BAYOU ARTIST

article by Starla Gatson photography by Kelly Moore Clark.

ianne Douglas sits in her studio, a cozy little D space nestled behind her partner’s home in a Ruston neighborhood, surrounded by the tools of her trade — paper, paints, and an array of brushes — books, and prints of her finished pieces ready to be sold. A stack of her sketchbooks sits on a nearby table, many of which have pages filled with her pieces — some she deems successful, others not.

Douglas comes to this place nearly every day to work and experiment with her medium of choice: watercolor. She gets a few raised eyebrows from people who learn she is a watercolorist, as most call it the hardest medium to master.

“I say they’re right,” Douglas says, “but if you work with it and stick to it enough, you know it has a mind of its own, and you let it flow. You go with the flow.”

Watercolor painting is a lot like life, she declares. The medium is unpredictable, requires a sense of immediacy, forces the painter to make deliberate and spur-of-the-moment decisions, stresses the importance of timing, and makes one decide between bouncing back or giving up after the inevitable setbacks that will occur.

“You’re going to make mistakes,” she says. “I throw away probably two out of three watercolors. You’ve got to be prepared for failure, but when you fail, you come back, and you try to make yourself better.”

The Ruston-based artist admits some of those failures have been so frustrating that they made her consider walking away from watercolor painting altogether, but because her passion for it is so strong, she persists.

“They say a lot of watercolorists, once they practice it, they just get addicted,” Douglas explains. “It’s a precarious medium, but I sure love it. That’s why I can’t stop doing it.”

Her first set of watercolor paints came from her father, gifted to her when she was 11. She was perplexed at first because her father, a postal worker by profession and painter in his spare time, used oils, not watercolor pigments. Why he’d given her a tin of watercolor paints was a mystery until she learned that was his medium of choice while he served in World War II.

“When he was drafted, he got a cheap tin of watercolors, and he’d paint envelopes,” Douglas explains. “He would write to my mother two or three times a week, and he’d paint on the envelopes.”

This collection of painted envelopes now has a home in the Smithsonian Museum, courtesy of Douglas’s partner’s art history connections. They depict her father’s experiences and perhaps even explain why her father thought watercolor was the medium she should try. The arts were celebrated in the Douglas household, and nearly every member of the Wewoka, Oklahoma native’s family possessed some artistic ability; her family tree consisted of writers, musicians, painters, weavers, and more. So, it wasn’t surprising that Douglas eventually ended up with a paintbrush in her hand. As a child, Douglas tried ballet, tap, and Flamenco dancing as well as playing piano, but none of these stuck with her like watercolor painting. She spent her teenage years painting — she even sold her first painting at 17 at a plein air festival in New Mexico — but while it was something she enjoyed doing, she had no plans to pursue a career as a full-time artist at the time.

Instead, she headed to Monmouth College to study Spanish, satisfying a longheld desire she had to learn about foreign languages. She remembers exactly when this interest sparked, “I might have been about eight. There were Native American elders sitting casually on benches outside of the grocery store we went to. I heard them talking, and I couldn’t understand. It bothered me, even at eight.”

That experience got the wheels turning in her mind, and Douglas began thinking about how much she would enjoy being able to understand the elders’ language and learn about their culture. It was a magical moment, she says, because it sparked the interest in languages that would propel her into a teaching career.

During her senior year at Monmouth, Douglas was invited to complete her student teaching at Harper High School in Chicago through the Urban Semester Teaching Program. The opportunity was especially appealing for the then-20-year-old because her father studied art in Chicago when he was the same age.

“We were expected to spend 14 weeks testing our wings in an inner-city school,” she remembers. “It was emotionally charged, the whole thing, but I really bonded with the students. They probably taught me more than I taught them, and they made me a better teacher. [My time there] informs some of my paintings today.”

Harper High School was stop number one on the journey foreign language would take Douglas on. Mexico City and Guadalajara were stops number two and three, respectively, as they were where she spent the two summers following college graduation completing graduate-level coursework.

Stop four was Argentina through Rotary International’s teaching exchange program. The twenty-something spent three

months teaching English in Argentina, then a year traveling throughout the Rotary district in the U.S. showing slides of the work they’d done. After the year was up, Douglas’s next steps were uncertain — that is, until her former Spanish teacher offered her a job teaching high school-level English in Peru.

“I didn’t think about it too long,” she says of the offer to work in Callao, Peru, a port city not too far from Lima.

This, stop five on her teaching tour, introduced her to the work of Peruvian author Julio Ramón Ribeyro, and to her next project: translating Latin American literature.

“His stories are so wonderful, and they’re about marginal characters, and that’s what I’ve always been interested in,” Douglas explains. “So, I thought with my skills in Spanish, I could do literary translation. So, I set about it. It was a long, arduous process, [but] these characters, they’re just endearing. They’re on the fringes of society. They’re very vulnerable.”

Thanks to her time in Peru, Douglas translated a collection of Ribeyro’s work titled Marginal Voices: Selected Stories, marking the first time the author’s words were translated into English and receiving positive reviews from The New York Times.

After her work in Peru ended, the language enthusiast returned home to Oklahoma, enrolled at the University of Oklahoma, and began working toward her master’s and doctoral degrees. While in the Sooner State, Douglas discovered that Louisiana Tech University was searching for a new hire. She needed a job and had never been to the south, so why not apply, she reasoned?

“I said, ‘Well, Louisiana is a beautiful state!’ so I applied and [visited the campus],” she says. “They huddled after my visit and offered me the job. I came back in August of 1979 and taught all levels of Spanish.”

Douglas stayed at Louisiana Tech for 27 years, working her way up the ranks and earning tenure before retiring from teaching and shifting her full attention back to the watercolor painting she discovered in her childhood years.

Now, with nothing but time to devote to it, the artist spends her days growing in her craft, taking advantage of resources she finds online, and studying the work of the greats like John Singer Sargent, Winslow Homer, and Georgia O’Keeffe. She paints to reminisce, to reshape her experiences and memories, and tell stories. As she thinks back on her story, she realizes how deeply each chapter influenced the next.

“Maybe I wouldn’t have accepted that chance to go teach in an inner-city school if I didn’t know my dad had [gone to Chicago] and studied art. And then, if I hadn’t accepted that chance to go to Peru, I wouldn’t have had that project of literary translation,” she muses.

Each of those connecting steps has led her to her current season as a working artist. Since committing to painting fulltime, Douglas’s pieces have been exhibited at Ruston Artisans, NCLAC’s Holiday Arts Tour, the Louisiana Peach Festival’s Peach Art Exhibition (she was awarded Best in Show in 2014), and at the Masur Museum’s Annual Juried Exhibition in 2012 and 2013.

Prints of her work are also currently available for purchase at the Creative Exchange, Fine Line, and Ruston Artisans.

This time in her life, a point of being able to paint every day, has been a joy, Douglas declares, and she firmly believes she’ll never stop doing it.

She paints from photographs taken on her travels, scenes she sees in real-time, and characters she read about while studying and traveling Latin American literature. While she paints an occasional landscape or street view, most of Douglas’s work features people. After all, it’s their stories she is most eager to tell.

“I know I want to paint something if it has interesting people in it, or gestures, or the way they carry their bodies or are sitting,” she explains before pointing to an image of one of her former students, “Or, like that little fellow here, the look in their eyes.”

She most enjoys when a painting works and calls it a success when it’s thought-provoking to the viewer. Those are the kinds of pieces she hopes to continue creating while simultaneously perfecting her craft. What stories her future work will tell are still yet to be determined, but one thing is certain: there will be more work.

“I want to take more risks, get bolder with my brush marks and the work in general, go at it more boldly, and put more depth and emotion into it,” she says. “Maybe even paint a little bigger; who knows? I really love it. I’m addicted.”

RIGHT NOW IN NORTHEAST LOUISIANA, OVER 150 children in foster care are waiting for a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA). CASA of NELA, a division of the Center for Children and Families, will be holding training classes beginning on Oct. 6, 2022, in efforts to find more community members who will change a child’s story.

CASA Volunteers are appointed by a judge to help ensure that each abused or neglected child finds a safe, permanent home as quickly as possible. The role of a CASA is to act as an extra pair of eyes and ears for the court system, collecting information through observation and interviews with key people in the child’s life and then reporting back to the judge. Below is a success story of a CASA volunteer right here in Northeast Louisiana as told through the perspective of an advocate supervisor.

There was a case where there was concern for the living situation with a set of siblings. The CASA volunteer was able to get acquainted with the children and build a trusting relationship by conducting monthly home visits to see how the children were doing. By doing this, the CASA volunteer was informed on the needs of the children and was able to speak up for them in court.

The CASA volunteer made sure the judge understood what the children were experiencing in the house and advocated for the children to remain together through any placement process in three separate court reports. Because of this, the children were moved into an adoptive placement in Monroe and have now been officially adopted. All development and social issues have been addressed, and the adoptive family continues to give updates to their CASA advocate.

Since our inception, CASA of Northeast Louisiana has advocated for approximately 1,900 children in need of care and has trained nearly 800 community volunteers. These CASA volunteers come from all walks of life and are a powerful voice for a child in need, making a lifelong difference, one child at a time.

Change a child’s story today. You could be a part of the next success story.

Visit www.casaofnela.org to learn more information or call 318.398.0945 to talk with someone today about how you, too, can become a CASA.

JAN HALES STRICKLAND IS IN HER 12TH year as an interior decorator and she’s just getting started. “This business is my passion…I eat, sleep and breathe it. I love working with clients to help create beautiful and functional interiors. In some cases I simply do a room refresh; sometimes I work with a client through a remodel; and then there are times I make every selection for a new build, including the color of the doorbell! There is truly no job too big or too small.”

Jan’s love affair with interior decorating began at a very young age when she was fortunate enough to travel abroad including when her parents would rent a home in the countryside of England ever summer. This travel helped foster the inspiration for her passion, as did visiting local museums and homes. By the time she was in high school, Jan knew she wanted to be a designer/decorator. She even began her career during this time working on beach condos and homes.

For college Jan received a Bachelor of Science degree in Interior Design from the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. The program is CIDA Accredited. Jan was an active student member or the American Society of Interior Designers. She also served on the advisory counsel for CIDA accreditation for the Interior Design program at the University of Alabama.

After college, Jan worked at a kitchen design center in Birmingham, Alabama, a fabric decor store in Montgomery, Alabama, and a nationally recognized antique store in Montgomery, Alabama. But when her husband had the opportunity to practice law with Jan’s father, she was ready to come home.

Since that time, Jan has enjoyed building her interior decorating and consulting clientele, while at the same time she’s been able to give back to her community. In her 6th year as the lead designer for the St. Jude Dream Home, Jan is also passionate about this cause. “Having lost my best friend to cancer makes this cause very personal to me. This summer I was able to attend the St. Jude summit and toured their campus, which made me even more passionate when I saw the far reaching impact our support gives St. Jude. Last year we were able to sell $800,000 worth of tickets, and being able to see the children and the families that these monies support gave me even more motivation to maintain the support we can in our community. I was most honored to receive the Kichler Lighting Award for my work on this project.”

When not focused on her clients or her St. Jude work, Jan enjoys spending time with her husband Josh, son Jey, daughter Evy, and dog Belle. “I’m in a busy season of my life, and getting to spend time with clients, getting to know them and their home brings me such joy. I believe your home can have a great impact on your mental and physical well-being, and I like being a small part of helping my clients create a calm and inspiring environment.

BY J. PRESTON PARRY, MD, MPH

THE POWER OF A “HOME ISSUE” for a magazine actually isn’t from just updating the details of where you live. It’s about taking control of your world, creating meaning, and forming lasting memories. There are many scales through which this can be achieved. I fondly remember days as a struggling student where two new dog beds were a huge step forward in taking care of my family. I feel the reason remodeling strikes a deep chord with so many of us is that it is a physical expression of our nesting instincts—a way of investing what we can in providing a safe space for those we love. As a fertility specialist, I’ve gotten to see some spectacular nurseries over the years for babies we’ve helped bring into this world. However, if the average six-month-old can only see several feet, I know that the elaborate wall designs aren’t entirely for them. That’s okay. After all, what is more, worth celebrating?

In building our two full fertility clinics in Madison, MS, and Shreveport, LA, I’ve tried to turn them into homes as well. While gynecology doesn’t exactly lend itself to an open floor plan, from high ceilings to warm lighting to real flowers to comfort food for anyone coming through the door, we’ve never wanted the experience to be that of a typical medical office. Our art resonates with purpose, having egg and nest themes paralleling the roles of the ovaries and uterus, as well as water themes linked to hysteroscopy, as part of a more gentle approach to understanding the pelvis. We even have kintsukuroi pottery, which is a Japanese concept where broken bowls are repaired through gold seams, symbolizing that no matter how broken we may feel, we are more valuable through how we come back together. Also, some of the most beautiful aspects to me are things that couples never see or appreciate, such as how state-of-the-art HVAC creates air purity helping embryos thrive, which will someday become children. However, what truly turns Positive Steps Fertility into a home is the real love and respect we have for each other and our patients as soon as they come through the door.

I’ll admit I’m a bit of a nerd, so when writing about the meaning of life issues such as family, I’ll probably come across as more awkward than when I talk more technically about reproductive testing and clinical success rates. At least anyone who has read this far knows I haven’t used a ghostwriter, as they probably would have never written anything like this. However, my purpose in this world is to get up every day so that couples don’t have an empty house instead of a home. Along with the whole PSF team, I hope that your world is filled with everyone that makes everything else worthwhile.

Follow us on Facebook and tune in the first Friday of every month for First Friday Fertility live at noon!

GROWING UP IN LOUISIANA GAVE me the opportunity to be exposed to so many multicultural aspects of the state. From the rich bayou landscapes to the historic French and Spanish settlements, it is easy to be creatively inspired. Ever since I was two years old and picked up a pencil and drew the Planters Peanut man from the side of the can, I have always explored creativity. I entered art competitions in elementary school. As I moved on in life, I put my art on the backburner to explore other elements of design in interiors, floral, and fashion. After surviving sexual trauma in my youth, I lost sight of my aspirations that once brought me joy. It would manifest itself into selfdestruction. It led me to run to escape the pain through addiction and relocation around the country to Dallas, New York, and New Orleans. I totally forgot my will to thrive in life or wanting to draw. Even after returning home, I was not 100 percent who I was intended to be. It took me some time and experiencing some very uncomfortable phases in my life to make me whole again. It led me to finding peace letting go of the past. It took me to finding self-love for myself again. In that process of healing, I was blessed with a creative spark again in my drawing. It was also a process of grief after losing the love of my life to cancer eleven years ago. I took this as a healing sign and began drawing again. It was a spark like I could have never imagined. I could not draw them fast enough. Over a period of six months more than 483 animated characters that celebrated the landscapes, agriculture, aquaculture, and people of Louisiana manifested themselves. The binder of these characters sat on the backburner for 11 years as other aspects of my professional life took precedence in my dayto-day life. It would not be until the past nine months and losing both of my parents, that I decided it was time to go forth with this vision and dream. My mom was a big supporter of this until Covid 19 took her life in January. Over the summer, I made it my mission to bring this to life and Delta Roots was formed. After numerous meetings, my line is coming to life and launching. Delta Roots will feature my first drawing, “SANTA CLAWS.” This holly jolly crawfish will be featured on tea towels, door hangers, Christmas ornaments, t shirts, sweatshirts, baby bibs, and paper goods.

He will be available for purchase at Revival Design, 300 Walnut Street in Historic Downtown Monroe or through our Etsy page, Revival Designs 318. He is the first of many other characters on the way that are working toward a children’s book series and other media possibilities.

Life is so amazing and has come full circle in life drawing from my DELTA ROOTS.

Owner Eric Williamson and Chef Sean Welsh have created a place where people can come anjoy modernized Southern staples in a cool atmosphere.

WHEN ERIC WILLIAMSON BEGAN conceptualizing his restaurant, he knew it would have to incorporate the local history of Ruston as well as references to some of his personal lineage. He hit this intersection when thinking of the road he grew up on, one imbued with tall tales of moonshiners and bootleggers. White Lightning road, now Louisiana Highway 146, is named after this seedy history and particularly refers to the color and kick of what is more popularly referred to as moonshine. “One side of my family had some major bootleggers,” beams Williamson, whose restaurant White Lightnin’ Cocktail and Culinary Company integrate intricately crafted cocktails inspired by the prohibition era with a carefully curated menu of modernized Southern staples.

“I started working in restaurants when I was eighteen,” says Williamson who has also traveled extensively, working in high-tier culinary cities like New Orleans, Denver, and Sacramento where he ended up attending bartending school. On his return to Ruston, he first helped run a local restaurant for several years before partnering with a local Mexican restaurant. He ended up running their bar area, which meant creating many craft cocktails. But when his restaurant of employment didn’t survive the pandemic, he started looking for a spot to unleash his love for prohibition-era cocktails, which ironically is an era punctuated with some of the most iconic blends, such as the Aviation, Royal Hawaiian, and Singapore Sling. “I’ve really wanted to bring that kind of thing to Ruston,” he says, revealing his desire to create a culinary experience that would be built around these classic, trending, and experimental mixed drinks.

“So [I] started mixing some more advanced cocktails at home [and] learning the history,” says Williamson. He began with some famous New Orleans cocktails, also dating back to the roaring era of style and aesthetics. For the Ramos Gin Fizz, created during the late 1800s, he had to master the careful fusion of gin, cream, simple syrup, lemon and lime juice, orange flower water, egg whites,

and club soda which is required to get the desired frothy layer. Shying away from the modern approach to the Whiskey Sour, he went with the simple approach of Bourbon, lemon juice, sugar, and a dash of egg white–subtle and elegant. His detail-oriented research and trials opened the door for rounding up ingredients that would further embellish the already heavenly blends.

The White Lightnin’ bar is not only making their own syrups like honey and ginger, but they are recreating obscure modern classics like the Penicillin. Created by Milk & Honey bartender Sam Ross, this warm and soothing drink is made with Scotch, honey syrup, and sweetened ginger juice. Another contemporary delight uses mezcal which is made from the agave plant. “We make a light-pink peppercorn pineapple syrup for it,” says Williamson, revealing that any mezcal lover will be remiss not to give their Ready, Fire, Aim cocktail a whirl. Ultimately, he highly recommends that customers use the restaurant’s drink menu as a choose-your-own-adventure book.

“I’ve tried to kind of update and tweak those cocktails to local and modern palettes,” says Williamson, informing that since modern taste leans on sugary drinks, he has had to “swing things up a bit,” as far as flavor blending and ingredients selected. Further pushing the envelope has come in the form of educating his bartenders about the history of the cocktails the restaurant is making. In this way, customers will be able to make informed decisions about the plethora of drinks on the menu. Alongside familiar names, customers will also note modern concoctions, which will include weekly cocktails. In the near future, customers should expect house-made bitters, even more house-made syrups from varied ingredients like sweet potato, and a line of one of the oldest cocktails called shrubs. These interesting mixes feature vinegarbased syrup that create a balance of sweet and sour elements. “It’s an interesting part of history for cocktails,” says Williamson, adding that when it comes to the food and drink menu, he is always open to doing more, which will also show up in the form of milk-washed spirits. “That’s a new big thing these days,” enthused Williamson. To create this compelling mix, milk is curdled and added to a cocktail. It sits overnight and then gets filtered. The result is a smooth, clear cocktail, rich and fluffy in texture.

Holding down the kitchen is Executive Chef Sean Welsh who has some pretty impressive roots in New Orleans, mainly by way of Dickie Brennan & Co, as well as the distinguished New Orleans landmark and creole eatery Commander’s Palace. When Williamson approached him about conceptualizing the menu he came up with thirty to forty recipes focused on seasonings that could be made from scratch which would result in controlling the herbs and intricate flavors going into meals. While Chef Welsh is used to larger kitchens, the small-scale space he now has contributes to his ingenuity. “Like the little miso cups,” he

says, referring to the crunchy sweet and sour bowls he is developing for a tuna appetizer.

The “Small Plates” section of the menu is an assortment of flavors. The savory Cochon Frits are freshly fried pork skins, house-made blackened barbeque, chili-lime, salt, and vinegar. For a lighter choice, try the Smoked Salmon Crostini. This salmon dip includes cucumber, Julienne smoked salmon, black pepper, and dill. More seafood takes the form of their Shrimp Cocktail: seven boiled shrimp, shredded iceberg, and house-made cocktail sauce.

Meanwhile, the entrees kick it up a notch, primarily by way of their Grilled Pork Chop, which is seasoned with a Kona coffee rub and served with pear chutney and Brabant potatoes (aka “Louisiana fries”). Shrimp and grits is always a classic selection, but at White Lightnin’ they are adding a tangy twist: New Orleans Abita Amber barbeque shrimp and garlic cream cheese grits served with Leidenheimer French bread. Another down south flavor sure to add a touch of the Gulf is their Creole Fish Meunière. For this dish, pan-seared redfish tops creole meunière garlic cream cheese grits and is served with haricot verts with garbanzo beans.

Diners will not only relish their experience by way of taste, but also sight. That is to say, White Lightnin’ is the kind of place that will tug at your sense of curiosity. Its speakeasy vibe is enticing and mysterious, brought to life especially by the bar area’s hanging pendant lights providing an amber glow and the vintage oak bar display. Further embellishing the escapist tone are two surrealist paintings by Rustonbased artist Emily Ezell, which are best described as pop-swamp dreamscapes. In each, a curvy, longhaired woman is surrounded by doe-eyed alligators and is reaching for or has in hand a bubbly cocktail.

Ultimately, expediting fine dining dishes in a limited space is no easy feat. Still, Chef Welsh

attributes the success of the kitchen to his team and his focus on establishing and building culture. “This is the best crew I’ve ever worked with, by far,” he says, mentioning his right-hand man Zach Bertram. “He’s been unbelievable to me. He has been unbelievable to this place.” While most restaurants function on the division of front of house and back of the house, no such distinction is made at White Lightnin’. “We are house,” stresses Chef Welsh, exemplifying that the mark of a successful restaurant extends beyond just food and service, but also to employee comradery. “People love to come in here and try new stuff,” says Williamson, who is deeply grateful to his Ruston customer base.

Whether you think you are a cocktail connoisseur or not, broaden your horizons and fuel your gastronomic dreams at one of Ruston’s most enticing foodie havens.

ST. FRANCIS MEDICAL CENTER IS proud to announce its Internal Medicine Residency Program has earned accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). After receiving initial accreditation as a sponsoring institution in 2021, the St. Francis Academic Affairs team, along with many others, has spent time developing the program and preparing the physical space for future graduate medical students.

The pursuit of offering a Graduate Medical Education (GME) Program at St. Francis has been in partnership with the local medical school, the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM), whose mission is to prepare community-focused physicians to meet the needs of rural and medically underserved populations.

Dr. Thomas Gullatt, President of St. Francis Medical Center, said, “I am very proud that St. Francis is investing resources in graduate medical education as another way to invest in our community. Our team, along with our partners at VCOM, have dedicated many months to ensure our program creates an excellent training experience in hopes that many of these physicians will stay in this region after graduation.”

As a medical hub for the Northeast Louisiana and Delta regions, St. Francis has been dedicated to serving this community for over 100 years. Introducing graduate medical education only serves to strengthen the hospital’s commitment by providing a pipeline of future physicians to combat primary care provider shortages.

The St. Francis Academic Affairs Department is led by Dr. Thomas Gullatt, Designated Institutional Officer, Dr. Navin Ramlal, Program Director, and Katy Temple, Manager of Academic Affairs. Medical students will begin applying to the Internal Medicine Residency program this fall and the inaugural class will begin in July of 2023. The program will last three years for each resident and 15 residents will graduate per class.

“I’m looking forward to welcoming our first class of internal medicine residents in July. They will be involved in an educational environment that promotes clinical competency, team building and resident wellness,” said Dr. Navin Ramlal. Katy Temple added, “We hope that they grow to love our community as much as we do and choose to lay down roots and practice medicine here.”

St. Francis aims to grow as an academic institution by adding graduate medical education to the increasing number of avenues for students rotating through the hospital in various educational and training capacities. The hospital is beginning with an Internal Medicine Residency program to utilize the strength of providers in its Hospitalist Program. In the future, additional residency programs will be added with the support of an expanding physician group and a lively hospital environment.

The physicians educated through the Internal Medicine Residency program at St. Francis will gain progressive autonomy towards becoming independent, clinically competent, and compassionate physicians that strive to be lifelong learners.

For more information on the program, follow the St. Francis Internal Medicine Residency Program on Instagram.

THE KIROLI FOUNDATION IS EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE the annual Northeast Louisiana Celtic Festival (NELA Celtic Fest) will take place on Saturday, October 1st from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Kiroli Park in West Monroe. Admission for this family-friendly event is $5 per person for those 3 years old and up.

The NELA Celtic Fest is the longest-running festival still in existence in the Ouachita Parish area. The festival seeks to preserve the rich Celtic heritage, traditions, and lore of Northeast Louisiana. Event organizers would like to remind the public that sponsorship opportunities and vendor slots are still available.

The Highland Games will be returning as part of this year’s event. It has been more than five years since the games have taken place at the festival. This highly entertaining athletic tradition is over 1,000 years old and is rooted in the Gaelic spirit. Professional athletes will travel from all over the country to compete in six disciplines: The Caber Toss, Weights for Distance, Weights for Height, Heavy Hammer, Stone Put, and Sheaf Toss.

Registration is also open to amateurs to compete in the Highland Games. Individuals who excel in powerlifting, CrossFit, or other athletic disciplines are all encouraged to participate. Backyard Rebellion, the Highland Games organization overseeing the games, will be providing free demonstrations and mini-coaching sessions on-site. There is no fee to register. Registration information can be found on the Northeast Louisiana Celtic Festival Facebook Page. The festival will feature various performances including Murder the Stout, the Thistle Dancers and Pipers, Emerald Accent, Bonnie Ferguson with Dead Reckoning, and the newly formed local band, The Celtic Collective. Activities and demonstrations such as dog herding, storytelling, and other family friendly activities will be on-site for festival-goers to enjoy. In addition, numerous artists, crafters and food vendors will be selling Celticthemed and handmade items. Flying Heart Brewing and Pub will be selling various beers on-tap at the festival for attendees 21 years old and up. For more information about the festival or for a schedule of performances, please visit the Northeast Louisiana Celtic Festival Facebook page at www.facebook.com/NELACelticFest

Haven celebrated 25 years of business in Monroe and their grand re-opening of their space at 1127 Forsythe on Thursday, September 8th. Shoppers enjoyed refreshments and live music while getting a first look at the beautiful new shop and merchandise. Guests also registered for door prizes and enjoyed the evening shopping all of the new products in the newly renovated modern space. Stop by Haven and see the new additions.

1 Analise Kelly and Sandy McMillan 2 Martha West, Sandy McMillan and Wade West 3 Sandy McMillan and Susan Clausen 4 Jon Marie Byram and Jennalee Shows 5 John, Susan and Alex Clausen 6 Mary Coon and Caroline Morris 1

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

APERFECTLY CRAFTED COCKTAIL IS A THING OF beauty. It sets the tone for the evening. We’ve all had that special bartender that we keep going back to who makes our drink exactly how we want it. We wait that extra time just to make sure they’re the ones that pour it exactly how we like it. We even tip them a little extra to let them know what a great job they’re doing and make sure they remember us next time.

This is genesis of Monaco Cocktails, because not all drinks in a can or bottle are created equal either. Monaco has gone the extra mile with quality ingredients and cocktail portioning to put your favorite drink at your fingertips, no mixology skills required. The party is waiting. Privately owned, Chicago-based Atomic Brands, the parent company of Monaco, was founded in 2006 with a focus on creating products people want with exceptional and uncompromised quality. The company keeps its finger on the pulse of cocktail trends with continuous innovation. Now available locally in a variety of flavors, each can of Monaco contains two shots of premium spirits. The cocktails are also crafted without malt or gluten.

Watermelon Crush Cocktail | Tequila

A refreshingly fruity cocktail, Watermelon Crush perfectly fuses the flavors from fresh watermelon with tequila to create a refreshingly fruity cocktail perfect for anytime of the day, always bringing 2 shots in every can!

Sun Crush Cocktail | Tequila

It’s like summer in a can. Kissed by the sun cocktail of fun, Sun Crush brings those summertime vibes of bright and bubbly orange soda. A vibrant balance of fruit flavor makes for a perfect poolside treat. Sunscreen not included! *Tequila

Blue Crush Cocktail | Vodka, Rum, Gin, Tequila

We’ve all had the blue party bowl drink made from who knows what, it tasted amazing and wow, what a great time we had. Monaco Blue Crush puts that whole bowl of fun right in a can. A concoction made from our Monaco Vodka, gin, rum and tequila and rounded off with a special crisp carbonated soda. We made it taste great, now you have to make the fun, invite your friends over and let us know how it goes.

Lime Crush Cocktail | Tequila

Pack your bags, book your flight, and head back to that unforgettable vacation in the sun. Lime Crush is a refreshingly crisp and clean cocktail experience reminiscent of a paloma or sparkling margarita. Perfectly balanced with subtle hints of fresh grapefruit. The destination is unknown but the fun is waiting to happen. *Tequila

Citrus Rush Cocktail| Vodka

This one takes you back to those nights that you never wanted to end. Monaco Citrus Rush cocktail is a full flavor experience that will remind you of the memories you made until the music stopped and lights came on. This complex flavor of citrus and floral notes balances perfectly with our six times distilled Monaco Vodka that is destined to add fuel to your party. The memories are waiting to be made. *Vodka

Purple Crush Cocktail| Cognac

Simple, sophisticated, and who doesn’t love purple? Monaco Purple Crush is a cocktail mashup of that summer lemonade stand, grape soda and two shots of cognac. Made to satisfy your tastebuds and leave you dancing all night long. Be sure to remember your dancing shoes.

For more information on Monaco Premium Canned Cocktails and to find them near you, visit drinkmonaco.com.

Be sure to like Choice Brands on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Instagram to keep up with new product releases. Feel free to message us for information on where to find your favorite brands. Find us at facebook. com/thechoicebrands, twitter.com/choicebrandsinc, and instagram.com/ choicebrands.

THE CENTER FOR CHILDREN and Families is seeking family therapists in our Northeast Louisiana location. The positions are available in several of our evidenced-based programs including Functional Family Therapy (FFT,) Functional Family Therapy - Child Welfare (FFT-CW,) and Multisystemic Therapy (MST.) Each of these programs provide evidenced-based counseling services for youth and their families. Our mission is to promote safe, healthy environments for children and families through advocacy, counseling, education, and prevention. The Center for Children and Families has developed and implemented innovative treatment programs that specifically target fractured family relationships.

Our agency is highly respected throughout the community for our excellent standard of service to both providers and clients. At the Center, we are guided by the principles of servant leadership, where the driving force of our actions is not status or power, but serving others as we pursue a common mission. Therapeutic Services has a reputation for terrific outcomes, not just because of the people that choose to work with us, but also because of the support we receive from the community.

When a family feels like giving up, we seek to provide them with the tools and encouragement they need to keep going. When a positive outcome feels impossible, we are able to find a way. We meet families where they are, reminding them that they are not alone.

Likewise, when discouragement comes knocking at the door, we remind ourselves of the countless families who are now thriving because our staff and clinicians have invested in them. When you join The Center for Children and Families, you belong to something bigger. You are a part of a family.

At the Center, we believe that personal growth is just as valuable as the job that we have been hired to do. Through our Huddle series, we explore how we relate to each other and those around us. By developing community through shared meals or taking time out to play, we find that being a part of this agency is more like being a part of a family. Our Core Values of Community, Respect, Integrity, Service, Teamwork, Empowerment, and Excellence are the guiding principles of our organization. We believe that these values are the very foundation for our philosophy, culture, and practices.

Candidates for these positions must hold a Master’s degree in Counseling, Marriage & Family Therapy, or Psychology. Preference is given to candidates who are fully licensed as an LPC or LMFT or provisionally licensed as a PLPC or PLMFT in Louisiana. These are fulltime independent contractor positions.

We are looking for someone with more than just the perfect resume. We are looking for individuals with a passion to serve children and families in our communities. Someone who doesn’t want to do this lifechanging work alone. Someone who is ready for the opportunity to develop not only as a clinician, but also as a person.

If you’re a qualified applicant who wants to be the hope for families in Northeast Louisiana, learn how to submit your resume at https://www.standforhope.org/careeropportunities.html.

I look forward to BayouLife’s articles that showcase our local and regional assets in such creative and professional ways. Featuring our area with beautiful photography and well“ written articles shows others (potential visitors) the treasures that can be discovered while visiting and/or living here. -Linda S. Holyfield, Founder & Former CEO of Specialty

Management Services of Ouachita

One of the main things I enjoy about BayouLife is its commitment to the community and showcasing local people, businesses, organizations, and events. BayouLife is always a good neighbor as well.

It is one of the few magazines where I love to flip through every page and photo. I cannot tell you how much I have learned about friends and fellow community members from the showcase articles. So often, people will not talk about themselves. However, Cassie and BayouLife love to celebrate all who contribute and give back to our society, be it with their work, time, or talent.

I am so grateful for our local magazine, and I make sure that I have extra copies to share with those visiting our area. It is truly one of the BEST avenues to get to know us a little better.

Thanks so much to Cassie and the BayouLife Crew for all that you do! You truly make our community better! Love y’all! - Misti Cordell Physician Recruiter for Affinity Health Group Owner & operator of Embellish by Misti Design

Seeing BayouLife lying in our driveway is a fabulous start to each of my months!

I marvel at the ability of Cassie and her team to masterfully draw us readers in to the wonderful articles featuring people we comfortably recognize, and then blow us away with the amazingly distinctive stories and photo shoots that we never could have expected.

My enjoyment of BayouLife is heavily biased toward the remarkable ULM Spotlight and Bayou Icon articles, especially since these proud ULM alums—Jim and I— were so humbled and honored in December 2021!

BayouLife magazine is a touchstone of our community for the recognition of its citizenry, for the showcasing of its beauty and cultural uniqueness, and for its invitation and encouragement to enjoy all that is offered here. Thank you, BayouLife team! —Anne Lockhart, retired ULM Senior Development Officer

BayouLife provides a social connection to our community. The magazine showcases events, activities, unique businesses, and many other assets that work to improve our community. —Joe Holyfield, owner of CC’s Coffee House & Holyfield Construction

I enjoy the outdoor articles. But being the husband to the publisher and knowing the effort given to the photo shoots, the homes features, and the main photo shoots always amazes me. The quality never goes unnoticed. I was just in a local jeweler the other day in Bastrop, and they spoke about the magazine’s quality. I believe all who know and read the magazine understand the quality of BayouLife Magazine and what that means to our region and local community. — Trent Livingston, husband

I enjoy BayouLife magazine because it highlights our city’s assets: the shopping, the restaurants, home inspiration, and events.

The community benefits from the magazine in so many ways; we learn where to shop, eat, and even go to the dentist. It helps you get to know what our city offers, including opportunities for community service and charity events.

I personally love seeing the featured homes. — Debbie Herrington, Co-owner of Herringstone’s

What a happy moment it is each month when I pull in my driveway and notice that BayouLife has been delivered! I wait until I can leisurely absorb the culture, fashion, arts, and all the offerings that make me proud to be from the Bayou!

The team, led by Cassie, curates a publication that highlights the soul of being from north Louisiana. While most would think that our community is limited in the number of remarkable people that make our community unique, after 10 years, they continue to uncover the jewels!

I cherish my friendships that have evolved from this team and look forward to what the future holds. Thank you, Cassie, for reminding us why we should be proud to be a part of such an extraordinary community. —Lisa Miller, ULM Vice President for Enrollment Management & University Relations

We benefit from this publication because the editorial staff cares a great deal about unique local content. The writing is top-notch. I learn something new about my community every time I read BayouLife.

I really enjoy the BayouIcon features! It’s so interesting to read about their lives, their families, and all of the wonderful things they have done and are doing in our community. There are so many special people in our city and surrounding areas. I always learn very useful wisdom from their experiences. After reading about one of them, I’m always so proud to call North Louisiana home. — Amy Robinson, former owner of the Paper Market

The Northeast Louisiana community is so special. What’s special can’t be pinpointed to one particular event, location, or group. Arts, culture, culinary adventures, and style are woven into the tapestry of the communities and the people who live there. BayouLife has been an incredible ambassador for the region, highlighting and sharing the businesses, people, and culture that make the region so unique.

Thanks to Cassie and her team for 10 years of documenting events, supporting communities, explaining tradition, and creating an inclusive, progressive, and binge-worthy read about the things that make NELA so special. — Katie Dawson, Assistant Vice President for Academic Innovation & Learning at the University of Louisiana System

How lucky are we to still be able to physically pick up and savor a beautiful glossy copy of BayouLife? Discovering the incredible things our community offers (through our talented artisans and entrepreneurs that are featured in countless photographs and articles) is truly a labor of love. Not only do these issues become an important reference for our community, but they are also able to reach an audience that can explore the many facets of our unique way of life.

— Lori French

Bayou Life captures the layered beauty of both the people and the happenings of our extraordinary region. Our community of Northeast Louisiana is lucky to have it as our premier publication. We so appreciate this gem of a magazine and all it does for our community.

Congratulations to Cassie & the entire Bayou Life Team on 10 Years! — Sue Sartor, founder and designer of Sue Sartor

I enjoy BayouLife’s photography and images the most. The images seem to leap off each page as I turn them. It makes for an exciting experience as I never know what the next page will hold.

This publication is a vital part of our community and a visual reminder that we are stronger together. There are so many notable residents in northeast Louisiana accomplishing extraordinary things. I love how Cassie and her team help tell their stories. — Dr. Julia Letlow, Louisiana Congresswoman

I always anticipate the good, positive happenings in north Louisiana and the photographs with perfect, pleasing colors. BayouLife is a happy read! It’s a wonderful magazine that is attractive on the coffee table! This magazine keeps everyone informed of the good things to do and special happenings in our beloved community. — Dianne Cage, community leader

I enjoy reading BayouLife for many reasons. The articles on our area businesses help you see ways to support local places and help you learn about new local offerings. The events highlighted each month and the “Calendar of Events” let you know ways you can be a part of our region’s activities. BayouLife is a great way to stay current with ways to connect in our community. — Sandy McMillan, Owner of Haven

The community benefits from BayouLife Magazine are exceptional! As a nonprofit organization, we have felt the love for 10 years from BayouLife. Our mission, vision, events, activities, and family fun are shared with the entire northeast region of our state via this fantastic, familyoriented, community-minded

publication. Cassie and her staff are truly essential to the growth and success of our organization and many others like us. Congrats on 10 years! — Melissa Saye, Founder & Director, NELA’s Children’s Museum

We enjoy BayouLife because we can keep up with events as well as the people and businesses in the community. We feel BayouLife benefits our community because it publishes so much information on different topics that help people live healthier and happier lives. — The Staff at Bayou Dental

I love BayouLife because it presents Northeast Louisiana in a way we don’t often view ourselves: polished yet gritty, cool yet grounded, with a depth of history and heritage that we don’t know about ourselves. It is a mirror upon which we can see the layers of culture in our region.

Our community benefits from this publication because it is a constant mouthpiece of the outpouring of positive and progressive movements in our parishes. — Kelsea McCrary, Chief Economic & Cultural Development Officer for the City of Monroe

BayouLife brings to us the essence of our beautiful bayou region with words and pictures that inform and inspire. I especially enjoy reading the incredible stories of so many dedicated and talented people from our very own region. — Dr. Christine Berry, ULM First Lady and Program Coordinator for Risk Management & Insurance

Below are just a few of the words that come to mind when we think of BayouLife Magazine: all-important, critical, imperative, indispensable, integral, must-have, necessary. As business owners, we couldn’t do life without you! Congratulations on 10 years of constant commitment to our community. —Wendy Newsom, Drew Farr, Mary Beth Dickerson, & Ana Lopez at Spa Nouvelle

“Happy 10 years, BayouLife! I remember being the very first artist featured in the magazine’s first issue. What an honor! I love reading about all the artists featured each month and learning about what inspires them and what they are currently creating. Thank you for supporting local artists!” Our community benefits from this local publication because it helps all of us to realize all the fantastic people, events, and things being made right in our own backyard. Northeast Louisiana is loaded with all kinds of talent; there is no need to go out of town to get something better. The best is right here! -Lissy Sanders Compton, Owner of Mr. P’s Tees

I enjoy every page of BayouLife! Every article is interesting and amusing, with a little comedy sprinkled here and there. I even enjoy the ads because I always find something I wasn’t aware of.

Cassie and her crew promote North Louisiana and the entrepreneurs and artisans who live here. BayouLife played a huge role in helping get my company, Kaybaby’s, started and my name out. I shall never forget the day Cassie had Meredith call me as BayouLife wanted to do an article on Kaybaby’s. I thought, ‘Surely, they were trying to contact someone else.’ I was assured that my tiny little business was just who they were seeking. My point is that Cassie cares so much about everything Louisiana, and it surely shows every month when I pick up my BayouLife. Kaybaby’s is growing rapidly now, and I will forever be grateful to my beautiful, talented friend! — Kay Morgan, Owner of Kaybaby’s

I love receiving my BayouLife magazine each month. The covers are always gorgeous, and I know I will learn about cool new businesses and people of our region making and doing incredible things! I love to read the Bayou Icon feature each month. Those stories help preserve the rich history for which our region is so widely known. Working for a local non-profit, I love that we can rely on BayouLife to support our message and reach a broad audience. — Laura Maddox, Events and Donor Engagement Manager at St. Francis Medical Center Foundation

I enjoy everything about BayouLife Magazine. Each month, BayouLife tells our story. Every feature, article, and advertisement in BayouLife is distinctly Monroe and Northeast Louisiana. Bayou Life has Monroe’s DNA in their soul. They are unapologetic in celebrating who we are. Every page of BayouLife celebrates our community and our residents. They are uniquely positioned to capture the essence of the people and the lives of Northeast Louisiana. BayouLife defines us and chronicles our story in a way like no other.

— Roy Heatherly, President of the Monroe Chamber of Commerce

BayouLife is an incredible resource for our community! First, it’s beautiful and fun to read! Great features and fabulous photography! But for those of us in non-profits, the magazine is absolutely invaluable. We know the readership is widespread, and our message will be heard. Truly, it’s the first place people go to see the upcoming community events! And we are all very grateful for the magazine’s outstanding coverage of our volunteers and special events. I can’t say THANK YOU enough for your splendid coverage. Congratulations on 10 years, and I look forward to many more! — Janet Durden, President of United Way of Northeast Louisiana

BayouLife highlights and supports all things ‘Bayou.’ From community icons to artists, fashion, and food, each magazine issue showcases our community’s phenomenal people and extraordinary culture. Each edition is a work of art. The content is thoughtfully planned, the articles are delightful, and the photography and design are stunning. Cassie’s passion for our community shines month after month on every page. The Bayou Icon is always my favorite.

Cassie has done an excellent job of creating a publication that is as beautiful as it is useful. — Ashley West, Senior VP at Progressive Bank

Every month, BayouLife Magazine brings awareness to all the wonderful things northeast Louisiana has to offer—food, fashion, culture, business and industry, education, and so much more. Both informative and entertaining, this publication is a celebration of our local individual and collective talents and expertise. ULM is proud to partner with BayouLife, as each month we feature an alumni story highlighting the amazing accomplishments of our Warhawk graduates. We congratulate Cassie Livingston and her staff on the 10-year anniversary of this successful publication. — Dr. Ron Berry, President of ULM

“In each issue, I discover new local artists/entrepreneurs that I had no idea were in our community. I’m very passionate about supporting local businesses, and BayouLife does an amazing job spotlighting local businesses. We have such a wealth of talent here; BayouLife brings this to the forefront for all of us to appreciate.” — Christy Childers, VP of Business Development & IT Implementation at Specialty Management Services of Ouachita

I, like so many others in this area, get very excited to see the beautifully wrapped magazine, BayouLife, in my driveway! The colorful pages are so inviting! I love reading all the local articles about businesses, organizations, and PEOPLE! I appreciate all the talents and efforts of the staff! Debbie Luffey, community leader

When I think of BayouLife Magazine and Cassie, I think of how much an inspiration and cheerleader of and for the community this publication is. Cassie has become more than a former boss, she’s become a friend and mentor, which wouldn’t have been possible without BayouLife Magazine.

—Meagan Russell, Graphic Designer, former BayouLife Magazine employee

BayouLife Magazine has been an exemplary publication. All facets are interesting and entertaining! Hard to believe a small area like north Louisiana can have such a sophisticated publication. Deepest thanks to all! — Kaye Hill, Owner of Rose Boutique in Rayville “

The debut novel by Maurice Carlos Ruffin casts a blistering light on the shadowed future of race relations in America. While many authors are concerned with looking backward in search of warning signs of racial regression, Ruffin dares to cast his direction forward. Set in an American city in the not-too-distant future, the narrator, a black attorney working in a prominent almost all-white law firm, is obsessed with his son Nigel’s skin tone. A birthmark on the teenager’s face is darkening and spreading, and a popular doctor boasts melanin treatments to erase any indicator of black heritage. Against his white wife Penny’s wishes, the father secretly begins treating his son to lighten his skin. What ensues is a physical and psychological battle of wills, one in which Nigel and his father confront the reality of being black in this version of America and whether it’s worth the risk.

Ruffin relies on satire to contemplate the unthinkable, yet too-close-to-home conditions. Black people are relegated to certain areas of the city, harassed by the police, prohibited from voting if a parent is incarcerated, and can be sheared on the spot due to the town’s recent passage of the Dreadlock Ordinance. The people are told the extreme laws are meant to protect the community from violence, that inhibiting the freedom of potential troublemakers is for the betterment of all. The problem is that what identifies one as troublesome is beyond a human’s control. As a result, prominent black people resort to mutilating their bodies to achieve esteemed whiteness, a procedure that is promised to lighten the skin of their future offspring.

The narrator is battling a past and present that continually intersect. He refuses to visit his incarcerated father serving a life sentence due to fighting a police father harassing his mother. His wife Penny detests racism in all its manifestations, but even her vehement activism is shadowed by a white history that blinds her from her husband’s omnipresent fears. Their passionate marriage is marred by opposing backgrounds that keep the two from ever really understanding the other. In the middle is the intelligent son Nigel, torn between two worlds, his white heritage that benefits from the continued oppression of black people, and his black survival instinct to annihilate the oppressors.

Ruffin’s keen attention to character development and intersecting plot lines make for a fast read, one that propels readers into the narrator’s intense reality. What surfaces is the intense love of a parent, one hell bent on writing the wrongs of his past in hopes for his son’s brighter future. Ruffin shows readers the intense clashing of one’s ideals with one’s options. Maurice Carlos Ruffin is originally from New Orleans, Louisiana and is a professor of Creative Writing at LSU.

“I sometimes questioned the plausibility of two people so deeply in love ending up as mortal enemies. Maybe love was just the larval stage of hate, the comely caterpillar in advance of the hideous butterfly.”

REVIEW BY MEREDITH MCKINNIE

JOIN US AT THE MEDICAL SPA FOR OUR SECOND annual Boo-tox Bash. There will be no tricks at this event, just treats. Last year, we offered special pricing for one day only which wasn’t enough for all of our customers! This year we have expanded this Botox spectacular to 3 days: October 27, 28 and 31. Botox injections will be by appointment only. Botox will be available for $11/unit during these three days, so you will want to schedule ASAP before appointment times are filled. We will also be offering complimentary skin screenings by appointment as well. Any skincare products purchased during these three days will be 20% off.

People tend to relax with their skincare once spring and summer ends. Some ignore steps such as sunscreen since the sun becomes less bright and hot. If you are looking to have a healthy glow throughout the year, you need to maintain your routine even during the fall and winter months. Fall is the perfect time to amp up the use of active ingredients to rejuvenate and replenish your skin after months of too much sun exposure and heat. Whether you are looking to treat pigmentation, texture, or uneven skin tone, we have several products and treatments that we recommend.

The Obagi NuDerm System is designed to correct hyperpigmentation (dark spots), melasma, and transform aging skin. The system contains prescription strength 4% hydroquinone. Hydroquinone acts by inhibiting melanin production. By controlling this production, the skin becomes more evenly toned over time. This multi-step system is easy to use and available as normal-dry or normal-oily, depending on your specific skin care needs. Pairing this kit with a retinol and tretinoin offers incredible results you will love. Obagi Revivify Multi-Acid Facial Peel is a two-step, pre-dosed chemical peel that helps even skin tone, smooth texture, and encourage exfoliation for smoother brighter appearance. The peel contains four acids, specifically formulated to optimally absorb into the surface of the skin. Over time, dead skin cells can build up due to sun damage, hormonal fluctuations, and blemishes. During this time the skin can benefit from a chemical peel. The Revivify kit contains four treatments or individual treatments can be purchased and easily done at-home, requiring minimal downtime. If you’re new to peels and uneasy about doing one at home, we can help you complete the first one in-office and guide you on the remainder of the treatments.

Have you been considering laser hair removal? Come experience the ease and convenience of laser hair removal and ditch that razor. How does laser hair removal work? Laser hair removal works by using laser light energy. The melanin in the hair follicle absorbs the light energy, converting it to heat. This heat destroys the hair follicle which prevents or stops future growth. The laser is more effective when the hair is in the early growing phase, so multiple sessions are required to achieve desired results.

Here at The Medical Spa, we offer laser hair removal with the Splendor X by Lumenis, a global leader in laser and energy-based technology. This laser offers customizable laser hair removal treatments for all skin tones. Splendor X offers BLEND technology by utilizing two wavelengths, Alexandrite 755 and ND-Yag 1064. The proportion of wavelengths used depends on skin type, hair color and texture, allowing for a safer and more effective treatment. By utilizing the dual wavelengths simultaneously, and a dual cooling system, the Splendor X offers quick, effective, and comfortable treatments for hair removal. We recommend scheduling a consultation to discuss expectations and desired results from hair removal treatment.

Be sure to come by The Medical Spa this month to take advantage of our specials, events, and to find out more about the medical grade skincare products offered here. We are in the James R. Wolff Building (also known as the P&S Building) in downtown Monroe. Our address is 312 Grammont Street Suite 406, across from St. Francis Medical Center. Also, be certain to follow The Medical Spa by St. Francis Medical Group on Facebook and Instagram to stay current on our weekly specials, sales, promotions, and giveaways.

WE’RE PROUD TO SHARE THAT FRESCA MIXED – A new line of premium, pre-mixed cocktails crafted with the deliciously bright and citrusy classic taste of FRESCA and real vodka or tequila – is now available in two varieties: Vodka Spritz and Tequila Paloma.

Vodka Spritz is a delicious cocktail that mixes the light and classic taste of FRESCA® with real vodka distilled four times.

Tequila Paloma is a modern and sophisticated take on the classic Paloma cocktail. Our mixologists have expertly blended real tequila blanco from Mexico with the classic taste of FRESCA® for a cocktail that is smooth and easy to enjoy.

Both flavors are 100 calories*, 5% ABV, gluten free, made with real spirits, and contain zero sugar. FRESCA™ Mixed is started to roll out in stores across the country in 4-pack 12oz cans for a suggested retail price of $9.99.

FRESCA™ Mixed is the outcome of an agreement between Constellation Brands, Inc. and The Coca-Cola Company, announced earlier this year, for Constellation to use the popular FRESCA brand to manufacture, market, and distribute FRESCA Mixed cocktails. Constellation Brands and The Coca-Cola Company have a shared passion for building some of the world’s most loved brands and best-in-class beverage experiences. Through this relationship with The Coca-Cola Company, Constellation Brands will have the unique opportunity to expand their beverage portfolio through distinctive flavors and new and exciting ready-to-drink alcohol segments like premixed cocktails. Interestingly, Constellation says these canned cocktails will be “inspired by recipes created by Fresca fans from around the globe.”

“The Coca-Cola Company’s Fresca brand is not only trusted by consumers, but also directly delivers on consumer preferences for refreshment, flavor, and convenience — attributes that also play well within beverage alcohol and where we can leverage our expertise,” explained Constellation president and CEO Bill Newlands.

“We are thrilled to launch Fresca Mixed, a new line of premium, pre-mixed cocktails that bring together the deliciously bright and citrusy classic taste of FRESCA and real vodka or tequila, alongside The Coca-Cola Company,” said Duke Zandstra, Constellation Brands Vice President of Brand Marketing for FRESCA™ Mixed. “We can’t wait for both lifelong FRESCA fans as well as new friends to the brand to enjoy these delicious, light cocktails in both Vodka Spritz and Tequila Paloma all year long.”

A household staple for decades, FRESCA has been featured in fans’ cocktail recipes, homemade merch, and even in pop culture moments. Now, the launch of FRESCA™ Mixed from Constellation Brands makes it easier for consumers to enjoy the delicious taste of the citrus soda in a new alcoholic offering.

“We know that many FRESCA drinkers enjoy it as a mixer with alcohol spirits to create their favorite cocktails, in addition to enjoying it as a citrus sparkling drink,” said Dan White, Chief of New Revenue Streams, The Coca-Cola Company North America. “With the Constellation Brands teams’ consumer-first approach and distilled beverage expertise, coupled with the delicious and classic grapefruit FRESCA recipe created by The Coca-Cola Company, we believe people are going to be curious and excited to try the new FRESCA Mixed canned cocktails as it hits shelves.”

Whether enjoyed straight out of the can or poured over ice in a traditional cocktail glass, FRESCA™ Mixed is here to up the cocktail game. *Tequila Paloma: Per 12 fl. oz. average analysis: calories 100, carbohydrates 1.6g, protein 0g, fat 0g; Vodka Spritz: Per 12 fl. oz. average analysis: calories 100, carbohydrates 1.3g, protein 0g, fat 0g

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

Time for a new Halloween tradition? Taylor Bennett created this spectacularly spooky Halloween fairy garden. Create a ghoulish garden or pretty pumpkin patch with a few frightful decorations.

Source a foam pumpkin from a craft store that can be cut. Glue moss around the opening and back and fill it with small figurines, or collect things from nature and make it feel like a real fairy garden. For extra sparkle, add a strand of twinkle lights.

BY VAL IRION, MD

IDO NOT KNOW ABOUT YOU, BUT I HAVE BEEN PLEASANTLY surprised by the sneak peak of an actual autumn season here in Northwest Louisiana! With the cooler temperatures and the upcoming holiday season, it might be a great time to dust off those sneakers, set the alarm a bit earlier and FALL into an exercise program. To get the best results from an exercise program, it is important to include the fitness trinity: aerobic conditioning (walking), flexibility exercises (yoga) and strength training (push-ups, planks, free weights).

So, let us talk more about strength training. Often, people beginning or reintroducing an exercise program into their schedules forget about how important it is to include strength training. It is such a vital component to maintaining and expanding your health and fitness level. In strength training, resistance is added to movement to make muscles work harder and, over time, become stronger. The most common strength training methods include using weight machines, working with free weights and doing exercises that use your own body weight. Strength training increases, muscle tone, strength, and endurance. There are many additional benefits from adding a strength training program to your weekly fitness regime: • Improves balance and coordination. • Reduces the risk of injury. • Can make daily activities, like hauling groceries and working in the garden, less tedious and much easier. • Assists in health weight management, by maintaining and improving muscle tone.

As we get older, we tend to lose muscle mass which often results in slowing our metabolism. If you can work to maintain and improve muscle mass, your body will naturally burn more calories at times of rest. Free weights and weight machines are both effective tools to improve muscle strength and endurance. Free weights are typically easier because they are less expensive and can adapt to different body types and individual ability. Weight machines are often considered safer than free weights because they position the body properly and it is easier to control the weight and resistance level. Other tools commonly used in strength training are resistance tubing, stability balls and exercises that use your own body weight for resistance. It is important to remember that all these options do typically target specific muscle groups. To stay motivated and to get the best overall strengthening, you should target one muscle group per work out. Try to work out twice a week focusing on each major muscle group. For example, you may want to work your lower and upper body on alternate days and rotate week to week. It is important to allow your muscles to rest a full day in between working your muscle groups. If you do prefer to focus on total strength training, it important that the next day should either include rest or aerobic activity. For best results from your strength training and to stay healthy and injury free, here are some helpful tips: • Incorporate two to three alternate days to focus on strength training while alternating targeted muscle groups. • Include exercises for all major muscle groups. Muscle imbalances often result in injury. • Effective strength training usually involves three sets of twelve repetitions. • Choose a weight that is heavy enough to result in muscle fatigue after 12-15 repetitions and increase weight as the exercises become easier. • Try adding new exercises or equipment to your regimen to keep your strength and workouts fresh, engaging, and effective. • Practice proper technique. If you do exercises incorrectly, they can put you at risk for injury. • If you have a gym membership, make sure you ask your club’s fitness professional about proper use and technique when using weight machines or free weights. • If you prefer working out at home, consider a consult with a certified personal trainer to ensure that you are doing the exercises properly.

They can also help you create a customized exercise program to meet your needs. • If you are new to exercise, are overweight, a smoker or middle aged, you may want to consult with your physician prior to adding an exercise regime to your weekly activities.

The fall season is a fantastic time to begin a strength training program and increase your activity. If you are already active, you can add strength training to your regime or try something new, like yoga or Pilates. When you begin an exercise regime, it is important to listen to your body and consult with a physician if pain or discomfort interferes with your increased activity or your daily routine. No pain, no gain is not typically applicable to a healthy exercise program.

Val Irion, MD is a board certified, fellowship trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine and joint replacement. To schedule an evaluation with Dr. Irion, please call: 866.759.9679 or visit: orthopedicspecialistla.com.

This twist on a campfire favorite is now the perfect topping for your yogurt parfait, or a good grab-n-go for hungry kids after soccer practice. This easy autumn recipe will packs a gooey punch.

Northeast Louisiana Celtic Festival

The Northeast Louisiana Celtic Festival is back! Don't forget to attend the Highland Games at the festival this year! Hours: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM Cost: $5.00 Venue: Kiroli ParkKiroli Park, 820 Kiroli Rd, West Monroe Phone: (318) 396-4016

North Louisiana Makers and Producers Market

North Louisiana Makers and Producers Market is working to bring artisans, makers, crafters, livestock producers, and food producers together. All items, livestock, and produce are homemade, handcrafted, and hand raised. Hours: 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM Cost: Free Venue: Paramount Health Care Consultants, 1905 North 7th St, West Monroe Phone: (318) 372-4753

River Rat Paddle Challenge

Life is better on the river! The 6th Annual River Rat Paddle Challenge is on the scenic Ouachita River. The race is 7.7 miles long and has divisions for paddleboards, canoes, and kayaks for men, women, and children. Hours: 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM Venue: Lazarre Park, 703 S RiverfrontWest Monroe Phone: (318) 243-1211

JLM 5K Spooky Sprint, Fall Fest, and Costume Dash

Get your running shoes and best costumes ready because The Junior League of Monroe is hosting the first annual 5K, Fall Festival, and Costume Dash! Hours: 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM Cost: $25 - $40 Venue: 2300 Sycamore St, Monroe Phone: (318) 322-3236

Kidz Con 2022

Kidz Con is West Monroe's first convention geared towards kids. This event will have kid-centered vendors, activities, games, and more. Plan to bring your children for a day filled with fun and exploration. Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Cost: $10, Children 5 & under free Venue: West Monroe Convention Center | 901 Ridge Ave, West Monroe

Annual Fall Vendor Market

Shop items ranging from handmade fall decor and pumpkins, to t-shirts and wood works. Stop in-store to get a permanent friendship bracelet from Linked by Love Permanent Jewelry. Special performance by the LA LunaChicks dance team. Hours: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM Venue: Dusty & Company, 2201 Liberty Street, Monroe Phone: (318) 348-5649

Fall Ceramics

Get into the fall spirit and update your fall decor collection with handmade ceramics! Join Bless Your Art at The Art Alley Marketplace for their newest open studio class! Hours: 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM Venue: Art Alley Marketplace, 131 Art Alley, Monroe

Landry Vineyards Concert - Lisa Spann & Company

Landry Vineyards is proud to host a live performance by Lisa Spann & Company! If you enjoy classic rock and great dance music then you will enjoy this band! Do not forget to bring lawn chairs or a blanket so you can have a place to sit. Hours: 3:00PM to 6:30 PM Cost: $10.00, Young Adults (13-18) $5.00. Children Under 12 Free Venue: Landry Vineyards | 5699 New Natchitoches Rd, West Monroe Phone: (318) 557-9050

Hats Off for the Kids

Wear your favorite hat and enjoy live music, a silent auction, food, drinks, and FUN! Hours: 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM Cost: $50.00 Venue: Northeast Louisiana Children's Museum, 323 Walnut St, Monroe

Tractor Supply Farmer's Market

The Farmer's Market is back at Tractor Supply on October 1st and actively searching for vendors! It is a great event to bring the community together to sell and purchase homemade and homegrown goods. Cost: Free Venue: Tractor Supply Co. | 201 Mane St, West Monroe Phone: (318) 329-1123

Monroe Symphony League Book Sale

A huge sale of gently used books, records, and much more! Two buildings are full of hardbacks, magazines, paperbacks, fiction and non-fiction. Hours: Friday, Saturday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM; Sunday 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM Cost: $2.00 first day, all other days are free. Venue: Monroe Symphony League, 320 North 4th Street, Monroe Phone: (318) 537-5171

Evil Visions Haunted House 2022

Can you survive Evil Vision's Haunted House - Return to Hotel Sheller? Beware, the stories are ghoulish and the fear is real. Evil Visions opens on Sundays at 7 P.M. and closes at 11:00 P.M. Enter at your own risk! Friday & Saturday 7:00 PM to 12:00 AM; Sunday 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM Cost: General- $20.00. Fastpass- $30.00. VIP- $100.00 Venue: Evil Visions Haunted House, 501 Desiard St, Monroe

Skeletons on Tower Drive

Imagine this: Giant 12 feet tall skeletons lining the streets! This wild imagination will come to life by taking a drive through Skeleton Lane, on Tower Drive, during the month of October! Cost: Free Venue: CC's Coffee House, 2350 Tower Drive, Monroe

Sunday Karaoke Fun

Wrap up the weekend with Big Tuna Entertainment and Downtown Billiards for some Sunday Karaoke Fun! Hours: 10:00 PM until Venue: Downtown Billiards LLC, 524 Desiard St, Monroe Phone: (318) 497-3250

ULM Homecoming Parade

The best is on the bayou! Register to participate in the ULM Homecoming Parade or enjoy catching candy from the sidelines! Hours: 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM Cost: Free Venue: Warhawk Field, 308 Warhawk WayMonroe Phone: 318-342-5420

Scramble for Commerce Golf Tournament 2022

Join members of the West Monroe West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce for a round of golf at the beautiful Calvert Crossing Golf Club! The tournament is a 4-person scramble format with a shotgun start. Cost: Team/Sponsor Registration Fee Venue: Calvert Crossing Golf Club, 515 Hodge Watson Road, Calhoun Phone: (318) 325-1961

4th Annual ULM Hawktoberfest

Hawktoberfest is an opportunity for ULM students, faculty & staff, alumni, and community members to come together to enjoy an evening of food, beer, and live music along Bayou DeSiard. All guests must show a valid photo ID at the door. Hours: 6:00 PM to 9:00 Cost: Students tickets $10.00; Community tickets $20.00; Designated Driver/Under21 tickets $5.00. Venue: Laird Weems Center, 4400 Bon Aire Drive, Monroe Phone: 318-342-5420

Brown Bag Concert Series - October

Fall is here! That means cozy weather and golden Autumn leaves! It is the perfect time to attend the outdoor Brown Bag Concert Series by the Northeast Louisiana Arts Council in Palace Park. Take your own picnic lunch, or grab a $5.00 bag lunch on site from Newk's Eatery. There will also be free cookies provided. The concert begins at 12:00 P.M. every Wednesday in October. Hours: Noon Cost: Free Venue: Palace Park, 220 Desiard St, Monroe Phone: (318) 397-6717

Downtown Gallery Crawl

It's time to Crawl! Come and celebrate and experience the work of talented local artists while enjoying the warmth and charm of locally-owned shops, businesses and eateries in Historic Downtown Monroe and West Monroe. Hours: 5:00PM to 9:00PM Venue: Art Alley & Downtown West MonroeDowntown Monroe and West Monroe

American Crappie Trail National Championship

Witness the American Crappie Trail National Championship on the Ouachita River! The American Crappie Trail is a state of the art fishing tournament, by fishermen for fishermen. Venue: Forsythe Boat Dock, 2100 Riverside DriveMonroe

Molly Howard Is No More (Dinner Theatre)

A woman is murdered and her ghost now roams the halls of her estate. 'Who killed her' is the question of the night. Did the butler do it? The maid? A friend? Or, maybe, it was the husband! Cost: $50 per ticket Hours: 6:30 PM Venue: Strauss Theatre Center, 1300 1/2 Lamy Lane, Monroe Phone: (318) 323-6681

Dueling Pianos with Queen Anne's Revenge

This is night three of a three day tour. Featuring the talents of Ben Hubbard, Jon Shorter, Charlie Askew, and Justin Wayne Elkins the Queen Anne’s Revenge is a landlocked ship of punk rock dueling pianos and it is cruising through town! Hours: 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM Cost: General $10.00 or VIP Table $75.00 Venue: Flying Heart Brewing & Pub, 204 Commerce St, West Monroe Phone: (501) 425-4413

Children's Funday

The Biedenharn Museum & Gardens invites you and your kiddos to Children's Funday of 2022! This session's theme is Windchimes! Hours: 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM Cost: $5 Venue: Biedenharn Museum and Gardens, 2006 Riverside Dr, Monroe Phone: (318) 387-5281

Good Morning Gala: A Homecoming Celebration

There is no place like home! The Good Morning Gala will be an introduction of the 2022 Homecoming Court and a recognition of the alumni who are returning home including: former Homecoming Court members, former Miss NLUs and Miss ULMs, Greek Alumni Centennial Honors, and Spirit Group Alumni Honors. Experience ULM Legacy, good music, and tasty food! Hours: 10:00 AM Cost: Active Alumni Association- $30.00. Community Members- $35. Venue: Bayou Pointe Event Center, 100 Warhawk Way, Monroe Phone: 318-342-5420

Fall Market on the Alley

You’re invited to join Fall Market on the Alley! The market will feature handmade artisan items, homegrown goodies, and a food truck. There will also be a fun children’s pumpkin decorating station with take-home pumpkins. Hours: 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM Cost: Free Venue: Alley ParkAlley Park, 250 Trenton St, West Monroe Phone: (318) 397-6735

2nd Annual Little Miss Krewe De Riviere

The 2nd Annual Little Miss Krewe De Riviere will be held on October 8, 2022 at the Monroe Civic Center. Hours: 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM Cost: Door entry $10, children 5 and under free Venue: Monroe Civic Center, 401 Lea Joyner Memorial ExpresswayMonroe

ULM Football vs Coastal Carolina

Cheer on the ULM Football team as they tackle Coastal Carolina! Hours: 7:00 Venue: Malone Stadium, 514 Warhawk Way, Monroe

Raise the Woof 2022

SOS Pets of Ouachita is hosting their annual Raise the Woof fundraiser for 2022! Don't miss out on live music, delicious food, a silent auction, and of course, dancing! Hours: 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM Venue: Vantage Rooftop Garden, 122 St John St, Monroe Phone: (318) 436-4767

Jeff Elliot Live at the VFW

Come listen to the amazing Jeff Elliot in a family-friendly environment! All kinds of music played plus he takes requests! Hours: 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM Venue: VFW Post 1809, 1499 Hwy 594, Monroe Phone: (318) 345-4185

Flying Tiger Pub Run

Join Fleet Feet at the Flying Tiger Brewery every 2nd Thursday of the month for a free 5k Fun Run / Walk! Hours: 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM Venue: Flying Tiger Brewery, 506 N 2nd St, Monroe Phone: (318) 855-3146

MSO Lyrical Works

Monroe Symphony Orchestra presents Lyrical Works for clarinet, horn, and piano! Admire the melodies of Scot Humes on clarinet, James Boldin on horn, and Richard Seiler on piano. Hours: 7:00 PM Cost: Adult- $15.00. Student - $5.00. Venue: Emy - Lou Biedenharn Recital Hall, 200 University Ave, Monroe

Twin City Classic Chevy Club 34th Annual Show

Don't miss out on the Twin City Classic Chevy Club 34th Annual Show! All American made vehicles up to 1987 with an open class from 1988 to present. Door prizes, silent auction and trophies for several different vehicle classes. All benefits support MedCamps of Louisiana. Hours: 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM Venue: Glenwood Regional Medical Mal, 102 Thomas Rd, West Monroe

Touch a Truck & Trick or Treat

Come Explore & Climb on a variety of firetrucks, police cars, construction trucks and big rigs! Wear your Halloween costume and Trick or Treat at each vehicle! Hours: 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM Venue: Ike Hamilton Expo, 501 Mane Street, West Monroe Phone: (318) 361-0487

Super Saturday

The Children’s Coalition opens the gates to the Origin Bank Family Garden every third Saturday of the month to host Super Saturday. Hours: 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM Venue: Origin Bank Family Garden, 127 Hall St, Monroe Phone: (318) 323-8775

A Night at the USO- Chennault Gala

Enjoy a "Night at the USO" with the Chennault Aviation and Military Museum. Dance and listen to Code Blue and the Flatliners live along with ULM and Strauss Theatre performers. Hours: 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM Cost: $75.00 per ticket or $600.00 per table Venue: Bayou Pointe Event Center, 100 Warhawk Way, Monroe Phone: (318) 362-5540

Boots N' Brats

Habitat for Humanity of North Louisiana presents Boots N' Brats, an Oktoberfest celebration! There will be bratwurst, beer and German wine, a yodeling contest, and auctions. Don’t forget to wear your best Oktoberfest costume for the contest! Hours: 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM Cost: Couple- $75.00 and Single- $40.00 Venue: Tower Place Monroe, 1500 N 19th St, Monroe Phone: (318) 323-8003

Acoustic on the Alley

Autism Society of North Louisiana is hosting the inaugural Acoustic on the Alley at Alley Park in Downtown West Monroe! Venue: Alley Park, 250 Trenton St, West Monroe

Fall Celebration

Kids of all ages love to come to the Fall Celebration out at Black Bayou Lake NWR each October, when there's a bit of a nip in the air and the wildlife is beginning to transition to the next season. Cost: No charge Venue: 480 Richland Place Monroe

Emy-Lou Biedenharn Birthday Tea

Come enjoy the vibrant Biedenharn gardens and a delightful tea party featuring sandwiches, scones, desserts, and of course, tea! Hours: 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM Cost: $25.00 Venue: Biedenharn Museum and Gardens, 2006 Riverside DrMonroe

Spooky Science Night

Join Delta Community College for a FREE night of spooky science experiments and Halloween fun. They'll have something for all ages, and it's entertaining for the whole family! Hours: 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM Cost: Free Venue: Louisiana Delta Community College, 7500 Millhaven Road, Monroe Phone: (318) 3459218

Movie in the Park

Bring the family for a movie night. Presented by the City of Monroe. Hours: 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM Venue: 3313 Bernstein Park Drive, Monroe

Ghosts & Goblins Costume Run

Grab the whole family and head to Alley Park to enjoy a beautiful fall morning running tour through downtown West Monroe. Dress in your favorite Halloween themed running clothes, or even test out your full Halloween costume. Hours: 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM Cost: $30.00 Venue: Alley Park, 201 Natchitoches Street, West Monroe

Fall is back and so is the Indian Village Harvest Farm Customer Appreciation Day! There will be various vendors to buy from, hayrides every 30 minutes, face painting, a magician, and so much more! Hours: 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM Venue: Indian Village Harvest Farm| 1976 Guyton Swamp Road, Calhoun

Jesse Dale Middleton Band

Join the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1809 Rodney J Hobbs for some great music by the Jesse Dale Middleton Band! Grab a hot dog, nachos, or popcorn from the concessions and have some fun! Hours: 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM Cost: $10 Venue: VFW Post 1809, 1499 Hwy 594, Monroe Phone: (318) 345-4185

Community Health Event

Join the City of Monroe as they present this community event. Hours: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM Venue: Saul Adler Community Center 3900 Westminster Avenue, Monroe

Scarecrows in the Garden Opening Night

Did you hear about the winner of the Annual Biedenharn Scarecrow Competition? He was outstanding in his field! The scarecrows are coming back to the gardens on opening night. Hours: 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM Cost: $5.00 Venue: Biedenharn Museum and Gardens, 2006 Riverside Dr, Monroe Phone: (318) 387-5281

Scarecrow Garden Viewing

The scarecrows return to the Biedenharn gardens for the 4th Annual NELA Scarecrow Competition! Tuesday night is opening night from 3:00 PM -8:00 PM with a $5.00 admission fee, so go view and vote for your favorite scarecrow. Hours: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM Venue: Biedenharn Museum and Gardens, 2006 Riverside Dr, Monroe Phone: (318) 387-5281

Pub Run at Flying Heart Brewing

Join Fleet Feet Monroe every 4th Thursday of the month at Flying Heart Brewing! Hours: 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM Cost: Free Venue: Flying Heart Brewing & Pub, 204 Commerce St, West Monroe Phone: (318) 855-3146

Hamlet

The ghost of the King of Denmark tells his son Hamlet to avenge his murder by killing the new king, Hamlet’s uncle. A duel ultimately determines the fates of these familial rivals. Venue: Strauss Theatre Center | 1300 1/2 Lamy Lane, Monroe Phone: (318) 812-7922

Ouachita Live

Join Downtown West Monroe at Ouachita Live!With great local food trucks and great music, it's sure to be a great time! Hours: 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM Cost: Free Venue: Alley Park, 250 Trenton Street, West Monroe

Franklin Fright Night

Come one, come all. Winnsboro Main Street is hosting Franklin Fright Night, Hillbilly House of Horror. This 2 night event will include a haunted house and carnival games for all. Hours: Friday 7:00-10:00 PM; Saturday 6:00 - 10:00 PM Cost: $10; $1/ticket for outdoor carnival games (Saturday only) Venue: The Loading Dock 214 Fair Ave, Winnsboro

Trunk-or-Treat at Blue Bikes

Celebrate Halloween at Blue Bikes bicycle shop! Safely trickor-treat with your children out of decorated cars. Wear your best costumes and enjoy a night full of fun and a belly full of candy! Hours: 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM Cost: Free Venue: Blue Bikes, 94 Lincoln RdMonroe

Relay for Life NELA

Carve out a Cure together with the American Cancer Society Relay for Life of NELA! Take a walk around this carnival-like atmosphere with live music, lots of food, and various fundraisers set up. Join the fight back against cancer! Hours: 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM Venue: West Ouachita Wellness Park, 189 Calhoun Loop Road, Calhoun

Fall Family Fun Night

Fall Family Fun Night at Kiroli Park is here! There will be carnival games, food trucks, hayrides, kid's costume contests, obstacle courses, and even a rock climbing wall. You do not want to miss this fun family event! Hours: 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM Cost: Discounted tickets online only$3.00 per person. $10.00 per car. $20.00 for large vans. Venue: Kiroli Park, 820 Kiroli Rd, West Monroe

Donk-a-Thon

The Annual Donk-a-Thon Car, Truck, and Bike Show is back at Twin City Raceway! Cost: $30.00 Venue: Twin City Raceway, 3695 Prairie Rd, Monroe Phone: (469) 662-1085

Halloween Goat Yoga at the Farm J oin Double BB Farms for some good ole goat yoga! Goat yoga is for people with skill or no skill. The goats will be in costume and so should you! Hours: 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM Cost: $25.00 per person Venue: Double BB FarmsDouble BB Farms, 1816 Stubbs Vinson Rd, Monroe

Boo with the Krewe

It's raining candy! The Krewe of Janus invites you to Trick-orTreat through their parade floats on Halloween night. This is a familyfriendly and fun way to celebrate Halloween for all ages! Hours: 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM Cost: Free Venue: Krewe of Janus Float Den, 901 Louisville Avenue, Monroe Phone: (318) 338-3172