SB MAGAZINE-Ask the Experts

EDITOR

I’m baaaaack. I’ve missed being in the editor’s chair of such a prestigious magazine. I’ve missed the content strategy sessions where we’ve brainstormed ideas or features, articles, and editorials. I’ve missed the production process: finding freelance writers, fact-checking articles, editing the stories and working with our new creative director, Dakota Morgan on the layout and photo selections. I’ve missed the challenge of meeting a deadline, measuring our success, and quickly adapting to our readers’ feedback.

As editor, I’m responsible for developing strong content while keeping the magazine fun and engaging for our readers and relevant in our community and the surrounding area. And that’s where you, our readers, can come in. I welcome your story ideas and suggestions that are not of a promotional nature. My email is simple to memorize: editor@sbmag.net. Send me ideas that you think our readers will enjoy. We are always open to suggestions that benefit the subscribers and our on-line readers.

Take this issue for example. We’re focused on medical experts this month. If you’re looking for the right specialist, chances are you’re going to have help finding them in this issue. We’ve been working on their content since before the June issue even hit your homes. Well, the second day I was in my office, I got a press-release from my friend Jeffery Goodman of the YMCA. Immediately I was interested in what is going on with our beloved Y. (Years ago, I taught aerobics for the Y and both my sons were actively involved in the swimming and youth sports programs the Y offers. I was teaching a Motherhood class when I went into labor with our youngest son, Logan May.)

Long story short – you can read all about it when you start turning the pages. I’ve also missed our strong sales team. Knowing such a fine group of ladies is reward enough. Getting to work with them is icing on the cake. These gals go above and beyond to help our advertisers accomplish their goals. When our advertisers are successful, we’re successful and the readers reap the benefits. Yes, it’s good to be back working alongside my husband, Byron, and such a wonderful cast of characters that make the wheels of this machine turn. The role of editor may present its challenges, but it also provides the opportunity to make a lasting impact where we live – Shreveport-Bossier City.

PUBLISHER

G. Byron May

OWNERS

G. Byron May

Seva May

Noble Feldman

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Seva May

ASSISTANT EDITOR

Hailey Lawson

PHOTOGRAPHY

Hailey Lawson

Debbie Henry

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Dakota Morgan

SALES MANAGER

Keyle Cavalier

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Stephanie Pringle

Laura Prissy Scott

Karessa Edwards

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Teddy Allen

Ursula Brantley

Kristi McDonald

Kenneth Sanders, M.D.

Adam Bailey

Casey Craig

Debbie Henry Myron Griffing

Ha iley Lawson

HOW TO REACH US 318.221.7264 • Fax 318.676.8850 850 Stoner Ave. Shreveport, LA 71101

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WEBSITE

www.sbmag.net

SUBSCRIPTION QUESTIONS

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Seva May Owner / Executive Editor

POSTMASTER

Send address changes to SB Magazine, Inc., 850 Stoner Ave., Shreveport, LA 71101. SB Magazine is published monthly by SB Magazine, Inc., 850 Stoner Ave., Shreveport, LA 71101. Advertising Rates on request.

Subscription Rate: $16 per year. Views expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily constitute the view of SB Magazine, Inc . SB Magazine reserves the right to accept or reject advertisements. Third Class Postage Paid at Shreveport, LA 71101.

Copyright © 2023 SB Magazine, Inc.

Volume 24, Issue 7

Commercial & Industrial

Landscaping and Groundskeeping - Mowing, bush and tree trimming, flower bed maintenance, grass and bed fertilization, brush removal, and trash clean up.

Commercial Portering and Junk Removal - Site cleanup, large item removal, basic demo, waste and recycling analysis.

Pressure Washing - Commercial facilities, industrial facilities, and fleet washing.

Commercial Handyman Services - Handyman indoor and outdoor, gate and fence repairs, parking lot striping, and outdoor equipment painting.

COLUMNS:

SPECIAL

American Rose Center The American Rose Society (ARS) hosted the National Rose Show at our very own American Rose Center. Over 300 rose growers from across the country came to compete in the ARS National Convention “Time for Roses – Come Home to America’s Rose Garden.” The rosarians competed in 59 horticulture classes, 17 arrangement classes, and 10 photography classes. The American Rose Society exists to promote the culture, preservation, and appreciation of the rose. ARS strives to be the best source for information, research, and education about the rose for members and for the public. Visit www.rose.org for information on both the American Rose Society and the American Rose Center/America’s Rose Garden. 1. Lucy Medvec of Shreveport with John Bagnasco of Fallbrook, California and Suzanne Horn of Glendale, California 2. Dianne Sommers, President of The American Rose Society 3. Kelly Texada, Sheryl Broussard, and Lynn McDonald 4. Treasurer of American Rose Society and Co-Chair of National Convention Carrie Bergs of Wisconsin with Linda Osborn of Iowa who made the quilt in the background and Anita Punch of Dallas, Texas 5. Emily Hamann with the American Rose Center Crew 6. Nashville, Tennessee friends Elizabeth Louie, Janie Hagan, Marty Reich, and Cindy Worch

ARTini ARTini is Bossier Arts Council’s very unique annual fund-raising event, where “Imagination is shaken …. Creativity stirred.”  Destination ARTini 2023 was sponsored by Hebert’s Town & Country and held at Louisiana Downs. The 13th annual BAC fundraiser encompassed culinary, musical, and visual arts by having local mixologists compete for the best signature martini in town. Guests were encouraged to dress in 80’s themed attire and offered a free hand-painted martini glass upon arrival to sample over 20 competing martinis while voting for their favorite. Bear’s won the People’s Choice and Judge’s Choice award and Pepito XO won the Most mARTisinal Award.  Funds raised from Destination: ARTini support Bossier Arts Council’s programming, local artists advancement support, and community outreach projects for the year. 1. Mark and Floy Hebert 2. Bossier Arts Council Executive Director Brittainy Pope and Victor Thomas 3.

Siblings Haley and Eric Kirton 4. Jamie and Tim Kochakian 5. Ashley Henning-Clarke with Sheri and Dan Ihm, and Kim Arizmendi

Goodwill Luncheon The Northwest Louisiana Goodwill’s “Power of Work” Luncheon was held at Sam’s Town Hotel & Casino Magnolia Room. The Goodwill Industries Board of Directors and Staff highlighted Goodwill’s 2022 accomplishments and spotlighted some outstanding community partners who helped Goodwill to reach their goals and meet the community’s needs. Goodwill celebrated 97 years and had a 57% increase this past year in providing services to over 2,628 individuals. This year’s businesses honorees included: Pelican State Credit Union, Sciport Discovery Center, Lotus Hospitality Management, Diesel Driving Academy, Caddo Parish District Attorney’s Office, Care Pregnancy Center, Cadence Bank, and Northminister Church. The individual honorees were Mr. Dennis Willis, Mrs. Shelli Ulrich, Ms. Meosha Barnum, and Ms. Carlin Willett.

Kegs and Corks Kegs & Corks was Bossier City’s first craft beer, wine, and music festival. Kegs & Corks was hosted by Flying Heart Brewing and held at the East Bank District. The festival focused on local home brewers like Flying Heart Brewing, Southern Libations Brewhouse and Cane River Brewing, just to name a few. Live music in the Beer Garden included Dash Rip Rock, Will Maranto & the Usual Suspects, Grayson May, and Ole Whiskey Revival. The event offered samples of home brews and wine throughout the afternoon along with pizza from Flying Heart and chips and salsa from Fuzzy’s Taco Shop. There is no doubt that Kegs & Corks will continue to get bigger and better each year, making it the “Must Attend” event to add to your calendar.  1. Sara Smith, Sarah Castine, and Olivia Smith 2. George Stricker, Eugene Enevoldson, Thomas McManis, and Michael Doss 3. Kyleen Kilcline and Liz Brown 4. Smith Brothers: Jonathan, Warren and Aaron Smith 5. Ben and Danielle Rymer

1. Goodwill Board Chair Aylwin Holman, CEO David Tinkis, and Vice Chair Gahagan Pugh 2. Shelly Smith, Denise Huckabee, Angie Triplet, and Ellen Ballard 3. Barry Busada and Joe Littlejohn 4. Shamona Moore Kennon, Yolanda Price and Crystal Ross 5. Kevin Pesnell with CNB and Jonathan Wall with BOM 6. Bill and Donna Miller with Aylwin Holman

Mudbug Madness celebrated their 39th year with a four-day crawfish festival in downtown Shreveport’s Festival Plaza. Mudbug Madness is one of Louisiana’s largest and most popular Cajun festivals featuring Cajun, Zydeco, Blues and Jazz artists, lots of crawfish, Cajun cuisine, crawfish eating contests, vendors and fun for all ages. Thousands came out to enjoy live music from top headliners such as Sammy Kershaw, Jamie Bergeron, Dwayne Doopsie, Stiff Necked Fools, Tipsey, The Band, New Orleans Party Band Bag of Donuts, Identity Crisis, Chicken on the Bone, Johnny Earthquake & The Moondogs, Dikki Du & The Zydeco Krewe, Chubby Carrier & The Bayou Swamp Band, Blue Crab Redemption, Creole String Beans, The Good News, and Curley Taylor just to name a few. Mudbug Madness is nationally recognized as one of the Southeast Tourism Society’s Top 20 Events and American Bus Association’s Top 100 Events in the nation.

1. Richea and Michael Corbin 2. Ron Chatelain, Gail Colgrove, Kay Barnes, and Damon Danner 3. Reid and Hannah Bodden 4. Shannon Sullivan and Sarah Griffin 5. Devin Oliver and Rachel Craig 6. Shon and Allenda Jones

The Robby’s The Robinson Film Center celebrated their 15th year anniversary looking at its impact and legacy through the past, present, and future. A special awards ceremony recognized the excellence of our local filmmaking community as well as recognized the immeasurable support of the Robinson Film Center donors, members, community stakeholders, staff, and board members. The 80’s themed event fashioned after “Fifteen Candles” included a red carpet, a karaoke room, a bistro lounge, an awards room, a silent auction, and an 80’s prom. Robinson Film Center’s mission is to educate, enrich, and entertain the Shreveport-Bossier region through the medium of film.

Le Tour des Jardins The Northwest Louisiana Master Gardeners presented the 25th Le Tour des Jardins with seven beautiful gardens to tour for 2023. The tour spread from Benton through Bossier to Shreveport, with privately owned gardens, ranging from a rambling garden with a beautiful lake view to a whimsical cottage garden with pollinators galore. Garden Owners included Hedy and Don Hebert, Mary and Rodney Roppolo, Gretchen Henry, Bob and Alexis Petrus, Lynn Estes, and Stan and Jessica McCallon. There was also a Garden Bazaar located at the LSU AgCenter Red River Research Station. The proceeds from Le Tour des Jardins will fund the Bossier Parish 4-H Summer Camp, Caddo Parish 4-H Summer Camp, LSU AgCenter Garden-Based Nutrition & Healthy Community Programs, Pioneer Heritage Center Gardens, Rambling Rose Preservation Initiative, Red River Research Station, and other projects in our community.

1. Jennifer Carsillo with Robinson Film Center Executive Director Wendell Riley 2. Mayor Tom Arceneaux with wife, Elizabeth 3. David and Peggy Murphy with daughter Carolyn Murphy Thompson 4. Casey Craig and Leo Trip 5. Stephen Roberts and Mitzie Kilpatrick 6. Emily and Terry Petzold

1. Lesa Warren and Karen Lemmons-Silva 2. Don and Hedy Hebert, homeowners of one of the gardens on tour. 3. Mary and Rodney Roppolo were one of the stops of the privately owned gardens on Le Tour des Jardins 4. Jenny and Jarred Stowell 5. Penny Durham and Betty Garner

Summer Fun SUMMER SAFETY

Water safety is an important issue for everyone to be aware of, especially when it comes to swimming pools and waterparks. It is essential to know the proper safety tips for swimming in pools and waterparks, as well as safe swimsuit colors. In addition, it is important to be aware of drowning emergencies and how to respond quickly to save a life. Knowing CPR and having life vests available are also key components of water safety.

Summer water safety is of utmost importance due to the high incidence of drowning accidents that occur during this season. According to injury statistics and incidence rates, an average of about 3,600 injuries occurs each year due to near-drowning incidents, with children being particularly vulnerable. In fact, drowning is the leading cause of unintentional injury-related deaths among children aged 1-4 and the second-leading cause of injury or death for children ages 5 to 9 years. What is

BY SEVA MAY

depicted in movies is not exactly how drowning occurs in real life. After bobbing just at the surface struggling for air, a child will sink to the bottom. The color of a child’s swimsuit can improve the visibility of a drowning victim. Certain patterns, designs, and colors can look like a pile of leaves resting at the bottom of a pool and will disappear in a lake or pond. Alive Solutions, a company specializing in aquatic safety, training, and risk assessment, put 14 swimsuits in a wide variety of colors to the test to find out which colors were most visible in the water. To see their results, visit alivesolutions.com

Avoid dangerous swimming locations and risky behaviors, such as drinking alcohol while around water and diving into shallow water or unfamiliar swimming holes. Formal swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning, but children who have had swimming lessons still need close and constant supervision. Installing barriers, such as fencing around swimming pools, can also help prevent drowning accidents.

It is essential to use caution and

recognize how quickly drownings can occur. Some important water safety tips include wearing a properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket while boating, never swimming alone and keeping swimming pools or hot tubs clean and properly maintained. It is also important to find and reduce water hazards, such as by installing fencing, locks, and alarms around pools and not leaving toys or items of interest near water. Finally, it is always best to swim in places that are supervised by a lifeguard, as they can anticipate changing ocean currents, rip currents, and sudden storms.

Learning swimming and basic water skills is an investment in your and your loved one’s well-being and is one of the most important precautionary measures for water safety. It is essential for both children and adults to know how to swim and be comfortable in the water. Swimming lessons can be taken at local community centers or through private instructors. Many organizations, such as the YMCA, offer water safety programs that teach basic safety lessons over several sessions. These programs can be especially beneficial for children who are nonswimmers or beginners. It is recommended that children learn to swim with a certified instructor and that they receive annual refresher courses to maintain their skills.

Life jackets should be worn by anyone who is not a strong swimmer or is participating in water activities such as boating or tubing. Remember, though, that a life jacket is a tool. It is not a replacement for learning how to swim. It is important to choose a life jacket that is properly fitted and US Coast Guardapproved. Before using a life jacket, check for any tears or loose straps. It is also important to note that air-filled swimming aids, such as water wings, are not safe substitutes for life jackets. By wearing a life jacket or flotation device, individuals can increase their chances of staying afloat and reduce the risk of drowning.

Supervision and monitoring by an adult are crucial for water safety, especially when children are involved. When you are with your child at a pool or lake, now is the time to become a diligent “helicopter mom.” Children should never be left unsupervised near water, even if they know how to swim. Adults should always be present and actively monitoring children when they are in or around water. It is important to appoint a designated watcher to monitor children during social gatherings near water. Keep small children within arm’s reach. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends “touch supervision.” It is recommended to learn CPR and

other lifesaving techniques in case of an emergency. By being vigilant and taking responsibility for the safety of children and others, individuals can prevent accidents and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience in and around water.

In the event of a water accident, performing CPR and first aid can be critical in saving a life. It is important to learn how to perform CPR on infants, children, and adults. The American Red Cross offers Learn-to-Swim programs taught by Water Safety Instructor certified professionals, which equip people of all ages with knowledge and skills to respond to water emergencies. When performing CPR, it is recommended to give five initial rescue breaths, followed by cycles of 30 compressions and two rescue breaths. Knowing how to safely assist a drowning person, such as "reach or throw, don't go," can also be essential in preventing further harm. Taking a first aid course that covers these topics can empower individuals with the skills needed to keep themselves and others safe when swimming.

Seeking professional medical help is also crucial in emergency situations. If someone is experiencing symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, or loss of consciousness, it is important to call 911 immediately. Additionally, if someone has been submerged in water for an extended period or has inhaled water, they should seek medical attention even if they appear to be fine. It is important to remember that even if someone appears to have recovered from a water accident, delayed complications can arise, and seeking medical attention can help prevent further harm.

Craving a delicious treat that will satisfy your sweet tooth? Look no further than Sweets by Davenport, your one-stop destination for mouthwatering delights. We offer homemade treats and sweets with delectable and unique flavors for almost any occasion! Call us today or visit our website to order.

Daniel and Elizabeth Michaels are a husband and wife team with a passion for creating beautiful homes that are both functional and visually stunning. They have built a reputation for excellence in the Shreveport/Bossier City area for years, and it’s easy to see why.

The couple has been married for over 18 years and has beautiful twin daughters. Both are Shreveport natives with decades-long experience as local business owners. Their houses, which incorporate the latest trends, reflect their collaborative spirit, where the wife's creativity and husband's expertise come together to create a truly gorgeous home.

Their latest project, a custom house located in the prestigious gated community of St. Andrews, is the perfect example of their collaborative spirit. The house is transitional in style, featuring vibrant colors, bright wallpaper, and stunning light fixtures.

The home boasts an outdoor kitchen, a modern pool, and a large kitchen island with quartz countertops, making it perfect for entertaining. Its attention to detail is impressive, from the brass finishes to the Dacor appliances, every corner of this house reflects the Michaels’ impeccable attention to detail.

Another impressive feature of this house is its use of local subcontractors, who bring their own unique touches and experience to the project, making it truly reflective of the community.

Subcontractors:

Henson Lighting

House of Carpets and Lighting

National Wholesale Supply

Donna Lightfoot from United Tile

Agape Pools & Outdoor Spaces

Keller Cabinets

Wagley Electric

Hometown Fence

Primo's Flooring

Port City Corporation

Adolfo's Construction

Port City Corporation

Louisiana Concrete Services, LLC

LA Framing Services

Ark-La-Tex Garage Doors, LLC

Glass Services

B & B AC Service & Repair, LLC

Roppolo's Insulation, LLC

Acker Services LLC

Rosales Paint, LLC

Peace Plumbing Company

Garrard Sheet Metal

MJ Roofing & Remodeling, LLC

Arvizu Drywall, LLC

Spinks Construction & Remodeling

It’s no wonder that their new custom house was featured in the 2023 Parade of Homes. Its unique and thoughtful design is a testament to the couple’s dedication to their craft.

If you are looking for a builder to design a stunning and transitional modern custom-built home, look no further than Daniel Michaels, Inc.

318.470.4614

T

heatre T heatre WDC

BY SEVA MAY

As you drive north on Line Avenue toward downtown Shreveport, you will pass a large, red brick building with stately columns on the left. It’s very prominent and right next door to Shreveport Little Theatre. It’s called the Women’s Department Club and you’ve probably wondered, “What’s inside?” It’s quite breathtaking and rich in history.

With most couples, the planning falls The Women’s Department Club of Shreveport was founded in November 1919 by a group of women inspired by the city’s oldest literary club, the Hypatia Club. The club’s early years were focused on promoting education and cultural enrichment for women in the community. In 1925, the club

commissioned local architect Clarence King to design a grand, elegant manor for its headquarters, which still stands today. The club, born of the suffrage movement following the turn of the century, was founded, and furthered by prominent Shreveport ladies who dedicated their time and effort to expose women to education, literacy, and equality opportunities in the local area.

The club boasted many “departments” such as education, arts, home learning and other skills for developing stronger cultural ties and advancement for women. Those early pioneers of culture had the foresight to create a 400+ theater atop the second floor of the clubhouse.  This theater was used for lectures and performances, as well as other club related events. The club

has supported the arts and artists in the area and has provided a space for cultural events and gatherings.

After struggling with the result of COVID-19, the club partnered with the Louisiana Grandstand in 2020 to help grow awareness and use of the historic building, affectionately known as the “Lady on Line”. What started with monthly concerts billed as the Shreveport Opry has now blossomed into a growing schedule of touring artists, showcases of regional talent and a hub of music development. This partnership has worked tirelessly to restore the building in many ways, including an installation of a new roof and other cosmetic repair projects beginning in 2022.

The WDC Dining Room is perfect for small gatherings of up to 50 people.  The

adjacent kitchen with dual swinging doors makes this the perfect room for seated dinners, supper clubs or entertaining of clients.  The Dining Room is also perfect for occasional pop-up dinners, wedding receptions, bridal and baby showers, and teaparties.

The Parlor of the WDC is adjacent to the Dining Room and can be sectioned off with pocket doors for smaller gatherings. Perfect for cocktail parties or club meetings, this area is adjacent to the foyer area where bars are generally set up for parties and other functions.

The WDC has a nice sized kitchen that can accommodate many arrangements and a full bar service for a private event.   A 60day advance notice is necessary for ticketed events to secure appropriate permits.

The WDC theater was built at the same time of the Strand Theater, which makes both facilities the oldest theaters in Northwest Louisiana. Today, the theater sits in almost pristine condition with an excellent space with incredible acoustics for musical and performances. More and more improvements are on the way that are positively going to put the WDC high on your list of “must visit” venues.

The Woman’s Department Club is still active today and meets every Thursday with their variety of programs and exhibits for its members. The patronage and enjoyment of the building with each of the events continues to help with the upkeep of the building and preserve an important historic landmark in our area. The WDC has been listed on the National Archives Historical List and celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2019.

Event planning has consistently been ranked in the top 5 most stressful jobs on Earth. In fact, it ranks slightly less stressful than running into burning buildings.  Combine that with the particularities of a soon to be bride and you have what iDo Bridal Expo is all about. iDo Bridal Expo takes the stress out of wedding planning by offering everything you need for the perfect day under one roof.

Turning Chaos Celebration to

Kristi McDonald is a successful small business owner who runs a thriving pop-up market and events company. Event planning is not only her livelihood, but she also thinks it's fun. One of her favorite things to say is, “Relax! Nothing is under control.” Driven with the purpose of building communities, helping small business owners, and having a lot of fun while doing it, Kristi was ready to expand her business when she met Roger Ketchum with Surety Associates, LLC.

Kristi was inquiring about one of Surety Associates properties to purchase for a wedding venue, when Roger introduced her to his wife Sharon and daughter Katie Beth, who worked with him in the family business.  Sharon was the company CFO and Katie Beth was the company Property Manager. Roger had seen Kristi’s vision right away and knew his wife and daughter shared the same vision of being in the wedding industry. A bond was quickly formed between the three, as they began to brainstorm as to how they could combine forces to fill a need that the community was lacking.

With Kristi's experience in the pop-up and expo business combined with

Sharon and Katie Beth's business management, social media expertise and their shared dream to be in the wedding industry, a business idea was quickly formed that had the

crew saying “I do” to a new business venture. Drawing from the skill set of the entire group, iDo Bridal Expo LLC was created. iDo Bridal Expo is a unique company that offers an exciting shopping and planning experience for brides to be while also providing opportunities for small businesses to showcase their products.

After acquiring the East Texas Wedding Extravaganza, the crew have serious plans for expansion. With the goal of being the premiere bridal and wedding expo in the region, iDo Bridal Expo will remain in Texas, but also launch in Shreveport-Bossier and Hot Springs.

The Boardwalk Bridal Market and Sample Sale will happen August 5th, on the Louisiana Boardwalk and feature exhibitors from Texas and Louisiana. A smaller show than the typical extravaganza, the market and sample sale will feature designer gowns at deeply discounted rates, along with coordinated jewelry and accessories. It will be a high-end bridal market and

sample sale extravaganza that you won't want to miss!

The event will feature top bridal boutiques who will showcase their latest collections and offer exclusive discounts on their stunning gowns. It will also feature a variety of vendors offering everything from custom accessories to bridal beauty services. You'll be able to browse and shop for wedding day essentials, all in one place. The best part is that the Boardwalk Bridal Market & Sample Sale is only a small fraction of what the iDo Bridal Expo crew plan on achieving this year! They have already saved the date for a Bridal Expo Show at the Bossier Civic Center on October 28th. With the goal of over 100 exhibitors, they’re providing local artisanal makers, designers, venues, food and music producers with a platform to reach new customers.

iDo Bridal Expo can create an environment that's enjoyable for both vendors and future brides. In the larger bridal expos, customers can browse through various vendors' stalls, tasting and sampling different delights while engaging with the makers themselves. The enthusiasm and knowledge that each vendor has for their products is evident, encouraging visitors to appreciate and plan weddings that uniquely reflect their personal style.

iDo Bridal Expo could not be prouder to partner with local wedding vendors and showcase all the area has to offer. Building community is the backbone of the business. Combining style, community and turning chaos into celebration, this iDo crew makes it look like a piece of (wedding) cake.

To join the iDo crew as a vendor or bride to be, please visit our website at iDoBridalExpo.com.

NOVUS GLASS OF SOUTHEAST SHREVEPORT - TRUST THE WINDSHIELD REPAIR EXPERTS, YOUR AUTO GLASS SERVICE PROFESSIONALS!

Owners: Jamie and Tim Kochakian

At novus, we leverage our highly trained technicians and state-of-the-art techniques to save your windshield, only resorting to replacement when necessary. Tim and jamie kochakian, owners of novus glass, know how stressful windshield damage can be on your lifestyle. For over 17 years, they have been making things easier for you and your family. When you need a windshield replacement, novus glass can come to you, or you can go to them. They specialize in windshield repair for autos, heavy equipment, motorhomes, and big trucks. They also do automotive tint, residential tint, and state inspection stickers. Novus glass will work with all insurance companies for individuals and fleet management companies. With two convenient locations, give novus glass a call and LET THEM HANDLE THE HASSLE!

Owner, Jamie Kochakian

GOLDEN A Facial Plastic Surgeon’s RULES

OF SUN EXPOSURE

BY DR. KENNETH SANDERS

No one can deny the deep connection we have with the sun. That feeling of warmth on our cheeks in early spring, or the “hot stone massage” beach sand does to our feet on a sunny day. We need the sun. Everyone has heard about the importance of the sun in our natural production of Vitamin D. We also know of the relationship with daylight and our circadian rhythm. But, our skin takes a beating from the ultraviolet (UV) and infra-red (IR) damage that occurs with prolonged exposure to sunlight. Let’s take a look at what a Facial Plastic Surgeon has to say on the issue of safely enjoying the sun. I have been in practice over 20 years and I treat patients with sun-damaged skin every day. I’ve developed several basic rules to help protect our skin from premature aging related to sun damage.

Rule 1—Avoid sun exposure when possible. This could mean physically shading yourself with umbrellas, hats, UV blocking clothing, and sunscreens.

Combine two or more of these methods to increase protection. Sanders stresses that UV/IR effects are cumulative over our lifetimes. Think about a cup such that once it is full, it will run over. This is how sun damage works and why we see the effects of early damage later in life. Those sunburns you had as a child are still with you, that damage is under the surface even today.

Rule 2—Know your sunscreen. Not all sunscreens are created equal. There are two broad categories: chemical barriers and physical barriers. This is the single most important thing to know about your sunscreen. Chemical barrier sunscreens react with UV light and get “used up” in the process. The greasy or sticky feel may still be on the skin but it is not effectively blocking UV after about 90 minutes, so it must be reapplied to be effective. Reapply chemical barrier sunscreens every 60-90 minutes for the best protection while in the sun. Physical barrier sunscreens are different in that they do not react with UV but reflect it like a micro-mirror so that it never gets to the skin. Physical barriers do not have to

be reapplied unless they come off with sweating or swimming for an extended period of time. The latest improvement in sunscreens is the ability to block infrared light as well. IR is the part of sunlight that gives it heat, but these rays can be aging as well.

Rule 3—Use the highest SPF available. While it may be true that the benefit of any SPF over 50 is minimal, why not take advantage of this minimal help? There are sunscreens with SPF of even 100 now and there are no downsides to using a higher SPF except that these high SPF sunscreens are almost always chemical barriers so the re-application rule applies.

Rule 4—Post treat sun exposed skin. It is important to wash off any sunscreen residues that remain and then treat whatever amount of damage you have acquired. I recommend using multi-blend antioxidants (AO) and human derived growth factors (GF) on a daily basis but especially after significant sun exposure. Think of your skin as really thirsty after a day in the sun and give it a big glass of rejuvenating AO and GF.

We all need the sun and with some good planning and diligence towards the steps listed above the aging and damaging effects of sun exposure can be minimized.

Our deep travel experience combined with carefully listening to our clients, gives us the ability to match our client’s interests with the best destination, resort or cruise AND unique activities to design custom journeys that fulfill our client’s smallest wishes and create memories that will last a lifetime. We may be master travel specialists but our clients consider us their “personal travel designer.”

• Destination Weddings

• Honeymoons

• Family Travel

• Group Travel

• Senior Trips

Kenneth Sanders, MD, is a board certified plastic surgeon specializes in facial aesthetic rejuvenation.

We never stop innovating health and wellness solutions that help you and your family live your best lives. When you need the right care, right now, visit CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic.

Get quality CHRISTUS care every time, from anywhere.

Anti-Pest

LOCAL COMPANY REVIVES RUN DOWN OFFICE AND WAREHOUSE TO A SLEEK NEW WORK ENVIRONMENT.

BY MYRON GRIFFING

Everyone in the Shreveport Bossier area has heard of and may have even used Anti-Pest. They’ve been helping folks in Caddo, Bossier and DeSoto parish rid their homes and businesses of unwanted critters, creepy crawlies, and winged terrors for almost 75 years.

Anti-Pest began at the corner of Stoner Avenue/Youree Drive in 1950. In 1955, a young man named J.T. May started with the company and quickly rose through the ranks. He purchased the company in 1982 and ran it until selling it to his daughter, Michelle, in 2012.

Michelle and husband Jarrod Horton also purchased another local business, Porter’s Carpet Cleaning, in 2013 and moved Anti-Pest to Professional Drive in South Shreveport. In 2021, a larger

facility, owned by High-Lifter, opened just around the corner from them. They purchased that building with plans to gut it and create a completely renovated corporate headquarters for Anti-Pest!

This is where I, Space: interiors, enter the picture. I’ve previously worked with the Hortons at their home, so we already had a professional relationship. I remember walking through the space just after they purchased and thinking, “gracious, this place has a loooonnng way to go!” It was a mess and that’s being nice. It is always exciting, yet challenging, to start with a blank slate.

I met with Jarrod and Michelle several times to discuss their wants, needs, colors, etc., and from there created a soothing palette of warm grey, ivory, taupe and a bold Navy blue as an accent color. Michelle wanted a modern vibe for the furnishings and artwork. As a designer, it’s imperative to make certain

you give your clients what they want but also, push their boundaries a bit further. Deconstruction started in early 2022 and the project went on for what seemed like forever. It only took about seven to eight months. This is an eternity for a designer because we’ve already envisioned what the space will look like but must wait on construction, materials, and all the little elements before getting to a point where the “pretty” stuff starts happening. At that point, things start moving quickly. It’s just a matter of unboxing, assembling, and placing items. The Hortons are amazing business minded folks but also have a “fun” side to how they operate. This can be seen in the bug-themed artwork they already had plus the pillows and art I brought in.

“I want people to walk in and be impressed by how professional the

place looks, but also feel comfortable within the environment”, Michelle said.

By far, the most impressive area is the administrative common space. This space has new luxury vinyl tile (LVT) in ivory and taupe, custom shelving, and a “pit” seating area. We selected the tiles because they looked like a slice of wood. This was a nod to termites. I added 4 leather and chrome low-slung modern chairs, two mid-century style benches and two all glass waterfall coffee tables. Two mercury glass cubes were brought in between chairs and quickly became favorites of Michelle. The shelves were painted and filled with original exterminator equipment and photos of the company from the 1960’s. We also added more modern pieces and artwork. I threw in a few bug-themed pillows and voila, the seating was complete. Other standouts are the kitchen and breakroom areas, (there are two) we added a smoked oak, wood grain laminate for a clean, modern vibe with leathered quartzite countertops. The tactile quality of leathered countertops is best conveyed by touching, but I can say that it feels slightly dimpled.

The end results turned out phenomenal and everyone involved is thrilled! It’s always a pleasure working with folks that know what they want but are also open to new ideas. This collaboration is an exemplary example of that.

I could write several more pages on what a pleasant experience this project was to work on, but don’t wanna “bug” ya.

Presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI) All authorized performance materials are also supplied by

A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT & CEO

We hope this message finds you well and filled with a deep sense of pride and fulfillment for the amazing work you accomplished during United Way's Day of Caring. On behalf of our board, staff, and the community we serve, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering dedication and the tremendous impact you made. This year’s Day of Caring was one of the largest volunteer events we have hosted to date.

Your commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of others is truly inspiring. Thanks to your volunteerism, we completed 27 projects for local nonprofit agencies, assembled 1,500 essential needs kits for future hurricane evacuees, cleaned up six communities to beautify our cities, created five Born Learning Trails to boost children’s language and literacy development, and planted two community gardens to increase economic sustainability.

You embraced the tasks with passion and dedication, making a lasting impact on our community and reminding us all of the power of collective action. The success of this event would not have been possible without your invaluable contribution.

Thank you for being an inspiration to us all. I can’t wait to do it again next year!

With heartfelt appreciation,

LaToria W. Thomas President & CEO of United Way of Northwest Louisiana

MISSED DAY OF CARING BUT STILL WANT TO SUPPORT OUR COMMUNITY?

FILL THE BUS 2023

July 21st-22nd, August 4th-5th Select Walmart Supercenters Join

teachers

Bossier and Caddo Parishes. Support the initiative by signing up to volunteer or shop at select Walmart Supercenters during our event times to purchase and donate school supplies. Fill the Bus benefits more than 4,000 elementary, middle, and high school children annually and provides students with the tools necessary for success in the upcoming school year.

For more details on event times, how to participate, or to sign up to become a volunteer, please scan the QR code shown.

To learn more about the impact made through United Way of Northwest Louisiana’s Day of Caring, please visit unitedwaynwla.org

The Fuller Center for Housing

By Ursula Brantley

Being able to wake up in a safe place of your own that’s decent, and not being forced to live in poverty or as one of America’s working poor is a privilege that countless individuals and families take for granted. According to the Department of Housing and Urban Development, 7,373 people were experiencing homelessness in Louisiana in January 2022, and an estimated 16.8% of them were unsheltered. Since 2005, The Fuller Center for Housing of Northwest Louisiana has done their due diligence to battle homelessness in NWLA. The faith-based nonprofit’s mission is to build decent and affordable homes for working families that cannot afford a home through traditional means while keeping founder Millard Fuller’s vision of building communities and empowering people through homeownership alive.

The Fuller Center for Housing came about in 2005 after Fuller, the founder of Habitat for Humanity, had disagreements with the board of directors of Habitat. Fuller believed that affiliates should not accept government funding, but the board of directors disagreed. He believed that every community should have the capability to support the construction of decent, affordable homes in their community. The board ended up firing its CEO, but Fuller still had a desire to serve the community by building homes for those in need. Fuller made the decision, along with his wife Linda, to change the name and start a new organization. Headquarters were set up in Americus, GA and the NWLA chapter was the first under the new flagship. Today, there are 75 affiliates across the United States, some of which are former Habitat affiliates that knew Millard, loved his vision, and wanted to continue with The Fuller Center. FCHNWLA Executive Director Lee Jeter began volunteering when the first homes were built in 2005 in the Allendale neighborhood. Since becoming Executive Director in 2009, he has worked tirelessly to be a catalyst for change in the SBC area. “What I like about the Fuller Center model is it allows the communities to determine how they want to proceed, whether they want to do rehab projects, whether they want to do new construction, whether they want to do a mixture of both. It’s really based upon the needs of your community and your local capacity. All the money that's raised for Fuller House NWLA, is raised locally in our community, so we want to keep that money in our community,” says Jeter. The Fuller Center has 61 established properties in the SBC area and 3 currently under construction in the Stoner Hill neighborhood. Their goal is to build 2-4 homes per year. Each client must complete first time homebuyers’ classes, credit/financial counseling, a certain number of sweat equity hours, and save 1/3 of their closing cost before they can move into their new home. Following that, all homeowners are required to do 52 hours of sweat equity a year. Most

Fuller Center homes are in the Allendale and Stoner Hill neighborhoods though they would like to reach as many neighborhoods in the SBC as they can. Jeter explains, “We don't spend money buying land so wherever we can get property donated is where we will build. We don't want just one or two lots. We want 10-20 lots. We want to lift up the entire community and it's difficult to do that with only one or two houses. Our vision in the Cedar Grove area was to build 20 houses in that community, but we’ve only been able to build two on the properties that were donated to us by the Catholic Diocese and Catholic Charities. The vision is to build in Cedar Grove, Queensborough, and the Martin Luther King area in a similar way to what we've done in the Allendale and Stoner Hill communities, and what we're trying to do in Bossier”. The Stoner Hill area is currently where most of the homes for veterans are located. In 2013, Grammy-winner John Mayer contributed his time to help build a veteran’s home in Stoner Hill. The funds for that home were donated by Pink Floyd member Roger Waters.

FCHNWLA doesn’t begin construction of a home until they have the exact amount of budgeted money needed to build that home so that subcontractors are able to be paid within 48 hours of completing their work and passing the necessary inspections. Being that 100% of all donations go towards the construction of new homes, homeowners are paying it forward when they pay their monthly mortgages. That means 75% of their mortgage payments help cover FCHNWLA administrative costs that aren’t taken out upfront and 25% goes into new construction. Jeter explains, “My staff is very, very small, we have a staff of three. We try to keep our administrative costs less than 20%. Ideally, we want our administrative costs to run our programs to be somewhere between 13% and 15%, no higher than that because we really want to focus on the core mission of building homes.” He goes on to say, “We don’t spend a lot of money on marketing and advertising. Those dollars go to build houses. We will use whatever free services that we can get from our media. When construction costs go up, like what has happened over the last ten years, houses that we were building for $85,000 are now costing $100,000. That's a $20,000 gap.”

To help fill that gap The Fuller Center operates their Surplus Store. Materials are donated by individuals and businesses and the Surplus Store sells those gently used and sometimes new construction items at a significantly lower price than you’d find in a typical hardware store. All proceeds from the Surplus Store go towards filling the administrative cost gap. When asked about the surplus store, Jeter replied, “If it's brand new, then we will take it and use it in the construction of a new home. We're never going to put anything used in a new home. If it's something that's been slightly used, we're going to sell it to individuals that are trying to fix up their property. These are individuals that may own rental properties or individuals that may own an older home and they're on a limited income, so they don't have the financial resources to fix their home. They know they can come here and buy stuff at a price that's affordable for them. That's going to help them maintain their current home, but also is going to help us build future homes. It saves those items from going to the landfill and it reduces landfill waste. We like to look at it as we're recycling, reducing, and reusing”. To become a Fuller Center client, an individual can go online and print an application or stop by their offices on Linwood Avenue and pick up an application. Churches, individuals, and organizations are always encouraged to volunteer their time or make monetary contributions of any amount to help uplift those in our area that so desperately need it.

CELEBRATING World Snake Day:

Responsible Pet Ownership and Appreciating Snakes as Pets

BY HAILEY LAWSON

World Snake Day, celebrated annually on July 16th, not only raises awareness about snakes in the wild but also provides an opportunity to appreciate them as fascinating pets. While snakes may not be conventional companions for everyone, their unique characteristics, lowmaintenance requirements, and undeniable beauty make them an intriguing choice for reptile enthusiasts. Snakes can make great companions, offering a glimpse into the captivating world of reptiles. However, before considering a snake as a pet, it is vital to understand the specific needs and requirements associated with their care.

Ř Choosing the Right Snake: When considering a snake as a pet, it is crucial to research and choose a species that aligns with your lifestyle, experience level, and available space. Some popular pet snake species

include ball pythons, corn snakes, and king snakes, which are generally docile and easy to handle. Each species has specific care requirements, including temperature, humidity, and dietary needs. Understanding these factors will help create a suitable environment for your pet snake.

Ř Creating the Ideal Habitat: Creating an appropriate enclosure is essential to the well-being of your pet snake. Provide a spacious terrarium or vivarium that offers enough room for the snake to move and explore comfortably. The enclosure should also be escape-proof and have proper ventilation. Furnish it with hiding spots, branches, rocks, and an appropriately sized water dish to mimic the snake’s natural habitat. Maintaining correct temperature and humidity levels within the enclosure is crucial, as different snake species have varying environmental needs.

Ř Feeding and Nutrition: Understanding your snake’s dietary requirements is vital for its health. All snakes are carnivorous, consuming a diet of appropriately sized rodents, birds, or other small animals. Some species may have more specific dietary needs, such as a preference for live or pre-killed prey. Consult a veterinarian or experienced snake owner to determine the ideal feeding schedule and prey items for your specific snake. Remember to provide fresh water at all times.

Ř Handling and Socialization: Handling snakes can be an enriching experience, but it requires caution and patience. Ensure your snake is comfortable with handling before attempting to interact with it. Always support its body and avoid sudden movements that may startle or stress the snake. Be aware that some snakes may prefer minimal handling, while others may enjoy human interaction to a greater extent.

Ř Healthcare and Veterinary Needs: Regular veterinary check-ups are crucial to maintaining your snake’s wellbeing. Find a veterinarian experienced in reptile care who can provide guidance on preventive healthcare, parasite control, and general health evaluations. Educate yourself about common health issues and symptoms to ensure prompt detection and treatment of any potential problems.

Ř Conservation and Education: Promote responsible snake ownership, dispel common myths, and raise awareness about the conservation challenges faced by snakes in the wild. Participating in local herpetological societies or reptile clubs can provide opportunities to learn more about snake conservation efforts, contribute to research projects, and engage in public education initiatives. An amazing local snake sanctuary, Steve’s Snaketuary, offers the safe removal and relocation of snakes, takes in pet reptiles,

mesmerizing reptiles while promoting their welfare and highlighting the importance of responsible pet ownership. By providing a suitable habitat, appropriate nutrition, and regular veterinary care, you can ensure a long and fulfilling life for your scaly friend.

“Why do snakes make great pets? You only feed most snakes once a week, as opposed to dogs and cats, which may need to be fed several times a day. Snakes won’t go to the bathroom all over the house like dogs and cats. And, snakes

GoINg Little League LeagueBig with

How the YMCA of Northwest Louisiana is making a bigger impact in our community.

BY SEVA MAY

The Shreveport YMCA has a rich history dating back to the 1880s. You could say that our Y has come a long way since those early days. The YMCA was founded on Christian principles and has been providing services to the community for over a century. As the old song goes, the downtown Shreveport YMCA of yesteryear was a fun place to stay. Young men could rent rooms by the week or the day. Today, the YMCA of Northwest Louisiana continues to serve the community with a variety of programs and services, including fitness for all ages, personal training, aquatics, and youth sports. The Y of today is a fun place to play.

And the playing just got even better due to extremely generous state capital outlay money, 2 million from Caddo Parish, and 1.5 million from the city of Shreveport, and significant corporate and private donors. With these funds the Y was able to purchase the land that sits adjacent to the BHP YMCA where the Little League Baseball fields are located. By working with the Little League organization and making significant ballpark improvements, the new addition to the BHP YMCA campus stands ready to hit a home run.

With sports tourism booming nationwide, Shreveport can at last become competitive in attracting baseball tournaments to our area. The Y plans to have 20 to 30 of these youth baseball and softball tournaments that will attract teams from across the southern states. A study by the Sports Commission projects a 5-milliondollar economic impact just in the first year. Think of the vendor opportunities, the hotel rooms booked out, and the business to our restaurants this baseball complex will bring. Think of the memories shared by teammates as parents and families pack the grandstands with their crackerjacks and peanuts to watch their athlete shine. Baseball isn’t the only activity in the Y’s portfolio. With its wide range of youth sports leagues and camps, the Y provides opportunities for youth to improve their skills, make new friends, and be active. Other sports offerings include soccer, volleyball, flag football, and basketball. These programs provide children with opportunities to learn specific skills in a supportive environment, while also emphasizing the importance of leadership, teamwork, and cooperation. In addition to sports leagues and camps, the Y offers general day camps, providing a range of activities such as arts and crafts, organized games, outdoor recreation, and more.

The non-profit organization values the well-being of all individuals in the community. The “Y” also provides financial assistance to those in need through its Y Cares Program. This program is based on family income, household size, and the availability of YMCA funds. The YMCA of Northwest Louisiana is working to be where the community needs it the most, expanding its services to our residents with Parkinson’s with two different offerings – Rock Steady Boxing which studies suggest may be “neuro-protective” (slow disease progression) and a Parkinson’s Aquatic Group program. The YMCA of Northwest Louisiana has also recently partnered with Feist-Weiller to offer a new exercise program to our cancer survivers, entitled Y Thrivers. The goal of this new program is to meet each person exactly where they are in their cancer recovery, by offering them a safe and encouraging environment, where they grow in spirit, mind, and body.

Our Y has always been known for its swimming program. Many a parent has enjoyed getting in the pool with their babies for that first lesson and watching that older child finish with a good time in competition racing.

The Northwest Louisiana YMCA also offers aquatics programs and swim lessons for individuals of all ages. For children ages 3-12, the focus is on teaching essential swimming skills and water safety. The YMCA also offers a competitive, USA Swimming registered, age group swim team for members. It is the largest competitive swim team in the area. In addition to swim lessons, the Shreveport Y offers aquatics programs such as water aerobics and aquatic therapy to help individuals improve their physical health and well-being. With water safety at the forefront of every parent’s mind and as a response to the numerous drownings in our area, the Y developed a Safety Around Water – Swim for Life program.  During each academic year, every single Caddo Parish second grader receives water safety training for four days at the Y.  Caddo Parish buses a different school of second graders to the Y every week from Monday-Thursday. The YMCA of Northwest Louisiana recently completed year five of its Swim For

Life program with more than 15,000 Caddo Parish second graders receiving this critical instruction.

The Shreveport YMCA also offers youth leadership and service programs, connecting kids to their potential, purpose, and each other so they can shape communities. Through leadership programs, the YMCA strives to ensure that every young person has an opportunity to envision and pursue a positive future. These programs provide opportunities for youth to develop important life skills, such as communication, problem-solving, and decision-making, while also emphasizing the importance of service and giving back to the community. Overall, the Shreveport Y’s youth development programs provide a range of opportunities for youth to learn, grow, and thrive. Programs such as “Shreveport-Bossier: My City, My Community, My Home,” is a new initiative that launched in February of 2022 to combat a growing sense of community apathy and low self-esteem. The initiative consists of two components – periodic panel discussions and a weekly podcast interview series.  The purpose of the initiative is to create more awareness around the positive aspects of our community to help it cultivate a healthier self-image.  The Y also wants to leverage its position as a community center to bring people together to address some of the challenges the Shreveport-Bossier community is facing.

The YMCA of Northwest Louisiana is an organization that’s really the best version of ourselves. It’s a place that has been around a long time, helping to bring us together as a community, building character in our young people and teaching values to our families. And it just keeps getting better. In October 2021, the YMCA broke ground on its third facility in Shreveport, located in the Camp Forbing Marketplace. The 44,000 square foot complex will feature a swimming pool, athletic fields, and plenty of space for various programs. The new facility was made possible by a generous donor who wished to name the complex the Lash Family YMCA, a fitting gesture since Gary and Renee Lash have been instrumental in furthering the mission of the Northwest Louisiana YMCA. With these exciting additions and expansion of programs and services, the YMCA will continue to serve even more individuals in the Shreveport Bossier community. We can hardly wait to help the Downtown YMCA celebrate its 100th birthday in 2025. Who knows what may happen between now and then.

Rendering of YMCA Athletic Complex.

Rendering of Lash Family YMCA.

Summer/Ballfield must haves: Summer/Ballfield must haves:

1 2 3

4 5 6

7

8

1. 2chic sunglasses and Bracelet Hair Ties. It’s easier to tell the strikes from the balls with the sun out of your eyes and your hair pulled back in trendy hair ties.

2. Lola Travel Bag: A stylish tote big enough to carry all your ballfield necessities. 3. Powder adjustable size hat: Stay cool, look cool with a comfortable, flexible hat. 4. Swig & Brumate: Hot or cold, your beverages will never taste better or stay fresher.

5. Swig Life BOXX 24 Cooler: Keep your snacks and drinks crisp and chilled for those long hours at the game. 6. Umbrella: You can’t predict Louisiana weather, but you can handle it with a playful umbrella. 7. Wfan Yoga Sirocco HandsFree: Keep a cool head (and neck) and have your hands free to rally your ball player. 8. Don’t forget sunblock. Don’t forget SUNBLOCK! - Items from Jolie Blonde Gifts

We asked local doctors and healthcare practitioners to provide SB readers with advice in their medical specialties and focus of their practices. Look inside our Ask the Experts section to find answers to your health and wellness questions.

REFRACTIVE CATARACT SURGERY WYCHE T.

COLEMAN, III, MD

A common question I hear often is, “What is refractive cataract surgery and how is it different from regular cata-

ract surgery?” The answer is refractive cataract surgery has a dual purpose –not only to remove the cloudy cataract

that is blocking the clear passage of light to the back of the eye, but also to reduce or eliminate the need for glasses afterward.

Refractive cataract surgery goes by many names: premium cataract surgery, laser cataract surgery, multifocal lens cataract surgery, etc. But the point is that you are trying to leave someone with maximum glasses independence. And it is my view that the philosophy of the process is more important than a particular piece of equipment or intraocular lens. The key to good results is obtaining quality measurements to determine what is possible, then understanding a person’s goals regarding outcome and formulating the best plan to reach those goals. This is where my passion lies and is the real focus of my ophthalmology practice.

In general, I believe nearly everyone should be able to have a good result from cataract surgery. If you have had cataract surgery and are not satisfied with the results, I want to see you as a patient and try to get you to the finish line. A special area of interest and subject of clinical research in our practice is complex patients who have unsatisfactory outcomes from prior surgery. In many cases, even those who have had cataract surgery decades ago, prior to modern advances, can still achieve a high level of visual quality and glasses independence.

At WK Eye Institute we are constantly measuring outcomes to drive quality improvement and investing in the latest technology to provide high excellent visual outcomes.

Wyche T. Coleman III, MD, is a board certified ophthalmologist located at WK Eye Institute South with more than 15 years experience specializing in cataract and refractive surgery.

WYCHE T. COLEMAN, III, MD

WK EYE INSTITUTE SOUTH 2530 BERT KOUNS INDUSTRIAL LOOP

SUITE 116, SHREVEPORT, LA 71118 (318) 212-5901

WWW.THECATARACTSURGEONS.COM

RHEUMATOLOGY ROBERT E. GOODMAN, M.D.

Robert E. Goodman, MD is a Board

Certified Rheumatologist, at the Arthritis & Rheumatology Clinic in Shreveport. He combines his specialized training and 38 years of experience with personalized care to provide patients with the latest treatment options.

WHAT SORT OF CONDITIONS DO RHEUMATOLOGISTS TREAT?

Rheumatologists diagnose and treat diseases that affect the body's connective tissue, including more than 100 different diseases that can cause arthritis or inflammation of the joints and bones. Rheumatologists also specialize in diagnosing and treating certain autoimmune diseases and offer continuing care for patients with musculoskeletal disorders.

Some of the diseases and conditions I diagnose and treat include rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, psoriatic arthritis, fibromyalgia, gout, lupus, ankylosing spondylitis, polymyalgia rheumatica,

polymyositis, scleroderma, Sjogren's syndrome, & osteoporosis.

WHAT IS YOUR TREATMENT APPROACH?

I work closely with each patient to personalize a plan that blends the most innovative approaches in rheumatology and arthritis treatments.

There have been many advances and breakthroughs in the field of rheumatology that have led to better treatment options and continually improving outcomes for patients.

For example, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder that occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s tissues. It affects the lining of the joints causing painful inflammation which can damage other parts of the body as well.

The goal of treatment for RA is to reduce or stop inflammation as quickly as possible, and slow or stop disease activity.

This will achieve remission, meaning minimal or no signs or symptoms of active inflammation. With today’s available treatment options for RA, remission is more achievable than ever before. Although there is currently no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, remission sure feels like one.

WHAT ELSE WOULD YOU LIKE FOR PATIENTS TO KNOW ABOUT ARTHRITIS AND RHEUMATIC CONDITIONS?

You are not alone. An estimated 50 million people in the United States have arthritis or other rheumatic conditions. Since rheumatic disease affects everyone differently, the key to the best outcome is to work with your rheumatologist to learn what works best for you. Together we can make a big difference in how much your condition affects your quality of life so that you can continue to say yes to the things that are important to you and live your best life!

For more information, or to make an appointment with Dr. Goodman, call 318-424-9240, or find us on the web at www.arthdoc.com, and on Facebook at facebook.com/arthdoc.

ORTHODONTIST GRAF ORTHODONTICS

WHAT AGE SHOULD I BRING MY CHILD?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends having an orthodontic evaluation by age 7. Although this may seem too young for braces, it allows for early detection of crossbites and jaw growth issues that may require early treatment.

WHAT IF THEY HAVEN’T LOST ALL THEIR BABY TEETH?

That’s okay! As orthodontists, we are looking at both tooth and jaw relationships. At age 7, most children will still have quite a few baby teeth present. If an early set of braces is needed, we may attach braces to baby teeth to facilitate treatment. Additionally, the x-rays that we take at these appointments will help us to monitor how the permanent teeth are coming in and jaw positions.The best part of early visits is that if there is not a tooth or jaw problem, we will continue to observe your child every year and estimate how close to beginning braces they are! -Dr.

Cloud

WHAT CAN I EXPECT ON MY FIRST VISIT?

Your first visit in our office begins with getting to know our highly qualified orthodontic team. One of our team members

will collect any paperwork and insurance information you have. Next, one of our incredible treatment coordinators will take photos, diagnostic x-rays and review your dental history with one of our doctors. Dr. Graf, Dr. Cloud, Dr. Flynn or I will complete an oral exam and address your chief concerns. If treatment is recommended, we will discuss a treatment plan to achieve your healthiest smile and the next steps in your orthodontic care. You will receive all financial information and a customized payment plan to fit your budget. Our team will make sure all your questions are answered and concerns are addressed. We know your time is valuable, so in most cases we are happy to get your treatment started the same day! -Dr.

Digney

HOW DO I KNOW IF BRACES OR CLEAR ALIGNERS ARE BEST FOR MY TREATMENT?

Most cases can be treated with either braces or clear aligners, but one of our amazing doctors will discuss with you at your first visit which would be best for your teeth! Clear aligners are a great option for most people because you

can take them out to eat, brush, and take photos! However, if the aligners are removed for too long during the day, the teeth will not straighten! For the quickest, best results, these aligners should be worn for 20-22 hours per day. Come in for a complimentary consultation to see if clear aligners or braces are best for you! -

Dr Flynn

WHY CHOOSE US?

When it comes to choosing an orthodontist, we know you have options. At Graf Orthodontics, we believe in giving our patients an exceptional experience and the highest quality orthodontic care in a family friendly environment. Getting to know each patient and designing a personalized treatment plan tailored to each individual to help them achieve their healthiest, most confident smile is our top priority. From our administrative staff and clinical assistants, all are long term employees with a great deal of orthodontic experience, to our most state-of-the-art technology with the i-Tero digital scanner and the Sirona Cone Beam 3D imaging system, trust that our team will take care of all your orthodontic needs. Whether you’re looking for an orthodontist for your child or yourself, we promise we will never give you anything less than our best! -Dr.

Graf

DR. LAUREN FLYNN, DR. TARO DIGNEY, DR. SANDERS GRAF, DR. CAYCE CLOUD BOSSIER CITY | SHREVEPORT | MINDEN | NATCHITOCHES | MANY (318) 742-9274 GRAFORTHO.COM

Proudly Serving Bossier, Shreveport, Barksdale, & Surrounding Areas

FAMILY DENTISTRY HOOPER

FAMILY

DENTISTRY

WHEN SHOULD I BRING MY CHILD TO START SEEING THE DENTIST?

A good rule of thumb is if you can see that their “baby” teeth are coming in, then it is probably a good time to go ahead and bring them in to see a dentist for a simple exam. The dentist can not only check their new teeth coming in, but also, and often, more importantly, their tongue, tonsils, and their airway. They also can check to see if any tethered tissues may be causing problems with nursing, feeding, talking, and even proper breathing.

WHAT ARE TETHERED ORAL TISSUES?

Tethered oral tissues or “TOTS” for short are areas where there are restrictions in movement due to excessive tissue attachment. Everyone has probably heard the word “tongue-tied” at some point in their lives. Believe it or not, this is a real diagnosis and condition for lots of people! Along with tongue-ties, there

are also lip ties on the top lip! Infants born with these ‘TOTS’ can struggle tremendously nursing due to the inability to get a good latch. They also may snore at night due to the tongue not moving freely, thereby creating an airway concern. When they get to the point of trying to talk, they may struggle to speak properly and enunciate certain words.

HOW CAN THESE “TIES” BE FIXED?

There are a couple of ways these problems can be revised in your child, and the sooner the revision, the better. One of the best options to “fix” these lip and tongue ties is with a medical laser. Similar to the way tattoos can be removed, we can use a special laser that can “cut” the tissues. It sounds like a terrible process, but actually, it is far easier than the traditional method of using either scissors or a scalpel. The

process as a whole takes no longer than 30 seconds with a properly trained doctor who has the right equipment. Lasers not only cut and relieve the restrictions, but they also cauterize the wound as the cutting is done, creating almost little to no bleeding. There are other post-procedure exercises the parent needs to perform with the child to prevent any reattaching of the tissues, but the reattachment after having laser revision is much lower than in the traditional method of using scissors or scalpel. If you have questions, it’s always best to consult with your doctors before deciding which method best fits your baby’s needs!

Stephen Tyer, DDS, Stephen R. Hooper, DDS, and Christopher Hooper, DDS

PATIENT-DIRECTED 'ADJUSTABLE' VISION LUSK EYE SPECIALISTS

WHAT IS ‘ADJUSTABLE' VISION?

At Lusk Eye Specialists, we’re now working with patients to ‘adjust’ and preview their vision AFTER undergoing lens implant surgery. It’s the first time in medical history this is possible. Lens-implant surgery could include a procedure for someone in their mid-40s, mid-50s, or mid-60s, who no longer wants to be dependent on reading glasses or bifocals. Or it could be a cataract patient in their 70s or 80s, who wants to enjoy clear vision at ALL distances…with little or no dependence on prescription eyewear. 'Adjustable' Vision is just what it sounds like. Thanks to our new breakthrough ‘Light Adjustable Lens,’ we can now sit down with our patients AFTER surgery and allow them to tell us how much adjustment they would like. Allowing patients to ‘self-direct’ their own visual outcome has been tremendously well-received by patients receiving the Light Adjustable Lens.

HOW DOES THE LIGHT ADJUSTABLE LENS WORK?

The Light Adjustable Lens is the FIRST & ONLY FDA-Approved intraocular lens (IOL) that can be fine-tuned and adjusted after it is implanted in a human eye. The lens is made of a special photosensitive material that can be reshaped in response to ultraviolet light. Typically, 2-3 weeks following surgery, our Light Delivery Device is used to adjust the lens based on the patient’s refraction. Each non-invasive light treatment only takes about 90 seconds and patients are allowed to test their vision options and actually direct the amount of ‘Light Adjustments’ needed after surgery to fine-tune their vision.

WHO IS THE IDEAL LIGHT ADJUSTABLE PATIENT?

Our new lens is ideal for patients who have had previous refractive surgery, like RK or LASIK. This lens is designed for patients who simply want to reduce their dependence on any type of prescription eyewear after age 40. Once a patient

achieves a quality and depth of vision that matches their goals, expectations, and individual lifestyles, the final light treatment is performed to permanently lock in their postoperative vision.

IS THE LIGHT ADJUSTABLE LENS COVERED BY INSURANCE?

Depending on your age and the overall health of your eyes, some portions of the lens implant procedure could be covered by your insurance provider or Medicare. Although fully approved by Medicare, the insurance industry, and the FDA, the Light Adjustable Lens is not a ‘Covered Procedure,’ which means the patient is responsible for at least the lens portion of the procedure. These entities do allow patients to upgrade their vision and simply pay the out-of-pocket expenses associated with any type of lens implant surgical procedure.

WHO WAS THE FIRST PRACTICE IN THE ARK-LA-TEX TO OFFER THE LIGHT ADJUSTABLE LENS?

As with many breakthroughs that have occurred in ophthalmology during the past 40 years, Lusk Eye Specialists was the first practice in the Ark-La-Tex to offer patients the benefits of the Light Adjustable Lens. We were also the first practice in the region to perform Light Adjustable Lens surgery.

Health, Our

Personalized Primary Care For the Whole Family

When you’re looking for the very best in care for your family, choose the doctors most trusted by the community for everything from the sniffles to severe injuries and everything in-between. We offer several convenient new locations for primary care with state-of-the-art equipment, including full lab and x-ray, in a beautiful and comfortable environment.

At Ochsner LSU Health, we are dedicated to caring for you and your entire family.

ORAL SURGERY ASSOCIATES

DR. DAVID CLARK

WELCOME DR. RACHEL BISHOP!

Oral Surgery Associates provides a full scope of oral and maxillofacial surgical treatment options. With locations in Shreveport, Bossier, and Ruston, they have served North Louisiana, East Texas and Southern Arkansas for over thirty years. Expertise includes removal of wisdom teeth, corrective jaw surgery, dental implants, as well as the diagnosis and treatment of many conditions of the mouth, face, and jaws.

Dr. David Clark graduated from C.E. Byrd High School in 1997 and received his under-graduate from Louisiana Tech. After attending dental school at NYU College of Dentistry, he received training in oral and maxillofacial surgery at Washington Hospital Center. Following his residency, Dr. Clark moved back to Shreveport and joined Oral Surgery Associates in 2011. He is a member of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, Louisiana Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, and Northwest Louisiana Dental Association. He enjoys golf and spending time with his wife, Katie, and their two daughters,

London and Everleigh.

Oral Surgery Associates is pleased to introduce our newest team member, Dr. Rachel Bishop, D.D.S, M.D. A Texas native, Dr. Bishop received her undergraduate degree in Biology from Texas A&M University. After attending dental school at The University of Texas Dental School in Houston, she went on to earn her medical degree from The University of Texas School of Medicine in Houston. Following medical school, Dr. Bishop completed her residency in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at The University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston. Her passion for treating patients with facial abnormalities led her to pursue a fellowship in Pediatric Cleft and Craniofacial Surgery at Louisiana State University Health Science Center in Shreveport. Outside of work, Dr. Bishop participates in international philanthropic efforts to deliver surgical care to patients with cleft and craniofacial defects. Her hobbies include spending time on the lake wakeboarding, fishing, and enjoying time with her husband and three dogs.

PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY

OF SHREVEPORT-BOSSIER

Are you looking for a pediatric dentist in the Bossier City area? Dr. Gambill is a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry as well as a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Dental Association. He is passionate about kids’ dental health and provides the expertise and education needed to give your child a healthy smile for life.

WHEN SHOULD YOU MAKE YOUR CHILD’S FIRST DENTIST APPOINTMENT?

The American Association of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that your child visit a dentist by his or her first birthday.

WHERE IS YOUR OFFICE LOCATED?

We have six offices located in Bossier City, Shreveport, Natchitoches, Minden, Alexandria, and Ruston. We are always

looking for opportunities to make quality care more accessible to our patients.

WHY SEE A PEDIATRIC DENTIST VS. A REGULAR DENTIST?

Pediatric dentists specialize in treating children. Dr. Gambill and his team have extensive experience working with children’s teeth and gums from infancy to their teenage years. We currently have four pediatric dental specialists serving our patients’ needs.

HOW CAN I DO MY PART TO TEACH MY CHILD GOOD DENTAL HABITS?

Proper care of baby teeth is important for the future health and development of your child’s smile. Introduce your baby to oral hygiene by laying them in your lap and wiping a soft damp cloth gently over their gums. By the time your child is

2 years old, you may begin helping them brush their teeth twice a day with a soft brush and teaching them to floss.

ANY OTHER TIPS FOR A HEALTHY SMILE? When possible, ensure your child has water to drink instead of sugary drinks or juices, and NEVER put your baby to bed with milk or juice. Avoid gummy vitamins, as they are full of sugar and stick to your baby’s teeth.

WE OFFER DENTAL CARE IN AN ENVIRONMENT WHERE IT IS OKAY TO BE A KID AND HAVING FUN IS ENCOURAGED!

The team at Pediatric Dentistry of Shreveport-Bossier encourages kids to have fun. We love to see them smile! One way we encourage excitement within the community is with regular visits from Twinkle, our very own Tooth Fairy! Twinkle loves to visit local schools and teach kids of all ages the importance of oral health and helping them learn to care for their smiles in a way that is informative and fun.

FERTILITY SPECIALISTS POSITIVE STEPS FERTILITY

WHAT IS AN REI?

An REI is a reproductive endocrinology and infertility specialist, which requires subspecialty board certification after becoming an OB/GYN.

WHY DOES BEING AN REI SUBSPECIALIST MATTER?

If things are going smoothly, then an REI isn’t always needed. But people are good at what they do. If I lift the hood of my car, I can’t find spark plugs—I don’t look there. As someone who looks at fertility almost every day of my life, I routinely find things that others miss. That isn’t their fault—it’s simply that we have technologies and perspectives that help couples more quickly, successfully, and affordably to get pregnant and stay pregnant.

FAMILY MEMBERS AND FRIENDS OFTEN GIVE THE ADVICE TO RELAX AND TAKE A VACATION OR A GLASS OF WINE AND THEN THINGS WILL HAPPEN.

IS THIS USEFUL?

75% of women under age 35 who are having relations after stopping contraception get pregnant in three months. If it has been a year without success, odds are five to one against over the next several years, and a year and a half, the odds are ten to one against. It’s not that it can’t happen, but after a year is a good time to get the right advice.

SO HIPS IN THE AIR, BOXERS INSTEAD OF BRIEFS, AND TAKING ROBITUSSIN WON’T HELP?

If those worked, fertility specialists would prescribe them. However, cold showers for the man won’t correct ovarian failure. Hips in the air won’t cause polyps or fibroids to go away. Having pineapple core won’t open blocked tubes. Much of fertility has an underlying medical cause that can’t be fixed through lifestyle changes.

DOES FERTILITY TREATMENT MEAN IVF?

True infertility often has a spontaneous cure rate similar to cancer. I have an enormous respect for the power of IVF and regularly see all these babies that wouldn’t exist without it. However, just as not everyone needs chemotherapy, there are a lot of low-tech, low-cost solutions so we can save people money for the college fund and decorating the baby room.

WHAT SHOULD PEOPLE DO FIRST?

Start with a consult and just get answers. We have breakthrough single visit testing that can go a long way. And then think positive—we see and help create miracles all the time!

DR. PRESTON PARRY

9391 ELLERBE RD, SHREVEPORT, LA 833.767.7837

WWW.POSITIVESTEPSFERTILITY.COM

DR. PRESTON PARRY, DR. AMANDA DEADMOND, AND SARA SLATON, NP.

For over 35 years, Shreveport Bossier Family Dental Care has been a dental office like no other. They’ve pushed boundaries with innovation and technology and shaped the smiles of the Shreveport-Bossier City community with their expertise. Many of their talented, cutting-edge dentists have special niches that ensure patients get a quality experience each visit. They’re constantly learning from each other to become better dentists and clinicians. Seminars and continuing education courses are the norm, and new information learned is shared between colleagues.

Dr. Horton grew up in the small town of Ragley, Louisiana. She moved to Baton Rouge to obtain her bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences from Louisiana State University. After four years of studying and cheering on the tigers in Death Valley, she moved to New Orleans to attend the LSU School of Dentistry. While in dental school she gained years of experience treating patients of all ages. She also participated in volunteer programs such as Oznam Clinic for the Homeless and Give Kids a Smile. Dr. Horton is a member of the American Dental Association, Louisiana Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, and The American Academy of Clear Aligners. She is the Invisalign Provider at the Airline Location. She strives always to treat her patients with gentleness and a personalized approach in order to make their appointments as stress-free as possible. Dr. Horton is excited to call Shreveport her new home. When not practicing dentistry, she enjoys cooking, reading, swimming, and spending time with her husband, Cameron, and daughter Emma.

Dr. Katie Beach is one of the most talented female dentists in the Shreveport Bossier area. Originally from south Louisiana, she married her dental school sweetheart, Dr. Ben Beach, and moved to northwest Louisiana to start her career. Dr. Katie Beach is a member of the American Dental Association, the Louisiana Dental Association, and the Academy of General Dentistry. She serves as a board member for the American Academy of Clear Aligners; and is part of an elite group of less than 1% of all Invisalign providers in North America that has Fellowship status. She won the prestigous "Golden Aligner" Award for the best Invisalign case in all of North America in 2021. Dr. Beach is the Invisalign Provider at the North Shreveport location. She is passionate about helping patient's achieve the smile they've always wanted! Her office, Shreveport Bossier Family Dental Care, has been recognized as the #1 Dentist in Shreveport Bossier by Locals Love Us for 12 years in a row, and Top Dentist by SB Magazine for over a decade as well. She enjoys giving back to the Shreveport-Bossier community by participating in various charitable dental events and organizations.

Ashley Horton, DDS Katie Beach, DDS

CONCIERGE MEDICINE

DR. PAUL GUIDRY

Dr. Paul Guidry is a Board-Certified Internal Medicine physician who joined SureAccess MD in late 2022. He graduated from medical school at LSU Health Sciences Center in Shreveport and completed his residency program in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics in Memphis, TN. He and his family returned home to Shreveport in 2016 where he worked as a Hospitalist in Shreveport/Bossier for six years before joining SureAccess MD.

WHAT IS SUREACCESS MD?

SureAccess MD is a medical practice that offers a unique membership-based model called concierge medicine. This model allows us to spend more time with each patient by keeping our patient base low while offering high-quality, one-on-one care any time patients need us. Patients pay a monthly fee and receive premiere

access to myself and my partner, Dr. Rick Michael, as well as additional membership benefits.

WHAT ARE THE OTHER BENEFITS OF BECOMING A MEMBER OF SUREACCESS MD?

• 24/7 access to Dr. Michael and Dr. Guidry via phone, email, and text

• Extended, unhurried office visits

• Same-day or next-day appointments

• Exams every one to two years that include EKG and spirometry testing

• Quick access to the lab, radiology, and other test results

We are available to see patients at home, nursing homes, etc. when appropriate. Patients can also request that we

accompany them to specialist appointments to ensure that treatment options are thoroughly discussed when navigating to the next level of care.

SureAccess MD also focuses on prevention and we offer innovative screenings that may not otherwise be offered in a traditional practice.

CAN CONCIERGE MEDICINE REALLY IMPROVE MY HEALTH?

Yes, we believe it can! Because of the amount of time we are able to spend with our patients, we have the ability to review their health histories in-depth and get to know each patient more personally so that we gain a full picture of their health. Our patients enjoy the access to Dr. Michael and myself, but also the relationships they form with our nursing care coordination team. Our nurses are invaluable to us and our patients by scheduling appointments with specialists, knowing our patients by name when they call, and their ability to make them feel welcome and at ease in our office.

OCULOPLASTIC SURGERY AND NEURO-OPHTHALMOLOGY BRYAN VEKOVIUS, M.D.

One of the great rewards in practicing medicine for Dr. Bryan Vekovius is helping patients feel better and look better. It’s an added bonus for patients with vision problems who receive treatment that they love what they see when they look in the mirror.

An experienced oculoplastic surgeon who has performed over 20,000 eyelid procedures, Dr. Vekovius is an expert in aesthetics and the treatment of diseases and syndromes involving the eye and eyelid, tearing system and the optic nerve. He is an expert in blepharoplasty, a surgery which reduces bagginess and droopiness in the eyelids, which can be to improve appearance but also vision. Excess skin on the upper eyelid, for example, can cause peripheral vision loss. He performs dozens of these surgeries each week, helping all types of patients, even those who have lost muscle function in the eyelid.

“I strive each day to be a physician who is committed to quality, compassionate

care, superior patient satisfaction, and excellence in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery,” he said.

Dr. Vekovius is one of the few cosmetic surgeons in the region who is a member of the American Board of Ophthalmology. He is recognized as a leader in Oculoplastic Surgery and Neuro-Ophthalmology and has performed thousands of procedures for problems like tearing disorders, including dry eye syndrome. Dr. Vekovius is also an expert in skin cancer excision and reconstruction, as he continues to perform several surgeries each month removing cancers from the eyelids and face.

Dr. Vekovius completed his ophthalmology training at LSU in Shreveport in 2001. He then underwent fellowship training in oculoplastic surgery, specializing in techniques of plastic surgery as it relates to the eyes and their surrounding structures such as eyelid repairs, browlifts, tear duct surgery, and treatment of thyroid eye disease. Trained by Dr.

Thomas C. Spoor, he also learned the art of laser skin resurfacing and treatment of facial veins and blemishes as well as use of Botox and Dysport and fillers such as Restylane, Radiesse, and Belotero. He then completed further training in Neuro-Ophthalmology, the subspecialty of Ophthalmology which encompasses the optic nerve, the nerves which control eye movement, and the brain.

Dr. Vekovius has become one of northwest Louisiana’s premier physicians, drawing patients from the ShreveportBossier City area, as well as from other areas of Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas, Mississippi and Oklahoma. The office is conveniently located in Southeast Shreveport in the Ashley Ridge Business Park. His contributions in the fields of Oculoplastic surgery and NeuroOphthalmology have changed the lives of many patients by enhancing their features, rejuvenating their appearance, boosting their self-esteem and improving their vision. Born in Baton Rouge, Dr. Vekovius was raised in Shreveport. He and his wife, Stephanie, have three children: William, Samuel and Sophia.

450 ASHLEY RIDGE BLVD.

SHREVEPORT, LA • 318.675.3733

WWW.DRVEKO.COM

DERMATOLOGY ARK-LA-TEX DERMATOLOGY

What is the largest and fastest-growing organ of your body? It’s your skin. Because your skin care needs may change throughout your life, you’ll want a dermatologist who is skilled in medical, surgical, and aesthetic dermatology. All four dermatologists at Ark-La-Tex Dermatology are certified by the American Board of Dermatology and have extensive experience in this field, sharing their broad-based knowledge and innovative technology and advancements with patients.

WHAT IS A GREAT SKIN CARE ROUTINE?

Use a daily antioxidant such as a topical vitamin C. Then apply sunscreen in the morning. Use a retinoid (or retinol) with a moisturizer in the evening.

WHAT CAN I DO TO REVERSE THE SIGNS OF AGING?

Get Botox about every three months, filler once a year, and consider laser resurfacing such as Fraxel or Morpheus yearly as well.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I GET MY SKIN CHECKED?

Once a year unless you have had skin cancer, then more frequently as your dermatologist recommends. FREE

PIERREMONT | 212-3440 • BOSSIER CITY | 212-7800

GENERAL DENTISTRY JASON DUPREE, D.D.S.

A Louisiana native, Dr. Jason Dupree is committed to providing the best dental care for his patients. His goal is to meet and exceed expectations with professional skill, integrity, respect, and communication with life-changing results, focusing on the patient’s overall health as well as dental health.

Dr. Dupree graduated for the LSU School of Dentistry in New Orleans, where he also completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry Residency. He has numerous professional awards including the American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, American Academy of Sleep Medicine, and International college of Oral Implantologist. He is heavily involved in volunteer and church functions.

Dr. Dupree opened the practice in 1996. He and his staff at Dupree Family Dental strive to make dentistry as relaxing and fun as possible. They stay current on the latest advantages in research and treatment, with emphasis on cosmetics, implants, and sleep apnea appliances, so you get the most advanced care possible. Dr. Dupree has the latest state of the art equipment to help treat patients with Sleep Apnea who can not tolerate their CPAP.

Approximately 4 out of 10 CPAP Patients do not use their CPAP Machine, therefore, they aren’t treating their Obstructive Sleep Apnea: We Can Help. The appliance is covered by most medical insurance companies, including Medicare. We look forward to helping you get a good nights sleep. Call today for a free consultation.Dr. Jason Dupree and his staff enjoy saying, we are: SAVING LIVES AND MARRIAGES!

1945 E. 70TH ST. • SHREVEPORT, LA 71105 • 318.797.1187

WWW.DUPREEFAMILYDENTAL.COM

ELIZABETH CLEMONS, MD

SARAH BAKER, MD

SARAH GLORIOSO, MD

JOSEPHINE FUTRELL, MD, PH.D.

Dr. Christopher M. Wright was raised in Haughton, Louisiana. He is a 2006 graduate of Airline High School in Bossier City. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Louisiana-Monroe in 2010. He went on to earn a Doctorate of Dental Surgery from Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in New Orleans in 2014.

Aspiring to serve the community that raised him, Dr. Wright moved back to Shreveport-Bossier to work at Fresh Dental. After one year of practicing, Dr. Wright became owner of both Fresh Dental locations in Shreveport/Bossier City and continues to practice at the Airline Drive location in Bossier City today. In addition to his dental practice, he has found ways to give back to the community through his involvement with the Louisiana Dental Association, the National Dental Association, SWLA Free Dental Day, and several Jamaican dental mission trips.

Dr. Wright and his wife, Destinee, have two children and are expecting their third in September. Outside the office, Dr. Wright enjoys golf, spending time with family, and LSU football. He is also a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

GENERAL DENTISTRY

GOVERNALE GENERAL DENTISTRY

Our office consists of a small group of people who enjoy interacting with others and thrive on promoting oral health. We take pride in offering the best dental care possible and are constantly striving for excellence in the profession. Our mission is to exhibit the highest level of professionalism with the use of technology and education to attain unequivocal dentistry and optimal health.

WHAT DAYS ARE YOU SEEING PATIENTS IN SHREVEPORT?

Mondays and Thursdays in Shreveport; Tuesdays and Wednesdays in Natchitoches.

DO YOU ACCEPT DENTAL INSURANCE?

Yes, we do accept most insurances, however, we are not in contract with any insurance companies.

WHAT SERVICE DO YOU OFFER?

We offer implant placement and restoration, surgical extractions, IV sedation, root canals, and cosmetic restorative procedures. We also offer different levels of anesthesia to alleviate anxiety.

8691 LINE AVENUE, SUITE 300, SHREVEPORT, LA • 318.670.8830

GOVERNALEGENERALDENTISTRY.COM

MYOFUNCTIONAL THERAPY JETER

THERAPY GROUP

Where does your tongue live? Do you breathe through your mouth or nose? How does dentition affect your ability to say certain sounds/words or chew foods? Does your vocal quality decrease as the day goes by? These are some of the questions I began to ask clients during evaluations as a speech-language pathologist provider since there seem to be more dysregulated children coming in for evaluations that do not sleep, breathe or eat well. In turn, I began to look at more research so we could better understand and serve these clients which lead me to studying more about orofacial disorders and becoming a myofunctional therapy provider.

Hanson (1982) defined OMDs as “abnormal resting labial-lingual posture of the orofacial musculature, atypical chewing and swallowing patterns, dental malocclusions, blocked nasal airways, and speech problems.” Orofacial myofunctional therapy focuses on the muscles of the mouth and face in order to re-educate or retrain clients on how to swallow, breathe, speak, and have proper tongue posture. Orofacial Myofunctional disorders affect all

TEACH HEAL DISCOVER

LSU Health Shreveport School of Medicine

ages. Our physical and occupational therapy team may also assess and treat these clients for poor core strength or irregular gait patterns.

1950 E. 70TH ST. SUITE A, SHREVEPORT, LA 71105

966 US-80 HAUGHTON, LA 711037

318.219.6064

JETERSLPSERVICES.COM

admitted its first 32 students in 1969 after dedicated community leaders and area physicians fought for fifteen years before Governor John McKeithen signed the act to establish a medical school in Shreveport. We are grateful for those dedicated and tenacious individuals who paved the way for the only academic medical center in a 150-mile radius.

Throughout the years, LSU Health Shreveport School of Medicine has grown to a class size of 150 students, educating 4,850 physicians and counting who have and will continue to serve our community, state, and nation with distinction.

We are excited as we embark on the next chapter of educating the healthcare professionals and scientists of the future with the opening of the $84M Center for Medical Education and Emerging Viral Threats this fall.

Active Recovery is an Intensive Outpatient drug and alcohol treatment program that focuses on changing the mindset and outlook of our clients; “Change Your Thinking, Change Your Life” comes from Gratitude Journaling, positive Spiritual growth, and much encouragement from our staff. We are not a 12-Step program, we focus instead on shifting our mindset using the Ten Core Concepts; Empathy, Spirituality, Commitment, Integrity, Communication, Respect, Honesty, Gratitude, Responsibility, and Initiative.

With three locations to serve our clients, and up to 3 Phases of treatment lasting up to a year if needed, our goal is long-term recovery with a nonjudgmental and refreshing perspective on how addiction is treated. We do encourage getting away from the “lifetime of Buprenorphine mindset” that Subutex/Suboxone seems to give, using medical detox and Vivitrol, or Sublocade injections. Vivitrol is for alcohol and opiate cravings, but Sublocade injections have shown to be effective in just 3 months to be free from Subutex forever!

Sick and tired of being sick and tired? Give us a call today if you are interested in changing your life!

Meet your licensed Medicare sales agents

With all these agents, Humana has this town covered

When you want to talk about Medicare Advantage plans, it’ll be easy to and somebody to listen. Each licensed sales agent in this office has a trained ear and an expert understanding.

For any Medicare help you need

If you’re looking for information, want to enroll or add coverage, these agents are ready to help. So is Humana. Humana goes the extra mile to help you get the care you need. That might mean doing something unexpected, like helping you find the right doctor. Humana calls that human care.

Step Into Another at the Heritage Village in Benton. Time & Place Time & Place

By Adam Bailey

You and your family can become time travelers with a visit to the Heritage Village in Benton—a late 19th century village just outside of downtown Benton.

Benton, LA. It’s so much fun to experience history—and a visit to the Heritage Village in Benton is the perfect setting for learning about the region’s past. Did you even know such a place existed? Upon arrival, you’ll be transported to another time and place.

Heritage Village, as it’s known, is an outdoor history museum that includes six historic buildings within a one-square-block— complete with an extensive antique artifact collection dating from the 1800s to the 1930s. It’s all hiding right in plain sight. Visitors can easily find it located next to the Bossier Parish School Board Office, about two blocks off LA-3 and LA-162 in the center of downtown Benton.

The square surrounding Heritage Village presents a bygone era with an 1840s dogtrot home, an 1884 log cabin, a one-room schoolhouse, a moveable plantation kitchen, a corn crib, and a blacksmith shop among other sites. Most are authentic, pluckedfrom-the-1800s structures that were saved from demolition and moved to the Village, and a few are carefully recreated replicas of historic buildings.

According to Chris Tucci, Tour Director for the Heritage Village, “it was founded in 1995 as an ongoing preservation project and is maintained by local volunteers.” Over the years, the Bossier Restoration Foundation has collected, restored, and moved

buildings to be an inclusive historical site for all to see. It is operated by volunteer members and funded by donations and grants with the mission to preserve and promote the cultural and architectural heritage of rural northwest Louisiana through authentic exhibits.

Tours of the Village are by appointment only. Most visitors wander around and often remember seeing similar objects at grandma’s house. The guided tours are led by knowledgeable interpreters dressed in authentic 19th-century attire who demonstrate an extensive knowledge of the history of the building and artifacts. Village must-visits include the Hughes House, the Heath Log Cabin, a plantation kitchen, a blacksmith shop, a corn crib, a one-room schoolhouse.

The Hughes House is a six-room, Greek Revival dog-trot building. It was originally built in Rocky Mount around 1845 by Alex B. Hughes as a single-story commercial office for the Stewman and Hughes Plantation (and is considered the oldest commercial building in North Louisiana). In the 1860’s the structure was then turned

in to a home by William Josiah Hughes for his wife and four children.

On November 26, 1860, The Hughes House was the site of the secession of Bossier Parish militia from the Union—the first to be done in Louisiana (and one of the first in the nation). It was also the boyhood home of William Clark Hughes, who was Speaker of the Louisiana House of Representatives in 1928. Since then, the house has been used as an office, home, schoolhouse, and museum, and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1996.

The Heath Log Cabin is in remarkable condition and was built by Thomas William Isaac Heath, an early resident and lawman who died in the line of duty. The original structure was built in 1884 on property located two miles from Rocky Mount, using locally sourced pine trees. The only tool used to by Heath to build the cabin was a shop axe, froe, and adze. A froe (or frow) was used for cleaving wood by splitting it along the grain. The adze—also a tool of yesteryear—was a tool similar to an axe but with the cutting-edge perpendicular to the handle rather than parallel.

The Plantation Kitchen was originally located on the Oakland Plantation, located south of Haughton. Mules moved the detached kitchen anywhere field hands were working the 8,000-acre plantation.

The Blacksmith Shop was built with logs from the home of a former slave. The Corn Crib was built of cypress boards and moved to the Village from the Bradford Plantation. Corn Cribs were a necessary structure on most Southern plantation to not only store corn, but also tools and implements.

A schoolhouse was needed once the first homesteaders started families, so the Heritage Village included a one-room schoolhouse from the community of Rocky Mount, Louisiana.

Built in in the 1930’s, the school is complete with original wooden desks, books, a wood

burning stove, a dunce cap, classroom rules, and a teacher’s desk with a list of jobs that were expecting to be done by the teacher—such as cutting wood, sharpening the quills to each student’s specifications, and fetching water. The school shows the stark difference of how children learned 100 years ago compared to today. One unexpected lesson learned at the school is why there are so many windows—to let in light before electricity was installed.

Tours are designed for all ages. The sessions present a glimpse of the past and may include demonstrations by docents attired in period clothing.

“Heritage Village is one of Shreveport-Bossier’s most unique hidden gems,” says Tucci. “It breaks my heart that no one knows we are here. This place is a well-preserved glimpse into the area’s history and heritage, and it’s just waiting to be explored.”

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Best The of July ever

4th

BY ADAM BAILEY

Boys, the big day is coming up. It's the Superbowl of Summer, the High Hamburger Holiday—the Fourth of July is near. That means stocking up on beer of all kinds, plus sunscreen and ground beef and maybe some Advil and Gatorade. To help you live your best Fourth of July-celebrating life, here’s a list of a few of the best activities in creating an Independence Day to remember!

Hang the American Flag. First thing in the morning, go hang up the American flag. You don’t need to do any elaborate ceremony. Just put it up, think about your freedoms for a bit, and get started with the day.

Run the Firecracker 5K Race for Research. Sportspectrum's 39th annual Firecracker 5K returns to the Mall St. Vincent in Shreveport. The course runs through the historic South Highland Subdivision that provides a scenic and challenging race for runners and walkers. Even if you’re not competing, it’s worth setting up camp somewhere along the route to cheer on all participants.

Make Some Ice Cream. A great 4th of July tradition is making homemade ice cream. Simply bring out the ice cream maker, and let the kids help put in the ingredients for a tasty treat. Here’s a simple recipe.

• 2 cups heavy cream (1 pint)

• 2 cups light cream (1 pint)

• 1 cup sugar

• 1 1/2 tsp. pure va nilla extract

• 1/8 tsp. salt

Pour cream directly into cream can. Add sugar, vanilla, and salt. Stir with a wooden spoon or plastic spatula until the sugar is dissolved. Churn until creamy.

Hit the Fireworks Stands. Who doesn’t love the wonderful aroma of black powder permeating from plywood shacks?

Have a Block Party. Gather all the neighbors on your street and get together for a block party. Have all the dads bring their grills, along with coolers of meat and beer; the moms can bring salads and desserts; and the kids would have water balloon fights and light some fireworks. Stuff your faces with all the hot dogs and potato salad we could eat.

Light Up the Grill. Barbecues and grilling have been a part of our observance of America’s freedom since the early days. And whether it be hotdogs or burgers, you know what they say about good food: they bring people and families together.

Blow Stuff Up. Remember all those fireworks you bought earlier in the day? After the sun set, the parents would take the kids out to the fields behind our houses to light fireworks.

Watch Some Epic Fireworks. An Independence Day celebration is never complete without an iconic display of fireworks lighting up the night sky. Go sprawl out on some grass with your hands behind your head and watch the loud bursts of color explode in the sky. Some of the area’s best and brightest fireworks celebrations include Freedom Fest (Shreveport-Bossier City). It’s the perfect way to end a day full of food, family, fun, and patriotism.

Greetings 1

Beloved Readers

Your SB Fashionista, Casey Craig, here! Summer is in full swing in the Deep South, and we are here for it! Summer is a state of mind. A season of champagne dreams and cabana wishes, independence and autonomy! Light fabrics, flashes of skin, and vibrant colors are just a few of the Summer 2023 ready-towear fashion trends we’re swooning over. On the runways, nostalgia reigned with cut-outs and low-rise resurgence; Barbiecore and hyperfemininity intensified; and Y2K nostalgia eccentricity has gone full throttle.

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As always, your SB Fashionista has scoured the runways and hottest fashion frequencies to bring this month’s stellar selections. Curate the chicest summer wardrobe refresh with these must-have staple pieces everyone will be pursuing. From uber-feminine to edgy indie punk sleaze to high-octane shine to sheer everything and anything in between, the sizzling runway collections from fashion’s heavy hitters showcased endless elevated everyday dressing in nostalgic styles.

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1. Neon and Color Blocking This summer will be all about the neon hues of the 80s! This look isn't for the faint of heart, so expect to turn heads everywhere. Lime green is the “it” color of the season. You’ll also see highlighter yellow everywhere. Hop on the neon trend with a vivid pink bikini. Bright fuchsias and oranges are being coupled together for bold statement dresses. Color blocking is a great way to mix and match your favorite neon colors, because *gasp* the best thing about neon colors is that they don't clash with each other.

2. All Things PINK!! Thanks to Summer of Barbie streetstyle spawned by the release of the Barbie movie, Barbiecore has reached cult status this season. Putting all things pink front and center once more, from hot pink hues and bright Fuchsia to softer pastel pinks and coral interpretations, all shades of pink have been featured en masse. So, if you invested last season, hold onto those key pink buys.  Originally part of the “Dopamine Dressing” trend of mood-boosting brights, Fuchsia is the standout summer color of choice for all skin tones. We were overjoyed to see all things pink going so strongly. It’s giving main character energy!

3. Glistening Metallics From the disco days of Studio 54, metallics have been gaining major momentum, but recently, Silver has stolen the spotlight! Blame Beyonce for this mirror ball manifestation of glitz and glamour. To conquer the trend for summer, you can opt for a subtly of metallic thread or go all out with coated high impact lustrous liquid shine pieces, à la statement pieces on the runways.  Slinky silver lame fabric dresses, blousy tops, bralettes, miniskirts, and pants are everywhere, so you can easily incorporate these

shimmering eye-catching items into your summer wardrobe.

4. Lingerie as Outer Wear

Hot summer nights? Dress in less! Naturally more suited to the balmy summer season, lingerie as outerwear is a risqué fashion trend that fluctuates in popularity. This season, you can expect a more vintage-inspired take on the look. With striking lace-up ballet detailing and layered sheers, the look is softer and more feminine than previous interpretations. Elevate your slip dress with a sultry kitten heel and messy tousled updo for perfect party wear.

5. Sheer Splendor Seriously though, who doesn’t love a sheer moment during the warmest months of the year? This season, enjoy sheer sophistication without the stiffness in luxurious goddess inspired pieces that focus on cut, drape, and silhouette. The lovely thing about the shift in sheer trend this season is that they aren’t overbearing. Sheers are all about practicality and femininity, proving that you don’t need to bear it all to partake in this sultry trend. Sheer fabrics are the perfect way to show a little or a lot of skin this summer!

6. Angles & Asymmetry This season, skin is in, and summer is heavy on the peek-a-boo cutouts trend, from delightful dresses to eye-catching separates. To make the trend work for any body size and shape, choose flattering cutout placements around the mid-section or hips to show off your feminine curves. Many designers have been gravitating toward flowy, asymmetrical silhouettes for summer, opting for pieces that are a bit more unexpected and don’t feel overdone.

7. Silk trousers In case you haven’t heard, quiet luxury is very much in. This season marked the reinstatement of simplicity into our everyday wardrobes, proving pared-back elegance is the height of luxury. When styling these slinky high-waist trousers, experiment with bright, bold colors. Pair with a classy, tucked-in shell tank or fitted bralette with opened button-down shirt for a mix of grit and glamour, energy, and inspiration.

8. Cargo pockets It’s an interesting time for pockets, as everyone is talking about quiet luxury. The pocket offers up perhaps what is the greatest luxury of 2023: Being hands-free! My favorite new pocket has to be the AirPod pocket. Once strictly utilitarian, pockets have become one of the season’s most prominent decorative features. To snag this trendy look right off the

runways, pair a sleek, bodyslimming top with roomy, low rise cargo pants. With these new multi-pocket options on tops and bottoms, who even needs a purse?

9. Low-rise Another blast from the past are low-rise pants and skirts, which are about to be everywhere. Try a classic straight-leg or taperedleg fit that has a slightly lower rise. Add a sturdy western boot and cropped duster for a night out dancing with friends. While you can easily work the look with an oversize cropped tee or fitted bodysuit to give it a more easygoing look, some are utilizing this fit to reveal embellished briefs and thong straps.

10. Motocross Hello, Moto! While leather is often associated with the colder months, lighter-weight, breathable options are great for your airy summer wardrobe. Warm-weather-leather trends fit in on the streets and lend a new take on Sports Luxe, the fashion trend for 2023 that guarantees you can look great and feel comfortable in one stylish step. While the silhouettes are sporty, the fabrics bring the luxe element for bold and directional looks. Pair your sporty separates with your favorite sneakers or give your look a touch of femininity alongside slide sandals and a clutch. Add heels to silky tracksuit trousers or cargo pants for a more elevated finish. You don't have to play the sport to look the part!

Honorable mention: Maxi Skirts, Body Jewelry, and Shoulder-Skimming Earrings, Head-to-Toe Denim.

Until next time!

WILLIAMS TO SERVE AS BOARD OF DIRECTORS CHAIR FOR LEADINGAGE GULF STATES

Debra Williams, CPA, President, and CEO of The Glen, was named Chair of the board of directors of LeadingAge Gulf States for the 2023-2024 year. The Glen has been a part of LeadingAge Gulf States for 19 years, and Williams has been on the board for the past seven years, previously serving as Secretary/Treasurer.

Nationally, LeadingAge is an association of 5,000 nonprofits dedicated to expanding the world of possibilities for aging. As a member of the national organization, LeadingAge Gulf States envisions a long-term care system which offers accessible, affordable, high-quality, and innovative health care, housing, and community services for the senior populations of Louisiana and Mississippi.

“Serving as Board Chair of LeadingAge Gulf States helps The Glen become more connected with national and regional organizations which help the older population. Our regional affiliation with LeadingAge has widened our network providing great potential,” Williams said. “I am committed to furthering the association’s mission to represent the interests of its members — and the populations they serve — with integrity and dedication.”

BENSON A. GRIGSBY, MD, JOINS WK FAMILY MEDICINE RUSTON

Benson A. Grigsby, MD, has joined WK Family Medicine Ruston, part of the Willis-Knighton Physician Network. Dr. Grigsby practices family medicine, with special interest in burn and skin conditions.

A graduate of Louisiana State University Health Sciences CenterNew Orleans, Dr. Grigsby completed an internship and residency at Columbus Regional Hospital. He is certified by the American Board of Family Medicine.

Throughout his medical career, he has tried to emulate the family practitioner who cared for him and his family growing up. “There was probably nothing he couldn’t do and didn’t do for us. (He) was what really inspired me to go into family medicine,” Dr. Grigsby says.

WK Family Medicine Ruston, located at 2916 N. Trenton St., accepts new patients and most insurance plans.

RED RIVER REVEL REVEALS OFFICIAL POSTER, CHASE ENTERTAINMENT STAGE LINEUP, AND SITE EXPANSION

The 47th Red River Revel Arts Festival returns September 30 – October 8, 2023, to Festival Plaza in Downtown Shreveport with an expanded festival footprint, electrifying Chase Entertainment Stage music lineup, and futuristic look with the official poster.

The Red River Revel and Shreveport based architect and sketch artist, Mike McSwain, collaborated on the official poster design for the 47th annual edition of the festival.

The artwork features the staple landmarks of Festival Plaza in an imaginative futuristic setting, with flying cars whizzing by ultramodern towers and festival goers milling about the grounds under massive transportation structures. “Mike McSwain is well-known for his architectural designs such as Sci-Port, Caddo Common Park, and developments all over the world, but he is also a gifted sketch artist.” said Logan Lewis, Executive Director of the Red River Revel. “He took this project and ran with it! There are several nods to the direction the Revel is headed this year and we are very pleased with how the artwork turned out.” A limited run of posters will be available during the 47th annual festival at the Souvenir Tower.

The music lineup for the Chase Entertainment Stage includes nationally touring artists such as Paul Cauthen, Eric Gales, Here Come the Mummies, Sophie B. Hawkins and more. The lineup also includes regional artists, both familiar and new to the festival, hailing from the Ark-La-Tex to New Orleans, Lafayette, Arkansas, and Tennessee. Additionally, the festival will feature a unique tribute to Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers with a secret roster of national, regional, and local contributing artists to be announced over the summer. “This lineup was the most challenging we’ve put together by far and we’re really proud of it,” Lewis said. “Last year’s lineup was some new and a lot of nostalgia, and this year’s lineup is the direct opposite. Approximately half of the artists on this roster are releasing new original music in 2023, so it is delightful to present the Ark-La-Tex with a diverse lineup of the music of today.”

The Red River Revel is expanding the footprint of the festival in 2023, returning the children’s activity area to the parking lot adjacent to Sci-Port on Clyde Fant Parkway. The

rebranded “Discovery Maker Zone” (or “DMZ” for short) will feature festival classics like the mock dig and mini grocery store along with the addition of new experiences and activities, as well as a third entertainment stage for the DMZ. The festival is deepening its existing relationship with Sci-Port to offer special discounted admission, new free experiences, and special weekend events.

RECORDS ARCHIVIST FERMAND GARLINGTON RECIPIENT OF THE LSUS SUE ANN KEMP MERITORIOUS AWARD

“He should carry the nickname, ‘Extra Step Garlington,’” wrote Brian Sherman, dean of the Noel Memorial Library, in his nomination of Garlington.

“Fermand is always going the extra mile.

Garlington, who worked in library circulation before joining the Northwest Louisiana Archives staff, assists students, professional researchers and community members locate items in the library’s extensive archives. He’s served as an archivist since 2005 and is approaching his 25th overall anniversary at LSUS.

The archives, the largest in North Louisiana, contain copious amounts of primary sources documenting the region’s history.

“Whether it’s assisting a high-profile researcher or a wayward pedestrian in the building, you can always expect 110 percent from Fermand,” Sherman said. “He prefers to stay in the background, but I can absolutely say without a doubt that the effort he puts in makes the lights shine brighter in the front of the house.

The Kemp award was established by Dr. George Kemp, a psychology professor and former dean who was well known for his many contributions to LSUS.

HUNDREDS OF VOLUNTEERS SHOW FOR UNITED WAY’S ANNUAL DAY OF CARING

Roughly 800 volunteers attended United Way of Northwest Louisiana’s (UWNWLA) annual Day of Caring, May 24th, sponsored in part by Chesapeake Energy, CareSouth, Brookshire’s, Horseshoe Bossier City, SB Magazine, Healthy Blue of Louisiana, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana, Sam’s Town Hotel & Casino, Fox Search Group, and Frymaster.

Day of Caring is one of the largest single-day, communitywide volunteer events in Northwest Louisiana. This year, volunteers from more than 50 local businesses and 12 local nonprofits rallied to make an impact across Shreveport-Bossier.

During Day of Caring, a team of volunteers are partnered

We are creating a community in Northwest Louisiana where no one affected by Alzheimer’s or dementia makes the journey alone.

The Bridge Alzheimer’s & Dementia Center is a non-profit organization qualified under IRS code 501(c)(3) to accept tax deductible contributions. We are financially supported by general donations, memorial donations, corporate partnerships, fund-raising events, and grant opportunities. All funds raised are used to provide services in our local community.

with a nonprofit agency to complete a project for a nonprofit that may not have the financial resources or manpower to hire outside help to achieve. For Day of Caring 2023: Volunteer for the Gold, UWNWLA coordinated 27 projects submitted by nonprofit agencies for volunteers to complete. In addition, the organization added several projects of its own; approximately 1,500 essential needs kits were assembled for future hurricane evacuees, six communities were cleaned, five Born Learning Trails were installed (educational and active outdoor games designed to boost children’s language and literacy development), and two community gardens were maintained.

The event kicked off with a pep rally breakfast at the Bossier City Civic Center, where volunteers gathered to learn more about the impact they were making, showed their volunteer spirit by performing team chants, and enjoyed beats from Huntington High School and Caddo Heights Math/Science Elementary drumlines. From there, volunteers dispersed across Shreveport-Bossier to complete projects for our community’s nonprofits, such as LifeShare, Geaux 4 Kids, the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, and more. These projects were coordinated based on the nonprofit agency’s greatest need and ranged from painting facilities, washing vehicles, organizing warehouses, assembling bags of clothing and necessities for children in foster care, beautifying gardens, and encouraging blood donations. Volunteers also had the opportunity to give blood through LifeShare at the Day of Caring breakfast, and through their donations and encouragement of donations at Walmart Supercenters, 40 units of blood were collected for those in need, exceeding UWNWLA’s goal of 20 units.

“Our volunteers’ commitment to making positive differences in the lives of others is truly inspiring,” said LaToria W. Thomas, UWNWLA President & CEO. “They embraced the tasks with passion and dedication, making a lasting impact on our community and reminding us of all the power of collective action. On behalf of our board, staff, and the community we serve, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to our volunteers for their unwavering dedication and the tremendous difference they have made.” Thanks to Day of Caring volunteers, the Shreveport-Bossier nonprofit community saved more than $67,000 in labor costs within three hours of service work.

Once volunteers completed their projects, they returned to the Bossier City Civic Center to celebrate their accomplishments. The afterparty featured music and karaoke by Treetop Entertainment, games, raffle prizes, lunch provided by UWNWLA and community partners, and the announcement of the 2023 Day of Caring Spirit Award winner. The Spirit Award is given to the volunteer team who showed the most volunteer spirit by dressing up, participating in spirit games, showing their impact on social media, and overall, increasing morale and energy to foster love and excitement around volunteering. The volunteer team to take home this award for the second year in a row was AEP SWEPCO & IBEW

UWNWLA is proud to have partnered with local nonprofits for another successful year of giving back to our community by creating excitement around volunteerism and teaching the importance of it.   students.

YWCA ANNOUNCES NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

The Board of Directors of the YWCA of Northwest Louisiana is pleased to announce AJ Dunn as the organization’s next Executive Director.

“Joining the YWCA is a dream come true and I am honored to embark on this new journey in my career,” said Dunn. “I am ready to hit the ground running and work collaboratively with the talented team here. Together, we will write a new chapter of success and create a brighter future for the YWCA, our stakeholders, and our community.”

Dunn brings a unique combination of leadership skills, strategic thinking, and a deep commitment to the mission to her new position leading the YWCA, an organization that provides vital community programs dedicated to eliminating racism and empowering women. She has a proven track record of developing and implementing successful strategies that have led to sustainable growth and increased organizational effectiveness.

Dunn holds a master’s degree in Family and Child Studies with a concentration in Child Development from Louisiana Tech. She also has certifications in nonprofit management, domestic violence, Positive Parenting Program, childbirth education, and vocational adjustment training. In addition, Dunn is a Certified Breastfeeding Specialist and co-founder of the Doula Collective, providing education and support to pregnant individuals and their families with a focus on preventing infant and maternal mortality, especially in communities of color.

“We are thrilled to welcome AJ Dunn to the YWCA of Northwest Louisiana as she takes the helm as our next executive director,” said Board President Arielle Clark. “We are confident she will bring her passion, commitment, and experience as a nonprofit leader to advance the YW’s mission of eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.”

SECOND SATURDAY DOWNTOWN

Venue: Downtown Shreveport

Dates: Recurring monthly on the 2nd Saturday

Time: 10 AM – 6 PM

Info: www.downtownshreveport.com

BOSSIER CITY FARMERS MARKET

Venue: Pierre Bossier Mall

Dates: Recurring every Saturday through November

Time: Saturdays 9 AM – 1 PM

Info: www.BossierCityFarmersMarket.com

GLASS-BLOWING ART WORKSHOP

Venue: Sanctuary Arts School

Date: Recurring weekly

Time: See website for available times

Info: sanctuaryglassstudio.com

GLASS-BLOWING ART WORKSHOP

Venue: High Gravity Glassworks

Dates: Recurring weekly

Time: See website for available times

Info: www.highgravityglassworks.com

PROVENANCE MARKETS & MUSIC

Venue: Windrush Park at Provenance

Date: Recurring monthly on the 3rd Thursday

Time: 4 PM – 8 PM

Info: 318-683-0399

RED RIVER BALLOON RALLY

Venue: Louisiana Downs in Bossier City

Date: Friday, July 14th and Saturday, July 15th

Time: See website for schedule of events and tickets.

Info: www.redriverballoonrally.com

SHREVEPORT FARMERS MARKET

Venue: Festival Plaza

Date: Recurring every Saturday through August

Time: Saturdays 7:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Info: www.redriverrevel.com/farmers-market

JAM ON THE RED

Venue: Shreveport Aquarium

Date: Recurring weekly on Thursday

Time: 5:30 PM – 9 PM

Info: www.shreveportaquariumevents.com/jam-onthe-red

KTBS 3 FREEDOM FEST FINALE

Venue: Riverview Park

Date: Tuesday, July 4th

Time: 9 PM

Info: www.ktbs.com/freedomfest/freedomfestfinale/

SHREVEPORT CARD SHOW

Venue: AcroSports & The Fieldhouse

Dates: Saturday, July 29th

Time: 9 AM – 5 PM

Info: Shreveport Card Show on Facebook

SLT SUMMER MUSICAL: “ANYTHING GOES”

Venue: Shreveport Little Theatre

Date: Friday, July 21st through Sunday, July 30th

Time: See website for times.

Info: www.shreveportlittletheatre.com

BARKSDALE MARKET

Venue: Bedrock Academy

Date: Recurring every Sunday through June

Time: Saturdays 10 AM – 2 PM

Info: www.barksdalemarket.com/

GLOFEST – BAKOWSKI BRIDGE OF LIGHTS

Venue: Shreveport Riverview Plaza

Date: Tuesday, July 4th

Time: 7 PM – 10 PM

Info: www.texasstreetbridge.com/

BOARDWALK BRIDAL MARKET & SAMPLE SALE

Venue: Louisiana Boardwalk, Bossier City

Dates: Saturday, August 5th

Time: 11 AM – 4 PM

Info: Boardwalk Bridal Market & Sample Sale Event on Facebook

Sweet spicy Margaritas

& S

weet and Spicy margaritas are the perfect summer cocktail to sip on while grilling or sitting by the pool. When it comes to these spicy summer margaritas, the spicier the better! The decadent cocktail gets a hit from both jalapeños and chili! There is just the right amount of sweetness, smoke, spice, and salt, perfect for a summer day. Don’t forget to serve a bowl of mango and chili on the side!

INGREDIENTS

̗ 2 oz Blanco Tequila

̗ 1 oz Cointreau

̗ 2 oz Fresh Lime Juice (the juice of one lime)

̗ 4 oz fresh mango juice

̗ Fresh mango, diced large

̗ 2 small jalapeños

̗ Tajin

̗ Limes for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Char  - on the grill or over a flame on your stove top, char jalapeños until blackened. Reserve one for garnish and slice the second removing the stem.Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.

2. Rim  - Rim a cocktail glass with lime and dip in Tajin seasoning, set aside.Mix olive oil with all the seasonings and pour over the Cheez-Its.

3. Muddle  - In a cocktail shaker filled with ice add a few slices of charred jalapeño and a few chunks of fresh mango. Muddle well with a cocktail muddler.

4. Shake - Add in tequila, lime juice, and mango juice, and shake very well, until chilled.

5. Pour- pour into a prepared cocktail glass filled with crushed ice.

6. Garnish- garnish with a skewer of mango sprinkled with Tajin, a charred jalapeño, and a wheel of lime.

7. Enjoy!

chicken BUFFALO Dip

Ready to make the perfect dip for summer gettogethers or pool parties? The main components of this delicious dip are shredded rotisserie chicken, cream cheese, shredded cheddar, buffalo sauce, and ranch dressing. This dip gets extra thick and creamy and goes well with just about anything, especially chips or celery.

INGREDIENTS

̗ 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken

̗ 1 (8-oz.) block of cream cheese, at room temperature or softened

̗ 1/4 cup buffalo sauce

̗ 1 tbsp. ranch dressing

̗ Few dashes of hot sauce

̗ 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)

̗ Finely chopped chives, for garnish

̗ Tortilla chips and sliced celery sticks, for serving

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Adjust an oven rack to the center position and preheat the oven to 350°.

2. Combine and mix rotisserie chicken, cream cheese, 3/4 cup cheddar, buffalo sauce, ranch, and hot sauce in a large bowl.

3. Transfer mixture to an ovenproof skillet or baking dish, and top with remaining 1/4 cup cheddar. Bake until warm and bubbly, about 20 minutes.

4. Top with chives before serving with chips or celery.

5. Enjoy!

No Place LIKE HOME

Think about it for a second: language is filled with some magnificent two-word phrases. School’s out.

Let’s eat! Free golf.

Fried chicken.

Hear a certain one of those and we all light up like July Fourth (another feel-good two-word phrase, and one unique to America).

But it’s the opinion in this bureau that there’s a single word that beats them all.

“Home.”

Gots to be my favorite of all the words. Sort of the Muhammad Ali, Michael Jordan, Serena Williams, Tom Brady and Hank Aaron of confabulations, (a funny word for words).

With “home” being a theme of this July issue, it’s a fair excuse to reflect on just what that is to each of us. How home shaped us. Some of us couldn’t wait to get away from home, some of us were scared when we did, and some of us have gone back

and found it could never be the same. Nobody’s fault: it’s just the mysterious way time works.

Home is a multi-leveled dynamic all its own.

How many songs and books and poems have been written about home?

“I’ll be home for Christmas.”

“Don’t it make you want to go home…”

“Bring it on home to me …”

“Homeward bound …”

And a hat tip to country folk like Loretta Lynn (“Don’t come home a-drinkin’ with lovin’ on your mind …”), Porter Wagoner (Green, Green Grass of Home), Dolly (My Tennessee Mountain Home”), and Bobby Bare, who lamented from Detroit City, “I wanna go home.”

Some of us see the grass greener in our neighbor’s yard, while never thinking that we have the option to paint our own grass. America, celebrating another birthday on this Fourth of July, takes a lot of hits, and goodness knows we’ve brought a lot of it upon ourselves. But I love it, warts and all. And wouldn’t you rather start cleaning up here, painting the grass here, instead of anyplace else on earth? We’ve got a pretty good head start, what with the fruited plain and spacious skies from sea to shining sea — if only common sense and elbow grease would come back into style.

Home is what we make it.

I’m thinking of how many people must have this cross stitched and framed on a kitchen wall: “Home Sweet Home.”

But … not everyone grew up safe with a tire swing and a dog and a bike. They had to leave home to find home. Any of us can buy a house and a lot of stuff to put in it. But only things that are free can make it a home.

What about your home away from home? For some, it’s holding a needle and thread or holding a baby or holding the attention of a class filled with students. For others, home is on a tractor or on a stage or in a cockpit or in a press box. It’s the realization of being grown but still feeling as secure as you did in the womb, a conscious knowing that where you are is why you were born.

If you’re really lucky, you know home when you find it, when you feel it. Dorothy went all the way to Oz before she realized her heart’s desire was in her own back yard. George Bailey had to “die” and lose home before finding out his drafty house when filled with friends made him the richest man in town.

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu or Twitter @MamaLuvsManning

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