Sound familiar?

There’s Toby and Billy, Sue Jane and the two Tinas, Lannie Mae and Main Street, and the National Guard Armory and the ol’ green and white, the school colors. These are teens who learn to dance (sort of). They endure a principal who is half Joe Friday and half Edgar G. Robinson. Somebody drops a jar in science lab, the one with the snake in formaldehyde. They ask Daddy for the keys and go to the drive-in.

Your memories and mine, simple and sweet.

It’s a time, Don writes – more appropriately, the book’s main narrator writes – that he looks back on “with a tenderness and a sadness that makes me smile.” Those times include that summer of 1959 when they were just boys, imperfect, but having fun. Their last biking summer, their “last summer for being kids and doing kid things and not being ashamed of them,” he writes. “The last summer for exploring the mysteries of life without having to solve them.” 

“Maybe it’s the last one I can look back on with absolutely no regrets — except that it is gone forever, taking the people and the time with it, and leaving only my sentimental memory as a witness that it was ever there at all.”

So it’s been for us all, once upon a beautiful time …

“Piano Days” is a love letter to a special place and time, one long Statler Brothers song.  But it also offers you a mirror to consider how that summer and the precious ones around it come back to you years later in ways you could not have known or even imagined then. 

You can read “Piano Days” or listen to it or, like me, do both. The audiobook is read by Don, so it’s like he’s next to you, telling you about church softball and the county fair and the Christmas parade and all the other things he — and we — did as kids when we were imperfect and youthfully irresponsible, blissfully ignorant, and having fun.

There’s a last time for everything, even barefoot summers. So, allow yourself some time to remember and daydream. It feels good to be a kid again.

Big City Sophisticated Wedding.

When the occasion calls for chic city sophistication, gravitate toward stylish and structured outfits that feel sleek and modern without being too statement-making. A bold and architectural take on the LBD that is not for the faint-of-heart wallflower will stand out, but no one will accuse the wearer of upstaging the bride, either. A sleek low ponytail or French twist, clean and classic metallic jewelry, a nice timepiece, and a contemporary clutch will provide the polished finish you desire.

White/Black Tie Wedding Event.

If the bride is in couture and the groom is in a tuxedo with tails, it’s your moment to go all out! No exceptions. When it comes to formal weddings the hemline of your dress should be floor-length, not showing the ankles, with an appropriate dress shoe and bag to match. If you’re looking for something a little less feminine, a trendy, well-tailored pantsuit is a perfect alternative for wedding guests with a little edge.

Semi-spontaneous elopement to Vegas.

Prepare to say cheers to the new couple in a fun cocktail dress that makes a glamorous statement. Metallic finishes are on trend and rich, vibrant colors always work well for those memorable moments of spontaneous splendor. Lean into the feel of elegant whimsy with a smoothed low ponytail, strappy stilettos, a clutch, and shoulder-skimming earrings.

By Kevin Hinson

 One observation cited through the research was that “visitors oftentimes have a better opinion about a city than residents do.” As a transplant from another region of the country myself, I can attest to this. I have never seen the same negativity in the area that I have heard locals talk about. On a national scale, Money Magazine named Bossier City the best city to live in Louisiana in 2017, and in 2019 it was the only city in Louisiana to make their list of the 100 best cities to live in the United States. Could Bossier City in fact be, “The Best Louisiana Has to Offer?” Just speculating here. Another quip from a local resident in the research was that Shreveport-Bossier is “big enough to get lost in and small enough to be found.” This resident is on to something; you may be surprised to hear Shreveport dominates several of the country’s major cities in square mileage, including San Francisco, which could fit into Shreveport twice, with room left over. So, Shreveport is in fact, “Bigger Than You Think.” Each city has other little-known traits like these that VSB is looking to capitalize on.

Another transplant (from the Dallas region) that has enjoyed the area and deemed it fit to stay for life is none other than the President and CEO of VSB, Stacy Brown. Stacy insists, “This is a 10-Year Destination Master Plan, but it’s not the Visit Shreveport-Bossier’s Destination Master Plan, it’s our community’s master plan.” Speaking of this community, if one thing were to come to mind for prospective visitors, Stacy says, “It’s really our diverse cultures and food here that attract people. We have some of the most friendly people ever…I think it’s more special than just general southern hospitality.” And in case anyone has been wondering about living here compared with Dallas lately, Stacy gave Shreveport-Bossier this ringing endorsement: “I would never go back to Dallas.”

     A pivotal aspect of the tourism industry in Shreveport-Bossier is the Boardwalk.  If you’re like me, you’ve wondered why there are so few tenants on the Boardwalk and assumed that it must be because of astronomical rent. I thought it would be good to get some light shed on this mystery straight from the horses’ mouth, the Boardwalk’s General Manager, Ashley Warner. When asked if there was any truth to the public perception of rent being high on the Boardwalk, Ashley said, “A long time ago. I think that’s a common misconception for the Boardwalk now…when we first started, our original owners of the Boardwalk charged very high rent.” To be clear, that was in 2005. Ownership, however, has recently changed again: “We just got purchased in August of last year…our rents are an incentive right now.” So, if rent is not a problem, why the loss of retailers? “We lost about seven or eight…national retailers because of Covid.” So then if the shutdowns never happened, these retailers would still be here? “Oh, for sure…rents are not high now, that’s very important for the public to know.” So, the loss of these major retailers is not an indictment on the Boardwalk being an unsavory place to do business; they were just a consequence of the times, and they were certainly not alone in that.

Tim Magner, the President of the Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce, is a member of the VSB Steering Committee and a well-traveled and well-read man. He has described the Shreveport-Bossier area as, “Cowboy Gumbo, blending the best of Texas, Arkansas, and Louisiana in our food, fashion, and festivals.” Tim thinks the 318 is in competition with a three-hour ring (think Tyler, Jefferson, and Nacogdoches even more narrowly) for tourism dollars, where “We have to be our own center of gravity…how do we differentiate ourselves in that sphere?” (“We’ll pull you in,” anybody?) As far as economic development, a key strategy in the Destination Master Plan: “Those of us in the economic development space are trying to figure out how we recruit people to come back who can either bring jobs with them or bring skills with them…or find ways to encourage the opportunities for kids to come back here after they’ve got a four-year degree.” If you’ve been wondering about the reason for Amazon’s delayed opening, “it’s because they’re putting millions of dollars’ worth of technology into it…it’s all automated…it will probably open the beginning of next year.” 

     Tim would not pin a mantra for the area down to one statement, but instead agreed with references in the VSB hype video (available on their website) concerning traits the area had to offer, such as, “A whole lot of this, a whole lot of that, a little bit of us,” and “Enough heart and soul for two cities.” A slightly sweeter analogy he had was, “The Hole in the Donut.” Watch out Texas. 

 The prospect of an official Louisiana Music Museum to commemorate the area’s rich musical heritage dating back to Elvis Presley was met with unanimous support from all actors in the Destination Master Plan, including community residents. This will be a good attraction to the community that can go a long way towards giving the area a distinction from New Orleans, and vocalizing support every step of the way will help bring it to fruition.

Every dollar we give in support of our local community is an investment in the community, an investment that powers-at-be notice from states away and affects what they decide to do or not do here. A critical point of understanding VSB wants to highlight is that “Increasing visitor dollars coming into the region contributes to the local tax base to help fund infrastructure improvements, community amenities, and public services, etc.” Our tourism industry expanding is also what creates more job opportunities that stay long after a tourist has left. Our economic and retail habits are noticed by prospective businesses from afar, but more than what prospective businesses perceive from afar about Shreveport-Bossier, an investment in the community is an investment in your children, and your children’s children. The long game is the game that matters most. As the VSB Destination Master Plan puts it, “…the success of each initiative is based entirely on how well local people from different communities in Shreveport-Bossier come together to co-create their collective future.” Just as what is good for residents is good for visitors, what is good for you is good for your children, and that is the ultimate master plan.

By Adam Bailey

Magic is made when personal style and midcentury spunk come together. See how a couple’s renovation of their single-family home integrates their custom design by utilizing an abundance of natural light, art, and key midcentury features.

The 6,973-square-foot home was originally designed in 1949 by the iconic architect Lester Haas for the Weiss Family. It is surrounded by dense, jungle-like foliage on three sides and features the clean lines and indoor-to-outdoor transitions that midcentury homes are known and loved for. 

After purchasing the home, Frank and Jordan enlisted the help of local architect Jeff Spikes of iArchitecture to help transform the house into their forever home. The goal—to balance the work of the original designer with contemporary functionality. This meant a thorough overhaul of the interior and exterior of the house.

“Getting the details right is always key to any successful home design,” says Frank. “Jeff Spikes, Chad Rosen and Chad Jeane put on paper what Jordan and I had in our heads. They had some great ideas to help restore it, respect its character, and create more connections between the inside and outside of the home.” 

Once Frank and Jordan knew what they wanted to do, and the plans to do it, then came the next step. Renovation.

 “This is the room we spend most of our time in with friends and family. It is a small room with two small chairs, a couch, and our ‘little red fireplace.’ There is no television. Great conversations and family time with whoever is with us take place in that room.”

The Thaxton’s love to entertain. To suit their lifestyle, the couple decided to open part of the wall that previously separated the kitchen from the dining room. The change better connects the space to the dining room and increases the available natural light. “Now we can continue that tradition of hosting parties,” says Jordan.

Today, the home feels both delightfully midcentury and modern. The home’s décor strikes a balance between midcentury and treasured pieces—all personal to Frank and Jordan—and perfectly complements the original design with updated sensibilities without feeling overdone. The ambiance the couple chose for the interiors was an eclectic approach, an intermingling of bold, geometric, classical, and midcentury pieces, all assorted with modern elements (as well as a touch of the 1970s). Special attention was given to blending the texture of materials to create interest. The intention was for the environment to possess a touch of low-key, sophisticated elegance through careful editing.

“Our home is one of the most important things for us. We spend most of our time here and it needed to be part of us,” Frank continues. “The furnishings include a mix of pieces that have been in both our families for generations, as well as pieces bought recently from Dallas, New Orleans, and Little Rock. No matter who comes inside this house, they all instantly enjoy the space.

In all, this home remodel was executed with historic preservation in mind, modernizing both the interior and exterior while celebrating the classic midcentury architecture. “There is no bad spot in this home,” Jordan says. “Every room reflects our design aesthetic, blends our personalities, and reminds us of how blessed we are to be its caretakers.”

The balanced approach certainly paid off! The results speak for themselves.

By Seva May

For 182 years, Carnegie Hall has set the international standard for musical excellence as the aspirational destination for the world’s finest artists.

For Shreveport native, Rocky Maddox, performing at Carnegie Hall is an experience that words can hardly do justice. It’s a moment that surely must have filled him with wonder, awe, and a deep sense of privilege. To have the opportunity to grace the stage of such an iconic venue is nothing short of incredible.

A natural comedic actor, Rocky has shined in the roles of Harold Hill in “The Music Man,” Gomez in “The Addam’s Family,” and Cosmé McMoon in “Souvenir” just to name a few. 

He landed at Carnegie Hall because of a lifelong friendship with two, equally talented people:  Reagan Courtney and Cynthia Clawson.  Rocky was a student at Louisiana Tech and decided to attend Temple Baptist in Ruston.  Not knowing his way around the church, he opened a door, stepped in, and found himself face-to-face with Miss Clawson (who was there to perform a concert).  The door swung shut and they were locked in.  An instant friendship ensued.  Clawson’s husband, Reagan Courtney was from Ruston and had always told Rocky that one day he was going to put him in one of his musicals.  Reagan had written a Christian musical in 1973 that would become the largest-selling Christian musical of all time.  Churches from all over the world have presented “Celebrate Life” and this year marked its 50th Anniversary.  Where would you perform such a legendary musical?  Why, at the legendary Carnegie Hall, of course.  

Rocky had to be resuscitated when he was asked to play the role of the Apostle John. At Carnegie Hall on June 24, 2023.

https://www.baptistpress.com/resource-library/news/celebrate-life-musical-celebrates-50th-anniversary-scheduled-for-carnegie-hall/

By Ursula Brantley

Illiteracy among adults in America is a tragic reality that affects thousands of individuals and families. Studies done by the National Literacy Institute show that around 54% of adults in the United States read below a 6th-grade level and around 21% are illiterate. In Northwest Louisiana, around 1 in every 4 people are functionally illiterate. Since the mid-1980s, Literacy Volunteers at Centenary College have been dedicated to fighting the battle against functional illiteracy in northwest Louisiana. LVCC Executive Director Patrick Quick began volunteering with LVCC in 2021 and officially accepted the Executive Director offer from the board of directors in July 2023. “The idea of tutoring may sound a little daunting, but it’s not. My first student was a Basic Literacy learner. With online tools, student workbooks, a little bravery, and a strong sense of humor, my students and I have had wonderful times together.  It’s rewarding for teachers and students,” says Quick.

Although COVID was a cause for adjustment, there was some light that came from the darkness. Zoom classes were offered to students during the pandemic and continued even after the world began to open back up. “If necessity is the mother of invention, then adversity must surely be the father of reinvention. (Johnny Flora) held true for both LVCC and ProLiteracy America, of whom we are an affiliate,” says Quick. He went on to say, “Our LVCC tutors decided out of necessity that they would not abandon their students to the COVID unpleasantness. Several of our long-time loyal tutors reinvented their tutoring style to accommodate their students with Zoom learning. As a result, they can successfully tutor anyone, anywhere, even in other nations. We can do so locally, as well”. 

LVCC has begun to partner with various organizations, such as Providence House and Heart of Hope, to assist more adults that need their services. LVCC shares its ProLiteracy print and digital curriculum in exchange for teaching knowledge and potential tutoring opportunities to further its reach. LVCC also works with BPCC College Transition Program by providing access to their Basic Literacy programs in exchange for access to state-approved literacy skills assessments and admission to their Transition Program for LVCC students.  LVCC is currently recruiting tutors and volunteer mentors/cheerleaders in anticipation of student demand in September, especially for their new online Pre-HiSET (GED) students. Those who are interested in experiencing the fun and gratification of tutoring and volunteering are encouraged to contact LVCC offices by email, literacyvolunteers837@gmail.com, or by phone, 318-869-2411.

By Seva May and Miranda Milner

Wedding planning is a multifaceted endeavor that requires a delicate balance of creativity and organization. It is an art form where every detail contributes to creating a unique and memorable experience for the couple and their guests. In this essay, we will explore the various aspects of wedding planning, from developing a concept to managing logistics, and the crucial role it plays in orchestrating a joyful celebration of love.

Of course, no wedding would be complete without thoughtful gifts for your loved ones who have supported you along this journey. From personalized keepsakes to heartfelt tokens of appreciation, expressing gratitude through meaningful gestures adds an extra touch of warmth to your special day.

Weddings require diverse vendors, from photographers and florists to musicians and caterers. Last but certainly not least is music – it sets the mood for every part of the celebration! Whether you opt for a live band or a DJ, make sure to discuss your preferences and create a playlist that will keep everyone on their feet throughout the night.

Engaging a wedding planner is more than helpful in identifying reputable vendors who align with the couple’s vision. Through careful research, portfolio reviews, and face-to-face meetings, they build a network of professionals to bring the couple’s dreams to life. Coordinating between these vendors, managing contracts (reading every contract thoroughly), and overseeing communication ensures a seamless execution on the big day.

WHY THE BRIDE CARRIES A BRIDAL BOUQUET?

These days, brides are carrying peonies and roses down the aisle, but back in ancient Greece and Rome, it was all about herbs. During that time, it was en vogue to hold aromatic bouquets of garlic, dill, and other herbs and spices. Thankfully, we’ve graduated from pungent herb bouquets to lush floral ones, often composed of the bride’s favorite bloom. Carrying a favorite flower variety is a tradition that became popular in 1840 when Queen Victoria married Prince Albert and carried a bouquet of snowdrops, his favorite flower.

WHY THE RING IS WORN ON THE “RING FINGER?”

This tradition also traces its origins back to the Romans, who believed that the fourth finger on the left hand was connected directly to the heart by a vein called “the vein of love.” Because of this hand-heart connection, this finger has been adopted through the ages as the ideal spot to wear one’s wedding ring.

WHY GUESTS TOSS RICE AT THE NEWLYWEDS AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE CEREMONY?

Back in the day, marriage meant expansion, from starting a family to increasing one’s assets. Rice symbolized both fertility and prosperity, and tossing it at newlyweds at the conclusion of the wedding ceremony conveyed best wishes and good luck—for babies, bountiful harvests, and everything in between. Nowadays, the wedding tradition of tossing things on the couple takes many forms, from dried lavender buds and blowing bubbles to biodegradable confetti.

WHY THE BRIDE WEARS A WHITE WEDDING DRESS?

White is by far the most popular color for wedding dresses in the Western world, but that’s a fairly recent tradition. During the royal wedding of Britain’s Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in 1840, Victoria wore a light-colored satin gown. So many brides wanted to look like royalty that they mimicked her dress, including the hue, said to symbolize purity and virginity in Victorian culture.

WHY THE BRIDE AND GROOM HAVE THE FIRST DANCE?

The first dance was considered the official opening of dancing by the newly married couple who were the guests of honor. The first dance between the bride and groom is the most awaited moment for the newlywed as well as the guests. It shows the love and unity between the new couple.

By Adam Bailey

Being chosen as “the best man” isn’t just to fill out a list that comes with the wedding invitation. At the risk of sounding like a pageant contestant, being the best man is a privilege that comes with responsibilities. That the groom—likely your best friend—has trusted you to be dependable when it comes to all things wedding-related.
While that sounds straightforward—it is not so simple. After all, the groom has asked you to stand by his side during one of the most significant events of his life. If you haven’t done this before, or if you would like to know what it takes to become the “best” best man, here’s a list of what to do so you can easily perform your duties.

Don’t Forget Small Talk.

Weddings are a celebration of love, so share some around. Make time for key family members and their friends—so introduce yourself and explain how your and the groom’s friendship came about. Why? Because for the older generations, a wedding’s appeal extends past the free bar. Any anecdotes about when you first met the bride, or how you and the groom are such good friends, will be fondly remembered. And appreciated.

Nail the Speech.

Best to follow the three F’s: fitting, full of sentiment (not innuendo), and funny. Deliver the first two and the third will follow. Setting out to be hilarious ends in failure ninety percent of the time—so don’t try to be the exception. Poke fun at the groom, even tease the bride about what she’s got herself in for, but this is no place to be dishing up dirt. Pleasantries like “Doesn’t the groom look dashing today” and “Everyone’s excited about your future” go down well.

Moderation is Key.

Enjoy yourself at the wedding, especially at the reception. It is, after all, a celebration that calls for serious fun and merrymaking—so by all means dine, drink, and dance throughout the night.
That said, while it may be customary to drink with your fellow groomsmen or take a swig of whisky during the morning preparations, don’t go overboard. Drink in moderation and if you can, skip the cocktail bar, especially before your big speech. If you are bringing a flask, please don’t drink from it before the reception. Nobody likes or wants a drunk Best Man.

Enjoy Yourself.

Don’t forget that it’s an honor to be chosen as the best man, not a chore. Such bravado can be hard to come by in today’s worlds—so embrace every moment and make sure you’re the “best” best man you can possibly be.

Plan Ahead: To ensure that both you and your pet can enjoy the event, consider hiring a pet sitter to take care of them during the ceremony and reception, and take them home so that way you don’t worry about their comfort and safety or if they’ve accidentally ruined your cake. It’s great fun to have your beloved pet around on this special day, but you don’t want to worry about them the whole time.