BAYOU ICON

Since his early days, Friday Ellis has come a long way from when he lived in a 2-bedroom house behind a gas station in rural Northeast Louisiana. His has been a remarkable journey, filled with countless experiences and exceptional people who together prepared him for becoming a public servant. His journey recently led him to win the highest elected office in the City of Monroe. Mayor Friday was elected to serve the first time he sought public office – a distinction he shares with wife, Ashley, who became the 5th District Representative on the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) a few months before she became Monroe’s First Lady. In many ways, however, Mayor Friday’s journey has only just begun. All that has gone before has been a prelude. Because of his steadfast determination to live his faith, to honor his family, and to empower all who live in the community he serves, Mayor Friday Ellis is our November BayouIcon.

Oliver Friday Ellis is named for his father, Oliver Gus Ellis. Well, sort of --- Friday’s dad was known as “Mr. Friday.” The nickname came from his days collecting payments for the furniture store in Rayville. “A lady would see dad driving up the street,” Friday explains, “and she would shout, ‘Ya’ll better get your money right… here comes Mr. Friday!’” Friday was payday so that’s when Mr. Friday would collect. People loved Mr. Friday, and the name stuck.

The original Ellis family moved to Louisiana from Missouri to find work as sharecroppers. They settled on the island near St. Joseph, but later moved to Holly Ridge. After finishing 8th grade, Friday’s dad left school to help on the farm. When he turned 16, he hitchhiked to Monroe to find work.

SUNDAY VISITS AND A SHIRT SET THE TONE

One of Friday’s favorite childhood memories was his dad’s “Sunday ministry.” Every Sunday he and his dad would get in the car and visit old friends and elderly in the nursing homes, occasionally taking small gifts.

Mr. Friday was a character -- someone you don’t forget. Friday saw firsthand his dad’s concern for others when they were having lunch one day at Baker’s Café in Rayville. They were seated inside visiting when an older African American gentleman, one of Mr. Friday’s friends, stopped to say hello. Mr. Friday introduced young Friday, and then they reminisced about their time sharecropping together. Then he said, “Mr. Friday, you have always been a fine dresser. I sure like your shirt.” Mr. Friday thanked him and said, “We’re about the same size, right?” Friday’s dad took the shirt off and handed it to his old friend who was reluctant to take it. Mr. Friday insisted. He then sat back down and finished his lunch in his undershirt. The lesson --- that everyone has worth --- resonated with his son. Later in life Friday realized that the story wasn’t about “giving the shirt off of your back” but was about doing the right thing and showing kindness to everyone.

THE CAJUN CONNECTION

Young Friday loved to visit his stepmom Lily’s family down in Baldwin, Louisiana. Here he experienced a completely new culture and loved every minute of it. His days were filled running through sugarcane fields, playing with cousins, and helping out around the farm.

Today Friday remembers vividly the way of life that he experienced down south. His grandmother Drucilla and her friend Agleia, would gather in the kitchen to prepare meals for the family, with their stockings rolled down below their knees, stirring pots of food while speaking in French so the little ones wouldn’t understand the “grown up” conversations.

“The men went to another room or out on the porch to smoke and have a drink,” Friday recalls. “It was there that I first smelled piped tobacco, and I loved the aroma.” Uncle Charlie’s pipe smoke smelled like cherry and vanilla. It would be some years later before Friday began smoking pipes – and his characteristic cigars.

This was a magical time filled with fun and family which was the inspiration for Friday to write a children’s book. It was a tribute to his dad’s remarkable life and influence. The Tail of Pookie the Possum is a charming story about an opossum that is teased because his tail is “different” from the others. It is a delightful character lesson that showcases Friday’s sensitivity toward others.

COURAGE AND FAITH

In 1996, Friday enlisted in the Marine Corps. He hoped that this experience would give him a chance to grow, the opportunity to travel, and through the GI Bill, a way to further his education. Within the first 5 weeks of basic training, his military career was halted. MCL damage that he had suffered during high school football had caused his knee to swell. It would require further surgery to recover, and he was sent home to rehabilitate.

Friday did what he knew how to do best – he went back to work. He found a job working at The Gap in the mall. It was a tough transition back to civilian life, but over time, Friday settled into school at Northeast Louisiana University and found a tight friend group at work. Friday met Ashley while they were working together at The Gap, but the two didn’t hit it off right away. They did, however, share a mutual friend, Corey Little. Ashley and Corey found a common interest in helping Friday find his faith. Ashley recalls, “It was obvious that Friday was a good person in search of something. He didn’t know what it was he was looking for, but we did.” Friday says this was a pivotal moment in his life because he had always felt unworthy and broken. Was he good enough to be a Christian?

Friday began attending church with Corey and Ashley. For the first time, the question of faith became real for Friday. When he lived with his mother, they moved often and “joined” a church in every town. When he lived with his dad and Lily, he worshiped in the Catholic faith. Later, he began worshipping as a Baptist again, but without ever truly committing. Corey and Ashley became Friday’s “faith partners” (the second major influence on Friday’s journey) and encouraged him to seek God. First West had a revival, and Ashley invited Friday to attend with her. They went every night that week. Friday witnessed people all over this community, young and old, living out their faith in a meaningful way. For many weeks, Friday continued to attend First West and eventually asked Dr. David Uth to be baptized. Friday remembers, “I told him that I was ready to commit my life to Christ, and he was the person I wanted to baptize me.”

LOVE? NOT SO FAST

Friday and Ashley’s relationship blossomed. After months of “just being friends,” they both realized their affection for each other and began dating officially. Friday was drawn to Ashley’s positivity, her deep sense of faith, and her kind heart. Friday remembers an uncertain time early in their relationship when Ashley invited him to play volleyball with her friends. “I consider myself a more contact sport kind of guy. Volleyball needed more finesse than I could offer. She was unimpressed

at right: Ashley, Aurie, Friday, Asher and Oliver Friday Ellis III gather during the campaign. Friday’s vision has always been to give people hope for something better that would impact everyone – a revived economy, a more profound sense of community, and a renewed spirit of love and acceptance for all citizens.

with my skills. She eventually told me it was almost a dealbreaker!” Friday laughs. “Thank God for my devilish good looks!”

After a year of dating, Friday and Ashley married in May, 2001 at the Anna Gray Noe Park downtown. Many passersbyers shared the moment with the newlyweds – some looking down from their nearby hospital rooms at St Francis. It was a beautiful day, and life for the Ellis’s was just getting started.

Their marriage had barely begun when the two watched the September 11th terror attacks that stunned the world. Friday knew exactly what he had to do. He immediately re-enlisted in the Marine Corps, answering the call to duty. His Military Occupational Specialty training lasted two years. While Friday was in training, Ashley had a teaching job in San Antonio and visited him on weekends.

Friday’s next assignment came as a surprise. Instead of being deployed overseas as he expected, his orders sent him to the Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow in Barstow, California. When he asked where Barstow was, the answer came --- in the middle of the Mojave Desert! Friday worked as a construction wireman on base, and Ashley began teaching at the local elementary school. “Ashley interviewed with one of the principals who noticed she was from Monroe, Louisiana,” Friday remembers. “He told her he grew up visiting his grandparents in Columbia every summer and her southern accent reminded him of home. What are the odds of moving

to the Mojave Desert and meeting someone who spent every summer in Columbia, Louisiana?”

While in Barstow, working in the desert heat, the trenching machine broke down leaving the Marines with a decision – how to handle the oppressive heat and still get the job done. Friday’s platoon sergeant, Sgt. Christopher Garcia, arrived with tents, water bottles, and pickaxes. Garcia grabbed a pickaxe and began digging the trench by hand – an example of the leader working side-by-side with his men. On that day, Friday made a promise. no matter where his life’s journey led him, he would never ask anyone to do anything that he wasn’t willing to do himself. “Sgt. Garcia taught me that leaders not only set the example, but they inspire others around them to be better,” says Friday.

AND THEN THERE WERE THREE

After serving 4 years, Friday and Ashley moved back to Monroe. A few years later, their first son, Oliver Friday Ellis III, was born, and Mr. Friday got to hold his namesake grandson. Friday took some construction classes at ULM and then went to work for the City of Monroe in project management as a construction inspector. This gave him a working knowledge of Monroe’s infrastructure limitations, an understanding that would pay dividends when he would become mayor years later. Around this time, Friday and Ashley were expecting their second child, Asher Ellis. Sadly, just before Asher was born, Friday’s dad passed away. This was a challenging time for Friday. He was very close to his dad and for the first time in his life, he felt alone in the world. “You never understand the loss of a parent until it happens to you,” Friday says. “My dad was my person, the man who raised me, molded me, and would give the shirt off his back. I was devastated, and it took me many years to recover from the loss of my father.”

In 2012 Ashley finished her master’s in Education Leadership from ULM and was encouraged by a friend to apply for the Communications and Curriculum Director position in small town north of Kansas City, Missouri. She and Friday checked it out and discovered Weston to be a perfectly charming small town with no big box stores, no chain restaurants, and a vibrant community spirit. Years later, this spirit evidenced through community chef’s tables inspired Friday’s launching Governor’s Table and the Garden District Block Party, both designed to bring together the arts, good food, and good music in a setting that would bring people together.

As Friday puts it, Ashley took the job and he became “Mr. Mom” to sons Friday (6) and Asher (3). While living there with some free time, two important things happened. First, Friday learned how to roll cigars (it isn’t easy) and how to blend tobacco to get a special flavor (again, not easy). His new friends at Weston Tobacco taught him everything they could about techniques and blends. Friday began schooling himself on the finer points of cigar making, and discovered that he had a keen “palate” for identifying different tobaccos. (Today he can blind taste an un-banded cigar and identify what tobacco leaves were used to make the blend.) Secondly, Friday took classes at the local community college thinking that he might become a teacher. There he met a free-spirited marketing teacher named Jim Moes.

After Friday turned in a paper for Moes’ marketing class about how to grow an established cigar business (and had given Moes 3 cigars to smoke while he was grading it), Moes asked Friday what he was doing majoring in education. He pointed out that most of Friday’s papers were about cigars of the cigar cottage industry. “You have a passion for cigars, Friday,” he said. “Maybe you should seek a career in the cigar industry?”

At the same time, two health challenges emerged. Ashley was increasingly concerned about her mother who was suffering from dementia. Friday and Ashley decided that moving home to care for her mother was the best decision. They packed up, sold their house and drove home. nother issue was that Ashley was A experiencing severe joint pain. It was beginning to impact her everyday life. She was advised that if things progressed, they would need to decide if they would have more children. “Ashley wasn’t worried, but she did feel an overwhelming sense of comfort in what was next for our family,” Friday remembers. “She decided to leave it in God’s hands, allowing his will to be done. I’ve never seen Ashley so content to move forward and let it be.”

In 2015, Friday and Ashley adopted Aurie after fostering to adopt for several months. A beautiful child and family had found each other through a teacher at Richwood high School where Ashley was teaching. Friday loves to tell the story about the first time he and Ashley met Aurie. It was in West Monroe at Chick-fil-A and they were enjoying nuggets and fries while getting to know one another. “Aurie reached over and stole one of my fries,” he remembers. “I tell everyone that was when she stole my fry and stole my heart.”

THE CIGAR DREAMS BECOMES REALITY

When he moved back from Weston, Friday noticed that there was no shop selling cigars. He had dreamed of owning a business, but how to pay for it? He worked pipeline for a few months, saving every penny to go toward starting his business. With start-up capital in hand, Friday searched for a location. He rented space from Jimmy “The Greek” Johnston, who encouraged him to pursue his “calling.” Johnston told Friday if he could get him a box of his favorite Cuban cigars (Partagas Serie D #4) he would rent to him. They signed the lease for his first cigar shop over a box of those cigars.

In 2014, Governors Cigar and Pipe opened and almost immediately, Friday needed more space. He wanted to have chairs and tables where customers could come in with their papers, smoke cigars, and visit. He bought a former flower shop building on North 3rd and moved his business there. “It was the perfect setting for Governors,” Friday says. “It was an established, older home in an established, older neighborhood. That gave Governors a feeling of having been there a long, long time.”

In 2014, Friday and Ashley flew to Nicaragua to discuss creating their own blends with AJ Fernandez. Enrique “Ricky” Somoza (grandson of former President Anastasio Somoza) and Starky Arias, helped them understand the process. AJ, Ricky and Friday came up with Friday’s first blend entitled “Primera Dama” and plans were set for the North American debut at Luke Robertson’s wedding. As fate would have it, the FDA began regulating cigars for the first time and the project was tabled.

Undeterred, Friday called upon his good friends James and Angela Brown of Black Label Trading Company, a cigar factory based in Nicaragua dedicated to blending and producing handcrafted cigars. Friday asked the Browns to blend 2 cigars for him – one for his palate (The Governor) and one for

Ashley’s (The First Lady). The first production of cigars was sent to Governors, and through the skilled efforts and loyal following of Black Label, the two new blends sold out in one day. As a special gift to Ashley, Friday included in each box a copy of a poem he had written to her on their anniversary.

A TIME TO SERVE

With a growing business, an amazing wife, and three beautiful children, many wondered why Friday decided to run for mayor. Turns out that his original plan was to run for the District 1 City Council seat that Michael Echols was vacating. When Echols decided to run for statewide office, Friday had a more significant decision – should he run for mayor?

Friday recognized that his most prominent opponent in the mayoral run was voter apathy. The key to overcoming that was to give people hope for something better that would impact everyone – a revived economy, a more profound sense of community, and a renewed spirit of love and acceptance for all citizens. He made a conscious decision from the very beginning to run “for Monroe” and not “against” anyone. Friday ran a modern campaign grounded in the vision that Monroe belongs to “all of us.” As he put it, “We aren’t afraid to do the heavy lifting. I want to see Monroe go from a city of memories to a city of momentum.”

While knocking on doors, Friday was surprised at how many people remembered his dad and would recount fond memories of Mr. Friday. As Friday walked the streets in every neighborhood, knocking on doors and listening to concerns for the city, flooding and crime quickly emerged as two critical areas.

COVID-19 and the Easter Sunday tornados changed the plans for the campaign, but not its trajectory. So did a medical issue with young Aurie that forced a suspension of his campaign for a few weeks. With all of these unforeseen challenges, Friday stayed focused. His days were filled with arranging deliveries of food and water to the tornado victims, clearing their streets and yards, and helping those whose homes had been destroyed find temporary shelter. His presence, marked by the presence of his old truck, signaled hope to those in need. That hands-on, boots on the ground approach made the difference in the election outcome.

THE FUTURE IS NOW

Friday’s journey continues. Today, only a few months in office, Friday is hard at work finding ways to help Monroe become the vital metro-center for the region. He has already taken decisive steps to reorganize City operations and to bring employees together as a team. As he tells everyone, “This City is worth fighting for, so let’s do it! We can’t sit around waiting for Superman. We must all step up and do something for our community.”

There is much to do, and projects to be done. “When was the last time you heard Monroe described as the ‘historic city on the river filled with arts and culture’?” Friday asks. Helping people to change generations-long perceptions of the city is a major goal. Failure no longer scares him. “If you get punched, get back up and keep pressing forward,” Friday explains. “In life, people often define themselves by their success or by what they do. It’s time that we attach ourselves to this city and work together to achieve its potential!”

Celebrating Three Generations of a Legacy

FALL MEANS MANY THINGS FOR US HERE IN THE SOUTH. Perhaps most importantly, the tangible changing of the seasons in the fading of the green in the trees and the cooling of the punishing summer heat heralds the coming of the holidays. Although we are thankful all year, November reminds us all to be conscious of those things which are most deserving of our gratitude. It is this holiday season which calls to mind our blessings, our families, and the people and things we love most.

For over 50 years, Genusa’s Italian Restaurant has happily served the community. Over this time there have been many articles penned justifiably praising the traditional and delectable Italian cuisine served at the Monroe staple. From the homegrown herbs used in almost every dish to locally sourced tomatoes being handpicked, peeled, and prepared in an assortment of ways, the Genusa family takes the food service business very seriously. However, according to Cherry Genusa who launched the restaurant in 1967 with her late husband and helms it still today, the single most important ingredient used in the family’s kitchen is love. It is the love of family, friends, and guests. It is the devotion of a family to their craft, and the love infused in every meal that leaves the kitchen.

Among those things The Genusas are most thankful for are the guests who support them and the family itself, especially now that the restaurant boasts 3 generations all working happily under the same roof. The Genusa children have been greatly involved in sustaining the business over the years. Cherry fondly reminisces about the children sitting atop a turquoise freezer in the kitchen to watch a tiny television on pantry shelving. As they grew, they began to be schooled in the operations of the restaurant, from how to roll meatballs and wait tables to bartending and financial functions.

Understanding the value of investing in a family-based operation, the children remain involved in the day-to-day business in various capacities. There’s Rachel, who leads training and supervision of kitchen staff and all food production, researching and overseeing all aspects of the awardwinning wine portion of the business, as well as making her fabulous tiramisu. She takes tremendous pride in familiarizing herself with wineries and their products in order to give diners the optimal choice for any meal. Ann is the jack-of-all-trades, who choreographs kitchen to table service and is knowledgeable about every aspect of operations. Then there are the grandchildren, the people who bring Cherry so much joy. First, Ashley, “brilliant’’ according to her grandmother, primarily deals with payroll and baking her delicious cheesecakes for the menu and handles front of the house duties at night. Cole, previously a Monroe Police officer, started full-time at Genusa’s recently, starting in the kitchen, managing wait staff, and bartending. His intent to learn every facet of the business is evident in his daily dedication and work ethic. Next, Francis III, early in his collegiate seminary training as a burgeoning Catholic priest, works in the kitchen often as a prep cook and recipe guru. Charlie, who just completed his first year at ULM, waits tables when he’s not duck hunting. Clesi, a senior at St. Frederick’s, works as a hostess. Finally, Christian, a sophomore at St. Frederick’s assists with the salad bar and busses tables when needed.

This family indeed has much for which they are grateful, having only recently recovered from a fire that closed the doors for nine months. The destruction by smoke and water required a near complete demolition and rebuild. While the situation understandably brought concerns for Cherry, getting everything restarted remained the top priority. When she describes the day the family announced the rebirth and reopening of the restaurant doors, her eyes light up with unmistakable joy. She says the reception has been overwhelmingly positive. Guests returned in droves, and the popularity of the classic Italian meals, such as the cannelloni, spaghetti and meatballs, veal saltimbocca, and Ms. Carole’s salad have been joined and maybe even surpassed by the prime-cut steaks and grilled vegetables. Cherry describes the community’s support as “heart-warming” and “the life blood” of our work here. Certainly, the food plays an important role, but the open-armed familial atmosphere cannot be denied as vital. The love and closeness of the family permeate the ambiance and one cannot help but feel the warmth when entering the doors.

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, Cherry Genusa appreciates the Monroe community for giving her so much to be thankful for. But even with that appreciation for her guests, she cannot suppress a smile when speaking of her family. They lost their patriarch, Francis, Sr., in 2017, and their son, Francis, Jr., in 2013. These losses are obviously hard to handle, and nearly impossible to overcome. However, as the saying goes, love conquers all. Even with the most trying of life’s blows, when we have love and loved ones, those who will hug us when needed, or those who will join a parent or grandparent in their life’s work, we can survive and thrive. Cherry Genusa, and all the Genusa family pays tribute to the community that lifts them up, that fervently visits their restaurant, and breaks bread with them and their magnificent staff. She says with utter sincerity that they all mean the world to her. But with their outpouring of love and support it is clear she means the world to them too.

ARTICLE BY DAN CHASON

s we move into the Thanksgiving season, even with all the A craziness in today’s world, it is still a time to be thankful. I have found that as my hair turns more grey and my movements become more methodical, I find it easier to see and remember why I should be more grateful for the things that I have been blessed with in my life.

I am thankful for a Godly Father who always had time for me growing up. I remember many a time when the whisper of “wanna go fishing” would spring life into my brother and me from a sleepy dream filled morning. Many of these times, dad would do this on a school day only for us to jump out of bed and awake to the trick we fell for many times. Dad was a prankster and thought it very funny to play tricks on his two sons. But the times we did jump up and found it was Saturday and we were going fishing, was another memory we built with this man we loved. Dad was not a bass fisherman at the time, so our days were spent catfishing or finding a good bed of bream he so dearly loved to catch. Those memories are forever etched in my mind and the times spent with my dad and brother are the ones I cherish today. Both are in heaven now, but even in my dreams I am thankful for those times and the love we shared.

I am thankful to live in Louisiana. When you look at other states, our seasons are quite generous and the abundance and wide range of prey is like no other in the country. Many states require a lottery to even have a chance to bag a big game animal. In Louisiana, we can hunt from October to the end of January, unabated with no limits to opportunity within the boundaries of state limits. These limits are quite generous when you look at other states. The new regulations on wild hogs has upped that as well as now we can hunt hogs year round, at night and with little limitations. Our duck hunting has declined from years past but the last couple of years have been pretty good compared to our neighbors. Louisiana is still the Sportsman’s Paradise and it is time we recognize the good work of the managers of our resources. It is easy to find fault and have disdain for some of the decisions made but in my opinion, we should be thankful that we have nearly 5 months to hunt game animals and no seasons on whatever freshwater fish we pursue.

Of all the things I am thankful for this year, on top of this list is my freedom of religion. We have the right to worship how and when we like. That right is very much overlooked and taken for granted. Without it, our whole lifestyle would not be the same. My next reason to be thankful for is my family. I am blessed with a wonderful wife, children and grandchildren. Many of our family members hunt and fish together and those times are my favorites. There is nothing that thrills me more than when one of my kids or grandkids wants to go fishing or hunting. The ability to do any type of outdoor activity is a blessing and we are surely blessed with the abundance of opportunities all over this state to share with our friends and family.

I am also thankful for the handful of people that I call my friends. These friends are the ones I refer to as “stuck in the ditch” friends. I often say I am fortunate as if I were stuck in the woods, there is no shortage of people that would come to my aid as I would for them. If you can count on one hand the friends that you can depend upon in any situation, you are a blessed human being.

I am thankful for the men who molded me as a child. It is one thing to introduce a kid to the outdoors. It is entirely another thing to not only introduce them but to nurture that desire into a talent.

When I started fishing, my most memorable moment was when I would bring those fish home to eat and see the look on my dad’s face. I also remember as a young boy, gaining permission to go fishing (after chores of course). I would strap my Zebco 33 on the handlebars of my bicycle and my brother and I would venture off to find a fishing hole. In those days, ponds were abundant and it only took enough courage to ask the landowner’s permission to make a day to remember.

One of our favorite places to fish was at the Butler pond. Mr. Butler was a member in our church and had one of the best ponds I have ever fished. He would come out to the pond on his tractor and park just to watch my brother and me catch bass. Bass fishing was not a trend or “in” thing back then, you caught bass to eat. My brother and I found bass fishing to be a challenge and soon were introduced to Creme worms and spinner baits. My brother lost interest after a while but I never did. Every chore, every favor, every church member who owned a pond never had to worry about their grass being cut or hay being picked up. If I could fish, I gladly provided my services in a trade.

This is what is missing in most of our young people’s lives today. You can only imagine my sense of pride when my grandsons portray the same desire and drive to fish. I always said, “Take your kids hunting and you won’t have to hunt your kids.” It kept me out of trouble and still works today.

I see that desire in my grandsons and during this festive time of year, I pass that treasure on. And I am truly thankful that I am blessed to be able to push that tradition into another generation.

Third Generation Local Family Owned Business For 40 Years

THE MONTH OF OCTOBER WAS A MONTH OF Sleepy Hollow offers top brands, quality products and caring service. celebration at Sleepy Hollow as this third generation, family- Their key to success has always been to do what’s best for the customer. owned business turned 40 years old. Serving North Louisiana, “With a legacy of integrity and a focus on what’s best for the South Arkansas and the surrounding communities, Ron Scott founded customer, we hope that we have established a solid reputation in the the company in 1980. Its specialty is to provide custom home furnishings community,” Jo Tiffany says. Sleepy Hollow follows a philosophy of with a commitment to quality and top-notch service. Ron’s daughter, Jo transparency, striving to always be upfront with everyone. It maintains a Tiffany Faulk, took on management of the business in 2010. family-oriented style atmosphere with a casual environment.

Jo Tiffany grew up in the store, which she calls almost magical. As Jo Tiffany is encouraged at the level of commitment her children children, she and her siblings frequently played in the store. She shares have to their grandfather’s vision. They’ve already discussed at great some of her favorite memories of the store, and it’s clear her love for this length the order in which each of the children will own the company–and business–and this location in particular–is quite deep. they each get a turn.

“Most of my life, we were physically in this building,” she says. “My children are using their phones to record their own commercials,” “From the time I was old enough to come to work, I’d come with dad and she says. It’s not too soon, she thinks, for them to consider their Sleepy play. Mom was a teacher, so when we were sick, we’d sleep on the office Hollow futures. After all, hers began in childhood, too. Thinking about floor.” transitions is important to successfully navigating a multi-generational

At night, she traveled around with her father, who delivered furniture, business. filled and drained waterbeds and helped set up rooms for customers. “That was everything dad put into it to have a successful business,” Jo QUALITY PRODUCTS AND DEPENDABLE SERVICE Tiffany says. “Thankfully, he allowed his kids to be involved.” Sleepy Hollow has been serving the furnishing needs of North

Where most kids have to content themselves with games of tag in Louisiana and South Arkansas for the past four decades. While the goal the back yard, Jo Tiffany and her siblings played hide-and-seek under was to just initially sell mattresses, box springs, head boards, frames the doors of pedestal waterbeds. The back showroom was the mattress and bunk beds, they expanded to include so much more. Their goal still warehouse, with a high, arched ceiling and bare rafters. Those were remains to help you furnish your home to best fit your style. As trends happy times–if somewhat dangerous. change, Sleepy Hollow changes what they offer but you can always

“When I say we swung from the rafters, we literally did,” Jo Tiffany depend on quality products and dependable service. They offer a variety says. “We made slides out of mattresses. We’re the only kids who had of name brand furniture lines like Bassett, Casa Fiora, Uttermost, Lane trampolines by Simmons Beautyrest.” Today, it’s Jo Tiffany’s kids who Venture, Polywood and Ashley. grew up playing in the warehouse and climbed on mattress stacks. The Sleepy Hollow introduced Tempur-Pedic to our local market and since fourth generation is already playing the same games. then has earned national recognition with Tempur-Pedic International FORTY YEARS OF LIVEABLE LUXURY a broad range of traditional and specialty mattresses including latex,

Sleepy Hollow has grown from selling mattresses and other bedding innerspring, memory foam, and various hybrid models (combination of products to offering custom-made furniture as well as home and two support types). Other brands include Stearns and Foster, Sealy, Serta, outdoor furnishings. In-home consultation and design services for home Simmons Beautyrest, Posh and Lavish and Corsicana. They even offer a furnishings, and delivery, set up, removal and donation/disposal of used 90 Night Comfort Guarantee with the purchase of a new mattress and furniture and mattresses are also offered. mattress protector, ensuring your will be happy and enjoy blissful sleep

The company’s goal is to help customers furnish their homes with for years to come on your new mattress. the best fit for their style. The business philosophy is to change as the trends change, always striving to make the shopping experience easy and fulfilling through in-store and online shopping. multiple times. In Addition to their Tempur-Pedic Partnership, they offer

Enjoy Holiday Shopping from the Comfort of Your Home This Year

READY, SET, GO VIRTUAL! GATHER YOUR IPAD, CHARGER, sizes or seasons of life. The Embellishments Boutique offers clothing that and shopping list, it is time to shop the Holidays in CedarTown is described as “a little different” and includes tops, dresses, pants, custom Virtual Market. North Louisiana’s Premier Holiday Shopping Market made leather and wire jewelry. Finally, the Geaux Clear collection provides goes virtual November 12th – 14th, simply visit the CedarTown website: handbag styles that are approved for all events that have bag restrictions. www.holidaysincedartown.com and fill your cart with amazing gifts from Perfect for the stadium or the concert arena. across the south. No masks required; you can shop in the comfort of your For the little ones, click on Matilda Jane for everything from children’s home. Simply scroll through the vendor profiles, when you see something clothing to accessories, to matching items for Mom. You will want to mix you like click their link for great gift items. You will surely find the perfect and match your favorites for the upcoming holiday season. Your next stop gift at the Holidays in CedarTown Virtual Market! is Usborne Books and More. Usborne offers educational books that are high

Looking for gourmet food items that are perfect for gift baskets; then quality, innovative, and lavishly illustrated; books that children love to All of Us Soups and Dips is just a click away. They offer everything from read. Another CedarTown favorite is Scentsy offering kid friendly Buddies hearty soups, to savory dips and fabulous desserts. If you love fresh, local and amazing decorative warmers and diffusers for friends and family. honey, check out Duke’s Honey. New to the Holidays in CedarTown Searching for true southern style? Then scroll over to Birdwell’s for lineup is The Collective of Ruston. The shop features a curated collection unique gifts and home furnishings. The store, located in Bossier, LA. builds of artisan made goods, original art, and unique gift items. Lines featured on the tradition of southern hospitality and comfort. Next, is Southern include Mignon Faget, Mallory Patterson Designs, Stray Dog Designs, Pickens where you will find painted door hangers for your home or office. Over the Moon and many more. Artists featured include Alexis Walter, Complete your virtual southern style at Initially Blessed. Located in Jena, Emory Ryals, Lauren Smith, and Emily Pullin. Also located in downtown Louisiana, they feature one-of-a-kind, handmade, and personalized gift Ruston, is Garden Baby, a children’s boutique that specializes in organic items. Also visit Sugarplums & Vintage Marketplace, located in Jonesboro, and sustainable clothing, toys, books, and decorative home accessories. LA. They offer gift items with a touch of nostalgia and an abundance of Garden Baby designs and sews their own brand of clothing, releasing two southern charm. collections each year. While shopping downtown Ruston virtually, be sure Your virtual trip to Holidays in CedarTown will surely include Mr. to click on The Fashion, your holiday headquarters for the ladies on your P’s Tees. Add artist + hunter and it always equals Mr. P’s, featuring hand list. Patton’s Western Wear and Patton’s Downtown also has something for drawn original Louisiana life on premium tees for infants through adults. everyone on your list. From western wear to outdoor apparel and cowboy Be sure to check out your daring side at Bayou Bowties which was founded boots to women’s fashion, Patton’s has you covered. Featuring a new store with an enthusiasm for the outdoors and a passion for style, adventure, front just north of downtown Ruston is Lauren Roebuck Designs, offering and class. a one-stop-shop for unique floral design, home décor, lighting, furniture, Just hanging around virtually? Then click on Frames-A-Plenty where gifts, and interior decorating. The CedarTown virtual market is the ticket you will find unique picture frames, home décor and seasonal items. Visit to shopping Ruston with just a click of your finger! Imperfect Dust for handmade and hand lettered inspirational signs for

Looking for jewelry, we have two merchants that are sure to please! home or office that are inspired by God’s blessings. Harp Strings Jewelry creates jewelry with a new story by rethinking To complete your Holidays in CedarTown virtual shopping experience, forgotten antique buttons. From necklaces to bracelets, earrings and rings be sure to purchase tickets for the Community Christmas Raffle and the each tiny piece of art comes with a story. If you are looking for something Crumbs Cookie Cottage Raffle. Tickets are $10 each or three for $20. Visit www. more contemporary, Eris Wiggins Jewelry features handmade, fun, classic, holidaysincedartown.com for more information and raffle prize details. lightweight pieces. Largely known for her earring collection, Eris focuses Special thanks to our event sponsors Origin Bank, Green Clinic on small batch designs. Health System, and Lola Magazine and our raffle sponsors Crumbs

Shopping for comfort, style, and versality in women’s clothing and Catering, Durrett Law and Title, and Legacy Pediatrics. We value their accessories, we have four great choices for you. Perlie Sue features pieces continued support, especially during the challenging times of the from casual to dressy with accessories to complete your look. The Traveling COVID-19 pandemic. Your holiday shopping is just a click away at www. Chic Boutique features trendy and affordable women’s clothing for all holidaysincedartown.com.

REVIEW BY MEREDITH MCKINNIE

“Literacy experts talk about the need for a child to be exposed to books that are both mirrors and windows - some should be mirrors in which a child can see herself reflected, and others should be windows into the experiences of people who are different.”

If you’re a parent concerned about your child developing a love of reading, then this book should help you cultivate an appreciation for books. The New York Times Book Review editors Pamela Paul and Maris Russo have spent their lives exploring books, raising readers, and identifying connections on how to merge them. Some kids learn to read early on, while others are late bloomers. Encouraging children in the process while giving them freedom to find their own way in their own time is key, according to the editors, who raised six readers between them. All of their children developed healthy relationships with books, but each in her own time. They caution while it is important to make sure books are accessible for children, it is not wise to use reading as punishment or force the habit upon them. School is a place where children have to read, and home should be a place where children enjoy reading. And most importantly, “If you want to raise a reader, be a reader.”

Today’s children grow up in a world full of distractions. Devices and televisions are quick means/*- of capturing the attention of children, and often books are used as a last resort. This manual, of sorts, suggests ways to make books a more likely option for leisure time without parental pressure and/or resistance from kids. This book is divided into sections based on children’s ages from infancy to adolescence. In each part, Paul and Russo make suggestions on when and how to read to your children, when to start reading alongside them, and when to give them the freedom to make their own reading choices. Each section gives detailed advice with an index of reading favorites from each genre, for each age group. Babies need to hear books read out loud to eventually form their own utterances. Toddlers should have more freedom at the library, and a book card is a child’s first form of identification. Make it a big deal and encourage responsibility. The editors caution against parents policing what their children read, instead focusing on the fact that they are reading, regardless of their preferences. Teenagers are discovering the world around them so quickly, having emotions while learning how to process them. Books are an excellent way to see others their age mature, learn hard lessons, deal with death, embrace romance, and cultivate friendships. If a friend breaks her heart, it might be easier to tolerate if something similar happened to her favorite character.

I loved the subtle suggestions in this book, how the editors focus on building a strong foundation for readers, and in the process, developing a healthy relationship with your child. The index alone detailing all the editors’ favorites is worth the purchase, as each title is described and recommended by genre and corresponding personality type. As an avid reader, I found many of the tips and advice most helpful and have reconsidered my approach to fostering a love of reading in my children.

REVIEW BY MEREDITH MCKINNIE

“Racist ideas fooled me nearly my whole life. I refused to allow them to continue making a fool out of me, a chump out of me, a slave out of me. I realized there is nothing wrong with any of the racial groups and everything wrong with individuals like me who think there is something wrong with any of the racial groups. It felt good to cleanse my mind.”

This book is for those willing to listen and wanting to understand the history of race in this country and its effects. If you’ve found yourself curious about race, this could be a book for you. Ibram X. Kendi is a professor of history, and he writes like a professor. All of the facts are well documented, and he weaves history, current events, and personal memoir into his argument of how to successfully combat racism. For those new to this conversation, some of the verbage will be unfamiliar, but to truly understand a problem, it must be correctly termed and described. Kendi does not shy away from criticism; in fact, it is how he has learned who he is and what he is fighting for. He has had to mold himself into an antiracist by first identifying his own racist ideology and learning how to view individual actions as actions by individuals instead of representing an entire race.

The common response to being called a racist is denial. Kendi argues for something else, antiracism, the opposite of racism. He claims simply denying racist ideology is not enough and often untrue. He identifies all the threads of racism throughout the world, from before America was ever founded by the colonists to the present day. He shows racist roots run deep and are such a fabric of society that many go unnoticed. His goal is policy change, as he argues anything less just kicks the problem to the next generation. He went from being a history scholar to an activist. He speaks of and talks to all races of people, and he refuses to classify one group under one umbrella. Kendi’s personal anecdotes of growing up both hating black people and then defending the color of his skin are raw, honest, and liberating.

Each chapter is titled by category including: culture, power, biology, behavior, gender, etc. All sections begin with at least one term and definition, to introduce or reaffirm understanding of its importance to the topic being discussed. I read this book in doses, as it can be a lot to process. I read one or two chapters each day, sometimes looking up the articles or people mentioned for further understanding of context. This book made me want to learn more about racism and reexamine my own thoughts and feelings on the subject. This is not a light read, nor is it intended to be. This is for those who keep wondering what they’re missing, what do they not quite get, and who desire to advocate for the betterment of all of us.

NELA DENTAL BEGAN STRENGTHENING SMILES IN 2007 as Farmerville Dental. Since then, they have grown into an award winning practice known today as NELA Dental, with locations in Farmerville, Oak Grove, and Monroe. They are proud to be one of the area’s most trusted source for dental care.

Whether you’re coming to NELA Dental for dental implants or just a routine cleaning and checkup, you’ll be in good hands. They are experts in making sure you are comfortable in whatever way is best for you, including IV sedation. Their team is also highly qualified to handle more in-depth procedures like dental implants and bone grafts. Dr. Vance Costello is the only practicing dentist in North Louisiana with the ABOI/ID board certification, and one of only four ABOI/ID Diplomates in all of Louisiana. The American Board of Oral Implantology/Implant Dentistry Diplomate (ABOI/ID) designation symbolizes the highest level of competence in implant dentistry. NELA Dental’s Dr. Daniel Raymond has completed an implant fellowship with the International Dental Implant Association (IDIA).

In addition to creating healthy and strong teeth, they are also committed to providing their patients with many cosmetic dentistry options. Whether it’s teeth whitening, resin bonding, or veneers, NELA Dental is ready to help you feel confident in your beautiful smile. NELA Dental is proud to provide their clients with the latest in orthodontic technology, including the latest from Invisalign® clear braces. These braces can straighten teeth in just six months.

NELA Dental is committed to helping patients receive the care they need with clear and concise billing. They accept most major dental insurance plans, third-party payments, and offer flexible financing options. They even offer a membership option that can help cut cost. Their “Adult Plan” is designed for patients ages 12 years or older. The membership includes comprehensive exams, emergency exams, two cleanings each year, annual exams, oral cancer screens, bitewing x-rays, 20% off minor and major treatment, 20% off orthodontics (excluding Invisalign), and $99 teeth whitening. The cost is $315 per year.

Their “Child Plan” is designed for patients ages zero to eleven. This membership option includes comprehensive exams, emergency exams, two cleanings each year, annual exams, oral cancer screenings, bitewing x-rays, and 20% off minor and major treatments. The cost is $215 per year. Call one of their three convenient locations to schedule your free consultation and learn more about the payment options.

“I have major anxiety around going to a dentist but they are so kind and welcoming. I’m also hard to numb but they made sure it was okay. Least painful dentist experience I ever had. And they’re fast!” –Carribu C.

“Everyone that works here is extremely friendly and accommodating; from Rachel at the front desk to Sandra in insurance, and the doctors themselves are incredible, knowledgeable, and polite. 5/5 as good of a dental experience as you can have.” –Steven A.

“I love the folks AND the experience at NELA Dental! Having the latest technology goes a long way to soothe the nerves of someone that’s never been a fan of the dentist chair! Everyone is super nice and very accommodating. They get 5 stars in my book!” –Susie Q.

“I love the staff at NELA. Each one of them does their best to make sure you are comfortable. They will always be my FIRST CHOICE!” –Brianna R.

“Everyone is absolutely amazing and friendly. They made me feel comfortable. Great environment. I will be bringing my 2 year old son here to!” –Roseanna F.

“The best, that’s an understatement! As a mother of two, we have minor emergencies, and we have never been turned down for a solution. Either an appointment or advice, these folks know how to put a worried mom or patient at ease. The office is always clean, tranquil and inviting. The staff makes the experience so calming, and we always leave with a sense of what comes next, cleanings or fillings, and the price breakdown! We love NELA!” –April M.

NELA Dental is proud to provide exceptional care for their patients, and they look forward to many more years of creating stronger and more confident smiles in northeast Louisiana. Don’t let anything stand in your way of a great smile this year, contact NELA Dental and Start Smiling Today

MARCH 2019 MARKED THE OPENING OF WILL SOURCE Staffing and Recruiting, a woman-owned business featuring the mother-daughter team of Kathy B. Williamson and Anna K. Robertson. Will Source opened with eight employees and has offices located in Monroe and Ruston.

Kathy has spent over 20 years in the staffing business including 15 years with Will Staff. She started her own business in 2012 as Diversity One Staffing with offices in Monroe, Lafayette and Ruston. She sold the business to People Source in 2016. Additionally, Kathy was President and CEO of AMS Utiliserv, Inc. with 350 employees reading meters for such companies as Entergy, Center Point Gas, Atmos Gas and other municipal customers in five states. In 2012, Kathy sold that company to Olameter, a Canadian Company.

As CEO, Kathy is more involved in the back office affairs of Will Source including accounting, payroll, legal, human resources and banking. In her spare time, she is mother and stepmother to four adult children, ten grandchildren and three great grandchildren. She spends a lot of time with husband and partner in life, who lends his support to the team.

Anna started her career in the business at 16 years old working for Snelling Personnel as a part-time administrative assistant. At only 18 years old and attending ULM, she asked for a promotion to recruiter and was told by her manager she was “too young” and had a “squeaky” voice. Not to be deterred, she went around him to another department where she was hired. In her second year, she became the staffing specialist of the year out of 60 offices in Will Staff. She then felt led to be in outside sales and she was offered the move to account manager where in her first full year became the #1 account manager in the Will Staff organization.

Anna’s next move was for manager of the Monroe office, which was consistently #1 or #2 out of 60 offices in 30 states. She won manager of the year and then took on the role of area manager with responsibility for seven offices in Arkansas, Mississippi and Louisiana. When Will Staff sold to a Japanese company and resold, she left in 2011 and joined Central Oil as Director of Sales and Marketing until 2016 when she was recruited by People Source to manage the Monroe and Ruston offices. She again excelled maintaining the #1 spot for the three years she spent there. She was promoted to area vice president over offices in Memphis, Nashville and Jonesboro.

That was the end of the beginning! The new beginning was Will Source Staffing and Recruiting. It has been a roller coaster ride with the COVID-19 pandemic and employers closed or working from home. In spite of what has happened, Will Source is alive and doing well with growth plans to add at least three new employees and open one to two new locations.

As president of the Monroe and Ruston office, Anna is involved in the day-to-day operation including management, recruiting, interviewing, placement and interaction with clients. Her plans include expansion of the local offices plus adding others.

Anna has found time to enjoy her family including daughter Avery, a freshman at Sterlington High School who is active in softball and basketball. Her husband, Stacey is a Captain on the Monroe Fire Department while running his LA Striping parking lot striping business. The Robertsons live in Sterlington, LA and they are active in First West Fairbanks Church.

Finding the job that is right for you can be difficult and very discouraging especially during these uncertain times. The constant filling out the same information on the same application over and over to companies you’re not even excited about working for. We get it, that can be exhausting. We want to help you find a job that you are excited about and want to work for. There is no use in being miserable when we can help you thrive and start living the life you have always wanted to live.

When you sign up to work with Will Source, we ask you about your skills and experience and let you know if we have a job that might be a good fit for you. Often, we know of job openings that aren’t available on other job websites. It is a great way to get help finding job openings. We help provide permanent and temporary jobs. We have all probably heard the phrase “I’m sorry but we are looking for someone with a little more experience,” when job searching right? Well sometimes it is a good idea to accept a temporary job in a field that you are trying to get in. That way, you can gain the experience that you need to make that temporary job your permanent join the future.

Our friendly staff will also provide you with feedback throughout the job application process. They might give you tips on how to revise your resume or provide advice on how to successfully interview! Stop by today at 1600 Stubbs Avenue in Monroe or 103 West Alabama Street in Ruston to successfully start your career path.