COUNTRY CLUB FOUNDER · COMMUNITY DEVELOPER · ON-SITE REAL ESTATE TEAM SINCE 1988
Named to Forbes’ 2024 Best-in-State Wealth Advisors List
DENIS POLJAK
Source: Forbes.com Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors ranking was developed by SHOOK Research and is based on in-person, virtual and telephone due diligence meetings to evaluate each advisor qualitatively, a major component of a ranking algorithm that includes: client retention, industry experience, review of compliance records, firm nominations; and quantitative criteria, including: assets under management and revenue generated for their firms. Investment performance is not a criterion because client objectives and risk tolerances vary, and advisors rarely have audited performance reports. Rankings are based on the opinions of SHOOK Research, LLC and are not indicative of future performance or representative of any one client’s experience. Neither Steward Partners Investment Solutions, LLC nor its Wealth Managers pay a fee to Forbes or SHOOK Research in exchange for the ranking. For more information, see www.SHOOKresearch.com.
Denis Poljak: 250 Advisors To Watch (Under $1B)
Source: AdvisorHub.Com. AdvisorHub 250 Advisors to Watch (Under$1B) ranking was developed by AdvisorHub and is based on Scope of practice measured by assets, production and level of service; Growth of practice consisting of year over year growth in assets, households and production; and lastly, Professionalism which includes regulatory record, community service and team diversity. Investment performance is not a criterion because client objectives and risk tolerances vary, and advisors rarely have audited performance reports. Rankings are based on the opinions of AdvisorHub and are not indicative of future performance or representative of any one client’s experience. These 250 advisors have assembled efficient and productive teams that have achieved scale without compromising their level of service while maintaining healthy growth. Neither Steward Partners Investment Solutions, LLC nor its Wealth Managers pay a fee to AdvisorHub in exchange for the ranking. For more information, see www.AdvisorHub.com.
Davor Poljak: 100 Fast-Growing Advisors to Watch
Source: AdvisorHub.Com. AdvisorHub 100 Fast-Growing Advisors to Watch ranking
Growth
EXECUTIVE EDITOR
There’s been a whiff of spring in the air recently. You can always tell that warmer weather is just around the corner. With Mardi Gras season behind us, we can look forward to a gently slow down in activity. Unless you’re into planes. If you are, then buckle your seat belt ‘cuz it’s airshow time in the Arklatex, folks! Time to celebrate Barksdale Air Force Base with the biggest display of aerial power in the south. The 2025 Defenders of Liberty Airshow promises to be spectacular and best of all – it is free. What’s more, if you are a teacher or a first responder, you can get in early and get the best parking.
We have a huge offering in this issue. We’ve cast our spotlight on some of Shreveport-Bossier’s successful businessmen. You’ll enjoy reading their back stories and how they’ve navigated the business world.
We’ve also tapped some of this area’s medical professionals for the opportunity for them to share with our readers their areas of expertise.
There’s lots to read in this issue – hope you enjoy.
PUBLISHER
G. Byron May
OWNERS
G. Byron May
Seva May
Noble Feldman
EXECUTIVE EDITOR
Seva May
ADVERTISING COORDINATOR
Jonathan Mitchell
PHOTOGRAPHY
Byron May
Melissa Airhart
Jonathan Mitchell
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES
Stephanie Pringle
Candace Lyles
Felicia Roberts
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Teddy Allen
Adam Bailey
Donesa Walker
Kevin Hinson
Casey Allen
HOW TO REACH US
318.221.7264 • Fax 318.676.8850
850 Stoner Ave.
Shreveport, LA 71101
ADVERTISING
318.221.7264 ext #104
WEBSITE www.sbmag.net
SUBSCRIPTION QUESTIONS subscriptions@sbmag.net
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 12
Sign up for a subscription www.sbmag.net/subscribe
Read online www.sbmag.net
This publication features materials protected by the Fair Use guidelines of Section 107 of the Copyright Act. All rights reserved to the copyright owners. The information in this publication is believed to be accurate. However, SB Magazine cannot and does not guarantee accuracy. SB Magazine cannot and will not be held liable for the quality of performance of goods and services provided by advertisers or any other portion of this publication. SB Magazine cannot be responsible for unsolicited photographs, artwork, or manuscripts. All vendor information for SB Magazine was supplied by the advertiser and/or a third party.
HOT& SPICY
YOUR TRUSTED MEDICAL CONTRACTOR FOR OVER FOUR DECADES
This year, we proudly celebrate 45 years of excellence in medical construction. Our journey has been nothing short of remarkable, and our team takes immense pride in the role we’ve played in shaping the local healthcare landscape.
Over the years, we have honed our expertise in a wide range of services, from constructing and renovating medical office buildings to specialized areas like NICUs, PICUs, and surgical units. We have witnessed firsthand the transformation of healthcare spaces, as Hand Construction has partnered with major local hospitals such as Ochsner LSU Health System and Christus. Each project reaffirms our commitment to quality, efficiency, and innovation.
What sets Hand Construction apart is our deep understanding of the unique challenges in medical construction. We are not just builders; we are collaborators with healthcare professionals, ensuring that every project is tailored to meet the specific needs of those who work and heal within these walls.
After 45 years in this industry, we are filled with gratitude for the relationships we’ve built and the lives we’ve impacted. We are dedicated to constructing spaces where care is advanced and medical innovation thrives. Let’s build your vision together, ensuring a brighter future for healthcare in our community.
EXPERTS Medical ask the
When it comes to your health and selecting a doctor who will address your needs, it’s important to choose the best that medicine has to offer. You want an expert in their field—someone with both the experience and compassion to support you through your journey.
ONCOLOGY
Willis Knighton OPENS NEW NUCLEAR ONCOLOGY CENTER
Theranostics is a combination of the word therapy and diagnostics.
Theranostics represents one of the new pillars of oncology care, along with surgery, radiation and proton therapy, targeted drugs and chemotherapy, and biologics and immunotherapy.
Theranostics is often called radiopharmaceutical therapy, because a radioactive source, like a medication, is delivered through the blood stream to specifically attack cancer cells.
Although the technique of attaching a radioactive source to an imaging agent, or tracer, began nearly 70 years ago there have been rapid developments over the last decade.
The main goals of theranostics have been to stabilize end-stage disease refractive to other treatments and improve the quality of a patient’s life.
Thyroid, prostate, liver and neuroendocrine tumors have been the most studied but usage in early-
Lane R ROSEN MD
stage cancer is the ultimate target with expansion to brain tumors, lung cancers, breast and gynecologic malignancies, and benign disease among others.
PET scans now have specialized imaging agents specific for unique cancers. Dozens of these agents are under development. While diagnostic tracers utilize positron or gammaemitting radionuclides their therapy counterparts are typically bound chemically to powerful beta and alpha emitters, which can deliver localized tumor- killing radiation millimeters away to targets with minimal to no collateral damage. These ultimate cancer smart bombs are achieving results never possible before.
Willis Knighton Radiation Oncology and Proton therapy has now expanded its footprint with the introduction of Nuclear Oncology. The multi-million dollar expansion of the radiation oncology department and cancer center will house the newest and most advanced molecular imaging tools in the country for delivery and the monitoring of radiopharmaceutical treatment.
The department has installed a new top of the line PET/CT and a very specialized SPECT-CT designed for theranostics, the StarGuide. Willis Knighton will have the first unit in Louisiana and one of only 10 StarGuides in the United States. The new
scanners will allow radiopharmaceutical doses to be individualized patient by patient by measuring the radiation absorption.
Around the country challenges exist for this expanding field including logistic, supply chain, regulatory, and education and training barriers. Radiation Oncology’s Nuclear Oncology will be a resource for the entire region working in collaboration with other centers and offering clinical trials and the training of physicians, technicians and medical physicists. Nuclear Oncology will host a a multi-state educational course in theranostics this spring.
World Theranostics Day is March 31st in honor of the founder of this exciting technology. Willis Knighton plans a groundbreaking ceremony with physicians, staff, press and industry leaders to coincide with that day to celebrate the opening of the new center.
Radiation oncology at Willis Knighton has been an international leader for decades. Known for expertise in proton therapy, brachytherapy and advanced clinical technologies often available at very few cancer centers. The department will be the host of the national Particle Therapy Co-Operative Group of North America (PTCOG-NA) meeting in November 2025 after the 2024 meeting which was held in New York City by Memorial Sloan Kettering and their proton therapy partners. Nuclear Oncology will continue this trend of leading edge care providing a roadmap for future development of this groundbreaking field.
NEUROSURGERY EXPERTS
HOW CAN I PREVENT BACK PAIN?
Unfortunately, most of us cannot. I get it from time to time. One can often mitigate against back pain by doing things your doctors recommend for your health in general. Maintaining or achieving an ideal body weight is important. Biomechanical physics say that for each 4 pounds of weight loss, you unload 16 pounds from the lower spine. Similar calculations have been worked out for other joints. Diet is important, as 90% of weight loss is governed by it. Many delicious foods with sugar and grains promote general inflammation…sorry, they are out. While you cannot lose weight solely by exercise, strength training is beneficial if not essential. It needs to be strenuous to build strength, so give the local physical and occupational therapists, strength trainers, and yoga instructors some businessthey can help.
WHEN SHOULD I SEE A NEUROSURGEON?
That is a very broad question. If you have had trauma and have severe disabling spine pain, you should see one promptly. If you have sudden severe spontaneous pain that causes leg or arm pain with tingling, numbness, weakness of a set of muscles, incoordination, impairment of your capacity to walk or do your activities of daily living, you should get to an ER or your primary care doctor promptly for evaluation and a consultation to a neurosurgeon. For more chronic or indolent situations where a less intense version of these symptoms exists, you should still see a neurosurgeon. Speaking from an acknowledged bias that I share with my neuro and orthopedic spine surgery colleagues, the spine is our specialty and while we often rely on our colleagues for help, we should be involved rather early in the decision making
WHAT IF I HAVE A BRAIN TUMOR?
That is a very frightening situation. There are bad ones and not so bad ones. These are firmly within the neurosurgery specialty and I strongly advise neurosurgery consultation if you have one. Significant progress in survival has happened over the course of my career with glioblastoma and other related tumors. Tumor of the brain linings, also known as meningioma, is usually less ominous. For some tumors, simple biopsy followed by chemotherapy and/or stereotactic radiotherapy is best. Tumors that spread to the brain from other locations are still a great challenge. Our colleagues in oncology have made great advancements.
WHAT HAS YOUR CAREER LOOKED LIKE AS A NEUROSURGEON?
After I got out of neurosurgery residency at LSU New Orleans, I practiced in Shreveport briefly before an opportunity arose in Wichita Falls, Texas, that I took. They were underserved in neurosurgery and I immediately began to practice the entire gamut of neurosurgery-tumor, neurovascular, pediatric, degenerative and tumor spine, peripheral nerve, neurotrauma, plus a fair amount of medical neurology. I shared offices with orthopedic surgeons for 20 of those years, which considerably expanded my diagnostic and surgical skills. Realizing one cannot be a master of everything, as time passed my surgical practice evolved into spine surgery, brain surgeries, trauma, and nerve. Exhausted at being a practical “lone ranger” neurosurgeon for many of those years, I accepted an offer to return home to Shreveport, where I was raised. I still enjoy seeing the wide spectrum of neurosurgery problems because they are very interesting and challenging. It has been a fun career so far!
PEDIATRIC GASTROENTEROLOGY/ADVANCED ENDOSCOPY
Dr Charles OTU-NYARKO
Charles G Otu-Nyarko, MD is a double Board Certified pediatric gastroenterologist and the lead consultant at the WK Center for Pediatric Gastroenterology. He is a specialist in pediatric advanced endoscopy and pancreaticobiliary disease. He is one of 15 fellowship trained pediatric gastroenterologists in the country who can perform both of the specialized pancreaticobiliary procedures, “Endoscopic Ultrasound Scan (EUS) and Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)” in children including infants. He combines his specialized training in advanced interventional endoscopy with several years of experience in general pediatric gastroenterology. This expertise, coupled with personalized care, allows him to provide children from newborns to young adults with the latest treatment options.
WHO IS A PEDIATRIC GASTROENTEROLOGIST?
A pediatric gastroenterologist is a specially trained physician who is an expert in diagnosing and treating a wide range of conditions in the digestive tract, liver, gallbladder and pancreas of children. The digestive tract is the pathway food travels from ingestion to excretion and essentially consists of the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestines, large intestines (colon), rectum and the anus. Any disease or disorder within this space can be carefully evaluated and treated by a gastroenterologist.
As a pediatric gastroenterologist, some of the common diseases I diagnose and treat include gastroesophageal reflux, swallowing difficulties, chronic abdominal pain, chronic diarrhea, chronic constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, food allergies, malnutrition, obesity, feeding difficulties, malnutrition, obesity, hepatitis, gallstones, pancreatitis and pancreatic insufficiency.
WHO IS A PEDIATRIC ADVANCED ENDOSCOPIST?
A pediatric advanced endoscopist goes through additional training to become highly specialized and is able to use minimally invasive procedures to diagnose and treat complicated gastrointestinal, liver, biliary and pancreatic diseases of children. Clinical research in this century has brought a lot of advancement in child and adolescent health care allowing for breakthrough treatments and interventions. This has enabled unthinkable procedures such as neonatal ERCP where bile duct or pancreatic duct stones in a newborn are removed safely.
Some of the procedures I perform within the intestines and small channels of the digestive organs include opening of blockades from strictures, tumors and stones, taking deep tissue biopsies, removing lesions such as polyps and tumors, managing bleeding ulcers or abnormal blood vessels, removing obstructing gallstones from the bile ducts or pancreatic duct
and draining abnormal intestinal or pancreatic fluid collections.
WHY IS YOUR PRACTICE UNIQUE?
Every patient’s need is individualized and has a personalized treatment plan. In the pediatric gastroenterology world, some patients just require medical therapy to get them better while others require interventional procedures. My practice provides patients with these unique interventions through advanced endoscopy. Unlike regular endoscopy, specialized tools through the tiny operating channels of the regular endoscope are used to perform these minimally invasive procedures. Different-sized endoscopes allow for optimal and comfortable care tailored to each patient's age and weight. With no external incision, recovery is quick, hospital stays are short and outcomes are better.
DO YOU HAVE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR YOUR PATIENT’S?
Gastroenterology, and especially pediatric gastroenterology, is experiencing rapid innovation to address the many digestive conditions affecting children. You and your child are not alone, and your well-being is a primary focus of these advancements. Willis-Knighton has been instrumental in enabling me to bring the latest endoscopic technology to the Shreveport-Bossier community and all of Louisiana. Call to schedule a consultation, or ask your child's primary physician for a referral.
Lusk Eye Specialists ADJUSTABLE VISION
What Is ‘Adjustable' Vision?
At Lusk Eye Specialists, we’re now working with patients to ‘adjust’ and preview their vision AFTER undergoing lens implant surgery. It’s the first time in medical history this is possible. Lens-implant surgery could include a procedure for someone in their mid-40s, mid-50s, or mid-60s, who no longer wants to be dependent on reading glasses or bifocals. Or it could be a cataract patient in their 70s or 80s, who wants to enjoy clear vision at ALL distances…with little or no dependence on prescription eyewear. 'Adjustable' Vision is just what it sounds like. Thanks to our new breakthrough ‘Light Adjustable Lens,’ we can now sit down with our patients AFTER surgery and allow them to tell us how much adjustment they would like. Allowing patients to ‘self-direct’ their own visual outcome has been tremendously well-received by patients receiving the Light Adjustable Lens.
HOW DOES THE LIGHT ADJUSTABLE LENS WORK?
The Light Adjustable Lens is the FIRST & ONLY FDA-Approved intraocular lens (IOL) that can be fine-tuned and adjusted after it is implanted in a human eye. The lens is made of a special photosensitive material that can be reshaped in response to ultraviolet light. Typically, 2-3 weeks following surgery, our Light Delivery Device is used to adjust the lens based on the patient’s refraction. Each non-invasive light treatment only takes about 90 seconds and patients are allowed to test their vision options and actually direct the amount of ‘Light Adjustments’ needed after surgery to fine-tune their vision.
WHO IS THE IDEAL LIGHT ADJUSTABLE PATIENT?
Our new lens is ideal for patients who have had previous refractive surgery, like RK or LASIK. This lens is designed for patients who simply want to reduce their dependence on any type of prescription eyewear after age 40.
Once a patient achieves a quality and depth of vision that matches their goals, expectations, and individual lifestyles, the final light treatment is performed to permanently lock in their postoperative vision.
IS THE LIGHT ADJUSTABLE LENS COVERED BY INSURANCE?
Depending on your age and the overall health of your eyes, some portions of the lens implant procedure could be covered by your insurance provider or Medicare. Although fully approved by Medicare, the insurance industry, and the FDA, the Light Adjustable Lens is not a ‘Covered Procedure,’ which means the patient is responsible for at least the lens portion of the procedure. These entities do allow patients to upgrade their vision and simply pay the out-of-pocket expenses associated with any type of lens implant surgical procedure.
WHO WAS THE FIRST PRACTICE IN THE ARK-LA-TEX TO OFFER THE LIGHT ADJUSTABLE LENS?
As with many breakthroughs that have occurred in ophthalmology during the past 40 years, Lusk Eye Specialists was the first.
VETERNARIAN EXPERTS Medical
Dr. Kenneth Pierce VETERINARY VISION CENTER
WHEN DOES MY PET NEED AN EYE EXAM?
Just like in people, it is wise to have your pet’s eyes examined on an annual or biannual basis. Common signs of an ocular issue warranting examination include squinting, tearing, discharge production, changes in the eye color (redness or cloudiness) or changes in sight. If you observe any of these changes in your pet contact us or your primary veterinarian for evaluation.
IS
MY PET COLOR BLIND?
No, your pet is not color blind. They can perceive color similar to humans who have red-green color deficiency. These colors are muted and not as brilliant compared to us viewing these colors.
WHAT ARE THE COMMON EYE PROBLEMS OF CATS AND DOGS?
No, your pet is not color blind. They can perceive color similar to humans who have red-green color deficiency. These colors are muted and not as brilliant compared to us viewing these colors.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT DURING MY PET’S EYE EXAMINATION?
Like when you have your eyes examined by an ophthalmologist, your pet will undergo a visual inspection your pet’s ability to navigate and interact in our hospital environment, thorough evaluation of the eyes, measurement of the tear production, assessment of the intraocular pressure, surface staining for abrasions, and examination of the cornea, lens, and retina using specialized equipment.
HOW CAN I TELL IF MY PET HAS VISION LOSS?
Early recognition of changes in your pet’s sight can aid in preserving or reversing the visual deficits and warding off
VETERINARY VISION CENTER
7700 E Kings Hwy | Shreveport, LA 71115
P: 318-797-5522 | F: 318-797-1857 veterinaryvisioncenter.com veterinaryvisioncenter@gmail.com
permanent blindness. Signs of vision loss include hesitance or reluctance to move in unfamiliar environments or in certain light settings, changes in behavior, and worst-case scenario bumping into objects.
CAN MY PET DEVELOP CATARACTS AND WHAT CAN BE DONE FOR THEM?
Cataracts are a common cause of visual disturbances in our pets and can develop from various causes at any stage of life. Typically, cataracts appear as white opacities within the eye, behind the iris. If the opacity completely fills the lens, then significant visual deficits will become apparent. Cataract surgery and replacement with an artificial intraocular lens is one of the main ways of resolving this problem and restoring your pet’s sight.
HOW CAN I PREVENT EYE PROBLEMS IN MY PET?
Preventative care begins with being observant of your pet’s normal behavior and appearance of their eyes and level of sight. Acting quickly and contacting us or your primary veterinarian when an ocular issue arises. And pursuing regular eye exams,maintaining good facial hygiene, and protecting your pet from injuries.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF MY PET HAS AN EYE INJURY?
Contact us immediately at 318-797-5522 to schedule an examination appointment. If it is an ocular emergency, please reach us on our emergency phone at 318-393-7033.
ABE FAST and Save a Life
stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, depriving brain cells of oxygen and nutrients. This results in brain cell death and affects motor skills, coordination and speech.
Know the major signs and symptoms of a stroke is by using the acronym
BE FAST:
•Balance – Sudden loss of balance, dizziness or issues with walking.
•Eyes – Sudden vision impairment or eyes deviating to one side.
•Face – Sudden face numbness or drooping.
•Arms – Sudden numbness or weakness in one arm or side of the body.
•Speech – Sudden slurring or speech or trouble speaking and understanding speech.
•Time – If a person is showing the previous symptoms, call 911 immediately.
Other warning signs can include a severe headache and confusion, but the symptoms previously listed are most common and recognizable, especially when appearing together.
A little-known fact about stroke is that it’s often preventable! Establishing healthy habits and managing risk factors early can make all the difference. Here are some examples of lifestyle changes that cab reduce the risk of stroke:
•Maintaining a healthy diet and weight.
•Engaging in regular exercise.
•Refraining from smoking or quitting smoking as soon as possible.
•Manage blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
Everyone needs to see their primary care physician at least once a year, but for those with high risk factors of stroke it is imperative to maintain a regular checkup schedule. Early detection and treatment of these factors can significantly lower the risk of having a stroke. Stroke can have a devastating impact, but recognizing symptoms and acting quickly can improve outcomes and ultimately save lives.
Leading the way in neurosurgery and stroke care
PLASTIC SURGERY
Understanding Facial Aging and Modern Rejuvenation Techniques
Double Board Certified Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery bundrickplasticsurgery.com
Facial aging is a natural process influenced by genetics, lifestyle, and environmental factors. Over time, the skin loses elasticity, facial volume diminishes, and wrinkles and sagging become more pronounced. While aging is inevitable, advancements in cosmetic procedures have made it possible to restore a youthful appearance through treatments such as facelifts, fat grafting, and laser resurfacing.
THE ROLE OF A FACELIFT, BROWLIFT, LIP LIFT, AND BLEPHAROPLASTY
A facelift, or rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure designed to lift and tighten sagging facial tissues. As the skin and underlying structures lose their firmness, deep folds form, particularly around the cheeks, jawline, and neck. The eyebrows can sag and block vision or give a sad appearance. Upper and lower eyelids also age, leaving sagging skin and “eyebags”. A facelift addresses these concerns by repositioning underlying muscles, removing excess skin, and restoring a smoother, firmer facial contour. Modern facelift techniques, such as the deep-plane or SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) facelift, offer more natural results by targeting deeper layers of facial tissue. The eyebrows can be repositioned in a natural arch with multiple techniques to choose from based on your hairline and forehead height. Upper and lower eyelid surgery gives a fresh and youthful appearance without “changing your look”. While face rejuvenation surgery is highly effective for reducing sagging, they do not restore lost volume, which is where fat grafting comes into play
FAT GRAFTING: RESTORING VOLUME NATURALLY
Fat grafting, or fat transfer, is a technique that replenishes lost facial volume by using the patient’s own fat cells. As people age, they experience volume loss in the cheeks, temples, and under the eyes, contributing to a hollowed, aged appearance. In this procedure, fat is harvested from areas like the abdomen or thighs, purified, and strategically injected into the face to restore fullness. Unlike synthetic fillers, fat grafting offers longlasting results since the transferred fat integrates with existing tissues. This technique is often combined with facelifts to enhance overall facial rejuvenation by addressing both sagging and volume loss.
LASER RESURFACING FOR SKIN RENEWAL
Laser resurfacing is the icing on the cake for a non-surgical approach to improving skin texture and tone. It works by removing damaged outer layers of skin and stimulating collagen production, which enhances skin elasticity and reduces fine lines, wrinkles, and pigmentation issues. CO2 lasers are the most commonly used and most trusted laser for safe
Paige BUNDRICK
and effective resurfacing. The CO2 laser providing deepest penetration for more significant results. Laser treatments are particularly beneficial for refining the skin after a facelift or fat grafting, ensuring a more youthful and refreshed appearance.
By combining these procedures, patients can achieve comprehensive facial rejuvenation, addressing sagging, volume loss, and skin texture concerns. Consulting with a qualified plastic surgeon can help determine the best approach for individual needs, leading to natural-looking and long-lasting results.
WHAT DO MOST PEOPLE COME TO YOUR CLINIC SEEKING HELP FOR?
I treat a variety of conditions, mostly related to the spine, muscles, and joints. Some of the most common ones include:
Back pain – Especially lower back pain.
Neck pain – Including pain from poor posture or whiplash.
Headaches – Particularly tension headaches and migraines.
Sciatica – Pain that radiates from the lower back down to the legs.
Joint pain – In areas like the shoulders, hips, and knees.
Sports injuries – Sprains, strains, and other athletic injuries.
Carpal tunnel syndrome – Numbness or pain in the wrists and hands.
Scoliosis – Abnormal curvature of the spine.
I use spinal adjustments, exercises, and lifestyle advice to help treat these issues .
WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT BEING A CHIROPRACTOR?
Ryan Bates, D.C. BATES CHIROPRACTIC
The ability to help people improve their quality of life without the need for surgery or medication. I find it rewarding to see my patients experience relief from pain, regain mobility, and feel better overall. There's also a strong sense of satisfaction in building long-term relationships with my patients, guiding them toward better health through holistic approaches, and being able to make a tangible difference in their well-being. .
(318) 220-8753 8610 B Fern Ave Shreveport, LA 71105
From routine checkups to high-risk pregnancies, trust CHRISTUS Health in Shreveport-Bossier to guide you every step of the way. Enjoy the comfort of private birthing suites, access to lactation consultants and peace of mind with a Level III NICU for specialized care if needed. We accept CHRISTUS Health Plan and most
You’re free to live your life out loud! Because you’ve got the compassion of the cross, the security of the shield, and the comfort of Blue behind you.
01MK2770 01/25
Southern Sophistication:
Where Legacy Meets Luxury
In the gentle embrace of Shreveport’s pine-scented breeze, where tradition whispers through a blend of live oaks and pine trees. A new chapter in Southern living is being written at Whispering Path. Here, in the admired Southern Trace community, homebuilder Parrish Ramsey isn’t just constructing houses—she’s crafting legacies, one beautifully crafted home at a time.
“There’s something different about building a home in this neighborhood,” Parrish’s voice carrying the quiet confidence of someone who’s transformed from a nurse to one of Shreveport’s most discerning builders. “It’s not just about the structure—it’s about creating spaces where memories take root and flourish.”
A Tale of Transformation
Parrish’s journey from hospital corridors to construction sites might raise eyebrows at first glance, but watching her move through one of her homes— pointing out subtle design choices with the same precision she once used to check vital signs—you quickly understand the connection. After returning to Shreveport in 2003 with her newborn daughter Carmen, she found herself drawn to the art of home building, a passion that had quietly taken root while watching her parents craft their own homes over the years.
“I built my first house in 2005 in the Wisteria area of Southern Trace,” Parrish recalls, a smile playing at the corners of her mouth. “My parents, Joanne and Johnson Ramsey, had built a couple of their personal homes
and helped get me started. Sometimes I think that nursing background gives me a different perspective—it’s all about attention to detail and caring for people’s needs.”
That nursing background, it turns out, was the perfect foundation for her future in construction. The parallels between patient care and home building are striking—both requiring meticulous attention to detail, strong problem-solving skills, and most importantly, a deep understanding of human needs. “In nursing, you learn to listen—really listen—to what people are telling you,” Parrish explains. “You develop an intuition for what they need, even when they might not be able to articulate it themselves. Building homes isn’t so different.”
This holistic approach is evident in every project she undertakes. Just as a nurse must consider
how various treatments will interact with each other, Parrish evaluates how different elements of a home will work together— from the flow of spaces to the interplay of materials and light. “My medical background taught me to think systematically,” she says. “Everything in a home is connected, just like everything in the human body is connected. When one element is out of balance, it affects the whole system.”
Architectural Poetry
This blend of medical precision and human-centered care is nowhere more evident than in Parrish’s latest masterpiece at 10913 Whispering Path. Walking through the front door feels like being welcomed into a story that’s both timeless and thoroughly modern. When asked about her approach to this project, she pauses thoughtfully
before responding, her eyes taking in the space around her.
“Every home tells a story,” she says. “The question is how compelling do you want that story to be?” The answer, in this case, is very compelling indeed.
The home rises from its lot like a verse of architectural poetry—each line deliberately crafted, each detail thoughtfully considered. The façade, a masterful composition of refined brick and sophisticated detailing, manages to feel both timeless and thoroughly modern, a feat that’s harder to achieve than it looks.
Inside, the home unfolds with the grace of a wellchoreographed dance. The open-concept living spaces flow seamlessly into one another, while strategically placed windows capture views of the manicured landscape beyond. The kitchen, a symphony of quartzite countertops and custom cabinetry, strikes that elusive balance between showpiece and sanctuary. A
professional-grade gas range anchors the space, while a generously sized island, topped with pristine quartzite, provides both a gathering spot and additional prep space.
“I believe in building kitchens that make you want to linger,” Parrish explains. “We chose these quartzite countertops not just for their beauty, but for their durability. The custom cabinetry isn’t just about storage—it’s about creating a space that works for how people really live. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just enjoying your morning coffee, these spaces should feel like they’re embracing you.”
Details That Whisper
Throughout the home, Parrish’s attention to detail reveals itself in quiet ways. The master suite, more retreat than bedroom, offers a sanctuary from the world outside. The en-suite bathroom, with its freestanding soaking tub
and oversized walk-in shower, features dual vanities topped with designer fixtures that catch the light like jewelry. The custom-designed closet space offers a level of organization that brings peace to the morning routine. “I think about how people will move through these spaces at different times of day,” she explains. “The morning rush to get ready for work, the evening wind-down routine—every moment should feel considered and cared for.”
In the secondary bedrooms, each with its own well-appointed bathroom, the same level of thoughtful design continues. “Every room should feel special,” Parrish notes. “Even spaces that guests might never see are finished to the same exacting standards.”
The wide-plank white oak flooring flows throughout the home, creating a seamless transition between spaces. Architectural lighting fixtures serve as both functional elements and works of art, while
the carefully chosen neutral palette provides a sophisticated backdrop for any design style.
Another detail that sets Parrish’s homes apart isn’t just their aesthetic appeal— it’s her commitment to the local community. In an age of global supply chains, she has deliberately chosen to work with local vendors and subcontractors.
“I’m big on using local vendors and subcontractors,” she emphasizes. “A lot of them I’ve worked with since the beginning. When you build these relationships, there’s a level of trust and quality that you just can’t get otherwise. My right-hand man, Cippy, manages our projects on site day-to-day. He’s a jack of all trades, and honestly, I couldn’t do this without him.”
A Community Within a Community
10913 Whispering Path sits within Southern Trace like a jewel in a carefully crafted setting. The community, with its championship golf course and pedestrian-friendly streets, represents a return to the principles of traditional neighborhood design. Here, front porches aren’t just architectural features—they’re invitations to connection.
The home’s outdoor spaces reflect this community-minded approach. A covered patio, complete with a built-in grill and fireplace, blurs the line between indoor and outdoor living. It’s easy to imagine lazy Sunday afternoons stretching into evening gatherings, the space alive with the sound of laughter and clinking glasses.
The neighborhood itself seems to exhale a collective sigh of contentment as evening approaches. Residents stroll past on their after-dinner walks, offering warm waves to neighbors relaxing on their front porches. This is exactly the kind of community connection Parrish envisioned when she chose this location.
A Legacy in the Making
As the sun sets over Southern Trace, casting long shadows across Whispering Path, it’s clear that what Parrish has created here is more than just another luxury home. It’s a testament to the power of transformation— both personal and architectural. From her early days as a nurse to her current role as one of Shreveport’s premier builders, Parrish has maintained the same dedication to care and attention to detail that marked her first career.
“When you’ve built and remodeled homes in areas from South Shreveport to Cross Lake
over to North Bossier, you learn that every home has its own personality,” she reflects. “At the end of the day, building homes is about improving people’s lives. Whether it’s through thoughtful design, quality materials, or spaces that bring people together, every choice we make is in service of that goal.”
For those fortunate enough to call Whispering Path home, those choices have resulted in a residence that doesn’t just shelter, it elevates. In a world of mass production and quick turnarounds, Parrish has created something increasingly rare—a home with a soul, built by local hands, designed for modern living, and rooted in Southern tradition.
It’s more than a house—it’s a masterclass in Southern sophistication, where legacy meets luxury, and every detail tells a story of excellence, craftsmanship, and the transformative power of coming home.
• 1,300 sq.ft. • 4 Large Offices • One X-Large Conference Room / Owner’s Office
• $1,750/mo with One Year Contract Minimum
• Utilities Included
• Free Parking
By Kevin Hinson
Feel the Need...
Defenders of Liberty Air Show
September 11, 2001, the 2nd Bomb Wing was called upon to spearhead the “War on Terror,” dropping the first bombs in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and flying over 150 combat sorties in Operation Iraqi Freedom (and locals will remember that President George W. Bush landed at Barksdale that day as a safe haven after leaving a school in Florida where he had been). The 2nd Bomb Wing also played a pivotal role as recently as Operation Inherent Resolve, and today, Colonel Maginness insists they can “hold almost any target at risk anywhere in the world within 18 hours.” The B-52 (which Colonel Maginness calls “the greatest aircraft ever made in the history of the world”) is obviously Barksdale’s bread and butter that we have been utilizing all these decades. Production began on the B-52 at Boeing’s Wichita, Kansas plant in 1952 (thus the “52” designation) and was produced through 1962. A total of 744 were built. Only 76 are left, with the majority at Barksdale and another squadron at Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota under the 5th Bomb Wing. These thoroughbreds aren’t going anywhere anytime soon, though: the Colonel says they “will easily stay at the frontline of warfare well past 2050.” The Air Force equivalent school to the Navy’s Top Gun is called the “U.S. Air Force Weapons School,” headquartered at Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas, Nevada, (Colonel Maginness himself was a graduate and instructor at the school), and the B-52 division of that school is right here at Barksdale.
Which brings us to this year’s show. The show will take place on March 29th and 30th, a Saturday and Sunday, admission and parking are free, and gates will open at 9 a.m. Some things have remained the same, but some things are new this year; there will be some familiar performers, as well as new ones, but Colonel Maginness wants to remain coy on some surprises, as well as the man helping organize the show on the Barksdale side of things, Captain Miller Trant (call sign “Gator”). Both B-52 pilots, the two are clearly enthused about the air show and couldn’t be more pleased or grateful at the public’s support and the chance to give back to the local community. “We are really excited here at the 2nd Bomb Wing and Barksdale Air Force Base to host this for Bossier, Shreveport, and really the northwest Louisiana Ark-La-Tex area. Barksdale...quite frankly, it’s a national treasure. We are honored to be the host installation for Air Force Global Strike Command. Pretty much the entire U.S. Air Force portfolio of the nuclear triad, as well as a significant portion of nuclear command and control is headquartered or managed in some form or fashion here at Barksdale. So, with that, we have a great story to tell, and we love this opportunity to showcase it to our outstanding mission partners in Shreveport and Bossier, because really one of the secrets that makes this base work is just the incredible community partnerships that we have” says Colonel Maginness. He further calls the air show an “investment in our future...I can guarantee you people will join the Air Force in their future based on what they see during
the Defenders of Liberty Air Show.” Maginness himself decided as an elementary school child to join the Air Force one day when he sat in the cockpit of an F4 Phantom for five minutes. “That’s the type of return on investment that we see from these air shows,” he confirms. Recruiting is actually the Department of Defense’s primary goal behind air shows, and to a potential Air Force recruit, Maginness says, “It’s worth it.”
The Thunderbirds will be buzzing the tower at this year’s show. If you’ve ever wondered why some performers come some years but not others, Captain Trant explains: “It’s all done by the ACC (Air Combat Command)... Thunderbirds are part of ACC, it’s just a matter of their scheduling that they go through, their scheduling process to allocate those different demo teams to air shows all over the world, not just the U.S.” Furthermore, an organization called the International Council of Air Shows (ICAS) holds a conference in Las Vegas every year, which Captain Trant attended last December, and “that’s really where a lot of the demo teams, including Thunderbirds, Blue Angels and all the single-ship demo teams, get awarded, and we find out there. I was sitting in the seats...finding out what demo teams, if we were getting the Golden Knights or not, and we were awarded the Golden Knights... it’s a great experience and it’s just all run through that conference there. It’s random as far as I know, and it’s based off of who applies for them, and where they rack and stack that list all up at a much higher level than we’re at right now.” On a positive note for us, Captain Trant says, “I will say, every single person I have talked to, whether it be performer or static, they have said that their favorite air show has been Barksdale, and they all want to come back.” Colonel Maginness piggybacked on that and said, “We have multiple performers that have chosen to come here instead of going to a beautiful island in Florida,” referencing an air show in Key West at a similar time. Captain Trant is working with a team to help organize the show that includes the Shreveport Bossier Military Affairs Council (or MAC for short) on the civilian side. The MAC is a local civilian advocacy group that works to serve as the primary liaison between the Barksdale and civilian communities. Their president, Trey Giglio, had this to say about the air show: "The MAC is excited to partner with Barksdale Air Force Base once again to produce the Defenders of Liberty Air Show. This event is a great recruitment tool for the Air Force and for our region. We are excited to showcase everything Barksdale offers from national security to a $1 billion annual economic impact on our region. We look forward to hosting nearly 200,000 visitors to our area for air show weekend to stay in our hotels and dine in our restaurants. This is a great opportunity for the Shreveport-Bossier community."
Colonel Maginness says, “This is going to be an outstanding air show. It’s going to be different than any we’ve ever done here before. We’re going to keep some surprises in our hip pocket.” While the Thunderbirds do
headline the show, other military demos include the C-17, the KC-135 and KC-46, with the KC-46 demo being the first ever demonstration of the KC-46 in history. Officially titled the Boeing KC-46 Pegasus, the KC-46 is replacing the KC-135 Stratotanker as the Air Force’s primary refueling aircraft of choice and was only introduced into service in the Air Force in 2019. As far as civilian performers, Captain Trant says, “We’ve got the Red Bull Air Force...so we’ve got Kevin Coleman (a Louisiana Tech graduate) and his Extra 300, we have Aaron Fitzgerald with his helicopter that...does stuff a helicopter should not be able to do. We have the Red Bull jump team with them. We’ve got GhostWriter Nathan Hammond (not to be confused with “Ghostrider,” whose pattern was full), he does a really cool pyro show where he has fireworks literally attached to his airplane and he’ll shoot them off while he’s flying. We’ve got the Army Flying Museum, with a swathe of different Vietnam era paint jobs on their helicopters. They do a demo, kind of Vietnam era, with a bunch of other statics and performers.” Mr. Randy Ball, who flies a Mig-17, will also be back, but he’s one of the attractions the Colonel remains reticent on because it involves another first ever feat for an air show.
The air show isn’t just a refreshing slice of Americana, but also an economic boon to our area. Attendance is regularly between the 150,000-200,000 mark over the course of the show, with many attendees coming from out of town and even out of state. Numbers for the 2023 air show estimate a $9.6 million overall economic impact to the area, with the first day of the show showing the 11th highest hotel occupancy rating of that year. Visitor spending grew overall by 9% that weekend, and visitors from New Orleans (who has an annual air show at NASJRB, or Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans) increased by over 50% (likewise in 2024), and
visitors from Little Rock by 33%. Outdoor recreation spending shows the biggest increase of all categories for the area at 176%, and other categories show increases as well, including a 14% increase for retail in the area. Data shows the bulk of visitors visit the East Bank in Bossier, the Southern Loop and Provenance areas, and the rural areas surrounding south Bossier. According to some outside visitors, the novelty of a bomber base air show is what convinces them to make the trek. Los Angeles has “Tinseltown,” Vegas has gambling, New Orleans has Mardi Gras...we’ve got bombs.
So whether you’ve got thirty plus years of service with combat medals and citations, or you’ve never been to an air show, come out to support your men and women in uniform and see the best of what your taxpayer dollars fund. Our local base has played a larger role in U.S. military history than most of us know, and it is a base to be proud of. Entire nations have depended on what Barksdale has to offer, and we can be proud of our contribution to America’s military might.
Men IN BUSINESS
come in all shapes and sizes, with diverse educational backgrounds and varying levels of expertise. However, they all share one common trait: a strong desire to succeed. But how do they measure their success? It is often by the impact they have on the lives of the people around them.
GET IN TOUCH
GET IN TOUCH
JULIE EDWARDS
SHINING A LIGHT ON LOCAL THEATER
BY CASEY ALLEN
When I go see a show at Shreveport Little Theatre or Emmett Hook Center, I’m blown away by the talented actors we have in Shreveport/ Bossier. We also have a lot of great, behind-the-scenes crews that make those actors look good. Julie Edwards is head of the crew that is shining a light on our local talent and making them pop.
Edwards is the Lighting Designer at Shreveport Little Theatre and at Emmett Hook Center. She also helps at Eastbank Theatre every now and then. She and Richard Folmer actually did the first show at Eastbank, and it has been off to the races for her ever since. She has done around 400 total shows in our area.
“Without the lights, you don’t have a show,” says Edwards, who has been building shows since college. She went to Louisiana Tech for a year before graduating from Northeast Louisiana University (now ULM) with a bachelor's degree in Broadcasting and a master’s degree in communications with an emphasis in Theater.
“At Northeast we had to go through every program as a student, from being
on stage to making the costumes and running the lights,” says Edwards. “I fell in love with the lighting.”
She began as a follow spot operator before working her way up to lighting designer.
Most theatergoers aren’t thinking about the light board operator or the sound board operator when they take in a performance, but a lot of work goes into building a show.
“I try to involve a lot of color and side lighting,” says Edwards. “I go to rehearsals, and I watch the show. I write down in the script where I want certain things.”
“I have to see what the costumes look like, and I have to wait until the set gets painted to see if the colors we’re using are going
to coincide. I’m there to make everyone look good.”
Edwards says they have a production meeting before each show. “Then I come up with some brainy ideas,” says Edwards. “Coming up with different designs and colors keeps it fun.”
One show where she got to have some fun was It’s a Wonderful Life at Shreveport Little Theatre. “I knew there was a water scene. In my mind I am going, ‘How am I going to make a reflection on his face?’ I love thinking outside the box.”
Edwards has also designed some fun shows at Marjorie Lyons Playhouse at Centenary College, where she got her teaching degree. “We did a show once with a pirate ship, and the director wanted me to make it look like the ship was moving,” Edwards says. “I always just
say ‘yes’, and then I figure it out later.”
“I aimed fans at these baby pools on stage, and it made it look like the ship was moving.”
Oh, the mystique of live theater.
“Another fun one was when we did South Pacific because I got to make it rain on stage,” says Edwards. “I ran a pipe connected to a motor for that one.”
When Edwards did The Miracle Worker, her daughter, Gretchen, was playing Helen Keller. Edwards says she particularly enjoyed that one. There was a functioning water well on stage that pumped water, and Edwards was in charge of how much water to put in the container for each performance.
“Everything that is electrical on stage is me,” says Edwards. “Have I been shocked? Many times.” Edwards has even fallen off a 50-foot ladder while changing out lights in the audience. “I kind of rode the ladder down, and then I just jumped into the seats out in the audience,” she says. “I was fine.”
In addition to light design, Julie Edwards is also in her final year of teaching at Parkway High School. She retires in May. “44 years I’ve been there, including the 4 years I was a student,” she says.
You can check out Julie’s upcoming work at SLT starting March 14th with 13: The Musical and 9 to 5 in April. Don’t worry. She’ll leave the light on for you.
BRAIN MATTERS No More Baby Brain
By Donesa Walker, Board Certified Cognitive Specialist
“I JUST CANNOT REMEMBER WHY I AM IN THIS ROOM!”
“I THINK I HAVE DEVELOPED ADHD!”
“MY BRAIN IS JUST LOSING IT, LIKE IT IS ON LOAN TO MY KIDS!”
“IS IT COVID? FLU?
WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME? THE FATIGUE AND BRAIN FOG...,”
These are just a few things women experience as they hit the hormone fluctuations in life. Stress, anxiety, hot flashes, mood swings and so much more on top of the memory loss or forgetfulness seems overwhelming. These are the truths and symptoms behind perimenopause and menopause. For too long, these things were swept under the rug or shrugged off as midlife crises when there is a very real reason and interventions to assist with this cycle of life.
Truth: it doesn't occur just in women! Ouch! Yes, men have hormonal cycles too that affect their lifestyle and lifespan. It is time to understand what the issue is and how it can be addressed without keeping our head in the sand!
Perimenopause for men" is often referred to as "andropause" or "peri andropause" which describes the period of fluctuating hormone levels, primarily testosterone, that men experience as they age, leading to symptoms similar to those women experience during perimenopause, like fatigue, mood swings, low sex drive, and erectile dysfunction; essentially, it's the male version of perimenopause, although the biological process is different.
Perimenopause/periandrpause can cause cognitive changes, such as memory loss and brain fog, due to declining estrogen and testosterone levels. These changes can impact daily life, making it difficult to concentrate, plan, or remember things.
Good to Know
Ronald McDonald House ShreveportBossier Exceeds $9 million in its “Where
Hope Has A
Home” Campaign
Spine & Pain Specialists Offers Breakthrough Chronic Low Back Pain Treatment
David Hirsch, MD, at Spine & Pain Specialists offers a solution to Chronic lower back pain. Intracept, the minimally invasive, outpatient procedure has clinically proven to offer pain relief to those who suffer from debilitating chronic low back pain. It targets the basivertebral nerve in the spine and uses radiofrequency energy (heat) to disable the nerve. The Intracept procedure is performed using moderate
or general anesthesia and takes between 15 minutes to an hour. A small, specialized probe is inserted into the vertebrae and ablates the nerve, making it unable to transmit pain signals from the spine to the brain. Treatment is available to patients who have had chronic low back pain for more than six months and have not received adequate relief through less invasive procedures such as epidurals. Dr. Hirsch says. “It can help improve quality of life greatly. It’s a game changer.” Back pain is one of the most common medical problems worldwide. It affects roughly 16 million American adults and 619 million people worldwide. Back pain is the single leading cause of disability, preventing many people from engaging in work as well as other everyday activities.
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Arkansas & North Louisiana (RMHCAR-NLA) was excited to end 2024 with $9.2 million donated for its Where Hope Has a Home capital campaign to build the first Ronald McDonald House in Northwest Louisiana. Every dollar raised goes toward building the Ronald McDonald House Shreveport-Bossier, which is set to open in August of this year.
Initially, Fibrebond made a direct contribution to Ronald McDonald House of $400,000. In December, Fibrebond made a second commitment of $600,000 with a match challenge which raised an additional $1.2 million. Total, Fibrebond helped raise $1.6 million toward the first Ronald McDonald House in Northwest Louisiana.
In December, over $350,000 in donations
from individual supporters in the community were received. To ensure the full $600,000 was reached, Willis Knighton Health stepped in to contribute the final dollars, gaining a total of $1.2 million for the campaign in the last month and putting us over the $9 million mark.
Shreveport Auto Dealer Awards Vehicle to Local Family
Local auto dealer Mark Hebert has partnered with the National Auto Dealers Association (NADA) and Vehicles for Change awarded a 2013 Ford Taurus to Shreveport resident Harmony Alexander at a special event held on Monday. This event celebrated Alexander, a 21-year-old single mother, as she received a reliable vehicle that will provide her with new opportunities for independence and success. The Vehicles for Change program has awarded over 8,000 cars to worthy families since 1999. Alexander was selected through their program and will pay just $950 for the vehicle, financed through a 12-month loan from a local bank. She will also receive a six-month/6,000-mile warranty, helping her build financial independence and
a positive credit history.
Mark Hebert, a secondgeneration dealer with locations in Shreveport, Minden, and Natchitoches, donated the vehicle and covered all costs associated with refurbishing and awarding it.
“Transportation is one of the most valuable assets a family can have,” said Hebert. “Not only does it help with day-today needs, but it also opens doors to new opportunities for success. We take great pride in helping families achieve this kind of independence.”
CHRISTUS Health
Bossier Emergency Hospital Celebrates Seven Years of Service to Community
CHRISTUS Health is celebrating the seventh anniversary of its Bossier Emergency Medical Hospital, providing the community with timely and compassionate emergent care. ” We are extremely proud of the compassionate and dignified care we are able to provide to our community with this emergency hospital,” said Dr. Ryan Brown, emergency room director of CHRISTUS Bossier Emergency Medical Hospital. “We’re able to provide short-stay inpatient rooms, outpatient labs, and diagnostic imaging, which are all essential for ensuring our patients receive timely diagnoses and treatments without the need for prolonged hospital stays.” The hospital includes a satellite clinic
of the CHRISTUS Cancer Treatment Center that is adjacent to the hospital on Viking Drive. This clinic provides convenient access for oncology care, chemotherapy and other infusion therapy services. “We are committed to providing the Bossier community with the care they need and deserve,” said Varnadore. “We are extremely proud of the team we have who standby to provide the best care to those we are so blessed to serve.”
CIC
announces new STRIKEWERX director, deputy Cyber Innovation Center (CIC), the catalyst for
building a knowledge-based workforce in northwest Louisiana, is pleased to announce the promotion of Russ Mathers and the hiring of William Weiford. In his new role as STRIKEWERX director, Mathers will oversee the CIC’s partnership with Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) and continue to guide its technology transfer and transition efforts as the innovation partner for the AFGSC Office of the Chief Scientist.
Mathers is taking over for retiring director Jeff Beene, who helped establish STRIKEWERX and was instrumental in the CIC’s innovation efforts. Mathers completed 27 years of active duty with the U.S. Air Force, with roles as a
B-52 pilot, B-2 pilot, U.S. Strategic Command nuclear operations planner, and Chief of Combat Plans in US Air Forces, Korea. He retired as the Chief of Staff for Eighth Air Force. He then served five years in federal civil service as Executive Director of AFGSC/A6 and the Air Force Nuclear Command, Control and Communications Center. Weiford fills the vacant role created by Mathers’ promotion. As deputy director, he will focus on spearheading new projects, leading the STRIKEWERX team’s commitment to rapidly create solutions that directly benefit the warfighter and aid in revitalizing the Air Force nuclear enterprise.
In the south, football is king when it comes to sports, but futbol is still fighting for a place. For the last few years, Shreveport has had a semi-pro soccer team called the Blue Goose SC (Soccer Club). They played at Airline High School as part of the USL League Two, a semi-pro soccer league that is spread across the United States and Canada and headquartered in Tampa. The USL League Two is divided into four conferences and eighteen regional divisions, and the Blue Goose team played in the Mid-South Division. Well, last July, the Blue Goose team ended, but the idea didn’t. They are being rebranded with new ownership and a new team name but will still be playing their games at Airline High School as part of the Mid-South division beginning in May of this year.
futbol RAIDERS
While the new ownership is spread across several partners, Ryan Wheeler has been voted in as the new president and he and his wife Kelly (currently the head of P.E. at Providence Christian Academy) are the new president and directors of Red River FC. Officially called the “Red River Futbol Club” now, the “Raiders” are one part of the Red River FC, the semi-pro team of the club, which is essentially “all-star college” according to Ryan. There is also a youth development arm of the club. “Think the Mudbugs... translate that concept and model to soccer, it’s the same thing” he says. “17-24-yearold kids, trying to either make it into college or get scholarships, or they already are...and then make it up the pyramid. It’s a feeder into MLS. So, these are going to be guys from Europe, local guys, United States guys...they’re either in college now, looking to maintain, and stay playing high-level soccer in their college’s offseason.” These players are not paid (thus
the “semi-pro” designation), because that would violate their NCAA eligibility if they collected a paycheck. “If the word gets out we’ve got good players, MLS scouts, or the next level up in the soccer pyramid come and will scout for them.” The next level up from USL2 is USL1, and then more until finally ending up in the MLS. The higher up in the levels players go, the bigger the markets get, and players start getting paid. On January 31st, USL2 officially announced the Red River FC as the newest club to the league on their website. Joel Nash, the Senior Vice President of Youth and Pre-Professional Properties at USL2 had this to say about Red River FC: “We’re incredibly excited to welcome such a passionate group to our league. Shreveport and Bossier City have a great soccer community, and we’re happy to welcome a club that prioritizes that community.” This is a meaningful organization to get an endorsement from because of the pathway to pro soccer it gives, which gives
Red River FC the distinction of being “...the only path to pro soccer in northwest Louisiana. About 60-70% from what I understand that are in the MLS started out in USL2. So that’s where you start, and then you work your way up,” Ryan explains. While the USL2 consists of 100+ teams, (“and a lot more are coming” Ryan adds), the only other USL2 team in Louisiana is in Lafayette and is called the Louisiana Krewe FC. There are no USL1 teams in Louisiana.
When the Raiders play in the middle of summer, arena football (a brand-new venture at Hirsch Coliseum called the Shreveport Rouxgaroux whose season runs from February to the end of May) will be over, nor will the Mudbugs be playing. Meanwhile this team will be May-July. Tickets are likely to be in the $12-15 range and go on sale in March. There will be tryouts for the team, in case a would-be player is not in the pre-collegecollege-post-college pipeline
but wants a chance at their soccer dreams. Tryouts will be on April 5th, with callbacks on April 6th, also at Airline High School’s football field. Potential walk-ons must be at least 17 years old. In total, Ryan is looking to recruit about 30 players. Games will be held at 7 p.m. at Airline to help mitigate the effect of the heat, while practices will be held at Tinsley Field (the sports complex on Shed Road in Bossier) from 9 a.m. to noon. The schedule will consist of 12 games total, which equates to about one a week (with playoffs extending into July) and will be released on the team’s website, but at the time of this writing, was not yet posted.
But Red River FC is looking to do more than just win games. “It’s not a moneymaker at all. But I think it’s a great opportunity to get high-level soccer out there again, build the community, grow soccer, another way to develop it...what the Mudbugs are doing, we plan to do the same kind of thing. Theme nights, family fun, it’s all about the kids, and it’s all about family fun and entertainment value. Soccer is of course the draw, but the kids and the families will come for ‘did we have a good time, was it safe, did my kids enjoy it?’ There’s a youth development arm of what we’re doing. We’re partnering with Airline Baptist and Cypress Baptist to help build youth development camps. We’re kind of focusing on soccer development for youth (at their sports complexes). Those are our respective churches, Airline for the Trewetts, and then we’re at Cypress Baptist. Just kind of...you bloom where you’re planted. We’re doing youth development there. We’re not building competitive teams...that might be something down the road, but it’s just every four months or something, do camps for kids, just kind of start building soccer communities so they can get more experience.” Ryan says these efforts are similar to what Cumbrealta in south Bossier and Cabosa does, which are soccer-oriented ministries in the area.
While this team may not be expected to be a “moneymaker,” it does still cost money. All the owners (almost a dozen) maintain regular jobs in addition to their operating this team. In addition to buying the
Raider’s Founders Ryan Wheeler, Kelly Wheeler, Bryan Turner, Jennifer Trewett and Nick Trewett.
futbol RAIDERS
Blue Goose team, they cannot use Airline High School’s field free of charge as per a parish decision, so all are taking a leap of faith with their ownership stakes. “We hope we can offset that with tickets, merch, and partnerships, people that want to jump on board, donations and that kind of thing,” Ryan says. These partnerships he speaks of are multi-tiered; nine different packages are available, and each provides a progressively higher level of benefits with the package. Some packages have limited availability while others are unlimited. The toptier partnership, a “Platinum” partner, is only available to one partner and costs $15k. After that, there is “Gold” partner for $10k, “Silver” partner for $8k and “Bronze” partner for $6k. All these only have one available
for purchase. A “Copper” partnership is available to up to 10 partners for $3k. “Support” partners are the only unlimited partners, and those are $1,500 a piece. “Food” partners are $750 and have 6 available, while “Ultimate Fan” partners, with six available, and “Youth Camp” partners with 16 available, round out the partnership offerings at $500 a piece. The partnerships are limited because the benefits include things with limited space or availability, like placement of a logo on jerseys (there is front and center as well as lower back and upper back), gameday programs, the team’s website, or field stadium signage being placed in high-visibility areas. Other benefits include things like in-game announcements, access to coaches and players, social media posts,
complimentary tickets or a logo on the electronic marquee. Red River FC is currently awaiting approval for 501(c)(3) status as a non-profit, with no expected issues in the approval process. As the Mudbugs do, the Raiders will be looking for host families for players considering they could come from anywhere and everywhere. Since the players are not paid, they often do need places to stay for free, and this gives a family hosting a player a tax write off for the room and board they provide them as a charitable contribution. Donations to the club will also be considered tax write offs as if a charitable contribution. Information regarding the team will soon be available on the team’s own website which is currently in the development process.
But Ryan and his friends and fellow owners have taken the first plunge with this team. They clearly believe in the project and the sport and see the big picture beyond what happens on the field. Soccer is something of an upstart in America, but this team feels like part of an upstart city and region. It is clearly a great opportunity for young people who want to play in the sport, as one is not limited to the traditional high schoolcollege-pro trajectory. If you’re a local whose dream is to play professional soccer regardless of what path you have or have not taken previously, you could one day walk onto Airline’s field with a dream, and the next onto an MLS field. That’s the path to a dream this team brings...not bad for Shreveport-Bossier.
Discover the SBC
you ever ventured into afamiliar area of Shreveport-Bossier, only to discover something you’ve never noticed before? It’s where you shop, dine, and do business—the heart of your daily life. Each month, SB Magazine takes you on a journey to uncover the hidden gems of the SBC, showcasing the best businesses, restaurants, playgrounds, and shopping spots. Our goal is to help you explore and appreciate the vibrant
This month, we shine a spotlight on Red River Range—Louisiana’s premier indoor shooting and training facility, tailored for both beginners and seasoned experts. With Louisiana’s only 100-yard indoor rifle lane and 16 pistol lanes, RRR provides a unique opportunity for you to learn gun safety and master shooting
the-art, climate-controlled environment. Visit us at 8450 River Range Road in Shreveport and discover the ultimate shooting experience.
Across the river, just off North Airline Drive, you’ll find Kingston Crossing Apartment Homes—a stunning gated community where exceptional living awaits. Enjoy first-class amenities including a resort-style pool, a 24/7 gym, a dog park, and a playground designed for your leisure. Each petfriendly apartment features an open floor plan, elegant granite countertops, private patios or balconies, and spacious walk-in closets. Kingston Crossing, located at 90 Kingston Crossing in Bossier City, is now welcoming tours. Don’t miss your chance to make this beautiful community your new home.
If you’d like to put your business in the spotlight, we’d love to hear from you! Reach out at 318-422-7382 or email us at editor@sbmag.net.
EASY AS Pi
A Celebration of Pi Day, March 14 (3.14)
By Seva May
Pi (π) is one of the most intriguing and essential mathematical constants that can be traced back to ancient Babylonian and Egyptian civilizations. The first significant advancement in the calculation of pi came from Archimedes of Syracuse (287–212 BC), one of the greatest mathematicians of the ancient world. Archimedes approached the problem of determining pi using a geometric method that involved inscribing and circumscribing polygons around a circle. By calculating the perimeters of these polygons, he was able to approximate pi to be between 3.1408 and 3.1429, a remarkable achievement for his time.
To put all this into perspective, NASA scientists only need to know the first 15 decimal places of Pi to understand most of the universe. You may very well ask, why? Why are interested in anything past what NASA is satisfied with. The quick answer is we can use the most exact calculations as a benchmark for testing new computer programs and data storage systems. It also makes a great headline in the news and a fun challenge for today’s mathematics classrooms.
This is where it began for Shreveport native, Adriana Martin. She began her quest of memorizing the digits of Pi by learning the first 20
digits. It came as a contest from her Southfield School kindergarten teacher. She needed only two days to commit those 20 digits to memory, so she decided to go for 40, which her teacher said was the kindergarten record. Still not satisfied, Adriana told her parents she wanted to go for 100. This started approaching school-wide competitive territory, so she pressed on and learned 120 in time for Southfield School’s overall pi recitation contest. Adriana placed 4th in the whole K-8 school! This presented a new challenge for her. Her goal was to place first in the following year’s schoolwide competition. The prior year’s winner had recited about 250, and the
By definition, Pi is the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter or pi equals the circumference divided by the diameter. (π=c/d). Recently, a team of Swiss researchers used a highperformance computer to calculate a new, most accurate value of Pi. They (or should I say, the computer) counted 62,931,853,071,796 digits. That is an additional 12.8 billion new digits to Pi. Wouldn’t Archimedes be proud?
all-time school record was 300. Instead of aiming for, say, 301, Adriana decided it would be most appropriate to… double it.
She devoured the digits, 12 to 15 at a time, repeating each new string back to Mom or Dad until it was perfect, then adding it to the last 50 she had firmed up. And then once a week, she would start at the 3 and recite them all.
On Pi Day 2014, Adriana sat down at school with a stack of paper, each containing about a hundred blank spaces for writing down the digits. To everyone’s astonishment, she dutifully wrote down 600 of them… and 3 more for good measure. But why stop there?
In 2015, using the same written approach, she reeled off an unbelievable 1,420 digits. (She actually made it up to 1,456, but she transposed digits 1,421 and 1,422… and the rules are the rules!)
In 2016, Adriana didn’t let up. In fact, she nearly doubled her previous total, reaching a stunning 2,812 digits.
In 2017, she continued her dominance, racking up 3,715 digits without missing a beat.
And in 2018, she kept up her blazing pace by reciting 5,087 digits as a 5th grader. She was on a roll.
When asked how she remembers all those
numbers, Adriana simply says that she can see them in her head. She has an Adriana’s eidetic memory and the “infinite” potential for rewriting the pi memory record books.
Today, Adriana ranks 31st in the world and 6th in the nation among people of all ages. She was able to do this before she discovered Learning Rx that improved her ability to visualize the number sequences. Her love for Pi has already taken her places. She’s made local television interviews and appeared on a German television show to celebrate Pi. She went on to score a
perfect 36 in reading on her ACT exam and a 35 overall score.
As a senior at Loyola College Prep, Adriana has retired from competition. She has other subjects to learn and interests to pursue. She has the potential to be anything she wants to be. Could NASA be in her future?
It all started in kindergarten at Southfield School. Thank goodness for teachers who know how to creatively challenge students to excel and inspire students to achieve more than they
Pi has become a symbol of mathematical elegance and is celebrated on Pi Day (March 14), which coincides with the numerical representation of pi (3.14). This annual celebration promotes mathematics and science education around the globe. In addition to its educational significance, pi has found diverse applications in modern technology, including computer algorithms, engineering designs, and statistical analyses. The exploration of pi continues to inspire mathematicians and enthusiasts alike, as researchers uncover new digits of pi and investigate its properties, further blending the lines between mathematics, culture, and modern scientific inquiry.
THE MUSICAL
LEARNINGRX SHREVEPORT is hosting several FREE events for women/ families coming up:
No More Baby Shower 3/16/25 2-4pm (info about how perimenopause and menopause affects brain and body with some fun "baby shower" finger foods!
FAMILY GAME NIGHT
3/21/25 630-8pm
Bring your family out and have a blast playing brain games.
All families take home a brain game but one family takes home a game box full of games!
SHREVEPORT LITTLE THEATRE ACADEMY PRESENTS
13: The Musical
March 14 at 6:00 PM
March 15 at 11:00 AM
March 15 at 2:00PM and 5:00 PM
March 16 at 2:00 PM
13 is a musical with music and lyrics by Jason Robert Brown and book by Dan Elish and Robert Horn. Following a move from New York City to small-town Indiana, young Evan Goldman grapples with his parents' divorce, prepares for his impending Bar Mitzvah, and
WHEN A WOMANS FED UP
February Fri March 14 • 7:30 PM • Shreveport Municipal Memorial Auditorium, 704 Elvis Presley Ave, Shreveport.
A compelling stage play that delves into the intricate web of various types of relationships, focusing on the challenges women face and the empowering journey of self-discovery when they reach the point of no return.
Ticket reservations at ticketsales.com
LIVERPOOL LEGENDS ARE BACK
Grammy-nominated and internationally acclaimed Liverpool Legends will be at The Strand on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at 7:00pm.
Liverpool Legends are four talented musicians and actors, handpicked by Louise Harrison – sister of George Harrison, to honor her brother’s legacy and re-create the band that changed the world forever. Experience the complete history of The Beatles, starting with the early mop-top hits, such as I Want To Hold Your Hand, She Loves You and Twist and Shout. You’ll then take a Magical Mystery Tour down Penny Lane, through the psychedelic era of Sgt. Pepper. And in The End, Come Together and sing and dance to classics like Get Back, Here Comes the Sun and Hey Jude. Box Office at 318-226-8555. Ticket prices: $53-$93
STATE BALLET THEATRE OF UKRAINE - SWAN LAKE
The State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine is thrilled to present the timeless masterpiece, Swan Lake, at the Shreveport Municipal Memorial Auditorium, Friday, March 28 at 7:30 pm. Prepare to be enchanted by this iconic ballet's exquisite choreography, graceful movements, and captivating storytelling. Join us for a night of artistry and elegance as the talented dancers bring the enchanting tale of love, deception, and transformation to life.
March 29-30
Defenders of Liberty Air Show 2025
Showcasing the home of the B-52- bring the whole family and enjoy the thrilling Thunderbirds, the Army Flying Museum and other exhilarating flying demonstrations. Free admission. 9am-3pm. March 28th
Eli Young Band debuts at the legendary listening room at the Louisiana Grandstand, 802 Margaret Place. 7:00 PM. For tickets go to louisianagrandstand.com
Elders Bal
The Krewe of Elders hosted its Grande Bal XXVII, Masquerade Madness, at the Bossier Civic Center, where Mardi Pardi-ers filled the beautifully decorated venue with excitement. During the tableau, krewe royalty captivated attendees with their stunning, elaborate costumes. The celebration culminated in a spirited second line before the Eric Craig Band took the stage, getting the crowd moving with lively line dancing.
Krewe of Justinian
The Krewe of Justinian embraced the thrill of Mission: Casino Royale at Grande Bal XXXI. The Horseshoe Casino & Hotel Riverdome was transformed into a Bond-worthy spectacle, complete with Octopussy-inspired tentacles, glowing neon poker signs, and roulette wheel table décor. Guests enjoyed an evening of decadent food and drinks, a lively auction, and electrifying entertainment from krewe favorite, The Georgia Bridgwater Orchestra, who kept the dance floor packed until the night’s final encore.
KINGCAKES AND COCKTAILS
Geaux 4 Kids held its third annual King Cakes & Cocktails: A Tasting Event at the Krewe of Gemini Den, where ten bakeries delighted attendees with samples of their delectable king cakes and king cake-inspired treats. As the local favorite, Windstorm, filled the air with lively tunes, guests indulged in themed cocktails and king cake daiquiris. This festive event offers a sweet way to support a nonprofit while enjoying an array of treats.
Southern Maid - Mansfield Road took 1st place, while Queen of Sweets and Fat Tuesday placed 2nd and 3rd.
All proceeds support Geaux 4 Kids, a nonprofit dedicated to assisting and advocating for children in crisis or those affected by crime.
Queen Elders Barrie Stephenson & King Elders Tommy Stephenson
Captain of Captains Johann Cooke Sr. & King Atlas Damon Johnson
Dana Bridges & Captain Centaur Ricky Bridges
Duchess Nemesis Sarah Whitney & Queen Nemesis Lanese Buckner
Ron & Natalie Miciotto King Justinian Stephen & Christine Fortson Queen Justinian Amy Bokenfohr & Duke Highland Joe Shyne II
Patrick & Amy Day and Bill & Rebecca Edwards
Nick Nicholson, Harvey Washington, & Josh Robinson (Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana Sponsor
Shreveport City Councilman Grayson Boucher, Geaux 4 Kids Founder K.C. Kilpatrick, & Sheriff Larry Smith (immediate past Board President of Texas Sheriffs Association)
Kim DeLaune & Erica Gilliam of Streetcar Snowballs
Michelle Smith & daughter Kacie Shaw (Sugar Sheaux)
Oceanus Bal
The Krewe of Oceanus hosted its Grande Bal V at the LeBossier Event Center, where attendees experienced a dazzling journey through all five seasons—winter, spring, summer, fall, and Mardi Gras! Krewe royalty embodied each season with elaborate, themed costumes, beautifully reflected in the table décor. During the tableau, the royals mingled with guests, handing out festive throws and adding to the night's vibrant celebration.
Sobek Bal
The Krewe of Sobek hosted its Grande Bal XXII at the Shreveport Convention Center, bringing the sweet magic of Candyland to life. Guests arrived in a stunning array of candy-colored formal wear and gowns, setting a festive tone for the evening. Krewe members kicked off the tableau with a spirited second line around the venue, while the royal court dazzled attendees with vibrant, showstopping costumes and showered the crowd with festive throws. Guests also enjoyed delicious cuisine while a DJ kept the dance floor energized throughout the night.
Barkus and Meoux Bal
Attendees were welcomed to Be Our Guest: 25 Years of Magic at the Krewe of Barkus and Meoux Bal XXV at the Scottish Rite Temple. Dressed in their Sunday best or Disney-inspired costumes, guests embraced the magic by transforming into beloved characters. The happiest place on Earth came to life with appearances from Beauty, Beast, Cruella De Vil, Moana, Maui, Merida, and many more.
King Oceanus Bill Wellemeyer & Queen Oceanus Angie Cason
Queen Excellence Jacqueline Lawson & Riley Britten
Duchess Oceanus Lori Oswalt & Duchess Oceanus Anita Holloway
King Excellence Nikeo Collins & King Sobek Chris Hayes
King Sobek Chris Hayes & Queen Sobek Von Jennings
Richard Pool, Caddo Commissioner Victor L. Thomas, & Brittney Pool
Dorian Ford & “Big Ant” Anthony L. Simmons of KMJJ
Sabrina & Kevin Moffett & Raquila-D’Nai Smith
King Atlas Damon Johnson & Queen Atlas Brittany Johnson Angela, Oscar, & Gabby Martinez
Natasha Jackson & Duke Dionysus Dr. Steven Jackson
Queen Barkus & Meoux Mary Ann Edens & King Barkus & Meoux Scott Williams
A Taste of the REAL HOT Stove League
By Teddy Allen
Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu
Baseball calls its offseason the “Hot Stove League.” It got the name back when potbellied managers would sit around potbelly stoves and talk all winter about player swaps, each trying to cook up a winner for the spring.
Something’s always cooking in the Hot Stove League, though most of it these days involves court dates and arbitration. It used to be a lot more fun, back before things like steroids, alternate jerseys, guaranteed contracts, fake grass, and Tropicana Field.
There is, though, a Hot Stove League that never disappoints. For years, it got on my nerves. Now, I drink it in.
Since I was a little boy, I have listened to people, mostly women, recite recipes over the dinner table. It usually goes like this:
You sit down to Sunday dinner and somebody takes a bite of pot roast.
“How did you fix this pot roast? This is the best pot roast I have ever eaten!”
“Well, I don’t know. It’s not much. It’s just…”
“It’s HEAVEN!”
“Well…I guess I do like my momma used to do. We killed the cow on Thursday, around sundown. Got it field dressed by 8. Got to cut the meat just right. That’s where a lot of people mess up. Then we pounded it, seared it for 4 minutes, salt and peppered it, put it in the oven on 68 degrees for a calendar day, put it on the smoker all day Saturday, prayed over it before church and, well, there you go. Just sort of thrown together really. It’s not much.”
“Well I will have to remember that. Can I borrow a pencil? Or maybe even a typewriter?”
And on an on. It works the same for fruit salad, deviled eggs, squash casserole, all your major meats.
Of course, such talk rarely happens at breakfast. No one compliments a Pop-Tart or a fried egg. And at some places, the meal’s not what’s important. I can’t imagine a guy asking a waitress at Hooter’s how they get their wings to “do like that.”
But it’s important at home. As a Southerner, I’m ashamed to have failed for years to appreciate this traditional recipes-asdinner-conversation nuance. It used to irritate me if the compliments started right after the prayer and first bite, because then the majority of conversation would be recipe-oriented, right through dessert.
“Oh my word, this banana pudding is divine. How in the world did you get the bananas to DO that? And the meringue. My god, the MERINGUE?!”
Sort of wore me out, the same way it would wear me out if an oilman stood beside
me and talked about petrol refining while I filled up my car.
But now I more or less embrace it. I like to hear people talk about something special they’ve accomplished, and cooking seems more and more a lost art these days. Besides, they can’t be any more proud of cooking it than I am of eating it. I’m the winner.
I view such conversations today as I would two guys riding in a rebuilt ’57 Chevy.
“Boy Earl, she’s a-purrin’! How’d you git ’er to run like ’iss? This thang spins like a top is all. That’s all. Jus’ like a top!”
Beautiful. The older I get, the more I appreciate the subtle underpinnings, the little things that mean a lot, and often take a lifetime to acquire.
