SB Magazine September 2023

We have been in Business for almost 17 years now. I’m originally from New Orleans and I moved to Shreveport directly after High School. I started in the restaurant business at the age of 15. I worked in and out of restaurants my entire life as well as many other industries trying to find what I wanted to do in life. After attending 3 years in college I dropped out and decided to start my own business. My first was a perfume and cologne store in the mall located in New Orleans East. I then bounced back and forth between construction, restaurants, and various other fields, until I opened my first restaurant called the Manhattan in downtown Shreveport later leading to the opening of a second location on the LSUS campus. After a few years of headaches, I took a job managing Bennigans in Bossier City. From there, I left to manage Texas Roadhouse, which after many negotiations, they allowed me to buy a percentage of that restaurant which I still own as of today. My next adventure was opening Caliente’ which was a Mexican restaurant downtown. I designed the whole restaurant from the ground up writing every recipe, hiring, training, marketing, managing, and everything in between. After a few years of Caliente’ I was burnt out of the Restaurant business so that’s when I looked into the Bail Bond industry. I discovered that my last name was tied to the industry by my ancestors, which is how the name BAIL-EY BONDS was formed. I later became a general agent which allowed me to open my surety insurance company Bailey Surety Group. We insure other bail bond companies state-wide and are now expanding into Texas. I also bought Notini’s Italian restaurant with my friend Tim and just recently opened an exotic/classic climatecontrolled car storage called the Paddock with my friends Ken and Tom. For fun, my friends and I try to consistently go to a race track to race one weekend out of the month. I also love snowboarding and wakeboarding.

My mission in the Bail Bond industry is to grow and expand so that we can help as many people as possible. I got into this business to help people. That is why we offer help to the families of the defendants by offering conditions of the bond which in turn helps the defendant complete a rehabilitation program or helps parents provide a strict structure for their child if their child gets into trouble. We are 100% confidential and very professional, and we are the fastest at getting your friend or loved one out of jail while offering them help at the same time.

318-221-8828

EDITOR

The beginning of school has come and gone. I don’t know whether it’s scarier on that first day of school for the child, the parent, or the teacher. One thing is certain, the principal of each school must be at the top of their game all school year long. This brings me to one such principal from North Desoto Middle School who was named Principal of the Year for 2023. We were fortunate enough to interview William Carter for our “Educator Profile,” our new column in every issue. We also introduce you to our newly formed editorial board who have been tasked with feeding us story ideas and making suggestions on how to further improve “your” magazine. You may know these dynamic people personally. If so, don’t be bashful about sharing your ideas and thoughts with them.

Now for some sad news. Debbie Henry, our long-time society photographer, is moving to Texas. For years, Debbie has been representing SB Magazine at many functions, parties, and community events. Snapping pictures and taking your names for the “Eye on SB” pages, she became the “face” of SB. This issue also features people who have become experts in their field. I asked our sales consultant Stephanie Pringle’s son, Towner, what he thought you had to do to become an expert at something. Without hesitation, he came back with “Work Hard.” Stunned silence ensued. Something tells me young Towner is going to be featured in a future issue of the magazine. (And that he’s being raised right.) From the mouths of babes, consider this section your “go-to” when you need someone to help who has worked hard and knows what they’re doing. Speaking of fields – did you know that Centenary College has a football team? Not a round-ball football team. The egg-shaped ball with laces that once upon a time was made of pig skin. Which is about as much as I know of football. So, I called on the infamous JJ Marshall, who does know about this sport, to ring up the coach to talk about the team, their goals, and expectations. Get your tickets and come out to support our local team!

Lastly, our cover story is about our beloved festival The Red River Revel. With a rich and fascinating history, RRR has become known far and wide as one of the best arts festivals in the nation. I called a friend who, I thought, if anyone knows about the Revel it would be Sylvia Goodman. Lo and behold, I found the woman who won the contest that gave it the name Red River Revel. Now, I’ve known Sylvia for years, and never has this come up in conversation. How lucky am I? She has done so much to get things done in our community – Sci-Port, Robinson Film Center, the Revel, just to name a few. We have a lot to thank her for, especially for the name “Red River Revel.”

Seva May Owner / Executive Editor

Send news announcements, story ideas, and other requests to editor@sbmag.net.

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

Karessa Edwards

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Teddy Allen

Ursula Brantley

Adam Bailey

Kim Condon

Kevin Hinson

Debbie Henry

Hailey Lawson

Alfred Ingram

HOW TO REACH US

318.221.7264 • Fax 318.676.8850 850 Stoner Ave. Shreveport, LA 71101

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WEBSITE

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SUBSCRIPTION QUESTIONS

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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 9

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.

Chessica Harville

2023 Top Realtors People's Choice Winner! Top 20% in NWLA!

Professional. Friend.

Realtor.

Upon notification of an accepted offer on a home for my client(s), after all the searching, the laughs, the second and third showings, the miles, and the nerve-wrenching negotiations to ensure every dollar is being strategically managed to the advantage of my buyers and/or sellers, I pick up my phone and ask my favorite question, “I’ve got some good news and bad news... which do you want first?” They always pick the bad news first because it’s anticipated, but the only bad news is that they’re going to have to start packing some boxes.

Real estate is a marketing business. 318 Real Estate focuses on the most current marketing resources available to properly market and sell your property. Our mission is to provide exceptional service!

Red River Balloon Rally

The Shreveport Little Theatre and Willis-Knighton Health System presented its 2023 Summer Musical, “Anything Goes, the 2022 Revision” with music and lyrics by Cole Porter. Audiences were thrilled with this hilarious, high-energy tapdancing musical, set aboard the S.S. American ocean liner. SLT’s production of Anything Goes is directed and choreographed by Laura Beeman Nugent, with assistant choreographers Salem Carr and Annabel Moore. Musical Direction by Adam Philley. 1. Megan and Josh Hausmann 2. Elizabeth Beck with Dr. Robert Darrow, SLT Managing and Artistic Director and Libby Gleaso 3. Caity and Chance Nerren 4. Michael and Darla Rakoczy with Sandra Hayes and Patti May Carey

SLT “Anything Goes”

The Red River Balloon Rally, sponsored by Centerpoint Energy, held their festival weekend at Louisiana Downs Racetrack and Casino with the help of the Louisiana Office of Tourism. The Red River Balloon Rally is one of the largest hot air balloon festivals in the south which includes the Louisiana State Ballooning Championship, featuring balloons from around the nation as well as the AEP Swepco Kids’ Fun Zone, tethered balloon rides, balloon glow, live nightly entertainment, food trucks, art vendors and more. Live entertainment provided by Barksdale Bubble, Pat Mason & Bayou Boogie, and Jimmy Wooten. 1. Coleman, Laurel and Susanne Nerren with Don Hertlein and Kelly Long 2. Andi and Darrell Thurmon 3. Adam and Savannah Bullock with Abigail Sherwin 4. Mariia and Mykola Molokova

The Paddock Friends and patrons gathered at The Paddock Auto Vault, 9258 Ellerbe Road, to celebrate the grand opening. Business partners: Grayson Bailey, Ken Sanders, and Tom Siskron; Builders: Melissa White, Fred White, and Ken Sanders.

Krewe of Oceanus Coronation The Krewe of Oceanus held their Coronation III “Oceanus in the Outfield” at the American legion Post 14 on Cross Lake. The newest krewe of Northwest Louisiana introduced their new royals with a baseball themed event, complete with concession style food and guests dressed in their favorite baseball team jerseys. The 2023-2024 Krewe of Oceanus Royal Court includes Captain Parker Ward, Co-Captain Julie Gill, King III Jason DeLoach, Queen III Danielle Driver-Roussel, Duke and Duchess of Cross Lake Oscar and Angela Martinez, Duke of Red River Kevin Cobb, Duchess of Red River Tina DeLoach, Duke of Black Bayou Bill Wellemeyer, and Duchess of Black Bayou Lori Oswalt. 1. Krewe of Oceanus Queen III Danielle Driver-Roussel and King III Jason DeLoach 2. Oceanus CoCaptain Julie Gill with Captain Parker Ward 3. Duke of Red River Kevin Cobb and Duchess of Red River Tina DeLoach

Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce

The Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce held a “Back to the 80’s” Open House to celebrate 40 years at their 400 Edwards St. location in Downtown Shreveport. Keynote speaker was Former Chair Bubba Rasberry. Since the Chamber moved into the building in the 80’s it seemed like a “Totally Rad and Awesome” idea to make it an 80’s themed party which included hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, games, 80’s attire, networking and celebrating 40 years at 400 Edwards Street. Go ahead and mark your calendars for December 6th. The Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce will be celebrating their building’s 100th year!

Creative Art Connection at BAC

The Creative Art Connection showcased their 2023 art collection at the Bossier Arts Council’s East Bank Gallery. The Creative Art Connection is a local Arts Organization whose objective is to stimulate Cultural Development in the Bossier City Community by providing activities and an outlet for the talents of all Craftsmen in the Fine Arts field. The Creative Art Connection encourages the production of creative work and the appreciation of art in order to widen the vision of the individual and enrich the moral and spiritual life of the community!

1. Steve Roop and Scott Ward with Tim Magner, Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce

2. Kathy Rasberry, Liz Swaine and Clare Nelson 3. Justyn Dixon and William Bradford 4. LSUS Vice Chancellor Dr. Julie Lessiter, LSUS Chancellor Dr. Robert T. Smith, and LSUS Chief of Staff Kim Ramsey 5. Caleb Ward and Sofie Payne

1. Kathleen Rives, President of Creative Art Connection takes home 1st Place for “Promises” and Honorable Mention for “Follow My Lead.”

TAEYONG CHOI, MD

TRANSPLANT SURGERY, GENERAL SURGERY Board Certified, American Board of Surgery

BAC - Artist Reception- Jacqueline Fitzgerald

Ruiz Bossier Art Council featured artist Jacqueline Fitzgerald Ruiz and her solo show, “Introspective”, in the BAC Lower Gallery. Ruiz entered into a deep appreciation of the world of sound, vision, expression, and creation of all things beautiful in her eyes. Recently she was diagnosed with a rare form of bone marrow cancer and underwent a stem cell transplant in July of 2020. Thankfully Jacqueline Fitzgerald Ruiz is now in remission. This life jolting event made her realize something; Art should be shared for all to enjoy and to that she says, “Thank you for allowing me to share my art with you.”

1. Featured Artist Jacqueline Fitzgerald Ruiz with BAC Venue Coordinator Jeremy Hefner

2. Bossier Arts Council Staff: Jeremy Hefner -Venue Coordinator, Alex Richardson -Marketing Coordinator, Kendall Hackleman -Admin Assistant, and Brittainy Pope -Executive Director 3. Gabby Gillenwaters and Jonathan Phelps

4. Tim Starr with Alex Richardson, BAC Marketing Coordinator 5. Diana Cromwell with featured artist Jacqueline Fitzgerald Ruiz

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Farewell To Our Debbie Henry

From: Seva and Byron May, Hailey Lawson, Stephanie Pringle, Keyle Cavalier, Dakota Morgan, and Karessa Edwards

How do we say goodbye to a person who has been such an asset to our magazine?

A woman whose face has become so familiar to our readers as the sweet lady who takes pictures at events in our community to be included in every issue of SB – the “Eye on SB” lady. Debbie Henry is leaving us and Shreveport-Bossier for new adventures in San Antonio, Texas. Her time and talent over 15 years cannot be measured or expressed adequately enough.

So, Debbie, it’s been a pleasure working with you and we wish for nothing but success and personal fulfillment in this next phase of your life. We’re sad to see you leave and we will always cherish the great memories we’ve shared. Your work here at SB Magazine has made a difference not only to us but to this community. Exciting and new opportunities are in store for you, and we hope you will stay in touch, send pictures, and keep us up to date with your future endeavors. It's not enough to say thank you for everything. We will truly miss your presence here in Shreveport and Bossier City. You contributed a lot to our company, and we're going to miss you terribly. What if we don’t say goodbye? Why don’t we use the formal way of telling someone to be safe while they are away by simply saying “farewell” instead?

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Photography: Hailey Lawson

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Scott Chafin Ballpark to Courtroom: is Making a Difference.

Why is a commitment to justice important in America? That is a question that Scott Chafin answered at age 13 when he decided to become an attorney. This month SB Magazine sat down with Shreveport attorney Scott Chafin to explore his unique journey from the baseball field to protecting people in the courtroom.

How did you know at such an early age that you wanted to be an attorney?

Sports was my passion growing up. My grandfather played in the NFL, one of my uncles played for the Saints, and another played quarterback at LSU. So sports was a part of my life from the day I was born. My dad instilled in me a love for baseball.

We moved around growing up, and at age 13, I was living in a small town. My summer baseball team was good, and everyone expected us to compete for the State Championship. Three days before the tournament, our kitchen phone rang. My dad answered. When he got off the phone, he gave me the piece of news that made me decide to be the attorney I am today.

The coach of our rival team was on the State tournament board. He got them to pass a new rule that prohibited kids who lived more than 80 miles away from their team’s home base from playing in the tournament. The coach knew we lived 83 miles from where my team was based.

He used his position of influence to unfairly exclude a 13-year-old boy from doing what he loved most. I was angry. Honestly, it still motivates me. The team photo from that tournament without me in it sits on my desk to this day. I swore back then that I would stand up for people who were not treated fairly. And that’s what I am doing. I fight for the people who don’t make the rules.

Wow, thanks for sharing that story with our readers. You have a personal connection to fighting for people’s rights. How do you protect people in your work?

Some corporations turn a blind eye to safety in favor of profit. I stand up to those corporations and fight for the people they hurt. In my career, I have represented people with every imaginable injury. And every case I have worked came about because the corporation refused to accept responsibility. I protect people by holding these corporations accountable in court.

That certainly takes a commitment to people. What do you love most about the people you represent?

I love the lifetime bonds I form with my clients. I represent hard-working people and families. Often our work together can dramatically change their lives. I remember an oilfield injury case I had once. Things went downhill quickly after my client got hurt. His family was living in a trailer with no air conditioning. He had to choose between buying food and buying gas.

Now, fast forward to the end of the case. His refrigerator is fully stocked. He has a new air-conditioned, 3-bedroom brick home and used the money to start a new oilfield service company. The last time I went to his house, we couldn’t talk long because he was leaving to drive his daughter to a softball tournament. It amazes me what happens when you fight for justice.

Tell us something that people don’t know about you.

Behind my office, I have a baseball field and an indoor batting cage. It started as a way to keep my children close while I worked late nights and weekends. It has grown into a place for the entire community. Several teams use the field for practice. We have some events planned to open the field to more people in the community.

When I was growing up, I always had a free place to go practice. There is no charge for using our place. For me, it is a way to share the traditions that were so important in my childhood and made me who I am today.

What is on the horizon for you?

I am the incoming President of the Louisiana Associate for Justice. I am humbled to lead an organization that fights for people and ensures everyone has full access to the courts. I am honored to carry that torch as the LAJ President next year. I believe in justice, and I will keep protecting people as long as God allows.

Krewe of

By: Ursula Brantley

One of the things Louisianians take pride in is their legendary Mardi Gras culture. Mardi Gras celebrations became a cornerstone of the state’s roots in the early 18th century. Pre-Lenton celebrations are traditional in countries around the world dating back to Medieval Europe, but they didn’t become part of American history until the late 1600s/early 1700s. It was during this time that explorers Pierre Le Moyne d’Iberville and Jean-Baptiste Sieur de Bienville landed not far from present-day New Orleans. They solidified their landing with a celebration and named their landing spot Pointe du Mardi Gras once their men realized that their arrival fell on Fat Tuesday. Though the property lines of Louisiana have changed over centuries, the culture of Mardi Gras in Louisiana hasn’t dissipated. Mardi Gras is so ingrained in our state’s DNA that in 1875 the signing of the Mardi Gras Act made Fat Tuesday an official holiday in Louisiana. Though other states may have Mardi Gras celebrations, no other state can say that their government offices, schools, or businesses halt operations for a moment because of it. Louisianians never cease to love its sea of purple, green, and gold. The spirit of revelry infects all who have the courage to scream, “THROW ME SOMETHING, MISTER”!

Mardi Gras celebrations in Northwest Louisiana began in the late 1980s. In the early 1990s, Matthew Linn, a resident of Shreveport’s Highland neighborhood and Krewe of Highland’s Chairman of the Board, moved back home and had a vision of starting a neighborhood Mardi Gras parade. Linn stated that the idea seemed fun and easy to assemble, so he presented his idea to the Highland Area Partnership who were eager to be part of the movement. Soon after, the Highland Restoration Association along with others joined in. Says Linn, “The Reid, Bonvillian, and Linn families along with a few board members from HRA (Highland Restoration Association) and HAP (Highland

Area Partnership) were in the first parade. The Reid family has been and is currently a pillar in our organization. Without Cyndie and Chuck Reid, The Krewe of Highland would not exist”. Over the years, the parade route has changed and expanded due to need. According to Linn, their current route is in support of the Krewe’s dear friend Robert Baucum of Marilynn’s Place, a staple in SBC history. Robert’s brother, Trey, has been the Krewe’s Master of Ceremony for many years. The route may have been modified over the years and other krewes have developed within the Krewe of Highland, but the Highland parade always rolls the Sunday before Fat Tuesday at 2pm. The Krewe is founded on inclusivity, encouraging originality and uniqueness. They stand by their mission to promote community cooperation, neighborhood spirit, creativity, and diversity. Though there are quite a few Mardi Gras parades and Krewes in the SBC that attract people from all over, the Krewe of Highland parade almost feels like one big neighborhood block party. With the parade rolling right down the neighborhood streets, many residents tailgate in their front yards and enjoy the free show that strolls past their homes. Everyone’s feet are moving to irresistible beats, there’s a cornucopia of Louisiana cuisine, neighbors are bonding, business owners are merrily promoting their services, upside-down umbrellas are everywhere ready to catch beads and other throws. There’s no way that you can attend a Krewe of Highland parade and not feel a sense of community. “We encourage everyone to put on their freak and do some shameless self-promotion. We want locally owned companies to use us for team building and ask them to please throw promotable and usable goods to the crowd”. Highland is best known for its unique throws. Beads are a given during Mardi Gras, but those out-ofthe-ordinary throws are what help make memories. Paradegoers

can expect to see everything from packs of Ramen Noodles to tasty MoonPies. If you’re lucky, you just might catch a neatly wrapped, warm hotdog. Linn states, “Unique throws started with the infamous Jeff Clark, David Clark, and John Head aka Johnny Hot Dog with the “Eat Me” float. The “Eat Me” float, which developed into the Krewe of Bar-B-Que, throws 5,000 hot dogs. Our most special and unique throws are reserved for north of Kings Highway.”

Not long after the Krewe of Highland’s birth, board members Marsha and Terry Millican had the idea of incorporating the Krewe as a non-profit focused on uplifting the Highland area. After running the idea past Linn and other board members, they decided to begin work on developing the non-profit portion of the Krewe of Highland. SBC residents may not realize that Mardi Gras season is only part of what Krewes are all about. There’s more community involvement than one might think. “The Mardi Gras Krewes do more for our city and community to foster friendship and tourism than any other function of the 318. We the Krewes are not a one-hit, one-night wonder”, says Linn. When the board sees a need in the Highland/South Highland/Madison Park community that aligns with their bylaws, they do their best to rectify that situation. They’ve been known to buy trumpets for C.E. Byrd’s band as well as conduct park renovations. For example, the Krewe is responsible for the rewiring of Columbia Park so that The Highland Jazz and Blues Festival doesn’t have to use generators to power the bands. They also placed security lights around the park for nighttime security. Linn explained that they are currently embarking on a quarter-million-dollar Highland Park renovation, a planting project, and sprucing up all neutral grounds in Highland, South Highland, and Madison Park. With Mardi Gras season not far away, they’ll soon be gearing up for the 2024 Coronation where they’ll announce their King, Queen, Captain, and Theme. Anyone who’s interested in being part of this great organization or would like to roll out in the 2024 parade is encouraged to visit their website. Says Linn, “We welcome everyone who loves thy neighbor. Just sign up at KreweOfHighland.org.”

Focus and Faith

by: Seva May

Multiple Choice:

An award-winning principal should

a. focus on a growth mindset.

b. have a strong support system for teachers.

c. display a positive student interaction.

d. encourage student engagement with the community.

e. focus on academics.

f. all the above

If you chose “f” then you get an “A” and you’ve just described William (‘Barry’- nowhere on his birth certificate but what everyone calls him) Carter, Principal of North DeSoto Middle

School. Carter took on the job in the first year of the Covid-19 pandemic. Subsequently, everything he planned for his first year stayed on the back burner. Since then, he has worked diligently to build a stronger middle school community that is essential for the success of both students and teachers.

Carter believes that instead of a fixed mindset, where students believe their abilities are predetermined, a growth mindset encourages students to learn from their mistakes and failures. “We don’t have bad kids. We have kids that make bad decisions sometimes,” he states. “You don’t give up on them.” He knows that students are motivated to continue learning and growing by celebrating successes and achievements. This approach fosters a positive attitude towards learning and helps students develop a sense of resilience and perseverance. This is only one of the key elements utilized as Principal and one reason he was

named Middle School Principal of the Year.

North DeSoto Middle School has a little over 600 students in the sixth through the eighth grade. Carter places a strong emphasis on supporting the 38 career teachers and the 22 members of the support staff to keep the wheels turning. The school provides professional development opportunities and encourages collaboration and the sharing of best practices among colleagues.

Unique to the school is the WIN (Whatever I Need) program which allows for one period during the school day for academic remediation and for student clubs and organizations to meet. This past year, Carter expanded WIN to include non-academic

learning experiences. Carter believes that by teaching skills that kids need to experience and ensuring that every WIN class has a 100% serviceoriented project, the students will understand the process of how the school is tied to the community. It also teaches civic pride and responsibility.

As a man of faith, Carter prays daily for his motivation and encourages his teachers and students by saying “I’ll be the energy – when you’re around me, just match it.” Carter fosters positive behavior that encourages students to be kind, respectful, and responsible. In addition to academic success, Carter recognizes the importance of making school a positive and fun experience for students. School-wide events and activities, such as pep rallies and spirit weeks, foster school spirit and a sense of community. Student involvement in extracurricular activities is encouraged. Opportunities for students to explore their interests and develop new skills are a sign-up sheet away. By creating a positive and welcoming school culture, the Carter and his staff ensures that students enjoy coming to school and feel a sense of belonging.

Even with an education degree and a master’s in educational leadership, Carter questioned whether he was the right person for the job. Like most of us, he second-guessed himself. But with encouragement from his wife, he stepped out on faith believing that “Through un-comfortability you can find growth because “dependency” is everything on Him.”

ATTENTION TEACHERS:

SB Magazine is looking for your GOOD STUDENT.

In each issue, we will spotlight two students who have shown their teachers that they possess more than making good grades. You may nominate a student who has shown a combination of stellar personal traits and attributes that will enable them to excel in the classroom, and beyond. Send the student’s name, parents’ names, parent’s contact information, and a brief description of why you chose to nominate the student to editor@sbmag.net. It’s absolutely free. All it takes is a bit of your time. We’ll take care of the rest with an interview and a photography session in our SB Studio.

What are the Qualities of a Good Student?

EXPERTS2023 aSk ThE

Got questions? SB Magazine has answers! Read on for the responses to frequently asked questions from these specialists in their respective fields.

FLOWER ARRANGEMENTS

ROSE-NEATH FLOWER SHOP

Whether you wish to send your sympathy to a friend or family member, congratulate an anniversary, birthday, or graduation, or simply wish to brighten someone’s day, Rose-Neath Flower Shop offers flowers for all occasions, seven days a week! We are the only full-service florist open on Sundays.

Rose-Neath is a family owned and operated florist in Shreveport, Louisiana and has been in business for 22 years. The designers at the flower shop have an accumulative of over 125 years of experience! The flower shop’s manager, Wanda, has been in the floral business for 58 years.

DO YOU DELIVER?

Yes, we offer delivery to the Shreveport/ Bossier City area.

WHAT ARE YOUR HOURS?

We are open 7 days a week and are here Monday through Friday 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM and Saturday and Sunday 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM. We are closed for some holidays.

DO YOU ONLY PROVIDE SYMPATHY FLOWERS?

No, we do flowers for all occasions.

WHERE DO YOUR FLOWERS COME FROM?

We receive roses weekly from Ecuador and other flowers are grown in Florida and California.

Visit us today for beautiful fresh flowers and the largest silk floral arrangements in the area plus much more!

“I have been in the business 58 years. I enjoy making people smile with cheerful

flowers. I am here to make it easier for the customers to select just the right thing to make people smile.” - Wanda Hendricks

2529 SOUTHSIDE DRIVE SHREVEPORT, LA 71118 318-687-2200

ROSE-NEATHFLOWERSHOP.COM

FUNERAL PLANNING

ROSE-NEATH FUNERAL HOME

CELEBRATING 90 YEARS OF SERVING NORTHWEST LOUISIANA FAMILIES

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO PRE-PLAN YOUR OWN FUNERAL?

Pre-planning benefits both you and your loved ones. You get to work with a funeral director to plan the funeral that you want without the pressure of time. The funeral that you want at a price that you are comfortable with and the price is locked in. This is much less stressful than your loved ones trying to put together a whole funeral in a few hours, where it is too easy for those in grief to emotionally overspend and you get your wishes followed.

YOU MENTIONED MONEY. DOES PRE-PLANNING ALSO AFFECT OTHER COSTS?

It does. Once you have planned out your funeral, you will know the costs and can begin to prepare. This may involve

creating a savings account or a preneed policy. The traditional method of financing a funeral is a life insurance policy designed to pay for the service and other expenses. A Kilpatrick Life agent will be happy to create a policy tailored to meet your needs. By pre-planning not only your service but also how to pay for it, it saves your family money by freeing them the need to pay for the service with a high interest rate credit card or having to come up with cash with no notice.

YOUR FAMILY HAS BEEN IN THE INDUSTRY FOR THREE GENERATIONS, DATING BACK TO THE GREAT DEPRESSION. DOES THAT PUT ADDED PRESSURE ON YOU? Not pressure. We are privileged to serve families generation after generation. When we help a family get through such

a difficult time, we don’t intend for the relationship to end there. At Rose-Neath we aren’t just here to earn your business but also to earn your trust.

WHAT DO YOU ATTRIBUTE YOUR SUCCESS TO OVER THE LAST 90 YEARS?

The trust of the communities in which we serve and our colleagues of RoseNeath and Kilpatrick. As needs and demands change for our families, our professional and dedicated staff and locations are always ready to adapt.

WE APPRECIATE THE TRUST AND SUPPORT OF THE COMMUNITIES WE SERVE.

WWW.ROSE-NEATH.COM

“Since 1932, Kilpatrick’s Rose-Neath Funeral Homes, Crematorium and Cemeteries, Inc. have been serving northwest Louisiana families during the most difficult of times.”

— Margaret Shehee, President, Rose-Neath Funeral Homes

CEMETERY PLANNING

ROSE-NEATH CEMETERY

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO PRE-PLAN YOUR CEMETERY NEEDS?

Pre-planning is the greatest act of love that you can do for your spouse and children. It allows your family the opportunity to grieve on the worst day of their life when there has been a death in the family instead of having to be at the cemetery looking for a suitable burial type and site. It benefits both you and your loved ones since you get to choose what you want. You will work with a Professional Cemeterian who will discuss your many options, show you the different kinds of above ground Entombment and inground interments. Pre-plan purchase options are available at affordable and reasonable prices that you will be comfortable with, and the price is locked in. This loving act from you should remove the stress from your loved ones who may otherwise be rushed into choosing a cemetery, type of final disposition and a burial site all shortly after the passing, where it is too easy for them to emotionally overspend and not know your wishes.

WHAT ARE SEVERAL THINGS THE CEMETERY HAS TO OFFER INDIVIDUALS OR FAMILES?

There are a number of choices at RoseNeath Cemetery and many more coming in the near future. We currently offer inground interments in our beautiful, manicured gardens. People have the choice of above ground Entombment in a Private Walk-in Mausoleum of ones choice, or a Private Estate (above ground crypt). Offered to families (or individuals) are breathtaking shrubbery lined Family Estates that can be used for above ground or inground final dispositions. Rose-Neath Cemetery also has a beautiful Veterans Garden for Veterans and their spouses. For those wishing to be cremated, various Cremation options are available to choose from. Memorialization in addition to a loved one’s final resting place is also offered by Rose-Neath Cemetery.

WHY SHOULD PEOPLE CHOOSE ROSE-NEATH AND ROUND GROVE CEMETERIES FOR THEIR FINAL NEEDS?

At Rose-Neath and Round Grove Cemeteries, we treat people like family.

We listen to them, their concerns, their needs, desires, and dreams and deliver without high pressure tactics and at their pace. Our cemeteries take pride in being the most beautiful park like cemeteries in the ARK-LA-TEX. Rose-Neath Cemetery was once a pecan orchard, keeping many features today from back then. Well maintained gardens with extra attention given to detail give our families a place to visit with pride and a feeling of peace and tranquility. For what Rose-Neath and Round Grove Cemeteries offer, it is said that they are also the most reasonable priced cemeteries in the ARK-LA-TEX.

“Since 1932, Kilpatrick’s Rose-Neath Funeral Homes, Crematorium and Cemeteries, Inc. have been serving northwest Louisiana families during the most difficult of times.” — Margaret Shehee, President, Rose-Neath Funeral Homes.

“In my eleven years of helping families in the cemetery and funeral business, I have learned that the greatest act of love is removing the emotional and financial burdens from your spouse

and loved ones by pre-needing your cemetery and funeral arrangements in advance so during the worst day of their life they aren’t at the cemetery making arrangements.” - Larry Hawkins

WE ARE NOW OFFERING AN ENVIRONMENTALLY RESPONSIBLE AND IN HARMONY WITH NATURE OPTION, THE FIRST GREEN BURIAL SERVICE IN THE STATE.

5185 SWAN LAKE RD

BOSSIER CITY, LA • 318-746-9344

2869 ROUND GROVE LANE

SHREVEPORT, LA • 318-464-4343

WWW.ROSE-NEATH.COM

LARRY J. HAWKINS CEMETERIAN & MANAGER

SPORTS MEDICINE WILLIS-KNIGHTON

THE EXCLUSIVE SPORTS MEDICINE PROVIDER FOR ALL CADDO PARISH HIGH SCHOOLS

WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON HEAT RELATED ILLNESSES THAT IMPACT HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETES?

Every sport has an associated risk of injury. Heat related illnesses occur when athletes participate in their sport outdoors in extreme climates. Heat cramps are characterized by muscle pain and spasms resulting from electrolyte imbalances due to heavy sweating during intensive exercise outdoors. Heat exhaustion is characterized by nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headache, muscle spasms, heavy sweating, and cold, pale, or clammy skin. Heat stroke is a medical emergency characterized by a body temperature of 103 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. Signs of heat stroke include hot, red, and dry skin, a rapid pulse, dizziness, nausea, confusion, and losing consciousness (passing out).

WHAT ROLE DO SPORTS MEDICINE PROVIDERS PLAY IN PREVENTING HEAT RELATED ILLNESSES?

Willis-Knighton Sports Medicine athletic trainers have unique training in preventing, diagnosing, and managing heat related illnesses that might occur during sports participation. Athletic trainers monitor outdoor temperatures and provide coaching staff with guidance on when it is safe to practice and how to modify practices to prevent heat related illnesses. In addition, they have access to cold immersion tubs to rapidly cool and reduce an athlete’s body temperature in the event of a medical emergency.

WHAT CAN PARENTS DO TO HELP STUDENT ATHLETES STAY HEALTHY?

Parents have a key role in promoting the

health and well-being of young athletes –making sure their athlete eats a healthy diet, gets adequate sleep, and is properly hydrated prior to sports participation. Young athletes often report their complaints to their parents. They may be afraid to tell coaches or athletic trainers for fear of being unable to play. Parents can encourage their athletes to share concerns they have with their athletic trainer so that a minor complaint doesn’t turn into a medical emergency or season ending injury.

QUICKBOOKS ACCOUNTING CFO PROSOLUTIONS

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF OUTSOURCING ACCOUNTING, BOOKKEEPING, AND PAYROLL SERVICES?

The top reasons companies outsource their accounting and bookkeeping are expertise, accuracy, consistent reconciliation, focus on core business activities, fraud prevention, and cost effectiveness. Outsourcing allows business owners to focus on running their business better, grow faster, and make more money. Having trained eyes on your finances at all times can bring considerable peace of mind as well as the confidence needed to make intelligent financial decisions.

DO YOU OFFER FULL-SERVICE PAYROLL SERVICES?

Yes we do! We set up all of your payroll tax accounts, payroll items, and obtain all of the required documentation from employees. We process your payroll, payroll taxes, Quarterly Payroll Tax Returns, Annual Tax Returns, W2s, 1099s, and handle your Workers Compensation Audits. You can rest assured that all of your payroll taxes are paid timely and all required filings are completed.

I AM A BUSINESS OWNER, AND I ALREADY HAVE A BOOKKEEPER AND A CPA. HOW DOES MY BUSINESS FIT INTO WHAT YOU OFFER?

We provide a checks and balances system for your day-to-day operations and transactions that your CPA may only review once a year. We will work with your current bookkeeper to make your accounting operations run smoother. Adding our services may also prevent the need to hire additional full-time employees and incur additional payroll expenses.

We will reconcile your accounts and prepare financial reports and ensure that you are prepared for a seamless tax season. We work with your CPA and provide them with a clean set of books, so that he/she can utilize their time to get you the best tax benefits. Our part-time CFO services can help you gain a better understanding of the financial side of your business with improved quality and timeliness of financial information. We can also prepare budgets and monitor the results with Budget to Actual comparisons. Our CFO services can be provided on-site or virtually.

CAN YOU HELP ME WITH MY QUICKBOOKS

SOFTWARE?

Yes! Our team of Accountants are your go-to experts for anything QuickBooks! We are Trusted Pro Advisors and Intuit Certified. We can set up a new QuickBooks company file, tune-up your current file, fix any software issues, and provide training to properly use the software.

Whether you need a financial review, need to prepare for tax time, or just need to clean up some problem areas, our QuickBooks Pro Advisors will help you clean up and organize your bookkeeping system.

QuickBooks accounting software comes in many variations. We can help you choose which version best fits the needs for your business and customize your QuickBooks to meet the needs and tasks specific to your operations. CFO ProSolutions is also a Reseller of QuickBooks software.

405 ASHLEY RIDGE BLVD, SHREVEPORT • 318.629.6266

NAMES FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: JACOB FUSSELL, MISSY FUSSELL, JIM LEE, AMY RANDALL, BRANDON LARKIN.

REALTOR MARIAN CLAVILLE BURKS

has acquired throughout her career, Burks is passionate about nurturing the growth and success of others in the industry. Her mentorship and guidance have become invaluable assets for those fortunate enough to work with her.

While her professional pursuits are undeniably significant, Burks places immense importance on her role as a mother. Her devotion to her daughter is unwavering, and she cherishes every moment spent with her family. Balancing the demands of a thriving career with the joys of motherhood is a delicate dance, but Burks embraces the challenge with grace and resilience.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Burks yearns to explore the world out loud. Travel is not merely a pastime for her; it represents an opportunity for personal growth, cultural immersion, and new perspectives. Burks believes that experiencing the world firsthand enriches her understanding of humanity and fuels her creativity.

Living a big life full of beautiful experiences and being fully present with loved ones is a dream that many aspire to, but few truly achieve. For Marian Claville Burks, CEO of Palmer Hall Realty and owner of The Marian Home Group sales team, it has become a guiding principle that fuels her passion for real estate and personal growth.

With seven years of experience as a real estate agent, Marian Claville Burks has distinguished herself as a dynamic force in the industry. Her unwavering commitment to helping both new and seasoned realtors reach their financial goals while fostering positive self-development sets her apart from the rest.

As a testament to her exceptional skills, Burks has consistently ranked among the top 20% of realtors in the Northwest Louisiana Board of Realtors for the past seven years. However, she refuses to rest on her laurels and has set her sights on an even loftier ambition: to be among the top 1% of realtors within the next five years.

Burks’ drive to make a difference extends beyond personal achievements. She aims to revolutionize the lives of agents, empowering them to transform their circumstances for the better. By imparting the wisdom and knowledge she

Whether you are a realtor seeking guidance, an individual looking for your dream home, or someone hoping to collaborate on meaningful endeavors, Burks welcomes the chance to make a difference in your life.

MARIANCLAVILLE.MHG@GMAIL. COM.

318-780-2302

AUTO GLASS

GLASS SERVICES, CHARLIE PIPPIN

Charlie Pippin has been in the glass business for over 27 years in north Louisiana. He owns Glass Services located in Shreveport, Bossier City and Mansfield. Glass Services is a member of the Auto Glass Safety Council (agsc.org) and Charlie is licensed with the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors specifically for glass and glazing.

WHAT ROLE DOES MY WINDSHIELD PLAY IN AN ACCIDENT?

The windshield is a structural component of the vehicle providing integrity to the cabin when an accident occurs. It absorbs the force of the collision and is a part of the safety restraint system. The windshield keeps the roof from crushing the occupants of the vehicle, allows airbags to deploy correctly, and prevents the occupants from being ejected during a crash. Some assume that windshield cracks are only a cosmetic distraction

and do not realize that it can affect the safety of the vehicle. With the addition of ADAS technology to vehicles, many cameras are mounted to the windshields now and have to be calibrated after the windshield is replaced.

WHAT IS ADAS TECHNOLOGY?

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) technology is a group of rapidly growing new features that make the vehicle safer and provide additional tools when operating the vehicle. Some examples of this technology include adaptive cruise control, blind spot detection, collision avoidance system, lane departure warning system, lane keep assist and night vision. Glass Services has the experience to ensure a complete, correct and safe windshield replacement every time. After the windshield is replaced it is necessary to have the cameras calibrated. Glass

Services can calibrate the cameras for most makes and models.

WHAT IS CALIBRATION?

Calibration is the process of returning a vehicle’s ADAS to the original manufacturer’s specifications. It is necessary after a new glass installation when a camera is mounted at the windshield. This ensures the safety features function as originally intended. If the system is not properly calibrated, then the system may not function safely. Glass Services employs two full-time calibration technicians so calibrations can be performed at the same time the windshield is replaced. Most insurance companies cover the cost of the calibration with a glass replacement.

Glass Services has calibrated over 6000 cars in the last four years and we are ready to assist you!

S E R V I C E S

THERAPY SERVICES

JETER THERAPY GROUP

WHAT CAUSES MY CHILD TO HAVE POOR HANDWRITING SKILLS?

Possibly due to decreased fine motor coordination, visual perceptual skills, hand/grip strength, or the presence of sustained developmental reflexes.

WHY IS IT HARD FOR MY KID TO SIT STILL?

In some cases due to decreased sensory integration skills, ability to sustain attention, or combination of both.

WHY IS IT HARD FOR MY KID TO BUTTON SHIRTS OR OPEN DOORS?

There are times when a patient will present with decreased motor planning, bilateral coordination, or problemsolving skills.

WHY DOES MY CHILD’S KNEES KNOCK WHILE THEY ARE WALKING?

This could be due to hip weakness/ tightness. When the hip abductors are weak, it can lead to problems in the

knees or ankles and you can see knee valgus (knocked knees) with walking. If there is hip tightness, this causes consistent internal rotation at the hips in standing, which will also lead to knee valgus.

WHY DOES MY KID SLOUCH WHILE SITTING?

If your kid slouches in sitting, this is mostly likely due to core weakness. Core weakness can also lead to W sitting or frog leg sitting, which can lead to hip tightness if not corrected.

J eter Therapy Group is a locally owned multidisciplinary clinic that specializes in Speech, Occupational, and Physical therapy. For over 10 years, we have offered proactive, quality healthcare in a safe and comfortable environment. Our mission is to provide evidencebased assessment and treatment to pediatric and adult populations. We develop and implement patient-specific

plans and educate/train caregivers to carry over those plans. We provide services in our clinic, home environment, school settings, and within the community. We currently have three locations!

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

HAUGHTON LOCATION: 966 US-80

HAUGHTON, LA 71037

NATCHITOCHES LOCATION : 126 HWY 504 NATCHITOCHES, LA 71457

PHONE: (318)219-6064 • FAX: (318)225-7928

WWW.JETERSLPSERVICES.COM

Left: Rebekah Cole, DPT Right: Kaitlyn Nixon, OT/R

CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYER.

JOHN D. & ERIC G. JOHNSON

The John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm, L.L.C. was established in 1980 by John D. Johnson. Eric G. Johnson joined his father in practice in 1993. The firm specializes in the defense of criminal cases in state and federal courts throughout North Louisiana. The firm’s commitment to best serving its clients extends to appeals and writs in Louisiana courts of appeal, the Louisiana Supreme Court, and the Federal Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. Rachel Bays and Eric Whitehead join Eric in the defense of criminal cases across Louisiana.

“When an individual is arrested and charged with a crime, it turns the lives of that individual, as well as his family members and loved ones, upside down,” Johnson said. “Our goal is to provide the best representation to obtain the

optimal result in each case. Often, the process is both lengthy and complicated. Because of this, we strive to successfully guide them through what is usually the worst time of their lives.”

Eric and the other lawyers in his firm are active in the NACDL (National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers) and LACDL (Louisiana Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers). They regularly attend seminars hosted by both organizations to stay abreast of the latest strategies to better represent the firm’s clients.

Firm associate, Eric Whitehead, said, “We are dedicated to serving our clients’ interests and doing our best for them. We provide a team approach to handling each case, always remembering that our clients placed their trust in us. We are conscious of the duty we

owe our clients, which is to provide zealous representation with the goal of obtaining the best outcome.”

The firm also employs Jonathan Guthrie, a retired Federal Probation Officer, who assists the firm’s attorneys in representing individuals charged in federal court.

415 MAIN ST., MINDEN, LA 71055

318.377.1555

WWW.ERICGJOHNSONLAW.COM

ERICGJOHNSON@

SUDDENLINKMAIL.COM

LAWN CARE WEED MAN

LAWNCARE IS A PARTNERSHIP

WHY DO I NEED A PROFESSIONAL LAWN CARE COMPANY?

One major reason is that you’re hiring an expert who can diagnose problems when they arise, and they will. We can tell you whether the issue on your lawn is related to turf disease, an insect, compaction, excessive thatch, or simply lack of water. Diagnosing these issues can be challenging for you, the homeowner, to do on your own.

HOW MUCH WATER DOES MY LAWN NEED?

This answer can vary. Especially during a summer similar to this current one.

In most cases, your lawn needs 1 to 1-1/2” of water weekly. Mother Nature provides water, but she sometimes needs help. To determine the need for supplemental water, look for these telltale signs of oncoming drought stress: Areas of the lawn especially near concrete or asphalt (sidewalks and driveways), under large trees and on slopes, take on a dark, silvery, or smoky

blue-green haze. In extreme cases, the lawn appears yellowish. Look for footprints or lawnmower wheel marks that don’t spring back shortly after they are made. If your lawn shows symptoms of drought, water it immediately regardless of the time of day. Under normal circumstances, early morning is the best time to water your lawn so that the leaves can dry slowly and naturally without too much evaporation, and with most of the water penetrating the soil. Regular, deep watering is better than daily light sprinkling. Deep watering, and allowing the lawn to dry out between watering, will force the roots to penetrate deeper in search of moisture.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I CUT THE GRASS?

Your lawn should be mowed weekly with a sharp blade at the proper height for your grass type. Dull blades create a jagged wound that can be more difficult to heal and make grass more prone to disease. We recommend mowing often

enough so that you prevent removing more than 1/3 of the leaf blade per cutting as this will put stress on the grass plant and cause it to go brown. Weed Man is a locally owned and operated lawn care franchise, providing environmentally responsible lawn fertilization, weed control, and integrated pest management services in the Shreveport Bossier area. We know what it takes to make your lawn look its best. We live and work in your community and take pride in the fact that we’ve built our business one customer at a time. It is with devotion to quality and service that we can proudly meet your lawn care needs and stake our claim as the best lawn care company in the area.

(318) 828-2872

4770 SOUTHERN AVENUE, SHREVEPORT, LA 71106

SHREVEPORT.WEEDMAN.COM

CHIROPRACTOR DESIGNED TO MOVE

Meet the chiropractor, John Barrington. John graduated from LSU Shreveport with a bachelor’s in cellular and molecular biology. He then attended chiropractic school at Parker University in Dallas, Texas. Dr. Barrington is certified in chiropractic clinical neurology and dry needling and is a FAKTR-certified provider. He is currently working on a chiropractic sports physician certification, so that is coming soon! He is also Webster certified, able to help expecting moms throughout their pregnancy He has been married to his wife and business partner for 15 years this December, is father to 4 boys, and has been a foster dad for the last 5 years.

WHAT IS AN EVIDENCE-BASED CHIROPRACTOR?

Evidence-based chiropractic involves the application of practices and interventions that are supported by scientific research and clinical evidence. Practitioners use a combination of proven techniques, patientcentered care, and up-to-date research findings to ensure that their interventions are safe and effective. This approach promotes accountability, transparency, and

the continuous improvement of care based on credible evidence and patient outcomes.

WHAT ARE SOME BENEFITS OF CHIROPRACTIC CARE?

Chiropractic care offers a non-invasive approach to managing musculoskeletal issues and provides benefits such as pain relief, improved mobility, and enhanced overall well-being.

WHAT IS A FAKTR CERTIFIED PROVIDER?

FAKTR stands for “Functional and Kinetic Treatment with Rehabilitation”. This integrates a variety of treatment methods, including instrument-assisted soft tissue work, joint mobilization, and functional movement patterns. It often focuses on optimizing tissue healing, reducing pain, and enhancing overall performance.

HOW DOES DRY NEEDLING WORK?

Dry needling is a therapeutic technique where thin needles are inserted into specific muscle trigger points or tight bands to alleviate pain and muscular dysfunction. By stimulating these

points, dry needling aims to release muscle knots, improve blood circulation, promote tissue healing, and modulate pain perception. This process can lead to muscle relaxation, reduced muscle spasms, enhanced range of motion, and the potential release of natural painrelieving chemicals.

INSIDE BELLAIRE FITNESS CENTER

4330 PANTHER DR. BOSSIER CITY, LA • 318-215-5435

DESIGNEDTOMOVECHIRO.COM

FRESH PRODUCE & BAKE SHOP

GULLO’S FRESH PRODUCE & BAKE SHOP

Gullo’s has been serving satisfied customers for nearly 60 years as a family-owned and operated business. Craig Hamilton, the founders’ grandson, is breathing new life into one of Shreveport’s best-kept secrets. After a fire forced its closure, Gullo’s reopened in 2016. Craig had gone on to launch two restaurant concepts in Jackson, Mississippi while collaborating with exceptional, high-caliber chefs. His

mission is to take inspiration from everything he has learned during his journey and bring it to Gullo’s, with an aim to elevate the dining experience. Today, Gullo’s is proud to present a brand new menu full of chef-inspired dishes and sandwiches, all made with locally sourced farm-raised produce, beef, pork, and chicken. You can expect crafty eats at a fast-casual level, as well as grab-and-go casseroles, vegetables, and canned goods. With dinner service now extended until 8 p.m., you can enjoy seafood, steak, and different proteins as the seasons change.

“We have been doing really great things for a really long time with the support of our customers, family, and friends… however we have not even scratched the surface of what is to come next for Gullo’s. Keep an eye out, we’re cooking up a storm!”

FOR MORE INFORMATION, INCLUDING MENUS, FOLLOW GULLO’S ON FACEBOOK AT @ GULLOSFRESHPRODUCE.

DENTIST

GOVERNALE GENERAL DENTISTRY

HOW IS DENTAL ANXIETY TREATED AND WHAT OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE FOR PATIENTS WHO ARE NERVOUS ABOUT TREATMENT?

Sedation dentistry is available and includes different levels like minimal sedation (awake but relaxed) which utilizes oral sedatives and sometimes inhalation sedation, moderate sedation (conscious sedation) which utilizes IV medications, or deep sedation (semi-conscious) which is IV administered.

WHAT ARE THE CONNECTIONS BETWEEN ORAL HEALTH AND DIABETES?

Diabetes is a chronic medical condition characterized by high blood sugar levels. Individuals with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing gum disease (periodontal disease). Gum disease can make it more difficult for diabetics to control their blood sugar levels, potentially leading to complications. Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to reduced blood flow to the gums, impairing the body’s

ability to fight infection and contribute to the progression of gum disease.

WHAT ARE THE CONNECTIONS BETWEEN ORAL HEALTH AND HEART DISEASE?

Research suggests that there may be a connection between gum disease and heart disease. Both involve chronic inflammation and this may contribute to the development of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and increase the risk of heart disease. Some researchers believe that the bacteria involved in gum disease might enter the bloodstream and contribute to the formation of arterial plaques, which are associated with heart disease. Also, certain risk factors, such as smoking and poor dietary habits, can contribute to both gum disease and heart disease.

Governale General Dentistry consists of a small group of people who enjoy interacting with others and thrive on promoting oral health. Our mission is to exhibit the highest level of professionalism with the use of technology and education to attain unequivocal dentistry and optimal health. We offer implant placement and restoration, surgical extractions, IV sedation, root canals, and cosmetic restorative procedures.

GOVERNALEGENERALDENTISTRY.COM

318.670.8830

8691 LINE AVENUE, SUITE 300, SHREVEPORT, LA

VETERINARY SOUTHSIDE ANIMAL HOSPITAL

WHAT DO I DO IF MY PET INGESTS A POSSIBLE POISON OR TOXIC SUBSTANCE?

Call your local veterinarian to gain guidance, but also be aware of the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control helpline (888) 426-4435. They will help determine the need for additional care and create a treatment plan based on the ingested poison which will save valuable life-saving research time when it’s time for your vet to treat your pet.

MY PET WON’T EAT STORE-BOUGHT FOOD, CAN I MAKE MY PET MEALS?

where Dr. Bauer and Dr. Campbell offer the most compassionate, comprehensive veterinary care for your pets. Whether your pet needs a checkup, updated vaccinations, a bath, routine surgery, or ongoing management of a chronic condition (just to name a few of the services they provide), the team at Southside Animal Hospital is excited to be a part of your pet’s care.

ASHLEI BAUER, DVM

MALLORY CAMPBELL, DVM

318-797-7902

9261 YOUREE DRIVE, SHREVEPORT, LA SOUTHSIDEAHONYOUREE.COM

DO I HAVE TO GIVE HEARTWORM AND FLEA/TICK PREVENTATIVES YEAR-ROUND?

Yes! Heartworms and fleas/ticks are a year-round threat in our area of the country. For more information on heartworm disease, check out The American Heartworm Society online.

Yes! But please consult your veterinarian on key ingredients as well as vitamins and minerals that are essential for your pet. A good resource is Balanceit.com.

Southside Animal Hospital is a full-service small animal clinic,

COUNSELING ACTIVE RECOVERY

SUBSTANCE ABUSE THERAPY; IOP WITH SOBER PARENTING AND ANGER/ADDICTION CLASSES WITH FLEXIBLE GROUP TIMES AND THREE LOCATIONS IN THE NWLA AREA!

Active Recovery’s motto is “Change Your Thinking, Change Your Life,” because, in order to create real lasting change in your life, you must first recognize how your thoughts set the intentions for positive or negative behaviors.

Since we are not a 12-Step program, we offer the right amount of positive reinforcement, motivation, and support to help you develop everything you were destined to achieve. Focusing on gratitude, possibilities, and strengths instead of negative past traits and blunders can help to rewire your brain to its full potential without opening old wounds and resentments.

ACTIVE RECOVERY INSTEAD OF ACTIVE ADDICTION!

3821 SOUTHERN AVE, SHREVEPORT, 318-946-8157

1505 DOCTORS DRIVE, BOSSIER CITY, 318-584-7133

421 MEADOWVIEW, MINDEN, 318-377-1072

WWW.ACTIVERECOVERYLA.ORG

SWIM LESSONS JUMP!

WHAT ARE YOUR TOP FIVE TIPS?

1. Start learn-to-swim lessons from three months of age.

2. Keep lessons up throughout the year to retain water confidence.

3. Always watch your children. And join them in the water when you can.

4. Create fun, consistent rules about swimming.

5. Swimming forms the foundation to a lifestyle in and around water.

At JUMP!, our pools are indoors, free of distraction and the water is heated to 90 degrees all year round. It makes for the perfect environment for little swimmers. Teaching your children to swim is not only a safety measure but a lifestyle choice — your lifestyle is better with children who swim and have fun with you in the pool, lake, and beach. We offer swim lessons for 3 months of age - Adults.

WWW.JUMPSWIMSCHOOLS.COM

JUMP SWIM SCHOOLS

SHREVEPORT

7141 YOUREE DR #100

SHREVEPORT, LA 71105 318-995-3043

TERRI SCHAFFNER CEO/CLINICAL DIRECTOR, LPC-S, LAC, CCS, NCC

Love in style: the hottest wedding trends of the season

As the wedding industry constantly evolves with new ideas, it is crucial to stay up to date with the latest trends to ensure your special day is nothing short of extraordinary. From breathtaking venues to jaw-dropping décor and fashion-forward styles,

iDo Bridal Expo is here to uncover the top wedding trends that will make your celebration truly unforgettable. iDo Bridal Expo prides itself on being your one-stop shop for all things bridal, under one roof! iDo Bridal Expo will host the premier bridal expo of the area at the Bossier City Civic Center on October 28th. Check out all the latest trends in person at the expo - and keep reading to ensure your event is the most stylish of the season. Here are the top 3 wedding trends currently.

1. Intimate and personalized weddings:

With the changing landscape of weddings, more couples are opting for smaller, intimate gatherings that focus on personalization. This trend will likely continue in 2024, with couples focusing on creating meaningful experiences for themselves and their close loved ones.

3. Interactive experiences:

2. Creative wedding venues:

Couples are increasingly moving away from traditional wedding venues and seeking out unique places to say their vows. This season, you can expect to see weddings taking place in unusual spaces like art galleries, botanical gardens, rooftops, and even private residences. wedding gown or venue!

Modern weddings are all about creating memorable experiences for guests. This season and beyond, couples will likely incorporate interactive elements into their weddings, like live entertainment, photo booths, interactive food stations, or even surprise performances to keep their guests entertained throughout the celebration.

iDo Bridal Expo, October 28th, is a must-do before you say I-do! With over 100 wedding exhibitors, it will unveil the latest and greatest trends in all things wedding! It is the perfect opportunity to find all things wedding related under one roof.

The Compas is a trademark of Ameripirse Financial, Inc.

We are excited to share that Kevin Murphy has been named to the 2023 Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors list. This list includes top advisors from across the industry who are committed to helping their clients stay focused on and achieve their long-term financial goals with confidence.

We are also thrilled to share that Laveer Wealth Management has been included on the 2023 Forbes Best-in [1] State Wealth Management Teams list. This list includes top advisory teams from across the industry that provide comprehensive financial advice to their clients, to help them achieve their unique goals. Thank you to our clients for trusting us with your financial futures. And thank you to our team for the exceptional service you provide to all of our clients.

Laveer Wealth Management

738 N Ashley Ridge Loop Shreveport, LA 71106 | 318.861.3521

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM and federally registered CFP (with flame design) in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements. Forbes rankings are developed by SHOOK Research and are created using an algorithm that includes both qualitative (in-person, virtual and telephone due diligence meetings; client impact; industry experience; review of best practices and compliance records; and firm nominations) and quantitative (assets under management and revenue generated for their firms) data. Certain awards include a demographic component to qualify. Investment performance is not a criterion because client objectives and risk tolerances vary, and advisors rarely have audited performance reports. These rankings are based on the opinions of SHOOK Research, LLC, are not indicative of future performance or representative of any one client’s experience and are based on data from the previous two calendar years. Forbes magazine and SHOOK Research do not receive compensation in exchange for placement Forbes Bestin-State Wealth Advisors, 2023 4 on the ranking. For more information: www.SHOOKresearch.com. SHOOK is a registered trademark of SHOOK Research, LLC. Investment products are not insured by the FDIC, NCUA or any federal agency, are not deposits or obligations of, or guaranteed by any financial institution, and involve investment risks including possible loss of principal and fluctuation in value.

Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. Member FINRA and SIPC. © 2023 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved.

Laveer Wealth Management

A private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC

Kevin L Murphy, CFP® Private Wealth Advisor Managing Partner of Laveer Wealth Management

Tanner Murphy, CFA®, CFP®, CRPC™, CLTC® Financial Advisor

Christopher P. Murphy, BFA™, CRPC™, APMA™ Financial Advisor

Money MATTERS

Wh en facing a serious medical or legal issue, who do you look to for guidance? You wouldn’t just walk into the first doctor’s office or attorney’s office and hire just anyone. You would do your due diligence to make sure you are choosing to work with someone you can trust. You would look for a highly credentialed professional with a lot of experience. The same approach applies when you are looking for a financial advisor.

Choosing a professional financial advisor doesn’t have to be daunting. I recommend starting with a few simple questions:  First, is this person a qualified financial planner?

A best practice when choosing a financial advisor is to find one with several years of experience and at least holds the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation.

Another important question you might consider: does he or she have a genuine interest in customizing an investment strategy built for your specific needs, or is there more energy being put into selling you a product that favors the interest of a company with which they or their firm is associated?

In the end, experience, advanced credentials, and education can make a meaningful difference in your investment outcomes and, ultimately, how satisfied you will be in the long run with your chosen financial advisor. Managing personal finances can be not only reassuring but exciting when you work with a qualified financial planner. It’s not just about numbers, but about dreams, goals, and security. Many individuals feel overwhelmed when trying to save, invest, or even understand the complexities of the financial world. That’s why an adept financial advisor can be invaluable by delving into not just

account balances, but understanding your life’s trajectory, your aspirations, and the unique situations you might face. A hallmark of a competent advisor is the ability to foster trust and genuine relationships, ensuring that your financial strategies align with your life’s blueprint.

Fostering such a relationship is not always straightforward. When embarking on the search for an advisor, consider the following:

1. Define Your Needs

Are you looking for retirement planning, investment strategies, tax advice, debt management, budgeting insights, or guidance on estate planning? Pinpointing your requirements will guide your choice of expert.

2. Seek Referrals:

Begin with your circle. Family and close friends can provide candid reviews and recommendations based on their experiences.

3. Check Credentials & Experience: While they don’t guarantee expertise, credentials and experience can set the groundwork for your search. They can help you distinguish knowledgeable advisors from the novice.

4. Find an Advisor You Trust:

Such professionals commit to placing your needs above theirs. They prioritize clients’ interests, even if it means reduced compensation for them.

5. Ask questions:

When interviewing potential advisors, remember they’ll work for you, and you should feel comfortable asking questions. Some questions to consider are:

What are your credentials?

Are you a fiduciary?

How do you get paid – commissions, flat fees, or both?

How will you manage my assets?

BY DENIS POLJAK

What proactive steps should I take for my financial future?

Choosing a financial advisor is akin to selecting a co-pilot for your financial voyage. To navigate the constantly evolving terrain of your life—be it personal milestones like marriage and childbirth, career advancements, or unpredictable events—an advisor should not just bring expertise but also empathy. This partnership thrives on regular communication, periodic reviews, and realigning strategies in response to life’s vicissitudes.

Just as one exercises diligence in choosing a doctor or lawyer, the same prudence is essential when selecting a financial advisor. In addition to getting curious about credentials, education, and experience, it’s the relationship’s integrity, regular communication, and the advisor’s genuine commitment to your best interests that will ensure you achieve your financial objectives and dreams.

Denis Poljak is a Managing Director and a Wealth Manager with the Poljak Group Wealth Management at Steward Partners in Shreveport, Louisiana. The information contained in this article is not a solicitation to purchase or sell investments. Any information presented is general in nature and not intended to provide individually tailored investment advice. The strategies and/or investments referenced may not be suitable for all investors as the appropriateness of a particular investment or strategy will depend on an investor’s individual circumstances and objectives. Investing involves risks and there is always the potential of losing money when you invest. The views expressed herein are those of the author and may not necessarily reflect the views of Steward Partners or its affiliates.

Information contained herein has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but we do not guarantee their accuracy or completeness.

Steward Partners Investment Solutions, LLC member SIPC

Uniting forces. Amplifying success.

With local roots and a focus on quality client service, Postlethwaite & Ne erville (P&N) has a long history of helping organizations innovate, transform, connect and grow.

By uniting with EisnerAmper, we’re continuing to build on our strong foundation by expanding our local and global resources. Discover how we can amplify your success.

While advising clients can take many avenues, our team shares a common vision: to help clients develop clear direction for their finances and their life by providing guidance along the way.

By Greg Thompson

Giving with Peace of Mind

Soon you will enjoy reading about some of the most highly valued volunteers working for our area’s Accredited Charities. With each new issue, you will learn about a different individual who works passionately for a different good cause—why they are inspired by the nonprofit’s mission, how they gain purpose from their work, and what short-term and longer-term hopes they aspire to see satisfied.

An Accredited Charity is one that has met 20 national standards that look at compliance with widely accepted expectations of nonprofits regarding their governance, effectiveness measures, finances, and integrity of their marketing publications. These are standards established by the Wise Giving Alliance, a sister affiliate of the Better Business Bureau.

Within the past year, the Better Business Bureau for Shreveport and the surrounding region decided to join with many other BBBs across the nation that have been conducting Charity Review programs over time. In doing that, the BBB Board of Directors made a community service commitment to assess the hundreds of nonprofits within its geographical footprint according to the 20 standards. The expense of conducting reviews is borne completely by the BBB, which means there is no cost to individual 501(c)3 organizations.

To date, six local nonprofits have achieved accreditation: Volunteers for Youth Justice, MLK Health Center, United Way of Northwest Louisiana, Providence House, Food Bank of Northwest Louisiana, and Gingerbread House. Within the next 6-12 months, the BBB anticipates that another 10-20 organizations will be able to satisfy the 20 standards and lay claim to accreditation.

A nonprofit either qualifies as accredited or if not, is informed as to the precise standards that remain to be achieved in time for their next scheduled review. Results are viewable at the BBB.org and Give. org websites.

Why is this important? As a consumer, how do you know when to feel good about trading your hard-earned money for a product or a service?

Many would say it is the natural result of the degree to which satisfaction with the product or service meets, exceeds, or falls short of expectations. How do you know when to feel good about giving away your hard-earned money to, what would seem to be on the surface, a good cause? After all, there is no product or service personally

received. And, typically, there is no specific expectation for any specific outcome. How, then, can you reasonably conclude your contribution made a genuine difference for an effective charity and those whose lives it claims to attempt to improve?

In his book, Giving Done Right, Phil Buchanan, Director of the Center for Effective Philanthropy, states:

“There is simply no universal measure for nonprofits [i.e., to identify the higher achievers from the lower]—this is why there will never be an analog to a stock exchange… the idea has been endlessly discussed and never fulfilled because it makes no sense. It’s not just that there will never be a universal metric. It’s that our values come into play. The complexity of assessing nonprofit performance doesn’t make performance assessment any less important; quite the opposite…. Unfortunately, it’s too easy for nonprofits to be deemed “high impact” or “high performance” when they’re not. Some of the same organizations that have been the most celebrated and supported because of their performance have actually produced mixed results. These organizations include big-name, respected nonprofits…. Meanwhile, many nonprofits with great results labor in virtual anonymity and struggle to raise money.”

Said another way, the upside of generous households making their giving intentional and well-informed is that those nonprofits more deserving of your support will be more likely to benefit. And the ripple effect is that, as more households take that approach, the overall nonprofit sector benefits in Shreveport and beyond. Why? It is because organizations with better ideas, strategies, and efficiencies are better able to sustain support. The logical outcome of that is that more lives are qualitatively made better.

Connecting the dots, then, there is reason for confidence that giving money, time, or talent to an Accredited Charity makes more lives qualitatively better. To be clear, that is not to say that one can only be confident when contributing to Accredited Charities. Rather, it is merely to suggest that additional discretion may be merited when considering generosity toward those that have not yet earned accreditation.

By spotlighting some of Accredited Charities’ most admirable volunteers, SB Magazine ultimately is participating in helping our area’s more effective nonprofits to elevate the quality of life for more people.

Volunteers across Northwest Louisiana are powering meaningful community solutions, helping make a lasting difference that impacts many. When you join us, you're not just giving your time – you're giving hope. Your unique skills, compassion, and dedication are the driving force behind our mission. Whether you're passionate about health, education, financial stability, or essential needs, there's a purposeful role waiting for you.

You can be the change you want to see in our community today by volunteering for one of our seasonal or reoccurring volunteer opportunities. We offer a variety of initiatives to get involved in, including special events preparation, snack pack assembling, tutoring, administrative work, and more. Additionally, we offer corporate volunteer opportunities for companies looking to make a meaningful impact in their communities and foster a sense of purpose and collaboration amongst their employees.

Are you ready to make a real, lasting impact in our community? We invite you to be a part of something bigger – a movement driven by the power of volunteers like you. Together, we can transform lives, uplift families, and create positive change where it matters most.

If you have any questions about our volunteer opportunities, please email our Director of Community Impact, Raavin Evans, at raavin@unitedwaynwla.org or call 318-606-6592.

MONEY, PROGRAMS, AND POLICIES AREN’T THE ONLY THINGS THAT FUEL REAL COMMUNITY CHANGE.

BORED WITH THE SAME OLD HALLOWEEN THRILLS AND CHILLS?

Treat your family to HAUNTED ILLUSIONS—an evening of mind-blowing magic and comedy that gets the whole audience into the act. You’ll be stunned and amazed as master illusionist David Caserta has people levitating, disappearing, and reappearing right before your eyes. You will witness never before seen illusions that have been created just for this show. Families will thrill, laugh and possibly vanish from sight at a magic spectacular like no other. There will be tons of tricks and more than a few treats… and you and your entire family will be captivated with dazzling spells, uproarious comedy and audience participation that gets all the ghosts, ghouls, and goblins into the act!

David Caserta is one of the top touring illusionists in the country. As seen on NBC’s “America’s Got Talent”, CW’s “Penn and Teller Fool Us”, and International Television, David invents and performs many original illusions with incredible state of the art lighting featuring moving lights, themed music soundtrack, pyro-smoke effects, and only the best and latest in illusion technology. This is a magic spectacular like nothing else on tour today!

Friday, (318) 226-8555

TheHistory of

BY SEVA MAY

It was early 1973.  Shreveport was designated as one of the first Bicentennial Cities in the United States. To understand why our city received this designation, you need to go back even further to 1966 when a commission was established by the federal government to plan and develop the commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the United States through local, state, national, and international activities. As of April 4, 1975, the Bicentennial Administration had either granted or was in the process of granting official Bicentennial recognition to 1,766 federal projects. To gain this recognition and receive federal grant money, a community had to establish a Bicentennial planning group and have one or more projects that would

have a residual benefit beyond 1976. As of April 1, 1975, a total of 3,502 communities had been recognized as Bicentennial communities and Shreveport was one of them.

Mayor Calhoun Allen selected a 20-member Regional Bicentennial Commission to plan and coordinate events that would celebrate this nation’s 200th birthday.  The Task Force consisted of Leone Reeder, Robert Buseick, Eleanor Colquitt, Louis Collier, Cathey Graham, Delton Harrison, Ed Henderson, Sally Paschall, Gladys Lincoln, Jackie Nesbitt, Grove Ohlenst, Jacques Steinau, Jean Sartoris, and Virginia Shehee. It was Eleanor Colquitt’s suggestion that Shreveport needed an art festival and away they went.

Blissfully ignorant of what obstacles lay ahead, such as location, funding, and manpower, the Festival Planning Committee of the Task Force went to work. With $15,000 from the commission, they approached the only volunteer-based group they knew of that had enough man (woman) power, enthusiasm, and credibility to pull this off. The Shreveport Junior League not only embraced the idea but agreed to co-sponsor the week-long event with matching funds as their Bicentennial gift to the community. The Louisiana Bicentennial Commission granted an additional $7550 along with another $1000 from the Louisiana Council for Music and Performance Arts for a grand total of $38,550 in the first budget.

An all-star group of volunteers, well-known in the community as being creative, was assembled and given a blank slate to begin this journey with. It was decided that a contest would be held to determine a name for the festival. One member of this group, Sylvia Goodman, won the contest and doodled a prototype logo using the three “R” s in the name: Red River Revel. “While the committee was discussing further how to come up with the name, I was practicing a little alliteration on a piece of paper,” Sylvia reminisces.

It was time for a road trip to other cities with festivals for a little “research and development.” The two co-chairs, Leone Reeder and Sally Paschall led the band of volunteers to places like Oklahoma City and Fargo, North Dakota to see first-hand how to plan and develop a successful festival. Everything was starting to come together. Bill Weiner designed the artist’s booths and tents (using leftover piping from Gym Dandy of Bossier City); The Links and the Musicians Union were asked to volunteer their time and talent. Cecilia Sawyer wrote a song and made the “Captain Red” mascot costume. Nancy Humphrey became “Captain Red” as she went around to businesses and organizations promoting the festival.

Held downtown on the riverfront, the Red River Revel was coming together nicely. Bill Fountain, director of the Bicentennial Commission coordinated and supervised the work crews, policemen, and firemen. Policies and goals were established: no private parties in connection with the festival; artists would be juried and pay the Revel a commission; no admission fees, every child in 4th-6th grade would come; food would be provided by non-profit groups; all arts groups would work together for the betterment of the week-long festival.

Over the years, the Red River Revel has grown into the largest annual outdoor event in the region. Music, dance, theatre, and visual arts are all showcased in one unique location – alongside the Red River. The Revel, designed to be both educational and entertaining, attracts people of all ages and from all walks of life. The event aims to foster a sense of community and encourage people to collaborate in the creative process.

In addition to promoting the arts, the Revel serves as a platform for people to learn about traditional and contemporary methods of artistic expression. The Revel is more than brightly colored tents and booths. Its more than roasted turkey legs, funnel cakes, and cotton candy. The Revel brings together a diverse group of people to our region to enjoy both educational and recre-

The Revel acts as a barometer of our civic pride. “

ational activities while also having a positive influence on Shreveport’s image.

In just his second year as executive director, Logan Lewis already understands and appreciates how special the Revel is to the community of the Ark-La-Tex. “The Revel acts as a barometer of our civic pride, “Lewis begins. He goes on to say that “There is a very important piece of historical significance to the festival that needs to be paid attention to. There are numerous events that happen at the Revel

on an annual basis that binds the community together.” Lewis himself fell in love with the Revel when he was on one of the stages performing with his band. He felt like he belonged with the Revel and soon found himself putting in his resume to become the executive director. Having learned a great deal from his first year as Executive Director, Lewis expects this year to be bigger and better.

He and the only other full-time staff member of the Revel team, Amy Robertson, work tirelessly to ensure that the army of volunteers is well served. They understand that without those volunteers, activities like the mock dig, face-painting, and sand art – activities that are three generations of memories old wouldn’t succeed. To become a volunteer, contact the organizers at volunteers@redriverrevel.com.

In recent years, the festival has added several new events and attractions to its lineup. This year, activities for the kids have been brought more into focus with the all-new DMZ (Discovery Maker Zone) Experience. The Blue Cross/Blue Shield DMZ Stage will feature a Youth Talent Show, Live Music Performances, Street Performers, and Theatre Groups. Kids will love the Obstacle Course, Laser Tag, Face 2 Face Climbing Wall, and the Nerf Battle Maze. Kids can pop over for a movie at the I-Max theatre at SciPort while mom and dad can enjoy browsing the artist’s tents to find a treasure for the home.

The Riverfront Music Stage features a variety of musical and performing arts acts that this year include a tribute to Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. In addition, the festival offers an array of art and craft vendors, and street performers. The Red River Revel strives to create a safe and welcoming environment for all participants. As stated by the original proclamation that established the festival in 1973, the Red River Revel “aims to lead all citizens of Shreveport to a better understanding of the importance of the arts in our lives”. It has certainly achieved this goal, as the Red River Revel continues to provide a unique and enjoyable weeklong experience for all who attend.

Patrons of the Red River Revel have a significant role to play in its success. For instance, the Revel offers a new payment process that allows patrons to use wristbands

THE FINEST FOR OVER 60 YEARS!”

“SPECIAL KENTUCKY BOURBON FLIGHT”

to conveniently pre-load and pay for items. The wristband is like having a pre-paid credit card on your arm. Additionally, the Red River Revel partners with local non-profits, which use the Revel as a platform to raise funds and provide local and international dishes to patrons. This demonstrates the Revel’s commitment to the community.

Celebrating its 47th year, the Revel has grown with each event. For example, attending The Red River Revel Makes You a Downtown VIP. With a Revel wristband, you will gain access to dozens of shops including dining & drink specials. With Revel+ patrons can continue the festivities at post-Revel night parties and music with discounted admission and specials that run October 1-9th. A free shuttle to get you from place to place will run Saturdays from 11 am to 10 pm and Thursday and Friday from 5 pm to 10 pm.

Also new this year, The Revel is offering teachers, administrators, and staff members of Bossier Parish Schools free admission Tuesday night. Caddo Parish School members have their free time on Wednesday night. Admission for everyone else is free until 5:00 on weekdays, then $5 after 5 pm. Saturday and Sunday admission is $5. Tickets are available at the admission gate only. The Revel opens daily at 11:00 AM and closes at 9:00 PM on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, and at 10:00 PM on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. The Children’s Area closes at 8:00 PM daily. Art Alley closes one hour before the festival closes each day.

Leave your pets at home. This includes birds, small dogs, cats, snakes, or any other type of animal. Registered service dogs are allowed with the proper credentials.

Street parking is free after 5 PM, Monday-Friday, and on weekends.

Free parking lots are located at:

• Brazzel (102 Lake St)

• Railyard Lot (70 Lake St)

• UHaul (315 Lake St).

Limited Handicapped Parking is available behind Riverview Hall (83 Crockett St, enter from Commerce St) and is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Red River Revel 2023 features four stages, one in Art Alley for singer/song writers, and an additional 32 artist booths. This brings the total to over 100 artists coming from far and wide to share their talent and hopefully find new homes for their art pieces. Also new, a video wall and sports bar so that you won’t miss your games. A “Song Confes-

SVEDKA VODKA

For catering & daiquiri machine rentals call Tyler Miller (318) 742.3240 • 15 LOCATIONS!

sional” allows you to step into an airstream trailer and tell your story. A musician will turn it into a song to be performed Tuesday night on the mainstage. “We have such a wonderful history to draw upon and we are also in this new digital age where we can begin to look at the new ways to incorporate art and education into the things that we’re doing,” said Lewis.

And what a history. From that first committee meeting and a contest won by Shreveport legend, Sylvia Goodman to name the festival to the energy of today’s new executive director, Logan Lewis, the Red River Revel is a huge part of the quality of life here in Shreveport-Bossier. It’s safe to say that we’ve more than met the requirements set forth in 1966 to receive federal grant money. The Shreveport Bicentennial planning group provided a worthwhile project that has had a tremendous residual benefit beyond 1976 to our community.

THE PULSE OF SHREVEPORT-BOSSIER CITY

Reader Survey AGES

82 % › BETWEEN THE AGES OF 30 - 69

76 % › FEMALE

77 % › EMPLOYED (23% ARE BUSINESS OWNERS)

19 % › RETIRED

55 % › AVERAGE HOUSEHOLD INCOME $100K+ (19% ARE $200K+)

89% › TAKE SB HOME OR HAVE A SUBSCRIPTION

62 % › KEEP SB AT HOME FOR 1 MONTH OR LONGER

74 % › HAVE CONTACTED, VISITED, OR PURCHASED FROM A BUSINESS THEY SAW IN SB MAGAZINE

67% › HAVE BEEN READING SB MAGAZINE FOR OVER 6 YEARS

70% ›

OF SB READERS READ THE MAGAZINE MORE THAN 11 MINUTES

45% › OF SB READERS READ THE MAGAZINE ONLINE

MINI MAX BIG GREEN EGG

Starting at $650

While MiniMax is perfect for camping, poolside and tailgating at the ballgame, it is just at home at award-winning restaurants around the world where the top chefs love exploring the EGG’s versatilty and discovering the amazing flavors produced in suck a compact and high-performance package. MiniMax is built to perform and is ready tp travel to the nearest tailgate! Check this out at Tubb’s Hardware!

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TailGating Must haves!

1. HEBERTS TOWN COUNTRY:

Whether you are tailgating for your team or on the job working, Hebert’s has the Ram 1500 truck that is perfect for partying or pulling. Our Ram trucks have the power and perks you want. Like a Multifunction Tailgate and ClassExclusive RamBox exterior storage. Join the Ram Revolution today at Hebert’s Town and Country in the  Shreveport Automall

2. SLOANS:

Cheer in confidence this football season with Corral Boots! Sloan’s Boutique has a wide range of Western wear to make you stand out in the crowd!

3.&&JOLIE BLONDE GIFTS:

Look cute at your next tailgate with trendy game-day items at Jolie Blonde Gifts. They offer a wide range of jewelry, headbands, unique tops, Swig tumblers, and mascot wreaths! Plus, Fall and Christmas items are coming in daily!

4. SHANES::

You can count on Shane’s Seafood & BBQ to make all your tailgating food a game day a success. They offer mini meat pies, large chicken wings, fried pickles, hush puppies, and pans of jambalaya or BBQ!

1. 3. 2.

4.

1.

2.

Whether

football

Cake pop

If you're looking for a fun and unique way to sweeten up your tailgate, look no further than these delicious football cake pops! Perfect for football season, these treats are sure to be a crowd-pleaser among fans of all ages. They are easy to make and serve as a perfect dessert or snack at your game-day party. Why not give them a try and see how they score with your fellow fans?

INGREDIENTS

ζ 4 cups crumbled chocolate cake

ζ ¼ cup chocolate frosting

ζ Lollipop sticks

ζ 8 ounces of melted milk chocolate

ζ White frosting for decoration

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Combine 4 cups of crumbled chocolate cake with ¼ cup chocolate frosting.

2. With damp hands, shape the cake and frosting into 2-inch football shapes.

3. Insert a lollipop stick into each ball.

4. Freeze until firm (about 30 minutes).

5. Reshape to smooth out any imperfections.

6. Dip the footballs into 8 ounces of melted milk chocolate.

7. Draw some laces and stripes with white frosting to complete the football.

8. Enjoy!

ORANGE MARGARITA

Looking for the ideal gameday cocktail? Look no further than these delicious orange margaritas. With a perfect combination of tequila, orange juice, and triple sec, you can quickly and easily whip up a refreshing drink. This is the perfect alcoholic thirst quencher for your next tailgate party. So, cheers to a great time with a glass of this orange margarita!

INGREDIENTS

ζ 1 ½ cups squeezed orange juice (or store-bought pulp-free)

ζ 3 tablespoons lime juice

ζ 3 ounces triple sec

ζ 6 ounces tequila

ζ 1 tablespoon honey

ζ Salt for garnish

ζ Orange slices for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Take a pitcher and add orange juice, triple sec, tequila, and honey. Stir until combined.

2. Take an orange wedge and rub it on the rim of your margarita glass then dip the rim in the salt.

3. Fill each glass with ice. Pour the orange margarita mixture on top.

4. Serve with fresh orange slices.

5. Enjoy!

On the market:

A Contemporary, Multigenerational House on Cross Lake

PHOTOGRAPHY BY PELICAN IMAGING BY ADAM BAILEY

A newly built, contemporary lake house on Shreveport’s Cross Lake offers spectacular views and serves as a relaxing retreat just minutes away from downtown Shreveport. While it could easily accommodate a party of 100—its multigenerational accommodations make this home a must-see for any potential homebuyer.

Sometimes architecture intuitively connects people to a place while remaining minimal and unselfish enough to allow the outdoor environment to do most of the talking. Such is the case with this contemporary lake house on Shreveport’s Cross Lake. This home remains rooted in its place, responding to the natural environment and blending flawlessly into the landscape, all with multigenerational living features.

For many people, a multigenerational home is just the home they already live in. At some point or another, many families across three (or even more) generations choose to live together for any number of reasons. And, in many parts of the

world, it’s incredibly common to do so.

This often takes place in a separate dwelling on the same house plot, sometimes called secondary suites, in-law apartments, casitas, or affectionately nicknamed granny annexes. Yet, a single house can function perfectly with multiple generations living under one roof. There are many benefits to having multiple generations in one household— shared costs, closer family bonds, and easier aging-in-place (to name a few). The challenge for many families is finding the perfect home to meet the unique needs and preferences of each member.

This newly built contemporary lake house on Shreveport’s Cross Lake does just that.

Built with a simple, unadorned architecture that recalls Prairie style, the home’s appearance is a bit of an anomaly among the more rustic ‘lake houses’ seen throughout Cross Lake. The homeowner—who wished to remain anonymous—was both the designer and builder and kept the exterior architecture, as well as the surrounding lake and woods, in mind when the layout was chosen.

“The inspiration for this house was shaped by the owner’s passion for modern design, as well as aspirations for a lake home where generations can stay, engage, and make memories,” says realtor Chris Holloway, the home’s listing agent with Ethos Home Group. “The idea was simple. Create a contemporary, multi-generational house connecting nature and family.”

The result is a clean, casual, and comfortable 6-bedroom, 3-1/2-bathroom home, encompassing 5,220 square feet, that is scaled and oriented to be nearly hidden amongst the grass and trees. It seamlessly blends in with the natural landscape, offering total privacy. Unpretentious in materiality, the structure has a rawness and honesty to it—the exterior walls are clad with Brazilian Redwood and stucco, with refinement being created through well-crafted detail-

ing. “The approach on materials was to be really practical with them,” says Holloway. “The intent for the ornament of the house should come from the views.”

Inside, generous windows, huge glass facades, and sliding doors erase the lines of the walls and allow natural light and stunning views to pour in. The interiors remain contemporary, refined, and welcoming without being untouchable. While the house has a clean and somewhat formal look, its design can take a beating—literally! “The owner chose durable materials that can stand up to the constant parade of muddy boots, dogs, kids, and party guests that could occupy any of its spaces. through here,” said Holloway. “For example, the floors are luxury vinyl.

Communal spaces are found on the ground floor— including the kitchen, keeping room, and living room—all open to one another. The primary bedroom is on the main floor, with access to the kitchen. The bottom floor houses a full kitchen as well, along with four bedrooms and two full baths, an office, and a flex room. “The bottom-floor office, which also can serve as a bedroom, has huge views—with the doors offering easy access down to the lake.”

There is even residual space on the bottom floor (underneath the main floor) that remains unfinished. It could easily be turned into a finished-out basement or custom home theatre—with ample room for additional storage and access to the electrical and ductwork.

Large expanses of glass provide tons of natural light and offer immersive views of the lake and wooded landscape. “That is what is fun about this house,” Holloway says. “This property is one of only a handful on Cross Lake that offer views of the water from both the front and back of the house. You get these two dramatic experiences in this one space, and all you must do is turn around. You can look right straight ahead, and you have this view of the lake. And then you turn around and see a different area of the lake. This is the place that I am just delighted by.”

An interior stairwell and an unfinished elevator shaft connect the floors to accommodate people of all ages and mobilities. Should a buyer not want to put in an elevator, the space can easily be finished out to add additional storage space.

The large kitchen is a chef’s dream, equipped with top-ofthe-line appliances with smart, sophisticated features including a Moen smart faucet, a Viking 6-burner cooktop, and a Wolf vent. The kitchen is also fitted with countertops and backsplash made of Dekton, a Spanish composite material that is highly resistant to stains, scratches, and heat. There is ample storage in the kitchen as the cabinets extend all the way to the ten-foot ceiling.

“This is a very high-performance kitchen, but it has a more casual feel,” Holloway admits.

The primary bedroom is a luxurious retreat with an ensuite, spa-like bathroom that is flooded with natural light, complimented by quartz countertops, smart mirrors, a massage tub, and a spacious multi-jetted shower. A massive dual, custom closet is complete with its own access to the laundry area.

All-in-all, this on-the-market home is a beautiful, contemporary lake house that emphasizes the views of the lake with multigenerational living components. Open spaces with a direct view of the lake upon entry, living areas that foster entertaining and gathering, and wonderful outdoor living areas easily connect the house to the lake, and beyond. The open-concept layout was created with a focus on functionality and aesthetics. A contemporary feel evolves using light and bright neutral tones with simple detailing.

“All homes and projects end up being unique,” Holloways explains, “but the custom nature of this site, coupled with this design, makes it truly unique. This home design brings with it a sophisticated, design-savvy plan by an owner-builder that was open to exploring new ideas and who pushed the envelope to be creative.”

Interested in buying this dreamy estate? This one-of-akind contemporary lake house is close to perfect.

Mahoney Elite Realty

By: Seva May

If you desire to enter the world of property ownership and real estate investment, Mahoney Elite Realty, LLC is your best option. Broker Derrick L. Mahoney, an avid football fan, understands how to play the game to win. And when it comes to real estate, as the CEO of Mahoney Elite Realty, LLC in Louisiana, he is the ideal Broker for an elite winning team.

Within the past year, the Better Business Bureau for Shreveport and Derrick L. Mahoney is a Shreveport native, Huntington High School alumni, and entrepreneur who serves Northwest Louisiana through his company's Mahoney Elite Realty, LLC (a Louisiana real estate brokerage) and Mahoney Elite Consulting, LLC (Investment Training and Executive Business Coaching). Mr. Mahoney has been a real estate agent in Shreveport-Bossier for 14 years, having obtained his Broker license from the Louisiana Real Estate Commission. Derrick is a member of the Northwest Louisiana Real Estate Association of Realtors and Licensed in Louisiana by the Louisiana Real Estate Commission.

Through Mahoney Elite Realty, Derrick's purpose is "Empowering the People." He is dedicated to helping the local community and companies by offering real estate services and advising to both sellers and buyers. Derrick is a seasoned sales expert who is adept at showcasing and selling the distinctive features of both residential and commercial properties. He prioritizes professionalism, quality, and community involvement of the highest caliber. Within his industry, he has earned a reputation for respect and dependability due to his expertise in residential, commercial, and property investing. He empowers others in navigating the real estate market in order to attain unparalleled success.

Derrick has developed a standard of knowledge to ensure quality services. Derrick is committed to helping families achieve their real estate objectives.  He believes that a better-informed decision will ensure a satisfied client.  After several years in the real estate market, he has uncovered specific strategies that have assisted others in mastering property ownership. He appreciates being able to serve Northwest Louisiana. Additionally, Derrick's respect for knowledge enables him to provide educational resources as the author of three noteworthy books intended to strengthen the foundations of those he serves. As a real estate broker, Derrick's best-selling book, "The Home Game," a reference guide that assists first-time buyers in navigating the homebuying process, illustrates his integrity, knowledge, and self-assurance. Through his most renowned publication, "The Success Game," he instills in boys an unstoppable spirit of entrepreneurship, transforming them into life- and business-ready men. Derrick's most recent addition to the real estate market is the book "The Elite Game of Real Estate Investing," which was published to help future real estate investors make the right decisions. Through Mahoney Elite Consulting, LLC, a subsidiary of Derrick's Real Estate, these potent books are available both online and locally.

With his service-oriented zeal, Derrick will present customers with the finest value and experience possible. With an emphasis on quality and honesty, Mahoney Elite's real estate services can benefit sellers, homebuyers, and commercial clients.

"Upon joining our organization, Mahoney Elite Realty LLC takes joy in educating new agents and empowering them professionally.

“Join a winning team. Mahoney Elite Realty, LLC takes pleasure in teaching new agents and empowering them professionally. We consider a real estate career to be a calling. In order to cultivate professionals who are victorious in every transaction, we cultivate the calling by utilizing cutting-edge technology and cooperation. Come join us as an Elite Agent."

333 Texas St. Suite 1300, Shreveport, LA 71101 318-562-1888 | www.mahoneyeliterealty.com

Email: derrickmahoney26@gmail.com

Meet the

Editoial Board 2023

Dr. Angelique Feaster Evans is an award-winning creative powerhouse. For over two decades she has shared her gifts, talents, and life’s journey to touch, move, and motivate individuals and organizations to shine to their full potential. Angelique, a dynamic speaker, author, educator, creative consultant, and arts administrator, shares her knowledge, insight, and experience to transform lives through candid and powerful mediums of expression.

She has been applauded on local, regional, and national stages including 2023 Virginia K. Shehee Most Influential Woman Honoree, 2022 Essence Magazine Sept/Oct issue, 2022 National Trust For Historic Preservation Diversity Scholar, 2021 SB Magazine Art & Culture Feature, 2020 Leadership Shreveport Participant, 2019 ATHENA Award Honoree, Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce ‘40 Under 40’ Honoree, Shreveport-Bossier African American Chamber of Commerce ‘Chairman’s Award” recipient, Minden-South Webster Chamber of Commerce ’15 Under 40” Honoree, Shreveport Regional Arts Council Theatre Fellow, and the American Association of Community Theatre member.

Angelique currently leads the Southern University Museum of Art Shreveport, is Founding Artistic Managing Director of Mahogany Ensemble Theatre, and author of the three-book series “Shining Success: Daily Words for Successful Living.”

Dr. Angelique Feaster Evans honors and acknowledges that she is simply a vessel that God is using to fulfill the divine purpose of her life and the lives of others.

Wendell Riley is originally from Trinidad and Tobago, Wendell Riley has a BSc in Marketing from Morgan State University in Baltimore, MD, and an MBA from Radford University in Radford, VA. Before becoming the Executive Director of Robinson Film Center, Wendell worked in the animation and film industries here in Shreveport, Louisiana, serving as a Production Manager/ Producer on projects for brands such as Disney, Gatorade, Chipotle, Radio Flyer and Unilever. His career journey includes working on animated shorts, branded-entertainment campaigns, mobile and console games, VR experiences, live action films, documentaries and a pilot for Amazon Studios. Riley was most recently the Director of Media and External Relations at Louisiana State University Shreveport.

Favorite Movie: The Exorcist (1973) dir. William Friedkin

Favorite Book: On Writing by Stephen King

Favorite Meal: Pizza

Grace Anne Blake has spent her life deeply entwined with the community she loves. Raised in a family where service to others was a core value, her roots in Shreveport are rich and deep. Her grandfather, Thurman “TP” Kelley, was the Chief of Police in Shreveport during the 1970s, and her mother, Jean Harrold, a social worker for the State of Louisiana, co-founded the “Center for Displaced Homemakers,” helping women in abusive relationships reclaim their lives. Jean’s loving and compassionate work significantly impacted Grace Anne, fostering a lifelong commitment to serving others.

A woman of deep faith, Grace Anne has been an active member of the Simple Church in Shreveport for over a decade and fondly remembers her time at Willow Pointe Baptist Church during her younger years, where relationships that have lasted to this day were forged. She serves on the North Louisiana Technical Community College (NLTCC) – Shreveport Occupational Advisory Committee board and is an active member of numerous civic organizations, including the Broadmoor Neighborhood Association and the Shreveport Yacht Club. As an advocate for survivors of sexual and domestic abuse, she tirelessly supports various charitable causes, including the Liberty Air Show, St. Baldrick’s Geaux Bald, and Compassion International. With her guitar in hand, amidst beloved family and friends, and within the community where her roots run deep, Grace Anne Blake stands as a steadfast advocate for Shreveport, the city she is deeply committed to uplifting and serving.

Jeffrey Goodman grew up in Shreveport. A graduate of Captain Shreve, Goodman completed his studies at the prestigious Washington University in St. Louis. While attending Washington University, Goodman was a member of the NCAA Division III Tennis Team and took home second-team All-Conference honors at the end of his sophomore season. After college, Goodman spent a year in France as a Fulbright Scholar and then the next seven years in Los Angeles to pursue his passion for film and for being a filmmaker.

Goodman is no stranger to entrepreneurship or development, having been one of the pioneers in the area’s film industry boom in the mid-2000s. In 2005, Goodman returned home to direct the feature-length film The Last Lullaby. To make the film, Goodman spent close to two years assembling a business plan and setting up meetings until he finally raised more than $2M from 49 area investors.

In April of 2019, Goodman became the Director of Marketing and Development for the YMCA of Northwest Louisiana. While at the YMCA, Goodman has leveraged his sales background to grow the organization’s donor base while serving an instrumental role in two of its current growth projects – the new branch at Camp Forbing Town Center and the Youth Baseball and Softball Complex. Additionally, Goodman has led the initiative to expand the YMCA’s role as a community center by spearheading “Shreveport-Bossier: My City, My Community, My Home.” The new initiative consists of weekly podcast interviews and periodic community panels.

Singer, songwriter, actor, Marie-Alice Hobley, has twenty years experience in the entertainment industry. She used her voice performing on tour in Canada, US and France, in recording sessions for multiple artists as well as her own material, in radio commercials and video games. She is a graduate of the University of Montreal’s business school. With her husband James, she has six children. She is excited to contribute to SB magazine’s upcoming stories and share what she loves most about living in the Shreveport / Bossier area.

Centenary

Football

BY JOHN JAMES MARSHALL

It was March 29, 2022, and Byron Dawson had just finished his introductory press conference upon being named the head football coach at Centenary College. Lots of smiles; handshakes all around. Photo op here, TV interview there. One big pot of feel-good stew.

as a guy who was being challenged with the task of resurrecting a football program that hadn’t existed since before Dawson’s father was even born. There were only 48 states back then. McDonald’s had never sold a hamburger.

It’s a good thing Dawson didn’t look for the roadmap on how to pull this off. Because there wasn’t one. So when all the applause died down and the back-slapping had ended,

Dawson went to his office, sat down and took a deep breath. Then he remembered a lesson his father taught him when things were getting to be too much: “Just put your head down. And go to work.” That’s what Byron Dawson did. And he hasn’t stopped since.

It depends on how you want to look when it comes to figuring out how long it has been since Centenary had football. The Gents had a notable Depression-era team – perhaps most famous for playing a game with a still-record 77 punts – but folded in 1941 after not being able to find 1,200 people to give $1 per month for three years.

Tough crowd.

The school (kind of) brought it back in 1947, but the team was so bad that they had to apologize for it in the school yearbook.

In the late 1960s, there was club football, which was just a tick above what you might see on a Sunday afternoon in the park.

And as long as we are being honest here, Centenary isn’t actually officially bringing back football this year. What they are doing is playing a series of scrimmages against some Division III teams that are within driving distance in order to be prepared for the 2024 season. If records are being kept, rest assured they won’t count. The real stuff starts in ‘24.

This is a just a soft opening, as your neighborhood restaurant or clothing store might say.

There are home games this year at a variety of locations in Shreveport including Mayo Field, Centenary’s on-campus facility.

But if there is any doubt about this being full steam ahead, drive down Kings Highway and see all the construction going on. There are billboards around town with Dawson’s favorite catchphrase: “Now we go!”

And they are indeed going, constructing more than just facilities. The roster has about 75 players on it. A full coaching staff. New uniforms just out of the box.

It’s happening. Just like Dawson hoped/knew it would.

No other coach in America would even give this a second thought, but Dawson remembers the day when the footballs he ordered came in to the athletic office. To him, that was like the national championship rings arriving at the University of Georgia.

“Then I went out and order coaching shirts with ‘Centenary Football’ written on them,” he said.

One basic thing at a time.

“This is a unique situation because there was nothing here,” he said. “Ev-

erybody else goes into a program and there is something there to build on. Football-wise, there was nothing here.”

From there, things just began to happen. Word began to spread about Centenary Football -- two words that hadn’t been put together in the same sentence for decades – as things began to fall into place.

“You need to have a sense of urgency to get to work and start laying the foundation,” Dawson said. “That’s always the pressure on every coach at every level. Those who are not involved in sports don’t really understand it.”

There’s no doubt that the announcement of bringing football to Centenary brought about a sizable amount of skepticism. That didn’t take Dawson by surprise, but it did add to his motivation.

“For me, it wasn’t about the naysayers; it’s about doing to work,” he said. “Those people always motivate me because you educate them by showing them that you are going to do it. I learned a long time ago that your vision is your vision. It’s not somebody else’s vision. You can do big things in small places and that’s what I want to do at Centenary.”

But it was more than just getting the community to believe. Dawson had to get potential players to believe.

“The players have been great,” he said.

“We made sure we created high character players. Guys who can not only excel on the field but also in the classroom. They have done a good job buying in. They know the challenges of being a young team but at the same time, they are attacking those challenges. You have to attack it with joy. You have to attack it with zeal. But you have to be strategic. You have to be smart. You have to take care of the details.”

And there are plenty of details. When the plan was put in the place, the thought was that 2022 would be nothing more than just getting things organized. Instead, there were almost 20 players in the program. They weren’t on the actual roster, because there were no games, but they did spend time with training and conditioning. That’s it.

“I call that group the foundation team,” Dawson said. “They didn’t play a game. They didn’t catch a ball. They didn’t do any drills. All they did was show up and work out and run. It was basically just a fitness team, but I was so proud of that group. We laid the foundation with those guys. Now we are building

the walls.”

What it also did was give Dawson a running start toward this season. “Most of them (from last year) are still in the program and with the influx we had from the new players this year, we’ve got about 75 players,” he said. “Every day when I see them around Gold Dome and I see them, I’m grateful. I reflect on this and think this is like Field of Dreams. If you build it, they will come. It’s kind of a surreal moment for me.”

The composition of the roster has not only local players but also South Louisiana, East Texas and the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

“All of these guys had to step out on faith,” Dawson said. “The facilities are still being built. We are not established yet; we are still getting in things that we need just to play. But they believed in the vision and they have bought in to that and what it could be. They have believed in what we are doing and have trusted us with their future.”

“Coming to Centenary has opened my eyes to how people can truly come together and form a family, said offensive lineman Jake Morton, a Parkway product. “Never knowing each other before and starting this has given me relationships I never knew I would have. I truly have found my new family.”

“As a coach, there are two things we fight every day –deadline and scoreboards,” Dawson said. “You got to be prepared for the game that’s coming because you are going to be showcased on that stage. People are going to be watching. And the scoreboard is going to reveal how you did. Either pass or fail.”

Looks like the players are already figuring that out.

“I’m happy to be here first and foremost, but we’re coming into the season with something to prove,” said Joshua Ware, a former Southwood Cowboy. “We are a new fresh team and we are hungry for victories.”

For now, Dawson is trying to keep things as basic as possible.

BUY BUY LOCAL LOCAL BANK BANK LOCAL LOCAL

“Our goal is very simple: master the fundamentals (and) play as a team,” he said. “And that’s all we can do.”

-Joe Arnold, CEO

ENVIRONMENTAL

ENRICHMENT ENRICHMENT

Ahappy and healthy lives. One important aspect of their well-being is environmental enrichment. Environmental enrichment refers to the process of providing animals with stimulating environments that promote their mental and physical health. It’s especially important for cats and dogs, as they spend most of their lives indoors. Many pet parents believe that food, water, and shelter is enough for their pets. However, just like humans, our four-legged friends need mental stimulation to thrive.

Here are some key points to consider when it comes to the importance of environmental enrichment for pets.

Ř Mental Stimulation

Just like humans, pets need mental stimulation to stay sharp. Providing

minds active and engaged. For cats, consider getting a scratching post or a cat tree to climb on. For dogs, try playing fetch or hiding treats around the house for them to find.

Ř Physical Exercise

Regular exercise is essential for maintaining good health in pets. Dogs need daily walks and playtime to keep them physically fit, while cats benefit from toys that encourage them to run and jump. You can also consider taking your dog to a dog park or teaching your cat how to walk on a leash outside.

Ř Stress Relief

Pets can experience stress and anxiety just like humans. Environmental enrichment can help reduce stress levels by providing them with a sense of security and comfort. For example, cats may feel more secure if they have multiple hiding spots around the house,

retreat when they feel overwhelmed.

Ř Behavioral Issues

Environmental enrichment can also help prevent and alleviate behavioral issues in pets. Dogs that are prone to destructive chewing may benefit from having plenty of chew toys available, while cats that are prone to scratching furniture may be more likely to use a scratching post if it’s placed in a prominent location.

Ř Overall Well-Being

Ultimately, the physical, psychological, and emotional well-being of our pets depends on environmental enrichment. As pet owners, it’s our responsibility to ensure that our cats and dogs have everything they need to thrive – and environmental enrichment is a key part of that. With a little imagination and effort, you can promote a healthy and joyful life for your pet.

How To How To

Choosing the Right Power Drill for Everyday Use at Home

By: Alfred Ingram

Let's be real, folks. Choosing the right power drill can be a daunting task. With so many options on the market, it's hard to know where to begin. Do you go for the one with the most power? The one with the fanciest features? The one with the funniest name? Fear not, my friends, for I am here to guide you through this treacherous terrain with a healthy dose of humor and a side of sage advice.

First things first, let's talk power. More power isn't always better, especially if you're just using your drill for everyday tasks like hanging pictures or putting together furniture. Think of it like Goldilocks and the three bears: you don't want a drill that's too powerful (unless you're planning on drilling through concrete), but you also don't want one that's too weak (unless you enjoy the sound of your drill whirring uselessly against your wall).

Next up, features. Do you really need a drill that doubles as a cappuccino maker? Probably not (although if you find one, please let me know). Stick with the basics: a comfortable grip, a good chuck (that's the part that holds the drill bit, not your neighbor Chuck who's always borrowing your tools), and maybe a built-in level if you're feeling fancy.

Now, let's talk about the most important factor of all: the name. I mean, sure, you could go for a boring brand like DeWalt or Black & Decker, but why not spice things up a bit? How about the "Bad to the Bone Hammerhead 5000"? Or the "Mighty Moose Jaw"? Personally, I'm partial to the "Drilly McDrillface", but I may be a bit biased.

All joking aside, choosing the right power drill is important, especially if you're going to be using it frequently. Make sure you read reviews and do your research before making a purchase. And if you're really stuck, don't be afraid to ask for help from a knowledgeable salesperson (or your handy neighbor Chuck).

Choosing the right power drill doesn't have to be a chore. Just remember, not too powerful, not too weak, stick with the basics, and don't underestimate the power of a good name. Happy drilling!

ARCENEAUX SPEAKS

BY: KEVIN HINSON

On December 10, 2022, local attorney Tom Arceneaux won what was most likely the biggest upset in Shreveport political history. The combination of his maturity, experience, knowledge and zeal for the city proved too much for voters to resist. After securing endorsements from the previous three mayors, Arceneaux won his runoff election against Senator Greg Tarver by over 4,000 votes. SB paid the mayor a visit at Government Plaza to get his take on his time so far in office, what’s to come, and some fun facts for good measure.

ARCENEAUX: 2-MINUTE OPENING STATEMENT: Well, I think the first six months of any mayor involves getting your legs under you, and getting your staff chosen, so we accomplished that before the end of the six months. Most of

it was done early in the term, the Chief Administrative Officer, Finance Director. The last piece of the puzzle was the city attorney and he started July 1. So now I have a full team and we hit the ground running. If I would say anything that we learned in the first six months, more than anything, it was crisis management, because we had several surprises both from events and from other things, and as a result of that we learned how to be, as I say, cool, calm and collected, as we faced these things. It’s important that the mayor have control over the circumstances and how to respond to unexpected events and I think we learned how to do that very well.

SB: YOU SAID ON THE “LOVE SHREVEPORT” PODCAST THAT YOU HAVE TO INITIATE NOW, AS MAYOR, INSTEAD OF BEING MORE REACTIVE

WHEN YOU’RE PRACTICING LAW. WHAT DO YOU LIKE OR ENJOY ABOUT THAT TRADEOFF?

ARCENEAUX: It’s very challenging to set an agenda and then to maintain that agenda. It’s a skill set that I have, but I had not exercised it in quite some time. There are aspects of the practice of law that you initiate things, but most of the time you’re reacting to circumstances or facts or the fact that a client came in your door, or what have you. So, I enjoy sitting down and saying, ‘OK, what are the things that we really need to do and how do I put those things in motion?’ And that’s a real challenge, it’s intellectually a challenge, it’s spiritually a challenge. So that’s what I’m enjoying about it.

SB: CAN YOU GIVE US AN UPDATE ON THE REV TRANSACTION, AND IF IT BECAME FULLY ACTUALIZED, WHAT

WOULD WE SEE WHEN WE LOOK OVER FROM I-20?

ARCENEAUX: With respect to REV, we have just given the notice to proceed to our consultant to help us look at the finances and the feasibility of the project. We have received some of the estimates for what will be there. When you finally look at the REV transaction, there would be a new baseball stadium that would have associated events with it, we probably would end up doing some realignment of the roads, in fact, we got some capital outlay funds to realign Kings Highway coming into the state fairgrounds so that it would be a straight shot instead of that little dog leg that you have currently. And I think what you will see is a multi-event center, and you will probably also see a hotel that will service not only that venue, but the medical community. As you know the medical corridor starts at Willis-Knighton, which is right there at the fairgrounds, and then goes east from there. So, I think you will probably see that in Phase One and then ultimately a realignment of the state fairgrounds. We are not replacing the state fair. It will be a cooperative venture with the state fair.

SB: HOW IS MILLENIUM STUDIOS GOING?

ARCENEAUX: I really can’t share a whole lot about that but we’re still in negotiations with 50 Cent and his folks. We hope we’re close to closing that transaction.

SB: YOU RECENTLY CAME BACK FROM D.C. LOBBYING TO GET AMTRAK TO RUN THROUGH HERE. WHAT’S THE OUTLOOK FOR THAT?

ARCENEAUX: I think the outlook’s very good. We have a tremendous amount of congressional support, we convinced Amtrak to actually make the application which we joined, instead of competing for the application. The merger between Kansas City Southern and Canadian Pacific was very helpful to that, because Canadian Pacific looks on passenger rail much more favorably than did the predecessor Kansas City

Southern. We should know sometime in the fall whether we got the planning and environmental grant, and if we get the grant, there’s a good chance that we’ll get the funding for the project itself.

SB: VISIT SHREVEPORT-BOSSIER HAS A VISION STATEMENT FOR HOW THEY WANT SHREVEPORT TO BE CHARACTERIZED IN 2040. WHAT WOULD YOUR 2040 STATEMENT BE?

ARCENEAUX: I don’t think I’d be a whole lot different than that. I’m not sure between now and 2040 that you’ll have that kind of residential riverfront development just because of land ownership and the natural barrier that is the river. There’s a fair amount of erosion, for example, on the Shreveport side. There’s a part of Clyde Fant Parkway where the walkway has been eaten up by the river, so I would hope that those would be accurate, but because of land ownership and some of the existing development, I’m not sure about that one. But in terms of people getting along, people having respect across both sides of the river, I see a lot of progress in that, and I don’t think that that’s out of line at all.

SB: IN SB’S PREVIOUS ARTICLE ABOUT YOU, YOU SAID THAT WE NEED THE 25-45 AGE GROUP’S IDEALISM AND GIVE THEM THE OPPORTUNITY TO CONTRIBUTE AND LEARN. COULD YOU ELABORATE ON THAT? WHAT ARE YOU HOPING TO SEE OUT OF THE 25-45 GROUP?

ARCENEAUX: It is time for people in the generation under me and the generation under them to begin taking leadership positions in the city on important committees, on boards, on commissions, and so I’m trying to reduce the average age of some of our boards because of that. But it also requires some experience, so some of those people need to get in places where they can have some experience, and learn from that experience, so that they’re ready for the next leadership position.

SB: VOTER TURNOUT IN YOUR RUNOFF AGAINST SENATOR TARVER WAS 36,000 PEOPLE OUT OF ABOUT 122,000 ELIGIBLE VOTERS. IN 2026 OR IN THE FUTURE PERIOD, IS HIGHER VOTER TURNOUT A PRIORITY FOR YOU?

ARCENEAUX: A higher voter turnout is important because it’s important for people to participate in the process, but in the end it’s their decision whether they want to go to the polls. Part of it is, are they excited about the candidates? So, I would hope that they would be excited about me and would be excited to go to the polls and

vote for me for reelection.

SB: HOW IS THE DEBRIS COLLECTION FROM THE JUNE 16TH STORM GOING?

ARCENEAUX: I know that there is a whole lot more debris than we anticipated. We had estimated 100,000 cubic yards, and I know they’ve already collected probably 200,000 or more just with the first pass. Now, the second pass and a possible third pass will collect a whole lot less than that, so I’m not sure what it will be, but we have increased the amount of their not-toexceed contract to $2 million because of the volume. Their contract is a volume contract, so it matters how much they pick up. I would think that in mid-September they’ll be finished picking up, perhaps even by the end of August.

SB: YOU’VE BEEN MOVING AND SHAKING ON BLIGHTED PROPERTIES. HOW’S THAT GOING AND DO YOU HAVE PLANS FOR MORE?

ARCENEAUX: I’ve probably done three sets of that. Now once I sign the orders there’s a lot that goes before the contract, but I know that I’ve probably signed 80 lien affidavits that result from either demolition or cleanup of property. So, we increased the budget for property standards significantly for this year, so they are moving as quickly as they can move and trying to clear some of the backlog. (On if he has plans for more demolitions) Absolutely they’re going full speed ahead.

SB: NOW ON THE LIGHTER SIDE, SOME MORE RAPID-FIRE FUN FACTS ABOUT YOUR MAYOR OF SHREVEPORT…

SB: YOU ALSO SAID ON THE “LOVE SHREVEPORT” PODCAST THAT YOU LIKE TO SING AND YOU LIKE TO READ. WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO SING AND WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO READ?

ARCENEAUX: I’m trying to read some nonfiction, and most nonfiction would be more classic type of things. When I started reading more fiction, I started with Les Misérables, and I’ve read Daniel Deronda, which is a George Elliott novel. I tend to like period pieces when I’m reading fiction. I’m not an escapist fiction reader. I do read a lot of nonfiction as well, it’s kind of required for my position, but I read about public finance, I read about management, I read about leadership, those are the kind of books that I tend to read. The singing is either going to be worship music, or Broadway, with a little country thrown in. I’m a country music fan! I’m more a classic

country guy because I think a lot of current country music is really pop music, but they don’t want to call themselves a pop star! Classic is anything before 1995 probably, but there’s some good modern country music. I live so close to the office, and I don’t travel very much in a place where I would listen, when I’m traveling I like to read. I don’t really listen to a bunch of music so almost everything is something that I heard a long time ago!

SB: CONSIDERING THE CITY IS DOING SOME BUSINESS WITH 50 CENT, DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE 50 CENT SONG?

ARCENEAUX: I couldn’t name you a 50 Cent song!

SB: WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE RESTAURANT IN TOWN?

ARCENEAUX: Our absolute favorite restaurant (he and his wife Elizabeth) is the Mabry House. It’s a Victorian house, it’s about a block and a half from our home. We eat out a good bit, particularly since I’ve been mayor, and I have lots and lots of favorites, but our absolute favorite is the Mabry House. We love Ernest’s, we love Chianti, Zuzul is particularly good for seafood. Like I said we probably eat out four or five times a week, and so we try and sample everything. Mostly I try and keep it local, locally owned places.

SB: YOU WENT TO LSU. WOULD YOU SAY THAT LSU PRODUCES BETTER POLITICIANS THAN HARVARD AND THOSE OTHER IVY LEAGUE SCHOOLS?

ARCENEAUX: I don’t think the quality of a politician depends on the diploma that they get, I think it depends on their character and their experience. So, I would say that yes, I think LSU produces as good a politician as Harvard. I also think LSU produces as bad a politician as Harvard because I don’t think the diploma makes very much difference.

SB: BUT IN FOOTBALL…NO CHANCE?

ARCENEAUX: I think LSU is definitely better at football than Harvard.

SB: BEST EXPERIENCE AS MAYOR SO FAR?

ARCENEAUX: I had a series of budget amendments that were the first step in changing some of the priorities that we had, and moving the budget closer to my priorities than what the priorities had been in the prior budget. And I think working through that with the council and the Chief Administrative Officer was a feeling of accomplishment when we did that because it really required…a lot

of diligence and a lot of discussion with council members, some of which I had, some of which my Chief Administrative Officer had, and I thought that it worked out the way that it was supposed to work out. There was give and take on the part of the council and on the part of the administration.

SB: WHAT’S THE ONE THING YOU WOULD LIKE CITIZENS TO KNOW ABOUT BEING MAYOR?

ARCENEAUX: It is a lot more complicated than it appears on the surface, and many times a mayor must think through things and should not necessarily make statements on the fly or off the cuff.

SB: DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE ASPECT ABOUT BEING MAYOR?

ARCENEAUX: I think working with the CAO, and the department heads, and working on trying to figure out budget priorities. That’s kind of what my strong suit is, so it’s the part that I gravitate towards.

SB: IF YOU COULD TELL THE NATION ONE THING ABOUT SHREVEPORT, ONE THING YOU’D LIKE FOR THEM TO THINK WHEN THEY HEAR OF SHREVEPORT, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

ARCENEAUX: A medium-sized city with a small-town feel.

SB: YOU WROTE THOUSANDS OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY. DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE THAT STILL STICKS OUT TO YOU, OR THAT YOU COMMONLY FALL BACK ON AS MAYOR?

ARCENEAUX: I did a series based on a movie, Field of Dreams, that’s my very favorite movie, I did a series on that that talked about having faith to take the next step even if you’re not sure what the step after that is going to be. And I think that there is a lot of that that goes into being the mayor. You may have a vision where you’d like to end up, you don’t necessarily know exactly what the steps are going to be along the way, you just know what the next step is. What he did in that movie was he always just took the next step, because there was something out there that he knew he was going towards. He wasn’t even entirely sure where the end of the road was going to be.

By Mark Mangham and Mike Mangham

Centenary Football: A Look Back!

Centenary College (our alma mater) is reviving its football program after a 70-year absence. Centenary was initially located in Jackson, Louisiana where Centenary’s first football game was held in the fall of 1894 (129 years ago) and the team was a powerhouse. They had wins over Notre Dame, the Texas Longhorns and, yes, even LSU! They were a strong team and were feared by many opponents because they were known for playing rough, and because of that, according to the American Football Database, they were called “the Old Ironsides”. Later, to clean up their image, they selected the “Gentleman” nickname. The team continued playing until November of 1941. The football team was briefly revived in 1946 and again in the 1960s before disbanding.

In the late 70s, Mike and I played American Legion baseball games on the baseball field at Centenary and then in the early to mid-80s we went to school there and played college baseball games on that

field not knowing it used to be the location of the football field back in the day! We realized it only after finding old aerial photos of that area at the Northwest Louisiana Archives at LSUS! We have since found several photos of the past Centenary football teams and just recently found these old photos in the Thurman C. Smith collection! Even though there were no dates and no names on these pictures, just looking at these photos transports you back in time! A time when the football players wore leather helmets and what looks like practically no padding! Those were some tough men! We were happy to supply these rare photos to SB magazine for this article! Hopefully, some of the readers will be able to identify the men and women in these photos.

We can’t wait to see the current football team continue the Centenary Football legacy! See you at the games!

If you want to see more amazing old photos like these, search Facebook for “Twin Blends Northwest History Hunters” and like our page and follow us! We have thousands of old pictures and hundreds of videos that show the history of this area!

Auto enthusiasts, this one is for you! Save the date for the 15th annual Renaissance Euro Fest Classic European Auto and Motorcycle Show being held October 14th, 2023. Browse through classic vehicles from around the globe among the Old-world style atmostphere of Renaissance at Colony Park.

For more information, visit www.visitridgeland.com/events/

SB GOOD TO KNOW

LSU SHREVEPORT TO HOST ANNUAL BULLYING AND SUICIDE PREVENTION CONFERENCE

LSUS Continuing Education will host the 13th annual Bullying Prevention and 18th annual Suicide Prevention Conference on Sept. 22.

This in-person event in the LSUS University Center will enable continual training for professionals in our community to earn three clinical and three general Continuing Education Units (CEUs).

“We are always honored to host conferences such as the Bullying and Suicide Prevention conference here at LSUS as it fits with our mission of improving community and educational outcomes,” said Leigh Anne Chambers, Interim Executive Director of Enrollment Management at LSUS. “This topic is fundamental to having a positive environment for students to learn.

“The College of Education and Human Development considers these continuing education workshops as vital to support professionals in northwest Louisiana,” said Dr. Katherine Wickstrom, Associate Dean, College of Education and Human Development at LSUS. “The on-campus sessions allow our community to stay local and avoid travel costs to obtain exceptional professional development.”

The Bullying Prevention and Suicide Prevention Conference will cover the latest evidence-based and best practices for implementation in bullying and suicide prevention.

MEADOWS MUSEUM OF ART AT CENTENARY COLLEGE ANNOUNCES FALL 2023 EXHIBITION SCHEDULE

The Meadows Museum of Art at Centenary College will host seven exhibitions during the fall of 2023. All exhibitions are free and open to the public.

Three exhibitions – Visual Gumbo by Terry Konrath; Centenary in Paris: 2023 Exhibition by Centenary’s Class of 2027; and From Now on We’re StarDust by Jude Williams ’26 - opened to the public on August 28. Visual Gumbo will remain open until December 2 while Centenary in Paris will close on September 30. From Now on We’re StarDust, which will be housed in the Museum’s monthly rotating Project Space Gallery, will close on September 22. It will be followed by South Realism X by Edgar Cano from September 26 through October 27 and Simulacrum by Jessica Hawkins from October 31 through December 2.

Two additional exhibitions – Chasing the Tiger: A Commentary on Colonial Fantasy curated by Ben Vazquez

’24 and Emerson Horne ’24 and Nature’s Wonders by the Shreveport Art Club will open on October 16 and run through December 2.

“Our main exhibitions this semester center around Louisiana and France - our larger historical and cultural connections as well as more specific ties with Shreveport,” said The Museum has scheduled several artist talks throughout the fall to accompany the exhibitions. All artist talks are free and open to the public. A full schedule is available at themeadowsmuseum.com/events

CADDO PARISH APPOINTS NEW JUVENILE SERVICES DIRECTOR

The Caddo Parish Commission approved the appointment of Andrew Randall, Jr. as the new director of juvenile services for the Parish of Caddo at the Commission’s monthly meeting on Thursday, August 3. Randall will oversee the functions of the department,

including juvenile detention and probation operations, as well as working alongside the Caddo Parish Juvenile Court to ensure compliance with the orders of the Court and to administer various Court initiatives.

Randall most recently served as interim director of juvenile services after the recent appointment of Clay Walker as assistant parish administrator and has also served as the assistant director of juvenile services. He is a graduate of Tulane Law School where he received his Juris Doctorate, and Dillard University where received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science.

“I am pleased that the Commission has confirmed the appointment of Andrew Randall as the Parish’s new director of juvenile services,” said Parish of Caddo Administrator and CEO Erica R. Bryant. “Mr. Randall brings a wealth of experience and working knowledge to this position, and we look forward to him continuing great work,” said Bryant.

CADDO DEPUTY NAMED FIRST RESPONDER OF THE YEAR

A Caddo Sheriff’s deputy was recognized for his readiness to assist in a mass casualty incident in Shreveport last month, said Caddo Sheriff Steve Prator.

Patrol Deputy John Flash was presented the First Responder of the Year Award from the Caddo Lodge #179 F&AM, Free and Accepted Masons. Each year, this award is given to a first responder who exhibits exceptional dedication and commitment to service while performing their daily duties.

Deputy Flash was recognized for immediate response to assist the Shreveport Police Department with a mass casualty shooting event on July 4th in the MLK neighborhood.

Deputy Flash supported SPD by escorting rescued individuals to safety and helped to maintain security and crowd control at the location.

Deputy Flash is a two-year veteran with the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office and has served as a patrol deputy for just under a year.

RESEARCHERS PUBLISH PLAYBOOK FOR EQUITABLE VIRAL GENOMIC SEQUENCING

Researchers from three southern U.S. states have published a playbook, “Building a Collaborative and Equitable Viral Genomic Surveillance Program: A Playbook for Researchers, Clinicians, Administrators, and Allies,” pioneering a framework for establishing collaborative, community-centered infectious diseases surveillance programs. With support from The Rockefeller Foundation, collaborators from academic institutions in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Georgia have refined a method to expand viral genomic surveillance and ensure that historically marginalized groups are represented in community health data.

“Genomic surveillance helps track infectious diseases, clarify who is most at risk, and take action to limit the spread and protect people’s health. But historic disparities in healthcare access have meant that – for far too long –genomic surveillance has excluded medically underserved communities,” said Dr. Jamie Newman, Associate Professor, Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies, College of Applied and Natural Sciences at Louisiana Tech University. “Establishing an equity-focused, collaborative genomic surveillance program is possible, and this new Playbook breaks down the process we followed.”

KAMEL BRAKTA, MD, ACHIEVES ACCREDITATION AS MASTER SURGEON IN ROBOTIC SURGERY

Kamel Brakta, MD, of WK Robotic & Laparoscopic Surgery, has achieved accreditation as a Master Surgeon and a Surgeon of Excellence (SOE) in Robotic Surgery by Surgical Review Corporation. The Surgeon of Excellence is awarded

in conjunction with Willis-Knighton Health System’s Center of Excellence (COE) accreditation. Master Surgeon is an individualized recognition that distinguishes Dr. Brakta from many other surgeons by providing the highest quality of care to patients as determined by an independent, external process of evaluation. SRC is a nonprofit patient safety organization that administers accreditation programs for medical professionals and facilities. Status as an accredited Master Surgeon means that Dr. Brakta has met nationally recognized standards. Not all hospitals and surgeons seek accreditation; not all that undergo the rigorous onsite process are granted accreditation.

“As a surgeon, I am honored to have the Master Surgeon and Surgeon of Excellence designation by the SRC,” Dr. Brakta said. “I am grateful for all the team members who have been an integral part of the process and without whom this designation would not be possible. My team and I continue to strive to provide the highest level of quality patient care possible.”

Healthcare facilities and surgeons seeking SRC accreditation undergo an extensive assessment and inspection process to ensure the applicant meets SRC’s proven standards and requirements. These requirements include surgical volumes, facility equipment, clinical pathways and standardized operating procedures, an emphasis on patient education and continuous quality assessment. The inspection involves all staff working with surgeons in the accredited program. Inspectors educate staff on best practices to help an organization improve its care and services. “We’re proud to recognize Dr. Kamel Brakta for his commitment to advancing and providing quality care for all patients,” said Gary M. Pratt, CEO of SRC. “This accreditation signals that this surgeon is among the best in this specialty and is dedicated to delivering the highest level of care possible.

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

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

ALWAYS, PATSY CLINE

Venue: Shreveport Little Theatre

Date: Recurring throughout September

Time: See website for days and times

Info: www.shreveportlittletheatre.com

BOSSIER NIGHT MARKET

Venue: Pierre Bossier Mall

Date: Saturday, September 9th

Time: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Info: www.bossiernightmarket.com

•

19TH ANNUAL HIGHLAND JAZZ & BLUES FESTIVAL

Venue: Columbia Park

Date: Saturday, September 16th

Time: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Info: www.highlandjazzandblues.org

HANK WILLIAMS 100TH BIRTHDAY SING-A-LONG

Venue: Shreveport Municipal Auditorium

Dates: Sunday, September 17th

Time: 2:00 PM – 2:30 PM

Info: www.shreveportmunicipalauditorium.com

RED RIVER REVEL

Venue: Festival Plaza

Dates: September 30th – October 8th

Time: See website for more information

Info: www.redriverrevel.com

RINGLING BROS. AND BARNUM & BAILEY®

Venue: Brookshire Grocery Arena

Date: September 30th – October 1st

Time: See website for more information

Info: www.ringling.com

WWW. HIGHLANDJAZZANDBLUES. ORG

noting, “For eighteen summers, BPCC and Canterbury have come together to create outstanding productions. This year was no exception, offering our students a platform to shine professionally while enriching Canterbury’s esteemed season.”

Chicagoland

BY KIM CONDON

BPCC Theatre Takes by Storm

In a bold move that saw the BPCC Cavalier Players venturing beyond their Louisiana roots, the spotlight recently shone on their production of Jeffrey Hatcher’s “Scotland Road” in the heart of Chicagoland. Collaborating with the esteemed Canterbury Summer Theatre from Michigan City, Indiana, this theatrical escapade provided BPCC Theatre students with a hands-on experience in touring and staging a live play.

The play revolves around a mysterious incident – a young woman dressed in nineteenth-century garb discovered floating on an iceberg in the vast North Atlantic. With just a single word, “Titanic,” escaping her lips, the mystery deepens as she cryptically refers to a place called “Scotland Road.”

Guided by Dr. Ray Scott Crawford, Director of Scotland Road, and Artistic Director of Canterbury Summer Theatre for over 38 years, the play showcases the talents of BPCC Theatre actors and students Blaine Fultz, Sarah Noelle Foster, Riley Burns, and Lauren Holland. The logistical aspects were in capable hands too, with recent graduate Johnathan Houghes managing the stage, supported by talented freshman Brody Hines. Contributions from David White, the Technical Director, and Jim Boyter, the Properties Designer, ensured the seamless execution of this traveling production.

“Being able to reconstruct the set in new environments can be challenging, but also a wonderful learning opportunity for aspiring technical production professionals,” said Houghes. Dr. Crawford emphasized the synergy of the collaboration,

Stepping into a leading role, Blaine Fultz shared his enthusiasm, saying, “I’m on track to graduate this December with my theatre degree,” said Blaine Fultz. “This experience has truly enhanced the performance opportunities I’ve been a part of at BPCC. It’s challenged me to apply the skills I’ve acquired over my time on campus and has been an incredible journey that has put my acquired skills to the test.”

Sarah Noelle Foster, who portrayed Halbrech in the production, added her perspective, “The fact that BPCC gave me the chance to go to Canterbury really makes me feel like furtherment of my career is a priority. Plus, it was so much fun!”

Beyond the compelling performances, the journey encompassed an intensive rehearsal process culminating in three captivating shows. Amid the iconic urban landscape of Chicago, the students also had the chance to explore renowned landmarks and immerse themselves in the five-time Tony-nominated musical, “Rock of Ages,” at Chicago’s historic Mercury Theatre in the lively Wrigleyville neighborhood. The reverberations of this successful collaboration extend far beyond the spotlight. Plans are already in motion to continue this tradition in the upcoming summers. BPCC’s theater program thrives on such enriching partnerships that nurture the aspirations of future theater professionals.

The BPCC Theatre Program, based at Bossier Parish Community College, provides an encompassing platform for students to explore their creative potential. With a commitment to excellence and innovation, the program equips students with hands-on experiences that pave the way for thriving careers in the performing arts.

On the other end of this creative partnership stands Canterbury Summer Theatre, a cultural cornerstone in the Chicagoland area for over five decades. It proudly holds the distinction of being one of the longest continuously producing Summer Stock theaters in the Midwest, consistently upholding its reputation for artistic excellence.

As the curtain closes on this memorable chapter, one thing remains clear: the collaboration between BPCC Theatre and Canterbury Summer Theatre has not only brought riveting performances to the stage but has also elevated the learning curve for the next generation of theater enthusiasts, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of performing arts education.

BENEFITING

SEPTEMBER 28, 2023

Bossier Civic Center 5:00 - 9:00 PM

Music by Windstorm & The Lovers

Performance by Holy Angels’ Choir

Online Silent Auction opens September 21st

Art – Fine Jewelry – Trips & Experiences – And More

TICKETS $75 Includes Food, Beer & Wine

Elaine S. Holy Angels 2023 TASTE Artist

DazeSchool

True, a few of us are the same age now as some of the old people we know, a peculiar thought to entertain these days for sure.

But this time of year rolls around and, even at this somewhat advanced stage of our development, the brain cells activate just enough for the memories to return, memories of chalk and recess and new school clothes.

Of course, elementary school was easier for us back then than it is for the elementary schoolers of this new academic year. There was less history to learn, and not all of the alphabet and not all of the numbers had been invented yet.

Those were the Salad Days.

But some things are as true now as then. After a summer of freedom and not being policed every second of the livelong day by grownups, the siren songs of those first few elementary school days ring eternal:

the silly laughter and then the homeroom bell and the groans; the screeches of chair legs adjusted by adolescent rumps and legs;

the thumps of books meeting desks;

And the involuntary little-lung sighs caused by the reality of

8:15 a.m. in Only September, for heaven’s sakes to Betsy. Way back then there was stuff called chalk. It was white and, for lack of a better term, chalky. Teachers wrote on chalk boards, though those weren’t made of chalk. They were made of an impenetrable black material with the longevity of the stuff in an Etch-O-Sketch. Takes a chalkin’ and keeps on walkin’.

In every classroom, there was this five-pronged gadget on a slender piece of wood, the whole thing the length of a bread loaf, each prong holding a piece of chalk, and the teacher would run that thing across the board so there’d be five lines, mostly straight, so on the board you could practice your ABC’s or even write some music. It can best be explained to the modern-day student as a poor man’s whiteboard.

Overhead projectors. Erasers that needed dusting outside, so when you finished smacking them together, you look half ghost. Grocery sacks cut and folded just so to make book covers. There was the occasional anxious student who’d throw up, and the janitor would come in with stuff that looked like wood shavings, only colored green to smell like pine trees and Clorox, (no match for actual throw up by the way), and that would get cleaned up and the student would go to the school nurse and be given another shirt from the backup clothes closet, and that reallife horror show would be the subject of conversation for the next two or three days, if not weeks.

Didn’t take much to entertain us.

Milk for a nickel, if you had it, during homeroom. Popping the empty cartons with the heel of your Keds in the cafeteria. The glorious aroma of yeast rolls in the industrial-sized oven, floating down the halls and into pee-wee math class.

And the smell of mimeograph paper spitting out of the magic mimeograph machine, because Real Copying Machines had just been invented and only the city schools had those and we were like Backwater Elementary, U.S. of A., but thank goodness because we did love us the smell of some mimeograph paper in the mornings. If it hadn’t been for that, we might have all lost interest.

Rolled-up jeans. Scissors Paper Stone. Passing notes. Recess and Big Chief tablets and fish sticks on compartmentalized trays in the lunch room. Losing homework. Copying homework. Forgetting homework. “Is this going to be on the test?” Drawing on your desk to connect you with the elementary soldiers of yesteryear and the brave ones to come who’d take on long division in the next generation.

It was long ago, and it was yesterday.

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