JOIE DE VIVRE

BAYOU ICON

Sometimes a name just fits. That is certainly the case with Joy Russo Loomis. Those who know her recognize Joy’s joyful spirit, something her mother couldn’t have known when she named her infant daughter. Her mother would, however, recognize the joy in her daughter as she grew. Today Joy freely admits that she considers her joyfulness to be a blessing. Something else that is “joyful” is Joy’s unique sense of style. Her unique personal style is reflected in her personal appearance, her beautifully appointed home, and most of all in her attitude toward life. For these reasons, Joy Loomis is our Bayou Icon for September.

ARTICLE BY GEORGIANN POTTS PHOTOGRAPHY BY KELLY MOORE CLARK

Joy grew up in Monroe (and later Ruston) in a traditional, loving family. Her father was an executive with Bell South and a real estate investor. Her mother was a stay-at-home mom who used her spare time to be an active volunteer at the Masur Museum of Art and other groups. Both of Joy’s parents were born and grew up in Monroe. “My parents were beautiful, and had a precious loving relationship,” Joy remembers. There were four daughters born to the Russo family, with Joy being the third born. She laughs that her younger sister, Tiphanie, took the coveted “I’m the baby in the family” crown away when she was born 13 years after Joy. All three of Joy’s sisters have nursing degrees. When Joy was 14, their father moved the family to Ruston – a city all of the girls call “home.” Joy’s grandparents had a home in Monroe on South Grand, and held big family gatherings there. Joy remembers those get-togethers as being filled with love. Her grandparents’ home overflowed with her cousins’ music, food, and lots of laughter. They all got together for holidays which made the occasions feel like blessings. Joy and her friends also enjoyed playing on the levee behind the Masur Museum. A very special memory was listening to her mother play “September Song” in their music room on her baby grand piano.

JOY HAS FOND MEMORIES of her school years. She attended local Catholic schools, Georgia Tucker, Ruston High, and graduated from Cedar Creek. She attended both Louisiana Tech and ULM, and graduated from ULM with a general studies degree and a minor in psychology.

Not all of her lessons were to be learned in the schools, however. She learned from her parents the lessons of faith, love, and hard work. From the love of her life, Al Loomis, she learned the importance of persistence, dedication, and hard work. Al was an attorney who practiced in the Monroe area for half a century. Known for his strong work ethic, Al’s example had what Joy calls “. . . the most profound impact on my professional career. I learned from him that I did not have to be the smartest person in the room. That, in turn, gave me the confidence to do more than I ever thought I was capable of.” During their nearly 38-year-long-marriage, the two of them supported each other in all ways, and adopted their own personal family motto: Be a warrior.

The two met on July 4, 1980 and it wasn’t love at first sight for Joy. However, she concedes that Al did have a “certain wittiness about him” that she found very interesting. Not so long ago, after Al’s death, his former assistant revealed to Joy that Al had told her that he was “going to marry that girl” on the night that the two first met. They married and had two children, a son born in 1983 and a daughter born 5 years later. “The prettiest Al Loomis with red hair!” she says with a laugh. Dual Careers in Real Estate and Design

From her early years and before her marriage to Al, she tried several jobs as she searched for a satisfying career. Her earliest work experience was at Geno’s, a very popular Monroe Italian restaurant owned by the Bruscato family. From that work she learned the importance of both loving one’s family and doing something all by oneself to make a difference.

It was while she was in college that Joy decided to follow in her dad’s footsteps and acquire rental properties. “My ultimate goal was to be financially independent,” Joy explains. She was in her twenties when she built her first rental home. Interest rates were high, but she gained enough confidence from this small property to help her develop as a competent young business woman. “I have continued to grow this business through both commercial and residential properties in the Monroe and Ruston area,” Joy explains. “I just recently expanded my properties into the Hot Springs area.”

Joy and her sisters, according to Joy, always had an eye for dressing in a stylish manner. In fact, she had many family members whom she has always thought of as being styleconscious. Her Aunt Lydia Varino and her beautiful daughter, Mary Elizabeth Jacko, reminded her of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. Joy’s grandmother, Ann Bruscato Varino, taught Joy’s oldest sister, Marianne, to sew, and she became a talented seamstress. “I remember a time when she wanted a maxicoat,” Joy says. “Then she made one!” Both of Joy’s parents loved beautiful art, and their influence helped the girls to develop their styles, too. Her mother was a classic beauty, according to Joy, and her father was a tall, handsome man. “I think that we came from a family that believed looks were important, but one should be natural at the same time.” Joy’s own earliest sewing experience was while she was taking a Home Economics class at Cedar Creek. She remembers making a navy jacket with pockets. It was an excellent learning experience. Later when she began designing clothes, she took an additional sewing class. This was FAMILY MATTERS more for her personal pleasure (Clockwise From Top): Sisters Marianne, Jan and Joy. Joy’s parents, Mary Louise Varino and Leonard Joseph Russo, at their engagment party. Joy and Al Loomis on their wedding day. than for her business, however. “I wanted my clients to have the best seams so I found sewers in Dallas and Atlanta for our clothes.” Joy’s initial start in the clothing business came in 1999 when she began selling clothes out of her home “as a side hustle” to achieve two goals – to grow her rental business and to get fabulous clothes. She started selling a high-end clothing brand (WORTH) for a number of years. She was so good at it that Jay Rosenburg, part owner of the company, invited her to New York City because he wanted to meet the girl whose sales figures in Monroe were better than those in Dallas and Atlanta. Joy’s association with WORTH was good professionally and personally. The fashion networking that she enjoyed meant that she was invited to runway shows at the Breakers in Palm Beach and in NYC. A little over a decade later, that “hobby” became a design business when she and her daughter, Alex, formed Truly Red by Alexandra Joy and began designing their own line of dresses. Their designs featured easy-to-wear shift dresses to which they added interesting trims on the collars and sleeves. The brand grew to include “Mother of the Bride” dresses for close friends. Joy sold the dresses out of her home, in a local boutique, and online. She also offered made-to-order designs. For several reasons, the mother-daughter design team decided to halt production. Joy’s daughter wanted to continue her studies to become an attorney; it became increasingly

difficult to access the fabrics that they wanted; and their lead seamstress moved to Atlanta. But the dream hasn’t disappeared altogether. Alex is currently working on elevating the look of athletic wear – a bold multi-purpose athletic/exercise dress.

Joy dipped back into the clothing sales business by private home showings when she agreed to sell a casual clothing line (CABI). She did this for about seven years, and loved the friendships that she made through it. “I loved making everyone feel and look their very best,” she says with a smile.

Joy’s Personal Style

It is fascinating to hear Joy speak about her own personal style. Her family was always very busy with athletic events, and Joy has always enjoyed exercise. She describes her ideal daily style as a “chic, sporty, outdoor look.”

Joy is not a brand fanatic, nor has she ever been. She has some brand-name purses, jewels, and outfits in her personal collection, but she is drawn more to the feel of the fabric and the style and fit of the piece. At the top of her requirements for selecting something for herself is its versatility. “I love a stretch flair or a straight stretchy structured pant that can be worn with sneakers and then elevated for a meeting with pumps and a matching top,” she explains. She also finds herself drawn to solids more than prints. “You never tire as easily with a solid piece,” she explains. “Most of the time it looks more expensive than a wild print. I find that a solid piece can make the most memorable statement.”

The “comfort factor” about clothes is important to Joy, too. She never wants her “look” to be – or appear – uncomfortable. She believes that every woman can find a sophisticated, yet relaxed style that fits her best. When that happens, Joy says you can’t help but feel your best. “And when you feel your best, you are happy,” Joy adds. “And people gravitate toward happy people.”

To test her “style sense”, she was asked recently to describe what she would choose to wear for two completely different occasions – to a dinner at Buckingham Palace with Queen Elizabeth, and to a rock concert with Mick Jagger and Paul McCartney. Her answers reflect her approach to style beautifully.

To dine with Queen Elizabeth, Joy envisions a “high neck” piece (she adores a top or dress that comes well over the neck). The piece could be a structured pale pink dress that comes midway up the neck with sleeves just above the elbows. It would flare out to about tea length and would be accessorized with pale pink pointed stilettos. OR, she would be equally comfortable in a pencil white pant hemmed 2 inches above the ankles. Over this would be an exotic floor-length structured, long-sleeved top that would cut horizontally across the body. It would be accessorized with a statement belt and brooch (a subtle compliment to the Queen since the brooch is Her Majesty’s favorite type of jewelry).

For the rock concert with two legends, Joy would choose something easy. A pair of stretchy leather pants, a white tee, and a cropped jacket accessorized with a pair of comfortable chunky heels and she would be all set! “This is why I love fashion,” Joy says. “I love all of the ways you can change up your look! So many are divine!”

Giving Back With Love

Joy’s parents were excellent mentors for her and her sisters, instilling in them the importance of giving back to their communities and to their families. Her mother volunteered at the art museum, garden clubs, at her church, and often opened her home on Friday nights for Bible Study. Her father focused his volunteer work for the town of Ruston, and joined many organizations there that gave him the opportunity to give back.

Joy has volunteered through the Junior League of Monroe, the Monroe Garden Club, and the P.E.O. Sisterhood Chapter AE. She also enjoys two investment clubs and a book club, and has enjoyed leadership positions in all of them. Like her mother, Joy spends a lot of volunteer time working for her church – working in the soup kitchen, arranging flowers for Hospice, praying for others and for the community as a part of the Adoration program at her local church. She has very much enjoyed her participation in ACTS and has served in several leadership roles there including the presidency.

Her faith is at the center of Joy’s life, and her volunteer efforts (formal and informal) certainly reflect that. She believes that it is important to give back the blessings that God has given you. “You always remember the kind things said or done for you, and you want others to feel that same love,” she says. One way to do that is to volunteer. “I encourage everyone to be a part of our community,” she says. “There is a spot for everyone. Just ask, and God will open a door. It’s not about your talent – it’s about reaching out and letting others feel the comfort of His love for all of us.”

As for family love, nothing pleases Joy more than being able to be with her grandchildren. She has four: Elizabeth Nordstrom Barham and Lillian Joy Barham, her granddaughters; and Albert Edward Loomis V and John Leonard Loomis, her grandsons. She looks forward to traveling with them. She loves watching them experience their childhoods, and is grateful for these special blessings in her life.

FAVORITE TRAVEL CLOTHES Anatomie Clothing

FAVORITE TENNIS SHOES Golden Goose FAVORITE SHIFT DRESS Lululemon or one from Joy’s collection

FAVORITE PERFUME Zents Ore Perfume

Below: Joy pictured with her grandchildren.

Finding Joy in Every Day

Joy’s dual careers --- investing in rental properties and designing/ selling clothes – have allowed her enough personal flexibility so that she could prioritize rearing her family and caring for her mother and her late husband when they needed her.

Joy has enjoyed extensive travel in her life, and is now eyeing a cruise to Alaska. She is trying to talk her sisters into a trip to Nantucket, and hopes to be enjoying a girls’ trip to NYC in December. At some point not too far away, Joy would love to return to Italy and visit with relatives there.

A tennis player since she was very young, Joy also enjoys a round of golf. She was given her first set of clubs 32 years ago as a present for having their baby girl. Music of all kinds – classical to Sinatra to country – delights her, as does reading. Non-fiction books are her favorites, and studying the scripture is a beloved way of spending time for her.

One of Joy’s favorite scriptures is Psalm 37:4: “Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart” --- an appropriate scripture for an exceptional lady whose faith and joyful nature have touched so many lives.

NOTHING SAYS RELAXATION QUITE LIKE A refreshing dip in the pool or spa. With Labor Day just around the corner, West Monroe’s newest pool supply company, Pinch a Penny, is here to help keep those waters crystal clear all season long. Since opening its first store in 1975, Pinch A Penny has grown to become the largest franchised retail pool, patio, and spa company in the U.S.

Amid the pandemic, West Monroe local, Aaron Phillips, a former law enforcement officer and caseworker for the Louisiana Department of Children & Family Services, began to analyze his career future. While he always loved his career working for the state, the past year had a significant impact on the Phillips family’s perspectives related to their long-term goals.

“We knew from the start that franchising was the route we wanted to take because of the support and name recognition the model provides, so it was a matter of finding the right brand to grow with.” After researching franchise options, the Phillips were immediately impressed with Pinch A Penny’s family-oriented business model designed to assist franchisees every step of the way.

Aaron along with his wife Elizabeth, used this juncture as the opportunity to dive into the world of business ownership. The duo opened their West Monroe location in early summer 2021 with Aaron serving as the day-to-day store operator, while Elizabeth continues in her current career with Lumen. The West Monroe store marks the brand’s fourth location in Louisiana.

Pinch a Penny strives to provide pool and spa owners with the best in all things outdoor, offering everything from outdoor patio furniture to pool supplies such as liquid chlorine, tablets, pumps, filters, and more. In addition to providing a superior selection of pool supplies, the staff at Pinch a Penny also offers pool equipment installation, repairs, and maintenance.

Pinch A Penny Pool Patio Spa of West Monroe, located at 3101 Cypress Street Suite 1 in West Monroe. Open 7 days a week to serve all of your pool and patio needs, be sure to stop by Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information on the new West Monroe store, call 318-516-2244 or visit https://pinchapenny.com/stores/ westmonroe-la-264. Be sure to follow them on social media for tips and tricks from the pool, spa, and patio experts.

DURING HIS MEDICAL RESIDENCY, Dr. Mohamed Bakeer’s faculty named him the third-year resident with “the most kindness, compassion, intelligence, and dedication.” Now, Dr. Bakeer contributes those characteristics to the Surgery Clinic of Northeast Louisiana, joining Dr. Walter Sartor, Dr. Bart Liles, and Dr. Patrick Smith.

Dr. Bakeer, born in New York and raised in New Orleans, says the recent move to northeast Louisiana has been an easy one.

Medicine and science are ingrained in Dr. Bakeer’s family tree. His grandfather, a medical doctor in Egypt, was the first deputy to the minister of health. He also founded and directed Egypt’s national labs for vaccines and serum. Dr. Bakeer’s grandmother, also a medical doctor, worked in the same lab.

Dr. Bakeer’s mother, a microbiology professor at LSU Health and Sciences Center, and his father, an independent engineer, work in New Orleans.

Solving technical problems has always interested Dr. Bakeer. When he was a child, he built models of cars. Following his father’s footsteps, he pursued engineering; he received a B.S. in biomedical engineering and an M.S. in neuroscience from Tulane University in New Orleans. During that time, he also worked for the Army Corps of Engineers in New Orleans. However, his love for medicine remained.

“I studied bioengineering, but I knew I was still interested in medicine. Engineers solve problems, and I realized that the engineering skillset could translate to medicine. As a surgeon, you discover a problem, and you definitively fix it,” Dr. Bakeer said.

So, he earned his medical degree from LSU Health and Sciences Center while working at a student-run homeless clinic. At the clinic, he provided healthcare to the underserved New Orleans community. He then completed his general surgery residency at LSU Health and Sciences Center. “Following up with patients and watching them improve is very rewarding,” he said.

He is a member of the Society of Laparoscopic Surgeons, the American College of Surgeons, and the American Medical Association. Dr. Bakeer enjoys spending time with his fiancée, Monroe native Ellie Jackson, traveling, and playing basketball in his free time.

He is excited about his new adventure at the Surgery Clinic of Northeast Louisiana, home of Delta Vein Care. “The breadth of surgery offered at this clinic is extremely impressive,” he said.

Dr. Walter Sartor expressed his enthusiasm regarding Dr. Bakeer’s arrival.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Bakeer to the Surgery Clinic of Northeast Louisiana,” Dr. Sartor said. “He’s an impressive surgeon who shares the vision and values of our expanding practice. Dr. Bakeer will be a great asset, as his incredible work ethic, intelligence, and passion for patient care broadens our ability to care for the community.”

Stop By and Shop New Arrivals Daily

THIS HEAT WAVE IS MAKING US want the fall season to arrive soon! Autumn scents, colors and activities are just around the corner. Haven has so many amazing new lines this fall! Those items are arriving daily, so be sure to stop by if you need a great gift or something fun for yourself.

It’s time to get ready for tailgating! Haven has a new section of the shop to help you cheer on your favorite team! ULM, LA Tech, Ole Miss, and LSU are all represented. Styrofoam cups, jewelry, scarves, and fun accessories. Tiger shirts, shorts and pants are back in, as well as a fun new LSU tiger shirt. Maybe you need a new bag for this fall? Haven has a nice selection of Vegan leather hobo bags in a variety of rich colors, so you are sure to find one you love. Small clutches and crossbody bags are also in-stock and a perfect size to carry for all occasions.

Haven has just restocked their NEST cabinet and they have a huge selection for all NEST lovers. All your favorites are there in a variety of candles, diffusers, and hand soap. Wild Mint and Eucalyptus now comes in bar soap and a room spray that should be arriving very soon. Haven also has added several new scents to their offering, including Ocean Mist and Sea Salt, and Sicilian Tangerine. Pura diffusers are also on order and should be here any day!

The arrival of the much-loved NEST Pumpkin Chai candle and the new Autumn Plum scent are a signal fall is near! Velvet pumpkins and acorns are already on display and flying out the door. These pumpkins and acorns are set off by the use of real stems and acorn caps- which create a real work of art for your table. This year, Haven has added Italian Lambskin pumpkins, which provides an added interest in texture. A grouping of pumpkins, in a variety of sizes, on one of Haven’s new golden bronze platters is sure to usher in the fall season into your home.

Haven is well known for their exceptional book selection. Haven has already received multiple shipments of new books in all the hot topics! Gardening, design, inspirational and cooking, just to name a few. The kids section also has so many fun books, including childhood favorites and some new releases. Pair a book with a stuffed animal and you have a gift any child would love! New religious books and devotionals have also just arrived and always make a great gift for a friend.

Shopping on-line is always an option if you don’t want to leave home. ShopHavenMonroe.com is Haven’s website and they are always adding new products. Or if you visit in store, you are sure to be greeted by one of Haven’s helpful staff, always ready to assist you in any way. Frequent shoppers know beautiful complimentary gift wrap is always available at Haven. Stop by Haven today and see their new arrivals!

RECENTLY, I WENT ON MY ANNUAL “girls’ trip” to the beach. We’ve seen each other through just about every imaginable triumph and heartache. We gather every year to rejuvenate our spirits and enjoy the sisterhood we’ve formed.

The first day, we sat in our chairs catching up. One friend commented how she’d strategically chosen her swimsuit because it covered the stretch marks from pregnancy. Another showed us the large scar on her knee where she fell and had to have surgery. A third voiced her frustrations with acne scarring. We all had some type of scar or stretch mark to show, but we are not the type of women to sit on the sidelines of life. Those memories are etched on our hearts, do we have to have them etched on our skin too? Afterall, it’s not as if the births of our children would be any less significant without the scars or stretch marks!

Fast forward to my annual visit at The Woman’s Clinic with my OB/GYN. She, too, has seen me through some tears and joys of life. I showed her a scar that was bothering me, half expecting it to be written off as insignificant. Instead, she told me that my concern was common, and The Woman’s Clinic offers a variety of aesthetic services to treat scars like mine.

After consultation with the aesthetics nurse and my doctor, we decided I should begin using a ZO product called dermal retinol in addition to following up with my plastic surgeon for recommendations. I considered my choices of a possible surgery and other alternatives but decided an inoffice procedure The Woman’s Clinic offers was right for me. The aesthetics nurse felt they could help minimize my scarring with something called Sublative RF, in addition to the dermal retinol. Although it would require a series of treatments, they were quick, inexpensive, and would be effective.

I was so thankful that my doctor heard my concerns, and I’m even more thankful that I am beginning to see improvement of my scar. I’ve shown a few of my friends and they are now considering doing the same. I can already see us on our trip next year in bikinis with nothing to hide… Okay, maybe that’s a bit too far, but a girl can dream!

Thank you for allowing me to share my story. Remember that your story is yours to tell…or not! Call The Woman’s Clinic for your free consultation with the aesthetics nurse. She’ll work with you to find the best option for your areas of concern, whether that’s acne scars, surgical scars, or stretch marks. All while keeping your budget in mind. - Nothing to Hide

BY THE CHILDREN’S COALITION FOR NORTHEAST LOUISIANA

Suicide is a “Silent Epidemic” that claims the lives of more teenagers and young adults than cancer, heart disease, AIDS, birth defects, stroke, pneumonia and influenza combined. According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, in Louisiana, suicide is the second-leading cause of death for ages 10-14 and the third-leading cause of death for ages 15-34,. In total, suicide was responsible for 722 deaths in Louisiana in 2017. This figure puts the suicide rate in Louisiana at 15.26% per 100,000 people, which is above the national average of 13.26% Jan Daniels is the Youth Development Coordinator at the Children’s Coalition. She received her Bachelor of Social Work from Northeast Louisiana University. For the past sixteen years, Jan has been working with middle schools in northeast Louisiana to provide the suicide prevention

program Signs of Suicide (SOS). She was trained through Columbia University in this program. Her passion is making sure children in our community are not only physically healthy, they are also mentally healthy.

A: Feeling sad is often temporary while depression lasts for at least two weeks or longer. If you are noticing that your child is having long periods of time that they are feeling sad and it is not just JAN DANIELS temporary, this is when it is important to start considering getting help. Depression is a serious health condition that affect the whole person, mind and body. In addition to feelings, it can change or affect behavior, physical health and appearance, academic performance, thinking, social activity, and the ability to handle everyday decisions and pressures. Depression can lead someone to isolate themselves from their friends and lose interest in activities they once enjoyed doing. When you notice that your child’s “down” mood, along with other symptoms, lasts for more than a couple of weeks, these may be signs of depression.

A: There are many possible causes for depression. Depression can happen because of a chemical change in your body. Depression can also run in families. Depression can occur in response to a recent stress or loss, such as problems at school or with the law, the death of a loved one, or relationship troubles. People/children may also experience depression and not know exactly why or what is causing it. It is so important to pay attention to our children now with so many changes happening around them. Between changes in school, summertime, and family changes, the current situation that our children are experiencing can cause a lot of stress in our children’s lives.

A: It is important to just take some time to start a conversation about mental health. This can be though for families as often in our society, mental health is not discussed openly like physical health. Feelings of depression or anxiety “Every 4 days are often hidden because youth on average, a are confused, embarrassed, or ashamed. You can help protect young person your children and their friends by talking to them. commits suicide Q: How do I begin a conversation in Louisiana.” about mental health with my child? A: A good way to start the conversation is by asking open-ended questions. It is okay to let your child steer the conversation to what they want to talk about and what they are comfortable discussing. Remember that the solution is not going to be solved in one night, so it is important to not rush into solving their problems. Instead, ask what they think would help find a solution. While sometimes a child may not be ready to begin having this conversation, it is important to be available when they feel comfortable to have the conversation about their mental health or a friends.

A: Be on the lookout for social media posts that say such things as, “There’s no point anymore,” “I want the pain to stop,” “I don’t want to try anymore.” You may notice your child use to post all the time and suddenly disappears off all social media with no explanation. You may also notice people posting mean things about your child or a child online.

Crisis Text Line http://www.crisistextline. org/ Crisis Text Line provides free emotional support and information to teens in any type of crisis, including feeling suicidal. You can text with a trained specialist 24 hours a day. Text “HOME” to 741741.

1–800–273-TALK (8255) The Lifeline is a 24-hour toll-free phone line for people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. This number is also available by calling 988. An online chat option is available at http://www. suicidepreventionlifeline.org/GetHelp/ LifelineChat.aspx

Jan Daniels, Youth Development Director at the Children’s Coalition, works with middle schools in northeast Louisiana to provide the suicide prevention program Signs of Suicide (SOS) and the abstinence-plus program Rights, Respect and Responsibility. Call Jan at (318) 323-8775 or go to www.childrenscoalition. org to learn more about how you can get these programs at your child’s school.

PRESIDENT RON BERRY’S GOAL IS TO be the “best in the world at ‘what’ we do” at the University of Louisiana Monroe.

At Berry’s University Address on Aug. 9th, just days before the start of the fall 2021 semester, he energized the Warhawk Family to discover the “why” that fuels the “what.”

“We’ve done a lot when it comes to, what?” Berry stated, noting enrollment for fall 2021 is in good shape, the university has the best budget in 13 years, raises are in the works for faculty and staff, and the ULM Foundation has set a $100 million goal by 2031, “… No doubt they are going to reach that mark.”

Identifying the university’s collective “why” is the blueprint for the “whats” of Berry’s developing strategic plan. The new plan will challenge the status quo of decades of economic depression in the northeast corner of Louisiana. “In the 5th Congressional District, so many people live in poverty with no hope of a better tomorrow,” Berry said. “It’s time to own who we are, where we are, and do what we must do. It’s time to raise our region up, move out of poverty, and into a better life.” Using his own story of poverty to university president as an example, Berry said it is only through education that lives change. The students’ lives are changed, and so are the lives of those around them. “Think about our students. Our kids need us to be the best in the world at what we do so that we can give them a pathway for themselves and their families,” he said. “And when we do this, guess what happens to our community? It rises up.”

UNFORTUNATELY, THERE IS NO TRUE FOUNTAIN of youth… at least not one we have discovered yet. But DermaMedicQ offers treatments to help your skin achieve the youthful glow we all desire. DermaMediQ proudly offers a variety of services including BodyTite, Emsculpt, Instalift and Morpheus8, that helps you gain your self confidence back. Plus, the coming months are the perfect time to plan these procedures since you can cover up with leggings, sweaters and pants.

When it comes to someone who has lost weight and your skin has some drooping or you have used fillers and botox and you still aren’t getting the results you want, Dr. Sowma has a non-surgical treatment that uses micro-suspension technology to help you achieve the look you want. This amazing treatment is called Instalift by Silhouette. The Micro-suspension technology immediately lifts your mid-facial skin, including sagging cheeks and deeper nasolabial folds (smile lines) and boosts volume by activating your natural collagen production over time. The results are truly amazing. You get the lift without surgery, and the volume without fillers.

Morpheus8 is a novel technology that lets you discover new depths. It is the first and only full-body fractional technology adjusted for subdermal tissue remodeling, dermal treatment and epidermal resurfacing. Morpheus8 is the deepest lift technology with penetration up to 4000 microns. Morpheus8 is perfect for tightening specific problem areas on the body but also great for treating acne on the face. Some of the key benefits include minimal scarring and downtime and a good option for younger patients not yet ready for a facelift.

Emsculpt is intended for improvement of abdominal tone, strengthening of the abdominal muscles, development of firmer abdomen. Strengthening, toning and firming of buttocks, thighs, and calves. Improvement of muscle tone and firmness, for strengthening muscles in arms. The best part is there is no anesthesia or down time.

Body Tire is a minimally-invasive device for body contouring delivering results previously only achieved through excisional procedures. BodyTite is powered by directional radio frequencies resulting in three-dimensional tissue remodeling through fat coagulation and volumetric heating. The coagulation of fat using radio frequency induced heat results in radio-frequency assisted lipolysis.

No matter your age or issue you want to address, Dr. SowmaFakhre and the staff at DermaMediQ can help you achieve your beauty goals and truly put your best face forward. Call the helpful staff today to schedule an appointment or consultation to start your journey to becoming a more confident and better you.

THEY SAY IF YOU DO SOMETHING YOU LOVE, YOU will never work a day in your life. And that is just what Kim Shows Porter is doing. For the last four years, she ran an online boutique out of her home as a hobby. After quitting her job, she started a Facebook group where she shared her style with friends and family. “I have always loved fashion and honestly, loved to shop,” says Kim. “I loved being able to buy clothes that a variety of women were interested in.” After years of operating out of her home, the hobby was becoming quite the business. “We were running it out of my house and it was taking over with the inventory and shipping and all the things,” she said. She searched and searched for a perfect spot throughout the Twin Cities and found it in the heart of downtown West Monroe. Heritage and Grace Boutique opened at the corner of Natchitoches and Cotton Street in December of 2020 and has been growing ever since.

The significance of owning a store in West Monroe isn’t lost on Kim, whose family has deep roots in the community. While she was born in Alexandria, Kim’s family found its way throughout the state of Louisiana as her dad coached football. In 1989, he found his way to Northeast Louisiana where he remained for the rest of his career. Most people in town know him as Don Shows, but Kim knew him as dad. “It is special to be a part of this community that loved my dad and supported him over the years,” she said. And the importance of family is continuing with her own family. Kim’s own daughter, Ryan Kepper, runs the boutique along with her mom. Sometimes, Ryan’s own son, Brodie can be found at the store, as well. Kim has three other daughters, Kylee, Reece and Raleigh, who influence the style of the boutique and model the clothes that come in. Little brother Shows is supportive as well!

Heritage and Grace has clothes for women of all ages from girls in middle school to moms and grandmothers. “It is really reflective of our family,” said Kim. “We have all ages and styles and we like to be able to help people like us!” Kim’s style is laidback and she focuses on closet staples like jeans, sweaters, shoes - pieces that can be your go to pieces. For fall trends, Kim says that plaid, straight leg jeans, hats, gold jewelry, and leather are all popular. Everyone loves a good t-shirt and Heritage and Grace has some fun ones! There are graphic tees with everything from local lagniappe to smiley faces to gameday and football inspired. Kim also works with a designer to create pre-order specials and will debut a shirt paying homage to the very school that her dad coached at for all those years, and where two of her daughters attend today.

Since she does have kids at West Monroe High School, Kim makes sure she supports the school, as well as other local schools and non-profit organizations. Kim and Ryan plan on being a part of the community and giving back whenever they can. Given their location, they are also excited to be a part of the revitalization in downtown West Monroe and participate in events like the champagne stroll and Christmas festivities.

You can find Heritage and Grace on Facebook and Instagram or just pop in their store in downtown West Monroe. Whether you are looking for a fun shirt for gameday, a closet staple or soft and cozy sweatshirt, they have it all!

BY DAVID D. FINLEY, DDS, FAACD, FAGD

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

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

Here is what you will receive when you see a cosmetic dentist: ● Your Dream Smile – Imagine waking up in the morning, looking in the mirror, and seeing the most beautiful smile looking right back at you! ● Improved Self-Confidence – Flashing your gorgeous smile will make you feel incredible and more confident. ● Reduced Risk of Future Problems – With a small correction to your teeth now, you could save having to deal with far more serious problems in the future.

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

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

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