SERENE SOPHISTICATE

Ronnie Walker transformed this damaged Garden District gem into a serene space worthy of its historic iconic past. The elevated palette combines rich shades of blue with crisp white walls and pops of green reminiscent of Ralph Lauren.

ABOVE: A WHIMSICAL BANQUETTE CRAFTED BY VICKI HRIVNAK ADDED TO HEIGHTEN THE WAVE OF DARK BLUE HUES WALKER SOUGHT TO SPLASH IN EVERY ROOM. AT RIGHT: THE GREEK REVIVAL COTTAGE’S CHARMING AESTHETIC WAS ONE THAT STOOD OUT TO WALKER EVER SINCE HE WAS A BOY. HE DESCRIBES THE PROPERTY’S WHITE PICKET FENCE AND SURROUNDING OLD OAKS AS “ICONIC.”

Between Riverside Drive and N 8th Street, a compact matrix of picturesque historic homes and craftsman-style cottages constitute one of Monroe’s most coveted residential communities. Streets are shaded by plush branches stretching from a variety of trees and occasional manicured crepe myrtles also casually help to line the sidewalks. Front yards are quaintly landscaped, featuring seasonal blooms and trimmed shrubs. Every home flaunts its own character adding to the unique experience of each block. Placed on the National Register of Historic Places on October 3, 1996, the Garden District clearly has withstood the test of time, including a slew of natural disasters that resulted in a multitude of renovations to structures ranging from stately mansions to charming bungalows. Undoubtedly, the resilience of this neighborhood is due to the loving hands and attentive eyes of residents past and present. Ronnie Walker, who not long ago acquired one of these damaged Garden District treasures, describes the property’s white picket fence and surrounding old oaks as “iconic.”

“I always loved this home, since I was a boy. It’s such a landmark,” exclaims Walker, who grew up frequenting Forsythe Avenue. The Greek Revival cottage’s charming aesthetic has always been a head-turner until the last tornado swept through the Twin Cities, uprooting one of the massive oaks on the property and causing damage to the east wing of the home. At the time, Walker was literally miles away from a move to the Garden District. He had just bought a “brand new home” in Sterlington, and though it was spacious and move-in ready, he didn’t feel an emotional connection. His gut told him he had yet to find his “forever home.” Prompted to “make a decision,” Walker decided to put the Sterlington home up for sale while he looked at available houses in his chosen utopia. After his first choice sold to another buyer, he ventured toward the idea

of the white picket fence home that called to his childhood fancy. It wasn’t on the market, so it was a shot in the dark, but when he got in touch with the former owners, who were in the middle of restorations, they were eager to meet with him and start the process of transferring ownership. “And I was able to pick out light fixtures, paint colors...I got to pick all of that at the perfect time,” recalls Walker who was involved in the “fun part” of the renovations, finally moving in during December of last year.

“I came of age in the eighties. You know, when Ralph Lauren was big,” says Walker about the shade of hunter green painted on the two bookshelves, ceiling, and trim work of his reading room, which he designed around three door panels that he stained and mounted on the wall. The panels are the commanding piece of the room, bookended by two shelves haphazardly lined with books and curiosities. Further enhancing the texture of the snug side room, which also acts as the main entryway, Walker finished the walls with dark-green grasscloth wallpaper. “Because I wanted the color, but I also wanted the texture,” he says, adding that the shades of green “work well” with the brick floors.

ABOVE: AN 18TH CENTURY STYLED CONSOLE TABLE PRISTINELY PLACED UNDER A WINDOW BELONGED TO WALKER’S MOTHER. BELOW: A STUNNING ALCOVE WITH A CLASSICAL SHELL NICHE HOLDS MINIMAL SCULPTURES AND A HARDCOVER COLLECTION OF BRITANNICA GREAT BOOKS.

“This is the kitchen.” We walked up brick steps into dark wood panels, greeted by a luminous room lit mostly by the natural light generously pouring through kitchen windows. The white subway tile backsplash creates a classic feel accented by modern touches including the marble countertop, “big old sink,” and gold faucet and light fixtures. “I wanted to bring a little warmth into the room rather than just white and chrome.” Though minimally decorated, standout pieces are placed in exactly the right areas, namely, a late 18th century styled console table pristinely placed under one of the kitchen window stills. Walker cherishes the forty-year-old piece that belonged to his mother, praising its “beautiful” thin, tapered legs. “That’s what’s holding that girl up,” he says with a clever smile. “So, hey, I love blue. I knew I wanted to do blue in the rest of the house. I had blue in my other house in Sterlington,” proclaims Walker, pointing to Roman shades in the kitchen sewn by his cousin Vicki Hrivnak, who played a pivotal role in much of the design process. From the far corner of the kitchen, Hrivnak sat in her own creation, a whimsical banquette made even more enjoyable by throw pillows and cushions she made to further heighten the wave of dark blue hues Walker sought to splash into every room.

“This is the dining room and my favorite aspect of this room is the windows,” says Walker, adding, “I never want to cover those up with drapery.” The elliptical arch windows are undoubtedly the key architectural feature of the room. “I want to be open and, you know, accessible to that nice view,” he says, making it a point to mention that he enjoys waving to his neighbors as they walk by on late afternoon strolls. Central to the room is a round dining table with upholstered chairs and a grandiose, gilded, Flemish chandelier. Lightly scrutinizing his surroundings, Walker says to himself, “What else?” His gaze lands on a pencil and charcoal drawing of a figurine in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which is displayed over the doorway leading to the hallway. “I can say this has a lot of sentimental value to me,” he says because his mother bought it for him. “It always reminds me of our trips to New York.”

Another alluring detail of the house which Walker was instantly drawn to is the fireplace, located in the living room. He kept the original marble detail lining the fire pit but opted to paint the border white, keeping with the lightness emboldening each room. “Like I said, I love blue and white and…” At that moment, Walker’s rescue, an exuberant Bichon Frise leaped into an off-white accent chair decorated with a denim-colored throw pillow. “Cheeka, get down.” Walker continues to point at distinct details. A stunning alcove with a classical shell niche holds minimal sculptures and a hardcover collection of Britannica Great Books. “I love Greco Roman architecture. Neoclassic design. I mean, that’s why you’re seeing things perfectly balanced.” Here Walker refers to the art pieces strategically occupying crisp white walls. Behind the sofa towers a lovely abstract floral canvas painted by local artist Robin Hamaker. “If this place ever burns, I’m running for my mother. That is my mother,” beams Walker, bringing attention to a medium-sized canvas featuring a stoic-looking brunette adorned with a pearl necklace and red lipstick. “That painting was taken from a picture of her that I took three or four months before she died.” When Walker commissioned Whitney Causey he had too many ideas, so he relinquished control, letting her execute her artistic vision. The result, roses in the background honoring his mother’s name, Rosa.

AT LEFT: WALKER’S MASTER BEDROOM IS A STUDY OF SERENITY WITH CEILING-TO-FLOOR WHITE DRAPES COVERING THREE WALLS. THE TRADITIONAL MAHOGANY POSTER BED, WHICH ORIGINALLY BELONGED TO HIS PARENTS, ARE PAIRED WITH A DUSTY-BLUE VELVET ACCENT CHAIR AND WOOD STOOL HUNKERED AT THE END OF THE BED.

The guest bedrooms are simple and quaint, characterized by blue-hued patterned accent rugs, bedding, and wall decor. Walker’s bedroom keeps with that vision, but with a bit more of an elevated palate. Though enamored by the view allotted by all the windows in his room, he closed the shutters to the windows behind his bed. Once more, he called on the expertise of Hrivnak who fashioned ceiling-to-floor white drapes all the way across the three walls of his peaceful corner. The restraint in design creates a sleek elegance, amplified by the traditional mahogany poster bed, which originally belonged to his parents. A dusty-blue velvet accent chair and wood stool hunker at the end of the bed. Small-scale art pieces are fixed close to the bedside tables, which are adorned with stacks of books, family pictures, and mood lighting. Walker, a “huge fan” of woven, natural fiber rugs has one in the living room and bedroom, both serving the purpose of providing texture without overpowering the overall synergy of the room. “The architecture of the house is so cool. You just need to keep all of the design classic,” emphasizes Hrivnak.

Wanting to curate his space like a blank canvas, Walker showcased artwork, furniture, and accents that created a welcoming atmosphere, one he hoped to share with friends and family, particularly in the form of dinner parties. “For me, that’s what makes a home, a place where people can come relax, feel at home, be surrounded by beautiful things. But also connecting with each other in a meaningful and purposeful way,” he clarifies. Design decisions, like inserting a banquette, were obvious choices based on Walker’s natural tendency to host. “I can’t tell you how many times he sent me pictures of all his friends just cuddled up in here,” says Hrivnak, adding, “Ron’s personality is warm and welcoming, and his house represents that.” In the past few years, Walker has also opened his home to exchange students from all over the world. His current international guest is a young man from Italy who is attending Neville High School.

Many have considered the park-side corner emblematic, something not lost on Walker’s friends. “I think everybody probably feels like you’ve done this home justice in a big way,” says Hrivnak, glancing at Walker. Clearly, his white-picket-fence home is not only an opportunity to maintain a piece of Monroe’s history but it has also afforded him the ability to indulge in his passion and his personality. Walker has created an intimate space that holds the most valuable aspects of life—trinkets that hold more memory than value, moments of quiet introspection, and exhilarating exchanges of hospitality with loved ones.

Location, Services, and Amenities - A Winning Combo

Fitness & Exercise Classes Lend Another Important Aspect

RESERVATIONS ARE INCREASING each month in anticipation of Phase II opening soon with additional assisted living apartments, as well as new memory care apartments at The Gardens at Georgia Tucker. Nestled in North Monroe’s historical Garden District, the residences have proven to be in high demand.

Everything that has made the original facility popular continues into the next phase, plus even more amenities are being added. One of the latest features to be announced is the affiliation with locally-owned NextLevel Fitness who will provide health & fitness exercise instruction as an integral part of assisted living. NextLevel is invested in helping seniors as they age. Its health and fitness philosophy encompasses more than a work out approach; instead, NextLevel owners Will Bennett and Jacquelyn Cain believe that as people age, emotions and sound nutrition are as important as the physical. They emphasize teaching their clients that a healthy multi-tiered approach to fitness is necessary for longevity and health.

To make health and fitness more than a weekly activity, NextLevel provides a training program around each client’s unique needs. NextLevel uses a personal, non-invasive assessment developed by Bennett to help ordinary people achieve extraordinary results. Each client at Georgia Tucker will have a unique nutritional and exercise plan, using the latest equipment furnished by the Gardens at Georgia Tucker Fitness Center. Sessions will be conducive for group encouragement and participation, while the focus remains on the individual’s specific needs and abilities.

To further enhance day-to-day living, shared endeavors can include musical entertainment, movies & games, birthday parties, themed events, church activities, shopping, and other voluntary pastimes coordinated by the Activities Director.

There are one-bedroom & two-bedroom apartments in both Phase I and the soonto-open Phase II buildings, as well as onebedroom apartments in the Phase II Memory Care building. The Memory Care services include all the expected amenities along with an individualized plan of care to maximize quality of life for your loved one. Full accreditation and a certified staff ensure proper attention for residents in this building.

For the best in gracious assisted living, take a closer look at The Gardens at Georgia Tucker. Reservations and lease deposits are being accepted now for the Phase II assisted living and memory care apartments.

Please call 318-538-0040 to schedule a tour appointment. The administration staff will be pleased to show you around, answer any questions, and provide leasing information for you or for a loved one. Visit GeorgiaTucker. com for more details.

The unparalleled comfort, convenience, and amenities of The Gardens At Georgia Tucker assure residents of an environment that can truly be called home.

Early Detection is Key

Dr. Bakeer: Breast Cancer Treatments are Evolving

WHILE BREAST CANCER REMAINS the nation’s most common cancer, treatment advancements and early detection are significantly improving survival rates, says Dr. Tomy Bakeer, a physician at the Surgery Clinic of Northeast Louisiana.

“There are still many misconceptions surrounding breast cancer. Breast cancer has become much easier to cure because of the surgeries now available to us. And the surgeries we offer are significantly less invasive,” he said.

Breast conservation therapy (BCT) is one example of a minimally invasive surgical option. During BCT, the surgeon only removes the portion containing cancer and preserves as much breast tissue as possible. The patient may later receive radiation therapy to eradicate any remaining cancer cells.

Hormone therapy treats breast cancers that are sensitive to hormones. The most common forms of this therapy block hormones from attaching to cancer cell receptors or by decreasing the body’s production of hormones. Hormone therapy and BCT have many psychological benefits, Dr. Bakeer said.

“When people hear the diagnosis of ‘breast cancer,’ they often think they will need to have their breasts removed. With breast conservation therapy, hormonal therapy, and chemotherapy, the more invasive approaches, like total mastectomies, are less common,” he said. “The less surgically invasive approach is also less psychologically invasive. Women experience less emotional trauma, which is also very important to us.”

And if a mastectomy is necessary, Dr. Bakeer and his partners at the Surgery Clinic work in tandem with plastic surgeons to remove the breasts and perform reconstruction surgery, making the process easier on the patient.

Early detection is key; women should begin self-exams at 25. If women have no family history of breast cancer, Dr. Bakeer suggests they begin annual mammograms at 40. He understands some women may find the process daunting, but he encourages them to remember the broader picture.

“Breast cancer research is evolving. We are always discovering something new that improves care. Where we need to improve is education. I encourage women to adhere to their physicians’ advice—keep your mammogram appointments, your gynecologist appointments, and don’t fall through the cracks,” he said. “When we catch breast cancer early, the outcome is drastically different.”

Women between the ages of 25 and 30 who are at high risk for breast cancer should receive an annual breast MRI and a mammogram. This includes women who: • Have a lifetime risk of breast cancer of about 20% to 25% or greater due to family history • Have a BRCAI or BRCA2 gene mutation • Have a first-degree relative (parent, brother, sister, or child) with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation and have not had genetic testing themselves • Had radiation therapy to the chest when they were between 10 and 30

Dr. Bakeer wants to reassure women who have questions about breast cancer treatment or testing.

“The earlier you get screened, the earlier you receive a tailored plan. While breast cancer is still a common cancer, the survival rates continue to improve because research and treatment are constantly evolving, and patients are beginning to seek early detection—which is life-changing.”

Ask Dr. McGee

Local Expert Answers Common Questions

OUR STAFF IS ROUTINELY ASKED QUESTIONS FROM both new and existing patients, so we wanted to address some of those commonly asked questions and misconceptions that we frequently encounter.

Q: Why is good oral hygiene important to overall health?

A: The mouth is the gateway to the body. Oftentimes, neglected oral hygiene can manifest as health conditions elsewhere in the body. Numerous studies have linked periodontal disease (gum disease) to cardiovascular disease and diabetes. While the links have not been fully described, there seems to be a correlation between these diseases. Yearly dental evaluations are recommended to maintain your teeth and gums and overall health.

Q: If I am missing a tooth, what are my options?

A: A missing tooth can affect your bite, speech and eating choices. As you rely more on your remaining teeth, you increase the chance they will wear out prematurely, or be damaged or lost. You can select from a number of different options to replace your missing teeth – from temporary to long-lasting solutions. Temporary options include a fixed bridge, a flipper, a metal partial and dentures. However, dental implants are the most comfortable and permanent solution. They form a strong foundation for teeth and keep the jaw healthy and strong. Implants support individual replacement teeth or secure specialized dentures in place. Unlike bridges, no healthy teeth are damaged and implants can last a lifetime. Implant-supported replacement teeth can be attractive, stable, and comfortable for almost any patient.

Q: I need a crown but I’m not sure what to expect when it comes to the process. How long does it take?

A: Our goal is to provide dentistry that is undetectable. We replace existing dental crowns and fillings with restorations that look and feel like your natural teeth. This is an extremely reliable technique for repairing the most severe of dental problems, even permanently replacing missing teeth to offer a complete smile and a functional bite. We are renowned for the quality of our work and the fantastic changes we make for people using this technology. Fitting a crown requires at least two visits to our office. Initially, we will remove decay, shape the tooth, and fit it with a temporary crown. On the subsequent visit, we will remove the temporary crown and then fit and adjust the final crown. Finally, we will cement the crown into place and you have a new beautiful looking tooth.

Q: I get anxious just thinking about going to the dentist. Is there anything you can do to help me?

A: Dental anxiety may be mild to moderate, and often takes the form of a general sense of worry and apprehension when thinking about an upcoming procedure. Whatever your individual level of anxiety may be, our office is committed to making sure that your visit is as comfortable, quick and easy as possible. There are many solutions for dental anxiety, and we are ready to help. From communication, calming techniques and listening to music, we want to create the most calming environment we can. Depending on the nature of your procedure, various types of sedation may be available, including oral sedation.

These are just some of the frequent questions we receive from our patients. If you have any questions or concerns that you would like to discuss with Dr. McGee, please contact the office. We provide services from routine cleanings and exams to complex full mouth reconstructions, offering comprehensive care for the entire family!

Hap-pee Halloween From Your Hometown Urologist

Robert D. Marx, M.D.

DO YOU EVER FEEL A STRONG URGE TO URINATE EVEN when your bladder isn’t full? You like millions of Americans, may be suffering from overactive bladder. Overactive Bladder (OAB) is defined as the overwhelming urge to urinate immediately and frequently followed by loss of urine prior to reaching a bathroom. Overactive bladder occurs in both men and women and according to the American Urological Association it affects more than 30 million Americans; the actual number may be even higher, as many individuals are too embarrassed to seek treatment. Even if you have never had an accident, urgency and urinary frequency can interfere with your work and social life.

Overactive Bladder is extremely common and often when individuals suffering from overactive bladder finally seek traditional therapies, they are often left unhappy with the results. Here’s why: lifestyle changes and physical therapy can be ineffective, medications often cause unpleasant side effects and patients often do not realize alternative treatment options are available.

Robert D. Marx, M.D. and his staff are here to help our community members suffering find the relief they need offering cutting edge Medtronic therapies.

Medtronic offers a proven therapy for treating Overactive Bladder. Medtronic Bladder Control Therapy is delivered by the InterStimTM system, also called sacral neuromodulation (SNM), and is clinically proven to relieve the symptoms of OAB. Unlike conventional treatments, SNM works by gently stimulating the nerves that control the pelvic floor muscles, lower urinary tract, anal sphincter, and bowel; which is thought to restore the bladder-brain communication pathway, resulting in significant improvements to their quality of life.

Unlike other treatments, SNM allows patients to experience therapy during a short evaluation before committing to it. It is a minimally invasive procedure, 3 to 7 day assessment and helps determine likely long-term efficacy.

Medtronic therapies are potentially life-changing options for any patient with OAB who has not responded well to first- and secondline treatments. More than 70% of patients with OAB who sought treatment were able to discontinue medications within 6 months, and 84% of OAB patients were satisfied with SNM therapy. Medtronic therapies are now MRI compatible.

The time to gain your independence from your Overactive Bladder is now! Whatever level of severity your problem is, Robert D. Marx, M.D. and his dedicated staff are ready to assist you. Don’t suffer from OAB in silence, schedule your appointment today!