| | Display: News - Images - Sections This month in CityLifeEditor’s NoteFor example, when I was young, my mom would have at least a piece of gum in there at all times. A mother’s purse is like a bag of tricks to keep children in check. Armed with a purse, moms can manage anything. Every mother is a manager in their own right.  CityLifeLA 71101. Phone (318) 222-0409. Fax (318) 222-1725. CityLife, at the discretion of the publisher, reserves the right to accept or reject any advertising. No portion of the publication may be reproduced by any means without written permission. Distribution of this magazine does not constitute an endorsement of information, products and/or services.  Gender revealIt’s difficult to explain how a moment can feel both familiar and brand new at the same time. I’d been in this dark ultrasound room before. I’d felt myself fully absorbed in the wonderful thumping sound of my child’s heartbeat. I remembered my breath nearly ceasing from the anticipation of wanting to know the gender of my growing baby.  Growing Up Sci-portTo facilitate this type of play, you may tell a small group of children to work together to make a scene; this scene is successful by each player accepting and building on one another’s storyline.  Bananas and Scrub BrushesWhen there are two other people in the house, however, the wine/ Febreeze solution doesn’t really cut it so much anymore (no matter what those Febreeze commercials may lead you to believe), and dishes, dirt and laundry pile up at an exponential rate.  Social GracesThe world of yesteryear had people who introduced themselves, greeted others, opened doors for others and never forgot to say thank you. Customers could bet on being greeted and ask if they could be assisted in any way (without feeling they were an imposition).  Road Trip To ‘Funroe’Sara and I love food. We love eating it, cooking it and watching others cook it on television. Like millions of other food-lovers, we’re fans of the Food Network program “Chopped,” a reality-based cooking show that pits four chefs against one another in a cook-off with a $10,000 prize.  More of Page 19 »Shreveport’s SweetheartShreveport local Mary Thoma is one woman who not only knows how to go after what she wants but knows how to accomplish her goals and bless others along the way. An award-winning actress, founder of three theater companies, a teacher, wife and mother, Thoma is as well-rounded, fun-loving and sweet-hearted as they come.  More of Page 22 »The Queen of KingsCo-owner of King Hardware & Gifts in Shreveport alongside her husband, Nick McElhatten, Elizabeth demonstrates what it means to work hard, love a family and be true to one’s self..  IN FOCUS: Advertiser Spotlight | Silver Star SmokehouseSilver Star Smokehouse originally opened in 2007, and quickly developed a reputation for great BBQ and premier catering service. In 2011, Alvis transformed a run-down cookhouse into what Silver Star is today, a stylish take on classic cowboy chic.  IN FOCUS: Advertiser Spotlight | Kitchen & Bath CottageOwned and operated by Terry and Mary Ann Elston, Kitchen & Bath Cottage offers custom remodels that meet each client’s individual needs and vision – from cabinetry and countertops, to fixtures and pulls, each detail is perfected until a dream space is realized.  Lifestyle ChangeHer father soon shared his concerns. “My dad and I were talking, and he broke down and said that he was proud of the woman I had become with my dedication to helping others but that it pained him to know that if I kept up with my current lifestyle that he would have to bury his daughter beside his wife,” Fertitta said.  More of Page 29 »Mom-a-gershardest job in the world. there are no 40-hour weeks. there are no coffee breaks or bonus programs. and more often than not, there is little recognition. From the first diaper to the high school diploma and beyond, being a mom means making sacrifices for.  More of Page 35 »More of Page 40 »Space efficient“When I am creating a storage solution for a customer, I take into consideration what will be stored in that area and the size of available space,” Locke said. “Whether it is a closet, pantry, laundry room, garage or any other space, inventory taken is the first step to creating a solution.  Simple tips:For the frequent cleaner, having a handy cleaning kit stowed away will make minor messes a breeze. Keep items such as rubber gloves, cleaning solutions, sponges and rags, towels and a scrub brush in a mop bucket for all-in-one easy access..  Spring into Cleaningclean is the start to “Then I will come back with a design welcomed warmer weather that will work for you. I really think and a fresh, clean house.  Clearing your mindLaura McFerrin, a child, adolescent and adult psychotherapist in Shreveport, said, “By most definitions, a person with good mental health is able to handle the everyday stresses of life effectively by using healthy coping skills and effective problem solving strategies.  AGENDAJOHN WAGONER AND STEVE ZIHLAVSKY, Free. 12-5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Gallery Fine Art Center, 2151 Airline Drive, Bossier City. Call 741-9192..  LIGHT GRILLINGhe lawn is slowly turning green, buds emerge waking plants from their winter slumber, and birds make nests in preparation of new family additions, all in celebration of spring.  The year of apexEvent planning is the art of bringing people together and can be considered the new member of a corporate communications team. In the corporate world, event planning can fall under the guise of any one of these departments: marketing, human resources, sales, finance, public relations, etc.  More of Page 60 »Pulpwood QueensMurphy believes reading is the best entertainment in the world, adding that books make great movies. A documentary about Murphy, “For the Love of Books,” won audience choice at the Phenom Film Festival in Shreveport in 2013. She is taking it to other film festivals across the country.  Gemini BalKrewe of Gemini hosted its 25th annual Mardi Gras Bal on Feb. 15 at the Shreveport Convention Center. This year’s theme was “Throw Me A Memory, Mister.” Royalty included Capt.  Centaur BalThe Krewe of Centaur, Shreveport’s largest krewe with more than 650 members, hosted their Mardi Gras Grand Bal XXIII Feb. 8 at Shreveport Convention Center. This year’s captain was again Corky Bridges. King Centaur XXIII is Doug Kochenderfer, and this year’s queen is Cindy Watson.  MS. BPCCLarissa Phillips, the 18-year-old daughter of Collette and Lee Phillips, is the 25th Ms. BPCC, selected in a pageant Feb. 22 on campus. Seven other women competed in casual and evening wear with interviews held prior. Phillips is majoring in criminal justice.  More of Page 66 »Best in sheauxRiverView Hall went to the dogs Feb. 15 for the Robinson’s Rescue “Best of Sheaux.” The cocktail attire event included a variety of activities. A disc jockey played “Hound Dog,” music by Three Dog Night and “Who Let the Dogs Out?.  More of Page 68 »ARTINIThe Bossier Arts Council hosted their annual spring fundraiser, ARTini on March 15 at Horseshoe’s Riverdome. From Don Juanz’s smoked chipotle mango martini to Abby Singer Bistro’s strawberry and whipping cream martini, there was something for everyone’s palate at the event.  Mad Scientist BallThe theme was Superheroes vs. Supervillains, and guests dressed in character at the Mad Scientist Ball held March 14 at Sci-Port: Louisiana’s Science Center. Guests drank endless cocktails and fueled up on buffets from Good Eats.  Shopping for a CauseThis night included a style show and food from Cantina Laredo. Proceeds from the event make up a third of the League’s budget and help such projects as Between the Lines, a literacy program between incarcerated parents and their children, and Kids in the Kitchen, to empower youth to make healthy lifestyle choices.  More of Page 71 »A Night At the OscarsBrandon Oldenburg, creative partner at Moonbot Studios, and his mom, Martha Oldenburg, attended the Oscars this year. Martha is wearing beautiful jewelry from Sid Potts, and Brandon’s special Mardi Gras beads are available in Moontbot Studios’ online store: http://store.  Loading writers... Loading ads... Loading comments... IN FOCUS: Advertiser Spotlight | University Veterinary Hospital When seeking medical or wellness care for an animal, owners need assurance that their choice embodies the same love and concern that they feel for their companions. Compassion, reliability and expertise – are qualities vital to effective care, and are all offered at University Veterinary Hospital. A full-service clinic, UVH features complete medical and surgical care, including preventative measures, hospitalization, dental surgery and oral care, laboratory analysis, radiology, ultrasound, blood banking/transfusions and critical care. UVH also places a marked emphasis on client education, offering resources and insight into pet health. A long-standing local practice, University Veterinary Hospital was acquired by Drs. Adam and Catherine Foret in 2009. Dr. Adam Foret is originally from Lake Charles and has done extensive training in orthopedic and minimally invasive surgical procedures. Dr. Catherine Foret, a Shreveport native, is passionate about dentistry and has completed advanced oral diagnosis and treatment training. The Forets met while studying at LSU School of Veterinary Medicine in Baton Rouge. UVH has continued to grow in recent years and has achieved the honor of accreditation by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). AAHA evaluates practices based on quality of care, staffing standards, medical and surgical protocols, and ethics. The excellence exhibited by UVH is evident by this recognition, as well as by its outstanding staff...Team UVH. University Veterinary Hospital features a truly outstanding team of doctors, including Shannon Jarrell, DVM and Calen Gregorio, DVM. Dr. Shannon Jarrell, born and raised in Shreveport, received her undergraduate degree and Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from LSU in Baton Rouge. Dr. Jarrell joined UVH in 2010 upon returning to her hometown. Veterinary medicine appealed to her thanks to a love of science and medicine. Jarrell says “I particularly enjoy the challenge veterinary medicine presents. Each day brings a new variety of cases.” Dr. Jarrell brings 16 years of experience to the UVH team, and highly values the practice’s atmosphere, saying, “I was drawn to University Veterinary Hospital because of its vision and its family feel. The vision focuses on the best medicine available for our patients and is presented to our clients in an easy-to-understand manner. We sincerely consider our clients and their pets members of our family.” Dr. Jarrell is trained in acupuncture through the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society, and offers this alternative discipline to patients to relieve a number of conditions. Dr. Jarrell finds her fulfillment in interacting with patients and clients, and says, “My wish for UVH clients is that every experience at our hospital is positive, educational and stressfree. I want clients to leave our hospital confident that they’ve made the best decisions for their pet.” Dr. Calen Gregorio was also born and raised in Shreveport. After graduating from Magnet High School, Dr. Gregorio received his undergraduate degree from Saint Louis University and received his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from LSU. Dr. Gregorio began practicing at University Veterinary Hospital in August of 2013, and says, “I was drawn to UVH because of their modern, progressive approach to medicine, and their philosophy of providing the best medical care for our clients and patients.” Dr. Gregorio carefully chose his partnership with University Veterinary Hospital, based largely on their reputation and elite status as an accredited practice. “As a veterinarian I will always want to continue to develop my skills in a practice that provides the highest standard of medicine. UVH also has one of the most highly trained staffs in the area and the team of veterinarians are a pleasure to work with.” Like Dr. Jarrell and the other veterinary doctors in the practice, Dr. Gregorio places utmost importance on the health of the patients and the comfort of their owners, saying “I believe that UVH clients leave the clinic knowing that all medical options were discussed and that the doctors and staff genuinely care about their pet’s health and happiness.” 7700 East Kings Hwy. Shreveport, LA 71115 318-797-5522 | www.excellentanimalcare.com |