BAYOU EATS

BAYOU EATS

article by VANELIS RIVERA photography by KELLY MOORE CLARK

Robyn Walker and Kelli Angell get wrongfully identified as sisters all the time, especially when they are working alongside each other at their restaurant, Jo-Els. Though the two women share subtle resemblances–warm glinting eyes, distinguished cheek bones, and wide-set smiles–their synchronicitous dynamic has been years in the making. Before they purchased the restaurant from the original owner, the two worked as servers there and shared a common passion for riding motorcycles. Naturally, they hit it off, becoming sister-friends who would begin dreaming of owning a restaurant together. In 2015, the opportunity arose and now their recent move to a new location is offering a space and menu that runs on love, peace, and burger grease.

The original owner of Jo-Els named the cafe after her father, but by 2015 she was ready to retire and Kelli decided it was an opportunity she could not pass up. During a Black Friday shopping run, Kelli revealed her plans to Robyn, asking her to stick with her. Robyn agreed, at that point only acting as a supporting hand. Unfortunately, by 2019 Kelli had to close shop, but never gave up on wanting to resuscitate the endeavor as soon as possible. “We were separated every day,” says Robyn, who decided to move down the street from her bestie in order to still be together on a daily basis, which included having joint dinners every night.

For a while, the pair looked at various locations in West Monroe, the original stomping ground of the original Jo-Els. Surprisingly, their match was across the river among the nostalgically attractive homes of the Garden District. Jo-Els in Monroe officially opened its doors on July 12th of this year. And while their customer-base has been eagerly waiting to devour their favorite menu items, this re-opening also ushers in a few brand new items the sister-friend team can’t wait to serve their clientele.

“Debbie did plate lunches,” says Kelli, describing the popular item from the original menu. But for the most part, they began expanding their selections. A crowd favorite is their delightfully titled poboy, the “11 Napkin Roast Beef Poboy.” The title as well as the menu warns that it’s a “yummy mess.” The debris style roast beef is roasted for 12 hours, then placed on toasted Gambino French bread, topped with lettuce, tomato, and mayo, then served with a side of gravy and your choice of chips, fries, or tots. “It’s a mess,” says Kelli with a smile, adding, “it just falls apart…you just gotta eat it with a fork and 11 napkins.” Robyn nods in agreement, then interjects, “A customer named it.”

IN THE BUSINESS Owners Robyn Walker and Kelli Angell worked as servers at the original Jo’El’s before purhcasing the restaurnat from the owner. Naturally, they hit it off, becoming sister-friends who would begin dreaming of owning a restaurant together. In 2015, the opportunity arose and now their recent move to a new location is offering a space and menu that runs on love, peace, and burger grease.

Another frequenter favorite that also happens to be Robyn’s go-to is the “Chicken Bacon Ranch” flatbread. This simple combination of chicken, bacon, cheddar cheese, and ranch is elevated by the flattened dough it rests between. “No one else has the flatbreads that we have. That’s the very thing that we try to impress. We use them different than anybody would use them,” says Robyn. Currently, the eatery offers four flatbreads, and the combination gunning for tying with first place is the “Steak and Cheddar” (shredded ribeye steak, onions, bell pepper, cheddar cheese and BBQ ranch). Robyn comments, “They’re trying to fight over who’s the number one because we have sold so many steak contenders.”

For the most part, Kelli is the head cook of Jo-Els, but she was not always the one behind the kitchen counter. Originally, she was a server, but this changed on a packed lunch day. With customer patience thinning, she became so frustrated with the speed of the kitchen line, that she stepped into the kitchen to help the cook dress burgers. Noting her determination, the owner turned to her and said, “If you think you can do it faster than him, why don’t you do it?” She took the challenge, for the first time ever stepping in front of a grill and expediting

favorites. “I’ve hired some great people over the years that have taught me as much as I’ve taught them,” Kelli says. “I don’t even do the cooking at home,” she laughs, giving that credit to her husband. Robyn claims more at-home cooking savvy, explaining that she assists Kelli when she can, but back in the day it was not as efficient to do so, as the original Jo-El’s kitchen was a very small work space. “So having two butts back there didn’t really work,” humors Robyn. But the two got accustomed to switching from front of house to cooking, Robyn admitting she learned the menu by watching Kelli in the kitchen. “You wanna do it, you’ll figure it out,” asserts Robyn.

One menu item Kelli is most particular about is probably what the cafe is most known for–the burgers! “I hand-pat every single burger every single day,” says Kelli, informing that the seemingly simple task is actually quite complex. Even the temperature of your hands can change the texture of an uncooked patty. “I don’t allow anybody but Robyn to touch them,” she says. Robyn chiming in, “I can touch them now. Took a lot of years, but I got there.” The eight burgers on the menu are sure to satisfy a variety of palates, though Kelli is partial to “The Complete Meltdown,” as she loves patty melts and almost had a meltdown trying to name the burger with melted pepper jack cheese, sautéed onion, and mayo on Texas toast. On the larger side, their “The Big Chief” (which can also be ordered with one patty) is sure to “cause the need for a nap.” It boasts two patties, opened faced on a jalapeño cheddar bun, smothered in gravy, sautéed onions, and shredded cheese.

Recently, the burger besties brought back

BOTTOMLESS BLOODY MARYS Now that Jo-El’s has a larger location with a bar area, they have added a brunch menu now available on Saturdays and Sundays, which includes bottomless mimosas and Bloody Marys.

Burger of the Week, which features some phenomenally constructed creations that any burger maniac wouldn’t want to miss. The “OG” burger on their menu is “The Whistle Stop,” which consists of a ⅓ lb patty on a jalapeño cheddar bun, topped with pepper jack cheese, thousand island dressing, lettuce, and a fried green tomato. If you love a little heat, you’d be crazy not to give Robyn’s favorite, “The El Loco,’’ a try. It’s a ⅓ lb patty placed on a jalapeño cheddar bun, topped with shredded queso cheese, jalapeño ranch, crunchy tortilla strips, and a jalapeño popper! The ideas for burger week come from customer requests as much as Kelli’s

imagination. She starts by considering a favorite ingredient, which often ends up being a sauce, and then begins to work around that ingredient. The crazier and weirder, the better. Of late, Kelli has been partial to “The Brewski Pub,” made with a beer cheese that Robyn has to stir fervently to get right, it sits on a pretzel bun and is delightfully tangy. In spite of the complexity of these burgers, Robyn admits that coming up with the names is the hardest part.

Now that they have a larger location with a bar area, they have added a brunch menu now available on Saturdays and Sundays. It will feature “Chicken and Waffles’’ and creamy “Shrimp ‘n Cheesy Gouda Grits.” While Kelli takes care of the grits, Robyn presides over the étouffée sauce. The best part–they get to work side-by-side now that they have a stove big enough for multiple pots and pans (and butts). Of course, brunch wouldn’t be complete without bottomless mimosas and Bloody Marys. Eventually, the pair hope to bring back an item they used to only serve once a year–homemade cinnamon rolls. “We make some of the best cinnamon rolls,” says Kelli.

During October 2020, the sister-friends took over a friend’s bakery in order to make as many cinnamon rolls as they could in order to answer a significant call–to feed the hungry during Thanksgiving. On the Jo-Els Facebook page they announce their free meals, making sure to convey that no requisite is needed: “It doesn’t matter if you’ve fallen on hard times or ran short of money, you don’t have transportation, you are disabled, elderly or just alone. We want you to have Thanksgiving!” Since 2015, they have made sure to offer free meals during this time out of their own pocket and from the money raised by the sticky buns sold during the month of October. They hope to keep this kindhearted tradition going with the help of the community. Another endeavor they are planning to include in their new location is a pay-it-forward program where customers will be able to pay for a meal for anyone who comes in that cannot afford it or is in dire need. “We love the community and the community loves us,” informs Robyn, speaking of their relationship with customers and employees. “Most of them really are our family, basically,” she says, referring to some of their children who run the registrar and bus tables. She adds, “And if they’re not, if we pick them up along the way, they become family pretty quick.”

Jo-Els is located 305 Wood St, West Monroe, LA 71291 and is open Tuesday through Wednesday between 11 AM to 9 PM and Sunday between 11 AM to 3 PM. Follow them on Facebook to learn about more exciting food items and events soon to come.

ONE OF RUSTON artist Hooshang Khorasani’s equine paintings has been added to the permanent collection of the International Museum of the Horse in Lexington, Kentucky – the largest and most comprehensive museum in the world dedicated to exploring the history of horses and their impact on human civilization.

Chosen for the collection was “Black Thunder,” a 36-by-36inch acrylic-on-canvas painting. Hooshang’s running horses are among his most popular works.

With over 64,000 square feet, IMH features permanent museum exhibitions that highlight the history of the horse from ancient to modern times and its influences on war, agriculture, transportation and sport. Also included are exhibits that explain how humans domesticated horses. Its contemporary art exhibitions focus on the talents of equine artists around the globe and give exposure to a worldwide audience. IMH opened in 1978 in conjunction with the opening of the Kentucky Horse Park. Visitors can learn more about the breeds and events seen throughout the park, plus the countries and cultures that the park’s equine residents originated from.

The International Museum of the Horse (entrance shown on right) is adding Hooshang Khorasani’s “Black Thunder” to the museum’s permanent collection.

KEEPING YOUR BRAIN HEALTHY AND WELLfunctioning is essential to overall health and vitality. After all, the brain is responsible for governing the body’s systems, from motor function to mood.

As our partner P. Allen Smith knows, our diet influences so many aspects of our overall health, and one of the best ways to keep your brain healthy is by eating ‘brain-boosting’ foods. It’s critically important that we include these foods in our diets to keep our minds sharp as we age. 1. Salmon. Chef Randy’s garlic butter baked salmon dish is not only delicious, but it’s also a great source of omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids are also proven to help reduce inflammation, protect the brain from age-related damage, and provide the body with a healthy amount of vitamin B12. Including salmon in your diet is a great way to boost brain health! 2. Nuts. Nuts are a great source of folate, vitamin B6, and vitamin E, all important nutrients for the brain that allow more clear and positive thinking. Vitamin E, in particular, is associated with improved cognitive function, so it is a crucial component to regulating brain function and protecting the brain from age-related damage. Walnuts, almonds, and hazelnuts are especially beneficial for brain health. 3. Eggs. At the Gardens of Somerset, we are committed to providing our residents with a 100% farm-to-table experience! All of our eggs are locally sourced from Double BB Farms. They are a great source of protein, vitamin D, and vitamin B12, which can help prevent brain shrinkage. The yolk is extremely important, as it is very high in choline, a vital nutrient for brain health. It can help improve memory and cognitive function. 4. Leafy greens. Dark leafy greens are a great source of nutrients for the brain. These greens include kale, spinach, cabbage, lettuce, arugula, and many more. All of these options are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can improve brain function and protect from damage. We plan to grow plenty of leafy greens fresh in our on-site greenhouse at the Gardens of Somerset with the help of our partner, P. Allen Smith! 5. Dark Chocolate. It’s true, dark chocolate is important for promoting brain health! Chef Randy incorporates this superfood into many healthy, yet delicious desserts here at the Gardens of Somerset. This delicious snack is packed full of flavonoids, antioxidants, and important minerals, such as magnesium. Who knew that something so tasty can potentially protect cognitive function and lower the risk of dementia?

Incorporating these foods into your diet is just one of the many ways to keep your mind sharp. Eating healthy is something that we take very seriously at the Gardens of Somerset, but we also encourage our residents to live a healthy and active lifestyle through gardening, cooking, and all of the things we enjoy the most. We hope that you’ll join us in our commitment to eating healthy and living well!

THE ORAL SURGERY ASSOCIATES, CENTER FOR Advanced Dental Implants, would like to welcome Dr. Zach Scogin home to Monroe. Dr. Scogin has joined our practice as an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon. He is excited to serve his home town with highly trained surgical skills, extensive knowledge base and compassion. He joins Drs. Fowlkes, Geist, and Gregory as an expert in the face, mouth and jaws.

Dr. Zach Scogin grew up in Monroe, Louisiana, son of Ricky and Julie Scogin, with older brother, Jonathan Scogin. He attended Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge for undergraduate studies earning a bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences in 2012. He continued his studies at Louisiana State University School of Dentistry where he was president of the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery interest group and was awarded the dental student Oral Surgery Award from the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. He was also inducted into the C. Edmund Kells and OKU Dental Honor Societies. He received his Doctor of Dental Surgery in 2016.

After dental school, Dr. Scogin continued his training at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in New Orleans, and completed a 6 year oral and maxillofacial surgery residency in 2022. During his training he received a Doctor of Medicine degree in 2019.

Dr. Scogin spent his time in New Orleans volunteering at the Ozanam homeless shelter providing care to underprivileged patients while educating dental students. He is a member of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, the American College of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, the American Dental Association, Louisiana Dental Association. He was published in the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery with “Assessment of bone width for implants in the posterior mandible,” in 2014, and “Capnography detection using nasal cannula is superior to modified nasal hood in an open airway system: a randomized controlled trial,” in 2019. Dr. Scogin provides IV sedation, wisdom tooth removal, dental implants, dentoalveolar surgery, facial trauma surgery, TMJ surgery, treatment of oral and facial pathology, reconstructive surgery, and cosmetic surgery.

Dr. Scogin is married to Ashley, and they have two sons, Eli and Lukas. Dr. Scogin enjoys spending time with his family, fishing, hunting, and being outdoors.

To schedule a consultation with one of our highly trained surgeons at Oral Surgery Associates, Center for Advanced Dental Implants, call 318-388-2621.

BY BRIAN T. LEVATINO, M.D.

AT THE GASTROENTEROLOGY CLINIC, A COMMON issue for which many of our patients seek help is swallowing difficulties, also known as dysphagia. Swallowing trouble can be encountered while eating solid foods, drinking liquids, or taking oral medications. Patients often have the sensation of food taking longer to reach the stomach or food getting stuck in the neck or chest, causing discomfort. One cause of dysphagia is a mechanical abnormality in the esophagus that obstructs the flow of food. Rings or thin bands of tissue that create narrowed areas in the esophagus can form over time. Strictures or scar tissue from chronic reflux disease is another common dysphagia cause. Gastroenterologists use an upper endoscopy, also known as Esophagogastroduodenoscopy or EGD for short, to properly diagnose the condition. It involves a thin camera inserted into the esophagus to visualize, dilate, and treat the narrowed areas. The EGD is a quick outpatient procedure that is performed with mild sedation. Some patients experience relief from their swallowing difficulty immediately following the procedure. Another cause of dysphagia can have more of a neuromuscular component interrupting the swallowing function. Your esophagus contracts and pushes food into your stomach when you swallow. Circular muscular sphincters inside the esophagus then open to let food and liquid through. After swallowing, the muscles close to prevent food, liquid, and stomach acid from coming back up. For some patients, these coordinated efforts are disrupted by weakened esophageal muscles or the failure of the sphincter muscles to relax appropriately.

There are many different reasons that this swallowing interruption can occur. One test that we use to diagnose the issue is Esophageal Manometry, which measures the strength and rhythmic coordination of esophageal muscles as they move food from your mouth to your stomach. It also evaluates the sphincters at the top and bottom of the esophagus, known as the upper esophageal sphincter (UES) and lower esophageal sphincter (LES). With normal swallowing, the UES opens only when a person is swallowing food and otherwise remains closed. Peristaltic contractions then move the food down the esophagus. At the bottom of the esophagus, the LES opens to allow food to empty into the stomach. Once the food has passed, it remains closed to prevent stomach contents from going back up into the esophagus. Esophageal Manometry works to uncover any breakdown in the swallowing process to help your gastroenterologist determine the appropriate therapy. If you are struggling with swallowing issues, talk to your doctor or make an appointment to see a gastroenterology specialist at the Gastroenterology Clinic in Monroe, West Monroe, Ruston, or Bastrop.

article by Cindy G. Foust

Happy fall y’all (I wait all year for September to be able to say that little catchy fun phrase that really probably kind of makes fun of us southerners). But I digress. As usual. I hope this month’s column finds each of you happy and healthy and enjoying this crisp fall air that we are enjoying. That’s a total lie. It’s actually hot as blue blazes (whoever that is), humid and muggy. Will we ever see any cool fall air? I actually walked though campus this afternoon trying to trim up for my son’s upcoming nuptials (more on that a bit later) and nearly fainted at the crosswalk. Literally thought I was going to have to get a coworker to come pick me up, but alas, some of our students drove by hanging out their window cheering me on, like I was in the Tour de France for geriatrics, so I couldn’t let them down and even acted like I was jogging for a minute. Wait. Not Tour de France, that’s a bicycle race, but the summer Olympics in track and field. Anyway, the point is I have fans. And they were cheering me on, and boy, do I need some cheering friends, to like really cheer me up.

My heart is in a heavy place, readers, like many of us get sometimes, and I’m trying to fight my way out of it. It’s not me, no I am in a very good place medically speaking and feeling better than I have in years. Well, except for menopause. Wait. I think this is still a children/ family column so nobody out there probably really cares about my hot flashes and mood swings, right? Or the fact that I might have to get an apartment so my family will still be my family. I think I’ve said this in previous columns but nobody out there is listening and trying to help this poor writer out.

I mean, I’ve been bringing these monthly tomes (I love using big words that I have to look up while I write the column) for nearly 10 years (I figure I need to start working on Cassie now if I want a really good 10 year anniversary gift since she has essentially ignored my anniversary requests for the last who knows how many years) and I can tell you I am the first one who is quick to share my life. Sometimes, much to the chagrin of my family, there’s too much sharing. But I can’t help it, readers, I am an open book and I have such an exciting and titillating life that I want to share it with the world. Except I really don’t, I am really quite boring but I am a pretty good storyteller because I can sometimes google big words to make my story really good. And this month’s story? No big words or funny tales because this month’s story has got this writer in a blue kind of way. You see, I’ve got a good friend who in fact is struggling with her health, like really struggling, and my heart is conflicted about what to pray for.

First and foremost, I hate cancer. There, I said it. I do. I hate it so much and just about the time I make peace for how it’s affected my life, then BAM…it strikes again. I mean, let’s face it, we’ve probably all been affected by the C word (I don’t even want to give it the benefit of typing it out). Right? Primarily because it doesn’t discriminate and no one is immune to the possible havoc it can bring to someone’s life in a matter of seconds.

To better illustrate this, you simply have to visit a hospital like MD Anderson to know that there is no one certain thing that distinguishes

a cancer patient from another. Nothing. And let me tell you, a visit to MD Anderson is a heavy visit. At any time. For any reason. I’ve been both the patient and the caregiver and either way it (rhymes with ducks). It does, readers and last month, I was all in my feelings, worried about routine tests that are put in place to just keep me safe and well, and I was literally having anxiety to the point my heart was racing out of my chest. And then it happened.

That humbling, in your face kind of moment that takes your breath more than your heart racing out of its mind, that happens in flash, and if you miss it, if you are so wrapped up in your own selfpity that you miss it, then, well, it’s all on you. For me, it came when I am standing in front of MD with my husband waiting on our valet. As I said, I am near tears… worry is creeping in and has its grip on me. About that time, this young attractive guy comes flying out of the hospital, and he has one leg, he’s on crutches and has no hair. He “scoots” by me, gives me a megawatt smile, a big wink and makes his way to his car, like he’s on the red carpet for the Oscars. He then promptly “jumps” behind the wheel and takes off like it’s a motor speedway.

I wish I could insert a cricket emoji right here. Maybe you had to be there, but for me, I shifted. I shifted in a way that is palpable, that’s tangible. If my new friend can breeze by me with all the ease and confidence in the world, with one leg and no hair, then I, Cindy G. Foust, can DRY IT UP (I want to upper case those words so bad but the editor in me won’t let me, but Meagan changed it for me in the 25th hour), shut it up and get moving.

I can get moving in a way that God has blessed me to be able to do. I can get in my own car and go to dinner with my husband of nearly 27 years (thank you Jesus he likes me enough to stick around during menopause central) or the grocery store (yes, we are total culinary nerds and visit grocery stores in every city we visit) or just go back to our room to watch a movie. I can get back to my beloved hometown, to my healthy children, to my family, my friends, and my job(s) that I love so much.

I can because God, good doctors and medicine made that way for me… made that possible. And why doesn’t everyone get that way? I wish I had the answer to that readers, I wish I could understand or know the “why” to that question. I understand as well as anyone that life is truly a gift, a fleeting beautiful gift that touches each of us at different ages.

My Sammy, my baby, who would have been 22 this week, only had two years. It wasn’t cancer, but the “why” is still the same. As I write this column, my dear childhood friend is facing the end of hers. I’ve watched her suffer so, in my heart can barely take it and I just don’t know what to pray for. Except I really do. I pray for peace and comfort for her transition. And for her family who love her so and will be here without her. Because that’s a really hard place to be. I’m still there, actually, after 20 years.

I know, readers, this has been a heavy column, but I won’t apologize. Instead I would remind you to take it on like our friend at MD Anderson… no matter what you might be struggling with, take it on with fervor and passion and gratitude. It’s been 10 long years since I started this column so if you’ve been with me a minute, you know I’m prone to talk about gratitude. But it’s real friends, and a grateful heart helps create a happy life, no matter what you might be facing. Get you an attitude of gratitude with ole’ Cindy Foust and savor the days, the gift of the life we are so privileged to live. Cindy G. Foust is a wife, mom, author and blogger. You can find her blog at the alphabetmom.com for weekly columns about home life, parenting, small business stories and insight with a smidgen of literacy. Give her a like or follow on Facebook and Instagram.

The Pursuit was held on Monday, August 4th at the Bayou Pointe Event Center. This event is the University’s premier kickoff event for the football season as well as the 2022-23 academic year and is sponsored by BancorpSouth | Cadence. Guests enjoyed listening to comments from ULM President Dr. Ron Berry and Athletic Director Scott McDonald as well as keynote speaker head football coach Terry Bowden. All proceeds from the event benefit the Warhawk Athletic Foundation.

1 Dr. Christine Berry and Chris Dewitt 2 Traci and Robert Canterbury 3 Meghan and Brice Jones 4 Mike and Hannah Federico 5 Mayor Friday Ellis and Ashley Ellis 6 Laurie and Mick Traweek, and Joellyn Lewis 7 Angel Darden, Shelley Hamilton, Michael Gammon and Mady Katchen 8 Tim and Amanda Baldwin, and Rachel Pollock 9 Meredith McKinnie and William Smith 10 Molly Fichtner and Lea Wodach 11 Stewart and Donna Cathey 12 Don Gonnillini, Ashton and August Rocconi 13 Chris Williams, Alicia Rollins, Erik Burton and Alonzo Hampton 14 Clint and Holly Whittington 15 Charles Jackson and Dr. Gwenn Jackson 16 Mark Norton and Shawn McCoy 17 Janet and Bob Durden 18 Randy and Cherry Morris 4

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On Thursday, August 11th, the Monroe Chamber of Commerce, Northeast Louisiana Young Professionals recognized 57 of Northeast Louisiana’s top young professionals at the Top 20 Under 40 celebration. The event was held at the Monroe Civic Center in Howard auditorium. The Top 20 individuals were selected from a highly talented group of 57 nominees. These individuals are advancing in their careers, active in the community and dedicated to making Northeast Louisiana a better place to live and work. Presenting sponsors were Origin Bank, Thomas and Farr, Reeves, Coon & Funderburg. Additional sponsors were City of Monroe, Progressive Bank, Etheridge Pipeline & Conduit, Faulk&Foster, Stauss Interests, Heard, McElroy and Vestal, The Radio People, Staphens Media Group, KTVE/KARD and BayouLife Magazine.

1 Morgan and Ashleigh Livingston 2 Shelby and Raegan Sims 3 Shelly Odom and Leslie Parker 4 Riley McEacharn, Amanda Demere, Krystine Poindexter and Melissa Shackelford 5 Kelsey Burr, Michael Cox and Mike Lawrence 6 Dr.Brice and Meghan Jones 7 Adrianne Lovelady, Lacie Russell,

Tyler and Chelsea Higginbotham 8 Don and Susan Barksdale 9 Caleb and Erin Etheridge and Josh and Amber Etheridge 10 Jimmy and Sue Hopson and David and Suzette Doughty 11 Brittany Myers and Amber Marshall 12 Audrey Martin, Kelsea McCrary and Steven Keirsey and Ronnie McCrary 13 Kema Dawson-Robinson and Maggie Generoso 14 Jessica Tico 15 Klarence and Dorea Flintroy and Almaz Flintroy 16 James Miles, Ronshnea Baker and Rick Cook 4

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The Downtown Arts Alliance held another great summer free event on Thursday, August 4th with it’s Gallery Crawl. Local artists and makers showed off their amazing works as many businesses and galleries opened their doors to the community. The Downtown Monroe-WestMonroe Gallery Crawl shows fine arts from local, regional and national artists at least six times a year. The galleries provide a free and fun environment for the community to interact with, observe and learn fine art. Thank you to the businesses that participated in this event, Antique Alley, Sugar Gallery, DOMO Nutrition, Flying Tiger, Revival, Anatole, Neville House, Atomic Vintage, The Palace, Baker Building, Art Alley Marketplace and The Good Daze. The Arts Alliance enhances the culture of the 318 area to allow North Louisiana artists to grow prosper and connect with each other and to continue to revitalize our downtowns. 3

1 Leigh Buffington, Mary Buffington, Paul Tennis 2 Phoebe Butler, Trey Skains, Lauren Nowell, Jansen Nowell and Anezka Tornerova 3 Lonesha Tyson and Odenesha Tyson 4 Josh Colson and DJ Fortenberry 5 Catherine and John Mabray 6 Katy Temple, Elijah Temple, Mackenzie Ernest, Jaceinthe

Maljaars, Charlotte and Eloise Maljaars 7 Allandra Washington and Margaret Burrell 8 Kelby Ouchley and Emily Caldwell 9 Norma Sherman, Margaret Ann King, Allison Sherman and Leigh Buffington 10 Maya O’Neil and Mica O’Neil 11 Jasmine McCoy and Emily Evesy 12 Ella Pankey and Sadie Prince 13 Josh Freeman, Jarod Stokes and Steven Kirksey 14 Larry and Lisa Johnson 15 Nick Carlson and Reid Coie 16 Marlee Day, Amber Harris, Carey Day, Laura Maciaszek and Annie Holmes 6

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FOOTBALL IS BACK! THE NATION’S largest beer brand is gearing up for another action-packed football season. Whether it is a fantasy football draft, Saturday college gamedays, NFL Sundays or Monday Night Football, make sure Bud Light is a part of your gameday tradition.

In 1982, Anheuser-Busch introduced Bud Light nationally. Bud Light, the most popular beer in the country, is a light-bodied lager with a fresh, clean and subtle hop aroma. Its delicate malt sweetness and crisp finish provide the ultimate refreshment. Bud Light is brewed using a blend of premium aroma hop varieties, both American-grown and imported, and a combination of barley malts and rice. Its superior drinkability and refreshing flavor make it the world’s favorite light beer. Bud Light contains 4.2 percent alcohol by volume (ABV).

This football season, Bud Light will once again be the official beer of the NFL. As a matter of fact, Bud Light has been the official beer of the NFL since 2011 and has renewed its sponsorship through the 2022 Super Bowl. As the partnership with the NFL continues, Bud Light is also committed to partnering with 28 of the 32 NFL teams. Lucky for us, Bud Light and the New Orleans Saints have had an excellent partnership. This season, be on the lookout for Saints branded Bud Light packaging on Bud Light Suitcases and Bud Light Aluminum Bottles.

Although Bud Light is a massive global brand, with partners like the NFL, a focus of Marsala Beverage is to make sure that Bud Light continues to stay entrenched in the community of Northeast Louisiana. One important reason the Bud Light brand is so successful in this market is the local sports partnerships that we have. Bud Light takes a great amount of pride in being the only malt beverage brand to have partnerships with ULM, Louisiana Tech and LSU. “These universities are the backbone of our communities and it is important to Marsala Beverage that Bud Light supports them,” says VP of Marketing Tyler Flemister.

ULM and Bud Light have had an excellent partnership for over 50 years. This partnership goes as far back as when Marsala Beverage was Budco Distributing. This partnership is something that has a tremendous value to the Bud Light brand in Northeast Louisiana. Over the past eight years Bud Light has been the exclusive beer sponsor of the ULM Warhawks. As the ULM athletic department rebrands themselves this year, Bud Light has many new assets in the market. Please be on the lookout for them this fall. So, grab some Bud Lights and come on out to the grove to help the Warhawks #DEFENDTHENEST.

Bud Light has been a strong partner of Louisiana Tech’s for over 20 years. The Louisiana Tech partnership is not only valuable for Bud Light in the Ruston market but all over Northeast Louisiana. Join us in raising a cold Bud Light and wishing the best of luck to the Bulldogs this football season.

Bud Light has been the exclusive beer partner of the LSU Tigers for over 10 years. This year something very exciting is happening. The LSU logo will be placed on the Bud Light Aluminum bottle for the first time ever! In fact, LSU will be the only school in the country that will have their logo on a Bud Light aluminum bottle this football season. Geaux Tigers!

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