CHAR 19

Wade Wyatt, owner of North Louisiana’s New Orleans-inspired restaurant Char 19, offers a dining experience that balances comfort and design, and where the food and drink is prioritized over everything else.

VANELIS RIVERA KELLY MOORE CLARK

There are a few local restaurants that exude elegance, inspiring us to adorn ourselves in sophistication and style, grab our glass slippers from the back of the closet, and galavant for the evening until the clock turns twelve. Perhaps we do this every once in a while—mom’s 50th birthday party, peepaw and meemaw’s anniversary, or a best friend’s rehearsal dinner—never to return again until we receive another monogrammed invitation in the mail. But, what if elegance could meet casual? Char 19 may seem like a place that welcomes only the ritzy and pristinely ironed guest, but owner Wade Wyatt wants the community of North Louisiana to know that his New Orleansinspired restaurant is a delightful balance of comfort and design, where the enjoyment of food and drink is prioritized for all regardless of whether you’re grabbing a post-workout bite, satisfying a lunch craving, or stopping by for a pre-shopping snack.

Char 19 is the brainchild of Wyatt and executive Chef John E. Peters III. Both foodies attended River Oaks School in Monroe (Peters being a few grades ahead of Wyatt) and were in the food industry at some point in their careers. Wyatt’s father had the first Wendy’s established in Louisiana way back in 1978 (right on 18th Street in Monroe). “So I grew up kinda in the restaurant industry,” said Wyatt. Inspired by his early childhood experience, Wyatt opened up his first bar, The Duck Blind Lounge, when he was only eighteen years old. “I was a big hunter and puns are pretty big around here,” he humored. That was the start of many bars for Wyatt, who currently owns and operates TBJ’s on Roselawn Avenue. For a few years, he and Peters had been talking about opening up a dining establishment together and had just been waiting for the right location. When the 19th Street property became available, they were encouraged by the area’s bustling traffic and centralized location. Peters had a more intimate reason for jumping on the location. Back when it used to be the Monroe Steakhouse, he was employed as a dishwasher. It was his first job ever. Now, he’s back in the same kitchen as the executive chef. “It’s kind of surreal for me,” he revealed.

Once they started construction, the versatility of the building made them improvise their initial plans. “Everything changes a little bit when you finally step into place and live with what the bones are and how you want to adapt and go home. That’s kind of where

The Char 19 menu items cover the “heartbeat of Monroe.” In other words, Wyatt and Peters understand the pulse of the Twin Cities and have echoed it in carefully constructed lunch and dinner menus.

“I’VE BEEN IN FINE DINING MY WHOLE CAREER, AND I STILL LOVE IT. BUT, MONROE NEEDED A PLACE THAT YOU COULD GO AND HAVE GREAT FOOD, AND NOT HAVE TO GO HOME AND CHANGE, GET YOUR NICE CLOTHES ON.”

~ CHEF JOHN E PETERS III

we’ve been in this transition stage,” said Wyatt. Five standalone spaces—outdoor patio, bar area, main dining seating, lounge nook, and private conference room—pushed them to further develop a more open and multifaceted dining experience. Easy-going folks can take advantage of the cafe-style seating of the patio, lightly decorated with vintage bulb string lighting. A mix of banquette and cafe-style seating frames a stone fireplace at the bar, accented with butcher block-style wall mounts. Feeling fancy? The main dining room promises the “best of both worlds,” by combining comfort and ease with ornamental lighting and wall accents. Want to enjoy a cocktail and conversation? Char 19’s lounge (which is available for reservation) is separated from the main dining room by tasteful red velvet curtains. Comfy lounge chairs and a sofa invite guests to enjoy their company in a more intimate setting, lightly lit by string lights cascading down a wine display. Large groups will be happy to know that a private room is available for private meetings or parties. Thus far, patrons have used it for work presentations and rehearsal dinners. “Now we kind of really know what we are, more so,” explained Wyatt, “And, trying to fine-tune what we’ve learned and how to market ourselves the way we want to.” “Everybody always assumes that because I’m a chef that I want to do it my way and it’s got to be all this frou-frou and all this fanciness,” said Peters. With a background from Commander’s Palace in New Orleans, a notable spot for refined Creole dining since 1880, it’s an easy estimation to make when it comes to Peters; however, at Char 19 his focus is guided by the dining experience. So, whether he is serving a sandwich, piece of sea bass, or a steak, all dishes get his full attention. “I’ve been in fine dining my whole career, and I still love it. But, Monroe needed a place that you could go and have great food, and not have to go home and change, get your nice clothes on,” he added. With that attitude in mind, the pair set out to curate a menu with eloquent food, using simple ingredients. A lot of their menu items are variations of what Peters had created in the restaurants he had during the early 2000s. The Char 19 menu items cover the “heartbeat of Monroe.” In other words, Wyatt and Peters understand the pulse of the Twin Cities and have echoed it in carefully constructed lunch and dinner menus.

For your appetizer try their NOLA Debris Fries, which are steak fries covered with roast beef debris and topped with ravigote sauce and green onions. Or the Maple Leaf Duck Legs, which is three fried duck legs over a bed of fresh greens and served with Char 19 sweet chili sauce. The lunch menu is known for its burger and sandwich items. A bit hangry? Dive into the Char 19 Burger, 8oz char-grilled Angus patty, lettuce, tomato, red onion, pickle, mustard, and mayo. If you’re sticking to leaner proteins, go with the Hot Turkey Sandwich, Club Sandwich, or one of their two selections of Po-boys. Dinner entrées are hard to resist, particularly the pasta section. The Char 19 Grilled Chicken Pasta is Wyatt’s own specialty, marinated grilled chicken breast served atop angel hair pasta sautéed with roasted red pepper, garlic, green onions in a white

FOOD

New Orleans-inspired appetizers, sandwiches and main dishes suited for quick lunches, family brunch or intimate dinners.

A range of prices from affordable burgers at $8 to Premium 8 oz. Filet at $36.

PRICE

sauce. The Char 19 Shrimp Pasta is another big hit, jumbo Gulf shrimp sautéed with artichoke hearts, mushrooms, garlic, and green onions in a light cream sauce tossed in linguini pasta and topped with Grana Padano parmesan cheese.

Though their Premium Black Angus steaks have really taken off recently, the mainstay on the meat menu has been their ten to twelve ounce, grilled bone-in pork chop, served with a side of fried Brussels sprouts topped with a honey glaze (another hit with customers). Peters may be proud of all his dishes, but as a lover of seafood, he is a bit partial to the fresh fish dishes. “We don’t like to cover up our fish with heavy sauces or whatever you know; let the fish speak for itself,” said Wyatt. Lately, they had fresh halibut and sea bass for their catch-of-the-day. Though they use a lot of Gulf fish, the sea bass has made the most waves, so much so that customers have gotten upset if it has been sold out. Some desserts have also followed suit, like their signature Candy Bar Cheesecake. Here, childhood favorites like Reeses and Snickers are combined with a classic cheesecake recipe, and the result has created a fan following. And with the help of their new executive pastry chef, more delights will be added to their menus, including Sunday brunch.

“So, Sunday brunch, you need to come by,” pressed Wyatt. On Sundays, Char 19 has aimed to bring a taste of New Orleans flair to brunch dishes, inspired by Peters’ experiences in the Big Easy. “It’s as close to an authentic brunch as you’ll get in town, and it’s really taken off,” said Wyatt. Peters wanted to make sure the brunch menu was geared toward keeping a spirit of enjoyment and celebration of people and food. That’s why you’ll see items like French toast topped with a cream cheese spread and fresh fruit, debris eggs benedict, and a breakfast burger. Brunch can be as intimate as dinner, believes Wyatt, and so brunch at Char 19 speaks to taking a pause, choosing a meal for enjoyment as much as nourishment, and creating a memory that will last you the workweek.

It’s not just food being expedited from the Char 19 kitchen. Peters has a spice line called Tigers Eye Spice, which is used in a number of the restaurant’s dishes and will soon be available for purchase. With six blends thus far—Creole, Asian, Jamaican, Creole

Citrus, XXX Hot, and Smoked Pepper—Char 19 may quickly become a one-stop-shop for adventurous home chefs. Additionally, Wyatt’s grilled chicken marinade is in the process of getting bottled and sold at places like Brookshires and different local boutiques. All products will be under the Char 19 brand and are planned for retail release soon.

It’s not easy to break a stigma, and Char 19 is still thought of as more upscale and only for special occasions. Though they fall somewhere in between fine dining and American grill, Wyatt and Peters hope to get the message across that “this is for everybody.” Ultimately, Char 19 is the kind of restaurant you can attend two or three times a week, feel comfortable, and not have to dress up to attend (unless, of course, you want to), and both active owners can be found about one hundred percent of the time at the locale. “We try to take care of people and we want people to forget about everything,” asserted Wyatt. “Come in and escape. Escape for a little while.”

Char 19 is located at 1302 N. 19th Street, Monroe, LA, and is open Wednesday through Thursday between 11 AM to 2 PM and 5 PM to 9 PM, Friday 11 AM to 2 PM and 5 PM to 10 PM, Saturday 5 PM to 10 PM and Sunday (brunch) 11 AM to 3 PM. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram to follow-up with weekly food and cocktail specials. Call them at 318-8072427 if you are interested in booking their lounge or private dining area.

ON FEBRUARY 1, 2021, RAILWAY COFFEE, LOCATED in Ruston, Louisiana, announced its new owner, West Monroe native and Duck Dynasty star, John Luke Robertson. Since moving back to Louisiana, John Luke quickly found himself becoming a regular at Railway. “The feeling of home set Railway apart for me when I first became a customer,” says John Luke, “The friendliness of the baristas, the atmosphere, and the coffee set space for me to be comfortable and creative.” With that, John Luke found himself sitting in Railway and constantly thinking of ways to help his family, friends and close loved ones get through the craziness that was 2020. Railway Coffee started as just a small local coffee roaster. In 2016, Railway opened its first shop in downtown Ruston. Since then, the business has gone through many changes, including expanding to two other locations in 2018: the Nest location, which is also a drive-through, and Park, which is in a larger building in downtown Ruston. The original location, nicknamed OG, is now used as the headquarters of Railway’s roasting operation, making Railway the only coffee shop in the area that roasts its own coffee. “It’s beneficial to roast our own coffee beans because we have the flexibility to change up different roasts and beans to bring different coffees to the table and fit the desires of our clientele” says the shop’s coffee roaster, Logan Gilbert. This gives Railway the opportunity to create unique blends and fine tune their roasts to create the perfect coffee. Since the beginning, Railway has roasted their own coffee beans right in the heart of Ruston. Additionally, Railway always strives to improve their coffee roasts. Recently, they have released two new blends, one for drip coffee and one for espresso. They roast their beans from places such as Brazil, Ethiopia, Costa Rica and more. Each location has beans with different flavors, and methods of roasting. John Luke started drinking coffee when he was about fifteen years old, “I started drinking black terrible coffee with gritty grounds in it” he says. However, John Luke’s eyes were opened to the world of specialty coffee the first time he drank a pour over, saying, “The first time I had a pour over of specialty coffee I couldn’t believe coffee could be so good. I used to drink coffee for the caffeine and I still do, but now it’s more about the taste and history. I love being able to provide that experience for others.” It just made sense for him to take his passion for all things coffee and obtain a space to share it with others. John Luke has many ideas to keep Railway Coffee as unique as it is. His main goal is for it to be “the best it can be as a community staple in Ruston.” He wants Railway to be a place for people to come together and experience some of the high quality service one would expect in Ruston, and of course, the best coffee and atmosphere in the area.

SPRING IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER AND IT IS TIME TO put your best face forward! Fortunately, the team at DermaMediQ has a variety of treatments and procedures to do just that. Just two of the many options they offer is FaceTite and BodyTite. These procedures are done by the very talented Dr. Zachery Willis. Dr.Willis is a board-certified general surgeon and one of the leading experts in liposuction and skin tightening. We are thrilled that he will be performing minimally invasive BodyTite and FaceTite procedures right here at DermMediQ in Monroe.

FaceTite is a minimally invasive procedure that can help define your jawline, reduce neck fullness, and restore facial contours. FaceTite is considered minimally invasive and can achieve all of this though very small, well-hidden incisions. FaceTite provides dramatic improvement in skin laxity on the face and neck, which was previously only attainable through a surgical procedure such as a facelift. By avoiding a facelift excisional procedure, patients will be scar free and will benefit from reduced post-procedural swelling and discomfort. This is a less traumatic process with a natural looking final result. BodyTite is a minimally invasive body contouring procedure as well, delivering results previously only achieved through more excisional surgical procedures. Bodytite, powered by directional radiofrequency provides contraction of the dermis, subdermal connective tissue, and adipose tissue coagulation.

Of all the procedures that Dr. Willis performs, his very favorite is combing liposuction with skin tightening (BodyTite and FaceTite). These procedures are considered minimally invasive as they can be performed through very small incisions. The procedures can be safely performed awake, under local anesthesia. The device works by heating up both the skin and the underlying fat layer. The physician selects the exact temperatures to cause fat destruction and skin tightening without burning the skin. The fat that is destroyed is then suctioned out with liposuction. Liposuction alone is used to remove unwanted fat, but by itself, it can actually create loose skin. This is where BodyTite and FaceTite come in. When combined with liposuction it can work to both decrease the amount of fat and tighten the skin.

If you are wondering if you are a good candidate for these procedures here is a message from Dr.Willis: “The right patient would include someone who has areas of excess fat and/or loose skin the bothers them. As with any elective procedure, candidates should be otherwise healthy, with a BMI (body Mass index)of 35 or less, and no major medical problems.”

Common areas that are treated with this device include: face, abdomen, flanks, back, inner and outer thighs, arms and chest.

If you are interested in becoming a more confident, better you, schedule an appointment today and see if this is minimally invasive procedure is right for you.

IN 1961, TWIN CITY TRANSMISSION opened its doors and became a Monroe, staple for all things transmission, a legacy, owner Jeff and the staff at Twin City Transmission honor everyday.

When asked how his acquisition of Twin City transmission came to be Jeff simply said he was “raised on it.” Growing up, Jeff often worked on transmissions with his father and brother, from there his love for fixing cars eventually turned into a business, opening his first transmission shop with his father and brother in 2001. In 2015 he was presented with the opportunity to purchase Twin City Transmission and opened their second location in Ruston in February 2019, with day-to-day operations overseen by Evans Allen.

Not exactly sure what a transmission is or why they are important? In layman’s terms, your transmission is the powertrain that converts the engine’s force into a controlled source of power. Your vehicles transmission acts as the middle man between the engine and wheels converting the power the engine produces into torque which in turn allows the wheels to rotate. Knowing this makes it all too obvious the importance of proper vehicle maintenance but specifically transmission maintenance.

The staff at Twin City Transmission have the following recommendations: • Check transmission fluid regularly & properly • Check Transmission fluid after running hot • Use external cooler in high stress conditions • Check linkage and adjustments periodically

If you are not fully comfortable with your vehicle’s under-the-hood components, schedule any and all transmission maintenance with Twin City Transmission.

Surrounded by a staff that acts more like family, the team at Twin City Transmission is highly trained boasting more than 120 years of combined transmission experience. As a qualified Allison dealer, the team at Twin City Transmission is equipped to service both foreign and domestic vehicles as well as motorhomes, freight liners, tractors, garbage trucks, cranes, bucket trucks, bulldozers, and fire trucks. Their slogan being, “If it has a transmission, we can fix it!” which stands to reason you and your vehicle are in good hands.

When asked to describe Twin City Transmission in one word, the staff said “family.” Jeff and the staff act like a family, and they care about one another and the community they serve. Their love for the community is obvious the minute you enter their lobby with the walls filed with photos of little league teams and thank you’s from many organization they have given back to. Jeff said, “We appreciate every opportunity to give back to a community that has given so much to us.”

With two locations Jeff and the staff of Twin City Transmission are ready and able to service your transmission needs, providing quality care and personalized service. Twin City Transmission, conveniently located at 615 Pine Street in Monroe and 2787 HWY 33 in Ruston. Call us at 318-325-8632 (Monroe) or 318-436-3400 (Ruston). You can also visit us on the web at twincitytrans.com.

ST. FRANCIS MEDICAL CENTER/P&S SURGERY & HEART CENTER, an accredited Center of Excellence in Minimally Invasive Gynecology since 2013, has added a second accreditation in Robotic Surgery. This facility is recognized for providing the highest quality of care and patient safety by Surgical Review Corporation (SRC).

Status as an accredited hospital means that St. Francis Medical Center/P&S Surgery & Heart Center has met nationally & internationally recognized standards. Not all hospitals and surgeons seek accreditation; not all that undergo the rigorous requirements and inspection process are granted accreditation.

“Receiving this second accreditation from SRC validates that we are consistently delivering the safest and highest quality of care to our patients,” said Kristin Wolkart, President of St. Francis Medical Center. “We are extremely proud of our robotic surgery team members as well as our medical staff members who perform these surgeries. As St. Francis moves forward in our second century of service, we maintain our commitment to providing excellence through innovative care such as advanced robotic technology.”

Six surgeons currently on the St. Francis Medical Staff have achieved accreditation as Surgeon of Excellence in Robotic Surgery. These surgeons are Tonya Hunter, MD (also Surgeon of Excellence in Minimally Invasive Gynecology); Bart Liles, MD; Paul Murphy, MD; Walter Sartor, MD; Patrick Smith, MD; and Adrienne Williams, MD (also a Surgeon of Excellence in Minimally Invasive Gynecology).

Additional surgeons on staff currently accredited as Surgeon of Excellence in Minimally Invasive Gynecology are Laurie LeBleu, MD; Sara Klug, DO; Dawn Pennebaker, MD; Amber Shemwell, MD; and Terence Tugwell, MD.

Health care organizations and surgeons seeking accreditation by SRC undergo an extensive self-assessment and inspection process. This includes physicians, nurses and administrators who are actively involved in the accredited program. The inspection is consultative and educational, presenting best practices to help an organization or surgeon improve its care and services.

“We’re proud to recognize St. Francis Medical Center/P&S Surgery & Heart Center for their commitment to advancing and providing quality care for all patients,” said Gary M. Pratt, CEO of SRC. “This accreditation signals that this hospital is among the best in this specialty and is dedicated to delivering the highest level of care possible.”

To learn more about robotic surgery at St. Francis Medical Center, visit stfran. com. To learn more about SRC and the accreditation process, visit surgicalreview.org.

St. Francis Medical Center is a not-for-profit 324-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

GLASSES AND EVEN CONTACT LENSES COME IN ALL shapes, sizes and styles. Our team is dedicated to helping you pick the right look that fits your needs, personality and interests. The staff at Louisiana Eye & Laser can help you select the various lens options that are right for you. To help you better understand all of the options, they have put together this helpful guide to help you make an informed choice.

Today’s prescription lenses come in a variety of materials, from high tech to more traditional. Here’s a breakdown: • High Index Plastic – the thinnest lenses; ideal for higher prescriptions and rimless frames; highly functional and versatile with attractive cosmetics. • Trivex – Impact resistant and highly scratch resistant; designed to resist abuse; perfect for kids 18 and under, and for active wearers • Plastic – The standard lens material; lighter than glass • Glass – The heaviest of lens choices; functional and scratch resistant, but with the greatest risk of breakage

Just like there are different tools for different jobs, there are different lenses for different vision needs. Even contact wearers benefit from having a pair of prescription lenses. Options include: • Single Vision Lenses – the most common type, used for basic visual correction of farsightedness or nearsightedness. • Progessives (No-line Multifocals) – has a correction for far, intermediate and near, all in one lens, without visible lines. • Bifocal – two focus distances (near and far) in one lens with a visible line. • Trifocal – three focus distances (distance, intermediate and near) in one lens with visible lines. • Aspheric Lenses – thinner and lighter; improved cosmetic appearance. • Speciality & Sport Lenses – specifically designed to provide safety or visual enhancement during work or recreation. • Computer/Anti-fatique Lenses – many people develop symptoms of

Visual Fatique Syndrome or Computer Vision Syndrome, like eyestrain, headaches, blurred vision and neck pain. These relieve these symptoms and provide clear, comfortable vision for prolonged computer use.

Once you’ve selected the material and design of your lens, enhance their functionality with a combination of the following additional lens types and special treatments. • Photochromic Lenses – These lenses automatically adjust to changing light and block 100% of harmful UV rays, indoors or out. The best of both worlds in a single pair of lenses. • Polarized Lenses – Prescription sunglasses can eliminate blinding glare for optimal performance, comfort and enjoyment outdoors. • UV Protection Treatment – Like sunscreen for your eyes, these lenses shield your eyes from harmful ultra-violet rays. Helps prevent cataracts, skin cancer and wrinkles. • No-Glare Treatment – Add no-glare technology to your lenses and you’ll look your best while reducing eyestrain. • Scratch-Resistance Treatment – Protects your lenses from daily use and wear-and-tear by adding scratch-resistant technology. Helps resist smudging, fingerprints, dirt and water.

Our staff is highly trained and can offer a lens solution that’s perfect for you and your lifestyle. So don’t delay. Schedule eye appointments for you and your family today!

DR. JANINE HOPKINS, BOARD-CERTIFIED dermatologist and expert in her field started her solo practice in 1996 after completing a progressive residency program in the Department of Dermatology at Louisiana State University Medical School in New Orleans where she was trained in surgical, laser, cosmetic and general dermatology. Dr. Janine Hopkins has grown her office in Monroe from a small clinic with 2 employees to a thriving, full-spectrum dermatology practice with now up to 20 employees, including her nurse practitioner, Anna Grace Livingston.

This year, while celebrating 25 years in her Louisiana location, Dr. Hopkins has launched a second clinic in Southlake, Texas. This second location will offer all of the same advanced procedures and treatments that set Hopkins Dermatology apart. Dr. Hopkins and her team of medical professionals will provide care for people of all ages, with an emphasis on procedures to treat acne, rosacea, repair sun damage, and reverse the signs of aging using advanced laser science. As importantly, skin cancer detection, prevention and treatment are paramount at both locations of Hopkins Dermatology. In addition to the standard surgical removal of malignant lesions, Dr. Hopkins also advocates the treatment of skin cancer utilizing technology known as Image-guided superficial radiotherapy. Hopkins Dermatology in Monroe is in the 1% of dermatology practices in the US to offer this advanced, non-surgical cure for basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma. She is excited to also introduce this treatment option to the DFW area of Texas.

As for the cosmetic dermatology part of her practice, Dr. Hopkins enjoys creating of a comprehensive, individualized antiaging treatment plan for her patients. Dr. Hopkins often combines unique facial treatments with laser procedures that she teaches and lectures on at medical meetings in the US and abroad. She also uses a combination of fillers and neurotoxins to restore shape, volume and symmetry to the face, and has recently implemented a technique she developed for non-surgically lifting the neck. When indicated, Dr. Hopkins will incorporate bio-identical hormone replacement therapy to prevent age-related skin changes that occur with hormone deficiency.

“After 25 years in practice, many of my patients and I have established a long-term relationship. I am part of their life-long journey to achieve and maintain healthy skin. I have patients that once came to me for their adolescent acne who are now seeing me for their anti-aging treatments and bringing their toddlers in for childhood rashes. I look forward to continuing this tradition in my “home-town” location in North Louisiana while also growing new relationships with my patients in Texas.”

THIS EVENT IS EXCITING. ACTUALLY, THIS EVENT IS super exciting! The Morehouse May Madness Street Festival (MMM) organizers are enthusiastically making plans for the 4th annual Street Festival. Due to the cancellation of the 2020 Festival in response to Covid-19, the 2021 Festival organizers have pulled out all of the stops in making this Festival the best yet.

The Festival will kick-off Saturday, May 1st at 9 a.m. and continue until 4 p.m. North Washington, South and North Franklin, and East and West Madison surrounding the Bastrop historic district will be closed so that the Festival can take place in the heart of the downtown where the Morehouse Parish Courthouse is the centerpiece.

Exhibits and vendors are first class. The Art Exhibit, which will take place in the spacious Visitor Center Conference Room (124 North Washington), will be filled with Northeast Louisiana art such as pottery, quilts, and paintings. Background music will be provided to add to the experience. All types of motorcycles will be on exhibit on North Washington with awesome photo opportunities. On the north side of the Courthouse parked on East Madison, there will be the popular exhibit of classic cars which are 1995 or older. Near the Farmers Market on East Madison, there will be activities, fresh produce and an Antique Tractor Exhibit. Since the roots of Morehouse Parish are in agriculture, this exhibit is a “must.”

This year, the Festival organizers are focusing on increasing the activities in the Kids Zone which is located on the east side of the Morehouse Parish Courthouse. With hay bales and benches, there will be plenty of seating available for parents, family, and friends. Three inflatables will be added to the Kids Zone. If weather is a problem, a new tent has been purchased for the Kids Zone. The Bastrop Fire Department fire truck will be there to provide the kids an opportunity to become familiar with all of the ladders and hoses on the truck.

Without entertainment and food, there would be no Festival. This year there will be three stages. The main stage will be located on the west side of the Courthouse. The second stage will be located on the south side of the Courthouse and the third stage will be located in the Visitor Center parking lot. The stages will host musicians and entertainers from the northeast LA region. In addition to the entertainment on the stages, Miss Louisiana, Courtney Hammons, will be in attendance to meet and greet as well as to sign autographs. In addition to the downtown festival activities, the Morehouse Country Club will be hosting the Morehouse May Madness Golf Tournament. To register for the tournament, call Cheryl at 281-0466.

CELEBRATING SPRING, THE ARTS COUNCIL BROWN Bag Concerts Series returns each Wednesday in April at Anna Gray Noe Park in downtown Monroe (across from St. Francis Medical Center at 309 Jackson Street). In case of rain, the show goes on indoors at First Baptist Church of Monroe, across the street from the park at 201 St. John Street. Bring a picnic lunch or pick up a $5 box lunch on site from Newk’s. You will have your choice between half a chicken salad sandwich, or half an oven roasted turkey sandwich both including chips and dessert. Cash or credit/debit cards accepted. Continuing a tradition, Mulhearn’s will provide free cookies. Drinks are available courtesy of First Baptist of Monroe and Newk’s. Come early so you don’t miss out. Bring your picnic blankets and lawn chairs! Performances are FREE. Thank you to our sponsors, Vantage Health Plan, Newk’s, Jim Taylor Buick GMC, Mulhearn Funeral Homes, 1st Baptist Church, and the City of Monroe.

An accomplished musician and busy music teacher, Josh Madden has been performing at Monroe-area venues and events for almost two decades. Host of KEDM Public Radio’s “The Set List,” on Saturdays from 6 to 9 pm, today he brings his unique brand of music flavored by his eclectic musical influences, Jerry Lee Lewis, Ray Charles, and Elton John on the piano, and Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Dave Matthews on guitar. Come down and bask in some warm rays and cool tunes as we kick off the Series and season!

In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Grammy-winning, chart-topping album Tapestry, local favorites Rod Payne and Karen Solomon bring a fabulous Carole King tribute performance. Karen is a diverse voice with shades of theatre, jazz, and pure pop. Today she is accompanied by Rod, a legend on the local music scene. Come join us as these two local talents bring to life Carole King’s soundtrack of the ‘70’s!

A long-time Series favorite, Mason has been performing for over 30 years. If your playlist includes Eagles, America, and the Beatles, Mason is your guy. You may also have heard his popular album recorded with Matthews-Granade on the radio or in R-Squared movies, “New Hope” and “Flag of My Father,” where he even had a cameo! Sneak a listen online at www.masongranade.com, then join us for some great tunes!

Lift your spirits! A little gospel, a few show tunes, and everything else in between, yes, it is an area favorite, Ruston’s own, Denene Stringfellow! Come see why Ruston observes Denene Stringfellow Day each year! He is back by popular demand -- a great way to wrap up the Series and spring us forward into May!

For more information or to confirm the show will go on in case of rain, call the Arts Council office at 318.397.6717. Visit the Arts Council online at www.nelaarts.com or find us on Facebook.

written by // Ashley Hubenthal

The Junior League of Monroe has been giving back to the community for decades and this year is no different. Their annual Spring Market event is one of the organization’s biggest fundraisers, funding their scholarship banquet, teacher grants, community grants and more. It is also giving back in a different way this year. For years, local community member Stuart Scalia has been volunteering decorating for Spring Market. “I have always wondered what happens to flowers after events and if there is a way to donate them,” said Stuart. She created The Petal Exchange so that brides and event planners could donate flowers to local hospitals, nursing homes and more. “This year, I took that idea a step further. I thought what if we used herbs and plants that could be repurposed,” she explained. Stuart facilitated the idea of using herbs and donating them to a local nursing home, The Oaks located on McKeen in Monroe, and had Randall Korn create boxes. Stuart used sweet mint, rosemary, Gerber daisies, white bacon, peppermint star dianthus and lambs ear in the boxes for the weekend of the Spring Market. Then, the residents at The Oaks had the opportunity to plant the herbs and flowers in the boxes at their residence. Additionally, the boxes were wheelchair level so the residents could access them easily. “I think it is so important to give the residents an opportunity to be outside. The interesting thing is, we planned on doing this last year and then Spring Market was cancelled. It is even more important this year because the residents have not been able to be outside for nearly a year!” Residents at the Oaks can enjoy the herbs, plants and flowers on the patio garden by viewing them, but can also make use of all of their sensories by planting in the dirt, smelling the fresh flowers and listening to the birds and pollinators they attract. “Many of the residents were gardeners their entire lives and this gives them the opportunity to be able to enjoy that again,” said Stuart. “I am so grateful that the Junior League was open to this opportunity and we were able to give back by repurposing. It is truly an example of community helping community. I look forward to this idea continuing and growing!”