pelican, Thurman’s Food Factory, Trapp’s on the River, Waterfront Grill, Jac’s Craft Smokehouse, All Things Nash in a Dash, CC’s Coffee, Miro’s and Newk’s Eatery.

Wine Over Water could not be possible without these sponsors:

• Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana

• Land 3 Architect

• Scott Powerline & Utility Equipment

• Waste Connections • Johnny’s Pizza House, Inc. • Little & Associates • Argent Financial • Architecture Plus

• Homeland Bank • Hand Construction • John & Debbie Luffey • Centric Federal Credit • Morehouse General Hospital • Edward via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) • Lincoln Builders

• Louisiana National Bank • Sheriff Jay Russell • Johnson, Perry Roussel & Cuthbert, CPA • Julie O’Brien • First Horizon • Origin Bank • Vantage Health Plan • North Delta Title Company

• The Radio People • KEDM • Atmos Energy • Holyfield Construction • Kimpa Hayes Boyd, CPA • Regions Bank • Strauss Interests • Thomas & Farr Agency • Boles & Shafto, LLC

• Bancorp South • Sunquest Properties • Bayou Bowl • Progressive Bank • Skent N Dent • Alberto Ruiz • Intermountain Management • Entergy • Bank of Oak Ridge

• Bare Necessities • Sir Speedy

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

The Liar’s Dictionary” by Eley Williams

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

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

In 2017, Mallory is the sole intern at Swansby’s, working under David Swansby who is determined to put the dictionary online. Mallory is tasked with weeding out mountweazels, fake entries meant to ensnare plagiarists, to give the online version more credibility in the digital age. As Mallory contends with the daily chore of untangling true words from faux representations, she is hounded by threatening phone calls to blow up the building. Like her counterpart from 100 years prior, Mallory struggles with socialization and self-definition and is allured by the seeming solidarity and structure of language. The historical fiction novel is told in tandem, chapters alternating between Peter and Mallory. For word lovers, this comedic take on the absurdity of language and life checks all the boxes. Williams’ grasp of the English language is impressive - how little most people know of it, how malleable the edges, how most assume the rules are more rigid than they really are. The comedy is not slapstick, but has that aura about it, as the characters can be so socially awkward as to stumble into unnecessary stress. I started really getting into the narrative about halfway through, as the vulnerabilities exposed themselves. Williams’ novel of words, about words, and the games people play with words will tickle the fancy of wordsmiths and those intrigued by the practice of lexicography.

“Who was he to love her and to make passers of words? - to attempt to confine language is impossible and a fantasy and loathsome, it was like trapping butterflies under glass.”

REVIEW BY MEREDITH MCKINNIE

BAYOUOUTDOORS

ARTICLE BY DAN CHASON

1994 I was on Toledo Bend Reservoir filming a fishing show for “Dan Chason Outdoors”. Little did I know that this day would be one that I would remember for a very long time. We had fished on the south end of the lake as I had a tournament coming up and knew that the jig bite should be on. That year, the best grass was on the south end as winter high waters had destroyed my honey holes on the north end which was usually my favorite. I was coming out of Housen Bay when I saw a Ranger boat that looked like it may have arrived on the Mayflower. When I tell you it was original, she was original from the trolling motor to the outboard. The wind was high and the water was rolling. I could see someone from a distance trying to tie off to a tree and it was obvious the boat was not under power. I pulled up closer and saw one occupant and he was in about the same shape as his boat. He was every bit of 80 years old, lean and weathered, wearing the full old man coveralls topped with a orange deer hunting hat.

I got close enough to him to ask if his boat was broken down and he replied that it was and thought he had gotten water in his gas. I asked him where he launched and he pointed across the lake and replied “at my camp.” So my cameraman and I threw him a line and about an hour and a half later, arrived at his camp. We were all soaked to the skin from the waves so the elderly man invited us into the camp and dry off and get some warm coffee. When I say camp, I’m talking a portable building that was no more than a one room bedroom/kitchen/bathroom. When I walked in it was like walking into a shrine to bass fishing. There were personal pictures of this man on the lake with the likes of Bill Dance, Roland Martin, Rayo Breckinridge, Bobby Murray, John Foxx, Ray Scott and even Forrest Woods. I tried to compose myself as I knew these people and had idolized them for years as my fishing heroes.

The elderly man introduced himself as Ocey Tenison. I had never heard of Ocey Tenison but soon found out that he was one of the original fisherman of BASS and had guided professionally for years on Lake Ochechobee. There were hundreds of photos and there were memories in scrapbooks that showed a life spent on the water and fishing against the best of the best. One thing that caught my eye was a shadow box and I recognized the lure in it as a Big O crankbait. The Big O was one of the first crankbaits ever invented made completely from balsa wood. In 1973 Bass Master Classic Champion (2 times) Bobby Murray took the model and went plastic with it and introduced the lure to Cotton Cordell. Within 13 months it sold 1.3 million lures. This was unheard of at the time. The inventor, Fred

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

by ERIN SHARPLIN LOVE

erinlove@panachebyerin.com

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

FAMILY ACTIVITIES

Take a trip to all the zoos in your area. A day of seeing, petting, and feeding animals would be a great experience. Pack up a sack lunch and trek from Louisiana Purchase Gardens & Zoo to the Delhi Safari Park.

Camp in the backyard. Don’t forget the bonfire and S’mores! Make the experience a little less scary for the younger kids by bringing plenty of battery-operated candles to set out around the tent.

Have a family movie night outside. Grab some cozy cushions and blankets and create a lovely outdoor setting that is perfect for snuggling and movie watching. If you don’t have a blank wall or blow- up movie screen, a simple white sheet will work just fine.

Have a laser tag or Nerf gun war. Most kids love laser tag, and it is fun for the adults, too!

Have a “make the best pizza” party. Challenge each person in the family to make the best pizza; then have a taste test to see who wins! DAY TRIPS

Shreveport, Louisiana – The Shreveport area has several fun things to do. We always enjoy Sci-Port Discovery Center, Gators and Friends Adventure Park, Holiday Lanes (experience glowin-the-dark bowling), and the Shreveport Aquarium.

Jackson, Mississippi – Start at the Jackson Zoo and then go to The Natural Science Museum where you can also take a 2.5 mile nature walk. Have a budding farmer in your family? Visit the Ag Museum where you will learn all about the early cotton industry. Before leaving, have dinner at Char restaurant where the host gives magic shows!

Vicksburg, Mississippi – There is so much cool history in Vicksburg. Visit Vicksburg National Military Park where you can see the USS Cairo – an old iron gunboat. And, you can’t go to Vicksburg without going to the National Monument. It is sitting on the battlefield where many soldiers lost their lives. There are many places to picnic, ride bikes, and take leisurely walks, too.

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

There are so many great things to do and see right here in Northeast Louisiana, too. This list is just the tip of the iceberg. Think outside of the box and come up with your own fun.

The Northeast Louisiana Children’s Museum offers themed craft days and other fun activities on a regular basis. Be sure to check in with them to see about their upcoming events.

The Louisiana Purchase Gardens & Zoo is a can’t miss for our area. How lucky are we to have such a great place?

The Aviation Museum is super cool. Check out the aircrafts that were used in both World Wars.

Biedenharn Museum & Gardens has a beautiful garden and is full of history. Don’t forget to get one of the bottles of coke. They can’t be beat!

Restoration Park is perfect for those who like to walk in nature and enjoy beautiful scenery. I can hear the birds now.

Kiroli Park is another great place to take the kids to play on numerous playgrounds, walk nature trails, and try their hand at fishing. They even have a new bird exhibit where guests can get up close and personal with the birds. There is a tennis court and dog park, as well.

There is a great variety of fun and game places to take the kids, too. Surge Entertainment, Altitude Jump Park, Bayou Bowl, Excalibur Family Fun Center, Spartan Adventure Park, and Skatetown, just to name a few.

The Ouachita River is perfect for boating, fishing, and water skiing. When the water level is just right, you can find beaches to cook out and lounge on, as well.

Don’t forget about Poverty Point and Black Bayou, as well. Lots of nature and history in both.

WHEN YOU NEED CARE, IT CAN SOMETIMES BE tricky determining if you need to visit your primary care provider, local urgent care or even the emergency department. But determining the best one to visit for your illness or injury can often help you get the care you need quicker.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE? For acute or chronic issues, your primary care provider is your go-to option. Armed with your medical history, your provider will be the most helpful in finding a health solution that fits with your lifestyle, and they can provide you with continuous care to further monitor your condition.

For non-life-threatening injuries or illnesses, your best point of care will be urgent care. Minor cuts, allergic reactions and broken bones could cost you a long wait at the emergency room, but urgent care will be able to accommodate your condition much quicker.

And lastly, a visit to the emergency room should be reserved for life-threatening illnesses and injuries. If you are experiencing a minor illness or injury, visiting the ER will result in a much longer wait time, as the ER team must first address those with life-threatening conditions.

WHERE SHOULD I GO? Use this quick guide to help you determine which location is the best for your condition.

• Annual physical exam • High blood pressure • Anxiety and depression • Back pain • Acid reflux • Diabetes • Health screenings • Medication refill • Arthritis and joint pain

• Allergic reactions • Eye irritation or redness • Minor broken bones in fingers and toes • Minor cuts that may need stitches • Sprains and strains • Skin rashes and infections • Severe sore throat or cough • Vomiting, diarrhea or dehydration

• Chest pains or symptoms of heart attack or stroke • Slurred speech or confusion • Seizure • Loss of consciousness • Head injury or pain • Loss of eyesight • Difficulty breathing • Open fractures, severe cuts or burns • Uncontrollable bleeding

BENEFITS OF HAVING A PRIMARY CARE PROVIDER: A primary care provider (PCP) is your first point of care and is trained to diagnose and treat a multitude of common conditions, such as sinus infections, urinary tract infections, the flu and more. They can also help you manage chronic conditions, such as high blood pressure, anxiety, heart disease, diabetes and other health problems. Your PCP can address any health concerns that may come up and then refer and coordinate care with specialists when necessary.

A study in JAMA Internal Medicine found that adults who have PCPs are significantly more likely to receive high-value care, such as colonoscopies and mammograms. Likewise, the percentage of people getting diagnostic and preventive tests such as blood pressure checks also rises with primary care, and people are more likely to fill prescriptions and receive routine checkups as well as annual flu shots. This all adds up to a more positive healthcare experience.

By establishing a relationship with a PCP, you may feel more comfortable going to the doctor, as you’ll be seeing a familiar face who is already aware of your medical history and any ongoing health issues. You’ll also have a partner in your healthcare journey, someone who can advocate for you, answer any questions that arise and coordinate all aspects of your care. For example, if you need hospital care or rehabilitation, your PCP can provide support and guide you through any necessary processes.

Many primary care facilities also make it easy to communicate with your doctor by offering secure online patient portals, where you can ask non-urgent questions, view test results and make appointments.

Connect with one of our skilled primary care physicians by visitng stfran. com/primarycare.

THE FORGOTTEN LIZARD AND THE SPRINGTIME BLUES article by KENNY COVINGTON

The fishing industry is all about the “what’s new and what’s hot.” What is the hottest new lure, the newest technique or even technology? Sometimes the best lure in your tackle box is one that has been put on standby, having been replaced by the newest fad. Bass fishing is an everevolving sport but sometimes newer is not always better. This is the case when fishing in the springtime with a soft plastic lizard.

The soft plastic lizard has been around for decades. I won a tournament at Bayou Bartholomew in 1987 swimming a weightless 8-inch black/blue croc tailed lizard over grass. Glynn Blankenship and I won numerous events at Darbonne Lake in March and April with a black/blue lizard being our key lure. It has been a deadly springtime choice of soft plastic for many years but for whatever reason, people just do not use them like they used to. In this month’s Bayou Life article, I would like to reintroduce you to the soft plastic lizard.

While there are many companies that manufacture soft plastic lizards, there are two versions that I use more than others. When throwing the four inch or eightinch variety, I use the Zoom Lizard. When using the standard six-inch version, I prefer the Big Bite Baits Pro Lizard. While I do believe any lizard will work when the fish are keyed in on this soft plastic, my reasons for choosing these companies are nothing more than the confidence I have developed from using these products.

Each size has its own situations or techniques I associate with. This is not to say that the sizes are not interchangeable because, based on the fishery, they can be. As a rule, I use the four-inch version when the fish first pull up shallow to spawn, after cold fronts or in heavily pressured fishing situations. I like to use the eight-inch version on lakes with a heavier stain in the water, fishing in and around grass or if I am targeting larger fish. The six-inch version is the standard size that is easily the most popular and is usually my first choice when flipping or pitching Cypress trees.

When it comes to using a lizard, one of the things many people do not realize is just how versatile it is for catching bass. When I use the Zoom four-inch version my favorite way to fish is to rig it Texas style, weightless and use a spinning rod to skip it around flooded bushes and cypress trees. Pre-spawn fish that have just moved up are extremely skittish, but I have done very well with this technique. The biggest key is to be accurate when skipping the lure; spooling up your spinning rod with 20lb. braided line makes this much easier.

Another good pre-spawn/ spawning technique is to Caroline rig the four-inch lizard. I have found if I scale down my tackle and use a 15 lb. main line with a 10-12 lb. leader, I catch more bass in the early spring and after a major cold front that takes place during the spring, than using the traditional Carolina rig set up. Another key to this technique is to use a thin wire, wide gap hook; this allows for better hook penetration.

The six-inch Big Bite Baits Pro Lizard is a highly effective choice regardless of the lake or body of water you fish and it will catch both size and numbers of bass. The ways in which to use this size lizard effectively are numerous but there are some that have proven to be more effective than others. It is still my favorite size lizard when throwing the standard sized Carolina Rig. It is also my first choice when I am flipping and pitching to shallow targets during the spring of the year.

For years one of the staples for anglers was using a white lizard when fishing for bass locked in on beds. The white lizard is easier for the angler to see even when fishing beds found in deeper water. The base white color also allows the use of dyes to change the appearance of the lizard, making it more appealing to the fish. The lizard is also a great alternative for the anglers who prefer using a Zoom Brush Hog. Fish become conditioned to certain lures and since they do not see lizards as much as they used to, it is a great alternative when fishing behind someone or if you are on a heavily pressured lake.

While I do admit the six-inch version of the lizard is the most popular size, it is the one size I use the least. My preference has always been the Zoom eight-inch version simply because I have found I catch a better-quality fish when using it. The eight-inch is the perfect size for swimming over and around flooded bushes and grass. Because of the lures bulk, it works well in stained to even the muddiest of waters. Even without a weight, this size lizard is easy to control and cast in the worst springtime winds.

When using the larger lizard, my preference is to use a 5/0 offset VMC Worm Hook, 25 lb. line and an eight-foot flipping stick. When I set the hook into a bass with this set up, the only place he is going is into my boat! One thing I do change is when swimming the larger lizard, I have found using a 40lb. braided line with the same 5/0 hook, increases my catch ratio. This is due to throwing the lure over longer distances and getting more strikes on the longer end of a cast.

Naturally when using soft plastics, the conversation soon turns to, “what colors do you like?” This is an interesting question because I have found certain colors to work better on certain lakes. On Caney Lake for example, I have done better using a Junebug color. On the Mississippi River Oxbows such as Lake Providence, I have had good success using the South African Special. On Lake Claiborne I have done well with Watermelon/ chartreuse tail. Each lake is different but if I were only allowed to pick three colors it would be: black/ blue, SA Special and Watermelon, regardless of the size lizard I am throwing. Some other good lizard tips that might help you put more fish in your boat this spring: 1) When fishing extremely muddy water, a good color choice is cotton candy/chartreuse. 2) Always use the lightest slip sinker as you can get away with. To compensate for using heavier line, use a heavier slip sinker. 3) A weightless Texas rigged lizard is a great follow-up lure for fish that miss other presentations. 4) Never use an EWG style hook when lizard fishing, always use a straight shank oran offset style hook.

Once bass have begun their springtime spawning rituals, the further into the process they get, the harder than can be to catch. Once bass complete their spawning cycles many anglers believe these fish will move to deeper water and suspend making them harder to locate and catch. I have found that a lot of fish will stay around in shallower water for quite some time to take advantage of the easier meals that are in abundance.

Right around the time most of the bass finish spawning, the bream will begin to spawn in the same shallow areas the bass has used. This is like bringing the canary to the cat. Larger bass, being the lazy creatures they are, did not get to be lazy and the size they are by being dumb. They understand what is about to take place and they eagerly await the opportunity to pay back the annoying bream that continually tried to rob their nests of eggs while they were spawning. `It is this time of year when topwater lures excel. Prop baits such as a Devil’s Horse, Pop R’s and the Bomber Long A are top choices and will catch giant post-spawn bass. The key to each of these lures is patience and lure placement. The better your casting ability and the more patience you have while working these lures, the better your chances of catching these larger, lethargic bass. One thing to remember about this type of topwater fishing, make sure you pay close attention to the lure cadence that got you the initial strike. The more you duplicate it, the better your chances of continued success.

Max Porter Provisions, a men’s mercantile offering everything for apothecary to apparel, general store items to unique gift ideas, is located at 206 Trenton Street in West Monroe. Parters Laurie Cochran and Cassie Livingston had a vision to open a store in the old Mojoware store that would appeal to men looking to shop for themselves or women looking for unique gift items for the men in their lives. Vintage family memorabilia and antique furntiure sets the stage for Max Porter. When asked about the name of the store, Livingston said, “The store is named for my father-in-law, Max Livingston, who we lost to leukemia in 2011. It’s a tribute to our family roots – acknowledging the hard-working, veteran who devoted his life to family and country.

Among the brands that Max Porter Provisions carries is Paige jeans, a premium denim company that manufacturers all of their clothing in America. The Ampal Creative is another diverse line of socks, beanies and hats that are exclusively made in the USA. Shoppers can find a range of sauces and rubs from distributers like Hoff & Pepper, BBQ Rubdown, Strongarm Barbecue, along with drink mixes from awardwinning El Guapo Bitters. “The store definitely had ‘every man’ in mind when we were purchasing products,” says Cochran. “Whether you describe your style as western, modern, rustic, old-school, metro... our store has something for you.”

A favorite of the owners are the candles from Manready Mercantile. “Manready was really the inspiration behind the store. A friend put it on our radar, and the next time we visited Houston we really fell in love with the products. My husband loves the room sprays and candles – these were the first orders that we placed for Max Porter,” says Livingston. There are also candles and fragrances from Guy Fox, an under-the-radar company that offers affordable and unique colognes that are warm and full of zest. Looking for a new razor? Supply offers an injector-style blade cartridge which allows you to reload the razor with ultra-sharp stubble-slicers, without ever touching a blade with your hands. Pair it along with Educated Beards delightful beard-grooming kit to keep your facial hair in place. Both of the companies, along with Duke Cannon are favorites of Livingston and Cochran’s husbands.

While Max Porter Provisions origianlly only intended to carry a few clothing brands, the owners have expanded their apparel lines to include items from Duck Camp, Flag & Anthem, Howler Bros, and Criquet. “We have clothing for everyone – pearl snap Western-inspired shirts, fishing shirts and light-weight shorts from Duck Camp, great looking golf polos from Criquet and favorites from Austin-based company, Howler Bros. We also carry boxers from Richer Poorer, socks from Ampal Creative, and fun hats from Sendero Provisions. Our husbands definitely weighed in when we were ordering clothing, and we couldn’t be more pleased with the unique apparel that we have.”

Leather goods is among one of the largest selections of gift items in the store. There are some beautiful, hand-crafted leather goods like wallets, belts, dog collars and leashes, bags, coasters, trays and more. “The Atticus duffle from Will Leather Company is my favorite item in the store,” says Cochran. “With plenty of pockets for organization and a dedicated shoe compartment, its roomy interior will hold all your essentials and more. It’s the right size for an overhead compartment and leather strap make going through the airport a breeze.” Even though the leather bags are a must-have, Max Porter also has a vintage camo print bag line from another local manufacturer that has been one of our best-sellers.

Along with drink mixers, Max Porter has several items to meet your barware needs – beautiful crystal rocks glasses, unique beer mugs and decanters, along with essentials like whiskey roks, perfect for the craft cocktail connoisseur.

Whether you are looking for a birthday or gradutation gift, something special for Father’s Day, or just need retail therapy, make sure to stop in and visit Max Porter Provisions. “We’ve had such great response from our community. We genuinely found a need for a store like this, and feel that we will continue to evolve to become a shopping destination for Northeast Louisiana,” says Livingston. “If you haven’t had the chance to stop by and walk through, carve out the time to check us out. If nothing more, come in and have a great chat with our manager, Bradley Castle. He has a wealth of product knowledge and experience and is super entertaining.”

Max Porter Provisions is located at 206 Trenton Street in West Monroe. The phone number is 318.737.7742 and you can find them on Facebook and Instagram. Store hours are Tuesday - Saturday 10:00 am - 6:00 pm.

CINCO DE MAYO IS ALMOST HERE AND MARSALA Beverage would love to help you celebrate the holiday with the largest portfolio of imported brand in the US. Marsala Beverage has been a partner with Constellation Brands for over 20 years. Constellation Brands is the visionary company behind the beer, wine and spirits brands that you love and have celebrated with for over 70 years. Driven, smart, passionate and agile, we are never content with the status quo, or playing it safe. We thrive on innovation and new ideas, and are at our best when pushing our boundaries. As an entirely American-owned company, they produce quality iconic brands such as Corona Extra, Modelo Especial, Corona Light, Corona Premier, Negra Modelo and many other beverages.

As written on every bottle, Corona is crafted to be La Cerveza Más Fina, “the Finest Beer,” and the new campaign takes this philosophy a step further. Translated as “the Fine Life,” La Vida Más Fina encourages people to explore the fundamental truth that more fulfillment and joy can be found in just about anything, simply by changing one’s outlook.

CORONA EXTRA With a refreshing, smooth taste balanced between heavier European imports and lighter domestic beer, Corona is an even-keeled cerveza with fruity-honey aromas and a touch of malt. The flavor is crisp, clean and well balanced between hops and malt. A superior taste profile from superior ingredients.

CORONA LIGHT Corona Light is a pilsner-style lager with a uniquely refreshing taste—brewed for outstanding light flavor with a crisp, clean finish. Its pleasant, fruity-honey aroma and distinctive hop flavor make it a favorite of those seeking a light beer that is full of flavor. Corona Light’s naturally easy-drinking style makes it perfect for pairing with spicy and citrus-infused dishes.

CORONA PREMIER Corona Premier offers the premium lowcarb, light beer experience you’ve been waiting for. Its refined, crisp taste and even-bodied feel makes it the smoothest and most drinkable Corona. With only 2.6g of carbs and 90 calories, Corona Premier is perfect for casual entertaining, sharing with guests, or rewarding yourself for a day well-lived.

CORONA FAMILIAR The best beers are made to be shared. That is why Corona Familiar embraces the bright, crisp taste Corona is known for with a slightly fuller flavor, higher ABV, and shareable 32oz packaging. With strong ties to authenticity and heritage, Corona Familiar is best served in small gatherings with close friends and family, using the tradition of sharing to create meaningful experiences.

CORONA REFRESCA Corona Refresca is a premium spiked refresher that brings the taste of the tropics from Mexico to you. Available in Passionfruit Lime and Guava Lime, it is a bright, flavorful malt beverage with 4.5% ABV and natural fruit flavors. Crisp, flavorful, and never too sweet, Corona Refresca doesn’t sweep you away to the tropics, it brings the topics to you.

CORONA SELTZER The #1 most refreshing beer is bringing a lighter, less filling option to the hard seltzer category. Introducing Corona Hard Seltzer, the only 0g carb, all Corona, hard seltzer. With 0g carbs, 0g sugar, 90 calories, 4.5% ABV and gluten-free, Corona Hard Seltzer is a tasty, better-for-you alcoholic beverage rooted in Corona’s chill attitude and high-end credibility. This 12-pack variety includes: Tropical Lime, Cherry, Blackberry Lime and Mango.

MODELO ESPECIAL Brewed as a model of what good beer should be, this rich, full-flavored Pilsner-style Lager delivers a crisp, refreshing taste. Well-balanced taste and light hop character with a crisp, clean finish. Modelo Especial is characterized by an orange blossom honey aroma with a hint of herb. Modelo is the #2 imported beer in the US.

NEGRA MODELO Negra Modelo, better known as “the cream of the beer,” is a Munich-type beer with 5.3º of alcohol that offers a balanced flavor and a delicate aroma of dark malt, caramel and hops. Today it occupies the first place in sales among dark beers in Mexico. This beer is accompanied by a bright deep amber color, which is adorned with abundant, white and compact foam. Negra Modelo was introduced in Mexico in 1925 as the dark beer called Modelo, to begin its great tradition. In 2014 it changed its image to a more sophisticated bottle but with the same content.

Marsala Beverage is a local-based company that employs about 100 full-time employees, which all live and support the community of Northeast Louisiana. Each employee bases his or her success on never losing sight of delivering what is really important – quality products, timely service and a genuine concern for our customers’ needs. Please find us at www.marsalabeverage.com or follow us on social media:

Facebook: Marsala Beverage Twitter : @marsalabeverag1 Instagram: @marsalabeverage

ST. JOSEPH, A TOWN WORKING TO BREATHE NEW LIFE IN A REGION OVERFLOWING WITH NATURAL BEAUTY SITS JUST BELOW LAKE BRUIN’S SOUTHERNMOST CURVE IN TENSAS PARISH, WHERE IT INCIDENTALLY IS ALSO THE COUNTY SEAT.

ARTICLE BY NILS BORQUIST PHOTOGRAPHY BY KELLY MOORE CLARK

American small towns and villages are often thought of in a romantic light as the kinds of places where you didn’t have to lock your doors and kids rode bikes down the street with baseball cards rattling between spokes and families along neighboring streets grew up together at barbeques and reunions year after year. People remember these communities fondly as bygone memories of better times, when their grandparents rocked on the porch, swatting flies and fanning themselves with the morning paper in the fading evening light. Thankfully, against the unpredictable whims of people deciding to move away from their small hometowns or the ups and downs of the inevitable uplifting and down turning cycles of life, small towns are experiencing a Renaissance of sorts.

The term revitalization refers to a rebirth or a rejuvenation of life. Many towns dotting the landscape of Louisiana can hardly claim to be undergoing a resurgence of significance or a reinvigoration of industry that has fallen on hard times. Most if not all of these places never had a booming time period in their existence. Perhaps, then, the interest in the surging communities residing along stretches of sun scorched highways should be more viewed as seeing the possibilities of a dream to fruition, the citizens moving their hopes from the realms of what could be into the real world of concrete, hand painted signs, and individually crafted goods, available for all to see and buy and enjoy. The stories of revitalization, of rebuilding what once was, and those of building something new from a vision of what could be are stories of promise, dedication, hard work, and community togetherness. So many towns and cities WALK THE PLANK

Plank Road serves as the main street for businesses in St. Joseph, and over the previous few years, a number of new and diverse establishments have emerged in the effort to bring in new people both to move to town or to make it a travel destination. in Louisiana, both large and small alike, need an injection of life, a push to restore the once thriving main streets, while others have recognized that need and are fortunate to have citizens who dedicate their lives and careers to those special places ready to be discovered and experienced.

One such place that is steadily progressing is St. Joseph, a town working to breathe new life in a region overflowing with natural beauty and people exuding the ideals of Southern hospitality, and it sits just below Lake Bruin’s southernmost curve in Tensas Parish, where it incidentally is also the county seat. Residents of St. Joe, recognizing the potential connected with the renowned splendor of the lake and coastal delta surrounding the town, have begun to invest time and money into not only the downtown but the entire locale. With their visible progress, hope should drift along those highways and waterways that meander to and through every town in the state, joining each of them in a special kind of family tree, delivering the encouraging message of what can be done anywhere with the full effort and backing of everyone who lives there as well as from those who love to visit.

As a town that originated in the 1840’s, St. Joseph owns a storied past with a background including acting as a major stop along the Mississippi River during the Civil War, being the location where a standoff with the Jesse James gang occurred, and was the birthplace of Cross Keys Bank well over 100 years ago when it was originally known as the Bank of St. Joseph. Most of Tensas Parish’s settlers began as cotton farmers, and while the crops have often changed from year to year, much of the land remains in use in the same way as it has been for almost two centuries. In that time, the parish has seen its population hit nearly 20,000 people in the early 1900’s, but now sits at just over 4,000, making it currently the least populated in the state. However, even with a low number of established residents, St. Joseph’s location makes it enticing for would-be vacationers and a treasure for those who have come to make it their homes or for those born there and who never left.

MOTTO FOR ST. JOE

Come to play, plan to stay.

Plank Road serves as the main street for businesses in St. Joseph, and over the previous few years, a number of new and diverse establishments have emerged in the effort to bring in new people both to move to town or to make it a travel destination during the lengthy Louisiana summer months, which includes the late spring and early fall, when the hot weather seems to creep in and linger. While this may be a deterrent for many people, those wishing to avoid the humidity and sweltering heat, others see this as a perfect opportunity to spend time in and on the water, fishing and swimming and congregating with friends and family. One of the best places to do so in the entire state, and some would even argue in the entire south, is on Lake Bruin. Lake Bruin State Park (https://www.lastateparks. com/parks-preserves/lake-bruin-statepark), a beautiful and well maintained 53 acre site, offers visitors not only the chance to enjoy the water but also biking, camping, and wildlife viewing. Additionally, they rent cabins of various sizes for comfortable accommodations as well as a pavilion for parties and other celebrations. For those smart enough to choose to visit the lake on weekends or long breaks, taking the time to shop, walk around and enjoy the scenery, and eat local cuisine all often go hand-in-hand. With that in mind, shops and restaurants are springing up along the main stretch of town, and most residents couldn’t be happier. Along Plank Road, where in recent times many storefronts stood empty, new energy is surging and growth is occurring. Faith Gremillion, who splits her time working as a teacher in Monroe and as a director for the Tensas Parish library, believes that the excitement in the area is warranted, especially when one considers the overall involvement a community must maintain in order to drive burgeoning businesses to great success. Among antique shops selling nostalgic riches, such as River Traders, and the newly opened gym, named Plank Fitness and cleverly featuring a logo of someone in the plank position, several of the businesses focus on artisans and their crafts. Folkway Co. Mercantile (https:// www.folkwayco.com/mercantile) specializes in offering local and regional goods among other items from around the world. Their diverse inventory, ranging from kitchenware, games, and even local produce, is sure to spark interest in even the most casual shopper. Rebecca Vizard, the originator behind B. Viz Design (https:// bvizdesign.com), made St. Joseph her global headquarters in 2016. Vizard and her talented and innovative team transform salvaged material into clothing, jewelry, and textiles, but she and her company are predominantly known for their pillows, which are purchased and shipped globally due to their incredible loveliness and unique craftsmanship. Shop All Daye (https://shopalldaye.com/), opened and run by Natalie Sutor, currently primarily sells women’s clothing and accessories, but will soon also offer children’s clothing as well when they expand on the store’s fourth anniversary during Easter. Leslie Ratcliff (https://www.instagram.com/ lratcliffart/?hl=en), a local teacher and artist, produces paintings utilizing multiple media styles in her studio, L. Ratcliff Art, located on Plank Road. She is one of several talented creators who draw inspiration from the region’s people, cultures, and environmental diversity.

THE JEWEL OF TENSAS

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

Beyond the visual artists and retail shops, culinary artists are also making a positive impact on the town. Stacey Mobley and chef/ baker Jessica Mobley are the minds behind restaurant and bakery The Walking Pig (https://www.the-walkingpig.com/). Also located on Plank Road, The Walking Pig offers customers a wide range of choices, from Southern staples such as fried catfish po’boys, cochon de lait po’boys, and grilled pimento cheese sandwiches to Angus beef burgers, healthy grilled mushroom wraps, and even a selection of delicious and imaginative tacos, such as the pork belly and southern fried chicken specialties. While rare for such a small, rural community to have an innovative eatery, the decision by the Mobleys to bring their creations to St. Joseph is appreciated by everyone who enters their doors. Another restaurant bringing visitors from as far away as 100 miles is Maria’s Mexican Restaurant. Originally housed in a smaller location, the popularity of Maria’s has forced the owners to move to a larger facility in order to welcome their ever-increasing fan base. Maria’s provides standard homemade Mexican fare such as Spanish rice, succulent refried beans with cheese, and nachos packed with toppings, but they also expand into new territory with numerous dishes featuring fresh avocados as well as their prawn shrimp cocktails. With these two restaurants leading the way and successfully growing, citizens and visitors should certainly expect even more culinary delights in the future.

Realtor, business owner, and community supporter Jane Netterville is perhaps the biggest cheerleader for St. Joseph’s progress. Calling Lake Bruin “the jewel of Tensas,” and even coining the motto for St. Joe, “come to play, plan to stay,” Netterville and her husband, along with several members of her family, own and operate Netterville Landing (http://www.nettervillelanding. com/) on the northern shores of the lake. The business truly shines during the summer months, with visitors able to rent cabins alongside the lake as well as tubes, kayaks, and pontoons for water fun. Known for their first-class service and list of special events, including the “Thunder on Bruin” airshow, Netterville Landing pulls out all the stops to ensure that their guests will have the time of their lives during their stay. Beyond her business interests, Jane also gushes about the positive impact St. Joseph can have on people and their families. Having raised her own children there, she knows firsthand the significance of kids growing up in a small town where people seem to care about their neighbors, and safety and values are the norm rather than the exception. This sentiment is seconded by Natalie Sutor, who is originally from the Mandeville/New Orleans area, and who met her husband when they were both attending LSU. After moving back to St. Joseph, his hometown, they have begun a family, and Sutor stated that there’s no other place she would want to raise her kids, Harper and Piper, who just so happened to be the namesakes for her store (Harper’s middle name is Daye, a family name) as well as the upcoming expansion (Piper is nicknamed Sweet P, which will be the name of the children’s boutique). While some things have changed in the years Netterville has lived in St. Joe, she stated that the overall care shown by the community for each other has remained a constant. St. Joseph is one of many towns beginning to embrace the possibilities of creating growth and expanding its population, cultural borders, and economic limits. The only way this happens is when the people who live there recognize the potential in their towns and in themselves. Jane Netterville made a strong point, declaring that success can be had when citizens are creative, come up with strong ideas, and capitalize on what is available and on what people want when they come to places like St. Joe. The growth in “the jewel of Tensas” has been gradually developing, and many tremendous changes have happened in just the past five years. Perhaps in the coming months, the next groups of visitors, those going for the first time and those who come back year in and year out, will influence others to come along, to see what’s out there on the big oxbow lake in east-central Louisiana, to take advantage of the welcoming arms of the good people of St. Joseph who want nothing more than to share good times and beaming smiles with each and every guest fortunate enough to make the trip.

SENTIMENTAL STUFF article by MEREDITH MCKINNIE

Two friends were combining households. It’s exciting, blending possessions, weaving two lives together. But when it comes later in life, when it’s not as much a new start as it is a fresh start, moving in together comes with a lot of physical stuff. Both friends had lived independently for over a decade, meaning years of household items bought and discarded, but not really discarded, only put in the unused bedrooms in case they come of use later. Whose coffee pot do we use now? Whose towels are newer? Do you need all those shirts? You only rotate through about six since I’ve known you. These are the questions asked and negotiations made when two houses become one.

When my husband and I showed up to help one of these friends move in with the other, I was amazed at all the stuff. He had collected high school trophies, CDs without a CD player, 80s hit DVDs, dusty cookbooks, half-completed Word Find puzzles with the mechanical pencil still lodged in the sixth page, high school football practice tapes, jars of change, random cords that didn’t seem to power anything from this decade... in my opinion, JUNK. I paused over the boxes, exchanged anxious glances with the other friend, the one whose house was about to be invaded with these boxes of trash. Is he keeping this stuff? You can’t be serious? She quickly closed the nearest box, hiding the absurdity of this stuff being saved, much less moved, and we continued this process throughout the rest of the morning. On the way home, my husband and I started talking about stuff. When we moved in together, though we had both lived independently before we met, I don’t remember insisting boxes be thrown away. I don’t remember him having a lot of stuff. His apartment looked like the typical bachelor’s, bare minimum essentials and not a drop of personality, a blank slate on which to create. When I was practically living at his apartment anyway, I would casually bring in potted plants, a three-foot Christmas tree during the holidays, nothing extravagant. The place was less than 1000 square feet. And when we moved into our first brick home, the stuff we brought was ours. Nothing was left behind or at the trash heap. I frequently throw stuff away; it makes me feel lighter. If it hasn’t been used in the last six months, it’s going before the end of the year. And that works in our home, in our shared space. But when I randomly go out into the backyard shop for one of the kid’s toys, I notice the stuff is piling up. We have old fake trees, Christmas decorations that seemed appropriate at the time, but haven’t been used in years. When I suggested we clean out the shop, I got a resounding, “No. I like my shop the way it is.” What is it with some people’s connection to stuff, the sentimentality of material possessions that seemingly have no sentimental value? And why is it so hard for some people to part with?

Perhaps it has to do with how we’re raised. I grew up in a large house, with the attic encompassing half of the second floor. It wasn’t full. You could walk around up there, quickly locate whatever you were looking for. I also remember my mother cleaning the attic out, bagging up unused items to donate in the spring. If we weren’t using it, someone else could. I thought of things as just that, things. When my grandfather died, I remember my grandmother boxing up his clothes and selling his truck shortly after his death. Friends seemed surprised when I mentioned what she was doing, as if she should have held onto them a little while longer. She, too, saw stuff as just stuff. It wasn’t Papaw’s stuff anymore. Papaw was gone.

Sometimes now I’m tempted to jokingly ask my friends where the boxes of Word-Find puzzles are, to suggest the mantle could use a nice big jar bursting with pennies. She would laugh. He wouldn’t. It’s not just stuff to him. And even though the boxes are buried in their nowshared attic space, it must make him feel better. Stuff is sentimental, and sentimentality is personal. People have individual quirks, and it makes life interesting. It may mean less attic space, but some battles should be left on the shelf.

THE 21ST ANNUAL EDUCATORS & STUDENTS’ EXELLENCE Banquet honoring the Top Twenty Tigers of Neville High School 2022 and the teachers who inspired them was held on February 17, 2022 at the Bayou Pointe Event Center on ULM’s beautiful campus. This annual event is hosted by the Neville Alumni and Friends Association (NAFA). It is NAFA’s mission to provide supplemental funding for programs or projects to enhance the quality of instructional delivery and student life, and to promote excellence in higher education at Neville High School. ULM graciously aids NAFA in celebrating Excellence in Education. Each Top Tiger is presented with a special medallion which states “ULM Appreciates Excellence in Education.” We were honored to have ULM President Dr. Ron Berry, ULM Vice President Lisa Miller, and Kaitlin Arnett from ULM Recruitment present the medallions to our Tigers.

Mrs. Katherine Sandifer, 2021 award winner, presented the 2022 Ouida McGee Educator Excellence Award to Coach Jeff Gregory. This prestigious award is presented each year to a Neville teacher who is outstanding in his/her field of education and goes way beyond their appointed course work to teach and mentor our students. Our beneficators of this award are Mr. & Mrs. Mike McGee ’64 and Mrs. Susan McElroy Weaver ’69 of James Machine Works.

Our wonderful guest speakers were Dr. Jessica Johnston NHS 2006 and Dr. Jan Bagwell NHS 1971, mother-daughter local dentists who spoke of their experiences while at Neville and how much their education there influenced their life choices.

The event was live streamed for the family and friends who were unable to attend. We thank Stewart Shelby and Will Anders with the Neville Tiger Network for making this possible.

We graciously thank each of our loyal table sponsors who make the night possible and include: Allison & Bryan Taylor, Andrea & Wally McMakin, Brown Financial Network, Dr. & Mrs. Justin Tarver, Dr. Mena Cho, Dr. Tammy Johnston, Fewee & Daniel Bondad, Sheila & Frank Nettles, Fred Hill, Guy Campbell III, Lumen, Friendly Finance, Missy & Randy Parker, Progressive Bank, Ronnie Davidson, Shaw Oxygen Company Inc., Shelley & Brian Mercer, The Graduate Shop and The MAC.

Thank you to our generous donors providing gifts for our honored teachers. They are: 1126 Boutique, Blend, Blueline Boutique, Catahoula Restaurant, Chicken Salad Chick, Cormier’s, Crawfish City, Daq’s, Fiesta Nutrition, Fit 4 Ever, Genusa’s Restaurant, Happy Days Car Wash, Hemline, KK’s Giving Tree, Levee Grill, Mary Dawson Photography, Miro’s, Muffin Tin, Portico Restaurant, Pour & Char 19, Randall’s, Ron Alexander, Small Cakes, The Toggery, Thurman’s Food Factory, Tonore’s Wine Cellar, and Trio’s Restaurant. Our head table centerpieces were beautiful and donated by our longtime loyal alumnus Joe Farr. Lovely dinner music was provided by Mr. Rod Allen Payne.

Our banquet committee was headed by Maggie Zentner along with committee members Kathy Hart, Caron McPherson, Nici Hanks, Emily Rash, Jennifer Graham, and Dana Jefferson. We also give special thanks to our Neville counselors Shannon Sanson and Laura Bryan. NAFA dedicated the 2022 Excellence Banquet in loving memory of our precious friend and committee member Carol Smith Payne. It was a wonderful evening!

We are proud to have been able to honor our Top Twenty Tigers of 2022 and their teachers.

Zoe Catherine Allen Ronald Donn

Julie Brianne Alligood Beth Smith

Ethan Jet Dela Cruz Bondad Bryan Butler

Katherine Adele Burch James Rogers

Margaret L Burrell Anna Rambin

Caroline Louise Garrett Kathy Rasco Lela Kathryn Hansen Jeff Gregory

Anna Elizabeth Harris Paula Garrett

Wesley Breard Inabnett Coach Roosevelt Rankins

Elizabeth Coley Loftin Kody Chase

Nicklaus Brian Mercer Eric Herndon

Addison Grace Nickelson Hanlon Elizabeth Parker Hannah Virginia Parker Marc Victor Peters Harneet Kaur Randhawa Karari Hanks Beth Cummings Katherine Sandifer Susan Stewart Meredith McKinnie

Camille Mackenzie Taylor Marah Elizabeth Trim Benjamin Kasey Williams Renee Laine Young Wendy Waller Angela Harrison Sr. Chief Charles Grisby Mary Napoli

LAMBDA SIGMA CHI IS A LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL SORORITY founded in 1932. Over the years, Lambda has grown and continues to grow as a service and social organization. This year, Lambda members included 109 young ladies and 15 brother sponsors from Neville High School and St. Fredrick High School.

President Ella Smith led the organization in many endeavors including organizing educational meetings, attending church, and planning service and social activities for the year. These past few years provided their own set of challenges throughout the pandemic as the group could not meet monthly for meetings or church attendance as they have in past years. The head officers and junior members had to adapt and find new ways to offer service to the local community. They started the year off with providing thank you cards to local healthcare workers at various facilities.

The most important goal of Lambda each year is to give back to our community by both volunteering and providing monetary donations. Under the leadership of Chaplain Camille Taylor, Lambda members volunteered to help clean up Louisiana Purchase Zoo and downtown Monroe. Members also organized supply drives including canned foods for Food Bank, pet supplies for local Animal Shelter and school supplies for local school children in need. A yearly joyful experience is attending Dixie Diehard baseball games as a buddy for the players. Raising the standard of service that the organization will provide in years to come.

Lambda also has a legacy of giving back to the community financially. This would not be possible without the collective effort of the members and our annual sweet potato fundraiser. This year the members were able to raise over $16,000 to donate to the local community. Financial donations went to local organizations including ARCO, the Cancer Foundation League, the Children’s Coalition of Northeast Louisiana, the Desiard Street Shelter, the Food Bank, the Grace Place, the Jeremy Barnhill Foundation, the John Clarke Foundation, Life Choices, MedCamps of Northeast Louisiana, the Methodist Children’s Home, Pilots for Patients, the Red Cross, River Cities Humane Society, the Salvation Army, Shelby’s Wish, the St. Francis Foundation, the St. Vincent de Paul Society, Two Penny Missions, Wellspring, and YoungLife, among others.

In January, Lambda held its Winter Formal dance and presentation of the Junior members. Dana Jefferson served as Master of Ceremonies. Junior members presented were: President: Ella Smith, Vice President: Addison Moses, Chaplain: Briley Kelly, Treasurer: Claire Taylor, Recording Secretary: Elizabeth Garrett, Corresponding Secretary: Adeline Brunini, Parliamentarian Anna Plummer, Historian: Mary Rutledge, Seregent-at-Arms: Lauren Been and Emerson Globke, Custodians: Landry Taylor and Karson Woods, Pledge Advisors: Stella Braddock, Ella Burkett, Elle Carter, Charlotte Robinson, Ryleigh Shelby, Claudia Sitton and Head Pledge Advisor: Addie Newton. Allie Alexander, Emery Bonnecaze, Madaline Clary, Claire Campbell, Abigail Dahlum, Olivia Delcambre, Ann Ellender, Charlie French, Lauren Graham, Sophia Greenwood, Olivia Hill, Caroline Hinkle, Riley Houser, Adeline Miller, Isabella Moore, Gabriella Napoli, Rosemary Nolan, Annabelle Oakley, Christine Oakley, Alana Pohlman, Hannah Smith, Elizabeth Swanner and Piper Yarbrough.

Members were escorted by Brother Sponsors: John David, Brister Southern, Samuel Marsh, Drew Jarrell, Clary Mason, Garrett Cameron, Jake Dycus, Cobb Markle, Christopher Pettis, Michael Plummer, Chandler Pettis, Keith Johnson, Rudy Dozier, Garett Cameron, Luke Witherington, Henry Cagle, Nick Gault, Mason Shelby and Kaiden Oquain.

The White Rose Court is voted on by the members and recognizes members for their commitment to the sorority. Lambda members are happy to have the opportunities to add to over 80 years of sisterhood and service. Thank you to the community for supporting Lambda and our endeavors.

We are very proud of this outstanding group and know they will go on to continue to service the local community! Thank you to the community for supporting Lambda and our endeavors.

We likely could spend the remaining eight issues of BayouLife for 2022 on just the diversity found in azaleas. Indeed, thousands of cultivars have been developed and the variations in size, color, bloom time, and flower shape are truly mind-boggling. No other flowering shrub symbolizes springtime in the south like these members of the heath family (same family as blueberries). Though first introduced into southern landscapes in the 1830s by way of Charleston, Louisiana has played and is playing no small role in the prominence of these beloved shrubs in our southern landscapes. For example, we know azaleas were propagated and used in the landscape at Rosedown Plantation in both antebellum and post-Civil Warera West Feliciana Parish. Years after Martha Turnbull’s passing in 1896, her granddaughters ran a small nursery at Rosedown and sold an azalea they labeled ‘Rosedown Pink,’ which today is called ‘Early Lavender.’ And, if you’ve ever driven the long, winding driveway of Afton Villa Gardens in spring, just up the road from Rosedown, you were treated to a show of color on par with Fourth of July fireworks. ‘Afton Villa Red’ and several other popular azalea varieties make a spring pilgrimage to West Feliciana Parish worth the drive!

Most of our favorite azaleas are cultivars of Rhododendron indicum. Formosa azaleas (Rhododendron indicum ‘Formosa’) are larger shrubs that have robust, trumpet-shaped flowers ranging in color from white (var. ‘Mrs. G.G. Gerbing’) to light pink (var. ‘George L. Tabor’) to deep red (var. ‘Formosa Red’), to deep purple (var. ‘Formosa Lavender’). They are especially impressive when planted as hedges or in large banks. Formosas, like all azaleas, are pollinator magnets, too! Look for swallowtail butterflies, sphinx moths, and hummingbirds when they are in full bloom!

Kurume azaleas are shorter cultivars of both R. indicum and R. ponticum. This group includes the popular ‘Coral Bells’ variety, which has spectacular deep pink blooms. Other popular Kurume azaleas include ‘Hino Crimson,’ ‘Christmas Cheer,’ ‘Hershey’s Red,’ and ‘Snow,’ which, as the name suggests, has brilliant white flowers.

> ‘Koromo Shikibu’ Azalea from Carolyn Brooks, a local gardener. < Most of our favorite azaleas are cultivars of Rhododendron indicum.

Satsuki azaleas are cultivars of R. eriocarpum and its hybrids. They are small, compact, mounding shrubs. “Satsuki” refers to “fifth month,” so peak bloom will be from late April into May. The most popular Satsuki varieties are the ‘Red,’ ‘White,’ and ‘Pink Gumpo’ azaleas. Their compact size and later flowering date make them perfect candidates for planting around trees, accenting entrances, or planting in front of a bank of Formosas or Kurumes.

Native azaleas are highly prized because of a resurgence in popularity of gardening with native plants. Two species in particular, Flame Azalea (R. calendulaceum) and Piedmont Azalea (R. canescens), and hybrids bred using these and other species, are favorites. Unlike standard cultivars from nurseries, native azaleas are fully deciduous, so they provide a pop of color in an otherwise dormant landscape.

Finally, if you’re looking to extend the azalea bloom in your landscape beyond spring, consider Encore® Azaleas. Developed right here in The Pelican State by Mr. Buddy Lee of the Independence/ Tickfaw area, Encore® Azaleas are available in dwarf and intermediate sizes, and in a stunning array of color and multicolored varieties. Check out Encore® Azalea selections at encoreazalea.com.

Do yourself a favor and install some of these southern classics into your landscape. Keep these tips in mind for optimum azalea performance:

Azaleas prefer acidic soils; a pH range of 5.0 to 6.0 is ideal. Asoil test from the LSU AgCenter will tell your soil’s pH accurate to two decimal places. If your soil’s pH needs to be lowered, an application of either elemental sulfur or aluminum sulphate per the soil test result recommendation will do the job.

Azaleas perform best in loose soils with good internal drainage. Drainage in soil with high clay content can be improved by adding organic matter such as peat moss, finely ground pine bark, well-rotted manure, or compost if enough is available. Azaleas are susceptible to both root and crown rots, so good drainage is key.

Make planting holes two to three times wider than the root ball being planted and no deeper than the pot they were growing in at the garden center.

Mulching will help retain soil moisture. Pine straw, old shavings, cypress mulch, or pine bark mulch (often called “debark”) will work nicely for mulching around azaleas. A good mulch will also add the aesthetics of an azalea planting, rather like framing a portrait or painting with the proper mat and frame.

Azaleas require irrigation only during extended dry spells at a rate of 0.5 to 1.0 inch per week. Y’all run your irrigation systems too much! Irrigating azaleas three times a week could lead to root and crown rots. Check the forecast and if rain is predicted soon, overcome the urge to turn your irrigation systems on. Seriously. Stop it! Stop the insanity! If rain is scarce, a single deep watering once a week is sufficient. If rainfall is even somewhat frequent, irrigation is not required. Pull some mulch back and if the soil is moist, don’t water.

Fertilize with a blend specially formulated for azaleas, camellias, and other acid-loving shrubs. One to two pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet of bed is sufficient.

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

LOUISIANA DELTA COMMUNITY COLLEGE Foundation will host the first annual Hats & Horses fundraiser event. This event will be held Saturday, May 7th, in the Advanced Technology Center on our main campus in Monroe, located at 7500 Millhaven Road. This is a great opportunity for employees, staff, community, friends, and graduates to help support scholarships that will assist Louisiana Delta Community College (LDCC) students as they seek an education to further their career in quality educational programs.

Constructed in 2019, the Advanced Technology Center at LDCC is a state-of-the-art facility that is the perfect place to host our first annual Hats and Horses fundraiser event. This new $8.2 million dollar educational facility accommodates large groups and provides training for workers and students who work in our local industries. Come see for yourself our ever growing campus. As we say at LDCC, students can “Start here. Go Anywhere!”

Tickets for the opening derby day are $50, with a VIP hour beginning at 2:30 in the afternoon while the derby races follow at 3:30. Come out and enjoy a delicious mint julep, your favorite cold beverage, savory Derby hors d’oeuvres, live music, and a silent auction. It is sure to be an exciting afternoon for an exceptional cause.

Like all unforgettable fundraisers, dress the part and wear your most elegant hat for our competition. Then vote on your favorite horse in the derby. Each vote will be associated with your donation towards the Foundation’s mission and cause. At the LDCC Foundation, we believe every person, regardless of resources, should have access to a career and academic pathway leading to gainful employment opportunities. These future gatekeepers are then better equipped to care for the communities in which they live. It’s a sound and wise investment.

In 2021 alone, the LDCC Foundation funded over $100,000 just in scholarships. As we celebrate our 20th year in the community, the impact has been tremendous. We have served over 53,000 students making an impact at each of our campuses throughout Northeast Louisiana. Our Foundation raises funds to support student scholarships, program equipment, staff development, and unique educational opportunities for all our students and community members. Our role at the Foundation is to find innovative solutions that address these challenges and others. Opportunities like this fundraiser can help advance a career. In short, your gift can help fund dreams, dreams whose impact can have no bounds.

Louisiana Delta Community College is an open-admissions college offering multiple paths to higher education, career, and personal fulfillment. We at LDCC pride ourselves on offering a friendly, student-centered learning environment where our students can flourish. While our main campus is located in Monroe, LDCC offers eight campuses in eight different cities throughout northeast Louisiana – providing you with the convenience of attending classes close to home. Campuses are located in: Bastrop, Jonesboro, Lake Providence, Monroe, Ruston, Tallulah, West Monroe and Winnsboro. In addition, we offer the most affordable rates in the region to help lessen the cost of continuing your education.

“The LDCC Foundation scholarship awards have been a tremendous blessing in my quest in becoming a licensed practical nurse. Being chosen as a recipient for these scholarships is a distinct honor. Becoming a scholarship recipient has given me added drive and enthusiasm to push through the odds and finally complete the LPN Program at Louisiana Delta Community College” says Eloise Foreman, LDCC Foundation scholarship recipient.

The LDCC Foundation was established in 2002 and is governed by a group of voluntary Board of Directors. We as a nonprofit organization work to increase financial support for our students, as well as helping to ensure the long term stability of Louisiana Delta Community College. We invite you to explore our academic offerings and admissions options on your way towards professional and personal growth. We hope that you will find Louisiana Delta Community College to be the ideal place to start and go anywhere!

To become a sponsor of Hats and Horses event or to purchase tickets, contact Missy Amy at 318.345.9365 or email us at foundation@ ladelta.edu

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

1 Carolyn Perry, Jonathan and Holley Perry 2 Aimee Kane and Cathy Whatley 3 Allison and John Davis 4 Lance and Eron Bethard 5 Ainsley and Matt Collins 6 Danyale Rushing and Alan Dupuy 7 Miles Stevens, Marcie and John Rhodes, Leigh and Bear

Fletcher, and Donna and Andy Elderidge 8 Erin Veroni and Megan Gatte 9 Holley and Jonathan Perry 10 Jonathan and Holly Gibbs 11 Kristy and Blake Lockwood 12 Courtney and Seth Thomas 13 Frances and Jim Gregory 14 Spencer and Ann Caldwell, Brad and Erin Young and Holly and Mike Gray 15 Michael and Mackenzie Wheeler 16 Lauren and Casey Smalley 17 Austin and Sydney Finch 18 Madeline and Megan Gatte 4

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DRAGON BOAT ON BAYOU Desiard is back and bigger than ever! Over 500 rowers will race for bragging rights for the fastest time in 2022. Proceeds from this family friendly, action-packed event benefit the 20 plus programs of the Children’s Coalition for Northeast Louisiana.

Teams will race in traditional dragon boats featuring 20 rowers and 1 drummer focusing on teamwork and coordination. Only a few boats have not been claimed – will it be your school or company?

Did we mention this is a family fun event? In addition to the races, the entire family can participate with a Kidz zone filled with activities for children of all ages. All rowers and spectators can enjoy delicious dishes and treats from local food vendors as they cheer on their favorite team.

We are proud to announce our Premier Sponsors including Southern Beverage Company, Choice Brands, Homeland Bank, Key Marketing Solutions, Union General, Entergy and Altitude.

In addition, our Corporate Sponsors will be ready to compete and include VCOM – Louisiana, Fleet Feet Sports, Communihealth, Spearpoint Fitness, BCBS, Vantage, Thomas & Farr Agency, RCF Insurance, Raising Canes, Northeast Delta HSA, Origin Bank, Jim Taylor Auto Group, Lumen, Family Medicine Residency Monroe, River Oaks Family and Friends.

Adding to our event are our fantastic Friends of the Festival including Newks, CC’s Coffee, Flying Tiger Brewery, Fleet Feet Sports, Bare Necessities, Acadian Ambulance, The Toggery, DB Real Estate, Waste Connections, H2GO Paddle and KTVE.

Schools/Youth Groups represented are Neville High School, Sterlington High School, Neville Junior High, St. Frederick, ULM, U-ACT, and River Oaks. Want to sponsor your favorite school? It’s not too late!

Learn more about the Dragon Boat Festival at https://www.childrenscoalition. org/dragon-boat-festival.html or email dlandry@childrenscoalition.org for sponsorship information.

10:15 AM Team Captain Meeting (Mandatory)

10:45 AM All Teams Lined Up For Team Parade

11:00 AM Opening Ceremony + Team Parade - Team Spirit Award Will Be Judged During

11:15 AM Races Begin

5:30 PM Closing Ceremony + Awards

Spectators are encouraged to watch the races from this area. No recreational swimming will be allowed in the bayou during the event. Lawn chairs and blankets are welcome, however no tents will be allowed in this area.

Teams are encouraged to have a name, theme, and can dress alike. The drummer can dress in any sort of costume to match that theme - points will be given for Team Spirit. Although not required, team shirts are always a hit.

Participants and spectators can purchase food and drinks from participating food truck vendors. All food truck vendors have donated to the Children’s Coalition so you are encouraged to support them. Official Festival t-Shirt - Event t-shirts will be available for sale online, during all pre-festival events and during the festival. Limited quantities will be ordered, so do not wait!

While every attempt is made to allow for accommodations, please note that parking around the festival is limited and is NOT controlled by the Children’s Coalition. We encourage carpooling or ride sharing, and Uber+ Lyft are great options!

The Children’s Coalition for Northeast Louisiana promotes quality educaton and safe, nurturing environments where children and families can thrive through our four key areas: early childhood, parenting, healthy living and youth development. Together we educate, advocate, and care for children and the adults who support them. To learn more visit childrenscoalition.org.

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

1 Stacey Gibson, Delia Simpson and Dusty Teer 2 Rhonda Arant, Diane Melton, Diamond Melton, KeyKey

Allen, Stephanie Foster, Robin Cox and Gracie May 3 Mary Linda McCann and Paige Oliver 4 Gina White and Mary Francis Siggers 5 Ashley Ambrew and Asja Jordan 6 Michelli Martin, Meghan Risinger, Kelsea McCrary, Kim

Essex, Jeshire Brice, Stacey Rowell, Joyce Posey, Angie

Sturdivant and Lynda McMahan 7 Kelsey Bohl and Allison Camacho 8 Haylee Middleton, Amanda Martin, Lydia Price and Angelica Ritchie 9 Jeshirl Brice, Angie Sturdivant, Kimberly Essex and Stacey Rowell 10 Melissa Kiper, Allie Lee, Jo Ellen Gilliland and

Mary Francis Siggers 11 Naomi Mitchell, Emily Cooper, Missy Amy and

Darian Atkins 12 Lauren Smalley, Eron Bethard and Haley Holley 13 Temika Cooks, Juanita Woods and Bedie Lewis 3

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

1 Charles and Brenda Marsala 2 Whitney Jackson and Asja Jordan 3 Miss Rodeo Louisiana, Sydney Albritton and

Lacen Belle Caskey 4 Irelan Creech, Keely Crew and Julie Yee 5 Cindy Stone and Debbie Herrington 6 Malerie and Joe Pike 7 Cooper Thornton, Landon Graff, Clay Norris and

Garrett Plant 8 Katelyn McAllister and Jessica Pollard 9 Allison Cattar, Terri Arthur and Nelly Elkins 10 Mike Teer and Dusty Teer 11 Hayven Ellis, Ryleigh Logue and Sara Heusel 12 Kim Shows-Porter and Ryan Kepper 13 Seaira Searcy and Darbi Billings 14 Donna Davidson and Debbie McNew 15 Barry and Maranda Hill, Camden Shivers and

Georgia Faith Hill 16 Avie Hendrix, Brooklyn Friersom, Maria Rodriguez and Landry Smith 17 Kim Sherrill, Delora Walker, Jennifer Andrews, Jan

Nelson, Laura Hassell, Angie O’Pry, Onna Gallagher and

Kathleen Johnson 18 Tiffany Morrow, Bonnie Hay, Dusty Teer, Stacy Gibson 4

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AS WE EMERGE FROM INDOORS with the weather warming, flowers beginning to bloom, and birds and bees pollinating, feel assured with a vasectomy you will spring into action this season. Don’t hesitate, now is the perfect time to schedule that procedure you have been putting off through the dreary winter months.

A vasectomy is a medical procedure in which two tubes (the vas deferens) that carry sperm from the testicles to the urinary tract are tied and sealed. This prevents sperm from passing into the seminal stream and fertilizing a woman’s egg. Although it is permanent, it is surgically reversible in most cases. Reversibility is dependent upon time elapsed since the vasectomy. When it comes to forms of permanent male birth control, a vasectomy is the ideal permanent surgical procedure available to men. The procedure carries a very low risk of complications and is available to be performed as an outpatient procedure with localized anesthesia. Dr. Marx performs a nocut technique, which is the least invasive. The patient is sedated and local anesthesia is used in order to achieve a painless procedure.

Prior to a vasectomy, patients may be asked to prepare by: • Washing the scrotum to prevent infection • Not shaving the area • Bringing a pair of tight-fitting underwear or athletic support to the surgery to support the scrotum and minimize swelling • Arranging for transportation home to prevent extraneous movement • Avoiding anti-inflammatory drugs prior to and following the procedure, which thins the blood and can cause excessive bleeding

After the vasectomy is completed, patients are advised to rest for two days in order to reduce swelling and allow the vas deferens to heal. Discomfort may last for up to a week after the procedure, with patients often being prescribed anti-inflammatory or painkillers for pain. Patients are encouraged to avoid heavy lifting, straining or squatting for 1 week. If you do any of these activities for work, you may need to take off work or arrange for light duty. Dr. Marx can give you an excuse. Also, keep the area dry for a week as well.

If you are considering a vasectomy, call today to discuss your options with Dr. Marx.

Robert D. Marx, M.D. is this community’s hometown urologist. He was born and raised right here in Monroe, Louisiana. He graduated from NLU, now ULM, and graduated from medical school and completed his residency at LSU Shreveport. Dr. Marx has traveled extensively working with the leaders of the field in order to keep up with the latest and most successful techniques in incontinence. He has been in practice for over thirty years and conveniently operates at Glenwood, Monroe Surgical and P&S.

BY EMILY ROBERSON, RN, BSN

MICKEL PLASTIC SURGERY OFFERS NOT ONLY COSMETIC surgical procedures but also medical grade skincare services that are simple and cost-effective methods of providing a more youthful appearance. Natalie Todd, a licensed Medical Aesthetician, has been working with Dr. Mickel for over 25 years, and her experience shows. During the winter season, Natalie’s services are often focused on improving hyperpigmentation, sunspots, and melasma. Hyperpigmented skin can be an effect of sun exposure or hormonal changes, and Natalie has helped many clients improve their skin, resulting in a more youthful appearance. Her treatment of choice for women or men with hyperpigmentation is Lumecca intense pulsed light (IPL) treatments.

Lumecca (IPL) is a powerful light treatment which targets skin imperfections such as age spots and visible veins, to help create a more even, clear skin surface - whether it’s on the face or elsewhere on the body. Unlike other IPL treatments, Lumecca boasts higher efficiency treatments and optimized light output, meaning Lumecca provides better results in fewer treatment sessions compared to other competing IPL machines. And, Lumecca’s “sapphire cooling tip” provides a higher standard of comfort for patients during their treatment sessions.

Lumecca IPL treatments improve the appearance of your skin in 1-3 treatments, with 4 to 6 weeks between sessions. Natalie recommends pretreating the skin with ZO Skin Health Hydroquinone – from our medical grade skin care line - for 6 to 12 weeks prior to IPL treatments to optimize results. Lumecca is safe for all skin types, but a consultation visit with Natalie is required prior to scheduling IPL treatments.

You will want to be sure to avoid unprotected sun exposure or tanning one month prior to treatment. During your treatment at Mickel Plastic Surgery, there will be a bright flash of light from the Lumecca device that feels like a light rubber band snap. Redness and a slight warming of the skin are normal after treatment and usually subside within an hour. Over the next 24-48 hours you may see a darkening of pigmented areas of the skin; in the week afterwards, the pigmentation will crust and flake off, leading to a more beautiful, clear, even skin tone. As early as the first session you will notice a significant change in the appearance and clarity of your skin. Multiple sessions provide even better results. Improvement in sun damage and complexion can be seen a few days after the first session and the treated area will continue to look younger and more brilliant over time with the most visible results after 1-2 weeks.

Schedule a consultation with our experienced licensed medical aesthetician, Natalie Todd.

TODAY’S SLEEK REMOTEcontrolled adjustable bases are more stylish than the ones you may remember from late-night infomercials. Waking up in the middle of the night with pins and needles in your arms and legs is a common complaint. If you’re searching for that elusive comfort that allows you to fall asleep easier and stay asleep, an adjustable bed might be the perfect solution. At American Mattress Outlet we have a wide variety of options available on our showroom floor including adjustable beds by Structures and BedTech.

For many sleepers, an adjustable bed could be the missing component that leads to getting a great night’s sleep. Those who suffer from back pain or sleep apnea, or who wake up feeling sore from sleeping in the wrong position are likely to benefit from an adjustable bed. The beds are simple: It’s a motorized base that changes the position of the head and/or foot area to customize your sleeping position for ergonomic support. Most are operated with a remote control, however some companies make bases that can be adjusted via a mobile app.

An adjustable bed is also great for pregnancy. Finding a comfortable position to sleep in while pregnant can be very difficult. Elevating the foot area assists in resting swollen legs and feet and promotes restorative circulation. The zero-gravity position also lessens pressure on the spine, which can be a welcomed relief during pregnancy.

For couples who don’t agree on which sleeping position is the most comfortable, some adjustable bases come in a split version. This allows each person to customize a position separately from the other side. A split adjustable bed is excellent for nights when one partner is awake reading, while the other is fast asleep. There are numerous benefits of sleeping in an adjustable bed.

For individuals who snore or who have sleep apnea, a more inclined position can be beneficial and in some cases curative.

A reclined posture can be orthopedically more favorable to people with a variety of conditions. Shoulder injuries (e.g. rotator cuff, frozen shoulder, etc.) and those recovering from related surgeries tend to be much more comfortable in a reclined position.

The team at American Mattress Outlet is prepared to help you take your sleep to the next level. Visit Robby and his team at 2200 North 7th Street, Suite A in West Monroe or by phone at 318.366.5565. Visit them online at www.americanmattressoutletwm.com or follow social media.

BY DR. LESLIE COFFMAN

WHEN YOU DON’T LOOK YOUR best, you’re not going to feel your best. Over a period of decades, our clinic has acquired the equipment and expertise to offer a palette of state-of-the-art procedures to maximize your appearance. We strive to offer our cosmetic services and procedures at affordable prices, which represent real value in today’s world. These various high-tech services can be obtained at our private clinic here in the Monroe area for a fraction of the charge for the same procedure in other cities. We are aware that our patients are interested in getting the best value, and we are structured to deliver this.

Everyone can benefit from the Hydrafacial procedure. It is inexpensive, gives immediately noticeable results, only takes about 30 minutes, and has no social downtime. The procedure is extremely pleasant and relaxing. We have the latest Hydrafacial equipment and a dedicated technician to perform it in a private setting. The procedure minimizes skin discoloration and brightens skin tone, instantly minimizing fine lines and wrinkles. Your skin is saturated with antioxidants and peptides to maximize skin glow. Uncover a new layer of skin with exfoliation and resurfacing.

We are among the earliest adopters of Vaser Liposuction in the world. In fact, we have taught and demonstrated this unique procedure for doctors from as far away as Seoul, Korea.

Vaser liposuction uses a very small incision of less than 1/4 inch to emulsify and remove fat. The procedure is performed in the office under local anesthesia, saving the expense of a hospital or surgery center. The results are immediate, unlike various noninvasive treatments which may or may not work.

Hormone pellets have helped thousands of men and women achieve hormonal balance for restoration of their health. We offer hormone pellets and hormone testing in our clinic. The pellets look much like a grain of rice and are placed under the skin where hormones are released as they dissolve over a period of months. For most people, this is the easiest way to replace missing hormones. If you have fatigue, depression, anxiety, decreased sexual performance, muscle wasting, insomnia, or weight gain, it might be appropriate to have your hormones checked.

Our clinic has state-of-the-art lasers for the treatment of numerous medical and cosmetic problems. Unfortunately, this involves too much information to include in this space but will be detailed in future articles.

We also offer Botox, Juvederm fillers, and various cosmeceutical beauty correcting formulas, all priced competitively.

Please call if we can provide you with additional information.