Parishscope Fall 2024

PARISHSCOPE A PUBLICATION OF THE JUNIOR LEAGUE OF SHREVEPORT-BOSSIER, INC. | FALL 2024

Volume 58, Issue 3

PAGE SIZE / TRIM SIZE: 8.5"x11" BLEED SIZE: 8.75"x11.25" (added .125" each side) LIVE AREA: 7.5"x10" (.25" in from edges)

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FROM THE EDITOR

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Krystal Critton As the crisp air of fall arrives, it brings with it a new wave of energy and enthusiasm for the year ahead in the Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier! This season is always a time of renewal and growth as we come together to support our community and create lasting memories with our fellow League members.

This issue of Parishscope marks the beginning of another exciting League year. We will introduce our new Provisional class—a group of dynamic women who have already shown incredible commitment and passion during their retreat. Their energy is contagious, and I am eager to see the positive impact they will undoubtedly have within our League and beyond.

Our annual Red River Revel and Pumpkin Patch events are just around the corner, offering us all a chance to reconnect and make new friends. This issue will highlight these events and share the stories of our Active Kids, showcasing the work they have been doing throughout the summer.

As I step into my role of editor this year, I am filled with excitement and gratitude. I am honored to help tell the stories of our members and the incredible work we do together. Through Parishscope, I hope to keep you informed and engaged with all the amazing happenings within our League.

Here’s to another impactful and memorable League year!

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Letter from the President

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1933 Society

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General Membership Meetings (GMM)

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Letter from the Sustainer at Large

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Sustainer Events

10 Sustainer Spotlight 13 Provisional Update 14 2024-2025 Provisional Members 18 Pumpkin Patch at Provenance 20 Letter from Fund Development 21 2023-2024 Annual Report 29 Red River Revel Update 30 Artist for a Day 32 Active Kids Summer Camp 34 Memorable Moments 36 Cookbooks

JuniorLeagueSB

38 Celebrations

@JuniorLeagueSB Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier facebook.com/JLSB.org youtube.com/user/JuniorLeagueSB 2024-2025

Secretary Carolyn Murphy Thompson

Editor Krystal Critton

Treasurer Kristin Johnson

PARISHSCOPE Staff

Assistant Editor Natassica Clark Business Manager Cayce Cloud 2024-2025 Board of Directors President Alex Person President Elect Shelvia R. Davis

Assistant Treasurer Alician White Nominating Chairman Angela Hamilton Sustainer at Large Heather Courtney Sustainer Advisor Vickie Meadows

Cover photography by Love by Lindey

Communications VP Jessica Martin Community VP Ashley F. Morgan Community Assistant VP Lindsey Brown Fund Development VP Emerie Eck Holtzclaw Membership VP Courtney McBee Membership Assistant VP Jessica Latin PR&D Assistant Emory Bray

Designed by: grace! graphic design + marketing Printed by: Paragon Press, 901 Tatum St, Shreveport, LA 71107 The Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier, Inc. is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.

The Junior League welcomes all women who value our Mission.

We are committed to inclusive environments of diverse individuals, organizations, and communities.

Parishscope Quarterly Magazine Volume 58, Issue 3 ©2024 Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier Reproduction in whole or in part by any means is prohibited without written permission by JLSB.

The Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier 2601 Line Ave. Shreveport, LA 71104 Office 318.221.6144 Fax 318.221.4601 jlsb.org

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President

LETTER FROM THE

Happy Fall!

As the crisp autumn air begins to settle over Shreveport-Bossier, I find myself brimming with excitement and anticipation for the upcoming fall activities organized by the Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier. This season is set to be a vibrant tapestry of events, each crafted with care to foster community spirit, support our mission, and bring joy to our members and the greater community alike.

Fall is always a special and busy time for the Junior League. It marks the start of a new League year, a fresh slate full of opportunities to make a meaningful impact. This year, we are embracing the season with a renewed energy and a plethora of activities that reflect our commitment to enriching our community and empowering women.

The Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier Pumpkin Patch is a much-anticipated highlight of our fall calendar, offering a fun-filled, family-friendly atmosphere with a variety of activities and attractions. This year’s Pumpkin Patch promises to be bigger and better than ever, showcasing our commitment to creating memorable experiences while supporting our community initiatives.

• Location: The Pumpkin Patch will be held at Providence Community off Southern Loop.

• Dates: The Pumpkin Patch will be open from October 1 to October 31, giving visitors ample opportunity to enjoy the seasonal fun.

• Hours: Open Tuesday through Friday 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., Saturdays 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., and Sundays 12:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., making it easy for families to plan their visit.

The Pumpkin Patch is more than just a fun event—it’s a key fundraiser for the Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier.

All proceeds from the Pumpkin Patch go directly to support our community projects and initiatives. By participating in this event, you’re not only enjoying a festive fall experience but also contributing to meaningful causes that benefit our local community.

The Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier is also thrilled to participate in this year’s Red River Revel, one of the region’s most anticipated arts and music festivals. As a cornerstone of community engagement and service, we are

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Alex Person

excited to bring our unique touch to this vibrant celebration of local culture and creativity. Selling Pepsi products has become a highlight of each member’s League memories and we will once again be able to serve our community in this capacity.

The Red River Revel is an annual festival held in downtown Shreveport, renowned for its diverse lineup of live music, arts and crafts, delicious food, and family-friendly activities.

This year, the festival will take place from Saturday, September 28, to Sunday, October 6, offering a lively and eclectic mix of entertainment and cultural experiences along the scenic Red River. The Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier is also able to serve the Red River Revel by offering free art projects to children with our community project Artist for a Day. This committee has worked tirelessly on art projects that children of all ages will create during their time at the Red River Revel. Artist for a Day has become a stable in the Junior League identity and continues to educate children in a fun, interactive way.

The Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier (JLSB) is committed to advancing our mission through a strategic approach that focuses on strengthening member engagement, enhancing community service, and fostering organizational growth. Our strategic plan outlines clear objectives and actionable steps to ensure we achieve our goals and continue to make a positive impact in our community.

Our desire is to create an inclusive, supportive, and empowering environment that enhances member satisfaction and retention. We offer leadership workshops, skill-building sessions, and mentorship opportunities to foster personal and professional growth; develop robust communication channels, social media updates, and feedback surveys, to keep members informed and engaged; organize social events and networking opportunities to build a strong sense of community and belonging within the League; and encourage member participation in both social and professional activities to strengthen bonds and enhance engagement.

Through community service we aim to address critical community needs through impactful service projects and collaborations; identify and prioritize key areas of need within our community, such as education, women and children health, and family support; maintain the targeted ser-

vice projects that align with these needs; and leverage our resources effectively. We build strong partnerships with local organizations, businesses, and other community groups to enhance the reach and effectiveness of our service initiatives. We collaborate on joint projects, share resources, and coordinate efforts to maximize our impact.

The Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier’s strategic plan is designed to enhance member engagement, elevate community service, and drive growth. By focusing on these key areas, we aim to strengthen our impact, support our members, and contribute positively to our community.

Through collaborative efforts, innovative approaches, and a shared commitment to excellence, we look forward to achieving our goals and continuing to make a difference in Shreveport-Bossier.

As your President, I am profoundly grateful for the

dedication and enthusiasm of our members, which fuels our ability to make a significant impact. The fall activities we have planned are a testament to our collective spirit and commitment to service. I am genuinely excited about what lies ahead and look forward to embarking on this vibrant season with each of you.

Together, let’s embrace the fall with open hearts and an eagerness to contribute, celebrate, and grow. Here’s to a season filled with purpose, joy, and the continued success of the Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier.

Warm regards,

A lexPerson Alex Person

2024-2025 President

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Supporter

DEAR JLSB

As the Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier enters its 92nd year, we continue to stay true to our mission of promoting voluntarism, advancing women’s leadership, and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. We also continue a community-wide legacy that you contributed to, participated in, and helped to create! The JLSB would not be where it is today without your support. As we move into our new League year, I hope you will consider joining our annual giving campaign, the 1933 Society.

Your investment in the 1933 Society directly affects the Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier’s impact on our community. Our League’s most meaningful impact is in delivering a consistent force of trained volunteers and leaders dedicated to improving the Shreveport-Bossier area.

Throughout the years, we have adapted and changed our strategies as the needs of our community have grown.

• In June and July of 2024, our health initiative Active Kids met weekly with different themes to teach children from grades 3rd-5th at the Salvation Army’s Boys and Girls Club about healthy habits. This is truly an incredible experience both for the children and our members. The summer ended with a back-to-school party where each camper received school supplies, so they are ready for a new year!

• MAGIC (Mentoring Ambitious Girls to Inspire Change) looks forward to another great year of mentoring girls that participate in the Volunteers of America North Louisiana’s Teen Club program. MAGIC focuses on developing self-esteem and wellness in high-school girls. We are also fortunate to offer a graduating senior a scholarship as she continues her education.

Alex Person

• The Red Apron Pantry continues to provide supplemental nutrition to food-insecure families with monthly distributions. We house this “Client’s Choice” food pantry at the JLSB Office. As of now, we serve 18 families and are always looking to expand.

• Artist for a Day offers free daily crafts in the Children’s Area of the Red River Revel. Last year we served approximately 2000 children in our community, and this year we are expanding to continue this project in the Spring.

These community projects, as well as our fund development projects, allow our members to cultivate new skills to meet the needs of our community and our mission. Our training is what sets us apart from other organizations and ensures that your investment will not just benefit the League this year, but it will make a lasting impact on our community for many years to come.

Please consider a membership in the 1933 Society by January 30, 2025, so that you can enjoy the full benefits of membership! You can complete and return the enclosed form or go to jlsb.org and click on Support to renew your membership. Your membership will help us to continue to advance the League’s legacy and make an impact in our community by carrying our mission forward! Thank you for your generosity and your commitment to our League. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to me personally!

Very truly yours,

A lexPerson

Alex Person, 2024-2025 President 318.286.6442

A special thank you to those who have already joined the 1933 Society this year!

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Member Benefits LEAGUE LEADER – $1,000 • Name recognition in JLSB Parishscope magazine • Invitation to 1933 Society Celebration • Four (4) tickets to Designer Bag Bingo • If an Active member, includes one Fund Development Shift Buyout and fulfills Fund Development Financial commitment

LEAGUE ADVOCATE – $500 • Name recognition in JLSB Parishscope magazine • Invitation to 1933 Society Celebration • Two (2) tickets to Designer Bag Bingo • If an Active member, includes one Fund Development Shift Buyout and fulfills Fund Development Financial commitment

LEAGUE PARTNER – $250 • Name recognition in JLSB Parishscope magazine • Invitation to 1933 Society Celebration • One (1) ticket to Designer Bag Bingo • If an Active member, fulfills Fund Development Financial commitment Please note: The above-listed benefits are offered to those who join the 1933 Society on or before January 15, 2025.

Although anyone may join after January 15, 2024, we cannot guarantee all member benefits after that date.

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2024-2025

General Membership Meetings (GMM) SCHEDULE

SEPTEMBER

JANUARY

SEPTEMBER 10, 2024 – 6-7 p.m.

1ST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 900 JORDAN STREET SHREVEPORT, LA 71101

JANUARY INTERVIEWS TBD WITH YOUR ADVISOR DETAILS WILL BE EMAILED

OCTOBER

FEBRUARY 11, 2025 – 6-7 p.m.

LOCATION TBA

OCTOBER 8, 2024 – 6-7 p.m.

PROVENANCE CLUB HOUSE 1955 WOODBERRY AVENUE SHREVEPORT, LA 71106

NOVEMBER

FEBRUARY

MARCH MARCH 11, 2025 – 6-7 p.m.

LOCATION TBA

APRIL

NOVEMBER 12, 2024 – 12 p.m. AND 6 p.m.

SMALL GROUP MEETINGS IN VARIOUS SUSTAINER HOMES

APRIL 8, 2025 – 6-7 p.m.

LOCATION TBA

DECEMBER

MAY

(HOLIDAY PARTY) DECEMBER 10, 2024 – 6-7 p.m.

LOCATION TBA

MAY MEETING DETAILS TBA

318-465-9145 8

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Sust ainer atLarge

LETTER FROM THE

Fall is here! Kids are back in school, football season is upon us, the weather is finally starting to cool down (hopefully), and I have the honor of beginning my second year serving as the Sustainer at Large for the JLSB’s Board of Directors. I am so looking forward to serving Alex Person and the Board alongside our Sustainer Advisor to the Board, Vickie Meadows; and I’m committed to continuing the good work Jodi Penn Rives began last year along with Ginny Lamb.

We are so fortunate this year to have Stacey Melerine in charge of member engagement, and she has planned some fantastic events for Provisionals, Actives, and Sustainers to enjoy, including a very entertaining Bunco Night at the League office earlier this month. Some events on the horizon include a needlepoint class, an introductory class on Mah-Jong, and a flower-arranging class, just to name a few.

Please consider attending one (or more!) of these events and bring another Sustaining member with you. Keep an eye on your e-mail for more information on these fun member events.

Here’s something to begin thinking about—Sustainer of the Year! Last year’s SOTY Luncheon was incredible, and I cannot think of a luncheon I have enjoyed more. Looking around the room and seeing such an incredible group of service-oriented women who consistently prioritized, and continue to prioritize, bettering their community through their service in the League and other organizations reminded me

Heather Courtney

of the impact our service can have long after we leave our active status behind. Begin thinking about who you may want to nominate for SOTY—there are so many fantastic Sustaining members who continue to impact our community. The SOTY packet will be available on our website on October 1, and all nominations will be due by December 20. Our SOTY celebration will be in late January or early February of 2025, so stay tuned for details on that.

If you told me 14 years ago that I would enjoy being a Sustainer so much that I would serve on the Board two years in a row while in the busiest season of my life thus far, I likely would not have believed you, but here we are! As you may know, we have the Red River Revel beginning on September 28 and running through October 6. Pumpkin Patch will begin on October 1, and it will run through Halloween this year. If your schedule allows, please reach out and let us know if you want to pull out your red apron and work a shift. Vickie and I would love for you to join us, be it by working a shift at Revel or Pumpkin Patch or by offering to advise a committee in need of guidance.

As always, if you have any questions, I hope you will reach out.

Sincerely,

Heather Courtney Heather Courtney Sustainer at Large

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Spotlight

SUSTAINER

HEATHER COURTNEY

How long were you in the League?

10 years, from 2010 to 2020. This is my second year on the Board as the Sustainer at Large.

What is your career?

I’m a law clerk for Judge Danny Ellender at the Louisiana Second Circuit Court of Appeal.

Of all the placements and experiences you had as an Active, which was your favorite?

My favorite placement was the JLSB’s Spring Market. I was the Hospitality Chair for two years, and my last year on market I had the honor of co-chairing with one of my very best friends, Alex Person.

How has your League experience impacted your community involvement as a Sustainer?

The League afforded me the opportunity to learn how to fundraise and serve as an effective board member. I have used those two skill sets in every volunteer opportunity I’ve had following my service in the League.

FUN FACTS: Favorite Vacation Spot: Tybee Island, Georgia Favorite Snack: Anything that pairs well with Diet Coke Favorite Flower: Hydrangeas Favorite Quote: “Being good to people is a wonderful legacy to leave behind.” ~Taylor Swift

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VICKIE MEADOWS How long were you in the League?

11 Active years; I’ve been a Sustaining member since 2004.

What is your career?

I worked in office administration but have recently retired.

How has your League experience impacted your community involvement as a Sustainer?

I have been on various boards of nonprofits in Shreveport on and off for all of my years as a Sustainer. Having League experience gave me the knowledge and experience needed to understand how organizations work efficiently and effectively in our community.

Now that you are a Sustainer, looking back, what advice would you offer a Provisional?

I have learned so much as a League member.

Be open to trying all kinds of placements and take advantage of any training offered.

Of all the placements and experiences you had as an Active, which was your favorite?

Every one of my placements was special to me.

I enjoyed being Cookbook chairman. Being President was certainly an honor I never expected. AJLI training allowed me to travel to places I had never seen and to meet Junior League members from across the country.

FUN FACTS: Favorite Vacation Spot: Charleston, South Carolina

Favorite Snack: Swedish Fish mixed with Sour Patch Kids

Favorite Flower: Hydrangeas

Favorite Quote: “If you want something done, ask a busy woman.”

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Update

PROVISIONAL

The 2024-2025 year is off to a great start. The Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier welcomed 28 women into this year’s Provisional class who are excited to become part of our group of like-minded women. Be on the lookout for our newest members and welcome them to our League!

You should be able to recognize them by a red sticker they’ll each be wearing to fund development shifts, observation shifts, and General Member Meetings.

The year kicked off with our annual Provisional Retreat on Saturday, August 24. The retreat was led by Lindey Smith and Megan Strecker, Provisional Chairman and Provisional Assistant Chairman respectively, as well as advisors Angela Mandigo, Brenda Mosley, Grace Nickels, and Canisha Tisby.

YMCA-BHP hosted the event and Love by Lindey provided professional headshots to our newest members. The day was spent getting to know each other with fun icebreakers and learning more about what to expect from their Provisional year. Provisionals had the opportunity to hear from President Alex Person on AJLI and what the League means to her. Destiny Jamison, Active Kids Head Volunteer, discussed this summer placement with Provisionals. Thanks to Destiny, Provisional members were able to be hands-on with an Active Kids craft and activity. The day wrapped with lunch, a Digital Cheetah breakdown, and Q&As. Provisional Member Meetings officially begin in September. During these meetings, Provisionals will have the

MeetingDates

PROVISIONAL

Lindey Smith

opportunity to learn about the Junior League of ShreveportBossier in depth. We’ll cover topics such as community outreach, fund development, placements, and much more!

September’s meeting topic is “Community.” Provisionals will have the opportunity to hear from our Community Vice President, Ashley Morgan, who will discuss Community Council. Many community head volunteers and assistant head volunteers will speak about MAGIC, Red Apron Pantry, and Artist for a Day. Provisionals will also learn more details about sign ups and shifts for Revel Pepsi and Pumpkin Patch at Provenance.

November will be another exciting month for our Provisional class! Provisionals will attend their November Provisional Member meeting at a Sustainer’s home. In November, Provisionals will also attend our small groups General Member Meeting to give them an additional opportunity to connect with some of our Active members. Our annual holiday party will be held in December. Provisionals will meet with their advisors in January for their annual interviews.

Soon after, it will be time for our March Placement Party, where Provisional members will rank their placement choices with the help of their advisor. In April, we’ll have our Provisional Party to celebrate a successful Provisional year before we welcome these women as Active Members at our May Dinner Meeting.

NOVEMBER PROVISIONAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING NOVEMBER 19, 2024 – 6 p.m.

SUSTAINER’S HOME

OCTOBER PROVISIONAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING

DECEMBER PROVISIONAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING (CHRISTMAS PARTY)

OCTOBER 15, 2024 – 6 p.m.

JUNIOR LEAGUE OFFICE

DECEMBER 17, 2024 – 6 p.m.

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2024-2025

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Provisional Members Apphia Adams

Amy Bailey

Hometown: Shreveport, LA Career/Occupation: Nurse Hobbies/Interests: Event planning

Hometown: Shreveport, LA Career/Occupation: Office Manager Hobbies/Interests: Spending time with family and friends, enjoying local festivals and live music, reading, thrifting, and exploring new places both around Shreveport and across the globe

Anneka Alexander

Persephone Butler

Hometown: Shreveport, LA Career/Occupation: Educator/Leadership Hobbies/Interests: Crafting and Antique shopping

Hometown: Shreveport, LA Career/Occupation: Social Services Hobbies/Interests: Reading, traveling, bowling, and game night

Dyani Allen

Ashlei Chark

Hometown: Benton, LA Career/Occupation: Director of Nursing for long-term care facility Hobbies/Interests: Writing books, playing the piano, mentoring curvy women

Hometown: Shreveport, LA Career/Occupation: CPS Supervisor Hobbies/Interests: Baking, reading, arts and crafts

Jashonda Atkins

Lindsey Cienski

Hometown: Haughton, LA Career/Occupation: LPC Hobbies/Interests: Sports, traveling, coaching

Hometown: Austin, TX Career/Occupation: Systems Engineer Hobbies/Interests: Running, baking, traveling

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2024-2025

Brianna Cotton

Provisional Members MyEasha Green Hometown: New Orleans, LA Career/Occupation: Director of Volunteers and Partnerships at Project ID + Spread The Vote Hobbies/Interests: Spending time with my family, traveling, gardening, taking a walk in the park, or relaxing by the lake!

AJ Dunn

Ronnetra Green

Hometown: Alexandria, VA Career/Occupation: YWCA Executive Director Hobbies/Interests: Photography, childbirth education/maternal health, event planning

Hometown: Shreveport, LA Career/Occupation: Nurse Hobbies/Interests: Being in the ministry, traveling, shopping, dancing, modeling, listening to live music, and spending time with meeting

Alex Einerson

Terri Hatten

Hometown: Bossier City, LA Career/Occupation: Director of Marketing & Communications at Visit ShreveportBossier Hobbies/Interests: Spending time outdoors with my two dogs and exploring trails and nature centers.

Hometown: New Roads, LA Career/Occupation: Program Analyst Hobbies/Interests: Traveling, reading, and dancing

Sherreta “Reta” Fields

Lakeshia Hayes

Hometown: Shreveport, LA Career/Occupation: Teacher Hobbies/Interests: Dancing, working out, reading, learning new things, spending time with family

Hometown: Shreveport, LA Career/Occupation: Lab Supervisor Hobbies/Interests: Traveling and golf

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2024-2025

Provisional Members Wynesha Hays

Aundréa Lattin

Hometown: Shreveport, LA Career/Occupation: Foster Care Case Manager with Caddo Parish School Board Hobbies/Interests: Community engagement and being a sports mom

Hometown: Shreveport, LA Career/Occupation: Registered Nurse Hobbies/Interests: Traveling and spending time with my dog

Chakina Hill

Shamia “Mia” Law

Hometown: Shreveport, LA Career/Occupation: Student Hobbies/Interests: Reading, traveling, sleeping, and volunteering

Hometown: Bossier City, LA Career/Occupation: Entrepreneur Hobbies/Interests: Traveling, spending time with family and friends, and reading when I have a moment to sit still

Jessica Hunter

Madison McInnis

Hometown: Shreveport, LA Career/Occupation: Regulatory Pharmaceutical Professor Hobbies/Interests: Concerts, watching informative YouTube videos and movies

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Kysianna James

Phelicia Neal

Hometown: Shreveport, LA Career/Occupation: IT Systems Administrator Hobbies/Interests: All things Halloween—decorating for Halloween, watching Halloween shows/movies, eating Halloweenthemed food.

Hometown: Minden, LA Career/Occupation: Clinical Research Coordinator Hobbies/Interests: Pilates, barre, live shows, documentaries, self-care, music, animals, beauty, books, and museums

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2024-2025

Provisional Members

Krista Queen

LaToya Wilson

Hometown: Haughton, LA Career/Occupation: Virologist Hobbies/Interests: I love baking to relax and enjoy making treats for my friends and family. I’m an avid reader and I usually have a book with me in case I get a few minutes free. I travel for work and I love learning about different cultures and customs in the places I visit.

Hometown: Bossier City, LA Career/Occupation: Healthcare Administration Hobbies/Interests: Traveling, Shopping, and Volunteering

Elizabeth Williams Hometown: Shreveport, LA Career/Occupation: Rehabilitation Counselor Hobbies/Interests: Arts and crafts, jazz music

Mallory Wright Hometown: Mobile, AL Career/Occupation: People Analytics Consultant Hobbies/Interests: Traveling with my family and spending time with my friends, my two rescue animals, and finishing my PhD at Louisiana Tech University.

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Provenance

PUMPKIN PATCH AT

Winnie Sanders

PUMPKINS, PUMPKINS, EVERYWHERE AT THE PROVENCE PUMPKIN PATCH! Fall is right around the corner, guys! The leaves are turning vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow, the air is crisp . . . honestly, let’s be real—it’s Louisiana so we take what we can get, and the scent of pumpkin spice and nutmeg is at every Starbucks in town.

It’s that magical time of year when sweaters come out of storage, hot cocoa becomes a staple, and weekends are dedicated to exploring the many fall activities for kids. One of these cherished traditions stands out as an all-time favorite: visiting the Pumpkin Patch at Provenance. Whether you’re a seasoned pumpkin patch-goer or planning your first visit, this is a Junior League month-long community event that you don’t want to miss. So grab your favorite scarf and let’s dive into the wonderful world of pumpkin patches!

The Atmosphere From the moment you step onto the grounds, you’ll be enveloped in a festive atmosphere. There will be a delightful mix of rustic charm—hay bales, twinkling lights, the breeze off the lake—and maybe even a sighting of an alligator or two! It’s Louisiana, remember.

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The Pumpkins Of course, the main attraction is the pumpkins. You’ll find pumpkins of all shapes and sizes, perfect for carving, decorating, or baking. Some patches even have specialty pumpkins, like the ghostly white Lumina or the warty, quirky Knucklehead. It’s fun to wander through the pallets in search of the perfect pumpkins to add a bit of flare to your homes, offices, or holiday events.

Friendly Faces Expect to encounter friendly Junior Leaguers and pumpkin enthusiasts. The Patch is run by women who love the community, family, and giving back to others. The sense of community at the Patch is one of its greatest charms, so we hope that you find a sense of your own community along with us at the Pumpkin Patch at Provenance.

We are doing something new and refreshing this year as the Patch will be open the entire month of October! Woo-hoo! We will officially open October 1 and close October 31. Let’s kick off fall with a bang!

2024 JLSB PUMPKIN PATCH THANK YOU TO AT PROVENANCE EVENT SCHEDULE

OUR SPONSORS!

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More dates to come, follow the Junior League of Shreveport Bossier social media to stay up to date on Pumpkin Patch events.

GreatonPumpkin Jack-O-Lantern TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1

Pumpkin Patch Opening Day

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1

Profit Share Night at HopDoddy

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12

Pumpkin Patch Reloading at 9 a.m.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12

Polar Pour Food Truck at 1 p.m.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19

Broadmoor Learning Center – Reading at the Patch

Patch Art Class at 1 p.m. – Walter B. Jacobs

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31

Masshole Lobster Roll Food Truck

Pumpkin

Halloween at the Patch

PATCH HOURS OF OPERATION: Monday – CLOSED Tuesday – Friday – 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. | Saturday – 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. | Sunday – 12:00 noon to 7:00 p.m.

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In Kind

Want more

www.jlsb.org/pum

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Fund Development

LETTER FROM

Emerie Holtzclaw

As the temperatures cool and autumn settles into Shreveport-Bossier, the Junior League prepares for our fall Fund Development activities. These initiatives, both now and throughout the year, support the League’s mission to promote women’s leadership for meaningful community impact through voluntarism and collaboration. Additionally, the Fund Development activities generate essential funding for community service projects, including Active Kids, Revel Artist for a Day, Red Apron Pantry, and M.A.G.I.C. The League’s Fund Development events, such as the Pumpkin Patch at Provenance, Red River Revel Arts Festival Pepsi Booths, and Designer Bag Bingo, have become cherished traditions in our community.

The League is preparing for a busy month of October with both the Red River Revel and Pumpkin Patch at Provenance. The Red River Revel Arts Festival, currently in its 48th year, is one of the League’s longest-running Fund Development opportunities. The Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier created the annual festival in 1976 and has played an integral part in the festival every year since. From September 28 through October 6, the community find our League members in their red aprons selling drinks at the Pepsi booths on the festival site. During this time, League members provide over 500 volunteer hours to the community while raising much needed funds for League community service projects. Don’t forget to enjoy the festival during this time, the Revel has a plethora of art, music, food, and fun to be had for nine full days!

Another fall favorite community event is the Junior League’s Pumpkin Patch at Provenance. The Pumpkin Patch will open to the public on Tuesday, October 1 and run through Thursday, October 31. The Pumpkin Patch team has been hard at work planning activities from crafts to storytime, food trucks nights, and more throughout the duration of the Pumpkin Patch dates. This is another opportunity for the community to find our League members in action with their red aprons by selling all shapes and sizes of pumpkins!

Mark your calendars and join us at the Pumpkin Patch at Provenance!

Before you blink, it will be spring and time for the Junior League’s Designer Bag Bingo fundraiser! This “girls’ night out” event returns Thursday, April 17, 2025 at Sam’s Town Casino & Hotel with ten rounds of bingo for chances to win a

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designer bag every round! Even if you don’t win a handbag, you have opportunities to win over 100 raffle prizes ranging from local gift cards to diamond jewelry! This year, Designer Bag Bingo welcomed over 700 guests with tickets selling out in just 30 days! We encourage you to mark your calendars, round up your girlfriends, and be on the lookout for tickets to go on sale in January!

Finally, we can not forget about cookbooks! October is National Cookbook Month and the League is proud of the three highly-acclaimed and award-winning cookbooks published over the years. A Cook’s Tour, Revel, and Mardi Gras to Mistletoe are heavily sought after cookbooks for personal use and make great gifts for the avid cooks in your life. You can purchase these cookbooks individually online or at the League office—and you can get a great deal by bundling them for only $50!

So, dust off those red aprons, sign up for fund development shifts, and make time for you, your family, and friends to enjoy all that fall has to offer!

ANNUAL REPORT

2023-2024

LEADERSHIP & SERVICE AWARDS 2023-2024 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

PRESIDENT’S AWARD

Photo: see page 21

The President’s Award, historically, is presented to someone

President

Ginny Lamb

who has provided great support to the President through-

President-Elect

Alex Person

out her term. While I had unbelievable support this year

Secretary

Stacey Melerine

from family and friends, I would not have made it through

Treasurer

Julia Todd

this year without Jodi Penn Rives. She was a steady voice as

Executive Vice President

Devon Knecht Leon

we navigated unexpected challenges and was always there

Fund Development R&D

Amanda Waddell

to answer questions and support me in any way I needed.

Nominating Chairman

Maria Katherine Woodley

Jodi’s guidance and institutional knowledge of both the JLSB

Active Member at Large

Rebecca S. Luster Radford

and AJLI helped us make important improvements that we

Active Member at Large

Dr. Jane Gulick Sugar

believe will create a more sustainable League. I am incred-

Sustainer Advisor

Jodi Penn Rives

ibly thankful that she agreed to be my Sustainer Advisor, and

Sustainer at Large

Heather Courtney

even more thankful to have her as a mentor and a friend.

Thank you, Jodi, for guiding me through this year and for

2023-2024 MANAGEMENT TEAM Communications Vice President

Jessica Martin

Community Vice President

Dr. Erin Elaine Walker

your unwavering support of the JLSB.

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

Fund Development Vice President Elizabeth Langley

The Volunteer of the Year Award was given to Lindey Smith!

Membership Vice President

Angela Hamilton

For years, Lindey has been an outstanding volunteer for the

PR&D Assistant Chair

Dr. Lindsey Tassin Brown

JLSB. This year, however, she has gone above and beyond,

Assistant Treasurer

Kristin Marie Johnson

standing out as an incredible volunteer and leader. She selflessly moved up to being Provisional Chair in the fall, and created a wonderful and supportive environment for our incredible Provisional class. She brought organization to the program and developed fun activities for the advisors to lead

2023-2024 COMMUNITY ADVISORY BOARD The JLSB seeks out members of the community to serve as advisors lending their expertise in a variety of areas to the League. The JLSB was fortunate to have the following distinguished community leaders serve on the 2022-2023 Community Advisory Board.

Laura Alderman, Executive Director, Step Forward Sonja Bailes, Public Relations Liaison, Bossier Parish School Board Renee Ellis, Community Engagement Specialist, Caddo Parish Public Schools Kristi Gustavson, Chief Executive Officer, Community Foundation of North Louisiana

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our Provisionals as they taught them about the history of the JLSB. Lindey did all of this with positivity and a smile on her face. We are so fortunate that she will stay in this position one more year and lead the 2024-2025 Provisionals class.

Thank you again for your selfless leadership, Lindey!

Amy Heron, Vice President and Chief Development Officer, CHRISTUS Health System Foundation Martha Marak, Executive Director, Food Bank of Northwest Louisiana Chuck Meehan, President and Chief Executive Officer, Volunteers of America of North Louisiana Clay Walker, Director of Juvenile Services, Caddo Parish

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President’s Award: Jodi Penn Rives, Sustainer Advisor Volunteer of the Year: Lindey Smith, 2023-2024 Provisional Chair

COMMUNITY IMPACT ACTIVE KIDS In the Summer of 2023, the JLSB partnered with the Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club to bring this summer camp program to elementary students from the Shreveport-Bossier area. The theme this summer was “Around the World,” and each Tuesday we spent an hour learning about a different part of the world through crafts, activities, and a snack. Throughout the eight weeks of the program, campers were introduced to new cultures and foods as we visited Africa, India, Germany, France, and Hawaii. We also had a special Christmas in July session with a visit from Santa and cookie decorating.

ARTIST FOR A DAY This wonderful group of volunteers, including our Provisionals, hosted children and their families at our Artist for a Day booth at the Red River Revel. Over the nine-day festival, JLSB volunteers assisted over 1,500 children in making crafts. The crafts included recreating works like the art piece Zinnia by world famous folk artist Clementine Hunter. The Artist for a Day project provides a free activity for children and their families at the Revel and helps children in our community directly participate in the arts. This coming year, they will also have a spring event!

MAGIC Mentoring Ambitious Girls to Inspire Change (MAGIC) provides opportunities for JLSB members to mentor girls in our community. Twice a month, the MAGIC committee met with girls in the Volunteers of America Teen Club and presented topics including: building confidence and self-esteem, peer pressure, mental health, hygiene, healthy relationships, nutrition, etiquette, voluntarism, and responsible decision making.

RED APRON PANTRY In partnership with the Food Bank of Northwest Louisiana, our Red Apron Pantry is a food pantry that operates out of the JLSB Headquarters. It was the first food pantry in the 71104 zip code and provides supplemental nutrition to households throughout our community and contributes to combatting food insecurity. This year, Tara Jones and her team brought back the “Client’s Choice” model that ended when COVID began. We were grateful to be able to bring this model back to allow our clients the opportunity to choose what they would like, thus also helping to avoid food waste.

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FUND DEVELOPMENT 1933 SOCIETY The 1933 Society, our annual giving campaign, provides our supporters a more structured way to donate to the League. We were overwhelmed by the generosity of the more than 60 donors who met and surpassed our fundraising goal this year.

Net Profit: $21,446.92

COOKBOOK SALES Our longest-running source of income comes from cookbook sales. We are pleased to offer three unique books. The award-winning Mardi Gras to Mistletoe features 12 months of festivals, events, and more than 200 seasonal recipes. Revel, originally published in 1980 and reissued in a 20th anniversary edition in 2000, has sold over 50,000 copies and includes party menus for each of the four seasons. Finally, A Cooks Tour, originally published in 1964, features dishes elegant enough for fine dinner parties and casual enough for picnics and is truly a journey back into your grandmother’s kitchen.

Net Profit: $3,613.00

DESIGNER BAG BINGO Our fifth in-person Designer Bag Bingo event was a huge success!

Over 700 attendees filled the Sam’s Town Hotel and Casino ballroom for an evening of fun and fundraising. The sold-out event entertained our guests with dinner, 10 rounds of bingo for designer handbags, and dozens of raffle opportunities, including diamond earrings generously donated by corporate sponsor Sid Potts, Inc. We are thankful for the many sponsors who supported this event, including presenting sponsor Community Bank of Louisiana.

Net Profit: $79,642.64

GIVE FOR GOOD DAY The Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier partnered with the Community Foundation of North Louisiana to participate in Give for Good. This 24-hour online giving challenge raises unrestricted funds for nonprofits in our community. This day of giving celebrates local nonprofits and allows the community an opportunity to support these valuable programs and organizations.

Net Profit: $338.94

PUMPKIN PATCH AT PROVENANCE Our 2023 Pumpkin Patch at Provenance was a great success. JLSB volunteers unloaded over 3,500 pumpkins to stock our patch for the month of October! We raised funds through pumpkins sales and also invited the community to the Patch for fun family activities. We sold over $27,000 of pumpkins and get to keep a portion of those sales!

Net Profit: $13,799.80

RED RIVER REVEL PEPSI SALES The now world-famous Red River Revel Arts Festival was founded by the Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier and given to the City of Shreveport in 1976 as a bicentennial gift. The Revel is held annually in October on the Shreveport riverfront and attracts thousands of visitors to the area.

The JLSB continues to support the Revel by providing hundreds of volunteer hours selling Pepsi products during the festival. Another great year of festival attendance led to record sales in our Pepsi booths!

Net Profit: $12,305.85

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SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS & CORPORATE SPONSORS 2023-2024 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS Each year, the Junior League is honored to award deserving seniors a scholarship as they graduate and continue their education. This year, we awarded one student from Caddo parish, one from Bossier Parish, and two wonderful young women that have participated in our MAGIC mentorship program in partnership with the VOA of North Louisiana Teen Club.

Our Caddo scholarship winner was Analyce Jeane.

Analyce is an ambitious young woman who loves serving her community. This May, she graduated from North Caddo High School with a 4.89 GPA. She has served her community over 2,000 volunteer hours and created her own fundraiser, Cupcakes for a Cause. This event raised over $5,000 to raise money for a mammography machine for the North Caddo Medical Center. She was inspired to raise money for this based on her own mother’s experience battling breast cancer, and wanting to bring the resources to her community in Vivian. We were honored to award a $1,000 scholarship to Analyce to help as she attends LSUS in the Fall!

Our Bossier Parish recipient was Hannah Grace Burch of Benton High School. Hannah Grace has dedicated hundreds of hours of service to her community by serving organizations like Common Ground, FCA, the Special Olympics, and more.

She plans to attend Dallas Baptist University in the fall and intends to focus on Christian Studies and Political Science. She has a servant’s heart and wants to continue serving her community through her work.

Again, this year we were able to award two scholarships to our MAGIC program. This addition to our scholarship program was an easy decision to make. This year we received two nominations for outstanding young women that have long been involved in our program. Ashanti Lemons and Jayla Jones have continued to work hard in school and we are so proud of them.

Ashanti is a graduate of Captain Shreve High School. She plans to attend Northwestern State University to study nursing. In her essay, Ashanti wrote “High school has taught me to cherish the time you have with your friends and family. It is a place where you learn and grow as a person. This is just the ending of the first chapter of my story, I have many more chapters to go through.”

Jayla is a graduate of Southwood High School and plans to attend LSUS in the fall. She is interested in dentistry and wants to serve others. She is thankful to the VOA, her mom, and her mentors along the way who have pushed her to do her best every day. She feels high school has helped her to grow, mature, and prepare her for her next steps!

The JLSB is grateful we could honor these young women with scholarships. They reflect what we wish to see in our community and I am thankful that they wish to continue to grow and serve!

Analyce Jeane, North Caddo High School; Hannah Grace Burch, Benton High School; Ashanti Lemons, Captain Shreve High School; and Jayla Jones, Southwood High School

CORPORATE SPONSORS I cannot miss the opportunity to thank our incredible Corporate Sponsors. Sid Potts, Inc. Jewelers and Christus Highland have supported the League and our mission for years.

Sid Potts has kindly donated jewelry for our raffles, including beautiful diamond earrings for our Diamond Raffle at our Designer Bag Bingo fundraiser! Having these incredible pieces is a big reason DBB is so successful! It is always wonderful working with Sid and Holly throughout the year. They are always willing to go the extra mile for our organization!

Christus Highland is another organization that has helped us in many ways. From being a meeting spot for our March

meetings and an educational resource for our members and clients, to being a cash sponsor that helps us meet our operational needs, we are thankful for Christus believing in the mission of the JLSB. Our missions align, as we too strive to serve the health and educational needs of children and families in Shreveport-Bossier. They are a wonderful partnership and we are grateful for their continued support.

As an organization, the JLSB is always looking for more corporate sponsors that believe in the mission of the League.

If you know of an organization or corporation that is looking to support our community, please reach out to Alex Person!

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FINANCIAL REPORT TREASURER’S REPORT

FUND DEVELOPMENT $13,800

$21,447

ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents Accounts receivable Inventory (cookbooks)

$377 $339

$560, 518.20

$8,600

$0

$12,306

$36,978.81 $3,613

Prepaid expenses Property and equipment

TOTAL ASSETS

$2,315.69

$79,643

$418,606.03

$1,018,418.70

LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS Long-term debt

$0

Accounts payable

$0

Accrued expenses

$0

Deferred revenue

$123,415.50

■ 1933 Society Sponsorship....................$21,447 ■ Individual Donations..................................$377 ■ Give for Good Donations............................$339 ■ Corporate Donations..............................$8,600 ■ Red River Revel Pepsi Commission..........$12,306 ■ Cookbook Sales (net)..............................$3,613 ■ Designer Bag Bingo (net).....................$79,643 ■ Pumpkin Patch (net).............................$13,800

COMMUNITY PROJECTS AND IMPACT EXPENSES $1,827 $3,500

TOTAL LIABILITIES

$123,415.50

NET ASSETS

$895,003.20

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS

$895,003.20

$2,623

$1,790 $1,780 ■ Active Kids Summer Camp..........................$1,827 ■ Artist for a Day..............................................$2,623 ■ MAGIC............................................................$1,780 (Mentoring Ambitious Girls to Inspire Change)

■ Red Apron Pantry..........................................$1,790 ■ Scholarships.................................................$3,500

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Thank you to our 2023-2024 1933 Society donors!

LEAGUE LEADERS Nancy Hicks Broyles Nancy Cosse Kim Foret

Betty Henderson Maggie McElroy Patricia Miramon Jodi Penn Rives

Leslie Scott Dr. Jane Sugar Edie Broyles Williams

LEAGUE ADVOCATES Melinda A. Hernandez Ginny Lamb

Mrs. Thomas H. Murphy Tracy Prestwood Heather Price

Saige Solomon Kelly Kilpatrick Turner

LEAGUE PARTNERS Susan P. Adams Katherine Adger Katie Baker Tookie Barr Dr. Betsy V. Boze Broox Boze Heather Courtney Lee O’Brien Davis Roxann K. Davis Gaye Eason Dean Helen Debeaux Melissa Flores

Paula Frierson Sarah Giglio Sylvia K. Goodman Elba Hamilton Lisa Hargrove Lee Harrison Anti-Pest / Michele Horton Marie Elise Israel Tara Jones Mary Jo Kayser Hollisann Kent

Ginger Lukacs Peggy McClure Lyons Jessica Martin Jodie McJunkins Vickie Meadows Sybil T. Patten Angela Pharis Missie Poindexter Michele Q=Petersen Rebecca Radford Jane A. Snyder Michele Wiener 2023-2024 Annua l Rep ort | jlsb. o rg

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Change

A YEAR OF

Ginny Lamb

The 2023-2024 League year was a year of change that

I am grateful for the time I had as President. I learned

was necessary for the future of the JLSB. As a League, we

invaluable lessons through first-hand experience that I will

voted to disband the Management Team and place those

be able to take to other organizations as I continue to serve

positions back on the Board. Some positions were ab-

my community. That is the long-forgotten role of the Ju-

sorbed by other roles, allowing us to run more efficiently.

nior League of Shreveport-Bossier. It is our job to make an

While the thought behind the Management Team was a

impact in our community through our community projects;

good one, after years of operating with one we knew that it

however, it is also our role to provide a meaningful train-

was not sustainable for a League our size. I created an Ad

ing opportunity to our members so that when they Sustain,

Hoc committee, received input from other Leagues across

they can use the tools they have to make a difference in our

the country to see how they were operating, and in turn

community.

made the best decision for the JLSB that we could. The

The needs of Shreveport-Bossier are immense, and

committee also changed the make up of the Nominat-

I am proud of the hard work of Active members to make

ing Committee, so that it could be a true reflection of our

things happen, as well as Sustaining members allowing us

membership.

to continue with this work. Please join me in continuing to

The Board also added a Code of Conduct to our Poli-

support Alex Person and the mission of our League.

cies and Procedures, ensuring that each member treats others with respect—even when views differ—all while projecting the image of the League in the best light. We are all representatives of our organization in all aspects of what we do and we must uphold these standards with great

Ginny Lamb, 2023-2024 President

care.

MISSION: The Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier, Inc. is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.

VISION: The Junior League: Women Around the World as Catalysts for Lasting Community Change.

OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION: The Junior League welcomes all women who value our Mission. We are committed to inclusive environments of diverse individuals, organizations, and communities.

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RED RIVER REVEL

Update

Whether it’s the enticing and iconic Louisiana delicacies; the electrifying, music-filled atmosphere; or the alluring local artistry you crave, Shreveport-Bossier’s annual Red River Revel is sure to draw you in with its enrapturing siren song. The Red River Revel has been inspiring and igniting the SBC community for nearly five decades. This year, the Revel enters its 48th year of operating as Northwest Louisiana’s premiere autumnal hallmark, kicking off the festivities with a well-seasoned bang on September 28 in Festival Plaza. Over the course of nine days, September 28 - October 6, SBC will know no shortage of food, fun, and Louisiana flair.

Whatever genre speaks to you, the Revel has an artist for that. Have you dreamed of sharing the same air as classic rock legends? Jefferson Starship will be christening the Chase Main Stage opening night. If it’s the butter-smooth rhythms of jazz or the impassioned sounds of the soul that drive you, you can’t miss De’Lontrell Thomas or T.K. Soul. Or maybe some good ol’ fashioned, red-clay-backroads country music is more your style. Frank Foster will be taking the Chase Main Stage on October 5. None of those particularly your speed? That’s okay—the Revel has you covered. From indie and punk, roots and Cajun, R&B and hip hop, ballet and other dance performances, and even scientific demonstrations put on by Sci-Port Discovery Center, the Red River Revel has something for everyone.

More of a multitasker? You can always grab your favorite Louisianan delicacy from one of the SBC’s best and peruse the almost endless amount of art in any medium you could imagine—oil, acrylics, photography, jewelry, woodworking, sculpture, glass, and more— from over 80 immensely talented artists while you are serenaded by one of the hundreds of musicians on the Revel’s lineup. You might even discover something new you had never even heard of before! That is the beauty of the Revel.

But what about the kids? Don’t fret—they are never forgotten at the Revel! In fact, commitment to children’s arts education and children’s activities are the Revel’s bread and butter. The Discovery Maker Zone (for children 12 years and younger) is open from 4 – 8 p.m. on weekdays and from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. on weekends.

It has all the festival classics from face-painting and sand art to more interactive activities like the Mock Dig,

Sarah-Beth Bump

Brookshire’s Mini Store, laser tag, and so much more.

Ever wondered what being an artist is like? The Junior League is proud to once again partner with the Revel for the Artist for a Day booth. Pick up your palette and get to creating!

Since its 1976 genesis, initiated by the ShreveportBossier Junior League, the Red River Revel has been committed to the ideal deemed most paramount by its founders—fostering an environment of community and creativity. For those who give their time, energy, and love to the production of the Revel, the words “community” and “creativity” are not just something to be slapped onto a marketing poster and then discarded after nine days—they are the tenets of the Revel, and are not only joyously celebrated, but also permanently enriched, especially when it comes to our children. The Revel and Junior League’s commitment to children’s arts education can be seen plainly as it provides free arts education to over 5,000 4th graders annually during school hours.

Organized by the education and administration professionals of both Caddo and Bossier Parishes, this program (as well as free admission every day for children under 12 who are accompanied by an adult) showcases the dedication to arts education by everyone involved.

It is in this writer’s humble opinion that the Red River Revel’s legacy is one that cannot be undone and will only continue to endow the SBC community with a sense of connectedness, generosity, and passionate action for decades to come. Without the steadfast devotion of its volunteers, local sponsors, and community support, this festival is quite literally impossible to produce. Lest we forget, it truly is people like you who make this possible.

Thank you for every bit of allegiance and enthusiasm you put forth to bring this magical experience to life.

The Red River Revel is, and has always been, the perfect place for our community to come together and celebrate. With something for everyone, fellow SBC natives and travelers alike will find exactly what they are looking for, no matter their age or walk of life. If you would like to be a part of something that will not only leave you with a full belly, but also a full heart and satiated soul, mark your calendars and make your way down to Festival Plaza September 28 – October 6, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m., and see just what all the fuss is about.

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ARTIST FOR A

Day

As we say goodbye to summer and hello to fall, we enter into a time of the year where something truly magical happens—Red River Revel Festival! For nine straight days, over 60,000 visitors will flood Shreveport’s Festival Plaza to enjoy visual arts, performance artists, makers of all mediums, local dance groups, and individual solo artists. Live music will fill the plaza with melodic harmonies, rhythm, and beats that make you want to dance, nod, and sway well into the night.

Football anyone? Yes, there is even a space for that. You will find Artist For A Day nestled in the Kids’ Center, along with a mock dig, miniature grocery store, and face painting.

The goal for Artist For A Day, is to make art accessible to all children, regardless of age or learning style. Even parents have enjoyed the crafts right along with their children.

We are intentional about making an inclusive space for our budding artists to come and enjoy. This is why we have designed each craft to encompass a kinesthetic learning style.

Utilizing your hands and touch aid in information retention and cognitive development. Whether it is manipulating the clay in your hands or twisting pipe cleaners to bend at will to your fingers, each artist can enjoy the crafts without any hindrances.

The theme for Artist For A Day this year is children’s book authors of different genres, style, and decades. Each day, we will take a trip down nostalgia lane as we visit with some of our favorite authors and complete a companion craft to the story. Authors include Erik Carle, Laura Numeroff, Marcus Pfister, Carmen Luque, and Ezra Jack Keats.

One of our all-time favorites is the book The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Erik Carle. First published in 1969, it has since been translated in over 66 languages with more than 50 million copies in circulation. Mr. Carle was born in 1929 and is known for his vivid illustrative stories that portray the lives of animals like bears, ladybugs, and spiders. In the book The Very Hungry Caterpillar we find a newly-hatched caterpillar embarking on a metamorphical journey in search of food.

Little artists will create their very own colorful butterfly utilizing coffee filters, food coloring, and pipe cleaners.

If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, written by Laura Numeroff, is another all-time favorite. Born in Brooklyn, New York, she is the youngest of three girls. First written in 1985, the book follows a little mouse who encounters a young boy who offers him an “adventure” in a cookie. All little artists will create their very own air-dried clay cookie, complete with “chocolate chips” and “sprinkles.” To complete the craft, the cookie will be attached to a necklace for easy transport.

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Quaya Ervin

The Rainbow Fish is a popular book written by Marcus Pfister. Mr. Pfister is an author and illustrator born in Bern, Switzerland, and has had over 30 million copies sold and translated in over 60 different languages. The beautiful watercolor illustrations are a work of art alone. Admired by all for its beautiful scales, Rainbow Fish is the belle of the ocean ball. Little artists will create their very own Rainbow Fish, designed from their own hands with colorful cotton balls for scales. Just like Pfister used watercolors, artists will use chalk pastels to mimic watercolor backgrounds.

Somewhat new to the scene of children’s books, we have the book A Handful of Buttons written by early childhood educator, author, and illustrator, Carmen Luque. Ms. Luque was born in 1983 and has authored many children’s books that have been translated into several languages, including English, Spanish, and Catalan. In the book, A Handful of Buttons, the author celebrates diversity of family. Multi-generational, large, small, single, or only-child families, they are all unique, just like a handful buttons. Individually crafted, each artist will design their very own button and will utilize a hand-pressed button making machine.

Lastly, we have the book Goggles written by Ezra Jack Keats. Mr. Keats was born in 1916 in Brooklyn, New York. He wrote Goggles in 1969. Goggles is a story of two friends who find a pair of goggles and begin their journey to protect them from the neighborhood bullies. Little artists will create their own designer pair of goggles made from imagination and pipe cleaners.

As you can see, we have quite a bit in store for our artists and hope they will enjoy all of the crafts. We cannot wait to see you there!

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Summer Camp

ACTIVE KIDS

Destiny Jamison

Active Kids was a tremendous success this summer, running from June 4 to July 30 at the Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club on Greenwood Road. Each Tuesday, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., we engaged with enthusiastic summer campers, ages six to nine, in a fun and educational series of activities centered around the theme of land biomes. Each week, we immersed the kids in a different biome through an activity, creative crafts, and delicious snacks, making learning about nature both engaging and enjoyable.

The first week kicked off with introductions, a lively “ships & sailors” game, and a craft session where the kids personalized aluminum water bottles for their summer adventures. Fruit cones served as a healthy, refreshing snack.

From there, we journeyed through a variety of biomes, starting with the tropical rainforest. The kids acted out animal charades, created colorful parrots, and enjoyed a tropical fruit snack tray. In the temperate forest week, we incorporated yoga poses based on animals found in those climates, crafted pinecone bird feeders, and savored apple nachos.

The boreal forest week featured a fun aerobic warmup, followed by the creation of forest animal keychains and handprint art, with cold s’mores as a sweet treat. Our desert

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exploration brought excitement with a round of Desert Bingo, DIY coasters decorated with cactus and llama stickers, and parfaits that the kids assembled themselves.

Grasslands week was a hit, with a prairie dog hula hoop game and tie-dye butterflies made from coffee filters, accompanied by butterfly-themed snacks of grapes and teddy grahams. The savanna session had the kids laughing as they played “pin the tail on the giraffe” and made jungle animal headbands while munching on a Safari Snack Mix. To wrap up the summer, we celebrated big with a huge obstacle course bounce house, face painting, balloon art, and a cool Kona Ice treat to beat the heat.

In addition to our weekly activities, the Junior League donated school supply packs to each camper in our class, ensuring they were ready for the upcoming school year.

It was a fantastic summer of fun and learning. The campers left with summer memories and a deeper understanding of the world’s land biomes, ideas on how to make healthy snacks & fun moving body activities. We can’t wait for next year!

Junior League volunteers enjoyed the summer just as much as the campers. If you’re looking for a fun summer placement, Active Kids is the place to be!

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Memorable Moment s

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Our physicians are dedicated to

Improving Quality of Life

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Cookbooks

JUNIOR LEAGUE OF SHREVEPORT-BOSSIER

Revel Cookbook

JALAPEÑO SPINACH

DIP

e ry, chopped medium fin

3 ribs cele d ½ large onion, choppe oom pieces 1 (6-ounce) can mushr e or butter, divided 5 tablespoons margarin frozen chopped 1 (10-ounce) package ed spinach, slightly thaw Garlic salt to taste essed cheese 8 ounces jalapeño proc eam of 1 (10 ¾-ounce) can cr mushroom soup

d mushrooms Saute celery, onion, an garine or butter. in 3 tablespoons mar Cook spinach in Drain and set aside. s of margarine remaining 2 tablespoon the pan. Season until no water is left in eese in a double with garlic salt. Melt ch oom soup. Comboiler and add mushr a chafing dish as bine all, and serve in d as a vegetaa dip. This may be serve ins, topped with ble in buttered ramek ch fried onion crushed, canned Fren 0 degrees until rings, and baked at 35 hot.

Serves 6

To purchase individual Cookbooks or Cookbook Bundles, go online to www.jlsb.org/support/online-shop/ or for more information, call Amy at the League Office at (318) 221-6144.

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Revel Cookbook

SUPER SHRIMP DIP 1 ½ pounds shrimp 1 pint mayonnaise 3-4 tablespoons dried parsley 3-4 tablespoons frozen chives 2-3 tablespoons horseradish mustard Juice ½ lemon

Chop shrimp and mix with other ingredients. Chill. Serve with crackers or fresh homemade Melba toast.

If you use pre-cooked frozen shrimp be sure to drain and dry the thawed shrimp before mixing it with other ingredients to keep it from being soupy.

Serves 15-20

½ tablespoon onion salt

Revel Cookbook

MEXICAN RELISH DIP

1 medium tomato, peeled and chopped 1 (6-ounce) can black olives, drained and chopped 5-6 green onions and tops, chopped 1 (4-ounce) can green chili peppers, chopped 1 tablespoon olive oil 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar Salt and pepper to taste Tabasco

Chop or process all vegetables. Add remaining ingredients. Mix well and refrigerate. Serve cold with corn chips.

May add 1 mashed avocado just before serving.

Serves 6-8

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Celebrations Golden Ellis is a honoree for Volunteer of the Year for Visit Shreveport-Bossier Excellence in Hospitality Awards.

She is also a Top Business Professional of the Year honoree for MBOA with the Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce.

Shelvia R. Davis was selected to be a member of the 2024 Louisiana State Bar Leadership Class.

Alex Person has been named a Greater Shreveport Chamber 2024 Athena International Award Honoree and a Girl Scouts of Louisiana – Pines to the Gulf 2024 Woman of Distinction

Jessica Hall has been recognized as 40 under 40 through the Shreveport Chamber of Commerce.

Erica McCain is a 2024 Athena Award Honoree for the Greater Shreveport Chamber.

Kysianna James, a new Provisional, was selected as a YPI Class of 2024 Forty under 40 honoree.

She also won the Civilian Category II of the Quarter award with her employer, 2nd Medical Group Barksdale AFB.

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