THE SCHOOL GARDEN

Elizabeth Griffon heads St. Frederick Catholic High School’s garden club, a student-run, service-based project that keeps growing thanks to local grants and the support of the Monroe community.

article by VANELIS RIVERA photography by KELLY MOORE CLARK

Every day is a completely different adventure,” says Elizabeth Griffon about her experience as a science teacher at St. Frederick Catholic High School. With wavy curls colored ombre green and a few visible tattoos, Griffon is clearly the cool teacher. We sat in her classroom as her two young sons drew impressively creative dinosaur hybrids on her whiteboard. At one point, a sophomore football player who had been attending summer football practice walked into her room just to say, “Hey!” Led into teaching just a few years ago, she considers the profession more than just a job. In fact, her role as an educator has extended beyond the classroom. Right outside of her classroom windows a plot of growing vegetation is visible and marks the spot of her second classroom. Griffon heads the school’s garden club, a student-run, service-based project that keeps growing thanks to local grants and the support of the Monroe community.

Initially, Griffon wanted to be a veterinarian, but after working in a vet clinic for about four years, she decided the lifestyle wasn’t for her. At the time, she was a senior at Louisiana Tech pursuing a degree in animal science with a pre-vet concentration. Because of her exceptional class standing, she was given the opportunity to teach a science lab. “This is way more fun,” she thought, realizing she had a stronger passion for the instructional side of academia. Her first teaching job was at Ouachita Christian School (OCS) where she taught English and science courses all while working on a Master of Arts in teaching at Louisiana Tech. Currently, she

is certified to teach 6th through 12th grade English and science. After three years at OCS, she jumped into the public school system teaching speech and creative writing at Ouachita High School. “I ended up getting burnout, so I took a year off,” she informs. During that hiatus, the principal at St. Fred’s approached Griffon about applying for a teaching position. They were in need of a science teacher, and she immediately got hired.

Griffon’s stepdad, Dan Lindow, started the garden club at St. Fred’s six years ago. When she was hired, he automatically ushered her into the program as a cosponsor. Known for her writing craft, he asked her to take charge of the grants which helped the program survive year after year. Then, this past year, he took a step back allowing her to take the reins. “It was kind of gifted to me, but I love it. It’s super rewarding,” she says. When Griffon first started with the club, they had two cinder block-raised garden beds, but thanks to grants from the Junior League they were able to pay for the addition of rosemary, a variety of herbs, squash, and tomatoes. The year Griffon joined, a second garden bed was started. Grant funding has also allowed them to purchase a greenhouse, currently “We’re giving whatever yield we have…which the kids really love, and they’re in charge of it,” Griffon gleams, proud of her garden club members, particularly the club officers who check the garden during the summer for any vegetables they can deliver.

in need of repairs after the last hurricane, a turning compost bin, and their most recent buzzworthy addition, a beehive.

The first goal of the garden club was to educate students about the gardening process and how rewarding it can be. Griffon asks her students to better understand where food comes from, wanting them to contemplate why it matters and why we should all care. “I mean, I don’t have to tell you about the health benefits of fresh produce and why knowing what you put in your body is important,” she stresses. The second goal was to give back to the community. All the clubs and organizations at St. Fred’s are service oriented. “We have all of these blessings. We have all of these resources. We have all of this stuff,” says Griffon, explaining that it’s part of the school’s mission to improve and build up their community. So far, the garden club has donated to the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul and Grace Place Ministries. “We’re giving whatever yield we have…which the kids really love, and they’re in charge of it,” Griffon gleams, proud of her garden club members, particularly the club officers who check the garden during the summer for any vegetables they can deliver.

The club consists of about 20-25 mostly upper school students. “I’ve had several seniors who accidentally joined when they were juniors,” laughs Griffon. During a garden club meeting held at lunch, they walked in just to follow their friends and eat lunch. They ended up accidentally joining the club’s Google Classroom but ended up being some of the most active people of the

HONEY HIVE The beehive was a purchase made possible by a grant from the Junior League of Monroe. It’s a Flow Hive made by a company based out of Australia. This hybrid hive uses BPA- and BPS-free food-grade plastic frames with premade cells on which the bees build their combs and beekeepers can pour out the honey through a spigot and faucet without having to mess with the frames.

bunch. One of them became co-president and another held the office of vice president. There is a social aspect to the club which initially draws some students in. They get to work alongside their friends, listening to music while maintaining the garden. At first, some students are lost, confessing to Griffon, “I don’t know what I’m doing. I don’t know anything about plants,” but with her guidance students quickly become immersed.

Griffon finds it rewarding enough just to get the kids outside, disconnected from the everyday distractions like technology, schoolwork, and competitions. “Everything we do is by hand,” explains Griffon. Club members are responsible for pulling weeds, planting, checking soil composition, and companion planting. A significant aspect of the club is also research-based. In the classroom, they learn about native pollinator plants, native ecosystems, and how to support and encourage pollinators. Students will then research the content and find ways to apply it to the garden; in turn, helping them see their garden through a big picture lens–the more they provide food for their pollinators, the larger their crop yield, increasing the produce they can donate.

It was Griffon’s students who suggested merging the two raised garden beds, wanting to bring planting back to the ground in zones. After researching what plants should go near each other, they tilled a rectangular area the length of two classrooms and began what now is a flourishing space. Growing happily are zucchini, yellow squash, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, a few regular tomatoes that did not enjoy the summer heat, radishes, carrots, a plethora of herbs, baseball-sized watermelons, cantaloupes, and several peppers. “And then we’ve got tons of flowers,” says Griffon. Hues of lilac, bright orange, yellow, and peach rise from the greenery in the form of zinnias, daisies, coreopsis, cone flowers, and more. “The bees love them,” exclaims Griffon.

While a few pollinators buzz happily from flower to flower, the St. Fred bees seem to be the busiest. The beehive was a purchase made possible by a grant from the Junior League of Monroe. It’s a Flow Hive made by a company based out of Australia. This hybrid hive uses BPA- and BPS-free food-grade plastic frames with premade cells on which the bees build their combs and beekeepers can pour out the honey through a spigot and faucet without having to mess with the frames. No bees

get squashed during this process, as built-in gaps allow the expert pollinators to hang out while the honey is extracted. This practical hive is perfect for a school setting. Not only does it minimize contact with the bees, but it cuts a lot of the preparatory work most traditional hives are known for, including gearing up, smoking the bees, and carefully removing honeycombs, which can hurt some bees. Though the hive is small, it comes with compartments starting with the bottom box “just for the bees,” a queen separator, and the top box which holds the three flow frames. Residing in the sky-blue apiary are Italian Hybrid bees, the most recommended for first-time beekeepers due to their gentle demeanor. The bees were an anonymous donation and were introduced to their new home thanks to the parent of one of Griffon’s students who keeps hives on her property. By October, honey will be harvested and bottled.

“We’ve had a lot of support,” says Griffon, mentioning active parents, the Junior League of Monroe, the Monroe Garden Club, particularly by way of Jada Taylor, and the University of Louisiana, Dr. Joydeep Bhattacharjee, Dr. Kevin Baer, and Dr. Saswati Majumdar. She credits the success of the garden to the active level of community involvement. As a result, she has witnessed students’ sense of curiosity light up. Her own role in this multi-faceted project has provided her with the kind of “eclectic knowledge” that helps fan her creativity as an educator. There’s a very clear impact that teachers can have on students, and Griffon is doing for her students what she valued in her own teachers. After all, she says, “It’s always education for a higher purpose.”

The St. Frederick High School Garden Club is always happy to accept monetary or seed donations. Call (318)323-9636 for more information.

Thanks go out to the following local organizations offering grants that help our community flourish: • Junior League of Monroe: Educational

Mini-Grant (purchased bees and beekeeping equipment)

• Monroe Garden Club: Mini-Grant (purchased flower beds for native pollinators)

• University of Louisiana: EPA

Environmental Education Grant (helped in investigating nutrient pollution and supporting native pollinators)

• St. Francis Medical Center: Community

Grant (helped update science department classrooms and equipment)

ST. FRANCIS MEDICAL CENTER WILL INVEST nearly $4 million towards renovations of its Cancer Center building, located at 411 Calypso Street, to establish a comprehensive cancer care center for Northeast Louisiana. Three Monroe Medical Oncologists, Dr. Scott Barron, Dr. Coy Gammage and Dr. Barry Weinberger, have joined the St. Francis Medical Group and will provide medical oncology and hematology services through the St. Francis Oncology and Hematology Clinic. These three physicians offer nearly 80 years of combined experience in providing care for patients with cancer.

Renovations to the second floor of the Cancer Center building will provide space for the St. Francis Oncology and Hematology Clinic as well as the St. Francis Outpatient Infusion Center for chemotherapy treatments. The first floor of the Cancer Center building currently houses the Northeast Louisiana Cancer Institute (NLCI) which offers comprehensive radiation oncology services.

“Bringing these services and oncology physicians together in one convenient location will greatly enhance the care experience of patients fighting cancer,” said St. Francis Medical Center President Dr. Thomas Gullatt. “Being able to stay close to home and receive high-quality cancer care that is coordinated and accessible can help reduce the worry and stress associated with a cancer diagnosis.”

The Cancer Center building is located only a block away from the main campus of St. Francis Medical Center and is easily accessible from Interstate 20. Construction should be complete by early October.

“St. Francis Medical Center was established by six Sisters over 109 years ago to care for the residents of Northeast Louisiana. Improving cancer care will continue their Mission of impacting our community for the betterment of all,” said Gullatt.

This latest investment in cancer services signals an ongoing commitment of the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System to provide outstanding and compassionate care to patients using leading-edge cancer treatment.

St. Francis Medical Center is a not-for-profit 317-bed medical center in Monroe, Louisiana with more than 1,800 team members committed to caring for those we serve. With an acute-care hospital, freestanding outpatient center, 19 outpatient clinics and nearly 350 physician partners, St. Francis Medical Center provides comprehensive healthcare services for a variety of medical and surgical specialties. St. Francis offers Northeast Louisiana’s only Level III NICU, Level III OB, and Level II PICU services. St. Francis Medical Center leads the region in heart and vascular services, critical care, and complex and minimally invasive surgical procedures. The hospital offers a designated Level III Trauma Program, Accredited Chest Pain Center and Centers of Excellence in the areas of obstetrics, bariatric surgery, robotic surgery, minimally invasive gynecology, and breast health.

OWNER SANDY MCMILLAN IS EXCITED TO BE celebrating 25 years of business in Monroe. To mark the occasion, she is thrilled to introduce a new venture by broadening Haven’s offerings. With an additional 1500 square feet, Haven will have a new space that is design oriented, offering shoppers access to so many wonderful additions for their home. This new space will increase Haven’s in-stock bedding and custom throw pillows; lamps and lighting; in stock and special-order furniture; and a large selection of rug samples to check out and view in your home.

One of the most exciting areas will be the curated collection of beautiful design accessories for your bookcase or coffee table. Color is what fall 2022 is all about and Haven has it! As an experienced and licensed Interior Designer, Sandy has used her talents to select an incredible curated collection of interesting design accessories, trays, and boxes. Stunning new design books are in stock and can be a decorative add or a great read. Be sure to also see the newest abstract paintings by Jennifer Poe. This artist always showcases great color combinations. Art is always a great way to introduce color into a space.

This expansion project that has been in the works with a year of detailed planning. Haven will also have a space to look through wallpaper books and discuss bedding with a dedicated in-store consultant, Camryn Huval. Haven is excited to have Camryn to join their design team. Camryn will be available to assist walk in customers with a variety of design needs.

Their current and new space have been updated to provide a more beautiful shopping experience and fresh modern feel. New merchandise has been introduced throughout the shop in every area. Barefoot Dreams and pajamas have been restocked, as well as Lafco’s amazing Absolute Collection of candles in hand-blown vessels. The bar section at Haven always has a nice selection and Riedel wine glasses have been added to the mix. Nest fall candles in Pumpkin Chai and Autumn Plum are in, as well as everyone’s favorite velvet pumpkins. The color assortment is stunning this year! Come by and select a few for your home because they won’t last long!

Join Haven to celebrate their grand re-opening of their space at 1127 Forsythe on Thursday, September 8th from 4-7. Shoppers will enjoy refreshments and live music, while getting a first look at the beautiful new shop and merchandise. There are so many fun things to see! Be sure to also register for their door prizes. Haven is giving away some amazing store merchandise, including several gift certificates towards a special-order rug or set of bedding. This is an event you won’t want to miss! Join Haven September 8th to celebrate 25 years in Monroe!

FALL IS ON ITS WAY AND THAT CAN ONLY MEAN one thing... The Monroe Munchkin Market Fall 2022 Event is just around the corner! From September 20th through the 24th, the Fall/Winter event will once again be held at Pine Grove Church Gym, located at 4300 Loop Road in Monroe. There will be new and gently used children’s clothing (girl’s: newborn to junior; boys: newborn to 18), toys, books, baby equipment, furniture and gear, shoes and much more.

Monroe Munchkin Market is a small business started by longtime friends and moms, India Gregg and Amie Smith, both of Monroe. “We are moms and know the expense of trying to keep your children clothed. At Munchkin Market, You can buy your child’s whole season wardrobe…one-stop-shop! We help a huge number of families in our community clothe their kids for less and also donate after the sale to help out even more families!,” says India.

The sale is open to the public Tuesday, September 20th, from 10:00 a.m.– 6:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 21st, from 10:00 a.m.– 4:00 p.m., Thursday, September 22nd, from 12:00 p.m.– 6:00 p.m., Friday, September 23rd, from 10:00 a.m.- 6:00 p.m., and Saturday, September 24th, 9:00 a.m.- 12:00p.m. Shopping days Thursday - Saturday, everything marked in RED will be ½ price. There is no charge to shop during the public sale! Don’t want to wait? An Early Bird Presale is available for eager patrons from 10:00 a.m.- 3:00p.m. on Monday, September 20th for $10. Are you a new mom or mom-to-be? Or a grandparent? Simply register online at www.monroemunchkinmarket. com and you can shop at 4 p.m. on Monday, September 19th.

Ever wanted to consign? There are so many perks to consigning with Munchkin Market… now is your chance! With 400+ consignors, our consignors make on average $300-$350. Also, you will make more at Munchkin Market than selling at the local Children’s resale store! And last but not least, if you consign and volunteer, you get to shop FIRST! What are you waiting for? Sign up to consign NOW at www. monroemunchkinmarket.com.

You don’t want to miss out on this event. Be sure to follow them on Facebook and Instagram to get in on their awesome contests and much more.

Once you experience the Monroe Munchkin Market, you will keep it on your calendar for years to come. For more information about the sale visit www.monroemunchkinmarket.com, Follow Monroe Munchkin Market on Facebook and Instagram or send an email to info@monroemunchkinmarket.com.

BY JUDY WAGONER

STOP SUFFERING THE PAIN AND embarrassment of unsightly nail fungus. PinPointe™ FootLaser® is the easy and convenient procedure that helps turn your discolored and disfigured nails into clearer, healthier looking nails.

Nail fungus is a chronic condition that impacts your quality of life and can even lead to serious health problems for patients with diabetes or immune disorders. It can be caused by poor health, nail trauma, a warm, moist climate, exposure to infected nails, increasing age, and tight shoes. It’s difficult to treat because the infection is under and inside the nail, which makes it hard for products to penetrate and destroy the infection. Prescription drugs and ointments were once the most common treatments for nail fungus, but today the PinPointe Foot Laser, the first machine to receive FDA clearance, is considered, by many doctors, to be the gold standard of toenail fungus treatment. The laser penetrates through the nail without damaging the nail or the tissue around it.

In North America, fungal infection is responsible for 50% of all nail disease. An estimated 3 to 4 million people are diagnosed every year, not to mention those who aren’t diagnosed. Nail fungus is the most common cause of yellow, thick and deformed toenails. The nails can become rough and brittle, and often tend to separate from the nail bed. This highly contagious fungus is usually the same fungus that causes athletes foot. It tends to be a progressive infection that damages the nail. It usually starts at the tip of the nail and progresses gradually to the nail bed. It can affect a single toenail or several nails on one foot or both feet. The fungus thrives in moist, dark environments; therefore, it’s more likely to affect toenails rather than fingernails since shoes can cause sweaty feet.

Safe and effective, this in-office treatment is pain free, has no harmful side effects, and typically takes only 30-minutes to an hour to complete. There is also no downtime. One treatment kills the fungus for most people. However, there is a chance of reinfection because the fungus is present everywhere in the environment. We will recommend care techniques to help reduce a recurrence.

Professional Laser Center has treated and cured thousands of patients over the last 10 years. We offer the easiest, most efficient solution to get clear, fungus-free nails. For example, medications need to be applied for over one year and cures less than 10% of the patients. Compare that to a one hour treatment with our laser, with a success rate of about 85%, and you can see it’s the easiest, most efficient solution to nail fungus.

Unfortunately, the procedure is considered aesthetic and, therefore, not covered by health insurance. However, your HSA, Medical IRA, or Health Spending Account may cover the treatment. Cost of the procedure is determined by the number of nails being treated.

For more information about the PinPointe Foot Laser, or to schedule an appointment, call 318-361-9066.

CARLSTEDT’S IS GEARING UP FOR the holiday season and what better way to decorate than with fresh flowers and greenery! To accentuate your Thanksgiving tablescape, you can choose from a variety of seasonal flowers like warm yellow sunflowers, rich red rover mums and orange lillies, just to name a few. Crotons are a great accent to put on the front porch as well. They are a colorful perennial evergreen shrub with thick, leathery leaves that come in a variety of full colors.

This month is also the time to order your Christmas plants, flowers, wreaths and greenery. Carlstedt’s offers wholesale prices and if you order in bulk, you can an even greater price break. Nothing says Christmas quite like a poinsettia and Carlstedt’s offers them in classic red, as well as white and pink. They offer a variety of sizes - 4.5 inch, 6.5 inch, 8 inch and 10 inch. Another favorite during the holiday season are Paper Whites, a perennial bulbous plant that flowers at Christmas. The white flowers are borne in bunches and Carlstedt’s has the 6-inch variety. The potted Amaryllis is available in a variety of colors and is a great way to add dramatic color to your home during the holidays. Plus, they make great gifts for hostesses, co-workers, friends and more. Another potted plant available is the Christmas cactus, or the scientific name - Schlumbergera bridgessii. This is a very popular houseplant and when they bloom, they produce colorful, tubular flowers. Not only are they beautiful, but the Christmas cactus has a long bloom time and doesn’t require much when it comes to care and maintenance. Carlstedt’s offers the Christmas cactus plants in 4.5 and 6.5 inches, as well as a 10 inch basket.

In addition to the plants, you can also order greenery and wreaths from Carlstedt’s as well. They offer a variety of garland in a variety of sizes including mixed evergreens, cedar, douglas fir and pine. They have wreaths from 16 inches wide to 60 inches wide. You can also order a variety of crosses, that many people use this time of year to display at the gravesite of a loved one. You must place your order for Christmas plants, wreaths, garland and novelty items by November 10th. While they will have some available throughout the season, quantities are subject to availability.

Carlstedt’s is located in the heart of midtown Monroe, just off Tower Drive, and is an importer and wholesaler of fresh cut flowers. However, Carlstedt’s sells directly to more than 20,000 customers and reaches even more with their partnerships with retail outlets like Amazon, Walmart and Wholefoods. “People don’t realize it, but we sell flowers to everyone!,” owner Alice Givens explains. “If you want a beautiful work of art, then go to one of the thousands of flower shops we supply. But you can also walk right into one of our flower coolers, pick what you would like, go home and experiment and create something on your own!”

BY EMILY ROBERSON, RN, BSN

MICKEL PLASTIC SURGERY OFFERS NOT ONLY COSMETIC surgical procedures but also medical grade skincare services that are simple and cost-effective methods of providing a more youthful appearance. Natalie Todd, a licensed Medical Aesthetician, has been working with Dr. Mickel for over 25 years, and her experience shows. During the winter season, Natalie’s services are often focused on improving hyperpigmentation, sunspots, and melasma. Hyperpigmented skin can be an effect of sun exposure or hormonal changes, and Natalie has helped many clients improve their skin, resulting in a more youthful appearance. Her treatment of choice for women or men with hyperpigmentation is Lumecca intense pulsed light (IPL) treatments.

Lumecca (IPL) is a powerful light treatment which targets skin imperfections such as age spots and visible veins, to help create a more even, clear skin surface - whether it’s on the face or elsewhere on the body. Unlike other IPL treatments, Lumecca boasts higher efficiency treatments and optimized light output, meaning Lumecca provides better results in fewer treatment sessions compared to other competing IPL machines. And, Lumecca’s “sapphire cooling tip” provides a higher standard of comfort for patients during their treatment sessions.

Lumecca IPL treatments improve the appearance of your skin in 1-3 treatments, with 4 to 6 weeks between sessions. Natalie recommends pretreating the skin with ZO Skin Health Hydroquinone – from our medical grade skin care line - for 6 to 12 weeks prior to IPL treatments to optimize results. Lumecca is safe for all skin types, but a consultation visit with Natalie is required prior to scheduling IPL treatments.

You will want to be sure to avoid unprotected sun exposure or tanning one month prior to treatment. During your treatment at Mickel Plastic Surgery, there will be a bright flash of light from the Lumecca device that feels like a light rubber band snap. Redness and a slight warming of the skin are normal after treatment and usually subside within an hour. Over the next 24-48 hours you may see a darkening of pigmented areas of the skin; in the week afterwards, the pigmentation will crust and flake off, leading to a more beautiful, clear, even skin tone. As early as the first session you will notice a significant change in the appearance and clarity of your skin. Multiple sessions provide even better results. Improvement in sun damage and complexion can be seen a few days after the first session and the treated area will continue to look younger and more brilliant over time with the most visible results after 1-2 weeks.

Schedule a consultation with our experienced licensed medical aesthetician, Natalie Todd.

BY STARLA GATSON

ACCORDING TO THE 2021 resale report from popular online thrift store thredUP, the secondhand market is projected to double in the next five years, evolving into a 77 billion-dollar industry. What’s the cause of this secondhand merchandise boom? Why are so many shoppers choosing used goods instead of buying new ones?

Local business owners Jackie Murphy and Hartley Waldrop weigh in. Even though they cannot speak for the millions of others who are passionate about the secondhand industry, they do provide three compelling reasons for why their downtown Monroe shop, The Good Daze, is centered around secondhand vintage goods:

Vintage fashion is one of a kind. Most retail clothing stores have dozens of the same items hanging on a rack. However, rather than buying in bulk from wholesale clothing vendors, Murphy and Waldrop fill their store with vintage and secondhand clothing they selected. This means you won’t find two of the same articles of clothing in the shop. Plus, the likelihood of you showing up to your next event in the same outfit as someone else is significantly decreased.

Shopping secondhand is good for the environment. Selling secondhand is a form of recycling clothing, and it saves the piece from ending up with the 85 percent of America’s discarded textiles that end up in a landfill every year. Fewer articles of clothing tossed in the garbage means fewer non-biodegradable synthetic fibers like polyester, nylon, and acrylic sitting in landfills for up to 200 years before they break down into smaller pieces. Those smaller pieces take a huge toll on the planet, releasing toxic chemicals, dyes, and harmful microfibers into the groundwater and soil.

Vintage items are also a blast from the past! The funky secondhand items sold in The Good Daze are a fun way for buyers to appreciate previous fashion trends. Besides, fashion trends are cyclical, so if the 1970s-made quirky patterned shirt you bought from The Good Daze hasn’t made it back in style yet, chances are it will soon. And you’ll be ahead of the curve.

Aside from shining a light on the good of secondhand shopping, The Good Daze exists to create a space that gives off “good vibes and happiness,” hence the business’s name and bright blue exterior. The store also sells items made by local creatives — “the makers, doers, and shakers,” as Jackie calls them. In addition to a carefully curated collection of secondhand vintage clothing and shoes, you’ll find works by artists including Daniel Myers, Rae Tedeton, Katherine Bonner of The Magnolia Makery, and more on the shelves of the store. Whether shopping for yourself or a loved one, you’re bound to find something you love.

The best way to see what The Good Daze has to offer and support the secondhand merchandise industry is to visit Jackie and Hartley at 401 Walnut Street in downtown Monroe Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can even shop online at www.thegooddaze.com. You can also stay up-to-date on all things related to The Good Daze by following the store on Instagram and TikTok @thagooddaze, like their Facebook page “The Good Daze.”

FALL HAS FINALLY ARRIVED, AND WE ARE HERE FOR IT! We want to invite you to all the fun we have planned. This month you can see a show at the Dixie Center for the Arts, cheer for the bulldogs at a Downtown Ruston Pep Rally, learn about murals and meet artists, and make a bid on one of the Cultural District of Ruston’s Big Dogs for your business.

Tech football is in full swing, and we are always happy to cheer our Bulldogs on to victory—join us on Friday, September 9th at 7 pm for our first pep rally of the year in Railroad Park. Here alumni and students alike will be joined by the Tech Band of Pride and Tech cheerleaders to get in the spirit for our first home game on Saturday, September 9th against Stephen F. Austin at 6 pm. Want to go to the game but don’t want the hassle of parking? We’ve got you covered with our free shuttle service from Downtown Ruston to the Joe! The shuttle runs two hours before kickoff and one-hour post game, so you can come and go as you please. This service is a fan favorite around here, and lets you get your shopping in before game-time—or if you prefer, you can grab a bite to eat after.

The Dixie Center for the Arts has a great lineup this year and you don’t want to miss Shelley King in September. Bringing artists Downtown makes the Dixie a great part of our Cultural District. Live music, theater, and so much more—be sure and check the schedule online at dixiecenter.org.

Speaking of the Cultural District, we have more fun lined up with the Ruston Art Encounter on September 24th. This Saturday afternoon event will be host to mural artists who can be found all over Downtown Ruston. Be sure to stop by and try your hand at the demo wall and discover so much more about our Downtown. While you’re here, grab a bite of lunch and get a little shopping in, too.

Last, but certainly, not least the Bulldog Auction will be happening on September 29th at 6:30 pm at the Davison Athletics Complex. This fundraiser for The Ruston Cultural District board has been long awaited by many people who have an eye on the bulldogs around town. Seven of the eleven will be up for grabs in a live auction-style event. Proceeds from this event will go back to the Ruston Cultural District 501(c)3 for more exciting events in our Ruston Cultural District. For more information and tickets for this event can be found at https://bulldogauction.eventbrite.com.