TRICKS AND TREATS

BAYOU EATS

Gather your goblins and ghosts for a Eeriesistable Halloween smorgasbord. Grab the season’s most spooktacular treats for a snack tray sure to scare up every spooky guest.

Styled by TAYLOR BENNETT Photo by KELLY MOORE CLARK

Taylor Bennett created this spooktacular display by combining some of our favorite Halloween treats. From candy corn to Halloween sprinkles, chocolate dipped apple slices to Halloween Oreos, this platter is frightfully fun.

ARTICLE BY DAN CHASON

ack in the early 90’s we had booked a trip to film a deer hunting show with Everette Mayo at his deer lodge in North Central Louisiana. Little did I know that on that trip I would meet a man who would become one of my closest friends.

While there, Everette asked me if I would be interested in including one of his customers who was apparently quite the deer hunter. We agreed and were introduced to a man named Jamie Benson from Collierville, Tennessee. I was immediately taken by the jovial and amicable man who was quick with a laugh or joke. But make no mistake, this man was and is a predator. Jamie has done well in the security alarm business and had a passion for two things: his two boys, Colte and Chance and hunting. His business success had allowed him to travel all over North America in pursuit of bear, deer and other big game animals. Most of these trips were shared with Colte and Chance who like their father, shared the love of hunting and being together.

As Jamie and I sat in the stand the first afternoon, it turned out to be one of the best deer hunting trips and shows I have ever been on in my career. Jamie had scouted a green field that showed promise and decided that is where we would spend our trip that day. Remember, this was before game cameras and technology that allowed a hunter to know just what was coming in and where to set up. Jamie showed a knack for scouting and sure enough his scouting paid off. I will never forget when I first saw the buck he was after. You have to consider that I was a young TV host and most of my hunting trips up until that time had been on public land and very rarely had I seen a true trophy whitetail. That all changed when I looked up and saw a true trophy animal walking into the edge of the field trailing a doe. I’m sure Jamie was irritated with me as I was shaking like Elvis’ leg with buck fever. I could hardly hold the camera still as Jamie leveled his single shot .270 and dropped the buck in his tracks. The 150 buck was his and I don’t know who was prouder.....Jamie or me. This was the very first trophy ever filmed on our show and I could not have been happier if I had pulled the trigger.

Jamie and I stayed in touch and didn’t hunt again until I moved operations to Arkansas to our new hunting lodge. Jamie was my first customer and of course, the boys came along for the hunt.

My first hunt with Chance was memorable as muzzle loader season was in full bloom. The bucks were moving and I have scouted an area where a really nice 10 pointer was making his presence known. Chance and I set up in the edge of a locust tree cluster and I was fairly confident that we would have success. The buck came out as if on cue. Chance leveled the old smoke pole as the deer eased out at no more than 70 yards. At the sound of the rifle, I saw an explosion of wood as his bullet had struck a small locust tree, completely missing the deer. As we returned to the camp, Chance of course was deflated. I will never forget Jamie’s reaction to his son. “Chance, when you miss as many as your Daddy has then you can be upset. It’s a part of hunting, son.” Always the supporter and always a gentle guide for his sons, Jamie showed me that the experience was the adventure and not necessarily what game made it to the meat rack. Jamie, Colte and Chance made many trips to the lodge to hunt. We rarely hunted anything but deer but the times we spent in the woods were precisely what I envisioned if my family had taken on deer hunting as Jamie’s family did. I spent days in the duck blind with his boys, fished for bass and let them burn boxes of shells on our skeet range. All of this was done while their dad stood by with a look of pride that cannot be described. In the off season, Jamie could be found traveling the country with his daughter, Keifer who was an adamant cowgirl. Hundreds of trips and thousands of miles were logged as he juggled his work time and time with the boys to assure that his girl could pursue her dreams. Tragically, we lost Colte and during that terrible time, I tried to console my friend and give him encouragement. Jamie quit hunting for quite some time as the loss of his son was more than he could bear. The memories of hunting were just too painful. One day in December, years later, my phone rang. “Heyyyy” the familiar greeting of my friend and a simple request: “Dan, I’m ready to hunt again.” And hunt again we did. This December hunt has become a tradition as Jamie and I join on the anniversary of Colte’s death and remember him and the times we spent together. Jamie comes to my camp regularly and whether we actually hunt is not the reason. We honor the memory of a great young man and the relationships we had and memories that can never be taken away. I have hunted turkey, deer, ducks, doves and hogs with Jamie and there has never been a “bad” hunt. He is like an uncle to my grandkids and kids and his generous and giving ways are loved by all of them. They say if you leave this world with one good friend, you are fortunate. I am fortunate to have made a lifelong friend. The old saying, “A friend in need is a friend indeed.” Jamie Benson is that man and I thank God for him.

BAYOU HOME

When it comes to versatility, white home accessories are some of the more desirable chic pieces of décor. These carefully curated objects are sure to elevate any room. Find these and more at area retailers.

Styled by TAYLOR BENNETT Photo by KELLY MOORE CLARK

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Circular vase from Haven, triple ornamental vase from Material Things, sculptural acrylic and white pieces from Walsworth & Company, Fig + Vanilla candle from Fabulous Fabric, white crystal and glass vase from Ivan Smith Furniture, large wavy vase from Lauren Roebuck Designs, multi-opening pedestal vase from Bella Magnolia, platter from Palette House & Plume, marble candle from Sleepy Hollow Furniture, vase with moss ball from Parterre, dish from Revival Design & Consign

BAYOU HOME

One of the most fun things about Halloween is styling haunting hearths. Taylor Bennett gathered materials from Bella Magnolia and Revival Design & Consign to create this spirited space. Bennett creates the design by layering black and white netting with black tapers in brass candlesticks, small pumpkins, foam bats, a ghoulish figurine and witches’ hats. A trick-or-treat garland completes the mantel design.

Metal ant, brass beetle and garland from Revival Design & Consign. Hats on pumpkins and ghoulish witch from Bella Magnolia.

Styled by TAYLOR BENNETT Photo by KELLY MOORE CLARK Special thanks to HEATHER GUILLOT

LOCATED ON THE BANKS OF BAYOU DESIARD IN THE heart of North Monroe, a timeless original A. Hays Town design is now available following a three-year renovation project completed by the current owners.

The home is located at 3402 Lake Desiard Drive on a quiet and secluded street under a sweeping canopy of mature live oaks. This oneof-a-kind waterfront home is one of the legendary Louisiana architects’ few original homes in North Louisiana and represents the very essence of timeless design, graceful living and true Louisiana charm.

With 6,277 heated square feet of living space, multiple covered outdoor porches and breezeways and a boat/ party house with swimming dock, the home is filled with A. Hays Town trademarks such as soaring 13ft. ceilings, antique wood and brick, oversized wood windows that flood natural light throughout and a sensible and very livable layout.

As part of the complete and historically accurate restoration project, the current owners retained all of the original features of the home while updating and modernizing for today’s living standards. They also spared no expense in the design and installation of the finest fixtures and finishes throughout the entire home.

The front elevation is a classic Louisiana style with a wide brick porch, enclosed front courtyard with fountain and second story balcony with iconic Bevolo gas lanterns. The grand yet understated front entrance showcases refinished wide-plank antique heart pine floors which flow throughout the house and a beautiful staircase with original custom millwork leading up to the second floor.

The formal dining room connects to the completely redesigned kitchen which contains marble countertops, custom cabinetry and island, an oversized Lacanche gas range imported from France and Subzero refrigeration including wine storage. Massive salvaged antique wood beams - a Hays Town trademark - cross the ceilings of the kitchen.

The pantry off of the kitchen contains custom cypress cabinetry, a coffee bar with marble countertop and undercounted Subzero refrigeration.

Entering from carport, the “cypress room” contains antique Saint Joe brick floors, irreplaceable pesky cypress walls and antique beamed ceilings with a brick mantle and wood-burning gas fireplace. In addition, a powder bath with designer wallpaper and fixtures and an industrious laundry/mud room are conveniently located nearby.

The “great room” contains heart pine floors, soaring windows and a custom oversized Rumford wood-burning fireplace with imported limestone surround. The great room flows out onto the enclosed veranda/ sunroom with a wall of stunning floor to ceiling windows and beautiful views of the ground as well as Bayou Desiard.

Off the great room is a wet bar featuring custom cypress cabinets, Subzero refrigeration and ice maker, exposed Saint Joe brick walls and antique wood beamed ceiling. Through the bar area, a hallway leads to a fully-enclosed walk-in wine cellar with 3,000 + bottle storage capacity, a powder bath and a study with built in cypress cabinets, bookshelves, pesky cypress walls and a wood-burning fireplace.

The master wing contains an oversized master bedroom large enough to accommodate bedroom furniture and sitting area and a completely reimagined master bathroom and closet design that is one of the most stunning features of the home - truly a must see!

Upstairs, the home contains three additional bedrooms, each with its own full-size walk-in closet and ensuite bathroom, all of which were completely remodeled during the extensive restoration project. French doors lead out to a beautiful upstairs rear balcony with peacock pavers and sweeping sunset views overlooking Bayou Desiard. All of the exterior trim was replaced and painted during the renovation while retaining the original antique aged lime wash finish on the exterior brick.

Outside the lush grounds have been completely landscaped and contain outdoor lighting, full irrigation system and dog kennels. A brand - new cedar shake roof was installed on the entire house, per the original A. Hays Town designed boathouse.

This is truly a one-of-a-kind family estate home, impossible to replicate. Move in today to this completely turn-key, renovated and restored A. Hayes Town classic on the bayou which offers much more than new construction. Owner has complete set of original hand drawn A. Hays Town architectural plans.

If interested, contact Susie Husted for more images and videos on this breathtaking property.

Susie Husted (318) 322-8262 or (318) 366-1472

L to R Frankie Wheeler, Simone McMillon, Chelsea Frey, Rebecca Justice; not pictured Rebecca Johnson

SOMETHING’S BREWING OVER AT THE MEDICAL SPA! In celebration of Halloween this October, we will be hosting a Boo-tox Bash! Join us Thursday, October 28, 2021, for a spook-tacular event, where we will help scare away those lines and wrinkles that have been haunting you! Be sure to come dressed in costume as the best dressed will receive a skincare gift basket. Botox injections will be available by appointment only. During the event you can expect the following specials: • Botox: $10/unit • Juvederm: buy 1 syringe, get $50 off • Juvederm: buy 2 syringes, get $75 off each • Kybella Injections: $200 off (minimum of 2 vials) • OBAGI-C Rx: 25% off + get free tretinoin (while supplies last) • Complimentary refreshments • Free consultations

Product Spotlight: The OBAGI-C Rx System is designed to promote skin rejuvenation using a combination of 4% hydroquinone and 10% L-ascorbic acid. Hydroquinone is an inhibitor of melanin and is a long-proven ingredient to reduce or eliminate pigmentation and melasma (patchy brown discoloration of the skin). L-ascorbic acid, the most powerful form of vitamin C, helps to protect your skin against free radicals, minimize fine lines and wrinkles, and brighten the skin. The system includes a full-size cleanser, toner, serum, night cream, and sunscreen. Pigmentation and brightening are concerns we hear from clients. Aging skin and sun damage results in dullness and discoloration. Purchase the OBAGI-C Rx System during our Boo-tox Bash to receive 25% off and free tretinoin (while supplies last)!

Treatment Spotlight: Are you suffering from a double chin or excess under-chin fat? We have a solution for that! Kybella is a nonsurgical FDA-approved injection technique using deoxycholic acid to target fat cells under the chin area. Deoxycholic acid is a molecule found naturally occurring in your body that helps to break down and absorb fat permanently. Prior to any injections, we recommend a consultation with one of our providers. They will decide if you are a good candidate for Kybella and discuss expectations. The number of sessions varies for each person. Downtime is minimum with some mild redness and swelling.

Simone McMillon, FNP-C, earned her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Louisiana at Monroe and is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner and member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and the Louisiana Association of Nurse Practitioners. She specializes in Aesthetic Medicine at the St. Francis Medical Spa. She is thankful to have been called to a profession of service and takes great pride in seeing her patients full of joy and confidence. In her spare time, Simone enjoys traveling and spending time with her husband and daughter.

Rebecca Justice, RN, received her Associate of Science in Nursing degree at Darton College in Georgia. She brings 9 years of nursing experience to the spa. Rebecca is excited to specialize in aesthetics and assist The Medical Spa patients with skincare and treatment options. She loves seeing the excitement and confidence the patients achieve after visiting the spa. In her spare time, Rebecca enjoys being outdoors, traveling and spending time with family and friends.

Frankie Wheeler acts as front office coordinator for The Medical Spa. She was raised in Louisiana and attended ULM where she received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology. Frankie enjoys assisting patients with questions about aesthetic treatments and skincare products. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and traveling.

Chelsea Frey, RN, received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree at Louisiana State University of Alexandria, bridging from her Associate of Science in Nursing at Louisiana Delta Community College in Monroe. She has served with St. Francis since 2015 in various roles throughout her nursing career. Chelsea helped to establish The Medical Spa and continues to assist in a part-time role as an aesthetic nurse. Her favorite part of working at The Medical Spa is helping clients to focus on their confidence and beauty by enhancing their natural features. Chelsea is excited to offer knowledge in laser treatments, OxyGeneo facials, and NuEra tightening treatments. She loves seeing the boost in confidence, the smiles, and the relaxation that The Medical Spa offers for clients. In her spare time, Chelsea enjoys cycling with her family, tending to her plants, and reading.

Rebecca Johnson, FNP-C, earned her Master of Science in Nursing from Maryville University in St. Louis, MO. She is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner through the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. She specializes in Family Medicine, Epic (EMR) support, and Aesthetic Medicine. She loves helping clients at The Medical Spa in achieving their beauty goals. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and dog.

Our team is elated to collaborate and service our community through The Medical Spa. Come by and see us at 312 Grammont Street, Suite 406 in Monroe or schedule an appointment by calling (318) 966-3772. Learn more at stfran. com/themedicalspa.

The Strauss Theatre of Monroe held a ribbon cutting to celebrate their 90th year in live theatre. The event was held on Tuesday, August 17th at the Theatre, located in the heart of Monroe on Lamy Lane. Along with a ribbon cutting, Monroe Chamber of Commerce proclamations were presented from the City of West Monroe and the City of Monroe. Monroe Mayor Friday Ellis proclaimed August 17, 2021 as “Strauss Theatre Day.” A letter from John Kennedy was presented and a speech by Congresswoman Julia Letlow, recognized the significant impact the Theatre has made on the community. Strauss Theatre is the oldest, continuously operating community theatre in Louisiana. The 2021-2022 season includes Disaster!, The Man Who Came to Dinner, Nonsense, The Odd Couple and Company.

1 Taylor Michiels and Cassey Bernstein 2 Adrienne LaFrance-Wells, Dr.Joyce Zhou, Meg Keene, and

James Miles 3 Jade Reynolds, Scott Frick, Kris Kelley and Stephanie Sikes 4 Sharon and Victor Kirk 5 Bob Chambless, Julia Letlow, and Danielle Tolbert 6 Donna Branson with Kris Kelley 7 Jeremy Tucker and Brittany McNarma 8 Everett and Angie Tolbird and Laura Smith 9 Alana Cooper and Dr. Bill Rambin 10 Megan Wilkins, Jean Hartzog and Nicole Goode 11 Cassey Bernstein and Bob Chambless 3

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On Thursday August 26th, The Monroe Chamber of Commerce, Northeast Louisiana Young Professionals and BayouLife Magazine recognized 57 of Northeast Louisiana’s top young professionals at the Top 20 Under 40 Celebration. The event was held at The Hub Music Hall in Monroe. 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 & Farr, Reeves, Coon & Funderburg and BayouLife Magazine. Additional sponsors were City of Monroe, Heard, McElroy and Vestal, NAI Faulk and Foster, KTVE, Stephens Media Group, and The Radio People.

1 Roy Heatherly, Cody Bauman and Daphne Garrett 2 Anna and Jed Robinson 3 Deron and Patience Talley 4 Jon McCartney and Bryan Creekmore 5 Brittany and Joey McNamara 6 Hank and Sage Pipes 7 Debbie Cummins, Linda Bashner, Janssen Peck and Donna Miller 8 Jessica and Jacob Brady 9 Codie Poe and Corbin Legg 10 Kelli Green and Melanie Moffett 11 Elizabeth McQueen, Susie Lefebvre and Christa Harrison 12 Maggie and Ken Generoso 13 David and Emma Loyless with Frances and Jim Loyless 14 Sarah and Jared Floyd, Delia Simpson and Mona Mouton 15 Courtney Carpenter, Addison Creekmore, Madison

Guerriero, Nancy Creekmore, Jeff Guerriero and Brian

Creekmore 16 Jessica Brady, Hailey Pullium and Betsy Beard 4

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The University of Louisiana Monroe Foundation announced the Mary Ellen Soignier Stapleton Endowed Scholarship for the College of Business and Social Sciences at a reception on Saturday, June 26, 2021. The event was held at the Laird Weems Center. This endowment was established with an initial gift of $100,000 by Ellen’s family.

This scholarship was established to honor the life and legacy of Mary Ellen Soignier Stapleton, a 1990 ULM Accounting graduate. She will be forever honored and remembered for her unwavering faith in God, sweet spirit, and desire to choose education as a vehicle to assist others. She demonstrated kindness in her community without expectation of recognition or reward. Her belief was that education accompanied with hard work could bring unlimited opportunities and achievement. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that her legacy years be preserved through this scholarship fund which will support and encourage others with similar values.

Family and friends, along with Mary Ellen’s husband, Jimmie and their daughters, Madison and Faith, gathered to celebrate Ellen’s life of 41 years with this scholarship fund. She always had her eye on the future, helping nurture and educate others and this scholarship will allow students to further their education through the efforts of her beautiful legacy.

1 Jimmie Stapleton 2 Thomas Hairston, Madison, Jimmie and Faith Stapleton with Brendon Simonin 3 Faith, Jimmie and Madison Stapleton 4 Dianne Beaird, Faith, Jimmy and Madison Stapleton 5 Jimmie, Madison and Faith Stapleton with the siblings of

Mary Ellen Soignier Stapleton 6 Ron and Sabrina Hogan 7 Andy Soignier, Bruce Soignier and Kaitlyn Beaird 8 Mike and Dana Estes with Jimmie Stapleton 9 President Ron Berry 10 Family of Mary Ellen Soignier Stapleton 11 Family of Mary Ellen Soignier Stapleton 12 Family and Friends of Mary Ellen Soignier Stapleton 3

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ANDREW PATTON, MD, IS AN ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON specializing in sports medicine at Orthopedic Specialists of Louisiana in Shreveport/ Bossier City. Dr. Patton recently celebrated his first year in practice and we decided to ask him a few questions about his first year at Orthopedic Specialists of Louisiana and coming home to the Ark-La- Tex. Here’s what he had to say…

OSL- Dr. Patton, you specialize in Sports Medicine… do you see a lot of young athletes?

AP- I have seen my fair share of young athletes this past year… mostly sprains, strains, overuse injuries, but luckily most young athletes are resilient, and we can treat them without surgery, and hopefully get them back to playing quickly. A lot of people do think that because I am a sports medicine doctor, that I only treat athletes, but really anything can be a sport. A big part of my job is to help patients of all ages and all activity levels to maintain or restore their level of function. This can be the weekend warrior trying to get back to the gym, an elderly patient who is looking to maintain their independence or the young athlete wanting to get back out to the playing field. In many ways, a physician specializing in sports medicine is the new general practitioner of orthopedic health.

OSL- What is your approach to care?

AP- I really believe a non-operative treatment plan is best, unless an acute injury would affect a patient’s mobility long term. Maintaining a team mentality between my patient and me is so important. We must be on the same page in terms of treatment and what their goals are to achieve their desired level of function. I try to educate the patient on their treatment options and from there, the patient really dictates where they want their treatment to go.

OSL- In your first year of practice, what are the most common conditions you have treated?

AP- I see a lot of patients with back pain, shoulder pain and knee pain… the wear and tear, overuse injuries. Most the time the patient’s pain is interfering with their day-to-day activities. I am always a little surprised when a patient will put off coming in to see an orthopedic surgeon because they are scared that the only treatment option will be surgery. The reality is most patients will not have to have surgery and the sooner they come in, the faster we can help them get rid of the pain and restore their level of function. If your musculoskeletal pain is interfering with your sleep or your day-to-day activities, make an appointment! Most the time we have conservative, nonsurgical treatment plans that will offer patients a lot of relief. I have treated acute injuries, as well, where surgery is the very best option… without surgery, it really could affect the patient’s level of function long term. I’ve also done some total knee replacements utilizing the Mako Robotic Knee Replacement technology.

OSL- What has been the best thing about your first year in practice?

AP- The best part of being in practice at OSL is the people… new patients, my OSL partners and staff and my medical assistant, Brooke, have all made my first year in practice great. I have loved meeting patients and being able to help them get back on track with what they want to do. The most rewarding part of my field is to see my patients after I have treated them, whether it be surgically or nonoperatively, and to see them out and about at the grocery store or even back in clinic and see them demonstrate to me how much they have improved and that their level of function is where they want it to be- that’s incredibly rewarding.

OSL- What have been the challenges you have faced in your first year of practice?

AP- Starting a practice amid a pandemic was not ideal… any fear or anxiety a patient already has about going to see a doctor or sitting in a doctor’s office has been intensified by the threat of being infected with COVID-19. I really want my patients to know that our clinic is doing everything we can to ensure the safety and health of all.

OSL- You were born and raised in Shreveport, have you and your family enjoyed returning to the Ark-La- Tex?

AP- We really have. My wife, Suzanne, and I are both from Shreveport. We are the proud parents of two young boys and having the opportunity to raise our boys surrounded by our family and friends has been incredible.

To schedule and evaluation with Dr. Patton, please visit: orthopedic specialistsla.com or call: (866) 759.9679.

On Tuesday, September 21st, supporters of the St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway gathered to take part in the official groundbreaking ceremony to kick off the 2022 campaign and continue the lifesaving work of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. This year’s St. Jude’s Dream House is in the Frenchman’s Bend neighborhood and is being led under the supervision of interior decorator, Jan Stricklin. For more information, visit dreamhome.org.

Teamwork proved to be the difference in the USA Cycling National Championship Points Race Saturday night at Patton Sims, a student at Belmont Abbey College, relied on fellow Crusaders Giovanni Vasta and Jeremy Siedor to claim gold. The national title is the sixth in the six-year history of the Belmont Abbey Cycling program, which was founded in 2016. Sims joins Johnny Kuhfahl (three) and Nick Oestreich (two) as Crusaders who took home championships. Patton is the son of Paige and Cole Sims of Sterlington, LA. Mr. P’s Tees, a local t-shirt company recently celebrated their 9th anniversary. In celebration the business created a custom designed shirt the proceeds of which were donated to a local non-profit organization. This years recipient was The Autism Society of North Louisiana and they received $1,232.00, from the sale of a brightly colored orange shirt featuring a custom sketched giraffe with the rainbow infinity symbol as it represents the diversity of the autism spectrum. Thanks again, Mr. P’s Tees!

Local schoolteacher Nick Harrison has been making a stir with content trending on TikTok is set to have one of his videos featured on primetime television. A sixthgrade English teacher at Minnie Ruffin Elementary, was featured on the CBS television show “The Greatest #AtHome Videos,” hosted by comedian Cedric the Entertainer. The show features funny and inspiring video clips of people from social media during the pandemic. Lainey Wilson, a native of Baskin, LA, notches her first No. 1 on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart (dated Sept. 25) with her debut entry, “Things a Man Oughta Know.” “The song, released on Broken Bow Records, rises from No. 2 in its 39th week on the chart, up 9% to 29 million audience impressions in the week ending Sept. 19th, according to MRC Data. Wilson co-wrote the single with Jason Nix and Jonathan Singleton.

On September 6th, Elizabeth and Jeff Guerriero, along with daughter Madison, and a host of others treated Hurricane Ida evacuees, volunteers and fireman to lunch and snowballs at the Henrietta Johnson Recreation Center. They were able to serve over 400 hamburgers and hot dogs. Special thanks to all of the volunteers, especially Mike Caster for coordinating the event and being the grill master.

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

THE STORY OF BLUE MOON BEGINS IN THE SANDLOT Brewery at Coors Field in Denver, Colorado, at the beginning of the 1995 baseball season. After earning his Ph.D. in brewing from the University of Brussels, founder and head brew master Keith Villa returned stateside with the goal of brewing well-crafted beers inspired by Belgian styles, with a refreshing twist. Amongst the many beers one fan favorite emerged, in true baseball fashion they called it ‘Bellyslide Wit.’ Someone said, “A beer this good only comes around once in a blue moon,” and thus Blue Moon Belgian White Belgian-Style Wheat Ale was born. Knowing the American palate would appreciate a bit more sweetness than the typical tartness of a Belgian Wit, Keith brewed with Valencia orange peel to accomplish the signature, subtle sweetness that we all know and love today.

Initially, Keith faced skepticism for introducing this new style of beer to drinkers. At the time, the American beer market was flooded with lagers, and the cloudy appearance of the unfiltered Belgian White Style Beer was unfamiliar. He also noticed that bartenders were serving Blue Moon with a lemon slice, a typical garnish for a tart Belgian Wit. Keith knew he had a winning beer, so he persisted, handselling Blue Moon from bar to bar and adding his unique garnish, an orange wheel, to help highlight the citrus aroma and enhance the drinking experience. Eventually, Blue Moon gained recognition, winning over drinkers and inspiring brewers across the country. In doing so, Blue Moon catapulted the craft movement forward, helping to shape the modern American beer scene. Now, over 20 years later, Blue Moon is still the top selling craft beer in the US and is now also delighting consumers in more than 25 countries globally.

In addition to the original Belgian White Ale, there are several new star players on the Blue Moon team.

In 2020, Blue Moon Brewing Co. announced the launch of Blue Moon LightSky, a new “light” beer made from wheat and real mandarin peel for a subtle tropical hop flavor. Blue Moon LightSky has only 95 calories and 3.6 grams of carbohydrates per 12 oz., without compromising its flavor. Mandarin peel is used in its preparation, which gives it a very refreshing citrus touch and tropical fruit that combines well with the sweetness of its malt. It comes in a sleek, easyto-carry 12-ounce aluminum can, available in 6 packs and 12 packs.

Not to be left out of the fruit beer category, Blue Moon also offers Mango Wheat. Available year-round in 6 pack cans, it is a refreshing wheat beer with ripe mango flavor and biscuity malt sweetness. Its mango and honey notes make it perfect for pairing with shrimp, chicken, mango salsa, curry, or even vanilla ice cream. In 2016, Mango Wheat won the Silver Medal, Fruit Wheat Beer, at the Great American Beer Festival.

Coming soon is Blue Moon’s latest creation, Moon Haze. Hazy beer is all the rage and Blue Moon has brewed this one with dried whole oranges to infuse the flavor into the beer, creating a delicious, juicy flavor and bright color. It will be available locally (year-round) later this year. Moon Haze won the Gold Medal, Juicy or Hazy Pale Ale, at the 2020 Great American Beer Festival.

While delicious on its own, Blue Moon can also be used to craft delicious beer-infused cocktails. Try the recipe below for a warming fireside sipper, perfect for the cooler months ahead.

Ingredients 2 oz. Blue Moon Belgian White Belgian-Style Wheat Ale 1 oz. Brandy 1/2 oz. Fresh Lemon Juice 1/2 oz. Orange Liqueur 1/4 oz. Simple Syrup

Method 1. Combine brandy, fresh lemon juice, orange liqueur and simple syrup in shaker tin, add ice 2. Shake approx. 15 seconds 3. Strain into Coupe glass, top with Blue Moon Belgian White and garnish with a lemon peel

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

article by Cindy G. Foust

Happy fall to my faithful readers who I also consider friends. I mean, we are friends, right? We have been together for so long now, we are most assuredly friends, because friends are sometimes psychologists and you have most certainly been mine for nearly 9 years. That’s 108 months of listening to me drone on about this and that… some of it good, some of it bad, some of it hilarious, some of it sensational, because, I am, after all, a famous BayouLife columnist and everyone is interested in my life, right? As I near the 9 year mark of contributing to this wonderful magazine (I know, I know, Cass… my watch is in the mail), I am all in my feels today. I actually wrote another column for this month about a fall bucket list, but I decided instead to embrace the big pink elephant in the room…my breast cancer recurrence. Because it is, after all, the month we bring breast cancer awareness to the forefront of our minds.

So, I decided to use my story in what I hope will motivate any of my community family and friends who might need a nudge to have their yearly exam. By nudge, I mean shove. For me, this past year has been a difficult journey. As I type this column through tear soaked cheeks, I can’t believe where I am from where I was. I’ve shared a nugget here or there throughout my columns over the past year, because the truth is, I started out really mad and just didn’t want to talk about it. Period. Mad that I had to go through this again and mad that I had to go through chemo and then mad that I had such a successful outcome the first time but here we all are hearing the “C” word…again.

Speaking to my female readers, I want to first say that if you aren’t having yearly mammograms (if you are in that age group) or doing routine self-exams, I want to stop right here and say: please do. The nudge I felt (thank you to the Holy Spirit) prompted me to have a small knot checked out.

It wasn’t the news I wanted to hear, but you know what? After the shock of the news wore off, I put the same suit of armor on that I have to wear throughout my life and went to battle. Oh, I had a team…a support group that literally were the legs I needed to stand and in some instances, simply move. They prayed, loved and encouraged me through it.

My husband…well, I’m surprised he didn’t get an apartment for him and our children. But he stood steadfast, as did my children…and stood in the gap for their wife and mother. Steadfast. That’s a word I like to type because looking back on it now, that’s how I feel now… that I am more steadfast than ever (I Peter 5:10,11) and I am going to be fine. I didn’t feel it throughout the course of last year so much, I mean, chemo, in a word, is poison. But one of my closest tribe members, who had herself gone through a similar treatment plan, Lori French, told me that I had to look at the medicine as the Holy Spirit going in to do battle for me, rather than hurt or poison me. Hummmm, that’s all I had to hear because from that moment, to this very day, I was able to replace that anger, that all-consuming rage that I initially felt, with gratitude.

Gratitude for doctors, for medicine, for a treatment plan that some people don’t have, for family, for friends… for life. I am so grateful that God put a hedge of protection around me and kept me safe from COVID, from side-effects, from everything that could have set me back, and made me more steadfast than ever. You know readers, gratitude can choke you in much the same way that anger can.

And that’s where I am standing today. On a platform of gratitude. When I made my mind up that this was not what was going to take me out… when I embraced the medicine to allow it to do its job, which it did, rather than resent it, I felt a literally shift in my mental attitude. I could write pages, readers, because the days were hard, especially as I neared the end of my treatment, I don’t want to minimize that for other readers who must travel a similar path, but I made it through.

And here I am, looking at the approaching holiday season in a much different place than I was last year at this same time… a place of so much gratitude that my heart feels it will surely burst some days. My words this month seem feeble and frail in some ways, but I hope the message that resonates with you will be two-fold. Be proactive in your medical journey, whatever that may be and shift your heart and your mind, to a place of gratitude, for whatever circumstances you are working through. It’s hard, it is, but take it from someone who has had to dig down deep a few times in her life, nothing can replace a grateful heart that appreciates there is always someone who would likely walk in your shoes, rather than their own. 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.