PIGSKIN LOVE STORY

Laura Crawford started playing violin with the instruments that her father smuggled out of Austria before Kristallnacht. This eventually led to her calling as a violinist/teacher and the forming of the Centenary Suzuki School in 1977 with just ten students.

Today, the school boasts teaching more than 1500 students, but the influence this has had on families’ lives is unfathomable. Instilling a deep appreciation of music is core to the founder and director, as well as to the other CSS teachers: Charles Regauer, Dan Santelices, Adrienne Gabriel, Elizabeth McShane, Brett Andrews, and Elizabeth Beck.

 How would you handle having to tell a parent that maybe their child isn’t suited for music, or have you ever had that happen?

“I’ve never had a child in all these 40-plus years who couldn’t learn to play. Now, some of them are going to go slower and some faster. So rather than tell the student that you’re not suited for this, we would tend to tell the parent if you could practice every day and don’t skip a day, then you’re going to notice an amazing difference. I don’t think we’ve ever told somebody you can’t do this. Our goal is to have them all enjoy music for life. And even though I have 4 sons who all went through the program, only one is really playing now. My oldest was on the board of the New World Symphony in Miami, and my second one is on the Shreveport Symphony board. My third one is the vice-president of The Strand Board, and my youngest is in New York as a professional cellist. So, they all love music, and all musicians need an appreciative audience!”

When all is said and done, what will you cherish most about your life and your influence?

“In addition to my faith in God, I cherish most the love and support of my husband, Ed Crawford, and our four sons, because I couldn’t do any of this without their help. They’ve been so supportive of my love for beautiful music.” If you are interested in learning more about the Centenary Suzuki School, go to www. centenarysuzuki.com to apply for your child to be on the waiting list.

Contemporary, French Country Home

Modern meets vintage in St. Charles Place. This European-inspired home was planned starting with the kitchen. A spacious island with bar seating allows guests to hang out while cooking dinner, and the host is not isolated from the group. Rattan bar stools and a touch of coastal inspiration and texture complement a clean, classic space. The kitchen cabinetry is a creamy, neutral color. All kitchen cabinets and drawers are a custom inset design, which helps create clean lines, add character, and result in a timeless, historical look. All kitchen hardware has an unlacquered brass finish that will add character over the years as it naturally patinas. The kitchen countertops, butler’s pantry, and bourbon bar are all Bianco Rhino polished marble. Bianco Rhino is sourced from Namibia, Africa, and is such a beautiful addition to this dreamy white kitchen, offering a soft white veining that cannot be found on man-made surfaces. To help ‘elevate’ the island and range, the homeowner chose white oak for the oversized kitchen island and a modern white oak beam above a 48” double oven.µ Brass knobs offer a cleaner, more appropriate look to the classic kitchen—combining modern design together with traditional features. The gleaming stainless-steel finish is set off the solid brass accents with a wide glass window with a rich, interactive LCD display.

A Midcentury Modern Home

Magic is made when personal style and midcentury spunk come together. Located in the heart of the Eastridge neighborhood, this beautifully remodeled home was designed with entertainment in mind. A wall that previously separated the kitchen from the dining room was partially removed to better connect the space to the dining room. Three walls were removed, and two new ones were added, along with a loadbearing beam to help “open up” the space.

New custom cabinetry, a Quartzite Island, and granite perimeter countertops with a bronze brick backsplash in the kitchen reflect the home’s midcentury roots. A commercial-grade Wolf oven and stove, as well as a Thermador refrigerator, freezer, and wine cooler, offer modern convenience—especially when it comes to gathering and entertaining. The selection of furniture inside these spaces helps provide additional details. One of the most notable pieces is the stunning ‘cactus root’ table in the dining area. It is 100 inches in diameter and weighs nearly one thousand pounds. Easily seating twelve people, it is 100 inches in diameter and weighs nearly one thousand pounds. Nearby, the ‘little red fireplace,’ coupled with the views of the backyard, perfectly balances the connection between these rooms.

A South Highland Showstopper

Open tailgates invite passersby to join in the festivities. Sports vendors entice onlookers with an array of merchandise, and players past and present make appearances, signing autographs and mingling with the crowd. The sound of laughter and shouts of encouragement fill the air, creating an ambiance that is vibrant and heartwarming, making it a quintessential part of the Louisiana football experience. And this all happens before the game even begins. Culinary delights are the heart and soul of Louisiana football tailgates, where the state’s rich culinary heritage is celebrated through an array of iconic dishes. As the sun rises on game day, the enticing aromas of gumbo, jambalaya, and beignets waft through the air, beckoning fans to indulge in the flavors that define Louisiana’s gastronomy. Tailgating has evolved from a simple gathering of friends enjoying food and drinks from the back of their vehicles to a festive occasion featuring elaborate setups filled with mouthwatering dishes that are perfect for sharing. Traditional offerings such as fried chicken, red beans and rice, po’boys, and catfish reflect the cultural mosaic of Louisiana, while each dish tells a story of family recipes passed down through generations. Beyond the food itself, the act of sharing these culinary delights embodies the essence of community, as laughter and conversations flow freely, creating lasting memories that extend far beyond the final whistle.

When homecoming comes around, tailgaters pull out all the stops, donning chic ensembles that not only display their allegiance but also embrace the festive atmosphere. The act of tailgating before college and professional football games is not just a pre-game ritual; it is a cherished American tradition that embodies the spirit of togetherness. In this lively social setting, the simple act of sharing a meal or engaging in conversation can break down barriers, allowing attendees to forge new relationships and strengthen existing ones. Whether it is a seasoned alumni reminiscing about their college days or a group of students bonding over their first game, the emotional connections made during these tailgating experiences resonate deeply, adding a layer of significance to the day’s festivities that extends far beyond the final score of the game. Around here, tailgating is not just a prelude to the game but a celebration of life, friendship, and the unwavering spirit of Louisiana football.

In mid-2023, the mayor’s office suggested elevating some of Shreveport’s water towers when the First lady of Shreveport, Mrs. Elizabeth Arceneaux, recommended a contest involving artists with a connection to Shreveport. The Shreveport Regional Arts Council (SRAC) was brought in to discuss ideas. In March 2024, the mayor called for artists to give their own unique perspectives.

There were three water towers selected for this project. The St. Vincent Elevated Storage Tank was built in 1946µand is adjacent to I-49 near the Pierremont Road. Hollywood Ave. Exit 203, adjacent to the Caddo Heights Park. The West Shreveport Elevated Storage Tank was built in 1979µand is adjacent to I-20, west of US 80/LA 526 Industrial Loop Exit 8, next to Wonder Oasis Waterpark. The Linwood Elevated Storage Tank was built in 1994 and is adjacent to I-49, south of Bert Kouns Industrial Loop Exit 199 near Flournoy Lucas Rd.

The project will include structural repairs, painting and coating the tanks’ exterior and interior, electrical upgrades, disinfection system upgrades, and site restoration. The total duration of the efforts will be approximately three years, and the estimated cost is $7 million. The specific cost of the artwork is to be determined.

There were two artists selected for the highly anticipated project. The finalists were selected in May 2024 by a panel including the Mayor, First Lady, SRAC representatives, and the Director and Deputy Director of Shreveport’s Water and Sewer Department. Final selections were made on July 11, 2024.

Terri Rhodes White expressed her vision for St. Vincent and Linwood tanks in an official press release from the City of Shreveport: “When one wants to convey a message of ‘love’ or ‘welcome,’ a gift of flowers often comes to mind. The rounded top of a water tower resting on linear supports reminds me of a floral bouquet. My designs, ‘Celebrating All’ and ‘City on the Red,’ are straightforward: Three towers, three flowers. Shreveport deserves a statement piece, and a striking bouquet of flowers will convey a message of ‘welcome’ and ‘love’ for and from the city. My designs are simple, with limited color palettes and minimal flower variations, complemented by warm messages following the Shreveport signature.

“I feel very fortunate to have grown up in Shreveport. The rich history, the culture, the natural and man-made beauty—what wonderful childhood memories I have! Although there is a lot to love about the city, it is the neighborhoods full of beautiful old homes that I adore the most. As a child, I studied and drew my favorites while imagining what they must be like inside. Whenever I visit, my brother always drives me around so that I may continue to gaze in awe of them. I have no doubt that being surrounded by such grand structures inspired me to study interior design and architecture in college. Participating in this competition is my way of saying ‘thank you’ to a city that gave me so much. My design, ‘The Rose Tower,’ is inspired by Shreveport’s natural beauty, featuring the rose, the southern magnolia, and the Louisiana iris. A striking bouquet of flowers rising above the neighborhoods will undoubtedly convey a message of ‘welcome’ and ‘love’ for and from the city.”

The total project duration is three years, with construction at each site taking approximately six months. The staggered schedule ensures that only one tank is out of service at a time to maintain water pressure across the city. The detailed schedule is as follows:

St. Vincent Tank: Start in November 2024, exterior painting in early 2025. Linwood Tank: Start in Fall 2025, exterior painting in early 2026. West Shreveport Tank: Start in Fall 2026, exterior painting in early 2027