NOVUS Glass is part of Fix Network, the world’s fastest-growing automotive aftermarket services network. The Kochakians knew, probably from personal experience, that sooner or later every automobile owner would experience a chip in their windshield. They also discovered that Novus had a stellar reputation and provided the credibility, tools, and products to help the Kochakians succeed.  They now have two locations to serve Shreveport and Bossier City.

Once Tim came on board, Jamie was able to focus on opening a gift shop – a dream she had for as long as she could remember.  Much thought went into this decision.  One, of which, was what kind of gifts would she feature in her shop.  One other was what should the name be.  She decided early that she wanted to carry Louisiana-themed gifts and products and to promote locally sourced items. Her mother then came up with the name that originated from a traditional Cajun waltz popularized in the 1940s.  It’s sometimes called “the Cajun National Anthem.”  The name was music to Jamie’s ears, and she was off and running.

Located in the same building as Novus Glass, Jolie Blonde gifts often spills over into the glass shop’s waiting room.  Tim has no problem with that because he knows Jamie is living her dream. And what a dream it is.  You’ll discover as soon as you step through the doors that you have found your go-to place for all your gift-giving needs.  You’ll find everything from jewelry to tea towels made from recycled water bottles.  Baby gifts and signed children’s books from local authors.  An incredible selection of bath bombs, lotions, and candles. You can even find that hard-to-shop for men’s gifts such as LSU Tiger coolers and travel bags, novelty socks, Toad Fish for fishermen, and grooming items. Gifts for the home, florals, food items – y’all she has Mayhaw jelly from Cumberland Farms, and cookbooks. 

Seasonal décor, unique watchbands, wreath sashes, garden flags, and purse straps. The list goes on and on and each time you visit you are sure to find something you hadn’t seen on your last visit. Jamie goes out of her way to find Louisiana suppliers. She began by working the Facebook angle to find her sources.  Now, with a solid reputation and customer satisfaction to back it up, suppliers are reaching out to her. 

“Bobby’s dedication to SLT for over five decades is unparalleled,” board president Marianne Archibald stated. “He has achieved an incredible amount during his 27-year tenure as our Managing and Artistic Director, and his commitment to the theater is immeasurable. While we will miss his day-to-day leadership, we are thrilled that he has graciously offered to continue as a consultant and advisor to ensure the legacy he has built continues to thrive.”

Darrow’s connection with Shreveport Little Theatre began in 1973 when he worked backstage during the production of “Toys in the Attic” under the direction of Robert Buseick. His journey as an actor began at SLT in 1975 when he portrayed Prince Charming in “Snow White,” in the historic premiere stage production of a Walt Disney script.

In 1998, the theater faced financial challenges, with debts surpassing available funds. Darrow was invited by the board of directors to direct “Dearly Departed,” marking his first contribution as a director. Shortly thereafter, he assumed the role of Managing and Artistic Director. Under his steadfast leadership, SLT consistently delivered high-quality productions, breaking box office records and steadily increasing its membership and ticket sales over the ensuing decades. Throughout his tenure, SLT’s participants, including volunteer actors, board members, and patrons, increasingly mirrored the diverse community of northwest Louisiana.

In 2000, under Darrow’s guidance, the restoration of the original theater began with the expansion of the lobby and the addition of a courtyard. Fundraising efforts initiated in 2002 to rebuild the stage and backstage areas, which had been destroyed in a 1986 fire, saw success thanks to Darrow’s collaboration with Louisiana Senator Lydia P. Jackson and Representative Roy Burrell. The resulting $1,750,000 in State Capital Outlay Funding laid the foundation for a state-of-the-art, 15,200 square foot theater that opened on March 3, 2011. The inaugural production, Tennessee Williams’ “A Streetcar Named Desire,” directed by Dr. Darrow, was met with critical acclaim.

As a grant writer during his tenure, Darrow secured over $1,200,000 in awards for the Shreveport Little Theatre and Academy.

As a director, Darrow achieved notable success with productions such as “Steel Magnolias,” “To Kill A Mockingbird,” “Greater Tuna,” “A Tuna Christmas,” “Smoke on the Mountain,” “Sanders Family Christmas,” “The Sound of Music,” and both productions of “Always, Patsy Cline.

A native of Shreveport, Darrow served as the student body president at C.E. Byrd High School. He earned his BA degree from Centenary College of Louisiana in 1981, his MA from LSUS in 2001, and his EdD in Leadership from LSUS in 2018. He boasts a diverse career, including a decade in corporate management, serving as CEO of several nonprofit organizations in Shreveport. Notably, with his physician, he established The Philadelphia Center in 1990, where he currently serves as the Executive Director Emeritus.

Darrow’s numerous accolades include the National Association of Christians and Jews’ “Unsung Hero Award” in 1996, the American Civil Liberties Union’s “Bill of Rights Award” for 1998-1999, the Community Foundation of North Louisiana’s 2008 “G. Scott Griffin Memorial Award,” The Philadelphia Center’s 2015 “Lifetime Achievement Award,” and The Times’ (Gannett’s) 2016 “Northwest Louisiana Prism Award.”

It is important to first assess your healthcare needs and preferences. This involves identifying your health concerns and the type of care you require. For instance, if you have a chronic condition, you may need a specialist who has experience in managing your specific condition. It is also important to consider the type of care you prefer, such as a doctor taking a more holistic approach or focusing on evidence-based medicine. Understanding your healthcare needs and preferences can help you narrow down your search for a doctor who can meet your specific needs.

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Schedule a consultation or appointment

One of the first steps in choosing a doctor is to schedule an initial consultation or appointment. This appointment provides an opportunity to meet the doctor, discuss any concerns or questions, and determine if they are a good fit for your needs. It is important to choose a doctor whom you feel comfortable with and trust to provide quality care.

Preparing for the appointment is another important step in choosing a doctor. This includes transferring any relevant medical records, especially if you are new to the healthcare system.

Evaluate the doctor and decide.

When choosing a doctor, it is important to assess the quality of care received. Evaluating the quality of care can be challenging, but there are resources available to help. For example, the Donabedian model of healthcare quality, which includes three components: structure, process, and outcomes, can be used to evaluate the quality of care provided by a doctor. Additionally, there are various physician quality measurement sets available that can provide insight into a doctor’s quality of care. It is essential to research and review these resources to ensure that the doctor you choose provides high-quality care.

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The call to start the organization was presented to Drena and Guy after moving from their home in Broadmoor Terrace to a townhouse in Shreveport’s Lakeside area. As members of Celebration Church, the couple has been a part of foreign missions in places like Belize and Kenya since 2017. In 2019, the call to serve at home rang. Drena said, “We felt a prompting through the Holy Spirit that our “stuff” and 2,800 square foot home were in the way of our calling. We made the mutual decision to sell our house and give away or sell almost everything in it”. They prayed for direction and were led to Lakeside. Shortly after moving, the couple began volunteering at the food pantry next door. At that time, it was called Changing Directions Ministries and was run by a woman named Ms. Turner. In January 2020, they learned Ms. Turner would be moving out of town and the food pantry would be closing. Instead of letting over 100 families suffer, they decided to step up and take over the pantry. They began serving the community under the name 5 Loaves & 2 Fish in May 2020 and the rest is history. As of September 2023, 5L2F has helped 267 families. They hired their one and only staff member this year.  They began with 5 volunteers plus their 2 kids and their spouses. Today, they have 31 consistent volunteers and regular assistance from other churches and organizations.