Parishscope Winter 2019

PARISHSCOPE A PUBLICATION OF THE JUNIOR LEAGUE OF SHREVEPORT-BOSSIER, INC. | WINTER 2019

Volume 53, Issue 4

jlsb.org

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It’s The Perfect Time to Treat Yourself!

Be Original.

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www.sidpotts.com | 318.797.2929 8535 Business Park Dr. | Shreveport, LA 71105 | Monday-Friday 9:00am - 5:30pm & Saturday 10:00am - 2:00pm jl sb.o rg | W in te r 2 019 PA R ISHSCOPE

FROM THE EDITOR

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Melissa Airhart

I can barely believe the year is already ending and we will usher in a new decade in less than a month!

The year is moving along quickly and the ladies of the JLSB have kept pace. Volunteers have already wrapped up several successful events, including Revel Pepsi, Super Safety Saturday, and the Pumpkin Patch at Provenance. We will take a look back at these endeavors and thank our generous sponsors. We also look ahead to upcoming community projects and events, including the King Cake Classic and the continued work of the Red Apron Pantry—now based out of the JLSB office. This issue also highlights another of our League Legacies and you will be introduced to several more of our League business owners.

I hope you enter 2020 with goals to meet and surpass, and intentions to leave a lasting legacy on our League and community.

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Letter from the President

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1933 Society

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Letter from the Secretary

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Member Calendar

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Letter from the Sustainer Advisor

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Designer Bag Bingo Save the Date

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Sustainer of the Year: Award Guidelines

10 Provisional Update 10 Provisional Calendar 12 Letter from the VP of Fund Development 13 2019-2020 General Membership Meetings 14 League Legacies 16 Business Spotlights 18 Affinity Groups 18 Affinity Groups Calendar 20 MAGIC 21 Red Apron Pantry 22 News from the Nominating Chair 24 Pumpkin Patch 26 King Cake Classic 2020 & Save the Date 27 Promoting the League 28 Super Safety Saturday

JuniorLeagueSB

29 Red River Revel Pepsi

@JuniorLeagueSB Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier

30 Trends & Traditions History 32 Memorable Moments

facebook.com/JLSB.org

33 Celebrations & Member Transfers

youtube.com/user/JuniorLeagueSB

34 Cookbook Recipe

Cover photo by Jennifer Bradford Photography

2019-2020

Secretary Catherine Dorroh Simpson

Editor Melissa Airhart Assistant Editor Courtney Turner Reporter Stephanie Foster Business Manager Courtney Turner

2019-2020 Management Team

Treasurer Laramie Guillot

Executive Vice President Maggie Pressly

Nominating Chairman Heather Courtney

Communications VP Shelvia R. Grant

2019-2020 Board of Directors President Katherine Douthitt President Elect Saige Wilhite Solomon Executive Vice President Maggie Pressly

Members-at-Large Hannah Alexander Ali Feaster Smith

PARISHSCOPE Staff

PR&D Chairman Sarah Giglio

Community VP Jabrina Edwards Fund Development VP Liz Lafitte

Sustainer-at-Large Lee Davis

Membership VP Margaret McDonald

Sustainer Advisor Jodi Penn Rives

Assistant Treasurer Michelle Wallace

Designed by: grace! graphic design + marketing Printed by: LaPressCo Printing, 409 Watts Rd., Shreveport, LA 71106 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 53, Issue 4 Š2019 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

It is hard to believe that the end of this year and

Katherine Douthitt

class to be held this spring! Volunteers, your work is much

the holiday season are here! There is no better time for

appreciated in making this community impact!

celebrating, giving thanks, and reflecting on the past

several months.

sold Pepsis at the Revel—still one of the favorite ways for

members to connect and get to know each other. Pumpkin

Our League has much to celebrate! We made it

Our fund development projects also kept us busy! We

through another busy fall season with huge successes

Patch at Provenance provided a beautiful setting for the

in our community and fund development projects. Super

loads of fun activities held the entire month of October. A

Safety Saturday was incredibly well-organized and

month-long outdoor fundraiser can be a grueling task, and

attended. Our Revel Artist for a Day committee pulled

our committee members handled it beautifully. Also, I owe

together and created unique craft projects with kids each

a special thanks to Jennifer Bradford who spent many extra

day of the Revel, providing one of the few free activities

hours photographing at the Patch and keeping everyone up

in the Children’s Area. Red Apron Pantry has moved into

to date through social media platforms. A huge thank you

Suite D of our League Headquarters and has converted to a

to everyone who supported the League by buying Pepsis

“client’s choice” pantry, allowing our clients to select their

and pumpkins!

own groceries from our “store” of available items. Last but

not least, our Safe Sitter committee has been training local

opened for membership in October and we thank each

youth in the basics of child care and safety—providing a

of you who have already joined! This structured giving

class at the VOA Lighthouse focusing on caring for younger

opportunity not only secures your ticket to our popular

family members and also a “paid” class for young women

Designer Bag Bingo event (which sold out quickly last

eager earn extra money babysitting. This “paid” class

year!), but also provides you with an exclusive invitation

was so popular, there is already a waiting list for the next

to the 1933 Celebration hosted by Jodi Penn Rives at

Our annual giving campaign—the 1933 Society—

her home, with our special guest AJLI Treasurer Olivia Thomas. You won’t want to miss all of the fun and camaraderie that goes along with being a 1933 Society member! We ask that anyone interested join by November 30.

Our amazing fall slate is reason to celebrate too! Sarah Giglio has been slated as President-Elect-Elect and Margaret McDonald has been slated as Executive-Vice-President-Elect. I am thankful to know each of these women, and I know they will lead our League beautifully.

Now, for the reflection… sometimes a more difficult prospect, but certainly a necessary one to continue to improve and remain relevant in our community. At the

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conclusion of each of our projects, we have spent time (and

I definitely feel that this experience has already left me

will continue to spend time) reflecting on our successes

changed—for the better!

and opportunities for improvement. This reflection will

allow us to have meaningful operational planning meetings

get to know so many women I would otherwise likely never

in the new year that will help us to move our mission

have connected with—and certainly not in any meaningful

forward successfully.

way. We are a group of amazing women, and I feel blessed

to know you! I hope that your holiday season is wonderful,

On a personal level, my greatest reflection is that

I am also thankful to the League for the opportunity to

I am thankful for the opportunity for the growth and

and that you take a moment to celebrate, give thanks, and

development that the League has given me over the course

reflect on all that this year held for you!

of this year. I have been stretched and challenged in ways that I couldn’t have imagined! I’m sure many of you feel the same as a result of your League placement. Though these last few months have not been without their missteps and challenges, I am told the most important thing is to

Katherine Douthitt Katherine Douthitt 2019-2020 President

learn from those things and to become better from them.

Many thanks to each of you who have already joined the 1933 Society for the 2019-20 League year!

If you haven’t had a chance to join, there’s still time—

we ask that all members join by November 30, 2019.

The 1933 Society provides a structured way to donate

to the League while getting great benefits—like VIP ticket(s)

Join at one of three levels: League Leader ($1,000) League Advocate ($500) League Partner ($250)

Need a new 1933 Society form? Please email

to Designer Bag Bingo and the Sustainer of the Year

Amy King at jrleaguesb@bellsouth.net or call her at

luncheon, and an invitation to the 1933 Society Celebration!

(318) 221.6144. You may also join at www.jlsb.org.

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Secret ary

LETTER FROM THE

What’s the best way to know happenings of the Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier? Attending our monthly General Membership Meetings! These meetings are a great way to catch up with friends, as well as hear about everything the JLSB is doing to improve our community. All Active members are required to attend five General Membership Meetings from September to May. All Provisional members have the same five General Membership Meetings requirement, plus one Board of Directors meeting. If you’ve attended meetings in the fall, you are well on your way to meeting this requirement. If not, don’t worry; there are still many opportunities to meet this requirement.

The annual Junior League Christmas Party has a new twist this year. The party will be held Tue., Dec. 10, at Suite E of our Headquarters. This 6 p.m. social will offer wine and cheese as well as tours of our newly relocated Red Apron Pantry in Suite D. We ask that members bring canned goods to donate to the Pantry.

Annual Adviser Interviews will take the place of a formal January meeting. Be on the look out for an email from your Nominating Advisor to schedule this meeting.

This interview serves as an opportunity to discuss your desired path for future League placements.

The first group General Membership Meeting of 2020 will be Tue., Feb. 11, at the Community Foundation office in downtown Shreveport. This meeting will have noon or 6 p.m. options to accommodate the varying schedules of our membership. This will be a great time to hear Community Foundation Executive Director Kristi Gustavson speak about leadership in our community.

The March meeting will be on Tue., Mar. 10, at Christus

Import antDates

Catherine Simpson

Health Highland. This popular meeting will offer the chance to earn two meeting credits. Meetings will be held at noon and 6 p.m. Guest speakers will feature Christus physicians discussing self-care and other health highlights.

April’s General Membership Meeting will feature Executive Director of Providence House Verni Howard. This noon meeting will be held at our JLSB headquarters on Line Avenue.

The final meeting of the year will be our End of the Year Celebration. The meeting location is still being finalized, but is sure to be a memorable evening. We will celebrate the accomplishments of our community projects and fundraising events, as well as those members who have gone above and beyond on behalf of our League. We will also present scholarship awards to area high school seniors—one from Caddo Parish and one from Bossier Parish. The outgoing and incoming Board of Directors and Management Team will also be recognized.

It should also be noted that any month you cannot attend a General Membership Meeting, you are invited to attend a Board Meeting to earn a credit that month. Board of Directors meetings are always held on the first Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. at our League office.

Finally, remember to check your attendance records on Digital Cheetah. Credits are entered as promptly and correctly as possible, but mistakes can happen. You can always email me (cbdsimpson@gmail.com) with any questions or corrections.

Mark down these dates and get your required meeting credits! Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your Secretary for the 2019-2020 year. I look forward to seeing you at the next League event.

TO REMEMBER

ANNUAL ADVISOR GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING/ INTERVIEWS JLSB CHRISTMAS PARTY Jan. 6-17 Dec. 10 at 6 p.m.

Various locations and times JLSB Office

KING CAKE CLASSIC Feb. 8 Red River Brewing Company

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

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PHOTOGRAPHY

Now Booking

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Sust ainer Advisor

LETTER FROM THE

Jodi Penn Rives

Recently, I read an Instagram post that said, “Six Weeks Left in this Decade. Take the Risk, Sis.” SIX WEEKS! Take the RISK? The post put me in a slight state of panic… what had I wanted to accomplish in 2019? Was I willing to be a risk-taker and do something impactful?

After the panic subsided, I began to realize that each day is a gift and we get to be risk-takers every day. We have the opportunity to serve others by sharing a kind word or giving of our time, talents, and resources each and every day. I’d like to challenge our Sustaining members to look around and see what we can do to serve our community—to somehow get a little risky and out of our comfort zones and be a woman who makes lasting community change. Not long ago, a friend began volunteering as a tutor through Volunteers of America at a local middle school. That’s being a risk taker! Giving of her time, getting uncomfortable to impact others. I love it!

My mind quickly jumped to other friends and Sustaining members of the League who are serving our

community. Look around and see who is making an impact and consider nominating them for Sustainer of the Year.

The application is available at the League Office and on www.jlsb.org. The deadline for nominations is Dec. 31, 2019, and the Sustainer of the Year Luncheon will be held on Thur., Feb. 27, 2020, at East Ridge Country Club.

Another way to impact our community is to give of our resources. The work of the Junior League continues to impact Shreveport-Bossier and the lives of our citizens— and it takes money to fund projects and train women. The 1933 Society is a great way to contribute. You should have received a letter from our President, Katherine Douthitt, a few weeks ago. She outlined the work of the League—and our Active members are working hard. Consider giving a gift to the 1933 Society. We have a robust goal of raising $25,000 this year and I’d love for us to reach that goal.

It’s not too late to do something positive for the League and our community in this decade! Join me in taking a risk.

Sustainer Social Cuban Liquor & Wine Company, 928 Pierremont Road Mon., Dec. 2 from 4:30-6:30 p.m.

Visit with friends and get wine pairing and charcuterie board tips from the professionals! Invitation to follow.

6505 Line Ave., # 20 Shreveport, LA 71106

318-861-1616

Hours: Mon-Sat 10am-5pm Girls & Boys Preemie to 16

CHECK US OUT ON FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM

Save Date THE

APR. 2, 2020

AT HORSESHOE CASINO RIVERDOME 8

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Award Guidelines

SUSTAINER OF THE YEAR

Award History

More than 100 years ago, Mary Harriman,

founder of the Junior League Movement and public service pioneer, recognized the need for a new model of leadership—one that emphasized collaboration over competition. Through her work in countless organizations and her numerous personal connections, Harriman transformed the way women of her generation viewed their obligation to society, and played a pivotal role as a social connector bringing diverse groups and individuals together to form collaborative partnerships that have survived to this day.

Annually, the Junior League of Shreveport-

Bossier recognizes a woman of outstanding leadership who uses her talents and resources to further The Junior League Movement and Vision with the Sustainer of the Year Award. The recipient of the award has made a positive impact in the JLSB and our community, and her volunteer work continues in the tradition of Mary Harriman.

This woman should be a knowledgeable and responsible advocate, leader, and mentor who embraces Shreveport-Bossier and makes a unique and significant difference as a leader. The honoree provides a contemporary link to our founder’s

When making your nomination, please consider the following criteria:

Sponsor and Nominee must both be current Sustainers, in good standing, of the JLSB. Posthumous nominations will be accepted.

Nominee demonstrates excellence in community service and volunteers without compensation.

Nominee encourages others to participate in community service activities.

Nominee works with and organizes groups to produce high-quality results in support of a common goal.

Nominee’s service may include, but is not limited to, the areas of arts and humanities, education, environment, healthcare, human services, public safety, or youth services. The service must not be work-related.

Members of the selection committee cannot be considered as nominees.

Application Questions Short Answers (300 word limit for each question) Describe: • The most significant and lasting contributions she has given to the League and to the community?

•W hich community issues she has addressed?

•H ow has she influenced others to be a force for change, impact, or lead by example?

•H ow has she demonstrated herself to be a role model, mentor, catalyst, and risk-taker?

sense of social responsibility, as well as her ability to encourage others to share their talents through

Supporting Materials

effective volunteer service.

Attach: • A listing of the nominee’s significant awards, League placements, and volunteer, community, and civic activities (Example: C.V. or resume, if available. If needed, a template will be provided.)

•N o more than two (2) letters of recommendation.

Please note: Applications will be available September 1, 2019 and are due by December 31, 2019. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Applications will not be retained for future consideration.

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Update

PROVISIONAL

Provisionals are celebrating the half-way completion of their first year with the JLSB! The Provisional curriculum emphasizes the importance of growing one’s leadership experiences to successfully invest in our community projects. September’s meeting promoted this mission with a presentation from Community VP Jabrina Edwards, who highlighted the facets of Artist for a Day, MAGIC, Red Apron Pantry, Safe Sitter, and Super Safety Saturday.

Throughout the season, Provisionals have also learned about the flexibility within the JLSB and willingness of its members to see each other grow and succeed (even when strapped with hectic life events) through opportunities like a concentrated community placement. Health Literacy Initiative Head Volunteer Lindsey Pennington provided an update from this year’s summer program and the impact of a concentrated placement on her JLSB experience.

At the conclusion of the meeting, words leapt into action as our new members committed to community placement observations, received their red aprons for their Revel Pepsi shifts, and purchased cookbooks for their Fund Development commitments. Each Provisional commits to observing at least three community placements during the year to acquire an understanding of the JLSB’s diverse involvement in the area and how she envisions her contribution to it when she makes her placement selections in the spring.

Since our September meeting, Provisionals experienced the joviality of a Revel Pepsi booth, as well as fulfillment of the fantasy of greeting The Great Pumpkin at this year’s patch in Provenance. October’s meeting emphasized the Membership tract of the JLSB with a presentation from Membership VP Margaret McDonald.

Import antDates

Carolyn Murphy

Joined by Nominating Chair Heather Courtney and Placement Chair Kezia Pigford, Provisionals learned about the JLSB’s commitment to enhancing the strengths of each member through the Placement and Nomination processes. Questions about these processes were answered while guests nibbled on spooky snacks and dished on Halloween activities.

Provisionals kept their steady pace in stride as November’s small group meeting was hosted at the warm and lovely abode of Sustainer and Past President Jodie McJunkins. Information about the JLSB Scholarships and CAP Grants enlightened Provisionals about the financial assistance our organization offers to members of the community, as well as higher educational pursuits for those non-profits in need of aid for wellness purposes. Project Research and Development was also discussed. As the “workhorse” arm of the organization, PR&D has created successful fundraising events which have allowed the JLSB to continue serving the members of our community. Finally, we enjoyed a panel of Sustainers who shared their favorite JLSB memories and offered encouragement to the current class for creating a memorable and impactful volunteer experience.

As these 27 charismatic and intelligent women greet the holidays with open arms and prepare for interviews in January with their Provisional Leaders to discuss their options for spring placement, we give thanks for you, the reader. Thank you for your enthusiasm for the class’s personal growth and leadership development as we greet 2020 with gusto to make a difference in our communities, one red apron at a time.

FOR PROVISIONALS

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING/ ANNUAL ADVISOR PROVISIONAL JLSB CHRISTMAS PARTY INTERVIEWS CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION Dec. 10 at 6 p.m.

Jan. 6-17 Dec. 3 at 6 p.m.

JLSB Office Various locations and times Home of Peggy Murphy (7111 East Ridge Drive, Shreveport)

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Details forthcoming

Fall 2019

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Fund Development LETTER FROM THE VP OF

What a great start we’ve had to the 2019-2020 League Year—it’s hard to believe we’re already half-way finished!

We have already accomplished so much as a League in Fund Development this year.

Over the summer, we partnered with the Home Builders Association of Northwest Louisiana to sell raffle tickets for a kitchen remodel and are thrilled with the success that we had through this partnership in its first year. Thanks to the leaders of the project and the members who volunteered for our first ever five-hour shift opportunities for helping make this such a success.

October was a busy month—our members clocked almost 400 volunteer hours selling Pepsi at the Red River Revel and more than 400 hours at the Pumpkin Patch at Provenance! This year’s partnership with Provenance Institute brought several new events to the Pumpkin Patch, such as weekly movie nights and fall markets. We enjoyed having more special events at the Patch this year to engage our community.

The head volunteers and committee members for all of our Fund Development projects have contributed countless hours of planning and execution of the events to make them thrive. Our ability to continue to move our mission forward throughout our community depends on our success in Fund

Thank You A huge thank you goes out to all our hardworking volunteers!

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Liz Lafitte

Development. I’m so thankful for the contributions of head volunteers, committee members, and all of those who have worked shifts to make our fundraisers this year so successful.

We have two more exciting opportunities coming up this spring for members to support our League—King Cake Classic and Designer Bag Bingo. Mark your calendars for these events now and share the dates with friends and family! King Cake Classic will take place on Sat., Feb. 8, 2020, and registration is now open for runners and sleep-in supporters. Designer Bag Bingo will be held on Thur., Apr. 2, 2020, and is sure to be another fun ladies’ night for all in attendance. I hope that you will all attend and support our remaining fundraisers.

Also, if you’re looking for a holiday gift, don’t forget that we have cookbooks from our League—and others around the country—for sale at the office. Active members may purchase entries for the race, tickets for Bingo, or cookbooks to satisfy your Fund Development financial obligation for the year. If you are interested in sponsoring either of the events, please reach out to the head volunteers! Thank you for your continued support of our Fund Development events, which ensures our continued success as a League.

Meetings

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP

KRISTI GUSTAVSON

Kristi Gustavson will speak at our February General Membership Meeting on “Leading in Our Community,” which will be held on Tue., Feb. 11, 2020, at the Community Foundation’s headquarters in the Louisiana Tower in downtown Shreveport.

Kristi is the Executive Director of The Community Foundation of North Louisiana and serves on the JLSB Community Advisory Board to ensure that the League stays updated on all community issues. In her role with the Community Foundation, Kristi works every day to improve social and economic outcomes for less fortunate residents of Shreveport-Bossier, particularly with both local and statewide Kindergarten Readiness initiatives. At our meeting, Kristi will enlighten us on the importance of Kindergarten Readiness and the details of that movement. You will be amazed at the impact that infant and toddler brain development has

on every single individual and society at large.

The Community Foundation of North Louisiana allows investing partners to achieve their vision for a stronger, more vibrant community. By bringing together fund donors, their financial advisors, and nonprofit agencies, the Foundation is a powerful catalyst for building charitable giving and effecting positive change in our area. The funds managed by the Foundation—which include more than $135 million in assets—are invested for the community’s benefit and are then returned to the community in the form of grants to a wide variety of charitable endeavors, from the arts to education to the social service sector. The Junior League is an investor in The Community Foundation’s managed fund and looks forward to growing both its investment and this unique partnership in the years to come.

2019-2020 GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING SCHEDULE Dec. 10 at 6 p.m.

JLSB Christmas Party Jan. 6-17 Annual Advisor Interviews Feb. 11 at 12 p.m., 6 p.m.

Community Foundation Kristi Gustavson, Community Foundation NWLA Leading in our Community Mar. 10 at 12 p.m., 6 p.m.

Christus Christus Highland (Double Credit Voting Meeting) Self-Care is Key

Apr. 14 at 12 p.m League Office Verni Howard, Providence House Empowerment by Experience May 12 at 6 p.m.

Annual Meeting Celebration of 2019-2020 Year; Awards Presentation Moving our Mission Forward!

Please feel free to arrive 30 minutes early for any meeting to enjoy catching up with friends and networking with new ones!

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Legacies

LEAGUE

LILA KNICELY

Four generations, five women, decades of service, and memories passed down to last beyond a lifetime.

Lila Knicely comes from a long line of Junior League members. Lila’s family’s legacy began back in the late 1930s with her great-grandmother, Elizabeth Hughes Tucker. Elizabeth was a member of the Junior League of Shreveport and served as President from 1941-1942.

Elizabeth passed her legacy down to her daughter, Lila’s grandmother, Betty Tucker Walker. Her membership started with the Junior League of Shreveport and continued with the Junior League of Lake Charles. The legacy continued with Betty’s daughter, Lila’s mother, Anne Johnson, who joined the Junior League of Houston as a Provisional in 1978 and later transferred, becoming a member of the Junior League of Shreveport. Lila’s sister, Elizabeth Johnson Farr, also shared in the legacy as a member of the Junior League of Dallas.

Though Lila’s membership in the League formally began in 2004, she fondly recalls the League, “... was a part of my life well before I officially joined.” Her mother, Anne, was very involved in the JLSB during Lila’s childhood. Lila recounts that her mother served as Treasurer, Community Vice-President, and on the PR&D Committee—one of her favorite placements. “She was also placed with the Volunteers of America’s LightHouse preschool program for a number of years and continued with her passion for that work even after becoming a Sustainer, ultimately being named as one of George H.W. Bush’s Thousand Points of Light for her service.”

During Anne’s years of service, Lila was right alongside her. “I remember playing with other members’ kids while our moms set up for Bargain Haul, spending countless hours at the League Office while my mom made deposits and wrote checks as Treasurer, and even working Pepsi shifts with her at the Revel as I got older,” she said. These memories were so impactful to Lila growing up, that when she moved back to Shreveport and was looking for opportunities to volunteer and meet new people in the community, the JLSB immediately came to mind. After joining in 2004, Lila served the League in a variety of positions. The majority of her placements where on the Membership committee, including Provisional Chairman, Membership VP, Nominating Chairman, and finally, President. When asked about her favorite placement, Lila admits that although she learned a lot from each placement, her favorite was serving on the Nominating

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Stephanie Foster

Committee. “Working to slate the next year’s leadership team from such a diverse, intelligent, and talented membership was extremely rewarding,” she said.

When asked about her great-grandmother’s presidency and her own, Lila said, “Unfortunately, I never got to discuss the League with my great-grandmother, but during my year as President, I visited the archives at LSUS and was able to find the annual report from her time as President, as well as a few pictures of her during that time.” Lila says she learned that during her greatgrandmother’s term as President, League volunteers staffed a recreational program at the Genevieve Children’s Home, performed Braille transcription, and held Junior Theater performances. “The U.S. entered World War II during her term and League members also began serving as hostesses at the U.S.O. Soldiers’ Center,” she added.

Reflecting on memorable moments from her own presidency and her great-grandmother’s presidency, Lila shared, “While our League has grown and evolved much in the almost 80 years since she served as President, I would imagine that, like me, many of her favorite moments from her time as President were those spent making lifelong friendships with the women she volunteered with.” She added, “I treasure the time I spent working alongside, and getting to know, so many amazing ladies at the Revel, Junior League Spring Market, Kitchen Tour, Super Safety Saturday, and countless other events.”

Lila and husband, Jeremy, have children Anne Elizabeth (10) and Christian (8). We are grateful for her family’s devout years of service and hope their legacy continues with future generations.

KNICELY FAMILY

ELBA HAMILTON & LILA KNICELY

FIVE GENERATIONS 5 GENERATIONS (clockwise from back left): ELIZABETH HUGHES TUCKER* BETTY TUCKER WALKER* ANNE OLIVER HUGHES ANNE WALKER JOHNSON* LILA JOHNSON KNICELY*

*Current or former members of JLSB

MELISSA FLORES, KENDRA MEIKI, LILA, & LAUREN LEA

ELIZABETH HUGHES TUCKER (CENTER) DURING HER TERM AS VICE PRESIDENT

ELIZABETH HUGHES TUCKER (RIGHT) ATTENDING AJLI CONFERENCE

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Spotlight s

BUSINESS

DR. MORGAN LANG, Active Name of your business: Lang Orthodontics What service does your business provide? At Lang Orthodontics, we specialize in making smiles beautiful. We are thrilled to offer a variety of treatment options that are personalized to serve your specific needs, goals, and lifestyle. Our team is committed to helping you achieve the smile you have always wanted.

What niche does your business fill? As an expert in her field, Dr. Lang completed specialty training to become an orthodontic specialist. You can feel comfortable knowing she was specially trained to diagnose orthodontic problems and choose the best form of treatment. Yet, straight teeth are never just the goal within our office—orthodontics is so much more than straight teeth. Dr. Lang and her team are committed to making you feel good about your smile, both functionally and aesthetically. We can’t wait to see you Geaux Smile!

How did you come to own the business? Dr. Lang accepted an invitation by her childhood orthodontist and went from previous patient to business partner here in Shreveport. When Dr. Blackwood fell ill, he reminded her that he believed in her enough to build on his foundation

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and continue his legacy. Having the opportunity to continue his work is something Dr. Lang values and doesn’t take lightly.

What has been the biggest win for your business? It has been a true honor being a role model to young women and ensuring they know they can become whatever they want. The biggest win has to be the teenage girls that come to shadow our office in hopes of one day becoming an orthodontist as well. Opening their eyes to our profession is so gratifying.

The biggest risk? It is challenging, and yet exciting, owning something where the outcome is not certain. Dr. Lang has found herself as the only female orthodontist in Northwest Louisiana, within a male dominated industry. Opening her doors a few years ago, she was hopeful her office could help the community find pride in their smile. Our patients and work family have made the risk of operating an office, an absolute dream come true.

Recent accomplishment or future plans? Inspired by the community she serves, Dr. Lang created a non-profit, The Geaux Smile Foundation.

This foundation was established to offer treatment to those that would not otherwise be able to afford orthodontic care. Several patients are in

treatment from the work of this program and it reminds us how a small act of kindness can be the difference in someone’s life. The office plans to grow this foundation, offering even more patients in-kind treatment for changes that will positively impact them for the rest of their lives.

SARAH LOWDER, Active Name of your business: Lowder Baking Company

January 2019. Our first brick and mortar location functions both as a commercial kitchen and a storefront bakery in the South Highlands neighborhood.

Do you have a business partner? Yes! My husband, Preston Lowder.

What has been the biggest win for your business? Our first year in our storefront has seen more growth than we ever anticipated. We started with a strong Mardi Gras season with Lowder King Cake sales and transitioned to our new menu in March, which includes three categories throughout the day: 7:30 a.m. - Fresh Baked Breakfast Pastries: croissants, cinnamon rolls, fruit Danishes, savory croissants. 10:00 a.m. - Fresh Baked Breads: baguettes, jalapeño cheddar, multigrain, sourdough, Hawaiian, classic white, French bread, and more. 1:00 p.m. - Sweets: cookies, brownies, cookie sandwiches, decorated cookie cakes, seasonal items. We plan to continue to grow into 2020 with many exciting plans in the works.

What service does your business provide? We create fresh baked goods from our bakery kitchen!

Preorders and walk-ins are both welcome. We offer everything from breakfast pastries to fresh baked breads, sweets, and cookie cakes. Every product from our kitchen is made from scratch, every single day. We believe in using the highest quality ingredients possible—no preservatives, no shortcuts. We are meticulous about consistency and freshness.

What niche does your business fill? We have so few places in our area that make fresh baked bread, pastries, and cookies from scratch. Our main focus with our bakery is on the quality and freshness of our products, which is why we feel we stand out in our market.

How did the business get started? We began Lowder Baking Company by sharing our small batches of our Lowder King Cakes with family and friends during Mardi Gras seasons. Before we knew it, we grew out of our home kitchen and decided it was time to make a longtime dream a reality and open a storefront bakery. In late 2018, we officially announced that Lowder Baking Company was opening a brand-new storefront. Our location at 4019 Fern Ave (Shoppes at Madison Park) opened in early

The biggest risk? I believe our biggest risk was the initial step to grow Lowder Baking Company from our kitchen to a storefront bakery.

Preston quit his full-time job as a Neuro-ICU RN at Oschner, and we both jumped in full force. It was intimidating and scary to throw caution to the wind like that with so many unknowns, but the support we’ve received from our community has been incredible. We’re so thankful for our amazing family, friends, and customers who regularly visit us at the bakery. The reward to be able to do something we love every single day has been worth the risk.

Future plans? We’re very excited to be expanding! We are taking the vacant space next to us and will be knocking down the adjacent wall to build out and double our floor plan. This will, most importantly, give us more kitchen space and will also allow us to offer more baked goods and services in the near future. We plan to be fully operational with the new space by this year’s holiday season.

GINGER LUKACS, Sustainer Name of your business: Pure Barre Do you have a business partner? Yes, Leigh Bowman who is also a JLSB Sustainer. We served on Exec together!

What service does your business provide? Pure Barre is a boutique barre fitness studio. Taught by our highly-trained teachers, Pure Barre features three group class formats that deliver an effective total body workout focused on low-impact, high intensity movements that lift and tone muscles and improve strength, agility, and flexibility for everybody.

We also sell gorgeous performance wear and athleisure for barre, yoga, Pilates, or just running the roads.

What niche does your business fill? Pure Barre is for anyone who wants to become stronger and healthier in a welcoming, supportive community.

How did the business get started? Pure Barre is the largest barre brand in North America with more than 500 franchises. Leigh came to love Pure Barre the Santa Rosa Beach/30-A location in Florida, where she had been a client for several years. She introduced Pure Barre to me. We both believed in the safe and effective technique and we decided it was something special that needed to be a part of Shreveport-Bossier!

What has been the biggest win for your business? Our highly-engaged

members!

They are goalsetters and have adopted Pure Barre as a lifestyle. Our members love to participate in all the fitness challenges and special events we offer to keep them motivated and make things fun.

The biggest risk? It wasn’t a risk, but it was a worry before we opened.

We really wanted to hire the right team—a special team. We sought out fitness-minded professionals who were willing to learn and master the Pure Barre technique, which is very specific. Training is rigorous. Our team surpassed our highest expectations! Not only are they knowledgeable and very skilled, they are encouragers who connect with our members and truly want to help them in their fitness journeys.

Future plans? We were nominated as Rookie of the Year at the 2018 Pure Barre Owners Conference. We also received SB Magazine’s 2018 Best of Award for Fitness. j l sb .o rg | W in te r 2 019 PARI S H S C OPE

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Affinit y Groups

JLSB

Katie Williams

After attending last February’s ODI conference in St. Petersburg, Florida, and consulting with our now President, Katherine Douthitt, I’m delighted to take on a new placement of “Member Engagement Coordinator” for the 2019-2020 League year. In this role, I’m focused on facilitating engagement in our membership through communications, events, and general strategy within the League to keep our members and their wants and concerns top of mind.

With Barksdale AFB and our healthcare systems, we have an influx of transplants every year who seek out the Junior League to meet like-minded women and get to know their new community. Others return back to the area after attending college and seek out a group of people to connect with as they plug back into the community.

We want to be sure the League is providing the avenues for these connections to happen. Improved member engagement will also lead to improved retention and increased recruitment of Provisionals as well. Thus far, we have created a closed Facebook group to provide transparency and an open forum for communication. In addition, we have also rolled out Affinity Groups for Active members. This year, our Affinity Groups include a Book Club, Social Group, Active Group, and Moms Group.

The Book Club’s first book is Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens. This book is based in the south and topped the New York Times Fiction Best Sellers of 2019 for 20 non-consecutive weeks. The story follows two timelines that slowly intertwine. The Book Club met to discuss the book over coffee and brunch snacks on Nov. 16 at my house in North Bossier. The next book will be named later

Import antDates

this month and the group will meet to discuss in January.

Future books will include personal development, nonfiction, and issue-based books.

The Social Group met for tacos and margaritas at Parish Taceaux on Oct. 5 and watched the Battle for the Golden Fork at Prize Fest. The Social Group met again on Nov. 5 at Red Herring Escape Rooms in Shreveport where they worked together to escape the “Museum of the Strange” room. Afterward, they had drinks and appetizers at Ono’s Hawaiian Grill. We hope all Social Group members will attend our Christmas Party at the League Office on Dec. 10 for wine, cheese, and merriment!

The Active Group held its first event, “Pinot & Pilates,” at Club Pilates on Oct. 18. This is a new business in town that does Pilates Reformer classes. Next up, the Active Group will come together to do the Downtown Christmas Run on Dec. 12 from 7-9 p.m. Costs increase as the event gets closer, so sign up now! Make sure to find your tackiest sweater, twinkle lights, or your favorite holiday gear!

The Mom Group met up on Oct. 26 at our Pumpkin Patch at Provenance. The patch provided pastries and crafts for the kids, and it was a perfect time to mingle!

The Shreveport Regional Arts Council has brought the FriendsWithYou Rainbow City Festival to the new Common Park in downtown Shreveport. The Mom Group will meet there on Nov. 23 from 2 to 4 p.m. for free activities and bounce houses.

We hope you all take the time in your busy schedules this year to have some fun, meet new people, and enjoy your League experience!

AFFINITY GROUPS

MOM GROUP Sat., Nov. 23 at 2-4 p.m. | Activity Time + Bounce House at Rainbow City* https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090d45afa92ea5f49-momgroup1 *Moor Coffee will be the backup in case of weather.

ACTIVE GROUP Thur., Dec. 12 at 7-9 p.m. | Downtown Christmas Run Please RSVP with us AND sign up for the run via their website RSVP: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090D45AFA92EA5F49-active1 TICKETS: https://runsignup.com/Race/LA/Shreveport/DowntownChristmasRun

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We We use use leading-edge leading-edge medicine, medicine, but but it’s it’s not not what what leads leads us. us.

At CHRISTUS Shreveport-Bossier At CHRISTUS Health System,Shreveport-Bossier we treat you the Health System, we treat the way we would like to be you treated. way would like to becompassion, treated.

Withwe faith, dignity and With faith, dignity and compassion, from medical and surgical care to from medical and surgical care to maternity, cardiology, oncology maternity, cardiology, oncology and orthopedics.

It’s how we’ve and orthopedics.

It’s how we’ve for provided care in North Louisiana provided NorthAnd Louisiana more thancare 100in years. why wefor more than 100 years. why we are one of only 15% ofAnd all hospitals are one of only 15% of all nationwide to receive thehospitals 2018 nationwide to receive the 2018 Outstanding Patient Experience Outstanding Patient Experience Award from Healthgrades.

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Ambitious Girls

MAGIC: MENTORING

Elizabeth Martin

TO INSPIRE CHANGE

We are well into the League year, which means MAGIC is back in session! MAGIC (Mentoring Ambitious Girls to Inspire Change) has become a wonderful partnership for the Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier and the Volunteers of America (VOA) Lighthouse Teen Club. Teen Club allows the young women a safe place to be after school and provides opportunities for them in academic assistance, community service, and more. This year we have ten Teen Club young women who are MAGIC participants.

This placement is a perfect fit for any woman who is interested in serving as a mentor for high school girls. We share our careers, interests, and hobbies by providing presentations to the Teen Club women monthly. MAGIC meets on the second and fourth Mondays of the month, September through April. The end of every MAGIC year concludes with an end-of-the-year dinner. We use this meal to celebrate the school year and to close out our MAGIC time before the summer begins. The Teen Club women are also presented with a gift that highlights the sessions from the past year.

This is my third year in this placement and I currently serve as the Head Volunteer. Tricia Saunders serves as the Assistant Head Volunteer and Twyla Abraham, Melissa Daniel, Danielle Dean, Amanda Dewett, and Tiffany Metoyer serve as committee volunteers. JLSB women are paired with the Teen Club girls after the girls’ interests

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and hobbies are considered. This enables us to serve as mentors throughout the school year.

Last year’s Head Volunteer, Kendra Joseph, organized a career fair. The Teen Club young women informed us of their desired career field and the JLSB volunteers were able to recruit a woman in each of the desired career paths. Career fields included hairdressing, information technologies, law enforcement, and more. JLSB member and orthodontist, Morgan Lang, also participated in this event. Many of the Teen Club women said this event was their favorite session from this past year.

Upcoming topics for the year include self-esteem, finances, and preparing for life after high school.

MAGIC volunteers lead the sessions, which include presentations and interactive activities. This year we also had past MAGIC volunteer, Emily Smith, come back to lead a fitness and physical activity lesson.

She also led a discussion in ways to de-stress. Emily taught everyone a choreographed dance and then a fun competition ensued between the MAGIC girls and the JLSB women.

We are looking forward to another MAGICal year.

MAGIC truly represents what this group does. The young women involved in Teen Club are all ambitious, smart, and caring young women, and it is truly a pleasure to get to work with them throughout the year. Here’s to another successful and fun MAGIC year!

Pant ry

RED APRON

The Red Apron Pantry has now been operating for one year! The Red Apron Pantry provides qualifying families with high quality supplemental nutrition each month.

Currently, 75 pounds of healthy food are provided to 15 families each month.

Recently, the Red Apron Pantry relocated to Suite D within the Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier’s office.

The move allows the project to store more nutritious food for the families it serves. The move also allowed for a change in how food is distributed to families. Now, instead of receiving a pre-packed box of food, each family can “shop” the Red Apron Pantry and select the food and hygiene items that best fit their nutritional, cooking, and taste preferences. This method of distributing food has an added benefit of reducing food waste.

Each month committee members meet to stock the shelves and discuss nutritional education opportunities for the month’s distribution. On the third Thursday of each month, from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m., committee members hold a distribution. During each distribution committee members act as personal shoppers assisting each family with their grocery selection.

At the Red Apron Pantry’s October distribution, the committee held a Halloween party for the families.

Committee members decorated the pantry, provided a

Stacey Melerine

Halloween treat bag, and visited with clients. Committee member Lindey Smith served a delicious gumbo made with ingredients available at the pantry.

The Red Apron Pantry provides League members with a rewarding evening placement opportunity that meets twice per month. Each month clients thank the committee and tell them what a blessing the food is to them. Some clients even recount their own memories of the League.

One client recently described volunteering for the League’s rummage sale in the 1970s. We look forward to continuing to serve our clients this year!

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Chair

NEWS FROM THE NOMINATING

As the nominating chairman, I am excited to announce the fall slate! Sarah Giglio will serve as President-ElectElect and Margaret McDonald as Executive Vice PresidentElect for the 2020-2021 League year. The nominating committee is confident that these two intelligent and accomplished women will ensure the continued positive

Heather Courtney

impact that the Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier has on the community in which we all live and work.

I submitted a short list of questions to Sarah and Margaret so our membership can get to know these League leaders a little bit better.

SARAH GIGLIO What are your thoughts on your upcoming year as PEE? Well my first thought is that I am honored that Nominating thought enough of me to ask me to step into this position. I am so excited to serve as PEE. The League has been so important to me for the last several years. When I moved to Shreveport a few years ago, I didn’t really know anyone. I have made so many amazing friends through the League; to be in a position to lead this organization, that has added so much to my life in the last several years, is really exciting.

Thank you to our members for trusting me with the position, and I hope to make you proud and serve our organization well.

What has been your favorite placement in the League? I’m going to cheat and name two placements I’ve had in the League. One is my position on the Board as PR&D Chair, because I have learned so much about the workings of the League and other community organizations. I feel like I come out of every Board meeting better educated and driven to do more good for the community. My other favorite placement was Super Safety Saturday. This was my placement early on in my League career, and many of us on the committee that

year became fast friends. To this day, several years later, we make the effort to get together every so often to catch up with one another. I consider these ladies some of my very best friends, and we all met because of the League!

What advice would you give our younger members who are newer to the League? Jump in with both feet!

You get out of the League what you put into it, so be involved. Talk to your advisor and/or Board members about potential leadership positions that you might be interested in later in your League career. Take advantage of the social aspect of Junior League, but also take advantage of the training opportunities. We have wonderful speakers at many of our General Membership Meetings from whom we can learn so much.

There are also opportunities to attend conferences, like Organizational Development Institute (ODI)—apply to go to those! You can learn so much at those events.

Finally, never hesitate to reach out to your advisor, a Board member, myself, or anyone else to ask questions. We are all here to make your League experience the best it can be.

MARGARET McDONALD

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What are your thoughts on your upcoming year as EVP? I think I will have many opportunities to develop my potential!

issue, everything I learned as a Provisional clicked into place, and I gained an understanding of how our councils work together.

What has been your favorite placement in the League? I answer this question differently each time I am asked, but as I am writing this, my favorite placement has been Parishscope Assistant Editor, which was my first placement as an Active member. Through planning the contents and reading the articles for each

What advice would you give our younger members who are newer to the League? It is never too late to try something new or set a new goal. The League is the perfect place to volunteer for something outside of your comfort zone.

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Patch

PUMPKIN

Allison Murray

It is hard to believe that October has already ended. I hope everyone was able to stop by the Pumpkin Patch at Provenance at some point during the month. The month flew by because it was filled with so many fun activities.

We had some amazing sponsors that helped us put on some truly great events. I would like to give a very special thank-you to one of our Great Pumpkin sponsors, Lang Orthodontics. They hosted the always popular pumpkin decorating event again this year and provided a fun Saturday at the patch.

Saturday mornings were also full of yummy pastries.

Hopefully everyone was able to try a pastry on the first Saturday—they were generously donated by Lowder Baking Company—or grab a donut on the others. The Tricks and Treats events on Sundays were also super fun. The hayrides were graciously provided by Lagniappe Lawnscapes and we were able to bring out some sweet treats and a few surprises for our guests. (My personal favorites were the magician and petting zoo!) The final

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Sunday played host to a popular patch event—the pet costume contest. It always draws a big, fun crowd and the winner took home an amazing prize donated by Southern Hills Animal Hospital.

We were lucky enough to have some great weather throughout the month. The temperatures were nice and the rain held off most of the time. New Mexico, where we source our pumpkins, wasn’t so lucky. An early freeze killed the pumpkin crops there and we weren’t able to get our usual mid-month resupply. Despite this minor setback, we still sold almost $20,000 in pumpkins. These funds will go a long way to support the community projects of the League.

We could not have been so successful without the help of all of our wonderful sponsors, volunteers, and people who purchased pumpkins from our patch. Thank you to everyone who played a part in making this year a success.

We look forward to seeing you all again next year!

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KingCake Classic 2020

Kelly Moeller

The Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier is thrilled to announce the 2020 King Cake Classic 5K, 10K, and Fun Run! This event has been incredibly successful each year and perfectly captures our local enthusiasm for Mardi Gras.

The fourth annual King Cake Classic is set for the morning of Feb. 8, 2020, with many exciting details. The race routes will begin (and finish) at Red River Brewing Company and will take our runners through historic Downtown Shreveport.

King Cake Classic is one of the only family-focused and physical activity promoting events of the Mardi Gras season in our area. We are proud that this event encourages healthy physical activity for children and families. This year’s race day experience will include: Lowder Baking Company’s delicious King Cake, Red River Brewing craft beer, live music, Mardi Gras bead medallions sponsored by Southern Roots Dental, Kid’s Activity Area, commemorative race t-shirt, and much more.

We are also proud to announce that we will be continuing the 2nd Annual “Sweet + Lucky Race Series”—comprised of King Cake Classic 2/8/2020 (JLSB) + The Pie

Save Date THE

FEB. 8, 2020

AT RED RIVER BREWING COMPANY

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Run 2/29/2020 (Southfield School) + Shamrock Shuffle 3/7/2020 (Barksdale Officers Spouses Club). Participants who register for all three races will receive a commemorative pint glass at the final race. This cross-marketing campaign has expanded our reach to area runners, and we look forward to seeing further growth for our events in the coming year.

The 2020 King Cake Classic committee has been hard at work securing sponsorships and planning event details ahead of the Mardi Gras season. Our amazing committee members are: Suzanne Frye (Co-Chair), Morgan Lang, Chelsea Adcock, Lauren Jackson, and Kelly Moeller (Chair).

Please contact one of us if you would like to become a sponsor for King Cake Classic.

Registration is now available for 5K, 10K, Fun Run, & Sleep-in Supporter—you may register by visiting: https://runsignup.com/Race/LA/Shreveport/ KingCakeClassic5k10k.

We hope you, your family, and friends will join us on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2020. Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler!

League

PROMOTING THE

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Saturday

SUPER SAFETY

Thank you for joining us at the Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier’s 10th annual Super Safety Saturday!

We had more than 1,000 people attend this year, making it a continued success.

Super Safety Saturday always falls on National Car Seat Safety Day, and our partnership with our local first responders is no less than amazing. Parents were able to participate in a drive-through service where first responders ensured infants and children were in the correct car seat. They also checked the seats for proper installation and provided important safety updates. Meanwhile, music filled the air as children jumped on inflatables in the Family Fun Zone provided by Ark-La-Tex Tents and Events and Bayou Bounce and enjoyed face painting and food provided by local food trucks. The excitement continued with the grand entrance and exit of a Metro Aviation helicopter, along with our Touch a Truck exhibits. Thank you to all who lent their vehicles for children to climb and play in them and learn safety.

The health and safety fair included demonstrations from the Office of Public Health about what to do around our area’s dangerous plants and animals. Shots-for-Tots provided on-site vaccinations and a fingerprinting station

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Brandi Stephens

was staffed by the sheriff’s department. AARP also participated and provided the opportunity to shred personal documents in an effort to decrease identity theft.

A special thanks to Caddo Parks and Recreation Department for making this event possible. To the Wyndham Garden Hotel and Red River Credit Union who donated cold water, door prizes and financial education, and the donors who made the goodie bags possible...Thank You. We appreciate the news and radio stations for their coverage on-site, including KSLA News 12 and New Radio 710 KEEL and Best of Times with Gary Calligas. A huge round of applause to Lt. Richard Corbett and law enforcement partners, vendors, volunteers, and participants and who gave their Saturday to the kids in honor of safety. To the event committee, all of your hard work over the summer and the start of a school year made the 2019 Super Safety Saturday one to remember!

Back in 2008, the League contributed $75,000 to construct an outdoor pavilion in the Sheriff’s Safety Town neighborhood. We have enjoyed this partnership and watching Sheriff’s Safety Town continue to grow and commit to a safer community.

Pepsi

RED RIVER REVEL

Pumpkins, football, cooler weather (we hope), and Halloween are all things that we associate with October. In the Shreveport-Bossier City area, we can also count on The Red River Revel for entertainment for all ages!

The Red River Revel first opened in 1976, as a gift to the City of Shreveport for the nation’s Bicentennial. Since its inception, the Revel has grown into a week-long celebration of arts, music, and of course, food. The Revel manages to draw in many vendors from near and far to sell their wares, as well as providing a showcase for emerging local artists. “The Revel is a celebration of the Arts, which are very important in our community,” said Pepsi Weekend Chairman Erin Walker. The Revel also invites children from local schools to enjoy the festival atmosphere during day trips with face painting and other fun activities.

Although the Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier does not run the Red River Revel, our League still has a strong hand in its production every year. From our president and president-elect serving on the Board of Directors to assisting kids with projects at Artist for a Day, and of course, selling Pepsi products. During the 2019 Revel, close to 100 JLSB Active and Provisional members worked to cover about 24 Fund Development shifts varying from three to five hours in length to fulfill their obligations.

Through sunshine, and even rain, Pepsi products quenched the thirst of Revelers of all ages. A perennial favorite, the Revel serves as a consistent contributing factor

Courtney McBee

to the League’s Fund Development. The funds raised also allow the League to support many of its other programs throughout the community.

Each year, the new Provisional class is given first crack at signing up for Revel shifts—one of their first opportunities to participate in League functions. It’s a great way for them to meet Active members, and for some of them, it’s their first Revel experience. “Working in the Pepsi booth this year was an absolute treat! How neat it is to interact with so many different kinds of people of all ages from beyond just our community,” said Arielle Kendall. “Thanks to this opportunity through the Junior League of ShreveportBossier, I’m now even more excited about my provisional year of learning to serve Northwest Louisiana.”

Selling Pepsi products to Revelers isn’t the only way that JLSB members serve the community at the Revel.

For several years, Kristina Glass fulfilled her placement at Revel Artist for a Day. “It’s always a blast getting to help kids find their inner artists! Whether they are two or 12, there’s fun for all! The kids always have so much fun finding out the new craft for the day when they come back,” she said.

One of the best ways that the Revel can be summed up comes from Provisional Director Carolyn Murphy, “It’s the best opportunity to grow and give back to a community who has supported the JLSB for decades, all while strengthening your friendships with fellow League members ... who could pass on that?” In truth, working the Revel is one of the best ways to connect to other League members, get a little slice of culture, and to serve our community. Nine days may not seem like a long time, but we have a full year to prepare for next year and wait for that amazing food!

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Hist ory

TRENDS & TRADITIONS

As many of you may fondly remember, Trends & Traditions was an event started and hosted annually by the Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier beginning in 2001 and lasted more than a decade.

During the early 2000s, the League was on a mission to create a sustainable fundraiser that was relatively lowcost to execute, while yielding high profits and providing a fun event for all the members. That mission was successfully fulfilled through the launching of Trends & Traditions.

Each member of the League participated and it earned net profits of approximately $114,000 in its first year. Trends & Traditions was designed to be a three-day event kicking off the spring season with a marketplace for the community to shop a variety of goods, from a variety of locations.

Vendors from all across the Southern region participated in the event each year selling clothing, landscaping items, home décor, children’s play sets, and more. The JLSB even utilized a booth to sell cookbooks and educate shoppers on the League and our mission.

Like all events established by the JLSB, many hours of planning, coordinating, and research occurred prior to commencement. The name “Trends & Traditions” was carefully selected to represent a perfect combination of everything new and modern, while remaining timeless and classic. Sustainers Peggy Murphy, JLSB President the first year of Trends & Traditions, and Toni Thompson, Merchant Recruiting Committee member, recall traveling to trade shows and marketplace-like events in Tyler, Texas, Monroe, Louisiana, and Jackson, Mississippi, to scope the events, gather contact information about the vendors participating, and later reach out to those vendors to invite them to participate.

Thompson noted this benefitted the vendors, because it was a productive, inexpensive way for them to gain exposure and sales as the League only charged a booth rental fee without collecting a percentage of the sales. Trends & Traditions became wildly popular and highly anticipated in the community. Shreveport Expo Hall was home to Trends

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Stephanie Foster

& Traditions for the first five years. 2006 Trends & Traditions Chairman and past JLSB president Melanie Peacock, says her year as chairman was the final year before the event moved to the Convention Center in 2007. “I still can’t believe how a group of 26 women (and a few handy husbands) totally transformed that venue into a premier shopping experience with a little something for everyone ... except the men,” she said. “The man cave area was introduced the next year and was a wonderful addition to the event.” Trends & Traditions eventually moved over to the Bossier Civic Center in its final years.

Looking back on her chairman experience, Peacock said, “I was a second year Active and totally overwhelmed with the thought of chairing the JLSB’s largest fundraiser... with two boys under two years old (one born in October while planning Trends & Traditions)—I was unsure of how it would all get done.” Peacock recalls that a brand-new BMW 325i was raffled off that year, “We barely covered the cost of the car with ticket sales, but it did generate a lot of buzz about the Market and the Junior League’s mission and presence in Shreveport Bossier.”

The success of Trends & Traditions during Peacock’s chairmanship was extremely important, because the other major JLSB fundraiser, Bargain Haul, was eliminated when all of the goods collected that year were donated for Hurricane Katrina victims. She feels the Trends & Traditions Chairman placement pushed her beyond her comfort zone, challenging her more than any other placement, including JLSB President.

While it was an effective fundraiser for the League for many years, it is arguable that the Trends &Traditions era is most celebrated for the countless memories. When asked about their most memorable experiences with Trends & Traditions, Thompson and Murphy agreed the fun times they had, the camaraderie of all the League members, and forming new friendships were their favorites. “It wasn’t hard, and it was fun to do,” said Thompson. “It was all hands-on deck.” Murphy says Trends & Traditions, “… was so much fun because we all worked together through

the different scheduled events.

Kids came with their families, husbands came during the Preview Party where there was a band. This event was so different from what we did before.”

Peacock agrees that one of the fondest memories of her time working Trends & Traditions is the friendships that she formed.

“It really was a family affair that got everyone involved,” said Murphy. Though many fundraisers have come and gone since Trends & Traditions, this one left a lasting impression on the hearts of many.

MELANIE IN HER APRON

THE TRENDS & TRADITIONS COMMITTEE ON THE FEBRUARY 2006 PARISHSCOPE COVER WITH THE RAFFLED BMW 321i

Christ mas Part y Please join us for the JLSB

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10 6 P.M. – 8 P.M. JLSB OFFICE All members are invited!

This will be an opportunity for General Membership Meeting Credit for Active and Provisional members.

Please join us for appetizers, drinks, and Holiday cheer! j l sb .o rg | W in te r 2 019 PARI S H S C OPE

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Memorable Moment s Affinit y Groups

Safe Sitter

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MAGIC

Super Safet y Saturday

Celebrations&Member

TRANSFERS

Two transfers have joined the JLSB this year—Kim Biagini from the Junior League of Dallas and Melissa Daniel from the Junior League of Pensacola. Welcome, ladies! We are excited to have you in our League.

MELISSA DANIEL

Emily Smith (Active) became

engaged to Nick Oliver.

The couple will wed in Shreveport on July 4, 2020. (photo: above)

Hometown: Capron, Virginia Family: Husband Occupation: Chemical Engineer League you transferred from: Richmond, Virginia > Pensacola, Florida > Shreveport, Louisiana Years in the League: 4 Years Active Current placement: MAGIC Hobbies: Cooking, Wineries, Traveling

Congratulations to Lauren Jackson (Active) and K.C. Kilpatrick (Sustainer) for being among this year’s ATHENA Leadership Award honorees! Honorees are an example of professional excellence and are committed to the betterment of the community. (photos: below)

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COOKBOOK RECIPE

Mardi Gras to Mistletoe is the Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier’s third and most recent cookbook publication with its first printing in 2007. It honors the traditions from A Cook’s Tour and Revel, while at the same time creating a modern publication with beautiful photographs from Neil Johnson and an extensive selection of recipes for cooks of today.

Mardi Gras to Mistletoe is just as it sounds, highlighting festivities and seasonal recipes throughout the year! The cookbook is divided into twelve chapters, one for each month, with each chapter featuring celebrations and traditions that are near and dear to the hearts of those in Northwest Louisiana.

Recipes are then categorized by month to help the reader create a seasonal menu, but each recipe also makes for a fabulous stand-alone dish!

If Mardi Gras to Mistletoe is not already in your cookbook collection, stop by the Junior League Office or visit jlsb.org to get one today! It also makes a beautiful gift, especially this time of year!

Mardi Gras to Mistletoe, page 160

AUTUMN HOT CRANBERRY CITRUS PUNCH

Ingredients: 1 (32-ounce) bottle of cranberry juice 2 cups orange juice ½ cup lemon juice ½ cup honey ¼ cup lime juice 3 whole cloves 2 cinnamon sticks 1 (32-ounce) bottle ginger ale Cinnamon sticks (optional)

Directions: Combine the cranberry juice, orange juice, lemon juice, honey, lime juice, cloves, and two cinnamon sticks in a stockpot. Simmer over medium heat for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Discard the cloves and cinnamon sticks. Just before serving, mix in the ginger ale and simmer until warm. Serve hot in heated mugs. Garnish and serve with a cinnamon stick, if desired.

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Advertiser Index CHRISTUS Health................................19 Garden Park........................................33 GCM Jewelry.......................................23 Dr. Robert E. Goodman........................16 Graf Orthodontics................................11 Jennifer Bradford Photography........... 7 La Bambolina....................................... 8 Lang Orthodontics......Inside Back Cover Pure Barre...........................................15 Sid Potts....................Inside Front Cover

Happy H lidays

from our family to yours!

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Dr. Morgan Trahant Lang

SHREVEPORT | NATCHITOCHES

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