Southern Hospitality 2017 digital magazine by Debbie Dillard

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Shreveport/Bossier Mardi Gras celebrants are fast discovering a great new source for adding fantasy and pizzazz to their celebrations. Fantasy mask designer, Dennis Beckman, has been showcasing his custom one.-of .. a .. kind fantasy masks at his sister's shop, The Enchanted Garden, for the past two years.

A native of Shreveport, Dennis returned to Shreveport after 48 years in San Francisco where he custom made masks, hats and bridal headpieces for an international clientele. After people saw one of his celebrity brides in the fantasy mask he had created to complement her headpiece, commissions started coming in for his fantasy masks to be worn to the many masquerade balls and parties held in San Francisco and around the country. Dennis' fantasy mask creations often use Italian bases which he transforms into works of art using feathers, sequins, crystals, pearls, glitter, jewels and an extensive array of unique materials that he continues to collect from his travels. Most of Dennis' masks are elegant, available in a multitude of colors and styles, but he also creates designs that are more exotic and earthy using antlers, foliage, flowers and twigs. A magical transformation occurs when putting on a mask. The whole look becomes enchanting as eyes sparkle and become alive, sometimes exotic or mysterious. The artist emphasizes that fantasy masks are not just for Mardi Gras or Halloween; but also create an enchanting theme for parties, celebrations, homecomings, and even weddings. His masks are comfortable to wear and can also be hand held. His more elaborate masks make very beautiful accents as home decor. In addition to the dozens of one.-of .. a .. kind designs always available at The Enchanted Garden, Dennis loves creating custom masks, hats and fascinators to complement his clients' outfit and fantasy. Fantasies can become reality! Dennis Beckman Designer masks at The Enchanted Garden 2429 Line Avenue Shreveport, LA 71104 318-227-1213

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Psalm 23 By Debbie Dillard

The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. 3 He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me. 5 Thou dost prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;Thou hast anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and loving kindness will follow me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. 1

In Bethlehem (Judea), there once lived a noble and respected Jew, whose name was Jesse. He had eight clever, talented sons, the youngest of whom was David. He was a very modest youth, and he looked after his father's flocks. David also felt a deep love for his lambs and for every living creature. Whenever he brought out his flocks to pasture, he led the young lambs to graze among the fresh, tender young grasses, for they had not yet any teeth. When the young lambs had nibbled the delicate tips, he next took the oldest sheep and cows, whose teeth were old and weak, that they might eat the middle part of the stalks which were soft enough for them. Last of all he used to bring to the field the grown sheep and cattle, whose strong teeth could chew the lowest part of the grass nearest to the roots. He had great physical courage and was not afraid of any wild animal. Indeed; he feared nothing and no one, except God alone. And whenever a lion or bear attacked his flocks and herds and wished to seize a sheep or a cow, David would rush at the savage beast and chase it away and rescue its prey. God, therefore, said: "One who can so faithfully tend to his animals, each according to its needs, I can safely entrust with the care of My holy lambs, My people." God later appointed a prophet to anoint David as the king who was to succeed Saul. A heavenly spirit surrounded him as he went back to his sheep. It was a Divine Spirit whom was present in his prayers, his Psalms, and his music, and traveled with him as he spread across the hills of Judah, and whoever heard them felt as if a new soul had awakened in him. The sad person was filled with joy, the downcast felt his heart revive; he who had lost hope regained his faith. Now, all exclaimed, "Listen!" It is David, the son of Jesse who is singing!" Even when David ascended to the King's throne, he kept his Harp beside him. Exactly at midnight a slight breeze used to pluck at the strings, and King David would awaken from his sleep, rise from his couch and compose sweet, sacred songs, known to us as the Psalms of David, in praise of God. The 23rd Psalm became a Masterpiece! It was a Portrait composed by King David and the greatest poem in any language ever written. In his heart burned an ardent love for God and of His people, recalling God's goodness and protection. He penned these beautiful words , that had been a great influence by his life experiences. Psalm 23 may be the most loved and best known chapter in the Bible. The poem says it All! It is the secret to a happy

Refreshment of the Spirit Section life-every need supplied, the secret to a happy death- every fear removed, and the secret to a happy eternity, every desire fulfilled. IT is an exquisite statement of faith and confidence in the goodness of God from the one of whom it is said in Scripture that he was a â&#x20AC;&#x153;man after Gods own heartâ&#x20AC;? (1 Sam. 13:14; 16:7). The main subject is the watchful care which God had extended over the author, and the consequent assurance which he felt that God would still watch over him, and supply all his need. All of these experiences, and more, made for a heartfelt conviction that the Lord was indeed his Shepherd. Since you and I have gone through our own difficult and trying life experiences we can relate to and apply the words of the Psalmist to our own lives. Life is a rigorous path and sometimes leads to real problems including financial stress, sickness, addictions, divorce, aging, and even death. Sheep are helpless creatures and have a strong tendency to go astray as it is our nature as human beings to drift away and reject God and his commandments. While we are never promised there will no evil, we can be assured that we need "fear no evil", for we will always be in the Shepherd's presence if we follow Him in His paths. While God may not always use His power to keep us out of trials, His presence and His power will always be with us to keep us through our trials. As He Himself said, "I will never desert you, or will I ever forsake you". (Hebrew 13:5, Deut. 13:15). But, the good news is when we go through it, we don't stay in it, and finally get out of it with the touch of God's hands! He mocks purity and gives life to his sheep, the believers in Christ, who belong to him and his mastery. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, The Lamb of God, provides eternal life, as he is confirming 'He is God", the Eternal one who leads us, restores us, provides us and protects us. The blessings and the calmness of soul which David experienced in his life and expressed this psalm would be a delight to anyone who believes in the son of God, the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ. For Kings, the anointing oil is associated with coronation. Every believer who receives the Savior is anointed with the Holy Spirit. Jesus went to the cross as he carried the cross through the valley of suffering so we can be forgiven of all of our sins and the impact of death was removed for us! May God bless us with the harmony of boundless Love, so that we are able to touch the hearts of mankind with the Law of Love, and may the law of Love be victorious over all suffering and obscurity. Faith, persistence, patience, prayer, are all oneness, closeness with our Lord. He tells us, "My Cup runs over! His love has no limit, His grace has no measure, His power has no boundary known to men. For out of His infinite riches in Jesus, He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again and forever more. Finally there is the secret of a happy eternity. Escorted through all of life by God's goodness, kindness, mercy and love, we reach the Father's house, Heaven, our eternal dwelling place, the Kingdom of God. We have to agree with King David when he said, "What lucky beggars we are!

The Miracles of Divine Love 1 Corinthians 13: 4-8, also knows as “The Love Chapter” “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8 Love Never Fails. ”

Debbie Dillard Publishers Column

The word “Divine” means – proceeding directly from God.

In I Corinthians 13 we learn that love is even greater than faith. And now abideth faith, hope, charity [love], these three; but the greatest of these is charity [love] (verse 13). Love is the most valuable possession God has to give you.There is nothing more beautiful than God's Love. His beauty comes from within. It isn't the face of a person but the light in the heart and no material comfort on Earth can give you the contentment that divine love can bring into your life. The absolute fact is there is no greater healer than love and the power of love can work miracles in your life. The way it works is through the gift of Faith. (Galatians 5:6) "For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcised has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love. All through the Bible God instructs you that all things would be possible to you, if you would only trust and believe Him. To believe you must put your living faith and trust in His power and love. There has to be a burning desire in your heart to receive that which you are praying for and Love joined with faith brings action: therefore, the miracle or healing takes place. When you love the Lord your God with all your heart, you find it easy to use His faith; God must be your first love all of your life! Jesus says, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment (Mark 12:30). Most people know little about God’s healing power and how to receive it. His healing is done in such a simple way that even many children of God overlook it. Peter spoke simple words to a lame man who was sitting by the gate , and Peter gave him what he had: faith, the faith of Jesus. Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give, I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones

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Refreshment of the Spirit Section received strength. And the lame man leaped up stood and walked, and entered with them into the temple, and praising God (Acts 3:6-8). A man who had never walked was gloriously healed. Peter had faith in the power in the name of Jesus. He knew that Jesus, taking on human flesh, came as God. The power of his Divine Faith allowed him to use the power that God gave him to heal this man! How does God heal? The Scriptures tell you. Divine faith connects with divine blood. Divine blood goes into operation, and as that blood operates, the devil loses all his power. It’s divinity working for human beings. By using human faith, you cannot believe the miracle really will happen, but by using God’s faith you believe it all. Human faith is like a fragile rubber band: Stretch it too far and it breaks. God’s faith isn’t like that. God’s faith has God’s power and strength; each measure contains all of Heaven. His gifts and talents are supernatural and divine. When you believe Him with all your heart, His divine faith becomes your faith, your salvation, your joy, your peace. Divine Love is the road to salvation and healing! Unless you have divine faith and divine love, you see only a human hand. But if you have divine love and divine faith, you see divinity flowing through a human instrument being used by the Master Himself and the Holy Spirit. That’s how God heals. Faith in God can heal sickness, any affliction, any deformity. You had faith to believe that two thousand years ago a child was born of a virgin, grew to manhood, died on a cross and then rose from the grave. It took faith to find the blood that had been spilled for you on the cross and to believe the blood still has all the power it had when He brought it down from Heaven. Faith in that blood will wash away sins and heal sicknesses and diseases. Jesus is Heaven’s great love-package for you. He is everything you need. Without Love, there is no God. It is Divine love that binds everything together in perfect harmony. It should be correctly said: "I am in the heart of God" versus "God is in my heart". “Life is worth nothing unless you live it by the Lord Jesus—serving him by being a deciple and telling others the Good News about God's mighty kindness and Divine love.” This is because,as God says, “It is the Word of God and the work of God that changes people’s lives.”

“If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:31)

SHM sits down with Summer James for some Q/A Q: Summer, being diagnosed with Lymphoma-Hodgkin disease at an early age was a massive shock and was devastating to you and your family, right? Can you share with us how you coped with the physical, and emotional trauma when you found out about it? A: Oh yes, at first I was in complete shock, and it was definitely devastating. I was with my mom when I found out and I just remember her saying, “Summer, you’re so strong. I can’t believe how strong you are.” Well, I got in the car, and as soon as I shut the door, I cried. I didn’t want her to see me. At that moment, I just prayed. A feeling of relief came over me and I said, “I’m putting my trust in you, God, and I know this was part of your plan.” My sister brought me flowers and chocolate to my work the day I found out, and that’s something I’ll never forget.

Summer James

Q: What did friends or family members do or say that meant the most to you? A: I had multiple friends send/bring me cards, baskets of goodies including Superhero capes with “Summerstrong” for my son and I, and a necklace that also said “Summerstrong” (thanks Morgan fam). I had some bring over food (AND BROWNIES THANKS STACY! LOL),

Woman of Courage send me flowers after treatments (thank you Christi & Bobby), edible arrangements (thanks Lacey), a necklace with “Survivor” (thanks Scott fam), and even sit with me through my chemotherapy (Teal, Chris, parents, Natalie, Britney, Lauryn, Kenny and more). These sweet friends checked on me nonstop, including my stepsisters Ashley & Ali who even came to a Dr. appointment with me! Also, my good friends McKenzie & Kathryn gave me some pj’s and bath salts the week I found out. That was very comforting. I know I’ll never be able to repay all of these special people for their unconditional love and support. I am BEYOND thankful and blessed. Also, my friend Christie Tubbs was very helpful b/c she had the same cancer a few years ago. She kept encouraging me and checking on me as well. Same with Britnay Martin. Thank you girls! It’s funny how God puts people in our lives at the right time, and better yet, KEEPS them there. I met my boyfriend, Chris, almost 3 years ago. I could not have handpicked a better partner/best friend. He was absolutely amazing through it all. He and CJ, his son, helped me with my “Cold Caps”. And thanks to them, I kept most of my hair!! LOL I’m so grateful! Also, I can’t forget my amazing Mom who made it to every chemo/appointment, and drove me home even though I griped the whole way (thanks steroids). My sweet dad and Tracey also came to numerous appointments and chemos. Mom, dad, and Tracey kept my son so I could rest on the weekends after chemo. I don’t know how I got so lucky and blessed, but I owe it

Having courage

does not mean that we are unafraid

Having courage

and showing courage means we face our fears We are able to say, “I have fallen, but I will get up”

to the Man upstairs. Ultimately, this journey has brought me closer to my friends and family, and I could not have done this without them. Hands down, best support system I could have asked for. Q: "When you give up hope, every cell in your body gives up hope, When you're happy, every cell in your body is happy" "I love this quote that came from a cancer survivor"- Do you believe it and how do you relate it to the strength you found in going through the treatments? A: Wow, that is very true. It’s so important to remain happy. At first, I stopped working out and eating poorly b/c I thought I had an excuse. Yea, not very smart of me! Thanks to that and the steroids, I was gaining weight and not wanting to get out of the house. The lifestyle change was very hard; however, I soon adapted to the chemo and started going back to the gym. I decided to get back out, and hung out with my friends and family as much as possible. My little boy, John-Parker, was my ray of sunshine through it all. He was

Refreshment of the Spirit Section definitely a God-send, too. I had to continue being a good mom, and take care of him and Chris’s sweet son, CJ. Q: God listens to our prayers, whomever we are and he promises us full attention and a loving reply to all of our prayers. The power of prayer comes from God's love. Do you believe the power of prayer made a difference in your healing? A: Absolutely! I could not have done this without the power of prayer. My dad and stepmom, Tracey, got me a devotional for Christmas. The timing of that was just impeccable, b/c that’s when I found out was right before Christmas. Any way, the devotional helped me wake up and be more motivated to get out of bed each day. Prayer & faith were my lifesavers. In fact, through all of this, I’ve been told that not only were people praying for me in Louisiana, but even out of the country! Thank goodness for the powerful networking of Social Media.

being comforted by God alone in that dark hour. Has this experience strengthened you, and brought you closer to God? What advise would you give others in walking your shoes?

A: Oh yes, it has tremendously. This journey has brought me closer to God, my friends, and family. The experience definitely opens your eyes and makes you realize how precious and short life is. I’ve learned to cherish and appreciate my family, friends, my sweet little John-Parker, God, and the many blessings life has to offer a little more each day. I wouldn’t have made it without them or the Man upstairs. J Thank you to all of my friends and family, and to my Chris, CJ, Macie, & John-Parker. I love you all!!! To conclude, my advice to others is this: even though you may have cancer, you are still YOU, with a life to lead, friends to see, family who need you, and people to love. Life with cancer is still life; God, family, and friends will help you live it. The Best is Yet to Q: Tell everyone Summer James, The Good News! Come! And I learned that from my best friend’s dad, Jesus has put his healing hands upon you! The Pet Pastor Ricky Berlin. You would never know that, due scan shows no Hodgkin's in your body! It just proves to cancer, he was given only months to live a few again and again, Nothing is impossible with God! Do years ago. He is the most positive uplifting man I’ve you have a sense of how God is using your disease to ever known. If you ever need a little boost, go check prepare you for a great calling or purpose in your life? out his miraculous testimony on his website, A: I AM CANCER FREE! WHOOP WHOOP! I didn’t www.rickyberlin.com. His motto was also “IN IT TO think this day would ever come, but it is here and I WIN IT”. That should be all of our mottos as well. couldn’t be more grateful. The chemotherapy and medicines have advanced so much, and it wasn’t as bad as I expected. The staff at Willis Knighton Cancer center was amazing. It was comforting to have my cousin, Megan, be my first nurse during chemo treatments! And my wonderful doctor, Dr. Michael Moore and his nurses Holly and Rita. They were amazing and helped my family and I through all of this with his incredible knowledge and encouragement. Very thankful! Hopefully, this can show others that cancer doesn’t have to be as bad as you read about or see on tv. I didn’t lose all of my hair. The steroids kept me from getting nauseated and sick. With a positive attitude and faith in God, you can overcome anything. I was scared to death, but the encouragement I received from my family and friends helped me big time. Q: Some of the greatest blessings in this world come from God’s power in the midst of trials. God changes us, molds us, strengthens us, and builds us through hardship. And there is nothing like the experience of

The Path of Salvation Follow me, and I Am. Man cannot serve 2 masters, so we must turn away from our bondage to sin in order to turn to Him. We must follow His path, not straying to the right or left, not looking back, and forsaking our sinful nature. This is the baptism of our soul into God’s will, our choice to no longer be slaves to sin

Ron Edwards

Contributing Writer Probably the most important scripture in the Bible is John 3:16. The simplicity of the message that manages to capture the message of the entire Bible in a few short lines. The message it gives is incredible. When put into context with the rest of scripture, it paints a deeper picture of salvation than we typically understand. When God created man, he made him body, soul and spirit. Man sinned, and corrupted all 3 parts. Salvation must address each part of man. It is the immersion, or baptism of each part into the cleansing nature of God. God delivering the children of Israel from slavery in Egypt is a beautiful picture of the salvation he gives us through the sacrifice of Jesus. Salvation requires a message and a messenger. Moses, at 40, was raised as the grandson of the pharaoh. That means he was probably well educated, well dressed, trained in leadership and combat. He was full of all royalty and privilege could offer. When you are full of self, there is no room to be full of God. It took 40 years in the wilderness for God to strip and empty Moses so that he could be an effective vessel for God’s plan. God showed the children Israelites through a series of plagues that the gods of Egypt were powerless, and were not their source. He proved the he is the “I Am”, and their true source. I Am is more than a name or description, it is a promise, a covenant, and also a command to God’s people. 14

The crossing through the Red Sea was God fulfilling his promise of “I Am”. The Israelites entered the waters as slaves, their masters pursuing them to reclaim ownership. They left the water freed completely, their captors buried forever, and every link of the chains that bound them shattered. Their shoes and clothing did not wear out, none were lame or ill, and God fed them, and gave them drink. In addition, they left with riches of gold, silver, and jewels given to them by the Egyptians as they left. I Am is our healer and provider. Water baptism is not just symbolic. It is us leaving our chains behind, and it is allowing God to fulfill his promise in us. The baptism in water is our body’s burial as a slave, and resurrection as a free servant of God The wilderness is our baptism of the spirit. It is a lifelong process of becoming emptied of our old nature so we can be filled with him. Time and again in their journey, the former slaves of Egypt tried to turn back to their old lives. They even took God’s gift of gold and silver, turned it into a idol, and worshiped it instead of him. How often do we put our own wealth and belongings ahead of Him? Ultimately, every slave of Egypt died in the wilderness. Every Israelite who was still a slave in his heart died, and was buried in the dessert. But life comes from death. Children were born in the desert that never knew slavery. They only knew one master, and followed Him. This is the death and resurrection of a new creation. A new man who is worthy of the promised land, and the gift of God. This is what the baptism of the spirit does in us. It empties us of self, buries our old man, and resurrects in his place one who is completely free and filled with His Holy Spirit. One who is worthy to enter into the kingdom of heaven.

How You Can Help Someone Suffering From PTSD

Stephanie Fruge

Allow me to begin with the good news, God will continue to create masterpieces out of His children no matter how broken we are. My heart is shattered all over this article and that is okay because God is taking me through a healing process. I have PTSD and will be transparent as I write to you, mainly because I want to heal.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) develops in some people who have experienced a shocking, scary, or dangerous event. Sometimes the sudden death of a loved one or even divorce can bring it on. If you have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, you need to know that you are not alone. Not by far. Over

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feeling horror, helplessness, or extreme fear, and more. Having little or no social support after the fact or dealing with extra stress after the occurrence such as loss of a loved one, pain and injury, or loss of a job or home, or having a history of mental illness or substance abuse may also contribute to the development of PTSD.

fourteen million Americans relate to the disorder with 7.7 million over the age of 18. Our country has an epidemic and I feel that acknowledging PTSD is crucial and we need to deal with it.

PTSD not only affects the sufferer but family, friends, and society as a whole. It is difficult for some of us to function at regular jobs. For many years I have created my career so to work from home. That is not necessarily a bad thing, but it has proven difficult for me to become financially stable. Struggling with depression, anxiety, isolation, memory loss and social anxiety has yet to make me wealthy nor attract a healthy relationship. I lack focus and tend to avoid certain things. Sometimes I even have to talk myself into getting out of my car when I arrive at places that require me to socialize. Avoidance leads to isolation and makes it harder to heal.

“Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10 PTSD became a diagnosis in the 80’s and was known by terms such as shell-shock. Many war veterans suffer from PTSD but many civilians struggle with it as well. PTSD usually occurs soon after the trauma or experience, generally within the three months. Symptoms must last over a month for the person to become diagnosed. These symptoms include memory loss, anxiety, depression, feeling suicidal, panic disorder, feeling numb, hypervigilance, negative self-concept, feelings of mistrust, physical symptoms such as chronic pain and headaches. Other common symptoms include being on constant alert, repeatedly thinking about the event, nightmares, flashbacks, avoidance, insomnia, easily startled, feeling tense or on-edge, distorted feelings of guilt or blame, loss of interest in enjoyable activities, trouble with emotional regulation, problems with interpersonal relationships, substance abuse and more. Another typical behavior for someone with PTSD is to withdraw from people. Childhood abuse is the most common cause of PTSD, and women are twice as likely to develop the disorder as men. PTSD often occurs with depression, substance abuse or other anxiety disorders. Some factors that increase the risk for PTSD include living through dangerous events and trauma, getting hurt, seeing another person injured, seeing a dead body, experiencing childhood trauma,

Many who are struggling with PTSD have yet to learn of their diagnoses or receive proper treatment. Prior to researching for this article, I never understood why I battled with anxiety, memory loss, depression, addiction, being startled easily, feeling numb, flashbacks, isolating myself and so on. When you read a portion of my testimony throughout the following paragraphs, it may seem like PTSD would have been obvious to me, but I honestly never entertained the thought before writing this article. I am grateful to Debbie Dillard for listening to the Holy Spirit and prompting me to write about PTSD. If you have noticed that I speak a lot about God on my Facebook pages (@Romans116Media), in conversation, articles, and poetry, I want you to understand that it took a lot of suffering for me to realize how much I needed God. The cards were stacked against me from the beginning. I was sexually assaulted twice in my childhood and raped at the age of 16 which made me much more likely to develop PTSD later in life after another trauma. People with PTSD often feel dumb because we can’t

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remember things, even things we just read, important dates, etc. With that said, please forgive my memory loss and confusion, but on August 19th or 25th of either 2006 or 2007 sometime in between 1:00 am and 3:00 am, I got into my car after arguing with my boyfriend and drove around the corner expecting to pick him up. I did not see him walking, instead, I witnessed the most horrific sight I have ever seen. Itthrew the car in park and stared at my boyfriend’s head which was partially missing due to from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He shot himself in the middle of Airline Drive and hit by a car. Two of his limbs were unaturally positioned. My love was dead and there was not a damn thing I could do about it. It was over. Seeing his limbs mangled, the huge puddle of blood, and his lifeless body pushed me over the edge. I had an outer body experience but western psychology calls it disassociation. Either way, I will never be the same, but I know that he was a mirror reflection of me in that season of my life. I’m blessed to be alive and my desire is to learn how to live. I pray to be delivered entirely from past scars and truly...actually live.

I sincerely want reach my full potential and become the woman God created me to be, but sobriety often leaves me feeling like it is hard to live at all. Though I am not suicidal, I often experience depression, emotional numbness, irritability, anger, emotional outbursts and I tend to separate myself from people. The Lord tamed these symptoms a great deal since I received His Holy Spirit in 2013, but like you, I am a work in progress. I try not to complain because the God that I serve overcame the world, hell, and death. Jesus said “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because

I go unto my Father.” John 14:12. I believe in,Yeshua and I trust Him.God loved us to the point of His death so the least we can do is press towards the high calling in Christ, no mind the cards that are dealt.

Untreated PTSD can have devastating, far-reaching consequences for sufferers’ medical, emotional, and vocational functioning and relationships, their families, and for society. As I mentioned, I did not know I was suffering from PTSD all of these years. I never had a real support system after the horrific scene I witnessed and I never reached out to a therapist to deal with the negative experiences during my youth. After my boyfriend committed suicide, I started creating jobs from home because I have a tough time functioning in regular daytime jobs. I was a bartender for many years before the incident and continued on a part-time basis after, but I can now admit that my motive was to fuel my addictions. I finally realize that I need help. Many people do. I don’t feel shame speaking about my personal issues because every single person on this plant is level on our face before the Creator. None of us are any better than each other, and the only separation between a believer in Christ and nonbeliever is our acceptance of God’s grace and Holy Spirit. It is a grace that no one really deserves, and salvation cannot be earned because it is a gift from God given to whosoever should believe in Jesus. We love God because He loved us first; not the other way around. “I am unashamed of the Gospel of Christ for it is the power of God unto salvation to those who believe...” Romans 1:16. PTSD is closely related to Dissociative Disorders. In fact, most people with a Dissociative Disorder also have PTSD.Recent research suggests that people with trauma disorders may attempt suicide more often than people who have major depression. Research also shows that people with trauma disorders have more serious medical illnesses, substance use, and self-harming behaviors. Most people I interacted with following my boyfriend’s

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suicide were not very helpful. People do not seem to understand PTSD, and so it can feel like your pain gets disregarded. For instance, someone asked me, “Why are you still crying? You didn’t know him that long.” Others simply did not know what to say, so the subject was avoided.Some expressed condolences by saying “I’m sorry,” but let’s face it, talking like an insensitive jerk, saying nothing at all, and hearing “I’m sorry” do not help anything.For me, they actually made it harder on me. How you can help people suffering from PTSD…

Encourage theit recovery. Suggest therapy. If you are close to the person with PTSD, make the appointment for them. Western treatments offered are medications, various behavior and cognitive therapies, and support groups. All workable options to incorporate. Research shows having friends and family support is beneficial to recovery. I remember how badly I wanted to talk to someone who cared enough to listen to me. I wanted to talk about his suicide as well as his life. I completely understand why people would not want to converse about this tragedy, but if we call ourselves a Christian, we are to bear each other’s burdens. I was not a Christian at the time of his,suicide but a pagan witch that desperately needed to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ. No, I probably would not have listened at that point in time or converted to becoming . Christian, but it doesn’t take away the seed that the Holy Spirit would have planted through whomever was preaching the gospel to me. God doesn’t need us to do anything for,Him but He will use those,of,us who are willing to be used to advance His kingdom. The gifts come without repentance. I recently spoke with a fellow sufferer of PTSD, Mr. Pat McGaha of Shreveport’s Crime Investigation Department. Mr. McGaha explained that receiving counseling and writing continues helping him to deal with PTSD symptoms. He has a fantastic blog at www.patmcgaha.com

entitled True Stories By A Homicide Detective. There is also a public FaceBook Group under the same title. People with PTSD need your help. We need people who portray true godly love. We need that supernatural love instilled in you so your eyes and heart can see past our PTSD symptoms. We can not help ourselves. We need people to help pull us out of this and encourage the healing process. Our emotional outbursts and attempts to push people away to become isolated is not a personal attack on you. It is the only coping mechanism we know how to execute. We often struggle to pay attention to a lot of things. It’s not you, it is us, so please stop taking it personally and see past our faults. Even when we cause you offense, love us anyway. Undoubtedly stand your ground when needed and never take abuse from anyone, but if I offend you with my words and I seem overwhelmed and or stressed out, please show me grace and love to me anyway. That benefits my situation as well as the healing process more than you know. I understand how frustrating, confusing and hurtful people with PTSD can be. I deal with them, and I have PTSD. I am not asking anything. People with PTSD aren’t exactly earning your love with our outbursts and other symptoms, but we need it badly. 1 John 4:10 “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” To love God is to love other people. Most of our PTSD symptoms are natural human responses to trauma, but they are unnaturally prolonged due to the rewiring in our minds during traumatic experiences. Like you, we need our minds to be reconditioned or transformed. “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Romans 12:2. Changing the way we think helps with generalized anger. Mindfulness and meditation, and prayer “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.” Psalm 19:14. It seems as though the church is always looking for God to help them prosper and gain worldly things. I hear it all the time from Christians... “God wants you to be happy, prosperous, to feel highly favored, etc.” It makes me wonder if we read the same Bible. The church should focus on helping others out of the kind of emotional hell PTSD can cause. Creating a world of personal happiness, material gain, and little to no suffering is hugely contradictory to

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scripture. I think that some buy into the whole prosperity gospel from the NIV Bible version. It has an overwhelming amount of mistranslations. For example, Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Now read the King James Version. “I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end” Jeremiah 29:11. They say completely different things.

The church needs to quit playing church and learn how to be the church. We learn the right paths to take by reading scripture to learn about the Word, the Word is Jesus Christ. Let’s figure out what scriptures are really saying within their contexts and encourage each other to live what we learn through the power of the Holy Spirit. I don’t consider myself to be a victim but a product of a society that knows the Creator God but does not fear Him. We seriously lack obedience. Our nation seems to believe anything the wind blows, and most people question very little. Many are quick to blame God when bad things happen. I am guilty of this myself at times. God is not to blame for the evil in the world today; our disobedience is to blame. The greatest commandment read as such from Matthew 22:36-40, “Master, which is the great commandment in the law? 37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

1 Corinthians concludes with the ultimate solution. “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned,[a] but have not love, it profits me nothing. 4 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; 5 does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; 6 does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; 7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8 Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away. 11 When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 12 For now, we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known. 13 And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” Philippians 3 (KJV) “...But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. 8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, 9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;...”

Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. You can reach the Crisis Text Line by texting “START” to 741-741 https://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/PTSD-overview/ Dissociative_Subtype_of_PTSD.asp

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Shreveport’s First Dog Park From Petition to Fruition I was intrigued by the petition that started with the statement, “We are interested in the creation of an official, off-leash dog park in Shreveport.” I signed then asked the question, “What IS a dog park anyway?” Little did I know I would soon be the leader of the pack, the top dog, the one to bring Shreveport a dog park. The originator of the petition had moved to Shreveport for a short time and had asked the question, “Where are your dog parks?” She assumed a large city would already have many. Before moving on she asked who would continue the effort, I was the only one to say I would help. With the blink of an eye, I was the head of the Shreveport Dog Park Alliance and was tasked with creating our first dog park on Shreveport’s riverfront. That was ten years ago, 2007, and we just opened our dog park a few months ago. What a journey it was! by Cynthia Keith The first task was to educate the public on what dog parks are and why we need them. Dog parks provide a tool for enforcing dog control laws because well-socialized dogs are less aggressive towards people and other dogs. For elderly and disabled people, a dog park is often the only accessible place to bring their companions to socialize. Dog parks also foster community feeling; dog park users get to know each other well. They attract newcomers and entice businesses to the area, and sustain the younger demographic. Dog parks are desirable amenities and can deter crime and unlawful behavior in that area. Off-leash dog parks provide a place for dogs to socialize with each other, getting the physical and mental exercise they need to be good companions and good neighbors. Who was I and why did I think I could bring this dog park to fruition? Well, I taught in the Caddo public school system for 20 years so I knew I had the power to educate our public and the power of persuasion to motivate them. I knew the reasons for goals and objectives and how to achieve them. I was active in our local chamber of commerce and was surrounded by successful businesses and leaders, movers and shakers. I learned a lot about how our local government worked and found myself in the same circles as them. With help from businesses, leaders, and a pack of desire driven dog lovers, this dog pack was off to the races to get our very first dog park completed. Mush!!! With a goal of raising almost $300,000 the fund raising began. We had successful events like our PuP Crawl, Wine and Beer Tasting with a BITE! (The BITE was that all labels on the beer and wine had to have animals on them), A Dalmatian of Donations, Dog Day Afternoon Dog Wash, Wine & Whine-a Dog Park Art Affair, The Unsink-

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Refreshment of the Spirit Section

PuP Walk in conjunction our Downtown Development and SciPort’s traveling ableable PuP Walk in conjunction with with our Downtown Development and SciPort’s traveling TitanicTitanic exhibit,exhibit, Throw a Bone Fundraiser, Stinko De Mayo dog wash and fiesta/fundraiser, Nuptials Fundraiser Throw Me aMe Bone Fundraiser, Stinko De Mayo dog wash and fiesta/fundraiser, PuptialPuptial Nuptials Fundraiser, & Dog Jog, to name DogDog ParkPark 5K &5K Dog Jog, to name a few.a few. We were a part of events the Krewe of Barkus & Meoux Pet Parades, Southern Hills’ Music We were a part of events such such as theasKrewe of Barkus & Meoux Pet Parades, Southern Hills’ Music in the in the 4th of Riverfront July Riverfront Celebration, Shamrock 5KBlock and Block Highland Jazz Festival, Cross Lake Park,Park, 4th of July Celebration, Shamrock 5K and Party,Party, Highland Jazz Festival, Cross Lake Floatilla, among others. Floatilla, among others.

The dog was a public city park, but we the wonjackpot the jackpot we asked the parish of Caddo fo The dog parkpark was to betoa be public city park, but we won whenwhen we asked the parish of Caddo for assistance raising. One commissioner suggested theof idea of using funding from the Red assistance withwith fundfund raising. One commissioner suggested the idea using parishparish funding from the Red Waterway Commission. the parish be aof part thepark dogthrough park through RiverRiver Waterway Commission. SinceSince the parish has tohas be to a part theof dog CaddoCaddo Parish Parish Animal Control, wanted to pitch injoin andinjoin in a public/private partnership. Animal Control, they they wanted to pitch in and a public/private partnership. The waterway commission approved, one its duties is to provide recreation the riverfront, The waterway commission approved, sincesince one of its of duties is to provide recreation on theon riverfront, and and granted $280,000 to build Shreveport’s firstpark. dog park. granted $280,000 to build Shreveport’s first dog the approved. city approved. Ordinances created to provide off-leash in designated And And the city Ordinances were were created to provide off-leash areas areas in designated places.places. The Shreveport Alliance paidchosen the chosen landscape architect $28,000 to design a beautiful The Shreveport Dog Dog Park Park Alliance paid the landscape architect $28,000 to design a beautiful dog dog onShreveport the Shreveport riverfront the Stoner Avenue Boat Launch Recreation Facility. parkpark on the riverfront in theinStoner Avenue Boat Launch Recreation Facility.

Shreveport’s regional dog park officially opened its gates on14, July 14, 2017. Located miles south of dow Shreveport’s regional dog park officially opened its gates on July 2017. Located 2 miles2 south of downtown, it boasts of almost 4 acres of on land onRed theRiver Red River It includes a double fully fenced town, it boasts of almost 4 acres of land the shore.shore. It includes a double gated,gated, fully fenced a walking a covered pavilion and pond a fountain. also includes a smaller largelarge areaarea withwith a walking path,path, a covered pavilion and pond with awith fountain. It alsoItincludes a smaller fenced forand shy small and small The scenery and views theare river are breathtaking. It hasvisited been visite fenced area area for shy dogs.dogs. The scenery and views of theof river breathtaking. It has been by many and even hurricane evacuees. Shreveport is happy tothis have this unique additio by many fromfrom otherother statesstates and even hurricane evacuees. Shreveport is happy to have unique addition its park system. to itstopark system.

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Providing Quality Employees for over 30 Years

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2017 Fascinating People, 2017: public figures who are prominent names in the fields of entertainment, sports, politics, and popular culture that are born and raised in our hometown, Shreveport /Bossier City. Also, our lists consists of some of the most interesting, locals around our Twin Cities... 24

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OUR ENTERPRISE

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2017 Enterprise Women: considered one of the most prestigious recognition awards for women business owners. To win, nominees must demonstrate that they have fast-growth businesses, mentors, or actively support other women and girls involved in entrepreneurship, and/or stand out as leaders in their communities. 44

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Voted #1 Employment Agency the past six years by Locals Love Us Jean Simpson Personnel Services, Inc. is an independently, locally owned and operated staffing service with offices in Shreveport, Louisiana and Longview, Texas. As the largest staffing service in the area, Jean Simpson Personnel employs over 600 employees weekly with well-established and new companies. We’re a professional team of 35 qualified people who care about providing you with the best service available. Our specialties include Temporary, Temp-to-Full Time & Direct-Hire Placement of Clerical, Industrial and Professional positions. Mrs. Jean Simpson founded Jean Simpson Personnel Services, Inc. in 1974. She turned the day-to-day operations over to her daughter, Sandra Jean Braddock, who has continued to build the business to what it is today. Ms. Braddock, President and General Manager, plans to carry on the legacy her mother left for years to come. Her Mission is to always practice the Golden Rule, and treat others as you would want to be treated, whether a potential business or a future employee. Whether you’re an applicant looking for a new career or a company looking for that perfect employee, you can count on us!

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OUR BEAUTIFUL

FACES

Shreveport/Bossier City

2017 Beautiful Faces Category: Sophisticated and Classy Women who defines who they are in character, where they are going in life, and how they treat others on the way to that destination. They demonstrate selfrespect to themselves and at first glance, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll see a lovely charming smile on these beautiful faces, but each one of them captivate that sweetness of their hearts and corporate-savvy that proves them influential business leaders to the community. Beautiful Faces 66

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OUR DISTINGUISHED

MALE

Shreveport/Bossier City

2017 Our Distinguished Male Category showcases a servant leader passionate about the empowerment of the community Shreveport/Bossier city. We are honored to introduce some of our finest community leaders with debonair & and considered, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Classyâ&#x20AC;? Business Men. Distinguished Male Category 88

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TOUR OF

TALENT

AWARDS Shreveport/Bossier City

2017 Tour of Talent Awards are Cream of the Crop winners that have a special natural ability to do something well, as their skills exercise creativity, personality, energy, contacts and articulate performance of high-quality standards in Business. Our list consists of multi-talented names such as extraordinary singer, song writers, actors, sports broadcasters, but also in the mix of names are people who have envision, design, and create beautiful things including photography, and exciting art-related careers! You will get to know them by reading about their Fascinating Accomplishements in our Digital version of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Southern Hospitality Exposure!

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Wake Up Beauty

It’s Time To Beast.

Wake Up Beauty It’s Time To Beast is a faith-based online radio show purposed to serve as edification, integration, healing and empowerment for the Christian church, in particular, women of faith overcoming emotional and or physical abuse. Hosted by Romans116 Media owner Stephanie Fruge’, Wake Up Beauty It’s Time To Beast online radio show airs every Sunday on www.KHAMradio.com at 5:00 pm. Content consists of faith-based hip hop, local Christian hip hop artists, testimonials, music reviews, artist interviews, and spoken word poetry. Listeners may also tune into the show by downloading TuneIn phone app then selecting KHAM Radio or by visiting Romans116 Media SoundCloud. Our goal is to reach out to a nation occupied by an overwhelming number of women suffering from abuse or the aftermath of being abused. We are destined to bring the Word forth as well as these women back up to where the Lord would like them to be safe in His presence.

“They overcame [satan] by the blood of the Lamb and by the4 Word of their testimony and loved not their lives unto death.” Revelation 12:11 Jesus tells us in Revelation 12:11 how to overcome the enemy. Speaking our testimony of Christ and the experiences we’ve overcome since being reborn holds true power. The truth sets us, and so many others who hear us speak, free! You are anointed to preach the gospel heal the sick raise the dead Luke and your gifts come without repentance so stop worrying about perfection Jesus has you covered woman of God.

“Death and Life are in the power of the tongue and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.” Proverbs 18:21 Fruits of the Spirit are Longsuffering, peace, love, joy, forgiveness, patience, Those fruits development during a believers sanctification process entailing encounters of deliverance, healing, walking in faith and victory of Jesus Christ, conforming to the image of Christ. We seek to encourage this with the body of believers. Wake Up Beauty It’s Time To Beast.

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Debbie Dillard/Chuck Kesilman Interview: Voted Musician of the Year 2017 have been people that asked me to swear if I wrote and produced the song. I take this as a compliment, as I do all of my writing and organize my music. It takes a little longer, but I’m a believer that I know what people like, thanks to the influence of the Beatles! Q. If you were to give any advise to other musicians on song writing, what would you tell them? A. I would tell them not to put pressure on themselves, and don’t expect any overnight miracles. It helps to write a song that people can relate to, or something simple that allows the listener just to enjoy the song, possibly something funny, sad, but for best results, to tell a story that keeps their attention. It also helps to have a nice beat, something simple and appealing to the ear. Q. Let’s go back! How old were you when you first started writing music? A. I was 18 years old. The song was called Michael Samm, no relation to the football player Q. Were any of your family members musicians? A. My mother’s mother, Mildred Werner, played the piano and sang. Never knew it! Q.Where was your very first gig? What was the experience like playing in front of people singing your own songs? A. Blarney Stone and Rusty Naiil, both on E. Kings Hwy. The same week. I was going to school at Centenary College, and Boy! Was I scared! Q...Have you worked with any celebrity musicians and who has inspired you the most and why? A I’ve worked with many of the local talents, for example: Bobby Langston, Dan Garner, Billy J. Moriris, Kent Gill, Mickey Gill. But I’m hoping to someday jam with James Burton and Sir Paul McCartney. I was inspired by the Beatles back when I was 8, but when the Beatles broke up, John Lennon and Paul McCartney were the 2 people that inspired me the most. Q. How do you feel about the way people and fans have interpreted your songs? A. I have received thousands of email, even to this day, from DJ’s, producers, directors, friends, and fans, To my knowledge, I don’t recall ever receiving a negative comment from anyone, believe it or not, except, there

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Q. What was the most enjoyable song you have written and why? A. Hard question.... Lennon/McCartney Anthem Song, “Return Of The Walrus/Flight Of The Blackbird”, “That Warm and Gentle Old Man’, Hey, Rah! He’s The Guitar Man”, and Fairy-Tale Rock”. All songs reached #1, except the Lennon/McCartney song. It sold almost 200,000 CD’s internationally, but only 16,000 in the states. The other three songs continue to do well over 4,000 internet stations in Germany, China, Asia, Sweden, Denmark, and several small countries, including the Military, which is surprisingly excellent. Q. Have you ever been in a band, or do you.refer solo? A. I prefer solo and then bringing people up on stage throughout the show. Playing a 12 string guitar allows me to dazzle people, as I play bass, lead and rhythm on my 12 string all in the same song, something that few can do, plus, it’s an attention grabber. Q.How old were you when you wrote your first song? What was your first song ever written? Tell us about the meaning of the song! A.Michael Samm was the first song I wrote at a young age, but I never recorded it. The song was about a man who was sad and depressed, and he ended up taking his life. Other than this, my first song would have to be “Hey Rah! He’s The Guitar Man”, a song that hit #1 in 2005 at New Artist Radio, again in 2000, at NBRN.FM, Nashville, and again in 2014-15 on Number One Music, Direct Play, and many more. The song is a simple song about a man that dazzles people playing his guitar. I had problems writing verse 3, until one night I saw James Burton playing

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on stage and was inspired by his guitar playing. The song was not written for him, but the 3rd verse came to me after watching him play. Absolutely incredible! Q. You have written two songs thus far that symbolizes Paul McCartney, what inspired you to write about him? A. Al of my songs have a touch of McCartney to them. He has always been my idol, and in the song, “Return Of The Walrus/Flight Of The Blackbird”, it is Sir Paul that is the Blackbird that comes together with the walrus (Lennon) as they finally come together as one, after all these years, singing in time and unison, “All You Need Is Love”. But most of all, it’s the Lord up above, empowering the world through the walrus and bird. So hail! To the FAB for everlasting love, singing, “Glory Hallelujah, man, “All You Need Is Love” Q. Return of the Walrus / Flight of the Blackbird brings Lennon and McCartney together again, empowered by the Lord, as the Walrus and Blackbird come together as one, singing in time and unison, “All You Need Is Love”. Tell us what is in your Heart in writing this beautiful song! A. The idea hit me hard in 2006. Between war, corruption, violence, hate, racism, communism, bad government, poverty, and the list goes on and on, I thought to myself that I need to write a song that would help bring the world together. Who other than Jesus Christ, could possibly bring the world together to spread the word of love? Who would listen, who would believe that there are only 2 other iconic characters to spread the message of love except for Lennon and McCartney, (the walrus and blackbird) People listened to what they said many years ago when they sang “All Yo need Is Love, and now we need LOVE more than ever. It is my personal opinion that people would stop and take notice of the message if only Sir Paul would reproduce the song to his style and liking. If the song sold close to 200,000 CDs on the internet, one would think that the song would be exposed to billions of people if Sir Paul reproduced it to his liking and style. After all, I took the song as far as it could possibly go, but it’s time to raise the bar so that Sir Paul can spread the word. This would guarantee him a way to take him back to his roots and bring it to the present. All of my songs are meant for Paul, including, “That Warm And Gentle Old Man’, which won runner-up song of the year in 2015. It has a similar tone to the song, “Michelle”. Hopefully, these songs will somehow get in his hands, and I’m hoping “With A Little Help From My Friends’, that it’s possible. Maybe wishful thinking, but miracles have continued to appear in my life with these songs, and my final goal would be to turn all of my songs over to Sir Paul!

that includes two of the Beatles! John Lennon and Sir Paul McCartney! Tell us about them and by the way, Congratulations on your number one Hits! A. Thanks.. DJ’s around the world use the following to introduce the Lennon/McCartney song. Though I’m being redundant, it has a major effect on listeners and has captured the hearts, soul and imagination of Beatle and non-Beatles fans, young and old. It starts off like: Many Moons ago in a land not so far away, lived a walrus from Strawberry Fields, now living in a red cloud of love, throwing berries of everlasting love, and singing across the universe, “All You Need Is Love”. Down below, the blackbird notices the berries cascading down from the heavens as they crystalize, and he knows this is his cue to begin his flight into the dead of night. Together, the walrus and blackbird come together as one, singing in time and unison, “All You Need Is Love”. It’s music to my ears, it’s time to stand up and cheer, for everywhere around the world they can be heard “The legendary walrus and bird. But most of all, it’s the Lord up above, empowering the world through the walrus and bird, So Hail!! To the FAB, for everlasting love, singing, “Glory, Hallelujah, man, “All You Need Is Love” Debbie: I know much of the information I’ve repeated over and over, but it’s so important that people understand that this song is needed now, more than ever. This song, along with other songs , are songs just for Paul, These songs bring back his roots. What better way for him to go out singing songs from his roots! Not that he needs the money or fame, but wouldn’t it be nice for him to go out the same way that he started.... his roots. Thanks for letting me share, and I hope it makes since. I haven’t reviewed or checked my spelling, in fact, it probably comes across very elementary, but I think you get the idea. Thanks for everything, and I hope this helps!! Hugs and love, Chuck

Q. Your last CD is a mixture of songs you have written

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There is one more thing that I left out that is very important. I wrote Return Of the Walrus/Flight Of The Blackbird” for a specific reason. In 2007, I started to write the song because there was so many things that disturbed me, including; poverty, bad government, war, people hating people, injustice, politics, etc. AT the time, I was thinking who other than Jesus Christ himself, who could bring the world together to spread the word of love? That’s when it hit me that there are only 2 other people/ characters that would stop and listen, the walrus and blackbird, i.e., Lennon and McCartney. To bring back their roots from yesterday when they sang, “All You Need Is Love”, I thought, we need love today more than ever, and only the blackbird and walrus would be able to capture the heart, soul and imagination of the world. IN fact, they are the only ones in my mind that at qualified to spread the word of love. This message, I believe, is true today, which is why Sir Paul needs to sing this song as the blackbird. Not that he needs another hit or the money, but only Paul can reproduce the song to his style and liking. I think you would agree that he is the only person qualified to sing the song. DJ’s, television people, friends and fans tell me this, and I believe that if he heard the song, he, too, would agree that only he can spread the message of love. LENNON/MCCARTNEY TRIBUTE SONG RETURN OF THE WALRUS/FLIGHT OF THE BLACKBIRD VERSE 1 WALKING UP A MOUNTAIN ROAD HYPONOTIZED BY A RED CLOUD’S EVERLASTING GLOW A FACE OF A WALRUS IN AN EVERLASTING CLOUD OF LOVE SINGING ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE (HEAR THE ECHOS ABOVE) ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE (WHISPER: ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE) VERSE 2 HIS BEST MATE SANG YESTERDAY FROM A BAND LONG AGO – BLACKBIRD WAS HIS NAME (STILL HAVING HIS DAY) BUT EVER SINCE THE WALRUS HAS BEEN GONE (SEEMS SO LONG) IT’S BEEN UP TO THE BLACKBIRD (COMPOSER OF LOVE) TO SEND THE MESSAGE ALONG (AND KEEP IT GOING STRONG) BRIDGE 1 HEY THERE LUCY IN THE SKIES IS THAT THE WALRUS BY SURPRISE (ECHO: IN DISQUISE – 4 TIMES) HIS HOME OF STRAWBERRY FIELDS WHERE NOTHING IS REAL (BUT NOW IT ‘S CLEAR) HE’S LIVING IN A CLOUD OF LOVE SINGING ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE – SO REAL

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VERSE 3 WALKING AROUND THE MOUNTAIN ROAD MESMERIZED BY A RED CLOUD’S EVERLASTING GLOW REFLECTING ON A LEGEND IN THE HEAVENS IN THE STARS OF YESTERDAY GIVING THANKS TO THE WALRUS (DON’T FORGET THE BLACKBIRD) STILL LIVES IN PENNY LANE INSTRUMENTAL (STILL HAVING HIS DAY) (STILL HAVING HIS SAY) INSTRUMENTAL (CONTINUED) BUT THE WALRUS ABOVE HE’S THROWING BERRIES OF LOVE (FILLED WITH EVERLASTING LOVE) FEEL THE MAGIC AND THE POWER FROM THE WALRUS ABOVE ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE END OF INSTRUMENTAL BRIDGE 2 REVOLUTION SURROUNDED HIS NAME PSYCHE-DELIC IMAGES WAS IN HIS GAME (BUT JUST THE SAME) THANKS TO THE BLACKBIRD SINGING IN THE DEAD OF NIGHT SINGING LAD YOU DID ALL RIGHT! HOPE TO SEE YOU IN ANOTHER LIFE! CAUSE WHEN WE REUNITE IT WILL BE AN EVERLASTING SIGHT!! VERSE 5 WALKING DOWN THE MOUNTAIN ROAD EVERWHERE STRAWBERRY LOVE COMING DOWN SLOW A LINGERING – ECHOING VOICE, A FAMILIAR FACE ABOVE HE RAINS/REIGNS FROM A CLOUD – MUST BE THE WALRUS OF LOVE FINALE FEEL THE MAGIC AND THE POWER FROM HIS HANDS ABOVE HE’S THROWING BERRIES FILLED WITH EVERLASTING, ETERNAL LOVE AND SINGING WITH THE BLACKBIRD (YEAH! THEY’RE SPREADING THE WORD) EVERYWHERE THEY CAN BE HEARD! (THE WALRUS AND BIRD) THEY SING A SONG OF LOVE IT’S A MESSAGE FROM THE MAN HIGH ABOVE AFTER ALL THESE YEARS – IT’S MUSIC TO MY EARS IT’S TIME TO STAND UP AND CHEER AROUND THE WORLD THEY CAN BE HEARD THE LEGENDARY WALRUS AND BIRD!!

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Inducted into the Louisiana Hall of Fame in 1999, Billy J. Morris commands your attention from the stage as he connects with his audience with a little Cajun charm and a whole lot of talent and magnetism. He will lead his band or solo performances from one favorite song selection to the next with his powerful, soul-filled renditions that will keep you wanting more as he belts out songs that he was born to sing. Billy J. was discovered while performing in the Marksville area as a child vocalist and drummer by musicians that played with International stars, and were also talent scouts and promoters. This era was way before shows such as American Idol, The Voice, X Factor and America’s Got Talent were in existence, so competing for recording contracts was an impossibility. Despite his age, his new managers recognized his unique vocal talent and drumming ability, as well as the crowd appeal that this child prodigy talent possessed. They became his legal guardians, hired him a tutor and took him on the road. By the age of 12, Billy J. was performing on the main stage in Las Vegas at several casinos, including the Golden Nugget, which was one of the top Vegas draws in the 1960’s and ‘70’s. As he grew older and his voice began to mature, his career took a positive turn from no longer being a child performer to that of an experienced musician and front man. He began touring the United States in addition to other countries on his own billing as well as with several International stars. For years he performed in and out of major cities where he entertained as part of the great concerts and shows throughout the United States. Performing today, Billy J.’s music genre of choice that

suit his style and vocal ability are R&B/Soul as well as the music that he was raised on…Swamp Pop. The Swamp Pop selections can be sung in either English or Cajun since he is originally from Avoyelles Parish, also known as “The Cajun Crossroads”. The Class of 1999 Hall of Famers that he was inducted with include Louisiana artists such as James Burton, John Fred, The New Beats, Dale and Grace, Frankie Ford, Joe Stampley and many others. He is extremely proud of his certificate, issued by the State of Louisiana, which bears the golden seal of the state as well as the signature of the Lt. Governor in 1999, Kathleen Babineaux Blanco. (The Lt. Governor of Louisiana is over the state’s entertainment industry.) Whether singing in English or Cajun, his unique vocal range and style are most sought after, and have only improved with age and experience. He’ll quickly tell you with that smile he always wears, “I’m not a singer…I’m a song stylist!” Although Billy J. has played with and/or opened up for numerous national and international stars (you’ve heard him countless times playing the drums on well-known hits), his true love is singing and fronting his own band. Married to the former Julie Vidler of Logansport, his home is now in DeSoto Parish, where he is CEO of MorMusic, LLC. He recently released a CD entitled, “Soul’D Out”, highlighting favorite fan selections from performances. You can find him on Facebook or at www.billyjmorris.com In addition to being named one of Southern Hospitality Magazine’s 2017 Tour of Talent winners, Billy J. was also selected as one of the most Fascinating People in Northwest Louisiana in 2015 and 2016.

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Five Star Awards Revealed, 2017 Life Time Achievement Awards Outstanding Achievement Award Keith Hightower & Business Awards Life Time Achieverment Awards James Burton Maggie Martin Mentor/Coach of the Year Billy Montgomery Patron Award Chester Kelly Woman of the Year Award Arlena Acree Pam Glorioso Man of the Year Award Craig Spohn Innovation Dentist of the Year Dr. Andrew Simpson General Denistry of the Year Dr. Jeffery Scruggs, DDs

Business of Excellence Award Jean Simpson Temporary Services

Congenial Award Rick Rose

Outstanding Achievement Award Keith Hightower

Community Spirit/Talk of the Town Tom Pace

Architect of the Year Grey Walker

Outstanding Achievement Award Keith Hightower

Business of the Year Santa Maria Produce Shreveport Bossier Community College, Bossier

Business of Excellence Award Jean Simpson Temporary Services

Small Business Award Roach Plumbing, Shreveport Small Business Award, Bossier City Connie and V Cross, Bossier Family Owned and Operated Snyders Floor Covering Bossier Smittyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pizza, Shreveport

Professional Award Career Adventures

Locally owned and operated Husband and Wife Creative Adertising

Southern Hospitality Award Tina Palmisano Ernest Palmisano

Minority Business of the Year State Farm, Katrina Early

Community Leader of the Year Randy James Liz Swaine Business Leader of the Year Barry Regula Congenial Award Rick Rose Community Spirit/Talk of the Town Tom Pace

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Business Leader of the Year Barry Regula

Innovation Business of the Year Cyber Innovation Center Intelligent /Achiever Jeanene Deen Southern Hospitality Award Tina Palmisano Ernest Palmisano Community Leader of the Year, Randy James Liz Swaine

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Outstanding Achievement Award Keith Hightower Architect of the Year Grey Walker Business of the Year Santa Maria Produce Shreveport Bossier Community College, Bossier Small Business Award Roach Plumbing, Shreveport Small Business Award, Bossier City Connie and V Cross, Bossier Family Owned and Operated Snyders Floor Covering Bossier Smittyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pizza, Shreveport Locally owned and operated Husband and Wife Creative Adertising Minority Business of the Year State Farm, Katrina Early Innovation Business of the Year Cyber Innovation Center Intelligent /Achiever Jeanene Deen

Five Star Awards Revealed, 2017 Chiropractic of the Year All the Way Chiropractic

Enterprise Lifetime Achievement Award Graphic and Video Artist Specialist Ron Edwards Elias Sifuentes

Attorney Firm of the Year Trey Morris, Savoie, and Dewett

Charity and Volunteer Awards

Innovative Dr. of the Year Dr. Suresh Kumar,Neurology Photographer of Year Award John Linden Executive of the Year John Lorick, Remax Mary Jo Gray, Coldwell Banker, Airline l Automobile Dealership of the Year Holmes Honda Automotive Dealership, Shreveport Moffitt Mazda, Bossier City Maverick of the Year Brent Latin Rising Star of Operations Pat Magaha Rising Star Phillip Barberee, Jr. Photogenic Award Joanna Folse- Alexander, Bossier Tracey James Woman of Courage Summer James Mentor of Honor/Hometown Hero Mayor Lo Walker Entrepreneur of the Year Deb Cockrell, Shreveport Jacqueline Scott, Bossier

Charity of the Year James Burton Foundation Community Pillar Award Olsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Professionals BOM, Bank of Montgomery Community Volunteer Robin Guicek, Salvation Army Cindy Welch/Friends of a Feather Philanthropist of the Year Andy Shehee Inspirational Award Denise Odom

Web Site Specialist Bandwise Contributor and Community Writer & Online Marketing Specialist Stephanie Frugeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Small Business Award, Desoto Parish Ideal Commercial Printing Specialty Advertising/Customer Service Creative Advertising Marketing Specialists Ed Walsh Sheli Briery Tech Technology/Apps Design Award Mersa Tech

Touched by an Angel Award Jeff Burton Hayden Heaberlin

Local Celebrity Artists

Unity of Love/Congenital Carol Turnage

Musician/Songwriter of the Year Chuck Kesilman

Circle of Love/Charity Award Friends of a Feather Award

Local/National Celebrity Achievement Award William Joyce

Media Awards Unique Advertising Concept Go Pump Video Advertising Cajun Court TV Judge Jacque Entertainment Marketing Specialist Pat Booras Master Journalist of the year Rick Rowe/KTBS

Hall of Fame Musician Billy J. Morris Female Vocalist of the Year Betty Lewis Singer /Songwriter Robert Ivey People Choice Award Barry Vosburry

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Award Ceremony 2017

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Looking Back

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Ideal

Commercial Printing & Office Supplies

102 Texas sTreeT â&#x20AC;˘ Mansfield, la 71052

Ph (318) 872-6363 fax (318) 872-4228

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idealorders@bellsouth.net

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MORRIS, DEWETT & SAVOIE, LLC

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2017 TOP ATTORNEYS

MORRIS, DEWETT & SAVOIE, LLC VOTED A TOP LAW FIRM IN SHREVEPORT

afety is everyone’s concern. When a trucking company violates a safe driving rule or a company man ignores an oil field safety rule, it endangers all of us. Our clients and our cases have provided clear evidence of an increasing trend of large companies ignoring safety rules and causing danger to our community. Safety is starting to take a backseat to profits. We all use the highways. Most of us have friends or family working in the oil field. Our entire community now and into the future becomes safer by enforcing safety rules. The only thing that restores safe practices to our community is to make it more expensive for safety rule violators when they violate safety rules and cause us harm in our own backyard. Despite facing billion dollar insurance companies with their own teams of lawyers, the law firm of Morris, Dewett & Savoie, currently has 70 jury trials set for 2017. Our firm continues to fight hard. As acting champions for this community and our clients, we blazed a path to enforce safe practices in the work place and safety rules on the road. Through mediation and trial, our hard work resulted in the following victories for our clients: Northwest Louisiana – Oil field negligence case, $31,499,500.00. Northwest Louisiana – 18 -wheeler company negligence causing brain injuries, $9,699,500.00. Richland Parish – State vehicle cut across median injuring college student, $4,011,972.00. Northeast Louisiana – Manufacturer’s product caused severe leg injury, $2,949,500.00. Desoto Parish – Oil field service truck rear-ended cattle trailer, $1,999,500.00. Caddo Parish – Husband and wife rear-ended causing spine problems, $1,749,500.00.

Caddo Parish – Slip and fall in wax resulting in spine injury, $1,699,500.00. Lafayette Parish – Drunk driver caused brain injury, $1,666,300.00. Caddo Parish – Tanker truck ran stop sign causing spine injury, $1,214,500.00. Bossier Parish – Immigrant mother required surgery caused by unsecured load, $1,199,500.00. Caddo Parish – City sidewalk with wet paint, $1,063,001,00. Caddo Parish – Medical malpractice causing leg injury, $1,036,946.00. Northwest Louisiana – Improper lane change by 18 -wheeler causing neck surgery, $899,500.00. Southeast Texas – Oil field truck wreck involving back injury, $749,500.00. Hard work, tenacity and relentless pursuit of settlement or judgment has resulted in members of our firm being recognized by Super Lawyers year after year as Rising Stars. The Million Dollar Advocates Forum and Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum is a peer recognized forum for firms receiving judgments over a million and over two million. Our firm has been honored in both. To keep our skills sharp, we have taught numerous continuing education classes for trial strategy and motion practice to other lawyers in our community. Our firm works with some of the nation’s top jury consultants to assist its practice in both Louisiana and Texas. Our firm regularly conducts mock jury trials/focus groups to ensure that our clients’ cases are perceived by jurors in the best possible light. “Lawyer talk” should never outweigh the importance of what really happened.

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TOP ATTORNEYS 2017

Rising Star Award Recipient

Rising Star

MORRIS, DEWETT & SAVOIE, LLC Award Recipient

rey Morris has been involved in numerous trials and settlements reaching well over a million dollars. He regularly reminds his team, “No case will settle for real justice value unless the other side fears we can win at trial.” He has been heard telling his clients, “Some lawyers put checks on their walls, but our walls are covered with framed judgments we fought to win.” Trey has consistently been peer reviewed as one of Shreveport’s Top Lawyers. He has also been recognized as a “Louisiana Rising Star” by Super Lawyers and as one of “Louisiana’s Outstanding Young Lawyers” by Louisiana Life. Trey is licensed in both Louisiana and Texas has litigated successfully with some of the best lawyers in the country.

ynthia L. Carroll-Bridges received her Bachelor of Arts from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, and her Juris Doctorate from Oklahoma City University School of Law. She is licensed in the State of Louisiana, as well as Texas, and has handled countless cases both contested and uncontested for clients with favorable results. Cynthia is an experienced trial attorney who is assertive and not easily intimidated. She practices in the areas of insurance defense, personal injury, family law, adoptions and successions. She is also a certified mediator with Effective Mediation Services.

ustin C. Dewett had his first trial two days into practice and now prefers the courtroom over his office. Justin has consistently been named as one of Shreveport’s Top Lawyers. He has also been recognized as a “Louisiana Rising Star” by Super Lawyers and as one of “Louisiana’s Outstanding Young Lawyers” by Louisiana Life. Justin has been a part of multimillion dollar settlements and judgments. Justin teaches other lawyers from across the state about litigation strategy, motion practice, and premise liability. Justin is one of the few lawyers who tried two cases in which each jury returned a verdict for more money than asked in closing argument.

dam Savoie is a trial attorney. In 2016 alone, his clients were awarded millions of dollars through verdict and settlement. He fights aggressively for fair and reasonable compensation for all of his clients. His experience and resolve have helped many achieve successful resolution in hundreds of personal injury cases. Mr. Savoie is frequently asked to teach trial and motion practice to other attorneys in Louisiana and Texas. He also has taught mock trial teams at the LSU Law Center and local high schools.

eagan E. Shadinger achieved her undergraduate degree at the University of Georgia. Her hard work and high grades, earned her a scholarship to LSU Law School. Meagan clerked for Hon. John M. Robinson and Hon. Jeff Cox at the Bossier Parish Courthouse. Meagan was highly recruited to lead the briefing and motion practice division of Morris, Dewett & Savoie. As the firm’s top brief writer, she has worked on briefs in state and federal district courts, appellate courts and the Louisiana Supreme Court.

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5 Star Recognition and Achievement Awards, 2017

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We Love You

R E I SS CITY

O B

Judge Tommy Wilson swears in Lorenzo (LO) Walker and his B ossier Cit y Council M embers, 2017

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We Love You Bossier City Section Deadlines versus Headlines: Q. Where do you see the economy in a year from now? Do you plan to invest strategically in economic growth for the city? A. I believe the economy will continue to grow slowly, but Mayor Lo Walker consistently. The home building industry will continue to do well locally and nationally as projected by a forecast from reputable firms. The City will continue to partner with commercial projects when we are convinced our return on investment is solid and can be achieved in a relative short time period. Examples of this strategy are the Outlets at Boardwalk, Stirling Shopping Center, Kroger Shopping Center and adjacent retail outlets. The most recent major examples are the Holmes Honda dealership on Innovation Drive and Downtown Re-Envisioning Project. Q. Do you feel as Mayor its important to be a Community figure, or a competent, skillful administrator? Choose one and explain your answer to us! A. I believe a Mayor must be both an effective, knowledgeable person who is also a highly visible in the local community. It is important that a Mayor participate in welcoming new businesses in the area and convention participants, large and small, in sincere appreciation for their bringing their conventions to the local area. He/she should take every opportunity to address local business and civic meetings to inform participants on major items of interest within the city and this region. It is also important that Mayors honor request to support the local school system to include visiting school classes when requested and when they request to visit the Office of the Mayor. Q. In your last three terms as Mayor of Bossier City you have accomplished your vision of 'Change" for Bossier City. Can you give us some Highlights on your goals for the next 4 years and what to expect for the Community? A. As I start my fourth term in office I am humbled and

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grateful for the trust the citizens of Bossier City have placed me. My 30 years of employment with the City and 30 years of leadership positions with the USAF have given me insight into what it takes to function effectively and efficiently with available resources. I am both more more knowledgeable and committed to making Bossier an even better place to live, work and raise a family. I pledge to the citizens of this great city that I will work to do everything feasible to continue our path as a progressive city and growing through “controlled growth”, not just growing larger for bragging rights. It is imperative that the Council and I continue to coordinate and cooperate on all issues affecting our City to insure that such changes are positive and in the best interest of its Citizens. I anticipate that the City’s elected leaders will continue our goal to use the resources provided by our constituents to keep our City with safe with our outstanding Police and Fire Departments. We will continue our pro-active coordination and cooperaiont with local, State, and Federal officials in preparation for major disasters due to flooding and response to them when they occur. We will also continue to wholeheartedly support the missions and people of Barksdale Air Force Base. WE will continue to provide all the services to which our citizens are entitled and initiatives to improve quality of life opportunities within the City. A major concern of our City remains vehicle traffic within the City and we will continue to develop and implement improvements where feasible and resources available. Q. Who would you be proud to recognize as Influential's of Bossier City? People whom have given a precious part of themselves to the Community and as Mayor, proud to bear their footprints? A. There are numerous individuals that I believe have played a major role in the positive growth of the City, some behind the scene and not seeking recognition. They include City employees Attorney Jimmy Hall, Chief Administrative Officer Pam Glorioso, City Engineer Mark Hudson, and Public Works Director Gary Neathery. Civic and business leaders who have played a major role in City growth include Loy Moore, Wayne Brown, Jim Elrod, Bill Altimus, Wanda Bennett, Billy Montgomery, Colonel, Retired, Steve DePyssler, Mike McSwain, Craig Spohn, Julian Whittington, and Lisa Johnson.

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We Love You Bossier City Section First Woman CAO Elected in Bossier City by Mayor Lo Walker! Q. How do you feel about being elected, First Woman CAO? A. I am excited and honored to Pam Glorioso, CAO continue my career with the City of Bossier as its CAO. It felt like a dream at first confirmed for the position. I wish I had the opportunity to talk to my father and let him know what I have achieved, but I know that he is in heaven saying he so proud of me. Q. What is the most challenging part of this position to you? The most challenging part of this position is learning how to adjust my work day to function as the CAO and to also continue my work as the special projects coordinator. It has taken me a few weeks to adjust, but it is now falling in place.

always must keep the vision of what you are trying to achieve, but are equally important. Q. Describe your relationship with Mayor Lo Walker in one word! A. Respect Q. What do you do for Fun? A. Work, everyday is fun, because you never know what the day may bring. You make your own fun, wherever you go.

Southern Hospitality Exposure says: Congratulations to you, Pam Glorioso in all your Endeavors because they are all so well -deserved! The saying goes, "behind every successful man there's a woman." Could be true, or could be a myth, but in this case we can tell you where in Bossier City, there is a woman rising through the ranks has left her mark, and that is my Friend, Pam Glorioso! Also voted, " Woman of the Year," 2017!

Q.What do you find most rewarding in this position, CAO? A. To now be able to serve the City and the Mayor in this position and to have opportunity to express my skills and ability in the new position. Q. Vision versus Mission? Which of the two do you find most important ? A. Everyday we face missions in our life, but you

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Mayor Lorenzo Walker A True Patriot of Bossier City!

“Medal of Honor and Hometown Hero” By Jeanene Deen and Debbie Dillard

Jeanene Deen

A lot of people were honored and recognized in various categories of service and excellence during the 3rd annual Southern Hospitality Ceremony Monday night at Ernest Orleans Restaurant, September 18th, 2017. Debbi Dillard Mayor Lo Walker was awarded two major Awards this Year, and both well deserved! They were the “Medal of Honor Award, and Hometown Hero!

“His lasting legacy is his unwavering commitment to Bossier City”! It is my honor to give you a little background into his life and the heroic missions and his involvement for the love for his fellow soldiers, and his devotion for his country, The United States of America! To convey a story of Mayor Lo without military , just isn’t possible! As a young man, Lo Walker gained a military career spanning more than 30 years of leadership knowledge. Mayor Lo is a proud Alumni of Fair Park High School , Class of 1951 in Shreveport, Louisiana! He entered Louisiana Tech and graduated with a BA in 1956 and entered the R.O. T.C. which led him to an accomplished career retiring as Colonel in the U.S. Air Force. Later on, he heard his calling to continue serving our Nation leading him to gain rank and commendation of medals, stars, and bars such as two Legions of Merit” two Distinguished Flying Crosses, 13 Air Medals and a Bronze Star. But this is just the beginning of the awards and decorations. Not to mention a Master Parachutist with 66 jumps in places like Germany, France, and Libya! He tells the story of one memory of his military career starting with the possible destination of Cuba; a re-route to Vietnam; then tour duty in Mali, (Africa) and back to Vietnam. Names like Farmgate, Jungle Jim, Special forces, and Seals began to paint a picture of the past. In 1961 he was one of the scouring pilots chosen and understanding there were no ID Markings with insignia. Here are a few questions asked by Air Commandos , Jungle Jim Project: 1. Are you willing to fly old obsolete air craft? 2. Are you willing to fly combat? 3. If shot down and captured, are you willing to be disowned by your government? What was the answers from Lieutenant Lo Walker? Yes. A mission of team work will always be the perfect storm. The 5 Star Medal of Honor Award recognizes Mayor Lo Walker as the True Patriot on meeting the needs of his community, Bossier City! He has

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demonstrated exceptional commitment through previous service and volunteerism including community service, public safety, corporate engagement, emergency awareness, and remarkable dedication to improve the quality of life for the citizens of Bossier City. He has also brought admirable acts and visionary leadership to the community. Did you know that national statistics state, that Bossier is the 6th chosen ,city, Nation wide, to live, work, and visit? “Change is the Law of Life” a quote from President John E. Kennedy, restated in an interview with Mayor Lo Walker some years back, which is ever so fitting when assessing current growth patterns of Bossier City. The Boardwalk, CenturyTel Center, Bossier Parish Community College, Cyber Innovation Center, Sterling Properties, and Villagio just to name a few and the list keeps growing and moving along the community. One of the most fascinating facts is the 280% population increase from 1950-1990! The Census figures for 2010 should prove far above 300% growth for the area. “Give credit where credit is due, says Mayor Lo and that is to The City Council (past and present) and all the Mayors before me”. One of the most profound comments stated when describing Mayor Lo Walker is this: “A true Gentleman! Without fail he treats every single person he encounters with dignity, and respect!” His self -effacing humor and low key style has served him well in his leadership role. He sets the example of how life is lived, a servants heart. in his service to our country with the Air Force, and his many years of service to the community, Bossier City and Barksdale Air Force continues to flourish under his leadership as a no greater Champion than Mayor Lo Walker! His whole life is summed up by one word- Integrity! But his personality is the mold of the definition, (of the word), doing the right thing at the right time even when other people aren’t watching!

“I am honored and blessed to call Mayor Lo my special friend”! As the old saying goes, “ There are Heroes among us and most of the time, we don’t even know it”!

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HERE FOR YOU NEW BRANCHES. MORE CONVENIENCE.

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We Love You Bossier City Section Section From Baton Rouge to Bank of Montgomery story by Sean Green

Henry Burns uses experiences to help business community Chances are that if you’ve been around ShreveportBossier for a while, you’ve met Henry Burns. Known as the “Cookie Man,” the former state repreHenry Burns sentative has parlayed his experiences in Baton Rouge, in the oilfield, and as a small business owner to his new career as a business development consultant for Bank of Montgomery to give him a unique view on how to help the community. “My goal is to one day be the person who directs or rescues a person with a financial challenge. That will be the ultimate satisfaction,” Henry said. “Because there have been others who have played that role to me in my life. If it hadn’t been for good solid advice and support from bankers, I wouldn’t be where I am today.” It’s been a winding road for the Shongaloo native. From his service as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army, working with explosives, Henry started his own independent oil and gas operation. Then he took over The Wooden Spoon bakery in Bossier City, learning the business from the ground up. Or as he likes to say, “I went from crude to Crisco.”

civic organizations. He said, “Whether I’m grocery shopping, filling up with gas, or dropping grand kids off at a ballgame I’m continually encountering customers.” But it almost didn’t happen. Henry was reluctant to take the position because of his many friends in the banking industry, saying that at first he thought he would be branded a traitor. But he said he has been accepted into the local banking “fraternity/sorority” as one of their own, explaining, “It says a lot if they treat a competitor this kind and with this much class — you know they’ll be a good mentor to their clients.” With this new job, Henry said he feels prepared as his contacts and associations made during his time in the House have been “invaluable.” He said that although it is a new industry to tackle, banking has similar components and protocol as his legislative duties when it comes to assisting and helping people. “I’ve learned that the root of most people’s challenges is finances. Banking allows people to establish good financial management procedures,” he said.

He admitted the change is difficult. But he added the key is that BOM understands what he brings to the table and provides assistance with their own experts in specialized areas. The former rep who has moved He was elected to the Bossier Parish School Board from Baton Rouge to BOM, he said he is 100% comwhere he served for 15 years. He was then elected mitted to the cause and has a team behind him who to serve in the Louisiana House Dist. 9 in 2007. He feels the same way. served there until he unsuccessfully ran for the state “I have a goal and a protocol of steps to achieve that senate in 2015. goal. I always make sure everyone who works with Now as BOM Business Development Consultant, his me feels the same way. Because if they don’t, then job is to be involved in numerous community and any weakness in the dam will cause it to crack.” www.SouthernHospitalityExposure.com | Southern Hospitality

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Photo by Ron Edwards

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"The Christmas Story" King James Version

"For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given: and The Government shall be upon His Shoulder: and His Name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty GOD, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His Government and peace there shall be no end, upon the Throne of David, and upon His Kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of Hosts will perform this" (Isaiah 9:6-7). by The Holy Spirit through The Apostles Luke and Matthew

The Story of the Birth of Christ As told through Luke Luke 2:1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. 2:2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) 2:3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. 2:4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) 2:5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with Child. 2:6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 2:7 And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

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2:8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 2:9 And, lo, the angel of the LORD came upon them, and the glory of the LORD shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 2:10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 2:11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the LORD. 2:12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the Babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 2:13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 2:14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. 2:15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into Heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the LORD hath made known unto us. 2:16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. 2:17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this Child. 2:18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 2:19 But Mary kept all these things, and

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pondered them in her heart. 2:20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. 2:21 And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the Child, His Name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before He was conceived in the womb. The Story of the Birth of Christ As told through Matthew Matthew 1:16 And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, Who is called Christ. 1:17 So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations. 1:18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as His mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with Child of the Holy Ghost. 1:19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily. 1:20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for That which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. 1:21 And she shall bring forth a Son, and thou shalt call His Name JESUS: for He shall save His people from their sins. 1:22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the LORD by the prophet, saying, 1:23 Behold, a virgin shall be with Child, and shall bring forth a Son, and they shall call His Name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God With Us. 1:24 Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the LORD had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: 1:25 And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn Son: and he called His Name JESUS. Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, 2:2 Saying, Where is He that is born King of the Jews?

for we have seen His Star in the east, and are come to worship Him. 2:3 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 2:4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. 2:5 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, 2:6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule My people Israel. 2:7 Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, inquired of them diligently what time the Star appeared. 2:8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young Child; and when ye have found Him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship Him also. 2:9 When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the Star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. When they saw the Star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. 2:11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down, and worshipped Him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto Him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. 2:10

Unto us a Son is given.

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Entering The Enchanted Garden is like entering a fantasy world - a world created by the imagination of owner Deb Beckman Cockrell who, since childhood, has loved to create and share her creations with family and friends. Deb was always an entrepreneur. Even when she was 6 years old, she helped her brother create their neighborhood newspaper, taught neighborhood kids how to make the latest crafts, and held Boutique showings of her crafts at her family home, from grade school through college.

After graduating from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville with a fine arts degree, she opened The Enchanted Garden, wanting to create a homelike shop where customers of all ages could enjoy shopping in a fun, comfortable, relaxed atmosphere where they could find something for everyone, including themselves, at a reasonable price. That was 37 years ago. Over the years, that one room has grown into a 9-room cottage filled

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with treasures she discovers on buying trips to New York, Dallas, Atlanta and the West Coast. The shop is a labor of love and hard work with many challenges along the way, but she has taken her vision, nurtured it, been willing to grow, change, learn and always stays optimistic. Deb loves what she is doing and loves her customers, many of whom have become close friends. The Enchanted Garden is filled with laughter, smiles and has become a meeting place where friends and customers come to lift their spirits and share their lives. Deb wanted to give her customers a place where they could find something for everyone including themselves - all ages, all occasions one stop shopping made easy. That's why her 9-room cottage is filled with such an amazing diverse selection - beautiful ladyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s accessories, fashionable wraps, colorful scarves purses, and an array of affordable jewelry (including the ever-popular interchangeable Ginger Snaps

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Deb has a keen eye for spotting the newest, most interesting and unique items that she wants to bring to her customers. With shipments arriving every day throughout the year, she and her wonderful staff keep busy recreating and redesigning the shop to showcase their newest finds as well as finding room for customer favorites that they continue to carry. She has been fortunate to have the support of a loving husband and family that has always encouraged her through the years.

Jewelry!) You’ll also find refreshing bath, soap and spa lines, candles, a Louisiana Room that includes fascinating fantasy and Mardi Gras masks, created exclusively by her brother, a San Francisco designer and Shreveport native There is also a Children's Toy and Baby Room, Blessing Hallway, Gourmet and Kitchen Section, Cards, Dept. 56 Villages Mark Roberts Santa Fairies and more! Plus interesting Gifts you've never seen before! Fun for all ages!

Community has always been an important part of their lives - whether it's raising money for a hurricane, tsunami or flood victims, or giving to our awesome nonprofits, or helping women in impoverished lands with providing for themselves. Deb believes strongly in supporting local businesses and events and is always recommending Shreveport-Bossier's wonderful restaurants and shops, historic sites, events, etc. and loves helping people discover how wonderful Shreveport-Bossier is! Her shop even has a display with dozens of brochures on all the special places to see in the area. With it's friendly, personal service and so many special items that you've probably never seen, you'll understand why The Enchanted Garden has been around for over 37 years! It's Shreveport-Bossier's "Must-See" Shop where shopping is fun!

“Success as an entrepreneur should not be measured solely by the financial profits, but on the impact that our ideas & our business has on the lives of others.” http://enchantedgarden.com The Enchanted Garden "Where Shopping is Fun!" Deb Beckman Cockrell 2429 Line Avenue Shreveport, LA 71104 318-227-1213

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LSONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S HAIR PROFESSIONALS

Located at 9464 Mansfield Road suite C, Shreveport La. 71118

318-688-9580

Walk-IN's Welcome for the whole Family Hours Tues-Fri 8:30-7:00 (last client taken 30 minutes before closing Closed on Sunday and Monday. Q. Coloring and Highlighting is your specialty at Olsen's. Can you tell us about that and how you feel you stand out in that area of expertise? A. "We have some staff members who have extensive education in chemical knowledge of coloring and highlighting hair.

Q. You have an amazing staff and some of them have been with you 35 years, and others at least 12 or more. What is your secret in keeping loyal staff professionals? A. "I am very blessed with a long term staff members. My management personnel as well as hair stylists work with me and not for me! Olson's Hair Professionals also has a very long term clientele base that in some cases have served up to three generations in a single family". Q. How was Olson's hair professionals born? A. Olson's Hair Styling was a family business, I studied business in college and worked in the accounting industry for 6 years. My dad sold Olson's to me on Mansfield Rd, Shreveport, Louisiana. Q. Tell me about your training. What did you like most about it? A. "I worked for several years with the Look Good Feel Better Program through American Cancer Society working with women who were battling cancer to teach make-up and wig styling. As far as my training, I went to New York City to study hair coloring to benefit my hair stylists in formulations. My background in accounting and business has had an edge in running the business. Q. Where do you gain your inspiration as owner of Olson's Professionals? A. "It is truly rewarding to the see the before and after designs that our stylists achieve to make client look and feel their very best in themselves". Q. Tell me about your customer service experience. A. "Our stylists as well as the front desk wants the client to feel comfortable which builds lasting relationships with each person that comes in our doors!"

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Voted Community Pillar 2017

318-688-9580

Walk-IN's Welcome for the whole Family Hours: Tuesday-Friday 8am-7pm Saturday 8am to 5 pm Closed Sunday and Monday

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Voted Family Owned Business Bossier City 2017

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www.anytimefitness.com

Lee Hudson Owner/Trainer

• Convenient and affordable • Tanning and Showers Available • Open 24/7/365 days a year! • FREE Anytime Health • Take a FREE 7 Day Pass on us • FREE enrollment --Try Us Before You Buy

Real life Testimonial: Margaret Wolf: Weight Loss: 30 lbs. Margaret's husband Ed gave her a gift certificate for a personal trainer. Margaret said, “I work with Lee at Anytime Fitness once a week and he still motivates me! Being fit and strong feels amazing. I hope I can be an encouragement to others that think they ”can't do if.” I kid with Lee that he's the "gift that keeps on giving!"

2 LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU BEST! 5212 AIRLINE DR., STE. E. • BOSSIER CITY, LA 71111 318-549-1247 • bossiercityla@anytimefitness.com 185 BURT BLVD, STE. C. • BENTON, LA 71006 318-965-0159 • bentonla@anytimefitness.com www.SouthernHospitalityExposure.com | Southern Hospitality

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Located in the heart of the Dallas-Fort Worth area, the City of Carrollton is a vibrant corporate and residential community. The City’s location and business cost advantages attract and support a diverse local economy with over 9,000 businesses calling Carrollton home. Residents are drawn to the City for its high quality of life, abundant parks, schools and safe neighborhoods.

Connection

Carrollton is connected not only by transit options such as rail and highways; it is also connected in that family and friends feel rooted here. The City is connected to its past and history; it is connected to the DallasFort Worth Metroplex

Convenience

Located 20 minutes from everything, including shopping, restaurants, nightlife and proximity to major U.S. cities. In addition, it is convenient and easy to do business with the City, whether a resident or developer.

55 Degrees Wine Bar and Bistro Bistro and Wine Bar with a warm atmosphere, open for Breakfast, lunch and Dinner We do Private Parties and Reservations 1104 S Elm St (972) 446-2171 Babe’s Chicken Dinner House www.55degrees.org BGrandma’s recipes, friendly people. www.facebook.com/55DegreesTX/ 1006 W Main St 972-245-7773 55degrees.onthesquare@gmail.com babeschicken.com

Burger Island Burgers, sandwiches & other American staples fixed up in a no-frills space with a tropical mural. 1208 E Belt Line Rd #108 (972) 245-4628

Beth Marie’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream Carrying 40 unique and different flavors. We have homemade whip cream and fudge, and make our own 1020 W. Main St www.bethmaries.com facebook.com/bethmariesic

Community

A big City that feels like a small town, a place where neighbors know and care about each other, where family, community and church still come first and where people continue to look out for each other.

Amici’s Signature Italian blends the traditional with the eclectic to create a truly unique dining experience. 1022 S. Broadway 972 245-3191 amicisignature.com facebook.com/AmiciSignature bartolino@amicisignature.com

Cane Rosso Carrollton Authentic Neapolitan Pizza, Woodfired Sandwiches, & Pasta 1301 S. Broadway St. 214-731-6402 www.canerosso.com

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Congratulations to Earnest and Tina Palmisano Winner of Southern Hospitality Male and Female Award 2017

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Seasoned with SALT Imagine the perfect Sunday – perhaps it includes a waterfront view, the shade of an oak tree, and time shared with those you hold close. The only missing piece – brunch, the weekend’s crescendo of relaxation. Imagine the perfect by Jake Wood Sunday (or any other day of the week) at SALT. With Shreveport’s only riverfront dining, artfully inspired cocktails, a skillfully curated menu – locally focused and highlighting the folks behind the food, our Louisiana farmers and fishermen who work tirelessly to feed our families – your perfect Sunday lives Downtown, at Shreveport’s newest dining experience.

The local focus is simple. Our corner of the world provides a bounty of ingredients that are cornerstones to a sustainable menu. Often, we’ll see purveyors pitch local food, but supplement their offerings with imports during the off-season. The seasonality of food shines on the menu at SALT, the ever-changing produce and proteins as the seasons pass demand kitchen innovation. “What’s in season?”, is the catalyst for every menu meeting – not only prompting SALT’s sultans of sear to know the harvest of their own state, but also to acquaint themselves with the farmers and fishermen whom they rely upon. From these Louisiana producers, SALT creates flavors, not just limited to Louisiana, but from Vietnam, France, Cuba, and more. The local fare stamps your palette’s passport, without leaving the comfort of the downtown Shreveport riverfront.

SALT is a critical component of any chef’s repertoire of spices, but SALT in itself also contains the elements of this riverfront experience. Sea, Air, Land, and Time. As you travel the menu, you’ll take a journey through the fields and waterways of Louisiana, all from your seat at the table. Behind the swinging kitchen door, clouds of steam, and inviting menu is Chef de Cuisine, Aaron Ehrle. Ehrle is a classically trained chef with a flair for avant-garde techniques. Creativity is an understatement when it comes to the kitchen at SALT. Sous Chef Toby Spring and Kitchen Manager Jamie White are both critical ingredients as well to the kitchen team – from prep to presentation, even scratch crepe making, this team never ceases to amaze.

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Sustainabilit y extends beyond the menu into the restaurant’s practices as well. You won’t find plastic cutlery, straws, or Styrofoam to-go containers at this restaurant. Parent company of SALT, Planet Aqua Group, has started a #PlasticFreeShreveport initiative in hopes of illustrating the negative effect that single use plastics have on our local environment. Even the hardware was sourced to be given new life – plates, glasses, cutlery – all sourced without additional impact to our Earth.

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The napkins, made from recycled plastic bottles are set to spark conversations around the locally made tables. SALT and its sister at 601 Clyde Fant, Shreveport Aquarium, hope to be the beacon for Shreveport and the surrounding areas to show businesses doing the right thing for our environment. Part of any excellent dining experience is world-class service. Rick Rose, the eatery’s General Manager, Paula Powell, the Front of House Manager, and Kelli Sizemore, SALT’s award-winning Bar Chef, all hold the customer experience to the highest standard. The entire staff see to each guest’s personal satisfaction. After all, with the limited space, every meal becomes a relationship for the afternoon or evening.

The intimate setting at SALT is one of its most attractive features. With seating for less than one hundred, both inside and on the gorgeous wood deck, sharing your dining experience with only a small group is in the grand design of the restaurant. The sweeping views of

the Red River through the east wall of windows, and the glass garage-style door viewing the newly r e n o v a t e d courtyard gardens provide an experience that you’ll only find at SALT. In the daytime, you’ll see the local fauna, the visitors to Riverview Park, and perhaps a train slowly traversing the KCS bridge; at night, the ambiance is even more magical – the city glow dancing along the flowing river, the subtle dance of the tabletop candles, all accompanied by a gorgeous heritage oak tree adorned with lights, setting the stage for a wonderful evening. With such an intimate setting, suggested for dinner, and especially Brunch service. With the crisp air of Fall just around the corner, the courtyard dining deck is sure to be a hotspot, and if it wasn’t hot enough, the locally crafted (and massive) fire pit is sure to warm up any brisk bruncher. To find out more about the folks behind SALT, visit them online at www.saltshreveport.com. Get behind the scenes with the team on their social media channels, SALT Restaurant on Facebook and SALTshreveport on Instagram.

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5 Star Hospitality Awards, 2017 Hospitality, Shopping, & Restaurant Awards Best Groomer Paradise Pets Car Wash Auto Mall Car Wash Shreveport Landmark Award Southern Maid Donuts, Hearne Avenue Best is Yet to Come/Newcomer Business Award Shreveport Aquarium/Salt Restaurant Boutique of the Year Award Enchanted Gardens Home and Garden of the Year Garrison’s Nursery Diamond & Gemstone Design Award Connie and V Cfross Jeweler of the Year Award Verlon Cross 5 Star Diamond Steakhouse Superior Steakhouse 5 Star Diamond Mexican Restaurant Superior Mexican Restaurant 5 Star Fine Dining Japanese/Sushi Restaurant Sho Gun, Bossier City

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Unique Entertainment Restaurant The Stem 5 Star Overall People’s Choice Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year Ernest’s Orleans & Cocktail Lounge Overall Diner/Catering Restaurant Cloud 9 Dining and Catering Best Tamales Tina Marie’s Gourmet Tamales! Gourmet Asian Restaurant Lucky Palace People’s Choice Diner/Pies Strawns (3locations) Strawns 2 Best Event Venue Ernest Orleans and Coctail Lounge Event Coordinator LJ Beckius

Hospitality & Restaurant Awards Hotel Hospitality Award Sunrise Hospitality People Choice Award/Home of the Shrimp Buster! Herby K’s 5 Star Diamond Fine Dining Restaurant Ernest’s Orleans & Cocktail Lounge

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5 Star Hospitality Awards, 2017 Overall Piano Bar/Fine Diming, (Bossier City) 2 Johns Restaurant

Best Seafood/Cajun Boutique Restaurant Ralph and Kacoos

Overall Catfish Restaurant Jan’s River Restaurant

Best Family Italian Restaurant Notini’s Italian Restaurant

5 Star Diamond Steakhouse Superior Steakhouse

Best Entertainment Outside Concert Venue The Stage

5 Star Diamond Mexican Restaurant Superior Mexican Restaurant

Best Barbeque Restaurant Silver Star, Bossier City Country Tavern, Shreveport

5 Star Fine Dining Japanese/Sushi Restaurant Sho Gun, Bossier City Unique Entertainment Restaurant The Stem Overall Diner/Catering Restaurant Cloud 9 Dining and Catering Best Tamales Tina Marie’s Gourmet Tamales! Gourmet Asian Restaurant Lucky Palace Best Event Venue Ernest Orleans and Coctail Lounge 5 Star Diamond Resort Casino Eldorado Casino/Hotel

Best Limousine Service Shreveport Limousine Best Luxury Hotel/Casino Horseshoe Best Hospitality Casino Boomtown Best Mexican/Entertainment Restaurant Nicky’s Mexican Restaurant Best Mexican/Tex Mex Restaurant El Mariachi Best Mexican Authenic Dishes El Jimador Best To Go Gourmet Meals Prepped Up, by Megan Ellis Haley

5 Star Diamond Casino & Hotel Margaritaville

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‘Twas the night before Christmas and Santa’s out of jail. He promised to capitulate and now he’s out on bail. The vertically challenged little ones that Santa calls his elves, Were the sneaky little scamps who filed the charge themselves. They said it didn’t matter just how much that Santa pays, He should never be allowed to make them work on holidays. His trouble started early, when P.E.T.A. made it clear, That they were going to liberate all of Santa’s deer. The E.E.O. complained that only deer were hired So Santa had to choose, which three you think he fired? Not Dancer, not Donder, not Comet, not Cupid, They’re too old to fire and Santa isn’t stupid. And Blitzen was – well, you know what I mean, The gay liberation would make such a scene. So he dumped the best qualified, for that is the rule, And replaced them at last with two cows and a mule. The government carried poor Rudolph away.

He never again would guide Santa’s sleigh. A radioactive nose was his deadly flaw, They buried him deep in the state of Utah. And Elizabeth his wife, how low could she stoop? The night before Christmas, joined a feminist group. The helpers were told they must now call her Liz And in all correspondence, her title is Ms. A committee was chosen to pick all the gifts, With so many involved, there were quite a few tiffs. No leather, no fur, not one single gun, Just toys without gender and toys without fun. And Santa no longer can be merry and gay, For we have to be careful with that word today. ‘Twas the night before Christmas, and in each edition, The papers proclaimed the end of tradition. His lawyers could get no last minute stay, For OSHA of course had condemned Santa’s sleigh. But the worst we now know, what sealed Santa’s fate, Was mentioning the birth we all celebrate. By R. Wayne Edwards Read more of Wayne Edwards’s poetry at facebook.com/TheFamilyPoet www.familypoet.com

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5 Star Business Awards, 2017 Best is Yet to Come, Hospitality Newcomer Award Salt Restaurant Entertainment Restaurant Award The Stem Restaurant Hospitality of Business Event of Excellence Award Ernest Orleans Restaurant 5 Star Fine Dining /Popular Choice Ernest’s Orleans Restaurant Best Airport Diner Restaurant Cloud 9 Cafe’ Restaurant Cafe’of the Year Award,/ People’s Choice Award Cloud 9 Cafe’ Best Coffee House Rhino Coffee House 5Star Diamond Restaurant Award Superior Steakhouse 5 Star Diamond Mexican Restaurant Superior Grill Fine Dining Restaurant, Japanese Sho Gun, Bossier City Hospitality Hotel Award Sunrise Hospitality, 5 Star Cajun Seafood Restaurant Ralph and Kacoos

Smitty’s Pizza, (Shreveport) Family Owned Business Fitness Award 5 Star Hospitality/Sports Bar Casino Anytime Fitness: Lee Hudson Business of Excellence Award Boomtown Jean Simpson Temporary Employment Services 5 Star Diamond Resort Award, Bossier Automotive Dealership of the Year Margaritaville Casino Resort Award 5 Star Luxury Hotel/Casino Horseshoe Casino

Photogenic of the Year Tracey James, (Shreveport) Joanna Folse-Alexander

5 Star Business Awards Business of the Year Awards: Willis Knighten Hospital, (Shreveport) Bossier Community College, (Bossier) Innovative Business of the Year Award Cyber Innovation Center Small Business of the Year Award Connie and V Cross (Bossier City) Roach Plumbing (Shreveport) Small Business Award, Desoto Parish Ideal Printing Local Business of the Year Husband /Wife Team Creative Advertising Specialty Advedr Family Owned & Operated Snyder’s Floor Covering, (Bossier City)

Moffitt Mazda Car Dealership, (Bossier) Holmes Honda Automotive Group, (Shreveport) Integrity Award Air Zone, Air conditioning and Heating Home Improvement Business of the Year Award Robert Ivey’s Carpet Flooring Direct Boutique of the Year Enchanted Gardens Gift Shop Best Dog Groomer of the Year Paradise Pets Diamonds are Forever Award/ Jeweler of theYear Connie and V Cross and Verlon Cross Photographer of the Year Award John Linden Photogenic of the Year Tracey James, (Shreveport) Joanna Folse- Alexander, (Bossier)

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Providing Quality Employees for over 30 Years

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Proud Supporter of

www.careeradventuresinc.com

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SouthernHospitalityExposure.com

View our latest and up to date magazines, videos, coupon gallery and Stripe App coming down! Mobile phone Friendly! View our latest publication here, and Social Media.

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Free

2018 Enchanted Garden Original Calendar

Mark Roberts Santa Fairy

Christmas Décor Soaps, Lotions and More!

GingerSnap Jewelry & Custom Masks

Scarves & Jewelry Accessories

Christmas Stockings for your Dog

Ladies Apparel & Accessories

9 Rooms Filled with things you've never seen before Shreveport -Bossier’s “Must See” Shop with gifts for all ages! 2429 Line Ave. (6 blocks North of Kings Hwy) • 318-227-1213 OPEN TUESDAY - SATURDAY www.enchantedgarden.com

Call for Special Holiday Hours EnchantedGardenShreveport

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Providing Quality Employees for over 30 Years

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