SB Magazine April 2023 - For the Love of Pets

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EDITOR

Since National Pet Day occurs in April, we thought it would be a great time to share the love of pets. We have some good stories…a portrait artist, the health benefits of pet ownership, how to celebrate national pet day, pet treats, and a list of pet-friendly patios (there are probably more-let us know!). There’s an article about a Barksdale officer who was so fascinated with the Barkus and Meoux parade that she wrote a children’s book based on it. Check out Eye on SB for photos from this year’s parade as well as other Mardi Gras events.

Of course, it is the height of crawfish season and I know I am looking forward to crawfish boils. Read The Crawfish 101 article inside covers just about anything you want to know--or thought you knew--about crawfish. And hopefully we will all be spending more time outdoors since spring has officially arrived. This is the perfect time to spruce up your patio and plan to explore new places in town. With summer around the corner, it’s that time to be signing up for summer camps. Check out some of the ones featured in this issue. Summer camp can be a great experience for kids (and a needed break for parents)!

There is a new charter school opening in Shreveport dedicated to serving dyslexic students so please share this information with other families or friends who may want to explore this option.

It’s always great to celebrate a business anniversary – each year is definitely a milestone. This month we feature Maggio Grocery & Deli, a story that goes back 100 years of hard work, family, friends, love, loss, looking to the future and helping those we come across every day. Have a great spring!

PUBLISHER

G. Byron May

OWNERS

G. Byron May

Seva May

Noble Feldman

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Elizabeth Beard Deal

ASSISTANT EDITOR

Hailey Lawson

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Teddy Allen

Scott “Scooter” Anderson

Adam Bailey

Hailey Lawson

Seva May

Michelle Yetman, PhD

PHOTOGRAPHY

Hailey Lawson

Debbie Henry

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Ryan Watson

SALES MANAGER

Keyle Cavalier

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Stephanie Pringle

Laura Prissy Scott

Karessa Edwards

HOW TO REACH US

318.221.7264 • Fax 318.676.8850

850 Stoner Ave. Shreveport, LA 71101

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POSTMASTER

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Copyright © 2023 SB Magazine, Inc.

Volume 24, Issue 4

Elizabeth Beard Deal Executive Editor

Meet the pets who hold the hearts of the SB Magazine team!

Krewe des Ambassadeurs Royal Bal XXI The Krewe des Ambassadeurs

Grand Bal XXI “Bonne Fete 21” was held at Sam’s Town Ballroom. The Royalty took guests on a trip to The Carousel Bar & Lounge (the famous rotating bar in New Orleans) since they are now 21 and of legal age. Each member of the tableau represented a famous cocktail. Ambassadeurs Captain XXI Sarah M. Haynes represented champagne, lively and bubbly. 1. Duke and Duchess of Prosperity BJ Durrett and Taylor Parker 2. Krewe des Ambassadeurs XXI Royal Court 3. Ambassadeurs King XXI Andy Fish with Captain XXI Sarah M. Haynes, and Queen XXI Robin Fish 4. Grand Bal Chair Thresa and Ronnie Mouser 5. Duke and Duchess of Hospitality Jon David Liles and Sherie Lester

Oceanus Grand Bal II

The Krewe of Oceanus celebrated Grand Bal II “Music Can Change the World” at the Bossier Civic Center. Captain Parker Ward as the King of Rock-n-Roll performed an Elvis song. Co-Captain Karen M Barnes represented classical music and played the violin for guests. Each member of the Tableau came out as a representative of a different genre of music from smooth jazz to 80’s rock-n-roll. A former band member herself, Oceanus Queen II Roann Nolen reigned over the evening in a beautiful black dress with raven feathers. As Queen Roann took her Regal Walk for the Tableau, she represented a musical note gliding across the floor. It was a magical musical evening filled with some of our favorite songs of yesteryear. 1. Oceanus II Co-Captain Karen M. Barnes and Captain II Parker Ward 2. Oceanus Queen II Roann Nolen 3. Duchess II Tori Torres entered the tableau dressed in roaring twenties attire and performed the Charleston

4. Dancing Queen Duchess of Black Bayou II Marsha Parham 5. Royal Court II of Krewe of Oceanus

NWLA Go Red for Women Luncheon

The 2023 Northwest Louisiana Go Red for Women Luncheon was held at Shreveport Convention Center. Led by chairman Dr. Steen Trawick, CEO CHRISTUS Shreveport-Bossier Health System, the NWLA Go Red for Women campaign is changing the perception that women in our area have about heart disease and stroke, the #1 cause of death in women. We are Mothers, sisters, daughters, wives, partners, friends, warriors, leaders, executives, and volunteers. 1. Peggy Gavin and Margaret Elrod 2. American Heart Association Assistant Director Lori Russell with Karen M. Barnes

3. Kheysia Washington, Shelia Wilkerson, and Candy Welch 4. Camille McCall with Mayor Tom Arceneaux 5. Senator Robert Mills with wife Shelia Mills and Dr. Steen Trawick, CEO CHRISTUS Shreveport-Bossier Health System and Go Red for Women Chairman

6. Dr. Theresa Rinderle, Katy Wilkens, Lisa Britt, and Veronica Cook Gardner

Harambee’s Saada Maskhara Bal The Krewe of Harambee held their Saada Maskhara Bal 2023 “Fantastic Voyage” at the Shreveport Convention Center. Captain Shante Wells began the Tableau, performing on stage, followed by the Royal High Priestesses and Chieftains.

Krewe of Highland Grand Bal Highland Grand Bal XXVIII - A Surreal Symposium was held at the Remington Garage. The wild Greek themed evening had everyone dressed as Greek gods and goddesses. Captain Emily Hamann and Co-Captain Ex Jones captivated the crowd with their underworld costumes.

1. Harambee Captain Shante Wells 2. Harambee Queen Kathy Green 3. Harambee King Latari Fleming 4. High Priestess Shonda Reynolds 5. High Priestess Allison Washington 6. High Priestess Sheena Boston 7. Chieftain Shawn Boston

1. Highland Captain Emily Hamann and Co-Captain Ex (Travis) Jones 2. Highland Queen XXVIII Robin Ramsey 3. Highland King XXVIII Brandon Manning 4. Highland King XXVIII Brandon Manning and Queen XXVIII Robin Ramsey 5. Duke JonPaule Calcote and Duchess Jennifer King 6. Duke Josh Jennings and Duchess Britni Sepulvado

“SERVING THE FINEST FOR OVER 60 YEARS!”

WELCOME TO THE RENESTING PROJECT

Barkus & Meoux Jazz Brunch and Pet Parade 1. Barkus & Meoux Captain Shelia Pieper 2. Barkus & Meoux King Kenny Frizzell 3. Barkus & Meoux Queen Ann Frizzell 4. Sylina Quarles-Tyler enjoys the Pet Parade with her family. 5. Duke “Oliver George” 6. Duke and Duchess of Chats Noirs Jeff and Auburn Brasher 7. Duchesses of Rescue Mary Ann Edens and Tricia McCall 8. Mark Bejarin with “Blitzen and Dasher” 9. Emily Grace Henry with “Luna” 10. Taylor Pelekakis with “Princess Chanel”

BAC Artist Reception for Jennifer Robison’s The Order of Things at East Bank District. According to featured artist Robison, “The Order of Things is an investigation into perception and societal roles. Influenced by research in structural color and entomology, this work uses iridescence as a metaphor for how each person may perceive their surroundings.

Prize Foundations Golden Lens Awards

The Louisiana Prize Fest starts the New Year with over $100,000 in prizes for creative competition. This year the kickoff event featured a photography showcase and competition called “The Golden Lens,” created by Jen Robison in partnership with Bossier Parish Community College.

Kegs and Corks is Bossier City’s FIRST and ONLY craft beer, wine, and music festival which will also include tastings from home brewers. This is an annual event and the largest home brew competition in the area. Come sample craft beer from Louisiana breweries and wineries!

1. Brandon Robison with “The Order of Things” Artist Jennifer Robison 2. William Bell and Fayline Bass 3. Artist Jennifer Robison with Temperance Cabrera 4. BAC Executive Director Brittainy Pope with Leigh Anne and Josh Chambers

1. Jennifer Robison, Gregory Kallenberg, Jennifer Lawrence, and Dr. Rick Bateman 2. SRAC President Henry Price with Katy Larsen and SRAC Executive Director Pam Atchison 3. Megan Murphy, Golden Lens Winner 4. Paul and Britney Spivey with Susie Stinson

Find your cause and GIVE FOR GOOD On

Tuesday, May 2!

Community Foundation of North Louisiana (CFNLA) is thrilled to commemorate the 10th anniversary of North Louisiana’s largest giving event on May 2.

Since its inception in 2014, Give For Good has inspired generosity from thousands of people who have given more than 70,000 donations and generated over $16 million in critical funding for local nonprofits. Last year, 214 area nonprofits raised a record-breaking $2.39 million from 4,684 donors.

Established in 1961, CFNLA oversees more than $180 million in assets for the benefit of North Louisiana. The funds generously donated to CFNLA by community members are invested for the community’s benefit and are returned to the community in the form of grants to a wide variety of charitable endeavors. Since inception,

the Community Foundation has awarded over $100 million in grants to nonprofit organizations. Grants are provided through CFNLA’s competitive grants process, its many advised funds, and Give For Good. Relative to the competitive process, each year the Foundation accepts applications from eligible charitable organizations. The Foundation then carefully vets those applications to determine how donor dollars may be spent the most efficiently and effectively to address our community’s most pressing needs. Competitive Grant Awards are announced every year in April.

In addition to its competitive grants, CFNLA hosts Give For Good as part of its mission to increase local philanthropy and enhance the quality of life in North Louisiana. Through Give For Good, community members discover area nonprofit organizations and may make contributions to support one or many causes. This unique day of giving raises unrestricted dollars

214 AREA NONPROFITS

4684 TOTAL DONORS

$2.39

MILLION FUNDS RAISED IN 2022

Photo: Jeremy Hernandez

REACHES 10 YEAR MILESTONE!

for a wide variety of charitable causes that make our community stronger. From programs providing basic needs assistance and services for victims of abuse, to animal services and healthcare, education, and the arts, these organizations touch the lives of every member of the North Louisiana community.

Give For Good is a day to celebrate philanthropy and the important work of local nonprofits. It also provides a great vehicle for first time donors and younger donors. This is because donations at any level can really make a difference. A community giving collectively is much more powerful than any one donor alone. Whether a donation is $10 or $10,000, all donations are transformational for our community and indispensable to the nonprofit services they support.

Since Give For Good began in 2014, the number of donors, the total amount raised, and the number of participating nonprofits have more than doubled! This is due in part to the Lagniappe Fund, a bonus pool of more than $200,000 that matches donations on a pro rata basis and gives participating nonprofits “a little something extra.” Each year, CFNLA contributes $100,000 to the Lagniappe Fund. CFNLA then raises additional funds through community and corporate sponsorships. The 2023 Lagniappe Fund Sponsors to date include: the Grayson Foundation; the Powers Foundation; Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana; The Heard, McElroy, and Vestal Advised Fund; Willis Knighton Health System; and other private donors.

Throughout the event, $22,000 in prizes are awarded to nonprofits, including one every hour during the 24 hours of Give For Good day. Organizations can earn prizes by engaging the most donors, receiving the most donations at certain times of the day, and hitting other fundraising milestones. For instance, the Million Dollar Prize is awarded to the organization which receives the donation that tips the total raised over $1 million while the 1961 Prize is awarded to the organization that receives the 1,961st donation, inspired by CFNLA’s founding year. The Lagniappe Fund has awarded more than $2.2 million in bonus funds and prizes to participating nonprofits.

The user-friendly website (giveforgoodnla.org) provides donors a tool to search for organizations that align with community issues they are most passionate about. As a new or returning donor, you can search for organizations by service sector, parishes served, operating budget size, and more. Giving opens on April 18th and will close at 11:59pm on May 2nd. Please show your support for these worthy causes by donating to one of the 216 participating nonprofits and make the 10th anniversary the biggest, most impactful Give For Good yet!

ADDO LAKE INSTITUTE proudly works with local communities, organizations, scientists and government environmental programs to conserve and restore the unique treasure that is Caddo Lake. We are dedicated to helping safeguard the lake, its wetlands, and its surrounding watershed. Caddo Lake sustains unique wildlife habitats and several endangered species and encourages outdoor recreation activities.

We hope you will join us to PROTECT THE LAKE!

giveforgoodnla.org/organization/caddolake

The Shreveport Bar Foundation operates the Pro Bono Project for civil legal representation and educational activities to the Shreveport-Bossier community, a Legal Representation for Victims of Domestic Violence “LRVDV” program with a primary focus on providing legal representation to women, men, and children who are victims of domestic violence to obtain protective orders and other related orders; a Pro Se Litigant program and a monthly Ask A Lawyer clinic which provides access for citizens to get free legal advice. Without these services, individuals needing these services may not have an opportunity to receive the help they need in resolving their legal issues. Your donation to The Shreveport Bar Foundation helps provide much-needed resources for our programs. Choose the Shreveport Bar Foundation when you Give for Good this year! https://www.giveforgoodnla.org/organization/sbfprobono

What are Louisiana's MEDICAL MARIJUANA

BY ADAM BAILEY

If you currently live in Louisiana, it’s important for you to know the current laws in place. Louisiana medical marijuana laws are still relatively new, so it can be hard to find the most up-to-date information to go on. Here’s everything you need to know about the medical marijuana laws in Louisiana.

Did Louisiana Pass a Medical Marijuana Law? As of 2019, medical marijuana is legal in Louisiana. For many years, citizens were probably wondering regularly, “Is medical marijuana legal in Louisiana?” This is because the law making it legal actually passed back in 2014. However, it was not enacted until 2019, making medical marijuana inaccessible for citizens up until that point.

It’s important to know that currently, the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) is in charge of all regulations for medical marijuana, including the production and manufacturing of all forms. Essentially, this means that all growth of medical marijuana is handled by the government of Louisiana. What About Recreational Marijuana in Louisiana? While medical marijuana is legal in Louisiana, recreational use of marijuana is currently not legal in the state. While this may be discouraging news for some people, there is some positive news. While the use of marijuana recreationally is still illegal in Louisiana, in 2021, the state legislature voted to decriminalize the possession of recreational marijuana. This means that if a person is found with 14 grams of marijuana, or less, then they will face a fine of up to $300 versus being sentenced to jail time. While this isn’t full legalization, it has hopefully begun the process of helping the public view marijuana in a different way.

Decriminalization is the first step toward the recreational use of marijuana being legalized in Louisiana. In fact, many politicians and citizens alike are still pushing for marijuana to be legalized in Louisiana in the coming years. In the meantime, many people are working to spread awareness of the benefits of marijuana legalization.

What Are the Louisiana Medical Marijuana Laws? So, while you can’t purchase or use recreational marijuana, those people who qualify for a medical card in Louisiana are able to receive a prescription from a doctor for medical marijuana. In order to understand the qualifications and limitations put into place by the Louisiana government, you might want to review Louisiana law RS 40:1046. In summary, to qualify for a medical marijuana card in Louisiana, a person must be diagnosed with a qualifying condition by a doctor licensed to practice in the state. Some of the most common qualifying conditions include cancer, HIV/AIDS, cachexia or wasting disorder, seizure disorders (including but not limited to epilepsy), spasticity, Crohn’s disease, muscular dystrophy, severe muscle spasms, glaucoma, Parkinson’s disease, post-traumatic stress disorder, multiple sclerosis, intractable pain (which is narrowly defined), Alzheimer’s, ALS, traumatic brain injury, concussion, chronic pain associated with either fibromyalgia or sickle cell disease, conditions resulting in the patient receiving hospice care or palliative care, and—in some cases—autism. Once a person qualifies for a medical marijuana card, they are placed in a statewide database, where they can go to a qualifying Louisiana cannabis dispensary and receive their prescribed dosage. It’s important to understand that, legally, each cardholder may only be given up to 2.5 ounces of medical marijuana every 14 days. This helps ensure cardholders are not abusing the system or sharing their prescribed medication.

Understanding the specifics of the marijuana laws in Louisiana will help ensure you aren’t surprised if you come across any terms or limitations regarding medical marijuana cards and usage.

Cultivation License in Louisiana. With medical marijuana legal in Louisiana, you may be wondering how you can begin cultivating your own crops. As previously mentioned, the LDAF currently handles all cultivation of medical marijuana. This means that there is no medical growth permitted outside of two agencies in the state—the Louisiana State University Agriculture Center and Southern University Agriculture Center. No other individual or

Laws?

business is allowed to grow medical marijuana for personal use or distribution. Louisiana Cannabis Dispensary Information. If you or someone you know qualifies for a medical marijuana card in Louisiana, you’re likely wondering how you can obtain the prescribed amount of cannabis. As of right now, Louisiana only has nine dispensaries in the state. While this may be discouraging at first glance, there are some dispensaries that offer home delivery to medical cardholders.

Medical marijuana dispensaries in Louisiana are able to provide you with a wide array of marijuana products to best meet your needs and preferences in symptom alleviation. Dispensaries have a variety of smokeable marijuana flowers, RSO distillate syringes, metered-dose inhalers (MDIs), edibles, and tinctures. Once you have your medical marijuana card and prescription from your doctor, you are able to visit a dispensary and find the right product for you. Each dispensary employs people who will help you choose the right form of cannabis and will follow up with you to make sure your product of choice is meeting your needs.

Takeaway. When asking the question, “is marijuana legal in Louisiana,” the answer is a little more complicated than many people prefer. Medical marijuana is fully legal in Louisiana as long as the person has a medical card that was recommended and prescribed by a licensed Louisiana doctor. However, recreational marijuana is still illegal in the state.

While many people may be discouraged by the state of marijuana laws in Louisiana, it’s important to realize how much progress has been made over the last few years. Recognizing that smaller amounts of marijuana possession are now decriminalized in Louisiana can be seen as a mark for the win column for those in favor of legalization.

Regardless of what future cannabis laws look like in Louisiana, it’s essential to be as up-todate as possible on the laws and regulations in place so you can make sure you are abiding by them.

BY SEVA MAY

Janet Maines

It is true that social media has changed the way we communicate with each other. And while this bears some negative aspects, social media can also prove positive in many ways. One of these ways is how being present on social media can spark creativity in an individual. Watching another person’s dance performance can inspire a desire to join a dance class. Hearing someone sing on YouTube might encourage you to join a choir or take vocal lessons to improve your own skills. Such was the case with Janet Maines when she came across a colleague’s charcoal sketches on Facebook.

Janet chose a career in graphic art and works in that field designing websites, logos, brochures – anything that requires a creative eye for design. One day, while on Facebook, she saw Jim Huckabee’s work and was inspired to reach out to him in hopes of taking lessons. Jim invited her to a “class” which was more of a gathering of fellow artists who met regularly in Charlie Tabor’s garage. As she watched in fascination, Jim handed her a pencil and sketch pad and encouraged her to draw. What she turned out looked more like a kindergarten drawing but Janet kept coming to the class. It didn’t take long for her to catch on and soon, she was getting commissions from friends for her charcoal work.

Janet managed to turn the Covid quarantine into a positive experience. She began spending more time online following artists on social media. She would study other techniques and styles to advance her skills. When she began communicating

Shreveporter’s art journey includes international recognition.

with Kathy Morris, an artist from Atlanta, a lasting friendship and mentorship was formed. Kathy encouraged her tremendously and suggested that Janet should be teaching her artistic skills to others. It was perfect timing. Her graphic design work had slowed down. Her art commissions had begun to blossom, and she began teaching. Her studio – in one of the most unexpected locations imaginable. You may find her on any given Wednesday in the WHOLE FOODS café from 1:00 to 3:00. It’s there that her adult class attracts diners and shoppers alike. Janet also takes private students beginning at age 12. Janet became a member of the Portrait Society of America. Formed in 1998 as an educational organization, the Portrait Society of America is dedicated to furthering the traditions of fine art portraiture and figurative art through programs and publications. According to their website, members can access technical information, delve into traditional aesthetics, and research the history of figurative art and portraiture. Among other enrichment activities, this organization recognizes and honors artists of distinction who “have over the course of their careers produced bodies of work that epitomizes excellence within the discipline.”

It was through this organization and the encouragement of her mentor, Kathy Morris, that Janet entered an annual competition. Both of her entries made it to the semi-finals with one of those portraits being featured in a national art magazine. They will also be on display at Sotheby’s in New York City. This is quite an accomplishment in anyone’s book. Perhaps dearer to her heart is Janet’s involvement with a non-profit organization started by Brent Anderson. “In My Father’s Eyes Portraits” works with families of children who have been diagnosed with cancer to provide them with beautiful portraits of their children. Anderson enlists the help of artists willing to donate their talent for this worthy cause. “The feeling of love between the artist and the recipient is beyond words,” Janet claims. Anderson has the portrait framed and sent to these families free of charge and wrapped in compassion.

How’s that for a creative spark from a Facebook post? Thank you, Jim Huckabee.

If you would like to see more of Janet’s work, check out her portfolio on Instagram @janetmainesartist.  She also has a Facebook presence (of course) and a website: janetmaines.com.

Top: Pastel on Pastelmat “YOU Fetch” - Runner-up in Best Pastels in the 16th International Art Renewal Center (ARC) Salon Competition

Left: Graphite on paper “Faith Hope Love” - Semi-finalist in the Drawing Category in the 16th International Art Renewal Center (ARC) Salon Competition

CAMP AQUA at Shreveport Aquarium

Dive deep into the wonders of the ocean and experience up close animal encounters and behind the scenes fun at Shreveport Aquarium this summer!

Animal Architects! Take a dive into the ocean and learn how different marine creatures construct their underwater homes. Campers will take on the role of digger, builder and designer, and with interactive games and activities, they will have a blast acting like their favorite sea creatures, all while gaining a deeper understanding of the ocean world. (Ages 4-7 and 6-11) June 5–9, 9 a.m. – Noon, June 12–16, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Reef Rangers! Track sharks, create recycled art and conduct scientific experiments in this ultimate camp for conservation heroes! Using creativity and problem-solving skills campers will help conservationists confront real-world problems by designing, building and testing their own ocean prototypes to help marine life! (Ages 4-7 and 6-11) June 19–23, 9 a.m. –Noon, June 26–30, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Eco-Engineers! Dive into the deep blue and discover the incredible adaptations of our ocean pals. From speedy swordfish to camouflaging octopuses, campers will use their wild imaginations to explore ways to protect ocean habitats with animal-inspired solutions. (Ages 6-11) July 10–14, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

CABOSA SOCCER

The Caddo Bossier Soccer Association/Shreveport United Soccer Club is a nonprofit youth sports organization having the primary objective of teaching sportsmanship, discipline, leadership, teamwork, and physical conditioning through the game of soccer.

The club provides facilities, training, administration, and support to more than 2,600 participants ranging from 3 years through adult from Shreveport, Bossier, and surrounding areas. CABOSA/SU programs meet the needs of youth athletes at both the recreational and competitive levels. We offer play based upon interest and ability for anyone who enjoys soccer. CABOSA/SU is an affiliate of the Louisiana Soccer Association, US Youth Soccer, and US Club Soccer.  For more information on our programs including recreational, academy, competitive, summer camps, and more, please visit our website at CABOSA.org.

Our upcoming programs include:

Competitive Team Tryouts – 2013-2005 birth year players

Academy Open House – 2016-2014 birth year players

Youth Summer League, Youth Summer Camps, Summer Adult League

Follow us on Facebook Cabosa/Shreveport United  Instagram cabosa_su

Combining correct technique with fun to create age-appropriate classes for every dancer! Ages 3 and up! Summer Camps are available for all ages. Dancing in Stonewall and Natchitoches all Summer long!

SCIPORT

Sciport offers summer camps that will SPARK your child’s curiosity all summer long!

Itty Bitty Camp (ages 3-5) will encourage your little scientist to explore the world around them through simple science-based activities. Our half-day, Itty Bitty Scientist camp themes are Bugs, Bees and Butterflies (June 5-9), Digging DINOS! (June 12-16), 3,2,1 BLAST OFF! (June 26-30), All Kinds of Animals (June 26-30), Oh, Sharks! (July 5-7), Jr. Mad Scientists (July 17-21), and It’s a Jungle Out There (July 24-28).

Elementary Camp (ages 6-12) will have your child performing hands-on science experiments, interacting with guest speakers, and much more. We are partnering with Bricks4Kids and Challenge Island again this summer, so there will be something for everyone. Themes range from exploring space to superheroes and villains. All elementary camps feature hands on STEM learning that your camper will not want to miss! Please check our website for all available camps.

SPARK your curiosity all summer long at Sci-Port! Weekly summer camps begin the week of June 5 and run through the week of July 24, 2023.  To register, go to http://www.sci-port.org/camps.

RENEE’S DANCE STUDIO

Renee’s Dance Studio was established in 2007. Owner, Renee Oates, who has a Bachelor’s in Theatre and Dance, has been sharing her love of dance with others as an instructor for over 20 years. The first studio campus is in Natchitoches. The second campus, located in Stonewall, opened its doors 5 years ago. Renee is passionate about combining correct technique with fun to create age-appropriate classes for every dancer! Summer registration opens in May!

Stonewall & Natchitoches Campuses:

Pop Diva Hip Hop Camp We will have fun learning hip hop technique, playing games, and expressing our inner “pop diva. (Ages 3-11) No experience needed. June 5-8.

Technique Clinic We will work on turn, leap, and choreography combos! (Intermediate/Advanced dancers ages 8-18) Dance experience needed. June 19-22.

Ballet Princess Camp We will dress as princesses, learn ballet technique, and make crafts for mom! (Ages 3-11) No experience needed. July 17-20.

BY SCOTT ANDERSON

Louisiana KEY ACADEMY New charter school for dyslexic children to open this fall.

Arthur Circle Elementary School closed its doors in 2020. Today, the campus at 261 Arthur Ave. in the Broadmoor neighborhood is undergoing a metamorphosis that will change the way many students learn.

Louisiana

Key Academy has acquired the former public-school facility for its Caddo campus.

Louisiana Key Academy is a nonprofit, Type 2 charter school built around the needs of dyslexic students.

LKA’s Baton Rouge campus has been in operation for about 10 years.

Physician and U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy and his wife, Dr. Laura Cassidy, helped launch Louisiana Key Academy.

“They had a daughter that they discovered in kindergarten had

Pam Barkley, Principal

dyslexia,” said Pam Barker, who will be principal at Louisiana Key Academy Caddo. “As two physicians, they really began to struggle to find educational resources in the Baton Rouge area that were public dollars. He’s a public servant, so it was alarming to them that those resources weren’t there. That’s how their passion began for starting this program.”

Last year, Louisiana Key Academy opened a campus in Covington to serve the Northshore area of the state. The work being done at Louisiana Key Academy attracted the attention of a group of investors interested in replicating the model in north Louisiana.

“A group of investors who had a personal connection kind of began the due diligence of bringing a similar program here,” Barker said. “They wanted to provide the resources and have a program everyone recognizes is needed. “We looked at a model in the fall.” They met with parents and observed the daily interactions of teachers and students. They determined it would be something beneficial to this community.

The goal is to provide an educational environment tailored to the needs of dyslexic students. The process starts, Barker said, with detecting the need as early as possible. But that can be costprohibitive. LKA Caddo offers free screenings and evaluations. “Many programs are private, and at an exorbitant cost,” Barker said. “Screening in the early years is still done privately. A lot of people from here travel to Dallas for costly private screenings.”

“Our ultimate goal is to provide the intervention and remediation and tools for that child to reenter into regular classes.”

Renovations are underway all over campus in preparation of the school's opening.

Regulations require students to go through response to intervention in the early grades, she said. Those regulations are necessary but can create another issue.

“We’ve got to make sure we are not over-identifying,” Barker said. “Unfortunately, in the process, we are under-identifying in certain areas.”

LKA Caddo will offer free screenings and evaluations to determine eligibility.

The education model that LKA Caddo will use is built in partnership with The Yale Center for Dyslexia and Creativity. Its founders, Drs. Sally and Bennett Shaywitz, are considered forerunners in the scientific understanding of dyslexia, Barker said.

“They have partnered with Louisiana Key Academy to ensure we are utilizing all this current research and data,” she said.

One of the key components of the model is teacher training.

“I tell people all the time, teachers want to teach, but not all come equipped with the right tools,” Barker said. “Unfortunately, many of our teachers haven’t been trained to work with children with dyslexia.”

Students have different levels of dyslexia, from mild to severe, so the curriculum will be studentcentered, she said. Students will be monitored in the program, and instruction will be modified when needed.

“It’s certainly a unique model that sets us apart,” she said. “We knew that if we could model that here, that we would be ensuring success for kids with dyslexia. I call it life changing.”

Students with dyslexia can struggle with self-esteem, she added. The curriculum aims to combat the idea that these students are unable to learn.

“Immediately they begin to feel success,” she said. “The light bulb goes off.”

Most classes at LKA Caddo will have a 16:1 student-teacher ratio, Barker said. Students also will have a 6:1, 90-minute pullout session in reading. Some will have the same in math.

LKA Caddo will start with about 160 students in first through fourth grades, Barker said. She said LKA Caddo is currently recruiting teachers and evaluating perspective students. Plan include adding one grade a year through eighth grade after that.

“Our ultimate goal is to provide the intervention and remediation and tools for that child to re-enter into regular classes.”

Barker said that through this process she has met many adults who learned their own ways to overcome challenges with dyslexia. It’s not something new, she noted.

“Dyslexia’s been around forever,” she said. “Our first president had dyslexia. Picasso had dyslexia. Those people didn’t have formal, specialized instruction. They

had their own coping skills.

“We know the need exists, obviously. There’s a lot of new 21st-Century scientific evidence that’s bringing a newfound informational section. Science and education are coming together.”

It’s about breaking a stigma about dyslexia. “They are slow readers, not slow thinkers,” Barker said.

LKA Caddo is looking for one key asset as it recruits teachers — a passion for working with students with dyslexia. “We want new teachers,” she said. “We want the specialized teacher who has experience. We want those who say, ‘I’ve delved into this. I understand what it is to overcome dyslexia.’ We don’t have an exact mold.”

Barker herself is so passionate that she came out of retirement to lead the charge. She has degrees in elementary and special education.

“I am an oldie, I say. I was at the forefront of identifying students and working with them,” she said. “I have always had a passion. It has always been my love.”

And she is excited to have the Arthur Circle campus available.

“That was such a vital, exciting part for all of us,” she said. “The investors wanted to revitalize an area of our town. They looked at schools that had been closed. The Broadmoor area and Arthur Circle School was a gift. It wasn’t a free gift. But the building, the location, it’s just such a blessing. It’s a win-win for everyone.”

The school plans to open this fall and follow the same Caddo Parish schools calendar. For more information about teaching at LKA or about screenings, evaluations, and the curriculum, visit lkaschools.com or call (318) 752-6257.

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PET DAY

BY HAILEY LAWSON

National Pet Day is celebrated annually on April 11th and is dedicated to celebrating the joy and companionship that pets bring to our lives, as well as raising awareness about pet adoption and animal welfare. According to the American Pet Products Association, approximately 67% of U.S. households own a pet. The most popular pets are dogs and cats, followed by fish, birds, and other small animals like hamsters and guinea pigs. Many people believe that owning a pet can have positive effects on mental and physical health, including reducing stress, increasing exercise, and improving social connections. On National Pet Day, people are encouraged to show their love and appreciation for their pets by spending time with them, spoiling them with treats and toys, and sharing photos and stories about their pets on social media.

In addition to celebrating our own pets, National Pet Day is also a time to raise awareness about pet adoption and the importance of responsible pet ownership. Many animal shelters and rescue organizations hold special adoption events and fundraisers on this day to help find loving homes for pets in need. This day is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the special bond that we share with our pets and to promote the wellbeing of animals in our communities.

There are many ways to celebrate National Pet Day and show your love and appreciation for your furry friends. Here are some ideas:

Ř Spend quality time with your pet: Take your dog for a long walk, play with your cat, or simply cuddle up with your pet on the couch.

Ř Spoil your pet with treats and toys: Treat your pet to their favorite treats and toys, or surprise them with a new toy or a special treat they haven’t tried before.

Ř Share photos and stories about your pet on social media: Use the hashtag #NationalPetDay to share photos and stories about your pet on social media and celebrate the special bond you share.

Ř Make a donation to an animal shelter or rescue organization: Make a donation to a local animal or rescue organization to help support their efforts in caring for animals in need.

Ř Volunteer at a local animal shelter: Offer your time and support by volunteering at a local animal shelter or rescue organization. You can help with tasks such as walking dogs, cleaning cages, and playing with cats.

Ř Adopt a pet: If you’ve been considering adopting a pet, National Pet Day is a great time to take the leap and give a loving home to an animal in need.

Remember, celebrating National Pet Day is not just about spoiling our own pets, but also about promoting animal welfare and raising awareness about the importance of responsible pet ownership. Whatever you choose to do, make sure to show your love for your pets, and consider ways to help support the well-being of animals in your community.

Howling Hotel & Spa was founded in June of 2020 by lifelong animal advocate Melody Small after 20 years of pet grooming. She has a love and passion for animals with the stated goal of providing a safe, happy, and fun place for pets and their owners to receive the best care that can be provided. Your pet is treated like one of the family at the Howling Hotel & Spa. They offer grooming and daycare services and the staff are all animal lovers with several years of experience. Unlike traditional doggy daycares, your pet will have their very own suite all to themselves and they offer your choice of small playgroups or individualized playtime. Call or visit the shop today to make your reservations. They are ready to make sure your furry friend has the best spa day ever!

For the love of Pets

These adorable pets belong to the families of SB Magazine advertisers. You may recognize one from your neighborhood! Don’t forget to Shop Local!

3. Toby

4. Coco

5. Domino

6. Rebel Ann

7. Diamond

8. Lola Marie

9. Pierce

10. Gizmo

11.

12.

13. Boat

14. Penelope

15. Foxy

16.

17.

16

Wrangler & Lurker

Daisy & Sasha

Beaux & Stetson

Toby & Molly

The Surprising PHYSICAL & MENTAL

BY MICHELLE YETMAN, PHD

Pet ownership soared during the pandemic and some shelters across the country found themselves empty of pets for the first time in history. Many people sought out the companionship of a pet to help manage the loneliness and isolation brought on by lockdown and the pandemic. For many people (and we know who we are), pets are much more than just animals – they are beloved family members. Pet ownership can provide a deep, meaningful connection with a living creature, and this special bond between pet and owner has numerous psychological and physical benefits. Numerous studies have

Benefits of Being a Pet Owner

shown that owning a pet can have a positive impact on mental and physical health and can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress. Here are just a few of the many ways our furry friends can improve the quality of our lives:

1. Reduction in stress and anxiety: Studies have shown that spending time with pets can help reduce stress and anxiety. The special bond you have with your pet can reduce feelings of anxiety and help cope

with

ailments

that are exacerbated by stress. Pets provide a calming presence, and their unconditional love and affectionate behavior can help to lower levels of cortisol, a hormone that is associated with stress. Having that excited dog to greet you when you come home or having a warm fur baby to cuddle up with on the sofa can provide a sense of security and comfort and can help reduce feelings of anxiety. Tending to your pets feeding schedule, play time and grooming can provide a sense of routine, which also helps to alleviate anxiety.

2. Improved mood and decreased depression: Pets can have a positive impact on our mood and mental state. Spending time with a pet can increase the production of endorphins, the brain’s feel-good chemicals, which can help to boost our mood and decrease feelings of depression. In addition, pets provide unconditional love and companionship, which can help to combat feelings of loneliness and isolation. Many people became new pet owners during the pandemic for this very reason. For individuals prone to mental health struggles, pets can provide a distraction and disruption from distressing symptoms, such as ruminating negative thoughts.

Using animals to promote mental wellness has been formally adopted by hospitals, nursing homes and other facilities. Animal-Assisted Therapy or Pet-Facilitated Therapy (PFT) has been shown to be a valuable adjunct to traditional medical and psychological treatment approaches. Dogs, cats, rabbits, horses and even llamas have been used in pet-assisted therapy and have shown to have beneficial events in a wide range of conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and autism. There is some evidence to suggest that the human-animal bond may reduce the risk of suicide, a health threat that disproportionately affects U.S. military veterans.

3. Increased socialization and sense of community: Pets can be a great way to meet new people and make friends. Whether it is taking a dog for a walk in the park or joining a cat-lovers group online, pets can provide opportunities for socialization and a sense of community. Dog parks are very friendly places, not just for the dogs, but for the humans as well. Meeting and chatting with fellow pet owners can help to combat loneliness and can be a great way to connect with others, especially for people who are shy, struggle with social anxiety or have a hard time making new friends. I have had some of the nicest conversations with strangers in the veterinarian’s waiting room. Most pet owners are happy to chat about their pet with others.

4. Enhanced sense of purpose and responsibility: Pets are family members. Like humans, they need love, healthcare, feeding schedules and attention. Caring for a pet can provide a sense of purpose and responsibility. Pets are totally dependent on their owners, and taking care of them can provide a sense

of accomplishment and fulfillment. Pets can be a great way to introduce chores and teach responsibility in children. Pets also provide children with opportunities to learn about demonstrating nurture and affection. A University of Cambridge study, which examined pet ownership and children over a 10-year time span, found that children who had a strong relationship with their pets exhibited higher levels of pro-social behavior (e.g., sharing, helping) in comparison to their peers.

5. Increased physical activity: Many pets, such as dogs, require daily exercise. A Michigan Behavioral Risk Factor Survey found that approximately 60% of dog walkers met the criteria for regular moderate to vigorous exercise, in comparison to only 45% of non-dog owners. Having a cat or a dog has been shown to be beneficial for your blood pressure. Being a dog owner is associated with lower diastolic and systolic blood pressure. The National Health and Nutrition Examination study looked at pet ownership over a 20-year time span. The study of over 2,400 cat owners concluded that there was a significantly lower relative risk of death due to cardiovascular diseases, including stroke and heart attack, compared to non-owners. Pets can help us get regular exercise, and this has been shown to have numerous physical and psychological benefits.

The rewards provided by pets are too many to list. If you’ve had a tough day or a personal crisis, the unconditional love and support a pet can provide can be priceless. Many people report that their pets have helped them get through difficult times. While pet ownership clearly has enormous benefits, it is not without commitment and challenges. Before getting a pet, carefully consider your lifestyle. Do you stay late at work? Do you travel often? Pets require time, attention, and financial resources. Make sure you are at the right point in your life to be able to responsibly take on a pet. A good fit between you and your pet can enhance your life immensely.

Michelle Yetman, PhD, is a Clinical Associate Professor at LSU Health Shreveport and a Clinical Psychologist for the Children’s Center at the LSUHS School of Allied Health Professions of medicine and pediatrics at LSU Health Shreveport.

THE KREWE OF BARKUS & MEOUX

BY SCOTT ANDERSON

— “killing all the darlings,” as she puts it — and slashed the story to a mere 257 words. The next step was bringing the words to life with illustrations. Even for an accomplished artist, that presented a challenge.

“I hadn’t learned how to create a visual narrative,” she said. “It’s not a set of single paintings you have in a children’s book. It’s an entire visual story.”

Lindsay learned how to do that through an online course in children’s book illustration from the Rhode Island School of Design.

She put everything she had learned about writing and illustrating a children’s book together. By 2021, Lindsay had her book dummy in hand, and she was on her way to seeing the dream become a reality. She just didn’t know how long a road she still had to travel.

“I began pitching it to publishers,” she said. “Each month I pitched it to a different publisher or agent and each month was rejected.”

She’s able to chuckle about that now as she recalls the process. That’s because she eventually pitched the project to Pelican Publishing in New Orleans.

“They were immediately like, ‘This is a yes for us. Let’s do it.’”

She signed a book deal in early 2022. She completed all of the artwork by the end of March that year. And that September, “The Krewe of Barkus and Meoux” was released, just in time for the Christmas and Mardi Gras seasons.

“It’s been crazy, thinking back,” Lindsay said. “I saw the pet parade for the first time in 2018, missed it in 2019, so upset. Started trying to write everything. It was a long journey.”

USAF Maj. Lindsay Cordero had a pet project locked away in her mind, until her commander gave her the key to set it free.

“She asked me, ‘Lindsay, if you were doing anything outside of the Air Force, what would it be?’” Lindsay said. “I answered, like immediately, ‘I would totally be writing children’s books.’ And she was like, ‘So, why don’t you?’” So that’s what Lindsay did. And she knew just what her inspiration would be.

“I went to the Krewe of Barkus and Meoux parade,” she said. “Fell in love with it!” That was 2018. Lindsay had big plans for the 2019 pet parade. She was going to dress up her cat and join in

the festivities. But she had to miss the parade that year for a work trip. Her reaction to missing the parade caught her attention.

“I was so upset about it,” she said. “I was like, ‘There’s something about this. Maybe this is what my first children’s book should be about. The whole krewe is so friendly and supportive. They do such amazing things in the community for animals. There’s definitely something there.’”

Only one thing stood in her way — Lindsay had no idea how to write a children’s book.

“I think my first draft was over 2,000 words,” she said. “Children’s books are not 2,000 words. They are 200 to 500.” She spent a year “unwriting” the story

The book transforms Shreveport’s vaunted Mardi Gras pet parade into “a dance battle of Mardi Gras proportions” set in the French Quarter, Lindsay explains. The Krewe of Barkus and the Krewe of Meoux parade against each other to determine which will come out on top.

“Spoiler alert… the party gets so crazy, they end up deciding they are going to combine krewes and become the Krewe of Barkus and Meoux. It’s a bit of a story about collaboration over competition. It’s just a silly story.”

That silliness in the story is simply a reflection of the spirit of the parade in Lindsay’s mind.

“It’s silly in the best way,” she said. “People have the best costumes for their pets. I live to see it. It’s just so fun!”

Before she even had the idea for a book, Lindsay wanted to celebrate that silliness, like a chihuahua dressed as a

Barksdale Air Force officer Lindsay Cordero publishes children’s book influenced by Mardi Gras parade

ringmaster in a blue, glittery costume or a horse dressed up like a unicorn.

“It was so visually appealing to me,” she said as she recalled her inaugural parade. “I was like, ‘I have to make it into artwork.’ The storyline kind of flowed from there.”

Lindsay knew at 15 that she wanted to pursue her creative interests. That’s not an easy sell growing up in a military family.

“My whole family is Navy and Air Force,” she said. “They were like, ‘What are you going to do? You have to be able to put food on the table. Why don’t you just go into the military?’”

So that’s what she did.

After high school she attended the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo. While she was there, she gave up “frivolous pursuits” like creating to focus her time and energy on the “serious profession” of becoming an officer. She received her degree in 2013 from the academy and started her active-duty career. Along the way, she learned that engaging her artistic side made her a better officer, and a better person.

“I kind of betrayed myself a little,” Lindsay said about giving up her art in college. “Whenever I am aligned with my creativity, I am best able to serve. I am most authentically able to lead and live in my own life.”

By 2015, she had returned to art and was selling commissions.

“I couldn’t not make art,” she said. “There was no way I could hold it in.” She took commissions until she focused her creative energy on creating the book. And while she still enjoys the Air Force, Lindsay feels called to create more children’s books. She is pivoting off of active duty as a legislative liaison for Global Strike Command at Barksdale Air Force Base to Air Force Reserves so she can dedicate herself to her creative work full time.

Lindsay has several more story ideas she is pursuing. They hit her all the time, like when she’s driving. Still, she acknowledges that her creative process remains a mystery.

“It’s difficult to pinpoint where the creative spark occurs,” she said. “Sometimes it’s the writing. Sometimes

it’s the art. Sometimes it occurs simultaneously to me, almost like watching a movie that has dialog.”

With “The Krewe of Barkus and Meoux,” it started with the writing.

“I had to get the draft out,” Lindsay said. “Just get all the words out on paper. People ask me what that first draft needs to look like. I tell them it just needs to exist. It’s perfect if it just exists.”

Once the words were refined, Lindsay put what she learned from RISD to work illustrating the story. That’s where her analogy about filmmaking came into play. “Every page, or two-page spread, is a scene,” Lindsay explained. “In every scene, I have to consider lighting, character’s costumes, positioning on stage, the angle of the camera, or the viewer, as they see the pets parading.” And like most great movie makers, Lindsay made a choice to go off-script. “This was bit daring of me,” she said. “I wanted the color in the story to visually represent the sound of that jazz music as the pets paraded through it.”

The hottest colors represent the loudest sounds of the parade. Black and white areas of the artwork reflect moments of rest when there is no sound. She used contrasting, cooler Mardi Gras colors on every fourth spread to replicate a jazz rhythm.

There are many more Easter eggs in the artwork for readers to discover as well. The fortune-telling cat in the story is based on her “fat, sassy” cat named Jackie Daytona.

“There’s so much nuance here,” she said. “There’s a lot of craft that goes into making the art for a children’s book. The visuals have to carry what the words cannot.”

With her debut book released, Lindsay said she is invigorated by the process. She wants others to know what that feeling is like.

“I hope everyone can find that thing that they can do for four years, feeling like you made no progress, but it keeps you so alive,” she said. “That’s how creativity works. You have to be so attached to that idea that you can’t let it go. That’s exactly how I felt about this Mardi Gras pet parade.”

She shares that enthusiasm at events to promote the

book, including an art auction in Ohio. She worked with Meridian Healthcare and donated an original work of art from the book to benefit families struggling with addiction and homeless veterans.

“I was signing my Mardi Gras book in Ohio, and people would ask, ‘What is Mardi Gras? I’m like, ‘It’s this great time with a lot of parades.’ They’re like, ‘Can anyone do this?’ I said, ‘Heck, yeah!’”

The reception for the book has exceeded her expectations, and not just in Ohio. She sold out of 200 books in three days at the Red River Revel.

“I had been told by creative colleagues and friends it probably won’t sell a whole lot in the beginning. At every one of my events, I have been selling out. It’s the craziest feeling. My book has sold in the United Kingdom, in Hawaii, places you wouldn’t expect. It’s such a thrill.”

The support she has received locally affirms for her the decision to write the book in the first place.

“It’s been such support from this community, and I am so grateful for it,” Lindsay said. “This is why I wanted to celebrate and elevate our pet parade here.”

Lindsay is grateful not only for the community she has found since releasing the book, but for the community that encouraged her to start the journey as well.

“I had this crazy idea,” she admits. “I took it seriously, but I didn’t know how to bring it to life. One of the first things I did was join the Society for Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. It is the most supportive group of creatives — writers and artists. It’s a very safe space. Join the community of people that are similarly striving to do what you are wanting to do. Once I did that, that’s when I started to get momentum under me.”

“The Krewe of Barkus and Meoux” is available at 318 Art Co., Barnes & Noble, Amazon, and other online retailers. lindsaycordero.com Summer is right around the corner! Book your pet’s stay with us today!

MAGGIO GROCERY & DELI

BY SCOTT ANDERSON

It’s a bright, brisk Wednesday morning in the Cumberland neighborhood in Bossier City. The tranquility is pierced by dogs barking, playfully scuffling to determine the alpha in their backyard domain. From down the street comes the muffled sounds of hoes, shovels and conversation as folks tend a community garden.

At the corner of East Third and Thompson streets stands a modest brick building. A faded metal sign on the wall marks where a pay phone stood long ago. An ice merchandiser hums by the front door. Signs and flyers plaster the windows — one promoting a local ministry, one curled up piece of paper seeking information about a missing person, stickers selling cigars, lottery tickets and ICEEs, neon Bud Light

signs. An American flag dangles from the awning, waving in the cool gentle breeze.

Some folks drive by slowly, making eye contact with others who mingle on the sidewalk. They just shrug their shoulders and say, “Nah, they ain’t open yet.” The drivers pull away. They will return to check again later. In the meantime, the pedestrians pace anxiously and grumble, “He’s late.”

He is Vince Maggio. And as the sign on the front of the store proclaims, his family has run Maggio Grocery & Deli at 401 Thompson St. since 1923.

Keith Thompson walks across the street to unlock and open the gate that blocks the driveway next to the store. Soon, Maggio turns his pickup into the driveway and disappears behind the building. Moments later, the fluorescent lights inside flicker to life, and Thompson pulls back the bars and

100-year-old labor of love is a bright spot for the community

unlocks the front door. Maggio’s is open for business.

After catching his breath, he explains he ran late this day because he was at home caring for his mother-in-law, Josephine Peters. Maggio won’t even consider any other option for her, even if it makes him late for work. He doesn’t believe in nursing homes, he says.

Inside the store, Maggio utilizes every square inch of space he can. The narrow aisles are lined with shelves stacked with everything from car fuses and fishing hooks to canned chili and snack cakes. The deli is in the back of the store. Thompson is slicing meat and cheese for customers, as well as fixing chili cheese hot dogs and nachos. It’s a one-stop shop in a neighborhood where options do not abound.

Maggio seems to just know what to keep in stock. He should. Like many of his customers, he grew up within walking distance of the store his father and grandfather owned before him — just one block north on Montgomery Street. As a boy, he delivered groceries in the neighborhood on his bicycle. “I was brought up right here,” he said. “This is my home. I was born at old Schumpert Hospital in Shreveport, brought here and have been here ever since.”

The Maggio family’s roots already ran deep in the Cumberland neighborhood. Vince’s grandfather, Sam Maggio, opened the original store 100 years ago, next door to its current location. Running the store has been a team effort for this close-knit Italian family from the earliest days. That included Vince’s mother, who was a nurse at Bossier Hospital.

“Aunt Grace, Daddy, Uncle Joe, and Momma helped part-time running the store,” Vince recalls. “And Grandma was in here. Grandma died in ’79. Grandpa died in ’71.”

Maggio walks through the store recalling the history — so much he hopes he can remember it all. A photo of the original store hangs over the door to the cooler, which used to be a kitchen. Photos of four generations of the Maggio family hang behind the cash register.

That faith has been passed down

“Grandpa came here and read the Bible, inside and out,” Maggio said. “Every Saturday, right here, with the First Baptist Church preacher, my grandpa would help him write the sermons.”

“Jesus is first,” Maggio explained. “Then second, you have your country — USA. Then you have your family.”

That faith also sustained the family when Vince’s daughter, Melissa Maggio, died in a car wreck in 2011.

“She was on her way to church to meet me and her momma,” he said. “I had just talked to her. She got killed in a car wreck on Benton Road. She was 24. That really aged me right there. I was in church, praying on my knees, when they came and touched me and took me to LSU. You can have everything you want, then when a life is gone, you don’t have anything. Only thing you’re going to leave with is your heart and your good name.”

Vince’s wife, Sharon Peters Maggio, is his full partner in the store, as she is in life. It’s a union that seems more destined than determined.

“They had the oldest store in Bossier, too,” Vince said of his in-laws.

“The older Mr. Peters and my grandfather played in Italy together. Mr. Peters and my grandfather were on the same boat from Italy. A week later, they saw each other — didn’t know they were on the same boat. They hugged each other and cried.”

They fought in the Army together before both landing in Bossier City, where both opened a grocery store.

Vince went to Airline High School. Sharon went to Bossier High. They met one night at McDonald’s.

“It was about 9:30,” Vince said as he recalled that night. “I had to be home by 11. That was my limit. My daddy was strict on us.”

Vince’s friend Pete Glorioso knew Sharon’s father and helped broker the introduction.

“I went to see Mr. Peters before I ever talked to Sharon,” Vince said. “The old Italian way. I talked to her momma and daddy. They were so sweet to me. I didn’t know her daddy and my daddy went to school together.”

They hit it off that night, and 41 years later, they are still together and still running the family business.

“You tell somebody the grandpas played together on the same street, fought together in the war, then came to Bossier City and opened two of the oldest stores, and then we married each other, they say, ‘That’s a mafia wedding.’ I say, ‘No, God worked it out.’”

Sharon said it takes that kind of connection to keep a store like Maggio Grocery & Deli going.

“It was the perfect union for us,” she said. “I was used to being in the store all the time. You definitely have to have family. Somebody who understands this type of business. This little neighborhood depends on this place.”

The Peters’ family store eventually closed. Maggio is working to ensure the tradition remains in the family.

“We’re still going, thank the Lord,” he said. “I am training my nephew, Joseph Maggio, to run the store if something happens to me."

Maggio greets everyone who comes through the door, calling most by name and asking about their families. At Maggio Grocery & Deli, bottled drinks are $1.99. Love is free.

“You’ve got to give it from the heart,” he said. “When you give from the heart, you don’t keep up with it. You just keep giving, because God will give it to you. If God lets me live one more day to see my family, my friends, my customers, I’m happy.”

One woman calls out, “Hey, Vince,” as she’s walking out the door. He doesn’t let her just slip away. “Hey, sweetheart,”

he calls back in reply. “How you doing? You have a nice day.”

Joe waits patiently while Maggio is on the phone. “He’s good people,” Joe says of Vince. “I’ve never met anybody better than him. Never.”

“This is a neighborhood store,” Maggio explained. “When they come here, you want them happy and safe. I’ll take care of them like they are my own family.”

That love drives Maggio to give back to the community beyond the four walls of the store.

He was staring out the window of the store one Monday morning, sipping coffee and considering what more he could do for his neighborhood, when that love prompted him to take another step — running for city council.

“Bossier City has been so great to my whole family,” he said. “I want to give back to my community I was born in District 5. I live in District 5. I work in District 5. I’ve never left District 5.”

Maggio’s campaign platform was built on safety and infrastructure.

“We ain’t got safety, and we ain’t got

infrastructure,” he said. “Every penny I spend for the city, I want it to go back to the basics — safety and infrastructure. That’s what we need right now.”

Maggio backs up his commitment to his district with his actions. He has organized cleanup efforts to keep trash out of the neighborhood.

“I’ve picked up 13 dumpsters already,” he said. “What the trash people don’t pick up, I pick up — limbs, posts, iceboxes, dishwashers, basketball goals. I hate to see something on the side of the road. I’m giving back to my community. I don’t mind working.”

Through the years Maggio has bought properties in the neighborhood to keep them from going dormant. One of those properties is now Cumberland Farms — the urban garden down the street from the store.

Cumberland Farms’ mission is to “Restore Lives. Create Jobs. Ignite Hope.” It is an extension of The Lovewell at Cumberland, whose expanded mission is to help people in the area move out of poverty.

Maggio gave the Lovewell permission to the property with no strings attached.

“We couldn’t do a lot of what we do without their help,” Mark Rodie, cofounder of Cumberland Farms and director of operations for the Lovewell at Cumberland, said of the Maggios.

“It was a clean slate, an empty lot. We just show him pictures of what God has done, and he says, ‘That’s awesome.’”

On this particular Wednesday, a group of Haughton students were volunteering at the garden on their Spring Break. Maggio treated them to burgers and

sandwiches from the store for lunch. On Thursday nights, he pays for security for The Underground, a Bible study and dinner for young people in the area.

For Maggio, it’s all a way to share a simple message with the community.

“If you have Jesus, honesty and work hard, you can have anything I’ve got,” he said. “I didn’t go to college. Daddy kept me at the store, helping on rent houses and at the farm. I’m teaching them how I was brought up.”

If you’ve never had the pleasure of eating crawfish before, you are in for a tasty treat. Before you dive into the wonderful world of Louisiana dishes that contain crawfish, you should know a little bit about this small creature of the sea. Read on to discover what a crawfish is, how it tastes, and how you can get the best bite.

WHAT IS A CRAWFISH?

Crawfish are freshwater crustaceans, usually ranging in length from 3-6 inches. And, depending on your region and upbringing, can be known as crayfish, or mudbugs, or crawdads—but in Louisiana they are simply known as “crawfish” and are a staple during the spring and summer. The meat in their tails, and claws, is edible and the basis for crawfish boils and many popular recipes like gumbo, étouffée and jambalaya.

WHAT DOES CRAWFISH TASTE LIKE?

Although crawfish is typically grouped with seafood, it does not have a strong natural flavor like many other delicacies in this group. Compared to crab, crawfish do have a stronger flavor and are usually much meatier. Many people describe the flavor of crawfish as a combination of shrimp and crab, as they are slightly salty, a little sweet, and have a bit of mineral flavor. The taste of crawfish ultimately depends on which parts you are eating and how it’s been prepared. The edible parts of this sea creature include the claws, tails, legs, tomalley, and roe. The parts that you cannot eat are the head, the claws, the shell, and the tail fin. While the claws have a mild and sweet taste with a smooth texture, the tails are a bit thicker and tougher to chew.

WHEN IS CRAWFISH SEASON?

Crawfish season varies from one year to the next, based on how cold (or mild) the weather was during the Gulf Coast winter. It also depends on the amount of rain, and the water levels in the swamps and bayous.

Generally, the crawfish season in Louisiana runs from early-January through early-July for crawfish caught in the wild, with the peak months being March, April, and May. Crawfish from farms are available over a longer period of the year.

WHAT IS THE TYPICAL SIZE OF A SACK OF CRAWFISH?

Mesh sacks of crawfish vary in weight, but the average sack weighs around 34-36 pounds. However, some can be as small as 25lbs, others as large as 43lbs.

HOW IN THE WORLD DO YOU BOIL CRAWFISH?

Boiling crawfish is a Louisiana tradition—an event and social gathering not to be rushed, but to be enjoyed with family and friends! Fill your chest with ice, beer, and cold drinks, gather up newspaper to spread on the outdoor tables, setup the lawn chairs, and begin the “process.”

When it comes to recipes, everyone has a favorite—there are dozens of recipes and techniques to choose from.

WHAT IS THE RECOMMENDED AMOUNT TO ORDER FOR EACH PERSON?

The standard guideline is three pounds per person—for the “average” person that is. This recommendation is based on serving the crawfish with corn and potatoes. Some long-time crawfish diners may consume up to five pounds. Crawfish aficionados can easily eat ten pounds (or more) in one sitting.

ARE CRAWFISH GOOD FOR YOUR HEALTH?

Crawfish are an excellent source of high-quality protein, while being low in calories, fat, and saturated fat. One quarter pound of crawfish tails contains only 82 calories, while also being a good source of calcium, phosphorous, iron, protein, and B vitamins. Although crawfish tend to be higher in cholesterol than most other shellfish, a 3.5 ounce serving provides only about half of the daily recommended allowance.

HOW MUCH EDIBLE MEAT COMES FROM A CRAWFISH?

A whole, cooked crawfish will typically yield about 15% tail meat. So, as an example, 10 pounds of whole crawfish should yield about 1.5 pounds of tail meat.

WILL A CRAWFISH BITE ME?

Hold a live crawfish behind the head and you’re safe! If it’s already been boiled—just pinch the head and enjoy!

OUTDOOR SPACES OUTDOOR PLACES

BY ADAM BAILEY

Enjoy a backyard patio or take off on an outing. There are lots of places to revel in the spring weather in Northwest Louisiana right now!

Calm, Classic Outdoor Living. Designed for entertaining, this outdoor-friendly patio-pool arrangement provides a great place to socialize by offering indoor comforts and outdoor style. An outdoor bar, along with seating around a fireplace, encourage leisure time and easy conversation while being surrounded by copious plants and greenery--adding life to the space and making it welcoming. The use of multiple textures is soothing and evokes nature. Color accents in the furniture elevate the space and enhance the elegant decor choices. This space is cozy; it invites nature in, creates a space as beautiful as it is comforting.

Home of Nancy McCarter & Steve Horn.

Blending Color and Textures for Casual Elegance. Using soft, neutral tones—in addition to the wood, brick and furniture selection— help create this refined, rustic back porch escape. These small touches add visual interest to the smooth blend of colors and textures. Just plush enough, the pillows and cushions create some contrast to the hardness of the brick, furniture edges, tile, and beadboard ceiling. The clean mix of beiges and browns works well, and the bench—which can easily be moved around the space— creates additional seating and serves as a perfect place to rest a book or beverage. The arrangement of potted plants and the vibrant fresh flowers add a pop of color.

Home of Lisa Hargrove

R.W. Norton Art Gallery.

Once dubbed “one of the South’s favorite spots” by Southern Living Magazine, the R.W. Norton Art Gallery and Botanical Gardens is a fusion of humankind’s art alongside that of nature. The gallery is known as one of the foremost collections of art by Frederic Remington and Charles M. Russell. It also operates as a teaching museum that encourages “community participation in thoughtful interpretations and discussions.” This free museum has a collection of more than 400 paintings and sculptures representative of over 100 artists. Around the gallery are 40 acres of meticulous landscaping and their botanical gardens. The gardens are home to tens of thousands of plants, including several thousand azaleas which reappear every spring. Throughout the garden’s paths are benches for visitors to spend more time in the gorgeous space. From now until May 7, enjoy the garden-inspired galleries of the BLOOM! exhibit, which had over 365 submissions from 16 countries.

Photos courtesy Norton’s

Caddo Common Park. Caddo Common Park, also known as “The Common,” is a 1+ acre creative greenspace located at the center of Shreveport Common at 869 Texas Avenue. The new pavilion opened in November 2022. The location and design of the park were informed by a nationally-awarded creative placemaking community vision plan process to revitalize a 9-block historic yet long-blighted area between the downtown business district and the eastern edge of Shreveport’s oldest neighborhood, Ledbetter/HUD Choice Neighborhoods. Today, through a large and tenacious public/private effort, nine parcels of broken concrete slabs, weeds and razor wire have been transformed into an active urban greenspace with tree-lined walking trails, an iconic outdoor Performance Pavilion, an Art Bosque Food Truck Court with 20’ tall solar and LED lit Artistrees, and a Bioswale.

6.25%+ Cash-on-Cash ROI

Corporate Partnership Opportunity

(Includes Equity Ownership in all 3 -Divisions of the company)

Local Residential Real Estate Investment Firm growing beyond what they can handle alon e. We are not a typical REI-Firm; we do not buy at retail and rent. We do not go into debt, except short-term, “Project Funding” debt with our Private Lenders. We, very creatively, “Value Buy” each asset, then sell on terms, through our Path-to-Home-Ownership program, creating MultipleStreams-of-Income with each asset sold*

Company Divisions:

Operations: Assets, Equity, Cash-Flow (New acquisitions being made monthly)

• $6.5M - Asset Value (Average Asset Value $198K / Quality Assets in Quality Areas)

• $3.2M - Equity

• $266K - Net Annual Cash-Flow

*Each asset sold produces 3-Income Streams:

1. Down-Payment

2. Monthly Cash-Flow

3. Back-End Equity

…Money Now, Money Monthly, & Money Later

Education: A growing division in which we offer 2- Educational Modules. Side-benefits include partnership opportunities from our students.

Expansion: Replication of our Business-Model in Remote Markets through our “Business-in-aBox” ($25K-$55K in Up-Front Fees, plus 12.5% Royalties from each expansion market).

Capital Required - $4.25M / Backed by Hard, Fixed, Income-Producing Assets.

$266K Net Revenue & $3.2M-Equity offered to partner, in perpetuity.

The reason Real Estate continues to be a safe hedge is right in the name; it is Real!

Caddo Lake State Park.

Covered in bald cypress trees dripping with Spanish moss, as well as a labyrinth of bayous, ponds, and swamps, Caddo Lake is quintessential East Texas. The park covers more than 26,000 acres and contains more than 70 species of fish, drawing in anglers from all over the world. A fishing pier and boat ramp are both accessible, too. Rent or bring your own canoe or kayak and explore the 50-plus miles of paddling trails in the area. Wildlife, including alligators, are abundant here.

Betty Virginia Park. Betty Virginia Park was given to the city by A.C. Steere and his partner Elias Goldstein in honor of their daughters Betty Goldstein and Virginia Steere. Open from dawn until dusk and is free to visit, it’s one of the top-visited parks in Shreveport and has a little bit to offer to everyone. It has a baseball diamond, picnic areas, playground equipment, and walking trails. There is not a place in Shreveport where Shreveporters have played as long or as hard as at Betty Virginia Park.

North Bossier Park. This is a lovely park hidden away in a residential neighborhood in Bossier City. Within the park, a dedicated picnic area is a great place to eat lunch or dinner. There are four pavilions for shelter, which means you can enjoy shelter from the sun while eating. After eating, enjoy a walk on the park’s jogging trails that wind through the park, and the onsite restrooms are kept clean. It also has some climbing rocks, spray park for the kids, and a playground, so you’ll have plenty of things to do after your picnic.

Bodcau Wildlife Management Area

Bodcau Wildlife Management Area—or Bodcau Recreation Area—is located in Bossier and Webster Parishes and derives its name from the major bayou that bisects it from its northernmost point at the Arkansas-Louisiana state line to its southernmost tip nearly 30 miles to the south. Whether you’re a seasoned outdoorsman or new to exploring nature’s pathways, the Bodcau Wildlife Management Area is one of the most beautiful natural areas in Louisiana. From cypress-lines swamps to canopies of pine and hardwood forests, there’s a lot to love about this special wildlife management area.

Dog Parks. Shreveport now has two dog parks: the Shreveport Dog Park on the Riverfront and the Southern Hills Dog Park.

When you’re done fetching, go out together for a bite or a cold one.

Here are a few of the dog friendly patios where you can bring your furry friends.

1. Great Raft Brewing Company

2. BeauxJax Crafthouse

3. Flying Heart Brewing & Pub

4. Twisted Root

5. Marilynn’s Place

6. Rotolo’s Pizzeria

7. Another Broken Egg Café

8. Rhino Coffee - Uptown

9. Bodacious Bar and Q

10. Cantina Laredo

11. Monjuni’s (Louisiana Avenue Location)

12. Ki’ Mexico

13. Line Ave. Pie & Brew Company

14. Torchy’s Tacos

15. The Missing Link

BOM Bank has deep roots throughout Louisiana that are growing into Texas. 2023 marks BOM’s 120th anniversary. Bank of Montgomery opened its doors with $15,000 in capital in 1903. President and CEO, Ken Hale, said, “My great grandfather and other businessmen in Grant Parish came together to start a bank that would help their community of farmers, teachers, mechanics, and their families. A century later, BOM is still committed to serving the same hardworking people now throughout seven parishes in Louisiana and two counties in East Texas.” Ken is a direct descendant of the Wardlow family and is the fifth generation of the family to run the bank and the sixth President & CEO.

The bank has grown to 17 locations today, four of which opened in the last four years. The upcoming year will be no different with two locations being constructed in Rapides Parish. These new branches in Pineville and Woodworth will put BOM at nearly 20 different full-service locations across Louisiana and Texas. Now surpassing $890 million in assets and $90 million in capital, BOM is eager to continue growing and loyally serving its 30,000 customers.

BOM gives back heavily to the community. In 2022, the bank donated over $600,000 to local causes, and bankwide its 140 employees volunteered almost 5,000 hours of community service. BOM is honored to serve as the official bank of Northwestern State University and values that ongoing relationship. The bank is also proud of the impact it has made with financial literacy. BOM employees reached over 1,100 students in 2022 sharing valuable life lessons on budgeting, credit, saving and other important banking knowledge.

Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry partnered with Make-AWish Foundation to help make a precious little girl’s dreams come true.  Make-A-Wish recipient Serenity Smith, along with her entire family, spent the afternoon at Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry for some wonderful surprises.  Vice President Greg Johnson, Store Manager Danielle Dowden and the staff at Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry treated Serenity like a Princess, showering her with gifts.  Serenity received a beautiful silver pendant necklace encased in diamonds, a family vacation to The Great Wolf Lodge, a set of luggage, an original painting of “Dreams Do Come True” and all the extras that a girl could want for a fabulous family fun get away.

LEE MICHAELS HOSTS MAKE-A-WISH RECEPTION

Carter Credit Union held a reception for the Ronald McDonald House on March 2, 2023, at Eastridge Country Club.  Plans are in the works to build a home in Shreveport that will serve the families of children that are critically ill.  The Ronald McDonald House will be a 3-story, 22-bedroom 26,000 sq. ft. home away from home and the largest Ronald McDonald House n Louisiana.  The property for this home has been generously donated by Willis-Knighton Health System, Jaf Fielder, CEO. Carter Credit Union presented a $100,000 donation at the event and will serve as the Technology Donor for the home.  If you are interested in discussing naming opportunities or donations, please contact RMH Development Director, Emily Piechocki at (501) 978-3119 or emily@rmhcarkansas.org.

LSU PRESIDENT WILLIAM TATE IV WELCOMES DR. DAVID GUZICK AS CHANCELLOR OF LSU HEALTH SHREVEPORT

Over 115 donors, elected officials and community leaders attended the reception at the Shreveport Club in honor of LSU Health Shreveport Chancellor David Guzick, MD, PhD.

LSU HEALTH SHREVEPORT NURSING PROGRAM APPLICATION DEADLINES

In response to the critical nursing shortage in Louisiana, the School of Allied Health Professions at LSU Health Shreveport will serve as a new instructional site for the School of Nursing at LSU Health New Orleans. Courses will be delivered through a combination of in-person instruction and synchronous distance education. Three nursing programs are offered: BSN Care Nursing Program, RN to BSN Program and MSN Nurse Educator Program. Application deadlines for the programs’ fall admissions are approaching on May 1, 2023, and June 30, 2023. To learn more about the nursing programs, including admission criteria and curriculum, please contact the LSU Health New Orleans Office of Student Affairs at 504-568-4213.

Janelle Mason, CEO, Ronald McDonald House Charities & Joe Arnold, CEO, Carter Credit Union

Carter Credit Union Donates 100k!

L to R: LSUS Chancellor, Dr. Larry Clark, LSU Health Shreveport Chancellor, and LSU President, William Tate IV

LSU HEALTH SHREVEPORT NAMED NEW SITE FOR NATIONWIDE STUDY ON PARKINSON’S DISEASE IN BLACK AND AFRICAN AMERICAN INDIVIDUALS

LSU Health Shreveport has partnered with The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF) to become one of five sites participating in the Black and African American Connections to Parkinson’s Disease (BLAAC-PD) study, a project of the Global Parkinson’s Genetics Program (GP2) and the Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s (ASAP) initiative. MJFF serves as the implementation partner for GP2 and works with the ASAP initiative to coordinate a global program to conduct scientific research and analysis to identify genetic links to Parkinson’s disease. LSU Health Shreveport joins Rush University, University of Chicago, Kaiser Mid-Atlantic and University of Alabama at Birmingham as participating U.S. BLAAC-PD study sites.

LSUHS is currently recruiting volunteers to participate in the BLAAC-PD study. People who meet the following criteria are eligible:

• Age 18 or older

• Identify as Black or African American

• Do or do not have Parkinson’s disease

There is no cost to participate, and participants will be compensated. To learn more or to participate, please contact Dr. Elizabeth Disbrow at CBHResearch01@lsuhs. edu, go to blaacpd.org, or call (318) 656-4800 (The Bridge is a local resource center associated with the Center for Brain Health).

LSUS TO OFFER UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE IN NONPROFIT ADMINISTRATION

With LSU Shreveport already offering an established graduate program in Nonprofit Administration, the university is expanding that offering to the undergraduate ranks. Students can apply for the undergraduate Nonprofit Administration degree now with classes starting in the fall semester. “The nonprofit undergraduate degree provides hands-on, real-world focused curriculum that helps students learn how to run effective nonprofit organizations,” said LSUS associate professor Dr. Heather Carpenter, who is the executive director for the Institute for Nonprofit Administration and Research. “Plentiful job opportunities exist in the nonprofit sector as eight percent of the Louisiana workforce is employed at nonprofit organizations. Those opportunities exist locally as well with approximately 2,000 nonprofit organizations employing nearly 20,000 workers in the ShreveportBossier area.” Typical entry-level nonprofit jobs that offer competitive compensation include program coordinators, fundraising coordinators, administrative assistants, nonprofit administrators, volunteer coordinators, community planners, events coordinators, counselors, social services advisors, case workers, nonprofit advocates and social researchers.

LSUS KEMP FORUM

The Kemp Forum serves as the annual “State of the University” address for LSUS. Chancellor Larry Clark began the program by awarding five community members with the Chancellor’s Distinguished Community Partner Awards.

Patrick Harwell is a hot air balloon enthusiast who was key in creating the Red River Balloon Rally, which was hosted at LSUS for a number of years. Harwell, who helped create the LSUS hot air balloon, established the Bill Harwell Memorial Scholarship in honor of his brother.

Bobbie Hicks was honored posthumously as a long-time LSUS supporter and creator of the “Authors in April,” which attracts top authors to campus.

Michael McCarthy is a huge supporter of LSUS Athletics, serving as a sounding board for coaches and staff on top of supporting other entities like the Independence Bowl.

Charles Thompson created and coaches the LSUS Bass Fishing Team and has built a successful program that has attracted a lot of first-generation college students.

Clark praised the work of the Noel Memorial Foundation and the LSUS Foundation, honoring Noel board president Merritt B. Chastain. The Noel Memorial Foundation has provided nearly $5 million in various funding since 2014, which includes supporting 50 annual scholarships totaling $4,000 each.

Clark also offered special recognition to Dr. George A. Kemp, who along with wife Rita established an endowment of the public forum that finances the Kemp Forum and makes it possible to offer the annual public update. Thursday was the first Forum without Dr. Kemp, who died in May of 2022. Daughter Kelly Kemp-Graves represented the family.

10 LSUS FACULTY MEMBERS NAMED TO ENDOWED PROFESSORSHIPS

Ten new endowed professors will enrich the learning experience for LSU Shreveport students while enhancing the body of knowledge in their respective fields with original research.

LSUS faculty members (from left) Dr. Stuart V. Nielsen, Dr. Jack Hess Baricuatro, Dr. Justin Lord, Lisa Cooper, Dr. Syed Zaidi, Dr. Grace M. Hildenbrand, Dr. Cassandra H. “Cassie” Williams, Dr. Elizabeth Zippi, Kyle Pierce and Arthur “A.J.” Edwards have been appointed to endowed professorships.

NAVY ADMIRAL TOURS LSUS CAMPUS

As part of U.S. Navy Week, LSU Shreveport hosted a visit from Rear Admiral Dion D. English on Monday.  English toured the Cyber Collaboratory, which offers students and faculty access to state-of-the-art equipment like large-scale 3D printing, robotics and virtual reality. The Slidell native also popped into the LSUS Veterans Resource Center and learned how the University assists veterans in furthering their education. The one-star flag officer is the director of supply, ordinance, and logistics operation division N4L in Washington D.C. English graduated

from LSU in 1993 after entering the Navy’s Broadened Opportunity for Officer Selection Training Program. Navy Week consists of sailors from across the fleet descending on Shreveport-Bossier to take part in the service’s signature outreach program.

APPLICATION PERIOD FOR PARISH SUMMER YOUTH WORKER PROGRAM OPENS APRIL 2

Caddo Parish high school and college students are invited to apply for summer work opportunities with the Parish of Caddo. The Parish’s Summer Youth Worker Program provides job placement and vocational experience across Parish of Caddo departments and agencies. “We look forward to the summer months at the Parish of Caddo,” said Parish Administrator Dr. Woody Wilson, Jr. “The Summer Youth Worker Program is a great opportunity for students to get a first-hand look into the operations of government, and into the many fields that are available within public service,” said Wilson.

The program runs from May 30 – August 4. Participants must be at least 16 years of age and a resident of Caddo Parish.  The application period opens April 2 and the deadline to apply is April 15. All applications must be submitted through the Parish’s online job portal. For more information and to apply, visit caddo.org/jobs.

Dream without boundaries

Knowing you’ve got the strength of the cross, the protection of the shield and thousands of top doctors to lift you when you need it. The Right Card. The Right Care.

BROOKSHIRE’S OPENS NEW STORE.

Brookshire’s Grocery Company opened a new store in North Bossier. The Grand Opening ceremony included a ribbon cutting with city officials, council members, Brookshire’s CEO Brad Brookshire, and Brookshire’s stakeholders. Members of the Benton High Marching Band and Cheerleaders were in attendance for the celebration for the new Brookshire’s full-service grocery store located on Airline Drive. With proceeds from the Heroes Run, Brookshire’s presented a check in the amount of $80,000 to local first responders and military heroes at the ribbon cutting ceremony.

SHREVEPORT AWARDED TOP HONORS FOR 2022 NATIONAL NIGHT OUT

For the first time, the City of Shreveport was awarded top honors for its participation in the 2022 National Night Out. Shreveport was named a Top 10 winner for populations 100,000 – 300,000 and received a plaque of recognition from the National Association of Town Watch for “Outstanding Participation in America’s National Night Out Against Crime.” Shreveport competed against thousands of communities from across all 50 states, U.S. territories, and military bases.

LOUISIANA STATE EXHIBIT MUSEUM TO PRESENT ALBINO HINOJOSA AND DAVE IVEY EXHIBIT

Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin and the Louisiana State Exhibit Museum invite the public to attend the opening of “Down South – Water and Oil Do Mix: Realist and Impressionist,” an outstanding exhibit of landscape and still life art by Albino Hinojosa and Dave Ivey. The exhibit will be on display from April 2 to April 28 in the West Wing Gallery. Admission is free and tours are available by appointment. www.laexhibitmuseum.org or call 318.632.2020.

WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH AWARD

LSU Health Office of Diversity Affairs headed by Dr. Toni Thibeaux honored 9 local women Women’s History Month with the “Women Who Tell Our Stories” award.

Elizabeth Beard Deal, Editor, SB Magazine

CENTENARY BEAST FUNDRAISER

The Centenary Alumni Association’s annual “Beast Feast: Something for Everyone” fundraiser returns Saturday, April 29, from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m. on Centenary’s Jones Rice Field. Beast Feast is a unique, festival style culinary event featuring an array of meat, seafood, and a few vegan items prepared by local backyard chefs and popular restaurateurs. The event proceeds support student scholarships at Centenary College. centenary.edu/ beastfeast

NEW VOCATIONAL PROGRAM PROVIDES MORE OPPORTUNITIES FOR INMATES AFTER RELEASE

A new vocational program offered at Caddo Correctional Center will give inmates a better chance at in-demand jobs upon release, said Caddo Sheriff Steve Prator. Two fiber optics curriculums are now available to Department of Corrections inmates participating in the Northwest Regional Re-entry Program at CCC. Ten inmates enrolled in the courses with all 10 successfully completing at least one of the two modules. Those inmates will participate in a graduation ceremony at noon Friday, February 24, at the Caddo Sheriff’s Re-entry Facility located at 1121 Forum Drive in Shreveport. Inmates completed the Certified Premises Cabling Technician curriculum and the Certified Fiber Optic Technician curriculum offered through Bossier Parish Community College. The Fiber Optic Association (FOA) is the governing body for the credentials. The Caddo Sheriff’s Office will continue to offer the program to DOC

inmates, making it the first on-going fiber optics program offered in a correctional facility nationwide.

WILLIS-KNIGHTON OPENS WK SWAN LAKE MEDICAL PLAZA IN BOSSIER

Willis-Knighton Health System has opened its newest suburban health clinic in north Bossier Parish, with theaddition of WK Swan Lake Medical Plaza, 5341 Airline Drive. The medical plaza features WK Bossier Family Medicine Associates, a WK Physician Network clinic that has relocated from WK Bossier Medical Pavilion, and diagnostic services that can be ordered by any WillisKnighton physician.

WK Bossier Family Medicine Associates includes Clint Wilson, MD; Jason Milligan, MD; Danielle Raley, MD; Sarah Estess, FNP-C, and Colleen Cline, PA. The clinic offers primary care for new and existing patients Monday through Friday. WK Diagnostic Service Center provides X-ray and laboratory services, available at this location with an order from any doctor on the Willis-Knighton medical staff.

INDEPENDENCE BOWL FOUNDATION WELCOMES 223 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Bryan Roppolo, owner of Roppolo’s Insulation, was installed as the 2023 Chair of the Independence Bowl Foundation at the organization’s Annual Membership Meeting on Thursday, March 9. Roppolo took over for the past chair, Rob Rubel, on the same night that the Independence Bowl Foundation also voted in the new executive committee and board of directors.

Listed below is the full 14-member executive committee for the 2023 Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl:

• Chair: Bryan Roppolo (Roppolo’s Insulation)

• Vice Chair: Claire Rebouche (Willis-Knighton Health System)

• 1st-Vice Chair: Sarah Giglio (Gilmer & Giglio)

Patti Hartley

Dut LeBlanc | CPA

Vicki Heroy | MBA, CTFA

Jim Ferraro | MA, JD

Glenda Grisby

Brandon Glenn

Tim Quinn | MBA, CFSC

Bridgette Harris

Matthew Kimbrough | MBA, CTB

Sandy Falkner

Gary Moore | MBA, CEBS

Breanna Bundy

Chandler Nance | MBA

Kaylee Thomas

Russ Allsup | CPA

Melissa Garner | MBA, CTFA

Preston Smith | CPL

Murphy Anderson | MS, AIF®

Susie Baird

Beverly Myers

John Barr

Clinton Rasberry | MBA, MME

Not pictured:

Chris Shankle | CPA, CGMA

Jodi Penn Rives

Pictured above from left to right:

Scan to meet the Shreveport team

• 2nd-Vice Chair: Keith Burton (Caddo Parish Public Schools)

• Treasurer: Bert Schmale (Home Federal Bank)

• Secretary: Scott Wysong (Wysong Brand Solutions, LLC)

• Immediate Past Chair: Rob Rubel (Firetech Systems)

• Three-Year Term: Doug Bland (Bland Agency, Inc.)

• Three-Year Term: Cindy Smith (Kalmbach Smith Meadows)

• Two-Year Term: Tammy Daniels

• Two-Year Term: Michael Melerine (Seabaugh & Sepulvado Attorneys at Law)

• One-Year Term: Jim Dean (Module X Solutions)

• One-Year Term: Tim Wilhite (Wilhite Electric)

• Title Sponsor Ex-Officio: Gen. Jon Ellis (Radiance Technologies)

WILLIS-KNIGHTON FUNDS RESPONSE TEAM VAN FOR SHREVEPORT POLICE

The Shreveport Police Department has a new van for its Special Response Team yesterday. The custom-built van was made possible through a donation of almost $50,000 by Willis-Knighton Health System. The order was made just as COVID hit the nation almost three years ago, so the van originally selected was not available for delivery. Police department staff leveraged the Willis-Knighton funds

to add grant money and secure upgraded custom model. Previously, the police used a 20-year-old cargo van that had become unreliable. The team conducts more than 100 operations each year in the van, including high risk search and arrest warrants, hostage rescues and other specialized functions.

RIDGELAND FINE ARTS FESTIVAL

THE MIND CENTER SANTE’ SOUTH FOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL

NATCHEZ TRACE CENTURY RIDE

BY ADAM BAILEY

When astronomers look through their telescopes for life elsewhere in the universe, they’re mostly looking for planets that might have water. Without it, life—at least, as we know it—simply can’t exist.

What goes for planets goes even more so for our bodies. Water is the vehicle that carries necessary stuff like oxygen and fuel to all our cells and helps flush out byproducts our bodies need to get rid of. Water lubricates and cushions our joints and helps keep our temperature in that happy zone where the body works right. It makes up the chemical soup by which our nerves send one another signals.

For all these functions to take place, we must constantly renew our body’s supply of water. But how much do we need, and

how should we get it? Here’s everything you need to know about this vital life essential.

Water is the building block of life as we know it, and you should be proactive about keeping yourself hydrated even when you aren’t training or being active. The Mayo Clinic has found that an average daily water intake for a man is about three liters. But hydration isn’t the only benefit you’ll experience from drinking that much—your general health should improve as well. Here’s how:

WATER CONSUMPTION HELPS YOU TOLERATE MORE PAIN.

Dismissing water from your daily diet can lead to some obvious conditions like fatigue, but have you heard of this one yet? That’s right, according to research published in the journal Psychophysiology, gulping down the liquid beverage can actually help sustain

your tolerance to pain. For the study, 17 healthy male participants were put through two tests: one in which they regularly consumed the clear liquid, and the second which required neglecting the beverage for 24 hours. After each test, the researchers dunked the participants’’ feet in ice-cold water (03°) for a maximum of four minutes. They discovered that when the males were in the “dehydrated state,” their inclination to yank away their toes was far greater than when they were fully fueled with water. Meaning: Their perception and sensitivity to pain was significantly higher when deprived of water. Consider the tactic next time you try recovering with an ice bath. Or better yet, up your H2O intake in general. I mean, who wouldn’t want to tough out pain more than the next guy?

WATER HELPS YOU MAINTAIN NORMAL BODY FUNCTION. Research has shown that water

speeds up your metabolism, cleans the body of toxins, and generally helps to make everything in your body run smoothly. Considering an adult male is usually 60% water, this all makes sense. You need that water to digest food, circulate blood, keep your mouth from drying out, and do a number of other things we often take for granted. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty—be proactive about it.

WATER CAN MAKE YOU FEEL BETTER IN EVERYDAY LIFE.

Scientists from the University of Maastricht in the Netherlands found that patients who suffered from severe headaches and migraines enjoyed an improved quality of life by drinking about seven glasses of water a day. Drink up and stay healthy.

WATER REDUCES YOUR CRAVINGS FOR EMPTY CALORIES. Some studies have shown that people confuse hunger with dehydration; others find that people eat less if they’re vigilant water-drinkers. Water won’t keep you from eating the food you need to be healthy, but it could help you stay away from the unnecessary junk food your body craves.

WATER INCREASES YOUR ENERGY LEVEL.

In general, dehydration leads to fatigue, which slowly eats away at the bodily functions you need to get through the day. The more water you drink, the more awake and alert you’ll feel. Also, opting for drinking water with a high pH such as Icelandic Glacial [8.4 pH] helps the body detoxify and balance out acidity levels—resulting in better prevention of disease and illness.

WATER IS ALMOST ALWAYS YOUR HEALTHIEST OPTION. A lot of popular beverage choices out there have no nutritional benefits. Soda is mostly liquefied sugar, and a lot of juices are surprisingly in the same boat. Alcoholic beverages should be enjoyed only in moderation, and sports drinks are really only a good choice when you’re in the middle of some intense activity. In most cases, if you’re going to buy a drink, water is your best choice.

WATER KEEPS YOUR BRAIN FIRING.

Water helps the brain make electrical energy to keep synapses firing, nerves sparking, and glands producing hormones (like testosterone).

WATER EMPOWERS YOUR MUSCLES.

It gives you the “pump” you feel when you lift, but water also keeps muscles strong. Even a tiny—1.5%—decrease in hydration can lead to strength loss.

WATER AIDS YOUR LIVER.

Water thins the blood so it’s easier for the liver to filter out potentially harmful substances—alcohol, drugs, germs, pollutants—that could poison your body.

WATER SAVES YOUR SKIN.

Deprived of H2O, skin becomes tight, dry, and wrinkled, and develops cracks in cell walls that can let in infections.

WATER MOBILIZES YOUR SMALL INTESTINE. Like an internal garden hose, the small intestine sends water around the body to deliver molecules—amino acids, sugars, fats—your cells need to live.

*EXTRA TAKEAWAY: BOTTLED WATER VS. TAP WATER. Now that you know it’s important to keep up with your water intake, what about tap water vs. bottled water? Well, not only is bottled water a bit more convenient, but it might also be safer. In a recent study from the Environment Science and Technology, researchers found possible risks of acute gastrointestinal illness from aging water distribution systems. Why risk cramps and discomfort when it can all be avoided with purified, bottled water?

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Children with ARTHRITIS

BY ELIZABETH BEARD DEAL PHOTOGRAPHY BY SWEET PEA PIXELS

Did you know children get arthritis? Arthritis is still generally thought of as an older-person’s disease, but over 300,000 children suffer from arthritis in the United States. Arthritis in children is always painful, sometimes crippling, and occasionally fatal. Early diagnosis is critical. There are only 200 pediatric rheumatologists in the US, making it difficult for many children to see a specialist on an ongoing basis. It can be a long road to diagnosis, and many children have overlapping diseases. Children suffer from extreme physical and emotional pain. Many report feeling isolated because friends and family misunderstand this “unseen” chronic illness. Medications can cost up to $200,000 year.

For 30 years, local non-profit Children and Arthritis, Inc., founded by Dr. Thomas Pressly, has addressed the difficulties faced by children suffering from rheumatic diseases and their families. Pressly, a Shreveport rheumatologist in private practice, also operates the clinic for rheumatic illnesses at Shriner Children’s Hospital in Shreveport.

Parents of children diagnosed with this chronic illness struggle with knowing what type of treatment is appropriate and worry about side effects. Treatments can be difficult because of coexisting conditions or contraindications of medications. Even administering medications can be an issue; many children become anxious at the anticipation of a shot - and one of the main medications causes burning at the injection site. At school, an IEP or 504 accommodation plan is usually needed.

The family unit can also be disrupted. Siblings often feel forgotten and act out. Examples include a sibling who was dealing with depression and stealing cars and another who attempted suicide. Financial implications surpass

just the medication cost; parents struggle with missing work, or give up a career to take care of the child. The divorce rate hovers at 75% for families dealing with a chronic illness.

Children and Arthritis provides a welcome opportunity to these families with an annual summer weekend program, Camp Jambalaya Jubilee, held at the serene campus of Centenary College. What makes this camp unique is that it does not serve just the child with the illness, but serves the entire family. While the children participate in camp activities, parents and guardians attend sessions with physicians and family therapists. Teens also have their own therapy sessions together.

Camp serves families from LA, TX, MS, AR. The families stay in dorm rooms on campus and all meals and activities are included. Camp fees are nominal, so families may attend regardless of financial situation, and transportation is provided in many cases to help families attend. Approximately 50% of attending families qualify for Medicaid. Additional funding above these camp fees are required to cover the camp expenses and come from grants from local organizations as well as generous individual and corporate donors. Many families return year after year, having closely bonded with other families in their same situation. They listen and console one another, mentor “new” families attending, and learn from one another.

The goal of the camp is to empower families through education, encouragement, and enjoyment, helping families alleviate the frustration of chronic illness.

Education: Adult small group meetings provide families with access to top pediatric rheumatologists from around the

Local organization helps families with children suffering with arthritis and the doctors who treat them.

country, dentists, orthopedic surgeons, ENTs, nephrologists, cardiologists, hand surgeons, ophthalmologists, nurses, family therapists, physical therapists and occupational therapists. Parents learn about new research and medications, how to watch for signs and symptoms, and ways to work with the school system. Local organization TEAMS steps in here.

Encouragement: Small group counseling sessions give families the opportunity to talk with family therapists and address underlying issues, such as marital strife, siblings having feelings of neglect, or fears regarding the illness. Dr. George Wolcott has been involved from the beginning and brings a team of therapists each year.

Enjoyment: Camp includes special needs accessible activities such as bowling, swimming, arcades, and arts and crafts. Because all children are able to participate in every activity, they experience a sense of normalcy, maybe for the first time. Special family evening recreation is intended to facilitate relationship building between families. Activities include a Mardi Gras parade, an outdoor carnival, and an evening outing to places like the YMCA or Sci-Port.

At the 30th anniversary of camp in 2022, 20 former campers (over age 18) participated, and the families learned about how far the medicines and treatments have come over the years. Several of these camp alumni are wheelchair bound which isn’t the case for most newer patients due to the advancement in medical diagnosis and treatments. The former campers shared their stories of success and trials. Parents saw how their own children would be able to navigate adulthood with the illness.

The other goal of Children and Arthritis is to help with early diagnosis of the condition through continuing education to medical practitioners, especially pediatricians who are the first point of contact. The organization has hosted the medical Cassidy Conference: Advances in Pediatric Rheumatology. At the most recent in 2022, Willis-Knighton Health System was the presenting sponsor, in partnership with the Northwest Louisiana Pediatric Society, Pediatric Rheumatologists of the South (PROs), and Shriners Hospitals for ChildrenShreveport, where the conference was held. The conference featured world-renowned faculty speakers and was a chance for new and experienced pediatric rheumatologists and pediatricians to come together and share their knowledge of advances in infectious disease and pediatric rheumatology, allowing for new thought processes and innovative techniques.

The Cassidy Conference is named in memory of Dr. James T. Cassidy, an exceptional rheumatologist and professor who was considered “the father of pediatric rheumatology.” Cassidy was internationally recognized for his work in pediatric rheumatology and wrote the first textbook, “Textbook of Pediatric Rheumatology.”

Cassidy was an instructor and mentor to Pressly and was also instrumental in starting Camp Jambalaya Jubilee.

childrenandarthritis.org

Dr. Thomas Pressly

SECOND SATURDAY DOWNTOWN

Venue: Downtown Development Authority

Dates: Recurring monthly on the 2nd Saturday

Time: 10 AM – 6 PM

Info: www.downtownshreveport.com

TACO WARS

Venue: Shreveport Municipal Auditorium

Dates: Saturday, April 29th

Time: 12 PM - 8 PM

Info: www.facebook.com/TACOWARS

KOE WETZEL CONCERT

Venue: Brookshire Grocery Arena

Date: Saturday, April 1

Time: 7 PM

Info: www.ticketmaster.com

MASTER GARDENER SPRING

PLANT SALE

Venue: Red River Research Center

Date: Saturday, April 1

Time: 8 AM – 12 PM

Info: www.nwlamg.weebly.com

CORK: A RED RIVER REVEL

WINE EVENT

Venue: Festival Plaza

Date: Saturday, April 1

Time: 2 PM – 5 PM

Info: www.redriverrevel.ticketspice.com/cork-17

BOSSIER CITY FARMERS MARKET

Venue: Pierre Bossier Mall

Dates: Recurring monthly every Saturday through November

Time: 9 AM - 1 PM

Info: www.bossiercityfarmersmarket.com (Easter Egg Scramble - April 8th)

GLASS-BLOWING ART WORKSHOP

Venue: High Gravity Glassworks

Dates: Recurring weekly

Time: See website for available times

Info: www.highgravityglassworks.com

SCOTTISH TARTAN FESTIVAL

Venue: Miller Quarters - Downtown Minden, LA

Date: Saturday, April 22

Time: 10 AM or 6 PM

Info: www.louisianahighlands.scot/

CHIMP HAVEN DISCOVERY DAY

Venue: Chimp Haven

Date: Saturday, April 15

Time: 9 AM – 12 PM

Info: chimphaven.org/visit/

WERLA’S WILD NIGHT FOR WILDLIFE

Venue: Shreveport Aquarium

Date: Saturday, April 15

Time: 6 PM – 9 PM

Info: www.facebook.com/WERLAINC

CADDO LAKE HOMECOMING

Venue: Caddo Lake State Park

Date: Friday, April 14 - Sunday, April 16

Time: see website for available times

Info: www.tpwd.texas.gov/calendar/caddo-lake/ caddo-homecoming

MERMAID & PIRATE BREAKFAST

Venue: Shreveport Aquarium

Date: Sunday, April 30

Time: 8:30 AM or 10:30 AM

Info: www.shreveportaquarium.com

GLASS-BLOWING ART WORKSHOP

Venue: Sanctuary Arts School

Dates: Recurring weekly

Time: See website for available times

Info: sanctuaryglassstudio.com

AVALONHAIRSALON.NET (318) 861-HAIR, MON-SAT

BEAUTY FAMILY STYLING FOR EVERYONE!

Easter Y

PEEPS for Pups

our furry friend will surely enjoy this pup-friendly and healthy peep-sicle recipe this spring. These easy ice cream dog treats are a great festive treat and pawfect for Easter! Prep time is just ten minutes and freeze time is two hours. Your dog will appreciate this special sweet treat on Easter Day.

INGREDIENTS

̗ 1.5 cups of frozen strawberries

̗ 1 tablespoon peanut butter

̗ 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt nonfat

̗ 2/3 cup water

̗ Blackberry jam

(optional for bunny eyes/nose)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Combine frozen strawberries, peanut butter, yogurt, and water in a blender. Blend until the mix is smooth and a little runny—like a smoothie.

2. Pour mixture into molds and place in the freezer for two hours, or until peeps are hard.

3. Remove the tray from the freezer and flip it upside-down to remove the peeps.

4. Optional: dip a pin in dark blackberry jam to create eyes and a nose. It can help to freeze again after this step.

Who's your buddy?

BY TEDDY ALLEN

The old joke goes that if you lock your spouse and your dog in the trunk of your car for a half hour, when you open it, you’ll find out which one loves you most. It’ll be the one happiest to see you. Hint: it won’t be your spouse. (Do NOT try this at home…)

The point is, dogs have a tiny memory when things go bad and a big heart from start ’til finish. Every day’s a holiday and every meal’s a banquet for this bunch.

When he made the animals, God had to have saved the dogs for last.

I can imagine that he created dog and then said (to no one of course), “Wait. I can’t do better than that. And that’s saying something.”

Dogs aren’t perfect – we’ve all stepped in something – but they’re the closest thing to perfection on four legs. Not everyone would agree — but that’s why God gave us so many pet options. Scales or feathers or fur, the pet world’s your oyster.

My dog is always happy to see me. Can’t say everyone else is, but she is. Always gives good hugs.

Some people love coming home from a long day at the salt mines and watching their tropical fish. You can’t really hug a fish or a hamster or an iguana or some other rodent or reptile. But then, you never have to take your goldfish to the groomer, either.

To each his own in the wild and wooly Pet Department.

Despite a world that’s gone insane even by conservative standards during the past three years, our dogs remained chill. “Pandemic? What pandemic? Wanna play fetch?”

We’ve essentially been living in a Jack-in-the-Box since 2020, so what a pleasure it’s been to come home to a pandemic-free pet.

Dependable as the sun rising, versatile as a pocket knife, friendly as clover.

Think about it. You can dress them up in shades and a funny hat and they’ll play along. Some breeds are trained to run into burning buildings or be the first in a suspect’s house. They will

ride with you in freezing weather to a duck blind or nap with you all day by the fire.

There was the magnificent Winston, a Lab mix and loyal companion of a now departed friend. They called him “big white dog” because he was all three, a friend who “never barked, smelled good, expert sleeper, accomplished napper.” We should take a Dog Break each day just to give thanks for all the dogs we’ve been lucky to even know, much less share life with.

It’s a shame in this world that time is undefeated, that disease can’t be dodged, but a blessing for the hope that Winston and my friend are nestled somewhere on a heavenly couch after a spirited game of Fetch the Rib-eyes.

Our current housemate of the past five years is the opposite of Winston, a Maltese named Gracie Lou, the classic “small white dog.” I shed a bit but she doesn’t. It’s like having a small hairy stalker, always wondering what my shins are up to, a creation built to show and receive affection, and to make me laugh.

Like all those glorious Official Dogs of my past, Gracie is loyal, friendly, a little crazy, always thrilled to see me. She’ll never be able to fetch slippers or beat up a burglar, but she'll never refuse to sit in your lap if you're feeling down, either. I am learning a lot from her.

I wish I were as good at my job as our pets are at theirs.

Sometimes the days don’t "do" right. “He” doesn’t understand or “she” won’t reason or the coffee spills or the bank account bottoms out. For times like those, thank heaven above God made a four-legged buffer to remind us love wins in the end.

Teddy Allen is an award-winning columnist and graduate of Louisiana Tech, where he works as a writer and broadcaster.

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