The goal of the camp is to empower families through education, encouragement, and enjoyment, helping families alleviate the frustration of chronic illness. 

Education: Camp Jambalaya Jubilee’s adult small group meetings provide families with access to top pediatric rheumatologists from around the country, dentists, orthopedic surgeons, ENTs, nephrologists, cardiologists, hand surgeons, ophthalmologists, nurses, family therapists, physical therapists and occupational therapists. Parents learn about new research and medications, how to watch for signs and symptoms, and ways to work with the school system. Local organization TEAMS steps in here.

Encouragement: Camp Jambalaya Jubilee’s small group counseling sessions give families the opportunity to talk with family therapists and address underlying issues, such as marital strife, siblings having feelings of neglect, or fears regarding the illness. These sessions have proven invaluable to fostering connections between families and healing strained relationships. Dr. George Wolcott has been involved from the beginning and brings a team of therapists each year to work with the families.

Enjoyment: Camp Jambalaya Jubilee’s camp program for children includes a number of special needs accessible activities such as bowling, swimming, arcades, games, and arts and crafts. Because all children are able to participate in every activity, they experience a sense of normalcy, maybe for the first time. Parents report that children look forward to camp each year with great anticipation. Special family evening recreation is intended to facilitate relationship building between families. Activities include a Mardi Gras parade, an outdoor carnival, and an evening outing to places like the YMCA and Sci-Port.

Overall, families return to camp year after year to receive patient education, patient peer support, caregivers support and patient advocacy information—all critical needs within these families. They gain unprecedented access to doctors, surgeons, specialists, and therapists, all dedicated to helping them cope with the physical, emotional, and financial challenges of having a child or sibling with chronic illness. 

At the 30th anniversary of camp in 2022, 20 former campers (over age 18) participated, and the families learned about how far the medicines and treatments have come over the years. Several of these camp alumni are wheelchair bound which isn’t the case for most newer patients due to the advancement in medical diagnosis and treatments. The former campers shared their stories of success and trials. Parents saw how their own children would be able to navigate adulthood with the illness.  

The other mission of Children and Arthritis is to help with early diagnosis of the condition through continuing education to medical practitioners, especially pediatricians who are the first point of contact for these children. The organization has hosted the medical Cassidy Conference: Advances in Pediatric Rheumatology. At the most recent in 2022, Willis- Knighton Health System was the presenting sponsor, in partnership with the 

Northwest Louisiana Pediatric Society, Pediatric Rheumatologists of the South (PROs), and Shriners Hospitals for Children-Shreveport, where the conference was held. The conference featured world-renowned faculty speakers. The conference was a chance for new and experienced pediatric rheumatologists and pediatricians to come together and share their knowledge of advances in infectious disease and pediatric rheumatology, allowing for new thought processes and innovative techniques.

The Cassidy Conference is named in memory of Dr. James T. Cassidy, an exceptional rheumatologist and professor who was considered “the father of pediatric rheumatology.” Cassidy was internationally recognized for his work in pediatric rheumatology and wrote the first textbook, “Textbook of Pediatric Rheumatology.”

Cassidy was an instructor and mentor to Pressly and was also instrumental in starting Camp Jambalaya Jubilee. 

childrenandarthritis.org

Bodcau Wildlife Management Area

Bodcau Wildlife Management Area—or Bodcau Recreation Area—is located in Bossier and Webster Parishes and derives its name from the major bayou that bisects it from its northernmost point at the Arkansas-Louisiana state line to its southernmost tip nearly 30 miles to the south. Whether you’re a seasoned outdoorsman or new to exploring nature’s pathways, the Bodcau Wildlife Management Area is one of the most beautiful natural areas in Louisiana. From cypress-lines swamps to canopies of pine and hardwood forests, there’s a lot to love about this special wildlife management area.

Dog Parks
Shreveport now has two dog parks: the Shreveport Dog Park on the Riverfront and the Southern Hills Dog Park. 

When you’re done fetching, go out together for a bite or a cold one.

Here are a few of the dog friendly patios where you can bring your furry friends. stock photo of dog at feet on a patio??

1. Great Raft Brewing Company
2. BeauxJax Crafthouse
3. Flying Heart Brewing & Pub
4. Twisted Root
5. Marilynn’s Place
6. Rotolo’s Pizzeria
7. Another Broken Egg Café
8. Rhino Coffee – Uptown
9. Bodacious Bar and Q
10. Cantina Laredo
11. Monjuni’s (Louisiana Avenue Location)
12. Ki’ Mexico
13. Line Ave. Pie & Brew Company
14. Torchy’s Tacos
15. The Missing Link

Caddo Common Park

Caddo Common Park, also known as “The Common,” is a 1+ acre creative greenspace located at the center of Shreveport Common at 869 Texas Avenue. The new pavilion opened in November 2022. The location and design of the park were informed by a nationally-awarded creative placemaking community vision plan process to revitalize a 9-block historic yet long-blighted area between the downtown business district and the eastern edge of Shreveport’s oldest neighborhood, Ledbetter/HUD Choice Neighborhoods. Today, through a large and tenacious public/private effort, nine parcels of broken concrete slabs, weeds and razor wire have been transformed into an active urban greenspace with tree-lined walking trails, an iconic outdoor Performance Pavilion, an Art Bosque Food Truck Court with 20’ tall solar and LED lit Artistrees, and a Bioswale.

Betty Virginia Park

Betty Virginia Park was given to the city by A.C. Steere and his partner Elias Goldstein in honor of their daughters Betty Goldstein and Virginia Steere. Open from dawn until dusk and is free to visit, it’s one of the top-visited parks in Shreveport and has a little bit to offer to everyone. It has a baseball diamond, picnic areas, playground equipment, and walking trails. There is not a place in Shreveport where Shreveporters have played as long or as hard as at Betty Virginia Park.

North Bossier Park

A lovely park hidden away in a residential neighborhood in Bossier City. Within the park, a dedicated picnic area is a great place to eat lunch or dinner. There are four pavilions for shelter, which means you can enjoy shelter from the sun while eating. After eating, enjoy a walk on the park's jogging trails that wind through the park, and the on-site restrooms are kept clean. It also has some climbing rocks, spray park for the kids, and a playground, so you'll have plenty of things to do after your picnic.

WHAT IS A CRAWFISH?

Crawfish are freshwater crustaceans, usually ranging in length from 3-6 inches. And, depending on your region and upbringing, can be known as crayfish, or mudbugs, or crawdads—but in Louisiana they are simply known as “crawfish” and are a staple during the spring and summer. The meat in their tails, and claws, is edible and the basis for crawfish boils and many popular recipes like gumbo, étouffée and jambalaya.

WHAT DOES CRAWFISH TASTE LIKE?

Although crawfish is typically grouped with seafood, it does not have a strong natural flavor like many other delicacies in this group. Compared to crab, crawfish do have a stronger flavor and are usually much meatier. Many people describe the flavor of crawfish as a combination of shrimp and crab, as they are slightly salty, a little sweet, and have a bit of mineral flavor. The taste of crawfish ultimately depends on which parts you are eating and how it’s been prepared.

The edible parts include the claws, tails, legs, tomalley, roe, and outer shell. The claws, legs, and tails are typically considered the most desirable parts as they contain the majority of the meat. While the claws have a mild and sweet taste with a smooth texture, the tails are a bit thicker and tougher to chew. 

WHEN IS CRAWFISH SEASON?

Crawfish season varies from one year to the next, based on how cold (or mild) the weather was during the Gulf Coast winter. It also depends on the amount of rain, and the water levels in the swamps and bayous.

Generally, the crawfish season in Louisiana runs from early-January through early-July for crawfish caught in the wild, with the peak months being March, April, and May. Crawfish from farms are available over a longer period of the year.

WHAT IS THE TYPICAL SIZE OF A SACK OF CRAWFISH?

Mesh sacks of crawfish vary in weight, but the average sack weighs around 34-36 pounds. However, some can be as small as 25lbs, others as large as 43lbs.

HOW IN THE WORLD DO YOU BOIL CRAWFISH?

Boiling crawfish is a Louisiana tradition—an event and social gathering not to be rushed, but to be enjoyed with family and friends! Fill your chest with ice, beer, and cold drinks, gather up newspaper to spread on the outdoor tables, setup the lawn chairs, and begin the “process.”

When it comes to recipes, everyone has a favorite—there are dozens of recipes and techniques to choose from. 

WHAT IS THE RECOMMENDED AMOUNT TO ORDER FOR EACH PERSON?

The standard guideline is three pounds per person—for the “average” person that is. This recommendation is based on serving the crawfish with corn and potatoes. Some long-time crawfish diners may consume up to five pounds. Crawfish aficionados can easily eat ten pounds (or more) in one sitting.

ARE CRAWFISH GOOD FOR YOUR HEALTH?

Crawfish are an excellent source of high-quality protein, while being low in calories, fat, and saturated fat.  One quarter pound of crawfish tails contains only 82 calories, while also being a good source of calcium, phosphorous, iron, protein, and B vitamins. Although crawfish tend to be higher in cholesterol than most other shellfish, a 3.5 ounce serving provides only about half of the daily recommended allowance.

HOW MUCH EDIBLE MEAT COMES FROM A CRAWFISH?

A whole, cooked crawfish will typically yield about 15% tail meat. So, as an example, 10 pounds of whole crawfish should yield about 1.5 pounds of tail meat.

WILL A CRAWFISH BITE ME?

Hold a live crawfish behind the head and you’re safe! If it’s already been boiled—just pinch the head and enjoy!

What are Louisiana’s Medical Marijuana Laws?

If you currently live in Louisiana, it’s important for you to know the current laws in place. Louisiana medical marijuana laws are still relatively new, so it can be hard to find the most up-to-date information to go on. Here’s everything you need to know about the medical marijuana laws in Louisiana.

Did Louisiana Pass a Medical Marijuana Law?

As of 2019, medical marijuana is legal in Louisiana. For many years, citizens were probably wondering regularly, “Is medical marijuana legal in Louisiana?” This is because the law making it legal actually passed back in 2014. However, it was not enacted until 2019, making medical marijuana inaccessible for citizens up until that point.

It’s important to know that currently, the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) is in charge of all regulations for medical marijuana, including the production and manufacturing of all forms. Essentially, this means that all growth of medical marijuana is handled by the government of Louisiana.

What About Recreational Marijuana in Louisiana?

While medical marijuana is legal in Louisiana, recreational use of marijuana is currently not legal in the state. While this may be discouraging news for some people, there is some positive news.

While the use of marijuana recreationally is still illegal in Louisiana, in 2021, the state legislature voted to decriminalize the possession of recreational marijuana. This means that if a person is found with 14 grams of marijuana, or less, then they will face a fine of up to $300 versus being sentenced to jail time. While this isn’t full legalization, it has hopefully begun the process of helping the public view marijuana in a different way.

Decriminalization is the first step toward the recreational use of marijuana being legalized in Louisiana. In fact, many politicians and citizens alike are still pushing for marijuana to be legalized in Louisiana in the coming years. In the meantime, many people are working to spread awareness of the benefits of marijuana legalization.

What Are the Louisiana Medical Marijuana Laws?

So, while you can’t purchase or use recreational marijuana, those people who qualify for a medical card in Louisiana are able to receive a prescription from a doctor for medical marijuana. In order to understand the qualifications and limitations put into place by the Louisiana government, you might want to review Louisiana law RS 40:1046. In summary, to qualify for a medical marijuana card in Louisiana, a person must be diagnosed with a qualifying condition by a doctor licensed to practice in the state. Some of the most common qualifying conditions include cancer, HIV/AIDS, cachexia or wasting disorder, seizure disorders (including but not limited to epilepsy), spasticity, Crohn’s disease, muscular dystrophy, severe muscle spasms, glaucoma, Parkinson’s disease, post-traumatic stress disorder, multiple sclerosis, intractable pain (which is narrowly defined), Alzheimer’s, ALS, traumatic brain injury, concussion, chronic pain associated with either fibromyalgia or sickle cell disease, conditions resulting in the patient receiving hospice care or palliative care, and—in some cases—autism.

Once a person qualifies for a medical marijuana card, they are placed in a state-wide database, where they can go to a qualifying Louisiana cannabis dispensary and receive their prescribed dosage. It’s important to understand that, legally, each cardholder may only be given up to 2.5 ounces of medical marijuana every 14 days. This helps ensure cardholders are not abusing the system or sharing their prescribed medication.

Understanding the specifics of the marijuana laws in Louisiana will help ensure you aren’t surprised if you come across any terms or limitations regarding medical marijuana cards and usage.

Cultivation License in Louisiana

With medical marijuana legal in Louisiana, you may be wondering how you can begin cultivating your own crops. As previously mentioned, the LDAF currently handles all cultivation of medical marijuana. This means that there is no medical growth permitted outside of two agencies in the state—the Louisiana State University Agriculture Center and Southern University Agriculture Center. No other individual or business is allowed to grow medical marijuana for personal use or distribution. 

Louisiana Cannabis Dispensary Information

If you or someone you know qualifies for a medical marijuana card in Louisiana, you’re likely wondering how you can obtain the prescribed amount of cannabis. As of right now, Louisiana only has nine dispensaries in the state. While this may be discouraging at first glance, there are some dispensaries that offer home delivery to medical cardholders.

Medical marijuana dispensaries in Louisiana are able to provide you with a wide array of marijuana products to best meet your needs and preferences in symptom alleviation. Dispensaries have a variety of smokeable marijuana flowers, RSO distillate syringes, metered-dose inhalers (MDIs), edibles, and tinctures.

Once you have your medical marijuana card and prescription from your doctor, you are able to visit a dispensary and find the right product for you. Each dispensary employs people who will help you choose the right form of cannabis and will follow up with you to make sure your product of choice is meeting your needs.

Takeaway

When asking the question, “is marijuana legal in Louisiana,” the answer is a little more complicated than many people prefer. Medical marijuana is fully legal in Louisiana as long as the person has a medical card that was recommended and prescribed by a licensed Louisiana doctor. However, recreational marijuana is still illegal in the state.

While many people may be discouraged by the state of marijuana laws in Louisiana, it’s important to realize how much progress has been made over the last few years. Recognizing that smaller amounts of marijuana possession are now decriminalized in Louisiana can be seen as a mark for the win column for those in favor of legalization.

Regardless of what future cannabis laws look like in Louisiana, it’s essential to be as up-to-date as possible on the laws and regulations in place so you can make sure you are abiding by them.

1. Reduction in stress and anxiety:  Studies have shown that spending time with pets can help reduce stress and anxiety. The special bond you have with your pet can reduce feelings of anxiety and help cope with ailments that are exacerbated by stress. Pets provide a calming presence, and their unconditional love and affectionate behavior can help to lower levels of cortisol, a hormone that is associated with stress. Having that excited dog to greet you when you come home or having a warm fur baby to cuddle up with on the sofa can provide a sense of security and comfort and can help reduce feelings of anxiety. Tending to your pets feeding schedule, play time and grooming can provide a sense of routine, which also helps to alleviate anxiety.

   Of course, in order to benefit from the calming influence, you do need to make sure your pets are relaxed and happy, so doing some research on things like why dogs are scared of fireworks and how to help them can be useful. 

2. Improved mood and decreased depression:  Pets can have a positive impact on our mood and mental state. Spending time with a pet can increase the production of endorphins, the brain’s feel-good chemicals, which can help to boost our mood and decrease feelings of depression. In addition, pets provide unconditional love and companionship, which can help to combat feelings of loneliness and isolation. Many people became new pet owners during the pandemic for this very reason. For individuals prone to mental health struggles, pets can provide a distraction and disruption from distressing symptoms, such as ruminating negative thoughts. Using animals to promote mental wellness has been formally adopted by hospitals, nursing homes and other facilities. Animal-Assisted Therapy or Pet-Facilitated Therapy (PFT) has been shown to be a valuable adjunct to traditional medical and psychological treatment approaches. Dogs, cats, rabbits, horses and even llamas have been used in pet-assisted therapy and have shown to have beneficial events in a wide range of conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and autism. There is some evidence to suggest that the human-animal bond may reduce the risk of suicide, a health threat that disproportionately affects U.S. military veterans.
3. Increased socialization and sense of community:  Pets can be a great way to meet new people and make friends. Whether it is taking a dog for a walk in the park or joining a cat-lovers group online, pets can provide opportunities for socialization and a sense of community. Dog parks are very friendly places, not just for the dogs, but for the humans as well. Meeting and chatting with fellow pet owners can help to combat loneliness and can be a great way to connect with others, especially for people who are shy, struggle with social anxiety or have a hard time making new friends. I have had some of the nicest conversations with strangers in the veterinarian’s waiting room. Most pet owners are happy to chat about their pet with others.
4. Enhanced sense of purpose and responsibility:  Pets are family members. Like humans, they need love, healthcare, feeding schedules and attention. Caring for a pet can provide a sense of purpose and responsibility. Pets are totally dependent on their owners, and taking care of them can provide a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment. Pets can be a great way to introduce chores and teach responsibility in children. Pets also provide children with opportunities to learn about demonstrating nurture and affection. A University of Cambridge study, which examined pet ownership and children over a 10-year time span, found that children who had a strong relationship with their pets exhibited higher levels of pro-social behavior (e.g., sharing, helping) in comparison to their peers.
5. Increased physical activity: Many pets, such as dogs, require daily exercise. A Michigan Behavioral Risk Factor Survey found that approximately 60% of dog walkers met the criteria for regular moderate to vigorous exercise, in comparison to only 45% of non-dog owners. Having a cat or a dog has been shown to be beneficial for your blood pressure. Being a dog owner is associated with lower diastolic and systolic blood pressure. The National Health and Nutrition Examination study looked at pet ownership over a 20-year time span. The study of over 2,400 cat owners concluded that there was a significantly lower relative risk of death due to cardiovascular diseases, including stroke and heart attack, compared to non-owners. Pets can help us get regular exercise, and this has been shown to have numerous physical and psychological benefits.

The rewards provided by pets are too many to list. If you’ve had a tough day or a personal crisis, the unconditional love and support a pet can provide can be priceless. Many people report that their pets have helped them get through difficult times. 

While pet ownership clearly has enormous benefits, it is not without commitment and challenges. Before getting a pet, carefully consider your lifestyle. Do you stay late at work? Do you travel often? Pets require time, attention, and financial resources. Make sure you are at the right point in your life to be able to responsibly take on a pet. A good fit between you and your pet can enhance your life immensely.

Michelle Yetman, PhD, is a Clinical Associate Professor at LSU Health Shreveport and a Clinical Psychologist for the Children’s Center at the LSUHS School of Allied Health Professions.

In addition to celebrating our own  pets, National Pet  Day is also a time  to raise awareness  about pet adoption  and the importance  of responsible pet  ownership. Many  animal shelters and  rescue organizations  hold special adoption events  and fundraisers on  this day to help find  loving homes for  pets in need. This  day is a wonderful  opportunity to celebrate the special  bond that we share  with our pets and to  promote the well being of animals in  our communities.  

There are many ways to celebrate National Pet Day and  show your love and appreciation for your furry friends.  Here are some ideas: 

• Spend quality time with your pet: Take your dog for a long  walk, play with your cat, or simply cuddle up with your pet  on the couch.
•  Spoil your pet with treats and toys: Treat your pet to their  favorite treats and toys, or surprise them with a new toy or a  special treat they haven’t tried before.
• Share photos and stories about your pet on social  media: Use the hashtag #NationalPetDay to share photos  and stories about your pet on social media and celebrate  the special bond you share.
• Make a donation to an animal shelter or rescue  organization: Make a donation to a local animal or rescue  organization to help support their efforts in caring for  animals in need.
• Volunteer at a local animal shelter: Offer your time  and support by volunteering at a local animal shelter  or rescue organization. You can help with tasks such as  walking dogs, cleaning cages, and playing with cats.
• Adopt a pet: If you’ve been considering adopting a pet,  National Pet Day is a great time to take the leap and give  a loving home to an animal in need. 

Remember, celebrating National Pet Day is not just about  spoiling our own pets, but also about promoting animal  welfare and raising awareness about the importance of  responsible pet ownership. Whatever you choose to do, make  sure to show your love for your pets, and consider ways to  help support the well-being of animals in your community. 

Water consumption helps you tolerate more pain.

Dismissing water from your daily diet can lead to some obvious conditions like fatigue, but have you heard of this one yet? That’s right, according to research published in the journal Psychophysiology, gulping down the liquid beverage can actually help sustain your tolerance to pain. For the study, 17 healthy male participants were put through two tests: one in which they regularly consumed the clear liquid, and the second which required neglecting the beverage for 24 hours. After each test, the researchers dunked the participants’’ feet in ice-cold water (0-3°) for a maximum of four minutes. They discovered that when the males were in the “dehydrated state,” their inclination to yank away their toes was far greater than when they were fully fueled with water. Meaning: Their perception and sensitivity to pain was significantly higher when deprived of water. Consider the tactic next time you try recovering with an ice bath. Or better yet, up your H2O intake in general. I mean, who wouldn’t want to tough out pain more than the next guy?

 Water helps you maintain normal body function.

Research has shown that water speeds up your metabolism, cleans the body of toxins, and generally helps to make everything in your body run smoothly. Considering an adult male is usually 60% water, this all makes sense. You need that water to digest food, circulate blood, keep your mouth from drying out, and do a number of other things we often take for granted. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty—be proactive about it.

 Water can make you feel better in everyday life. 

Scientists from the University of Maastricht in the Netherlands found that patients who suffered from severe headaches and migraines enjoyed an improved quality of life by drinking about seven glasses of water a day. Drink up and stay healthy.

 Water will reduce your cravings for empty calories. 

Some studies have shown that people confuse hunger with dehydration; others find that people eat less if they’re vigilant water-drinkers. Water won’t keep you from eating the food you need to be healthy, but it could help you stay away from the unnecessary junk food your body craves.

 Water increases your energy level. 

In general, dehydration leads to fatigue, which slowly eats away at the bodily functions you need to get through the day. The more water you drink, the more awake and alert you’ll feel. Also, opting for drinking water with a high pH such as Icelandic Glacial [8.4 pH] helps the body detoxify and balance out acidity levels—resulting in better prevention of disease and illness.

 Water is almost always your healthiest drink option. 

A lot of popular beverage choices out there have no nutritional benefits. Soda is mostly liquefied sugar, and a lot of juices are surprisingly in the same boat. Alcoholic beverages should be enjoyed only in moderation, and sports drinks are really only a good choice when you’re in the middle of some intense activity. In most cases, if you’re going to buy a drink, water is your best choice.

 Water keeps your brain firing. 

Water helps the brain make electrical energy to keep synapses firing, nerves sparking, and glands producing hormones (like testosterone).

 Water empowers your muscles.

It gives you the “pump” you feel when you lift, but water also keeps muscles strong. Even a tiny—1.5%—decrease in hydration can lead to strength loss.

 Water aids your liver.

Water thins the blood so it’s easier for the liver to filter out potentially harmful substances—alcohol, drugs, germs, pollutants—that could poison your body.

 Water saves your skin.

Deprived of H2O, skin becomes tight, dry, and wrinkled, and develops cracks in cell walls that can let in infections.

 Water mobilizes your small intestine.

Like an internal garden hose, the small intestine sends water around the body to deliver molecules—amino acids, sugars, fats—your cells need to live.

 *Extra takeaway: Bottled water vs. tap water.

Now that you know it’s important to keep up with your water intake, what about tap water vs. bottled water? Well, not only is bottled water a bit more convenient, but it might also be safer. In a recent study from the Environment Science and Technology, researchers found possible risks of acute gastrointestinal illness from aging water distribution systems. Why risk cramps and discomfort when it can all be avoided with purified, bottled water?

“You tell somebody the grandpas played together on the same street, fought together in the war, then came to Bossier City and opened two of the oldest stores, and then we married each other, they say, ‘That’s a mafia wedding.’ I say, ‘No, God worked it out.’”

Sharon said it takes that kind of connection to keep a store like Maggio Grocery & Deli going.

“It was the perfect union for us,” she said. “I was used to being in the store all the time. You definitely have to have family. Somebody who understands this type of business. This little neighborhood depends on this place.”

The Peters’ family store eventually closed. Maggio is working to ensure the tradition remains in the family.

“We’re still going, thank the Lord,” he said. “I am training my nephew, Joseph Maggio, to run the store if something happens to me.”

Maggio greets everyone who comes through the door, calling most by name and asking about their families. At Maggio Grocery & Deli, bottled drinks are $1.99. Love is free.

“You’ve got to give it from the heart,” he said. “When you give from the heart, you don’t keep up with it. You just keep giving, because God will give it to you. If God lets me live one more day to see my family, my friends, my customers, I’m happy.”

One woman calls out, “Hey, Vince,” as she’s walking out the door. He doesn’t let her just slip away. “Hey, sweetheart,” he calls back in reply. “How you doing? You have a nice day.”

Joe waits patiently while Maggio is on the phone. “He’s good people,” Joe says of Vince. “I’ve never met anybody better than him. Never.”

“This is a neighborhood store,” Maggio explained. “When they come here, you want them happy and safe. I’ll take care of them like they are my own family.”

That love drives Maggio to give back to the community beyond the four walls of the store.

He was staring out the window of the store one Monday morning, sipping coffee and considering what more he could do for his neighborhood, when that love prompted him to take another step — running for city council.

“Bossier City has been so great to my whole family,” he said. “I want to give back to my community I was born in District 5. I live in District 5. I work in District 5. I’ve never left District 5.”

Maggio’s campaign platform was built on safety and infrastructure.

“We ain’t got safety, and we ain’t got infrastructure,” he said. “Every penny I spend for the city, I want it to go back to the basics — safety and infrastructure. That’s what we need right now.”

Maggio backs up his commitment to his district with his actions. He has organized cleanup efforts to keep trash out of the neighborhood.

“I’ve picked up 13 dumpsters already,” he said. “What the trash people don’t pick up, I pick up — limbs, posts, iceboxes, dishwashers, basketball goals. I hate to see something on the side of the road. I’m giving back to my community. I don’t mind working.”

Through the years Maggio has bought properties in the neighborhood to keep them from going dormant. One of those properties is now Cumberland Farms — the urban garden down the street from the store.

Cumberland Farms’ mission is to “Restore Lives. Create Jobs. Ignite Hope.” It is an extension of The Lovewell at Cumberland, whose expanded mission is to help people in the area move out of poverty.

Maggio gave the Lovewell permission to the property with no strings attached. 

“We couldn’t do a lot of what we do without their help,” Mark Rodie, co-founder of Cumberland Farms and director of operations for the Lovewell at Cumberland, said of the Maggios. “It was a clean slate, an empty lot. We just show him pictures of what God has done, and he says, ‘That’s awesome.’”

On this particular Wednesday, a group of Haughton students were volunteering at the garden on their Spring Break. Maggio treated them to burgers and sandwiches from the store for lunch. On Thursday nights, he pays for security for The Underground, a Bible study and dinner for young people in the area.

For Maggio, it’s all a way to share a simple message with the community.

“If you have Jesus, honesty and work hard, you can have anything I’ve got,” he said. “I didn’t go to college. Daddy kept me at the store, helping on rent houses and at the farm. I’m teaching them how I was brought up.”