THE BRIGHT FORTY: SHREVEPORT CHAMBER NAMES NEW CLASS OF TOP PROFESSIONALS.

I met Chauncy and his wife, Kirstie Horton at one of the 40 under 40 photo shoots. Chauncy and his wife are still in the newly-wed stage after being married for two years. It was sweet to see Kirstie look at her husband with so much pride. She is hoping to take the reigns from her husband in 2014 as a nominee.

By the time they reach their teenage years, girls find themselves under an unprecedented amount of pressure and most have already faced a number of decidedly adult decisions.

Twice a week for two and a half months, warm meals arrived at our house, graciously prepared – or ordered – by the hands of the people in our life. I know it wasn’t all for the sake of helping two floundering first-time parents. Our church family and friends will do just about anything for an opportunity to hold a newborn baby.

The law of attraction is the belief that “like attracts like” – the idea that the tone of an individual’s thoughts can significantly affect the tone of their everyday life.

With the holidays around the corner, some parents might be wondering what types of activities there are to do while the children are out of school. Sure, you could all hop into the family car and experience the animals at Gators and Friends, an exhibit at the Bossier Arts Council or even travel to Natchitoches for the Festival of Lights.

But for some, hectic schedules and public gatherings fill the holiday season with additional stress as they are combined with low self-esteem or lack of confidence, making this time of year a nightmare. If the holiday season creates worry and stress for you, rather than joy and excitement, consider these confidence-building tips:.

To be named one of the “40 Under 40” means you are a young high achiever and puts each recipient in very good company indeed. This prestigious designation means you are at the top of your profession and do exemplary work in whatever that chosen profession is.

The future of Shreveport and Bossier City has never looked brighter, and this is proudly exemplified by the list of 2013’s 40 Under 40 nominees. These blossoming leaders were selected based on professional excellence and commitment to promoting and improving the Shreveport- Bossier City community.

But the venue is just one consideration in the party planning phase. “Consider who will be invited and where you would like to have the party. This will play a major role in the decision of when to have the party,” Foley said. “It won’t be much fun if your guests won’t be able to attend.

The melodious sounds of a piano greeted guests as they arrived at the Life Savers Masquerade Ball on Sept. 7 at Sam’s Town Casino and Hotel. The Phantom of the Opera-themed event supports Feist-Weiller Cancer Center and cancer research and treatment in the area.

7. Ronnie and Janice Humphries, Evan and Alicia Rogers, Bradley Arnold, Dr. Tom Arnold.

Louisiana Downs played host to the running of the 34th annual Super Derby on Sept. 7. The festival’s activities included a local celebrity doughnut eating contest, a Super Derby hat contest and wiener dog races. Three year-old Departing won the $500,000 cash prize for the race.

Hunting season is upon us and this means a freezer full of meat. It is time for a new twist with your culinary expertise. All of the hunter’s efforts are rewarded when the meat, now a gourmet delicacy, is placed on the table in front of the whole family.

5 THROUGH OCT. 31: ST. LUKE’S PUMPKIN PATCH,.

Nov. 2. Free. East Bank Gallery, 630 Barksdale Blvd., Bossier City. Call 741-8310. OCT. 31: IN THIS MOMENT, The band’s debut album, “Beautiful Tragedy,” landed them on the 2007 And 2008 editions of Ozzfest. $40 for floor, $50 for club level. 10 p.m. Paradise Theater, Margaritaville Casino, 777 Margaritaville Way, Bossier City.

ONGOING: “SMILE SCIENCE,” This new permanent exhibit includes a giant 6-foot mouth that teaches visitors about oral anatomy in a fun way. Visitors can brush the teeth with an oversized toothbrush and remove and replace teeth like a puzzle. Sci-Port: Louisiana’s Science Center, 820 Clyde Fant Parkway, Shreveport.

Despite the fact Sara and I eat sushi fairly often, I wouldn’t consider myself very knowledgeable about this popular form of Japanese cuisine. I’ve identified a few favorite items on local sushi menus and generally stick to those items when ordering.