BayouLife Magazine February 26

BLcontents

14 / LOVE ON THE HALF SHELL

Indulge in the romance of Valentine’s Day with smoky, buttery oven-grilled oysters kissed with garlic, herbs, and a hint of lemon for a perfectly decadent bite.

30 / A TISKET...A TASKET...

Look local for all things to warm your lover’s heart. A round, woven wood basket provides the base for all these goodies:

34 / DINNER KREWE

Celebrate the season of Epiphany with a Mardi Gras tablescape that subtly evokes the pageantry of the season.

40 / PASSIONATE ROSÉ SPRITZER

A little bit pink, a little bit bubbly –This refreshing rosé wine spritzer is the perfect light drink for a Valentine’s brunch or Galentine’s get-together.

49 / LET’S MAHJONG, MONROE

Inspired by pop culture and driven by passionate local teachers, Mahjong has surged in popularity.

70 / BAYOU EATS

Dorethea Mcneal keeps the tradition of soul food alive, serving family recipes and heartfelt hospitality at Nana’s Soulfood in Ruston.

106 / LOW IMPACT LIVING

APRIL 2018

77 / ATTORNEY DIRECTORY

The BayouLife Attorney Directory is your source for obtaining current information for attorneys licensed to practice in Louisiana.

129 / BISHOP DELORES J WILLIAMSTON

Bishop Williamston is the first AfricanAmerican bishop to serve the Louisiana Conference of the United Methodist Church as well as the first AfricanAmerican female bishop in the SouthCentral Jurisdiction of the United Methodist Church.

Yoga asanas offer wide-ranging physical and mental benefits, and by approaching even simple, beginner poses with a “beginner’s mind,” practitioners of all levels can cultivate strength, awareness, and calm through mindful, slow movement.

112 / MARDI GRAS IN THE TWIN CITIES

This magnificent, costumed, beaded, and feathered carnival is rich with tradition and is all about having a good time. These fun events can be found right here in the Twin Cities.

116 / TAKE OFF WITH US

Fashion Fusion 2026 will mark 15 years of celebrating a community coming together for cancer patients right here in our area. All proceeds benefit the Cancer Foundation League of Northeast Louisiana

February has always been one of my favorite months, and this year it feels especially exciting.

In the Livingston household it’s a time for celebration – both of my daughters’ birthdays, my mom’s birthday, Valentine’s Day, Mardi Gras, and the important observance of Black History Month. This February brings an extra dose of excitement as our Twin Cities parades roll on the very same day, make sure to mark your calendar for February 7th to watch the Krewe de Riviere and the Krewe of Janus (page 112). Then, the fun continues the following weekend as the Krewe of Iris rolls through New Orleans on Valentine’s Day. It’s a month that truly captures the spirit and culture of our community.

There are so many great articles in this month’s magazine. I’ve been really interested in learning Mahjong –especially after my Aunt Carol told me that she’s been playing. I sent Vanelis Rivera to meet up with Amy Taylor at Material Things to learn a little more about this popular game. Read her article on page 50.

Nana’s Soulfood, located at 301 Minden Street in Ruston, is consistently busy. All kinds of people flock to the cozy, homey restaurant to break bread — hot water cornbread, specifically — made by Dorethea Mcneal. Read this month’s BayouEats on page 70.

When Bishop Delores J. Williamston was a little girl growing up in Topeka, Kansas, she had no idea what God had planned for her. Even so, she believed with all of her heart that He had a plan, and she waited and trusted. After a successful military career spanning 22 years, Bishop Williamston realized that the next chapter in God’s plan for her was pastoral ministry. In a leap of faith, she quit her job and enrolled in seminary. Today she is known as Bishop Williamston, one of approximately 52 active bishops in the United Methodist Church. She is the first African-American bishop to serve the Louisiana Conference of the United Methodist Church as well as the first African-American female bishop in the South-Central Jurisdiction of the United Methodist Church. Read Georgiann’s article on page 90.

Yoga asanas offer wide-ranging physical and mental benefits, and by approaching even simple, beginner poses with a “beginner’s mind,” practitioners of all levels can cultivate strength, awareness, and calm through mindful, slow movement. Read Vanelis

Rivera’s instructional article on page 106 and get in the flow.

Fashion Fusion 2026 will mark 15 years of celebrating a community coming together for cancer patients right here in our area. All proceeds benefit the Cancer Foundation League of Northeast Louisiana which provides medical assistance and supplies to local patients and families affected by cancer. Join us on March 7, 2026 at the Monroe Civic Center for this fashionable event. On pages 116-123 find this beautiful fashion spread shot at the Monroe Regional Airport. Special thanks to our models, hair and makeup artist, Kelly Moore Clark and all the hands on deck who helped get the shoot off the ground.

We hope you enjoy reading this month’s issue of BayouLife Magazine.

Cassie

BayouLife

PUBLISHER & OWNER Cassie Livingston cassie@bayoulifemag.com

COPY EDITOR Maré Brennan

GENERAL MANAGER Toni Navarro toni@bayoulifemag.com

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Bailey Lodrige bailey@bayoulifemag.com

ADVERTISING SALES EXECUTIVES

Lindsay Adams lindsay@bayoulifemag.com

Breanne Pittman breanne@bayoulifemag.com

ART DIRECTOR Maré Brennan

LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER Kelly Moore Clark

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Dominique Beaudry, MD

Maré Brennan

Kenny Covington

Starla Gatson

Meredith McKinnie Marci Parker

Georgiann Potts

Delia Simpson

Vanelis Rivera

Kerry Heafner

Erin Sharplin Love

Paul Lipe

Nathan Morris, MD Rev. Roy Bryan Moore

Joyce Sims

Beatrice A. Tatem, Ph.D.

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Kelly Moore Clark

Unveiled Radiance Photography

Kevin Beasley Photography

ON THE COVER

Fashion Fusion 2026

Outfit from Lola Jane Boutique photography by Kelly Moore Clark

BayouLife Magazine is published and distributed by Redbird Publishing, LLC. Postal subscriptions ($30) can be ordered online at www.bayoulifemag.com. BayouLife Magazine is not responsible for unsolicited photographs, manuscripts, or other materials. Opinion columns do not represent the views of the publisher. Reproduction of contents without express written permission is prohibited.

Baylee Norsworthy

An LDCC Alumni Reaching New Heights

BAYLEE NORSWORTHY’S CAREER IN NURSING

has been shaped by persistence, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous learning. Now a flight nurse with Acadian Air Med, Baylee works in one of the most demanding clinical environments in healthcare. Her path to that role began in Pioneer, Louisiana, and was built step-by-step through her education at Louisiana Delta Community College (LDCC).

After graduating high school, Baylee completed her nursing prerequisites at the University of Louisiana at Monroe in 2016 with plans to enter its Registered Nurse (RN) program. When she was not accepted, she made a pragmatic decision to enter the workforce sooner rather than pause her progress. That decision led her to the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) program at LDCC’s Lake Providence campus.

“I was ready to work,” Baylee said. “And I knew I didn’t want to stop moving forward.” Baylee graduated from the LPN program in 2019 and immediately began gaining hands-on clinical experience. While many professionals might have stopped there, Baylee viewed the LPN role as part of a longer educational trajectory. “Nobody can take knowledge away from you,” she said, a mindset that would continue to guide her career decisions.

In 2021, she returned to LDCC to complete the LPN-to-RN Bridge Program at the Tallulah campus, becoming part of the first-ever RN cohort at that location. The milestone carried personal significance, particularly when she completed her final exam.

Upon earning her RN credential, Baylee entered the emergency room, a setting she describes as intense but formative. The fast pace and high-acuity cases required rapid decision-making and reinforced her clinical confidence. When asked what being a nurse meant to her, Baylee explained, “It has been the biggest blessing to be people’s calm on their worst days. That’s something you can’t fully learn from a textbook.”

While working in the emergency room, Baylee frequently coordinated patient transfers with air medical services. Over time, those interactions evolved into professional relationships that introduced her to the flight nursing field. She learned that becoming a flight nurse requires a minimum of three years of RN experience, along with advanced clinical competencies.

Rather than viewing those requirements as barriers, Baylee used the time intentionally. She pursued additional certifications,

focused on hands-on training, and ultimately earned her paramedic certification.

Today, Baylee’s role as a flight nurse involves a level of responsibility and autonomy that differs significantly from hospitalbased care. Her workdays begin at 6:00 a.m., starting with a review of prior flights, followed by thorough equipment and supply checks on the aircraft—most often a helicopter. The team ensures all medical equipment is functioning properly, conducts pilot briefings, and completes routine operational tasks, including aircraft cleaning.

Flight nurses operate under established protocols, but the role requires independent judgment in unpredictable environments. “You’re a trusted provider,” Baylee explained. “There’s more autonomy in decision-making than in many traditional clinical settings.”

In Fall 2025, Baylee returned to LDCC once again—this time as an instructor. Teaching nursing students during their clinical rotations became an unexpected but meaningful extension of her career. “As someone who learns differently, I enjoy helping students who may not learn best from reading or lectures alone,” she said. “Not everyone processes information the same way, and I like being able to demonstrate skills and adapt to different learning styles.”

Through teaching, Baylee discovered a new professional interest and a deeper appreciation for the mentors who influenced her own development, particularly Janet Putman, her LPN instructor at LDCC, whose advice still resonates. “Never stop learning,” Baylee said. “That mindset has stayed with me throughout my career.”

Baylee’s story reflects the flexibility and opportunity available through LDCC’s nursing pathways. Beginning as an LPN did not limit her options; it provided a foundation for continued growth. Her progression from student to emergency room nurse, flight nurse, and clinical instructor demonstrates how intentional learning and perseverance can expand professional possibilities.

For students considering a career in nursing, Baylee’s experience underscores a clear message: education is not a single destination, but a process—and with the right foundation, it can lead anywhere. LDCC is proud to call her an alumni and faculty member.

For those interested in the LPN program, two cohorts are starting in 2026. LDCC Lake Providence will be starting a cohort in the summer semester, and LDCC West Monroe will begin in the fall. For more information on how to start, please visit LaDelta.edu.

St. Francis Medical Center

Inside the Structural Heart Program at St. Francis

AFEW YEARS AGO, MANY PATIENTS WITH SERIOUS HEART valve conditions had only one option: open-heart surgery — or no surgery at all. Today, those same patients are often home the next day, breathing easier, with their hearts repaired through procedures measured in millimeters instead of inches.

That shift is at the heart of the Structural Heart Program at FMOL Health | St. Francis, and Jaclyn Green, NP, helps guide patients through some of the most advanced heart procedures available in Northeast Louisiana.

“Structural heart surgery is manipulation of the heart in a minimally invasive way,” Green explains. “The procedures we’re performing today, a few years ago, were only capable of being done with open-heart surgery.”

One of the most common procedures performed through the Structural Heart Program is transcatheter aortic valve replacement, or TAVR. Instead of opening the chest, physicians guide a new valve to the heart through a blood vessel, most often through the groin, and replace the damaged aortic valve from the inside.

“The development of transcatheter valve delivery has changed everything,” Green says. “We’re seeing the same outcomes as open aortic valve replacement without the stress of the surgery, the bypass machine, and the other risks.”

In addition to TAVR, the program offers minimally invasive procedures to repair the mitral valve, reduce stroke risk, close holes in the heart and left atrial appendage occulsion, often through the same transcatheter approach.

The Structural Heart Program at St. Francis officially began in late 2019 and Green serves as the program’s structural heart nurse practitioner. “I’m pretty much the liaison between the patient and the physicians,” she says. “I’m responsible for making sure the guidelines are followed, criteria are met before the procedure takes place, and everything is documented and reported to national registries.” She’s often the first person patients call with questions, helping translate complex information into something manageable. “If the referral happens while they’re in the hospital, I’ll go to their room and talk about the procedure, expectations and answer immediate questions,” Green says. “After that, I stay available. If something needs to be escalated, I can do that.”

Every year, the Structural Heart Program touches the lives of more than 350 patients and their families across Northeast Louisiana. That

volume isn’t accidental. It reflects a level of trust built one patient, one family, and one outcome at a time. And, because this level of care is available at St. Francis, patients don’t have to leave the region for advanced structural heart treatment.

“This is the only hospital in Northeast Louisiana that has a true structural heart program,” Green says. “That means patients can stay close to home, near their support systems, and still receive the care they need.”

Recovery is measured in days, with many patients heading home the very next day. “With open-heart surgery, you’re looking at four to five days or more in the hospital,” Green says. “The outcomes of the patients, being that much improved with just one procedure, is what really keeps me going.”

The future of structural heart care is already taking shape. New valves and repairs are in development, including treatments for the tricuspid valve. “We’re already talking about what’s next and getting trained,” Green says. “It’s amazing how technology has come so far.”

For Green, who started her career as an EKG tech and worked her way through the cath lab to nurse practitioner, cardiology has always been home. And while the technology is remarkable, it’s the change she sees in her patients that matters most.

“I love what I do,” she says. ““The coolest part is hearing patients say, ‘I can breathe better,’” Green says. “Their heart was working so much harder, and once that valve is fixed, there’s immediate gratification. Successful patient outcomes is what brings joy to my career.”

And for patients wondering if they should ask about structural heart care, her advice is simple. “See your cardiologist and be honest about your symptoms,” Green says. “Don’t write them off as just getting older. Some of the things you put off could be something we can fix, and your quality of life could improve.”

The structural heart physician team includes: Sarah Ahmad, MD –Cardiothoracic Surgery; Mazen J. Iqbal, MD – Electrophysiology; Nauman Khalid, MD – Interventional Cardiology; Thomas Ross Smith, MD –Interventional Cardiology; Gregory Sampognaro, MD – Interventional Cardiology.

Learn more about heart services at St. Francis, including the Structural Heart Program, at stfran.com/heart.

Love On The Half Shell

Styled by MARÉ BRENNAN

by KELLY MOORE CLARK

Indulge in the romance of Valentine’s Day with smoky, buttery ovengrilled oysters kissed with garlic, herbs, and a hint of lemon for a perfectly decadent bite.

WHAT YOU NEED:

1 dozen oysters on the half shell

1 stick of unsalted butter

1/2 TBSP Parsley, chopped finely 4-6 cloves of garlic, minced 1/2 tsp Cajun seasoning

1/2 tsp Hot sauce

Black pepper to taste

Topping:

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted 1/2 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, grated 1/4 cup Bread crumbs, optional

Lemon

Rock salt

Preheat a gas broiler. The internal temperature should be 450ºF or higher.

Fill an oven safe pan with rock salt (keeps the oysters from sliding around) and place oysters on half shell around the pan.

In a medium-size sauce pan over medium low heat, add butter, parsley, garlic, Cajun seasoning, hot sauce and pepper and stir together until thoroughly combined.

Once oven broiler is hot, add the oysters in their half-shells to the top rack. Broil oysters just slightly about 3 minutes. Spoon butter mixture over top of oysters and return to broiler until edges of oysters begin to curl and oysters puff up - about 4 minutes.

Top each oyster with the topping mixture made with melted butter, ParmigianoReggiano cheese, and optional bread crumbs. Open and check to see that the edges of the oysters are curling and the topping is bubbling and turning a golden brown.

Remove from oven and serve the oysters with fresh lemon slices and crusty French bread for sopping up the sauce.

Ochsner LSU Health

Walking: The Best Prescription for a Healthy Heart

By Dominique Beaudry, MD

FEBRUARY IS AMERICAN HEART MONTH, A TIME WHEN health experts focus on heart disease, the leading cause of death in the United States. While many people start the year with intense gym resolutions, the pressure to “optimize” every workout can feel like an impossible standard. However, one of the most effective ways to protect the heart does not require a gym membership or expensive equipment. It is free, simple, and accessible: walking.

In the medical field, doctors often seek new medications to treat heart conditions. Yet walking is a natural remedy with effects similar to cardiac medicine. It is not just a way to get around; it is a powerful tool for long-term health.

How walking helps the body

To understand why walking is so helpful, it is important to look at how it affects the body. When someone takes a brisk walk, their heart rate increases. This forces the heart to pump more blood to the muscles. Over time, this strengthens and makes the heart muscle more efficient.

Walking also helps the vascular system, which includes all the blood vessels in the body. It can lower blood pressure by making blood vessels more flexible. Regular walking helps the body manage blood sugar levels and increases insulin sensitivity, both of which are important given the strong link between diabetes and heart disease. Additionally, walking helps balance cholesterol by raising the “good” kind and lowering the “bad” kind, helping prevent plaque buildup in the arteries.

Benefits for the mind

The rewards of walking go beyond physical health. Chronic stress and anxiety are major factors in heart problems, because they keep the body in a constant state of “fight or flight.”

Walking acts as a natural way to de-stress. The steady rhythm of a walk, especially outdoors, can lower stress hormones like cortisol. It also causes the body to release endorphins, which are chemicals that improve mood. Mental clarity and lower stress levels are just as vital for the heart as physical exercise. When a person is less stressed, their heart rate remains more stable, and their blood pressure stays at a healthy level.

Making movement a habit

A common mistake is thinking only high-intensity exercise counts. Many feel like they are failing if they cannot run for an hour. However, the goal for heart health should be consistency over intensity. Health is a marathon, not a sprint.

To make walking a daily habit, consider these simple steps:

• Start small. If someone is not currently active, they do not need to walk 10,000 steps immediately. A 10-minute walk around the block is a great start.

• Walk after meals. A short walk after eating is very effective at stopping blood sugar spikes.

• Make it social. Instead of meeting a friend for a meal, try a “walk and talk.” Time passes faster when sharing an experience with someone else.

• Listen to the body. Some days will feel easier than others. It is okay to take a slow, mindful stroll when energy is low.

A long-term journey

Remember, one missed day or a rainy afternoon does not mean failure. Heart health is built through supportive habits practiced consistently. This phase of life is an opportunity to focus on longevity and energy.

Walking is an invitation to be more intentional with time and movement. It is a chance to reclaim health one step at a time. This February, ignore the pressure of “perfect” fitness, and embrace the simplicity of a daily walk. The heart will be better for it.

Dr. Dominique Beaudry practices cardiology at Ochsner LSU Health–Monroe Medical Center. To make an appointment, call 318330-7300 or visit ochsnerlsuhs.org/doctors/dominique-josee-beaudry.

Your Valentine’s Pantry

Indulgent Pairings, Sweet Gestures, and Shared Moments

VALENTINE’S DAY INVITES US TO SLOW DOWN AND savor–to linger over flavors, pour one more glass, and turn simple moments into something memorable. Whether you’re planning an intimate dinner, a cozy night in, or a playful tasting spread, the right combination of sweets and spirits sourced from Beef & Barrel can set the tone. Thoughtful pairings encourage connection, spark conversation, and transform an ordinary evening into a celebration of closeness and shared discovery. This curated collection brings together decadence, charm, and versatility, offering delicious ways to celebrate love in all its forms.

Start the evening with Base Camp Treats Freeze-Dried Raspberry Cream Puffs, a playful, modern take on Valentine’s indulgence. Light, crisp, and intensely flavored, these airy bites deliver bright raspberry cream and delicate pastry notes in a satisfyingly crunchy form that melts on the tongue. Their freeze-dried texture makes them perfect for effortless grazing—no fork required. Scatter them across a dessert board with dark chocolate squares, sugared almonds, and fresh berries for contrast, or use them as a whimsical garnish atop chocolate mousse or vanilla panna cotta, where they add texture and concentrated sweetness. They also shine alongside cocktails or dessert wines, offering indulgence without heaviness and encouraging lingering conversation.

Chocolate lovers will find instant romance in Mozart Chocolate Liqueur. Rich, silky, and layered with cocoa and vanilla notes, it’s ideal for after-dinner sipping or creative cocktails. Try it in a Valentine’s espresso martini, blended with vodka and fresh espresso, or simply pour it over vanilla ice cream for an elevated affogato moment. It also transforms classic hot chocolate into a luxurious nightcap, perfect for winding down together.

For wine-forward evenings, Belle Glos Dairyman Pinot Noir delivers drama and depth. With lush dark fruit, hints of baking spice, and a velvety texture, it’s a natural pairing for candlelit dinners. Serve it alongside herb-roasted chicken, mushroom risotto, or creamy pasta dishes. If you’re planning a cheese course, this Pinot pairs beautifully with brie or triple-cream cheeses, enhancing both the wine’s richness and the indulgent character of the moment.

Sweet-and-savory cravings are answered by Bourbon Barrel Foods Bourbon Balls and Salt & Pepper Peanut Clusters. The bourbon balls offer deep cocoa flavor with gentle whiskey warmth, making them ideal for nibbling alongside a neat pour of bourbon. The peanut clusters strike an addictive balance of sweetness and spice, perfect for casual snacking

during a tasting or movie night. Arrange both on a shared platter and let guests discover their favorite bites between sips.

Agave spirits bring their own kind of allure. El Mágico Reposado Tequila is smooth, softly oaked, and endlessly versatile. Craft a refined margarita with fresh lime and agave nectar, or sip it neat as the evening unfolds. Its vanilla and caramel undertones pair surprisingly well with dark chocolate desserts, offering a bold yet harmonious contrast.

For a truly celebratory pour, Don Julio 1942 Rosado elevates Valentine’s Day to milestone status. Finished in port wine barrels, it offers delicate blush hues, floral aromatics, and layered notes of red fruit, oak, and spice. Serve it in elegant stemware to highlight its complexity, or feature it in a rosé-inspired cocktail with a splash of grapefruit. This is a bottle meant to be savored slowly and remembered.

Whiskey lovers will appreciate the classic sophistication of Four Roses Single Barrel. With notes of ripe stone fruit, spice, and honeyed oak, it pairs beautifully with chocolate desserts or bourbon balls. Consider a simple Old Fashioned with a heart-shaped orange peel, or enjoy it neat by the fire as the evening quiets and conversation turns reflective.

Not every Valentine’s moment needs to be serious. Slo Down Wines Send Nudes Rosé brings playful energy with juicy fruit, refreshing acidity, and a cheeky label that sets a lighthearted tone. It’s perfect for relaxed plans—think takeout, candles, and laughter. Pair it with charcuterie, strawberries, or even popcorn tossed with a hint of truffle salt for an unexpected but delightful match.

Rounding out the collection is Mouton Cadet Les Terroirs Bordeaux, a wine that speaks to tradition and balance. With structured tannins and notes of dark berries, cedar, and earth, it pairs beautifully with steak, lamb, or hearty vegetarian dishes like lentil stew. Open it early and let it evolve through dinner, mirroring the slow burn of a meaningful connection and the quiet joy of time well spent.

Together, these bottles and treats create a Valentine’s experience that’s indulgent, flexible, and deeply personal. Whether shared extravagantly or savored quietly side by side, the true romance lies in taking the time to enjoy it all—one sip, one bite, one moment at a time, and the memories created long after the last glass is poured. As always, thank you for letting us be Your Spirits Guides here at Beef & Barrel.

Material Things & Haberdashery

So Many Exclusive Reasons to Shop Local

TRUDON - CLAUDE TRUDON becomes the owner of a store on rue Saint Honore in Paris in 1643 where he sells candles and spices. Thus begins the history of the oldest candle company still in operation. Not only are their home fragrances exclusive to Material Things, but we also recently acquired their brand new luxurious hand soaps and Eau de Parfums. Their home scents and perfumes contain an olfactory complexity that hints at a character rather than a genre. They cast light on Trudon’s ethos: to promote creative freedom and invoke unique horizons. We carry six of the top scents of the Trudon home fragrance line and five of the personal fragrances, as well as their entrancing wax busts…so, I know we have the perfect one just for your style.

Liberty of London- Since the late 1890s Liberty has been experimenting with cotton lawn, a smooth plain weave prized for its ultra-soft and durable qualities. In the early 1930s, Liberty’s then cotton buyer William Hayes Dorell helped to establish a new Liberty signature, Tana Lawn Cotton and a brand legend was born. The ground breaking product was named after Lake Tana in Ethiopia, where its unique long staple cotton fibers originated. Back in the UK, the silk like threads were spun into lustrous form, printed with colorful ink and turned into a material that would change the textile industry forever. In more modern times, these bespoke fabrics are now designed and printed in Liberty’s own Italian mill near Lake Como. The cotton fibers are now sourced from the US, India, and Egypt. These beautiful fabrics are exclusive to us in The Haberdashery inside Material Things.

Mahjong Mania- As you are fully aware of, there is a craze going on right now and it has hit Monroe! We are now stocking all the things

that are required to fulfill your needs for this timeless, ages-old game. We have tiles, mats and accessories from Miss Mahjong, Oh My Mahjong, and coming soon from Mac + Miller Mahjong. And, not only do we stock products, but we are also the spot for open play every Friday afternoon as well as where Amy Taylor with Monroe Mahjong teaches lessons. So, give your brain a challenge by learning a new game; you won’t regret it!

Museum Bees- This fabulous company owned by Trace Meyer in Louisville, KY has the motto that luxury can be accessible. Each OOAK piece is carefully created from antique frames and bridges the beauty of 19th century American craftsmanship into the modern. More recently, he has been using some acrylic and marbled papers in place of frames. In each framed creation, you will find a variety of ornaments and antique objects that adorn the centers. The choices are endless, so I’m sure that you will find that special piece that can stand alone or do as so many others have-start a fabulous collections of these little gems.

Husqvarna Viking- Keeping the world sewing for over 150 years, this company began in 1872 in a small town in Sweden, “Huskvarna,” which means “house mill” in Swedish, represents the mill that still stands in the town where the first iteration of the Husqvarna Viking brand got its start. This exceptional machine is offered in a vast array of models in The Haberdashery area of our shop. Not only do we have machines for you to create something beautiful on but also all of the premier fabrics, notions, patterns, and inspiration that you could possibly need to fulfill this! If you or anyone in your life has been wanting to continue their passion for sewing or are just getting started, then we

have what you need! Another special aspect of The Haberdashery is that we not only sell the machine, we also have in-house servicing by our own trained technician, my wonderful husband Robert.

Maileg- This precious Danish designed children’s toy company was established in Denmark in 1999. We have been carrying these charming toys for several years now. Their philosophy is a well made, adorable toy that will last for generations. Their toys are always limited release and become collectibles. Maileg’s story-making collections have a unique, authentic look and touch. They have so many new things coming out this year that we just cant wait to share with you!

Hand Painted Needlepoint CanvasesShortly after we opened The Haberdashery, I decided that it was time to start carrying needlepoint canvases. Several years ago, my friend and former partner Peggy introduced me to the art of needlepoint and as they say, the rest is history. While, my first love truthfully is fabrics and textiles, there is definitely something to be said about the satisfaction of making a hand painted canvas come to life with threads, fibers, and stitches. I stock many hand painted canvases from a wide array of artists as well as threads from Silk and Ivory, Vineyard Silk, and Radiance. If you are in the market for a portable project, you should give needlepoint a try.

So, as you can see we are your local shop for many “exclusive to the area” options! We can help you with any of these fabulous products and so much more, please consider us for all of your gifting, sewing, needlework, and home decor needs, whether they be big or small.

XOXO - Joyce

Loving Ourselves More

A Personal Journey for Peace, Joy, and Love

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

IT IS NOW FEBRUARY, THE MONTH OUR NATION HAS SET aside to formally acknowledge love. I am eager to write about love. After all, love feels good and discussing it brings me joy. I began writing this article in January, which is National Self-Love month. Although it’s the shortest month of the calendar year, February is filled with a lot of goodness. It recognizes Black History, celebrates the religious Mardi Gras holiday, houses the Super Bowl and National Self Love Day a special day (February 13) to practice self-care. Love creatively shapes our lives, radiates through our senses, affects our mood, impacts our attitude, influences our actions, permeates our souls, and enhances our spirit. It is empowering; it gives us energy, inspires, and uplifts. Love, along with peace and kindness, impacts the mind and body, guides our hearts, our hands and our footsteps, allowing us to promote, enact, and react to change. Love has the capacity to heal old wounds and cleanse us of any negativity that does not serve us well. I was reminded of the power of love while on a recent journey. Towards the end of the year on the cusp of the holiday season, I along with 43 other women, men and children embarked on a journey to Selma and Montgomery Alabama to cross the Edmond Pettus Bridge, to tour the Legacy Museum, The National Memorial for Peace and Justice, and the Freedom Monument Sculpture Park (an American historical must see). I must admit as it got closer to the day of departure (Dec 20) I began to feel like why now, this is too close to the holiday, after a year of ups and downs, I am ready to engage in the feelings and thoughts that come with the holiday…rest, peace, joy, and love. Completing the trip was a serendipitous interaction with the venerable Monks of the Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center in Fort Worth, Texas. The Monks briefly spoke to us of peace and universal love. Their national Walk for Peace modeling mindfulness, non-violence, creating unity, demonstrating kindness, exhibiting discipline and expressing honest love is a reminder that expressions of love extend beyond material gifts exchanged within a single day. While departing the Monks quietly invited us to join their walk by humbly stating “you can walk with us in spirit.”

In last month’s article, I suggested with the dropping of the ball signifying midnight and a new year that problems do not change overnight. life at the new year is not always out with the old and in with the new. Sometimes we don’t start anew; instead, we continue in hopes of transforming past circumstances. This was clear when visiting the museum as many of the atrocities of the past occur today, just differently. The social justice issues depicted evoked a need for greater human understanding. As a nation, we still have a lot of wrongs to correct. When entering the second month of the new year, I encourage each of us to reflect on the

lessons we each learned amidst the challenges of 2025. Just think, the uncertainties many feared this time last year became realities that are now being actualized. We are surviving in a world that some have described as nasty, evil, unkind, chaotic, apathetic, unhealthily full of negativity, unsurmountable stress and anxiety, shaped by the dysfunction of deceptive thinking, betrayal, and divisive action. The expression of genuine love is needed now more than ever.

Psychology acknowledges the meaning and power of love, our need to be loved and the power of loving someone else. Love is so powerful; it transcends differences, connects us, and builds relationships. Love is about connections starting with the connection to self, to others, and to life itself. Love comes in many forms and is expressed in a variety of ways-whether it is love for others or love for self. Not to be confused with narcissism, selflove is appreciation for what we have instead of what we do not have. I believe as individuals we need to bring into our consciousness the meaning and power of love in our lives, by being intentional about self-care, practicing self-compassion, understanding our personal needs, focusing on joy, valuing and prioritizing self-worth, selecting who has access to our feelings, and setting boundaries between self and the expectations others have of us. Loving ourselves more allows us to reconnect with ourselves as a source of love and to celebrate our own goodness, our purpose, and the fact we each have a rightful place in this world.

On a personal note, my journey into peace, joy, and love has been enhanced by the people that have entered my life, my parents, family members, friends, Sorors, elders, clients, community leaders (both civic and religious), and now the Monks walking for peace. It is through these interactions and relationships that I have witnessed and experienced the power of love. I am of the belief when we unite around love, especially unconditional love, our lives begin to transform in ways we could never dream; love has the power to change us, to heal us and the world we function in daily. It affords us the opportunity to navigate the world outside of ourselves in an emotionally healthy way. Unconditional love, appreciation, and acceptance help us see humanity in others and unite us despite turbulent times of divisiveness. Perhaps, it is overzealous optimism, but I believe love reaches across boundaries and obstacles and allows us to love justly while pushing back from racism, hatred, discrimination, and ill will. May this month, this new year, be a personal journey filled with the power of love for ourselves and for us all.

For more information about counseling services and outreach programming contact Dr. Tatem at Wellness Initiatives, LLC 2485 Tower Drive, Suite 10, Monroe, La 71201, 318-410-1555 or at btatem.bt@gmail.com.

Winnsboro Medical Spa

The Holy Trinity of Radiant Skin

IN LOUISIANA, WE ALL KNOW THE “HOLY TRINITY” —onions, bell peppers, and celery—is the secret base for everything good in the kitchen. But when it comes to looking your best, there is a different trinity you need to know about. To truly turn back the clock and achieve that elusive, “lit-from-within” glow, we need to accomplish three things simultaneously: stimulate collagen, diminish the “reds and browns” that muddy our complexion, and drastically increase the skin’s reflectivity of light.

Historically, ticking all three boxes meant a calendar full of appointments and managing multiple periods of downtime. At Winnsboro Medical Spa, we believe you should not have to choose between convenience and results. That is why we are bringing a new standard of skin renewal to our patients: one that addresses every layer of your skin in a single, powerful session.

Understanding Your Skin: A Three-Layered Approach

To understand why “The Big Three” are so vital, we must look at how your skin is built. First, the upper epidermis dictates texture. When this outer layer is dull or rough, light gets trapped. To get that “glass skin” finish, we need to increase reflectivity by smoothing this surface.

Beneath that lies the lower epidermis, the home of the “reds and browns.” These appear as sun spots and uneven tone that make the complexion look tired. Finally, the dermis is the deep structural layer where collagen and elastin reside. As we age, this foundation weakens. Stimulating deep dermal repair is the only way to restore youthful firmness.

Winnsboro Medical Spa: Bringing the Future of Aesthetics to You

At Winnsboro Medical Spa, we insist on offering the absolute best in aesthetic innovation. We have watched the industry closely, waiting for a technology that matches our high standards. We found it in the HALO® TRIBRID™.

We are proud to be the first in Northeast Louisiana to offer this revolutionary treatment. It combines three of the world’s most trusted laser modalities—HALO®, MOXI™, and Erbium Resurfacing—into one advanced session. By bringing the HALO TRIBRID to our practice, we can now offer a level of customization that simply was not possible before. Whether you want to turn back early signs of aging or simply want healthier skin, our providers can achieve complete renewal with one session, one recovery, and one powerful reveal.

The Science Behind Our New Treatment

The Tribrid system is unique because it fires three distinct wavelengths. This allows our providers to target specific layers of your skin to achieve those three key goals simultaneously.

1. 2940 nm: Smooths & Polishes: To increase the reflectivity of light, this wavelength resurfaces the outer layer of the skin. It improves texture, softens fine lines, and leaves your complexion silky-smooth for an instant polish.

2. 1927 nm: Brightens & Balances: To diminish reds and browns, the 1927 nm wavelength targets unwanted pigmentation and sun damage. It restores clarity and an even tone by refreshing the sun-damaged areas that have accumulated over time.

3. 1470 nm: Deep Dermal Repair: To stimulate collagen, this wavelength penetrates deep into the dermis. It triggers deep dermal renewal, strengthening the skin’s overall health and vitality from the inside out.

A Treatment Plan Designed Exclusively for You

At Winnsboro Medical Spa, we know that no two skin stories are the same. We can fine-tune the depth, intensity, and combination of wavelengths to match your unique needs.

Do you want a subtle glow before a big event? We can design a protocol for that. Are you ready for deeper renewal and long-term change? We can do that too, often in fewer sessions than many other treatments. This versatility allows us to tackle a wide range of concerns, including fine lines, sun damage, acne scars, enlarged pores, and dullness.

Real Results, Minimal Downtime

We know our patients lead busy lives. With the use of numbing cream and advanced cooling techniques, the treatment is comfortable. Afterward, you can expect just 5–7 days of redness and flaking as your skin renews itself. This creates a manageable “social downtime” that allows you to get back to your life quickly.

Your Dream Skin is One Appointment Away

You do not have to settle for dullness or discoloration. Winnsboro Medical Spa is ready to help you smooth, brighten, and renew your skin all in a single session designed just for you.

Book online easily at www.winnsboromedicalspa.com or call us today to schedule your consultation and let our team customize a plan to help you achieve the amazing skin you deserve.

ARTICLE BY PHIL TRAHAN

This month, in addition to the customary review of events and results, The Tennis Life is proud to showcase the Adaptive Tennis initiative of the USTA. Adaptive Tennis opens up our community to individuals with physical, cognitive, or developmental disabilities. In November NELA players Anna Beth Cordill and Holden Fisher traveled to Chattanooga along with USTA Louisiana rep Tori Fisher to participate in the Southern Adaptive Tennis Championships.

Local players also kept busy at West Monroe High’s Cranberry Classic and the MAC’s annual Silver Balls Christmas Classic. And finally, local tennis celebrity Wilson Campbell was inducted into the ULM Athletic Hall of Fame, recognizing a 50 year record of excellence in competition, coaching and private instruction.

Enjoy the accomplishments of these NELA stars in the photo gallery!

1 3 6 2 4 5 7 8

1.

2. Liam

Michael

3. Braylon Davis and John Hayner, Beginner Champions

4.

7.

8.

A Tisket A Tasket

Look local for all things to warm your lover’s heart. A round, woven wood basket from The Muffin Tin / Trenton House provides the base for all these goodies:

Counter clockwise from left - Red Roses, of course, from Carlstedt’s, Perrier-Jouet Blanc de Blanc champagne from Beef and Barrel, Bissinger’s chocolate truffle hearts from Apero Market , an incrediblyscented Trudon candle handcrafted in France and a beaded zipper bag with a fun Valentine’s message, both available at Material Things, and a set of embroidered coasters “Serving You Love” from Apero Market

Cold Process Soap Making

This Green French Clay Soap detoxifies, hydrates, and calms skin with rich cow’s milk, organic coconut oil, soothing essential oils, and mineral-rich clay. While it may be more labor intensive to mill your own soap, there is something deeply satisfying knowing exactly what ingredients are used and seeing the little soaps pop out of their molds.

Styled by MARÉ BRENNAN

Photograph by KELLY MOORE CLARK

WHAT YOU NEED:

Silicone mold (we used one with floral patterns)

Stick mixer & Whisk

1 1/8 cup Coconut oil

1 1/8 cup Olive oil

1/3 cup Sodium Hydroxide Lye

2/3 cup Milk (frozen into cubes)

Lemongrass essential oil - 24 drops

Tea Tree essential oil - 20 drops

2 tsp French Green Clay mixed into

2 TBSP distilled water

1/2 tsp Titanium Dioxide mixed into 1/2 TBSP of Sunflower oil

When making soap, safety is important. Always work in a well-ventilated area and wear gloves and goggles.

Lye Prep: With safety gear on, slowly add about 1/4 of the lye flakes directly to the frozen milk. Stir with a non-reactive spoon. The flakes will melt the milk. After a few minutes of stirring, add another 1/4 of the flakes and continue to stir. Continue this process until all lye is dissolved fully in milk.

Fully melt and combine coconut oil and olive oils. Once the oils have cooled to 130 degrees or below, add the milk and lye solution slowly to the oils. As you add the milk, begin pulsing your stick blender. Adding the lye and milk solution gradually can help prevent false trace or the soap appearing to saponify too quickly.

Once all the lye solution has been added, continue to blend until thin trace. Next, whisk in the essential oils.

Add all of the French green clay and water mixture. Pulse the soap with the stick blender

to get rid of the clumps. Add 1 teaspoon of the dispersed titanium dioxide and sunflower oil mixture. If your soap is still a thin trace, stick blend in the titanium dioxide. If your soap is getting thick, use a whisk to fully mix in.

The soap needs to be a thin enough texture to pour into the mold cavities and to fill the small details of the silicone flowers. Blend with stick mixer but don’t over blend.

Once you’ve reached a good medium texture, slowly pour the soap into each mold. Fill each mold to the top. Once each mold is full, tap it gently on the counter to help even the soap and get rid of air bubbles.

Allow the soap to stay in the molds for 1-2 days. Check the soap by gently pulling away the silicone mold from the sides. If it releases without any tearing, attempt to break the airlock on the bottom by gently pushing the soap out.

Hunt Slonem bunny dish holds handmade French clay soaps. Colorful hand towel and bunny dish available at Material Things.

Dine and sip like royalty with the Deshoulieres Arcades grey and gold dinner plates and Vietri Regalia handpainted wine glasses embellished with 14 karat gold, available at The Muffin Tin / Trenton House. Soft purple tapers with a regal touch of gold are also sourced from The Muffin Tin / Trenton House. Mardi Gras bolos from Material Things serve as napkin rings.

Dinner Krewe

Celebrate the season of Epiphany with a Mardi Gras tablescape that subtly evokes the pageantry of the season with Carlstedt’s Playa Blanca roses, silver brunia and lavender stems arranged in a gold top hat shaped ice bucket sourced from Material Things.

Alumni Spotlight

ULM Alum: Courtney & Sandra Joiner

WHEN COURTNEY JOINER

LANDED A scholarship to play football at ULM (then NLU), he intended to go pro as a defensive back in the NFL. A graduate of Ouachita High School, Courtney “lived and breathed football.” As a first-generation college student and one of 11 siblings, Courtney understood the importance of performing on and off the field. Between football and track, Courtney was perpetually in season. His campus experience consisted of class in the morning and training in the afternoon. The university itself was also in transition, from the Northeast Indians to the ULM Warhawks, in addition to joining the Sunbelt Conference. Courtney played in the first conference game in D1 history for ULM. Courtney’s tenure at ULM was on the cusp of the university’s reformation.

Though a true student athlete, Courtney pledged the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity and was named Criminal Justice Student of the Year. After graduating with a bachelor’s in Criminal Justice in 3.5 years, Courtney, who red-shirted as a freshman, enrolled in graduate school in order to keep playing ball. Dr. Robert Hanser encouraged Courtney, a good writer, to compose a thesis. Courtney liked researching as a graduate assistant and continued to improve his writing skills. Hanser, along with Stacy Moak, were instrumental in preparing Courtney for his next challenge, attending Southern University Law Center.

Transitioning to law school, Courtney found the benefits of having a sole focus. While playing football and running track taught him discipline, he enjoyed, for the first time, focusing his attention solely on his studies. After graduating in 2007, Courtney joined the law firm of Sidley Austin LLC in Chicago, where he worked for 3 years, before returning to Louisiana. In between a decade plus tenure with a small, local firm, Courtney was named Assistant U.S. Attorney, representing the federal government for litigation in Louisiana. Courtney currently works at Phelps Dunbar in Baton Rouge. Dealing in high stakes and high-pressure litigation, this work is the closest to being back on the football field.

Raised in the close-knit community of Amite, Louisiana, Sandra Joiner’s commitment to service was shaped early by the value of community engagement. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree

in Human Nutrition and Food from Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge, La. She began her career as a nutritionist at Earl K. Long EIC Clinic, where she emphasized the importance of nutrition in patient care. This experience sparked her interest in the broader impact of pharmacy, leading her to enroll in the University of Louisiana at Monroe School of Pharmacy.

Drawn to ULM’s rigorous academic standards and distinguished faculty, Sandra found an environment that fostered her growth academically, professionally, and personally. During pharmacy school, she served as president of her class and as a Student Council representative, while also participating in Kappa Epsilon, the professional pharmacy organization. And like Courtney, Sandra embraced Greek life, pledging Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Sandra insists, “Pharmacy school taught me that success is not solely dependent on intelligence, but rather discipline, adaptability, and time management skills.”

After earning her PharmD, Sandra worked with Walgreens in San Antonio and Houston before relocating to Baton Rouge in 2013. She spent the next decade as a Clinical Operations Manager at Louisiana Healthcare Connections. In 2024, inspired by her mother’s experience with breast cancer, Sandra transitioned into oncology and now serves as a Clinical Oncology Pharmacist at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center. Sandra wanted to make sure there were “people with compassion on the other side of those doors.” At the initial interview, Sandra felt God saying, “Here you can come to work, but also do my work.”

Although Courtney and Sandra attended ULM during overlapping periods, their relationship did not begin until they reconnected several years after graduation at a ULM Greek show. The couple became best friends and later married in 2014 and share 3 children: Todd (18), Cameron (10), and Kourtlyn (9). Both are proud to be ULM alumni, as it changed the trajectory of Courtney’s life and led Sandra to a professional and personal fulfilled life.

The Joiners symbolize the hope and many promises of ULM, notably the mystery of how strangers meet throughout transitional periods of one’s life and can impact the rest of our lives.

Blooming Beauty

Nothing says “love” quite like an artisan-crafted, hand delivered bouquet by local florist Petals and Pearls. Order early for Valentine’s Day to ensure the best selection of flowers and gift basket items. This bouquet is filled with the floral designer’s choice of luxurious roses, a statuesque bell of Ireland stem, purple statice, and peachy pink alstroemeria lilies and wrapped in a delightful hot pink satin ribbon.

Passionate Rosé Spritzer

A little bit pink, a little bit bubbly – This refreshing rosé wine spritzer is the perfect light drink for a Valentine’s brunch or Galentine’s get-together.

Styled by MARÉ BRENNAN

WHAT YOU NEED:

1 part rosé wine

Splash of Passionfruit Syrup

1 part Sprite (or club soda) Fresh lime slices for garnish

Fill glass with ice. Fill ½ way with rosé wine. Add a splash of Passionfruit Syrup. Fill remaining glass with Sprite. Garnish with fresh citrus.

*Passionfruit syrup sourced from Beef and Barrel.

Bayou DeSiard Country Club

Cotillion 2025

Hannah Grace Cates Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Corrao

Mr. and Mrs. William Cates

TJoLeigh Morgan Faulk Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jarrad William Faulk

Eleanor Elizabeth Herndon Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Eric Neil Herndon

he Bayou DeSiard Country Club Cotillion was held on December 27, 2025. Sixteen young ladies were presented to the club’s governing board and to family and friends. The Presentation Coordinators were Mrs. Rhonda Neal and Mrs. Hope Robertson. Special thanks to event planner Gregory Hudgins, BDCC Event Planner Briann Thomas, photographer Kevin Beasley, and the Cotillion Committee.

Amman Joyce Daughter of Honorable and Mrs. Jefferson Bryan Joyce

BAYOU PLANT

Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

These beautiful houseplants are easy to grow, but knowing how often to water peace lilies and what to do if their leaves droop or turn yellow is essential.

The peace lily is native to tropical areas of Central and South America. In the wild, these plants thrive on the forest floor, receiving dappled sunlight and consistent moisture and humidity. You will want to mimic these conditions to keep your peace lily happy and healthy.

With enough light, peace lilies produce white to off-white flowers and will continue to bloom throughout the year in the right conditions.

Peace lilies like indirect sun so an east or north facing window is ideal. Direct sun all day may dry them out too much.

Keep the soil lightly moist to the touch but not overly saturated. Their leaves can develop brown tips, if they don’t have enough water or humidity. Peace lilies will tell you when they’re thirsty. The plant’s leaves start to droop - sometimes in a very dramatic fashion. When the plant starts to look less “perky” than usual, test the soil with your finger. If it feels dry, it’s time to water again.

Yellow leaves might be a result of overwatering, under watering, or may be an older leaf. If older leaves are turning yellow it may be time to repot and give the roots more space.

To encourage flowering, move your plant to an area with more light.

Peace lilies are mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.

Bring The Peace

BAYOU CRAFT

Blue Note.

EASY CYANOTYPE VALENTINE’S DAY CARDS

We are crushing on these easy and fun to make Valentine’s cards that harness the sun’s rays and chemical reactions to create something ethereal and love-ly.

What you’ll need:

• Thick watercolor paper 5.5” x 8.5”

• Cyanotype chemical setavailable online at Michael’s or Dick Blick

• Paint brush

• Heavy cardboard (we cut a • 12” x 12” cardboard scrap glass or acrylic sheet (we used a 12” x 12” glass sheet from a picture frame.)

• Chip clips or clamps

Design Elements: We used dried ferns and leaves, letters and hearts we cut out of paper, star anise, seeded eucalyptus, maple seeds, heavy gauge wire, burlap ribbon, and dried flowers.

Mix your Cyanotype chemicals according to their instructions. Once you’ve combined the solutions together, paint your paper on the area you want to decorate. If you want a fold over card, paint the bottom half. Let the paper dry completely.

Place paper on heavy cardboard. Begin arranging your materials on top of the painted paper surface. Once you have your design finished, carefully place glass or acrylic sheet on top and use a clamp on either end to sandwich your design between glass and cardboard. Then move your creation outside into the sun. Depending on the intensity of the sun, leave outside for 15-30 minutes. The solution should turn a bronze hue.

Once your art has “baked” in the sun, bring inside and rinse the paper and solution under cold water until the water runs clear. Your design should emerge during this process.

Let your paper dry thoroughly. Once dry, fold in half to create notecard.

ARTICLE BY VANELIS RIVERA

Let’sMonroeMahjong,

FROM HOLLYWOOD TO HOME TABLES

Inspired by pop culture and driven by passionate local teachers, Mahjong has surged in popularity in Northeast Louisiana, where the newly formed Monroe Mahjong Club blends the game’s rich cultural history with community, strategy, and modern enthusiasm.

In the film Crazy Rich Asians (2018), a pivotal scene is set at a Mahjong parlor. Our shrewd protagonist, Rachel Chu (played by Constance Wu), sits with two older women, tidying rows of stacked green and white Mahjong tiles, waiting for the fourth player to arrive. Enter the film’s antagonist, Eleanor Sung-Young (played by Michelle Yeoh), the protective mother of Chu’s boyfriend. Elegant and taut, she takes off her designer shades, and nears the table, and is handed dice. She rolls them on the center of the table, and the game commences. Amid the dance of hands to tiles, Chu addresses Sung-Young in face-off fashion: “My mom taught me how to play. She told me Mahjong would teach me important life skills— negotiation, strategy, cooperation.” This scene is riddled with the symbolism of the game, adding to the emotional depth of the scene’s outcome: Chu earning her future mother-in-law’s respect. Suffice to say, along with its growth in popularity during the pandemic, it has been a source of inspiration for experienced and beginning players alike. This

captivating game, with its exquisite tiles and colorful mats, has graced the rooms of many American homes since, even in Monroe. But recently, a group of Mahjong aficionados has been gathering with frequency at what could be considered a makeshift Mahjong parlor with the hope of sharing the joy of mahjong.

Amy Taylor, now a Mahjong teacher with Oh My Mahjong and Mahj Life Instructor Guild, was introduced to Mahjong by her sister-in-law, who had taken a lesson and was playing regularly with a group of friends. Inspired, Taylor began practicing on her own for a while, then began gathering around tables with friends and “never looked back.” Her Mahjong group took the proverbial leap and traveled to a small Mahjong tournament in Austin, Texas. “We met ladies from all over, and we enjoyed playing at a more competitive level,” she says. The experience ignited more curiosity in the game, prompting her to go “down a rabbit hole,” researching all the essential details of the game’s rules and particular nuances. She also became

Don’t hold off from learning a new skill this year, especially one with such cultural and communal depth. After all, as Taylor would say, playing mahjong is doing something good for your brain.

intrigued by the history of the game—its origins, the evolution and style of tile sets, its many traditions, and, of course, its generational and cultural connections. With a newfound momentum, she began thinking of holding Mahjong lessons in Monroe, but realized there were no local instructors. There weren’t even (at the time) any local places to buy Mahjong sets and accessories. Thankfully, her friend Rhonda Neal (currently in production to put some of her original artwork on tiles and mats) introduced her to Joyce Sims, owner of Material Things, who agreed to team up to bring Mahjong to Monroe. As a result, the Monroe Mahjong Club was established in the fall of 2025. Currently, they are 48 members strong and offer a variety of lessons and open play on Fridays. Additionally, the store now carries Mahjong tiles, mats, racks, and fun accessories.

Taylor’s teaching approach is comprehensive, and she begins Mahjong 101 by emphasizing the history of the game. Its origins are Chinese. Developed in the late 1800s around Eastern China, its popularity grew to such an extent that it has been referred to as China’s “national pastime.” In the early 1920s, the game gained international traction thanks to exporters, marketers, and businessmen. Most notable among them was Joseph Park Babcock, who founded the Mah-Jongg Sales Co. and began importing tile sets to the United States. The fad first spread among the

American elite with players like President Harding and Hollywood celebrities, but eventually gained traction across the country. In 1937, a group of Jewish women in New York City founded the National Mah Jongg League (NMJL) in order to streamline the rules, establishing what is now referred to as “American Mahjong.” Since then, Mahjong has had strong roots in the Jewish community, even among the Jewish community in Monroe, who have been enjoying the pastime long before its recent surge in popularity. Of course, Mahjong in popular culture has factored into waves of interest. Before Crazy Rich Asians, Amy Tan’s novel The Joy Luck Club (1989) and the film adaptation released in 1993 features scenes with Chinese women gathering around a playing table. The current Mahjong surge has reached the market with an explosion of “trendy” tiles that veer away from the traditional images, such as university and holiday themed tiles. But Taylor is partial to traditional tiles, particularly vintage, hand-engraved bone tiles that use the classic images such as the dots or wheels, Chinese characters, bamboo, and dragons.

Often compared to gin rummy, the general objective of the game is to reach certain tile combinations before the other

players. For American Mahjong, these tile combinations are produced in the Official Standard Hands and Rules game card released by the NMJL every April. “The card changes annually to add interest and complexity to the game,” informs Taylor. Though a learner’s first sit down with Taylor—learning the names of the tiles, how to read the numbered rows of the NMJL card, nuances of game set up and flow, and basic rules—may initially feel “as clear as mud,” the only way to make sense of it all is to start playing. “It gets real bad before it gets better,” jokes Taylor, as she attends to bursts of questions from beginners unsure of what tiles to keep and discard. Eventually, a flow state is established, and Taylor inches away from the players who have yet to notice that their pace has quickened and questions diminished. “You have to stick with it,” says Taylor with encouragement.

For many seasoned players, including Taylor, Mahjong is about spending time with friends, building connections, taking a direly needed break from screens, and boosting memory, strategy, and focus. Though some still consider it a “grandmother’s game,” its recent resurgence in popularity has a lot of young people hooked. “It truly spans all

ages, cultures, and genders. The beautiful tiles, mats, tablescapes, and themes have brought a whole new generation into the fold, of course, with the help of social media,” says Taylor. In fact, Taylor has taught women who have then sat down to teach their young daughters using cards and tiles designed for kids.

It doesn’t take much to begin your Mahjong journey. Take a series of lessons, find a tile set in your budget (there are plenty of options), find some adventurous friends, and establish a place to play. Of course, you can start with the help of Monroe Mahjong. The club has several events in the works, including Galentine’s Mahjong Night, a date night, and a minitournament. In addition to offering private and group lessons, they can also help you host a Mahjong party in your home. Don’t hold off from learning a new skill this year, especially one with such cultural and communal depth. After all, as Taylor would say, playing Mahjong is doing something good for your brain.

You can follow Monroe Mahjong on Facebook and Instagram or email Taylor at monroemahjong318@gmail.com for more information.

“Tell Me Everything” by Elizabeth Strout

“I’m so good at being lonely, though. I’m just so good at it.”

As a newcomer to Elizabeth Strout, I belatedly realized the existing lives of the characters in Tell Me Everything, as Strout carries over characters from previous works, as if each novel is a new stage. Set in Maine, retired attorney Bob Burgess lives for his frequent walks with writer Lucy Barton, the two sharing intimate details of their lives, a love affair without the professed love or the physical intimacy, as each is in committed relationships. Olive Kitteridge, now 90 and a friend of Bob’s, invites Lucy over to share stories, the untold stories of ordinary lives. Each subplot/ shared story is compelling and detailed, remarkable in an everyday, could-beanyone sort of way. This is how I interpreted Strout’s characters, not uninteresting and yet unremarkable. They’re everyday people doing everyday things, people we might know or have known, people we’d forget if we didn’t bump into them periodically. These traded conversations, while sounding uninspired, lay the groundwork for the mystery portion of the novel, the discovery of an older woman’s body in town. Police suspect her son Matt Beach, whom Bob begrudgingly agrees to represent, and the details of the evolving case are interwoven into the continued shared stories. The simplicity of Strout’s prose is complicated

in this fashion of threading, of building the important into the seemingly unimportant. Strout deconstructs human emotion one thread at a time, layering the complexity of feelings into the absence of what goes unsaid. What Strout manages not to tell is as captivating as what she lays bare, the sudden shifts in behavior from a character we feel like we know but are reminded we don’t.

Strout’s 10th novel Tell Me Everything is extraordinary in its simplicity. Shortly after I read the book, I had trouble recalling the plot points, but could still feel the sentiment. It’s not a matter of what happened, or even why, but that it did. Strout writes, “How did she live without any human touch to her skin? Somehow she existed without it, many people do. Yet one has to wonder about the toll it takes, the lack of being touched or held. So many people are not.” In a book where few characters are alone, she ruminates on loneliness, that feeling of isolation regardless of company. Strout asks what happens when we find moments of reprieve from loneliness, and what happens to the untold stories? If our stories end when we do, did they ever really happen? And pointedly, does it even matter? Not everyone will like this book, but I did. If you can’t tell from this review, I’ve struggled to explain why. Perhaps that’s the point.

“We like to think that our lives are within our control, but they may not be completely so. We are necessarily influenced by those who have come before us.”

REVIEW BY MEREDITH

“The Briar Club” by Kate Quinn

“Happiness is a choice as much as anything. Or you could choose to be angry, and if you stay angry long enough, it will become comfortable, like an old robe.”

As a latecomer to Kate Quinn, who’s written 17 books including 4 series, I didn’t know what to expect, but the author had my attention by the second page. As a professed lover of historical novelists, namely Kate Morton, I seek escapism in historical fiction with the grounding of the past. The genre feels real, tangible, and reminds me that the universal experience of humanity can transcend time and location, that even when women shirk love, they feel lucky to find it. The Briar Club, set in 1950s Washington D.C., opens with a police investigation of two bodies in Briarwood House, a boardinghouse for women. The house itself poses a perspective, intent on protecting its inhabitants and the many secrets of their lives.

The story goes back and forth in time, relaying the backgrounds of the six women renting rooms in Briarwood, posing each as a suspect and/or victim of the murders. The British-born Fliss struggles to raise her young daughter while her husband is enlisted abroad. The uphill climb of motherhood is highlighted by the necessity of the village within Briarwood’s walls. Baseball-loving Bea nurses an injury and secretly longs to play in the male big leagues. Nora’s day job at the National Archives is complicated by her falling in love with a renowned gangster, and Reka, the

Hungarian artist, navigates grief for her life partner and the theft of a family heirloom. Arlene wants only to be accepted despite her affinity for McCarthyism, and Grace, the noted enigma of the bunch, possesses all the wisdom of having lived many lives and acts as the glue holding the group together within Briarwood’s walls. Grace comments, “I make it a policy to never believe a third of what men tell me.” Aside from each woman’s compelling story, the sisterhood forms as these women live on the margins of a society that idealizes the nuclear family.

Quinn’s talent emerges in characterization and the immense details that enrich the novel without overwhelming the reader. She lets the past live without overstaying its welcome. Interwoven into the narratives, Quinn introduces the headlines of the era - the Red Scare, the atomic bomb debate, and a woman’s place in the home. Quinn reminds us that the portrait of the 1950s with husband, wife, and 2.5 children in suburbia is only a fraction of America’s story, that outside those constructed lines women lived rich, complex, and noteworthy lives. They made their own rules instead of falling in line. If women’s stories suit your preferences, and diverse tellings enrich your reading experience, then a bout with Quinn’s historical fiction might be the ticket.

“When you had spent so much of your life just surviving, it was such a pleasure to drift. Such a strange sensation to be able to thrive.”

REVIEW BY MEREDITH

Meredith’s Musings

HEART OF THE HUMANITIES article by MEREDITH MCKINNIE

Over the course of my two decades in academia, I’ve benefitted from the oversight of unique personalities. I don’t think of myself as a traditional academic, and I’ve found, neither do many of my academic peers. In higher ed, like in other career paths, imposter syndrome is rampant. I always believed I’d slipped through the cracks, that no one had quite figured out that I didn’t fit the scholastic mold. I found ways to navigate the complexities of vigorous studies, academic discourse, and betterprepared colleagues. But somewhere along the way, I began to believe in myself, to understand what I brought to this esteemed environment. In not fitting the traditional mold, I complicated the academic stereotype, and widened it, thereby inviting in those who also questioned their belonging.

To the dismay of my father (who was hellbent on my becoming a pharmacist), I fell in love with the Humanities - invigorated by the study of the human experience through literature, language, culture, philosophy, and history. As a graduate student, I found myself teaching composition classes, encouraged by a superior with a kind face and an even kinder spirit. She mentored me, believed in me, and fostered my belief in myself. As our offices were adjacent to one another, she often would overhear my conversations with students, one time insisting that my

explanation of the purpose of a conclusion paragraph to be the best she’d ever heard. She told me that I was exactly what academia needed, that I had a way with people that helped them believe in themselves, that my vulnerability and willingness to share my own academic struggles lit a path for students to follow. I modeled my pedagogy after this mentor, leaning in when I felt like leaning back, exhibiting radical patience and trust in my students, choosing to meet resistance with further invitation.

Later in my career, after structural reorganization, I found myself under the leadership of another individual, a dedicated lover of languages, a legend of sorts at my institution. Like my original mentor, she exhibited calm in times of chaos, practiced a consistent open-door policy, and welcomed the ideas of myself and others. Her relaxed leadership style put me at ease. When I vented about a classroom issue or lack of connection, she listened intently, rarely extending unsolicited advice. A leader who is a sounding board is a rare gem, and I reveled in the comfort of our exchanges. She was, and remains, my friend, despite our thirty-year age gap. Her pedagogy differed from mine, and yet we shared a purpose and way of communicating. We believed that educational transformation occurred through challenging our students outside of their comfort zones.

In my student interactions, I found myself toggling between these two engagement styles modeled by the aforementioned mentors, as some moments called for patience while others called for polite pressure. I saw immediate returns in both approaches, and found that I could employ both strategies and trust myself to know which path to pursue. In believing in me, by investing their time in me, these fellow colleagues demonstrated the primacy of believing in myself.

I began fall semester without these two academic champions down the hall. I told a colleague I felt like I’d lost the heart of the humanities, that these two elite educators were the two halves of the heart of our shared mission. And then it occurred to me, as I have the very quote from E.E. Cummings on my wall: “I carry your heart with me, I carry it in my heart.” They poured into me, and in turn, I should continue the work we all so desperately believe in - that to build a better world, we have to model and educate our fellow citizens. Within these academic walls, we have the power to model kindness, encourage individual thought and collective action, to invest in the future we envision by encouraging the students who will embody our efforts. My mentors demonstrated the core of the humanities, and I’m forever grateful for their investment in me and thousands of students along the way.

Fishing With Kenny

TACKLE STORAGE AND OTHER ORGANIZATIONAL TIPS

article by KENNY COVINGTON

As we have discussed in several of my “Fishing with Kenny” articles, I am a tackle junkie. Not only am I a junkie with my lures and equipment, but I am also very particular about how I store my tackle both in my boat and in my garage. If you can’t locate it, or seem to find it, it’s difficult to use it on the water. Organization, when done the right way, means more opportunities to catch fish.

One of the hardest things, when it comes to organizing your lures, is sorting out soft plastics. You have craw worms, Brushhogs, worms, finesse worms, creature baits, and on and on. It can be mind numbing just how many bags of soft plastics one can accumulate over the years and without a system to store them, you often find yourself buying things you already have.

My first order is to sort out my soft plastics by size and color. For example, if I am sorting out my Zoom Speed Craws by color, I will, since they are small, store them in a clear Plano tackle box. As a rule, all of my smaller soft plastics, such as jig trailers and craw worms, are stored this way. I do this because I want them to stay consistent in shape, and I can store more in several colors because of the additional space.

Speaking of storage, a lot of the packaging, such as with a company like Strike King, is made specifically for their type of soft plastics. The Strike King line of plastics I use are kept in long Tupperware type of containers with latches on both ends. I can stand the lure packs up and very easily sort through them until I find what I am looking for. All of my Rage Craw’s as well as various other Strike King soft plastics are stored this way.

Ok, what if I have a particular soft plastic I know I am going to be using a lot? I know during the summer I will be using a Zoom Ol’ Monster Candy Bug worm a lot, so to help with my storage, I keep the worms in their original Zoom packaging, and I will place the individual packages of worms inside of a good quality gallon ziplock freezer bag and then label them. This way I know where my lot of worms are, and I can also keep track of when it’s time to buy more. At any time in my boat, you can and will find up to four different spinnerbait boxes. I have Booyah, War Eagle, Strike King, and various other ones, but my organization is based initially on the company. Once I break them down into the company who makes them, I have a separate box for each one. I know just at a glance what my Strike King box looks like, just as I know what my War Eagle box consists of. What I have started doing is using a bigger open box, without the slides in it, to store a majority of my spinnerbaits that I use the most.

I start separating my spinnerbaits by weight, then I separate them by blades, each one is placed, by twos and threes, depending on the number of baits, in their own zip lock bag. Once that is done, I will take all of the 3/8 models, regardless of blade combination, and place them, still in the smaller zip-locks, into larger one gallon size bags. I do this for the ¼, ½ and ¾ as well, and once I label each bag, I can quickly return and find exactly the lure I am looking for. In a tournament situation, a few minutes of saved time means a few extra casts.

I try and store my treble hook baits, crankbaits, and topwaters, in storage boxes that are water and rust proof. While these boxes can be more expensive, the extra money you spend will save you overall as far as replacing damaged hooks and lures due to rust and corrosion. That doesn’t mean I just throw my treble hook favorites into box and just forget about them. I make sure the box I am using is equipped to store such lures.

While I keep the majority of my topwater lures in one box, I still have a box or two that is set up just for specific lakes. I do the same thing with my crankbaits; however, those boxes are set up based on the style of crankbaits. Squarebills, Bandits, Rapala DT series, all have their own separate places in storage.

Oh yes, before I forget, what about terminal tackle? Well, fortunately you can buy a tackle box specifically for storing treble hooks, sinkers, swivels, or whatever terminal tackle you might need, and this takes a lot of the guess work out of where I put things. A quick tip: I keep my soft plastic hooks in their original packaging and store them in large zip-lock bags. This keeps them dry, and I have had no issue with them being damaged by rust.

Over time you will find yourself needing even more storage space, so always be on the lookout for new ways to store things. There is always a new or different way to store your lures, but whatever you decide, just make sure it is user friendly for your own sake. Remember, when working on your tackle storage keep a supply of good quality zip-lock bags of various sizes, self-sticking labels, a handful of Sharpies for labeling boxes and bags of soft plastics, and extra Tupperware style of storage with matching lids.

It may take awhile for you to get your own system in place, but once you do, only then will you realize just how much time you save when trying to find that one lure you really need! It looks like we have run out of space and time again for another month, I sure hope we have been able to share some information to help make your next trip to your favorite lake more enjoyable.

Meet Walker Sturdivant, MD

A Compassionate Approach to Pain Care at LA Pain Care

WALKER STURDIVANT, MD, BRINGS BOTH EXCEPTIONAL clinical training and deeply personal insight to his role as an interventional pain physician. With roots in a small farming community and a career shaped by lived experience, Dr. Sturdivant is dedicated to delivering thoughtful, patient-centered pain management to Northeast Louisiana.

From the Mississippi Delta to Medicine

Dr. Sturdivant grew up in Greenwood, Mississippi, a close-knit farming town. He attended Emory University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Russian language and culture.

Although science had always interested him, it wasn’t until after college that Dr. Sturdivant seriously considered a career in medicine. After completing an EMT course, he discovered a passion for hands-on patient care and decided to pursue medical school. He earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from Tulane University School of Medicine, followed by anesthesiology residency and a pain medicine fellowship at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson.

Dr. Sturdivant completed his training in 2022 and remained at UMMC as faculty until 2025, where he actively practiced anesthesiology and pain management while also helping train residents and fellows.

A Personal Connection

to Pain Medicine

Dr. Sturdivant’s path to pain management is deeply personal. While applying to medical school, he was involved in a severe accident that resulted in the amputation of his left leg below the knee. That experience profoundly shaped his perspective as a physician.

“I know what it’s like to be in pain without any reason to believe that it will ever fully subside,” he explains. “That understanding naturally drew me toward caring for others who are living with chronic pain.”

Dr. Sturdivant is especially mindful that pain is invisible and too often dismissed. He approaches each patient with openness, respect, and the understanding that no one can truly feel another person’s pain.

Clinical Expertise and Patient-Centered Care

Dr. Sturdivant specializes in interventional pain management, offering a wide range of treatments tailored to each patient’s needs. His experience includes traditional procedures such as nerve blocks, epidural steroid injections, and joint injections, as well as advanced and emerging therapies like basivertebral nerve ablation and peripheral nerve stimulation.

He is excited to join a practice where these advanced techniques are already in use and looks forward to integrating seamlessly into LA Pain Care’s comprehensive approach. Above all, Dr. Sturdivant wants patients to know that they will be heard. “People with chronic pain are often made to feel like they’re exaggerating or that their symptoms aren’t real,” he says.

Finding the Right Fit at LA Pain Care

Dr. Sturdivant was introduced to LA Pain Care through a medical device representative and quickly felt aligned with the practice’s values. After meeting Dr. Forte, followed by Dr. Ledbetter and Dr. Gordon, he saw a close-knit, patient-focused group committed to doing what’s right—not just what’s convenient. He was also impressed by how efficiently and effectively the practice operates, allowing providers to care for a large and diverse patient population without sacrificing quality.

Serving Communities That Need It Most

Coming from a small town himself, Dr. Sturdivant feels especially at home in North Louisiana. He is particularly looking forward to serving patients at the Ruston clinic, which reminds him of Greenwood in both size and character. Driving through the surrounding farmland and smaller communities feels familiar, and reinforces his belief that this is where he belongs. He is also excited to serve the Monroe area and nearby towns.

“Too often, physicians gravitate toward larger cities,” he says. “I see a real opportunity here to make a difference for people who might not otherwise have access to specialized pain care.”

Life Outside the Clinic

Outside of medicine, Dr. Sturdivant describes himself as generally quiet and content spending time at home. He enjoys racquetball and has recently joined the growing pickleball craze. He’s also an avid fan of the New Orleans Saints and Mississippi State University athletics.

Family remains an important part of his life. His parents still live in Greenwood, where his father is a semi-retired farmer and lawyer. He has two sisters—one in Greenwood and one in Madison, Mississippi—and is a proud uncle to four nieces and nephews.

Looking ahead, Dr. Sturdivant hopes to settle down in Monroe and spend the rest of his career serving the community through LA Pain Care.

Found Truths

AND THE GREATEST OF THESE IS LOVE

article by Reverend RB Moore

Once I had the privilege to officiate a wedding in California. After the ceremony, a young couple came up to me and asked where I lived. I answered, “Louisiana.” One of them responded, “We knew it had to be from the South, because during the wedding ceremony you kept saying the word, ‘lu-uv,’ with two syllables.” With this in mind, and with Valentine’s Day being this month, let’s think about what it means to “lu-uv” others.

We will focus our attention on 1 Corinthians Chapter 13, which is known as “The Love Chapter.” Let’s “begin with the end in mind.” At the end of the chapter the last verse tells us: When it comes to the spiritual gifts, “the greatest of these is love.” For instance, back in 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 the Apostle Paul lists several spiritual gifts that are worthless without love.

Think about this list in 21st century terms. If you teach a Sunday School class, drive a church bus, give 10% of your income to the ministries of the church, go overseas on a mission trip, stop smoking, stop getting drunk, stop chewing ‘tabacker,’ and quit dipping snuff, but do not have love in your heart, your eternal achievements are zero! Because the spiritual gift of love outweighs all other spiritual gifts.

We also see that the love chapter uses positive images to illustrate love. Look at the positive images in 1 Corinthians 13:4, 6-8: “Love is patient; love is kind;” … “rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends.”

Speaking of kindness, at one church there was a two-story Education Building that overlooked the main parking lot. After the Worship Service one morning, the pastor disappeared and went upstairs to watch folks getting into their cars. He was counting how many husbands opened the car doors for their wives. The number was no more than a handful.

The next Sunday morning, during the Mother’s Day sermon, he shared his findings with the congregation. Immediately after the service, boyfriends, fiancés and husbands were opening car doors for the women they loved. In fact, one eligible bachelor dashed to and fro to open car doors for the single women in the church! Be kind to one another. For you know, the greatest gift that we can share with others remains the gift of love.

But on the other hand, in this passage we also see negative images illustrating what does not equal love. Reading from 1 Corinthians 13:4-6 … “love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or

resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing” ... Let’s look at just one negative example here.

Love “does not insist on its own way. Not too many years ago a lady decided it was time to plan her funeral. One of the songs she chose to be played during the service was a secular song from the 1970s called, “Joy to the World.” The pop rock band that made the song popular way back when was named Three Dog Night.

Getting back to the phrase, “does not insist on its own way,” the lady planning her own funeral did not insist on having the lyrics sung in a traditional sanctuary. After all, the song is not exactly a Gospel melody. Nor did she insist that the song be played on a few guitars, with drums keeping a steady beat.

Instead, she chose to have the song played only on the church organ. For the lady making plans for her funeral, it was an act of love on her part. She was not just thinking about herself. But also, she was thinking about her traditional family members and her traditional friends who may attend the service.

For you see, when we are filled with love, we don’t have to always get our own way. Instead, as we are filled with the gift of God’s love, we will naturally share the greatest spiritual gift of all with those we cherish. Thanks be to God. Amen.

Two J’s Tavern & Grill

Home Cooking and Family Recipes in Monroe

SHANNA HOPPER, OWNER OF TWO J’S TAVERN AND grill is no stranger to the restaurant business. With a deep understanding of what it takes to run a successful establishment, she brings dedication, vision, and hands-on experience to every aspect of the restaurant. Her leadership is grounded in years of industry knowledge, a passion for hospitality, and a commitment to creating a welcoming dining experience for every guest.

Shanna’s background provides a strong foundation for Two J’s Tavern and Grill. From daily operations and menu development to customer service and community engagement, every decision is guided by experience and intention. She is actively involved in the restaurant’s day-to-day operations, ensuring that guests enjoy not only great food, but also attentive service and a warm, inviting atmosphere. This hands-on approach allows Two J’s to maintain consistency, quality, and the kind of comfort that keep people coming back.

Shanna’s journey into the restaurant world is deeply rooted in her upbringing. “I’m originally from down south—the village of Grosse Tête, located between Baton Rouge and Lafayette. I have a strong Cajun background and a love for good food,” she shares. Raised in a culture where meals were about more than just eating, Shanna learned early on that food is a way to bring people together. Family gatherings, shared recipes, and time spent around the table shaped her appreciation for home-cooked meals and bold, comforting flavors.

She relocated to Monroe in the late 1980s, and it has been her home ever since. Over the years, Monroe became the place where she built her life and her business. With decades of exposure to the restaurant industry, Shanna has developed the skills and insight needed to thrive in a competitive market while staying true to her roots.

At the heart of Two J’s Tavern and Grill is the food—much of which is inspired by family recipes or dishes that hold special meaning. Every item on the menu reflects care, tradition, and a respect for quality ingredients. Two J’s specializes in bringing the warmth of home cooking straight to the table, with everything made in-house and from scratch. From custom seasonings and house-made salad dressings to rich, slow-simmered sauces, nothing is rushed or overlooked.

The menu features a wide range of comfort-driven favorites, including homemade spaghetti and meatballs, in-house Italian

sausage, and creamy fettuccine Alfredo. Perfectly seared steaks and meats smoked daily round out the offerings, delivering bold flavors that satisfy both casual diners and devoted food lovers alike. Each bite is a celebration of tradition, flavor, and heart—an experience that reflects the belief that great food starts with care and intention.

What truly sets Two J’s Tavern and Grill apart is the combination of experience, character, and community focus behind it. Unlike many restaurants, Two J’s prioritizes a down-to-earth, welcoming environment where guests feel like family from the moment they walk through the door. Regulars are known by name, newcomers are greeted with genuine hospitality, and everyone is invited to relax and enjoy themselves.

The hands-on involvement behind the scenes ensures that no detail goes unnoticed. From the quality of the food to the friendliness of the service, every element is carefully considered. This attention to detail helps create a dining experience that feels both comfortable and memorable.

Beyond the food and service, Two J’s has become a true community gathering place. It’s a spot where friends meet after work, families celebrate milestones, and relationships are built over shared meals. This strong connection to the local community is a cornerstone of the restaurant’s identity and one of the reasons it continues to stand out.

Looking ahead, Two J’s Tavern and Grill is excited to celebrate Valentine’s Day on February 14 with a special evening designed for romance, connection, and indulgence. Guests can enjoy a thoughtfully crafted Valentine’s Day menu created just for the occasion, while still having access to the regular menu favorites everyone loves.

To complement the evening, Two J’s will feature specialty Valentine’s cocktails, perfect for toasting to love and friendship. Dessert lovers won’t want to miss the indulgent crème brûlée or the customer-favorite homemade whiskey cake—both rich, satisfying treats that make the night even sweeter.

Whether it’s a romantic date night, a fun evening out with friends, or simply an excuse to enjoy great food and drinks, Two J’s Tavern and Grill is the place to be this Valentine’s Day. Join us on February 14 and celebrate with a team that believes every meal should feel like coming home.

IN THE GARDEN

Alot is going on this month, so let’s get outdoors and get after it! First thing is to finish up planting woody perennials. Be making final selections at garden centers and get shrubs, trees, and fruitbearing trees/shrubs/vines in the ground by the end of the month. Spring will be springing and woody perennials will perform better in the long run if they’re planted while dormant. Spend some quality time preparing the planting hole. Make it two to three times wider than the root ball or the pot, so the root system has plenty of room for uninterrupted expansion. Heavy clay soils should be amended with peat moss or other organic material. But, no fertilizer should go into the planting hole. Fertilize later this spring at bud break or, in the case of evergreens, when new growth is apparent. Take time to space the planting holes far enough apart to allow the canopy of the young tree or shrub to expand uninhibited. For example, fruit trees should be spaced fifteen to twenty feet apart assuming their grafted onto semi-dwarfing rootstocks.

< Food containers from the grocery store deli make excellent seed-starting trays. Punch some holes in the bottom for drainage.

by Kerry Heafner.

February is also the month roses get a good haircut in anticipation of the spring and summer bloom. The goal for pruning roses is really no different than for pruning anything else: to open the interior of the plant to promote good air circulation and to allow sunlight penetration for promotion of new growth. Remember the four Ds of pruning: diseased, damaged, decaying, and dead. This material should be removed first. Outer canes can be taken down by about a third. Look for lateral buds facing outward and make the heading cut about 1/8th of an inch above, and parallel to, the outward-facing lateral bud. The new cane will grow outward and should produce a bevy of blooms over a long season if spent blooms are removed. Fertilize with either a slow-release fertilizer, something specially formulated for roses, or with something as simple as good old triple thirteen. Freshen up the mulch layer with new pine straw, and your roses will be set to perform all season long.

Just when you thought we were past all the holidays, one more pops up. February 18th is National Tomato Seed Starting Day. That’s a holiday I proclaimed. It’s not official or anything. It should be. We should all get the day off from work to get our tomato seeds started. In fact, seeds of other nightshades like eggplant and peppers can be started in February. Keep the following tips in mind when starting seeds.

• Seed trays with clear, plastic domes are widely available. However, seeds can be started in just about any container provided it has drainage holes at the bottom. Salad containers from fast food restaurants and chicken containers from grocery store delis make perfect mini-greenhouses.

• There are media specially prepared for starting seed available at garden centers. However, any general use potting medium will work fine. I like to use my own concoction consisting of one-part sifted compost and one part Premier BX Pro-Mix.

• If temperatures are chilly, place seed trays on a heating mat made specifically for horticultural use.

Start seeds in a medium that stays moist but not saturated.

by Kerry Heafner.

Baking-type Irish potatoes from the supermarket will produce in ArkLaMiss soils if they sprout before being consumed.

The temperature of the medium is more important than air temperature.

• Sow most seeds between one-eighth and one-fourth of an inch deep.

• Most seeds take between four and seven days to germinate while some take even longer. Be patient.

• Keep the medium moist, but not saturated. A highly saturated medium will mold and lead to damping off.

• Transplant seedlings to larger cells or pots only after the first pair of true leaves has emerged.

• After transplanting, gently brush over seedlings with your hand periodically. This promotes sturdy stem growth and will result in stocky plants.

• Label everything! I do this because I can barely remember my own name sometimes, much less the names of all the varieties I start.

Good luck with your seeds this month! Try something new just for fun, too!

Out in the vegetable garden, February is the month for getting Irish potatoes started. I’ve said before potatoes are possibly the most perfect food. They are a gluten-free, healthy source of carbohydrates (starch). Culinarily, they are among the most versatile of crops. And, whether you like them baked, boiled, mashed, fried, or any other way and whether they’re grow in the ground or in containers, Irish potatoes are a crop even the most inexperienced gardener will have great success with.

Irish potatoes are essentially a clonal crop. “Seed potatoes” from last year’s crop are planted to produce this season’s crop. Botanically, Irish potatoes are tubers which are underground stems modified to store up carbohydrates produced via photosynthesis (going on in the leaves above ground). Vegetative sprouts (lateral branches) grow from the “eyes.” Mother Nature and biochemistry do most of the work! The LSU Ag Center recommends ‘Red La Soda,’ ‘Norland,’ ‘La Rouge,’ and ‘Red Pontiac’ as good, red-skinned varieties, and ‘La Chipper,’ ‘Norchip,’ ‘Atlantic,’ ‘Kennebec,’ ‘La Belle,’ and ‘Yukon Gold’ as good, white-skinned varieties for Louisiana home gardens. Heirloom potato varieties are available from a variety of sources. And, if a potato from the supermarket isn’t used in a timely manner and starts to sprout, yes, it can be planted and, yes, it will produce potatoes (ask me how I know this). Cut “seed potatoes” into smaller pieces, about 2 ounces each, with each piece having one or two eyes. Some sources recommend curing the pieces for a few days before planting so the cut ends scab over. Some sources also recommend coating the cut edges with horticultural sulfur or other powdered fungicide to prevent rotting, but this is not necessary if your soil has good drainage. Plant Irish potatoes in rows that are spaced four to six feet apart in soil that is acidic and friable (easily dug). Each section of seed potato should be planted three to four inches deep at twelve-inch intervals. As the vines start to sprawl, hill soil up around them periodically to create more underground space for tuber formation and to

completely cover tubers that have already been formed. After 60 to 70 days, try sneaking a few “new” potatoes from under the plants. Don’t be greedy; every little new potato could grow into a large keeper later in the season. Dig the crop when plants start to yellow and die off. Start about one foot on either side of the plants and work inward toward the center of the row. Tubers injured during digging should be used immediately. Otherwise, gently brush away any loose soil and store them at 55° F in a humid area. Save the smaller tubers from the spring crop for a fall crop planted in late summer when seed potatoes aren’t in stores.

As always, let me know if you have questions about planting, pruning, starting seeds, potatoes, or anything else in your garden or landscape!

Prune rose canes back to an outwardfacing bud to keep the interior of the rose bush open.

by LSU AgCenter.

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

At Last at Hotel Monroe

KAROLINE FAITH EDWARDS AND SETH COLTON CRAWFORD

EXCHANGE VOWS AT THE HOTEL MONROE IN MONROE, LOUISIANA

Karoline Faith Edwards, daughter of Mr. And Mrs. Joey Edwards Jr. of West Monroe and Seth Colton Crawford, son of Ms. Hope Crawford of West Monroe and Mr. Joey Crawford of West Monroe, exchanged marriage vows on Saturday January 10, 2026, at The Hotel Monroe. A place already rich with meaning for the couple, Karoline and Seth often spent date nights at Hotel Monroe, and they simply knew it was where they wanted to begin their forever.

Karoline along with her bridesmaids spent the morning in the Mezzanine Room of The Hotel Monroe with the amazingly talented makeup artist Meka Reliford, who styled the bride’s hair in a bridal mid-bun, timeless in elegance, yet distinctly modern. Face framing tendrils softened the look, lending an air of effortless femininity and romance. Unveiled Radiance Photography was there to capture each meaningful moment and all the in between, while

Storyline Co. Videography preserved the day in full, from quiet, tender exchanges to the grand highlights of the evening.

Attending the bride were her maid of honor, Ava Miley, and her sisters, Katie Brandon and Kayla Murry, who both served as matrons of honor. Bridesmaids were Brai Block and Marleigh Martin. The bridesmaids wore black satin floor-length gowns and carried clutch bouquets of white roses, ranunculus, and genestra wrapped in modern black silk ribbon. Collins Crawford, Lottie Murry, and Eliana Scanlan served as flower girls. Their dresses echoed the bride’s gown with clean satin structure, pearl-lined necklines and a beaded and pearl-accented waistband, with a statement bow at the back. They carried petite bouquets of alstroemeria lilies, hypericum berries and genestra.

Escorted by her father, the bride walked down the aisle in a breathtaking Mikado ballgown by Allure Bridals from the Bridal Path, her something new. Balancing clean

structure with intricate detail, the gown featured a high neckline and sheer sleeved bodice adorned with pearls and sequin beaded clusters, while a continuous trail of pearl buttons flowed from the neckline down the back of the gown to the hem. The bride completed her look with the First Kiss veil by Toni Federici, a luxurious cascading design dusted with pearls and crystals. Resting at the crown of the veil was an antique pearl clustered hair comb worn by the bride’s late maternal grandmother on her own wedding day, the bride’s “something old.” The bride also wore her mother’s wedding garter accented with a blue ribbon, her “something blue,” while classic Mikimoto pearl earrings from her mother served as “something borrowed.” Karoline carried a bridal bouquet of Casablanca lilies, ranunculus, and white roses wrapped in ivory silk ribbon.

Josh Crawford, brother of the groom, served as best man. Chris Crawford, Wyatt Jordan, Elijah Mclendon, and Garrett Walker

served as groomsmen. Banks Brandon and Chapel Murry served as ring bearers, while Landon Chandler and Dallas Singleton served as ushers. The groom and his groomsmen wore black suits by Pronto Uomo, finished with boutonnieres of ranunculus, hypericum berries, and ruscus.

Reverend Tom Lowe officiated the ceremony. An array of gold-framed panels adorned with Casablanca lilies, snapdragons, stock, hydrangeas, dendrobium orchids, white roses, peonies, and ranunculus formed a stunning backdrop for the minister and couple. The center aisle was lined with coordinating florals. The immensely talented Clinton Downing of Clinton Whitney Downing Design Group, along with his sister, Sarah Downing Watley, transformed the elegant Opera House ballroom at Hotel Monroe into a glamorous soirée, seamlessly blending the Great Gatsbyera inspiration with a contemporary modernday approach. The processional and bridal entrance were accompanied by instrumental music performed by a pianist, violinist, and cellist. Special moments during the ceremony included a family prayer and the lighting of a unity candle as “Been so Good” played. The wedding party recessed to “Right Back to Where We Started From.”

Upon entering the reception area, guests were greeted by pictures of weddings past, and cherished loved ones close to the couple’s hearts, surrounding an “In Memory of” floral arrangement honoring the bride’s maternal grandmother, Ann Langley, and paternal grandfather, Joey Edwards Sr., as well as the groom’s maternal grandfather, Steve Blackwell, maternal step grandfather, Glenn Roberts, and paternal grandmother, Carolyn Crawford.

Varying heights of white florals were arranged on modern gold pedestals at each table, with a pair of statement arrangements rising mid room to welcome guests. The Hotel Monroe Catering Team created a full culinary experience featuring Louisiana-inspired dishes including bacon-wrapped duck, crawfish etouffee, fried catfish bites, and more. Specialty crafted signature mocktails named in honor of the couple included “Sweet Karoline” and “The Crawford Sparkle.” Social Bites Bakery designed a striking six-layer square tiered cake that served as a romantic focal point of the reception. Each tier was softly separated by delicate gold accents and dendrobium orchids and ranunculus, while cascading florals and lush arrangements of white blooms and greenery surrounded the design. A custom acrylic “C” monogram floated on the front tier adding a personal touch to the grand bridal cake display of elevated southern elegance. The cake featured three flavors: lemon blueberry, strawberry, and almond. The groom’s cake was a sculptural design inspired by his profession as a firefighter, featuring rich chocolate cake paired with Mexican chocolate fudge icing.

Sage Events ensured the evening unfolded seamlessly. The extraordinary LA Legacy Jazz Orchestra provided entertainment as guests danced the night away. The couple shared their first dance to Etta James’ classic “At Last.” Toast and Tango designed a dramatic black and white dance floor with a gold medallion and an elegant floral custom name wall accented with gold columns for guests to enjoy. Upon the couples exit, Pyromania Fireworks lit up the night sky with awe-inspiring cold sparkler fountains that framed the couple’s departure along a sparkler lined courtyard pathway, where a vintage English white Rolls Royce awaited.

The couple honeymooned in Quebec, Canada and will make their home in West Monroe. The bride is a graduate of Louisiana Tech University and is employed as Office Administrator at Transmission Specialists. The groom is employed as a firefighter with the Ouachita Parish Fire Department and Roofing Contractors Inc.

BAYOU EATS

Nana’s Soulfood

Dorethea Mcneal keeps the tradition of soul food alive, serving family recipes and heartfelt hospitality at Nana’s Soulfood in Ruston.

ARTICLE BY STARLA GATSON PHOTOGRAPHY BY KELLY MOORE CLARK

Sundays are for soul food, and they have been since the days of slavery in America. In an essay titled “Soul Food as Cultural Creation,” William C. Whitt explains why: “Saturday night was usually the time for distributing slave provisions. This made possible the tradition of a largerthan-normal Sunday dinner — a practice that has continued with minor modification in many African American households.”

Whitt’s right. Now, Black families, especially those here in the South, gather around the table on Sundays to enjoy a spread larger than the ones they enjoy on other days of the week, complete with dishes like collard greens, macaroni and cheese, and fried chicken made from recipes handed down from one generation to the next.

Of course, there are no rules that say soul food can only be eaten on Sundays, that only Black Americans can partake, or that you have to cook the meal yourself. That’s why Nana’s Soulfood, located at 301 Minden Street in Ruston, is consistently busy. All kinds of people flock to the cozy, homey restaurant to break bread — hot water cornbread, specifically — made by Dorethea Mcneal.

Thanks to the longstanding association of soul food with Sundays, the first day of the week is Mcneal’s busiest. Between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., North Louisiana residents head to the restaurant for fried pork chops, fried or baked chicken, smothered hamburger steak, meatloaf, collard greens, purple hull peas, mashed potatoes, cabbage greens, creamed corn, deviled eggs, yams, pound cake, banana pudding, and cheesecake.

Though not as many as on Sundays, plenty of Rustonites and visitors from surrounding parishes walk through the Nana’s Soulfood doors on the other days to enjoy some of the restaurant’s entrees and sides.

“On Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, I’m open from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and I’m closed Wednesday and Saturday,” Mcneal says — to enjoy some of the restaurant’s other entrees and sides. Each day boasts its own set menu of items like beef tips, fried fish, ribs, rice, and string beans that Mcneal only changes if she wants to “add an extra meat or something.”

Ultimately, though, it doesn’t particularly matter when you visit Nana’s Soulfood. Whichever day you’re there and whatever is on your plate, the meal is sure to conquer your soul food cravings and leave you satisfied. Mcneal ensures every dish is as it should be by taking a hands-on approach to the cooking — she pauses several times during her conversation with BayouLife to check on the desserts she has in the oven or to direct one of her staff members to their next task — and doing much of the work herself. Whatever Mcneal doesn’t personally make is cooked by her crew using her recipes.

Mcneal has to love it. It’s hard work, the kind you need passion to keep doing. Because she cares so deeply about Nana’s Soulfood and its customers, Mcneal works diligently and consistently each day to make sure everything is just right for her guests.

“I go to the grocery store just about every morning and get what I need for that day,” Mcneal explains, sharing that she also purchases fresh food from vendors and local farmers. “I get [to the restaurant] around 8:15 a.m., and shortly after that, we get started preparing for that day.”

Mcneal and the rest of the Nana’s Soulfood team, many of whom are her family members, provide more than just yummy meals. They also give patrons a warm atmosphere to eat and enjoy each other’s company. From the outside, the little white Nana’s Soulfood building looks a lot like a beloved grandmother’s home. The inside isn’t much different. The tables and chairs look like those you’d find in a family dining room. There is vintage decor on the walls, some of which bears references to biblical scriptures and quotes about faith and family. It’s quaint and comfortable, full of charm that no doubt draws Mcneal’s regular customers back in again and again.

“They’re family recipes passed down,” she says proudly, noting that her mother, grandmother, and aunties taught her much of what she knows about food and cooking. “But if I see [a new dish] I want to challenge myself with, I try to tackle it.”

The Dubach native and her recipes are trustworthy, as she’s logged plenty of kitchen hours throughout her lifetime. Before she opened Nana’s Soulfood, you could find Mcneal working in elementary and high school cafeterias. As a child, Mcneal joined her family in the kitchen to help prepare meals and says, “I was too small to even see what my mom was doing. I used to get a chair and stand up in it to watch her.”

The love of cooking planted during Mcneal’s childhood continued to bloom as her life went on. She enjoyed making food so much that opening a restaurant became a dream of hers. Eventually, the opportunity to make it a reality presented itself. One day, while driving through Ruston, Mcneal’s youngest daughter passed by a vacant building in town. She saw an opportunity and urged her mother to jump on it — “[My daughter] was the biggest force in it,” Mcneal says of going into the restaurant business. Mcneal did, and in February 2015, Nana’s Soulfood was born.

For more than a decade, the spot has been one of Ruston’s hidden gems, serving homestyle soul food every week. Nana’s is one of Lincoln Parish’s few authentic soul food spots, and Mcneal doesn’t take that lightly. She’s honored to serve her food to the community, she says, adding, “I love that [customers] love to come here. They depend on me, and I love [cooking] for them.”

At right: You’re in good hands if you try Nana’s Strawberry Punch Bowl Cake – a favorite at Nana’s Soulfood.

Whatever brings them back, whether the homey environment or the taste of their favorite dish, Mcneal is thankful for those who have visited her restaurant and for the positive feedback they’ve left. The restaurant industry is notoriously difficult to navigate, and Mcneal acknowledges this; she confesses that, at times, she has been tempted to close the Nana’s Soulfood doors for good. But she just can’t. She loves cooking and her customers far too much to stop yet.

If you find yourself in Ruston and the desire for good home-cooking in a down-to-earth environment hits, consider giving Nana’s Soulfood a try. Thanks to the efforts of Mcneal and her crew, you’ll feel right at home while you’re there. When you leave, you’ll have a full belly, satisfied taste buds, and maybe a new favorite soul food spot.

Visit Nana’s Soulfood at 301 Minden Street in Ruston on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. No time to sit down, or want to take it to go? You’re in luck; Nana’s Soulfood is available for DoorDash delivery and accepts callin takeout orders at (318) 224-7028.

Plates and bowls for styling (Vietri’s organic Forma in the neutral Cloud color) were sourced from The Muffin Tin and Trenton House.

Your New Year Checklist

by ERIN SHARPLIN LOVE | erinlove@panachebyerin.com

The beginning of a new year is the perfect time to hit the pause button and reset your home and life. What do you want 2026 to look like for you and your family? What changes or upgrades do you want to make? If these are the thoughts that are running through your mind, then this article is for you! Personally, I am on a journey to create a grand, new life, too, so we are in this together. Let’s get started!

1. Do a Life Audit. I usually do this step on January 1st, but I think it’s a great tool to use at the beginning of EVERY month! A life audit helps you figure out what’s working and what’s not. My favorite tool to conduct a life audit is the “Wheel of Life.” It looks like this.

S – Specific

M – Measurable

A – Achievable

R – Relevant

T – Time Bound

4. Create a Routine for Implementation. You can always set goals, but unless you act on them you will never reach those goals! The way I implement my goals is by creating a Sunday Check-in. Every Sunday I sit down with my journal, to-do list, and phone to create a set of specific actions I can take during the upcoming week. For instance, since one of the areas I want to improve upon is ‘Health,” I create a workout routine, meal plan, and shopping list during my Sunday Check-ins.

5. READ! If you want to improve yourself, READ! Read the Bible. Read self-help books that are geared toward your interests and life. Even reading fiction will increase your brain function and keep your mind young and healthy. Reading is a form of self-care that comes with a myriad of benefits, so it can’t be overlooked.

6. Organize! The start of a new year is the perfect time to refresh your organizing systems and rearrange your spaces. This simple action can unlock energy that can lead to new thoughts and ideas! Take this step slowly as the organization process can get out of control quickly and make you lose interest altogether.

7. Clear Phone and Computer Storage. Take the time to clear unwanted pictures, emails, apps, and other files from your phone and your computer. If you have a lot of pictures that you want to save but don’t want them to take up much needed phone storage, I suggest transferring them to another storage device. I’ve used DropBox and an external storage drive.

Don’t take this fresh start for granted! Together, let’s hit the ground running and NEVER stop! 2026 is going to be a GREAT year!!

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

Alex Loomis Barham Law

3006 Armand Connector, Monroe 318-516-3458

Anzelmo Law | Partners Title

200 Breard Street, Monroe 318-855-3735

Bayou DeSiard Title Company

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

Bruscato LAW FIRM

603 Jackson Street, Monroe | 308 West Alabama Ave., Ruston 318.501.8173 | 318.497.4646

Creed & Creed 1805 Tower Drive, Monroe 318.387.5800

Durrett Law & Title

202 North Vienna, Ruston | 1900 Auburn Ave. Suite A, Monroe 318-255-6189

James Spivey

1515 N 7th Street, West Monroe 318-387-3666

Law Office of Gates & Breard

1905 Royal Avenue, Monroe 318-322-7397

Gregory Law Firm

3200 Forsythe Avenue, Suite A, Monroe 318-281-6364

Matherne & Davis, APLC

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

NELA Title

3200 Forsythe Avenue, Monroe 318-388-4304

North Delta Title Company 1100 North 19th Street, Monroe 318.387.1100

Odom-Saska Adoptions

500 N. 7th Street, West Monroe 318-387-8811

Parhms Law Firm, LLC

1401 N 18th Street, Suite C, Monroe 318-323-9546

Bruscato Law Firm

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

308 West Alabama Ave, Ruston 318-497-4646

For John Bruscato, community isn’t a slogan—it’s a responsibility. Raised in Monroe, Louisiana, John grew up in an environment where faith, family, hard work, and service were not ideals to talk about, but standards to live by. Those early lessons, learned in part while helping at his family’s restaurant, Geno’s, continue to shape how he lives and practices law today.

John’s path to the legal profession was shaped by experience rather than convenience. While attending the University of Louisiana at Monroe, a personal legal challenge during his college years became a turning point. Instead of derailing his future, it clarified his direction. With guidance from his cousin Tony, a seasoned personal injury attorney, John came to see the law not simply as a profession, but as a way to advocate for people when clarity and support matter most.

After earning his Juris Doctor from Mississippi College School of Law in 2012, John passed the Louisiana Bar and founded Bruscato Law Firm on a simple principle: injured people deserve clarity, dignity, and an advocate who shows up. His undergraduate background in marketing and economics gives him a strategic perspective, allowing him to navigate complex cases while communicating clearly and directly with the clients he serves.

That commitment doesn’t end at the courthouse doors. John maintains a visible, hands-on presence across North Louisiana—whether engaging students at local schools, convening conversations with civic leaders, or supporting community-driven initiatives. Through efforts like speaking to seventh graders at

PERSONAL INJURY AND WORKERS COMPENSATION ATTORNEY

Sterlington Middle School or hosting conversations with local leaders on his Waiting Tables Podcast, John believes meaningful impact begins with conversation and accountability.

Bruscato Law Firm regularly brings people together through community events and partnerships, including year-end gatherings that reflect the firm’s emphasis on connection and collaboration. John’s long-standing professional and personal relationships, including those with local business and financial leaders, reflect a consistent investment in trust and shared responsibility.

Service, for John, is also deeply personal. The firm’s back-to-school drive remains a point of pride—made especially meaningful by the late Thurman Dickey’s contribution shortly before his passing. “People like Mr. Thurman remind you that responsibility doesn’t end with us,” John says.

Family is the filter through which John makes decisions—professionally and personally. He lives in Monroe with his wife, Cassie, and their three children, Colby, Dash, and Vanessa Jean. From Easter Sunday at home to Friday nights at football games, the Bruscato family remains visibly engaged in the traditions and events that shape local life. John and Cassie are regular supporters of area schools, athletic programs, and community gatherings throughout Northeast Louisiana.

In 2024, Bruscato Law Firm expanded its reach with the opening of a Ruston office to better serve clients throughout Lincoln Parish and the surrounding region. As the firm expands its reach, John remains deliberate about protecting the values that shaped it.

“For me, success isn’t just about outcomes,” John says. “It’s about showing up—consistently—for the people in our community that trust us.”

In Northeast Louisiana, Bruscato Law Firm has become known for exactly that: showing up.

Creed & Creed

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

LOCAL

PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEYS

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

the National Association of Distinguished Counsel and is the proud recipient of The American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys’ Client Satisfaction Award.

Christian Creed is an experienced trial attorney and persuasive negotiator.

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

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

is also a sustaining member of the Monroe Junior League and is actively involved with the United Way of Northeast Louisiana.

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

After years of serving Ouachita Parish as a sole practitioner, Ronald Kip Gates is proud to welcome Brittany Gates Breard as a partner in the Law Office of Gates & Breard. This new partnership combines decades of experience with a fresh, forward-looking perspective. Built on the successful solo practice of Ronald Kip Gates, the firm offers clients confidence of proven legal counsel supported by a new generation of advocacy. Kip and Brittany act with the highest standards of professional ethics while protecting their client’s interest above all.

The mission of Gates & Breard is to provide affordable, professional legal services with integrity and compassion. Kip and Brittany strive to stay current on developments in law and technology to serve clients efficiently while minimizing costs. They believe when their clients succeed, they succeed. The trust between attorney and client is paramount at the Law Office of Gates & Breard and clients’ interests always are placed first, while adhering to the highest standards of professional ethics.

Ronald Kip Gates has practiced law

in Ouachita Parish for over 40 years and is one of the leading collection attorneys in North Louisiana, with extensive experience in all types of consumer debt collection. A lifelong resident of Monroe, Louisiana, Kip graduated from Ridgedale Academy, ULM (then NLU), and Southern University Law Center. After working with several local firms, he established his own practice in 1993. Kip is passionate about practicing law and interacting with people. His profession allows him to “bring grace to controversy,” and help people. He is an active member in good standing with the Louisiana Bar Association and the Fourth Judicial District Bar Association and has been nominated for Who’s Who among Professionals, as well as Small Businessman of the Year.

Brittany Gates Breard is a newly licensed attorney who spent her life immersed in the legal field, working alongside her father. She graduated from Ouachita Christian School, ULM, and Mississippi College School of Law. Before becoming an attorney, Brittany spent ten years as a teacher, an experience that continues to shape her people-first approach to law. She brings strong skills

in communication, research, analysis, and written advocacy and is committed to helping clients feel informed, heard, and empowered. Brittany is an active member in good standing with the Louisiana Bar Association.

The Law Office of Gates & Breard works with credit unions, banks, landlords, contractors, subcontractors and finance companies throughout Louisiana. They also handle open account cases for doctors, dentists, CPAs and other people or entities which have accounts payable and need legal assistance. They also emphasize proactive estate planning, including wills, living wills, and powers of attorney, particularly for blended families. The firm handles basic divorce cases and community property matters, encouraging communication and compromise to avoid unnecessary litigation. Their general practice includes contract disputes, civil transactions, and representation of realtors and landlords. Consultation fees are waived in most cases, and if the firm cannot assist a client, they help direct them to someone who can. If you have issues, please contact Gates & Breard for legal consultation.

Matherne & Davis, Attorneys at Law

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

Wills, Powers of Attorney, Trusts, Successions

Valerie Van Matherne and Lauren Davis are proud to announce the newest member of their firm, Matthew Matherne. Matthew joins the practice with a strong academic background, a passion for service, and deep roots in the Monroe community. Born and raised in Monroe, Louisiana, Matthew is the eldest son of Valerie Matherne and has long demonstrated a commitment to excellence, discipline, and leadership.

Matthew is a graduate of Ouachita Christian High School, where he developed a strong foundation for academic success. Some of Matthew’s high school accomplishments include achieving the rank of Eagle Scout, which is the highest rank attainable in the Boy Scouts of America program, and he won a LHSAA state champion title in wrestling. He went on to attend Louisiana Tech University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. His engineering background sharpened his analytical skills and problem-solving abilities—qualities that continue to serve him well in the legal profession. Following his undergraduate studies, Matthew attended Mississippi College School of Law, where he earned his Juris Doctorate in 2025, along with a

Certificate in Civil Law Studies.

While at Mississippi College, Matthew distinguished himself by serving on the executive board of the Mississippi College Law Review, an achievement reflecting both his dedication and intellectual rigor. His scholarly article, titled “A Dangerous Challenge to the Constitutionality of the Felon-in-Possession Statute: United States v. Bullock,” was published in Volume 43 of the Review. This accomplishment highlights Matthew’s ability to engage deeply with complex legal issues and contribute meaningfully to legal scholarship.

When asked what excites him most about practicing law, Matthew shared, “Early in life, I developed a passion not only for the challenge of solving complex problems, but more importantly for serving others by solving their problems. Lawyers are in a unique position to do just that, and I am eager to serve my community through my practice in the legal profession.” His commitment to service aligns seamlessly with the mission and values of the firm.

Outside the office, Matthew maintains an active and well-balanced lifestyle. He enjoys traveling, hunting, and practicing

jiu-jitsu, all of which reflect his appreciation for discipline, adventure, and personal growth. Matthew also values time spent with his wife, Victoria Matherne, and their dog, Nola. Together, Matthew and Victoria attend North Monroe Baptist Church and cherish opportunities to stay connected with their faith, family, and community.

Matherne & Davis, Attorneys at Law, is based in Monroe and represents clients throughout Northeast Louisiana. The firm offers a broad range of legal services, with a particular focus on estate planning. The firm tailors its approach to meet each client’s unique needs, concerns, and long-term goals. The faces behind Matherne & Davis, Valerie Van Matherne and Lauren Pickett Davis, bring extensive legal knowledge and a strong work history that prove invaluable to their clients. They work closely with clients’ tax advisors and financial planners to ensure a comprehensive and thoughtful estate planning process. To learn more or begin planning for your future, contact Matherne & Davis at (318) 807-9030 today.

In March of 1994, co-founder Kirby Price, opened the doors of North Delta Title to provide the residents of Northeast Louisiana a single source for all of their real estate transaction needs. Now serving the entire state of Louisiana, North Delta Title has closed over 41,000 real estate transactions, specializing in both commercial and residential properties.

Partners, Kirby Price, Amy Price and Cody Rials combine more than 80 years of real estate experience and stand ready to deliver trusted guidance on your next real estate transaction.

Kirby is a graduate of Ouachita Parish High School and Northeast Louisiana University where he received a bachelor’s degree of science in 1971 and an MBA in 1972. He attended the Paul M. Hebert Law Center at LSU, graduating in 1978. Having been raised in Monroe, he returned after law school to begin his career and raise a family. He and his wife Cindy have raised four children and have 12 grandchildren, seven of whom live in Monroe. He is a certified real estate instructor by

NORTH DELTA TITLE COMPANY

the Louisiana Board of Realtors; past board member of the Louisiana Land Title Association; and past member of the Bank Counsel Committee of the Louisiana Banker’s Association. Mr. Price was recently recognized for 40 years of legal service by the Fourth District Bar Association and holds an AV Preeminent Rating by Martindale Hubbell. He is an active member of St. Mathews Catholic Church.

Amy, a graduate of St. Frederick High School, Louisiana State University and Southern University Law Center joined North Delta Title in 2011 and lives in Monroe with her husband, Brian Boatright, her two children, Claire and Will, and her two step-children, Addison and Braiden. She graduated in the top 10% of her law school class and currently serves on the Louisiana Law Institute Property Committee. She is the Vice President of the Louisiana Land Title Association and the Secretary/ Treasurer of the Ouachita Parish Industrial Development Board, as well as serving on the board of directors of Grow NELA. She is an active member

of Jesus the Good Shepherd Church where she serves on the Flower Guild and as an Eucharistic Minister.

Cody, a native of Monroe and graduate of Neville High School attended University of Louisiana at Monroe where he graduated with a degree in Construction Management. He attended the Paul M. Hebert Law Center at LSU, where he graduated in the top 20% of his class and holds an AV Preeminent Rating with Martindale Hubbell. After practicing law on his own for many years, Cody joined North Delta as a partner in January 2026. He is the former chairman of Families Helping Families of Northeast Louisiana, is an advisor to the Northeast Louisiana Homebuilders Association where he routinely teaches continuing education, and is an active member of First Methodist Church in Monroe. He resides in Monroe with his wife, Elizabeth and their two children, Madeline and Jackson, where, in his spare time, coaches many youth sport teams and enjoys hunting and fishing.

Odom-Saska Adoptions

Odom-Saska Adoptions, LLC

500 N. 7th Street West Monroe, LA 71291

(318) 387-8811

fax(318) 323-1122

terriodom@odomsaska.com

emilysaska@odomsaska.com

odomsaska.com

Terri Hoover Odom and Emily M. Saska share a passion for helping families grow, grounded in decades of legal experience and a deep understanding of the emotional complexity of adoption. Based in Louisiana with offices in West Monroe and Baton Rouge, this motherdaughter legal team has devoted their careers to guiding birth parents and adoptive families through one of life’s most meaningful legal journeys.

For Terri Odom, the practice of adoption law is more than a profession — it’s a calling forged through years of seeing firsthand both the challenges and the profound joy that adoption brings. Terri earned her Juris Doctor from Loyola University in New Orleans in 1985, laying the foundation for a legal career that has spanned nearly four decades. Since 1989, she has helped thousands of families navigate the adoption process with compassion, clarity, and dignity. Her experience is a source of comfort to clients, whether she’s helping a birth mother understand her rights or supporting adoptive

parents as they prepare for the arrival of a child.

Terri understands that adoption touches the heart of what it means to build a family and believes that such decisions deserve both legal expertise and heartfelt support. This perspective has shaped her practice and earned her longstanding respect within the legal community. Her membership in the Adoption Section of the Academy of Adoption and Assisted Reproduction Attorneys (AAAA) since 1998 reflects her commitment to excellence in this specialized field, and her years of caring legal service have made her a trusted advocate for clients across Louisiana and beyond.

Emily M. Saska followed in her mother’s footsteps, inspired by years of watching Terri practice adoption law with skill and sensitivity. Emily earned her Juris Doctor from Loyola Law School in New Orleans in 2014, and in 2020, she was also inducted as a proud member of the Academy of Adoption and Assisted Reproduction Attorneys (AAAA).

Together, Terri and Emily help

clients navigate the full spectrum of adoption matters, from private adoptions and intra-family placements to agency, foster-care, and adult adoptions. They emphasize open communication, personalized legal strategies, and unwavering support for every client they serve. Whether meeting with birth parents considering their options or helping adoptive couples finalize the legal steps to welcome a child into their home, their work is defined by integrity, empathy, and decades of experience.

At Odom-Saska Adoptions, the goal isn’t just to complete paperwork. Their team empowers families through one of life’s most meaningful legal and emotional transitions. Terri and Emily view every case as an opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of all involved throughout each adoption process, ensuring that each family’s story is met with respect, professionalism, and compassionate legal guidance.

2026 marks twenty years since Attorney Carlton Parhms began working full-time in his private practice at Parhms Law Firm LLC. This significant milestone represents two decades of dedicated service to clients throughout Louisiana, built on a foundation of compassion, expertise, and an unwavering commitment to justice. Over the years, his name has become synonymous with integrity, perseverance, and genuine care for the people he represents, as well as a deep understanding that behind every case is a person whose life has been disrupted.

A native of Baton Rouge, Attorney Parhms began his legal career as an Assistant District Attorney with the Ouachita Parish District Attorney’s Office. He started in the Juvenile Division, where he gained invaluable experience working with young people and their families during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. This early exposure helped shape his empathetic approach to the law and strengthened his desire to advocate for those who often feel unheard or overwhelmed by the legal system. His strong performance and dedication led to a promotion to Felony Drug Prosecutions,

Parhms Law Firm, LLC.

where he handled complex cases and further developed the courtroom skills, strategic thinking, and confidence that would serve him throughout his career.

Attorney Parhms was later appointed City Prosecutor for the City of Monroe, a role that broadened his perspective and deepened his understanding of the justice system from both a legal and community standpoint. Serving in this capacity allowed him to see firsthand how legal decisions affect not only individuals, but families and the community as a whole. After prosecuting for approximately ten years, he made a pivotal decision to transition into civil law, choosing to practice full-time in the areas of Workers’ Compensation and Personal Injury. When asked why he no longer handles criminal cases, he responds with his characteristic good humor: “It was a great experience. I certainly learned a lot. But I did my time, lol.”

When Carlton opened his private practice, his approach was guided by faith and purpose. His prayer was simple yet profound: “Lord, send me the people you want me to help.” He is grateful to say that prayer has been answered. Early in his civil practice, he felt especially called to

help injured workers. While he admits he knew little about Workers’ Compensation law at the time, it quickly became clear to him that many injured workers struggled to receive the medical treatment and compensation they were legally entitled to, often while facing uncertainty about their ability to provide for their families. This realization ignited a passion that has never faded.

Today, Attorney Parhms remains deeply committed to advocating for injured workers, fighting tirelessly to ensure they are treated fairly, respectfully, and in accordance with the law. Over the past thirty years, Parhms has secured millions in compensation and medical benefits on behalf of clients across the State of Louisiana. Each case represents more than a legal outcome. It represents a life stabilized, a family supported, and a sense of hope restored.

As he celebrates twenty years of fulltime private practice, Attorney Carlton Parhms continues to serve with the same dedication, faith, and compassion that have defined his career from the very beginning, remaining focused on his mission to help those who need a trusted advocate during some of life’s most challenging moments.

Founded over 25 years ago, Bayou Desiard Title Company has been a cornerstone of the community, providing reliable title services since its inception. Gene Hastings and the other attorneys and staff members of Bayou DeSiard Title recognize that any company that has been successful for over two decades owes its existence to the individuals and community that it serves.

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

The company was formed in 1997 by local attorney Gene Hastings and

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

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

Bayou DeSiard Title Company

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

Durrett

Law & Title

202 North Vienna St. Ruston, LA 71270

1900 Auburn Ave Suite A, Monroe, LA 71201

318.255.6189

Fax 888.714.3424

www.durrett.law

In the heart of North Louisiana’s communities, where legal needs span from personal matters to complex business transactions, Durrett Law & Title stands as a beacon of reliability and expertise. Established in 2012 by brothers John Andrew “Andy” Durrett and Bjay Durrett, the firm has grown from a local practice into a regional powerhouse across the I-20 Corridor with offices in Ruston, Monroe, Minden, and Shreveport. The firm has consistently earned high praise for its professionalism and results.

Andy Durrett leads the firm’s focus areas in probate, estate planning, civil litigation, minerals, business, and property law.

BJay Durrett manages the firm’s residential and commercial title services offerings. The firm also includes several experienced and talented attorneys, namely: Taylor Brock, Alex Mize, NiKayla Willaert and Noel Lee. Brock heads up the firm’s commercial real estate division,

while Mize complements Brock’s expertise, focusing on residential and commercial title services. Willaert focuses on civil litigation in the realm of personal and family law. Lee’s caseload includes probate, estate planning, and civil litigation.

The firm has received glowing reviews from numerous respected sources (4.8/5.0 Google; 5.0/5.0 Avvo; and AV Preeminent on Martindale-Hubbell). Peers have commended the firm for its legal knowledge, professionalism, and analytical capability. Clients echo those sentiments by highlighting the firm’s communication, efficiency, and personalized service.

For individuals and businesses seeking a trusted partner in legal matters, Durrett Law & Title offers the experience, reach, and dedication needed to succeed. Contact the firm today: 318-255-6189 or visit durrett. law.

Gregory Law Firm

Lynette Gregory Eldridge

3200 Forsythe Ave Suite A Monroe, Louisiana

318.281.6364

James Spivey II has built a professional life defined by education, service, and a deep commitment to helping individuals find a way forward during difficult times. Born on January 18, 1963, at St. Francis Hospital, Spivey’s roots are firmly grounded in Northeast Louisiana. He graduated from West Monroe High School in 1981, setting the stage for a lifelong dedication to learning and public service.

Spivey earned a Bachelor of Arts in History from Louisiana State University in 1986, followed by a Bachelor in Biblical Studies from the Institute of Christian Studies in 1988. This combination of historical perspective and faith-based study shaped both his analytical skills and his compassionate approach to working with people. He went on to receive his Juris Doctor from Mississippi College School of Law in 1992 and passed the Louisiana Bar in 1993, where he is registered as LSBA Bar #22160.

Since June 1993, James Spivey II has practiced bankruptcy law in the Western

When life takes an unexpected turn, you deserve more than just legal advice—you deserve a partner who listens. For over 11 years, Attorney Lynette Gregory has represented over a thousand clients in North Louisiana during their most difficult seasons.

At the Gregory Law Firm, we provide a calm, nurturing environment where you can find hope and restoration. Founded on the belief that every client is placed in our path for a purpose, we offer honest, ethical representation rooted in kindness and respect. Her practice areas include Divorce, Custody, Support, Community Property Separation, Probate/Successions and Estate Planning.

From her roots in Bastrop to her current home in West Monroe, Lynette Gregory is dedicated to serving her community with integrity. Lynette’s personal background as a spouse and parent allows her to truly resonate with the life-changing nature of family law proceedings.

Gregory earned her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Louisiana at Monroe in 2011, where she established a distinguished

District of Louisiana.

For more than three decades, he has guided clients through complex financial challenges with clarity, professionalism, and respect. His practice is rooted in the belief that financial hardship does not define a person’s worth or future.

As a small firm, Spivey’s practice is dedicated to giving each case personal attention and full commitment. He believes in new beginnings and second chances, helping clients regain financial freedom and move forward with confidence. At the heart of his work is a simple principle: everyone deserves the opportunity for a fresh start and the chance to face the future with hope and a smile.

record of leadership and academic merit. While at ULM, she founded the Pre-Law Association, served as a founding member of the Pi Sigma Alpha Political Science Honor Society, and was recognized by faculty as the Most Outstanding Political Science Major. Her undergraduate tenure was marked by global and legislative engagement, including a study abroad program in Peru and a legislative assistantship at the Louisiana State Capitol.

She continued her legal education at Southern University Law Center, where she earned her Juris Doctorate in 2014. During her time in Baton Rouge, Lynette gained significant practical experience through diverse internships at law firms in both Baton Rouge and Denver, Colorado, in addition to serving in multiple capacities at the State Capitol - experiences that instilled in her a deep understanding of both the law, the legislative process, and politics.

Don’t navigate your darkest hour alone, schedule a consultation.

“I believe no meeting is by accident. I’m here to help you find a path forward with dignity and respect.” — Lynette

James Spivey

1515 N 7th Street West Monroe

318-387-3666

jspiveylaw.com

By many measures, Alex Loomis Barham’s life once followed a carefully laid plan. She finished law school early, worked at the local District Attorney’s Office, passed the bar, and married her high school sweetheart, Micah. Together, they built a life grounded in faith, family, and service, welcoming two daughters and enjoying years of meaningful work and travel.

Alex began her legal career as a prosecutor before later working alongside her father, a respected attorney who practiced family law for more than 50 years. Learning from him was both demanding and deeply rewarding. Through that experience, Alex gained extensive insight into family law matters and developed the practical, clientfocused approach that continues to define her work today.

Life changed abruptly when her father passed away following a recurrence of cancer, and then again in February 2022, when Micah died suddenly just before his 33rd birthday. Overnight, Alex found herself navigating profound personal loss while raising two

young children. Grief reshaped her life— but it also clarified her calling.

Today, Alex focuses her practice on Estate Planning Law and Successions, helping individuals and families plan for the transfer and management of their property before or after death. Her work includes drafting wills, trusts, and related documents, as well as guiding families through successions and other sensitive personal matters. Her background in family law provides valuable overlap in addressing complex emotional and legal issues that often arise during times of transition.

Alex’s passion for estate planning is deeply personal. Having walked through loss herself, she understands firsthand how overwhelming these moments can be—and how proper planning can ease the burden on loved ones while providing peace of mind. Now the founder of her own law firm, Alex approaches each client with empathy, clarity, and a steady belief that even in life’s hardest seasons, thoughtful preparation can be an enduring gift.

Alex Loomis Barham Law

3006 Armand Connector, Monroe

318.516.3458

alex@loomisbarhamlaw.com loomisbarhamlaw.com

NELA Title Company, based in Monroe, Louisiana, is a trusted name in real estate transactions, offering expert title and estate planning services. Founded on integrity, experience, and community commitment, the company is led by attorneys Rob Garner and Ethan Hunt, who bring decades of legal expertise to the table. Their passion for helping homebuyers—especially firsttime buyers—ensures a seamless closing process. Beyond their professional work, both Garner and Hunt are actively involved in nonprofit efforts, reinforcing NELA Title’s dedication to serving Northeast Louisiana. Whether buying, selling, or refinancing, NELA Title Company is your local partner in securing property with confidence.

Since 2006, Ethan has practiced in a variety of areas but has consistently maintained a focus on real estate transactions, business administrations, estate planning, and succession.

Rob Garner is originally from Monroe and a proud Neville High School graduate. He went on to obtain his undergraduate degree from the University of Louisiana at Monroe in 2001 and his Juris Doctorate from LSU Law School in 2004. Since that time, Rob has practiced law in Northeast Louisiana and specializes in real estate, business organizations and transactions and estate planning.

3200 Forsythe Ave, Monroe nelatitle.com | 318.388.4304

Ethan Hunt graduated from Neville High school in 1997, before attending Louisiana Tech University. Graduating from Tech in 2001 with a degree in Biology, Ethan went on to work in the environmental field, focusing on Phase I site assessments, asbestos inspections, wetland delineation and radio frequency assessments. In 2003, Ethan enrolled in law school at LSU and graduated in 2006 with his juris doctorate.

Whether you’re buying your first home, expanding your business, or securing your family’s future, NELA Title Company is committed to guiding you every step of the way. With a trusted team of experts and a deep understanding of Louisiana law, they provide seamless, stress-free solutions for all your real estate and estate planning needs. At NELA Title, your success is their priority—because when it comes to protecting what matters most, experience and dedication make all the difference.

Anzelmo Law is a full-service law firm providing responsive, effective, and efficient legal services to its clients throughout Louisiana. Our attorneys, Don Anzelmo, Charles Anzelmo, and Alexis “Lexi” Coco, and staff are well equipped to handle a variety of your legal needs, such as Workers’ Compensation & Insurance Defense Litigation, Collections, Evictions, Transactional Law (Successions, Corporate Law, Contracts/ Leases, etc.), and General Litigation. Don and Charles also regularly serve as attorney chairmen on medical review panels in medical malpractice claims. Anzelmo Law is located at 200 Breard Street in Downtown Monroe, Louisiana. You can find more information about Anzelmo Law at www.anzelmolaw.com or give us a call at 318-855-3735 should you have any questions.

Thank you for the continued opportunity to serve your legal needs.

Partners Title offers a full range of title insurance, as well as closing and escrow services, to clients and fellow professionals who serve the real estate industry in Louisiana. Our title attorney, Charles Anzelmo, and professional staff at Partners Title have the experience and knowledge to handle a comprehensive range of title services in areas including commercial, residential, and recreational property transactions. Partners Title is committed to providing responsive and personalized attention throughout the buying and selling process, so all parties involved have an efficient, understandable, and enjoyable transaction. Partners Title is located at 200 Breard Street in Downtown Monroe, Louisiana and has a closing office located at 210 W. Florida Street in Ruston, Louisiana. Feel free to give us a call at 318-855-3735 or check us out online at www.partnerstitlela.com or on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ partnerstitlelouisiana

We look forward to closing with you soon!

Anzelmo Law Partners Title

200 Breard Street, Monroe anzelmolaw.com | partnerstitlela.com 318-855-3735

BISHOP

When Bishop Delores J. Williamston was a little girl growing up in Topeka, Kansas, she had no idea what God had planned for her. Even so, she believed with all of her heart that He had a plan, and she waited and trusted. After a successful military career spanning 22 years, Bishop Williamston realized that the next chapter in God’s plan for her was pastoral ministry. In a leap of faith, she quit her job and enrolled in seminary. Today she is known as Bishop Williamston, one of approximately 52 active bishops in the United Methodist Church. She is the first African-American bishop to serve the Louisiana Conference of the United Methodist Church as well as the first African-American female bishop in the South-Central Jurisdiction of the United Methodist Church. Her life has been one of adventure, but also one of purpose.

Bishop Delores J. Williamston’s life journey has not been linear. As a child, she didn’t dream of being a church leader someday. Instead, she relished the Kansas sunshine “Down Home” visiting the land that her forebearers had purchased after the American Civil War. Her ancestors had been slaves in Missouri, but over the years between the late 1860s through the 1930s they and their children purchased farmland near Ozawkie and Oskaloosa, Kansas. She was from a family of farmers and land owners who worked that land to make things better for future generations.

Farmers are well known for leaning on their faith, especially during the long growing seasons year after year. Bishop Williamston’s family certainly leaned on theirs. “My family was –and is – a family of great faith. Their faith and belief in something bigger than themselves is evidenced by their being able to purchase, and then successfully farm and retain their land in a society filled with racism, prejudice, hatred, and bias against black people,” Bishop Williamston says. “That has happened only by the grace of God.”

“Down Home” Memories

That farm land is known in the family today – just as it has always been -- as “Down Home.” Among Bishop Williamston’s fondest childhood memories are of visiting her maternal grandfather’s farm and with those who lived and worked there. Her mother Henrietta was the eldest of seven children. She grew up on the farm within a large extended family of 14. Bishop Williamston’s grandfather was the oldest boy in the group.

Both Bishop Williamston and her older brother Duane were born in Colorado Springs, Colorado. For major holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas, their mother would load the children and their things into her green 1969 Volkswagen Beetle, and they would go “Down Home” for a visit. There Bishop Williamston especially enjoyed visiting with the older relatives. Their mother eventually moved her family back to Kansas so that she could be near her aging family when Bishop Williamston was about 6 months old.

An especially happy memory involves the presents that Bishop Williamston’s grandfather gave the children at Christmas. “He’d purchase from the store the red knit stocking that contained an apple, an orange, hard candies, walnuts, pecans, and Brazil nuts!” Bishop Williamston’s remembers with a smile. “And one year, I received a special treat of a little red transistor radio, which I thought was really cool.”

Bishop Williamston also has loving memories of being with her grandmother, her grandfather’s second wife, Gussie Mae. The two would go to the large garden that she and Bishop Williamston’s grandfather had planted. There they would dig potatoes and pull green beans, onions, and carrots. “But the real fun was hunting for wild greens!” Bishop Williamston says. “She showed me what ‘lamb’s quarter’, ‘polk’, nettle, and ‘horseradish’ (to name a few) looked like. We would gather the wild greens, along with other garden greens, and debug and wash them to prepare for cooking.” The two would also sit on the porch and snap green beans. Though Bishop Williamston was about one year old when she lost her maternal grandmother Helen (first wife of her grandfather, Alonzo), she imagines that she, too, would have taken her to the garden and on wild green hunting walks.

Another special time “Down Home” was a holiday of sorts, as well. It happened every September when the family gathered to slaughter the hogs. In the early 1900s, Bishop Williamston’s great-grandfather and great uncles established a hog farm. She remembers going to her grandfather’s house for the event. “The men were down in the pig pens, slaughtering hogs and preparing them for butchering,” she recalls. “It was a busy time as nearly all of my grandfather’s brothers and extended relatives would come to help with this work.”

Seeking Knowledge

Bishop Williamston’s public education occurred in Topeka, Kansas, from her elementary years until the 11th grade. She attended Topeka Public Schools, Unified School District No. 501. When she was almost 17, she made a major life decision – she dropped out of high school. With her mother signing for her because she was underage, Bishop Williamston embarked on an adventure that would continue her education and strengthen her resolve to serve and someday lead.

Bishop Williamston always enjoyed reading. From her earliest childhood she had loved both listening to and hearing stories. She even had an old record player that she used to listen to Disney story records. She would also take herself to the Topeka Public Library to attend story time there. Today Bishop Williamston still loves listening to, collecting, reading, and learning stories from biblical stories, cultural stories, fables, and myths. “Wherever I go, I am listening for the story and how that story brings common ground to people who can have vastly different backgrounds but are still the same in the human experience of life,” she explains.

Bishop Williamston was always a hard worker, determined to better herself. Her first job was at Bobo’s Drive Inn in Topeka which she held for one day and then left. “I realized being a carhop wasn’t for me,” she explains. She as 14 years old, but determined. Her second job was at the old Methodist Homes in Topeka. She was there for a week before they had to let her go because she was too young. When she was 16, she worked at St. Francis Hospital.

When she dropped out of school, Bishop Williamston was working at a local Church’s Fried Chicken and living at home. She realized that

there was no future in that, so she asked her mother to support her decision to join the Kansas Army National Guard. With that support, the young woman went off to Basic Training at Fort Jackson in Columbia, South Carolina, and Military Occupational School at Fort Benjamin Harrison in Indianapolis, Indiana. With her initial duty completed, Bishop Williamston sat for the General Educational Diploma (GED) in 1982 and passed with high scores. From that first assignment as a finance specialist, she rose through the ranks to become a Senior Finance and Accounting Specialist. During the final three years of her fulltime job with the Guard, she served as the Chief of Finance and Accounting for the United States Property and Fiscal Office in Topeka. When she retired, Bishop Williamston held the rank of Sergeant First Class. She had spent 22 years in the Army National Guard as a soldier with 5 of those years in the New York Army National Guard’s finance division.

Even today, Bishop Williamston cannot recall a specific reason why she dropped out of school and went to the military. There were several, no doubt, and all the while God’s plan was at work as well. During her school years, Bishop Williamston learned that high school is not for everyone, and that some young people are not given the opportunity to question in an institutionally structured school system. Since then, she has also learned that “. . . many young minds are not given the opportunity to express what their educational needs are in order to maximize their brilliance, or they are misunderstood.” From her own experience in high school, Bishop Williamston says that dropping out in the second semester of her junior year was done out of a “. . . perceived boredom that was not challenged.”

The Church Comes Calling

In 1987 Bishop Williamston began taking classes at Washburn University in Topeka. It was a critical step along her education path as she sought a purpose for her life. By this time, she was a single parent with young son Jerome Junior. Costs became prohibitive, so she transferred to a local junior college to complete her degree in General Studies. In 1999, she transferred to Manhattan Christian College and enrolled in the Adult Leadership Program there. She graduated in December 2001 with a BS in Christian Management and Ethics.

In 2002 Bishop Williamston applied to Seminary at Saint Paul School of Theology where she was accepted and began coursework in February 2003. In May 2007 she graduated with a Master of Divinity specializing in Black Church Ministries and Evangelism. Thirteen years later, she began pursuing a doctorate. In May 2023, Bishop Williamston earned a Doctorate in Improvisational Ministry from Phillips Theology Seminary in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Looking back, it was clear God’s plan had always been at work for her.

“My decision to become a pastor was driven by the opportunities I had as a layperson serving in the Church,” Bishop Williamston explains. “I found that my pastor at my home church, Asbury Mt. Olive United Methodist Church, saw potential in my gifts as I continued to volunteer to help there.” It was when she volunteered for a children’s program and many of the children thought that she was the pastor that she heard the call into pastoral ministry.

and paint-by-number, and often does needle punch. She is also an avid bicyclist and enjoys both road and trail rides.

Travel beyond where her bike can take her is also part of her routine. “One of my favorite places to travel is to see the shows and dine in Las Vegas, Nevada,” Bishop Williamston says. “I like the area because the weather is warm, and it is a place where I can see the potential for ministry. I also enjoy the beauty of being outdoors to recharge my batteries.”

Bishop Williamston would also love to travel further afield when time permits. Ghana, Cape Town, New Zealand, Japan, San Francisco, San Diego, and Seattle on her bucket list. A cruise on the Danube is also tempting.

Family is always on her heart. Bishop Williamston loves seeing her son and his family (he has 5 children plus 2 bonus kids) who live in Kansas. Her maternal family still lives in Kansas while her paternal family (distant relatives) are in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. She has one maternal brother and 5 paternal siblings (3 are deceased and the 2 others live in the Chicago area).

Bishop Williamston was working for the Guard at the time and knew that she had to make a major life decision. She prayed for guidance as she contemplated her future. “I said ‘yes’ to God, quit my job, and took a leap of faith and enrolled in seminary,” she explains. As soon as she made her decision, opportunities to serve the church parttime presented themselves. Steadily she moved through the “ranks” of church work, ultimately finding herself elected Bishop. “Though I didn’t know I’d aspire to become a pastor, district superintendent, director, assistant to the bishop, or become a bishop myself, I can only say God has led my career in a spiritual sense,” Bishop Williamston says. “I availed myself to God by saying ‘Yes, Lord, send me, use me to share the love and stories of Jesus Christ. I am here. Use me’.”

Relaxing and Reflecting

When Bishop Williamston was pastoring a church in 2011, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Now 15 years after that challenge she is cancer-free and grateful. That experience was a reminder that work without some play/private time isn’t the healthiest course. Her work is consuming and all-important as she leads for the Lord with love and understanding. However, rest is a necessary requirement for her to be able to do that effectively.

Bishop Williamston has several hobbies that are important “relaxers” for her. She crochets prayer shawls, knits, does scratch art

These days Bishop Williamston’s constant companion is Odin, her canine buddy -- the Episcopal Pup. Odin is a 4-year-old Shin Tzu, and he travels with her to attend church. His favorite hangout, according to Bishop Williamston, is Dogtopia where he has lots of playmates.

Thoughts Turn Toward Tomorrow

Bishop Williamston believes that the biggest challenge of pastoral ministry today is how to continue to provide a substantive presence for the congregation amidst constant change. The pandemic created deep changes in how churches could reach out. “We have had to learn how to build meaningful relationships when fewer people have real-life conversations and texting hides or misconstrues our emotions,” Bishop Williamston says. “Regardless of your generation, the digital universe challenges us all to continue to learn, adapt, and grow in how we reach people, especially for the Gospel of Jesus Christ.”

Bishop Williamston credits the many mentors during her life for her success, and she is grateful for their guidance and support. Some of them are still living, while others have passed away. “I can still hear all of them saying to me the same advice,” Bishop Williamston says. “They said, ‘Be you. You cannot be anyone else and succeed. Be authentic and genuinely who you are. That is what you have to offer’.” She has never wavered from that advice.

Through the years, Bishop Williamston has received a number of awards that reflect her service and leadership qualities. In the Guard she was awarded the Excellence in Government Accounting for the United States Property and Fiscal Office. In seminary she won the Whalen Blackman Award from the former Kansas East Conference. Bishop Williamston was named Distinguished Alumnus of Saint Paul School of Theology in 2024.

Today Bishop Williamston has many responsibilities as Bishop and handles them all well. She is an episcopal leader in the United Methodist Church. In that role, she serves as a chief shepherd of congregations, laity, and clergy who serve in the United Methodist Church. “My words, thoughts, perspectives, life stories, experiences, and interactions all matter even more when I share in preaching, teaching, and leading in the community. People are listening, watching, observing, wondering, hoping that this episcopal leader is authentic, genuine, and has some real gumption,” she says with a smile. “As United Methodist bishops, we serve as shepherds of the whole denomination of the United Methodist Church, though we may have one or more episcopal areas. So what we do, say, and how we lead as a Council of Bishops matters in the United Methodist denomination.”

Among the responsibilities that Bishop Williamston is most involved in is as a member of the board of Strengthen the Black Church for the 21st Century. According to Bishop Williamston, this organization works to “. . . strengthen Black congregations that will transform communities through leadership development, and discipleship-making systems, revitalization, and real-time social justice ministry.”

Bishop Williamston is also the president of the board for the General Commission on the Status and Role of Women of the United Methodist Church, and she serves as the Council of Bishops Liaison to the Disabilities Committee of the Unite Methodist Church, The Association of Ministers with Disabilities, The United Methodist Congress of the Deaf and The Death and Hard of Hearing ministry of the United Methodist Church, and works to ensure that advocacy is happening for these ministries in the United Methodist Church. Certainly, Bishop Williamston’s personal life experiences have made her imminently qualified to speak to these challenges in the broader Church and congregations.

When asked recently what her favorite Bible verse was, Bishop Williamston responded that she had several that encourage her. One is Psalm 27:1 – “The Lord is my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid”? The other is Isaiah 41:13 – “For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, do not fear; I will help you.” Both are important reminders for us all.

Watha’s Wonderful World, LLC®

Celebrating Love, Culture, and Community

AT WATHA’S WONDERFUL WORLD, LLC®, I have found that celebrations are chances to connect, honor, and support our community.

Valentine’s Day: Love Served with Grace - Valentine’s Day at Watha’s Wonderful World, LLC® is celebrated as a time to express love through meaningful actions. It is not simply about grand gestures, but about the everyday ways we show care by listening, being present, and sharing with others. Genuine kindness, handwritten notes, and homemade treats are encouraged as ways to show appreciation. Etiquette anchored in sincerity is timeless. For a deeper exploration of this holiday, readers are invited to revisit our article, “Love and History,” featured in the February 2025 issue of BayouLife Magazine (page 79).

African American History Month: Honoring Heritage at the Table - February is a time to reflect and uplift. Family gatherings where elders shared stories over plates of

collard greens and sweet potato pie taught me the etiquette of listening and honoring legacy. At Watha’s Wonderful World, LLC®, we host dinners celebrating soul food and African American achievements; each dish a tribute to resilience and creativity. Please celebrate African American History Month through the culinary lens of “Creative Cuisine” on Saturday, February 6, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

Community Involvement: The Heartbeat of Celebration - At Watha’s Wonderful World, LLC®, every celebration is viewed as a meaningful opportunity to give back to our valued viewers and participants. Our commitment to community engagement is reflected in a variety of interactive culinary experiences designed to educate and inspire. We regularly host both digital and inperson culinary tutorials, utilizing platforms such as Zoom, Facebook Live, and our local NBC FOX affiliate, KARD 10/FOX 14. These sessions ensure that our community stays informed about both the rich history and the evolving trends in

the culinary world. Community involvement is more than just participation; it is the thread that binds us together, nourishing both our hearts and souls. Through these shared experiences, we create lasting connections, foster a spirit of learning, and affirm the importance of giving back as an essential part of every celebration.

Upcoming Events - The Next Level Cotillion Final Registration Monday, February 16, 2026, 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm.

Classes will begin on Saturday, February 21, 2026.

(Investment: $25.00 Application Fee - $375.00 Refinement Obligation Per Student)

Treat Yourself Tuesday! – Tuesday, February 24, 2026, 6:00 am NBC 10 News Today.

Closed Legs Open Doors (Females Only) –Saturday, March 21, 2026, 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm.

Please register via Eventbrite or call (318) 6474495. Investment is $150.00 per person.

*Our event location is 141 Horseshoe Lake Road, Monroe, Louisiana.

Congratulations to Mr. Tommy Elmore and Mrs. Alisha Elmore of The Elmore Family Foundation (pictured below) on being the 2026 Inaugural Graduates of Dining Etiquette 101 with Watha’s Wonderful World, LLC®. Contact us at (318) 647-4495 to schedule your refinement services and culinary education today.

“Transforming Lives through the Wisdom of Etiquette”

The Cinderella Project

Brought To You By The Junior League

THE JUNIOR LEAGUE OF MONROE IS THRILLED TO announce the return of The Cinderella Project, a beloved community event dedicated to making prom dreams come true for local high school students. This year’s event will take place on February 21 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Junior League of Monroe, and we cannot wait to once again serve the young ladies of our community in a meaningful way.

The Cinderella Project is a prom dress giveaway that provides local students with the opportunity to receive a free prom dress, along with accessories, at no cost. Prom is a milestone moment that is filled with excitement, anticipation, and lasting memories. Through this initiative, the Junior League of Monroe ensures that every young woman, regardless of financial circumstances, has the chance to feel confident, celebrated, and supported on one of the most special days of her high school experience.

What makes The Cinderella Project truly magical is the heart behind it. Each dress represents generosity, encouragement, and community support. Volunteers lovingly help students select dresses that make them feel beautiful and empowered, creating an experience that goes far beyond a simple giveaway. For many participants, this day becomes a reminder that their community believes in them and is cheering them on.

Dress Donations Are Now Underway!

Dress donations are being accepted now through February 19 to support the upcoming event. Gently used or new prom dresses are welcomed, and every donation directly impacts a local student by giving her the opportunity to shine on prom night. Thanks to the incredible support of our community, past years have seen hundreds of young women walk away with smiles, confidence, and unforgettable memories.

Donation Drop-Off Locations:

We extend our sincere thanks to the following local businesses for serving as drop-off locations:

• Cara’s Boutique

• Chase Bank (Kansas Lane location)

• Commercial Capital Bank (Delhi location)

• D & D Cleaners (Monroe, West Monroe, Ruston, & Winnsboro locations)

• HerringStones

• Rustico

The Cinderella Project is a beautiful example of what can happen when a community comes together with purpose and compassion. Stay tuned for more details, and thank you for helping us make February 21 a truly magical day.

Weight Loss Surgery Meal Plan

Top Registered Dietitian Provides Insight

BY MARCI PARKER, REGISTERED DIETITIAN AT THE SURGERY CLINIC OF NORTHEAST LOUISIANA

IAM HONORED TO BE NAMED

BayouLife’s Top Registered Dietitian. One of my greatest joys is helping our patients navigate their new lives after weight-loss surgery.

One of our most popular weight loss surgeries is the sleeve gastrectomy. During a sleeve gastrectomy, typically a minimally invasive procedure, our surgeons remove approximately 75-80 percent of the stomach. The smaller stomach holds much less food, limiting how much one can eat. Removing a large portion of the stomach reduces ghrelin, commonly called the “hunger hormone.” Most people discover they are significantly less hungry and experience fewer cravings. Patients can expect to lose about 60-70% of their excess weight within one year of surgery and return to work after 2-4 weeks.

A structured—yet manageable— eating plan is essential for optimal healing,

nutrient absorption, and long-term weight management. Below is what you can expect following the gastric sleeve procedure.

Immediate Post-Surgery Diet

1. Clear Liquid Phase (Days 1–3): Immediately after surgery, the stomach needs time to heal. Only clear liquids are allowed, such as water, sugar-free gelatin, broth, decaf tea, and electrolyte drinks.

2. Full Liquid Phase (Days 3–14):

Once tolerated, patients can transition to full liquids, including protein shakes, low-fat milk, strained soups, and smooth yogurt. Protein intake becomes a priority, as it supports healing and helps preserve muscle mass. Aim for at least 60–80 grams of protein per day, as recommended by your healthcare team.

3. Pureed Food Phase (Weeks 2–4): Soft or pureed foods are introduced. Patients

should continue to prioritize protein while avoiding added sugars and high-fat items.

4. Solid Food Phase (After 4 Weeks):

Most patients can begin introducing solid foods. Focus on lean protein, non-starchy vegetables, and small amounts of whole grains. Continue portion control and avoid high-sugar or high-fat foods.

Long-term Dietary Guidelines

● Protein First: Always prioritize protein to prevent muscle loss and support metabolism.

● Hydration: Drink plenty of water between meals.

● Mindful Eating: Eat small, frequent meals, chew food thoroughly, and pay attention to hunger and fullness cues to prevent overeating and discomfort.

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

Munchkin Market

The Secret to Scoring Big for Your Littles

THOUSANDS OF DEALS. ONE unforgettable week. Helping families save since 2008—now celebrating our 18th year. Every parent knows the struggle— your toddler outgrows clothes overnight, baby gear piles up, and you’re always missing a shoe or snack cup.

Enter Munchkin Market: Northeast Louisiana’s biggest seasonal resale event where local families save 50–90% on baby gear, kids’ clothes, toys, and more- while keeping perfectly good items in circulation instead of in the trash. Held twice a year in Monroe, it’s the smart mom’s favorite place to shop top-quality items for less—with thousands of new treasures every sale.

What You’ll Find- Shopping here feels like the ultimate kid boutique—but way more affordable. From newborn to teen, you’ll find gently used clothes, shoes, toys, books, puzzles and games, strollers, carriers, baby gear, high chairs, diaper bags, nursery must-

haves, costumes, holiday outfits, and seasonal décor and more. Everything is inspected for quality—so you shop with confidence.

Why Shoppers Love It: Families return sale after sale for the deals, but stay for the friendly, fun vibe. With everything under one roof, you save time, energy, and money—and reduce the need to buy brand new for every growth spurt.

It’s Shopping—But Greener: Kids grow fast, but their stuff still has plenty of life left. Shopping secondhand helps keep thousands of items out of landfills, cuts down on overproduction, and stretches resources further. It’s a small shift that makes a big impact—for your family and the planet.

Want to Shop Early?

General admission is free, but early access gives you the best deals!

• Gold VIP Sale – March 1 at 5:30pm

• Early Bird, New Mom, Hero &

Teacher Presales – March 2

Get your tickets at https://buytickets.at/ munchkinmarket

Public Shopping = BIG Savings

NO tickets and children welcome!

March 3 10am-6pm

March 4 10am-3pm

March 5 10am-6pm (most items Half Price)

March 6 10am-6pm (most items Half Price)

March 7 10am-1pm (most items Half Price)

Selling? Earn Cash: Consignors earn hundreds selling gently used items their kids no longer need—and can shop early, too. Clearing clutter, earning cash, and rehoming items? That’s a win-win-win. Not selling? No problem! Everyone shops; everyone saves.

Mark Your Calendar: Spring 2026 Sale: March 2–7, 2026

Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 100 North 18th St., Monroe, LA

Early access passes drop January 28th— set your reminder!

Consignor spots are open at monroemunchkinmarket.com, but they fill fast.

Munchkin Market isn’t just a sale—it’s a tradition—18 years strong and still helping families shop smarter and greener.

Give a Spa Day This Valentine’s

With DermaMediQ on Lamy Lane

GIVE YOUR LOVED ONE intentional self-care and an experience that will last far longer than flowers or chocolates this Valentine’s Day. DermaMediQ invites you to give a gift that truly nurtures the mind, body, and soul—a luxurious spa day designed to relax, restore, and rejuvenate.

Located on Lamy Lane, DermaMediQ continues to be Monroe’s destination for advanced aesthetic care paired with an elevated spa experience. Whether you’re celebrating a partner, a friend, or yourself, there’s no better way to say “I love you” than with time intentionally set aside for wellness and indulgence.

This Valentine’s season, DermaMediQ is offering Valentine’s Spa Day specials starting at just $140, making it easy to treat someone special—or plan a little self-love. These curated spa experiences include options such as soothing facials, therapeutic massages, and customized treatments designed to help

guests unwind, reconnect, and feel their absolute best.

Each spa day is tailored to individual needs, ensuring a personalized experience from start to finish. From the moment you walk through the doors, guests are welcomed into a calming environment where expert providers focus on comfort, care, and results. Seasonal enhancements, thoughtful amenities, and attentive guidance elevate every visit, making each spa day feel indulgent, restorative, and unforgettable.

Led by Dr. Sowma-Fakhre, Board Certified in Aesthetic Medicine, DermaMediQ has spent more than sixteen years helping patients feel confident, cared for, and truly loved—inside and out. This Valentine’s season, her gentle, personalized approach transforms aesthetic care into an act of selflove. Alongside her highly trained team, DermaMediQ offers a full range of services including Botox®, Juvederm™, Radiesse,

Kybella®, Lumecca, laser hair removal, Morpheus BodyTite Pro, PRP injections, and more—perfect for gifting rejuvenation, confidence, and a radiant glow.

For those who love luxury skincare, DermaMediQ also carries professional-grade favorites such as Jane Iredale, Obagi, and SkinMedica. From glow-enhancing serums to makeup essentials, these Valentine’s-worthy gifts deliver visible results long after the chocolates are gone.

Gift certificates are also a flexible and thoughtful Valentine’s option, allowing recipients to choose the experience that fits them best. Whether it’s a relaxing escape, a confidence-boosting treatment, or a full day of pampering, a spa day at DermaMediQ delivers something truly memorable.

To learn more about available spa day packages or to purchase gift certificates, contact DermaMediQ directly or schedule an appointment.

BAYOU HEALTH

BY NATHAN MORRIS, MD

THE BRAIN MINERAL YOU’VE NEVER HEARD OF: COULD LITHIUM BE THE MISSING LINK TO MENTAL HEALTH?

For decades, lithium has quietly saved lives in psychiatric wards, earning its reputation as the gold standard treatment for bipolar disorder. But groundbreaking research from 2025 is revealing something far more remarkable: this trace mineral might be essential for brain health in everyone—and most of us aren’t getting enough.

A January 2025 study published in Nature dropped a bombshell that’s rewriting what we know about brain aging. Researchers discovered that lithium isn’t just a medication—it’s a nutrient that our brains actively regulate. When lithium levels drop too low, particularly in a brain region called the prefrontal cortex, the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive decline skyrockets. Harvard Medical School researchers went so far as to ask whether lithium deficiency might actually cause Alzheimer’s disease. In mice, supplementing with trace amounts of lithium reversed diseaserelated brain damage and restored memory.

The Drinking Water Discovery

The story gets even more intriguing when we look at geography. For years, epidemiologists noticed something odd: regions with higher natural lithium levels in drinking water consistently showed lower suicide rates, fewer violent crimes, and better mental health outcomes. A landmark 2020 meta-analysis examining studies across multiple countries confirmed what once seemed too good to be true—naturally occurring lithium in tap water, at concentrations thousands of times lower than therapeutic doses, was protecting entire populations.

In Japan, researchers found that areas with higher water lithium levels showed significantly fewer crimes, drug arrests, and suicides. Another Japanese study linked higher lithium exposure in adolescents to lower rates of depression and interpersonal violence.

“Several studies now link lithium use to extended lifespan and reduced all-cause mortality.”

Similar patterns emerged across Texas, Austria, Greece, and beyond. More than six major studies have now documented this remarkable suicide-prevention effect from minuscule lithium doses—amounts you might consume in a glass of mineral water.

From High-Dose Therapy to Micro-Dosing

Traditional psychiatric use of lithium requires high doses that demand careful medical monitoring to avoid toxicity. But emerging research on micro-dosing—using tiny nutritional amounts between 5-20 mg daily—suggests we can harness lithium’s brain-protective benefits without the risks.

Studies show that low-dose lithium powerfully enhances the effectiveness of antidepressant medications. In treatment-resistant depression, adding lithium to an existing antidepressant regimen produces remission rates above 55%—a stunning success for patients who’ve tried everything else. Even at micro-doses, lithium appears to maintain these mood-stabilizing and suicide-prevention benefits, though more research at these exact doses is still needed.

The Neuroscience Behind the Magic

How does such a simple element wield such profound effects? The answer lies in lithium’s remarkable ability to protect and regenerate brain cells. Research shows that lithium:

• Boosts brain growth factors: Lithium increases levels of BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), a protein essential for neuron

survival and growth, particularly in the hippocampus, the brain’s memory center.

• Promotes neurogenesis: Animal studies demonstrate that lithium stimulates the birth of new neurons and support cells, even in aging brains.

• Increases brain volume: MRI studies reveal that long-term lithium treatment enlarges the hippocampus and cortex—the very regions that shrink in Alzheimer’s and depression.

• Protects against neurodegeneration: Lithium shows promise in laboratory models of Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s, ALS, Parkinson’s, and multiple sclerosis.

In elderly women with mild cognitive impairment, daily doses as low as 150 mg slowed cognitive decline and improved visual memory. The neuroprotective effects appear to work across the lifespan.

The Longevity Connection

Perhaps most exciting is lithium’s effect on cellular aging itself. Research from King’s College London reveals that lithium activates telomerase, an enzyme that maintains and even lengthens telomeres. Telomeres are the protective caps on our chromosomes that shorten as we age. Several studies now link lithium use to extended lifespan and reduced all-cause mortality. By slowing cellular aging at its most fundamental level, lithium may offer broad health benefits beyond the brain.

Should You Consider Lithium?

For general brain health, experts suggest micro-doses of 5-10 mg twice daily may offer neuroprotective benefits. Products like Pure Encapsulations Lithium Orotate 5 mg provide this nutritional dose. However, there are important caveats:

• Increase iodine intake: Lithium can affect thyroid function, so experts recommend boosting iodine to 300 mcg daily (easily obtained through a quality multivitamin like PureGenomics).

• Avoid during pregnancy: Lithium crosses the placenta and is contraindicated in pregnancy.

• Consult your doctor: While micro-dosing appears safe, individual health conditions may require medical supervision.

The evidence is clear: lithium isn’t just a psychiatric medication—it’s an essential trace nutrient that most of us are missing. As research pioneer Dr. Robert Post wrote in his 2017 review “The New News about Lithium,” this mineral remains profoundly underutilized in the United States despite decades of evidence.

Perhaps it’s time we started paying attention to what’s in our water—and what should be.

The 15 Minute Difference

Speed Is Overrated

IWAS AN 11-YEAR-OLD BOY, HOLDING ON FOR DEAR LIFE

behind an old man on his four-wheeler. We were way back in Russell Sage, off the Crusader Line. Before the Wildlife and Fisheries (in their infinite wisdom) reworked the trail, the Crusader Line was one long, deep mud hole all the way from the gravel road to the slough. The Crusader Line is the reason I don’t like “goin’ muddin’” to this day. This position cost me a few manhood points in high school.

We had gotten our limit—two mallards and one wood duck each—and started riding out of the woods. Somewhere along the way, I managed to knock the old man’s hat off his head and into the mud and water. He stopped his old Polaris, turned his whole body around and smiled a quietly memorable, “Damn you.” Then he picked up his wet hat and slopped it right back on his head.

Mr. Shelton Collins is the kind of man who carried only one wooden duck call and shot a Sweet Sixteen Browning. He made furniture by hand and grew Arkansas Pink Tomatoes. I remember when he opened his store to sell that furniture. All kinds of beautiful wooden tables and chairs were stacked high in a shop that he had built near the college. It smelled like white oak, and I loved it.

He came to work for my dad at Mike Smith Heat & Air around the same time I knocked the hat off his head. Mr. Shelton always felt like he was a part of a much older generation. I probably over-estimated his years because my dad would ask Mr. Shelton, with a wink, “How bad was the Great Depression?”

“I don’t know. You’d have to ask my daddy.”

Mr. Shelton was one of the first true professionals I ever knew. He had very certain ways of doing certain things. One phrase, in particular, stuck with me:

“The difference between a good job and a great job is fifteen minutes.”

Somehow, that old-man wisdom stuck in my adolescent brain. It probably settled somewhere between baseball cards and the cute blonde I sat behind in Ms. Riggen’s class.

At the time, I didn’t think much about it. Years later, running a family business of my own, I think about the Fifteen Minute Difference all the time.

There is a quiet difference between something that works and something that works well for a long time. More often than not, that difference is fifteen minutes. It’s not fifteen minutes of rushing to the

next job. It’s not fifteen minutes of trying to sell something nobody asked for. It’s just fifteen minutes of slowing down and paying attention. It takes fifteen minutes to pick up after yourself and make the job cleaner than you found it. It takes fifteen minutes to make sure you’re not treating the symptom—you’re fixing the system. In Louisiana, home comfort systems work hard. They fight through long summers of high heat and heavy humidity that’s settled in like it’s paying rent. When systems are installed or serviced in a hurry, they don’t usually fail right away. But they do fail eventually—usually right after the labor warranty has expired (a remarkable coincidence that happens with impressive consistency).

Those extra fifteen minutes are when you measure airflow instead of assuming it’s “blowing just fine.” They’re when you evaluate the drain lines to make sure they won’t cause a water problem that could cost a homeowner a new floor or a new ceiling. They’re when you notice early wear and tear and address it before it turns into a breakdown on the Fourth of July weekend.

Those fifteen minutes are hard to see. They don’t show up as a line item on an invoice. But they show up later—in quieter systems, fewer emergency calls, and a home that stays comfortable without much of a thought.

Craftsmanship hasn’t gone out of style. We live in a fast world. Faster installs. Faster service. Faster everything. But craftsmanship has never been about speed alone. It’s about care. Finish a job like your name is permanently attached to it—because in my case, it is.

That’s what Mr. Shelton meant. The fifteen minutes weren’t about time on the clock. They were about pride. About choosing to do the job the right way all the way instead of just getting it done. Mr. Shelton might’ve been talking about furniture, or business, or life in general, but he had it right.

“The difference between a good job and a great job is 15 minutes.” In the hurry and hustle of today’s life, those minutes might not feel important. They’re certainly not urgent. They’re easy to skip. But over time, they have a way of telling on you.

Jerod Smith

Mike Smith Heat & Air

West Monroe, LA

Story Cannabis

Local Care, Trusted Guidance, and a New Chapter

STORY CANNABIS IS PROUDTO OPEN A new chapter in Northeast Louisiana, bringing trusted cannabis care to a community that deserves high-quality, compassionate service. With a name rooted in the idea that every patient has their own wellness journey, Story is here to help write that next chapter of hope, healing, and empowerment.

Founded with a mission to provide safe and effective cannabis care, Story Cannabis brings decades of combined industry experience to Louisiana. The team has built a strong reputation in other markets for premium products and heartfelt service, and their expansion into this region marks an exciting milestone in their continued growth.

For many new patients, navigating medical cannabis can feel overwhelming. That’s why Story Cannabis puts education at the heart of its approach. Staff members take time to understand each individual’s unique needs, answering questions in simple terms, and offering personalized product recommendations. One-

on-one consultations, printed educational materials, and accessible resources are all part of the support system designed to help patients feel confident and informed.

Ordering is made easy for Louisiana patients with a valid medical cannabis recommendation. Customers can visit the dispensary in person to receive personalized assistance or browse the full menu online at storycannabis.com. The website provides up-to-date product availability, detailed descriptions, and the ability to reserve items for quick and convenient in-store pickup.

The Story Cannabis team sees their role as a trusted healthcare ally, working to provide consistent access to medical cannabis while actively supporting the community through educational events, partnerships, and patient advocacy efforts. Addressing the stigma around cannabis is also central to Story’s mission. Through compassionate conversations, evidence-based information, and the sharing of real patient success stories, they help challenge outdated perceptions and foster a

more informed, accepting view of cannabis as a legitimate tool for health and wellness.

Looking ahead, Story is excited about the future of the cannabis industry, especially the increasing research into therapeutic uses and innovations in product formats. From precision dosing to advanced delivery methods and targeted formulations, the industry is evolving rapidly, offering more effective solutions to meet patients’ specific needs.

Above all, Story Cannabis wants every customer to walk away with more than just a product. They want them to feel heard, supported, and empowered. The goal is to build lasting relationships with patients and serve as a consistent source of guidance throughout their health journey.

The environment inside Story dispensaries reflects this patient-first philosophy. Designed to be calm, welcoming, and professional, each location offers a space where individuals can feel comfortable discussing their needs and exploring options. Friendly staff, clean interiors, and a supportive atmosphere make every visit a positive experience.

With their arrival in Northeast Louisiana, Story Cannabis brings not just products, but a promise to care deeply, educate honestly, and support each patient every step of the way. If you’re interested in learning more about getting your medical cannabis recommendation, visit GoodCannaNow.com or visit your local Story dispensary.

Abita Beer

Forty Years of Louisiana’s Original Craft Beer

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

THE ABITA BREWING COMPANY IS NESTLED IN THE piney woods 30 miles north of New Orleans, Louisiana. In its first year, 1986, the brewery produced 1,500 barrels of beer. The beer was immediately loved by local Louisianians and tourists alike. By 1994, they outgrew the original site (Still open as a 100-seat brew pub and restaurant) and moved up the road to a larger facility to keep up with demand. This year marks the 40th anniversary of this Louisiana staple.

Today, Abita is still brewing exceptional ales and lagers but also small batch root beer, sodas, hop water, and whatever else they are inspired to brew! The focus remains on small batches, hand-crafted and brewed for the Louisiana way of life: full flavored and easy drinking. Local pride, along with the brewing process and years of experience are what makes Abita’s one of a kind beverages so good. Abita Brewing Company is Louisiana culture on tap. After all, life is always better with good food, good people, good music, and a good beverage in your hand.

Abita Amber is the beer that started it all. Abita Amber Lager is a Munich style lager brewed with pale and caramel malts and German Perle hops. But don’t get it twisted, this beer has a Louisiana soul. It has a smooth, malty, slightly caramel flavor and a rich amber color. Abita Amber was the first beer offered by the brewery and continues to be its flagship. It has been voted “best beer” in numerous New Orleans polls and is used frequently in recipes of great Louisiana chefs. Always Abita. Always Amber!

Mardi Gras Bock is the beer of Mardi Gras. Available during Carnival Season, Mardi Gras Bock is brewed with pale, pilsner, and caramel malts and German Perle hops. This bock is similar to German maibocks with its rich malt flavor and full body. Gruyére, Emmental and Swiss are nice cheese choices with Bock. Great with roasted beef or pork. Try it with Mexican food, too.

Andygator is a beast of a craft beer. A one of its kind, highgravity, high ABV (alcohol by volume) brew made with pilsner malt, German lager yeast, and German Perle hops. Unlike most high ABV beers, Andygator is not a hop bomb. It’s a slightly sweet and incredibly smooth Helles Doppelbock. In fact, Helles Doppelbock is German for “Slightly sweet, incredibly smooth, high ABV lager”. Not really, but it’s close. Reaching an alcohol strength of 8% ABV, Andygator is a go-to

beer with fried foods, anything made with crawfish, or just by itself. Sip it for the most enjoyment. Release the Beast!

And once the beast was released, a whole congregation of gators followed. Deltagator is a Hazy Double IPA, clocking in at a whopping 9% ABV. Citrus, tropical, and fruity aromas with lush notes of coconut and silky cream caramel swirl beneath a bold hop finish. Alphagator is the Alpha predator of IPA’s. Lurking around with its hazy appearance, this Imperial IPA asserts big hop flavors of tropical and citrus fruits. You have been warned. Strawgator is a fusion of Strawberry Lager and Andygator. This Strawberry Dopplebock is brewed with malted barley and wheat and blended with real Louisiana Strawberry juice. These gators can be found separately or in the Gator Variety Pack, which contains three cans of each.

The Hoppy IPA Variety Pack, a pack crafted by Abita’s brewers, is a testament to the artistry of hop-forward brewing. Each beer is a journey through various hop flavors. Jockamo Juicy IPA is a Double Dry Hopped IPA packed with Citra, Apollo and a blend of experimental hops. It pours a lively gold color while the brewing process produces a distinctive haze. It produces tropical and fruity notes that will leave you wanting more. Hopical Storm is a bold, dry-hopped hazy IPA bursting with juicy mango and passionfruit flavors. Its velvety haze enhances the hop character, delivering a refreshingly aromatic and tropical escape in every sip. Zydecoast is a whole new breed of IPA. Think West Coast audacity meets Southern hospitality. Zydecoast attempts to bridge the gap between surf rock guitar riffs and Cajun squeezebox jams, big tropical and piney hop notes and refined malt gentility.

Bourbon Street Barrel Aged Imperial Stout is a dark colored ale brewed with pale, caramel, chocolate, and roasted malts. Oats are added for a full, sweet taste. After fermentation, the ale is cold aged for six weeks to ensure a smooth flavor before bourbon barrel aging begins. This brew is available for a limited time and comes in a pack of four sixteen ounce cans.

Be sure to like Choice Brands on Facebook and follow us on Instagram to keep up with new product releases. Feel free to message us for information on where to find your favorite brands. Find us at facebook.com/thechoicebrands and instagram.com/choicebrands.

Snuggs and Cash Pediatric Dentistry

Welcomes Dr. Carol Cash Causey

BEHIND EVERY HEALTHY SMILE IS

a story, and for pediatric dentist Carolyn Cash Causey, that story is rooted in family, passion, and a deep commitment to children’s health. Married to her husband, Andy, Carol is a proud mom to their nine-month-old daughter, Chloe, and their goldendoodle, Harrison. When she’s not in the dental office, she enjoys traveling, staying active, and spending quality time with friends and family—activities that help her recharge and bring warmth and enthusiasm into her work each day.

Carol’s journey into dentistry, Carol’s journey into pediatric dentistry, was driven by more than a love for science. She was inspired by the opportunity to not only care for children’s teeth, but also to shape how young patients view dental care for the rest of their lives. “Working in pediatric dentistry allows me to contribute to a child’s healthy smile while also helping form positive perceptions of the dentist and oral health,” she explains. She chose this specialty

to ensure children receive compassionate, preventive care while keeping visits engaging and fun. “The cherry on top,” she adds, “is that my patients make every day exciting and fun.”

Her educational background reflects this dedication. Carol earned her Bachelor’s degree in Biology from LSU in Baton Rouge, followed by her Doctorate of Dental Surgery from LSU School of Dentistry in New Orleans. She then completed a Pediatric Dental Residency along with a Master of Dental Science at the University of Tennessee. She is Board Certified by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and will be nationally recognized and pinned for her board certification at the upcoming AAPD Conference in Las Vegas—an achievement that marks a major milestone in her professional journey.

While her credentials are impressive, Carol says the most rewarding part of her career is watching her patients grow up. From hearing about birthday parties and school milestones to

celebrating sports wins, dance recitals, and future plans, she values the lifelong relationships she builds with families. Being a consistent, trusted presence in her patients’ lives is something she finds incredibly meaningful.

February, National Children’s Dental Health Month, is especially important to Carol. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood disease, with nearly 50% of school-aged children experiencing cavities. Prevention, she emphasizes, is key. She encourages families to schedule early dental visits ideally by a child’s first birthday, brush twice daily with the appropriate amount of fluoridated toothpaste, maintain structured snack times, and limit sugary drinks in favor of water.

Early dental visits allow for prevention and early identification of dental disease, often leading to more conservative treatment options. They help children form positive relationships with the dental environment and care team. Carol is also quick to dispel a common myth. “I often hear, ‘but they’re just baby teeth!’ Baby teeth help us do so many things including eating, speaking, and of course, smiling. But one of the most important jobs our baby teeth do is preserve space until our adult teeth grow in. Keeping our young smiles healthy is the first step in creating a lifetime, picture-perfect smile!”

Yoga Like A Beginner

YOGA ASANAS OFFER WIDE-RANGING PHYSICAL AND MENTAL BENEFITS, AND BY APPROACHING EVEN SIMPLE, BEGINNER POSES WITH A “BEGINNER’S MIND,” PRACTITIONERS OF ALL LEVELS CAN CULTIVATE STRENGTH, AWARENESS, AND CALM THROUGH MINDFUL, SLOW MOVEMENT.

Article by Vanelis Rivera and Photography by Kelly Moore Clark

BABY COBRA POSE

Prone poses can strengthen the spine and help open the chest. This variation of Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose) is a great start for focusing on strengthening and lengthening the back without too much strain. Before activating the pose, as you lie on your belly, make sure to lengthen your neck, spine, and legs (heels hip-width apart). Bring palms underneath your shoulders. Tuck your pelvis in, and press the tops of your feet onto the floor. On an inhale, lift the chest, squeezing the shoulder blades together and downward. Lower on an exhale. Added challenge: Lift palms off the floor, engaging the upper back.

ASANAS, THE PHYSICAL POSTURES IN the holistic practice of yoga, have been attributed to an array of health benefits, including improving flexibility and strength, enhancing body awareness, and potentially helping to relieve stress and anxiety. While there are a plethora of poses to choose from, sometimes the most beneficial poses are those usually designated as beginner poses. But whether you are just beginning a posture practice or are well-versed, I encourage you to approach the following poses with what Zen Buddhists refer to as shoshin, “beginner’s mind.” This approach is meant to encourage individuals at the beginner and advanced levels to maintain a mindset of openness when approaching a discipline. Consider incorporating any of these as part of your morning or evening movement rituals, all the while fostering a keen awareness and respect for the power of simple, slow-paced movement.

1.

3.

EASY POSE VARIATION

2.

I often begin my yoga practice in Sukhasana (Easy Pose). The act of sitting on the floor, knees bent, and lengthened spine elicits a feeling of grounding and meditation. 1. To comfortably achieve the initial pose, bend and widen your knees and cross your shins. Relax your feet and keep your pelvis in a neutral position. Lengthen the spine, taking care not to arch the back. 2. For the lateral bend, lengthen arms toward the floor. Inhale. 3. On the exhale, raise one arm above the head, leaning toward the opposite side as you ground the hip of the raised arm. Press the opposite hand on the floor, bending the elbow to deepen the stretch. 4. Repeat on the next side. Modifications: For tight hips, sit on a folded blanket and/or place a pillow or folded towel under each knee.

4.

POSE DEDICATED TO THE SAGE MARICHI

Spinal twists in asana practice focus primarily on the thoracic spine (upper and middle part of your spine), oblique muscles, and intercostal muscles. It is important to keep the pelvis in a neutral position and to keep the spine fully lengthened before twisting.

This Marichyasana (Pose Dedicated to the Sage Marichi) variation offers a deep stretch throughout the back, intercostals, and shoulders. Begin seated directly on top of your sitting bones with legs extended in front of you. Bend the left knee and place the sole of the foot on the floor with your heel parallel to the opposite knee (or above the knee). As you inhale, lengthen the spine, press your left palm behind you for support, and reach the right arm overhead. Twist toward the left and hook your elbow outside of your right thigh. Modification: Don’t strain to hook your elbow outside of your thigh. Instead, hug the knee with your right arm.

CAMEL POSE VARIATION

Another great chest opener and beneficial backbend is Ustrasana (Camel Pose). To begin, stand on your knees (for added comfort, place a blanket or folded towel under your knees). Keep knees hip-width apart with toes tucked underneath. On an inhale, lengthen the spine. Place your left hand at the base of the spine and lift the right arm overhead. Exhale as you lean back slightly, allowing the left hand to find the left heel. On an inhale, press the hips forward, lift your chest, and reach back, creating a slight bend in the spine. Gaze is upward and as comfortable as possible for your neck. Repeat on the next side.

CHILD’S POSE VARIATION

One of the yummiest poses for an anxious mind and a standard closing pose to any asana sequence, Bakasana (Child’s Pose) can create a much-needed moment of stillness. Even then, it is not always an inactive pose. As you sink your hips toward your heels, extend your arms forward and lower your torso toward your thighs. Stay here for a few breaths, tuning into each inhale and exhale. For more lateral body love, walk your arms toward one side of the mat, allowing your hips to lean slightly in the opposite direction. Continue to lengthen the side body. Modifications: If your forehead doesn’t reach the floor, you can place a folded blanket, small pillow, or yoga block under the forehead and/or place a large pillow or yoga bolster under the torso.

Love Your Skin

Expert Care, Customized Results, and a Valentine’s Glow

FEBRUARY IS THE MONTH OF LOVE AND THERE’S NO better time to show your skin some extra attention. At The Medical Spa by FMOL Health | St. Francis Medical Group, we believe self-care is one of the most meaningful forms of love. Whether you’re treating yourself or someone special, our February offerings are designed to restore, renew, and reveal your healthiest skin yet. This month, we’re celebrating with a limited-time Valentine’s Glow Facial.

Valentine’s Glow Facial: Limited-Time February Special

For the month of February, we’re excited to offer our Valentine’s Glow Facial, a results-driven treatment designed to instantly brighten, smooth and refresh your complexion. This exclusive facial includes:

• Dermaplaning to gently remove dead skin cells and peach fuzz, leaving skin smooth and luminous

• ZO® Rapid Renewal Peel to exfoliate, stimulate cell turnover, and enhance overall skin clarity

• Custom mask tailored to your skin’s unique needs for hydration, calming, or brightening

This powerful combination delivers immediate glow with minimal downtime, making it perfect before date night, Valentine’s Day or anytime you want your skin to look its best. Valentine’s Glow Facial – $100 (February only)

Share the Love with Gift Cards

Looking for the perfect Valentine’s gift? Gift cards are available and can be used toward facials, skincare, treatments, and services. It’s a thoughtful way to give the gift of confidence, self-care, and glowing skin — no guessing required.

Customized Skincare with ZO® Skin Health

Healthy skin starts with the right routine, and that routine should be as unique as you are. We proudly offer ZO Skin Health, a medical-grade skincare line designed to improve skin function at the cellular level, not just temporarily mask concerns.

What truly sets our med spa apart is our expertise in customized skincare protocols. Our experienced providers take the time to evaluate your skin type, concerns, and goals before creating a ZO regimen specifically for you. Whether you’re struggling with acne, hyperpigmentation, fine lines, sun damage, or dullness, we guide you through a personalized plan

designed for long-term results.

Skincare is not “one and done.” We continually reassess your skin and adjust protocols as needed, ensuring your regimen evolves as your skin improves. This expert-led approach is what delivers real, visible change — and healthier skin you can feel confident in.

Microneedling with PRP: A Deeper Level of Rejuvenation

For those ready to elevate their skincare journey, microneedling with PRP (platelet-rich plasma) is a powerful option. This treatment combines collagen-stimulating microneedling with PRP derived from your own blood, rich in growth factors that enhance healing and rejuvenation. Microneedling with PRP helps:

• Improve skin texture and tone

• Reduce fine lines and wrinkles

• Minimize acne scars and discoloration

• Promote firmer, more youthful-looking skin

This treatment works from within, encouraging your skin to repair and renew itself naturally. It’s an ideal option for clients seeking noticeable improvement with minimal downtime.

Laser Hair Removal: Start Now for Summer Confidence

While summer may feel far away, February is the perfect time to begin laser hair removal. Treatments work best when done in a series, spaced several weeks apart. Starting now means smoother, more carefree skin just in time for warmer months.

Our advanced laser technology safely and effectively reduces unwanted hair on areas such as the legs, underarms, bikini, face, and more. Over time, hair grows back finer and lighter, giving you lasting results and freedom from constant shaving or waxing.

Fall in Love with Your Skin

This February, let us help you fall in love with your skin. Whether you’re booking our Valentine’s Glow Facial, starting a customized ZO Skin Health routine, investing in microneedling with PRP, or beginning laser hair removal, our expert team is here to guide you every step of the way.

We are located at 312 Grammont St., Suite 406, in the James R. Wolff Building across from St. Francis Medical Center and offer complimentary valet parking and convenient curbside pick-up for your product purchases. Please follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay updated on our weekly specials, sales, promotions, and giveaways.

I Remember

When Choosing a

Path

For Your Life, It’s Essential To “Look” Before You “Shoot.”

ARTICLE BY PAUL LIPE

IREMEMBER THAT GROWING UP AS A YOUTH IN PIEDMONT, North Carolina, there was no deer population anywhere nearby. My father enjoyed hunting but was restricted to small game, such as rabbits or squirrels. He taught me several things about hunting, but nothing about pursuing deer. It was not until I moved to Louisiana that I learned something about hunting white-tailed deer. “My teachers” were members of my church, and they were all very good at it. One of the first lessons I learned was to be sure of my target before shooting. It was not unusual, when I was sitting in a deer stand, to hear rustling in a nearby thicket. The noise was probably being made by a deer, but it could have been made by a man, so I had to be sure of my target. Another important factor is distance; one should never shoot at a target that is out of range. These lessons, taught by my deer-hunting friends, can also be applied to life in general. For instance, it is important that we choose the right path by which we live our lives. The path I would recommend is choosing Jesus as our model and helper in pursuing a life that is most beneficial for us. To learn about Him and His direction for our lives, it is helpful to be affiliated with a church that teaches about Jesus. Recent news indicates that people are returning to churches in our day, and I commend you to do the same—to make worship at church a regular part of your life—because it is there that we learn about His purposes for us and how we can fulfill them.

In choosing a path for our lives and in selecting an individual we choose to emulate, it is essential that we “look” before we “shoot.” My father taught me a great deal about life, and I have sought to do the same for my children, my friends, and the members of my church. My hope for you, the reader, is that as you make your choices in life, you will not overlook Jesus Christ. Make Him the goal of your future, and enjoy the benefits of having Him as your pattern.

MARDI GRAS

IN THE TWIN CITIES

This magnificent, costumed, beaded and feathered carnival is rich with tradition and is all about having a good time. These fun events can be found right here in the Twin Cities. Updated information about each krewe’s events can be found through their Facebook pages @TwinCitiesKreweOfJanus and @krewederiviere

For the first time in the Twin Cities’ history, the Krewe of Janus and the Krewe de Riviere will run successive parades on February 7, 2026. Festivities kick off at 9AM with the Jester Jog Color 5K, beginning at the corner of Commerce and Wood Streets in West Monroe. The Children’s Parade at Pecanland Mall begins at 10AM. Food trucks open in Alley Park at 11AM, and the PAWS Pet Parade rolls at noon. Community members can enjoy live music courtesy of The Hot Grits Band

in Alley Park from 2-6PM. The Krewe de Riviere parade rolls at 3PM, followed by the Krewe of Janus parade at 6PM. The parades follow the same route. Beginning on Natchitoches Street in West Monroe, the parades will proceed down Trenton Street, crossing the Louisville Bridge and continuing on Louisville Avenue, turning right on Walnut Street, and circling through Downtown Monroe via Washington Street and North 3rd. The floats will then re-enter Louisville Avenue, continuing until Oliver Road.

ARTICLE BY MEREDITH MCKINNIE

KREWE OF JANUS

King Janus XLIII Clifton Bergeron and Queen Janus XLIII Lynda Bergeron hail the Mardi Gras season as their favorite time of year. They love seeing the community enjoying themselves in a safe environment. Lynda joined the Krewe of Janus in 2008. She remembers the first Mardi Gras parade in Monroe/West Monroe in 1984. Working at LDS, the company participated in the festivities, and Lynda and her coworkers worked on the inaugural float. Likewise, growing up in New Orleans, Clif remembers marching in parades alongside his family, setting the stage for his lifelong fascination with Mardi Gras. Clif always wanted to be King, calling this experience the “pinnacle” of his Carnival experiences. Lynda and Clif served as Janus Duke and Duchess two years ago. They insist the highlight of the parade route is seeing the joy on kids’ faces, lighting up with each trinket tossed in their direction. Clif describes feeling like a rock star atop a Mardi Gras float.

The Bergerons were introduced at Mardi Gras by Queen Janus XXXV Rhonda Joyner. Now serving as Queen and King Janus themselves, the couple is leaning into the role, with Lynda making her traditional white and gold costume by hand. Additionally, Clif’s son Clif Bergeron, Jr. is serving as squire; Lynda’s daughter Katie Nubles as Lady in Waiting; and their granddaughters Ellison Bergeron and

Harper Bergeron, along with Alie Thomas, as princesses on the float.

The Bergerons will be frequenting 30 local elementary schools and nursing homes over the next few weeks leading up to the big day on February 7. They will stress the importance of parade safety - staying aware of your surroundings at all times and staying back away from the floats. Float riders will toss goodies to the back of the crowd, so please don’t approach the floats for the safety of everyone.

JAY DAVIS AND ADRIENNE LAFRANCE WELLS ARE KREWE DE RIVIERE’S 2026 KING AND QUEEN. PHOTO ABOVE AND GROUP PHOTO BELOW BY DYLAN JUNG AT WONDERBOY.

KREWE DE RIVIERE

Jay Davis and Adrienne LaFrance Wells are honored to be chosen by the community to serve as King and Queen for Krewe de Riviere during the 2026 season. Jay credits his fiancee Jill for campaigning on his behalf, unbeknownst to him. Jay insists, “I never even considered that I could be King,” though his father Jiles Davis Jr. served as King Janus XIX. Jay will be wearing his father’s costume that was kept in the King of Hearts vault for the last 25 years. Though raised in Monroe, Jay has lived all over the world and only returned to Monroe in 2016. Having attended Mardi Gras in New Orleans a few times, Jay wanted to help promote Mardi Gras traditions in northeast Louisiana. He even designed this year’s poster entitled Island Time for Krewe de Riviere. Posters are available for purchase from the Krewe.

For Queen Adrienne LaFrance Wells, celebrating Mardi Gras traditions is imperative to maintaining Louisiana’s cultural identity. “It’s great to see the camaraderie between the Krewes,” remarks Adrienne. The Twin Cities’ media kickoff featured a royal toast with Kings and Queens from both Krewes present. King Jay used his father’s goblet for the toast, and Adrienne used her mother’s, Queen Janus I - Kay LaFrance. Her father Clifford LaFrance also served as King Janus V.

This year seems kismet for Adrienne. Having just picked up her crown in New Orleans, Adrienne was unsure what would be appropriate for transport. Her husband Vernon suggested his top hat carrier, and when she opened it, a single wooden doubloon fell out from Mardi Gras 2020Krewe de Riviere’s inaugural year. Adrienne considered it a good omen.

“All signs point to a special year, and I am honored to be a part of the 2026 celebration.” Additionally, Jay and Adrienne extend immense gratitude to Ruth Ulrich who spent hours sewing complementary details on their regalia.

Encouraged by the Krewe’s community outreach, Jay and Adrienne are enjoying their appearances at local schools and assisted living facilities. The royal pair is hosting workshops on maskmaking and shoebox floats, along with handing out beads at each location. Jay particularly enjoys interacting with the children, imagining himself as a kid seeing a King for the first time. Jay calls Adrienne a “wonderful royal partner to have,” with high standards and care, ensuring they put their best foot forward. Adrienne says, “Serving as queen is more than just the pageantry of putting on a gown and crown. It’s really about sharing traditions and artistry with children and people in the community throughout the Carnival season.” Many people mistakenly associate Mardi Gras with one day, either Fat Tuesday or the day of their local parade. “Educating the public about Carnival season kicking off on Mardi Gras Epiphany (12th Night), along with king cake traditions, the meaning of the colorsit’s true to who we are as Louisianians.”

Economic Impact

After a successful holiday shopping season, Mardi Gras is an additional boost to the Twin Cities’ economy. Local merchants embrace the season with Mardi Gras home decor, parade ware, ball gowns, and traditional cuisine. Downtown West Monroe is the King Cake Headquarters with 9 locations offering variations on the king cake:

• Antiques & Treasures Galore

• CAKE

• Caster & Chicory

• Courtyard on Cotton

• Flying Heart Brewing

• JAC’s Craft Smokehouse

• Southern Flower Exchange

• Southern Magnolias

• Spice & Tea Exchange

After the parade, make sure to recycle your Mardi Gras beads. From January 8 -February 17, beads can be dropped off at the following locations:

• West Monroe City Hall

• Alley Park (Downtown West Monroe)

• West Monroe Recycling Center

ULM Kappa Delta Sorority

Hosts Annual Color Run

IN A VIBRANT DISPLAY OF SOLIDARITY AGAINST CHILD abuse, Kappa Delta sorority invites everyone to join their annual color run at Forsythe Park in Monroe, Louisiana, on March 14, 2026. This lively event not only promises a colorful experience for participants but also aims to make a meaningful impact on the community. The 5k color run will kick off at 9:00 a.m., preceded by registration starting at 7:30 a.m. Additionally, this year’s festivities include a 1k Fun Run at 11:00 a.m., ensuring a fun and inclusive atmosphere for participants of all ages and their furry friends.

The heart of the event lies in its noble cause – all proceeds from the color run will benefit Prevent Child Abuse America and the local beneficiary, The Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home. Kappa Delta sorority, recognizing the destructive impact of abuse and neglect on confidence, passionately strives to build confidence in others. This commitment is reflected in the event’s purpose – preventing and ending child abuse.

An admirable 80% of the funds raised from this year’s Shamrock event will directly support The Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home, a local organization serving the community. The remaining 20% will contribute to Prevent Child Abuse America, one of the oldest and largest organizations dedicated to preventing child abuse and neglect before it occurs. The significance of this dual support demonstrates the sorority’s commitment to both local and national efforts in the fight against child abuse.

Expressing gratitude for the generosity and kindness of each participant, Kappa Delta sorority and the benefiting organizations extend their appreciation to those who sign up or contribute to this important cause. The event raises funds but also aims to increase awareness and understanding of the critical issues surrounding child abuse and neglect. Participants are encouraged to come prepared to leave more knowledgeable about these causes, as well as more colorful than they arrived.

For those interested in becoming vendors or with any other inquiries, the sorority has provided the email Ulmkappadeltashamrock@gmail.com. This open invitation emphasizes the sorority’s desire for community engagement and collaboration in their mission.

In a thoughtful touch, participants can secure event shirts with their registration, available until February 28, 2025. After this date, shirts will be distributed based on the order of registration, adding an extra incentive for early participants.

As the date approaches, the Kappa Delta sorority looks forward to uniting the community in a joyous and colorful event that not only promotes physical activity but, more importantly, supports the crucial cause of preventing child abuse and neglect.

Reach out to Ulmkappadeltashamrock@gmail.com or @ulmkappadelta on Instagram.

Take Off

With Us

Fashion Fusion 2026 will mark 15 years of celebrating a community coming together for cancer patients right here in our area. All proceeds benefit the Cancer Foundation League of Northeast Louisiana which provides medical assistance and supplies to local patients and families suffering from this dreadful disease. Join us on March 7, 2026 at the Monroe Civic Center for this fashionable event.

HERRINGSTONES

Meet the perfect event dress, the go-to piece that guarantees compliments. With its graceful fit and elevated details, this dress transitions seamlessly from day celebrations to evening affairs. Pair it with gold bangles, metallic gold heels and Kendra Scott earrings..

MAX PORTER PROVISIONS

This jacket features a relaxed fit that allows easy movement, while elastic cuffs and an adjustable waist cinch lock in heat when the temps drop.Pair it with a plaid shacket and blue knit pearl snap shirt. Complete the look with AG bootcut jeans, authentic leather belt and polarized sunglasses.

HEMLINE MONROE

Take off in style with this irresistible jersey blouse. This eye-catching top blends a bold, leopard-inspired print with a soft, stretchy jersey fabric for unbeatable comfort and style. Wear it with coffee-colored knit set that features a wide-leg pant and relaxed turtleneck sweater draped over shoulders. Pair with retro-inspired sneakers.

PALETTE HOUSE

Add The Varsity Pant to your lineup. It’s made from a structured suiting fabric with a striped, rib-knit pullon waistband finished with back elastic, faux front zipper, front pleats, and lots of pockets. Pair with a relaxed, striped mock neck top, and accessorize with retro-inspired high top sneakers.

MATERIAL THINGS

This “nod to mod” tunic dress is the perfect “throw and go” piece, with a turned up collar and 3/4 length sleeves. Accessorize with a dark brown leather wide belt, gold hoop earrings, and a gold bracelet.

Réveillon: A Night for the Arts

On Saturday, January 10th, the Northeast Louisiana Arts Council hosted Réveillon: A Night for the Arts at BayouPoint, an elegant evening celebrating creativity and community. The event brought together artists, supporters, and patrons to champion the arts and highlight the talent of local artists across the region. Through music and dancing, visual art, and shared fellowship, Réveillon served as both a celebration and a meaningful show of support for the continued growth of the arts in Northeast Louisiana.

7 Erik Stanley and Kelly Moore Clark

8 Jeff Johnson, Jaki Wilkinson and Evelyn Scott Johnson

9

18 Joe King and Ginny Montgomery

VALENTINE'S DAY GIFT GUIDE

Searching for the perfect Valentine’s gift? Shop these local retailers for fabulous finds – from skincare and cozy pajamas to charming jewelry and must-have bags.

Cross painting available at Petals and Pearls

Restylane Kysse and other cosmetic treatments available at DermaMediQ

available at Lola Jane Boutique

Oil and Vinegar and assorted chocolates availabe at Apero

ZO Skin Health Exfoliating Polish and Illuminating AOX Serum available at The Medical Spa by St. Francis

Trio Luxe Moisture Treatment, AlphaRet Overnight Cream and Alto Advanced Defense and Repair Serum available at Winnsboro Medical

Leather wallets and belt available at Ron Alexander Clothiers

Cardigan with bows and mother-of-pearl heart earrings available at Hemline Monroe

Prada-inspired purse and Kendra Scott earrings and necklace available at Herringstones

Pajamas available at Palette House

Sauna experiences and luxury SkinCeuticals skincare available at Spa

Mahjong tiles and Trudon fragrance available at Material Things

Calendar of Events

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

February 2, 9, 16, 23

Creative Meetups

Gather with fellow artists to share ideas, techniques, and stories as you create art.

Hours: 6pm-8pm

Cost: Free

Venue: Kit Gilbert Studio, 301 N Trenton St. #3 Ruston, LA 71270

Phone: 318-202-3202

February 3

Shen Yun

Shen Yun invites you to travel back to the magical world of ancient China. By blending beautiful dancing, stunning costumes, high-tech backdrops, and a magical orchestra, be prepared for a theatrical experience like no other.

Hours: 7:30PM

Cost: Ticket Prices Vary

Venue: Jack Howard Theater, 401 Lea Joyner Memorial Expy. Monroe, LA

February 3

RFM: Simple Snacks

Enjoy this class at the Ruston Farmers Market Teaching Kitchen and learn how to make quick snacks that you can grab and go on busy days.

Hours: 6-7pm

Cost: Varies - rustonfarmersmarket.org

Venue: Drew Jones Teaching Kitchen, 220 E Mississippi Ave. Ruston, LA Phone: 318-957-1305

February 4, 7, 18, 26, 28

LA Tech Men’s Basketball

Cheer on the Bulldogs as they compete in these exciting basketball games!

Hours: Varying times

Cost: Ticket prices vary

Venue: Thomas Assembly Center, 1650 W Alabama Ave. Ruston, LA 71270 Phone: 318-257-3631

February 4, 25, 27

ULM Women’s Basketball

Join the ULM Women’s Basketball team and cheer on the Warhawks at home!

Hours: Game Times Vary

Cost: Ticket Prices Vary Venue: Fant-Ewing Coliseum, 4099 Northeast Dr. Monroe, LA 71203

February 5, 7, 26, 28

GSU Women’s Basketball

Get ready to cheer on the Lady Tigers as they compete in these exciting basketball games!

Hours: Varying times

Cost: Ticket prices vary

Venue: Fredrick C. Hobdy Assembly Center, 100 N. Stadium Dr. Grambling Phone: 318-274-3811

February 5

RFM: King Cake for Kids

Bring your kids to enjoy this class at the Ruston Farmers Market Teaching Kitchen where they will learn how to make a classic king cake.

Hours: 6-8pm

Cost: Varies - rustonfarmersmarket.org

Venue: Drew Jones Teaching Kitchen, 220 E Mississippi Ave. Ruston, LA

Phone: 318-957-1305

February 6-8

Big Creek Trade Days

Enjoy this shopping venue with a variety of local vendors, food, and live music

Hours: Friday and Saturday 9am-5pm, Sunday 10am-4pm

Cost: $5 per car

Venue: 327 California Plant Rd. Dubach Phone: 318-680-1304

February 6, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 15

Barefoot in the Park

This classic Neil Simon comedy follows newlyweds Core and Paul as they navigate the ups and downs of married life in a tiny New York apartment—complete with a quirky upstairs neighbor and one too many stairs. It’s a heartwarming and hilarious look at love, compromise, and learning to live together.

Hours: 7PM Thursday - Saturday, 2PM

Sunday Matinees

Cost: $30 Adult, $15 Student

Venue: Strauss Theatre Center, 1300 Lamy Ln. Monroe, LA 71201

Phone: 318-323-6681

February 6, 13, 14, 20, 21

Monroe Moccasins

Hockey is back on the bayou for another season! Head to the Monroe Civic Center to cheer on the Monroe Moccasins!

Hours: 7PM

Cost: Ticket Prices Vary

Venue: Monroe Civic Center, 401 Lea Joyner Memorial Expy. Monroe, LA Phone: 318-329-2225

February 7, 14, 21, 28

Ruston Farmers Market

Enjoy local produce, handmade products, and more at this farmers

market downtown.

Hours: 9am-1pm

Venue: 220 E Mississippi Ave. Ruston

Phone: 318-957-1305

February 7, 9, 26, 28

GSU Men’s Basketball

Get ready to cheer on the GSU Tigers as they compete in these exciting basketball games!

Hours: Varying times

Cost: Ticket prices vary

Venue: Fredrick C. Hobdy Assembly Center, 100 N. Stadium Dr. Grambling Phone: 318-274-3811

February 7, 14, 21, 28

Live Music at the VFW

Open to the public! Cover includes ticket for door prizes, BYOB, concessions available, non-smoking, and family-friendly!

Hours: 7PM-11PM

Cost: $10

Venue: Monroe VFW, 149 LA-594, Monroe, LA 71203

February 7

Krewe of Janus Children’s Parade

The Children’s Mardi Gras Parade is rolling through Pecanland Mall! Watch children roll by in decorated mini-Mardi Gras floats throwing beads, candy, and other throws!

Hours: Lineup at 9AM, Rolls at 10AM Venue: Pecanland Mall Center Court, 4700 Millhaven Rd. Monroe, LA 71203

February 7

Krewe of Paws Pet Parade

Grab your favorite furry friends and join PAWS of Northeast Louisiana in their 19th Annual Mardi Gras Pet Parade. The staging area will be the 100 Block of Commerce street, which is where the parade will start.

Hours: 12PM

Venue: Downtown West Monroe, 100 Commerce St. West Monroe, LA 71291

February 7

Krewe de Riviere 5th Annual Mardi Gras Parade

It’s 5 o’clock somewhere! Get your grass skirts, leis, and coconut cups, because the Krewe de Riviere are following Island Time this year! Join the Krewe for their 5th Annual Mardi Gras Parade and line the streets to welcome floats, bands, dance groups, and more!

Venue: Downtown Monroe and West Monroe

February 7

Krewe of Janus 43rd Annual Mardi Gras Parade

The Krewe of Janus will roll through the exact same route, so pick your spot and get ready to let the good times roll!

Venue: Downtown Monroe and West Monroe

February 7, 18, 21

ULM Men’s Basketball Cheer on the ULM Warhawks Men’s Basketball team at home in FantEwing Coliseum!

Hours: Game Times Vary

Cost: Ticket Prices Vary Venue: Fant-Ewing Coliseum, 4099 Northeast Dr. Monroe, LA 71203

February 12, 14

La Tech Women’s Basketball Cheer on the Lady Techsters as they compete in the exciting basketball games at home.

Hours: Game Times Vary

Cost: Ticket Prices Vary Venue: Thomas Assembly Center, 1650 W Alabama Ave. Ruston, LA 71270

February 12

RFM: Sushi

Enjoy this class at the Ruston Farmers Market Teaching Kitchen and Marcelo will walk participants step-bystep through the basics of making sushi at home in an approachable, beginnerfriendly way.

Hours: 6-8pm

Cost: Varies - rustonfarmersmarket.org

Venue: Drew Jones Teaching Kitchen, 220 E Mississippi Ave. Ruston, LA

February 14, 24, 25, 28

ULM Baseball

Join the ULM Baseball team at Lou St. Amant field!

Hours: Game Times Vary

Cost: Ticket Prices Vary

Venue: Lou St. Amant Field, 518 Warhawk Way, Monroe, LA 71209

February 14

Run for the Roses 5K

Alpha Omicron Pi invites you to run for the roses this Valentine’s Day! Help them celebrate their philanthropy by running for a cause.

Hours: 8AM

Cost: $30

Venue: Forsythe Park, 2300 Sycamore St. Monroe, LA 71201

February 18

Chocolate Pairing Class

Sip, savor, and learn! Join Apero’s Chocolate Pairing class — perfect pairings, expert tips, and unforgettable flavors await.

Hours: 4PM - 5PM

Cost: $45

Venue: Apero, 2252 Tower Dr. Ste 107, Monroe, LA 71201

February 19

RFM: Sourdough

Enjoy this class at the Ruston Farmers Market Teaching Kitchen and learn the fundamentals of sourdough making.

Hours: 6-8pm

Cost: Varies - rustonfarmersmarket.org

Venue: Drew Jones Teaching Kitchen, 220 E Mississippi Ave. Ruston, LA

February 21

Layton Castle Tour

Explore the beautiful Layton Castle through a guided tour of the house and grounds. The tour includes the historic residential apartment, the family cemetery, and the 1790s Winehouse Museum. After the tour, you are welcome to stroll the grounds and have a picnic!

Hours: 10AM

Cost: $18 - $20

Venue: Layton Castle Tour, 1133 S Grand St. Monroe, LA 71202

Phone: 318-322-4869

February 22

Krewe of Janus Texas Hold ‘em Poker Tournament

The Krewe of Janus will have their Texas Hold 'em Poker Tournaments at their float den.

Hours: 5:30PM - 10PM

Cost: $10 Registration Fee, $80 Entry Fee

Venue: Krewe of Janus Float Den, 901 Louisville Ave. Monroe, LA 71201

February 24

RFM: Chicken Parm 101

Enjoy this class at the Ruston Farmers Market Teaching Kitchen and learn how to make a classic chicken parm dish from scratch.

Hours: 6-8pm

Cost: Varies - rustonfarmersmarket.org

Venue: Drew Jones Teaching Kitchen, 220 E Mississippi Ave. Ruston, LA

February 26

RFM: Gluten Free Lasagna Basics

Enjoy this class at the Ruston Farmers Market Teaching Kitchen and learn how to make a comforting and flavorful lasagna that is gluten free.

Hours: 6-8pm

Cost: Varies - rustonfarmersmarket.org

Venue: Drew Jones Teaching Kitchen, 220 E Mississippi Ave. Ruston, LA Phone: 318-957-1305

February 25

Chennault Museum Grand Re-Opening Come join in the celebration of the new look of the Chennault Aviation

and Military Museum with all new floors and fire suppression. Help say thank you to those who helped during the process while enjoying the sounds of the US Air Force Ensemble Band.

Hours: 5PM - 8PM

Venue: Chennault Aviation & Military Museum, 701 Kansas Ln. Monroe, LA

February 27 - 28

2026 Quilt Show

The North Louisiana Quilters Guild is excited to present their 2026 Quilt Show. There will be over 200 beautiful quilted works of art to view as well as many wonderful vendors to shop.

Hours: Friday 9AM - 5PM, Saturday 9AM - 4PM

Cost: $7 Ages 7-79, All others free

Venue: West Monroe Convention Center, 901 Ridge Ave. West Monroe Phone: 318-372-5542

February 28, March 1, 7, 8

SYAA Presents: The Spongebob Musical Head to Strauss Youth Academy for the Arts and follow Spongebob, Patrick, Sandy and the rest of the Bikini Bottom gang!

Hours: Saturdays 2PM & 7PM, Sundays 3PM

Cost: $12 Student, $18 Adult

Venue: Strauss Youth Academy for the Arts, 1300 ½ Lamy Ln. Monroe, LA Phone: 318-812-7922

February 28

9th Annual St. Vincent dePaul

Community Pharmacy: Poor Man’s Run

Join the ULM College of Pharmacy for the Poor Man’s Run—a 5K and 1-Mile Fun-Run benefiting a local charity pharmacy.

Hours: 8AM

Cost: $30 - $35

Venue: ULM College of Pharmacy, 1800 Bienville Dr. Monroe, LA 71201

February 28

Monroe Symphony Orchestra: The Young Romantics

Waltz into spring with Strauss and Offenbach. Enjoy the exuberance of the Fledermaus Overture, the sweep of the Blue Danube, and a selection of beloved waltzes and polkas. Dessert and dancing follow each performance, making for an unforgettable and light-hearted celebration.

Hours: 7PM

Venue: Bayou Pointe Event Center