May Archives - SB Magazine

STUDENT SECTION: Luke Armstrong

SB Magazine — Wed, 29 May 2024 19:10:00 +0000

By Elaine Pool

For an 8th grader, organization is key. Keeping up with all the schoolwork, sports, assigned books, and simply having fun all require a certain amount of organization. SB Magazine’s private Student of the Month has a fickle relationship with organization; while Luke Armstrong knows just how important that skill is, he sometimes tends to go to the extreme. He is a self-described perfectionist; he is very particular, needs a clean room to function, and might lean toward obsessiveness sometimes. Yet he admits that this perfectionism helps him keep his life organized. He says that he couldn’t juggle his academics and playing sports without staying organized and using good time management. Luke loves sports but said that his academic career would be much easier without the time spent on sports activities.

Regarding subjects at Calvary Baptist Academy, Luke said that he loves math; it has always come naturally to him, and he enjoys numbers. His least favorite subject is English; while he likes to read, he has a “love/hate relationship with reading.” He does enjoy writing from time to time but acknowledges that it is a lot of work. His favorite books to read include sports books, the Bible, and the Chronicles of Narnia, but sometimes he has to force himself to read. He has no problem finding things he likes to do, however. He plays baseball, basketball, football, piano, and guitar. He will look up music on YouTube for inspiration or technique assistance.

Travius is a basketball-loving student; he enjoys playing basketball video games, as well as playing live basketball. His position is small forward, which puts him in the company of basketball greats Julius Erving, LeBron James, and Larry Bird. His plan is to continue playing basketball in high school and beyond; his immediate goal is attending Huntington High School and making their team. Travius is looking forward to high school and plans to play basketball for the NBA eventually.

A quiet, shy student, Travius is the older brother of several sisters, 2 of whom live in the home with him, and one brother, who lives with their father. Travius’ favorite food is spaghetti, and he likes to work math problems; he says that Math and Social Studies are his favorite subjects in school. He gave a “shout-out” to his ELA teacher, Ms. Pruitt, and his Math teacher, Ms. Murray. While he is thinking of using his math skills for banking or other financial activities, his one true love remains basketball. Travius comes alive when asked about basketball.

Luke’s music choices are eclectic; he likes to listen to and play worship music, mellow country music, and pop music. His movie and TV choices include Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, Percy Jackson, the Marvel Universe, and “Stranger Things.” Luke’s favorite thing about 8th grade is the freedom this grade gets. There is a lot of freedom, such as being able to access the vending machines after lunch for his favorites, Dr. Pepper and Sour Patch candies. Luke loves Subway restaurants, particularly their chocolate chip cookies. He is also a fan of hibachi grilled food. Juggling all his sports and academics is the hardest thing about being in 8th grade.

Luke began his academic career at Fairfield Magnet Elementary and moved to Providence Classical Academy for 6th and 7th grades. This is his first year at Calvary, and he really enjoys it. He says that there are more opportunities, such as sports, and more people at the school.

When asked about his career goals, Luke said his first choice would be to go professional in a sport. If not sports, he plans to become a “doctor of some kind.” He listed his strengths as being smart, athletic, and loving Jesus. He is still undecided about where he will attend high school but is leaning toward Calvary to finish his pre-college education. Luke had some specific advice to give his younger self if he could. “Stay focused on Jesus and the things you can control about yourself.” He quoted a favorite saying of his dad’s as his best advice: “Control the controllable,” which he uses throughout his life, at school, home, and church.

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Manology: 5 Traits of Self-Confident Men

SB Magazine — Wed, 29 May 2024 17:57:49 +0000

Confidence is a funny thing. It can be elusive, hard to define, and even harder to attain. It’s a quality that can be faked, postured, and imitated, but only the truly confident man can claim it as their own. If you want to boost your confidence and become your best version of yourself, read on.

1. You Don’t Scare Easily.

There’s a difference between bluff and true courage; confident men have courage without all the bluster. Being able not to be scared easily is not about being fearless or invincible, but rather having a healthy respect for the things that should inspire fear while also having the confidence to face them head-on.

2. You Can Laugh At Yourself.

Confident men know that laughter is often the best medicine and that by laughing at yourself, you can diffuse tension, build connections, and find joy in life’s ups and downs. Anyone with a complex about being laughed at is likely hiding insecurities of their own.

3. You Are Comfortable In Your Own Skin.

Confident, they know their own worth and believe in their ability to make things happen. You don’t try to be something you are not. Instead, you focus on being the best version of yourself. As a result, confident men exude a quiet strength that is hard to ignore. You are the type of man who is comfortable taking risks and embracing change. And while you may not always achieve your goals, you never give up—your persistence and determination will see you through to success.

4. You Take Risks.

When it comes to success in life, it pays to be a risk-taker. Confident men are not afraid to take chances and seize new opportunities. You understand that failure is a part of life, and you are willing to take risks in order to achieve your goals. Playing life safe isn’t an option. While there is no guarantee of success, confident men know that the rewards are worth the risk.

5. You Know How To Compromise.

It’s easy to get carried away with always getting what you want, but truly confident men know how to compromise, haggle, or just negotiate for a mutually beneficial outcome. A confident man is never greedy because he knows his value—he knows exactly how much value people should give him in return. Compromise is simply a means to an end.

The Bottom Line.

Self-confident men have a lot to offer the world. They are risk-takers who aren’t afraid of failure and pursue their goals with passion. They set high standards for themselves and live lives that inspire others. Their positive attitude and confident body language make them stand out in a crowd. So, if you want to improve your life, try adopting some of the characteristics of a self-confident man. You won’t regret it!

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SB NON PROFIT: DR. BRUNO ALVAREZ

SB Magazine — Mon, 20 May 2024 15:58:06 +0000

Dr. Bruno Alvarez – A True Heart of Service

Dr. Bruno Alvarez is a volunteer physician who exemplifies the core values of MLK Health Center. He consistently takes a true patient-centered approach to healthcare. Each appointment begins with a handshake and warm welcome, and after the first visit or two, that handshake fairly often is replaced with a hug.

Patients leave appointments feeling genuinely heard, having experienced Dr. Alvarez’ empathy and respect for their dignity. For example, it is not uncommon to see him take a knee to be at eye level with a patient who is expressing their struggle with diabetes. He goes above and beyond to educate patients about their chronic diseases, answering every question. And as a result, the trust that he has inspired among his patients, individually and collectively, is exceptional.

More broadly, Dr. Alvarez holds a true heart of service for patients and everyone on the care team. He is intentional about fostering collegiality in every relationship. Those who work beside him know to expect a “hello” to everyone as he enters or “goodbye” as he exits. This may initially seem like a small gesture, but honestly, it is one of many ways in which he conveys the value he places on every relationship at MLK Health Center.

As Sue Walden, a patient advocate at MLK, said recently, “That’s the way medicine is supposed to be.”

What inspires you about MLK Health Center's mission?

MLK Health Center plays a unique role in our community. It provides healthcare for those who are unable to afford it, addressing common chronic problems like hypertension or diabetes. That alone is already remarkable. However, over 30 years, MLK has established itself as a reference point for people who otherwise feel disenfranchised, empowering healing relationships beyond a simple medication regimen to strengthen agency and trust. We could attribute it all to the nutrition classes, physical therapy, grocery tours, or the beautiful (and educational) garden the staff works to maintain. Still, it comes down to the organization and the people working there. They genuinely live their mission, and I cannot help but be inspired by their compassion and work ethic.

In what ways do you personally gain purpose from the work you do for MLK Health?

Acknowledging our larger role in the community always keeps me grounded while driving to the Health Center, even if it’s already been a long day by the time I get there. I am exceptionally energized about taking care of my patient cohort, some of whom I have come to know closely over time and many of whom are Hispanic. The opportunity to have even a limited impact on the Hispanic community through my role at MLK has become part of my identity. Moreover, understanding the value we provide to everyone we serve and how I can contribute is why most of us go into Medical School in the first place.

What shorter- and longer-term goals keep you passionate and motivated to continue working with them?

One of the shorter-term goals that we have started discussing is diabetic foot health. Diabetes is the leading cause of non-traumatic amputation in this country, and most of our patients depend on their ability to maintain an income to keep their families afloat. Optimal diabetes control remains the priority, but by developing an education and screening protocol, we can identify those at the highest risk of complications. As patients lose sensation attributable to diabetes nerve damage, one can try to limit the chances that unattended wounds progress to amputations.

Regarding long-term goals, I would like to continue working with MLK leadership to improve community health in our area, particularly Hispanic health. This might include recruiting more providers to our roster or further community outreach efforts. Regardless, I am confident that the leadership and every team member in this organization will continue their efforts to improve Northwest Louisiana’s health. I want to be a part of it.

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LOCALLY OWNED: LINE AVENUE COLLISION

SB Magazine — Fri, 17 May 2024 19:08:41 +0000

Line Avenue Collision is not just an ordinary auto repair shop; it’s a place where customers are welcomed like family from the moment they step in. Founded two years ago by Bubba Guerra, a seasoned expert with over 35 years of experience in the auto collision field, and his wife Brandie, Line Avenue Collision took flight. Together with their skilled team, the company boasts a combined century of auto collision knowledge. At Line Avenue Collision, their focus is on providing outstanding service to customers, making sure they feel appreciated and esteemed.

Specializing in repairing all vehicle makes and models, the team utilizes their extensive expertise to deliver top-tier service. Going the extra mile is Line Avenue Collision’s standard practice to surpass customer expectations. Any concerns that may arise are promptly addressed to guarantee complete customer satisfaction. They take pride in assembling a fantastic team of employees within just two years of operation, a feat that can be challenging in today’s automotive industry.

Line Avenue Collision
6815 Line Ave.
Shreveport, LA 71106
(318) 865-7580
Cell: 773-4651

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LOCALLY OWNED: NOVUS GLASS

SB Magazine — Fri, 17 May 2024 18:49:49 +0000

Tim and Jamie Kochakian, owners of ‘Novus Glass, know how stressful windshield damage can be on your lifestyle. For over 17 years, they have been making things easier for you and your family. When you need a windshield replacement, Novus Glass can come to you, or you can go to them. They specialize in windshield repair for auto, heavy equipment, motorhomes, and big trucks.

They also do automotive tint, residential tint, and state inspection stickers. Novus Glass will work with all insurance companies for individuals and fleet management companies. With two convenient locations, give Novus Glass a call and let them handle the hassle!

9210 Wallace Lake and 6161 Financial Plaza
Shreveport, Louisiana
318.562.3229 or 318.603.9122

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LOCALLY OWNED: ARGENT FINANCIAL GROUP

SB Magazine — Thu, 16 May 2024 19:10:23 +0000

Serving with excellence. Cultivating deeply personal reatonsnips. rroviang custom soutions Ior wean

protection and prosperity. These are the values that have been ingrained in Argent from day one. And it’s why year after year, our clients turn to us for the strength to not just weather the storm, but to keep growing stronger.

Argent Financial Group is a leading, independent client asset services firm supporting individuals, families, businesses and institutions. Formed in 1990 in Ruston, Louisiana, Argent can trace its roots back to 1930. Today, Argent is responsible for more than $75 billion in client assets.

Argent’s Shreveport office opened in 1990 and is located in the Regions Tower. The office is staffed with 25 professionals serving all manner of clients.

Pictured above from left to right:

Not pictured:
Chris Shankle | CPA, CGMA, Jodi Penn Rives

LOCALLY, WE OFFER

Wealth Management:

Financial planning
Wealth transfer planning
Charitable giving planning
Legacy & succession planning
Estate planning advice & settlement
Tax & risk planning for complex situations
Fiduciary trust administraiton

Asset Management:

Customized equity and fixed income portfolios
Asset allocation models
Alternative assets
Foundation & endowment management
OCIO for non-profits & foundations

Asset Servicing:

Corporate trust, custody & escrow
Governmental services, including Municipal Advisory
Retirement plan consultation & administration:

Argent Financial Group
ArgentFinancial.com
333 Texas Street, Suite 699,
Shreveport, LA 71101

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LOCALLY OWNED: DOWN HOME MEATS

SB Magazine — Thu, 16 May 2024 17:00:14 +0000

FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED SINCE 1982

Down Home Meats has been serving the good folks of Stonewall, Louisiana and surrounding areas for over 36 years. We’re dedicated to creating sausage the way it was made 100 years ago, focusing on using 4 main ingredients and natural casings to give you the very best, old school smoke flavored sausage.

Top Selling Sausage Smoked to Perfection

Whether you’re grilling outdoors, looking for some hearty and flavorful sausages for breakfast, or preparing a gumbo platter, Down Home Meats has the perfect sausage for all occasions.

Featured in The Food Network’s BBQ America, highlighted in the Houston Live Stock and Rodeo Show World Championship Cook-Off and known as the top selling sausage item in all of your favorite grocery stores. We can be found within a 250-mile radius of Stonewall, LA.

“OLD SCHOOL SAUSAGE DONE RIGHT”

Down Home Meats Inc | 5236 State Hwy 3276,

Stonewall, LA, USA | 318-925-6915

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LOCALLY OWNED: WEED MAN

SB Magazine — Thu, 16 May 2024 15:45:48 +0000

Weed Man is a locally owned and operated lawn care company, providing environmentally responsible lawn fertilization, weed control, and integrated pest management services in the Shreveport Bossier area. We know what it takes to make your lawn look its best. We live and work in this community and take pride in the fact that we’ve built our business one customer at a time. It is with devotion to quality and service that we can proudly meet your lawn care needs and stake our claim as the best lawn care company in the area.

One major reason to hire Weed Man Lawn Care is that you’re hiring a local expert who can diagnose problems when they arise, and they will. We can tell you whether the issue on your lawn is related to turf disease, an insect, compaction, excessive thatch, or simply lack of water. Diagnosing these issues can be challenging for you, the homeowner, to do on your own. Your lawn should be mowed weekly with a sharp blade at the proper height for your grass type. Dull blades create a jagged wound that can be more difficult to heal and make grass more prone to disease. We recommend mowing often enough so that you prevent removing more than 1/3 of the leaf blade per cutting as this will put stress on the grass plant and cause it to go brown.

For more than 50 years, Weed Man Lawn Care has created outdoor yards and landscapes that our customers are proud to call home. Lawn care is a partnership, and Weed Man has a lawn care program for every lawn!

SERVICES:

Fertilization

Weed Control

Surface Insect Control

Crabgrass Control

Mechanical Core Aeration

Grub Prevention & Control

Lawn Disease Control

Fire Ant Management

Nutsedge Control

Soil Revitalizer

Mosquito Control Services

318-828-2872

4770 Southern Avenue, Shreveport, LA 71106

www.shreveport.weedman.com

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QUALITY LANDSCAPE

SB Magazine — Tue, 07 May 2024 17:58:21 +0000

QUALITY LANDSCAPE SAYS

“NOW IS THE TIME TO UPGRADE YOUR ENVIRONMENT”

Spring is considered the prime landscape planting season in Louisiana, offering an ideal time for gardening enthusiasts to enhance their outdoor spaces. The mild temperatures, rain, and increased daylight hours during spring provide optimal conditions for plants to establish strong root systems and thrive. This period, typically spanning March through May, allows for the selection and planting of a variety of flora that can withstand the hot southern summers characteristic of Louisiana. Quality Landscape, in Shreveport, Louisiana, suggests taking advantage of the spring planting season in order to lay the foundation for a vibrant and flourishing landscape.

There are numerous benefits associated with planting in spring, particularly in the context of Louisiana’s climate. The moderate temperatures and ample rainfall during this season create an environment conducive to plant growth and development. Additionally, spring planting allows plants to acclimate gradually to the increasing temperatures, reducing the risk of heat stress and promoting robust growth. By selecting plants that are well-suited to Louisiana’s climate and planting them in the spring, individuals can establish a resilient and thriving landscape that will continue to bloom and flourish even as the summer heat intensifies.

When considering popular plants for Louisiana’s spring landscapes, it is essential to choose species that can tolerate the hot southern summers, while adding beauty to your outdoor living spaces. Steven of Quality Landscape has a few favorites that are his go-to plants, including Zinnias, a heat and drought–tolerant annual that is resistant to pests. Another is Mexican Heather, which is also drought-tolerant and perfect for hot, dry summers. Japanese Maples, Encore Azaleas and roses are also great choices for adding beauty and color. Some other drought-tolerant plants that can beat the summer heat and add color to your outdoor living space include the Butterfly Bush, Sunshine Ligustrum, Lantana, and Dwarf Vitex.

Shade-loving plants thrive in partial to full shade, making them perfect for creating cool and inviting spaces in your garden. Some shade-loving plants that are well-suited for Louisiana’s warm season include: – Impatiens – Caladium – Coleus (that also comes in a sun-loving variety) – Dianellas. These plants not only offer respite from the heat but also add texture, color and visual interest to shaded areas of your outdoor living space. By carefully selecting a combination of plants, you can create a diverse and resilient landscape that flourishes throughout Louisiana’s prime spring landscape planting season and into the hot summer months.

Quality Landscape offers some additional tips for incorporating aesthetically pleasing elements, including:

Using a variety of plant heights, colors, and textures to create visual interest.

Incorporating water features, such as fountains or ponds, adds a calming and tranquil element to the outdoor space.

Mixing native pollinator-friendly plants to attract wildlife and promote biodiversity within the outdoor environment.

By carefully selecting and arranging plants and features that complement the surroundings, outdoor living spaces in Louisiana can become inviting retreats that blend seamlessly with the natural landscape, offering both beauty and functionality to residents and visitors alike.

“When creating an outdoor living space in Louisiana, it is essential to strike a balance between aesthetics and functionality,” says Steven. “We all know how hot it can get during the summer months, and nothing is more relaxing than spending time on the patio, enjoying s’mores on your outdoor fire pit, relaxing by the pool, or taking a stroll along a beautiful walkway—just enjoying life.”

There is one last thing that is crucial to consider. In Louisiana, ensuring your plants get adequate water is vital, especially when the summer months approach. If you don’t plan on watering your plants and sod every day, an irrigation system is a must. Quality Landscape can install, maintain,and repair your irrigation system.

Let Quality Landscape show you how they will incorporate elements such as sustainable landscaping practices, outdoor kitchens for entertaining, water features for relaxation, and shade-providing trees to enhance both the visual appeal and usability of your outdoor area.

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EVERY WARRIOR NETWORK

SB Magazine — Thu, 08 Jun 2023 07:00:24 +0000

an Organization You Need to Know About.

BY ADAM BAILEY

Bossier City. Take a stroll down Viking Drive in Bossier City, and hopefully you’ll notice the headquarters of a non-profit organization that serves currently serving active/guard/reserves military members in the Shreveport-Bossier community and reaching around the world. Its name— The Every Warrior Network. What is it? Simply put, it’s an organization comprised of civilians supporting our military community. And if you don’t know about them, you should.

To say they are doing great things for our military doesn’t begin to tell you what they are all about.

Prior to 2014, Trey McGuire, the Founder and Director of Every Warrior, began noticing a trend—and that trend was unacceptable to him. While he was serving in his local church, he saw that the more military service members he met, the more he noticed that they were alone. And that was unacceptable to him, and he set out to do something about it. So, around Thanksgiving of that year, he organized a potluck holiday dinner for active military members who did not have a place to go. According to McGuire, “I wanted to show them some love during that time.”

That initial Thanksgiving meal was held at the Old Reeves Marine building—where approximately 200 military members and families were fed. Afterwards, while cleaning up, McGuire and company hatched a plan to incorporate an organization with the mission to “support, connect, equip, and mobilize the very core of every warrior.” McGuire recalls, “I made a few phone calls, raised a little bit of money, got as many turkeys as we could find.”

Soon after the very first Warrior’s Thanksgiving Feast, Every Warrior Network was formed. In May of 2015, the Network began with “a passion to serve military members by building relationships with men, women, and families to meet their emotional, relational, physical, mental, and even spiritual needs. The Network’s actions reflect their motto that “This Is Family” as its heart and soul.

“Our mission is not about buildings, it’s not about our events. Our mission is to make sure that every single service member that’s hurting finds love, care, and knows that we have their back,” says McGuire. “We want to be that family for them—that herd of support around them—so when life happens, they get the opportunity to go through it with people who really do care for them.”

In addition to their Thanksgiving events, which served upwards of 6,000 Warriors and families between 2014 and 2022; Every Warrior Network provides counseling services, financial support, a free venue space, disability support, food insecurity support, job location services, volunteer opportunities, and transitioning services, and a Warrior Warehouse—which provides temporary household items for moving military families.

In essence, according to McGuire, ‘family’ has become the identity of the Every Warrior Network—and out of that identity, they have identified multiple things that they believe their Warriors bring to the table. A culture of radical and selfless care, born out of the very pain and experiences of Trey’s personal life, has become the foundation which they build on to help Warriors around the world. This culture is one that fights for every Warrior to understand the fact that their own personal experiences are not just what has happened to them, but rather, is what prepares them to use their God-given abilities to influence their world around them.

And while the Warrior’s Thanksgiving Feast is what they’ve been known for—it’s not what they are all about. In truth, Trey McGuire is a civilian leading a military support organization and he, alongside their entire team, strives to have the utmost of integrity so the constant rotation of leadership feels comfortable to continue to allow them to operate in-and-around their installation.

Every Warrior is also affiliated and partnered with many organizations throughout our area, including the Bossier Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce, Riverpark Church, Broadmoor Baptist Church, Barksdale Federal Credit Union, Origin Bank, Clint Davis Counseling, the Simple Church, multiple Rotary Clubs, and more.

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