Parishscope Spring 2022

PARISHSCOPE A PUBLICATION OF THE JUNIOR LEAGUE OF SHREVEPORT-BOSSIER, INC. | SPRING 2022

Volume 56, Issue 1

jlsb.org

Just Because!

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A 1,290.

C Yellow Gold and Silver Diamond Cross Hoops 1,100.

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I 940.

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M K Yellow Gold Diamond Charms Call, email or come by for pricing. cherish@sidpotts.com

Be Original.

www.sidpotts.com | 318.797.2929 8535 Business Park Dr. | Shreveport, LA 71105 | Monday-Friday 9:00am - 6:00pm & Saturday 10:00am - 3:00pm

FROM THE EDITOR

TABLE OF CONTENTS 4

Letter from the President

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Important Dates

Tara Jones

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Give for Good

It’s carnival time! We’re ringing in carnival season by featuring the League’s beloved King Cake Classic 5K event on the cover. In this issue, make sure to check out the KCC’s new race route and Great Raft Brewing location. You can also get guidance on selecting your next League placement in the Letter from the Placement Chair. As a bonus, we found a few Active members who told us about their favorite League placements. And you can say goodbye to your New Year’s resolutions by trying your hand at some delicious dishes from the League cookbooks. In the Cooking up Mardi Gras Cookbook feature, snag some recipes that are sure to get you in the spirit of the season.

The Spring issue also features International Women’s Day. When I sat down to write the article recognizing this global holiday, I realized how many strong and talented women had to push the status quo to allow women to reach their goals and achieve their highest potential.

The Junior League and its mission has played a huge part in those efforts by supporting women in their leadership roles in communities across the country. It makes me so thankful for our League, its amazing membership, and the role it’s played in my growth as a person.

Thank you to the JLSB!

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1933 Society

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Letter from the Sustainer at Large

10 International Women’s Day 10 Call for Business Owners 11 National Volunteer Week 12 Letter from the Placement Chair 13 Chiming In 14 Provisional Update 16 Provisional Testimonials 18 Designer Bag Bingo 19 Active Member Spotlight 20 MAGIC 22 Celebrations 24 Cooking Up Mardi Gras!

26 King Cake Classic

JuniorLeagueSB @JuniorLeagueSB Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier facebook.com/JLSB.org youtube.com/user/JuniorLeagueSB 2021-2022

PARISHSCOPE Staff

Editor Tara Jones Assistant Editor Emily Hamann Business Manager Elizabeth Daeschner 2021-2022 Board of Directors President Sarah Giglio President Elect Margaret McDonald

Executive Vice President Michelle Wallace Secretary Kezia Pigford Treasurer Jennifer Pou Nominating Chairman Courtney McBee PR&D Chairman Carolyn Murphy Members at Large Chelsea Adcock Alex Person Sustainer at Large Melanie Peacock Sustainer Advisor Molly McInnis

Cover photography by Jennifer Bradford Photography

2021-2022 Management Team Executive Vice President Michelle Wallace Communications VP Kirsten Shrewsberry Community VP Stacey Melerine Fund Development VP Ali Smith Membership VP Jennifer Hart Assistant Treasurer Stephanie Foster

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 56, Issue 1 ©2022 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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3

President

LETTER FROM THE

HAPPY NEW YEAR, LEAGUE MEMBERS!

Can you believe it’s already 2022? Time flies when you’re in a pandemic, I suppose. But pandemic or not, your League continues to work hard to serve our community and raise the money to do so. We had a wonderful holiday party in December, hosted by Kendra Scott, who offered a discount to our members who attended. Our partnership with Kendra Scott continues to be very beneficial to them and us. More on that in a minute!

We have two major fund development events coming up in the Spring. First up we have the King Cake Classic 5K/10K/Fun run. This will be on February 26, 2022 at Great Raft Brewing. You can run one of the traditional races, sign up to participate virtually, or take part as a “sleep in supporter” where you get your t-shirt and support the League but don’t have to/get to run the race—so there are options for everyone! Members, registration for this event counts toward your fund development commitment.

Next up, we will have Designer Bag Bingo. This will be on Thursday, April 21, 2022 at the Riverdome at the Horseshoe Casino. If you have been to this event before, you know that it sells out quickly and is so much fun! Please keep an eye out for our social media when tickets go on sale, and get your tickets quickly, as there is a limit to the number of people the Riverdome can hold. Like the King Cake Classic, tickets for this event count toward your fund development commitment. There will also be opportunities to work shifts if you have not completed your fund development shift hours at both Designer Bag Bingo and the King Cake Classic.

Internally, we have had many Active Member Engagement activities. Bunco groups, book clubs, physical activity groups—you name it, and we have offered it. Thanks so much to Brianna Atkinson and Julia Todd for their work on this. We know that it can be hard to feel engaged, especially during these times, but Brianna and Julia have worked extremely hard to make sure everyone has a place at our League!

Now let’s talk about general member meetings. The January meetings were one-on-one meetings with your advisor. These meetings are short, but so helpful. I do hope that you engaged in these meetings because you get so

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Sarah Giglio

much out of them. The January meetings help you determine your League career path, answer any questions that you might have, and give feedback which will help us make the League better. The February GMM is truly something special for you all. Kendra Scott has really appreciated our partnership, and they invited us to be their community partner for their grand re-opening as they open in a new, larger space in the Shoppes at Bellemead. The event was held on Saturday, February 12 from 12-2 p.m., and it was a VERY fun event. The League received a percentage of the sales proceeds during that event, and was able to advertise King Cake Classic and Designer Bag Bingo. All the weekend before Valentine’s Day. This was amazing exposure for the League. As to the March voting meeting, CHRISTUS Health always hosts us at their beautiful facility. However, we are keeping a close eye on COVID-19 numbers, and we will make a decision about the location at a later date.

I will also let you know that the 1933 Society party is usually held at the end of January, but given the rise in COVID-19 cases, we have decided to wait until March to hold that event so that attendees are more comfortable. The good news is that this gives you a little bit of additional time to sign up for 1933 Society if you have not already.

This letter is certainly just a 30,000-foot view of things happening in the League. We are impacting our community every single day in various ways, but these are some high points coming up.

Thank you again for trusting me with your League. I cannot believe my year as President is over halfway done.

While the amount of work is no joke, the reward is even greater. As always, please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.

Import antDates

TO REMEMBER

KING CAKE CLASSIC 5K & 10K February 26, 2022, Great Raft Brewing

MARCH GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING March 8, 2022, Location TBA

APRIL GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING April 12, 2022, Location TBA

DESIGNER BAG BINGO April 21, 2022, Horseshoe Casino Riverdome

Sincerely,

Sarah Giglio

For more information about upcoming events, log in to jlsb.org and access the Member Calendar.

2021-2022 President

THE POWER OF COLLECTIVE IMPACT

MAY 3

2022

CHOOSE your cause GIVE your best TRANSFORM your community GIVEfor GOODnla.ORG/JLSB j l sb .o rg | S p r in g 2 0 22 PAR I S H S COPE

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Thank you to our 1933 donors!

LEAGUE LEADERS Peggy Murphy and Carolyn Murphy Thompson Nancy Cosse Kim Foret

Rosemary Pate Lafargue Judy McColgan

Lynn S. Roos Leslie Scott Edie Williams

LEAGUE ADVOCATES Chelsea Adcock Sarah Giglio Glass Services, LLC – Elizabeth Pippin

Betty Henderson Melinda A. Hernandez Melanie Peacock Jodi Penn Rives

Susan Shelby Jane Gulick Sugar Stacey Timms

LEAGUE PARTNERS Susan Adams Katie Adger Dr. and Mrs. Michael Angelo Anti-Pest – Michele Horton Tookie Barr Pam Cowen Lee O’Brien Davis Helen E. Debeaux

Melissa Flores Sylvia K. Goodman Elba Hamilton Lisa Hargrove Audra Hicks Tara Jones Mary Jo Kayser Ginger Lukacs

Lesa McDonald Margaret McDonald Margaret Malone Angie Phares Tracy Prestwood Michele Q=Petersen Susan Roberts Jane Snyder

There is still time to support the JLSB through a donation to the 1933 Society at one of three levels.

Visit https://www.jlsb.org/support/1933-society/ to learn more and donate today!

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Sust ainer at Large

LETTER FROM THE

Melanie Peacock

“Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can.” These words were spoken by John Wesley, co-founder of “Methodism” for the Methodist Church. Isn’t this exactly what the Junior League aspires to do in our community?

Our organization of trained volunteers “do all the good” as we work to improve our community through training, leadership, and service. Although the Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier has faced plenty of uncertainty, changing regulations, and roadblocks during the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, I have never been so proud of this organization’s perseverance and adaptation than I am right now.

It has been such a privilege to serve as Sustainer at Large of the Board this year. Eight years ago, serving as President of the JLSB, I thought I knew what hard work and perseverance looked like. We introduced a couple of new programs, made the difficult choice to end a program, and dealt with a flooded office when the roof failed during heavy rains. However, the difficulties we faced as a board were minor in comparison to the disruption caused by COVID-19. I know I had an amazing board a few years back, but the women currently serving on the JLSB board personify flexibility, efficiency, and rolling with the punches. Every placement in the League has been impacted by the pandemic and through it all, these women keep “doing all the good.” I thought I would be the one bringing experience, knowledge, and advice to the board, but in reality, our board members are the ones teaching me about meeting needs of our community and our membership during constantly changing times.

We have been unable to plan Sustainer events again this year out of concern for the health and safety of our members, and I am really missing those opportunities to connect with one another in person. As a substitute, I would like to recognize Sustainers currently serving on other non-profit boards in our area. These ladies have taken skills and habits learned and cultivated in the Junior League (I bet every one of them has a detailed notebook!) and dedicated those skills to serving and training others through continued board service. These women continue to be fine examples of doing good in all the ways they can.

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Speaking of Sustainers and service, please consider submitting a nomination for Sustainer of the Year. The deadline for submitting a nomination is April 15, 2022, and the application can be found at jlsb.org under the Membership/ Sustainer Program tab. The Sustainer of the Year celebration will be combined with the JLSB May Dinner meeting on May 10, 2022, and we encourage Sustainers to attend to celebrate the Sustainer of the Year and to get to know the talented women currently leading and serving in our League.

I am grateful to the Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier for giving me the opportunity to serve with so many talented, smart, passionate “do-gooders” who became good friends and mentors. The photos I have chosen to share are just a few of the many Actives and Sustainers who played a key role in my development as a volunteer and leader. Our paths continue to cross well into Sustainerhood, and every single time I have the opportunity to serve with a current JLSB member or Sustainer, I know without a doubt I am serving with the best of the best. To our current JLSB members, soak up all the JLSB has to offer—I look forward to seeing all the good you carry into our world now and in your future as Sustainers.

Melanie Peacock

Sustainer at Large

SUSTAINERS AT WORK IN OUR COMMUNITY Rhonda Anglin – Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Glen Retirement System Ellen Alley – Vice President of The Colonial Dames of America in the State of Louisiana; President of the English Speaking Union’s Shreveport branch; Historian of the ERA Civic club; Member of the Vestry at St. Mark’s Cathedral

Amelia Grace Jordan – State President of P.E.O. Sisterhood Louisiana State Chapter KC Kilpatrick – Director of Geaux4Kids Theresa Meldrum – The Arc Caddo Bossier Foundation Board Member

Krystle Beauchamp – Sci-Port Discovery Center Board Member; Friends of the Louisiana State Exhibit Museum Board Member; National Meningitis Association Board Member

Marcia Moffatt – President of the Shreveport Opera

Elizabeth Mendell Carmody – Immediate Past President and current At-Large Board Member of Shreveport Bar Foundation; YWCA of Northwest Louisiana Board Member

Michele Q=Petersen – Volunteers of America Board

Susan Cox – Arvad Ministries-House of Grace Board Member Lee Clifton O’Brien Davis – President of the ARK-LATEX Ambassadors Jennifer Hemmings – Geaux4Kids Board Member Lecie Israel – Sci-Port Discovery Center Board of Directors alongside current JLSB President, Sarah Giglio; Shreveport Association of Ladies Tennis (SALT) Board as Secretary

Board; Providence House Board Member; Arc of Caddo Bossier Foundation Board Member

Member Libby Siskron – Shreveport Symphony Board Member; Shreveport Opera Board Member; National Society of the Colonial Dames of America Board as Past State President; National Essay Consultant on the Patriotic Service Committee of the NSCDA. Margaret Sour – Providence House Board Member Brandi Stephens – President of the Red River Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated.

Suzie Stinson – Geaux4Kids Board Member

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Women’s Day

INTERNATIONAL

Tara Jones

This year, we will celebrate International Women’s Day on Tuesday, March 8.

International Women’s Day is a global holiday celebrated annually to commemorate the cultural, political, and socioeconomic achievements of women. Since its inception in 1911, this holiday has brought awareness to the many talents and achievements of women in the world. As an organization that lifts up women and highlights the achievements of our membership in this community, I am so proud to be a member of the Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier. As we all know, the COVID-19 pandemic has challenged us to think differently about how we serve in our roles within the JLSB, as well as how to balance our health with carrying on with our everyday lives as “normal” as possible. However, the women in the League have gone above and beyond by adapting to our circumstances and getting creative with how we hold events, serve the community, and communicate information to the membership. Women have been a big part of moving forward through this pandemic by creatively working from home while becoming instant at-home educators, parenting in whole new ways, and running businesses to accommodate the health needs of their customers. International Wom-

en’s Day is a great opportunity to stop and reflect on what this day means and how far we have come in the last two years to adjust to this new way of life while continuing the efforts of the JLSB, despite the sometimes harsh reality that we face. We should celebrate the strong women around us, and use this special day to lift up our female colleagues, friends, and family members.

So what are some ways that you can celebrate and participate in International Women’s Day? You can attend online panels/resources that are available to you and related to women—our history, equality, and how much even one woman can accomplish. Many of these resources are available to you as a Junior League member on the Association of Junior Leagues International website (www.ajli.org). You can support womenowned businesses. You can donate to a non-profit focused on issues impacting women. Read and discuss a book about women you find inspiring or who you would like to learn more about. And finally, you can recognize and lift up the truly amazing women in your life who inspire you to be the woman that you are. Have a Happy International Women’s Day!

Business Owners

CALL FOR

PARISHSCOPE NEEDS YOUR HELP!

A business directory of women in the Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier who provide services and/or own their own business will be coming back to Parishscope in our Summer 2022 issue!

If you would like to be included in our 2021-2022 Business Directory of League women, please send your business information to parishscopeeditor@gmail.com.

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HERE IS WHAT WE WILL NEED FROM YOU:

• •

Business logo, if you have one

•

ontact information (business telephone C number, business email, social media handles)

•

hort description of the company you own S or services you provide

our name and the name of the company Y (position you hold if you work for a company that you provide services for)

Week

NATIONAL VOLUNTEER

National Volunteer Week was first established in the United States by Presidential proclamation in 1974. It is now organized by Points of Light, which is the world’s largest organization dedicated to volunteer service. Points of Light describes National Volunteer Week as an opportunity to celebrate the impact of volunteer service and the power of volunteers to tackle society’s greatest challenges, to build stronger communities, and to be a force that transforms the world.

This year, the United States will observe National Volunteer Week from April 17–23. The Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier has over 550 devoted members we need to celebrate. Our amazing Active and Provisional members

Jennifer Hart

have provided thousands of service hours to our community.

Our wonderful Sustainers continue to impact our community and our League with their wealth of knowledge and the skills they developed during their times in the League. As we continue to navigate unprecedented times, our incredible members continue to show up and volunteer. Our members have proven their commitment to our League’s mission in promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of woman, and improving our community through the effective action and leadership of our trained volunteers. A big thank you to all our Provisional, Active, and Sustainer members for your continued commitment to voluntarism and for the time and energy you contribute to volunteering.

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR NOMINATIONS The Volunteer of the Year Committee asks that you

Please submit nominations to Membership Vice Presi-

celebrate National Volunteer Week by nominating a fellow

dent Jennifer Hart at jcameronnp@gmail.com or by filling

Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier member for the

out the nominations form on Digital Cheetah under the

Volunteer of the Year award. We will recognize this year’s

Resources, Forms, and Communications menu. Nomina-

award recipient in May at our end of the year celebration.

tions are due by April 15, 2022.

When considering who to nominate, please keep in mind that the JLSB would like to honor a volunteer who:

❏ ❏

I s an Active member in good standing.

❏

D emonstrates the principles espoused in JLSB’s mission and vision statement and whose spirit and nature reflect a positive image of JLSB.

P ossesses outstanding performance visibility within the League (of secondary and less importance is her involvement in and commitment to organizations outside of League).

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E xceeds the expectations of general membership with unsurpassed interest in voluntarism and a commitment to community service.

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as received at least one Leading Lady recogniH tion during the 2021-2022 League year.

NOMINATIONS Submit nominations to Member Vice President Jennifer Hart at jcameronnp@gmail.com or by filling out the nomination form on Digital Cheetah under the Resources, Forms and Communications menu.

Nominations are due April 15, 2022

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P lacement Chair

LETTER FROM THE

Angela Hamilton

What an amazing 2021-2022 League year it’s been!

While we’re still experiencing COVID-life, it’s exciting to see so many League events, placements, and meetings getting back to normal. I can’t believe it’s time to start considering and selecting placements for the 2022-2023 League year!

The placement process is always one of my favorite times of year! It gives members the chance to showcase their existing skills and talents or take the plunge into trying something completely new. Maybe you love Social Media and want to be our next Social Media Coordinator to better hone your skills? Maybe you want to try something new and be our next Website & League Links Coordinator because what other company will hand you the keys to an entire website to learn on? This is a great time to plan your League career or learn skills you can bring to your professional and personal life.

When considering a placement for next year, check out the Placement Handbook that will soon be available on the Digital Cheetah homepage. This contains vital information for all available opportunities including descriptions, needed skills, skills that will be developed, time commitment, and more.

It’s important to consider the amount of time you have and can dedicate to your placement for the year. We offer a huge range of time commitment and concentration options, so you can always find something that works for you. Some committees like Super Safety Saturday hit the ground running and start meeting during the summer, then are done after the event late September. Whereas, the Red Apron Pantry committee meets a few hours a month for the entire League year.

Please make sure to consider any life events or scheduling conflicts that may affect your ability to complete a placement such as pregnancy, school commitments, work schedules, etc. If you’re due with a baby in March, serving on Designer Bag Bingo might not be a good fit. Letting us know you work late evenings, are busy in the fall with sports, have a conflict of interest asking for sponsors, etc., are all beneficial in helping the Placement Committee find the best placement to fit your life needs and desires for the upcoming year. Feel free to include this information in the Comments section of the Online Placement Process. Making sure we have the right people in the right positions helps make our committees and events successful!

The “Planning Your JLSB Career” document is a great

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resource on Digital Cheetah to help identify your current skills and what placements would be a good fit. It also shows skills for future placements you want to work towards like Head Volunteer, Vice President, etc. This can be found under the Resources Tab under Placements Handbook and Information. Another great resource and my personal favorite is reaching out to the current committee or placement’s Chairman, Head Volunteer, or Council Vice President. She can help give insight and answer specific questions about the role to help you decide if it’s the right fit or what path you should take to be ready.

After January Advisor meetings and slating, the online placement process begins. During this process, we ask members to rank their top four placement choices. Keep in mind you can only choose a maximum of two choices on the same committee. For example, you can select two roles on Pumpkin Patch, but your remaining choices must come from other placements such as Health Literacy Initiative Summer Camp and King Cake Classic.

Please only rank placements you have a genuine interest in completing and each member must be prepared to be placed in any of her four selected choices. It is also important to note that a Head Volunteer should be available to attend the entire event, and first year Actives should not select an Assistant Head Volunteer position.

We make every effort to try to give everyone one of their top selections, but that’s not always possible. In the event several members express interests in the same placements, the following criteria will be used when filling positions:

❏ ❏ ❏ ❏ ❏ ❏

ttended AJLI training specifically related to A requested placement P rior chairmanship S atisfactorily completing previous placements Y ears of service M eeting financial obligations on time M eeting attendance

If you have any questions about the Online Placement Process or placement in general, please reach out to your Advisor. You are also welcome to contact me at amhamilton318@gmail.com and include “Placement” in the subject line. Happy choosing and I can’t wait to see the incredible things you’ll accomplish in 2022-2023!

ChimingIn As JLSB members consider how they want to serve the League and the community for the 2022-2023 League year, we asked some of our Active members which placements have been their favorite. Here’s what they had to say!

Jennifer Pou

Hannah Alexander My most fulfilling placement was MAGIC. I got to be on the launch team for the program the first year, and it was a fun learning experience!

I enjoyed getting to mentor the young women who were about to graduate and enter “the real world” with practical topics such as filling out college/scholarship applications, what to wear to an interview, fashion tips/tricks, and more. We were able to build relationships with them as well as one another as a team. It was a learning year in the way of creativity, leadership, and responsibility. Seeing how the project has progressed since then makes me even more excited for the legacy that is being built around it.

My favorite placement so far has been my current role as Treasurer! The role really gives you broad insight into all of the League’s activities. I also really enjoy serving on the Board and being a part of those strategic discussions. It’s really inspiring to work with such a smart and engaged group of women!

Anna Priestley

View more projects on our website & social media

My favorite placements have been within the Provisional program, as a Leader, Assistant Chairperson, and Chairperson. Developing the potential of women is the part of our mission that is nearest to my heart. I am grateful for the opportunity the League provides to meet strong women and to build up one another. I look forward to future placements where I can encourage and support my fellow League members!

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Update

PROVISIONAL

New Year, New Experiences! It is mind-boggling how quickly the year has flown by. The Provisional class ended 2021 celebrating the year and the holidays at the annual Provisional Christmas party on Saturday, December 11, 2021 which was held at the Junior League office. The Provisional Leader team worked tirelessly that morning starting around 8 a.m. to decorate and transform the party into a magnificent holiday experience for the ladies. The room was filled with the sounds of classic Christmas tunes, wooden ornament crafting, delicious local catering by Chef Melvin Nelson, Jr., an ornament gift exchange, and each Provisional received a mug with hot chocolate mix and marshmallows to enjoy the cold weather. It was truly a memorable event.

Welcoming in 2022, the January Annual Interviews were held January 18 through 20 via virtual platform due to the recent surge of COVID-19 cases. These interviews gave each Provisional the opportunity to share their personal experience with the League thus far. The interviews are also to ensure that they are on track to fulfill all of their obligations for their Provisional year. The Provisional team appreciates the feedback received, and we will take what we have learned to further enhance future Provisional classes and the League as a whole.

In our February meeting, Provisionals were given the opportunity to learn more from the Communications VP Kirsten Shrewsberry about social media and it allows us to build community awareness about the League and to gain new members. They were also able to explore the different

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Jessica Latin

aspects of fundraising with the Fund Development VP Ali Smith, including how fund development events are chosen, the importance of these events, and the need for shifts.

Throughout the last few months, Provisionals have continued to gain more opportunities to observe and participate in Red Apron Pantry, MAGIC, and Safe Sitter community placements. At the Red Apron Pantry placement, ladies assisted with the packing process and distribution of food to clients in the community. In the MAGIC sessions, Provisionals jumped right into interacting with the mentees and assisted with any preparations for the meeting. During Safe Sitter, Provisionals were able to assist students in the class with learning and implementing safe practices when caring for small children and infants.

Coming in mid-March, our Provisionals will be choosing their first placement for their year as an Active member in the 2022-2023 League year. We are hopeful that finalizing their placement will give them a further sense of belonging in the League and will give them the space and opportunity to learn more about the operations of the League in conjunction with serving the community, and all while fostering lifelong connections with other members.

It has truly been a pleasure working as the Provisional Chair, thus far. I consider it a privilege to welcome in so many amazing women and to work alongside a dynamic leadership team. I am so excited to see what their future holds within the League and beyond.

2021 Provisional Christ mas Part y

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Testimonials

PROVISIONAL

EMERIE ECK GENTRY Where are you from?

Why did you join the JLSB?

I was born in Longview, Texas, but raised in Shreveport, Louisiana. I am a graduate of Northwood High School, Bossier Parish Community College, and Louisiana Tech University.

For many years I have enjoyed serving our community through various organizations. When the opportunity to join the Junior League was presented to me, I thought it was a great way to give back to the community and connect with other like-minded women in the area.

Tell us about your family.

I am a mother of two boys, Ethan and Trevor. I am recently engaged to Jason Holtzclaw and will be a bonus mom to his children, Beaux and Kallyn.

What do you do for a living?

I am the owner of a public relations, integrated marketing, and event planning agency called Lagniappe P.R.I.M.E., LLC. I enjoy working with local businesses and organizations to help them achieve success with their marketing efforts and event goals.

What are you looking forward to in the League?

I am really looking forward to participating with the King Cake Classic and Designer Bag Bingo in the near future and seeing what other opportunities are presented through the League thereafter.

What has the JLSB meant to you?

I love giving back to our community, but when I opened my business, my time to serve became more limited. By joining Junior League, I am able to utilize my time in several placement areas, I am able to join forces with other women to serve our community in the most needed ways.

CASSIE KEY What do you do for a living?

I am Executive Director of the Renzi Education & Art Center.

Why did you join the JLSB? As a life-long resident of Shreveport-Bossier, I have always known about and admired the work that the ladies of the Junior League do. However, it was not until recently that I made the decision to join the League. After changing career paths from teaching to non-profit management, I came to know more about how the League makes an impact by supporting some of the awesome non-profit organizations in Shreveport-Bossier and the good work they do. I wanted to be a part of something larger than myself and I wanted to connect with the non-profits in the community.

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How do you feel your participation in JLSB and the training it provides will help you in your career?

As a single lady, I have the spare time to spend volunteering and learning about some of the different non-profits in the area and how the League supports them. This has been especially helpful in my role as Executive Director at Renzi. Learning about other organizations has greatly impacted my vision for the Renzi Center and how our programming can better support the families we serve.

How has your experience been so far as a Provisional member?

I have so enjoyed getting to know everyone in my Provisional Class. They are such a diverse group of incredible women and I know each one of them will change the world for the better in some way! My experience as a Provisional Member has been so fun and uplifting, I am excited for my future in the JLSB! I am looking forward to getting to know the other members and continuing the good work of the Junior League!

TIFFANY SANDIFER What do you do for a living?

I am Program Coordinator (Office of Student Life) at Bossier Parish Community College

What is your biggest accomplishment so far career-wise?

I would say that my biggest accomplishment to date is being able to serve the students that I work with on a daily basis and watching them grow and succeed.

Working in the Office of Student Life and serving as the advisor for the Student Government Association, I have had the opportunity to get to know many of my students on a personal level. Some students come in ready to take on the world, and others arrive with no idea of what they want to do. Seeing them get involved, take on leadership positions, and learn how to navigate the world is a truly amazing sight. I have been at BPCC for six years now, and every year is better than the last! Words cannot explain the feeling of pride that I have when I see a student transform into the person that they were meant to be and accomplish their goals along the way!

Why did you join the JLSB? I made the decision to join JLSB because I wanted to meet other women who were passionate about serving our community and making a difference in the lives of others. I was also drawn to the League’s mis-

sion of developing the potential of women and creating trained volunteers. I have always had a heart for serving others and I thought what a great way to sharpen the skills that I already have along with learning new ones that would allow me to become a better leader in my career field and in my community!

Do you have any goals for future League years?

I am excited to grow as a leader and volunteer! I would love to serve as a Provisional Advisor, on the membership engagement team, and eventually serve as a head volunteer for a community placement one day. Overall, my main goal is the be the best member that I can be while looking for opportunities to grow and share my knowledge with others.

How do you feel your participation in JLSB and the training it provides will help you in your career?

Participating in the JLSB is going to help me expand my network, allow me to work with women from different backgrounds, and learn to better serve my community around me. I am eager to take what I learn and put that into action with my students and in my field. I am also looking forward to building my confidence as a leader and inspiring others around me to serve with an open heart.

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17

Bingo

DESIGNER BAG

We are so excited to be preparing for the 2022 Designer Bag Bingo Fundraiser. As we all know, 2020-2021 posed as very challenging years for many reasons. We hosted our virtual raffle Bags, Bourbon and Bling in place of Designer Bag Bingo and it was a huge success. We are thrilled to be able to host an in-person event this year and cannot wait to see all of the fun that the event will hold!

Designer Bag Bingo will pair the fun of bingo with designer bags as prizes. This “girls night out” event will take place on Thursday, April 21 at the Horseshoe Casino Riverdome. We are so excited to partner with Horseshoe Casino for our event and are thankful for the support they have given to the Junior League. Tickets for the event are now on sale! A single ticket can be purchased for $60 or grab your girlfriends and get a table of 10 for $600.

Upon arrival, you can browse our table of prizes and raffle items, grab a drink from the bar, and make your way to

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your table where dinner will be served. The real fun begins at 6:30 p.m. with our first of 10 rounds of bingo. Our emcee for the evening will be Miss Louisiana 2020, Courtney Butts.

Our event will feature a grand prize Luxury Designer Handbag and nine other designer bags to accompany our 10 rounds of bingo. In addition to purses, Designer Bag Bingo will also feature a $25 Diamond raffle. The $10 “Treat Yourself” raffle will include spa treatments, local art, restaurant vouchers, and so much more!

Stay tuned on our social media accounts as we reveal ticket information and all of the details on the incredible prizes to come your way! We are so thankful for the support of our current sponsors—our Title Sponsor: Morris and Dewett Injury Lawyers; Louis Level: Lindsey Pennington Facial Plastics, CINTAS, and Clarkes Jewelers; Prada Level: The Moppet Shoppe, Lang Orthodontics, and Community Bank of Louisiana; Gucci Level: Republic Finance; Chloe Level: BOM Bank, A Brighter Smile Dental Care, and Waynette Balengee. Our committee is hard at work securing raffle items and sponsorships, so if you are interested please contact Amanda Dewett.

Due to the ever-evolving nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are electing to follow the City of Shreveport’s protocol on restrictions at the time of the event. Our goal is to keep everyone safe and to have a fun evening! Our committee is hard at work securing raffle items and sponsorships. If you are interested in sponsoring this event or donating a raffle item, please contact Amanda Dewett at amandabdewett@gmail.com.

Spotlight

ACTIVE MEMBER

ANGIE HEMKEN Where is your hometown? How did you end up in Shreveport?

I’m from Hunt Valley, Maryland, which is a suburb of Baltimore. We’ve made a great home here in Shreveport, but I do miss the four distinct seasons in Maryland! My husband, David, and I were living in Washington, D.C., where he was attending law school when an opportunity opened up for him to clerk for a federal judge in Shreveport after he graduated. D.C. was fun but not somewhere we could see ourselves living long term. We were both able to establish great careers here after his clerkship ended, and so we stayed! We’ve been here almost nine years now.

What are some of your goals that you still want to achieve in your future in the League? Any particular placement or board/management position?

I would be interested in having an in-League management position one day. My job involves managing a finance department, so I feel like that type of position would play to my strengths!

Any fun facts about yourself?

Who are the members of your family?

My husband David and I have been together for 15 (!) years and married for almost 10. We have two kids: our daughter, Regan, who is 3 1/2 and son, Jack, who is 18 months.

Where did you go to college? What do you do for a living?

I went to Flagler College in St. Augustine, Florida, for undergrad (that is where David and I met!) and George Washington University for grad school. I am a CPA and work as the Corporate Assistant Controller for Dimora Brands out of their Bossier City office. I’ve been with my company for eight years.

I was in the Girl Scouts for 12 years! I started when I was six and stayed in the same troop until I was 18. I had an incredibly dedicated leader who devoted so much time to our troop. In high school, my troop earned the Gold Award—which is the Girl Scout equivalent of an Eagle Scout Award—in no small part due to our leader’s dedication and investment in us.

What were your reasons for joining the League?

My friend, Anna Priestley, first introduced me to the League. I didn’t join right away, but later learned more and realized that it could be a great way to meet other women in the community, especially for someone who is not from the area.

What was your first Active year in the League?

My first Active year was the 2018-2019 League year.

What is your current placement? What are some of your previous placements? What has been your favorite placement?

This year I am one of the Provisional Advisors for this year’s Provisional class and have had the pleasure of working with Jessica Latin and the rest of her team! My prior placements include Safe Sitter, Super Safety Saturday, and Designer Bag Bingo. My favorite placements have been my current placement and Super Safety Saturday. I would love to get involved with SSS again once we are able to go back to an in-person event.

My kids would love it now that they’re a bit older!

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19

Ambitious Girls

MAGIC: MENTORING

Tiffany Metoyer

TO INSPIRE CHANGE

The League year is in full force, and so is MAGIC (Men-

and we allow them to share any great or exciting news

toring Ambitious Girls to Inspire Change)! MAGIC is a won-

they may have. This year Junior League volunteers have

derful partnership between the Junior League of Shreve-

joined together with the coordinator of the VOA Teen Club

port-Bossier and Volunteers of America (VOA) Lighthouse

to discuss how we would approach various topics and what

Teen Club. The program focuses on positive engagement

would be best suited for this group of girls. In doing so, we

and personal development, and provides the young women

have covered topics such as “It Starts with Why,” personal

a safe space after school.

hygiene, and body positivity. We were afforded one face-

MAGIC is a wonderful placement for women who enjoy

to-face gathering for our holiday party in December where

building relationships with others and working together to

we played games, shared snacks, and volunteers and girls

be positive influences in the lives of young girls, as a men-

got to meet—in some cases, for the first time. It was a very

tor. Creating a safe space for the

Other topics that we

feelings and opinions, laugh,

have coming up for the remain-

play games, and learn new

der of the year include etiquette

things is the greatest reward.

training and self-care/wellness.

At the end of a long day, it often

This is my fourth year

feels as freeing to us as volun-

in MAGIC, and what a wonder-

teers as it is to the girls.

ful year it has been so far. It has

MAGIC

20

special night for us.

girls to open up and share their

sec-

been such an honor to serve as

ond and fourth Monday of each

meets

Head Volunteer and share this

month,

through

League year with some amazing

April. Volunteers share presen-

women. Naina Bouchereau-Lal

tations with the VOA girls about

serves as Assistant Head Vol-

a variety of topics such as so-

unteer; Stacy Chiasson, Fele-

cial media presence, self-care,

cia Gipson, Devon Leon, Allison

journaling, and healthy lifestyle

Washington, Katherine String-

September

the

choices. This year, due to the pandemic, we have hosted

er-Davis, Sara Patronella Wolfe, and Amanda Cacapava

our session virtually in conjunction with the CDC recom-

serve as MAGIC volunteers and mentors to the VOA girls

mendations for safe gathering and social events. We have

throughout the year.

placed a special emphasis in our sessions on the girls

We look forward to continuing a wonderful MAGIC

sharing their feelings and navigating through these ever-

year! While meeting virtually has its challenges, we posi-

changing times as a high-schooler.

tively take them all in stride to create the best experience

During our virtual zoom sessions, we take time in the

for the girls and ourselves. The relationships formed are

beginning of the session to just check-in with the girls and

truly life changing for us all and we are grateful for the

see how life is going, how their day has gone at school,

experience.

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Celebrations

Emerie Gentry (Provisional) was engaged to Jason Holtzclaw on October 15, 2021.

He proposed at the Old State Capitol Building in Baton Rouge, LA. The wedding is scheduled for December 31, 2022.

Congratulations, Emerie!

Aliyah Klaire Washington was born to Krystal Critton (Provisional) and Andre Washington on November 7, 2021. She weighed 5 lbs 7 oz and measured 19.5 inches long.

On September 8, 2021, Miriam Soleil Johnson was born! She was welcomed by Brittany House (Active) and Todd Johnson and big brother Isaac.

On Friday December 10, 2021 Hope McFarland (Active) was married to Bradley Moses.

Hope and Bradley will reside in Shreveport.

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On August 30, 2021, Claire Abigail Moody was born to parents Robbie and Christine Wray Moody (Active). Claire was welcomed by big brothers Jackson, Sammy, and Joseph.

Congratulations to the Moody family!

Allison M. Washington (Active) initiated into the Delta Lambda Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated.

On October 18, 2021, Zoe Simone Wendt-Brunner was born to Elizabeth Wendt (Active). She weighed 11 lbs 4 oz and was welcomed by big sister, Maya (4), and big brother, Langston (2).

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23

Mardi Gras!

COOKING UP

Cookbooks have been out and about during the holidays, but pack away the mistletoe and bring out the Mardi Gras King Cakes!

Well that is easy for us because we have Junior League Cookbooks. You can still get them and some for gifts too! We have bundled all three cookbooks, Mardi Gras to Mistletoe, Revel, and A Cook’s Tour for one very special price, so you have no excuse not to get all three. Put together a Mardi Gras party and get cooking!

With New Year’s resolution successes (or not) under our belts, it is now Carnival time! Bring on the King Cake, jambalaya, and marinated crab claws recipes!

Mardi Gras in Louisiana—it’s a perfect time to cook up some wintertime and Mardi Gras favorites! In the words of Neil Johnson, the photographer for both Revel and Mardi Gras to Mistletoe, “It should make this community proud to consider what the Junior League has accomplished and continues to accomplish generation after generation.”

Junior League Cookbooks all have some of the best recipes and party planning ideas and eats ever. Mardi Gras to Mistletoe’s February section has King Cake recipes—a traditional and an easy King Cake recipe too! It even gives hints for easier bean cooking for red beans and rice. Revel‘s Winter section decorates and plans the entire Mardi Gras party—doing everything but cooking the Mardi Gras party menu for you! Every page of A Cook’s Tour has favorite recipes that would fit with any Southern Mardi Gras celebration.

Do not forget the King Cake Classic 5K/10K/Fun Run on February 26. Cookbooks will be there, too! With Fat Tuesday not until March 1, 2022, this year we have the whole month of February to party and celebrate and eat! Register for the KCC and purchase your JLSB cookbooks now to get training and cooking.

Get your Junior League cookbooks and Laissez les bon temps roulez!

MARINATED CRAB CLAWS Mardi Gras to Mistletoe, p. 30 1 lb. steamed crab claws ¾ cup extra-virgin olive oil ¼ cup wine vinegar 1 tbsp lemon juice 1 tsp salt 1 tsp pepper 1 tsp paprika 1 tsp Zatarain’s mustard ½ tsp dry mustard

24

/16 tsp oregano

1

½ cup chopped fresh parsley ¼ cup finely chopped celery 3 green onions, finely chopped 1 tbsp drained capers, rinsed and chopped

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Place the crab claws in a shallow dish with a cover.

Combine the olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, salt, pepper, paprika, Zatarain’s mustard, dry mustard, and oregano in a bowl and mix well. Stir in the parsley, celery, green onions, and capers. Pour the olive oil mixture over the crab claws and turn to coat.

Marinate, tightly covered, in the refrigerator for 2 to 10 hours, shaking the container and turning every few hours. Serve chilled with French bread to soak up the delicious marinade. Serves 4 to 6.

HOT BACON AND SWISS DIP Mardi Gras to Mistletoe, p. 32 8 ounces cream cheese, softened 1 cup mayonnaise 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded Swiss cheese 4 green onions, chopped ½ tsp Tabasco sauce 8 slices bacon, crisp-cooked and crumbled 1 cup butter cracker crumbs Paprika to taste Chopped fresh parsley to taste Combine the cream cheese, mayonnaise, Swiss cheese, green onions, and Tabasco sauce in a mixing bowl and beat until combined, scraping the bowl occasionally. Spread the cream cheese mixture in a 2 ½-cup baking dish or a 9-inch round baking dish and sprinkle with the bacon and cracker crumbs.

Bake at 350 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes or until bubbly. Sprinkle lightly with paprika and parsley and serve with assorted party crackers. Serves 10 to 12.

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