SB Magazine - A NEW PATH FORWARD

A NEW PATH

FORWARD SHREVEPORT MAYOR TOM ARCENEAUX

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JANUARY 2023

PUBLISHER

EDITOR

G. Byron May

I

OWNERS

G. Byron May Seva May Noble Feldman

t’s 2023 already.

Shreveport has a new mayor, and we hope you enjoy learning more about his thoughts and plans in the cover story.

There is action happening downtown too, so look for the updates and photos inside.

This issue has a special section about local colleges and private schools and upcoming open houses, as well as a story about the Shreve Memorial Library. I was floored to learn about all the services they offer, so be sure to check it out.

We also have a story about an influential former local teacher with a military background who is experiencing entrepreneurship, as well as an article about current local art teacher who has traveled quite the road to where she is now. Our business profile is about a local couple whose company’s stateof-the-art educational technology is being used around the nation.

We are excited to let our readers and advertisers know that SB Magazine will now be published at the beginning of the month!

Some people make new year’s resolutions, some select a ‘word’ of the year, some (like my husband) do neither. But regardless of which you choose to do or not do, the beginning of a new year still seems to bring with it some level of hope, inspiration, and anticipation—and the chance to seek new opportunities or to make a fresh start. I hope we can all have the courage and motivation to take that first step!

Happy New Year,

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Elizabeth Beard Deal

ASSISTANT EDITOR Hailey Lawson

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Teddy Allen Dr. Ameya A. Asarkar Scott “Scooter” Anderson Adam Bailey Ursula Brantley Jon Paule Calcote Dr. Jason Calligas Hailey Lawson Seva May Dr. Cherie-Ann O. Nathan Liz Swaine Donesa Walker

PHOTOGRAPHY Hailey Lawson Debbie Henry

GRAPHIC DESIGN Ryan Watson

SALES MANAGER Keyle Cavalier

Elizabeth Beard Deal

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Executive Editor

Stephanie Pringle Laura Prissy Scott Sidney Staggs

HOW TO REACH US

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

ADVERTISING 318.221.7264

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

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the view of SB Magazine, Inc. SB Magazine reserves the right to accept or reject advertisements. Third Class Postage Paid at Shreveport, LA 71101.

Copyright © 2023 SB Magazine, Inc. Volume 24, Issue 1

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COVER STORY A New Path Forward: Q&A with Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux

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FEATURES

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Downtown Shreveport 2023 Emerging Treatment for Thyroid Nodules Homes New Year New You Nutrition Resolutions Shreveport Memorial Library at 100 Years The Science of Math

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COLUMNS And Another Thing Art and Culture: Sarah Harris Beauty Boss Business Profile: Ascend Math Events Calendar Eye on SB Good to Know Manology Parenting Profile: Gary Wrobel Pets Savor Recipes

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SPECIAL SECTION Private Schools & Local Colleges 27

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22 ON THE COVER Shreveport Mayor Thomas “Tom” Arceneaux

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EYE ON SB

Christmas in the Sky Christmas in the Sky is Shreveport Regional Arts Council’s

BY DEBBIE HENRY

award-winning glitzy, glamorous biennial gala held at Louisiana Down’s. Three floors of Harrah’s Louisiana Downs were transformed into a land of enchantment with the help of 15 separate volunteer committees, 18 months of preparation and a team of more than 500 volunteers to create this 19th production of Christmas in the Sky. This year’s “KISS A FROG’’ theme created an enchanted evening of Fairy Tales, Tall Tales, and CockTales! Event Chair Heidi Kallenberg was Queen of the Sky Realm with CoChairs Elizabeth Kennedy and Ro White as her Attendants. The King of the Sky Realm was Dr. Michael T. Acurio as Presenting Sponsor. Linda B. Goldsberry was the Good Fairy as Design Chair with the help of her Design Co-Chair Donna Poimbeouf and Production Director Bruce Allen.

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1. Christmas in the Sky 2022 “Kiss a Frog” 2. Presenting Sponsor Dr. Michael Acurio with Courtney Batts 3. Phil and Virginia Israel with Design Chair Linda B. Goldsberry 4. Elizabeth and Sid Potts with Lisa and Kenn Babin 5. Christmas in the Sky Chair Heidi and Gregory Kallenberg 6. China Holmes and Glenn Mazier with Nelva Griggs 7. Elizabeth and Michael Gallagher 8. Byron and Seva May 9. Stephen Vekovius with Macy and Teri Flash and Myron Griffing 10. Logan and Deanna May with Laura Speer and Hailey Lawson 11. Andrew and Stephanie Pringle 12. David and Elizabeth Deal SBMAG.NET

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Loyola Style Show The 69th annual Loyola College Prep Style Show & Luncheon 2022 - “I Want My MTV.... LCP” was held at the Bossier Civic Center. The Loyola Style Show, sponsored by the Loyola Parents’ Association, was chaired this year by Hope Ghali and Minou Olsan. Some of the sponsored clothing vendors included John Pickens Clothiers, Dillard’s, The Paper Tulip, M Clothing, L.E. & Chalk, Favorite Sisters’ Boutique, Squires Formalwear, Simply Chic, Château en Mae, Pretenses, Sportspectrum, Vertage Clothing, Isadora, JAC Clothing, Branded Boutique, and Nichols & Pattons.

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1. Krystin Edgell and Ashton Farr 2. Laura Gooszen, Jennifer Roberts, and Camille Jones with Event Chair Minou Olsan 3. Anne Jenkins, Lara Yerger, and Sheri Childs 4. Loyola Teacher Laura Woolbert taught Brandy Canatella Thompson and also Brandy’s children 5. Jenifer Berlin and Ashley Smith 6. Loyola Seniors Bo Bowman, Natalie Brewer, and Jack Brooks 7. Eloise Graf with her children Sanders and Mae Graf 8. Amanda Kirby and Ashley Carnahan

Shreveport Little Theatre Celebrates 100 Years The Shreveport Little Theatre celebrated its 100th birthday with

an intimate dinner at Antonio’s Italian Cuisine on Line Avenue. Shreveport Little Theatre Director Robert Darrow along with SLT Guild President Marianne Archibald gave a champagne toast and cheered for another 100 years for the Shreveport Little Theatre. SLT is one of the oldest continuously producing community theatres in America, producing through the Great Depression, World War II, two fires and a pandemic. Shreveport Little Theatre is American Theatre at its Best!

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1. Mattie Mosley and Tina Caporossi 2. Shreveport Little Theatre Guild President Marianne and Joe Archibald 3. SLT Director Robert Darrow with SLT Guild President Marianne Archibald, and SLT supporter Andy Shehee 4. Kim Price, Seva May, Maggie Malone, and Jamie Killeen 5. SLT Guild Secretary and Treasurer K. Renae Pullen with SLT Boardmembers Roxanne Bosserman and Libby Gleason 6. Julie Zaffatter with SLT Guild Vice President Carol Z. Ferrara 7. Anna Maria Patton and Ginger Folmer

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Shreveport Symphony Latin Nights

1. Newly elected Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux and wife, Elizabeth with Elizabeth and Madison Johnson 2. Linda and Billy Savell 3. Laurie and Rick Boswell 4. Aislinn and Tom Ayres with Robert Manriquez 5. Willie B. Welch with Joan Welch, DDS 6. Bill Ward, Tom Craig, Mark Carrier, and Vince Scholtes

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Nutcracker at The Strand 1. The Strand Executive

Director Jennifer Hill and Kris Hiers 2. Donna and Mel Anderson with Sarah Teague 3. Devon and Collins Monsour 4. David and Mary Kim with sons Ryan and David Jr. 5. Jack, Michelle, Will and Joe Bowen 6. Debbie Worley and Teresa Adams 1

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Sci-Port’s Goodman IMAX Dome 1. Carl and Sylvia

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Goodman with Julie and Jeffrey Goodman 2. Sarah Giglio and Alicia Foster 3. Witt Caruthers and Cynthia Wood 4. Carl and Sylvia Goodman with Sci-Port Executive Director Dianne Clark 5. Claudia Oliver and Lisa Wellborn 6. Henry Price and Winzer Andrews 7. Bill Reyenga with Dr. James Ciaravella, Dr. Randy Kirchner, and Dr. Dayne Hassell

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BY ELIZABETH BEARD DEAL

“This is not about me. This is about the people of Shreveport you know. We have tonight looked beyond historical barriers and distinctions. We have a new future in the city of Shreveport. It will look different than it has looked in the past and that new future means that everyone has a seat at the table. It means that we build consensus, and it means that we will move forward together…This was not about winning an election. It never has been about winning an election. Winning an election is simply the first step that we have to take to get on with the work of making our city the great city that it can be. We can build a common future, a future that all of us can enjoy and appreciate and we can have a city that all of us can be proud to say, “I LOVE SHREVEPORT!” Mayor-elect Tom Arceneaux, excerpted from his election night speech

L

ocal attorney Tom Arceneaux was elected as Mayor of Shreveport on December 10, 2022. Undeniably passionate about Shreveport, Mayor Arceneaux comes to the job with a selfless focus on building a better Shreveport. His campaign focused on the power of restoration, and he brings to the table exemplary leadership skills, work ethic, prior government experience, vision, wisdom, and a genuine caring for other people.

SB Magazine sat down with the new mayor to hear more of his thoughts about creating a new path forward.

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YOUR CAMPAIGN HAD A WIDE DIVERSE GROUP OF PEOPLE SUPPORTING YOU. HOW DID YOU BRING THEM ALL TOGETHER? We were we were intentional about making sure that we had representation in our volunteers and on our campaign leadership team from all parts of the city because the mayor has to represent all parts of the city. While walking door to door as Elizabeth and I did starting in April, you learn that most people want the same things, but they might express it differently.

They want a safe neighborhood. They want to be able to raise their children. They want their children and grandchildren to be able to play in their neighborhood and to grow and to be

prosperous adults. It doesn’t matter where you live. That’s what people want.

Different neighborhoods have different manifestations of issues. Sometimes you have to address those manifestations differently in different neighborhoods. There’s not a one size fits all solution. Unless you have a diverse group of people that are advising you and that are participating, you’re going to miss some of that by thinking this one solution is the solution for everybody.

A mayor is not a savior. A mayor is a facilitator of people learning how to make their community work. It’s the people who make it work, not the mayor. But the mayor has to create an atmosphere and an infrastructure that allows that to happen. That’s what I’m hoping to do,

and that takes everybody in the community. You can’t just think ‘if I get this group of people then I win the race.’ When you do that, you’re alienating the other folks and you’ve created division rather than cooperation. So I hope that by listening to people that come from different neighborhoods and have different backgrounds we will learn a lot about each other, so that we may dispel some of the generalizations or assumptions that we make about people that have a different background from us—we’ll find out that we have a whole lot more in common than we have not in common.

WHY DID YOU WANT TO RUN FOR MAYOR AND WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR PLANS FOR A NEW PATH FORWARD? I thought I had the unique set of skills and experience to do the work of putting us on a forward path, looking at difficult decisions and making recommendations about those decisions.

I think we will face some very difficult decisions during my term. If I have not earned the trust of the people, by the time we have to make those decisions, they’ll be even harder because people won’t trust the government.

So the first thing I want to do is put together a team that the people will trust. Some of them are the same people that are there, but they’ll be under different and new leadership. Some will be new or former participants. I think the leadership will make a difference.

I think by and large, our city employees are competent, and they’re hard working. They haven’t necessarily been motivated, and I hope that I’ll be motivating for them. They’re going to see me a lot. They’re going to see me on the line.

They’re going to see me when they’re picking up trash, they’re going to see me at roll calls. They’re going to see me so that I have the opportunity to tell them how much I and the people of Shreveport appreciate what they do. We can’t always give them the pay that they would like to have or that we would like to give them but what we can do is give them appreciation.

The second thing I think we need to do is to really look internally and say, ‘what are the things about my city that I can be proud of?’ We know the things about our city that we can’t be proud of, but every city has those problems or similar problems or a different set of problems. But we need to come together as a city and be proud of who we are/ Then the city needs to provide services that enhance that feeling that this is a really good place and people think, ‘I’m very glad I live here. Why don’t you come consider living here?’

WHAT ARE THE DIFFICULT DECISIONS YOU ANTICIPATE? I think that when we look at our operating budget long term, we’re going to find that in a handful of years, we’re likely to face some difficult financial decisions and the revenues that are going to come in are not going to be sufficient to fund the services that we have. We’ll need to be honest about those things.

I plan to develop a long-range outlook for our operating budget. We have a five-year capital SBMAG.NET

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plan. Capital plans are relatively easy to deal with because you have bonds that you’ve sold to fund those projects, and those have already been approved or they wouldn’t be in the plan, or you’re getting capital outlay money from the state or some money from the federal government. But when we’re picking up garbage and we’re having sports programs, other recreational programs, those things are funded by local taxes.

We ended last year I believe, with approximately a $30 million operating reserve. The budget for 2023 suggests that we’ll have a $20 million operating reserve at the end of 2023. Well, that means we’re budgeting to spend $10 million more than we’re taking in, right. If you have $20 million in reserves, you can only do that for two more years. And of course, you can’t completely do away with your operating reserve. So, we’re going to have to look at the ramifications of that and see what it is that we can do to address it.

And I think it’s very important to be completely transparent about finances to give the public information so that they can digest where we are and where it is that we’re likely going. We’ll have a picture of where we are today.

What happens if we don’t change anything? And where will we be in two years, five years, 10 years so that people begin to understand. This is where we are headed. I mean, the numbers just tell the story. What will be our response to the story?

Maybe when we do long-range projections, they will show that we don’t have any problems at all. I suspect that won’t be the case. And so, we’ll have to decide how we’re going to get our garbage collected and how we’re going to maintain our streets, how we’re going to maintain our infrastructure. If it appears that we’re on a path that tells us we won’t have enough money to do the things that we’re currently doing, then the people will have to make choices based on those decisions. I’ll be making some decisions that I hope—if what I think it’s going to show—then I’ll have to make some budget decisions and respond to that as best we can in hopes that the people will see we really are doing the best we can with the tax dollars that they are giving us. And if we do that, then they can either support something else, or they can understand why it is that their level of service stays at a level that ordinarily they probably would not like to see.

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WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE IS A UNIQUE SELLING POINT FOR SHREVEPORT? I returned to Shreveport as a young lawyer because I felt like I could have a successful professional life and still have a place where I could spend time with my family and enjoy that aspect of life too. So now when I’m doing recruiting for the law firm, I always sell a ‘total quality of life.’ Starting salaries in Dallas or Houston are more than twice what we’re able to offer, so if you can’t compete on money, then there has to be something other than money for the young people who you want to hire and I think that’s true for any business.

Shreveport has an amazing arts community. We have a really good symphony, we have an opera company, we have ballet, we have all kinds of live music, we have local artists, we have live theater. You can hardly go through a weekend without being able to go see high quality community theater and get to know the people who are doing it. There are musicals that you can afford to take your family to, and you don’t have to go out of town to do it. And if your child decides, ‘I might like to try this,’ there’s an avenue for the child to try that. That’s just not true in most communities. We have wonderful athletic facilities and teams but not every child is going to be an athlete, and so you need to have different ways that you can expose your children to other opportunities to develop themselves. Because they’re going to need to be productive adults.

And it’s so critical that we that we provide those opportunities and Shreveport has those opportunities.

We need to enhance them so that not just the affluent have those opportunities, but children from all kinds of economic backgrounds are able to participate and grow and fulfill what I believe is God’s destiny for their lives.

WHAT VISION DO YOU HAVE FOR SHREVEPORT? I am an optimist by nature. I believe in Shreveport, I believe in the people of Shreveport, and I think when that shows, people will begin to believe in themselves and they’ll begin to believe in their hometown because we have many, many things to be proud of here. We’re strong arts community, we’re a good place to raise a family, we’re a place where young professionals can have a balanced life between their work and their family and their community efforts.

We have from my standpoint the best critical mass of young people that are here and want to contribute to the community that I’ve seen in my lifetime. That encourages me. People who are 25 to 45 have decided to come to Shreveport and have decided, ‘I’m gonna come to Shreveport and I’m going to contribute’ and we need to give that group of people the opportunity to contribute and learn.

We need to use their idealism. We need to temper it with a bit of experience and wisdom. And then we can move our city forward because we’re quickly coming upon a time when we need to pass the torch from one generation to the next.

My job is to have the city ready to pass that torch.

So one of the things that I’m trying to do is to have a succession plan, from generation to generation to hand down the good things that we know to the next generation of Shreveport leaders and moms and dads and business people and professional people. And if we do that, then our city is going to mushroom because we’re going to enable all of that energy to manifest itself in a great city with great people and you can say, ‘You know I’ve made really good friends here.’

What makes a community is the opportunity to have friends. It’s nice to have places to party but when it gets down to it, the reason you party is because you’re trying to be with your friends.

So, if you have a city that has the atmosphere of creating friendships and relationships then you can have a successful city.

WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR THE TRANSITION TEAM COMMITTEES? I’m envisioning those lasting for 60 to 90 days, for some assessment and to help me further plan. I have ideas about what to do about violent crime. I have ideas what to do about economic development. I have ideas what to do about blight.

I have ideas of what to do to bring communities together. I have an idea of where our finances are going. Those are the five groups. But we need hard data on that.

I also want to get some additional community input to finalize a plan. But in the meantime, I’m going to be acting. There are several pieces of legislation that we’ll be moving forward with early on in the term to set the stage for those other things, so it’s not wait and see what these groups come up with, it’s wait and see what else they come up with.

I think it’s important that we show immediate progress on cleaning up the city, on addressing violent crime and on figuring out how to use every tool that’s available to us to eliminate blight in our city. I already know some of the steps that I want to take, and we will be taking those steps right away.

Mayor and First Lady, Tom and Elizabeth Arceneaux

TRANSITION TEAM COMMITTEES

Administrative Transition Committee: Chair Tom Dark, William C. Bradford, Jr., Arthur Thompson, Sherricka Fields-Jones, John Nickelson. Public Safety Transition Committee: Chair Jim Roberts, William C. Bradford, Jr., Sarah Giglio, Bill Flanagan, Theron Jackson.

Blight Abatement Transition Committee: Chair LeVette Fuller, Lydia Jackson, Tim Magner, Mike Moore, Hilary Wooley. Business and Economic Development Transition Committee: Chair Rich Lamb, Linda Biernacki, Dr. James Hobley, Taylor Jamison, Francesca Moreland, Grant Nuckolls, Scott Ward. Community Building Transition Committee: Co-Chairs Wendell Delaney and Waynette Ballengee, Elizabeth Arceneaux, Gabriel Balderas, Mario Chavez, Charles Johnson, Jimmy Jones, Camille Tharpe McCall, Havard Scott. Finance Transition Committee: Chair Robert Dean, Tom Dark, Brittney Dunn, Sherricka Fields-Jones, Bobby Jelks, Steve Walker.

Photos courtesy of Tom Arceneaux for Shreveport Mayor Campaign.

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The Best of theBest HOME EDITION After an exceptionally volatile two-plus years for the homebuilding and home-renovating industry, several peak pandemic-era projects finally reached completion this last year. From lakeside luxury mansions to suburban mid-modern sanctuaries—each one shaped by today's most sought-after designers—SB Magazine took you inside some of the most classic spaces that celebrated deluxe furnishings, beautiful architecture, and memorable moments. Step inside as we showcase some of the best of the best homes from 2022. — Do you want your home (or someone else’s) to be the next home featured in SB Magazine? If interested, send us 3-5 of your best photos to info@sbmag.net. Who knows? It may be the next home design everyone is talking about.

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A FRESH, NEW CONSTRUCTION HOME WITH MODERN,

COLORFUL

Twists

Look inside. These contemporary design elements offer new life and a modern twist to the traditional homes in Provenance—making them anything but your mother’s house!

A MODERN

FRENCH SMART HOUSE

With stunning curb appeal and carefully curated design features, this custom build

by Christopher Standridge of Bella Maison Builders, is a serene sanctuary. Take a peek at this gorgeous St. Charles Place retreat!

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Stonewall Home A RENOVATED

WITH FRENCHACADIAN CHARM

Luxe fabrics, colorful wallpapers and beautiful furnishings give this fully renovated custom-built family home a truly modern flair. Filled with artsy decor ideas that we can’t wait to copy, step inside, and see how this realtor makes it all come together.

STUNNING FRENCH COUNTRY HOME WITH A MODERN TWIST

A contemporary, transitional floor plan meets a French country influence in this elegant country home. The craftsmanship is exquisite!

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Christmas A CURATED

Come Christmas time, this 1920s Georgian-style home in Minden teems with lush greenery, wrapped gifts, and glad tidings!

Coziness Splendor

INDOOR

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To mitigate the formality of a 1920s southern plantation— an architect and interior designer turned to classical design and vernacular forms for modern inspiration.

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Beauty BOSS

the art of REINVENTION

BY JON PAULE CALCOTE

As

we say goodbye to 2022 and all the highs and lows that came with it, we look forward to the New Year ahead with hope and enthusiasm. Time and time again we have seen our favorite celebrities reinvent themselves and we often think to ourselves, “I wish I could do that.”

Why not try it in the new year if you are looking for some change?

It may take stepping away from your comfort zone, but you can try making changes in small doses and in the process discover the art of reinvention.

Hair •

Your hair is like your shiny crown of glory and can be one of the most impactful ways of completely changing the way you look.

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If you’re looking for a huge dramatic change, switch up your hair color drastically. There are several hair care companies that make demi-color lines that fade out in 8 to 10 washes until you find your new favorite hair color.

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If you have shorter hair that’s cute and sassy yet edgy to maintain, no need to wait months for it to grow out. There are several ways to elongate your lovely locks. Wigs have been worn for centuries and are becoming more and more common these days. Another big way to add length are clip in extensions to quickly add volume.

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A more semi-permanent option for lengthening those locks are tape-in extensions. These are applied by a professional by sandwiching in one splice of your natural hair between two tape-in extensions seamlessly blending together. This can be worn completely unnoticeable for up to 6 weeks before extension maintenance will be needed. Visit your stylist to have them moved up and blended.

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Makeup •

Changing up your makeup look is one of the easiest ways to transform and elevate your look.

Go to your favorite makeup retailer and simply let them know you are interested in a new look.

They are trained in their products and can work with you not only to create your new look but also show you the products to purchase so you can recreate the look at home.

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You don’t always have to go out and buy all new makeup. It can be as simple as studying a few YouTube videos and use what you have at home to create your makeup look in a way that suits you.

Fashions

Fashions aren’t just fabrics we put on our bodies.

The outfit you choose speaks volumes about who you are and the level of confidence you hold. There are so many ways to reinvent your look when it comes to clothing choices. You just may need to go against your natural instinct a bit. For example: •

If you tend to choose more neutrals in your wardrobe, add pieces with bold bright colors or full fabulous prints.

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If you’re a flats and sneakers kind of girl, start trying heels. Even a small heel can add height to your overall look.

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If you have a more covered up modest style, try wearing v-neck tops, which will elongate your torso and neckline.

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If you always wear pants, try mixing it up with shorts or skirts.

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Jewelry is a huge way to shift the look of your outfits. Don’t stop wearing your staple pieces but find some fun fashion pieces and costume jewelry to mix and match on your journey of reinvention.

If you are looking for a little reinvention,

HAVE FUN TRYING OUT SOME NEW LOOKS IN 2023!

XOXO, Your Beauty Boss – Jon Paule

Jon Paule Calcote is a MAC-certified makeup artist and a four time certified licensed permanent cosmetic artist.

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5benefits manly of

yoga

BY ADAM BAILEY

A

n hour on the mat in a yoga class might not be at the top of a man’s mind. But once a man is aware that yoga improves strength, coordination, and cardiovascular health—just to name a few—he is likely to anticipate the next yoga class before the current one ends.

1. IMPROVES RANGE OF MOTION Men have certain muscles that are the main targets of exercises at the gym, such as hamstrings, glutes, abdomen, and shoulders. However, these muscles can only be trained to a certain limit.

When they focus on certain exercises such as weightlifting or bench press, the repetitive and monotonous movements only affect certain groups of muscles.

And in the long run, this will restrain the muscles’ range of motion and growth.

Yoga is a way to build muscles. It uses natural body weight and resistance to build lean muscle mass, lengthening the muscles and tissue, which improves blood flow. Better blood flow means more oxygen to the muscles, which helps them recover faster so they can grow.

It is therefore wise to alternate gym exercises with yoga.

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2. IMPROVES BREATHING Breathing is an unconscious round-theclock act, providing necessary oxygen to our bodies. Naturally, our bodies are designed to breathe through the nose, and we need to breathe the right way.

Experts say that most people breathe at 10-20 percent of their full capacity. This poor way of breathing can contribute to a multitude of health problems, from high blood pressure to insomnia. Fortunately, when exposed to yoga, a person will become accustomed to breathe in and out through the nose, taking in fuller, deeper breaths, which stimulates the lower lung to distribute greater amounts of oxygen throughout the body.

3. CREATES A BALANCED BODY AND MIND It is important for our muscles to be in balance so that they support each other equally. Unfortunately, nobody has a perfectly balanced body.

Mindbodyonline.com discusses the benefit of yoga for runners, giving examples that certain people can have hips that turn inward when running— causing hip-related issues. Other people may step incorrectly, causing a torqueing motion in their muscles and resulting in a pull of the muscles in the shin.

The site went on to write that our bodies compensate for imbalances that cause tight muscles to become tighter and weak muscles to become weaker.

Practicing yoga helps overcome these problems, as it helps strengthen and stretch muscles, and therefore minimize injury. Furthermore, yoga trains the mind to focus internally rather than externally, creating a balanced mind.

4. HELPS RELAXATION There are certain days where you have to take a break from exercising but are required to stay active. Yoga can be the answer, as it keeps your body active but relaxed at the same time. It also helps your muscles recover, getting you ready for the next gym session.

5. IMPROVES SEX LIFE Men who practice yoga are highly aware of their bodies and have a low level of anxiety. Yoga also helps increase blood flow. According to some yoga experts, the yoga also helps rid the body of toxins that affect sexual performance. A 2011 study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that men who practiced yoga for 12 weeks reported improved sexual function overall including on measures of desire and satisfaction with sex. These benefits are likely due to a combination of better pelvic muscle tone and improvements in mood, among others.

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ART & CULTURE

Visual Artist with Her Sights on the Big Picture

S

BY SEVA MAY

ome people can tell you almost exactly when they knew, just knew, what it was they were supposed to do with their life.

That moment for Sarah (Lagersen) Harris was in the 5th grade at South Highlands when she was chosen to design the cover for the 5th grade play playbill. That meant going to her art teacher’s house and working together to create her vision.

That is a big deal for an 11-year-old. The teacher, Judy Ball Johnson, played a big role in motivating and encouraging Sarah’s efforts. Fast forward to high school at Magnet and the legendary art teacher, Edward Allen. Sarah learned even more through CMH’s numerous art options that spanned the fine arts mediums – painting, mixed media, pottery, photography, drawing and more – under his tutelage. Sarah was also a member of an after-school art program led by Shirlene Alexander and Marabella Dunn.

By the time Sarah entered Centenary College, she had already studied art with Shreveport-Bossier’s art luminaries. She continued her work, earned an art degree with a minor in business, met Leif Sherry, the man she would marry, and armed with her faith in God and her love of art, she stepped out into the real world.

And then it hit her. If she wanted to earn a living, she would need more than a degree in art. She had always been intrigued with architecture, so the next step in her journey was to enroll in graduate school and pursue a degree in that field. While Sarah worked on her masters at Washington University in St. Louis, Leif was earning his advanced degree at Northwestern in Chicago.

The next stop on her journey would be an internship at the prestigious OKW Architect firm. Sarah professes that she learned so much more on the job (she was hired full time after that first year) than in the classroom. “I found it intriguing because it’s a lot like putting

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projects was one where the client, Bill Kendig, gave her free reign to remodel a pool house – putting full trust in her ability to bring two existing buildings together and utilizing dead cat space in the design.

Everything was looking up again for the Sherry family when tragically, Leif passed away.

the pieces of a puzzle together. I’ve always thought I’d make a good detective because I like to figure things out,” said Sarah. Because she thought she and Leif would remain in the Chicago area, she moved to Grunsfeld Shafer Architects, a firm that specialized in high-end residential buildings. Then, wouldn’t you know, the couple’s path would land them in the Washington D.C. area where Leif was offered a job once he graduated. Sarah found her place in the Rippeteau Architecture Firm, known for residential, office spaces and historic restoration. In fact, Rippeteau did the work on a historic church’s steeple that was designed by the same architect that designed the nation’s Capital Dome.

The couple hit their first huge pothole in their life path. Leif became ill and was unable to work. To add to the crisis, Sarah was expecting their first child. And, she had broken her leg playing Ultimate Frisbee. Her faith was being tested and suddenly, decisions had to be made that would affect the trajectory of Sarah’s journey. The next phase of her life brought her full circle to Shreveport, her home. While working for Mike McSwain Architects, she was involved in the Cyber Innovation Building and the renovation of the Municipal Auditorium. With another baby on the way, Sarah found it increasingly difficult to give 100% to her career.

Her family became her priority.

So, she decided to work for herself, set her own hours and enjoy both career and family. Diamond B Designs was born. She got back into her art creating custom pieces for many Shreveport homes. She also drafted for interior designer Jenny Johnston. One of her favorite

Just when Sarah was at her lowest, God put his arms around her and pulled her through this incredibly difficult stop in her journey. People stepped up and reached out to help.

Her son was offered a spot, free of charge, at Ascension Classical School while her little girl was gifted with enrollment at St. Paul. People that Sarah had not known before were there for her. It didn’t stop there. She found another architecture position almost immediately. Still, shuffling kids, full time work – it was all so over-whelming and Sarah knew that the life she now had was not sustainable.

She found the perfect solution at Providence Classical Academy.

Teaching art enables her to be with her kids, know their friends and do something she absolutely loves. “I’ve learned so much more about art by teaching it,” she confesses. “My art and what I teach has purpose – how can I be a little creator like the big creator. God made me in his image.

How can I do that and do it in a way that brings glory to him?”

When asked what her favorite medium was, she pointed to oil painting and watercolors. She also loves creating the composition in a weaving or a quilt. She’s never tried sculpting marble because “how do you not take off a nose?”

Sarah Harris has had quite a journey so far in her young life. Through it all, her faith has been her guiding light.

She married again to a wonderful man, Jay Harris. Together, they are raising their kids in a Christian home.

I asked her if she hadn’t been asked to design that play program cover back in the 5th grade what would she like to have been. She answered, “If I weren’t an artist, I’d love to be able to open my mouth and be able to sing perfectly.” Wouldn’t we all.

Read more about Sarah Harris at dbd-art.blogspot.com or to find out what dead cat space is, email her at diamond.b.design@gmail.com.

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

That’s why we are Cardinaux Wealth Advisors.

What sets us apart are our skills, our values, and our commitment to excellence. While others may focus solely on your portfolio, we provide specific advice tailored to your total financial situation.

Real. Clear. Direction.

Cardinaux Wealth Advisors, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC

738 N. Ashley Ridge Loop Shreveport, LA 71106

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The Compass is a trademark of Ameriprise Financial, Inc. Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. Member FINRA and SIPC. © 2023 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved.

Not FDIC or NCUA Insured | No Financial Institution Guarantee | May Lose Value

LOCAL PRIVATE SCHOOLS & HIGHER

Education

Education

is often at the forefront of the conversation, always evolving, always adapting. It lays the groundwork for our future residents and leaders. In Shreveport-Bossier, we can take pride in having so many outstanding private schools and higher education institutions in our backyard.

Read on to learn more about the uniqueness of each school’s mission, approach and culture.

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To be arrows of Truth and Light EDUCATING LEADERS OF TOMORROW SINCE 1970.

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Christian-based environment

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Dual Enrollment/Honors Classes

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Magnet-enhanced Program and Curriculum

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Art/Music/Computer Science/ Coding & STEM

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Student Chromebooks Schoolwide

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Individualized instruction!

Accommodating differences!

•

Resource Teacher Available!

OPEN HOUSE EVERY DAY! PLEASE CALL FOR A PRIVATE TOUR! 318-687-4923

PreK4/K/1st/2nd SHOWCASE! Please contact the school for updates.

WWW.CALVARYCAVALIERS.ORG 9333 LINWOOD AVENUE • SHREVEPORT, LA 71106

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FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH SCHOOL Educating Young 3's - 8th Grade

January 24, 25, & 26 9AM - 1PM Come & Go Tours Accredited by Cognia Bible Daily, Chapel Weekly Gifted Program Academic Support iPads in K3 -5th Grade Chromebooks for all students in 3rd - 8th grade Extra-curricular activities: Basketball, Baseball.

Tennis, Cross Country, Golf, Student Council, Patriot Promise, Destination Imagination, NJHS, FCA, and much more!

869-2361 533 OCKLEY DRIVE SHREVEPORT, LA WWW.FBCSCHOOL.ORG

At First Baptist Church School, we are rooted in tradition, led by God, inspired by innovation.

FBCS does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, or national and ethnic SBMAG.NET | JANUARY 2023 31 origin in the administration of our educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship, athletic, or other school-administered programs.

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Come see why IT’S A GREAT TIME TO BE A

FALCON

(318) 865-3585 | www.sjsfalcons.org | 1210 Anniston Ave, Shreveport

Academic

Faith

Excellence

Surrounded by

St. Joseph Catholic School has proudly served the community for over seventy years providing academic excellence in a disciplined, challenging, supportive, and faith-based environment.

• • • • • • •

K3 - 8th Grade STREAM and Technology labs SMARTboard interactive technology and iPads in every classroom Opportunities to earn high school credits Athletics, clubs, extracurricular Faith formation and weekly worship Back-to-back 8th Grade Private School Student of the Year at the state level

Come see for yourself why it’s a great time to be a Falcon at our annual House February 1, 2023, 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM. Or call JANUARY 2023 | SBMAG.NET 34Open us any time to schedule a personal tour with our principal.

Alexis Pringle SJS 6th Grader

John Evans, MD

SJS Graduate and Current SJS Parent

I enjoy going to school at St. Joseph every day. I love being around my teachers because they are so supportive and push me to try my best! I also love being with my friends because we are able to participate in fun clubs like KJOE, Mini Vinnie and cheerleading.

Something I look forward to the most is singing at mass on Fridays!

The education St. Joseph School provided me was superb.

It unquestionably set me on a path to success regarding my career goals. The education the school now provides my children continues in that same manner.

More importantly, however, is the strong moral foundation the school provided in the formative years of my life, complementing and advancing the faith-based values instilled in me by my parents and family.

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OPEN HOUSE! K-5TH: JANUARY 30TH, 6PM 6TH-8TH: FEBRUARY 6TH, 6PM

10540 Norris Ferry Road • Shreveport, LA 71106 • 318.946.8089

W W W. A S C E N S I O N C L A S S I C A L S C H O O L . O R G

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EXPERIENCE THE LOYOLA DIFFERENCE FOR YOURSELF! FUTURE FLYER INFORMATIONAL NIGHT FEBRUARY 2, 2023 | 5:30 P.M. To schedule your personal tour, call 318-226-6285 Loyola College Prep offers a faith-based high school experience grounded in Catholicism and growing students in conscience, character and compassion.

921 JORDAN ST. • SHREVEPORT • 318.226.6283

www.loyolaprep.org

Open House Event on Thursday, January 19, 2023 at 6:30 pm.

PreK3, PreK4, PreK5, Kindergarten, 1st, & 2nd

VISIT US ONLINE AT WWW.SBMAG.NET

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Private Schools ASCENSION CLASSICAL SCHOOL

The Classical Difference: Ascension Classical School, established in 2014, is celebrating its first year as a full K-8th program. The school’s unique Christian culture shapes character, virtue, and intellectual excellence. In particular, classical education is a comprehensive plan that shapes the spirit of a student as preparation for all of life, not just a career.

Ascension Classical School embraces the liberal arts and teaches the great works of literature, history, art, music, philosophy, math, and science. A student learns how to think through the great books and conversations with the past, not just what to think. More specifically, the pedagogy is shaped around a rigorous approach that incorporates music, physical education, and art. There is no wasted motion in classical education. A student at Ascension learns to love and appreciate truth and beauty in all their wonderful manifestations. This includes academic content, athletic programs, and many extracurricular activities.

Ascension Classical School is offering grades K-9 in 2023, adding a grade each year. With God’s blessings, a full K-12 education will be in place by 2026. You are invited to come and experience the wonderful growth of the school - There will be a Grammar School (K-5th grade) open house on January 30th at 6 p.m. and a Logic/Rhetoric School (6-9th grade) interest meeting on February 6th at 6 p.m. Both meetings will be held at the school, located at 10540 Norris Ferry Road. All are welcome! You are also invited to schedule a tour and experience for yourself the classical difference. www.ascensionclassicalschool.org

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH SCHOOL

First Baptist Church School is a Preschool Young K3 through 8th Grade school. Founded in 1970, FBCS has a rich tradition of providing excellent academics in a Christian environment.

Our school serves over 400 students.

Our vision states: “First Baptist Church School strives to produce a generation of confident and self-directed lifelong learners with the strong academic discipline, technological skills, and personal faith necessary to realize their potential in God’s world.”

To achieve this vision, our instruction is challenging, enriching, and differentiated for all types of learners. The academic instruction students receive is preparing them for the next phase of their education and their lives. Also, FBCS offers pull-out programs during the school day for gifted students, students with language disabilities (dyslexia), and those needing general academic support.

At First Baptist Church School, we use a top-quality curriculum and best practices in our instructional program. Technology, hands-on activities, and manipulatives are utilized to support learning at each level. In addition to exemplary traditional teaching, FBCS provides cutting-edge technology to enhance engagement in the classroom. Students take ownership of their learning and are well-equipped to be successful in high school and beyond.

In addition to the core-subject curriculum, students enjoy a variety of enrichment classes, including Bible study every day and Chapel weekly. With caring, experienced teachers and administrators, First Baptist Church School provides students with an experience that is not only academic, but on that focuses on development in aspects of their lives. https://newsite.fbcschool.org

IGNITE CLASSICAL SCHOOL

Imagine a place where children are excited to go. Imagine a place where children experience small wins that lead to big victories in every area of school life. Imagine a place where children are loved and feel it. Imagine a place where every child is seen as an image bearer of God, worthy, and capable of accomplishing great things. Imagine a place where children become young people that are rooted, connected to others, and living full, honorable lives.

This real place is Ignite Classical School.

Students receive an excellent education that teaches life principles, good character, and wisdom in addition to preparing them with the academics and skills they need to succeed and be their best. Individualized learning plans guide students through learning that makes sense for them while challenging them to keep going. Solid reading skills prepare students to tackle any and everything that comes their gives them confidence. As students learn the why of math and not just figures and fractions, they see math everywhere and enjoy it.

Foreign languages and financial education give our students the advantage needed to be leaders. These skills with weekly service learning make room for our students to develop a heart for humanity and an awareness of the needs of others.

Any family can consider Ignite for their children with tuition based on income and transportation available. Ignite Classical School serves grades PreK3, PreK4 and Kindergarten through 5th grades with middle and high school coming soon. Make Ignite the place for your family. https://www.igniteclassical.org

SOUTHFIELD SCHOOL

Since 1934, our talented and experienced faculty have cultivated curiosity, character, kindness, and a lifelong love of learning in each of our students. We believe in developing a partnership with teachers, parents, and students to provide the best education in the region.

Our faculty has an average of 20 years of classroom experience, and our students are taught a modern and engaging curriculum in a supportive environment. Instruction features a hands-on learning experience with integrated problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaboration.

Middle school students earn as many as four high school credits in algebra, geometry, French, and Spanish, and this commitment to excellence leads to success in high school.

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Our inviting 12-acre campus is home to an industry-leading preschool building with age-specific classrooms, a gross motor skills room, and a kids’ café. Inside our STEAM building, you’ll find a spacious science lab, music and art rooms, Suzuki Strings practice room, and theater. An additional state-of-the-art 200-seat theater showcases many of the 30 performing arts opportunities our students have during their time at Southfield, and our recently renovated Café hosts students as they eat madefrom-scratch lunches every day.

We’d love to show you how an atmosphere where nurture meets high expectations, paired with trust and kindness, can make a big difference. There are many qualities that set us apart, but it’s best told on campus. Contact Lesley Brice, Admissions Director, at 318.213.6344 or LBrice@southfield-school.org to see the Southfield Way firsthand! https://southfield-school.org

CATHEDRAL OF ST. JOHN BERCHMANS CATHOLIC SCHOOL

The Cathedral of St. John Berchmans Catholic School is conveniently located near the I-20 and I-49 interchange, next to our beautiful Cathedral and on the same campus as Loyola College Prep surrounded by St. Mary Medical Center, and many other service organizations. The atmosphere in and around the SJB campus is one of care, compassion, kindness, love, and service to humanity.

As a ministry of the Cathedral, our school’s mission is guided by God’s teachings and to educate the whole student - mind, body, and soul. To expand and strengthen the minds of our students, we have enhanced our core curriculum, hired four exceptional teachers, and have added a Reading Resource Teacher.

Our new math curriculum, Singapore Math, focuses on problem solving and teaches math concepts utilizing a multi-step learning process that will reach all students with a range of learning styles.

Our K4-5th grade English Language Arts program, Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA), is a comprehensive program for developing reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills, while building knowledge of literature, history, and the sciences. Our 3rd-8th grade writing program, M I Write, aids the students in learning how to write effectively by providing automated scores and immediate feedback. Providing an environment of academic excellence instills discipline and expands the student’s knowledge of the universe. They develop an understanding that their academic studies are intertwined with their faith.

We invite you to visit and see the difference and excitement at the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans School.

The Cathedral of St. John Berchmans parish has provided education for the youth since 1902, with our school serving the Shreveport - Bossier area for more than 70 years, with its uniquely traditional approach to education and enrichment. https://sjbcathedralschool.org

LOYOLA COLLEGE PREP

Since 1902, Loyola College Prep has remained one of the top private schools in the region. Guided by three pillars, Academic Excellence, Faith in Action, and Student Involvement, graduating students are able to distinguish themselves from their peers and call upon their Catholic education as they move forward in their life pursuits.

Academic Excellence: Our students strive for excellence in everything they do and most especially in their academic success. The Flyer Faculty establishes a superior learning environment for all students, and with a 10:1 student to teacher ratio, teachers are able to meet their individual needs. Approximately 98% of Loyola students attend college after graduation.

Student Involvement: Students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities and organizations. These organizations are student-led and feature opportunities for students to give back to our community, grow closer to their peers, and have fun! From athletics and spirit groups to clubs, SGA, and Flyers Aiding the Hungry (F.Ai.T.H.), our students are well rounded and seek any chance to be more involved at school and in the community.

Faith in Action: As the region’s only Catholic private high school, we integrate faith and our Catholic identity into all we do. With weekly mass, religion courses for each grade, and giving back to our community through service hours, we are committed to our mission of creating men and women of conscience, character, and compassion, continuing the Jesuit Catholic tradition of discipline, academic excellence, student involvement, and faith in action for the Greater Glory of God. https://loyolaprep.org

MAGNOLIA SCHOOL OF EXCELLENCE

Magnolia School of Excellence is a tuition-free school offering a high-quality education in a safe, nurturing environment. We have two campuses to meet every family’s needs. With personalized learning, innovative curriculum, and enriching extracurriculars, we offer Shreveport families a better choice for K-12 education.

At our K-5 campus, we believe in building every student’s potential with a learning environment that engages students and families alike in our Mariner community. Families are encouraged to attend regular events that showcase what students are learning and regularly engage with their student’s activities and performance through ongoing communication. Children explore and build their interests and possibilities through their coursework, project-based learning, and a technology-rich school environment. We offer a broad foundation of classes with keen prioritization of core classes such as math, enriching courses such as art, engineering-centered programs, and social/emotional coursework that builds confidence and character.

At our 6-12 campus, we value the complete high school student experience. We believe in every student’s potential and provide an educational experience that’s personalized to each individual’s needs and passions. Our strong athletic program appreciates the competitive wins, while also supporting and ensuring each student performs academically and makes career or college preparation a priority.

We have a broad range of community partners who regularly engage with our students and provide career insights that encourage and empower our students to succeed in their unique paths after high school, regardless of if they are college or career bound. https://www.magnoliaupperschool.org/ SBMAG.NET

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ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC SCHOOL

For over seventy years, St. Joseph Catholic School has served the community by providing a Catholic education in a disciplined, challenging, supportive, loving, and faith-based environment. Through imitating the virtues of its patron, St. Joseph, the school enables its students to flourish in faith and academics beginning with K3 up to eighth grade. St. Joseph strives to form students to become productive members in their families, church, and the community.

St. Joseph offers its students a wide range of opportunities from integrated STREAM and technology curriculums to athletics, clubs, and extracurricular activities.

In the last two years, St. Joseph Catholic School has produced back-to-back eighth grade private school students of the year at the state level. This reveals the quality of formation of its students as the school strives to meet the needs of the whole person, especially faith and academics. This cannot be done without qualified and loving faculty members who desire the best for their students. It is often stated that St. Joseph is like a big family.

Come and see why St. Joseph Catholic School is considered one of the top academic institutions in the Shreveport-Bossier area at their Open House February 1, 2023, 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM. You can also call the school at (318) 865-3585 at any time to schedule a personal tour with the principal. www.sjsfalcons.org

ST. MARKS CATHEDRAL SCHOOL

Founded in 1953, St. Mark’s Cathedral School is an Episcopal school serving boys and girls from age two through eighth grade. Our mission is to value the individual who comes to us, to help that student to realize his or her potential, and to foster a culture that reflects Christian values, intellectual curiosity, and a strong work ethic. Our goal is to develop a student who first feels self-confident educationally, socially, and spiritually, and can reach out to help others in our community.

Our small class sizes allow teachers to give students the individualized attention they need to thrive. We offer vibrant classes that encourage intellectual curiosity and engage handson learning, including a variety of enrichments such as Christian education, science lab, art, music, foreign language, computers, life skills, and more. Our students attend weekly chapel services and incorporate prayer into the daily routine. We educate the whole child through our social emotional learning curriculum and offer many opportunities for service, community-building, sports, and extracurriculars.

Through our strong curriculum, small class sizes, and focus on the whole child, we help students realize their potential and develop the confidence for lifelong success. Our graduates have attended an impressive list of colleges and universities.

St. Mark’s is a ministry of St. Mark’s Cathedral in the Episcopal Diocese of Western Louisiana, is fully accredited by the Southwest Association of Episcopal Schools (SAES) and is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) and the National Association of Episcopal Schools (NAES). https://www.stmarksschool.com

WORD OF GOD ACADEMY

Word of God Academy exists to equip students for life and eternity. All portions of the educational environment must point children to gaining knowledge with the intent of advancing the name of Jesus. Through an authentic partnership with families, WOGA believes that all areas from the classroom to the athletic arena or platform, and everything in between, should have an intentional purpose. From Kindergarten to graduation, children spend 16,000 hours in front of a teacher. Who you choose to partner with in the education of your child is important. We value the partnership with families and look forward to seeing the ways God will use that partnership to educate, inspire, and equip future generations to come. Once a part of the WOGA family, always a part of the WOGA family.

What makes Word of God Academy unique is our focus on partnering with parents through a Kingdom Education philosophy to equip students for life and eternity. We enroll students from preschool through 12th grade. WOGA believes that it is the role of the academy to partner with parents, not the role of parents to partner with the academy. WOGA functions as an extension of parents and not a replacement of parents. With 430 enrolled, students are able to enjoy our co-curricular activities that consist of Basketball, Softball, Robotics, WorshipTeam, and Track & Field. The Upper School curriculum consists of all the basics, Math, Science, History, and English. WOGA offers Physics, Anatomy, AP English, AP History, Robotics, Technical Arts, Art classes and clubs, Programming, Yearbook, and every student takes Bible yearly. http://wogacademy.org

LOCAL COLLEGES CENTENARY COLLEGE

Centenary College of Louisiana welcomed its largest incoming class since 2011 this fall and continues to look ahead to its 200th anniversary in 2025. This year, students who attended the College’s signature Centenary in Paris program were invited to create a shared memory of their time in Paris through the submission of their favorite photographs taken during CIP. Those pictures were curated by College faculty into a book published by the Centenary Press, and 120 of the photos were featured in a large-scale collaborative exhibition at Shreveport’s R.W. Norton Art Gallery that drew more than 1,000 visitors in August and September.

Centenary’s popular new major in kinesiology also officially launched in August, and a new guaranteed interview agreement with the MD program at LSU Health Shreveport joins

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several other existing partnerships that provide pathways for Centenary students seeking careers in medicine and allied health. Hurley School of Music professor Dr. James Eakin, a Centenary alumnus, won the prestigious 2022 American Prize in composition for his choral work #twitterlieder, which was performed by the Centenary College Choir this season.

While the highly-anticipated return of varsity football is still many months away, head coach Byron Dawson has recruited a strong cohort of players who are up early for daily practice and looking forward to playing conference opponents in the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC) in fall 2024.

With a mission to prepare global citizens to live productive lives of vitality and purpose, Centenary is proud to be Shreveport-Bossier City’s college. https://www.centenary.edu

LOUISIANA TECH UNIVERSITY

A nationally and internationally recognized research university, Louisiana Tech University has a history of and commitment to creating programs that are the first in their fields, like biomedical and cyber engineering. Louisiana Tech’s partnerships with business, government, and the military help create both academic programs and job development in the I-20 Cyber Corridor. Our vision is to be known as a pre-eminent public research university that provides students an unparalleled learning experience.

Louisiana Tech offers 79 undergraduate majors, 32 master’s degree programs, and nine doctoral programs. The University has been recognized as one of America’s Top Colleges in Forbes and as the No. 1 college in the state of Louisiana for value in Kiplinger’s. The University has been ranked as a Top Tier research university in US News and World Report for 12 consecutive years and is the only university in the state of Louisiana to be recognized for student engagement and sustainable development in the Wall Street Journal/ Times Higher Education University Impact Rankings.

The University is an economic driver for our region and state, and our campus is a home for new and growing enterprises. The traditional core campus of approximately 280 acres connects with the Enterprise Campus, a home for new and growing enterprises and to the heart of Ruston. Louisiana Tech and the City of Ruston continue to work hand in hand to create a healthier and more environmentally responsible community by developing safe pedestrian paths, lighting, sustainable landscaping, bicycle paths and more. LATech.edu

LSUS

Initially a two-year college, Louisiana State University (LSU) Shreveport has expanded into an internationally recognized institution with 25 undergraduate degree programs, a dozen master’s degree programs and a Doctorate of Education (Ed.D.) in Leadership Studies. Throughout its 50 years of existence, LSU Shreveport has grown into an innovative leader for Northwest Louisiana. It is also continuously listed in the top 50 colleges in the nation for affordability.

LSU Shreveport fosters opportunities to enhance the application of knowledge and intellectual discovery through faculty research, student research and creative endeavors.

We engage in regional and global thought leadership through community collaboration and service for our students’ benefit. Outcomes of such engagement include state-of-theart facilities like the Cyber Collaboratory, which is an immersive learning space where students, faculty and industry partners come together to discuss, research, and bring visions to life using the latest technologies. Through a partnership with LSU Health Shreveport School of Medicine, LSU Shreveport students who meet the requirements will be granted an admissions interview with LSU Health Shreveport School of Medicine.

Our commitment to student success and academic excellence paves the way to continued success for our students.

In addition to nationally recognized undergraduate and graduate degree programs, our K-12 camps, non-credit courses, and professional development programs provide lifelong learning opportunities. Whether you’re a student, working professional, stay-at-home parent, nonnative English-speaker or just learning something new, LSUS has a personalized education opportunity for you. Stay close, go far at LSUS. https://www.lsus.edu

NORTHWESTERN STATE UNIVERSITY

For almost 75 years, the College of Nursing and School of Allied Health at Northwestern State University has proudly offered fully accredited programs ranging from the associate to doctoral level. At NSU, students can fulfill their goal of becoming a healthcare provider in many ways, and on four different campuses- Shreveport, Natchitoches, Alexandria, and Leesville.

Whether your goal is to become a registered nurse in an emergency room, an MRI technologist in an orthopedic center, a nurse practitioner in a pediatric clinic, a nurse anesthetist in the OR, or anything in between, NSU is here for you!

In addition to the traditional pathways, NSU also offers several accelerated nursing programs. Qualified paramedics, military medics, and LPNs can become a registered nurse in as little as 12 months, and students with a previous bachelor’s degree can become a registered nurse in as little as 15 months.

Healthcare workers who already have a degree and are looking to expand their opportunities can choose from a variety of certificate programs and bridge programs to earn a bachelor’s degree, all of which are offered completely online and with a flat-rate tuition.

As the largest producer of registered nurses and radiologic technologists in the state, NSU offers students all the resources necessary to be successful. If you would like to become one of the over 10,000 healthcare heroes who have graduated from NSU, please visit https://www.nsula.edu/nursing/ or https://www.nsula.edu/alliedhealth

NO APPLICATION FEE January 1 – 31 Wave the application fee goodbye!

Apply in January as a Fall 2023 first-time freshman or transfer student, and we will waive the application fee.

Through opportunities like waived application fees and generous scholarships, many of our students are able to graduate with little to no college debt.

Don’t wait! Stay Close, Go Far at LSU Shreveport.

Apply Now! apply.LSUS.edu

Stay CLOSE. Go FAR. LSUS does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, religion, sex, national origin, age, mental or physical disability, or veteran’s status in its programs and activities and provides equal access to its programs and activities.

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PREVIEW DAY For Prospective Students!

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11 9:00am - 1:30pm The day includes an admission and financial aid overview, campus tour, and a chance to interact with Centenary students and professors.

R E GI S T E R ONL INE NO W AT CEN T EN A R Y.EDU/ P R E V IE W DAY S

LOUISIANA TECH RANKED SECOND IN STATE ON U.S. NEWS AND WORLD REPORT BEST GLOBAL UNIVERSITIES LIST

LOUISIANA TECH UNIVERSITY

Schedule a Visit LATech.edu/visit

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VOTE NOW TOP ATTORNEYS

DEADLINE: January 31 Peer Nomination & People’s Choice Categories Look for the results in the March Issue

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Thank You to Shreveport/Bossier for voting us THE BEST DRIVING SCHOOL FOR 2022!

OWNERS

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INSTRUCTORS: MICHAEL BUTLER, AUDEE DOWD, LORI FOX, JOAH JETT, DEIDRA LOSTON, MALISHA MEANS. NOT PICTURED: ANDREW ASWELL & JOLYNN JACKSON

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THE

SCIENCE OF MATH

BY DONESA WALKER

R

ECENTLY PHRASES LIKE “FOLLOW THE SCIENCE” AND TERMS LIKE “SCIENCE OF READING” HAVE BEEN BANDIED ABOUT CAUSING EXTREME CONFUSION. Understanding what these phrases mean can be a game changer in the approach to implementation of these skills.

→

What is the Science of Math? The science of math according to various resources is much like the science of reading. It is a proficiency-based movement focused on using objective evidence (data) about how students learn math in order to make educational decisions and to inform policy and practice. According to the research and data (the science), math proficiency is a blending of:

Cognitive skills weaknesses that may affect math proficiency include logic and reasoning skills, memory, attention, processing speed, visual spatial processing, and reading skills.

→ →

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Concepts (Understanding concepts, operations, and relations) Procedures (Using procedures flexibly, accurately, and efficiently) JANUARY 2023

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→ → →

Strategies (Formulating, representing, and solving problems) Reasoning (Reflecting, explaining, and justifying) Disposition (Seeing math as sensible, useful, and worthwhile.

Thinking processes (Attention, memory, processing, etc.)

Students and adults who struggle with thinking processes inherently struggle with math and science. STEM movement or STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) as it has become is driven to provide more resources and opportunities to students to engage in processes that will invite them to explore and experience in an engaging

way such as at SciPort or the Shreveport Aquarium. Providing more access to these is an amazing goal and a great community effort which all should be a part of to boost our academic growth, but it is also important to be aware of the challenges that many students face in accessing their own thinking abilities.

As educational standards and boundaries shift from political to community efforts and engagement, it is important that the overreaching purpose remain focused on what changes are being made to the underlying issues of learning. Learning builds on a foundation of strong thinking processes. When the foundational skills are weak, learning is difficult. A student who struggles to understand abstract concepts such as why letters (variables) are in math, will struggle early on with simple concepts of sorting, patterning, reading a clock and money. When a child struggles with these issues, tutoring often isn’t enough.

Dyscalculia is a learning issue in mathematical concepts much like dyslexia is to reading. When a person struggles to make sense of mathematical processes from counting to number sense early on, they may have a learning difficulty that should be addressed in order to avoid future delays. While it is estimated as much as 15-20% of the population has dyslexia, the estimate for dyscalculia is 7%. While one may not think this is much, consider that only 8% of the USA population struggles with ADHD and yet Louisiana has the highest percentage (15.7%) of children diagnosed with ADHD in the nation.

health like oppositional defiant disorder, conduct disorder, depression, anxiety, and tic disorders.

60% of children exhibiting ADHD are also affected by learning disorders like dyslexia or dyscalculia.

Addressing the underlying concerns that affect math could also address much of the attentional issues as these are often referred. Students who struggle to learn have a hard time paying attention. Many times, weaknesses in learning processes are misdiagnosed as attention issues because they appear to be attention issues and affect focus. Interestingly enough, according to research, ADHD is associated with other neurological and psychiatric disorders. More than 60% of individuals suffering from ADHD present with one or more other issues that affect mental

How’s that for science?

Research shows that learning struggles such as ADHD, Dyscalculia and Dyslexia affect mathematical ability.

Addressing the underlying learning challenges starts with first being aware of them by assessing and knowing where the struggles are. The process is really a lot like a screening for vision. It is a simple assessing of cognitive skills or thinking ability. These assessments can be in depth or simple screenings to see if

there is a potential problem. Struggling with learning of any type should not be a lifestyle especially when there is help available in the community.

Donesa Walker, M. Ed. is the owner of LearningRx of Shreveport, a Master Reading/Dyslexia Specialist, and a Board Certified Cognitive Specialist.

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and spouses/partners. This will not only ease the weight of trying to be a superhero, but also teaches responsibility to children and teens.

For example, younger children can perform tasks like walking pets, picking up things laying around like toys or shoes, taking out trash, loading/unloading the laundry, or loading/unloading the dishwasher.

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Tips for Maintaining Your

BY URSULA BRANTLEY

M

aintaining a household can seem like a daunting task, but with a little planning and a positive outlook, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Whether you’re a working parent or stay at home parent, household management will help you run your home like a well-oiled machine.

There isn’t any magical way to weave everything together, but there are a few tips that any parent can keep in mind when attempting to figure out what works for their family. It will usually involve a bit of trial and error that will all be worth it in the end.

Focus on these four areas to improve your household management: Cleaning, Preparing Meals, Delegating Tasks, and Establishing Routines. 👤👤👤👤 CLEANING The best thing to do is to break everything down into smaller pieces.

Start by making a list of what needs

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If children are old enough to handle the task, then they are old enough to help. They may be too young to fold bed sheets, but there’s nothing stopping them from folding towels or matching socks. Older kids can help with prepping or even preparing meals. Sometimes we don’t realize how helpful it is for the veggies to be chopped ahead of time or for the meals to at least be in process by the time we make it to the kitchen. Delegating tasks to others doesn’t have to seem like punishment for them or mean a lack of ability on your part. Everyone is living together in the home; therefore, everyone should have a hand in helping it function properly.

Household

to be done. Write out what needs to be cleaned daily, weekly, monthly, and seasonally. From there, plan out what days each task will get tackled. For example, Mondays can be cleaning bathrooms, Saturday can be changing linens, and the last Friday of the month can be reserved for cleaning baseboards. 👤👤👤👤 PREPARING MEALS It’s always easier to know what you’re going to cook or to have some meals prepped and ready to go. Making meals ahead of time in a slow cooker or using an instant pot are both great time savers. So is freezing meals ahead of time and some meals that keep well are lasagna and casseroles.

One fun idea for choosing meals for the week is having everyone in the family write some of their favorites on pieces of paper and put in a jar. Each week 7 meals are picked from the jar and assigned days for prepping and cooking. No guessing or fussing! 👤👤👤👤 DELEGATING TASKS Remember when it comes to managing your home, no one can do everything alone. It’s important to delegate certain tasks to children

print it

👤👤👤👤 CREATING ROUTINES Another great way to help your home run more smoothly is by creating routines. Keeping your family on a schedule or routine is one of the greatest helps you can ever have, especially if your family is always on the go with extracurricular activities.

Routines help develop structure for yourself as well as your family.

When solid routines are in order, things don’t feel so chaotic and all over the place. The kids know where they should be and what they should be doing; parents find themselves not yelling as much or feeling less frazzled. With routines it’s less likely that certain things don’t pile up on you. It’s so easy to say “I’ll do it later or tomorrow.” Next thing you know, you’ve said “I’ll do it later” 15 times and now that tiny mole hill is a huge mountain.

Running your home is important, but don’t forget that having a happy family means more than anything.

Set those routines, delegate those tasks, make those lists, and don’t forget that your kids are only kids for a certain amount of time. In between all the cleaning and meals, remember to cherish your time together.

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T Beyond

BOOKS

The Shreve Memorial Library At 100

BY SCOTT ANDERSON

he Shreve Memorial Library is celebrating its centennial year of turning pages and changing lives. The library has come a long way in those 100 years.

“It started off with a subscription service, where people subscribed to get their books,” said Samantha Bonnette, marketing and development manager for SML. “A hundred years ago, they passed legislation to form a united Shreve Memorial Library to serve all of Caddo Parish.”

Shreve Memorial Library has expanded through the years to 21 branches — 11 in the City of Shreveport and 10 in Caddo Parish. The leadership of the public library is grateful to the residents for their ongoing support, including the renewal of tax millages to fund the library that passed on the ballot last November.

“It is funded completely by that tax millage,” Bonnette said. “We are very thankful that people of Caddo Parish love and support the library and see that it’s a valuable institution for our community.”

The library’s leadership closed 2022 with a strategic planning initiative to identify its focus areas for the next five years. As the library looks to its future, it remains committed to helping people of all ages learn, as well as fulfilling its goal to expand universal digital access.

Much has changed since the days of subscribing for books. Today the Shreve Memorial Library has books, art, activities and more for all ages, all free and accessible with just a library card.

GENEALOGY RESEARCH Interest in family trees has grown in recent years, thanks in part to the popularity of ancestry.com and home DNA kits, Bonnette said. The library’s Broadmoor branch is a ready resource for uncovering a family history in its Genealogy Department.

Library cardholders have access to a variety of online research databases at the Broadmoor branch, including the library edition of ancestry.com, Find A Grave, the Ellis Island Records and a database of Civil War soldiers and sailors.

The library staff is available to assist with research, and the library hosts a number of learning sessions as well.

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HELP FOR STUDENTS Shreve Memorial Library has a number of resources available to students of all ages.

“People are more aware we have it, and there is a larger interest,” Bonnette said. “The staff is well versed in doing research. The Broadmoor branch has a notebook to help get started. We also provide one-on-one assistance.”

BRIDGING THE DIGITAL DIVIDE Expanding internet access in underserved areas of Shreveport is one of the library’s goals this year.

The library has a pilot program at four branches — Atkins, Hollywood/Union Avenue, Wallette, and Cedar Grove/ Line Avenue — in which residents can check out a free home Wi-Fi kit.

“The city and the library have partnered to create what they call Universal Digital Access,” Bonnette said. “They city has built a new cellular network, and there are cellular towers attached to the library. If you live within a radius of the library, these WiFi kits will allow you to use Wi-Fi from home.”

The kits include a wireless router and antenna, along with instructions for setting up the router and access SML’s wireless network.

Bonnette said the pilot program shows promise, and the library hopes to expand the program to other branches.

All the library branches offer free Wi-Fi access in the buildings. Some branches also have mobile hotspots available for checkout.

For the youngest learners, the library makes available Playaways and Launch Pads — tablets preloaded with educational games and books they can check out and use at home. The library also has STEAM kits for children.

“They are STEAM projects in a bag,” Bonnette said. “You get a kit that has instruction in whatever the STEAM concept is and experiments they can do at home.”

The library also offers Homework Louisiana, an online tutoring platform available live from 2 to 7 p.m. seven days a week for Kindergarteners through college students. All you need is library card to access the free service at homework.org.

“You can get one-on-one tutoring help, test prep, practice for the ACT/SAT,” Bonnette said. “You can submit your research papers for review and have someone look it over for you. Homework Louisiana is a great program to use.”

She added that students who do not have a physical library card have a virtual library card through their student ID numbers. Students can log into Homework Louisiana to be matched with a tutor in 64 different courses, include math, science, English, foreign language and more.

“It’s a really great tool that we hope the students like to use,” she said.

NON-TRADITIONAL SERVICES Shreve Memorial Library is committed to helping the community grow and learn, and that goes beyond loaning out bound books.

some who love the actual feel of a book,” Bonnette said. “It’s all about preference.

The ebooks and audiobooks are perfect for traveling. An audiobook is perfect for the car or working out. You don’t have to worry about holding a book. The ebook, you can take that anywhere and you can check out more and not have to carry books around. They are perfect for people on the go.”

She said patrons also can stream music and TV shows through the library’s digital platforms.

“Those things are great, because you don’t have to worry about when you have to check them back in. They automatically check themselves back in.”

Some branches of the library have CDs and artwork available to be check out as well, Bonnette said. Shreve Memorial also hosts adult book clubs, crafting clubs, computer classes and more. The library also hosts story times for children, after-school programs, and teen times throughout the week.

“It’s a time for teens to come hang out with their friends, and also to learn,” Bonnette said. “Kind of a peer support thing.”

CONTINUING TO EVOLVE The Shreve Memorial Library is adapting to better meet the needs of the community. In addition to digital offerings that check themselves back in, the library has eliminated a pesky part of its legacy.

“About a year ago, we eliminated all overdue fines,” Bonnette said. “While we have due dates on the library books, we automatically renew your checkouts up to five times, depending on the item. And there are no late fees associated with it. If you don’t get back by the due date, you’re not penalized.

We do ask that you bring the book back, but you’re not penalized for not getting it back on time.”

Bonnette said all of the library’s programs and event are free to the public. There are nominal fees for making copies, but even the materials for the arts and crafts activities are free to the public.

The library offers ebooks and audiobooks for download as well.

Bonnette said those have become popular options for people’s busy lives.

“We make it affordable and accessible for everyone to come enjoy the library,” she said.

“What we find is there are people who love ebooks and they love audio books,” Bonnette said. “They will download and read and keep that going. And there are

YOUR LIBRARY. ANYWHERE. ANYTIME. SBMAG.NET

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an Emerging Treatment for

Thyroid

Nodules

BY DRS. AMEYA A. ASARKAR, JASON CALLIGAS, & CHERIE-ANN O. NATHAN

T

he thyroid is an endocrine gland that is small and butterfly-shaped, located at the front of the neck.

This gland is responsible for controlling the speed of the body’s metabolism or metabolic rate, which is the process of how the body transforms consumed food into energy. Because the entire body relies on this process, if the thyroid isn’t working properly, it can have negative impacts on the entire body, too. The thyroid affects bodily functions such as metabolism, heart rate, breathing, digestion, body temperature, mental activity, brain development, and fertility.

A common thyroid issue that affects 20%-76% of adults is thyroid nodules.

A nodule is a lump, or growth, of cells in the thyroid gland. This condition is four times more likely to affect women, and do not affect children as much as adults. With the increased use of imaging tests like the ultrasound or the CT scan, incidental thyroid nodules are being identified with increased frequency in recent years. Sometimes, these nodules may be identified during

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a routine primary care visit or by the patient themselves while looking in a mirror or while fastening a necklace.

Most of these nodules are noncancerous or benign in nature and do not warrant intervention. While still benign, sometimes thyroid nodules may cause conditions such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.

Hypothyroidism, or low thyroid hormone levels, may cause symptoms of fatigue, numbness of the hands, weight gain, dry skin, or depression, while hyperthyroidism, or overproduction of thyroid hormones, may cause symptoms of rapid heartbeat, weight loss, increased appetite, difficulty sleeping, and shakiness. These conditions are typically treated with medications.

Occasionally, benign nodules require surgical removal if they cause compressive symptoms or cosmetic deformity. A removal technique, radiofrequency ablation (RFA), has recently gained popularity as an attractive option for patients who refuse surgery or are not surgical candidates.

RFA is the process of creating thermal energy when electrical current is passed through tissue (thyroid nodule) which induces necrosis and fibrosis and eventual tissue reduction. RFA is an image guided ablative technique and uses ultrasound as the modality of choice for imaging.

RFA is performed under local anesthesia with or without sedation.

Under ultrasound visualization, the RFA probe is introduced into the thyroid nodule with a ‘moving shot technique’ wherein the operator moves the RFA probe back and forth while observing the changes in the tissue on the ultrasound. The heat created raises the tissue temperatures to 60 to 100 degrees Celsius. Observing the tissue in real time helps the operator ablate the entire lesion while avoiding transmission of thermal energy to nearby structures.

Overall, RFA has lower risks when compared to surgery. Heat damage to the surrounding structures is the most common cause of complications following the RFA procedure. The ‘danger triangle’ has been described

Image via AllHealthGo

as the location of the nerve that moves the vocal cords where it is in close proximity with the wind-pipe and the thyroid gland. Studies have shown that voice changes or hoarseness are reported in less than 1% patients, and most of these patients do not require any treatment.

In one study an overall complication rate of 4.6% and a major complication rate of 1.3% in patients undergoing RFA. Few other complications of RFA include:

• • • • • • • •

Pain or discomfort Nausea Nodule rupture Skin burn Bleeding Needle track seeding Injury to nerves Injury to the wind-pipe or swallowing passage

Guidelines from multiple national and international head and neck surgery/endocrinology societies have been developed to guide the use of RFA for treating thyroid nodules. Confirming two benign results on a needle biopsy is recommended prior to recommending RFA. Other patients who can benefit from this procedure include patients with cosmetic concerns and want to avoid neck scars.

The role of RFA in cancerous nodules is upcoming and still an area of research.

Recent studies have shown that RFA is safe in low-risk papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTMC) and does not compromise oncologic outcomes. These results, however, should be cautiously interpreted and treatment should be individualized. Without long term data, at present, RFA is not generally recommended in any other types of thyroid cancers and if used should be a multidisciplinary team decision.

Overall, RFA is an effective, safe, and minimally invasive alternative to surgery in a select group of patients.

With the recent publication of the

best practice recommendations from national and international thyroid societies, the use of RFA in treating thyroid nodules will become more standardized. Future studies with long term follow-ups will solidify the use of RFA as its indications are constantly evolving.

Cherie-Ann O. Nathan, MD, FACS, is Chair and Professor of Otolaryngology at LSU Health Shreveport.

Ameya A. Asarkar, MD, FACS is an Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology at LSU Health Shreveport. Jason Calligas, MD, is an Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology at LSU Health Shreveport.

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BY ADAM BAILEY

S Atlantic High School, Port Orange, Florida

Kevin & Marjorie Briley

Taylor County Elementary, Perry, Florida

CHANGING HOW WE LEARN MATH— ONE STUDENT AT A TIME.

HREVEPORT, LA. Today, mathematics education depends heavily on foundational learning. Nevertheless, math education traditionally follows a “spiral method” of applied learning—where numerous, varied topics are presented in units and students may not explore the same topic for several months (or possibly not until the next grade level). As a result, some students never truly master a concept and therefore lack a foundation for connecting basic concepts and transferring that knowledge to more complex math. Without basic, complete mastery, students then encounter a compounding effect—falling further and further behind as mathematics tasks progress in complexity.

Here’s how Marjorie Briley thinks about math learning—all students can learn math and personalized adaptive learning is the most effective way to help students and teachers accelerate learning. Utilizing the powerful architecture of online programs, students can learn foundational math lessons online and the program provides teachers valuable information to further learning. Teachers can utilize quality class time for problem solving and communicating about math to further student understanding of concepts. This flipping of the traditional classroom is an operating system espoused

by Marjorie and Kevin Briley’s company Ascend Math—a web-based math instructional platform that goes far beyond drill and practice. When it comes to learning math, Briley says “Ascend evaluates a student’s individual needs, automatically outlines a learning path that is based on state standards and provides all of the instruction a student needs to learn core mathematical concepts.” Ascend’s focused, individualized instruction—which uses developed and adapted activities and ongoing assessments— attempts to ensure that students quickly gain proficiency in basic mathematical concepts.

Instructional options within Ascend’s curriculum are rich and varied, including video tutorials presented by award-winning mathematics instructors, multimedia explorations including technology-based design, and ample practice. Frequent assessments enable a student’s learning path to be continually updated to reflect their current level of skill. Its course plans target skill gaps and aim to teach exactly what a student needs based on identified strengths and weaknesses. Instruction is delivered in a logical sequence and students can progress at their own pace—tracking their own progress and success.

Sierra Elementary, Truth or Consequences, New Mexico

Simply put, Ascend uses state-of-the-art educational technology to build critical math skills through online math instructional and multi-modal learning methods through video instruction and virtual manipulatives.

Osborne High School, Marietta, Georgia

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Project Reclaim in Minden, Louisiana

Based right here in Shreveport, Ascend Math was established in 2007 by Marjorie and Kevin Briley. Marjorie has over twenty

years’ experience in educational technology and consulting, and currently serves as Vice President of Business Development. CEO Kevin is a consultant, coach, and champion of social impact entrepreneurial businesses in the Ed Tech space for 25 years.

“Most programs put kids into three categories, the lows, the middles, and the highs. I’m so proud of the Ascend Math architecture because it removes the need for categories and allows students to work at their own pace. So often, the kids that started at the lowest will end up at the highest.”

When it comes to learning math, Ascend is highly engaging and motivational. By providing high quality video instruction, it delivers video instruction to hundreds of schools and districts serving tens of thousands of students throughout the United States and Canada. The platform empowers students to direct, assess, and internalize their mathematics proficiency.

“Ascend videos provide basic tutorials which students can watch in class or at home and pause or even speed up if they need to—something that can’t happen with a classroom lecture,” notes Briley.

“Teachers and administrators, in turn, have immediate access to achievement data, enabling them to make sound instructional decisions quickly and easily. They are then free to work individually with students and be more creative.” And that, according to Briley, enables class time to be “an optimal experience for students and teachers.”

There’s no doubt that Ascend’s video lessons are a hit among students and educators.

After all, each video lesson is taught by a master teacher.

The Ascend Math’s concept isn’t just for students—it’s even gaining traction among educators. Teachers and administrators view the platform as a useful tool to individualize learning. Its automated reporting saves instructors time by eliminating the need to grade or scan papers or compile timeconsuming reports. It automatically guides students through individual study plans, provides frequent and ongoing assessment, and automatically reports progress. “These tools allow teachers and administrators to access real-time data to measure achievements of an individual, class or the school and communicate this information more effectively with each other and students’ parents. The schools that use our platform see it as something that really does help students.

Everybody doesn’t learn at the same pace. But once you’ve got it, you’ve got it.”

While Ascend Math joins a crowded field of online learning programs—which many tout as the future of education because of the online learning requirements forced by the COVID-19 pandemic—Briley believes there is no substitute for classroom teachers.

“Teachers are a driving force in achieving these results and we are proud that Ascend Math plays a role in providing the backbone to support teachers and students in these efforts. Besides, technology is not going to replace teachers. It can only empower them

to be much more effective with students.

There is an unbelievable opportunity that we have to leverage how people learn through technology.”

Ascend Math’s results seem to agree.

Algebra is often seen as the gatekeeper that prevents students from staying in school and graduating. “We had one school report that 86% of their Algebra students passed Algebra,” excitedly recalls Briley. “These were students who had not passed the 8th grade math proficiency test the previous year. We also had a second grade student who was homeschooled for the past two years, who moved from the 1st percentile to the 51st percentile after working with Ascend Math.”

It’s because of those results that educators are embracing Ascend’s technology—as it opens doors to new resources and learning techniques. Whereas teachers and students used to rely on books for information, they can now access an infinite world of information with the click of a mouse. Ascend includes more than 550 distinct video lessons with thousands of points of interactivity that support step-wise learning and encourage students to write about math consistent with today’s rigorous state standards.

One of the key benefits of Ascend Math is that students themselves are able to monitor their own progress throughout their learning process. At any given time when using Ascend, students can access achievement data and visualize the progress they have made. By putting control of learning in the hands of students, this model motivates them to continue in the program.

This student-centered, technology-based learning experience is particularly beneficial when working with today’s generation of students. Similarly, because Ascend can be accessed anytime/anywhere, parents are afforded significant access to student progress. Being able to watch their children improve and achieve not only provides motivation for parents to become more active in their children’s learning, but it also empowers them to make good decisions about how, when, and how frequently their children should use the program.

Briley acknowledges that when it comes to online learning, Ascend Math is not a new idea, but it does provide the best of both worlds in terms of student engagement and motivation. First, because students receive immediate—and private— feedback on their work, they are inherently motivated to continue moving through the instructional pathway. Second, detailed explorations, examples, and practice activities are augmented with outstanding video-based instruction delivered by an award-winning mathematics teacher.

“We’re not the first company to utilize webbased learning,” she said, “but Ascend Math is different. To suggest that all kids are able to learn math using only one medium wasn’t realistic years ago, and we don’t function that way today. What we have, along with what we do, works.”

Ascend Math serves over 1000 schools and districts and over 150,000 students each month throughout the United States.

“Purchasing a license for Ascend Math has, unequivocally, been one of the smartest, if not the smartest, decisions we have made in the last year here…

The touchstone of education in these tumultuous times is Learning Loss and how to address it. Virtually every state and federal program of assistance to schools has included, as foundational piece, the idea of measuring and remediating learning loss in every student. That is a daunting prospect in any school district but for a small urban district such as East Allegheny it is especially difficult. We do not have the staffing or the resources to adequately measure and remediate the learning loss experienced by our students and the cost for employing consultants or other external expertise is beyond our means. What we needed was a turnkey solution that could assess our students, provide accurate date on their individual needs and then lay out a recovery pathway for that student. Ascend Math does all that and more. There is not a single component of the Ascend Math platform that is anything less than excellent. The assessment tools are the best and are designed to maximize teacher control. The assessment data reporting capabilities of Ascend are like nothing I’ve seen before and the remedial pathways also provide for maximum teacher control and modification for the unique needs of each learner. The remedial activities are likewise superb.

It is difficult for me to find one area of the Ascend platform where I think that the developers have missed the mark.

For our school district Ascend Math was the right tool at the right place and at exactly the right time.”

– Alan Johnson, Superintendent, East Allegheny School District, PA SBMAG.NET | JANUARY 2023 55

intrigue the kids and get them interested.

It does a lot of things. It does intrigue them. They remember it, so it impacts them. Also, it helps them think about the world as a pretty unbelievable place.”

Getting his students to think that way was his mission.

“It’s hard to fathom all the different things that occur in the natural world,” he said.

“It opens up their minds a little bit to think about things they just don’t normally think about. You’ve got running water in your house. You can turn on the switch and lights come on. They never really think about how that occurs. That’s what I try to make them think about, how things actually happen.

“That’s what science is. It’s the understanding of the principals of science that allows us to manipulate the world to make it do things we want it to do.”

The more Wrobel worked with Advanced Placement and more advanced sciences classes, the more he knew he had to move beyond those homemade experiments. He set his sights on the high-tech laboratories Byrd students use today for a variety of high-level research initiatives.

W obel W rrobel GARY

EDUCATION & ENTREPRENEURSHIP

g

BY SCOTT ANDERSON

ary Wrobel left teaching in August of last year. Yet even today, when he talks about C.E. Byrd High School today, he still talks about what “we” are doing.

“We’ve got the right stuff,” Wrobel said of the science labs that he helped start up in his time at Byrd. “We’ve got the right tools. We’ve got the talent. Everything’s in place. We’ve just got to keep it plugging.”

That team approach can be hard to let go after 11 years of teaching math, physical

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science, and chemistry. In that time, experimentation was the center of his approach.

“It’s magic when you see a science experiment happen,” he said.

“Experiments intrigue the kids.”

He looked back to his time in marketing with pharmaceutical giant Pfizer to begin to explore how to make it happen through building a coalition beyond the walls of Byrd.

“So I am at a public high school,” he said.

“We sit around and wait for them to give us pencils and pens and erasers. You’re never going to get much more than that because they have a restricted budget, right?

Not a knock on the educational system.

That’s just the way it is. But what’s to stop you from getting outside resources that are going to fund programs that benefit students.”

With the support of Principal Jerry Badgley — a “go-get-it” kind of person — Wrobel went to work.

“He said, ‘There’s a mountain there. Let’s find a way around it,’” Wrobel said of Badgley.

Wrobel pitched some ideas to Badgley at a dinner when the principal asked if Wrobel really thought this could happen. The teacher emphatically responded, ‘Yeah.”

“I had the lab experience,” he said. “I had never built a lab, but I knew how to use the equipment and what was needed.”

Wrobel would scour the internet looking for ideas for his daily classroom experiments. It meant “a lot of late night going to Walmart or Hobby Lobby, looking for supplies,” he said. It was worth it to him to draw his students into the lessons.

Wrobel, who has a bachelors degree in biology and masters degrees in both biology and cell and molecular biology, went to work researching what programs were available. He found Avantor Sciences — a company already on the state bid list — that could provide the equipment needed.

The other side of the equation was raising money to purchase the equipment.

“I would come in with something pretty cool to do every day,” he said. “It would

“Jerry Badgley was great about that,” Wrobel said. “He said, ‘You put a plan

together. Tell me what you need. We can sell this because it’s really going to benefit the students.’ Donors are always looking for specific things they can say their money went toward.”

Fundraising was an easy sell. The Byrd Foundation supported the project, and a number of parents made donations, wrote grants and reached out to alumni for additional funds.

Wrobel also found Bio-Rad Laboratories, which had a curriculum already in place for a bio-technology course.

“Everything was spelled out,” he said. “It had the labs. It had the kits, and all the materials necessary. It was already built, and other top schools across the country were already using this. We had said we wanted to develop this into one of the best science programs you would get at any high school in the South.”

COVID slowed down the installation of the labs, now in their third year of operation. A lot has happened in that time, Wrobel said, in addition to the bio-technology classes it was designed for.

“We have had AP research students do some very original research projects that don’t even take the bio-technology class, they just use the lab for its capabilities. I was able to guide them in their projects.”

Wrobel said he has spoken with several alumni who have plans of becoming doctors who are “acing their classes” at the next level because of their experience in the Byrd labs.

“The worst thing that can happen is the students go to college, unprepared, get blown out of the water freshman year, fail or have to drop their biology classes because they had their lunch handed to them and lose their dreams,” he said. “That can happen for a lot of reasons, but the one reason I don’t want to have happen is because of academics — that they weren’t prepared.”

In addition to the bio-tech lab, Byrd also has an organic bio-chemistry lab that is up and running, and there is talk about adding a third lab for anatomy and physiology, Wrobel said.

Wrobel also collaborated with Shreveport’s medical community to further benefit the students through guest speakers, research projects and more. That is a win-win for the students and the community.

“Start them at Byrd High School to get some of those prerequisites done, so they are better prepared to go to college, hopefully locally, and then get funneled right into one of the programs so we can fill jobs locally with people who are form the community.”

The idea for the hydroponics lab germinated with Wrobel for a while after visiting Disney’s Epcot Center in Florida and Biosphere 2 in Arizona.

“When I saw what they were doing at Biosphere 2, that really had an impact on me,” he said. “The next year I put a hydroponics system together in my classroom. We successfully grew, and Jerry Badgley was so intrigued that we were growing these plants with water and air.”

Wrobel wrote a grant through Bayer Agriculture, and they took over the old boiler room to expand the hydroponics lab.

“It was a wonderful project,” he said. “We bought everything we needed to for this system. It’s all computerized, so they can automatically monitor pH, electrical conductivity of the water and stuff like that.”

Through the hydroponics lab, several Byrd students have done research with Michael Billings at Cotton Street Farms, a commercial hydroponic farm in downtown Shreveport. Like the bio-tech professionals, Billings also speaks to the students and assists with the hydroponics lab operations.

“The big thing is to keep all of this collaboration going between the school and the community,” Wrobel said.

Wrobel said a lot of internal collaboration at Byrd contributed to the success to the hydroponics lab. Mack Evans and his engineering students helped build the lab.

“They put that system together and made it work,” Wrobel said. “He taught them that if you get stuck or it doesn’t come functional, how to make things happen.

There was a lot of hands-on Mack did with those students that was just phenomenal.”

How to collaborate effectively was something Wrobel brought from his service in the Navy.

“My military experience taught me to let everybody do their own thing,” he said. “Let them take total charge of that section, and when they are done hand it off. That worked really well.”

Wrobel said he did not set out to teach. After graduating from The Citadel and serving in the Navy, he went to work for Pfizer. He left the company when it downsized after Hurricane Katrina. He didn’t think about teaching until he was working on his masters degree at LSU Shreveport.

“I found out in my first couple of classes that they needed teachers desperately,” he said.

“I thought I could do that. My classes were at night, so I could teach during the day. So I did that. That’s how I ended up at Byrd.”

He left Byrd last August as Gnome Hollow, the company he launched with his wife, Tisha, grew. They hand pour scented candles and make loofa soaps. The Wrobels sell their products locally at the Red River Revel, Les Boutiques de Noel, Mud Bug Madness, and the Shreveport Farmer’s Market. Now, he spends a great deal of time traveling to shows across the country.

Gnome Hollow has products at companies in over 30 states and recently launched at Whole Foods Markets statewide.

It was not an easy decision to leave Byrd.

But building the science labs, teaching at Byrd and LSUS and sponsoring Key Club and other activities at Byrd, all while launching the new business, he knew something had to change.

“I was going home at night and making candles from 5 o’clock to 3 in the morning, getting two hours of sleep,” he said. “After a couple of years, something had to give.”

Still, it was a decision he weighed until the very end.

“The business wasn’t going to run on its own,” he explained. “It was a very difficult decision. And it still is. I remember sitting at the North Dakota State Fair. I had already put in my resignation, effective Aug. 1, but it was July 25. I was like, ‘I have a few days left. I can still cancel it.’ I whiteknuckled it all the way to the end. Finally, Aug. 1 passed and it was executed. I was like, ‘All right that’s it.’ It’s scary.”

Wrobel said it is important to him to see the program at Byrd continue to succeed after his departure. He said he remains available as a backup as the programs expand.

“I have been so busy I haven’t had a lot of time to miss it,” he said of teaching.

“I left a lot on other people’s plates. It got divvied up, but I hated doing that to people. Most all of them wanted it. They are all doing spectacularly great with it.

The program is better now than when I was there.”

Scott Anderson is a freelance writer with more than 20 years’ experience in journalism. He enjoys discovering and sharing people’s stories.

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NEW YEAR NEWYOU

BY COURTNEY HAMMONS BUTTS

An

estimated 41% of Americans make New Year’s resolutions, most of which center around health-related goals. However, only 9% feel they are successful in keeping or achieving them. Why is it so challenging to stick with New Year’s resolutions? It may not be related to goal-getters discipline; it may be that the resolution itself isn’t SMART enough.

Setting a SMART goal is a way to guide your resolution to be more Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Defining these parameters ensures that your goal is more achievable over time.

Popular health-related New Year’s resolutions Lose weight Exercise more Eat healthier Be healthy These are great goals, but they need to be SMART. They do not define what “healthy” means. There are no actionable words. It is not specific, and it does not set a deadline. Before setting your SMART goal, take some time to define the why behind the goal.

Define the “why” If your New Year’s resolution is to lose weight, first figure out why you want to lose weight. Then, ask why this resolution is important to you, what you will gain by achieving this resolution,

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and if this resolution aligns with your core values. Some examples are: Increased confidence Improved relationship with food Longevity Decreased medications Prevention in disease Increase activity with family members

Achievable Your goal should challenge you, but it shouldn’t be impossible. Have you attempted to lose weight before? If you did, what was successful and what was unsuccessful? Keep that in mind when creating your resolution. Be realistic.

Don’t set an overly ambitious goal you know that you cannot achieve.

Now that you clearly understand your “why,” setting your SMART New Year’s Resolution will be easier. Here are three ways to set yourself up for success in 2023:

Relevant This is the point where you need to reference your “why” again to ensure your resolution aligns.

Make your New Year’s Resolution SMART

If your goal is to lose weight by eating healthy in 2023, apply the SMART method to make the resolution more attainable.

Specific Making your New Year’s resolution specific applies a clear focus to your efforts. It answers who, what, when, where, and why. Do you want to change the number on the scale, or do you wish to change your body composition– focusing on adding lean muscle mass and decreasing fat mass?

Measurable You want to track your progress toward your goal. Make it measurable–define how much or how many. How will you know you have reached your goal?

Is your goal important to you? Or is it a goal you need or even want to achieve?

Will it bring you closer to your overall goal?

Time-bound The deadlines you set for your SMART goals will prevent less critical tasks from getting in your way and hindering progress. You’ll be able to keep your priorities straight when you have the sense of urgency that comes along with a deadline.

Focus on SUSTAINABLE change

It’s great if you achieve your New Year’s resolution, but it’s even greater if you can sustain it. A sustainable rate of weight loss is half a pound to two pounds per week, which equals about two to eight pounds per month. So if your New Year’s resolution is to lose 30 pounds in a month, this is an unrealistic

and unsustainable goal. Instead, 30 pounds in 4 months is a resolution that has the potential to be achieved and sustained over a more extended period.

Often, individuals begin a new fad diet for their New Year’s resolution as a tactic to decrease weight.

Unfortunately, fad diets offer fast unsustainable results with restrictive eating plans. In addition, a fad diet is often difficult to adhere to for a month, much less a year. Instead of adopting a drastically new way of eating, consider your current choices and make adjustments. For sustainable changes to your nutrition, focus on the following: Protein Protein helps regulate appetite and maintain muscle stores. Therefore, ensure you consume a lean protein source with each meal/snack.

Fiber Fiber helps regulate appetite, bowel movements, and blood sugar levels.

Ensure you have a source of fiber with every meal. Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are excellent sources of fiber.

Anti-inflammatory fat Anti-inflammatory fats like olive oil, avocados, fatty fish, nuts, and seeds help regulate blood sugar levels, are heart-protective, and help you feel satisfied after a meal. Prioritize monounsaturated and poly-unsaturated fats over saturated and trans fats.

sustainable health-related New Year’s resolutions to help you become the healthiest version of yourself in 2023.

Fun Don’t forget to prioritize foods you consider fun. Typically, fun foods are more decadent, higher in calories, and lower in nutrients. To feel more in control around your fun foods, normalize them by intentionally incorporating them into your lifestyle.

This will help you feel more in control when you are around them in social settings or eating out, which can help you achieve sustainable weight loss.

Enlist help & accountability from a dietitian

Dietitians are food experts. Before beginning any weight loss plan, it is important to consult with your dietitian to figure out the best diet plan that works for you and your individual health goals. Dietitians can also be a source of accountability and help you set

Courtney Hammons Butts, MS, RDN, LDN, is a weight loss dietitian at Courtney Butts Nutrition.

www.campgladiator.com SBMAG.NET

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Downtown

BIG

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CHANGES IN THE NEW YEAR

BY LIZ SWAINE

woman recently posted on the Shreveport DDA (Downtown Development Authority) Facebook page that she ‘loved downtown.’ I was happy to be able to tell her that there is going to be even more to love in 2023.

The thing about downtown is that many of its treasures do a pretty good job of staying hidden. Building facades block the views of what is inside, signs are often discreet or nonexistent, and unless you’re aggressive about reading the DDA weekly e-newsletter or checking social media and other marketing, business openings and activities may escape you. That’s why we love the opportunity to pull back the curtain on all that is happening.

Construction is underway at the Expo Hall along the Clyde Fant Parkway across from Sam’s Town. The cityowned building is being transformed into an indoor sports venue; a large space that will be able to host youth and adult sporting events ranging from volleyball and soccer to pickleball and badminton. These types of indoor sports complexes have become popular around the country and attract locals and visitors alike. Once open in 2023, this will be the only such facility within about 200 miles of Shreveport, another benefit.

Caddo Common Pavilion

Glass Hat Restaurant, 427 Crockett

For many years, the southeastern corner of Crockett at Marshall Street across from the public bus terminal was a sad-looking place; its two historic buildings home to a payday loan store and a quick mart. The buildings had been painted in unattractive colors and were easy to overlook. No more! New property owner and project architect Jason Cram is leading the charge on a complete transformation. The second floor of the two-story will be some of the most alluring apartments seen downtown to date. Downstairs will be clean and bright commercial space. The former one-story quick mart will be reopening in 2023 as the historic Glass Hat Restaurant offering breakfast and lunch options. The eatery’s private room for meetings and parties will prove a popular amenity that is not offered by most downtown restaurants.

For those who love the great outdoors, the futuristic new performance pavilion at Caddo Common Park in the 800 block of Texas Avenue will kick off 2023 as a hub of music, theater, and other activity. The Shreveport Regional Arts Council (SRAC) will be programming 30 weeks in 2023, and on ‘off’ weekends, the pavilion will be available for others to use. The beautiful green space will be alive with yoga, outdoor art events, fitness walks, and more, and almost everything programmed there will be free to attend.

Shreve Station, 400 Crockett Street

Uneeda Biscuit Building

Across the street, the one-time SporTran bus terminal at 400 Crockett Street has been rebranded as Shreve Station, and the three new business owners- Jackie Brock, Robbie Buhl, and Blake Weittenhiller- are hard at work on exciting 2023 plans. The giant Kevlar tent that protects customers from the elements is the perfect spot for live music and outdoor events of all types, and Brock and company have hit the ground running with concerts, holiday festivals and other events.

Nearby at 711 Milam Street, the iconic Uneeda Biscuit Building is racing toward an April 2023 opening. We came very close to losing the beautiful five story building due to lack of maintenance several years ago, but it was painstakingly stabilized and rehabbed to become home to 32 spacious apartments geared toward artists and other creative types. When you drive by, you will see that the Uneeda Biscuit signage now pops with new color and window openings have been knocked through the west wall.

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The uber popular Dripp Donuts will be throwing open the doors to their first brick-and-mortar on a high-profile corner downtown. Their new home is the former 421 Market, the former Dee’s Photo building at the corner of Texas St. and Market.

The 120+ year old building, owned by the Downtown Shreveport Development Corporation, has been under construction for the past two years for roofing, stabilization and waterproofing.

Dripp will bring color, activity and tasty treats to a space that has seen little of any of that for a number of years.

Two buildings to the west of Uneeda is the former Creswell Hotel.

Recently purchased by a hard-working couple with a love of downtown and old spaces, it is currently being cleaned out of years of trash and debris. Plans for the 31,000SF space are not locked in, but expect multi use with traditional or extended stay apartments and some office/retail spaces. Construction will continue in 2023.

On the north side of downtown, the Shreveport Hilton Hotel is getting a full new exterior look with waterproofing, paint and a new, updated entrance. Inside, the lobby and public areas are seeing full upgrades, as is the pool deck and fitness room. The region’s premier business class hotel is making the investments to retain their top business billing, and all should be ready for the ‘big reveal’ in April.

Other projects that are planning Noble Savage on 2023 openings include new office spaces at a former historic parking garage at 408 Cotton Street, apartments and retail space at a former printing shop at 719 Marshall Street, retail/restaurant space at 620 Texas Street, an office/ Airbnb space at 709 Texas Street, a new boutique in the 500 block of Spring Street, and Interior Construction Dripp Donuts 120 apartments and commercial space at 961 Caddo Street. We are also hopeful that construction on two large residential projects, at 425 Edwards Street (Petroleum Tower) and 525 Milam Street (former Centerpoint), will get underway this year.

Meanwhile, new art murals are popping up throughout downtown, the new Noble Savage, reconstituted in 2022, is winning over former fans and new ones alike, Sci-Port’s IMAX has been upgraded to a more immersive experience and the Shreveport Aquarium continues to draw large and appreciative crowds.

Cooper Corner Construction

Cooper’s Corner, named after the owner of the giant mule yard at the same site, has been a hotbed of construction activity.

The building at 700 Texas Street most recently housed small practice spaces for musicians but has been rehabbed into eyecatching offices with perhaps a bit of retail space, too. Cooper’s Corner will open in 2023.

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The one-two punch of the initial steep downturn in natural gas drilling and Covid and its aftermath have not been kind to downtown and many of its properties, but there is reason to be optimistic about its future. We’re extremely excited about all that is to come and hope you’ll share in the excitement, too.

Liz Swaine is the Executive Director of the Downtown Development Authority. Photos courtesy of the DDA.

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We are so excited to be voted one of the TOP insurance agencies in the SB area! We want to thank all of our customers! Our hearts are in this community; we were born here, our kids go to school here, and we love Robby Latham giving back! Follow us on Facebook to find out about the fun promotions and giveaways we have all throughout the year!

Don’t Miss Our Most Popular Events: • Annual Crawfish Boil-April • Back-to-School Sweatshirts-July • Free Deer Corn Promotion-September • Halloween Costume Contest-October • Annual Calendar Give-a-Way-November • Santa & “The Grinch” Stops By-December

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

9700 Mansfield Road • Shreveport, Louisiana 71118 • 318-688-4500 • robby@robbylatham.com • www.robbylatham.com SBMAG.NET

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SB GOOD TO KNOW GIANT SCREEN CINEMA ASSOCIATION ELECTS DIANNE CLARK OF SCI-PORT DISCOVERY CENTER TO BOARD OF DIRECTORS The Giant Screen Cinema Association (GSCA) has announced the results of the 2023 Board of Directors elections. Dianne Clark, Executive Director of Shreveport’s Sci-Port Discovery Center, is honored to join the board as a Theatre Representative. The GSCA website states their vision is to create “a network of premium educational immersive theaters that is woven into the fabric of peoples’ lives, providing enriching, fun experiences and developing world citizens.”

“As a member of the Board of Directors for GSCA, I will be able to communicate with film developers and producers, as well as other theatres, to bring back best practices designed to enhance our Goodman IMAX® Dome experience,” says Dianne Clark.

LSUS COMPUTER SCIENCE STUDENTS AND PROFESSOR WIN BEST PAPER In October of 2022, Dr. Subhajit Chakrabarty, Assistant Professor of Computer Science at LSU Shreveport, encouraged three of his students to attend the 58th Annual Conference for the Southeastern Chapter of the Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences (SEINFORMS) and submit a research paper to the conference’s competition. While SEINFORMS offers a student-level track, the three students submitted their paper to the professional track to include Dr. Chakrabarty on the paper. This decision put them in competition against doctoratelevel professionals and professors. Dr. Chakrabarty remarked on his students’ performance at the conference: “The level of presentation and confidence they had was really fabulous. I was so impressed. It was beyond my expectations.”

Graduate students Prabhat Dhungana and Shiv Kumar Sarada worked with Devesh Sarada, an undergraduate student, on a research paper titled “Stock Price Prediction of Major Pharmaceutical Companies using Transfer Learning.” These students spent over a year working on their research for this paper, which involved many late nights and in-depth data sets on stock market trends throughout the decades. Together, they won Best Paper in the Track (IT Management, Analytics, Business Intelligence, Data Mining, and Statistics) and Best Paper of the Conference.

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LSUS NAMES NEW MEDIA DIRECTOR LSU Shreveport has named Erin Smith as the Director of Media and Public Relations. Smith served as Interim Director beginning in July of 2022 until she accepted the position of Director.

Smith earned her bachelor’s degree in General Studies with a concentration in Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication from LSU Shreveport in 2008. Since then, she has worked with businesses and organizations local to the Shreveport-Bossier area, including the Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce, to enhance their marketing and media outreaches. Smith joined the LSUS Media and PR Department in April of 2021 as the Director of Digital Media and Website Management.

WILLIS-KNIGHTON FIRST IN REGION TO OFFER FOCAL ONE NONINVASIVE TECHNOLOGY TREATS PROSTATE CANCER Willis-Knighton Health System is the first health system in the Ark-La-Tex to offer Focal One™ noninvasive robotic focal HIFU (high intensity focused ultrasound) to patients with localized prostate cancer. Gerard Henry, MD, urologist with WK Advanced Urology, performed the surgery on Monday, Dec. 5, at WK Bossier Health Center. Additional urologists offering the Focal One procedure are Christopher Stage, MD, at WK Advanced Urology, and W. Stewart Bundrick Jr., MD, and Christopher Wilson, MD, at Ark-LaTex Urology.

Focal One combines real-time ultrasound image guidance with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and biopsy data presented in 3D. Using a probe, the doctor navigates to the tumor in real time, directs high speed ultrasound energy at the targeted area and ablates only the diseased portion of the prostate. No incisions are made. The fusion of these technologies enables urologists to establish more precise contours around the cancerous tumor than was possible in the past. They can then ablate a smaller portion of the prostate, which lessens the damage to surrounding healthy tissue and minimizes the risk of side effects of urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction, commonly associated with radical prostatectomy and radiation.

ALL 40 STRANDED WILDLIFE WAYSTATION CHIMPS RESCUED — FINAL 10 CHIMPANZEES ARRIVE SAFELY AT CHIMP HAVEN; DONATIONS STILL NEEDED Having spent the last three winters in the empty solitude of a defunct wildlife refuge outside Los Angeles, the last of 40 stranded chimpanzees will spend the holidays surrounded

by the sights and sounds of hundreds of chimpanzees living among the pine forests of the world’s largest chimpanzee sanctuary, Chimp Haven. The last 10 chimpanzees from the Wildlife Waystation – affectionately called The Treetop Ten because they will soon be able to climb real trees likely for the first times in their lives – made the 1,600-mile trek from Sylmar, Ca., to Chimp Haven in Keithville, La. Chimp Haven President and CEO Rana Smith, who was at the Waystation to meet The Treetop Ten prior to their departure, shared her excitement about welcoming these chimpanzees in need to Chimp Haven. “Everyone at Chimp Haven is thrilled to welcome The Treetop Ten to the sanctuary and provide these individuals with what we call the Chimp Life. Every aspect of our sanctuary is designed to meet the social, physical, and psychological needs of chimpanzees.

It is a place where they will thrive,” Smith said. “Once they have time to acclimate to their new home, our team will offer opportunities for them to meet other chimpanzees and potentially expand their social groups, giving them the closest possible experience to life in the wild.”

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MIKAYLAH WILLIAMS NAMED 2022 CARL MIKOVICH SPORTSPERSON OF THE YEAR BY INDEPENDENCE BOWL FOUNDATION Standout amateur athlete from Parkway High School, Mikaylah Williams, named the 2022 Carl Mikovich Sportsperson of the Year Award. Williams is the No. 1 high school women’s basketball player in the nation according to AGSR, Prospects Nation, Jr. All-Star National Rankings and ESPN HoopGurlz.

She is the headliner of the 2022 LSU signing class, which is ranked No. 1 in the country by ESPN. Williams is the reigning Louisiana Gatorade Player of the Year – a season in which she led Parkway to a 34-3 record and a state championship appearance while averaging 22.8 points, 8.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 2.2 steals as a junior. Williams will head to Baton Rouge to join the LSU women’s basketball team in 2023.

Williams joins golfers Sam Burns (2014) and Phillip Barbaree, Jr. (2015) as recent amateur standouts from the Shreveport-Bossier City area to be honored with the Carl Mikovich Sportsperson of the Year Award. Many of the greatest athletes and sports figures from Shreveport-Bossier City have been honored with the award – including NFL players Dak Prescott (2019), Morris Claiborne (2013) and Arnaz Battle (2002); professional golfers Hal Sutton (1983), David Toms (1997) and Burns; sportscaster Tim Brando (1992); and MLB players Todd Walker (1998) and Scott Baker (2007). Joe Delaney was posthumously honored as the Carl Mikovich Sportsperson of the Year in 2021.

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SB EVENTS

THE COLOR PURPLE

Venue: Marjorie Lyons Playhouse Dates: Jan. 5 – 8 Times: Jan. 5 – 7 at 7:30 PM Jan. 8 at 2 PM Info: facebook.com/StageCenter

VICTORY BELLES

Venue: Shreveport Little Theatre Date: Jan. 6 – 8 Time: Jan. 6 – 7 at 7:30 PM Jan. 8 at 2 PM Info: shreveportlittletheatre.com

SBC GLO FEST

CREATE YOUR OWN GLASS-BLOWING ART WORKSHOPS

Venue: Date: Time: Info:

Sanctuary Arts School Recurring weekly see website for times sanctuaryglassstudio.com

WINTER GLASSBLOWING ART WORKSHOPS

Venue: Date: Time: Info:

High Gravity Glassworks Recurring weekly see website for available times highgravityglassworks.com

ART MARKET DAYS AT THE ANDRESS

Venue: Andress Artist and Entrepreneur Center Date: Recurring every Saturday Time: 12 – 4 PM Info: www.aaec.space

SECOND SATURDAY DOWNTOWN

Venue: Downtown Development Authority, 416 Cotton St. Dates: Recurring monthly on the 2nd Saturday Time: 10 AM – 6 PM Info: downtownshreveport.com

3RD SUNDAY SOUTHERN COMFORT DINING Venue: Consortium Venue, 1925 N Market St. Dates: Recurring monthly, 3rd Sunday Time: 11 AM – 3 PM Info: www.cvenueinc.com

NEW YEAR’S DAY FIREWORKS

Venue: Date: Time: Info:

Provenance Community Jan. 1 4 PM – 7 PM www.yourprovenance.com

STAGS’ LEAP NAPA CABERNET SAUVIGNON EVERYDAY $ 57.39 LOW PRICE

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Venue: Louisiana Boardwalk and Downtown Riverfront Date: Jan. 6 Time: 7 – 10 PM Info: Shreveport Regional Arts Council on Facebook

THE CARTOONS LIVE AT SAM’S TOWN

Venue: Date: Time: Info:

Sam’s Town Casino Jan. 7 7 PM samstownshreveport.com

BOSSIER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ANNUAL MEETING

Venue: Date: Time: Info:

Bossier Civic Center Jan. 10 6 PM bossierchamberofcommerce.org

REEL ADVENTURES:

REAR WINDOW TRIVIA NIGHT

Venue: Date: Time: Info:

R.W. Norton Art Gallery Jan. 13 5:30 PM – 8 PM www.rwnaf.org

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THE TAILGATE POETS LIVE AT SAM’S TOWN

Venue: Date: Time: Info:

Sam’s Town Casino Jan. 13 7 PM samstownshreveport.com

THE MUSIC OF LED ZEPPELIN WITH SHREVEPORT SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Venue: Date: Time: Info:

Riverview Theater Jan. 14 7:30 PM shreveportsymphony.com

THE FAST AND THE FURRIEST 5K

Venue: Date: Time: Info:

Stoner Boat Launch Jan. 14 7:45 AM www.runsignup.com

Four-legged friends welcome and encouraged to participate!

Frees rabies vaccine clinics after the race.

IDENTITY CRISIS LIVE AT SAM’S TOWN

Venue: Date: Time: Info:

Sam’s Town Casino Jan. 14 7 PM www.samstownshreveport.com

THE NOEL FOUNDATION, INC. CHAMBER MUSIC SERIES: MOZART’S REQUIEM WITH SHREVEPORT SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Venue: Date: Time: Info:

Anderson Auditorium at Centenary College Jan. 15 3 PM www.shreveportsymphony.com

NEPHEW TOMMY

Venue: Date: Time: Info:

Shreveport Municipal Auditorium Jan. 15 7:30 PM www.facebook.com/ShreveportMunicipalAuditorium

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SWEAT

Venue: Dates: Times: Info:

Shreveport Little Theatre Jan.19 – 22 Jan. 19 – 21 at 7:30 PM & Jan. 21 – 22 at 2 PM www.shreveportlittletheatre.com

KICKER MONSTER TRUCK SHOW

Venue: Dates: Time: Info:

Brookshire Grocery Arena Jan. 27 – 28 7:30 PM www.brookshiregroceryarena.com

LIVERPOOL LEGENDS “THE COMPLETE BEATLES EXPERIENCE”

Venue: Date: Time: Info:

Strand Theatre Jan. 27 7:30 PM www.thestrandtheatre.com

MOZART’S HAFFNER SYMPHONY WITH SHREVEPORT SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Venue: Date: Time: Info:

Riverview Theater Jan. 28 7:30 PM www.shreveportsymphony.com

SPORTSPECTRUM’S THE TRAIL RUN AT BISTINEAU

Venue: Date: Time: Info:

Lake Bistineau State Park Jan. 28 8:30 AM www.runsignup.com

FREE FAMILY CONCERT FROM SHREVEPORT SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Venue: Date: Time: Info:

Riverview Theater Jan. 29 3 PM www.shreveportsymphony.com

A performance of Kermit Poling’s original score to William Joyce’s book The Leaf Man and the Brave Good Bugs.

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pet-inspired

new YEAR’S resolutions

BY HAILEY LAWSON

N

ow that 2023 is officially here, what better way to welcome the New Year than with the help of your furry friend? The New Year is an excellent opportunity to set a few new goals inspired by your pet. Whether you want to lose a few pounds or live a healthier lifestyle, your pet can help motivate you.

Taking a few tips from your pet just might help you stick to those New Year’s resolutions.

Check out these pet-inspired New Year’s resolutions: � Resolution #1: Love Unconditionally If pets can teach us one thing about life, it’s how to love unconditionally.

Your pet is always there to happily

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greet you at the door after a hard day at work or snuggle you when it’s just been a rough day. How amazing would the world be if more people loved unconditionally as our pets do? � Resolution #2: Stress Less Finding time to play with your pet will help balance out the stressors in your life. Get a new toy and try to play every day, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Interacting with your pet will help relieve your stress. � Resolution #3: Try Something New Whoever said, “you can’t teach an old dog (or old cat) new tricks,” didn’t know what they were talking about!

Learning something new is a great way for us and our pets to keep a sharp mind. So, try a new hobby or activity that challenges your brain for the New Year. � Resolution #4: Drink More Water Staying hydrated is essential for your pet’s health as well as your own.

Recommendations for daily water intake are the same for people and dogs. The rule of thumb is about 0.5 to 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight per day. When your pet takes a sip, don’t forget to take one yourself, too! � Resolution #5: Relax If there is one thing pets show us — it’s how to relax! Did you know that cats sleep 16-20 hours per day, and dogs sleep about 12-14 hours per day?

However, you will probably want to keep your cat naps a tad bit shorter. A quick 30-minute nap will help you get through a tough day. Or, try spending some one-on-one time with your pet watching some TV or cuddling. � Resolution #6: Take a Walk Get outside and walk your dog! Dog walking is a great way to get in shape for you and your dog. One of the biggest health benefits of owning a dog is improved cardiovascular health. Remember, diet is only part

with you, he is not worrying about the past or stressing about the future — he is just enjoying the moment, which is something we should all try to be better at! � Resolution #8: Get a Check Up It is said that the greatest wealth is health. So the New Year is a great time to commit to making health and wellbeing a priority. Keeping up with annual exams is important for long-term health — for you and your pet!

See your doctor and take your pet to the vet regularly to catch any potential health problems before they begin. of the equation when it comes to health and weight control; increasing activity is also necessary. So, be sure to get plenty of exercise throughout the coming year. � Resolution #7: Smile and Live in the Moment Did you know that people who smile more often see health benefits such as lower blood pressure and pain relief?

With the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it is a constant challenge to stay in the moment. When a pet spends time

Set some goals to make some positive changes in the New Year. Create a plan that can help you stick to your New Year’s resolutions. Maybe even lean on your pet to help you reach those goals — they won’t mind. But, most importantly, get excited, get healthy, and spend some time with your pet!

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Bloody

MARY H

Smoothie

ave you ever tried making a savory smoothie? This non-alcoholic, breakfast-worthy spin on a traditional Bloody Mary cocktail is a splendid introduction to veggie-based smoothies. With a blend of tomatoes, celery, avocado, and spices, this smoothie is loaded with flavor, and the bold blend will seduce you with every sip. Add more Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco, horseradish, and lemon juice for an even bolder experience. To take the experience up a step, try salting the rim of your glass and serving with a celery stick. You won't even miss the vodka.

INGREDIENTS ̗ ̗ ̗ ̗ ̗ ̗ ̗ ̗ ̗ ̗ ̗ ̗ ̗

3 medium tomatoes, chopped 2 tablespoons tomato paste 1/2 cup celery, diced (about 2 ribs) 1/2 medium avocado, pitted and peeled 1 tablespoon fresh horseradish mince, more to taste 2 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce, more to taste 10 dashes of Tabasco sauce, plus more to taste 2 1/2 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon, more to taste 1 teaspoon red onion, finely chopped 1 clove garlic, peeled 1 teaspoon natural salt Pinch freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste 2 cups ice cubes

OPTIONAL BOOSTERS ̗ 3 teaspoons cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil ̗ 1 teaspoon chia seeds ̗ 1 teaspoon goji powder

METHOD ζ

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Throw all the ingredients into your blender and blast on high for 30 to 60 seconds until smooth and creamy. Tweak flavors to taste (you may want more horseradish, Worcestershire, Tabasco, lemon juice, or pepper).

Green

MOJITO T

Smoothie

his nonalcoholic mojito smoothie will change your mind about green smoothies forever! This Green Mojito Smoothie is a blend of pineapple, coconut water, kale, pineapple, mint, and lime, which gives a zesty, refreshing taste of a mojito. You will feel like you're enjoying a tasty mojito while you're really drinking a healthy smoothie. Add half an avocado to give the drink a smoother consistency. A little ginger can also give it some spicy zing. Enjoy!

INGREDIENTS ̗ ̗ ̗ ̗ ̗ ̗ ̗ ̗

1 cup coconut water or water 1 teaspoon lime zest, finely grated 3 limes, peeled and quartered 1 cup torn-up green kale leaves (1 or 2 large leaves with stalk removed) 1/2 cup firmly packed mint leaves 2 cups frozen pineapple 1/2 medium avocado, peeled and pitted (optional for added creaminess) 5 drops alcohol-free liquid stevia, plus more to taste

OPTIONAL BOOSTERS ̗ 1 teaspoon ginger, minced ̗ 1 teaspoon coconut oil

METHOD ζ

Throw all of the ingredients into your blender and blast on high for 30 to 60 seconds until smooth and creamy.

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Clothes make the man. But … you can’t judge a book by its cover.

There is an honest way of looking at contradictory beliefs, of accepting the value of the opposite way of our thinking, if for no other reason than to make us continually examine our own.

If you haven’t noticed, there seems to be lots of people yelling at each other these days. We are losing the art of listening, and the art of thinking. Each demands our attention and doesn’t happen on its own.

Consider that there is value in a paradox. There is value in learning to look both ways. At the same time.

The notion was so difficult that it at first evaded me, as “new math” once had and as the NFL’s overtime rules do today. It would have passed me by completely had not a fellow pilgrim explained it so logically, so soundly, and so simply.

Can you look both ways, both forward and backward at the same time? Janus could.

There are evils that must be opposed. (Hitler comes to mind.

And acid rock. The Houston Texans.) But naturally, I was reminded by my friend that most normally, we all want the same thing, have the same desires. There is unity in moving forward toward that common goal, despite our differences.

With a focus on compassion, making that the basis of our faith, the light on our collective journey, unity is possible, even in our disagreements.

LEARNING TO LOOK

ways IN BOTH

BY TEDDY ALLEN

ancient Roman myth, Janus is the god of beginnings and endings, the god of duality.

Most often when you see him in artistic creations, he has two faces, one looking to the future, one looking to the past.

You could actually call Janus “two-faced” back then and he wouldn’t think twice. If another Roman mythical god caught Janus talking behind his back, the proper insult was actually “four-faced!” Roman mythical gods would pull out the heavy artillery in a heartbeat.

It is accepted that the month of January, a time to be both reflective and resolute, was named after the mythical Janus.

Like him, we can look both ways at the same time. Been doing this for centuries.

Surely, if you’ve lived long enough, you’d agree that a penny saved is a penny earned. Yet it’s also suggested we live each day as if it is your last.

Absence makes the heart grow fonder. But, out of sight, out of mind.

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Shreveport voters have elected a new administration. Maybe we can get back to civil discourse if we understand that we can look both ways at the same time. We can live freely in the paradox that to lead, we must serve, and that to live, we must die to ourselves.

In a melding of all those opposites, there’s room for a discourse that’s compassionate and healthy. And mutually beneficial.

We just have to remember. It’s like teaching an old dog the old tricks again.

We can learn a bit from Janus, that hard-to-buy-a-hat-for stud of olden days. Unlike him, I just have the one head, but I can use it for good, make sure and keep it filled with common sense.

I can resolve to do better. I’ll bet Janus did. His resolutions at the start of the new year were likely, “I will finally go back to the eye doctor this year, even though they charge me twice for my co-pay.” Or, “I’ll obey my mom and remove my hat, both of them, when I go inside this year.”

Maybe … Maybe he did.

And maybe he made one of the hardest resolutions of all to keep, which is to look at and act on what is immediately before us. That’s tough to do when you place yourself forever in charge of staring at the two terrible eternities of yesterday and tomorrow.

Instead of staring at the past, we can study and learn from it, imagine a future forged by compassion, and live to make it so in the moment we’ve been given. Here’s looking at us.

Hope this is our best year yet.

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

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