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SEPTEMBER 2026
08 / PEAR AND POMEGRANATE SANGRIA
Pears and pomegranates are coming into season, and this sangria packs a spicy ginger punch with the addition of candied ginger and ginger beer.
10 / THE BAG EDIT
From statement-making embroidery to polished croc minis, these bags from local boutiques are top-picks for fall.
24 / BROCCOLI BURRATA PASTA SALAD
A light but hearty pasta and broccoli salad is perfect for making ahead of time when days get hectic with school schedules.
44 / FALLING FOR FLATS
From playful leopard print to rich suede, this season’s flats strike the perfect balance between effortless comfort and polished fall style.
48 / MADE FOR WALKING
Whether you’re stepping out in a tall boot or keeping it chic in a bootie, these local finds are made for fall.
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50 / SPOT ON
Polka dots are all the rage this season, adding a playful pop to every look.
52 / MAKE A STATEMENT
Statement necklaces are making a bold return for fall, adding instant polish and personality to the season’s layered looks.
94 / BAYOU ICON
Katie Bonnette is not in the business of selling clothes... “We’re in the business to build relationships, pour into women, help them leave here feeling confident and beautiful and powerful...”
A P R I L 2 0 1 8106 / BAYOU EATS
54 / SCARF SEASON
From pendant-adorned scarves worn around the neck to stylish headscarves, these fall accessories bring flair to every look.
Attorney Breshatta Davis brings her love of food and hospitality to Timez Kitchen and Kocktails, where Southern comfort food, family recipes, and creative cocktails come together in downtown Monroe.
134 / BAYOU ARTIST
72 / THE EDIT
Meet your new denim lineup: seven standout jeans that rank among the season’s best, all available now at local boutiques.
Natalie Sturgis finds inspiration in the unexpected. Through her playful, unconventional art, she has transformed a lifelong creative outlet into a growing career dedicated to making people smile.
74 / TOP 20 UNDER 40
140 / BAYOU FASHION
The Monroe Chamber of Commerce and BayouLife Magazine are pleased to announce the nominees and winners of the 2026 Top 20 Twenty Under 40 Young Professional Awards.
These looks from area boutiques showcase fall’s best, from statementmaking styles for dressy occasions to effortless date-night ensembles.
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all has always felt like a fresh start. There is something exciting about seeing the latest colors, textures and trends arrive in local boutiques, even if my daily wardrobe does not always reflect that excitement. Most days, you can find me in a baseball cap and sweats, but I am making an effort this season to start dressing like we have officially moved beyond the stay at home era of COVID (six years later). I can hardly believe our kids are already back in school. At the Livingston house, that means we are in full volleyball and soccer mode, with softball right around the corner. I will likely be missing from most upcoming social events unless they happen to take place near a field, gym or concession stand. Before my calendar completely fills up, I want to wish my sweet friend Cindy Foust a very happy 60th birthday. I hope this milestone year is as wonderful as she is. Our September Style Issue celebrates the people, places and looks that make our region fashionable. This month’s BayouIcon, Katie Bonnette, is someone I met years ago when she partnered with a fellow Rayvillian to open Rodeo Boutique. In her newest era, Katie is the owner of Goldie Boutique and The Fashion of Ruston. After more than two decades in fashion retail, she understands that the business is about much more than clothing. It is about building relationships, encouraging women and helping them feel confident, beautiful and powerful. Read Katie’s inspiring story on pages 94 through 99. I cannot express how much I love this month’s fashion shoot, “In Black and White.” Kayla Murry is stunning as always, and after a little sabbatical from modeling, we were thrilled to have her back. Kelly Moore Clark worked her magic behind the camera, and Luke
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Hodnett looked fantastic modeling our men’s selections. Find this gorgeous shoot on pages 140 through 149. Our BayouEats feature takes us to Timez Kitchen and Kocktail on Desiard Street. Before beginning her legal career, Breshatta Davis spent years mixing and serving drinks while paying her way through law school. That experience sparked a lasting love for the service industry and inspired the foundation for her restaurant. Learn more about Breshatta’s journey and the flavorful dishes at Timez on pages 106 through 111. This issue also features our Top 20 Under 40. These exceptional individuals not only excel in their careers, but also devote their time and talents to making our community a better place to live. Meet this year’s honorees on pages 74 through 85. Our BayouArtist is Natalie Sturgis. From doodles created in the school pickup line to portraits made with discarded objects, Natalie finds inspiration in unexpected places. Her playful, unconventional work has turned a lifelong creative outlet into a growing career focused on making others smile. Read her story on page 134. Thank you for reading BayouLife Magazine and supporting the local businesses featured throughout our pages. We truly could not do what we do without our wonderful advertisers and loyal readers. Enjoy the issue, and I will see you next month!
Cassie
PUBLISHER & OWNER Cassie Livingston cassie@bayoulifemag.com COPY EDITOR Cindy Foust GENERAL MANAGER Lindsay Adams lindsay@bayoulifemag.com GRAPHIC DESIGNER Reagan Henderson reagan@bayoulifemag.com ADVERTISING SALES EXECUTIVE Breanne Pittman breanne@bayoulifemag.com ART DIRECTOR Maré Brennan LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER Kelly Moore Clark
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Maré Brennan Kenny Covington April C. Doughty Cresha Davis, MD Cindy Gist Foust Starla Gatson Lakelynn Honaker Erin Love Meredith McKinnie
R.B. Moore Vanelis Rivera Whitney Scallan, FNP-C Delia Simpson Jerod Smith Beatrice Tatem, PH.D., LPC-S, NCC, ACS Phil Trahan
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Kelly Moore Clark Annabell Hatten Photography Forever Williams Photography Joyfully Curated Desirae Trappey Photography ON THE COVER Kayla Murry in an outfit from The Nude Nomad photography by Kelly Moore Clark
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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.
PEAR AND POMEGRANATE SANGRIA
Pears and pomegranates are coming into season, and this sangria packs a spicy ginger punch with the addition of candied ginger and ginger beer. Make a pitcher ahead of time and let the flavors meld together. Enjoy the flavors of early fall in a light and refreshing sangria cocktail. WHAT YOU NEED: 1 (750 ml) bottle of Pinot Grigio 1/2 cup pear brandy 1/3 cup pomegranate juice 1 cup apple cider 2 Bartlett pears, sliced 2 blood oranges, sliced 1 cup pomegranate arils 1/4 cup candied ginger 3 cinnamon sticks 1-2 (12 ounce) ginger beers
DIRECTIONS: In a large pitcher, combine all the ingredients except the ginger beer. Stir and then place in the fridge until chilled. Before serving, add the ginger beer. Fill each glass with ice and pour the sangria over the ice. If desired top with more ginger beer. Photography by Kelly Moore Clark, Written and Styled by Maré Brennan
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BAYOU FASHON
THE BAG EDI T From statement-making embroidery to polished croc minis, these bags from local boutiques are top-picks for fall.
Gold and green clutch from The Nude Nomad, Iris embroidered clutch from Material Things, Black croc handle bag from Hemline Monroe, Camel-colored bag from Herringstones, Quilted chocolate bag from The Fashion of Ruston
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Photography by Kelly Moore Clark Dress from Herringstones
Kylie Austin
Alumni Spotlight ULM Alum: Kylie Austin
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HILE MOST PEOPLE LEAVE COLLEGE WITH a degree, Kylie Austin left with lasting relationships that continue to shape every part of her life. A proud ULM Warhawk, Kylie embraced every opportunity the university had to offer, from student leadership and campus organizations to internships that pushed her beyond her comfort zone. Today, as owner of Cara’s Boutique, she leads with the same hospitality and servant’s heart that she developed as a student. While attending West Ouachita High School, Kylie was a cheerleader and was active in nearly every club. She joked that her goal was to appear in every yearbook photo possible, and she succeeded. Kylie began working at age 15 at Pewter House, where she discovered that customer service is simply about connecting with people. Building those connections quickly became her passion. When Kylie first stepped onto ULM’s campus for PREP Orientation, she immediately connected with the people and felt energized by the atmosphere. “I’ve been a Warhawk ever since,” she said. Although she intended to become a nurse practitioner, Kylie gravitated toward Mass Communications toward the end of her sophomore year. After discovering her niche in Public Relations, Kylie served as vice president of the Campus Activities Board (CAB). Hospitality became her calling as she joined Kappa Delta, worked for The Hawkeye, and served as a ULM Peer Leader throughout her college career. Supported by a close-knit group of friends in Mass Communications, namely Ahmaad Solmone, now ULM’s Director of Orientation and Special Projects, Kylie immersed herself in campus life. She claims, “Being able to walk through a season like that with a friend is unmatched. It’s not about the grades you make but the hands you shake.” Notable mentors are key to successful student journeys, and Kylie was blessed with her fair share. Lisa Miller was a constant source of encouragement, always insisting she shoot for the stars. Stepping out of her comfort zone, Kylie interned with Hartwick College in New York handling marketing for the university’s campus activities organization. She remembers walking to eat by herself, not flocked by that big group of friends, and really learning that she can make it on her own. “That summer taught me who I was as a person. I found confidence within myself” said Kylie. After returning to Louisiana,
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Kylie worked briefly as a ULM recruiter. Barbara Michaelides and Patti Pate showed Kylie that having fun in one’s profession is essential. Having a “big girl job” doesn’t mean the joy evaporates. Kylie now brings that sense of fun hospitality to Cara’s Boutique, which will celebrate its 20th anniversary this November. Former owner Cara Scheppf, who sold the boutique to Kylie in 2021, stressed the importance of putting kindness and customers first. From sales associate to management, Kylie has seen the boutique business from every angle and felt confident taking over when Cara suggested the transition. Kylie and her husband Jonathan prayed extensively before taking the leap, knowing that “When God is in something, it just works out.” Although Kylie and Jonathan attended ULM at the same time, their paths never crossed. A friend’s father would always ask Kylie, “Is there a boy in your life? I have a boy for you.” Jonathan graduated with a bachelor’s in Kinesiology, obtained his PTA at Louisiana College, and now works for Glory Therapy. Though he mainly works with adults, Jonathan mentioned a little girl in foster care that would come to therapy. She reminded Jonathan of Kylie. The Austins had struggled with fertility and inquired about adopting the little girl. When the foster parents mentioned the little girl having an older brother, the Austins knew this was God’s work. Within a year of acquiring the store, the Austins added two beautiful children to their family. Their son is a ball of energy with a caring heart. His personality is infectious and Kylie insists, “everything he does is so big.” Their daughter is a bit quieter and loves being outside, fishing and playing with critters. With their two children, the Austins got the best of both worlds. Cara’s Boutique supports ULM by offering employment opportunities to students. As a former ULM Warhawk, Kylie understands the importance of balancing schoolwork, employment, and a social life. She encourages her workers to embrace all parts of the college experience, and most importantly, having fun and making connections. Kylie claims, “ULM molded me into the person I am today by providing relationships and experiences. I’m a Warhawk fan through and through.”
Ochsner LSU Health A Neurologist’s Guide To Childhood Seizures BY CRESHA DAVIS, MD
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EIZURES CAN BE FRIGHTENING, ESPECIALLY WHEN
it’s your child having one. The reality is that seizures are not always the dramatic, violent shaking episodes we see depicted in movies and TV shows. The symptoms can be much more subtle. That is why recognizing the signs and knowing what to do if one occurs is paramount, not just for parents but for everyone. Why Do Seizures Happen? A seizure occurs when a surge of unexpected electrical signals interrupts normal brain activity. What a seizure looks like depends on where in the brain that electrical activity is happening. The following are the four main types of seizures affecting children: • Generalized Tonic-Clonic: This is the type most people recognize. It is characterized by full-body stiffening, tremors, and a loss of consciousness. • Focal: These are partial seizures where abnormal brain activity is localized to one area or side of the brain. The child may experience an aura or sudden feeling of fear followed by visual or auditory changes, unusual tastes or smells, muscle twitching, head turning, or repetitive movements like lip smacking. • Absence (Non-motor): These cause a brief pause in consciousness, usually lasting 30 seconds or less. The primary sign is often staring into space, but you might also notice subtle eye fluttering or small facial twitches. • Atonic And Myoclonic: An atonic seizure causes a sudden loss of muscle tone, making the child go limp and potentially fall. A myoclonic seizure involves brief muscle jerks. What triggers a seizure is equally varied, but the causes generally fall into two categories: • Provoked Triggers: These are temporary factors that can induce seizure activity. They include high fevers, brain infections (ex.meningitis, encephalitis), a head trauma, or metabolic issues (such as low blood sugar or severe electrolyte imbalances). • Unprovoked Triggers: They can involve underlying structural or chromosomal causes, including genetic conditions, brain tissue abnormalities, or previous brain injury. What To Look For While typical tonic-clonic seizures involving body stiffening, tongue biting, shaking, fainting, or loss of bowel or bladder control are easy to identify, other seizure types are far more subtle. Atypical symptoms seen in absence or focal seizures can be harder to catch. You might notice your child: • Becoming suddenly unresponsive or staring blankly for a few seconds to minutes. 16 SEPTEMBER 2026 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM
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Performing repetitive, non-purposeful, movements like head nodding, chewing, or swallowing. • Expressing unusual sensory complaints like seeing, hearing, or smelling things that aren’t there. • Having abrupt, uncharacteristic outbursts driven by sudden anxiety or fear. • Deja Vu: sense that a moment has occurred that did not. Following a seizure, the child’s awareness may return to baseline without knowledge that the event occurred or children may enter a “postictal phase,” where they feel confused or exhausted (or experience headaches). What To Do In The Moment If a seizure happens, it is important to stay calm. Place the child in the recovery position (on their side) to keep the airway clear, and move any nearby objects to ensure safety. Do not restrain them or put anything in their mouth as this can cause harm or even asphyxiation. • Time the seizure. • Note the symptoms (ex. Left lip twitching, sustained eye gaze, etc.) so that you can provide this information to healthcare professionals (HCP.) • Record a video of the episode, if it is safe to do so. Request details of the event from the witness (teacher, grandparent, friend) to share with your HCP. Call 911 if: • The seizure lasts five minutes or longer, and you do not have a seizure rescue medication. • This is the child’s first known seizure. • Seizures occur “back to back” or without recovery in-between. • Breathing is impaired or injury has occured When To Seek A Neurological Evaluation Your healthcare team will advise you if further investigation by a pediatric neurologist is necessary and a referral specialist will be placed. During your referral visit, a pediatric neurologist will take a detailed medical history, perform a thorough examination, and may recommend diagnostic testing like electroencephalogram (EEG), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), genetic testing, or other blood work to determine the cause and treatment. Seizures can feel overwhelming, but it helps to remember that many pediatric seizure conditions are highly treatable. Some are self-limited, and children outgrow them over time. By learning the subtle signs and working closely with your healthcare team, you can ensure the best outcome for your child. Dr. Cresha Davis is a board-certified neurologist specializing in pediatrics and child neurology. To learn more or schedule an appointment, visit ochsner.org or call your nearest clinic.
A Trip of a Lifetime
Material Things and The Haberdashery Brings a Little of the UK to LA
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S I AM WRITING THIS, I AM THINKING ABOUT THE wonderful trip that I just returned from! I along with a few stitching friends traveled to the UK to attend a stitching retreat with Judy Newman and Margaret Mews at The Court House Farm in Portishead UK. We left Monroe and headed out on our adventure the end of July and, it definitely lived up to the “adventure” tag! We arrived safely at the farmhouse and began our retreat. Our project was to make this delightful hand stitched project pochette, Judy gave me permission to replicate this class in The Haberdashery, so look for details to come on this class as it will be a limited engagement. After the retreat, we headed to Birmingham for the annual Festival of Quilts and what a feast for the eyes it was! Robert met us in Birmingham for the rest of the trip, when the festival was over, my stitching friends headed back to Louisiana and Robert and I travelled to London for a little sight seeing. A little history about Court House Farm and Gardens-nestled in the heart of Somerset, the farm is a place where history unfolds at every turn. The site has a rich heritage dating back to pre-Doomsday (1000AD), with the present buildings dating from the medieval period (circa 1350AD). Over the centuries, it has evolved from an important manor estate to a secluded treasure. At the heart of Court House Farm are two significant manor houses:the medieval manor, brimming with unique charm, and the later Tudor manor house, dating from approximately 1525AD. The Tudor manor features a striking hexagonal tower, adding grandeur to the site. Surrounding the manors are a range of later listed buildings, including a magnificent barn, a sizable cowshed, and other stone outbuildings, all bearing witness to the farm’s historic importance. The site once bustled with activity, supported by a network of smaller wooden buildings and workers’ dwellings. It’s story is far from over as it’s spirit invites visitors from all over to connect with the history that shaped this enchanting place. The Festival of Quilts launched in 2003 in partnership with The Quilter’s Guild in the UK-it has grown into Europe’s largest annual quilting event, hosting the world’s largest open quilt competition and attracting over 22,000 visitors annually. And, let me tell you, I was there, I witnessed the buying frenzy and I believe the facts that they tout. The festival opened on Thursday and by the end of the day, some of the stalls (booths as we call them in The States) looked like looters had made a run through them, literally. I, along with my stitching friends took lots of classes, shopped to our hearts desire, made lots of lovely connections and I believe brought back a lot of fresh ideas personally and to share with all of you. I took a class on beginner’s Chicken Scratch and plan to host a class on this, I purchased 18 SEPTEMBER 2026 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM
a huge variety of English gingham fabrics that I brought back with me to use for this class. Along with that class, I took one on Kantha Quilting-our pattern was a delightful hand stamped elephant design. I was able to find the exact wooden block that was used to stamp this design from an Indian vendor at the show-this will also be a fun class in the future! Stay tuned for all of these classes! When the festival was over on Sunday, Robert and I took a train to London for the rest of my trip. And, we hit the ground running…we pulled into the Euston Station and then took the Victoria line to our hotel… dropped our bags and headed out on foot to the War Room Museum. Wow, if you have never been, it is a sight to see…Just imagining that this is where Winston Churchill ran WWII is almost unfathomable. It is very unassuming and primitive in our eyes today. Many more stops were on my mind-we walked through St. James Park and reached Buckingham Palace on the other side. Every stop was so beautiful and enchanting, of course Westminster Abbey and Big Ben were in our sights…along with many other sightseers! The next morning, my main focus was to go straight to the famous Liberty of London store on Great Marlborough Street. The original location opened in 1875 in a small spot on Regent Street and quickly became a cultural hub in textile design and deeply influenced the Art Nouveau movement. Next up was the famous Fortnum and Mason’s along with a stop at Selfridge’s. Of course I bought tea and tea cakes at F&M along with a favorite perfume at the lovely Selfridge’s department store. Our last night in London, we made reservations to eat at The Red Lion on Parliament Street-what a historical site this place is, as well. Charles Dickens was a regular here, and as the saying goes, if these walls could talk! Our last morning there, we took the tube to the Victoria and Albert Museum and saw some of the most beautiful pieces of silver, art and fabulous textiles. It was a wonderful trip of a lifetime and I’m so happy to be able to share it with you, even if it’s just by giving a little piece of it in a stitching class or two!
XOXO - Joyce
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Ten Years of Raising a Glass Thank You from Beef & Barrel
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HIS SEPTEMBER MARKS A MILESTONE THAT IS ALMOST hard for us to believe: Beef & Barrel is celebrating 10 years in business. A decade ago, we opened a small wine and spirits shop across the hall from Doe’s Eat Place under the name Washington Wine & Spirits. What began as a modest idea has grown into the Beef & Barrel you know today. Now a standalone store where we have the room to bring in more great products, offer more food, and, most importantly, spend more time taking care of our customers. None of that would have happened without you. So, before we talk about bottles, steaks, or anything else, we simply want to say thank you. Thank you for stopping in, trusting our recommendations, asking questions, sharing celebrations with us, and coming back year after year. It has been an absolute honor to serve this community. We have been blessed with the opportunity to bring you what we believe are the best steaks in the Delta and, just as importantly, the customer service we hope makes every visit feel a little more personal. Ten years is a milestone for the business, but it is really a celebration of the people who helped us get here. Naturally, we couldn’t celebrate a decade at Beef & Barrel without raising a glass, and this month’s selections are a great representation of the kinds of bottles we love to find. Start with Townes Vodka, a versatile spirit that is right at home in a simple vodka soda, a classic Martini, or a cocktail built around fresh citrus. Townes is a Texas-made vodka distilled six times from 100% corn, resulting in a clean and approachable spirit that is versatile enough to work in just about any vodka cocktail. It is the kind of bottle that deserves a place behind the bar because it can move effortlessly from an easy weeknight drink to something worthy of a celebration. If you’re looking for something a little different, Townes also makes a great base for an Espresso Martini. Old Dominick Original Toddy is another bottle that practically begs to be enjoyed as the weather begins its slow turn toward fall. Old Dominick is a Memphis distillery with roots reaching back more than 150 years to the original Domenico Canale brand, which was revived by the Canale family in the modern era. The Original Toddy itself was reverse engineered from a dusty bottle discovered in a forgotten warehouse and is a combination of Old Dominick’s high-rye bourbon and seven carefully selected botanicals. Fresh ginger and warm honey lead into cinnamon, clove, citrus, allspice, and a gentle peppery spice. At 60 proof, it is rich and warming without being overly heavy. Pour it over cracked ice, enjoy it neat, or use it as the foundation for a cozy cocktail when the evenings start getting cooler. It is a
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bottle with a great story, and that’s something we always appreciate. For whiskey fans, Dark Arts Blunt Blend Batch No. 3 carries a little extra meaning for us. This blend was made by Macauley Minton, whose work we have followed for years. During his time at Wilderness Trail, we had the pleasure of selecting our own barrel picks with him, and it has been exciting to watch his journey continue with Dark Arts. This bottle is a fun reminder that relationships built in this business often become part of our story. It is exactly the kind of whiskey we love putting on the shelf— not simply because it is good, but because there is a connection behind it. The Transcontinental Rum Line Australia 2014 offers another opportunity to slow down and explore something a little different. Aged Australian rum brings depth and character to the glass, making this a great bottle for anyone who enjoys discovering spirits outside the usual categories. For the coffee lovers among us, Bourbon Barrel Foods Bourbon Barrel Aged Coffee is an easy way to bring a little bourbon-barrel character into your morning routine. Brew a pot alongside breakfast, or keep it around for a weekend cup when you have nowhere else to be. Of course, Beef & Barrel has always been about more than what is on the shelf. Our steaks are the very same steaks served at Doe’s Eat Place. If you are looking for an incredible filet, a beautifully marbled ribeye, or a great porterhouse, we have you covered. Pair it with one of our signature twice-baked potatoes, and don’t forget to grab some duck wraps while you’re here. Our freezers are packed, too, making it easy to bring some of our favorite staples home. Stock up on Best Stop boudin and sausage, Doe’s meatballs, tamales, and plenty more. Whether you’re planning a big dinner, filling the freezer for busy nights, or simply looking for something delicious to put on the table, we’ve got plenty of options ready to go. Ten years later, we are still excited about what comes through our doors. We still get the same thrill when a new bottle arrives, when a customer discovers a favorite for the first time, or when someone walks in looking for an idea and leaves with everything they need for dinner. Those moments are the reason we love what we do. And while ten years gives us a chance to look back, it also makes us excited to look forward. We are grateful for every bottle you’ve purchased, every steak you’ve taken home, every conversation at the counter, and every time you’ve allowed us to help make a meal or celebration a little better. Here’s to the next chapter, and to all of you who made the first ten years possible. As always, thank you for letting us be your Spirits Guides here at Beef & Barrel.
Systems to Make Your Life Easier by ERIN SHARPLIN LOVE | erinlove@panachebyerin.com
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elcome to September! The season of homework, projects, practices, and ball games! While I love this time of year, it also brings with it a sense of panic and chaos. Or, it used to! Now, I have created systems, routines, and habits that have been gamechangers (no pun intended) for me. Today, I will be sharing them with you! Plan Tomorrow Today – Make it a habit to sit down every day with a calendar and notebook and figure out how tomorrow is going to look for you and your family. Envision how the day needs to go and make note of any little detail that needs to be completed. For instance, maybe you will be shuttling kids from practice to practice and they will need uniforms, ball bags, and other paraphernalia. Go ahead and check that all parts of the uniform are clean and ready to go. Is everything in the ball bag, including their water bottle? Once completed, go ahead and put it into your vehicle. Will it save you time to go ahead and lay dinner out to thaw? What else can be done today so that tomorrow doesn’t overwhelm you? Create a Morning and Nighttime Routine – Actually, you probably already have some sort of routine without even knowing it. We all have our way, and order, of doing things. I’m just suggesting that you become a little more aware of the routine and search for ways to improve upon it. For instance, upon awaking I always have a glass of warm lemon water. To save myself time, I cut the lemon and set out my cup the night before. I also lay out my outfit and my kid’s outfits the night before to preempt any catastrophe. What can you do to make your mornings and evenings run a little more smoothly? Choose an Admin Day of the Week – On this day you will go through your mail, pay bills, file papers, add to your calendar, plan meals, and clean out your car and handbag. Sundays are my admin day and it is the best way to start a new week. Note: I have a Sunday Routine checklist! If you’d like it, just shoot me an email! erinlove@panachebyerin.com Have a Nightly, Weekly, and Monthly Cleaning Routine – Below is an example. Please use it as inspiration for your own routine.
Nightly Clear and wipe kitchen counter tops Load the dishwasher Pick up stray clothes and shoes in hightraffic areas Spot clean any mud and dirt that has been tracked in Weekly Vacuum and mop floors Clean bathrooms Wash and replace bed sheets Catch up on laundry Dust high traffic areas Monthly Clean windows and doors Clean fridge and freezer of expired items Scrub tile and grout Dust ceiling fans and light fixtures Clean corners to remove spider webs Vacuum upholstery Every Household Needs a Drop Zone – Stop clutter at the door by creating a drop zone for family members to place their shoes, keys, sunglasses, backpacks, and other items, upon entering the home. A drop zone cuts down on clutter and lost items! No more “Mom! Where are my shoes?” Have Backups of Everything – If something is going to break, quit, or run out it is, inevitably, going to happen at the worst possible time. That’s why I suggest that you have backups of as many items as possible! This includes, but is not limited to, light bulbs, batteries, hair dryers, charging cables, flashlights, toothpaste, toilet paper, paper towels, first aid supplies, super glue, and printer ink! I suggest that you go around your house and take note of the items that would cause extreme discomfort if you suddenly did not have access to them. Get backups now! A Fool-Proof Planning System – This planning system should serve as the hub for your entire life and should include your schedule, budget, goals, habits, and routines. I recommend using a combination of digital and paper organization methods. I like to use google calendar for the notifications but also use paper for my notes and calendar so that I can get things out of my head quickly. Find what works for you and refer to it daily to stay on track.
BAYOU RECIPE
BROCCOLI BURRATA PASTA SALAD
As we transition into fall, this light but hearty pasta and broccoli salad is perfect for making ahead of time when days get hectic with school schedules. You’ll love the creaminess of the homemade basil ranch dressing, the brightness of the basil pesto, the sweetness of the roasted corn, and the crisp and savory prosciutto crisps. This recipe is adapted from HalfBakedHarvest.com. Makes 6-8 servings. WHAT YOU NEED: Basil Ranch dressing: 1/2 cup sour cream 1/3 cup mayo 2 tablespoons buttermilk 1 cup fresh basil 1/4 cup fresh chopped chives 2 teaspoons Worcestershire 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon onion powder kosher salt and black pepper to taste Pasta Salad: 3 ounces prosciutto 1 pound short cut pasta, I used Radiatori (radiator-shaped) with little ridges that act as magnets for the dressing and pesto. 2 cups chopped broccoli 3 ears of grilled corn 1/4 cup basil pesto 8 ounces burrata cheese, at room temperature DIRECTIONS: 1. To make the dressing. Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth and season with salt and pepper. You may want to double this recipe if your family loves ranch dressing. It’s that good! 2. Preheat the oven to 400°. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the prosciutto in an even layer. Transfer to the oven and cook for 10-15 minutes, until crisp. 3. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Boil the pasta to al dente, according to package directions. Add the broccoli during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain. 4. In a large bowl, toss together the hot pasta with the dressing. Mix in the corn and pesto. Toss to coat. 5. Serve warm or cold. The salad will develop more flavor as it sits. Add the burrata cheese and prosciutto just before serving. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Photography by Kelly Moore Clark, Written and Styled by Maré Brennan
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BAYOU PLANT
FALLING FOR COLOR To celebrate the change of seasons, we planted a trio of colorful and hearty plants that can handle indoor or outdoor living. Photograph by Kelly Moore Clark Styled by Maré Brennan
WE CHOSE A VARIEGATED croton with bright yellow spots (Codiaeum variegatum ‘Gold Star’) and (Codiaeum variegatum ‘Mammy’), a croton with long, wavy edged, and distinctively colored red, gold, orange, purple, and green hued leaves and paired them with a cute, round-leafed Pepperomia obtusifolia, or baby rubber plant. Choose a pot with drainage and use a well-draining potting mix with a mixture of peat, perlite and coarse sand. Only water when the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch. Do not over water and water less frequently in the winter months. Indirect sunlight is best as direct sun can scorch the leaves. Prune to remove any yellow or damaged leaves. Fertilize once a month in the spring and summer, and avoid fertilizer in the fall and winter.
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Meredith’s Musings WORLD CUP SUMMER
article by MER ED ITH MCKIN N IE
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N EARLY JUNE, THE WORLD CUP exploded into my consciousness. Admittedly, I’ve never paid much attention to soccer even though Husband coached the sport for about three years. I know it is the most popular sport in the world, but more so abroad than here in the States. It’s a relatively cheap sport to play, not requiring endless amounts of equipment like football, baseball, or even hockey. But in America, football is King, especially here in the South. My good friend, whose husband is from Colombia, began mentioning the Cup back in November, when she secured tickets to a match between Portugal and Colombia. A week before the kickoff of the tournament, I noticed a giant poster board with the brackets color-coded in the corner of her living room. In that following conversation, I learned that the tournament lasted six weeks, featured 48 teams/countries, and was being hosted in Canada, America, and Mexico. All the rabid, devoted fans descended on our American cities, an up-close mingling of cultures, something us Americans needed so desperately. My social media feeds were swamped with World Cup content, internationals sampling our American cuisine, falling in love with our colossal portions, free refills, and Waffle House. I remember stories of the players, some who come from war-torn countries and are desperate to root for something, displaying a defiant pride in their homelands. I noted the Cabo Verde goalie, who unlike the multi-millions made by Messi or Ronaldo, works as an electrician. We saw the soccer elite face the garage band teams, 28 SEPTEMBER 2026 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM
and we marveled at all of them. The passion for the sport, from the players, to the coaches, to the bevy of pans is unparalleled. This friend hosted regular watch parties. Her husband insisted we wear yellow for his beloved home country, tossing a jersey in my lap when I failed to comply. We feasted on Ajiaco Colombiano (chicken and potato soup) and sipped jalapeno margaritas. We questioned the rules and cheered whenever the fans did because we watched the coverage in Spanish. Most of the time, I had no idea what was going on, but I was in it and riveted by the spectacle. It just felt so good to be a part of something collective, in real time, and cheering for something universal. Everybody had their favorite teams, but honestly we all just rooted for fair competition, sportsmanship, underdogs, and pluralism. I felt I got a glimpse of the world without leaving the couch. Colombia faced Switzerland with 16 teams left in the tournament. After 90 minutes and no goals from either team, the match went to a shootout. Each team is allowed 5 penalty kicks, one player and the goalie (a coin flip if I’ve ever seen one), and whichever team gets the most goals wins. For a sport where little scoring can happen in regulation, the shootout feels like a rocket shot. With four native-born Colombians in the room, I stayed on the margins. Everyone’s body was physically leaning into the wall-mounted TV, as if they could will the soccer goal into the net with the strength of their stance. Fists clenched, eyes wide, and jaws tight, their passion for the win was felt by all of us.
Switzerland prevailed 4-3, and the soaring hope quickly descended into dismay and disbelief. Colombia was so close, yet again. The faces of my native-born friends reflected the intense passion for their home country and love of the sport. I could feel their disappointment in my bones. When I ran into my friend’s husband the next day, I hugged him and told him how much I adored rooting for his home country. He smiled and accepted the sentiment, the lingering disappointment still apparent on his face. On behalf of the “non-soccer fans until a few months ago” (like myself), I’d like to extend a deep gratitude to my friends for welcoming me into their home and into their sport world. It was a privilege just to be in the room. I’ve watched my Husband root for his Kansas City Chiefs in a few Superbowls, and nothing matched the level of fan commitment I witnessed in June and July. America needed this, the reminder that regardless of origin country or ethnicity or race or GDP, we are all human with a reverence for home. We all want to strive to be the best, to root for the best, and to support others on their respective journeys to become the best. The World Cup is a snapshot of the world we want, where diversity is celebrated and people remain the center of purpose. For a moment, we forgot the lines that so often separate us. We cheered with strangers and celebrated the dreams of people we’d never met. We felt pride in places we may have never visited. And maybe that is what we needed most, to remember how beautiful it is when we truly see one another.
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BRING THE GREEN
It’s easy being green, when you pull together seasonal flowers and foraged greenery for a tablescape that easily transitions summer to fall. A bouquet of chartreuse green hydrangeas, fig branches, poppy seed pods, green alstroemeria, and tillandsia provide the dominant palette. We added velvet pumpkins in early fall hues that are reflected in the Mottahedeh Apple Green Lace salad plate’s butterfly. The gold charger picks up the golden accents of the china. All china, glassware and velvet pumpkins were sourced from The Muffin Tin / Trenton House. Flowers and tillandsia were sourced from Carlstedt’s. Photography by Kelly Moore Clark, Written and Styled by Maré Brennan
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A New Vision for Monroe Chris Lewis Outlines Vision for the Monroe City Marshal’s Office
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ONROE CITY MARSHAL CANDIDATE CHRIS LEWIS
says his campaign is focused on bringing new energy, stronger community partnerships, and proactive leadership to an office that can do more for the people of Monroe. Lewis believes the Marshal’s Office should be visible in the community every day, not just during election season or when serving court orders. “If the people of Monroe place their trust in me, I will lead with integrity, compassion, and accountability. My goal is to build a Marshal’s Office that serves, protects, and strengthens our community every single day.” As Monroe City Marshal, Lewis says his priorities will include: Listening to Those Who Serve “I will begin by listening to our deputies. They deserve to be heard, respected, and equipped with the tools they need to do their jobs safely and effectively. By working together as one team, we can build a stronger, more professional Marshal’s Office.” Putting Our Children First “Too many young people are falling through the cracks. I will work to build mentorship and intervention programs that connect our youth with positive role models and opportunities before they enter the criminal justice system. Prevention is just as important as enforcement.” Supporting Our Senior Citizens “I will launch an ‘Are You OK?’ wellness initiative to regularly check on senior citizens who live alone. A simple phone call or visit can make a tremendous difference and remind our seniors that they are valued and never forgotten.” Building Stronger Community Relationships “The Marshal’s Office should be a trusted partner in every neighborhood. I will be accessible, engaged, and committed to working alongside residents to improve public safety and strengthen the relationship between law enforcement and the community.”
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Lewis says his campaign is built on a record of service, not promises alone. “For years, I’ve worked to serve this community because I love Monroe. I’m not running to become someone different, I’m running to continue serving in a greater capacity. Lewis is asking voters for their support in the upcoming Monroe City Marshal election. “Together, we can bring new energy, fresh ideas, and a Marshal’s Office that truly works for the people of Monroe.” Supporters: Joe Holyfield Doug Harvey Larry Bratton Bill Wilson Michael Sampognaro Mayor Friday Ellis Tony Bacon Ethan Hunt Mayor Matt Talbert Daryl Berry Michael Thompson Pat Turner Kema Dawson Bret Sanders Alderman Rodney Welch Vickie Krutzer Rodney Alexander Eddie Clark Steven Schwab Mayor Stacy Mitchell Joey Trappey Lee Denny Mike Harvey Jackie Slack Scotty Robinson
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Dr. Connor Costello More Expertise. More Care. NELA Dental Continues to Grow.
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ET TO KNOW DR. CONNOR COSTELLO
Patients across Northeast Louisiana have a new reason to smile as NELA Dental proudly welcomes Dr. Connor Costello to its growing team of dental professionals. A Monroe native and second-generation dentist, Dr. Costello is excited to return home after completing advanced training and begin serving the community that shaped him. Growing up in a dental office, he developed a passion for helping others at an early age and knew he wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps. After graduating from Ouachita Christian School, Dr. Costello earned his bachelor’s degree in Biology from Louisiana Tech University before attending the LSU School of Dentistry. Following dental school, he was selected as one of only eight dentists accepted into Idaho State University’s prestigious Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) Residency. During his residency, Dr. Costello received advanced training in comprehensive dental care, including endodontics, oral surgery, implant dentistry, prosthodontics, and IV sedation. This additional education allows him to provide patients with a broad range of treatment options while delivering the highest standard of care. “Returning to Monroe means more than coming home. It’s an opportunity to care for the people and families in the community that has always meant so much to me,” said Dr. Costello. “I’m honored to join the outstanding team at NELA Dental and look forward to building lasting relationships with our patients.” Outside the office, Dr. Costello enjoys spending time with his wife, Brittany, and their twin daughters. Whether he’s fishing Louisiana waters, hunting during the fall season, or traveling with his family to make lifelong memories, he values the balance between professional excellence and quality family time. At NELA Dental, Dr. Costello joins a team committed to providing compassionate, comprehensive dental care in a welcoming environment. His advanced clinical training, combined with his hometown roots and dedication to personalized patient care, makes him an exciting addition to the practice. NELA Dental is proud to welcome Dr. Connor Costello and looks forward to helping patients throughout Northeast Louisiana experience exceptional dental care for years to come. 38 SEPTEMBER 2026 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM
A Legacy of Experience. NELA Dental’s story began in June 2007, when Dr. Vance Costello purchased the Farmerville practice of Dr. Tommy Ward. About a year and a half later, he purchased the adjoining portion of the building from Dr. William Roberts and remodeled the entire space, creating Farmerville Dental. As the practice grew, Dr. Daniel Raymond joined the team in 2009 and became a partner in 2011. That same year, Dr. Costello and Dr. Raymond expanded into Dr. Costello’s hometown of Oak Grove, establishing Oak Grove Dental. As the practice continued to grow, so did the strength and experience of the NELA Dental team. In 2014, the Farmerville, Oak Grove and Monroe locations united under the NELA Dental name. Dr. Ryan Rachal joined in 2017 and became a partner in 2022, followed by Dr. Mary Rachal in 2018 and Dr. Mallory Pruden in 2020. Most recently, in 2026, NELA Dental welcomed Dr. Connor Costello, Dr. Vance Costello’s son. Today, NELA Dental’s team of experienced dentists and dedicated professionals brings a depth of knowledge, experience and specialized expertise that is unmatched in the region, allowing patients to access comprehensive, high-quality dental care from a trusted team all under one roof. Schedule your Appointment Today Dr. Costello’s addition to the team is just one of the ways NELA Dental continues to expand its commitment to convenient, modern and accessible dental care for patients across Northeast Louisiana. We accept most major dental insurance plans, third party payments, and offer flexible financing options to make care more accessible. For patients without insurance, our membership plan provides an affordable alternative with no deductibles, no maximums, and no denials. The plan includes two exams and cleanings and one set of bite wing X-rays per year, along with 20 percent off all other services. If you are ready to experience a more efficient and comfortable dental visit, our team is here to help. Call one of our convenient locations in Farmerville or Monroe to schedule your appointment today and discover how modern technology is changing the way you care for your smile.
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In Our Closets The Psychological Impact of Clothing BY BEATRICE TATEM, PH.D., LPC-S, NCC, ACS
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HEN IT COMES TO THE INTRIGUING, YET COMPLEX subject of clothing choice, psychology plays a significant part. The world of fashion is an evolving industry constantly influenced by culture, social movements, and economic conditions. Everyone consumes fashion, making it a universal topic and although surprising and novel to some, professionals in the fashion industry and fashion psychologist regard fashion as being a key aspect of our mental health. The clothing we choose to wear and how we decide to wear them is a form of artistic and self-expression, a means of cultural representation and reflection of our individuality, sending messages that reveal various aspects of our personality and emotional health. Have you ever noticed what you wear can affect your mood and behavior? Many of us got that message early in life when told to put on our play clothes after school or when dressed up for a special occasion and were reminded to act accordingly. Somehow, even as a child I, along with my childhood friends, knew by what we had on, how we were expected to behave. According to research, the clothes we wear can affect our emotions and conduct. So, what does it say about women who wear animal print? Animal print listed as fashionable in 2026 is said to act as a bold statement that communicates by the wearer confidence, character, drive, power and edge. Rather than flashy, showy, glitzy, chaotic maximalism of the past, this year’s approach treats these patterns as elevated neutrals styled with sophisticated restraint. Recognizing this, I went to my closet and pulled out the dress I am wearing for this article. I purchased this dress over 15 years ago (who says fashion doesn’t repeat itself) at the now defunct Stein Mart in Monroe, Louisiana. I have been asked where I get my clothes and/or do I get clothes loaned to me. I jokingly share that I have kept my clothes for years and I am happy that I can still fit them. Why does fashion keep returning to animal print? The fashion industry offers the explanation “because power dressing never disappears and fashion always circles back to instinct…it only evolves.” In fashion, wearing prints such as animal print triggers internal shifts associated with dominance, strength, and presence. Returning to the point of the psychological effect of clothing choices on one’s behavior I would be remiss if I did not place emphasis on the fact that fashion and the clothes we wear is more than about fabric, trends or appearances. Clothing acts as a visual mirror of our internal mental state. I am a firm believer that what we choose to wear each day reflects our current emotional well-being, what we think about ourselves and our lives, functioning as an unspoken powerful form of communication, self-care, or protective response against stress and anxiety. For example, individuals experiencing 40 SEPTEMBER 2026 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM
high levels of stress may choose to wear calming sensory-friendly clothing to soothe overstimulation. Dressing in something you feel good in and fits well tends to lead to a sense of pride, happiness, calm, and self-assurance while boosting confidence. On the other hand, if you wear something you do not feel comfortable or appropriate in, you are more likely to become stressed and self-conscious. In essence, what we wear daily tells a story about who we are and can become a catalyst for shaping our emotions. Clothing choices do more than fill a closet. Clothing impacts how others see us and how we interact with them. Most importantly, what you wear can shape how you see yourself and how you carry yourself in the world. Clothing reflects personal history, values, social status, group belonging, values and mood. Wearing clothes that honor your background or mirror your emotions can ease anxiety, improve your disposition, and remind you who you are even on difficult days when facing challenge. Some fashion tips I have gathered from my closet: Take a few moments to select an outfit … it can help reset your outlook. Remember, you should wear your clothes and not your clothes wear you. Whether you prefer classic looks or avant-garde or trendy designs, recognizing and embracing current styles that are in keeping with your lifestyle and sense of style can aid your fashion choices. Avoid fast fashion or buying lots of poorquality clothes…you will save money in the long run. Assess your closet for special accessories to update and personalize your outfit. I chose for this article to sport my aunts alligator bag she carried 70 years ago. Wear your story. Cultural garments, favorite fabrics, or symbolic accessories can offer comfort and meaning. Dress with intention. Wearing bright colors, favorite textures, or intentional outfits can be used to elevate mood, and help to regulate difficult emotions. Choose pieces based on how you feel and want to feel. Utilizing expressive clothes breaks monotony, offering joy and purposeful creativity when mental energy feels low. When it comes to mental health, we often focus on therapy, medication or lifestyle habits like exercise and sleep. Fashion is frequently an overlooked way to maintain or improve mental health, however in therapy, it is recognized that a symptom of depression is having difficulty with self-care or not getting dressed. The ability to choose what to wear is more than practice, but an imaginative act affording an individual to feel seen, empowered, in control and connected. For those managing mental health conditions, that sense of agency can be life changing. Whether you are dressing for success, sheer fun or dressing comfortably to organize your clothing closet, keep in mind what you put on in the morning can emotionally set the tone for your day. My suggestion regardless of what is “on trend” this fall, wear clothing that excites you and grounds you in your being.
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BAYOU FASHON
FA LLI NG FOR F L ATS From playful leopard print to rich suede, this season’s flats strike the perfect balance between effortless comfort and polished fall style.
Woven ballet flats from The Fashion of Ruston, Leopard print studded flats from Herringstones, Tapestry ballet flats from The Nude Nomad, and Chocolate suede flats from Hemline Monroe Photography by Kelly Moore Clark Styled by Maré Brennan
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Kicking Off The Season Get Your Spot Reserved with Cajun Christmas Lights
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HRISTMAS MAY STILL FEEL A LITTLE WAY OFF, BUT
for Cajun Christmas Lights, the holiday season is already beginning. While most of us are still months away from pulling out the ornaments and turning on the Christmas music, the team at Cajun Christmas Lights is preparing for another busy season of making Northeast Louisiana shine. Their message to customers this year is simple: it’s never too early to get on the books. Founded in 2023 by Caleb Norred, Andrew McPherson, and Jonathan McPherson, Cajun Christmas Lights has transformed a passion project into a growing local business and holiday tradition. The company provides professional, custom Christmas light displays for homes and businesses throughout Northeast Louisiana, allowing customers to enjoy all the beauty of holiday decorating without the ladders, tangled strands, or time-consuming work. As the company continues to grow, so does its holiday schedule. Installation spots can fill quickly, especially as Christmas approaches, which is why new and returning customers are encouraged to reserve their place early. Getting started is easy. Cajun Christmas Lights offers free quotes, beginning with a personalized consultation at your home or business. A member of the team works with you to understand your vision, property, and budget before offering “good, better, best” options tailored to your needs. Whether you envision a warm, classic glow outlining your home or a bright, head-turning display, each project is designed to complement the property and create plenty of Christmas cheer. Once the design is decided, Cajun Christmas Lights handles the rest. The team provides professional installation using premium products, secure clips, and weather-resistant materials while prioritizing safety and attention to detail. Customers can skip the hassle and simply enjoy seeing their home or business transformed for the season. And the full-service experience doesn’t end once the lights go up. After the holidays, Cajun Christmas Lights returns for professional takedown, so there’s no need to spend a cold January afternoon removing decorations. The team also provides safe storage of customers’ lights until the following year, making the process even easier when another Christmas season rolls around.
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Returning client? There’s no need to wait. The team encourages previous customers to go ahead and call to secure their place on this year’s schedule. For Cajun Christmas Lights, the goal goes beyond decorating individual homes. The team hopes to continue expanding throughout Northeast Louisiana, creating neighborhoods, businesses, and streets filled with twinkling lights and the kind of holiday magic that brings a community together. So, while Christmas may not be here quite yet, there’s no reason to wait until the holiday rush to start planning. Spots will fill up fast, and reserving early means one less thing to worry about when the busiest time of year arrives. Let Cajun Christmas Lights take the stress out of decorating and make your home or business shine bright this holiday season. Call or text (318) 655-4255 today for your free quote and get your spot reserved! Another benefit of choosing Cajun Christmas Lights is knowing the team’s service continues long after installation day. If a bulb burns out or a section of lights goes dark during the season, customers can simply give them a call. In-season service calls are included at no additional charge, so homeowners aren’t left troubleshooting strands or climbing ladders themselves. From the first installation through the final nights of the season, the team works to keep each display looking bright, polished and ready to enjoy. “Your house, lit up right — without you touching a ladder. We design it, hang it, keep it burning all season, and take it down in January. You just pull in the driveway and enjoy it.”
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M A DE FOR WA LK I NG Whether you’re stepping out in a tall boot or keeping it chic in a bootie, these local finds are made for fall. From Western-inspired details to bold animal prints, each pair is the perfect complement to your favorite dresses, leggings and everything in between.
Floral brocade western boots from The Nude Nomad, Suede knee high boot from Hemline Monroe, White botanical embroidered western boot from Herringstones, Leopard print boot from Palette House Photography by Kelly Moore Clark Styled by Maré Brennan
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B AYO U FA S H I O N
spot on Black and white dress with scarf from Herringstones, Black and white long sleeve dress from The Nude Nomad, Navy large dot dress from Goldie Boutique, Yellow polka dot top from Palette House, Brown and blue polka dot top from Lola Jane Boutique
Polka dots are all the rage this season, adding a playful pop to every look. From date-night dresses to casual tops, these spotted styles are perfectly on point.
Photography by Kelly Moore Clark Model: Posey Clark
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make a s tatement.
Clockwise from top left: The Nude Nomad, Herringstones, Lola Jane Boutique, Hemline Monroe
Statement necklaces are making a bold return for fall, adding instant polish and personality to the season’s layered looks. Photography by Kelly Moore Clark Model Kayla Murry
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HERRINGSTONES
LOLA JANE BOUTIQUE
THE NUDE NOMAD
GOLDIE BOUTIQUE
HEMLINE MONROE
scarf season
M AT E R I A L T H I N G S
From pendant-adorned scarves worn around the neck to stylish headscarves, these fall accessories bring flair to every look. Model Posey Clark Photos by Kelly Moore Clark
Building a Solid Foundation The Power of Faith, Consistency, and Academic Excellence
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VERY PARENT HOPES TO GIVE THEIR CHILD A STRONG foundation, one that prepares them not only for academic success, but for a life filled with faith, character, confidence, and purpose. At Jesus the Good Shepherd Catholic School, we believe that education is about far more than preparing students for the next grade level. It is about building a foundation that will support them for a lifetime. Like the house built upon solid rock in Matthew’s Gospel, strong foundations are created intentionally. They are built day by day through faith-filled teachers, meaningful relationships, consistent expectations, and proven academic practices. While educational trends continue to evolve, our mission has remained steadfast for more than six decades: to provide a Christ-centered education where children are known, challenged, loved, and inspired to become the people God created them to be. Faith is the cornerstone of everything we do. It is woven into the rhythm of each school day through prayer, religion classes, weekly Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, and opportunities for students to grow as servant leaders. Our students learn that success is measured not only by grades, but also by kindness, integrity, compassion, and a heart for serving others. Visitors to our campus often remark on the genuine politeness and friendliness of our students, qualities that are intentionally nurtured through our Catholic faith, daily expectations, and character-building instruction using tools like The Essential 55. At JGS, consistency is one of our greatest strengths. Nineteen members of our faculty and staff have served our school community for more than a decade, and eight have faithfully served for over twenty years. These dedicated educators have taught generations of families, building lasting relationships with students and parents while providing the stability that allows children to flourish. Our teachers know each child’s strengths, recognize their challenges, celebrate their progress, and partner closely with families to help every student reach his or her God-given potential. Consistency also means remaining committed to instructional practices that have stood the test of time. Long before literacy became a national conversation, JGS was building strong readers through phonicsbased instruction, handwriting, grammar, vocabulary development, reading comprehension, and our long-standing Accelerated Reader program. Handwriting begins in preschool, phonics instruction through the Spalding method is taught in kindergarten through second grade, cursive writing begins in third grade, and grammar instruction remains a priority throughout elementary school. Our youngest learners build early literacy skills through the Frog Street curriculum, while students in preschool 58 SEPTEMBER 2026 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM
through kindergarten participate in Renaissance STAR Early Literacy assessments that allow teachers to provide individualized instruction based on each child’s unique needs. Technology certainly has an important place in today’s classrooms, but at JGS it is thoughtfully balanced with hands-on learning, personal interaction, and active play. We believe children learn best when their minds and bodies are both engaged. Students enjoy two daily recess periods, physical education classes, outdoor learning experiences, and movement breaks throughout the school day. When weather keeps students indoors, classrooms come alive with board games, collaborative activities, and creative play…not Chromebooks. Recess is never withheld for academic reasons because we believe that healthy movement, social interaction, and joyful play help children focus, learn, and thrive. The results of this balanced approach speak for themselves. In January 2026, 92% of students in Pre-K 4 through sixth grade scored at or above grade level on the Renaissance Early Literacy & Star Reading assessment. Jesus the Good Shepherd Catholic School has consistently performed above the national percentile in reading, language, and mathematics on standardized assessments. During the 2025-2026 school year, our students celebrated 38 Million Word Readers, 79 members of the Accelerated Reader 100 Point Club, and one remarkable student, Maddie Joseph, who read more than 8.5 million words while earning 1,229 Accelerated Reader points. These accomplishments are not simply statistics, they represent thousands of hours spent reading, learning, growing, and discovering a lifelong love of books. Families continue to recognize the value of this foundation. Enrollment has grown by 18 students for the 2026-2027 school year, and with an average student-to-teacher ratio of 16:1, certified teachers in every classroom from Pre-K 3 through sixth grade, and full-time teacher’s aides serving our daycare, preschool, and kindergarten students, JGS remains committed to providing the individualized attention every child deserves. At Jesus the Good Shepherd Catholic School, we are not simply preparing students for the next test or the next grade. We are helping build a foundation of faith, knowledge, character, and confidence that will serve them throughout high school, college, their careers, and their lives. Because when a child’s education is built upon a solid foundation, there is no limit to what God can accomplish through them. “Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock.” — Matthew 7:24
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Kickoff Event a Huge Success Strong Turnout for Adam Cossey for 4th Judicial District Judge
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UPPORTERS PACKED THE HOME OF ALLISON AND PALMER Jarrell on the Ouachita River for Adam Cossey, candidate for the open Division B position on the Fourth Judicial District Court. The home was decorated by Allison Palmer. Supporters enjoyed Chef Mac Castelle’s crawfish cakes from Warehouse 1, Trappey’s Cajun etouffee, Jay Pappa’s boudin eggrolls, beverages by Marsala Beverage and delicious desserts from Thurman’s. Trays of vegetables, cheese and fruit complimented the special food dishes. Justice Jay McCallum gave the invocation to the crowd and Allison Jarrell introduced Adam and spoke to her professional and personal experiences with him. “I’ve spent plenty of time across the courtroom from Adam. He’s always a tough, competent opponent, always well-prepared. But he’s always the first to compliment as well when the day is done. No matter who wins, he’s always quick with his compliment,” Jarrell told the crowd. “What impressed me the most about Adam, and he probably doesn’t even know this, was something that happened outside of the courtroom,” she continued. “About three years ago, one of my children, was involved in a tragic accident, and it was a rough time for us. The following day, I was in Jackson, in the hospital, and I finally opened my phone to look at emails, and I had an email from Adam. He was the first and really the only person outside of my firm that contacted me. He said, ‘Hey I heard what’s going on and I’m so sorry. If you need anything, if you need me to attend a deposition, if you need me to cover a hearing - I’m here. Here’s my cell phone number, all you need to do is reach out.’ That offer touched me. You know, there’s not a lot of people that would do that. “And I think that speaks to Adam’s character. Everybody knows what he’s like in the courtroom. Everybody knows he would make a great judge, but he also is a great person. And so, I just wanted to share that because that kind of experience is not sometimes revealed. He took that extra step for me and my family,” Jarrell concluded. Adam Cossey has spent his career in the courtroom, trying cases before juries, arguing appeals before the highest courts, and guiding clients through the law’s toughest questions. He has represented clients before nine different state and federal appellate courts, including the United States Supreme Court, where he successfully represented a local business. 60 SEPTEMBER 2026 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM
Over the past 18 years, Adam has litigated cases throughout the country, handling matters ranging from complex civil ligation and constitutional issues to property disputes and everyday legal matters. That is exactly the kind of experience a judge needs. It takes real world experience, sound judgment to weigh the facts, a deep command of the law to rule with confidence, and an understanding of the concerns and hopes that families have for their children’s future. Cossey’s Education & Family Adam came to Northeast Louisiana to attend the University of Louisiana Monroe, graduating cum laude and earning recognition as the most outstanding senior in its Department of English. He went on to the University of Arkansas School of Law in Fayetteville, graduating magna cum laude, winning the W.H. Sutton Trial Competition, and serving as note and comment editor of the Arkansas Law Review. He then returned to Monroe to practice law and raise his family. Adam is deeply rooted in Northeast Louisiana, where he has lived for 22 years. His wife, Lindsey, is a teacher at West Monroe High School, and they have two children, five-year-old Emilia and three year-old Thomas. The Cosseys attend First Methodist Monroe and are active in the Bridges Ministry, serving as an adoptive “friendship family” for international students at ULM who do not get to see their own families for years at a time. Adam is an active volunteer in the community. Adam is past president of the 4th Judicial District Bar Association and is a charter fellow of the Northeast Louisiana Bar Foundation. He also serves on the Board of Directors of the Louisiana Bar Foundation. In that role, Adam has assisted in overseeing more than $56 million in civil legal aid throughout the state. Adam is also the immediate past president of the ULM Athletic Foundation and a lifetime member of the ULM Alumni Association. For more information or to support the campaign go to www.Cossey4Judge.com.
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200 Years of Faithfulness Celebrating the Past, Present, and Future of First Methodist Monroe
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S WE CELEBRATE THE 200TH ANNIVERSARY OF FIRST Methodist Monroe, my heart is filled with gratitude, awe, and deep humility. Two centuries ago, a small group of believers planted a Methodist witness here in Monroe, likely never imagining how far their faithfulness would reach. Yet from that humble beginning, God has shaped a church that has endured wars, floods, cultural shifts, economic changes, and countless seasons of challenge and renewal. Through it all, the Holy Spirit has continued to breathe life into this congregation, forming generation after generation into a people who bear the name of Christ. Today, as we look back across these two hundred years, one truth rises above all others: God has been faithful. Faithful to guide. Faithful to challenge. Faithful to comfort. Faithful to call us forward. And faithful to form us into the kind of community that reflects the heart of Jesus. That is why our mission—“Becoming People of Christ”—is not simply a slogan for our present moment. It is the thread that has been woven through our entire history. From circuit riders preaching in frontier cabins, to Sunday School teachers shaping young hearts, to choirs lifting hymns of praise, to mission teams serving neighbors near and far, to pastors standing at bedsides and gravesides with prayer and hope, this church has always been about becoming more like Jesus. Our mission statement, rooted in 1 John 3:1–3, reminds us that becoming people of Christ is both a gift and a calling. God claims us as beloved children and then invites us to grow into the likeness of Christ through worship, discipleship, service, and community. This has been the heartbeat of First Methodist Monroe for 200 years, and it will continue to be our identity as we step into the future. As we celebrate this bicentennial, we honor: • The saints who came before us, whose faith built the foundation we now stand upon. • The ministries that shaped lives, families, and our community across generations. • The worship that lifted hearts, forming us in holiness and joy. • The mission that reached beyond our walls, carrying Christ’s love to the world. • The resilience of a church that kept moving forward, trusting God through every season. And we commit ourselves to the next century with the same courage and conviction. The world around us will continue to change, but our calling remains steady: to become people of Christ who love deeply, serve faithfully, worship passionately, and witness boldly. 62 SEPTEMBER 2026 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM
As part of this historic milestone, we will gather for a special Bicentennial Celebration on Sunday, October 4th. That morning, we will worship together in our regular Sunday services, giving thanks for God’s faithfulness across the generations. Worship on the Bayou will be held at 7:00 a.m., Traditional Worship will be held at 8:30 and 11:00 a.m., and Contemporary Worship will be held at 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. We are especially grateful that many former pastors, honored guests, longtime members, new friends, and extended church family will join us for this meaningful day. Their presence will remind us that the story of First Methodist Monroe is larger than any one generation; it is a living testimony carried by all who have loved, served, worshiped, and led here. Then, that evening at 5:00 p.m., we will continue the celebration with food, fellowship, and fireworks on the bayou. It will be a joyful time to remember where we have been, celebrate who we are, and look with hope toward all God still has in store. As we gather around tables, share stories, and lift our eyes to the sky, we will give thanks for the grace that has brought us this far and the promise that leads us onward. May this Bicentennial History Book serve not only as a record of what God has done, but as a reminder of what God is still doing. May it inspire future generations to take up the mantle of discipleship with joy. And may it call each of us to live our mission with renewed devotion. Thank you for being part of this extraordinary story. Thank you for your faith, your generosity, your prayers, and your willingness to grow. The same God who sustained us for 200 years will lead us into the next chapter with grace enough for every step. Looking Forward to Our Next 200 Years, Rev. Dr. Brian Mercer-- Senior Pastor, First Methodist Monroe
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A Fitting Tribute Honoring a Living Legend
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OR SOMEONE WHO HAS NEVER EXPECTED recognition, he certainly got a well-deserved, heaping dose of it. The Monroe City School Board recently announced that Neville High School has officially decided to name the field at its football stadium after former head coach Mickey McCarty. It’s an honor befitting a man whose influence reverberates beyond the field, into the school, and out into the community, through decades of service and mentorship. A lifelong resident of Monroe and second-generation graduate of Ouachita High School, McCarty’s deep connection to this area has informed each decision in a career filled with several remarkable chapters. After his time as a multi-sport stand-out at Ouachita High School, he went on to play baseball at Northeast Louisiana University (now University of Louisiana Monroe). Through the guidance he received along the way, he felt called to coach, and the chance to impart the principles of teamwork, discipline, and self-sacrifice that had been taught to him over the years. After graduating from NLU with a degree in Health and Physical Education, he soon joined Bastrop as an assistant football coach before moving the next year to a similar role at Neville. When Neville’s head coach left in 2002 to pursue a college opportunity, he turned to McCarty as the ideal choice to take over. At the time, Neville had not won a state championship since 1995, when McCarty was an assistant coach for the team. The climb back to the top would take time and a complete team effort. Ultimately, success became part of the culture, not just an occasional achievement. Between 2009 and 2019, McCarty led the Tigers to four state championships, as well as two runner-up finishes. During that span, his teams also accomplished the seventh longest winning streak in LHSAA history, with 39 victories from 2014 to 2016. Overall, he won 197 games across 18 seasons as head coach. The resurgence didn’t just rally the students and faculty. It generated a swell of pride and enthusiasm throughout the city and among generations of Neville alumni. “Neville has great community support,” McCarty said. “There are great spirit groups, student body, faculty, and administration. All of the things were in place to have success.” When McCarty finally decided to hang up the whistle, his work with Neville High was far from finished. Once again, he was the natural choice to succeed a retiring leader, this time following the retirement of the school’s principal. When he accepted the role, McCarty had never held a principal or administrator position, yet his first challenge was to guide the school through the global COVID-19 pandemic. 64 SEPTEMBER 2026 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM
“I had always been on a team going back to when I was a kid,” McCarty said. “I took what I knew from sports into administration. Once I got peace over the decision I made, I never looked back.” Even after stepping away from his duties at the school five years later, McCarty’s commitment to his hometown has carried forward into the latest phase of his career. In August of 2025, he joined the experienced Ouachita Parish team at Origin Bank as a Vice President of Business Development. In large part, his responsibilities revolve around enhancing service to existing customers while sharing the bank’s vision for supporting the community. His addition lined up perfectly with the bank’s mindset of actively pursuing advisors who have a proven track record of commitment to their home communities. That cultural match was certainly a mutual one. McCarty was drawn to the opportunity to help friends and neighbors not just achieve their goals, but do so in a manner that feels fulfilling and generates a greater impact for those around them. “That’s what I love about this role,” he said. “Origin has been putting customers first for more than 100 years and is still all about seeing a different future. That’s a mindset I relate to. We believe in anticipating our customers’ needs, building their confidence by empowering them to focus on what matters most.” All the layers of his legacy seem to flow naturally together, and it all ties into his favorite catchphrase: ‘Win Today.’ After all, every new day brings the chance to make a difference. The city is filled with players he once coached and countless students he guided as a principal. They’re out here establishing their own unique lives and working to make a meaningful impact. So are his clients at the bank. The relationships he’s growing help strengthen Origin’s ability to create positive change. And now, not far from his office, there’s a field with his name on it. When the Friday night lights turn on, they will shine brightly on the place where his purpose was first tied to the rich history and tradition of the school. “It’s still sinking in,” McCarty said. “I always thought Neville was a little unique in a lot of ways. Once you breathe the black and gold way of life, you easily become indoctrinated into that Neville pride.” Origin is incredibly proud of all McCarty’s accomplishments and is honored to have him as part of the team here in Ouachita Parish. Please feel free to reach out to him at (318) 807-4520 or stop by for a visit at the Forsythe Banking Center, located at 2400 Forsythe Avenue in Monroe.
Twin City Lip Sync Battle
Join Twin City Ballet Company on September 24th at the Monroe Civic Center Arena
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HE MOST FUN NIGHT OFTHE YEAR is almost here! The Twin City Lip Sync Battle returns on Thursday, September 24th, at the Monroe Civic Center Arena, and we promise you do not want to miss this year’s lineup! This year, we’re bringing back Lip Sync Battle legends from past seasons, each returning to the stage to either defend their title or capture the coveted trophy for the very first time. Expect unforgettable performances, fierce competition, plenty of surprises, and nonstop entertainment from some of the fan favorites who helped make the Twin City Lip Sync Battle what it is today. Taylor Washam, Patient Advocate and Volunteer Coordinator at Glenwood, returns to the stage as Bruno Mars. Anslee Berry, attorney with Hudson, Potts & Berstein; Jessica Wilson, VP Marketing for Ouachita Valley Credit Union; and Ashley Garner, Corporate sales director with ManPower will dazzle the crowd as Wilson Phillips. Sean Kilpatrick, owner of Kilpatrick Landscape and Southern Sites Services, will step back into his purple velvet suit as the one and only Prince. Chris Horrell, of Sysco Foods, and Blake Davis, worship pastor at North Monroe Baptist Church take the stage as Jelly Roll and Brandon Lake. Erin Taylor, HerringStones Boutique District Manager, will turn back time as the incomparable Cher. Tyler Flemister, VP of Marketing at Marsala Beverage, will be rolling on the river again as Tina Turner. Ashley Hubenthal, realtor with John Rea Realty, will make “the lights go out in Monroe” as Reba McEntire.
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Jake Lily, owner of Jake Lily Roofing, will take the stage as Justin Beiber. He brings with him special guests … Kassidy Lily, West Monroe Softball Coach as Ariana Grande and Trey Williams, Marketing Director at Richardson Medical Center as Ludacris. Jessica Smith, Neville High School teacher and choreographer for the award-winning Bengal Belles, steps back into the spotlight as Beyonce. Jo Ellen Gilliland, Taylor Jopling and Deanna Mabon, all of Tribe31 Training, will be Stayin’ Alive as the Bee Gees. Josh Vines, owner of Allegiance Ag; Garrett Hudson, Plant Manager at Rogers Manufacturing Corporation; David Cole, commercial banker at b1 Bank; Josh Zeagler, Operations Manager at Atmos Energy; and Brad Bell, Fellowship of Christian Athletes area director… all step back into their boy band roles as NSync. Adding to the excitement, the talented Twin City Ballet Senior Company will be featured as backup dancers and are guaranteed to bring some spectacular moves to the stage! Plus, be on the lookout for surprise appearances from several past Lip Sync Battle fan favorites. These returning contestants will help introduce their former competitors throughout the night, bringing plenty of laughs, memories, and excitement as the battle for the trophy unfolds! Three winners will take home coveted Lip Sync Battle trophies, including the fanfavorite Crowd Favorite Award! Throughout the evening, audience members can cast dollar votes for their favorite performance, with every vote helping determine who earns the title. The Twin City Ballet is especially proud to share a portion of the Crowd Favorite proceeds with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, a
cause that holds a special place in the hearts of many of our dancer families. Your support won’t just help crown a champion, it will also make a meaningful difference for children and families facing unimaginable challenges. The event will take place on September 24th at the Monroe Civic Center Arena. Doors open at 6:15 p.m., and the show begins at 7:00 p.m. General Admission tickets and sponsor tables are available now at TwinCityBallet.org. Don’t wait to reserve your seats because our VIP Sponsor Tables offer the best view in the house and are selling quickly! VIP sponsors will enjoy exclusive perks, including delicious hors d’oeuvres catered by Newk’s Eatery, complimentary drink tickets, and access to a private VIP bar provided by Marsala Beverage. The Twin City Ballet thanks our contestants, sponsors, patrons, Board, and volunteers for your support of the company and this incredible night. All proceeds from the Twin City Lip Sync Battle directly benefit the Twin City Ballet, helping support its mission of enriching the cultural life of Northeast Louisiana and the surrounding region. Founded in 1979, the Twin City Ballet is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing exceptional dance opportunities for both performers and audiences. Under the artistic direction of Gretchen Jones, Artistic Director, and with the continued legacy and guidance of Linda Lavender Ford, Director Emeritus, the company strives to create exciting and inspiring dance experiences for the community while offering talented young dancers invaluable training, performance opportunities, and stage experience. For more information on any of our performances or to purchase tickets, check out twincityballet.org/performances.
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Built by This Community Brandi Cole Announces Campaign for West Monroe City Court Judge
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OR BRANDI COLE, WEST MONROE IS MORE THAN home, it is the community that helped shape her faith, her values, and her commitment to service. After nearly two decades of experience, Cole is seeking the position of West Monroe City Court Judge, serving the City of West Monroe and Ward 5. “After much prayer and reflection, I believe God has uniquely prepared me for this role through my legal, leadership and life experience, beginning with my first job at West Monroe City Court,” Cole said. Raised in West Monroe, Cole graduated from Louisiana Tech, where she was recognized as an Outstanding Senior Scholar. During her senior year of high school and throughout college, she worked part-time at West Monroe City Court, an experience that sparked her interest in the justice system and gave her an early understanding of the court’s important role in the community. Cole went on to graduate from LSU Law School, where she finished in the top 3% percent of her class. Legal Experience and Proven Leadership Cole brings 17 years of legal experience to her campaign. She practiced law for five years with Phelps Dunbar in Baton Rouge, handling labor and employment and other general litigation in state and federal court. For the past 12 years, Cole has worked as an attorney for a Monroe-based Fortune 500 company. She currently serves as Vice President of Ethics and Compliance, where she leads a team and oversees the company’s compliance program and corporate investigations. A Life Rooted in West Monroe Cole has been married to David, lender with b1BANK, for 19 years. They have two children: Annie, a sophomore at West Monroe High School, and Cooper, 6th grader at West Ridge Middle. As a mother, Cole says her commitment to families and the next generation is deeply personal. Cole is a member of Christ Church, where she has served as a youth leader for five years. She has served on the Twin City Ballet board for nine years, including a term as president. Her service has also included the Northeast Louisiana Arts Council and the Louisiana Access to Justice Commission. Three Commitments to the Community Cole’s campaign is centered on three commitments: Fairness and Integrity at the Core. For Cole, fairness and integrity are not abstract concepts, they are central to her professional experience. Cole believes every person who enters the courtroom deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. If elected, she pledges to approach each matter 68 SEPTEMBER 2026 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM
fairly and consistently. Community First. Cole believes serving as judge would allow her to give back to the community that has invested so much in her. Her commitment to families, young people, and the future of West Monroe will remain her top priorities. A Commitment to Excellence. Cole plans to honor the court’s tradition of excellence while embracing thoughtful progress. Her vision includes strong leadership and a modern, service-oriented approach that ensures the court remains fair and accessible. Supported by the Community She Calls Home A strong turnout of supporters gathered to launch Cole’s campaign on July 21st at the home of Josh and Ana Vines. Pastor Ryan Lowe opened with prayer. John Jones introduced Cole and spoke about the depth of her experience and qualifications. Cole shared her campaign vision. Catering was provided by The Platter, Judy Cousans, the Katzenmeyer family, and Corner Coffee. Jon Brakefield supplied the music. Floral arrangements were created by Amanda Debnam and Melissa Baldwin. Caro Confetti made the event pop with themed balloon backdrops. Kinsley Menard provided photography. Youth students, Remy Moore, Harrison Kent, and Brody and Brock Ables, assisted with parking and welcoming guests. Patron-level supporters for the campaign kickoff included Tommy and Chrissy Banks, John and Cassie Bruscato, Charles and Madeline Creel, Bruce and Diane Davis, John and Kim Ellis, David and Bridget Hampton, Ryan and Leighe Roark, Mark and Anna Redding, and Pat and Pam Spencer. Sponsors included Danny and Toni Bacon, Matt and Melissa Baldwin, Dr. Cab and Charlee Bradley, Sam and Linda Lou Bourland, Madison and Kaylea Coates, Chad and Jennifer Creel, Brent and Gina Creel, Matthew and Amanda Debnam, Stanley and Susan Dupuy, Bradley and Caroline Ernst, Johnnye and Paula Ford, Rice III and Terri Gregory, Rice IV and Lexi Gregory, Ricky and Jackie Guillot, Rick and Heather Guillot, Otis Hodge, Laura Katzenmeyer, Tom and Trina Lowe, John and Stacey Majure, Randall and Shirley McDonald, Matthew and Jessica Thornhill, Josh and Ana Vines, Mike Walsworth and Amanda Edge, Jonathan and Taylor Washam, and Blake and Jodi Wheelis. Cole encourages voters to learn more about her campaign and to get out and vote on November 3rd. To learn more, visit brandicoleforjudge. com, follow Brandi Cole for West Monroe City Court Judge on Facebook or @electbrandicole on Instagram. Paid for by the Committee to Elect Brandi Cole for West Monroe City Court Judge.
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Renewing the Spirit IS WORK A BLESSING OR A CURSE? article by Reverend RB Moore
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OUR OUT OF FIVE PEOPLE admit to being unhappy with their jobs, at least sometimes. But in the beginning, God intended for work to be a gift, a blessing, a reason for being, not a curse. (Genesis 2:15) Yet how may we transform what may feel like a curse into a blessing? Let me offer a couple of ideas that may stir our minds to thinking. For instance, we may convert a curse into a blessing as we form a partnership with God in our field of work. The Apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 3:9. “For we are co-workers in God’s service” … Truly we are invited to partner with God to work in His kingdom. But also, whether it be at work, or at play, or at home, or at our place of worship, or in our community or as we travel, we are called to “team up” with God. We are to cooperate with God’s leadership in all our endeavors. To illustrate, once there was an organist who was to play several concerts with an old-fashioned pump organ. The bellows of the organ had to be pumped by hand. So, the organist hired a boy to pump the bellows. After one concert the boy said to the organist, “We played good tonight.” The organist replied in a huff, “What do you mean, ‘We?’ I played good tonight!” At the next concert, the organist began to play, but nothing happened. He kept
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pressing the ebony and ivory keys, but there were no sounds coming from the organ. It then dawned on him that there was no air in the bellows. The organist whispered to the boy, “Pump!” The boy whispered back, “Say, ‘We’!” You see, God does not expect you to do all your work on your own. As a believer, you are not alone. The Spirit of Christ aims to empower your efforts. Connect with the powerful presence of God by following the Spirit’s leading. Be a team player. Then hopefully, your satisfaction at work will increase and your job will take on new meanings. Furthermore, to reverse a curse and to experience a blessing at work, choose an attitude of joy. When the Apostle Paul was in prison (of all places) he wrote in Philippians 4:4, “Rejoice in the Lord always! I will say it again: Rejoice!” For example, a student named Ken tells about the time he dropped out of college and was looking for a job. He decided to apply to be a waiter at a restaurant. The owner told him he could start by washing dishes. Ken objected. He would rather wait on tables. But the owner said, “Take it or leave it.” He took it. But he grumbled the entire day. The next day, as he arrived for work, he asked the owner if he could wait on the customers. The owner answered, “You can
wash pots and pans in the kitchen. Take it or leave it.” Again, Ken was unhappy all day. But then Ken got to thinking. He said to himself, “I can be miserable all day. Or I can be happy all day. How I feel is up to me. Tomorrow, I will choose to be happy all day!” The next day he came into work, put on an apron, and began washing pots, pans, and dishes. He did not utter a disparaging word. He whistled while he worked. He hummed a few tunes. He even sang a wee bit. When the day was done, the owner walked up to him and said, “Now, you are ready to wait on my customers.” Ken says, over the years he learned to choose happiness in the face of unhappy situations, and it made a dramatic difference for him. For instance, we learn from Ken’s experience, a positive attitude may make our workday more satisfying. Plus, we note a positive attitude may create for us an opportunity for advancement. To put it simply, change your attitude and your work may flip from being a curse into a blessing. “Rejoice in the Lord always! I will say it again: Rejoice!” Thanks be to God. Amen.
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THE EDIT
Meet your new denim lineup: seven standout jeans that rank among the season’s best, all available now at local boutiques.
From left to right: Hemline Monroe, Lola Jane Boutique, The Nude Nomad, Palette House, Herringstones, The Fashion of Ruston, Goldie Boutique
MODEL P O SEY CL A R K A N D PHOTO G R A PH Y BY K ELLY MO OR E CL A R K
THIS YEAR’S GROUP OF TOP 20 UNDER 40 PROFESSIONALS IS HELPING TO SHAPE THE FUTURE OF NORTHEAST LOUISIANA PHOTOGRAPHY BY KELLY MOORE CLARK
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he Monroe Chamber of Commerce and BayouLife Magazine are pleased to announce the nominees and winners of the 2026 Top 20 Twenty Under 40 Young Professional Awards. The Awards Reception was held Thursday, July 30th at the ULM Bayou Pointe Event Center. These individuals are advancing in their careers, active in the community and dedicated to making Northeast Louisiana a better place to live and work. The winners are: Jessica Bostic, Feeding Louisiana; Emily Brady, Centric Federal Credit Union; Jiame Brown, The Center for Children & Families; Deano Casola, Dupuy Lincoln Flooring; Lakeysha Doyle, ULM; Liz Gaught, The Center for Children & Families; Ronnie Harrison, Sterlington High School; Nadja Haynie, Louisiana Delta Community College; Kierra Jenkins, Unitech Training Academy; Caleb Johnson, Johnson & Associates Wealth Strategies; James Jay Ludwick, JTL Construction; Taylor Michiels, ULM; Laurie Moore, Blake Wheelis State Farm; Jared Saterfiel, PPM Consultants; Emily Stogner, DPR Construction; Logan Thompson, Pinnacle Family Health; Abby Tingle, Discover Monroe-West Monroe; Rebecca Tolbert, Holy Dippers; Courtney Wallace Jr, Neville High School; Jenny Wills, The Woman’s Clinic. Other nominees included: Emarie Adams, LSBDC at ULM; Darren Amelin Jr, Rayville Recovery; Hartley Waldrop Arendsen, The Good Daze; Reece Aultman, Aultman Volleyball Academy; Vivian Aultman, Aultman Volleyball Academy; Akin Bailey, Goodwill Industries of North Louisiana; Brittany Benton, Resilient Beauty; Anslee Wilson Berry, Hudson Potts, Bernstein, Hudson Title; Dr. Chris Clark, VCOM of Louisiana; Bethany Rhodes Corona, LSU AgCenter Extension Service;
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Brooke Daniels, Brown’s Roofing; Adrienne Drago, ULM; Andrew Dye, Dye Brothers Group; Mandi Gaspard, House of Hair Salon & Spa; Adrienne Harrison, Sleep Number Corporate; Luke Hodnett, Lumen Technologies; Kelsey Holland, Workforce Development Board 81; Leah Hudleston, b1Bank; Zach Johnson, KNOE 8 News; Chasity Jones-Cole, IBMFutureNow Center Monroe; Leslie Kennedy, In Loving Faith; Lacey Kennon, The Center for Children & Families; Hannah Ludwick, Harrison Lilly Realty/JTL Construction; Audra Mahoney, Louisiana Works; Jake Martin, The Ouachita Citizen; Hanna Moore, Forth Insurance; Sarah Pesek, Jim Taylor Auto Group; Kenya Ross, Discover Monroe West Monroe, Gracie Rowton, Level Tech Foundation & Concrete Repair, Dr. Jonathan Scogin, Family Eye Care; Emma Semmes, Forth Insurance; Ty Soileau, Acadian Ambulance; Ahmaad Solmone, ULM; Morgan Staples, JPMorgan Chase, Jamie Talbert, Fresenius Medical Care; Erin Taylor, HerringStones Boutique; Shelby Walker, Ouachita Parish District Attorney’s Office; Jonathan Washam, The Washam Agency-Shelter Insurance; Kadeidra Williams, Pinnacle Family Health; Destiny Witherington, Centric Federal Credit Union; Taylor Woods, Harrison Lilly Realty; Chelsea Wyatt, Community Rehab. All of these individuals are advancing in their careers, active in the community and dedicated to making Northeast Louisiana a better place to live and work. Sponsors are: BayouLife Magazine, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Mid South Extrusion, Ochsner LSU Health Monroe, Heard McElroy & Vestal, City of Monroe, NAI Faulk and Foster, b1BANK, KNOE, KTVE, Warrior Media, and The Radio People.
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Jessica Bostic currently serves as the Director of Food Assistance Programs at Feeding Louisiana. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Health Studies, Management, and Marketing from ULM, a master’s degree in Nonprofit Administration from LSUS, and a second master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from ULM. She has been working in the food insecurity space for over a decade and has started a second career in clinical mental health counseling alongside that work over the past year. Jessica has been involved with many organizations nationally and locally, including currently serving on the planning committee for the American Commodity Distribution Association and previously serving on the board of directors at the Ouachita Council on Aging. Jessica received the Vanguard Award from the ULM Women’s Symposium last year. She and her partner, Ashley, have four dogs and four cats and enjoy being out in nature, taking in the beauty of Northeast Louisiana.
JESSICA BOSTIC
Director of Food Assistance Programs at Feeding Louisiana
BL: What legacy do you hope to leave in your profession or community? Jessica: If I leave anything behind in this community, I hope it’s the reminder that people are more than the worst assumption we make about them and
Emily Brady is married to Aaron Brady, and together they have two children, Brooklyn and Drake. Emily has been employed with Centric Federal Credit Union for 13 years and currently serves as the Center Manager at the Arkansas Road Branch. She is actively involved in her community, holding a seat with the West Monroe West Ouachita Chamber and serving as President of the Calhoun Civic Club. Emily is passionate about her family, her career, and giving back to the communities she serves. BL: What’s one piece of advice you’ve received that you still follow? Emily: One piece of advice I have received that I still follow is to step outside of your box. If you are comfortable in what you’re doing you are not growing. Stepping outside of your box makes you open to more opportunities and connections in your career growth.
EMILY BRADY
Center Manager for Centric Federal Credit Union
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BL: How do you hope your work impacts others? Emily: I hope that my work impacts the community by bringing positivity, people together, and connections to help everyone with any type of growth. This could be spiritual, career, or everyday personal growth.
shouldn’t be defined by their worst moment. I hope I’ve shown people what it looks like to walk towards someone instead of waiting for them to walk all the way to you, to meet in the middle, even when it’s uncomfortable, and even when you’re sure you’re right. Compromise isn’t losing, it’s choosing the relationship over your ego. My hope is that people remember me as someone who gave others the benefit of the doubt before judgement, who saw the value of the whole person not just their shortcomings, and who believed that community moves forward best when we choose to work together, especially when it would be easier not to. BL: What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend? Jessica: My favorite way to spend the weekend is working on projects and hobbies around the house and the yard. During the fall, on Fridays and Saturdays, you’ll find me at every home game for ULM football and Monroe Moccasins hockey. Then on Sunday, to cap off the weekend, my closest friends and I get together in our official Saints football watching spot and enjoy fellowship, food, watching the game, and continuing to boo about that missed pass interference call from 2019. Never forget!
BL: What’s something you’re still learning as a leader? Emily: One thing I am still learning as a leader is that everyone has their own way of working or being motivated. Just because you do it one way does not mean everyone else does it that way. Some people do not get as motivated or passionate about things like you do. Being a leader, it has taught me that you must take a step back and allow your peers to work in their own ways. BL: How would your coworkers describe you in three words? Emily: Three words that my team would describe me as honest, dedicated, caring. BL: What legacy do you hope to leave in your profession or community? Emily: The legacy I hope to leave in my profession and community is that she was always willing, caring, and brought a happy atmosphere when serving. Most of all that the Lord is the reason where I am today.
JIAME L. BROWN
Community Engagement Specialist and Family Advocate at The Center for Children and Families
DEANO CASOLA
Part Owner of Dupuy Flooring & Acoustical
Jiame L. Brown is the Community Engagement Specialist and Family Advocate at The Center for Children and Families, where she has served for the past two and a half years. With 18 years of experience serving youth and families throughout Union Parish, she is dedicated to empowering young people, strengthening families, and creating opportunities for lasting change across Northeast Louisiana. Jiame earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Northwestern State University and is pursuing dual master’s degrees in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling at Walden University. She is passionate about lifelong learning and continuously growing to better serve her community. A committed community leader, Jiame builds partnerships and connects resources to meet the needs of children and families. She serves as District Youth Chair for the Farmerville Lions Club, Youth Director at Christ Centered Ministries, and a Community Champion with Teach One to Lead One. She is also an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Her commitment to service has earned recognition from organizations such as Union Black Heritage, The Sisterhood of Northeast
Louisiana, and several other community organizations for her leadership and dedication to youth and families. A proud daughter of Luella Brown, Jiame treasures her family’s love and encouragement, including that of her siblings, Evan Brown, Latereca Nute, Broderick Nute, and LaQuincy Nute. Outside of work, she enjoys true-crime podcasts, motivational books on Audible, music, movies, quality time with family and friends, supporting youth events, and creating lasting memories with her line sisters.
Deano Casola is a part owner of Dupuy Flooring & Acoustical and has been there since December 2017. A 2012 graduate of West Monroe High School, he continued his football career at Missouri Southern State University before earning his degree from the University of Louisiana Monroe in 2016. Deano is a deacon and Life Group leader at First Baptist West Monroe and previously served as chairperson of the First West Thrift Store. He also serves as Vice President of the West Monroe Rebel Club, volunteers with Ouachita Green, and is Vice Chair of a special committee for the Ouachita Parish Police Jury. He and his wife, Becca, recently celebrated nine years of marriage and are proud parents of two children, Crew and Cate Casola.
BL: What’s a habit or routine that helps you stay productive? Deano: A habit that helps me stay grounded and productive is staying connected to my Life Group and church family. Whether we’re gathering on Wednesday nights, serving together in the community, or simply sharing life through everyday moments, those relationships provide accountability, encouragement, and perspective. The men in my Life Group constantly challenge me to keep my focus on Christ, love and serve my wife well, and lead my children in their faith.
BL: What makes Northeast Louisiana a great place to live and work? Deano: I believe Northeast Louisiana is the best place to live and work because of its people and the opportunities it offers. There is no better place to build a business, raise a family, or develop meaningful relationships. Our community is built on hardworking people who genuinely love each other and show up when needed. I truly believe that if you love NELA, it will love you back.
BL: What leadership lesson has had the biggest impact on your career? Jiame: The greatest leadership lesson I’ve learned is that leadership begins with service. Titles may open doors, but serving others builds trust. The best leaders don’t seek recognition; they create opportunities for others to succeed. Leadership requires humility, consistency, compassion, and the willingness to keep showing up, even when no one is watching. Throughout my career, I’ve learned that authentic relationships are built on listening, integrity, and leading with your heart. When people know you genuinely care about them, real change begins.
BL: What’s one piece of advice you’ve received that you still follow? Deano: One piece of advice I received many years ago that has stayed with me is, “Show me your friends, and I’ll tell you who you are.” Outside of my faith and family, I believe the people we choose to surround ourselves with have one of the greatest influences on who we become. That’s why I strive to surround myself with people of integrity, faith, and purpose who challenge me to grow and become a better leader, husband, and father.
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LAKEYSHA DOYLE
Assistant Professor and Director of the UAS & Precision Agriculture Center at the University of Louisiana Monroe
Lakeysha Doyle is an Assistant Professor and Director of the UAS & Precision Agriculture Center at the University of Louisiana Monroe (ULM), where she is helping prepare the next generation of aviation and drone professionals. A ULM graduate, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Management with a minor in Business and later completed her MBA. She is an FAA-certified Private Pilot and Part 107 Remote Pilot with experience spanning airport operations, aviation management, procurement, and higher education. Throughout her career, Lakeysha has been recognized for her commitment to leadership, education, and community service, including being named a Leadership Ouachita graduate, serving on the Board of Directors for The Wellspring Alliance for Families, and receiving the Young Leaders United Award. She is passionate about expanding opportunities in aviation through education, research, and workforce development. Outside of work, Lakeysha enjoys spending time with her husband and two sons, supporting their activities, flying, photography, and using drones to inspire future aviators.
Marketing & Communications Director at The Center for Children & Families
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BL: Why is it important for young professionals to get involved in their communities? Lakeysha: Communities grow when people invest their time, knowledge, and talents. Young professionals bring fresh ideas while building meaningful relationships that benefit everyone. BL: How do you handle setbacks or failure? Lakeysha: I reflect on what I can learn, make adjustments, and keep moving forward. Every setback offers an opportunity to grow. BL: What does being recognized as a Top 20 Under 40 honoree mean to you? Lakeysha: It is both humbling and motivating. The recognition represents the people who have invested in me throughout my journey and encourages me to continue serving my community, mentoring others, and using my career to create opportunities for the next generation.
BL: What does success mean to you? Lakeysha: Success means making a lasting
Liz Gaught is the Marketing & Communications Director at The Center for Children & Families in Monroe, LA, where she has worked for the past 14 years. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Family Studies from Samford University in 2011 and her Masters in Human Services Counseling from Liberty University in 2016. Liz is currently in Leadership Ouachita and serves as the Adopt-A-School Committee Chair. Liz has served in youth ministry for over 10 years leading multiple international mission trips and volunteers for her church’s local food outreach. Liz has been working as a wedding coordinator for twelve years and loves helping brides begin their next chapter. When she’s not working, Liz loves spending time with her husband, Josh, and son, Lucas.
LIZ GAUGHT
impact on people and leaving every organization stronger than when I arrived.
BL: What is one challenge you’ve overcome that helped shape who you are today? Liz: Working as a summer camp counselor in college, one of the biggest pieces of feedback I received was to be more flexible. Our assignments changed constantly depending on the need, and I learned how to take things as they come with a positive attitude. Throughout the years, the only proven constant is change. Change in leadership, change in the ways we do things, changes in
laws and policies that throw curveballs to our processes, etc. The best thing to remember is that while things do change, we can maintain our values and mission in the face of whatever comes next. BL: How do you hope your work impacts your community? Liz: My hope is that my work helps people feel seen and supported. I’m passionate about The Center’s services and about making sure our community knows that there are resources, support, and people who will walk alongside them through some of life’s hardest moments. Whether that’s helping a child get the things they need to start school with confidence and dignity, connecting a family or individual to mental health services, or simply making sure someone knows where to turn, I want my work to help people find hope. Also, I hope that my work would help people see that they can play a part in making our community stronger. There are so many ways to give back, volunteer, or simply show up for someone who needs support. I hope my work helps connect people to those opportunities and reminds them that making a difference doesn’t always require something huge, but it can start with helping with something simple as providing a toy for a child at Christmas.
RONNIE HARRISON JR. Assistant Principal at Sterlington High School
NADJA HAYNIE
Student Success Navigator, Business Adjunct Instructor, and Title IX Deputy Coordinator for Louisiana Delta Community College in Ruston/Jonesboro
Ronnie Harrison Jr. serves as Assistant Principal at Sterlington High School in Monroe, Louisiana. He began teaching in 2018 and earned a bachelor’s degree in Health and Physical Education and a Master of Science in Sport Management from the University of Louisiana Monroe, along with a Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Western Governors University. As an administrator, he helped reduce the school’s truancy rate from 31% in 2022–2023 to 14% in 2023–2024 and 6% in 2024–2025. He contributed to state football championships in 2021 and 2024 as Special Teams Coordinator. Ronnie was selected for the Louisiana Department of Education’s Aspiring Principal Fellowship. He also founded the Sterlington Legacy Ambassadors, a senior leadership program focused on overall student development. He is married to Adrienne Harrison, a Team Lead in Recruitment Marketing at Sleep Number. His sister, Shantae Harrison, is a Patient Access Manager at HCA HealthONE Presbyterian St. Luke’s Hospital in Denver. In his free time, Ronnie enjoys spending time with his wife and family, reading, working out at the Monroe Athletic Club, and unwinding with a good bourbon. BL: How do you hope your work impacts others? Ronnie: I hope my work inspires others
Nadja Haynie currently serves as the Student Success Navigator, Business Adjunct Instructor, and Title IX Deputy Coordinator for Louisiana Delta Community College’s Ruston/ Jonesboro campuses. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Business from Auburn University and an MBA from Nicholls State University. With more than 12 years of experience in higher education across three community colleges, Nadja is passionate about supporting students and strengthening the communities she serves. Outside of her professional role, Nadja is dedicated to community service as a Life Member of Junior Auxiliary of Ruston, a youth volunteer coach for Ruston Parks and Recreation, and a Catechist at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church. She also volunteers with numerous local initiatives, including the Louisiana Peach Festival, Love the Boot, Rolling Hills Ministry, and other community events. Nadja and her husband have proudly called Ruston, Louisiana, home for the past eight years, where they are raising their two beautiful children and investing in the community they love.
to recognize their own ability to make a positive difference in the lives of those around them. That purpose is what led me to become a teacher, coach, and now an assistant principal. It also inspired me to create the Sterlington Legacy Ambassadors, a senior leadership program designed to help students grow as leaders and intentionally prepare them for life beyond high school. One of the most common phrases I hear is, “I need you to be a leader,” but leadership isn’t something students automatically know how to do—it must be developed. If the students I serve leave Sterlington with the character, courage, and desire to invest in others, then I know I’ve made the impact I hoped for. BL: Who has been the most influential mentor in your life, and why? Ronnie: The most influential mentor in my life has to be my mom, LaDonna Harrison. From her, I learned that leadership begins with serving others and always looking for the best in them. Her discipline, attention to detail, and unwavering commitment to excellence set the standard for how I approach both my personal and professional life. Every day, I strive to lead with the same servant-hearted mindset she demonstrated and to make a positive impact on everyone I have the opportunity to serve.
Instructor, and through that experience, I discovered that my true calling is teaching. I am excited to share that starting this Fall semester, I will transition into a full-time Business Instructor at Louisiana Delta Community College’s Ruston Campus. In this new role, I will have the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with students throughout their entire two-year associate degree journey while sharing my passion and knowledge in business. BL: What motivates you to keep growing? Nadja: In my current role at Louisiana Delta Community College, I have had the privilege of presenting to faculty, staff, and students on topics including motivation, goal-setting, and personal growth. While these sessions are designed to benefit others, I find them equally rewarding as they continue to inspire my own growth. What motivates me to keep growing is resilience, maintaining a growth mindset, and setting intentional goals. I believe continuous growth allows us to make a greater impact, both personally and professionally, while inspiring others to reach their full potential.
BL: What career goal are you currently working towards? Nadja: For the past five years, I have had the privilege of teaching as a Business Adjunct WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | SEPTEMBER 2026 79
KEIRRA JENKINS
Pharmacy Technician Program Director at Unitech Training Academy
NZO CALEB JOHNSON
Founder and CEO of Johnson & Associates Wealth Strategies
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Keirra Jenkins is the Pharmacy Technician Program Director at Unitech Training Academy in West Monroe, where she prepares the next generation of pharmacy technicians through education, mentorship, and leadership. A graduate of Unitech’s Pharmacy Technician Program, she began her career in retail pharmacy and has served in leadership roles for more than 15 years. Before returning to Unitech, she served as Pharmacy Program Coordinator with CommuniHealth, supporting pharmacy operations, student development, community outreach, and healthcare-access initiatives. She continues to work PRN as a Certified Pharmacy Technician with CommuniHealth Pharmacy, allowing her to remain connected to patient care. Keirra is also an Independent Mary Kay Sales Director who mentors women in entrepreneurship, confidence, and leadership. Her community involvement includes service with the CommuniHealth CARES Foundation, the Lupus Foundation of Northeast Louisiana, and Lazarus Health. She also helped launch CommuniHealth’s mobile healthcare unit, which brings services directly to patients in underserved communities. She is a passionate advocate for children with special needs and their families.
BL: What has been your biggest professional risk, and was it worth it? Keirra: My biggest professional risk has been choosing to lead according to my values, even when my leadership style did not match the culture or expectations of the organization. Two of my top strengths are Belief and Relator, so my values and my relationships with people are at the core of how I lead. Leadership has to feel right in my heart, soul, and spirit. I believe people should be led with respect and with the understanding that everyone cannot be led the same way. Each person needs something different from their leader. My goal has never simply been to earn the next promotion. My goal is for the people I lead to be better than they were when I found them and to help prepare them for their own next opportunity. I have been told that my approach was not the traditional way to lead, but whenever I strayed from my values, it did not work. Remaining true to the leader I believed I was called to be was a risk, but it was absolutely worth it. The growth, confidence, and success of the people I have led have shown me that leading with compassion, integrity, and purpose creates lasting results.
Nzo Caleb Johnson (pronounced “OONzo,” though everyone calls him Caleb) is the Founder and CEO of Johnson & Associates Wealth Strategies, a boutique wealth management firm specializing in succession and growth planning for physicians, construction company owners, and small business owners. Over the past five years, Caleb has expanded the firm to Shreveport, Louisiana, alongside his partner, Maurice Johnson. He is a member of the Million Dollar Round Table, recognized in Marquis America’s Who’s Who, and an active member of NAIFA. Caleb was named New York Life’s New Associate of the Year in both 2024 and 2025. Beyond his profession, he coaches baseball at Ouachita Parish High School and with the 14U Knights Knation (Chevalier) and serves as a Monroe Chamber of Commerce Ambassador. Caleb and his wife, Keyanna, enjoy baseball, volleyball, hiking, traveling, and spending time with their dogs, Snow and Arya.
BL: How do you hope your work impacts others? Caleb: I hope that my work will help people become more actively conscious of their financial situation and create a stronger awareness of financial literacy for all generations.
BL: Who has been the most influential mentor in your life, and why? Caleb: Doug Brisco is someone that I met early in my career where his knowledge and friendship has helped me become a better advisor for my clients while being authentic in every way I can.
BL: Where do you see yourself in the next five years? Caleb: In the next five years, I see myself as one of the premier advisors in Louisiana, where I can truly help my community grow.
BL: What motivates you to keep growing? Caleb: Something that motivates me to keep growing and staying focused is my passion to help businesses and individuals grow in the most efficient way possible. My caring attitude for my clients keeps me going, so I can provide the best service for them. BL: What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend? Caleb: Something that I like to do on the weekends is spend time with my wife either going on dates out of town, take our dogs on walks, or hangout with family.
Jay Ludwick is the owner of JTL Construction, a local company that was established in 2022. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, Jay has worked his way up to becoming a general contractor and owning his own company. Jay has built this business from the ground up and turned it into a growing staple in this community. Jay tries to get involved and give back to his community as much as possible by volunteering at NELA Food Bank, Habitat for Humanity, Children’s Coalition, and various Veteran’s organizations. Jay is a board member of the Homebuilders Association and is an active member of the West Monroe and Monroe Chamber of Commerce. Jay is a loving husband and father of 3, who enjoys fishing, running marathons (especially ones that benefit St. Jude), and spending as much time with his family as possible.
JAY LUDWICK
Owner of JTL Construction
BL: What does being recognized as a Top 20 Under 40 honoree mean to you? Jay: Being recognized as a Top 20 Under 40 honoree is incredibly meaningful to me, because it reflects the positive impact I’m making in my community. It is an honor to know that my hard work, dedication, and commitment to what I do have been recognized and appreciated by others. This recognition inspires me to continue
Taylor Michiels is the Database Manager for the ULM Foundation. He is a graduate of Louisiana Tech University, earning a bachelor’s degree in marketing in 2015 and an MBA in 2016. After seven years of working in data analytics and strategic marketing, Taylor has brought his talents to the bayou to support the nonprofit’s mission of supporting the university for the last three years. Taylor is currently serving as Vice President during his sixth year on the Strauss Theatre Center Board of Directors, where he has volunteered since 2019. He also donates his time teaching and directing students at Strauss Youth Academy for the Arts. He was recognized in 2021 as the Strauss Theatre Volunteer of the Year and again in 2026 when he was nominated for two NELA Arts Council Awards. In his spare time, Taylor enjoys performing, hosting trivia at Flying Heart Brewing & Pub, shopping at his favorite local stores, and going to the movies with friends.
TAYLOR MICHIELS
Database Manager for the University of Louisiana Monroe Foundation
BL: What skill has been most valuable to your success? Taylor: Adaptability has been my most valuable skill. My career has gone nowhere near where I thought it would go after graduating college, and I’m forever thankful for that. My willingness to venture into
striving for excellence and making a difference in the lives of those around me. BL: What’s one piece of advice you’ve received that you still follow? Jay: I believe that if you’re never uncomfortable along the way, you’re probably not growing. Growth happens when we step outside our comfort zones, embrace challenges, and learn from the experiences that push us to become better. BL: How do you hope your work impacts others? Jay: I hope JTL Construction can inspire the next generation of young professionals entering the general contracting industry. I am forever grateful to the mentors who invested in me throughout my journey, and I hope to pay that forward by encouraging, supporting, and guiding others as they begin their own professional careers. Being able to extend a helping hand to those just starting out is one of the most rewarding ways to give back.
unknown territory and do the things that scared me has led me to where I am today. All of my jobs, side gigs, and work with the theaters don’t have much in common, but I always found ways to adapt and grow to make the biggest impact in each of them. I have never felt more confident in my abilities than I do today, and I’m very thankful to my past self for venturing into uncharted waters. BL: How do you hope your work impacts others? Taylor: I hope my work makes the world better for the people who follow me in the coming years. I’m grateful to work for a nonprofit that shares the same mission. My work may be in a support capacity, but I’m just as dedicated to making sure our team can raise money to improve the wellbeing of students, faculty, and the campus itself. Similarly, my work with the students of SYAA allows me to directly challenge them to improve their performance capabilities, boost their confidence, and flex their creative muscles that don’t get to shine as much as they should.
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LAURIE MOORE
Sales professional at Blake Wheelis State Farm
JARED SATERFIEL
Principal and District Manager at PPM Consultants, Inc.
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Laurie Moore is a sales professional, community advocate, and civic leader who believes meaningful change begins with showing up. A graduate of Louisiana Tech University, she has built her career at Blake Wheelis State Farm, where she has served her community for nearly a decade. Laurie is a 2025 Leadership Ouachita graduate and currently serves as Chair of the West Monroe-West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce Diplomats. She also serves on the boards of Keep West Monroe Beautiful and Historic Downtown West Monroe and is the creator of the Good Neighbors Geaux Green, an initiative encouraging local students and families to become more involved in recycling. Her passion for community extends beyond the organizations she serves. Laurie believes strongly in connecting people, supporting local businesses, and encouraging other young professionals to find their place in shaping the future of Northeast Louisiana. Above all, she is a proud mom of two daughters, who inspire her to leave her community better than she found it. BL: What leadership lesson has had the biggest impact on your career? Laurie: The leadership lesson that has had the biggest impact on my career is that leadership
Jared Saterfiel is a Principal and District Manager at PPM Consultants, Inc., where he has built his career from intern to company leadership over the past 19 years. A graduate of Louisiana Tech University with a bachelor’s degree in Construction Engineering Technology, Jared oversees environmental and engineering projects throughout the region while helping drive strategic growth and business development for the firm. His experience includes environmental compliance, remediation, brownfield redevelopment, and serving public and private sector clients across the Gulf South. Through his leadership, he has helped foster long-term client relationships, mentor emerging professionals, and contribute to the continued growth and success of the company. Beyond his professional responsibilities, Jared is committed to strengthening Northeast Louisiana through community service and leadership. He serves on the Board of Directors for Grow NELA and Keep Ouachita Parish Beautiful, organizations focused on economic development and enhancing quality of life throughout the region. Jared is passionate about supporting initiatives that create opportunities for future generations, promote responsible environmental stewardship, and encourage community engagement. In his free time, he enjoys hunting, fishing, off-
is about serving others, not being in charge. The strongest leaders do not have all the answers, they listen, empower others, and bring people together around a shared purpose. I’ve learned that when you invest in people and build trust, the results are far more meaningful and lasting than anything you could accomplish alone. BL: Why is it important for young professionals to get involved in their communities? Laurie: Young professionals are the future of their communities, so it’s important that we have a hand in shaping it. Getting involved means bringing new perspectives and taking an active role in creating the kind of community we want to live, work, and raise families in. BL: How do you handle setbacks or failure? Laurie: I’ve learned that setbacks do not define you; how you respond to them does. I give myself time to reflect and look for the lesson. Some of the most meaningful opportunities and personal growth in my life have come from disappointments I did not understand at the time. Those experiences have taught me resilience and the importance of continuing to move forward with purpose, even when the path changes.
roading, and spending time with his wife, Bethani, family, and friends. He believes that strong communities are built through service, leadership, and a willingness to invest in the success of others. BL: What legacy do you hope to leave in your profession or community? Jared: I hope my legacy is that I left both my profession and my community better than I found them. Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to learn from great mentors and work alongside talented people, and I want to do the same for those coming behind me. Success isn’t just about individual accomplishments; it’s about helping others grow, creating opportunities, and building something that lasts beyond your own involvement. In our community, I hope to be remembered as someone who invested his time and energy into making Northeast Louisiana a better place to live, work, and raise a family. If my efforts help strengthen our region, encourage future leaders to get involved, and positively impact future generations, then I will consider that a meaningful legacy.
EMILY STOGNER
Marketing and Communications at DPR Construction
LOGAN THOMPSON
Director of Quality Improvement at Pinnacle Family Health, Inc.
Emily Stogner proudly calls North Louisiana home, having spent much of her life along the I‑20 corridor, from picking blackberries in her Pop’s yard in Delhi to cheering on the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs in Ruston. While Northeast Louisiana has always been her anchor, she has also lived in Brazil, South Carolina, and Kentucky before settling in Monroe, where she has lived for the past decade. Emily began her career in education before discovering a passion for communications and marketing, earning her master’s degree in Marketing during the COVID‑19 pandemic. Throughout her career, she has led marketing and communications efforts in the agency, tourism, sports, municipal government, and corporate construction sectors, bringing a unique perspective shaped by each industry. Outside of work, Emily can often be found on stage or behind the scenes at Strauss Theatre Center and Strauss Youth Academy for the Arts or planning her next travel adventure. She strives to live by a simple belief: take the work seriously, but never take yourself too seriously, because life’s greatest lessons are often found through connection, curiosity, and shared experiences.
BL: What skill has been most valuable to your success? Emily: The ability to think on my feet is a skill I developed through years of theater and acting, where adaptability, quick decisionmaking, and confidence are essential. That experience taught me how to stay composed under pressure, communicate effectively, and step confidently into situations where the path forward isn’t always clear. As a woman in the workplace, there can be moments when you have to overcome barriers, find your voice, and prove that you belong at the table. Theater gave me the ability to navigate those moments with confidence and resilience. Even when I was questioning myself internally, I learned how to project confidence, trust my abilities, and contribute with conviction. Over time, that skill has become one of my greatest strengths. It has allowed me to adapt to new challenges, embrace opportunities outside my comfort zone, and advocate for myself and others. Success isn’t about never feeling nervous or uncertain; it’s about having the courage to move forward despite those feelings and showing up as if you belong, because you do.
Logan Thompson began his career as a Registered Nurse working in telemetry, Step-Down ICU, Emergency, and Critical Care including cardiac Step-Down ICU. He gained valuable experience in bedside manor, leading to exceptional skills in communication, empathy and caregiving. This has played a crucial role in his career advancement into the world of administration, quality, and compliance for multiple rehabilitation centers, psychiatric hospitals, and currently a Federally Qualified Health Center – Look Alike named Pinnacle Family Health. His role as the Director of Quality Improvement continues to allow him to grow and to help other people in the community of multiple parishes. His dedication to teamwork, quality improvement, patient care, and helping others makes for a very fulfilling and wholesome integration into our community.
BL: How do you hope your work impacts others? Logan: I hope my work impacts others in the most positive way possible. I firmly believe that all effort, no matter how large or how small, plays a part in each life of the patients that we serve. From the smallest “hello” to the life changing decisions, keeping a positive attitude and always placing the patient first can help change our community.
BL: What leadership lesson has had the biggest impact on your career? Logan: My role in leadership has taught me that morals and values are a guiding force in how we treat others relative to patient care, underserved populations, and stereotypical populations. All human beings deserve basic rights and to be treated fairly and equally.
BL: How do you handle setbacks or failures? Logan: I treat setbacks and failures as lessons learned. I cannot change the past, but I can place the effort where it is needed to continuously improve each time I fail. I believe in progress, and as long as we’re moving forward, we’re making progress. BL: Where do you see yourself in the next five years? Logan: In the next five years, I see myself having had continuous employment with Pinnacle Family Health, having improved the quality of patient care/services that we provide to our patients to the best of our ability, and continuing the outreach/care for the people in our community that need help the most. Our underserved populations in our parish and surrounding communities seem to be growing each year, and helping to ensure that they receive the care they need is my top priority. WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | SEPTEMBER 2026 83
ABBY TINGLE
Social Media & Website Manager for Discover Monroe-West Monroe
REBECCA TOLBERT Controller for Holy Dippers
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Abby Tingle serves as the Social Media & Website Manager for Discover Monroe-West Monroe, where she leads digital storytelling and marketing initiatives that showcase the people, places, and experiences that make Ouachita Parish unique. In 2026, she was named to Destinations International’s 30 Under 30 Class and recognized as one of the Southeast Tourism Society’s Forty for the Future, honoring emerging leaders in the travel and tourism industry. A 2020 graduate of the University of Louisiana Monroe, Abby earned her Bachelor of Arts in Communications and has built a career focused on destination marketing and content strategy. She is a Certified Travel Marketing Professional (TMP), a Professional in Destination Management (PDM), and a graduate of the Louisiana Tourism Leadership Academy. Abby is actively involved in the community and tourism industry through board and committee service with Friends of Monroe Main Street, Destinations International, and the Southeast Tourism Society. She is married to Cameron Tingle, and together they share their home with their rescue dog, Margot. BL: What has been your biggest professional risk, and was it worth it? Abby: The biggest
Rebecca Tolbert serves as the Controller for Holy Dippers. She has dedicated the past year to supporting financial operations and growth. Throughout her 10 year career, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to stewardship, leadership, and service. In addition to her professional responsibilities, Rebecca is the Co-Founder of the Katherine Diane Tolbert Scholarship, established to honor the memory and legacy of her late daughter, Katherine. Through this scholarship, she continues to make a meaningful impact by supporting and encouraging others in their educational pursuits. Rebecca is a devoted wife and mother. She is married to Trevor Tolbert and the proud mother of two daughters, Kinleigh and her beloved late daughter, Katherine, whose life continues to inspire her mission of service, compassion, and giving back to the community. Her dedication to family, faith, and community service reflects the values that guide both her personal and professional life. BL: Who has been the most influential mentor in your life, and why? Rebecca: George Beck and Bud Kitchingham. They have always believed in me and still do.
professional risk I’ve taken was returning home. After getting married, I moved to a larger city to continue growing my career, but seven months later an opportunity opened at Discover Monroe-West Monroe, where I had previously interned and worked. I worried that coming back to a smaller market might limit my professional growth, but it proved to be the best decision I could have made. Since returning, I’ve been challenged in new ways, trusted with greater responsibilities, and given opportunities that have shaped me into the leader I am today. Sometimes the biggest career growth comes from investing in the place you call home. BL: How do you hope your work impacts others? Abby: Every day, I have the privilege of sharing the stories of Ouachita Parish with both locals and visitors. I hope my work inspires people to see our community through a new lens whether that means discovering a local business, supporting a hidden gem, or feeling a greater sense of pride in the place they call home. If the stories we tell help a small business welcome new customers, encourage someone to explore their own community, or make a visitor choose Monroe-West Monroe for their next trip, then I know I’ve made a meaningful impact.
They took a chance on me a few years ago when they hired me at Ergon Exploration. They taught me more in 3 years about hard work and determination than I had learned anywhere else. If I didn’t know how to do something, they took time to explain and teach it to me. I texted them in a group text as soon as I won this award. I couldn’t wait to tell them. BL: How do you hope your work impacts others? Rebecca: I hope my work shows others that no matter what your circumstances are; whether it’s tragedy or trauma, you can build a life for yourself. Your past doesn’t get easier, but you learn to carry it better. You pick up the pieces and persevere. BL: What’s a habit or routine that helps you stay productive? Rebecca: I make my to do list for the week on Sunday evening. Everything I know my team and myself need to accomplish before Friday. I always write everything down. I am a notebook girly. BL: How would your coworkers describe you in three words? Rebecca: Determined, Poised, and Caring
COURTNEY WALLACE JR.
Business Education Teacher, Defensive Line Coach and Head Field Coach for Track and Field at Neville High School. Founder and ED of BOOM Youth Fraternity
JENNY WILLS
Practice Administrator for The Woman’s Clinic
Courtney Wallace Jr. is a Business Education teacher, coach, and youth-development leader in Monroe, Louisiana. He serves at Neville High School as a teacher, defensive line coach, and head field coach for track and field. He is also the Founder and Executive Director of BOOM Youth Fraternity, a nonprofit organization that develops young men through academics, leadership, mentorship, service, and brotherhood. Wallace earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Media from Louisiana Tech University and is pursuing a Master of Education in Educational Leadership at Louisiana State University Shreveport. During his six years in education and seven years in coaching, he has helped students succeed in the classroom, athletics, and life. Under his leadership, the BOOM Blue Knights became back-to-back national step champions, and 23 BOOM seniors earned college acceptances. His recognitions include induction into the WorldStep Association Coaches Hall of Fame and selection as a Top 20 Under 40 honoree. Outside of work, he enjoys coaching, traveling, creating new programs, and spending time with family.
professional risk was founding BOOM Youth Fraternity. Starting an organization required personal sacrifice, financial commitment, and faith in a vision others could not yet see. It was absolutely worth it, because BOOM has changed lives and created a brotherhood that extends far beyond school. BL: If you could improve one thing about your community, what would it be? Courtney: I would increase access to structured youth programs that provide mentorship, academic support, career exposure, mentalhealth resources, and positive activities. Every young person deserves a safe environment where someone recognizes and develops their potential. BL: What is something you’re still learning as a leader? Courtney: I am still learning that I cannot carry every responsibility by myself. Strong leadership requires trusting others, delegating meaningful responsibilities, and developing people who can help advance the mission.
BL: What has been your biggest professional risk, and was it worth it? Courtney: My biggest
Jenny Wills is the Practice Administrator for The Woman’s Clinic, where she has been a part of the team for six years. She previously served as the Director of Finance before moving into her current role. A graduate of the University of Louisiana at Monroe with a degree in Accounting, Jenny spent more than 10 years in the banking and finance industry before bringing her financial knowledge into the healthcare field. Service has always been an important part of Jenny’s life. For more than 15 years, she and her husband, Chris, have served together as Youth Pastors at Bethany Church in West Monroe, where Jenny has also served as Worship Pastor. Her love for Jesus and His people has shaped the way she approaches every aspect of her life, including her role at The Woman’s Clinic. Jenny has also enjoyed opportunities to serve her community through leadership and mentorship. She has served as the Campaign Coordinator for The Woman’s Clinic’s United Way campaigns, an experience that led to her being named Campaign Coordinator of the Year by the local United Way in 2024. For the past two years, she has also served as a mentor through the West Monroe Chamber of Commerce’s mentoring program, where she has been able to share her passion for healthcare, leadership, and developing others.
While Jenny loves her work, her greatest passion is her family. Her favorite titles are “Wife, Mom, and Aunt.” She and Chris have two children, Lilly and Cooper, and Jenny is also lovingly known as “Aunt J” to her six nieces and three nephews, whom she proudly claims as her own. Outside of work, Jenny can most often be found at a ballpark or in a gym cheering on her children. She also enjoys watching hockey, traveling with her husband, and gathering with her family for game nights. Above all, Jenny is passionate about loving and serving the people God has placed in her life— both at home, in her community, and at The Woman’s Clinic. BL: What motivates you to keep growing? Jenny: I use the saying, “If you’re not growing, you are dying,” quite often. Even in moments of failure or setback, you get to choose if you’re going to get up or let it defeat you. I am very blessed to have parents that taught and exemplified excellence in everything they put their hands to, and I believe that has motivated me to do the same. I don’t always get it right, but I am going to reevaluate, refocus, and apply what was learned from failure in order to grow and pursue excellence.
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A Freshly Sharpened Start New School Year, Endless Possibilities article by Cindy G. Foust
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ELL, READERS, IT’S THAT TIME AGAIN. SCHOOL supplies have officially taken over every store in America, which means parents are wandering the aisles holding lists that apparently require a master’s degree to interpret. I’ve been there, mind you. Three-ring binder with pockets. No, not that three-ring binder with pockets. The other one. Six plastic folders with brads. Four without brads. Wide-ruled paper. College-ruled paper. Washable markers. Dry-erase markers. Glue sticks. Headphones. Kleenex. Clorox wipes. And, of course, the faithful No. 2 pencil. The ole trusty Ticonderoga. By the way, I will buy someone lunch at Waterfront if they can help me pronounce it the right way. Now, I realize admitting this probably won’t surprise a single person who has read this column for any length of time, but I love a No. 2 pencil. Not mechanical. Not fancy. A real, honest-to-goodness, yellow No. 2 pencil that you have to sharpen. In fact, I have an electric pencil sharpener on my desk, and I still use it. There is something deeply satisfying about putting a dull pencil into that little machine and hearing WHIRRRRRRR until you pull it out with a point sharp enough to perform minor surgery. Don’t worry. I’m not performing surgery. But I could fill out a form beautifully. I love school supplies in general. Fresh notebooks. Good pens. And I am also very particular about my pens…blue ink only. Crisp pages that haven’t been written on yet. I love walking through the school-supply section and seeing all that possibility stacked neatly on shelves for $3.97. Which has got me thinking about something this back-to-school season. Maybe that’s what education really is.
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Possibility. My daughter is beginning her last year of college and will graduate in the spring in education, which feels particularly special to me because I always wanted to be a teacher. I have enormous respect for teachers, especially kindergarten teachers. Readers, I’m convinced there is a separate real-estate development in heaven specifically for them. I am hoping for a tent. Kindergarten teachers are getting mansions. Not regular mansions, either. I’m talking gold-plated everything, diamond dominoes, streets of gold and absolutely NO construction paper that needs to be cut into 24 snowflakes. I mean, how many of you have spent time with 20 five-year-old’s? Exactly. But watching my daughter find her way toward a classroom has made me think a lot about how our children find their place in this world. I work in higher education now, and every day I see the value of a college degree. I see education change families. I see students walk onto a university campus uncertain of themselves and leave four years later prepared to become nurses, teachers, business owners, scientists and leaders. But I’ve also lived long enough to understand something else. Not every road has to look the same. Some young people will find their purpose on a university campus. Some will find it in a technical program. Some will become electricians, welders, plumbers, linemen, mechanics and skilled craftsmen, and let me tell you something, when your air conditioner goes out in Louisiana in August, nobody in that house is asking what the repairman’s ACT score was. Can I get an amen? We are simply asking how fast he can get there. There is dignity in work. There is value in education. And there is enormous value in helping young people discover where their gifts meet a need in this world. Maybe our job isn’t to choose their lane. Maybe it’s to help them recognize it. I didn’t always understand that when my own children were young. Back then, August was exhausting. Some of you there, now? I bet so. School-supply lists and new shoes and registration forms and lunch money and practices and schedules and trying to figure out who needed to be where at what time. And then there was car pickup. Come on parents…I hear you. Car pickup. And I know you’re tired. I know you’ve worked all day and you’re sitting in a line approximately 14 miles long wondering why NASA can put people in space but nobody has figured out how to get 600 children into their parents’ vehicles in under 45 minutes. I remember. But here’s the part that gets me now. I would give almost anything for one more ordinary ride home with my children after school. Not graduation day. Not an awards ceremony. Not some big milestone with balloons and pictures.
Just a Tuesday. I’d like my son to climb into the car and throw his backpack in the floor. I’d like my daughter to get in talking before she even closed the door. I’d like to hear who got in trouble, what happened at lunch, who was mad at whom, what the teacher said and why somebody’s feelings got hurt at recess. Because here’s the question I find myself asking now: Did I listen? Really listen? Or was I thinking about dinner? Was I answering a call? Was I mentally making my grocery list? Was I rushing to the next practice, the next appointment, the next thing? I don’t remember. And goodness, I wish I did. (Didn’t I just write about this last month? If so, it bears repeating.) I’m not saying that to make one exhausted mother sitting in a carpool line feel guilty. Good grief, motherhood comes with enough guilt already. I’m saying it because I didn’t know those rides were important while I was taking them. They just felt ordinary. That’s the trick childhood plays on us. You miss the ride home from school. Maybe that’s why I’ve become a bit of an evangelist about ordinary moments as I’ve gotten older. I’m standing on the other side now, waving my arms at younger parents and yelling, “This part! Pay attention to this part!” And they’re probably thinking, “Ma’am, please move. You’re holding up the car line.” Fair enough. But I think there’s a connection between those car rides and those No. 2 pencils and all these young people trying to figure out what they’re going to do with their lives. Y’all know it sometimes takes me the entire length of this column to get to the No. 2 pencil point, and here we are. A new pencil is just possibility with an eraser. You start writing. You make mistakes. You erase. You change your mind. You sharpen yourself a little and
start again. And eventually, if you’re lucky, you begin to recognize your own handwriting. Isn’t that what growing up is? So as another school year begins, maybe our job isn’t to have every answer for the children we love. Maybe it’s to give them the tools. I’m just saying... buy the pencils and encourage the gifts. Listen during the ride home. Help them find their lane. And then, hard as it may be, let them write their own story. That’s hard, or it was for me, when I thought I knew better. But the truth is, it is their story. Because those fresh pages sitting inside all those brand-new notebooks won’t stay blank for long. And neither will their lives. So, here’s to the teachers standing at classroom doors welcoming another group of children. Here’s to the professors, coaches, counselors, bus drivers, principals and support staff who will help shape them. Here’s to the parents sitting in car lines wondering if bedtime at 6:30 is socially acceptable. And here’s to the students. The kindergarteners gripping those No. 2 pencils with their whole fists. The seniors wondering what comes next. The college students changing their majors for the third time. The future teachers, nurses, welders, linemen, entrepreneurs and whatever-they-haven’t-even-thought-of-yet. May somebody notice what you’re good at. May you see those gifts for yourself. May you have the courage to erase when you need to change direction. And may you eventually find the lane that was meant for you. As for me, I’ll be over here sharpening my No. 2 pencil. Because at sixty, I still have some blank pages left, too.
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Bayou Phoenix Open House
Bayou Phoenix Regenerative Medicine celebrated its ribbon cutting and open house on Thursday, August 6th. Led by Dr. Melissa Traxler, the new practice is dedicated to helping patients heal, restore function and improve their overall quality of life through personalized regenerative care. Friends, family and community members gathered to celebrate this exciting new chapter and welcome Dr. Traxler’s practice to the community.
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1 Emmie Eason and Zach Johnson 2 Dr. Melissa Traxler and Kristopher Kelley 3 Dr. Melissa Traxler and Marigrace Prophet 4 Phillip Smith, Barbara Knight, Dr. Melissa Traxler and Jodie Sanson 5 Eva Carter and Bo Carter 6 Toni Bacon and Rick Guillot 7 Dr. Melissa Traxler and Chad Traxler 8 Kristen Mitchell, Marigrace Prophet and Jodie Sanson 9 B.J. Mitchell and Alan Stephenson
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LDCC Partners With General Motors Expanding Automotive Career Pathways
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DCC) IS PARTNERING WITH General Motors (GM) to offer GM’s Service Technician Education Program (STEP) to students enrolled in the college’s Automotive Technology program at LDCC West Monroe. The partnership will provide LDCC students with an early introduction to careers available within GM dealerships. Through STEP, students will have access to GM’s webbased training modules and product-specific instructional materials while completing their automotive education at LDCC. The program can also serve as a bridge to the GM Automotive Career Education Program (ACEP), which combines advanced technical education with on-thejob training. Participating dealerships may support eligible students through part-time employment opportunities, allowing them to gain valuable workplace experience while continuing their education.
“General Motors is excited to announce its Service Technician Education Program partnership with Louisiana Delta Community College in West Monroe, Louisiana,” said General Motors District Manager of Parts and Service Elliott Martin. “As demand for automotive service technicians continues to grow, GM dealerships are seeking additional qualified technicians. Through STEP, LDCC automotive students gain access to GM’s web-based training modules, helping attract new talent while providing exposure to General Motors product training and creating pathways to potential employment opportunities at GM dealerships. We look forward to building a strong partnership between LDCC and General Motors,” LDCC Automotive Technology Instructor Darrinton Robinson will lead implementation of the STEP curriculum within the college’s automotive
program. LDCC already has more than 40 students enrolled in Automotive Technology courses for this coming semester. Students interested in Automotive Technology and the opportunity to participate in the GM STEP program are encouraged to apply and register as soon as possible. Through partnerships such as STEP, Louisiana Delta Community College continues to work closely with employers to ensure students receive the technical skills and professional experience needed to enter the workforce and succeed in the automotive service industry. Visit ladelta.edu to register.
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Munchkin Market - A Tradition of Saving for Northeast Louisiana Helping Northeast Louisiana Families Save, Sell, and Shop Smarter for 18 Years
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IDS GROW FAST. ONE MINUTE they’re wearing a size 2T, and before you know it, they’ve outgrown everything in their closet. The toys they loved last month are forgotten, and that baby gear taking up space? They don’t need it anymore. That’s why families across Northeast Louisiana look forward to Munchkin Market every spring and fall. For 18 years, Munchkin Market has helped families save money, earn extra cash, and give gently loved children’s items a second life. It’s become the area’s largest children’s consignment sale—and a tradition for thousands of local families. Everything You Need—All in One Place Whether you’re shopping for a newborn or a teenager, you’ll find thousands of gently loved items at a fraction of retail prices, including: • Clothing from newborn to teen • Shoes, toys, books, and games • Baby gear, strollers, and carriers • High chairs, swings, and nursery essentials
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• Bikes, outdoor toys, sporting goods, and more • Halloween costumes and seasonal favorites Every item is inspected before it reaches the sales floor, so you can shop with confidence. Why Families Keep Coming Back Shopping Munchkin Market means finding everything you need in one place while saving 50–90% off retail prices. It’s also a great way to support other local families. Every item on the sales floor comes from someone in our community, making it easy to shop local while stretching your family’s budget. Shop Smarter. Live Greener. Buying secondhand doesn’t just save money—it keeps quality children’s items in use longer and out of landfills. It’s a simple way to make a difference while shopping for your family. Want the Best Selection? Several early shopping events are available before the sale opens to the public, including VIP Shopping, Team Member Shopping, and special
presales for new and expecting parents, teachers, military members, first responders, and healthcare professionals. Public shopping is free, and everyone is welcome. Looking to Sell? Have closets full of clothes or toys your kids have outgrown? Become a consignor and turn those gently loved items into extra cash while shopping before the public. Join Us This Fall September 21–26, 2026 at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 100 North 18th Street, Monroe For sale hours, early shopping opportunities, consignor registration, and more information, visit www.munchkinmarket.com. Whether you’re shopping, selling, or doing a little of both, we’d love to welcome you to Monroe Munchkin Market. Eighteen years later, we’re still helping Northeast Louisiana families shop smarter, save more, and pass it on.
Story Cannabis
Local Care, Trusted Guidance, and a New Chapter
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TORY 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.
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Find the Good Day September 17, 2026
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VERY YEAR ON SEPTEMBER 17, JUNIOR LEAGUES across the world come together to celebrate International Find the Good Day, a day dedicated to finding the good in ourselves, our communities, and the world around us. Created by The Junior League, Find the Good Day is a reminder that even in challenging times, there is always an opportunity to focus on what is positive. From acts of kindness and service to celebrating the people who make a difference in our communities, this day shines a light on the impact we can make when we choose optimism, compassion, and action. On September 17, 2026, Junior League members and communities across the nation will participate in events and activities that celebrate the good happening all around us. These efforts may look different from League to League. Some may host community events, volunteer projects, or opportunities to support local organizations, while others may create moments centered around self-care, connection, and personal growth. At the heart of each effort is the same goal: to recognize the good and inspire more of it. Find the Good Day also celebrates the many ways Junior League members make an impact. It is an opportunity to recognize the work we do in our communities, the leadership skills women develop through Junior League, and the friendships and connections that strengthen us along the way. Every volunteer hour, every community initiative, every new leader encouraged, and every person supported is part of a much bigger movement. You do not have to be a Junior League member to participate. Find the Good Day is for everyone. Use September 17th as an opportunity to look around your own community and intentionally focus on the positive. Thank someone who has made a difference in your life. Help a neighbor. Volunteer with a local nonprofit. Support a small business. Encourage a friend. Pick up litter in your neighborhood. Write a note of appreciation. Sometimes finding the good is as simple as taking a moment to notice it and then choosing to add a little more good to the world yourself. This September, join the Junior League of Monroe in finding the good. Celebrate the people, organizations, acts of kindness, and community efforts that make Northeast Louisiana a special place to call home. Find the Good Day is more than a date on the calendar. It is a celebration of compassion, community, leadership, and positive change—and a reminder that when we come together, small acts of good can create a lasting impact. Find the good. Celebrate the good. Be the good. And if Find the Good Day inspires you to become more involved in your community, we invite you to learn more about the Junior League of Monroe and discover how you can be part of a community of women committed to making a difference.
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Washington Plaza
Historic Character in a Professional Space
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OR BUSINESSES SEEKING OFFICE SPACE THAT offers both prestige and practicality, Washington Plaza stands apart as one of Northeast Louisiana’s most distinctive professional addresses. Located in the heart of downtown Monroe, this landmark building combines historic charm with modern conveniences, creating a work environment unlike any other in the region. The story of Washington Plaza begins in the early 1900s when the building served as The Monroe Hardware Company. Decades later, in the 1980s, the structure was thoughtfully renovated into commercial office space while preserving the architectural features that make it a treasured part of Monroe’s history. Today, visitors are immediately struck by the building’s remarkable character. Massive original heart pine beams, antique brick walls, and a stunning 64-foot skylight create an atmosphere that reflects the craftsmanship and quality of a bygone era. The spacious atrium serves as the focal point of the building, with each floor overlooking the beautiful interior. Glass-enclosed elevators provide impressive views of these historic surroundings, making every trip through the building a unique experience. What truly sets Washington Plaza apart is its ability to offer an upscale professional environment at a competitive price. Locally owned and managed for more than 50 years, the property has built a reputation for providing quality office space while maintaining a personal level of service that tenants appreciate. Washington Plaza offers a variety of office options to meet the needs of businesses of all sizes. Available spaces include traditional office suites with varying layouts as well as individual offices within the Executive Suites. The building is particularly well-suited for medical professionals, attorneys, insurance agencies, engineering firms, healthcare-related businesses, and other professional service providers seeking a convenient and professional location. Tenants enjoy numerous amenities designed to simplify daily operations, including furnished utilities, daily janitorial service, an automatic sprinkler system, convenient onsite parking, and a variety of floor plans to accommodate individual business needs. Its central location places businesses within close proximity to St. Francis Medical Center, the Ouachita Parish Courthouse, and Interstate 20, making it easily accessible for both employees and clients. In a market filled with ordinary office buildings, Washington Plaza offers something different. It provides the opportunity to work in an impressive, historic setting while enjoying the conveniences required by today’s professionals. Combining architectural beauty, practical amenities, and affordable rental rates, Washington Plaza continues to be one of the most respected business addresses in Northeast Louisiana.
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THE FASHION
ICON KATIE BONNETTE IS NOT IN THE BUSINESS OF SELLING CLOTHES. After more than two decades of maneuvering the trendy landscape of the fashion retail business, especially one that has shifted to digital platforms over the years, she has grasped the true nature of her occupation. “We’re in the business to build relationships, pour into women, help them leave here feeling confident and beautiful and powerful,” she says with a certainty that is indicative of her edifying journey from working in retail at a young age to taking a chance on herself and owning two successful boutiques in Ruston, Louisiana. ARTICLE BY VANELIS RIVERA PHOTOGRAPHY BY KELLY MOORE CLARK
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WEST MONROE NATIVE, BONNETTE CONSIDERS HER BEGINNINGS humble. “I wasn’t raised with a silver spoon so to say.” Her father was a full-time Baptist preacher and her mother was a teacher. “We never went without, but we didn’t have a lot growing up.” Even then, her mother was the epitome of style and class. She remembers tagging along while her mother rummaged through discount racks, selecting clothing items that always made her look like “a million bucks.” It was an important lesson to learn, especially since, as a child of the 90s, she constantly had her head in fashion magazines. “I couldn’t buy them because, my gosh, they were like six bucks,” Bonnette recalls, explaining that her absorption wasn’t tied to name brands. Instead, she was mesmerized by the beauty of the clothing, the photographic aesthetic of the ads, the styling of the women from hair to makeup to accessories. The overall impact of clothing ads and her mother’s intuitive fashion sense informed her from a very young age that style is what you make it. Bonnette’s fashion retail experience began in high school when she worked at a children’s clothing boutique. But her savvy for sales shone during her college years. While attending Louisiana State University (LSU), she worked at a local boutique part-time. There, she was offered a sales job by a customer who admired her work ethic and natural ability to relate to anyone who walked into the store. The offer took her by surprise. She opted to pray about it first, unsure of whether she wanted to leave an undemanding job, especially as a college student. “All I had to do was show up and sell clothes, and I got like five raises in six months because, baby, I could sell it.” Ultimately, Bonnette joined Rodéo Boutique at 18 years old. There, noting her potential, owner Shanna Boudreaux poured into her. They traveled together to elaborate markets from New York to Los Angeles to Las Vegas, which allowed Bonnette to gain valuable experience in the wholesale industry building the foundation for what would become her entrepreneurial success. After Bonnette graduated from LSU with a degree in general studies, Boudreaux pitched the idea of opening a store together. Initially, the partners were considering Austin as a destination, but even then (15 years ago) the rent was too high. “As high as a cat’s back,” says Bonnette. In the midst of regrouping, Bonnette’s heart shifted. She was dating Wesley Bonnette, the man who would become her husband, and she didn’t want to move further from him. So, in 2010, the business partners opened Rodéo Boutique in downtown Ruston. Nine years later, Bonnette bought her out, rebranding and relaunching what is now Goldie Boutique. A year after, emboldened and ready for another challenge, she bought The Fashion of Ruston, a boutique many consider a Ruston staple, having been open for close to 75 years. Bonnette considers it a privilege to own a piece of Ruston’s heritage, ripe with history and the footsteps of so many generations of women. “I’m dressing now like four generations of people. I’m dressing the grandmother, the daughter, the mom, the granddaughter. It’s wild. It’s unbelievable to get to be a part of it,” she says. The two stores are a block apart and in many ways have grown up with Bonnette. She likes to think of The Fashion as the grown-up sister who is “very posh, very mature, and has her life together,” while Goldie is the fun little sister who likes a good time and is the life of the party. While the energy of both stores are different and Bonnette is meticulous about curating them based on the demographics each serves best, she treats them like sections of a department store, akin to Neiman’s or Dillards. Customers can peruse the “section” they associate themselves with most,
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and, of course, that can change based on mood or event. After all, some of us may be a little Goldie and little Fashion at the same time.
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IKE HER TWO STORES, Bonnette is very much fluid with her style. “I have never been afraid to dress how I like,” she says, admitting that such bravado has come with questionable fashion choices, like the time she came home wearing a house coat that had been repurposed into a dress and detailed with bunny applique on the bottom. She remains unbothered by the memory. One of her fashion mottos is, “Wear what you like. Wear what you feel good in.” She considers the practicality of clothing, its quality, and aesthetic. Not only does she understand that fashion is different for everyone, but she encourages people to dress according to what makes them comfortable and confident. For her, that has shown up in two style forms, which her best friend Morgan Thornhill has dubbed as her Jackie O and JFK Jr. looks. “Today, I have on like a short sleeve sweatshirt with a barrel jean, but then catch me on Sunday, and I’m gonna look like Jackie O,” she laughs. Her comfort clothes are a novelty tee, novelty sweatshirt, or funky pattern blouse from the brand Mother (which her stores carry) styled with a cool pair of jeans. Shockingly, she’s not a “dress girl,” so when she wants to feel like she’s that girl she reaches for a power outfit like a bodysuit, dress pants, or dressy romper with high-end shoes. “Gucci is my weakness.”
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ith or without pomp, one of the most important things Bonnette reminds her customers is to always dress to your body type. “Size doesn’t matter,” she declares. What people initially notice is how a piece of clothing looks on you. She’s particularly proud of Goldie’s Golden Curve collection, her number one online seller. She credits Thornhill for its conception. About four years ago, Thornhill was “hounding” her to expand her sizes, saying, “Big girls want cute clothes, too.” She listened to her friend who explained her usual shopping experience 98 SEPTEMBER 2026 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM
consisted of finding uniform tops she’d have to buy in about 10 different colors. So, they started searching for the best brands and fits, and now she proudly features those pieces on social media with Thornhill as model and captioned so everyone knows the clothing is in a “full size run.” Bonnette asserts that all bodies are embraced at her stores and she has made sure that her employees embrace her ethos of building relationships and not merely selling items. “I pride myself on our customer service. That is my biggest heart with my girls,” she says. As far as she’s concerned, everything else can wait. No matter that 20
boxes were just delivered and everything needs to be priced and tagged. If you’re not helping the customer everything else loses its foundation. From the moment a customer walks into either of her stores, that’s when their experience begins. And regardless of age, they will feel safe enough, and receive guidance and instructions regarding beneficial fits and styles. Communication is key, and Bonnette considers her “girls” educated on the details that can make a difference to customers such as styles that run smaller or the varied tailoring on pants. The online shopping experience has shifted boutique shopping, so she has fostered a business that runs on relationships. “I don’t want to just sell you one top and then you’re done with Goldie forever. I want to build a relationship so that you’re buying this top, but then the next time you have an event to go to, you trust me enough to come back to buy another top.”
Finding clothing for life’s big events transcends cultural boundaries, and Bonnett doesn’t take lightly that often she is living life alongside her customers. “We’re celebrating birthdays with them. We’re celebrating weddings with them.” Sometimes the life experience is simple, a mother-daughter outing where Bonnett can step in and become a sort of mediator, guiding a young teen who may be in her awkward years embrace her body through fits that compliment her and styles that catch her eye. Whether they leave with clothes or not, Bonnet doesn’t care, as long as they can leave with smiles on their face having had a memorable shopping experience. Sometimes that’s all it takes to validate what she does. She thinks of her mother who has lost weight because of a previous cancer diagnosis. (She is in remission now!). Just two months ago, she visited Goldie and found an article of clothing that made her feel beautiful. After a year of her harrowing battle, landing on feeling beautiful is, without a doubt, another victory. Bonnette considers herself a very faithful person. “This is my ministry, and so I feel the force behind what I do,” she says, adding, “I know that this is what I was created to do. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt this is what I was made for.” She leads with kindness, humorously admitting that while she is not the shiniest crayon in the box or sharpest tool in the shed, she is fortunate enough to have built a business on showing kindness and respect to people. Which is to say, her attitude is her aptitude. She doesn’t stand alone in her success. She credits Kelly Hogan, former owner of The Fashion, for being an invaluable mentor, as well as Debbie Herrington and Cindy Stone from Herringstones who have been generous with their wisdom. Between Goldie Boutique and The Fashion of Ruston, Bonnette has curated two spaces where you can leave your worries at the door. “Come, you don’t have to buy anything. I don’t care. Let us dress you up. We love it. Love our people.” WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | SEPTEMBER 2026 99
Thank You, Monroe
Best Public Official in the 2026 Bayou Buzz Awards
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UBLIC TRUST IN ELECTED OFFICIALS is not something that comes easily, and it should never be taken for granted. That is why being chosen as Best Public Official means so much to me. I did not enter public service for recognition. I do this work for you, for your family, and for the difference we can make together every day. This recognition is not an endpoint. It is a vote of confidence in our people, our progress, and the direction we are moving together. It reminds me that Monroe is believing in itself again. For too long, we allowed others to define us by our challenges. We were told what we lacked, why something could not be done, and why opportunity would always pass us by. But Monroe has never been limited by geography, circumstances, or the opinions of those who could not see our potential. Our greatest limitation has always been the size of our vision and whether we believed
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enough to pursue it. Today, I see a community shaking off apathy and rediscovering what is possible. I see residents taking pride in their neighborhoods, businesses investing in our future, and people coming together around a shared belief that our best days are ahead. That confidence is what makes progress possible. Servant leadership means being present. It means sitting at kitchen tables, listening to concerns, walking neighborhoods, responding when storms strike, and standing steady when circumstances demand decisions. Monroe has endured hurricanes, tornadoes, winter storms, and seasons of uncertainty. Each time, we came through stronger because we came through together. Those challenges strengthened my resolve to lead with courage and compassion. They taught us to think differently, pursue new partnerships, embrace innovation, and find better ways to serve our citizens. Leadership
in challenging times requires more than managing what already exists. It requires a vision for what our community can become and the determination to bring people together to achieve it. There is much more work to do, but we should never become so focused on how far we have left to go that we forget how far we have already come. Every safer neighborhood, sidewalk, investment, and restored opportunity is evidence of what happens when we believe in one another. Thank you for believing in me and in our collective vision for Monroe. Thank you for choosing hope over apathy and possibility over limitation. I will keep listening, learning, innovating, and working to earn your trust. Together, we have accomplished much. Together, we will go farther still. Semper Fidelis, Friday Ellis
Smiling Into September
Start the School Year with a Healthy, Confident Smile
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S SUMMER WINDS DOWN AND school routines begin, September is the perfect time to refocus on your family’s health, including your smiles. Whether you’re scheduling routine cleanings or exploring cosmetic treatments, the team at Bayou Dental Group in Monroe is here to help patients of every age smile confidently into the new season. Back-to-school is one of the busiest times of year for families, making preventive dental care more important than ever. Regular checkups help identify small concerns before they become larger problems, reducing the chance of unexpected dental issues that could interrupt school, work, or extracurricular activities. Professional cleanings also remove plaque and tartar that daily brushing and flossing can’t fully eliminate, helping prevent cavities and gum disease while keeping smiles bright and healthy. At Bayou Dental, advanced technology and compassionate care go hand in hand. Dr.
David Finley and Dr. PJ Henderson utilize modern digital X-rays and comprehensive exams to detect concerns early, allowing for more conservative treatment and healthier longterm outcomes. From preventive services like fluoride treatments and sealants to restorative and cosmetic dentistry, every treatment plan is tailored to each patient’s individual needs. Meet Your Dentists Dr. David Finley: Experience You Can Trust With a lifelong passion for craftsmanship and patient care, Dr. David Finley has built a reputation for combining clinical excellence with an artistic eye. A graduate of the University of Louisiana at Monroe and LSU School of Dentistry, he has spent decades helping patients achieve healthy, beautiful smiles. Dr. Finley remains one of Louisiana’s most accomplished dentists, holding Fellowship status in both the Academy of General Dentistry and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry—an achievement earned by only
a select number of dentists statewide. His commitment to continuing education ensures patients receive the highest standard of care using today’s most advanced techniques. Dr. PJ Henderson: Modern Dentistry with a Personal Touch A Monroe native, Dr. PJ Henderson combines precision, innovation, and compassion in every patient interaction. After earning his DDS from the LSU School of Dentistry, he joined Bayou Dental with a passion for providing comfortable, comprehensive care while helping patients feel relaxed throughout their visit. Whether treating routine dental needs or creating beautiful smile transformations, Dr. Henderson is dedicated to delivering personalized care that helps patients enjoy lasting oral health and renewed confidence. As the seasons change, now is the perfect opportunity to prioritize your family’s dental health. A healthy smile contributes to overall wellness, confidence, and quality of life at every age. Schedule your fall dental visit today and step into the remainder of 2026 with a smile you’ll be proud to share. Call Bayou Dental Group in Monroe today to schedule your family’s next appointment—and keep everyone smiling all season long.
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Coming Home to Care Magnolia General Dentistry
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OR DR. JORDAN CALDWELL GLADNEY, opening Magnolia General Dentistry wasn’t simply about starting a dental practice—it was about coming home. Born and raised in Bastrop, Dr. Jordan has always shared a deep connection to the community that shaped her. After years of education and training, she returned home with a vision of creating a practice where patients are treated with kindness, compassion, and genuine hospitality. Since opening its doors in December 2025, Magnolia General Dentistry has quickly become a place where patients can expect more than quality dental care. A Call to Serve Dr. Jordan’s path to dentistry was inspired by a simple but meaningful desire: to care for others while helping them feel more confident in themselves. That passion for serving others led her from Prairie View Academy in Bastrop to Louisiana Tech University, where she earned her degree in Biology, before continuing to the LSU School of Dentistry to receive her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree.
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Although her education took her beyond Bastrop, her heart never strayed far from home. After reconnecting with her now-husband, Daniel, the couple realized that building their future in Bastrop was exactly where they were meant to be. More Than Just a Dental Office While Magnolia General Dentistry offers comprehensive dental services, including general, cosmetic, restorative, emergency, family dentistry, implant restorations, crowns, and veneers, patients quickly discover that what truly sets the practice apart isn’t just the services offered. It’s the atmosphere. The office embraces the warmth of small-town living, where patients are greeted by name, conversations happen naturally, and genuine relationships are formed. A Team That Makes the Difference Dr. Jordan is quick to credit her team for helping make Magnolia General Dentistry such a special place. Their compassion, professionalism, and commitment to patients is evident in every interaction. Whether explaining proper oral hygiene techniques or helping patients understand
the “why” behind recommended treatment, the team believes informed patients make healthier decisions. That genuine care shines through in every aspect of the patient experience and has become one of Magnolia General Dentistry’s defining qualities. Building a Lasting Legacy Opening Magnolia General Dentistry was a leap of faith, but one that has already been met with overwhelming encouragement and support from the community. For Dr. Jordan, every new patient represents another opportunity to serve the hometown that helped shape her into the person and dentist she is today. At Magnolia General Dentistry, dentistry is about more than cleanings, fillings, or crowns. It’s about creating a place where patients feel at home, where compassion guides every decision, and where hometown values continue to make a lasting difference—one smile at a time.
Bayou Bariatrics Boosts Confidence Patient Notices Improvements in Skin
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ILLIAN RUSSELL BEGAN NOTICING subtle changes in her face; her features looked less firm and defined. Jillian decided to try EMFACE, one of the many non-invasive, firming treatments available at Bayou Bariatrics, founded by surgeon Dr. Mohamed Bakeer. She said, “I’ve already noticed a difference. I would also consider this a preventative treatment to help maintain the strength in the muscles.” This technique focuses on muscle tone and facial lifting. EMFACE combines synchronized Radiofrequency (RF) with HighIntensity Facial Electromagnetic Stimulation (HIFES) to stimulate and strengthen the deep facial muscles. The RF gently heats the skin to boost collagen and elastin, improving firmness and elasticity, while HIFES triggers thousands of muscle contractions to tone and strengthen facial muscles. Many also notice relief
from TMJ-related tension and discomfort. Treatments only last 20 minutes and are considered painless. Jillian, a Monroe resident who works remotely in telecommunications construction, said she experienced “no discomfort.” What she also liked: she was allowed to choose which facial muscles to target. She said, “I chose my frown lines and under the chin. Those were the areas that really bothered me.” Jillian also tried EXION BODY, a noninvasive body-contouring and skin-tightening treatment designed to reduce stubborn fat and tighten loose skin on areas like the abdomen, thighs, arms, and flanks. Using advanced radiofrequency technology, EXION Body sculpts and redefines body contours while improving skin texture and elasticity. This innovative system targets stubborn fat deposits and sagging skin, offering a comprehensive solution for body rejuvenation.
“I asked Bayou Bariatrics to focus on the abdomen; the skin in that area has always lacked elasticity and was starting to become crepey,” Jillian said. “I really like this treatment because, like the EMFACE, it’s something you can do without anyone knowing. It’s quick, there’s no downtime, no redness, no irritation.” Jillian is already planning future treatments and “highly recommends” Bayou Bariatrics. “Dr. Bakeer’s nurse, Tori, is very knowledgeable and very kind. I looked forward to seeing her. She always makes me feel at ease and answers all of my questions. When I asked her about other procedures, she was very forthcoming and would tell me I didn’t need that treatment yet. I really value that kind of honesty.” Dr. Bakeer founded Bayou Bariatrics on the philosophy that treatments should be tailored to each individual’s needs. Bayou Bariatrics offers a multitude of non-invasive firming treatments, IV infusions, vitamin injections, hormone therapy, weightloss medications, and weight-loss surgeries. Ready to transform your body? Book a consultation at Bayou Bariatrics, located in the Surgery Clinic of Northeast Louisiana.
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Leadership That Serves
Three Center Team Members Recognized as Top 20 Under 40
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HE CENTER FOR CHILDREN & Families is proud to celebrate three members of its team, Jiame Brown, Liz Gaught, and Lacey Kennon, who were named nominees for the Monroe Chamber of Commerce’s Top 20 Under 40 Young Professional Awards. Jiame Brown and Liz Gaught were selected among this year’s Top 20 honorees, while Lacey Kennon was recognized as a nominee. This recognition marks the third consecutive year that a member of The Center’s team has been selected as a Top 20 Under 40 honoree, a reflection of the leadership found throughout the organization. For Jiame Brown, Community Engagement Specialist for Brokers of Hope, leadership is rooted in connection. Through her work in Union Parish, she creates opportunities for families and young people to connect with support and education. She founded the Union Parish Outreach Meetings and leads “It’s a
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Girl Thing” at Union General Hospital. Her service extends beyond The Center through the Farmerville Lions Club, her church’s youth program, and community events. She is also pursuing dual master’s degrees in Marriage and Family Counseling and School Counseling. As Marketing & Communications Director, Liz Gaught has built her work around relationships and the belief that relationships create lasting impact. For six years, she has led The Center’s Christmas Project, growing it from a program serving approximately 600 children in Northeast Louisiana into an effort reaching more than 1,200 children across three regions of Louisiana and Mississippi. Coordinating nearly 400 community sponsors and more than 40 business partners, Gaught has helped turn generosity into moments of hope for families. Her work has also supported fundraising, grants, community awareness, and volunteer engagement. Lacey Kennon, a Pediatric Nurse
Practitioner at The Hope Center, brings a commitment to helping children and adolescents feel heard, valued, and supported. After beginning her nursing career in pediatrics and spending six years caring for critically ill children in a pediatric intensive care unit, she pursued her passion for children’s mental health. Since joining The Hope Center in 2021, Kennon has provided medication management and helped families navigate mental health care. She is currently completing her Post-Master’s Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate. Though their roles are different, Jiame, Liz, and Lacey are each driven by a commitment to serving others. Their recognition celebrates not only individual achievements, but the people who make The Center’s mission possible. Their stories remind us that leadership does not always begin with a title. Sometimes, it begins with a willingness to listen, serve, encourage, and make a difference where you are.
Refinement is En Vogue
Better Business Bureau 2026 Torch Award Finalist
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EPTEMBER IS A SPLENDID MONTH of transition. The school bell rings, the workweek regains its rhythm, and the sanctuary doors continue to welcome worshippers with reverence. In every setting, fashion and etiquette should walk hand in hand. Our attire speaks before our lips utter a word; therefore, it should whisper respect, refinement, and good taste. Within the school system, appropriate dress codes are designed to promote learning, modesty, safety, and unity. Students should arrive neat, clean, and ready to learn, wearing clothing that covers the body properly and avoids distracting images, slogans, or excessive exposure. Faculty and staff should model professional appearance through well-fitted garments, polished shoes, and grooming that reflects leadership. A student who learns to dress with care also learns that presentation is part of personal responsibility. In the workplace, fashion etiquette is a silent ambassador of competence. Whether the
environment calls for business professional, business casual, uniforms, or creative attire, one should never confuse relaxed with carelessness. Hemlines, necklines, fragrance, accessories, and footwear must be considered with wisdom. Clothing should allow others to focus on your character, contribution, and conversation, not on garments that are too tight, too sheer, too loud, or too informal for the occasion. The church scene deserves sensitivity. Entering a house of worship is not a fashion show, yet it should never be treated casually. Traditional dress, contemporary elegance, cultural garments, hats, suits, dresses, and tasteful separates all have a place when worn with humility and dignity. The goal is not extravagance; the goal is reverence. We may be stylish, but we must also be mindful of where we are, whom we represent, and how our presence may influence others. Manners complete the wardrobe. Please, thank you, a pleasant greeting, a firm but gentle
handshake, punctuality, appropriate posture, lowered voices, and respect for personal space remain timeless accessories. Refinement is not reserved for the wealthy; it belongs to anyone willing to practice discipline, courtesy, and grace. As we dress for school, work, church, and community life, let us remember this: good taste is not measured by price tags, trends, or applause. It is measured by appropriateness, cleanliness, modesty, and respect. When fashion is guided by etiquette, we do more than look well—we live well, lead well, and leave a first impression worthy of our wonderful world. Suggested Reading: Emily Post’s Etiquette: The Centennial Edition. Event Spotlight: Watha’s Wonderful World, LLC® is honored to have facilitated a five-star dining experience in July 2026 for the Royal Court, leaders, and officers of Queens of Tomorrow, Inc. Our monthly submission features charming and elegant group members who mastered American and European dining techniques as they indulged in a chef-curated meal at the Lotus Club of Monroe, Louisiana. A heartfelt thanks is extended to Ms. Elisha Wilkinson and Ms. LaToyna Sweet for serving as chaperones for this event. Upcoming Event: The Next Level Winter 2026 Jr. Cotillon enrollment is now open. Please contact us at (318) 647-4495 for more information.
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BAYOU E AT S
TIMEZ KITCHEN AND KOCKTAIL
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reshatta Davis likes to say she went from the bar to the state bar. Since graduating from the Southern University Law Center and passing the Louisiana State Bar Exam in 2019, Davis has been an attorney, splitting her time between her two law firms in Monroe and Baton Rouge, respectively. She also leads Future Lawyer Academy, a nonprofit focused on mentoring students who aspire to legal careers. Before beginning her legal career, Davis could most often be found mixing and serving drinks. Years of working as a bartender helped the Monroe native pay her way through law school. Beyond that, it sparked a love for the service industry within her, and that passion for serving guests quality food and drink is the very foundation on which she has built Timez Kitchen and Kocktail. Timez opened at 1207 Desiard Street in March 2026, but the idea of restaurateurship 106 SEPTEMBER 2026 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM
existed in Davis’s mind long before then. “I always wanted to have a sports bar,” Davis says, explaining her vision for a space tailored to women, complete with pink barstools and purse hooks. “I bartended and worked at Olive Garden and Red Lobster, while I was in high school. In college, I worked at a couple of hotels, so I’ve always been in the service industry, and I’ve always loved it. It’s something I had a heart for, a heart for people and a heart to have those conversations at the bar.” When Davis returned to Monroe upon graduating law school, she noticed a gap in her hometown’s restaurant market that shifted her sports bar dreams. “I always longed for that good soul food,” she explains. “There used to be Granny’s, Catfish Cabin, Hollywood Snack Bar, Big Momma’s, but they all shut down. I was getting the southern comfort food in a lot of
Article by Starla Gatson Styling by Maré Brennan Photography by Kelly Moore Clark
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other places [I traveled], but a lot of the restaurants that served it in Monroe were shutting down.” Davis believes people should give back to the communities that raised them. When she saw the hole that these now-defunct soul food kitchens left behind, she was determined to fill it. And she knew just who to call upon to help. “[My mom] had been a cook at Lakeshore Elementary,” Davis says. “She worked there for over 20 years, and a lot of the kids that went there loved Ms. Glenda’s cooking.” Davis’s mother, who had only recently retired, picked up an apron and followed her daughter back into the kitchen. The duo, along with a small group of hired cooks, family members, and close friends, got to work setting a menu. According to Davis, the group used dishes they already enjoyed — Olive Garden pastas, LongHorn Steakhouse lamb chops, fried chicken, and fried fish, for instance — as reference points. Then, they began creating their own versions of these meals, tailoring them to their unique palates and preferences. Davis says they also drew inspiration from recipes passed down through her and her friends’ families. “We prepared the food with those family recipes, and then we voted on a favorite and taught all the cooks that particular recipe,” she remembers. Finally, Davis and her team landed on a menu she was pleased with. That wasn’t easy, she says with a laugh, adding, “I didn’t let anything on the menu, until it passed my test. I have very high standards.”
TIMEZ KITCHEN AND KOCKTAIL The Timez menu is diverse enough to accommodate a variety of tastes and includes dishes like the Old Timez Cheeseburger, chicken tenders and wings, chef and spring salads, grilled salmon, and fried catfish. Besides an impressive lunch and dinner menu, Timez Kitchen and Kocktails also has an extensive drink menu complete with plenty of signature drinks.
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ith her stamp of approval on the dishes, there was only one thing left to do: open for business. The community responded to Timez quickly, and business picked up so fast that Davis had to open up a patio space to accommodate more patrons. From 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and noon to 7:00 p.m. Sunday, guests settle into a booth inside or claim a table outside to enjoy the dishes Davis, her mother, and the rest of the Timez Kitchen crew have concocted. The Timez menu is diverse enough to accommodate a variety of tastes and includes dishes like the Old Timez Cheeseburger, chicken tenders and wings, chef and spring salads, grilled salmon, and fried catfish. The Lamb Chop Lollipops are also a fan-favorite, Davis says, adding that, though she loves everything she serves, they’re her top pick. “I truly believe we have the best lamb chops in the state,” she declares. “There’s a nice sauce with them, but the dish can stand alone. They’re just good.” The side dish selection, a soul food-lover’s delight, is where the family recipes come in. Classic comforting dishes like macaroni and cheese, mustard greens, candied yams, black-eyed peas, fried okra, cornbread, and hush puppies make up this menu. Each is made by Davis’s mother, who functions as the Timez kitchen manager. Regardless of what you order, Davis assures that her mother and the rest of the kitchen staff cook it the same way: “With love, that extra ingredient you can’t buy in stores.” Besides an impressive lunch and dinner menu, Timez Kitchen and Kocktails also has an extensive drink menu complete with plenty of signature drinks — a given, considering the establishment’s name. Vodka enthusiasts can round out their meal with a Time Keeper — with vodka, coffee liqueur, Irish cream, and espresso. It’s Timez’s take on the classic espresso martini — or an Overtime Moscow Mule. Bourbon fans might enjoy a Timeless Old Fashion, which blends bourbon with bitters and simple syrup, or a Golden Hour, a mixture of bourbon, honey syrup, bitters, and lemon juice. Davis says she’s proud of each food and drink item her restaurant offers, declaring, “I truly love them all.” She’s equally as pleased with the atmosphere she has created within Timez. Marbled white tabletops, gold accents, and black tables, chairs, and shelves give the space a clean, upscale feel that, according to Davis, patrons often compliment. 110 SEPTEMBER 2026 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM
BAYOU EAT S : T I M EZ K ITC HE N A N D KO C K TA IL S
She notes that her guests are often particularly struck by the clock wall — “I have about 40 clocks on one wall,” Davis explains — and the greenery-covered patio swing. Elements like these, plus the decor pieces she personally sourced from places like T.J. Maxx and Ross, show just how much energy Davis put into Timez’s interior design. She wanted her restaurant to look nice, she says, not just for aesthetic purposes but to make sure it could serve each of her guests well. The choices she’s made, including thoughtful decor and a dress code — no revealing clothing, no garments displaying obscenities, and no sleepwear — aim to ensure every guest’s comfort and keep Timez family-friendly. Judging by the wide range of customers she and her staff have hosted, Davis’s effort has paid off. “People are deciding to spend their birthdays with us, people have proposed with us, they’ve had their anniversaries with us,” she says. “I had one group bring their grandma to celebrate her 97th birthday with us. I love that all kinds of people are experiencing some of life’s best moments inside of Timez.” Her hope is that they continue coming back and spread the word about what her restaurant has to offer so that new faces begin to come through the doors, too. She says she’s noticed that people in Ouachita Parish like to stick to what’s familiar and encourages them to branch out and try something new in their community. “Things like BayouLife and Discover Monroe-West Monroe help people discover little treasures that they may not have even known were in Monroe,” she says. And, she adds, there are plenty of little treasures to be discovered. “It’s such a growing town, and I’m excited we’re all doing our part to bring life to it.” WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | SEPTEMBER 2026 111
Eat to Lose
Expert Nutrition Guidance for Every Stage of Weight Loss
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MPROVING YOUR HEALTH SHOULDN’T feel overwhelming, and it shouldn’t end when a prescription does. At Eat to Lose, Andi Holyfield LDN, RD helps individuals, families, and businesses build sustainable nutrition habits that create lifelong success, not temporary results. With years of clinical experience and a collaborative approach alongside physicians, Andi develops personalized nutrition plans that support weight management, diabetes, metabolic health, bariatric nutrition, cholesterol improvement, and overall wellness. Every plan is designed around each client’s lifestyle, making healthy eating realistic, enjoyable, and sustainable. Customized Counseling As more people turn to GLP-1 medications for weight loss, Andi is helping clients maximize their success both during treatment and beyond. She creates customized meal plans specifically for individuals taking GLP-1 medications, ensuring they receive the nutrients needed to preserve muscle mass, maintain energy, and establish healthy eating habits while losing weight. For those
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preparing to transition off GLP-1 medications, Andi provides the nutrition education and ongoing support needed to help maintain results through sustainable lifestyle changes rather than relying solely on medication, and Andi is knowledgeable about FDA approved peptides for weight loss. Group Discounts Eat to Lose also believes better health shouldn’t happen alone. That’s why Andi offers group discounts for friends, families, and organizations looking to improve their health together. Whether it’s spouses encouraging one another, coworkers creating healthier habits, or community groups working toward shared wellness goals, accountability and support often lead to even greater success. Corporate Plans For employers, Eat to Lose’s corporate wellness program is an investment in both employees and the workplace. Healthy employees are often more energetic, productive, and engaged, making nutrition counseling a valuable benefit for companies committed to fostering a healthier
workforce. Through corporate discounts and personalized nutrition coaching, businesses can empower employees to improve their health while building a stronger, more productive team. A New Healthy You The results speak for themselves. Clients like Leslie have transformed their lives by embracing simple, consistent habits such as meal preparation, daily walking, exercise, and healthier food choices; losing more than 40 pounds while gaining confidence, mobility, and a renewed quality of life. These success stories are proof that lasting change begins with small, intentional steps. Whether you’re seeking one-on-one nutrition counseling, guidance while taking GLP-1 medications, knowledgeable about FDA approved peptides for weight loss, support transitioning off those medications, or a wellness program for your workplace, Eat to Lose offers practical, evidencebased solutions designed to help you succeed for life. Because healthy habits don’t just change numbers on a scale; they change lives.
Care That Connects
Expert Endocrine Care with a Personal Touch
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HEN PATIENTS SIT DOWN with Dr. Stanfield, they aren’t meeting someone who had to learn what life is like in rural Louisiana. He already knows. Growing up in Natchitoches and now raising three young boys in Dubach, he understands the traditions, values and pace of life that shape many North Louisiana families. That familiarity helps him create treatment plans that feel realistic, not overwhelming, and gives patients confidence that they’re working with someone who truly understands their world. That hometown perspective is one of the reasons Dr. Stanfield chose to join Reeves Memorial Medical Center. As an endocrinologist, he cares for patients with diabetes, thyroid disorders, osteoporosis, adrenal and pituitary conditions, and other hormone-related diseases. By bringing specialty endocrinology services to Bernice, patients
throughout Union Parish and the surrounding region can receive expert care closer to home rather than traveling hours for appointments. For Dr. Stanfield, medicine has always been about people. Seeing family members navigate serious health issues inspired him to pursue a career as a physician, while endocrinology appealed to him because it allows him to build lasting relationships with patients. Many endocrine conditions require ongoing care, giving him the opportunity to help patients not only manage their health but also understand it. “My goal is to educate patients so they can manage their condition while still enjoying life,“ he says. “Every person is different, so every treatment plan should be, too.“ That personalized approach extends beyond the exam room. Dr. Stanfield and his wife, an ophthalmologist whom he met in medical school, intentionally chose to raise their family in Dubach because they wanted their three sons to experience the same small-town
lifestyle they enjoyed growing up. Whether they’re tending their gardens, working out together in the family’s garage gym or spending time outdoors, family remains at the center of their lives. Those values align naturally with the mission of Reeves Memorial Medical Center, where compassionate, patient-centered care is more than a philosophy, it’s part of everyday practice. The hospital encourages caregivers to listen first, treat every patient with dignity and respect, and empower individuals to take an active role in their health. For families living with diabetes, thyroid disease or other endocrine conditions, choosing a specialist is about more than credentials. It’s about finding a physician who listens, understands your goals and works alongside you for the long haul. For Dr. Stanfield, that’s exactly the kind of care he set out to provide, and exactly why coming to Reeves felt like the right fit.
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A Weekend to Remember
St. Matthew’s and St. Frederick Alumni Reunion Celebrates Lifelong Friendships
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OR GENERATIONS OF STUDENTS, St. Matthew’s and St. Frederick High School have been more than places of learning, they have been places where lifelong friendships were formed, faith was strengthened, and countless memories were made. This fall, alumni will have the opportunity to relive those special moments during a reunion weekend designed to celebrate the enduring legacy of both schools. On October 23-24, 2026, St. Matthew’s Catholic Church and St. Frederick High School invite all who attended St. Matthew’s between 1950 and 1965, along with the children and grandchildren of St. Frederick High School alumni, to gather for a memorable weekend of fellowship, celebration, and tradition. The festivities begin on Friday, October 23rd, as alumni and friends cheer on the Warriors during a 7:00 p.m. football game at Chip Luffey Field. The evening promises
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to be a wonderful opportunity to reconnect while supporting the next generation of Warriors. Admission to the game is $10. The celebration continues on Saturday, October 24th, with a special 4:00 p.m. Mass at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church, offering alumni the chance to worship together in the church that has been a cornerstone of so many lives. Following Mass, guests are invited to gather at the St. Frederick High School Gym beginning at 6:00 p.m. for an evening of food, fellowship, laughter, and the sharing of cherished memories. Whether reminiscing about classroom experiences, favorite teachers, football games, school traditions, or lifelong friendships, the reunion promises to be a meaningful occasion for reconnecting with classmates and celebrating the bonds that have endured through the decades. The weekend is also an opportunity to honor the legacy of St. Matthew’s and
St. Frederick, whose commitment to faith, education, and community has shaped generations of students and families throughout Northeast Louisiana. Those connections continue to inspire alumni and their families today, making this reunion a celebration not only of the past, but of a shared heritage that continues into the future. Organizers encourage alumni to spread the word to classmates, friends, and family members who may be part of this special group. Every reunion is richer when more familiar faces return to celebrate the memories that have stood the test of time. For reunion updates and additional information, please contact reunions@ stfrederickhigh.org. Organizers look forward to welcoming alumni home for a weekend filled with faith, friendship, and Warrior pride.
Louisiana Surgery Center Meet Dr. Sol Graves
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OUISIANA SURGERY CENTER BRINGS together experienced specialists committed to providing advanced orthopaedic care close to home. With a focus on personalized treatment, modern surgical techniques, and helping patients return to active lives, the center serves patients throughout North Louisiana. Among its team of highly trained physicians is Dr. Sol Graves, a fellowship-trained sports medicine specialist with deep roots in the region and decades of experience caring for athletes and patients. Fellowship-trained sports medicine specialist Dr. Sol Graves joined North Louisiana Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Clinic in 2001. His practice is focused on arthroscopic surgery with a special interest in shoulder and knee care and the treatment of sports-related injuries and conditions. He enjoys taking care of athletes and being involved in their treatment and recovery process, and in arthroscopic surgery, Dr. Graves is able to treat a broad range of patients and
provide minimal risks and quicker recoveries. Dr. Graves is a native of Monroe. After graduating from Ouachita Christian High School, he attended Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology. While in college, he served as the starting quarterback and cocaptain of the football team. After obtaining his medical degree from Louisiana State University School of Medicine in New Orleans, Dr. Graves completed an orthopaedic residency in Jackson, Mississippi, at The University of Mississippi Medical Center. He then completed a fellowship in sports medicine in Knoxville, Tennessee, at Knoxville Orthopaedic Clinic. Dr. Graves serves as one of the team physicians for both Louisiana Tech University athletics and the University of Louisiana Monroe athletics. In addition, he has provided orthopaedic care for area high school athletes from 2001 to the present. He enjoys the opportunity to take care of patients and see
them get better and get back to doing what they love. When he’s not serving athletes or treating patients, he enjoys spending time with family, playing golf, hunting, and fishing. Board Certification: American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery. Subspecialty Certificate in Orthopaedic Sports Medicine: American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery. His professional associations include the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine. With decades of experience caring for athletes and patients throughout the region, Dr. Graves brings specialized training, local roots, and a personal understanding of athletics to his work. His dedication to shoulder, knee, and sports medicine care complements Louisiana Surgery Center’s commitment to individualized treatment and helping patients regain mobility, recover efficiently, and return to the activities they enjoy.
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BAYOU BUZZWORTHY
Congratulations to The Back Nine Golf – West Monroe on its official ribbon cutting that was held on July 30th. This exciting new business offers virtual golf simulators, memberships, private events and birthday parties for golfers of all skill levels. Stop by and experience the fun at 117 Constitution Drive in West Monroe!
The Monroe Chamber of Commerce recently hosted its State of Local Government Luncheon, bringing together local leaders to share updates, insights and their visions for the future of Northeast Louisiana. Featured speakers included Ouachita Parish Police Jury President Shane Smiley, Monroe Mayor Friday Ellis, Richwood Mayor Gerald Brown and Sterlington Mayor Matt Talbert. The Chamber extends its appreciation to each speaker for their leadership and continued commitment to serving and strengthening our communities.
St. Francis Primary Care and Dr. Hawthorne recently celebrated an official ribbon cutting, marking an exciting milestone for healthcare in Northeast Louisiana. By expanding access to quality care, St. Francis is helping create a healthier, stronger community. Congratulations to Dr. Hawthorne and the entire St. Francis team!
Louisiana National Bank celebrated 11 years in Monroe on August 18th. Locally owned and operated since 1905, LNB has proudly served the Monroe community for more than a decade with personal service and a commitment to its customers. Congratulations to the entire LNB team on this exciting milestone and many more years of providing truly Uncommon Banking!
Corner Coffee celebrated 20 years of serving the community on August 15th! Throughout the day, friends, customers and community members stopped by to celebrate this special milestone with owners Madison and Kaylea Coates and the Corner Coffee family. The celebration honored two decades of great coffee, meaningful connections and countless memories, with many more still to come!
What a week in Monroe! The 89th Annual Louisiana Municipal Association Convention welcomed municipal leaders from across the state for a week of connection, collaboration, learning and plenty of FUNROE! It was an honor to showcase the community while celebrating 100 years of the Louisiana Municipal Association. A special thank-you to the City of Monroe team, volunteers, community partners, local businesses and everyone who helped make the convention a success. 116 SEPTEMBER 2026 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM
Reset Your Skin After Summer
Advanced Skin Analysis & Sun Spot Treatments at DermaMediQ
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FTER A SUMMER FILLED WITH sunshine, pool days, vacations and time outdoors, your skin may be showing a little more of the season than you would like. Brown spots, uneven tone, dryness and changes in texture can become more noticeable after months of UV exposure. At DermaMediQ, Dr. Saidi Sowma-Fakhre and her experienced team offer personalized, technology-driven solutions designed to help patients understand their skin and create a plan for a brighter, healthierlooking complexion. One of the most exciting tools available at DermaMediQ is the Opatra DOME Facial Skin Analyser, an advanced skin-analysis camera that allows the team to look beyond what can be seen in an ordinary mirror. The system uses high-definition digital photography with RGB visible light, polarized light and UV-spectrum imaging to examine both surface and subsurface concerns. In a matter of seconds, the technology captures detailed images and analyzes multiple
skin conditions, including pigmentation, sun damage, pores, texture and other visible signs of aging. For patients concerned about post-summer sun spots, this type of analysis can be especially helpful. UV imaging can reveal sun damage that may not yet be as noticeable on the surface, while polarized and visible-light images provide additional information about pigmentation and overall skin condition. The Opatra system creates easy-to-understand reports that can help guide a more individualized skincare and treatment plan. It can also document the skin over time, making it possible to compare images and visually track progress after treatments. Rather than simply guessing what your skin needs, DermaMediQ can use this detailed analysis as another tool to help identify concerns and discuss appropriate options. Once the skin has been evaluated, Dr. Sowma-Fakhre and the DermaMediQ team offer several advanced treatments that may be
incorporated into a customized post-summer plan. Lumecca by InMode uses intense pulsed light, or IPL, to target unwanted pigmentation, including sun damage, age spots and freckles, while improving overall tone and clarity. Morpheus8 combines microneedling with radiofrequency energy to stimulate collagen and address uneven tone, texture and other signs of aging. For patients needing more intensive resurfacing, CO2 laser treatments can be used to address sun-damaged skin, pigmentation, texture and visible signs of aging by encouraging skin renewal. Fall is an ideal time to take a closer look at the effects summer may have left behind. With the Opatra skin-analysis system and a wide range of advanced aesthetic treatments, DermaMediQ can create a personalized approach based on what your skin is actually showing. Visit DermaMediQ at 1705 Lamy Lane in Monroe or call 318-807-1060 to schedule a consultation.
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Hammer Handle Height Stories From the Tradesmith’s Son
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HEN THEY BROUGHT ME HOME FROM THE hospital, home was a little house nestled out on the Swartz Fairbanks Highway. A house full of holes. And that meant, mosquitoes. They buzzed through cracks and slipped through gaps until Mom and Dad draped mosquito netting over my bassinet to keep them from carrying me away. Dad was twenty when I was born. At twenty, he didn’t have much money or a polished career waiting for him. He had a trade. He’d gone to trade school and learned heating and air conditioning. Over the years, electrical work joined the toolbox too. And Dad worked. He crawled under houses. Squeezed into attics. Wrestled furnaces. Wired houses. Coaxed dead air conditioners back to life in miserable summers. Whatever somebody would pay him to fix, Dad figured out how to fix it. With a young wife and a newborn, he always found a way to put food on the table. Some of my earliest memories trail behind Dad on service calls. Before long, trailing turned into carrying. Carrying turned into helping. And helping turned into working. By ten or eleven, I had become Dad’s unpaid apprentice. One of my jobs was setting electrical boxes. Dad taught me that outlets generally sit about thirteen inches above the unfinished floor. But nobody wiring a house wants to pull out a tape measure fifty times a day. Dad had a better measuring device. A hammer. Stand the hammer on its head, let the handle climb the stud, and set the electrical box at the top. Thirteen inches. Hammer handle height. I’d slap the box against the stud. Tap-tap-tap. Drive the nail. Feed the wire. Move. Hammer. Box. Nail. Wire. At least, that was Dad’s preferred rhythm. I was ten or eleven, so I wasn’t exactly the fastest electrician ever to strap on a tool belt. After hammering a few boxes, my knees needed a rest. Then I noticed the floor. It whispered my name. “Come on down, take a load off, Jerod.” And being a thoughtful young man, I figured somebody ought to hold that floor down. So, I plopped my butt down. The box was right there. The wire was right there. My tools were right there. And, I was comfortable. From where I sat, I had just revolutionized the electrical trade. 118 SEPTEMBER 2026 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM
Dad glanced over. He was not impressed. “Don’t sit on your butt while you’re working like that.” Don’t sit on my butt? I remember thinking God had put a cushion back there specifically for situations like this. Why else would he have padded the thing? I thought it, didn’t say it. “Yes, sir” is what likely came out of my mouth. Dad used to tell me, “Listen to the gray hair.” At ten, I didn’t put much stock in gray hair. Dad didn’t care whether I knelt, squatted, crouched or bent over. Just don’t plant your butt on the floor. Because once your butt hits the ground, your body settles. Your legs relax. And somehow the next electrical box looks a whole lot farther down the wall. Pretty soon, instead of attacking the job, you’re negotiating with it. “I’ll get up in a minute.” “Maybe I can reach the next one from here.” Dad boiled the whole philosophy down to one sentence: “Once your butt touches the ground, your brain turns off.” At ten, I thought Dad was teaching me how to install electrical boxes. He wasn’t. He was teaching me momentum. Stay on your knees, and you’ll crawl to the next box. Stay crouched, and you’ll pop back up. Stay standing, and you’ll step to the next stud. But plant your backside on the floor and something changes. You stop chasing the work. The work starts waiting on you. Thirty-some years have rolled by since then. And something terrible has happened. I’ve got gray hair. Now I’m the guy working with younger technicians. Every so often, I’ll glance over and spot one sitting flat on his butt beside an air conditioner. And suddenly, out of my mouth comes my father. “Get off your butt.” They’ll look at me exactly the way I once looked at Dad. That’s all right. I once looked at my Dad that way too. Turns out, he knew what he was talking about. Dad always said, “Listen to the gray hair.” I finally do. Unfortunately, now some of it’s mine. And one of the best lessons Dad ever hammered into me still stands: Keep moving. Don’t get too comfortable. And if there’s work left to do, don’t plant your butt on the ground. Dad taught me that without a lecture or a motivational speech. All he needed was a hammer. And about thirteen inches. Peace, Jerod Smith President, Mike Smith Heat & Air
ULM Program Receives Awards Two National Awards For Student Engagement and Innovation
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HE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA MONROE HONORS Program earned two national honors at Pathways 2026, a student success conference hosted by Suitable in Philadelphia, Penn., from July 22-24. The Honors Program received both the Distinguished Program Award and the Highest Engagement Award, recognizing the innovative design and exceptional student participation of the Honors FLIGHT Program. Suitable is a software platform and app that assists universities in boosting student engagement outside the classroom. FLIGHT (Forging Leaders, Inspiring Growth, and Harnessing Talent) is ULM Honors’ nationally recognized experiential learning curriculum. Through guided pathways, students intentionally develop competencies in research, leadership, cultural engagement, civic responsibility, career development, and school pride while building a comprehensive record of learning beyond the classroom. As students master each competency, they earn digital badges that communicate their achievements to employers, graduate and professional schools, demonstrating not only what they have learned, but how they have applied that learning in meaningful ways. The Distinguished Program Award recognizes institutions that have demonstrated the highest level of excellence in implementing Suitable to advance student success. According to Suitable, the award honors programs that align their platform with institutional mission, create innovative student experiences, and make a lasting impact on student engagement. “The Distinguished Program Award recognizes the vision behind the FLIGHT Program,” said Dr. Joshua Stockley, director of the ULM Honors Program. “From the beginning, our goal was never simply to track student involvement. We wanted to create a culture where every honors student intentionally connects classroom learning with leadership, research, service, and professional growth. We’re honored that Suitable recognized not only the outcomes we have achieved, but also the intentional design and long-term commitment that made those outcomes possible.” The Honors Program also received the Highest Engagement Award, recognizing programs that achieve exceptional levels of sustained student participation. The FLIGHT Program has maintained 100 percent student engagement for three consecutive years, placing ULM among a select group of programs nationwide to accomplish this distinction. During the past academic year alone, honors students completed nearly 10,000 experiential learning activities across more than 1,600 unique opportunities, ranging from undergraduate research and academic conferences to community service, internships, leadership development, and professional networking. About the FLIGHT Program The FLIGHT Program (Forging Leaders, Inspiring Growth, and Harnessing Talent) connects students to campus and community activities through a point-based system, awarding digital badges that showcase competencies on résumés and professional profiles. For more information, visit: ulm.edu/honors/honors-flight.html WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | SEPTEMBER 2026 119
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“Meredith, Alone” by Claire Alexander
“If Mama taught me anything, it was that what other people think is of paramount importance.”
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he title character in Meredith, Alone warrants a big hug. Suffering from agoraphobia, having not left her Glasgow home in 3 years, Meredith maintains a surprisingly full life. Her friend Sadie drops by with her 2 children, and Meredith’s online community keeps her engaged. As a full-time writer, Meredith spends her leisure time with jigsaw puzzles, jogging her home stairs, attempting luxury recipes, indulging in poetry books, and entertaining her feline companion Fred. After meeting Tom, who drops to check on people who live alone and Celeste, who shares her recent trauma in an online chat room, Meredith decides to face her fear of leaving the house, intent on expanding her life outside of the familiarity of her four walls. The story’s premise sounds limited, but Claire Alexander slowly interweaves the source of Meredith’s trauma, including complicated family dynamics with her sister Fiona and their mother. Childhood flashbacks supplement the plot, layering Meredith’s character with sympathy and heartbreak. While you might be wondering what you have in common with an agoraphobic, Alexander’s subliminal message centers how we channel pain, why we keep secrets, and why so many of these issues surround self-doubt. In a series of confessions, Meredith writes, “My default
position - giving people less reason to be annoyed at me when no reason existed in the first place.” Through a somewhat tragic reality, Meredith’s story is humorous and heartfelt, as the character wants so desperately to connect with others. Her habits of selfsacrifice and people-pleasing will resonate widely. Alexander reminds readers that we all carry trauma, and it manifests in our lives in different ways. Emotional reactions are rarely tied to one source and intermingle to produce inconsistent and confusing behavior. Alexander writes, “Anger is always about something else, isn’t it? Like rejection, or fear, or grief.” While I would give this novel 3 stars out of five, I am glad I read this book, as it educated me on a coping mechanism I can’t see myself practicing. It reminded me of the primacy of human connection and the imperative of stepping outside of our comfort zones. Big steps don’t have to be taken all at once; sometimes a few steps outside our front door is a nice place to start. Claire Alexander has authored 27 books and works as a freelance journalist. She lives with her young family in Scotland. “I wondered what it was like to feel so safe that you believed nothing bad would happen to you, ever.”
REVIEW BY MEREDITH MCKINNIE
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Harvest 4 Heroes Serenity Care Providers
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T SERENITY CARE PROVIDERS, CARING FOR people during vulnerable seasons of life is more than our profession, it is a calling. Each day, we serve elderly, disabled, and injured individuals throughout Northeast Louisiana, helping them maintain dignity and independence at home. That commitment to compassion extends beyond the people we serve and into the communities we call home. One cause especially close to our hearts is supporting the men and women who have served our country. Veterans have sacrificed time with family and often return home facing challenges that continue long after military service ends. We believe those who answered the call to serve our nation deserve a community willing to stand beside them when they need support. That belief is why Serenity Care Providers is proud to support the Ouachita Regional Veterans Association’s Project 4 Hope. Through Project 4 Hope, ORVA is creating more than housing. They are building a supportive community designed to restore stability, dignity, purpose, and hope for veterans and their families. With community support, ORVA purchased eight acres in Arcadia and established four cabin-style homes and a community center. Recently, ORVA was gifted two acres in Monroe by VFW Post 1809, where plans are underway to build four additional tiny homes that will serve veterans in Ouachita Parish and surrounding communities. But ORVA’s impact reaches far beyond its campus. The organization has assisted more than 25 veterans and families with needs including rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, school supplies, home repairs, holiday assistance, and burial expenses. As a debt-free 501(c)(3) nonprofit, ORVA depends on community partnerships, sponsorships, and donations to continue this mission. Serenity Care Providers is honored to support Harvest 4 Heroes, an elegant fundraising event benefiting Project 4 Hope. On November 14, 2026, guests will gather at beautiful Molto Bella for an evening of fellowship and purpose. Drinks and hors d’oeuvres begin at 5:30 p.m., followed by a farm-to-table meal prepared by local chefs, fine wine from Landry Vineyards, live music by The Mike McKenzie Band, and an auction. Tickets are $100 per person, with reserved tables for eight available for $700. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. For us, Harvest 4 Heroes is about more than one evening. It is an opportunity to invest in people who once stood for us. We are proud to stand with ORVA as they provide veterans with support, opportunity, and hope—because together, we are not simply building homes. We are rebuilding lives. Contact Robin Cox or Sandra Jones for more information. Robin - Phone: (318)355-2584 Email: info@serenitycareproviders.com Sandra - Phone: (318)737-5836 Email: sj.project4hope@gmail.com
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Max Porter Provisions Curating Style and Gifts for the “Every Guy”
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N 2021, LONGTIME FRIENDS LAURIE COCHRAN AND Cassie Livingston saw an opportunity, not just a gap in the market, but a chance to create something personal, fun, and undeniably useful. From their shared vision, Max Porter Provisions was born: a shop dedicated to high-quality men’s gifts and apparel that cater to the “every guy.” Not the stereotypical macho man or overly trendy urbanite, but the everyday guy who values style, functionality, and a little bit of story behind what he wears and uses. Cochran and Livingston met in Austin, Texas, a city known for its creative spirit, eclectic tastes, and deep-rooted love of the outdoors. It’s no surprise, then, that many of the brands they carry at Max Porter Provisions are influenced by or based in Austin. Building a Space for the Modern Man Max Porter Provisions is more than a clothing store...it’s a destination. Whether you’re searching for the perfect gift, building a better wardrobe, or simply enjoying a unique retail experience, the shop is designed to feel approachable and thoughtful. Everything on the shelves has a purpose. Everything tells a story. It’s this careful curation that sets Max Porter apart. Rather than chasing trends, Cochran and Livingston focus on timeless pieces that offer durability, style, and versatility. The store’s selection includes standout apparel, quality leather goods, lifestyle accessories, grooming essentials, and even spices and sauces, all aimed at the guy who likes to look good, live well, and get a little dirty when the occasion calls for it. Brand Favorites with Stories to Tell The backbone of Max Porter Provisions is its collection of brands, many of which reflect the founders’ Austin roots and their appreciation for the craft behind the product. Criquet Shirts Criquet is a longtime favorite at Max Porter. Created by two friends on a mission to make the perfect shirt, Criquet’s performance polos and cords have become go-to staples for men who like to keep things casual without compromising on style. These shirts are built for golf courses, dinner dates, backyard hangouts, or strolling downtown. Poncho Outdoors Another cornerstone of the Max Porter lineup is Poncho Outdoors. Founded by Clay, a former fishing guide in Alaska who grew tired of the bulky, awkward fishing shirts on the market, Poncho was created with a “function first” mindset. After returning from the wild, Clay set out to create shirts that actually worked for real-life outdoorsmen...not just ones
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that looked the part. Now based in Austin, Poncho makes premium shirts for fishermen, hunters, ranchers, builders, tailgaters, and anyone else who’s not afraid to roll up their sleeves. Howler Brothers One of the first brands Max Porter welcomed was Howler Brothers, and they remain a customer favorite. Though not literally related, the founders are bonded by shared passions: surfing, fly fishing, classic western style, global travel, music, food, and more. Their mantra, Heed the Call, embodies the adventurous spirit that flows through everything they make. Duck Camp & Sendero Provisions Co. Recent additions to the Max Porter roster include Duck Camp and Sendero Provisions Co., both proudly based in Texas. These brands reflect the rugged charm of the “every guy,” offering apparel and accessories that combine utility with comfort, from hunting shirts to graphic tees with a wink and a story. Beyond Apparel Clothing may be the anchor, but Max Porter Provisions is also known for its impressive selection of accessories and gifts. • Leather goods from Will Leather Company include handcrafted belts, wallets, and keychains that age beautifully and last for years. • Turtlebox Speakers (including Gen 3 and Rangers) are rugged, powerful, and perfect for outdoor adventuring. • Hats Galore: From grandpa caps to flat bills, trucker styles to classic baseball hats, Max Porter has a cap for every head and every mood. • Spices, Rubs & Sauces: For the grill master or the home chef, the store offers a full spread of bold, flavorful seasonings. • Guy Fox Candles & Colognes: Their favorite in-store scent collection, Guy Fox brings clean, masculine fragrances in both wearable and home-friendly formats. • OluKai Footwear: Sandals, slippers, and more that combine islandinspired design with unbeatable comfort. Visit Max Porter Provisions Whether you’re shopping for yourself or someone else, Max Porter Provisions makes it easy to find something unexpected, useful, and stylish. Their physical store is located at 206 Trenton Street in West Monroe. You can browse and shop online at maxporterpro.com. In a world of fast fashion and forgettable gifts, Max Porter Provisions is a welcome alternative, a place where form meets function, stories matter, and the “every guy” feels seen.
Rural Health Transformation Project
ULM Receives $2.1 Million From LDH To Expand Health Sciences Offerings
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HE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA Monroe (ULM) has been awarded $2.1 million from the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) through the Rural Health Transformation Project to expand programs in its College of Health Sciences, providing a significant investment in the university’s efforts to strengthen the rural healthcare workforce in Northeast Louisiana and across the state. The award will support three major initiatives within ULM’s College of Health Sciences: expanding nursing enrollment, adding a Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ultrasound) concentration to the Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Technology program, and establishing a Nurse Residency Hub serving rural hospitals throughout Region 8. “ULM is committed to leading the way in building the healthcare workforce of the future for this region and the state of Louisiana,” said ULM President Dr. Carrie L. Castille. “Coming from a rural community myself, I understand the need for continued commitment in these
areas. In addition to broadening our health sciences enrollment capacity, this funding will allow us to assist with the placement and retention of nurses in rural hospitals, where they are desperately needed. Congratulations to Dean Bailes and her team for this exciting accomplishment that will impact Northeast Louisiana for years to come.” “This investment is a critical part of Louisiana’s broader Rural Health Transformation strategy to strengthen our workforce pipeline and ensure rural communities have access to health care professionals where they live,” said Louisiana Department of Health Secretary Bruce D. Greenstein. “By partnering with institutions like ULM, we can train more health care professionals in rural communities, create stronger connections to the places that need them most, and build a workforce that is sustainable for the long term.” The funding will allow ULM to increase nursing enrollment by 20 additional students
per semester, resulting in an anticipated 40 additional nursing graduates each year once the expanded The project will also support the development of a Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) concentration under ULM’s Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Technology degree. The first cohort of 15 students is slated to begin in Spring 2028. A key component of the project is the creation of a Nurse Residency Hub at ULM serving rural hospitals throughout Healthcare Region 8. The Hub will create a centralized infrastructure through which ULM can partner with rural hospitals to strengthen the transition of newly licensed nurses from academic preparation into professional practice. The program will provide participating rural hospitals with access to educational resources, professional development, mentorship, evaluation, and other components necessary to support effective nurse residency programs.
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The Wright One
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TAYLOR HAYES & CHARLES WRIGHT SAY “I DO” ON JUNE 20, 2026 AT BAYOU DESIARD COUNTRY CLUB
ome love stories begin with grand gestures, while others start with something as simple as an email. For Taylor Hayes and Charles Wright, a chance connection during a work event sparked a conversation that would ultimately lead them to one another. What began as a professional introduction quickly grew into a relationship built on shared values, unwavering support, and a mutual desire to bring out the very best in each other. Before long, they both realized they had found “The Wright One.” Charles later surprised Taylor with a proposal during a family cruise to Mexico, a romantic moment that perfectly reflected the couple’s joyful personalities and sense of adventure. From that day forward, they eagerly began planning a wedding that would celebrate not only their love story but also the people and memories that helped shape it. Their wedding hashtag, #TheWrightOne, became a fitting tribute to a journey that seemed destined from the start.
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On June 20, 2026, family and friends gathered at Bayou DeSiard Country Club for a celebration that beautifully blended timeless elegance with modern sophistication. Inspired by Taylor’s lifelong dream of incorporating peach, ivory, and champagne gold into her wedding day, the couple designed every detail around a vision of simple elegance with contemporary flair. Rather than hiring a wedding decorator, Taylor embraced her creativity by designing much of the décor herself. With Charles by her side and the support of family, countless DIY projects came together to create a celebration that felt uniquely personal and unmistakably theirs. Their wedding day, however, began with an unexpected challenge. Heavy storms rolled through the area for much of the morning, leaving the outdoor ceremony plans uncertain as family and vendors prepared for the possibility of moving everything indoors. Then, almost as if on cue, the clouds parted. Just in time for guests to arrive, the rain stopped, the sun emerged, and a gentle
breeze swept across Bayou DeSiard, creating the picturesque waterfront ceremony the couple had envisioned. As the old saying goes, “It’s harder to untie a wet knot,” making the unexpected weather feel like a fitting blessing for the beginning of their marriage. Taylor was radiant in a breathtaking Oleg Cassini mermaid gown adorned with intricate lace appliqués, delicate beadwork, and scalloped detailing. Although she had searched tirelessly in bridal boutiques, the dress that captured her heart was one she discovered online and courageously ordered sight unseen. Once it arrived, she knew instantly it was the perfect choice. She completed the timeless look with a pearl chapel-length veil and meaningful heirloominspired accessories, including a ribbon lovingly saved by her mother that served as her “something blue.” The ceremony reflected the couple’s deep faith and commitment to one another. Accompanied by the timeless sounds of Stevie Wonder’s Ribbon in the Sky and Bebe
& CeCe Winans’ I Found Love, Taylor made her way down the aisle escorted by her parents. The couple exchanged traditional vows before both of their pastors, then participated in a unity sand ceremony, symbolizing two lives becoming one. Today, that vessel of blended sand remains displayed in their home as a daily reminder of the promises they made on their wedding day. Inside the reception, guests were welcomed into a warm and romantic atmosphere accented with peach and ivory florals, gold details, candlelight, floral garlands, and elegant table runners. The evening was filled with heartfelt moments, from the newlyweds’ enthusiastic reception entrance to Taylor being serenaded by Charles’s Omega Psi Phi fraternity brothers with the beloved “Sweetheart Song.” Another unforgettable highlight came when Charles and his son, Charles Jr., energized the dance floor with a spirited fraternity hop to Atomic Dog, creating a memory guests will be talking about for years to come. Surrounded by family, faith, and an abundance of love, Taylor and Charles celebrated the beginning of a marriage rooted in partnership, perseverance, and purpose. Their wedding was more than a beautiful day, it was the joyful start of a lifetime together, proving that sometimes the perfect love story begins with a single email and ends with finding The Wright One.
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Bring Kiroli Park Day to Life
Help Create A Free, Family-Friendly Community Celebration On September 12th
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OCAL BUSINESSES, NONPROFITS and community organizations are invited to help make Kiroli Park Day: A Community Celebration a memorable experience for families across the region. The free event will be held Saturday, September 12, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Kiroli Park. The celebration will welcome the community back to the park following its storm recovery while creating a day filled with activities, connections and opportunities to rediscover one of the region’s most treasured gathering places. The West Monroe–West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce is seeking community partners to: • Provide and staff a free, kid-friendly activity • Contribute supplies, refreshments, giveaways or other resources • Volunteer with setup, welcoming guests, activity support or cleanup
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Help promote the celebration through their employees, customers and community networks or sponsorship of the event Activities do not need to be elaborate. Organizations might offer a simple game, craft, demonstration, reading activity, wellness experience, hands-on educational activity or another creative way to engage children and families. “Kiroli Park has always been a place where our community comes together,” said Kristopher Kelley, CEO of the West Monroe– West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce. “We want this celebration to reflect that same spirit. Whether an organization brings an activity, provides volunteers, contributes resources or simply helps us spread the word, there is a meaningful way for everyone to be part of welcoming families back to the park.” Participation also gives businesses and nonprofits an opportunity to introduce their
people and missions to the community in a relaxed, positive environment. The emphasis will be on creating engaging experiences and ensuring families can enjoy the entire event at no cost. Organizations and individuals interested in participating or volunteering should contact Lizzie Woodard at Woodard@ westmonroechamber.org or 318-325-1961. Additional event activities and participating organizations will be announced as plans are finalized. About the West Monroe–West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce The West Monroe–West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce strengthens businesses and the community by fostering connections, empowering people, supporting workforce and creating opportunity for what comes next.
Annie and Cole Richardson Honored AEP Adds New Memorial Bullpup Statue On Campus
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.E. PHILLIPS LABORATORY School (AEP) is honoring the lives of Annie Mollie Weinstein Richardson and her son, Cole Richardson, with the addition of a new memorial Bullpup statue on campus. The statue was created to reflect the vibrant personalities of Annie and Cole, both known for their boldness and creativity. For the Richardson family, the Bullpup serves as a lasting tribute to two lives that made a meaningful impact on their family and community. “We wanted Mom and Cole to be remembered for the vibrant lives they lived,” Taylor Richardson Burt said. “They were both bold and full of energy, which is what we tried to bring to life when designing this Bullpup.” The connection between the Richardson family and AEP spans generations. Taylor and Cole both attended AEP as children, and now Taylor’s two daughters attend the school.
“A.E. Phillips and Louisiana Tech have both been such a special place for our family,” Burt said. “Cole and I both attended AEP, and it was some of the best days of our lives, where great friendships were made. My husband Alex and I have enjoyed watching our girls have the same experience at AEP.” The University also played a role in reigniting Annie’s artistic passion. “My mom rekindled her passion for art by taking several classes through Louisiana Tech’s School of Design while we were at AEP, and I know they shaped her into the artist she was,” Burt added. The connection to art continued with the designing process of the statue. Adam Cook, Louisiana Tech graduate and University Communications graphic designer, designed and painted the Bullpup, bringing the Richardson family’s vision to life. Cook has designed several University murals, where his vibrant artwork adds cohesive character to
spaces throughout campus. Now sitting in the courtyard of AEP, the Bullpup creates a visual connection to Annie and Cole’s legacy for the students who learn and create in that space. “We were honored to receive this gift,” Dr. Jenny Blalock, AEP director, said. “We placed our new Bullpup outside of the art room and will allow students to vote on his name soon. We want students to have a happy learning environment, and this statue is a great addition to our courtyard.” The meaningful gift was made possible through the generosity of the AMWR Memorial Foundation, whose foundation account is held at Argent Financial. Adding to the support behind the project, Courtesy Chevrolet of Ruston, owned by the Rob Feron family, generously sealed the Bullpup at no cost.
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A Garden Party Close to Home JORDAN CALDWELL AND DANIEL GLADNEY CELEBRATED THEIR MARRIAGE WITH A TIMELESS SOUTHERN WEDDING FILLED WITH FAMILY, FAITH AND DEEPLY PERSONAL DETAILS.
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ome love stories begin with a first introduction, but Jordan Caldwell and Daniel Gladney’s story began long before either imagined they would one day become husband and wife. Their families attended church together throughout their childhoods, allowing the two to know each other from an early age. After going 10 years without seeing one another, Jordan and Daniel unexpectedly reconnected at a golf tournament fundraiser where she was volunteering and he was playing. That reunion marked the beginning of a new chapter—one that eventually led them to the beach in Panama City Beach, Florida. On March 8, 2025, Daniel proposed during a foggy, rainy evening by the water. The weather may not have been perfect, but the intimate moment shared between the two of them could not have felt more right. Just over a year later, on April 18, 2026, Jordan and Daniel exchanged vows
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in Bastrop, Louisiana. Their wedding was inspired by the timeless beauty of a traditional Southern garden party, brought to life through a vibrant spring palette of blue, pink and green. From the beginning, Jordan envisioned a day that felt romantic and elegant while remaining warm, welcoming and joyful. Jordan planned the celebration alongside the couple’s families, talented vendors and her coordinator and longtime friend, Susan Plonnigs. Susan, the owner of Arnett Jewelry in Bastrop, brought her knowledge of wedding stationery, registries and coordination to the planning process. Having worked for Susan for many years, Jordan had often dreamed about this special day with her. Together, they carefully selected details that felt personal to Jordan and Daniel. Although they wanted the wedding to be beautiful, it was equally important that their guests felt comfortable and could
relax, enjoy delicious food and drinks, and celebrate alongside them. The ceremony was held at Christ Episcopal Church in Bastrop, the church where both Jordan and Daniel were
raised and continue to attend. Surrounded by family members and close friends, the couple participated in a traditional Episcopal ceremony that included nuptial communion. Beginning their marriage in the church that had played such an important role in both of their lives made the occasion especially meaningful. Jordan found her wedding gown at Low’s Bridal in Brinkley, Arkansas. The Essence of Australia strapless ball gown featured subtle cascading lace appliqués that beautifully complemented the Southern garden-party setting. Her custom veil, made by Susan, added another meaningful finishing touch. She also honored the traditional wedding custom of carrying something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue. Old photographs of her grandmothers were attached to her bouquet, while her custom veil served as something new. For something borrowed, Jordan wore pearl and diamond earrings Susan had worn on her own wedding day. Jordan’s maid of honor and best friend, Kristen, had also worn the earrings for her wedding, making them an especially treasured part of the day. A blue earring belonging to Jordan’s maternal grandmother, Betty, was attached to her bouquet as her something blue. Following the ceremony, the celebration continued in the backyard of Daniel’s parents’ home, the same place where he grew up. It was the perfect setting for an intimate Southern garden party and gave guests a personal glimpse into the couple’s lives. Studio Roo created floral arrangements displayed in blue chinoiserie vases from Daniel’s mother’s personal collection. Candlelight and string lights glowed throughout the backyard, creating a romantic atmosphere despite what turned out to be one of the coldest and rainiest April days. The traditional, feminine décor felt fresh and spring-inspired, with rentals from Dansby’s Taylor Rental helping transform the familiar backyard into an inviting reception space. Personal touches could be found throughout the reception, especially in the food and drinks. The couple served custom cocktails based on their favorites: an old fashioned for Daniel, a lemon drop martini for Jordan and a margarita representing them together. This was not an ordinary margarita, however, it was made using Daniel’s mother’s special recipe. Guests were also treated to Baby Guinness shots provided by Daniel’s aunt and uncle. Creative Catering prepared the evening’s menu, while Uptown Downtown created the wedding desserts. Jordan’s stunning bridal cake featured white almond and lemon-blueberry flavors. Because cheesecake is Daniel’s favorite, his groom’s
cake became a cheesecake bar offering several different flavors. Joyfully Curated documented each meaningful moment, while Bayou DJ kept the celebration going until 1 a.m. Jordan’s hair was styled by Mariah Johnson, with makeup by Beauty by Allie Faulkenbury and spray tans by Dawn McGuire of The Bronzing Spa. The couple selected their rings from Steve’s Jewelry, while Susan and Arnett Jewelry created the custom wedding stationery that introduced guests to the timeless style of the occasion. More than anything, Jordan and Daniel wanted their wedding to reflect who they are and the people, places and traditions that shaped them. They were married in the church where they grew up, celebrated at Daniel’s childhood home and incorporated family heirlooms, recipes and memories into nearly every part of the day. From sentimental bridal details and family-owned vases to signature drinks and favorite desserts, every choice carried a piece of their story. The result was a celebration that felt unmistakably like Jordan and Daniel: traditional, joyful, Southern and centered around the people they love most.
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September Skin Reset Repair. Renew. Restore.
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S SUMMER COMES TO AN END, SEPTEMBER IS THE perfect time to give your skin the attention it deserves. Months of sun exposure, heat, humidity and outdoor activities can leave your skin looking dull, uneven and dehydrated. The transition into fall provides the ideal opportunity to repair summer damage, restore healthy skin and prepare for the busy holiday season ahead. At The Medical Spa, we’re celebrating National Skin Health Month with our September Skin Reset: Repair. Renew. Restore. Whether you’re looking to refresh your appearance, improve your skincare routine or finally begin a treatment you’ve been considering, there’s no better time to invest in your skin.
Repair Healthy, radiant skin begins with the right daily routine. Medicalgrade skincare is one of the best investments you can make because it continues working long after you leave the office. Throughout September, you’ll receive a $10 reward for every $100 spent on ZO® Skin Health products. Rewards may be applied toward any future purchase at The Medical Spa, must be redeemed within 60 days of being earned, and cannot be combined with other rewards. Whether you’re replenishing your daily essentials or beginning a customized skincare regimen, our team can help you select the products that best fit your skin’s needs. From gentle cleansers and exfoliants to advanced anti-aging serums and daily sun protection, we’ll help you build a routine that keeps your skin healthy all year long. Renew If you’ve noticed fine lines becoming more noticeable or simply want to maintain a refreshed appearance, September is a great time to schedule your neurotoxin appointment. Join us every Tox Tuesday throughout the month for our weekly neurotoxin special. Whether you’re new to treatment or maintaining your results, our experienced providers will create a personalized plan to help you look naturally refreshed while preserving your unique facial expressions. Regular neurotoxin treatments can help soften existing lines while preventing deeper wrinkles from forming, making them one of the most effective preventative treatments available. 130 SEPTEMBER 2026 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM
Restore Dermal filler remains one of the most popular ways to restore volume, enhance facial balance and achieve subtle, natural-looking results. Every Friday in September, enjoy $50 off dermal filler during our Filler Friday promotion. Whether you’re interested in restoring volume to the cheeks, enhancing your lips, softening facial folds or improving overall facial harmony, our providers focus on results that complement your natural features. Our goal is always to help you look refreshed — not overdone. Start Now for Smooth Skin Next Summer Did you know fall is considered one of the best times of year to begin laser hair removal? Because treated skin should have limited sun exposure, cooler months make treatment easier and more comfortable. Starting your series now allows you to complete multiple sessions before warm weather returns, so you’ll be ready for next spring and summer. Throughout September, purchase three laser hair removal sessions and receive your fourth session FREE. This promotion is available on qualifying treatment packages and is a great opportunity to begin your journey toward smoother, low-maintenance skin. Your Skin Deserves Year-Round Care Healthy skin isn’t achieved with a single treatment, it’s the result of consistency, quality skincare and personalized recommendations. Our team is here to help you build a treatment plan that fits your goals, lifestyle and budget. Whether you’re interested in refreshing your appearance with neurotoxins, restoring youthful volume with filler, beginning laser hair removal or improving your home skincare routine, we’d love to help you create a plan that’s right for you. This September, take advantage of our Repair. Renew. Restore. campaign and let us help you feel confident in your skin as we head into the fall season. We look forward to seeing you at The Medical Spa and helping you achieve healthy, beautiful skin — this month and beyond.
Jump Start Program Prepares Students Louisiana Delta Community College
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OUISIANA DELTA COMMUNITY College recently hosted its 2026 Jump Start Summer program, providing high school students with disabilities from Caldwell and Lincoln Parish School Districts with opportunities to earn an industry-recognized credential, explore technical careers, and prepare for life after high school. The participating students are transition students who are preparing to move from high school into postsecondary education, workforce training, or employment. The program was designed to help them build workplace readiness skills and better understand the career pathways available to them. In 2024, LDCC entered a Memorandum of Understanding with the Louisiana Department of Education and the Union, Lincoln, Caldwell and Catahoula Parish School Districts. The partnership focuses on improving outcomes and expanding inclusive
educational and workforce opportunities for high school students with disabilities. As part of the partnership, LDCC’s Workforce Development division offered a hybrid OSHA 10 course using the online CareerSafe platform and in-person classroom instruction. A workforce instructor reinforced key workplace safety concepts and guided the students through four days of instruction. All seven participating students successfully completed the OSHA 10 course within one week and earned an industrybased credential. Each student will also receive an official OSHA 10 credential card. In addition to classroom instruction, students participated in several work-based learning experiences at LDCC’s Monroe campus. They toured the computer numerical control lab, operated the heavy equipment operator simulator, explored the fiber-optics lab, and completed a hands-on activity in the data
center technician classroom. Students also participated in offcampus experiences at Voith and Mid-South Extrusion. During the visit to Voith, students wore personalized protective equipment and observed workplace safety practices in an industrial environment. At MidSouth Extrusion, students viewed advanced manufacturing processes and learned how safety procedures are incorporated into daily facility operations. Building on the success of this year’s program, LDCC plans to continue working with participating school districts next summer and expand the program to include students from Union Parish. Please visit ladelta.edu for more information on the variety of programs available.
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Jordan & Grant
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A COUNTRY CLUB GARDEN PARTY FILLED WITH FAITH, FAMILY AND MEANINGFUL DETAILS
ometimes, a love story begins with a grand gesture. For Jordan Stanley and Grant Higgins, it began with two mothers, two churches and a perfectly timed introduction. Jordan grew up attending Forsythe Church of Christ, while Grant attended White’s Ferry Road Church of Christ, where he served on the worship team alongside Lindee Loveland. One Sunday, Lindee asked her mother if she knew a Christian young woman who might be a good match for Grant. The following Sunday, Linda noticed Jordan and immediately thought she might have found the answer. Their first date took place on April 13, 2024. It was a simple lunch, but it marked the beginning of something neither of them could have anticipated. By their second date, Jordan already sensed that Grant was the person she wanted to spend her life with. Grant proposed to Jordan on October 18, 2025. A Spring Celebration Jordan and Grant married on May 30, 2026, at Bayou DeSiard Country Club. The Branch
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& Co. guided the planning process, while Jennifer Branch filled the setting with romantic florals. The Wedding Guy provided the tent, and Dansby’s Taylor Rental Center and Bagby Rental helped furnish the celebration with pieces that complemented the refined gardenparty design. A Timeless Bridal Look Jordan selected the Camryn gown by Justin Alexander from Blue Sparrow Bridal Co. The timeless Mikado silk ball gown featured an elegant Sabrina neckline, structured waist cummerbund and a dramatic cathedral-length train. Silver embroidery and delicate handbeading flowed down the back, ending with sparkling crystal buttons. Hidden pockets in the skirt added a playful and practical finishing touch. Lauren Rawls completed Jordan’s makeup, while Colleen Cureington and Pearl Burgess styled her hair. Grant wore a suit from Ron Alexander, creating a polished look that perfectly suited the classic setting. Jordan also embraced the tradition of carrying something old, new, borrowed
and blue. Her “something old” was Grant’s grandmother’s anniversary ring. Her “something new” was a pair of pearl earrings given to her by Grant as a wedding gift. A brooch belonging to Grant’s grandmother was tucked into her bouquet as her “something borrowed,” while blue Betsey Johnson heels served as her “something blue.” Jordan also lovingly considered her mother, dressed beautifully in blue, part of the tradition. Her wedding band was among the day’s most meaningful heirlooms. Dupont Jewelers custom-designed it using pieces from both Jordan’s and Grant’s grandmothers’ original wedding ring sets. Grant’s wedding band was provided by Marty & Mark’s Jewelry. Surrounded by Faith and Family Rather than writing their own vows, Jordan and Grant chose traditional promises. Before the ceremony, however, they exchanged private letters. Legacy Strings provided the ceremony music, adding warmth and beauty to the setting. Their best friend, Curtis Eberts, officiated, making the
moment especially personal. The couple chose not to have a traditional wedding party, but both sets of parents joined them at the altar and served as ring holders. Before Jordan and Grant exchanged rings, everyone shared a moment of silence as Curtis prayed over the rings and their marriage. Details That Told Their Story Every part of the reception reflected Jordan and Grant’s personalities, memories and favorite things. Their custom wedding crest, designed with their initials and wedding colors, appeared throughout the celebration. Jordan handmade all of the wedding signs, along with the mailbox used to collect cards from guests. Silver details carried special significance throughout the design. Personalized plates, engraved Louisiana Mint Julep cups, a custom cake-cutting set and monogrammed napkins elevated the tablescape. Forks created from Jordan’s grandmother’s silver brought another piece of family history into the celebration, while a cake plate from Precious Prints Ceramics beautifully displayed the wedding cake created by Patrice Reppond. An ice cream bar and coffee bar featured two of the couple’s favorite treats, while a personalized drink menu offered signature cocktails and mocktails. A children’s activity table helped younger guests enjoy the evening, and personalized guest awards added an unexpected element of fun. The couple also found thoughtful ways to remember those who could not be present. A memorial table honored loved ones they had lost, while dog treats and dog tags paid tribute to the beloved pets both had lost during the previous year. Guests celebrated throughout the evening with music from DJ Unknown and captured playful memories inside the Holy Snaps Photo Booth. Dianne Anders preserved the celebration through a live painting, creating a work of art Jordan and Grant can treasure forever. Desirae Trappey Photography documented the day, while Radiant Film Co. served as the videographers. Madeline Grace Creative served as the couple’s content creator. Bayou Joy LLC provided accommodations, helping make the wedding weekend comfortable and welcoming for guests. The Beginning of Their Marriage For Jordan and Grant, there was no single reception moment that overshadowed the rest. What remains most vivid is the feeling of looking around and seeing so many people they loved gathered in one place celebrating the beginning of their marriage. From an introduction arranged through faith and friendship to a candlelit proposal on the bayou, Jordan and Grant’s relationship has always carried a sense of intention. Their wedding continued that story through cherished heirlooms, family traditions, joyful details and personal reminders of those they loved. The couple began their marriage in the same way their relationship began, surrounded by faith, and grateful for the people who helped bring them together. WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | SEPTEMBER 2026 133
BAYOU ARTIST
NATALIE STURGIS
FROM DOODLES IN THE SCHOOL PICKUP LINE TO PORTRAITS MADE FROM DISCARDED OBJECTS, NATALIE STURGIS FINDS INSPIRATION IN THE UNEXPECTED. THROUGH HER PLAYFUL, UNCONVENTIONAL ART, SHE HAS TRANSFORMED A LIFELONG CREATIVE OUTLET INTO A GROWING CAREER DEDICATED TO MAKING PEOPLE SMILE.
article by Lakelynn Honaker photography by Kelly Moore Clark For Natalie Sturgis, art is key to her survival. It’s both an outlet and a compulsion. From drawing in the school pickup line to seeing the potential in ‘trash’ at Waffle House, Natalie’s art courses through all parts of her life. Over time, she’s come to understand that her art can serve a function for not only herself but for others as well. It’s no longer just a means of surviving but also of thriving. Through a chain of small events her confidence has grown, proving that there is an audience for the art that even she admits is “weird.” Art has been present in Natalie’s life since long before she could or would have defined it as a passion. Natalie’s interest in art first emerged during her childhood. “I remember being a small child with a sketchbook in front of a TV and drawing what was on TV,” Natalie said. She also recalled memories of her father’s doodles. Being an engineer, her father didn’t often have the chance to be creative in his work, but he still found time to make art a creative outlet. His determination to integrate opportunities for creativity into his ordinary routines played a role in shaping Natalie’s relationship with art. She said, “There were boxes full of his sketches because, while he was at work, he would sketch a little drawing of a person or some of the people and bring them home.” In fact, Natalie even still has letters that have his sketches on them. Even now, her father’s sketches are a reminder that art does not have to be confined to a studio or a finished canvas but can be spontaneous and a part of daily life. WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | SEPTEMBER 2026 135
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orn and raised in Slidell, Louisiana, Natalie moved to Monroe after graduating high school and originally enrolled in the nursing program at the University of Louisiana Monroe. However, after just one semester in nursing, she decided that it was not for her and changed her major to graphic design. “By the time I graduated college, I could have had a degree in every single art thing that they offered because I stayed so long in art,” Natalie said. Her desire for art was immense but undirected in the beginning. Natalie ended up graduating with a degree in photography. Although she doesn’t use her photography degree explicitly in the art she currently creates, the degree provided her with a firm foundation in the fundamentals of design and image composition.
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As Natalie carried the creative skills she learned in college into the world, she started to realize there are people out there other than just her that could enjoy her art. When she started posting the doodles she would do in the carline waiting for her kids after school, she developed a following. “I would make up these elaborate tiny paragraph stories for them,” she said, “and people fell in love with them.” What began as a way to pass time became something that other people were looking forward to every day. This was Natalie’s first glimpse into the possibility that people could connect with and appreciate her art. She said, “That’s what started the fire.” This confidence boost led to the pivotal moment when Natalie would enter to win a one month showing at the Creative Exchange micro gallery in Ruston. She did win. She said, “That ramped my drive up
big time.” That was when she realized, “Oh, I can do this.” Seeing firsthand that people outside of herself could find joy in her art was an eye opener for her. It fueled her passion. Her art was growing to be not just an emotional outlet keeping her “sane” but something that connects with an audience. To Natalie, art was never a means of making money. It was always a means of expressing emotions and getting out of her head. Seeing that other people were intrigued by her art never changed that. It only elevated her desire to make art because she saw it could have a new purpose: making people happy. From there, her desire to share her art with the public only grew. She started sending her pieces to lots of different galleries and shops and she realized, “This is kind of fun.” Natalie’s process has evolved from just doodles in her car to being something much greater and “weirder.” She describes a shift in her creative journey when she turned 40 and claimed, “When you hit 40, you stop worrying about what other people think.” She said, “I didn’t care anymore and that helped. That helped a lot.” This turning
point highlights that artistic growth is not only about developing your craft but shedding the external expectations and allowing authenticity to guide you. Natalie isn’t afraid to see the potential that surrounds her in everything that she does. Being a multi-media artist, Natalie sees things that most people would label trash and says “Hey! That would make a good mouth.” She combines that ‘trash’ with clay and paint and creates something no one else could have ever envisioned. Her art is never about perfection, at least in the traditional sense. Perfection to Natalie is defined as “evoking a smile or laugh.” Natalie described herself as being someone who’s “always going to see the positives and keep smiling,” as someone who “doesn’t meet a stranger.” These traits really impact her desire to share her art with people because she has seen firsthand how her art can make people laugh and smile, and that’s exactly her goal. Natalie’s motivation behind her pieces is not necessarily traditional. She mentioned that sometimes she will be going about her day and be like, “Oh my gosh! That’s a
cool looking human.” Natalie admires the unique features that some people possess and finds inspiration by looking at those around her. No two people are the same, and those individual qualities make each person a unique source of inspiration. Natalie notices details about people and translates them into vibrant, highly textured portraits of them. Natalie can’t define one specific part of her process as her favorite. “I love the spray paint part,” Natalie said at first, “but then again I love it all,” she added. The entire process brings Natalie joy. There is nothing that she does that she absolutely dreads, but one aspect of the process Natalie finds especially rewarding is the sensation she gets from creating a real thing from an idea. Natalie said, “I love getting it out of my head.” For her, the joy to create does not root in the desire to make a finished product but simply to bring life to the ideas inside her head and make them real. Her inability to choose one part of the process as her favorite speaks to the fact that she views her art as a complete experience rather than just a path to a finished piece. The process WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | SEPTEMBER 2026 137
is very organic for her with each part intimately connected to the next, which makes it hard to separate individual steps. In a similar way, Natalie finds it difficult to separate her personal life from her artistic life, which is reflected by the blended portrayal of all aspects of her life on social media. As her social media reflects, art is so integral to her life that Natalie is continually creating not only from her own ideas but also from her kids’ ideas. “The kids think that I can create anything,” she said. They might say, “Hey can we make this?” And Natalie will make it happen. According to Natalie, “Imagination is always being played in my everyday role of life.” Because she feels creative all the time, Natalie can find creative potential in the most unexpected places. She said that “finding ‘junk’” to put in her art is what makes her feel the most creative. Rather than seeing discarded objects for what they once were, Natalie sees their potential to have a second life. Natalie is able to look at a bottle cap and say, “This bottle cap’s going to make the perfect eyeball.” Her ability to see that potential and give her ideas physical life enriches her own life by making her smile and giving her something to be proud of. “Some people get a good chuckle out of it, and that makes me happy too,” she said. Watching her art be enjoyed by the public and seeing her audience grow has been a tremendous motivator for Natalie. It has led her to accomplish many great things just this year alone. From having features in magazines to being nominated for and becoming a finalist for Northeast Louisiana Arts Council’s Visual Artist of the Year to even being commissioned to create an album cover for a band, Natalie’s art has grown to be something that is greatly appreciated by an ever-growing number of people and is accessible through multiple galleries. She has pieces at The Good Daze, Creative Exchange, and Twin City Tattoo, as well as Eclectic Finds in Slidell. In the future, she hopes for that success to grow. She said her next step would hopefully be to have “a piece in a New Orleans gallery.” A dream she deems unattainable now is to have a piece of her work in a New York gallery, but you never know what the future could hold for an artist who is always creating. 138 SEPTEMBER 2026 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM
Bayou Phoenix Regenerative Medicine A Personalized Approach to Healing and Wellness
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ED BY DR. MELISSA TRAXLER, BAYOU Phoenix Regenerative Medicine in West Monroe offers innovative, individualized treatment options designed to support the body’s natural healing processes and help patients pursue a better quality of life. At Bayou Phoenix, healthcare begins with listening. Dr. Traxler believes every patient deserves to feel heard, understood, and actively involved in decisions about their care. Whether someone is experiencing discomfort from an injury, navigating changes associated with aging, or simply looking for new ways to support overall wellness, the team at Bayou Phoenix takes the time to explore the available options. Supporting the Body’s Natural Processes Regenerative medicine is designed to work alongside the body’s natural healing processes. Dr. Traxler’s approach includes advanced regenerative options utilizing biologic products, including umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cell products, as well as other personalized
therapies. Because every patient’s situation is different, treatment begins with a thorough consultation and medical evaluation. Dr. Traxler reviews the patient’s health history, current concerns, previous treatments, and personal goals before discussing which available options may be appropriate. Regenerative therapies may be explored by patients seeking support for pain, injuries, mobility concerns, or other challenges that interfere with daily activities. Wellness and Aesthetic Services Services at Bayou Phoenix extend beyond regenerative medicine. Patients may also explore regenerative aesthetic procedures designed to support healthy-looking skin, confidence, vitality, and healthy aging. Available options include microneedling with platelet-rich plasma, commonly known as PRP, and exosome-based products. These services use advanced techniques to complement the skin’s natural renewal processes. Additional wellness
and aesthetic options may also be recommended based on each patient’s concerns and desired results. Care Centered Around You What truly sets Bayou Phoenix apart is its commitment to personalized care. Dr. Traxler understands that no two patients have the same health history, circumstances, or goals. Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, she works closely with each patient to determine which available services may be appropriate for their unique situation. Education is also an important part of the Bayou Phoenix experience. Patients are encouraged to ask questions and have open conversations about potential benefits, considerations, and expectations. By creating a collaborative relationship between the patient and medical team, the clinic strives to make every individual feel comfortable and confident throughout the process. If pain, injury, changes associated with aging, or personal wellness goals are keeping you from feeling your best, it may be time to explore a different approach. At Bayou Phoenix Regenerative Medicine, your journey begins with a conversation and a plan created with your individual needs in mind. Contact Bayou Phoenix Regenerative Medicine at (318) 582-5411 or visit 3808 Cypress Street in West Monroe to request your consultation.
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GOLDIE BOUTIQUE Make an elegant entrance in this strapless drop waist maxi dress, designed to flatter your silhouette for any special occasion. The timeless black and ivory color combination offers sophisticated versatility, whether you’re attending a wedding, gala, or upscale event. Accessorize with a bangle bracelet and geometric choker.
IN BLACK AND WHITE These looks from area boutiques showcase fall’s best, from statement-making styles for dressy occasions to effortless datenight ensembles. Find inspiration for every moment on your calendar this season. PHOTOGRAPHY BY KELLY MOORE CLARK MODELS KAYLA MURRY AND LUKE HODNETT HAIR AND MAKEUP BY MEKA BENNETT ART DIRECTION MARÉ BRENNAN
THE NUDE NOMAD Kayla looks stunning in a strapless brown leather dress layered with champagnetoned tulle jacket covered in beautiful beading and sequins. Style this look with multiple rings and a vintage faux pearl and rhinestone book chain bracelet.
LOL A JANE BOUTIQUE This pink and brown buttondown combines a vibrant floral print with a timeless silhouette for an effortlessly polished look. Pair it with the matching midi skirt for a coordinated set that’s perfect for everything from brunch to special occasions.
HEMLINE MONROE This strapless, relaxed-fit dress in a chocolate and off-white zebra print is ideal for a night out with friends or formal. Its midi length gives a classic look, while the smooth liquid silk fabric feels light and comfortable. Wear with a chocolate mid-stiletto buckle heel.
RON ALE X ANDER CLOTHIERS This modern, charcoal suit is crafted from premium tropical worsted merino wool. It features a clean single-breasted, two-button jacket with dual side vents and matching flat-front trousers for a sharp, tailored silhouette. Pair with a custom-fit crisp white shirt, coordinating tie, and silk pocket square.
T H E FA S H I O N O F R U S T O N Graceful, sophisticated, and undeniably timeless, this House of MBR caftan is designed to make every occasion feel extraordinary. Relaxed elbow-length sleeves and a full-length skirt add graceful movement, making this piece perfect for everything from cocktail parties and holiday gatherings to destination dinners and special celebrations.
M A X P O R T E R P R OV I S I O N S Soon to be the spiffiest shirt in your closet, this jacquard fabric is breathable and structured. Wear with a dark wash denim jean and brown and white embroidered leather belt.
HERRINGSTONES This maxi dress features a striking leaf-inspired print in rich brown and cream tones. Designed with a flattering fitted bodice, comfortable smocked back panel, and flowing tiered skirt, this maxi dress creates a graceful silhouette with every step. Pair with an oversized denim jacket with fringe detailing and layered statement necklaces.
M AT E R I A L T H I N G S This black and white paisley top features a relaxed fit with button cuffs and is worn with an off-white straight-leg linen pant with adjustable drawstring waist. Accessorize with a gold lattice cuff and large gold hoops.
PA L E T T E H O U S E Vibrant blooms color this crisp organic-cotton poplin top designed with structural cap sleeves and an elasticized cropped hem. Wear with coordinating floral skirt and chocolate boots by Oncept.
Wheatley Vodka Smooth. Solid. American.
BY DELIA SIMPSON, BRAND MANAGER, CHOICE BRANDS, INC.
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HEATLEY CRAFT VODKA COMES FROM THE world’s most award-winning distillery, backed by 200 years of distilling experience. Buffalo Trace Distillery is known for its legendary bourbons like Pappy Van Winkle, Weller, E.H. Taylor, and Blanton’s, but the Distillery has a long history of crafting other spirits, including vodka. Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley has been a driving force behind the Distillery’s quest to create a premium craft vodka. Some years ago, he decided to embark on a project to craft the perfect vodka. Through the commitment and meticulous craftsmanship of a dedicated team, one of the Distillery’s first and finest vodkas, HDW CLIX, came to fruition. CLIX, or 159 in Roman numerals, represents the 159 separate distillations that were required to produce this ultra-fine spirit. CLIX is available (in limited supply) locally. If you see it, snag it. Following CLIX, Harlen set out to create the craft vodka that would bear his name. Made with the same red winter wheat and limestone water that the Distillery uses in its award-winning bourbons, Wheatley Vodka is crafted in small batches and distilled ten times over. The result, according to Harlen Wheatley himself, is “how vodka is supposed to taste.” When a Master Distiller puts his name on a vodka, it means something. Harlen knows what it takes to craft an award-winning spirit and that’s just what he’s done with Wheatley Vodka. Here’s a little insight into how and why he did it, in his own words. Why limestone water? “The water in this area is filtered through limestone. It really does two things: it filters out things like iron and adds things like magnesium and calcium. Those two things combined are perfect for distilling. A good, clean, fresh water is just as important as the vodka itself.”
Why 10 times distilled? “Each time you distill it, you’re mellowing out that vodka. What really sets us apart is the fact that we’re marrying a seven-times distilled wheat recipe with another seven-times distilled grain recipe and then distilling it three more times. So for us, we felt like 10 times distilled was just right for the craft style vodka we’re going for.” 150 SEPTEMBER 2026 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM
Why wheat? “One of the things that we learned through distilling wheated bourbons is we know what that adds to the flavor of the distillate. It’s a good ingredient to give it that soft, delicate finish that we like in a craft vodka. We use the same red winter wheat grain that we use for all the Weller and Pappy Van Winkle bourbons.” Why 82 proof? “We know when bartenders are making cocktails, they want that spirit to show through. It’s easier to do with an 82 proof and it allows you to showcase that flavor a little more.” Wheatley Vodka is fantastic in a martini, on the rocks, or mixed in your favorite cocktail. Available locally at participating retail locations, you can find Wheatley in 750ml bottles, 1.75L bottles, and 50ml bottles. The American Mule may be the perfect cocktail. It’s spicy, crisp, smooth, and perfectly balanced. Grab yourself a copper mug and give it a try. AMERICAN MULE Ingredients 2oz Wheatley American Vodka 4oz Fever Tree Ginger Beer 0.5oz Lime Juice Lime Wedge Preparation Fill a copper mug with ice. Add Wheatley American Vodka and lime juice. Top up with ginger beer and stir. Garnish with lime wedge. 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.
Pi Kappa Alpha Chapter
ULM’s Pi Kappa Alpha Chapter wins 31st Smythe Award
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EMBERS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF Louisiana Monroe’s Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity recently returned from the 75th Convention of Pi Kappa Alpha held in Las Vegas, Nev., where they won their seventh consecutive Robert A. Smythe Award. The Smythe is presented to the top Pi Kappa Alpha chapters each year. This win marks the 31st time in the last 35 years the ULM Pikes have taken home the Smythe. Thirtyone wins overall rank the ULM Pikes third all-time in the history of Smythe wins for Pi Kappa Alpha. The Smythe is based upon excelling in 16 areas of chapter operations including academics, community service, campus involvement, athletics, management, health and safety, new member education, accountability and alumni relations. Four ULM student members joined five Pike alumni including Pike’s Delta Region President Tommy Walpole, Pike’s Arkoma
Regional President Paul Wilkening and Braden Moore, an International Consultant for the fraternity and ULM graduate. During the convention, the group was recognized for earning—for the sixteenth consecutive year—an overall grade point average higher than a 3.0. Other highlights of the trip included the ULM chapter receiving the Raymond L. Orians Award for Chapter Excellence, which honors overall chapter performance from the previous year. This marked the chapter’s 39th consecutive Orians award for the ULM Pikes. The group was also recognized for excellence in support of the Fraternity’s Leadership program, 100% support of the International Undergraduate donor club, supporting the International Work Day, and winning the House Improvement Project of the Year. The ULM Pi Kappa Alpha Alumni Association won its 15th consecutive William
R. Nester Outstanding Alumni Association award. This was the group’s 27th time to be recognized as one of the organization’s best alumni associations in North America in the last 32 years. This year saw ULM’s Executive Director of Auxiliary Enterprises / Pike’s Delta Region President Tommy Walpole get inducted into the Order of West Range. The Order of West Range honors outstanding brothers who have achieved significant success in their careers, contributed notably to society or demonstrated exceptional longterm service to the fraternity. Walpole is widely recognized within Pi Kappa Alpha as one of the fraternity’s most influential volunteer leaders dedicating over four decades to serving the fraternity.
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ARTICLE BY PHIL TRAHAN
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his month we diverge from the usual reporting on recent events to dedicate an installment to some tips that seem to resonate best with my students. Experts in most sports like to say that success is 90% mental (and in the case of Yankee catcher Yogi Berra the other half is physical). So without further ado here are my favorite catchphrases that contribute to success. KEEP YOUR BALANCE Maintaining balance is the most important physical objective leading to success. The balance test is simple: if your head is up and still you are balanced. Several things can cause an imbalance but if you keep the objective in mind you’ll avoid the missteps. THE SAFETY IS IN THE FINISH When faced with a difficult shot that requires a little TLC don’t cheat yourself out of your finish. You can plan a higher percentage shot but don’t get so careful that you just bunt the ball. TIME MANAGEMENT Even a slow-moving ball is coming faster than you can back up. So any retreat should be done by time the ball passes the net. The other time management tip is: whenever you have to choose between getting into perfect position or hitting the ball on
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time, always choose hitting on time. PLAY THE POINT You should view the point as one unit, not a series of shots. Each shot should segue into the next one. Hit every shot with the mindset that there will be another one. Since tennis is a game of errors there is a great temptation to wait until your shot goes in and then that your opponent’s shot comes back. SHOT SELECTION A major (some would say the most important) consideration in shot selection is the implication that your shot has on your recovery for the next shot. Your recovery should be in the center of your opponent’s possible returns. The details are beyond the scope of this column but your coach should be able to flesh it out. THE PERFECT TOSS A good toss will always be better than a bad one but many players place so much emphasis on getting a perfect toss that they kill the continuity that is vital to a good serve. You should assume that every toss is good enough and catch it only if it is unhittable. WINNING IS A DECISION NOT AN OUTCOME In every sport you will hear that you should play to win, not to avoid losing. In individual sports like tennis
this is true in spades because if you have the wrong mindset you don’t have teammates to offset your problems. It is a big mistake to look for clues during the warmup as to whether this is a good day or a bad one. You should never leave your performance to chance. Instead make a decision and run with it. You should love winning more than you hate losing. This column has focused on success but the most important thing is that tennis will keep you fit and contribute to a long and satisfying life. LET’S PLAY!
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“The Dutch House” by Ann Patchett
“But we overlay the present onto the past. We look back through the lens of what we know now, so we’re not seeing it as the people we were, we’re seeing it as the people we are, and that means the past has been radically altered.”
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fell in love with Ann Patchett’s writing after reading Tom Lake (2023). When I subsequently checked out The Dutch House from the Ouachita Parish Public Library, the librarian insisted it was her favorite of Patchett’s work, and I rushed home knowing the elusivity of a librarian’s crowning. In the first few pages, Patchett entrenched me in the story of Danny and Maeve Conroy, siblings abandoned by their mother and striving for the love and attention of their emotionally-stunted father Cyril. When their father remarries a woman with two daughters, leaving Danny and Maeve mostly to her care, twisted bonds begin to form among the stepsiblings, while Maeve and her stepmother clash. When tragedy strikes, Danny and Maeve are exiled from their childhood home and ultimately, their inheritance. Though described as a story of tragedy, Patchett builds a tale of love in spite of loss. Volleying between the present and the past, told mostly from a car parked outside the 1920s Dutch House, Danny and Maeve deconstruct their childhood while navigating their adult lives. The novel’s namesake, both a sign of their father’s success in real estate and the dissolution of the Conroy family, stands as a structured character, and an unrelenting one. Its walls made of glass, seemingly a welcome to outsiders, exists less as a refuge and more as a fortress, a prison of the stepmother’s making. Between cigarettes in a nearby driveway,
Danny and Maeve ponder whether their banishment was more of an escape than an expulsion, a freedom one can only appreciate on the outside of the Dutch House’s glass walls. After one moment of silence, Maeve tells Danny, “We were all so young, you know. We were still our best selves.” Patchett’s magic relies on her exploration of relationships, creating characters who need one another, even when insisting they need no one. Her storytelling excavates the stories we tell ourselves to stay alive, how the past and present blend into the future that hazes where we’ve been. This family saga ruminates on the pressures of privilege, the pieces collected after a tragic loss, and the imprint of maternal longing. You will think of Danny and Maeve long past the final page, as this stunner of a novel will linger in your memory, much as the Dutch House did for the Conroy siblings. The Dutch House centers the glass home in this story, similar in style to some of our classical favorites: Emily Bronte’s Wuthering Heights (1847), Frances Hodgson Burnett’s The Secret Garden (19110), and Daphne du Maurier’s Rebecca (1938). This modern telling of a Gothic tale will have you reaching for more of Patchett’s work, her most notable being Bel Canto (2001). “We had made a fetish out of our misfortune, fallen in love with it.”
REVIEW BY MEREDITH MCKINNIE
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Adam Cossey Event Successful Supporters packed the home of Allison and Palmer Jarrell on the Ouachita River for Adam Cossey, candidate for the open Division B position on the Fourth Judicial District Court. The home was decorated by Allison Palmer. Supporters enjoyed Chef Mac Castelle’s crawfish cakes from Warehouse 1, Trappey’s Cajun etouffee, Jay Pappa’s boudin eggrolls, beverages from Marsala Beverage and delicious desserts from Thurman’s. Trays of vegetables, cheese and fruit complimented the special food dishes. Justice Jay McCallum gave the invocation to the crowd and Allison Jarrell introduced Adam and spoke to her professional and personal experiences with him.
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Fishing With Kenny A TALE OF TWO STANDARDS
article by KENNY COVINGTON
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ISHING, BASS FISHING ESPECIALLY, IS AN EVERchanging world. Technology, lures, techniques, you name iteverything is a constant revolving door. What is the rage today will be on the discount rack tomorrow. But, like everything else, there are a few things that will stand the test of time and be just as productive today as they were, say, thirty years ago. In this month’s article, I want to explore with you a couple of lures that I have been using for almost fifty years, and they produce just as effectively now as they did then. We are going to talk about how they still fit into modern bass fishing and the best ways to incorporate them to make you a better angler. The two lures I am talking about are a Buzz Bait and a Zara Spook. The Zara Spook was introduced in 1939, and although it can be tough to master, it has been a big bass producer ever since. The modern version of the Buzz Bait was introduced in the mid-1970s, and while it has fallen out of favor, it still catches a bigger-than-average fish. Both lures have been staples in my tournament arsenal for well over forty years, and I am not about to change that. My first introduction to the Buzz Bait was the original Lunker Lure, which is still in production today. I can remember fishing behind my father, casting as far as my small hands could throw an old Ambassador 5000, and being transfixed, listening to the chirp coming across the water. The only thing I knew back then was to keep the bait on the water and hold on! While I have caught bass on a Buzz Bait all months of the year, I have a system in place for when and where to throw the buzzer. My system is based on time of year, the water color, water temperature, and the body of water on which I am fishing. And although there are exceptions to these rules, all play an important role in my lure choices. Buzz Bait rule #1. The cooler the water, the bigger the buzzer. The hotter the water, the smaller the buzzer. Early spring and late fall are when the ½- bait shines. The bigger lure gives eye appeal, and usually at these times of the year, bigger bass are keying on larger forage. The biggest key is to move the lure slowly enough to keep it on top of the water. This is critical. Once the water gets above 80 degrees, I use a ¼ version 90% of the time. Buzz Bait rule #2. Keep your color choices simple. I use white, black, and a translucent color called spot remover, but only when the water is clear. That’s it. I don’t throw anything else. In muddy water, I prefer white. In stained or off-colored water, I usually start with black, but I can exchange each one if I need to.
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Buzz Bait rule #3. Make sure you are using the right equipment. With the smaller ¼ buzzer, I always use a glass rod; with the larger buzzers, I use a 7’2 med/heavy pitching/flipping rod. As far as line goes, I use both monofilament and braid, but I tend to lean more towards the braid with the heavier rod and buzzer. The only time I use a trailer hook on my buzz bait is if the water is void of cover. I first began using a Zara Spook in the early 1980’s. I immediately noticed, when used properly, it was a big fish killer. Roland Martin threw his Spook with a 7’6 flipping stick to get more distance from his cast. Jimmy Houston talked about the importance of cadence when “walking the dog” with his Spook, using a 5’6-foot rod. Larry Nixon won a major tournament at Beaver Lake throwing his Spook on a 6’ glass rod. Great anglers, different ideas, still catching big bass. Zara Spook rule #1. Change your hooks. If I am using the standard Zara Spook, the Junior version, or the Zara Puppy, I always change the hooks. If the lure doesn’t have split rings to hold the hooks, I add them. These simple changes will increase your hooked fish-to-landing ratio. Zara Spook rule #2. The clearer the water, the faster the cadence. If you are fishing in clear water, you don’t want to give the fish a particularly good look at the bait. Move it erratically but don’t overdo it. You still want the side-to-side action; you don’t want it to blow out of the water. The only time I use a basic walk-the-dog retrieve is when I am throwing the Zara Puppy in extremely calm, clear water. Zara Spook rule #3. Seawalls and Zara Spooks are a deadly combination. I have caught big bass in several scenarios with a Spook; however, one particular instance that stands out above all others is casting a Spook down seawalls. I believe a bass hanging out in a bit deeper water sees this as an opportunity to catch an easy meal trapped against a solid structure. The strikes can be impressive! Zara Spook rule #4. Shad, Bone, and Bream are the only colors you need, and use braided line. In the summer, I throw a bream color; in the fall or on clear lakes, I throw Shad, and Bone is my favorite color on rainy or cloudy days. I use 30# braid exclusively on my Spook, using a 6’10 spinnerbait rod. The lack of line stretch makes working the bait easier and allows better hookups when using the larger treble hooks. Well, it looks like we have run out of space and time again this month. In the next few months, September, October, and November, make sure you have a Spook and a Buzz Bait on the deck of your boat; I promise you will be glad you did! Catch one for me, and I will see you next month!
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Calendar of Events For a full list of event happenings in Northeast Louisiana, see our website at www.bayoulifemag.com September 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Trivia @ Flying Heart Join Flying Heart and Trivia Taylor every Tuesday at 6PM for a family-friendly trivia night! Place in the top 3 teams and earn a gift card of up to $50! Hours: 6PM Venue: Flying Heart Brewing & Pub, 204 Commerce St. West Monroe, LA 71291 Phone: 318-367-0888 September 3—6, 10—13 Come From Away Come From Away is a lively musical based on the true story of when the isolated community of Gander, Newfoundland played host to the world. What started as an average day in a small town turned into an international sleepover when 38 planes carrying thousands of people from around the globe were diverted to Gander’s international airstrip on September 11, 2001. Hours: Thurs, Fri, & Sat 7PM; Sun 2PM Cost: $20 Student; $30 Adult Venue: Strauss Theatre Center, 1300 Lamy Ln. Monroe, LA 71201 Phone: 318-323-6681 September 3 RFM: Microgreens Enjoy this class at the Ruston Farmers Market Teaching Kitchen. You will learn all about Microgreens! Hours: 6PM-8PM Cost: Varies Venue: Drew Jones Teaching Kitchen, 220 E Mississippi Ave. Ruston, LA 71270 Phone: 318-957-1305 September 4 Creative Convos The vision of this meetup is straightforward: socialize, chill, vibe out, and have stimulating convos and laugh with like minds. Bring a good attitude and an open mind. Hours: 6:30PM-9PM Venue: Rose Trail Event Center, 1124 Oliver Rd. Monroe, LA 71201
September 5—6 Brick Convention This is the greatest LEGO Fan Event on Earth and brings all of the creative hands-on, minds-on fun of LEGO building and experiences together in one activity and entertainment packed family event. Hours: 10AM-5PM Cost: $15 online; $20 at door Venue: Monroe Civic Center, 401 Lea Joyner Memorial Expy. Monroe, LA 71201 September 5, 12, 19, 26 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, 1499 LA-594, Monroe, LA 71203 September 5 GSU Football Get ready to cheer on the Grambling State Tigers as they play this home football game against Bethune-Cookman University. Hours: 6PM Cost: Ticket Prices Vary Venue: Eddie G. Robinson Memorial Stadium, Ballock St. Grambling, LA 71245 September 5 LA Tech Football Get ready to cheer on the Bulldogs as they play this home football game against Northwestern State. A shuttle runs continuously from Downtown Ruston straight to the stadium for 1.5 hours before kickoff and 1 hour after the game ends. Hours: 2PM Cost: Ticket Prices Vary Venue: Joe Aillet Stadium, 1450 W Alabama Ave. Ruston, LA 71270 September 5, 12, 26 Landry Vineyards - Winery and Vineyards Tour and Wine Tasting
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Start your Saturday with a wine tasting choosing from over 25 different wines, then hop on a golf cart for a guided tour of the vineyards and facilities used to make, age, and bottle wine. Hours: Wine Tastings begin at 11AM; Tours begin at 2PM Venue: Landry Vineyards, 5699 New Natchitoches Rd. West Monroe, LA 71292 Phone: 318-557-9050
September 4, 12, 19, 26 Ruston Farmers Market Enjoy local produce, handmade products, art, and more at this farmers market downtown. Hours: 9AM-1PM Venue: 220 E Mississippi Ave. Ruston, LA 71270 Phone: 318-957-1305 September 5, 12, 26 Lagniappe Saturday Celebrate the afternoon with friends and family at Landry Vineyards and listen to local live music! Bring a chair or blanket to picnic on. Wine will be available for sale by the glass, bottle, tasting, and flight! Hours: 3PM-6:30PM Venue: Landry Vineyards, 5699 New Natchitoches Rd. West Monroe, LA 71292 Phone: 318-557-9050 September 6, 13, 20, 27 Flying Heart Live Join Flying Heart in the Beer Garden for delicious pizza, beer, and more while enjoying live, local music! Hours: 6PM
Venue: Flying Heart Brewing & Pub, 204 Commerce St. West Monroe, LA 71291 Phone: 318-367-0888 September 7, 14, 21, 28 Creative Meetups Gather with fellow artists to share ideas, techniques, and stories as you create art. Hours: 6PM-8PM Venue: Kit Gilbert Studio, 301 N Trenton St. #3 Ruston, LA 71270 Phone: 318-202-3202 September 10 RFM: Eggs Benedict Enjoy this class at the Ruston Farmers Market Teaching Kitchen. You will learn all about making your own delicious Eggs Benedict! Hours: 6PM-8PM Cost: Varies Venue: Drew Jones Teaching Kitchen, 220 E Mississippi Ave. Ruston, LA 71270 Phone: 318-957-1305 September 11—12 Live Original Sister Conference Join Sadie Robertson Huff for a 2-day conference. This weekend will be filled with special guest speakers, live music, and fellowship with all kinds of wonderful women. Venue: Monroe Civic Center, 401 Lea Joyner Memorial Expy. Monroe, LA 71201
September 11 Krewe of Janus Texas Hold ‘em Rebuy Tournament The Krewe of Janus hosts their Texas Hold ‘em Tournament at their float den.
Hours: 6PM-9PM Cost: $90 Venue: Krewe of Janus Float Den, 901 Louisville Ave. Monroe, LA 71201 Phone: 318-348-3237 September 11—13 Big Creek Trade Days Enjoy this shopping venue with a variety of local vendors, food, and live music. Hours: Friday & Saturday 9AM-5PM; Sunday 10AM-4PM Cost: $5 per car Venue: 327 California Plant Rd. Dubach, LA 71235 Phone: 318-680-1304 September 12, 13, 19, 20 SYAA Presents: The Wizard of Oz Youth Edition Join Dorothy and her loyal companion Toto as they “Follow the Yellow Brick Road” through the Land of Oz, determined to reach the Emerald City, where the great and powerful Wizard of Oz will help them get home. Hours: Saturdays 2PM & 7PM; Sundays 3PM Venue: Strauss Youth Academy for the Arts, 1300 ½ Lamy Ln. Monroe, LA 71201 Phone: 318-812-7922
Venue: Thirsty Farmer, 531 Hwy 144, Calhoun, LA 71225 Phone: 318-267-5580 September 12 VAMN! Come vibe at this visual artists meetup with the Black Creatives Circle to discuss art studio practice, art history, and theory. Hours: 12PM-2PM Venue: Lillie Marbles Recreation Center, 2950 Renwick St. Monroe, LA 71201 September 17 RFM: African Cuisine Enjoy this class at the Ruston Farmers Market Teaching Kitchen and learn how to prepare African dishes. Hours: 6PM-8PM Cost: Varies Venue: Drew Jones Teaching Kitchen, 220 E Mississippi Ave. Ruston, LA 71270 Phone: 318-957-1305 September 19 River Rat Paddle Challenge The 10th Annual River Rat Paddle Challenge is returning to the Ouachita River for one of the biggest paddling events in the South! Participants can choose between the full-length race or the shorter “Mini Mouse” race, making this annual tradition a fun and exciting experience for paddlers of all skill levels. Venue: Ouachita River September 19 ULM Football Cheer on the Warhawks in the FMOL Health | St. Francis Stadium as they fight for a win at home against Southeastern! Hours: 3:30PM Cost: Ticket Prices Vary Venue: FMOL Health | St. Francis Stadium, 514 Warhawk Way, Monroe, LA 71201
September 12 Wine & Swine Rib Cook-off Join Thirsty Farmer for their inaugural Wine & Swine Rib Cookoff, where pitmasters compete for Blind Judging, People’s Choice, and Best Sides! Enjoy live music, great wine, delicious food, and cast your vote for your favorite ribs! Hours: 12PM-7PM Cost: $10 Tasting Pass
September 19 Landry Vineyards Annual Grape Stomp & Black Water Brake Concert Throw on your best Lucille Ball costume and join Landry’s for their Grape Stomp and outdoor concert! Enjoy delicious wine, bellinis, and more while listening to live music. Guests can stomp grapes for free and dance the night away. Hours: 3:30PM-7PM Cost: $10 Adult; $4 Ages 13-18
Venue: Landry Vineyards, 5699 New Natchitoches Rd. West Monroe, LA 71292 Phone: 318-557-9050 September 19 Saved and Silly Comedy Show This ain’t your average comedy show—it’s a Gospel Comedy Entertainment experience! Hours: 7PM-9PM Cost: $20 Venue: Monroe Civic Center, 401 Lea Joyner Memorial Expy. Monroe, LA 71201 September 20 Krewe of Janus Texas Hold ‘em FreezeOut Tournament The Krewe of Janus hosts their Texas Hold ‘em Tournament at their float den. Hours: 3PM-5PM Cost: $120 Venue: Krewe of Janus Float Den, 901 Louisville Ave. Monroe, LA 71201 Phone: 318-348-3237
September 24 RFM: Gourmet Cupcakes Enjoy this class at the Ruston Farmers Market Teaching Kitchen. You will learn all about making your own delicious Gourmet Cupcakes! Hours: 6PM-8PM Cost: Varies Venue: Drew Jones Teaching Kitchen, 220 E Mississippi Ave. Ruston, LA 71270 Phone: 318-957-1305
Difference. Hours: 8AM Cost: $35 Venue: Forsythe Park, 2300 Sycamore St. Monroe, LA 71201 September 26 ULM Football Game Cheer on the Warhawks in the FMOL Health | St. Francis Stadium as they fight for a win at home against FAU! Cost: Ticket Prices Vary Venue: FMOL Health | St. Francis Stadium, 514 Warhawk Way, Monroe, LA 71201 September 26 Ouachita Paddling Trails: Bayou D’Arbonne Paddle This trail will be an out-andback paddle. Paddlers will land at Rat Island for a fire and roasted hotdogs under the full moon. Hours: 7:30PM Venue: Joe Bob’s Landing, 2030 Bayou Darbonne Dr. West Monroe, LA 71291 September 29 Creative Current: The Evening Edition The NELA Arts Council is launching a new casual gathering for our creative community. Join them for a relaxed monthly meetup designed for artists, designers, performers, educators, and creative thinkers from across our region to connect. Hours: 6PM-8PM Venue: NELA Arts Council, 118 Cotton St. West Monroe, LA 71291
September 26 MAD Dash 5K Run a 5K or 1 Mile Fun Run/ Walk in support of Making A
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