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Good News for Alzheimer’s Care

editor — Thu, 07 May 2026 19:25:45 +0000

Good News for Alzheimer’s Care: New Diagnostic Tool Now Made in Shreveport

The Center for Molecular Imaging and Therapy (CMIT) in Shreveport has teamed up with a company called Lantheus to start making Neuraceq, a specialized drug used to help doctors detect Alzheimer’s disease.

Previously, these doses had to be shipped in from Texas. By making the drug right here in Shreveport, CMIT is ensuring that patients in North Louisiana and across the Southeast (including Mississippi and Arkansas) have faster, more reliable access to this technology.

What is Neuraceq and how does it work?

Think of Neuraceq as a “high-tech highlighter” for the brain.

The Target: It looks for amyloid plaques, which are protein buildups that act as a primary warning sign of Alzheimer’s.
The Process: A patient receives an injection of Neuraceq before undergoing a PET scan.
The Result: The drug makes these plaques visible on the scan, allowing doctors to see exactly how much “amyloid burden” is in the brain without needing invasive surgery.

Why this matters for patients

Early and accurate diagnosis is becoming more important than ever. Here is why local production is a big deal:

Better Access: Local manufacturing means more doses are available for more people.
New Treatments: Many of the newest Alzheimer’s medications require proof that these plaques exist before a patient can start treatment. Neuraceq provides that proof.
Faster Results: Because CMIT is a “one-stop-shop,” they can manufacture the drug and perform the imaging all in the same building.

“Local production means more availability which will lead to more scans, and hopefully more opportunities to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease early and begin therapies.” — Dr. Stephen Lokitz, CMIT Executive Director.

By the Numbers: CMIT’s Impact

CMIT doesn’t just work with Alzheimer’s; they also use advanced imaging to help treat cancer and heart disease.

300+: The number of Alzheimer’s-related scans CMIT performed in 2025 alone.
4+: The number of states (LA, MS, AR, and beyond) that will now receive this drug from the Shreveport facility.

A Legacy of Research and Innovation

CMIT isn’t new to this field. For nearly 20 years, they have been at the forefront of Alzheimer’s research, working closely with LSU Health Shreveport to test and perfect these brain-imaging tools.

Most recently, CMIT participated in a major national clinical trial called the “New IDEAS” study. This study looked at how specialized brain scans help doctors better diagnose and create treatment plans for people experiencing memory loss, mild confusion, or dementia.

How to Access This Imaging

If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms of memory loss or dementia, here is what you need to know about getting a Neuraceq scan:

Doctor’s Referral Required: You must have a referral from a neurologist or another specialized physician.
Who is it for? It is designed for patients who are showing early signs of cognitive decline to help determine if Alzheimer’s is the cause.
Next Steps: Talk to your doctor to see if this imaging is right for you, or visit neuraceq.com for more details.

Key Takeaway: By combining decades of research with new local manufacturing, Shreveport is becoming a major hub for families seeking answers and advanced care for Alzheimer’s disease.

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You Think You Want to Open a Restaurant?

SB Magazine — Thu, 19 Dec 2024 19:36:44 +0000

Have you ever found yourself flipping through the channels on your television, landing on a cooking show, and becoming mesmerized by food preparation? Or tuning in to one of those reality “contest” programs like Top Chef, Chef’s Table, or Good Eats and thinking, “I could do that…easy!” If you have, you’re not alone. Probably millions of wanna-be chefs and really great cooks have taken the bold step into the world of restaurant ownership without thinking it through. Before you get in line and find yourself in the next TV version of Hell’s Kitchen, you might want to listen to someone who has been pretty successful at running an eating establishment and has lived to tell the tale.

Owning a restaurant wasn’t at the top of the list of career choices for Don O’Byrne. In fact, “It wasn’t even on the list after leaving Los Angeles and catering to that capricious crowd,” Don said. Don left Shreveport mid-college not knowing what he wanted to do with his life. He worked various jobs in restaurants, five-star hotels, and in sales in Los Angeles, Newport Beach, Atlanta, and Dallas before he decided to return to Louisiana and finish his degree in Political Science. In 2002, after experiencing corporate “layoffs” one too many times, Don began laying the groundwork for opening a restaurant that would feature authentic coastal Baja cuisine. While working odd jobs to fill in the gap, he looked for investors, a location, and a bank that would help him get his dream off the ground. It was after multiple denials by banks and investors that Don finally secured an SBA loan from a small local bank and with everything he had in his savings, he poured it into Don Juanz. He eventually filed and secured a registered US trademark for his creation.

As with anything worth doing, it took hard work, lots of mistakes, and numerous bumps in the road but finally, Don Juanz was opened in Bossier City. It was the first fast-casual restaurant in Bossier City, and it took a while to train his guests on the menu and the concept. Don is proud to say that 85% of the original menu items are still being served today. “Every year we keep doing the same thing and we just keep getting better at it,” He says.

In 2016, Don opened a second location in Shreveport and is currently finalizing a third location in Tyler, Texas. He and his wife, Amy, and their son, Bailey (who will be handling the Tyler Don Juanz) are the perfect examples of working smart and with purpose to achieve success. Don is quick to say that in the restaurant business, you get something different every day. “It’s like opening a Pandora’s Box,” he said. “You can start the day with an agenda and as soon as you walk through the door, you get a new agenda handed to you.”

It’s a fact that operating a restaurant is one of the toughest businesses to be in. According to the National Restaurant Association, about 60% of restaurants fail in their first year, and 80% fail within the first five years. But television and movies that use a restaurant as a backdrop make it look so easy, right? Behind the scenes are high operational costs, an inventory that can and will spoil (leading to waste), and there’s always a struggle with maintaining and managing a workforce. Then there are the strict food safety and hygiene standards and strict regulations that have to be followed. On top of that, finding the right supplies and suppliers of key ingredients, depending on what food you’re serving. Items like hickory BBQ can be a nightmare to get right, so finding a supplier will be essential. to mention, a competitive market filled with customers who have high expectations and cameras on their phones with apps linked to review sites.

Still want to open a restaurant? If so, then take a couple of pages from Don O’Byrne’s playbook.

First, Don suggests you heed the warning of Warren Buffet, “Never invest in a business you cannot understand.” Next, be prepared to drive the car you built. In other words, you should have the ability to do everything that is done under your roof because one day, you will have to do it. How long can you go without getting paid? Cash flowing an owner’s salary often gets put on hold until all debt and expenses are paid and sometimes it can be a long time before that happens. Know who your demographic is. Don’t count anyone you know as part of this demographic. Look for economic indicators to ensure there’s enough of your demographic to support your efforts without a competing restaurant closing to do so. Changing customers’ palettes takes time.

You shouldn’t rely on anyone but yourself to be with you long-term until they’ve worked with you for at least five years. Build a strong team that wants to work with you. Be their role model by showing a willingness to step in to help them do their job and achieve success. You can’t do this if you’re only throwing money into it and hoping it’ll pay off. Learn the culture of your employees, otherwise, you could end up working in somebody else’s business and learning their culture. Don has been lucky to have quite a few long-term employees, which is rare in this industry.

“Watch your flock. If you can’t count sheep, you surely won’t be able to count your inventory twice a day to remain profitable in this business”, said Don. Your operational setup should start in a good location, which can significantly impact a restaurant’s success. It should also be immaculately clean and comfortable so that your guests will want to return again and again. Don’t try to be everything to everyone. Stick to a menu that you know and do it well. Advertise where you think your demographic grazes.

Lastly, Don warns that owning a restaurant is not for the faint of heart. It’s a huge sacrifice and a test of your physical prowess. Undertaking a restaurant launch can be hard on personal relationships because you will be putting in long hours and time away from family. It can be scandalous. In the first month of opening his Shreveport location, Don and Don Juanz was a target of social media libel filled with obscene and insidious comments that were directed at injuring the business’s reputation. The “ghost writer” even attempted to libel Don’s family which led Don to seek legal assistance from a detective and an attorney. “We learned that the “ghost writer” used nine different online IP addresses that were tracked to a certain geographical area that led us to who we think the “ghost writer “was. Then it stopped abruptly,” said Don. You must be willing to persevere and overcome catastrophes such as this and unforeseen events like COVID-19 or the stock market collapse in 2008. “We’ve overcome so much adversity just to do business here that I thank God I’m still here”, said Don. Covid set Don Juanz’s expansion plans into Texas back by four years, but with perseverance, Don has managed to expand his restaurant brand at a time when many others are shuttering their doors.

Are there benefits to owning a restaurant? Absolutely. You are your own boss. You can pride yourself on your product and your ability to boost the local economy by providing jobs that, in turn, deepens your involvement in your community. There is also the potential for a pretty good financial gain if you work smart and are willing to learn and adapt as you go.

It’s not for everyone and those that can do it are already doing it. There are so many special ingredients that go into opening and running a restaurant that it becomes a well-written recipe. Now that you’ve tasted a teaspoon of what it takes to own a successful restaurant, you might be happier just doing your part to support those brave souls who have managed to keep their doors open.

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WHERE LOUISIANA HERITAGE MEETS MODERN LIVING

SB Magazine — Fri, 15 Nov 2024 15:37:53 +0000

Nestled in the heart of Shreveport’s Provenance neighborhood is a home that beautifully blends traditional charm with modern comfort. Step inside and see how it captures the essence of warm family living while paying homage to the rich architectural heritage of Louisiana.

Shreveport, LA. Provenance is more than just a neighborhood—it’s a lifestyle steeped in Southern tradition. With tree-lined streets, classic architecture, and community parks, the neighborhood is reminiscent of a bygone era where neighborly interactions encourage a strong sense of belonging. Here you will find the home of Nick and Carolyn Courville—a residence that proudly stands within this picturesque setting, seamlessly blending with the landscape while radiating a warmth that invites all to come inside.

As you approach the Courville residence, the influence of renowned Louisiana architect A. Hays Town is unmistakable. The home’s exterior, with its generous use of brick, deep overhanging eaves, and shuttered windows, pays homage to Town’s signature style. This architectural language—deeply rooted in the vernacular of the region—creates an immediate sense of place and history.

The façade—a masterful composition of warm brick and crisp trim—exudes a timeless charm that beckons visitors to step closer. A broad, welcoming porch stretches across the front of the home, its graceful columns supporting a pitched roof that provides the perfect shelter for lazy Sunday afternoons spent drinking lemonade and watching the world go by.

Bennett Sabatier, the architect behind this stunning home, perfectly captured the spirit of Town’s work while adapting it to the modern needs of the Courville family. His goal was to create a home that reflects a harmonious balance between Southern hospitality and architectural finesse—offering a glimpse into the essence of life in northwest Louisiana. Built in 2015 by Justin Sevier of Vintage Construction Group, the home originally boasted 2,000 square feet of elegantly designed living space. But it was not until the addition of a second story in 2022 that the home blossomed into its current impressive stature— measuring just over 3,000 square feet and featuring 4 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms. The thoughtful expansion allowed Nick and Carolyn to adapt their living space to accommodate their family’s needs, all while maintaining the home’s authentic charm.

As you step across the threshold into the home, one is immediately struck by the meticulous attention to detail that defines every corner in an atmosphere of refined elegance. The family room, with its tall ceiling, wainscoting, and hardwood floors, sets the tone for the entire home. “We wanted to create a home that honored the past while embracing the future,” explains homeowner Nick Courville. “Every design choice was made with this balance in mind.”

“We also wanted a home that would accommodate our love for hosting friends and family but also provide cozy nooks for quiet moments,” Carolyn Courville, Nick’s wife, continues. “This space does both beautifully.” This philosophy is evident throughout the home, where traditional elements like crown molding and wainscoting are juxtaposed against contemporary furnishings. The result is a space that feels at once familiar and fresh, comfortable yet undeniably charming. The design aesthetic showcases A. Hays Town’s influence, characterized by expansive floor-to-ceiling windows, classic brickwork, and a strikingly unique arched brick wall in the master bedroom. This captivating feature not only serves as a stunning architectural element but also adds an intimate touch to the master suite, creating a cozy retreat that reflects the serenity of the surrounding landscape. Most of the interior spaces are bathed in natural light, courtesy of thoughtfully placed transom windows that grace the home. These elegant architectural details not only enhance the home’s beauty but also evoke a sense of airiness and openness— inviting the outdoors inside. The interplay of light and shadow throughout the day highlights the exquisite craftsmanship present in every room, from the spacious living area to the beautifully appointed bedrooms.

The home not only functions as a dwelling but also as a canvas for family memories. Perhaps one of the home’s most captivating features is the flooring located in the bedroom of Nick and Carolyn’s two daughters— Anna and Mary Alice. “These boards,” Carolyn explains with a touch of nostalgia, “come from my father’s childhood home in Natchitoches. That house was built in 1946, just after World War II, and held so many memories for my dad’s family. Having a piece of it here is like carrying our family history with us.” The rich patina of the wood, bearing the marks of generations past, adds depth and character to the home that no new material could match. It’s a brilliant example of how thoughtful design can incorporate elements of personal history, creating a space that is truly unique to its inhabitants.

The kitchen serves as a gathering point for the family, where modern appliances blend seamlessly with traditional cabinetry. A generous island provides ample space for family and friends to come together, share meals, and create lasting memories. Natural light pours in from nearby windows, creating an inviting atmosphere perfect for cozy brunches or lively dinner parties. The kitchen flows effortlessly into the family area, offering cherished moments of connection. The carefully curated decor reflects Carolyn’s impeccable taste, with art pieces that pay homage to Louisiana’s rich cultural heritage adorning the walls.

An enclosed sun porch offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Featuring a spacious patio adorned with pink furniture and toys aplenty, it is the ideal spot for Anna and Mary Alice to play while staying cool in the summer heat. The home’s landscape design mirrors the home’s traditional aesthetic, incorporating native plants and lush greenery that flourishes in the Louisiana climate.

“We designed the sunroom and upstairs playroom with our girls in mind,” Carolyn shares. “We wanted to give them places to explore and use their imaginations— places with plenty of sunlight and color. We want some of their fondest memories to be of their childhood home.”

Where trends come and go, the Courville home remains steadfast in its appeal. The combination of traditional craftsmanship and modern functionality ensures that it will stand the test of time. With every room telling a story, the home is a testament to the family’s commitment to preserving their legacy while creating a space for future generations to cherish. The thoughtful design choices made by both Nick and Carolyn shine through in every corner of the home. Each element— from the iconic arched brick wall to the elegant transom windows to the reclaimed floors—reflects a dedication to quality and artistry that is becoming increasingly rare in contemporary architecture.

As Nick and Carolyn look ahead, they envision a future where their daughters, Anna and Mary Alice, will create their own memories within these walls. “Building this home was a labor of love,” Nick reflects. “We wanted to create a space that would not only serve our family well but would also stand the test of time—something we could pass down to future generations.”

“This home is not just a structure,” Carolyn adds. “It’s a place where our family grows, learns, and loves.” In an era where the notion of home is continually evolving, the Courville residence embodies the enduring spirit of Louisiana’s architectural heritage. With its thoughtful design, familial ties, and love woven into every detail, this home is not just a place to live—it is a cherished sanctuary, a canvas for memories yet to be made, and a testament to the timeless allure of Southern living. It is, in every sense, a true Southern gem.

The following individuals and companies supplied consulting, products, and materials for the Courville’s home: Architecture— Bennett Sabatier, Sabatier Architecture, LLC; Construction— Justin Sevier, Vintage Construction Group; Interior Design—Laura Pou, Gautreau Interiors; Home Addition—Sean Thomas and Angie Jackson, Red River Remodelers; Plantation Shutters—Watts Window Coverings; Real Estate Services—Susannah Hodges, Susannah Hodges Real Estate.

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WATER TOWER: ART PROJECT

SB Magazine — Mon, 09 Sep 2024 21:43:55 +0000

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 was selected for her concept art of “Celebrating All” for the St. Vincent Elevated Storage Tank and “City on the Red” for the Linwood Elevated Storage Tank. Margaret Smith was selected for her concept of “The Rose Tower” for the West Shreveport Elevated Storage Tank.

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.

Margaret Smith also shared her excitement about winning the contest and her deep connection to Shreveport:

“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

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The Strand Theatre: Celebrating a Century as a Shreveport Staple

SB Magazine — Fri, 07 Jun 2024 20:20:49 +0000

Theater brings people together. Where else can you sit in a dark room with a bunch of strangers and all dream about the same thing? Movies are great, too, but there is something about live theater that hits differently. There is more connection, no false moments. It’s real.

Shreveport offers several different theater experiences, but the most historic venue for sharing one of these experiences is, without a doubt, The Strand Theatre. The Shreveport staple will be celebrating its 100-year anniversary starting this summer.
Jenifer Hill has been the Executive Director of the Strand for a little over a decade, and she says they have some exciting things planned for the Centennial Celebration: “We plan on having cake at every Strand-presented show. “We are planning a Centennial Black and Blue Ball, as well, where people can wear either a black tie or blue jeans. “We hope to include an art exhibit in the celebration, too.” Currently in its 39th season as a performing arts venue, the Strand will on June 20 announce its lineup for Season 40. Former managing and artistic director of Shreveport Little Theatre, Dr. Bobby Darrow, reminisces about the early days of the groundbreaking theatre: “The Strand is seminal to my life, as my father’s dad was the construction foreman on that magnificent theatre, truly a historic temple of the Arts,” says Darrow. “As a Centenary Theatre Major, I was involved with the clean-out of the theatre in the late 1970s, after it had been shuttered for years.

“I salvaged a Vaudeville sign-in board from the trash dumped into the back alley, which is now displayed at The Strand. I knew the theatre was originally built as a vaudeville house featuring vaudeville acts on the circuit.”

So, how did The Strand come about? Way back in 1900, the Saenger brothers, who were sons of a local rabbi and owners of a drug store in downtown Shreveport, got together with the Ehrlich brothers, who owned a theater on Milam Street. For their first adventure, the four decided to go all in and open the Saenger Theatre on Milam.

A couple of decades later, The Strand would become the “mothership” of all the Saenger enterprises, which included 360 theaters across the south.

The Strand officially opened on July 3, 1925, after 19 months of construction, with the opera The Chocolate Soldier.

Originally a movie theatre and vaudeville house, The Strand was where Hill went to movies in the 1960s and ’70s. “My goal is to leave it better than I found it,” says Hill. The ’70s were a tough time for The Strand, though. “Plaster fell. At one point, so much water was collecting in the basement that lily pads were growing.”

But … sunshine was on the horizon. After seeing a film at the decaying landmark one day, a determined Jim Montgomery, a Shreveport newspaperman, critic, editor, and staunch defender of the arts, went to the office of local businesswoman and arts lover Virginia Shehee with a plan to preserve the historic venue.

The two partnered with local attorney Judd Tooke and the community to restore the building and make it better than ever. Seven years and nearly $10 million later, The Strand reopened, giving us a chance to make more memories. Jenifer Hill recalls when Loretta Swit, who earned two Emmy Awards for her work on M*A*S*H as Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan, arrived at The Strand early to hang out before her performance. “I remember I had to make an announcement on stage. I was nervous about it, and Loretta said to me, ‘Don’t worry about it. These people give you the money. They need to know you.”

“I quit worrying about it from there on out.” As far as deciding what shows play at The Strand, Hills says they shoot for a variety. “We can bring in comedians all day long,” Hill says. But it needs to be different. “We are rethinking our approach. Our board is 18 people, and our season consists of shows I and the board choose. “Do I think it will sell here?’ Shreveport is a one-night town. “How much can we get for it?’ That’s all a negotiation process.”

The Strand also factors logistics into the equation.

“A lot of these bigger Broadway shows won’t fit in here. I hear of many older theaters with the same issues.” Hill and the board choose the shows for the Strand-presented season, but they also have “rentals” who contact the theatre to bring in performers. For instance, that’s how they got Chris D’Elia and Kevin Hart earlier this year. So, the show must go on, right? 99.999% of the time, yes. There was one occasion, however, where things didn’t go as planned. Hill says, “We only had one show we had to stop. It was last summer.”

It was due to — get this — our North Louisiana weather. Can you believe that? Of course you can! Anyone living here for more than a day knows the unpredictability of Mother Nature in our parts. “The rain came down at 4:45 p.m.,” says Hill. “The show started at 5 p.m.” Water started coming into the basement of The Strand. And the pumps in the basement couldn’t keep up. “People in the house don’t know what’s going on. I had to go on stage looking like a drowned rat and announce that there wouldn’t be a show tonight.” Live theater. 100 years and only one performance was canceled. I’d say that’s pretty good.

Jenifer Hill has clearly poured her heart and soul into that building. Jim Montgomery, Virginia Shehee, and Judd Tooke did, too. Thank goodness they cared enough to preserve The Strand; they deserve a standing ovation from us all. I can’t wait to see what’s on tap for their 40th season. I know I’m not the only one.

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YMCA Groundbreaking Ceremony for Youth Baseball and Softball Complex

SB Magazine — Mon, 13 Nov 2023 00:37:49 +0000

The YMCA Youth Baseball and Softball Complex’s groundbreaking event was held on Wednesday, November 8th, 2023.

The community came together to celebrate and commemorate this historic moment. The ceremony began with Technical Sergeant Michael Beck leading the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by an opening prayer from YMCA of Northwest Louisiana CEO Gary Lash. Melissa Phillips and Nancy Ponder performed the National Anthem, and Dr. Tyler Lash offered a prayer for the children.Mayor Tom Arceneaux and Commissioner John Atkins were present at the event. Brandon Marrs, the President of Shreveport Little League, delivered a speech. Melissa Phillips and Nancy Ponder teamed up again to perform a rendition of “Take Me Out to the Ball Game.” The ceremony concluded with a spectacular fireworks display, marking a memorable start to the construction of the YMCA Youth Baseball and Softball Complex.

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