RETRO REVIVAL

ur homes often become a microcosm of our experiences. We often strive toward some personal aesthetic by highlighting objects we have kept and curated throughout our lives. Some of us try to organize our homes, while others layer the accumulated and collected. In this way, decoration becomes Omore of a cohesive adaptation than a systematic formula. For Ron Barron and his wife Gwen, the former has been the underlying modus operandi for their midcentury modern home, one that has been shaped to induce a place where friends and family will feel welcomed. Ron and Gwen are living in a self-fulfilling prophecy that was set in motion in 1984. At the time, they were dating while students at Louisiana Tech University. When delivering an item to a friend on one of Ruston’s charming, quiet neighborhoods, they noticed the house across the street. As a New Orleans native, Gwen had particular taste and was instantly drawn to the

Mediterranean-style arches, brick exterior, and latticed windows.

“If I could live on this street, I might live in Ruston,” she said to her future husband. Fifteen years later that house became available and they were faced with two options. One would keep them in town, and the other would tilt them away from the hustle and bustle. Having moved back to Ruston from Germantown, Tennessee in 1999, they knew their plan was to build a house. “That had always been sort of a dream of ours,” says Ron. But when the house became available, they had to at least give it a look. What they found was a well-built, quality home in the form of solid wood frames and doors. Even the intricate fittings–nuts, screws, hinges, plumbing, electrical–was impressive. Constructed in 1967 by the Jones family who were builders, the single story home is not only built like a tank, but has “good bones,” says Ron. It wasn’t just the eclectic home with its generous square footage that pulled them to stay in the neighborhood they had so casually visited as college students. At that point in time, they had also become friends with the neighbors and were drawn to the lush green of the street and its quaint homes. In choosing to stay, they also chose community. And so began the slow process of turning a house into a home.

The long, low-pitch roof line and large windows mimic a ranch-style house, but its accents are heavily Mediterranean, namely the five semi-circle arches, reminiscent of Romanesque architecture, which lead to a hidden fountain area lined by claycolored bricks. “The front doors came out of a French Quarter home,” says Ron, referring to the half-glass double-doors. Stained dark brown, they leap out in contrast to the surrounding brick while their intricately carved frames and beveled window panels cry out vintage charm. “We still have the original doorknobs,” he states.

Even then, they had inventions to adapt the space to their lifestyle, which began with a few significant renovations. “The first thing we did was [we] ripped all the bathrooms down to the studs,” says Ron, explaining that an extra bedroom was then converted to the primary bath. Open space was the goal, most

apparent in the kitchen which used to be four different rooms. Now a single spacious area with three different entry points, it calls for a communal experience. Having worked with architect CP Drewett, also a cook, made the layout even more intentional.

The long kitchen island sets the flow of the space. Decorated minimally, its wooden base is designed with compartments, and the quartz top features a deep sink. Adjacent, a dark wooden table seats four in wood-frame lounge chairs, while overhead a stunning crystal raindrop chandelier further modernizes the space. The stainless steel stove is complemented by a rhomboid diamond, mosaic-style backsplash, and lined with walnut-colored top and base cabinets. Strategically placed in front of a tall window, an upholstered, wingedback loveseat has a scenic view of the backyard, a wonderland that also went through its share of improvements.

This spacious picturesque area is accessible through glass sliding doors in the living room. Immediately, the vibrant green from the neatly cut lawn and manicured shrubs is a soothing backdrop to the most relaxing space of the home. A slate pathway lined with wine bottle lanterns leads to the pool area where a Grecian-style pool, rectangular with diagonal corners, features a water fall and tanning ledge. The poolhouse, which was part of the couple’s personal renovation is a few steps away, complete with a modern outdoor cooking area and fully furnished guest house. Truly, a space both for sharing and finding retreat.

“Our tastes sort of evolved,” says Ron, referring to the progression from dark wood to eclectic furnishings. With the help of interior designers Connie Howard and Kiki Wardlaw, the rooms brightened and opening up visual space for layering old with new. One of the lounge spaces naturally corralling guests is the living room. Designed by Wardlaw, its pops of color are inspired by two paintings mounted

on opposite walls. Both in the abstract style, they scream with color and set a permeating poetic tone. Ron is particularly drawn to the Butch Anthony piece, a recreation of Picasso’s “The Women Of Algiers” with Butch’s signature outline of skeletal parts which he calls “intertwangleism.” Harmonizing with the art in the living room are two mid-century, tan leather sofas, emerald green accent chairs, and a walnut coffee table with interlocking pieces of wood inspired by old ship hatches. “This was kind of the first foray into more modern style,” says Gwen, revealing that the rest of the home’s decor is in a more traditional style which is most apparent in the dining area.

Spacious and filled with natural light, the dining room is marked by a long oval dinner table encased by eight, maroon upholstered chairs. Around the room, dark wood, vintage display cabinets and chests of drawers help accentuate deep beige walls. Punctuating one of the enormous windows, two colonial armchairs stand between one end table, each an exact replica of chairs from George Washington’s former

estate, Mount Vernon. “I tend to go more traditional,” admits Gwen, explaining that most of the dining room furniture has been with them since they got married. Which is to say, in many ways, this room is the traditional backbone of the house.

The adjoining room is a cozy, multi-textured parlor. From bright floral prints to the geometric, golden hues to pastels, it is a blend of classic features and contemporary ideas. Another small space with a big personality is Ron’s study. This narrow, intimate hideaway used to lead to the primary bedroom, but is now closed-off and filled with books, personal trinkets, and a dimly glowing half bath.

From room to room, what presides is varied tastes coalescing and being layered with an attention to approachability. “It doesn’t look like every other show house that you see,” says Ron, adding, “We’ve always wanted to try to create an atmosphere where people are comfortable being here.” Gwen agrees, explaining how their love for entertaining has contributed to the tone and mood of their surroundings, shaped slowly and deliberately. “I want people to come in and feel very welcome here.”

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS ARE HERE, AND Homecoming festivities are right around the corner! For those who are feeling crafty, traditional Homecoming mum corsages are a fun way to show your school spirit – and your personality – in the stands. And Carlstedt’s has all the ingredients for a fabulous floral Homecoming weekend.

What began in Texas as a simple Homecoming tradition of presenting a mum tied with ribbons to a date has certainly evolved over the years. Who doesn’t remember those giant fluffy chrysanthemums with your favorite player’s number or high school initials emblazoned in the center with sparkly numbers or letters? High school colors are represented in yards and yards of ribbons that encircle and peek from behind the edges of the mum’s petals then stream in long flowy (and showy) layers. Each touchdown feels more exciting with all those colorful ribbons flying! Carlstedt’s is your source for creating your own one-of-a-kind mum corsage with extralarge, mop-headed chrysanthemums and an array of home-team colored ribbons, bells, and supplies.

The Homecoming dance is a night to remember when you create your own wrist corsages or nosegays for her and boutonnieres for him. Carlstedt’s has every color flower and ribbon imaginable to coordinate or complement those carefully chosen outfits. With dazzling flowers and the right tools and supplies from Monroe’s favorite floral source, you can create wearable floral art like wrist corsages or handheld bouquets that will look stunning in photos and last throughout the celebration. Carlstedt’s makes creating these little works of art easy with wrist corsage bracelet forms, floral wire, tape, florist glues and pretty ribbon.

Boutonnieres for young gentlemen are easily fashioned from a small flower, greenery, floral tape and wire, and a thin ribbon. These little pops of color are tucked into a buttonhole or pocket or pinned to the lapel of the young man’s jacket.

While the floral and craft selection at Carlstedt’s is unbeatable, the best part of Carlstedt’s is their friendly staff, who go beyond to help you find just the right items to make Homecoming the celebration it was meant to be!

Carlstedt’s was founded in 1926 by Mr. Oscar G. Carlstedt in Louisville, KY. Expansion of the company began in the 1930s. The Monroe branch of the business opened in 1973. As of 2019, Carlstedt’s operates in 13 southeast locations, providing florists, party planners, freelancers and DIYers with premium floral products. Carlstedt’s serves clients all over the world through Flowergeneral.com, which is our online Floral Mall where you can find anything in flowers from arrangements to box lots. Flowergeneral.com handles logistics, payment methods and in store pickups.

The Carlstedt’s branch in Monroe is located at 1507 Siddon Street, just off Tower Drive. They are open from 7am til 3pm Monday-Friday and from 8am til 11:30am on Saturday. 318.388.0080

THE FLAVORS OF MEXICAN CUISINE are as varied as tequila cocktails, and at Casa Real Mexican Bistro you can find both! Here, traditional Mexican flavors and authentic dishes are prepared in novel and creative ways, providing an inspired, sophisticated, and one-of-a-kind dining experience.

Walking into this eatery is like walking into a gallery. The minimalist interior is designed to match with the ink and pen style of the Day of the Dead wall murals created by owner Mario Mata, whose remarkable skill is worth a closer look. His inspiration came by way of their house tequila, Espolón, whose logo honors Mexican heritage in its use of calacas, figures of skeletons, and the image of the rooster which symbolizes national pride.

Bottles of this perfectly balanced tequila line the bar featuring specialty drinks made with a nod to classic preparations. The Organic Margarita incorporates lime and orange juice and one hundred percent organic agave nectar. For those seeking even more edge, try the Organic Jalapeño Rita. Not only does it use the restaurant’s housemade jalapeño syrup, it also has a splash of Viuda de Sanchez sangrita, a complementary flavor to tequila whose pepper and citrus flavor highlights the crispness of the distilled agave. Additionally, diners can find the semi-sweet zest of grapefruit three ways. In the Paloma, grapefruit soda is spiked with tequila, salt, and lime. For a more seasonal approach, try the Vampiro where grapefruit soda, Viuda de Sanchez sangrita, tequila, salt, and lime are blended into the perfect October mix. Using rum, the Grapefruit Mojito, is a fun take on the Caribbean cocktail, mixing fresh mint, lime, white rum, and a splash of grapefruit soda. Regardless of your choice, expect refreshing and bold blends.

Every meal at Casa Real begins with a complimentary serving of warm, fresh hand-rolled tortillas and two creamy butters. Meanwhile, the elegantly-styled menu is exemplified by the restaurant’s logo, a calavera skull with a crown of agave leaves. Menu items are varied and composed of a motley of ingredients. The crispy Empanadas feature two tantalizing dips, a creamy chipotle sauce and house made chimichurri sauce (which you might want to use on other dishes). On the specialties section, you’ll notice familiar favorites with a distinct spin. For the tacos, made with homemade corn tortillas, diners can choose from five different meat preparations, including Asado de Puerco (fried pork tips slowly cooked in a flavorful red chili blend), Chicarron en Salsa (pork belly slow cooked in a mild tomatillo chili sauce), and Carnitas (slow cooked shredded pork).

Casa Real is Spanish for Royal House, and all aspects of this eatery strive to honor the standards of the name from the ambiance to the appetizing menu items. Join them on October 29th for their grand opening and Day of the Dead fest.

BY JUDY WAGONER

WHEN LONG-TERM COUPLES APPROACH AN END to their hormonal honeymoon, and the phases of menopause and andropause begin to have a negative impact on sexual function and intimacy, the combined disruption can have a significant effect on the health of the relationship. Some couples believe the decline in their quality of life is inevitable. Others feel hopeless, thinking their partner no longer desires the connection they once shared. Clouded by misinformation, they tend to shoulder the burden of aging alone.

It doesn’t have to be this way. At Professional Laser Center, we can take a couple-oriented approach to these developments. Couplepause is a novel way of addressing menopause and andropause symptoms together, by familiarizing our patients about the normalcy of their journey, and show them how to revive their energy and MOJO for each other. Women are not strangers to hormonal fluctuations, but when their hormone levels begin plummeting in their early 50’s or before, their lives can change overnight as they cope with night sweats, ballooning weight, aching joints, low libido, and fuzzy thinking. While not as disruptive as menopause, men’s sex hormones are also declining at mid-life. It’s called “Andropause.”They may feel small dips in their energy level, stamina, mental function, libido, and sense of well being. The good news is you, nor your partner, have to suffer and resign yourself to the infirmities of advancing age. The solution is to replace your lost hormones with human identical hormones, which are available to both men and women. Bioidentical hormones have the same molecular structure as those produced by the body. They are identical to your own hormones; estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, thyroid, growth hormone, and insulin. They’re taken from natural sources, such as soybeans or yams, and are more easily absorbed by the body than other types of hormone replacement.

They come in the form of creams, pellets, pills, injections, and patches. Professional Laser Center has been prescribing bioidentical hormone replacement for over 10 years now and our clients love it. Pellets are our most requested form of hormone replacement for both women and men. The tiny pellets are placed just under the skin in the upper quadrant of the hip, where they slowly release a stable, steady dose of testosterone and/or estrogen over the course of three to six months. Our Nurse Practitioner, Elizabeth Hoskins, has advanced hormone training through the A4M, the world’s largest Integrative Medicine organization, which focuses on the proper dosing of these hormones. “The dose makes the poison.” If not properly dosed, your hormones will not be balanced. When our levels are unbalanced, the communication between our cells is interrupted and major, negative changes can occur in the body. Human identical hormones can change your life and your relationship. It is your most powerful weapon in the war on aging. What are you waiting for? For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 318-361-9066. For a list all of our services, please visit our website at www.professionallaser.com.

Make the Most by Shopping Locally

OUR SCHEDULE OF EVENTS IS jam-packed for October. October 1st will be a fun-filled day for the whole family. Beginning with Pumpkins on Park at 5:30 pm in Railroad Park, Friends of Ruston Main Street invites you to bring the kids down for an evening of fun. Bring your already carved pumpkin (with a battery-operated light) and like the walk for the Pumpkin Carving contest, but that’s not all! We’ll also have food, activities for the kids, face painting from the ladies of JA, and some great photo opportunities. The best part of this event is when the sun goes down, we’ll be showing Monster’s INC. This full length Disney movie is one the whole family will enjoy outside under the stars! This event will be perfect for families—and monsters of all ages and best of all it is free for everyone to attend.

Looking for something different on October 1st? Don’t worry—Creative Exchange, Railway Coffee, and local photographer Cara Beth Buie have teamed up for a closing reception at Railway on Park Ave. This 7 p.m. event will give you a chance to see Cara Beth’s beautiful show titled “The Nature of Ruston” one last time. You can also purchase your favorite piece to take home and enjoy.

And last but not least on October 1st—The Dixie Center for the Arts is excited to present Dauzat St. Marie, a local favorite, at 7 pm as a special fundraiser for Wiggin Out. Tickets are available at the www.dixiecenter.org.

October continues to be a month full of fun with Loyal Blue Weekends. Join us on Friday nights of LA Tech home games where we welcome the spirit groups to get in on the fun and in the spirit to cheer on the Bulldogs at The Joe! Also, don’t forget to take advantage of the free shuttle from Downtown Ruston at Railroad Park to and from the game. Avoid the hassle of parking, shop, grab some good eats, and get to the game in style.

Don’t forget to end the month with the annual Downtown Ruston Wine Walk. This is a favorite event each year and this year will be no different. Get your besties together and enjoy a night on the town, Friday, October 28th from 6-8 p.m. Merchants will have in-store specials, live entertainment, snacks, and so much more! Tickets go on sale on October 7th at noon. This event has been a sell out every year, so you will want to be sure and get your tickets early.

Finally, we have some new faces and places Downtown. If it’s been a while since you shopped with us, you’ll want to take some time to come see the new boutiques and services Downtown. Christmas is just around the corner, and you won’t want to miss shopping locally for the favorites on your list. We know this will be a busy fall, so we invite you to make the most of it in Downtown Ruston!

Stop by Today to Experience Haven’s Newly Expanded Space

HAVEN HAD A VERY SPECIAL SEPTEMBER DEBUTING retail shop. Owner Sandy McMillan celebrated 25 years in business and marked the occasion with new interior finishes to create a lovely shopping environment. They updated their current space with beautiful new floors, paint, and lighting. In addition, they have also doubled their square footage by expanding their footprint into the adjacent space. Their new space has a great offering of curated design accessories, lamps, and pillows. With this new space, Haven has more offerings in bedding and art along with a new area where you can look through wallpaper and cabinet hardware.

October will bring the arrival of more furniture, including a sofa and several chairs to the new retail space, as well as custom pillows and more small tables. Current customers have already enjoyed taking rug samples home on approval to see in their own space. Most of these rugs can ship within a few days. Some are practical with pets, and some are more kid friendly.

With this update, it has allowed Haven to expand every area of the shop. Shoppers who love Barefoot Dreams will see more throws, cardigans and pajamas. Even the men’s area has new Barefoot Dreams shorts and shirts. The men’s section also has new books, gifts for cigar lovers, and desk accessories to kick that office up a notch. A nice fun and colorful line of silk ties, pocket squares and bow ties have been added that you won’t want to miss.

Other expanded areas include the baby section with new book offerings, christening gifts and fun things for your toddler. As with every shopping space in the store, the religious area is hand-selected by Sandy, the owner of the shop. Careful attention is paid to books with great authors, devotionals that really hit home, jewelry to remind us what is important as well as small art pieces to adorn a bookcase or small space. A new selection of religious cards are on the floor and a perfect way to remind someone you are thinking of them.

All things fall abound at Haven! NEST Autumn Plum and Pumpkin Chai candles are flying out the door, as well as the most sought-after beautiful velvet pumpkins with real stems. Hurry in before they are gone! LSU and ULM cups are in and perfect for tailgating and cheering on your team. Speaking of cups, a large selection of Halloween cups have just arrived! If you plan on walking with your trick-o-treater this year, you may need a cup that says More Boos Please…

Stop by today and enjoy browsing around the new shop. Haven is open 10-5 Monday through Friday and 10-3 on Saturday. Start making your Christmas list as it is never too early! Remember, Haven always offers beautiful complimentary gift wrap.

SETH HALL, CHIEF STRATEGY officer at the University of Louisiana Monroe, has been named the institution’s interim Athletic Director, effective September 1st, pending the approval of the University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors.

“Over the past few years, AD Scott McDonald has positioned our athletic programs to be competitive on and off the field,” said ULM President Ron Berry. “He has developed a strong leadership team, head coaching staff, and a culture that supports student-athlete success. Replacing him will not be an easy task, but the foundation he built should serve us and the next AD well. While we complete our search, we are very fortunate that Seth Hall, a former ULM athlete and outstanding leader, has agreed to take on the challenge of serving as Interim Athletic Director. Seth’s experience and abilities, coupled with his dedication to ULM and to serving others, will provide stable leadership for our athletic programs and a smooth transition when our new athletic director is selected. We look forward to great things for our Warhawks under Seth’s interim leadership.”

Hall is a graduate of West Monroe High School and was a member of the ULM cross country and track and field teams. He received his bachelor’s degree in marketing in 2010 and his MBA in 2013, both from ULM. He formerly served as ULM’s director of high school recruitment, coordinator of orientation and special programs, and operations manager for the College of Business and Social Sciences. During the spring 2015 semester, Hall served as an assistant track and field coach, where he coached all mid-distance and distance runners and oversaw the recruitment of studentathletes in those disciplines.

In his current role as chief strategy officer, Hall has assisted with the development of ULM’s institutional strategic plan as well as the ULM athletic strategic plan.

“I am honored to serve in the role as interim athletic director at ULM,” said Hall. “I have enjoyed working closely with Scott McDonald and the athletics department the past 10 months as we have developed a strategic plan for athletics that will be published in the near future, and I look forward to helping execute those plans. As a former ULM student-athlete, I am most looking forward to pouring into our Warhawks and working to set each of them up for success in the classroom, on the field of play, and ultimately in life after athletics.”

ULM will launch a national search for its next director of athletics with the hope of having a formal hire by January 2023.

In addition to Hall, Carmen Wright, Director of Student-Athlete Success, has been appointed as the Senior Woman Administrator (SWA) and Michael Gammon, Assistant Athletic Director for Sport Administration, has been appointed as the Associate Athletic Director for Internal Operations.

BY FAITH GREMILLION, HEADMASTER

BUCKLE UP! EXCITING THINGS ARE happening at St. Christopher Day School in Monroe!

Our After-School Immersion Program is NOW OPEN AND ENROLLING. Students who crave art, music, foreign language, science and more will have a BLAST in this K-3rd grade program. Parents, are you searching for a quality after school opportunity with enrichment activities? Look no further than our K-3rd Immersion Program at St. Christopher Day School at Tower Place 1500 N. 19th St. in Monroe. Spaces are limited to 12 – 15 students per session. Each week a new teacher will inspire exploration, creativity and maximize learning styles for all students. Find out which session (or sessions) pique your child’s interests and sign up. IT’S JUST THAT EASY! Scan the QR to register.

Our stellar lineup of educators is amazing. October is chockfull of well-known community educators ready to share their talents with our students. “Carnival of Animals” begins October 3rd with Mrs. Ginny Montgomery. We have opportunities for parents and children to participate together too, like Mom & Me Yoga with Mrs. Jamie Burgess and a cooking class coming soon. St. Christopher Day School is a Christian based school which is centered around what we cherish most - children. “Friends of the Spirit” led by Kirstie Ford will focus on loving our neighbor, being kind and serving others with a happy heart. Amanda May, former Miss Louisiana and LSU Golden Girl, will be leading Manners Matter / Growing Confident Kids during October 17th – 21st.

St. Christopher Day School is on a mission to create a hands-on, cooperative environment for children to learn and grow from a network of community experts here in our own backyard. Join us as we open an innovative afterschool opportunity for your child. Students will be challenged in all disciplines while building foundational skills in an innovative setting!

The St. Christopher Day School is proud to partner with the Monroe community. We are anticipating an exciting response our October 2022 through April 2023 after-school program. Children that sign up for our afterschool program will experience the excitement of discovering new things in a child-centered way, an immersive way. With monthly themes and a variety of activities such as art, music, language, movement, and science, your child will grow with confidence and develop an inquisitive spirit!

St. Christopher Day School’s full academic school year begins fall of 2023. Enrollment is open now for Founding Families which locks in tuition rates for as long as you are enrolled at St. Christopher Day School. Visit our website (www.scdschool.org) to find out more information on St. Christopher School enrollment. Visit Facebook for our After-School Immersion opportunities and upcoming events. I would love to answer any questions you may have, so call or stop by today! Welcome to the St. Christopher Day School family, I can’t wait to see you!

• Ginny Montgomery: Watercolor Art • Paula Furlow: Talented Art • Amanda Lockard: Maker’s Space • Kirstie Ford: “Friends of the Spirit” • Jamie Burgess: Yoga • Elynee Rojas: Spanish • Amanda May: Manners/Confident Kids