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LOCAL NON-PROFIT COMMUNITY RENEWAL INTERNATIONAL AWARDED $1 MILLION OPUS PRIZE
Community Renewal International, in honor of founder Mack McCarter, has been awarded a $1 million prize from the Opus Prize Foundation. Community Renewal was one of three global finalists for the esteemed Opus Prize. Each year a Laureate is chosen from the three finalists and the 2022 winner was is chosen from the three finalists and the 2022 winner was announced Thursday,
Nov. 3, at the convocation at Catholic University in Nov. 3, at the convocation at Catholic University in Washington, D.C. The other finalists were from Ecuador and Washington, D.C. The other finalists were from Ecuador and Nigeria.
The Opus Prize is given not only to expand the humanitarian efforts of the recipient, but to inspire others to pursue lives of service. The $1 million award and two $100,000 prizes make up one of the world’s largest faithbased awards for social entrepreneurship.
Opus Prize laureates combine the spirit of innovation with amazing faith to inspire long-term, local solutions to address poverty and injustice. Opus Prize laureates prove change is possible, empowering and inspiring us all. Opus Prize finalists are leaders who carry an unshakable faith, believing the problems they see around them not only can be resolved—they will.
Kerry Alys Robinson is the executive partner for global and national initiatives at Leadership Roundtable and the Executive Director of the Opus Prize Foundation. “The Executive Director of the Opus Prize Foundation. “The 2022 Opus Prize finalists exemplify faith-filled leadership through service and indefatigable dedication to alleviating human suffering. We are edified, ennobled and inspired by their example, and the world is more loving, healthier, and peaceful as a consequence of their work,” she said.
Community Renewal is a movement of hope helping Community Renewal is a movement of hope helping to restore the relational fabric of our lives and create safe, connected, and caring communities. Founded in 1994, Community Renewal restores the foundation for safe and caring communities by building intentionally caring relationships. Three primary strategies — Renewal Team, Haven House, and Friendship House — are used to turn neighborhoods into safe havens of friendship and support. Major crime has dropped an average of 55 percent in our Friendship House areas.
communityrenewal.us opusprize.org THE WIDEMAN INTERNATIONAL PIANO THE WIDEMAN INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION IN SHREVEPORT COMPETITION IN SHREVEPORT
The Wideman International Piano Competition has The Wideman International Piano Competition has been held for over 70 years. Students from around the been held for over 70 years. Students from around the world come to Shreveport to compete at the Hurley School world come to Shreveport to compete at the Hurley School of Music at Centenary College in the annual three-day of Music at Centenary College in the annual three-day piano competition, sponsored by the Symphony Guild. piano competition, sponsored by the Symphony Guild.
Judges for the 2022 Competition are Angela Cheng, Judges for the 2022 Competition are Angela Cheng, Alexander Tutunov, and Nikita Fitenko. Alexander Tutunov, and Nikita Fitenko.
The Wideman Competition has long believed The Wideman Competition has long believed its mission is to help contestants -- particularly its its mission is to help contestants -- particularly its Medalists -- to prepare themselves for future careers. Medalists -- to prepare themselves for future careers. The winners are awarded a cash prize (Gold Medal: The winners are awarded a cash prize (Gold Medal: $5,000; Silver Medal: $3,000; Bronze $5,000; Silver Medal: $3,000; Bronze Medal: $2,000). The Gold Medalist Medal: $2,000). The Gold Medalist will also receive an orchestra will also receive an orchestra performance with the Shreveport performance with the Shreveport Symphony Orchestra, solo Symphony Orchestra, solo recitals in Chicago recitals in Chicago and New York, and and New York, and other concert other concert engagements. engagements.
Dr. Lester Dr. Lester Wilson Wilson served served as the as the Executive Executive Director Director of the of the Wideman Wideman Competition from 1985-2020. The current Artistic Competition from 1985-2020. The current Artistic Director Alon Goldstein is one of the most original and Director Alon Goldstein is one of the most original and sensitive pianists of his generation, admired for his musical sensitive pianists of his generation, admired for his musical intelligence, dynamic personality, artistic vision and intelligence, dynamic personality, artistic vision and innovative programming. innovative programming.
He has played with the Philadelphia orchestra, the He has played with the Philadelphia orchestra, the Chicago Symphony, the San Francisco, Baltimore, St. Louis, Chicago Symphony, the San Francisco, Baltimore, St. Louis, Dallas, Houston, Toronto and Vancouver symphonies as Dallas, Houston, Toronto and Vancouver symphonies as well as the Israel Philharmonic, London Philharmonic, Los well as the Israel Philharmonic, London Philharmonic, Los Angeles and Radio France Orchestra. In 2019, Mr. Goldstein Angeles and Radio France Orchestra. In 2019, Mr. Goldstein was elected to the Johns Hopkins Society of Scholars, an was elected to the Johns Hopkins Society of Scholars, an honor bestowed upon graduates of the institution who have honor bestowed upon graduates of the institution who have achieved excellence in their field. He is one of only two achieved excellence in their field. He is one of only two Peabody graduates to have been selected. A dedicated and Peabody graduates to have been selected. A dedicated and creative teacher, Mr. Goldstein was appointed Strandberg creative teacher, Mr. Goldstein was appointed Strandberg Endowed Chair, Visiting Piano Professor at the UMKC Endowed Chair, Visiting Piano Professor at the UMKC Conservatory. Conservatory.
The Wideman competition accept donations and all The Wideman competition accept donations and all contributions are tax-deductible. contributions are tax-deductible.
2022 Wideman Piano Competition 2022 Wideman Piano Competition • Preliminaries - Free • Friday, Dec 2 • Saturday, Dec 3 • Finals - $10/person • Sunday, Dec 4
www.widemanpiano.com
Delivering our best for all stages of womanhood.
From annual well woman exams to From annual well woman exams to pregnancy and delivery, we have the most specialized care in the regi most specialized care in the region.
The Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport – St. Mary Medical Center campus is fully equipped Mary Medical Center campus is fully equipped to meet and exceed the healthcare needs of to meet and exceed the healthcare needs of women and babies, from family planning to postpartum and every moment in-between. postpartum and every moment in-between. We have more than 20 OB/GYN physicians and advanced practice providers dedicated to the patients of North Louisiana. patients of North Louisiana.
From your first gynecology exam to your first mammogram and through your first mammogram and through menopause care, our physicians are here menopause care, our physicians are here to provide cutting-edge, compassionate cutting-edge, compassionate care to daughters, mothers and grandmothers alike. We offer a Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and a Level II Nursery with expert providers to care for newborns. Quick and convenient appointment Quick and convenient appointment scheduling through MyOchsner.scheduling through MyOchsner.
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Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport – Women’s Health Center Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport – Women’s Health Center 1801 Fairfield Avenue, Suite 106 Shreveport, LA 71101 318-626-0469 Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport – St. Mary Medical Center Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport – St. Mary Medical Center 911 Margaret Place Shreveport, LA 71101 318-626-4300 Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport – Center for Perinatal Medicine 1801 Fairfield Avenue, Suite 307 Shreveport, LA 71101 318-626-0388 Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport - OB/GYN Specialists One St. Mary Place, Suite 160 Shreveport, LA 71101 318-626-2800 Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
LOCAL WWII VETS IN NURSING HOMES FLY AGAIN
On October 26, Winnfield-based Central Management Company, which owns several local nursing homes in the area including Garden Park, Roseview, Southern Oaks, Cypress Point, Harmony House and Magnolia Manor, partnered with Dream Flights to fly veterans in these facilities. The goal was to give the vets the the opportunity to experience the magic of one more flight in a restored, bright yellow open-cockpit Stearman biplane, the same aircraft used to train aviators during World War II. Garden Park Nursing and Rehabilitation Center created a patriotic atmosphere with music and decor and donated the refreshments.
Dream Flights has honored more than 5,000 veterans and seniors living in long-term care communities since 2011. In 2021, Dream Flights launched Operation September Freedom, the largest barnstorming event in U.S. history and its first to honor veterans who served in a particular war. Dream Flights pilots, who primarily fly for major airlines and are active duty or retired military veterans themselves, volunteer their time to fly these veterans in the country’s largest fleet of restored/fully operational Stearman bi-planes. There is no charge to the veterans who fly.
James Bissell, who was stationed at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi, was one of the lucky
vets, and two of his sons were there to watch. He was excited about the opportunity, and loaded up in the plane with Seattle-based pilot Molly Littlefield, whose husband Keith was her crew chief and also served in the military. They travel the country as volunteers with Dream Flights to fly vets in the Stearman. The C.E. Byrd High School ROTC flanked the walkway as Bissell returned from the plane. “That wind was some kind of blowing up there. I’m glad I had on a heavy jacket. I was smiling the whole time. May God bless all of you for being here today to make this happen,” he said.
to fly vets in the Stearman. The C.E. Byrd High School ROTC flanked the walkway as Bissell returned from the plane. “That wind was some kind of blowing up there. I’m glad I had on a heavy jacket. I was smiling the whole time. May God bless all of you for being here today to make this happen,” he said.
EARLY ACTION
Deadline is December 1!
Applicants have until the Early Action Deadline to schedule a visit & receive a $1,000 Campus Visit Scholarship
All applicants are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships up to $30,000.
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SHREVEPORT FARMERS’ MARKET NAMED NO. 1 FARMERS MARKET IN LOUISIANA
Shreveport Farmers’ Market has placed 1st in Louisiana in the 2022 America’s Farmers Market Celebration, an annual celebration of farmers markets coordinated by the Farmers Market Coalition and American Farmland Trust. Since 2008, the America’s Farmers Market Celebration (AFMC) has highlighted the important role farmers markets play in communities across the nation while celebrating the vendors, staff, and volunteers that make markets happen week in and week out.
In 2022, supporters visited markes.farmland.org more than 1.25 million times from June 20 – September 19, 2022 and more than 125,000 votes were cast in the AFMC. In the end, the Shreveport Farmers’ Market came out on top as one of America’s favorite farmers markets and the number one farmers’ market in the state of Louisiana.
The Shreveport Farmers’ Market, currently gearing up for their 37th season in 2023, hosts over 75 vendors that have variety of homegrown and homemade items such as fruits, vegetables, herbs, plants, honey, breads, jams, jellies, pastries, candies, pickles, cheeses, shrimp, various canned goods, seasonings, sauces, and meats. In addition to the variety of foods, there are local artisans that have handcrafted items such as art, jewelry, crafts, candles, soaps, and dog treats. Prepared breakfast and lunch meals are available for purchase and consumption.
The Shreveport Farmers’ Market is the only market in our community that accepts SNAP/EBT and offers a match program from Louisiana Healthcare Connections. SNAP users receive up to $20.00 in matching benefits, which they can shop with at the market. This puts more fresh and homemade goods in SNAP users’ hands and pantries, along with making a bigger financial impact with the farmers and vendors.
The Shreveport Farmers’ Market will open for the 2023 season on June 3. and more than 125,000 votes were cast in the AFMC. In the as fruits, vegetables, herbs, plants, honey, breads, jams,
our community that accepts SNAP/EBT and offers a match program from Louisiana Healthcare Connections. SNAP users receive up to $20.00 in matching benefits, which they can shop with at the market. This puts more fresh and homemade goods in SNAP users’ hands and pantries, along with making a bigger financial impact with the farmers and vendors.
JOLIE JOLIE BLONDE GIFTS BLONDE GIFTS CELEBRATES CELEBRATES THREE YEAR THREE YEAR ANNIVERSARY ANNIVERSARY
Jolie Blonde Jolie Blonde Gifts celebrated Gifts celebrated its three-year its three-year anniversary on anniversary on Saturday, October Saturday, October 29. Seven local 29. Seven local merchants were on merchants were on site with pop-up site with pop-up booths showcasing their unique pieces. Among the local booths showcasing their unique pieces. Among the local artists were Edie Monday, Sarah- Katherine Semon, Jenny artists were Edie Monday, Sarah- Katherine Semon, Jenny Lazarus, and others. Lazarus, and others.
Construction financing, lot purchases, and permanent financing all wrapped into one product.
One set of loan documents that covers both the interim construction phase and the permanent loan. Ability to be pre-qualified before you have a contract. Convenience of one lender, one application, one closing, and one approval. Fixed interest rate during construction phase. Interest only payments made during the construction period based on the amount of funds drawn from the loan.
Brian Davidson
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Cell: 318.560.1556
bdavidson@nolalending.com nolalending.com/briandavidson
Depending on the value of your home, it is possible that you may be responsible for any portion of your total costs to close. The services and products advertised are not approved or endorsed by HUD, USDA, the Department of Veterans Affairs, or any government agency. Information stated above is subject to change without notice. All applications are subject to underwriting guidelines and approval. This does not constitute an offer to lend or offer an extension of credit. All loans are subject to credit approval. Not all applicants will qualify for all products offered. All loan programs, terms and interest rates are subject to change without notice and may only be available in select markets. Information obtained from a third-party and are subject to change without notice. All figures should be verified. Fidelity Bank Co. NMLS# 488639
NOEL MEMORIAL LIBRARY NAMED LOUIS LIBRARY OF THE YEAR
LSU Shreveport’s Noel Memorial Library has been LSU Shreveport’s Noel Memorial Library has been awarded the LOUIS Library of the Year Award, which recognizes a LOUIS member library that demonstrates recognizes a LOUIS member library that demonstrates excellence in at least one of the following areas: service to their community; creativity and innovation in developing specific community programs or a dramatic increase in library usage; leadership in creating programs that can be emulated by other libraries. LOUIS is a consortium of public and private college and university libraries in the state of Louisiana. This partnership was formed in 1992 by the library deans and directors at these institutions, to create a cost-effective collaboration among the institutions for the procurement of library technology and resources. In supporting the LSUS academic community, the Noel Memorial Library provides or assists with cost saving measures for students through partnerships with LSUS faculty, LOUIS, and OERs, to provide free e-textbooks to students. Over seventy percent of LSUS students benefit from free course materials and have saved over $8.8 million since 2019. In the past year, the library has drastically increased the material it circulates outside of traditional print and online materials to technology and equipment that supports LSUS’s academic programs and student wellness, including anatomy models, Go Pros, adapters, and active workstations with desk bikes.
TINA TINA FIROUZBAKHT, FIROUZBAKHT, MD, JOINS MD, JOINS WILLISWILLISKNIGHTON KNIGHTON CARDIOLOGY CARDIOLOGY
Tina Firouzbakht, MD, has joined Willis-Knighton Cardiology, part of the Willis-Knighton Physician Network. Dr. Firouzbakht, a cardiac eletrophysiologist, specializes in the treatment of patients with abnormal heart rhythms. Dr. Firouzbakht comes to Willis-Knighton from a fellowship in electrophysiology at Mayo Clinic in Phoenix. Previously, she completed a cardiology fellowship at LSU Health Science Center following an internal medicine residency there. Dr. Firouzbakht earned her medical degree from University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. Tina Firouzbakht, MD, has joined Willis-Knighton Cardiology, part of the Willis-Knighton Physician Network. Dr. Firouzbakht, a cardiac eletrophysiologist, specializes in the treatment of patients with abnormal heart rhythms. Dr. Firouzbakht comes to Willis-Knighton from a fellowship in electrophysiology at Mayo Clinic in Phoenix. Previously, she completed a cardiology fellowship at LSU Health Science Center following an internal medicine residency there. Dr. Firouzbakht earned her medical degree from University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston.
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CENTENARY COLLEGE RANKED TOP 10 PERFORMER IN SOCIAL MOBILITY BY U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT
Centenary earned the #8 spot among national liberal arts colleges in the recently released U.S. News & World arts colleges in the recently released U.S. News & World Report social mobility ranking. This ranking, introduced by U.S. News in 2019, measures graduation rates for students U.S. News in 2019, measures graduation rates for students who receive federal Pell Grants and recognizes institutions that excel at supporting Pell Grant recipients through to graduation. Federal Pell Grants help create greater access to higher education for students whose families earn less than $50,000 annually.
PRIZE FEST ANNOUNCES WINNERS OF FILM, FOOD, MUSIC, FASHION & COMEDY FESTIVAL
Prize Fest, a celebration of Film, Food, Music, Fashion and Comedy, announced its winners. The festival, now in its eleventh year, showcased the work of independent filmmakers, fashion designers, musicians, chefs and comedians during a festival spanning two weekends across multiple venues in downtown Shreveport, LA. Louisiana Film Prize
The 2022 Louisiana Film Prize grand prize winner is “They Grow Up So Fast,” directed by John F. Beach. Beach walks away with $50,000, the world’s largest cash prize for a narrative short film.
The winning film was chosen from the Top 20 short film finalists, all of which were filmed in the state of Louisiana, and determined by a unique 50/50 combination of votes from online and in-person attendees and a panel of industry judges from across the country.
The other short films that joined “They Grown Up So Fast” in the Top 5 this year were: “Bamber Bridge” (Mark Bonner), “Betty Lou Had A Son” (David Long), “Credit” (Patrick & Susan Kirton) and “Unicorn Poop” (Lorna Street Dopson).
Best Performance was awarded to John F. Beach for his Best Performance was awarded to John F. Beach for his role as Brian in “They Grow Up So Fast.” role as Brian in “They Grow Up So Fast.”
The Film Prize Foundation also announced the The Film Prize Foundation also announced the recipients for its Founder’s Circle Grants. Founder’s Circle recipients for its Founder’s Circle Grants. Founder’s Circle is a $3,000 reimbursable filmmaking grant that allows is a $3,000 reimbursable filmmaking grant that allows filmmakers to come back and make a film for Louisiana filmmakers to come back and make a film for Louisiana Film Prize 2023. The recipients of this award for 2023 were Film Prize 2023. The recipients of this award for 2023 were Josh Munds (“Peeping Todd”), Jaya & Jacob McSharma Josh Munds (“Peeping Todd”), Jaya & Jacob McSharma (“Please Scream Inside Your Heart”), Monique Morton (“Please Scream Inside Your Heart”), Monique Morton Derouselle (“Rising Dawn”), Carlos Jiminez (“Strangers in Derouselle (“Rising Dawn”), Carlos Jiminez (“Strangers in Common”), John F. Beach (“They Grow Up So Fast”), and Common”), John F. Beach (“They Grow Up So Fast”), and Lorna Street Dopson (“Unicorn Poop”). Lorna Street Dopson (“Unicorn Poop”). Food Prize Food Prize
Food Prize 2022 again featured its premier Come Food Prize 2022 again featured its premier Come and Get It event. Seven local chefs were paired up with and Get It event. Seven local chefs were paired up with nationally recognized celebrity chefs across the country nationally recognized celebrity chefs across the country to collaborate to create a dish and then serve incredible to collaborate to create a dish and then serve incredible tastings to attendees. These celebrity chefs, like Chopped tastings to attendees. These celebrity chefs, like Chopped winner Chef Tristen Epps, came from all over the country to winner Chef Tristen Epps, came from all over the country to be a part of this celebration of the culinary arts. be a part of this celebration of the culinary arts.
Attendees of Come and Get It voted on their favorite Attendees of Come and Get It voted on their favorite dish, crowning local chef Anthony Felan (Fat Calf Brasserie) dish, crowning local chef Anthony Felan (Fat Calf Brasserie) and celebrity chef Denise Joseph (Dallas, TX) the People’s and celebrity chef Denise Joseph (Dallas, TX) the People’s Choice winners. The attendees also chose the Golden Choice winners. The attendees also chose the Golden Shaker champion, voting local mixologist, Andy Flook of Shaker champion, voting local mixologist, Andy Flook of the soon-to-open Cypress by the Revenir, the winner. The the soon-to-open Cypress by the Revenir, the winner. The Food Prize Mentor-Judges crowned this year’s grand prize Food Prize Mentor-Judges crowned this year’s grand prize Golden Fork Champion team: local chef Sean Sullivan Golden Fork Champion team: local chef Sean Sullivan (Frank’s Louisiana Kitchen) and celebrity chef Eppie (Frank’s Louisiana Kitchen) and celebrity chef Eppie Connolly (Detroit, MI). Connolly (Detroit, MI).
Food Prize also introduced its inaugural Food Prize Food Prize also introduced its inaugural Food Prize University event in which Food Prize Mentor-Judges University event in which Food Prize Mentor-Judges and visiting celebrity chefs participated in a roundtable and visiting celebrity chefs participated in a roundtable discussion with the public on life in the industry and how to discussion with the public on life in the industry and how to build a food city that cultivates community. build a food city that cultivates community. Comedy Prize Comedy Prize
In its second year, the Comedy Prize hosted 7 hopeful In its second year, the Comedy Prize hosted 7 hopeful national touring comedians who each performed 10 minute national touring comedians who each performed 10 minute sets in front of a live sold out audience. Son Tran of Houston, sets in front of a live sold out audience. Son Tran of Houston, TX was crowned Comedy Prize’s grand champion for 2022. TX was crowned Comedy Prize’s grand champion for 2022. Louisiana Music Prize Louisiana Music Prize
Louisiana Music Prize 2022, the GRAMMY-affiliated Louisiana Music Prize 2022, the GRAMMY-affiliated competition for rising musicians, saw 10 musical acts from competition for rising musicians, saw 10 musical acts from across the country compete for the $10,000 grand prize. across the country compete for the $10,000 grand prize. The grand prize winner, The American Hotel System out The grand prize winner, The American Hotel System out of Grand Rapids, MI, was chosen by a jury of nationally of Grand Rapids, MI, was chosen by a jury of nationally recognized music industry professionals. The competition recognized music industry professionals. The competition also featured a People’s Choice Award which was won by also featured a People’s Choice Award which was won by Shreveport-based band Benedetto. Shreveport-based band Benedetto.
This year’s Louisiana Music Prize also saw the return of This year’s Louisiana Music Prize also saw the return of MPCon (Music Prize Conference), created to offer artistic MPCon (Music Prize Conference), created to offer artistic and career building mentorship to up and coming musicians. and career building mentorship to up and coming musicians. Fashion Prize Fashion Prize
Now in its fourth year, the Louisiana Fashion Prize hosted Now in its fourth year, the Louisiana Fashion Prize hosted a live runway presentation of 5 designers’ collections at the a live runway presentation of 5 designers’ collections at the Phoenix. Sophia Omoro (odAOMO) of New Orleans was Phoenix. Sophia Omoro (odAOMO) of New Orleans was named the judges’ grand prize winner. The event also featured named the judges’ grand prize winner. The event also featured a capsule collection from 2021’s winner, Jessica Hall. a capsule collection from 2021’s winner, Jessica Hall.
