The annual ritual of “back-to-school” has begun. The whirlwind of shopping is just about over; you’ve segued from a summer schedule to a school bell schedule. Setting your child up for success makes it all worthwhile.

Getting kids ready physically, with new supplies and clothes, is important for practical reasons. A fresh notebook and a well-fitting uniform can boost a child’s confidence and sense of readiness. But the true significance lies in the mental and emotional preparation. I always found the hardest part of back to school was establishing a routine. Especially after our sons got older. They wanted to stay with the summer “sleeping until noon” routine. Suddenly we were shifting bedtime and wake-up times, setting homework hours not to mention keeping up with their sports schedules. I can’t tell you how many quick dinners we’ve eaten sitting at a ballpark.

Now that I can look back on those hectic days, I can smile and sigh and say honestly – I wouldn’t trade them for the world. For me, preparing for back-to-school was a mission not just about ticking items off a list; it’s about nurturing independence, responsibility, and a love for learning. It was about empowering my boys with the tools and confidence they needed to thrive, ensuring they stepped into the classroom not just with new pencils, but with a sense of purpose and preparedness that will serve them throughout the academic year and beyond.

Enjoy these days while you can. Because, in a blink of the eye, they’ll be gone.

It was July 2nd, 1776. The Second Continental Congress were gathered in anunairconditioned room to declare our freedom from Great Britain. The 56 menthought they would need a document that would explain this action to the citizens. Five of these men were tasked with drafting this historic document: John Adams,Roger Sherman, Benjamin Franklin, Robert Livingston, and Thomas Jefferson. Two days later, with numerous changes and probably a few agonizing edits, it was finally approved and signed by the members of Congress who were present at the time. There were only seven members who did not add their signature. It was sent to a printer where 200 copies were made – only 26 copies remain today. It wasn’t until August 2nd, that the Congress began putting their signatures on the document we know today as The Declaration of Independence. 30 days total. I wish our United States Congress 2025 could work that efficiently. They didn’t even have telephones let alone the internet. Don’t get me started on AI. Just think how fast the Declaration could have been penned today. Mere hours perhaps. Still, it was a pivotal moment in history. The Declaration articulated the fundamental principles of self-governance, individual rights, and the pursuit of liberty, laying the philosophical groundwork for the birth of the United States of America as a sovereign nation. We hope your 4th of July 2025 was spent not just with the fireworks, barbeques, parades, family and friends but with a sense of pride. Let’s remember that our founding fathers did a monumental job of ensuring that we could remain a free nation.

George Gershwin said it best in a song – “Summertime, and the livin’ is easy.” Those lyrics alone set the tone for the summer experience of the south. We long to slow the pace down and take it easy. Easier said than done. Often, we use the summer to catch up on family fun with trips to the beach, backyard pool parties and barbeques. Couples tend to use the summer months for their weddings and romantic getaways – even if those trips are within driving distance.

We also take the opportunity to schedule checkups for the kids, including those all-important dental appointments. In this issue, we tell you why good oral hygiene is so crucial to our overall health.

Another sight to see this summer is the new installation of art featured in ARTport’s Southern Dimension. If you have flight travel plans this summer, and you have time to spend before you take off – enjoy the art.

We are also celebrating minority and women owned businesses in this issue. Did you know that women account for 41% and minorities almost 37% of businesses in the United States? (According to Census.gov) Quite a few
are right here in Shreveport-Bossier. You can support these businesses by continuing to shop with them or use their services.