GAME DAY GRUB

Supreme pizza made with pepperoni, Italian pork sausage, red and yellow bell peppers, red onions, Kalamata olives, pepperoncini, mozzarella and pizza sauce, topped with fresh basil.

HARING CATFISH

Crispy catfish fillets sourced from Haring Catfish - locally raised in Franklin Parish.

FIELDHOUSE BAR & GRILL

Natchitoches meat pies with a savory Louisiana remoulade sauce, perfect for game day gatherings.

BAYOU GRILL

Some of NELA’s best selection of wings, including lemon pepper, buffalo, BBQ and garlic parmeson.

CHICKEN SALAD CHICK

This freshly-made pimento cheese ball is coated in crushed pecans and crispy bacon, surrounded by Ritz crackers.

Hot-boiled crab legs, and a plated dish of blackened shrimp with bacon cream sauce over hot water cornbread.

THE PLATTER

This charcuterie board from The Platter features fresh fruit, mini gerkins, cheese cubes, an assortment of deli meats and crackers.

Football season is here, and we’ve gathered the greatest grub from area restaurants. Feed your family and friends with the best of Northeast Louisiana.

Brewed for the Holidays

600 Years of Belgian Heritage

THE FOLKS AT STELLA ARTOIS® are extremely proud of their Belgian roots. Their story can be seen on every bottle of Stella Artois. If you look closely, hints of their origins are proudly displayed.

By 1366 roots of Stella’s brewing tradition had been established in the city of Leuven, Belgium– which is also where the original Den Hoorn brewery was founded. Den Hoorn laid the foundation for the quality taste and standard Stella Artois is known for. The symbol of the Den Hoorn Brewery is proudly displayed in Stella Artois’ cartouche to this day.

SEBASTIAN ARTOIS

Sebastian Artois was admitted to the Leuven Brewer’s Guild as a Brew Master in 1708, and only nine years later purchased the Den Hoorn brewery. In memoriam, you can find his last name on the brewery and every bottle of Stella Artois around the world.

ORIGINALLY BREWED FOR THE HOLIDAYS

The Artois Brewery was so beloved internationally and locally, a special batch was created as a Christmas gift to the people of Leuven. That special batch was the first to officially include “Stella” in its name. “Stella”, meaning star in Latin, pays homage to this original occasion, accompanied by a star on every bottle.

So next time you see a bottle of Stella Artois, take note of the rich history paired with the rich flavor on and in every bottle.

HOW TO POUR PERFECTION

Pouring the perfect Stella Artois® is key to enjoying the perfect Stella Artois®. The brand’s time-honored nine-step ritual helps ensure that consumers everywhere are served as they would be in Belgium. After hundreds of years of brewing experience, there is only one way to pour a Stella Artois® and it is important that all those who serve Leuven’s gold standard lager pay as much attention to serving Stella Artois® as we do to brewing it.

Not only has it been proven that correctlypoured Stella Artois® results in satisfied consumers and increased brand loyalty, but bartenders, too, become true brand ambassadors once they have mastered the art of serving Stella Artois®. The annual Stella Artois® World Draught Master Competition – established in 1997 - heralds the importance of this pouring ritual. Bartenders from around the world compete to demonstrate their beer-serving prowess before a panel of distinguished judges who carefully scrutinize each and every step.

STELLA MIDNIGHT LAGER

A brewery with a history that dates back nearly 100 years has ventured out from its popular Pilsner with a limited-edition dark lager. In time for the holidays, Stella Artois has introduced Midnight Lager, a 5.4% ABV beer that’s available in 12oz bottle, 6-packs. Midnight Lager pours a dark, jet black with a brown frothy head from a 12oz bottle. This appearance is the result of the beer’s use of roasted dark malts that are quite evident in the aroma of the dark lager. The beer’s roasty qualities bring forth dark chocolate and coffee notes on the palate that is balanced by the use of Herkules and Saaz hops

STELLA SOLSTICE

Stella Artois, a brand of Anheuser-Busch, released Solstice Lager, the brand’s first-ever limited-edition golden lager. Inspired by the summer solstice, the lager contains notes of citrus essences and is triple-filtered for a smooth, crisp finish, the company says. It also has a malty sweetness, has an alcohol by volume of 4.5 percent, and is 105 calories for a 11.2-ounce bottle. The limited-edition imported beer is available in six-packs and 12-packs.

Locally, Marsala Beverage employs about 100 full-time employees. Marsala Beverage, LP is the largest malt beverage, wine/spirits and non-alcoholic distributor in Northeast Louisiana. Their success is based on the fact that they never lose sight of delivering what is really important – quality products, timely service and a genuine concern for our customers’ needs. Annually, they deliver over 2.4 million cases of beverages to over 700 retail accounts.

Please find us at www.marsalabeverage. com or follow us on social media: Facebook: Marsala Beverage Twitter: @marsalabeverage1 Instagram: @marsalabeverage

Pennington Financial, LLC

Asset Protection Planning for Seniors Needing Long Term Care

SARAH AND JIM HAVE ALWAYS THOUGHT OF themselves as average, hard working Americans. They were high school sweethearts, married and had three children. Jim had a long career in sales, and Sarah was a stay at home wife and mom who volunteered in her spare time. They expected to enjoy a quiet, but well-deserved, well-planned retirement.

Things went well until five years ago when a specific incident changed everything. Sarah tripped in her garden and fractured her hip. She underwent surgery; it seemed she was on her way to recovery after receiving inpatient rehabilitation and physical therapy sessions during the Medicare allotted 100 days. Just when they both thought everything was on track, Sarah had another major setback. She suffered a massive stroke. Through everything Jim was at her side, but Sarah’s health continued to deteriorate. Eventually, it was necessary for Sarah to be admitted to a nursing home for residential care. The funds in Jim’s retirement plan didn’t include the cost of both their home and a nursing home residence of an additional $60,000.00 per year. Now, three years later, Jim is sick with worry that he will outlive his savings and is uncertain where to turn for help.

For most retired Americans, the possibility that they may have to someday live in a nursing home is a very difficult thought. The reality that they may have to give up all of their hard-earned life savings and their home makes it even worse. Today, the cost of nursing home care is high; the average cost for nursing home care in Louisiana is approximately $5,000 per month, or $60,000 per year. At this rate, it is very easy to spend-down a family’s life savings in a short amount of time leaving little for the “at-home” spouse to live on.

New government rules make it even tougher for nursing home residents in need of financial assistance to qualify for Medicaid benefits. The new rules changed the “look back” period from three to five years. This means, when one applies for Medicaid, he/she will need to disclose all gifts made during the five years prior to the date one applies for Medicaid. The penalty period was also changed. Under the new rules, the penalty period does not begin until the applicant spends-down all their assets and then applies for Medicaid. Because of these changes, it is even more important than ever to plan early. Three years might go by quickly, but five years, not so fast.

To qualify for Medicaid, one must complete and submit a detailed, multiple page application and provide proof of all financial transactions. These transactions include, but are not limited to, banking, CDs, stocks, bonds, income, expenses, annuities, etc., for the previous sixty months or five years. Mistakes and/or inadequate completion of the application can result in approval delays costing the family thousands of dollars, or worse case non-approval of the application altogether.

The laws around Medicaid qualification are extensive and confusing. However, there are numerous exceptions that can be applied to help protect one’s assets if used properly. Often, hospitals and nursing homes will offer to help with a Medicaid application for you at no cost. This may work well for an applicant with no assets. Unfortunately, it may be devastating for the applicant, spouse and family if there are assets that the family wishes to preserve and protect. Even with the best intentions, hospital and nursing home staff do not have the knowledge necessary to determine whether you can truly qualify for Medicaid benefits. This is the time when working with a knowledgeable professional can help clients/residents receive fair consideration of deserved benefits much sooner.

This article was written and submitted by Chuck Barber of Pennington Financial, LLC. He has over 10 years’ experience as a highly qualified Financial Estate planner with a specialty in asset protection. Other services include Pre-Retirement planning, Post Retirement planning, Long-term Care insurance, Life insurance and Annuities, Registered Investment Advisor services, and Notary Public.

Visit our website for additional information: www. Penningtonfinancial.net

Pennington Financial, LLC is located at 1900 N. 18th St. #211 Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 855-4690.

ULM Alumni Association to Honor DeAndre Alexander

at the Annual ULM Alumni Awards Brunch

THE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA MONROE ALUMNI Association will host the annual Alumni Awards Brunch on Saturday, Oct. 23rd, as part of ULM’s Homecoming festivities. The Alumni Awards Brunch will be held from 10 a.m.-noon at Bayou Pointe Event Center. Tickets can be purchased online at alumni.ulm. edu/events or by calling 318-342-5420.

This year, the brunch will also incorporate the Alumni Association Annual Meeting. At this event, recipients of the prestigious Rising Young Alumni and Golden Arrow awards are recognized for their commitment, advocacy, and dedication to the Alumni Association and the university. Alumni and community members nominate recipients, and a committee reviews submissions and announces award winners.

The Rising Young Alumni Award was established in 2013 and is given to an alumnus involved in community organizations and philanthropy, a general supporter of their community, and actively seeks ways to positively impact ULM programs and influence others on behalf of ULM. This year, the Alumni Association will recognize DeAndre Alexander.

Alexander received his Bachelor of Science in General Studies from ULM in 2008 and holds an M.S. in Sports Administration plus 30 from Grambling State University. While attending ULM, he was a standout basketball player under legendary coach Mike Vining.

Alexander carried this experience with him to Arcadia High School, where he is currently employed and has previously coached state champion sports teams. Alexander has served as an elected public servant in various capacities, including a city councilman, one of the youngest in Louisiana, and Bienville Parish Constable. Alexander currently serves on the ULM Board of Directors, is a Bienville Parish Chamber of Commerce Top 40 and under 40 Young Professionals nominee, and is deeply involved in his hometown of Arcadia.

Alexander volunteers in programs such as Men Standing Up against Domestic Violence and Tea Time for The Cure Breast Cancer. He is the founder of Calling All Young Men, which stands up to gun violence, and the Adopt-A-Son Mentoring program for ages 7-16 in Arcadia and surrounding areas. Alexander was nominated four times during the call for nominations for this award.

Yuengling Brewery

The Newest Offerings from America’s Oldest Brewery

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

THE STORY OF YUENGLING IS THE STORY OF THE American Spirit. It’s a tale of shared dreams, individual tenacity and an unwavering dedication to standards of quality. Like many American stories it starts amid the dreams of countless young immigrants looking for opportunity and emerges from the strength and will of one family, determined to build their legacy in a new country. Nestled among the rolling Appalachian foothills, the D.G. Yuengling and Son Brewery is located in Pottsville, Pennsylvania. Today, the company proudly boasts an unmatched record of continuous operation since 1829 and the longest uninterrupted history of management by a single family in the country.

Yuengling is best known for its flagship beer, Yuengling Traditional Lager. Famous for its rich amber color and medium-bodied flavor with roasted caramel malt for a subtle sweetness and a combination of cluster and cascade hops, this American original delivers a well-balanced taste with very distinct character. Born from a historic recipe that was resurrected in 1987, Yuengling Traditional Lager is a true classic.

Born from six generations of brewing expertise, FLIGHT by Yuengling is the next generation of light beer that brings even better taste, with low carbs and calories, to the refreshment category. Yuengling is “Raising the Bar” by pouring more than 190 years of brewing expertise into crafting and redefining what consumers deserve in an upscale light beer. With 2.6 grams of carbs, 95 calories, and 4.2% ABV (alcohol by volume), FLIGHT by Yuengling is a crisp, easy-to-drink beer that can be enjoyed year-round.

“Recognizing an opportunity in the light beer category, we have been working to deliver an upscale refreshment brand that fits within the active lifestyles of today’s consumers,” said Jennifer Yuengling, Vice President of Operations and 6th generation family member, D.G. Yuengling & Son, Inc. “Our family brewing business was built on providing consumers with a high-quality, great tasting drinking experience for social occasions. We have spent more than a year perfecting FLIGHT by Yuengling, taking the taste of this light beer to new heights, and can’t wait for our fans and light beer drinkers to try it.”

Fans of fruity beer have a new option to sample from the triedand-true brewers at Yuengling. The brewery debuted its mangoflavored pilsner Raging Eagle this year, an addition to their lineup that the brewers are calling disruptive to the beer scene. Yuengling Raging Eagle Mango Beer is a Pilsner made with natural mango flavor for a refreshing taste. Brewed with classic hops, Raging Eagle Mango Beer lands at 6.0% ABV.

America loves beer and America loves chocolate, so Yuengling, America’s oldest brewery, and Hershey, America’s most beloved chocolate brand, joined forces to bring the best of both worlds to their fans with a limited-edition Yuengling Hershey’s Chocolate Porter. This collaboration gives consumers the opportunity to savor and indulge in this unique beer just in time for the holidays.

Yuengling Hershey’s Chocolate Porter is a fresh take on Yuengling’s 200-year-old Dark Brewed Porter. Available for a limited time only, don’t miss your chance to enjoy it! Sip this seasonal treat on its own (available locally on draft and in bottles) or try it in this great holiday cocktail recipe.

YUENGLING HERSHEY’S CHOCOLATE JINGLE PORTER

Ingredients • 1.5 oz. Amaretto liqueur • 2 oz. condensed milk • 3 oz. Yuengling Hershey’s Chocolate Porter

Method 1. Add amaretto and condensed milk to a cocktail shaker 2. Dry shake without ice for 20-30 seconds 3. Add beer and ice and throw a few times (throwing is essentially straining the liquid from one shaker to another to emulsify the ingredients 4. Strain into a beer glass 5. Garnish with ground cinnamon (optional

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