21 minute read
Good to Know
MASTER GARDENER FALL BULB SALE
The Northwest Louisiana Master Gardeners proudly present their annual Fall Bulb Sale, Saturday, October 29, 2022, 8 am to noon, at at the Red River Research Station, 262 Research Station Road in Bossier. Featured are hardto-find heirloom bulbs that you can’t buy in stores. Many of to-find heirloom bulbs that you can’t buy in stores. Many of the bulbs come from Master Gardeners’ gardens and have been dug up from old home sites. There will be thousands of heirloom bulbs (over thirty varieties) that thrive in the South for sale. Featured bulbs this year include jumbo Amaryllis, many varieties of Narcissus, Allium, Agapanthus, Gladiolus, Asiatic lilies, Peony, and Spider Lilies. There will also be a variety of seeds including Sweet Pea, Bachelor Button, Larkspur, Corn Poppy, Love in the Mist, and a Button, Larkspur, Corn Poppy, Love in the Mist, and a Wildflower mix. University and his MBA and Ph.D. in Marketing from the University of Texas-Arlington. He is the owner of a sports marketing company, Wysong Brand Solutions. He is also a professor of marketing and Academic Program Director for the Sports and Entertainment program at the University of Dallas. He joined the Rotary Club of Shreveport in 2012 and is a Paul Harris Fellow. He served as a Club Director in 2015 - 2016 and has chaired various fundraising efforts for several years. During the struggles of COVID-19, he developed fundraising events for the Rotary Club of Shreveport that made it possible for the club to complete their $125,000 commitment to the Common Ground, a local 501c3 nonprofit organization.
This award was initiated by then club president, Larry Evensky, during the 2012-2013 Rotary year to recognize a non-Board member who was very helpful to the president in fulfilling that year’s goals. The award is named in memory of a beloved club president who was instrumental in developing membership and in raising funds for The Rotary Foundation.
WILLIS-KNIGHTON RECOGNIZED AS ONE OF AMERICA’S BEST-IN-STATE EMPLOYERS
Willis-Knighton Health System has again been recognized as part of Forbes’ annual list of America’s Best-in-State Employers 2022. Willis-Knighton was ranked No. 19 among Louisiana employers, the only Northwest Louisiana health system in the top 20. The award is presented by Forbes and Statista Inc., the worldleading statistics portal and industry ranking provider. The complete list can be viewed by state on the Forbes website https://www.forbes.com/lists/best-employers-by-state/
“Willis-Knighton is not just a great place to receive care, it’s also a great place to work for people who share our mission to continuously improve the health and well-being of the people we serve,” says Jaf Fielder, WillisKnighton president and CEO. “We are proud to receive this recognition by Forbes. It is a testament to our commitment to providing a work environment where individuals can thrive and grow personally and professionally. We are honored that our colleagues recommend care at WillisKnighton to their families and friends.”
Scott Wysong, Rotarian of the Year, and Immediate Past President, Lawrence Calhoun. Immediate Past President, Lawrence Calhoun. 2022-2023 ROTARIAN OF THE YEAR AWARD
On Tuesday, September 6, 2021, Immediate Past President Lawrence Calhoun presented the Rotarian of the Year Award to Scott Wysong. Scott is a native of Texas, who received his B.A. in Economics from Vanderbilt University and his MBA and Ph.D. in Marketing from the University of Texas-Arlington. He is the owner of a sports marketing company, Wysong Brand Solutions. He is also a professor of marketing and Academic Program Director for the Sports and Entertainment program at the University of Dallas. He joined the Rotary Club of Shreveport in 2012 and is a Paul Harris Fellow. He served as a Club Director in 2015 - 2016 and has chaired various fundraising efforts for several years. During the struggles of COVID-19, he developed fundraising events for the Rotary Club of Shreveport that made it possible for the club to complete their $125,000 commitment to the Common Ground, a local 501c3 nonprofit organization.
This award was initiated by then club president, Larry Evensky, during the 2012-2013 Rotary year to recognize a non-Board member who was very helpful to the president in fulfilling that year’s goals. The award is named in memory of a beloved club president who was instrumental in developing membership and in raising funds for The Rotary Foundation.
SCI-PORT AND MUDBUGS TEAM UP SCI-PORT AND MUDBUGS TEAM UP
Sci-Port Discovery Center and the Mudbugs Hockey Sci-Port Discovery Center and the Mudbugs Hockey Team are proud to announce a joint venture that aims to Team are proud to announce a joint venture that aims to cross promote the two brands and bring new elements of cross promote the two brands and bring new elements of entertainment and education to guests of all ages. This entertainment and education to guests of all ages. This collaboration includes the opening of the Sci-Port Sensory collaboration includes the opening of the Sci-Port Sensory Room, Sci-Port and Mudbugs themed birthday parties Room, Sci-Port and Mudbugs themed birthday parties at both locations, and field trip packages for schools and at both locations, and field trip packages for schools and groups. In support of Sci-Port Discovery Center, The groups. In support of Sci-Port Discovery Center, The Mudbugs Hockey Team will introduce the new Sci-Port Mudbugs Hockey Team will introduce the new Sci-Port Sensory Room designed for fans who need a quiet retreat Sensory Room designed for fans who need a quiet retreat during the games. This sensory room will be equipped with during the games. This sensory room will be equipped with items such as coloring sheets, fuzzy rugs, soft lighting, fidget items such as coloring sheets, fuzzy rugs, soft lighting, fidget toys, weighted lap blankets and vests, sensory toys, and toys, weighted lap blankets and vests, sensory toys, and more. The Sci-Port Sensory Room opens September 23 for more. The Sci-Port Sensory Room opens September 23 for the first home game of 2022-2023. the first home game of 2022-2023.
Themed birthday parties are another benefit of the Themed birthday parties are another benefit of the partnership. George’s Pond will offer a Sci-Port birthday partnership. George’s Pond will offer a Sci-Port birthday party package designed to offer skating groups educational party package designed to offer skating groups educational experiences related to the science of ice and the rules of experiences related to the science of ice and the rules of
As we enter the season of thanksgiving, it is important to discuss things for which we are grateful. As part of the Ask Me Anything (AMA) monthly contributor, we to discuss things for which we are grateful. As part of the Ask Me Anything (AMA) monthly contributor, we discussed a few rights we are thankful for within the legal system. discussed a few rights we are thankful for within the legal system. As an attorney, what do you believe is the constitutional right for As an attorney, what do you believe is the constitutional right for which most people should be grateful? which most people should be grateful?
As a practicing criminal defense attorney, I realize the importance As a practicing criminal defense attorney, I realize the importance of the Fifth Amendment. The Fifth Amendment of the Constitution of the Fifth Amendment. The Fifth Amendment of the Constitution guarantees that “no person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a grand jury... nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law...” Seeing what is happening worldwide to these fundamental rights should instill gratitude in every American. these fundamental rights should instill gratitude in every American. We live in a country where we can take these rights for granted. For us, they are fundamental. When an officer arrests someone, he must administer these rights immediately. An arresting officer must tell administer these rights immediately. An arresting officer must tell my clients they have the right to remain silent. They have the right to an attorney; if they cannot afford an attorney, the right to an attorney; if they cannot afford an attorney, the court will appoint one, and anything they say can be used against them in the future.
When talking with clients, what do they most often say When talking with clients, what do they most often say is their most important constitutional right? is their most important constitutional right?
Hands down, the most quoted right is freedom of Hands down, the most quoted right is freedom of speech. Americans can say what they want! We live in a speech. Americans can say what they want! We live in a country where you can disagree with the government. country where you can disagree with the government. Unfortunately, many people around the world do not Unfortunately, many people around the world do not have this right. As Americans, we can speak against have this right. As Americans, we can speak against politicians, a law, the government, or even denounce or speak ill of America. All speech is protected, or speak ill of America. All speech is protected, whether or not we agree with what is said. whether or not we agree with what is said.
What rights are people often shocked to find out are Constitutionally protected?
Ironically, the first constitutional amendment, religious freedom. Most Americans consider religious freedom. Most Americans consider their religious freedom a divine right. their religious freedom a divine right. However, it stems from a constitutional amendment stating, “Congress shall make amendment stating, “Congress shall make no laws respecting the establishment of religion, or prohibiting the exercise thereof...” So many people exercise this thereof...” So many people exercise this right weekly and fail to realize it derives right weekly and fail to realize it derives from the Constitution. This article is not intended to be formal This article is not intended to be formal legal advice or the formation of an legal advice or the formation of an attorney-client relationship. Please seek attorney-client relationship. Please seek legal counsel if you have any specific questions.
hockey. Sci-Port will provide a Mudbug-themed party, which will offer a variety of hockey-themed activities and items such as player visits, jerseys, hockey sticks, and gift items as provided by the Shreveport Mudbugs hockey team. The third component of the partnership includes recommendations to both local and out-of-town groups to experience what these northwest Louisiana attractions to experience what these northwest Louisiana attractions have to offer. Guests will be encouraged to “make a day of it” says Gracie Dobrosky with the Shreveport Mudbugs Hockey team. “When a group is planning a trip, adding both stops-- George’s Pond to skate and Sci-Port Discovery Center to experience the exhibits and the IMAX Dome®--makes for a fun-filled day,” Dobrosky added. Professional Sitter Services, LLC, in Shreveport. Prior to High School and Northwestern State University, presents the Louisiana premiere of her film, Policing Joy, a short documentary about hair bias in schools, on Thursday, September 29, 2022, with screenings at 10:30 AM and 7:00 PM at the Robinson Film Center. A director and community talkback will follow each screening. Tracey received her BS at Northwestern State University of Louisiana and her MFA in film from Howard University. She currently resides in Los Angeles, California. The Shreveport screening of Policing Joy is sponsored by Southern University Museum of Art at Shreveport, Data Analytic Research Hub, the North Louisiana Civil Rights Coalition, and the YWCA of Northwest Louisiana.
LOUISIANA COMMITTEE OF 100 RADIANCE TECHNOLOGIES PLANS EXPANSION RADIANCE TECHNOLOGIES PLANS EXPANSION INTO SHREVEPORT INTO SHREVEPORT
The Committee of 100 for Economic Development, Inc. has selected Rick Simpson as a member for 2022. C100 Executive Committee Member Linda Biernacki stated, “C100 is excited to have Rick. He brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the membership of C100 that will greatly benefit our members and the citizens of our state.” Rick is the founder, CEO and President of Professional Sitter Services, LLC, in Shreveport. Prior to his work in Shreveport, Rick represented top brands for product integration for the motion picture divisions of Warner Brothers Studios, Walt Disney Pictures, Touchstone Pictures, DreamWorks, Buena Vista Pictures, Castle Rock, Skydance, and Sony. Rick has extensive experience in the hospitality industry, including opening and developing the Graciela Hotel (now known as Hotel Amarano) in Burbank, California, and completing the Ritz Carlton Hospitality executive training program in 2001 in Los Angeles under the leadership of the program’s founder, Horst Schulze. A Shreveport native, Rick attended Louisiana Tech University and is a member of the Shreveport Bossier Executive Association, the Board of Directors for Robinson Film Center in Shreveport and is serving on the current committee for the Shreveport Regional Arts Council.
Radiance Technologies (Radiance), a national leader in Radiance Technologies (Radiance), a national leader in defense technologies and solutions, commits to expanding defense technologies and solutions, commits to expanding the economic development of the Shreveport-Bossier City the economic development of the Shreveport-Bossier City region. Radiance recently partnered with BRF, a North region. Radiance recently partnered with BRF, a North Louisiana economic development organization, to expand Louisiana economic development organization, to expand its office in Shreveport. “We welcome Radiance’s expansion its office in Shreveport. “We welcome Radiance’s expansion in Shreveport at BRF’s InterTech 1 facility located on in Shreveport at BRF’s InterTech 1 facility located on Kings Highway near downtown,” said John F. George Jr., Kings Highway near downtown,” said John F. George Jr., M.D., BRF President and CEO. “Radiance and its CEO Bill M.D., BRF President and CEO. “Radiance and its CEO Bill Bailey have been supporters of the region since his time Bailey have been supporters of the region since his time here at Barksdale Air Force Base. His title sponsorship of here at Barksdale Air Force Base. His title sponsorship of the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl is another the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl is another example of his commitment to the area. The new positions example of his commitment to the area. The new positions For Immedia coming with Radiance’s planned expansion are high quality jobs for our region.”te Release coming with Radiance’s planned expansion are high quality jobs for our region.” Editorial To support efforts at both Air Force Global Strike Contact: To support efforts at both Air Force Global Strike Tracey Command and all mission areas across the company, Radiance plans to hire up to 150 high-tech research and Reneè, Director Command and all mission areas across the company, Radiance plans to hire up to 150 high-tech research and Phone: 3development professionals in Shreveport-Bossier City in 18-572-4313 development professionals in Shreveport-Bossier City in Email: traceyrenee94the next three to five years. “Growing our presence in North @gmail.com the next three to five years. “Growing our presence in North Louisiana pleases me to no end. Barksdale AFB, ShreveportLouisiana pleases me to no end. Barksdale AFB, ShreveportBossier, and Louisiana Tech were foundational and Bossier, and Louisiana Tech were foundational and transformational for me,” said Radiance CEO Bill Bailey. transformational for me,” said Radiance CEO Bill Bailey. “Being postured to better support Global Strike will ensure “Being postured to better support Global Strike will ensure that Radiance continues to do what’s important to us - that Radiance continues to do what’s important to us - support our warfighters. The business case for growing in support our warfighters. The business case for growing in North Louisiana is solid. The BRF, Shreveport-Bossier, and North Louisiana is solid. The BRF, Shreveport-Bossier, and LED have made it known that they want us in Louisiana.” LED have made it known that they want us in Louisiana.”
CENTENARY SUZUKI SCHOOL APPLAUDS INTERNATIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS OF LONGTIME STUDENT
Filmmaker Tracey Reneè brings film home for screening at the Robinson Film Center. Director Tracey Reneè, Louisiana native and graduate of Huntington
High School and Northwestern State University, presents the Louisiana premiere of her film, Policing Joy, a short documentary about hair bias in schools, on Thursday, September 29, 2022, with screenings at 10:30 AM and 7:00 PM at the Robinson Film Center. A director and community talkback will follow each screening. Tracey received her BS at Northwestern State University of Louisiana and her MFA in film from Howard University. She currently resides in Los Angeles, California. The Shreveport screening of Policing Joy is sponsored by Southern University Museum of Art at Shreveport, Data Analytic Research Hub, the North Louisiana Civil Rights Coalition, and the YWCA of Northwest Louisiana. Local violinist Cal Alexander, who has “grown up” in the Centenary Suzuki School (CSS) at Centenary’s Hurley School of Music, recently won prizes in two international violin competitions. Alexander took second prize in the Jr. Tibor Varga International Violin Competition in Switzerland on September 3, where he also received the PRESS RELEASE Audience Choice Award and the Senior Jury Award. On August 19, Alexander placed third out of 17 semifinalists in the Cooper International Violin Competition held at eveport Native Makes Louisiana Premiere of Film Policin Oberlin College in Oberlin, Ohio.g Joy’
“It is quite an accomplishment for a student from Shreveport to be accepted at a major international competition,” said Laura Crawford, CSS founder and Alexander’s violin instructor for the past ten years. “Most of the students come from large cities or from musical hubs of the students come from large cities or from musical hubs in Korea, Japan, China, or Bulgaria. Cal has spent hours practicing and making video tapes for the applications, and to be one of only a dozen invited is quite a feat. To reach the top six, then the top three is almost unheard of from a place like Shreveport. He has received a Second Prize and Third Prize at two junior international competitions at age 17!” Prize at two junior international competitions at age 17!”
In addition to studying under Crawford, Alexander has also recently been working with Jan Sloman in Dallas and has spent the past three summers in the Perlman Music Program in New York studying with Itzhak Perlman, Catherine Cho, and Li Lin. He performs with the Centenary Youth Orchestra and has appeared twice as a soloist with the Shreveport Symphony Orchestra in its family concerts. Alexander also won the prestigious Lynn Harrell Competition in April 2021 and soloed at the Myerson Center with the Dallas Symphony in June 2021. with the Dallas Symphony in June 2021.
He attends Caddo Magnet High School in Shreveport and has been chosen to serve on the Louisiana Legislative Youth Advisory Council and as Lt. Governor for the Division G of the Louisiana Key Club. Alexander was a finalist in the Scripps National Spelling Bee as an 8th grader and has continued his spelling career in high school, winning second place in the Medical Spelling Competition at the International Leadership Conference for HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) in Nashville, Tennessee, in June 2022.
SPORTRAN NAMES NEW CHIEF OF STAFF
SporTran and parent company, Metro Management, are proud to announce the appointment of Jimmy D. Thomas to the position of Chief of Staff for the public transit agency. Thomas is a native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. A passion for public service led him to a career in transit with Baton Rouge’s Capital Area Transit System, where he began as a bus operator. During his tenure, he rose through the ranks to serve in several positions across the operations management spectrum, including road supervision, drug and alcohol program management, Paratransit/ On-Demand management, customer service, community relations, and safety. Most recently, he served as Executive Manager, becoming a catalyst for change by shaping the employee experience through staff feedback and training. Thomas’ responsibilities for Metro Management, Inc. include handling the day-to-day operations of SporTran while strategically improving employees’ work-life balance. He will also take the lead in acquiring additional transit properties and contracts along the Gulf Coast Region, from Texas to Georgia.
SporTran and the appointment of Rouge’s Capital Area Transit System, where he began as drug and alcohol program management, Paratransit/ include handling the day-to-day operations of SporTran while strategically improving employees’ work-life balance. He will also take the lead in acquiring additional transit properties and contracts along the Gulf Coast Region, from Texas to Georgia.
GASTROINTESTINAL SPECIALISTS, A.M.C. GASTROINTESTINAL SPECIALISTS, A.M.C. RECEIVES TWO NATIONAL ACCREDITATIONS RECEIVES TWO NATIONAL ACCREDITATIONS
Gastrointestinal Specialists, A.M.C. (GIS) recently Gastrointestinal Specialists, A.M.C. (GIS) recently received separate accreditations from the Accreditation received separate accreditations from the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC) and the Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC) and the College of American Pathologists (CAP). College of American Pathologists (CAP).
Shreveport Endoscopy Center, which is part of Shreveport Endoscopy Center, which is part of Gastrointestinal Specialists, was recognized by AAAHC for Gastrointestinal Specialists, was recognized by AAAHC for the high-quality care that it safely provides to its patients. the high-quality care that it safely provides to its patients. The Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health The Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care is considered the leader in ambulatory healthcare Care is considered the leader in ambulatory healthcare accreditation. Earlier this year, Shreveport Endoscopy accreditation. Earlier this year, Shreveport Endoscopy Center was named to Newsweek’s list of “America’s Best Center was named to Newsweek’s list of “America’s Best Ambulatory Surgery Centers.” Ambulatory Surgery Centers.”
LSU HEALTH SHREVEPORT RECEIVES GIFT LSU HEALTH SHREVEPORT RECEIVES GIFT TO ESTABLISH THE RONALD B. GEORGE, MD TO ESTABLISH THE RONALD B. GEORGE, MD MEMORIAL ENDOWED CHEST AWARD MEMORIAL ENDOWED CHEST AWARD
LSU Health Shreveport has received a $25,000 gift from LSU Health Shreveport has received a $25,000 gift from Joan George Kane, sister of the late Dr. Ronald B. “Ronnie” Joan George Kane, sister of the late Dr. Ronald B. “Ronnie” George, to create the Ronald B. George, MD Memorial George, to create the Ronald B. George, MD Memorial Endowed CHEST Award. The gift honors Dr. George’s legacy Endowed CHEST Award. The gift honors Dr. George’s legacy of dedication to the American College of Chest Physicians of dedication to the American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) and the students, residents, and pulmonary fellows (CHEST) and the students, residents, and pulmonary fellows he trained as founder and chief of the Pulmonary and Critical he trained as founder and chief of the Pulmonary and Critical Care Division at LSU Health Shreveport. Dr. George was a Care Division at LSU Health Shreveport. Dr. George was a beloved professor at the LSUHS School of Medicine and a beloved professor at the LSUHS School of Medicine and a nationally renowned pulmonologist known for diagnosing nationally renowned pulmonologist known for diagnosing complex lung disease cases. He was appointed Chairman of complex lung disease cases. He was appointed Chairman of the Department of Medicine in 1992 until his retirement in the Department of Medicine in 1992 until his retirement in 2000 and served as Emeritus Chairman of the department 2000 and served as Emeritus Chairman of the department until his passing in July 2021. until his passing in July 2021.
The award will be bestowed each year to a current LSU The award will be bestowed each year to a current LSU Health Shreveport fellow who has exhibited excellence Health Shreveport fellow who has exhibited excellence in patient care, research, and service to the Pulmonary & in patient care, research, and service to the Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine Division. The award will fund the Critical Care Medicine Division. The award will fund the fellow’s attendance at the annual CHEST conference. Dr. fellow’s attendance at the annual CHEST conference. Dr. George was a firm believer in the benefits of attending the George was a firm believer in the benefits of attending the annual CHEST conference. In 1993, he was elected president annual CHEST conference. In 1993, he was elected president of CHEST. In 2001, he was selected as a Master Fellow of of CHEST. In 2001, he was selected as a Master Fellow of CHEST, an elite honor that has only been given to forty CHEST, an elite honor that has only been given to forty CHEST physicians in the past 42 years. CHEST physicians in the past 42 years.
“I am deeply grateful for this gift honoring Dr. George “I am deeply grateful for this gift honoring Dr. George and his lasting legacy at LSU Health Shreveport and the and his lasting legacy at LSU Health Shreveport and the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care,” said Dr. Robert Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care,” said Dr. Robert Walter, Division Chief of Pulmonary and Critical Care Walter, Division Chief of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine. “Dr. George was a dedicated physician and mentor Medicine. “Dr. George was a dedicated physician and mentor to many in the pulmonology field. Through this endowment, to many in the pulmonology field. Through this endowment, newly trained pulmonologists will be able to expand their newly trained pulmonologists will be able to expand their knowledge and learn from other experts in this field. It knowledge and learn from other experts in this field. It is an honor to present this award and support the next is an honor to present this award and support the next generation.” generation.”
