The Forum April 2 - 15, 2014 Vol. XXVI, Issue XV
S T U N N I N G H O M E T R E N D S I N S P R I N G B U I L D E R A N D B U Y E R.

Market Boost
Bossier City was selected for the willingness of the state, city and local educational community to partner on developing a next-generation IT workforce. Louisiana Tech University established the first cyber engineering program in the nation, which means it is uniquely positioned to educate a workforce for CSC.

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Local United Way Moves
“Willis-Knighton provides in-kind services as well as financial support to a variety of worthy nonprofit organizations in this community,” James K. Elrod, president and chief executive officer of WK, said. “We do this as part of our ‘tithe the bottom line’ philosophy of philanthropy.

'The Cynic'
Overheard: “When I die I want to go peacefully like my grandfather did in his sleep, not screaming like the passengers in his car.”.

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Mr. Shreveport
Unbeknownst to Rogers, Ellen Ballard, of the Downtown Optimist Club, nominated Rogers for the award. The Downtown Optimist Club is a branch of an International Association of more than 2,900 clubs around the world, dedicated to “bringing out the best in kids.

Tax help
(BPT) - Spring can inspire a renewed sense of confidence and optimism in do-it-yourself activities. For nearly 40 percent of Americans, this includes preparing and e-filing their own income tax return. Like most things DIY, following a few simple strategies can save you valuable time and money at tax time.

Global outreach
IGO is a nonprofit, charitable organization providing basic humanitarian services to children and families in Ethiopia and other thirdworld countries. The organization will host its fourth annual fundraiser, Walk for Humanity 5K Race at 8:30 a.m. April 12 on Clyde Fant Parkway.

The Leadership of people
Leadership is a topic like the Hydra’s head from Greek mythology – cut off one head and two grow back. There are more theories of and approaches to leadership than you can possibly count. John Donahoe, then president of eBay, said “Leadership is a journey, not a destination.

Briefs
Lawrence “Larry” Clark has been selected as the next chancellor of LSU Shreveport, LSU President and Chancellor F. King Alexander announced. Clark will begin as LSUS chancellor on July 1, pending approval by the LSU Board of Supervisors. Clark is currently dean of the Cameron School of Business, University of North Carolina Wilmington.

CHRISTUS breaks ground on new west wing
The west wing is part of a $55 million renovation announced in May. The addition will include two new floors for the hospital, which will house the birth place, neonatal intensivecare unit and rehabilitation services.

Women’s Philanthropy Network to host reception for grant applicants
The Women’s Philanthropy Network of The Community Foundation will meet April 3, to hear from the two finalists of its competitive grant process: Mary Harris, principal of South Highlands Magnet Elementary School, and Meshel Frasier, Instructional Coordinator of Fairfield Elementary Magnet School.

Business Popping
As they might have said in the 1920s, downtown was the “cat’s pajamas!” People would come downtown on a Saturday and spend a full day and into the evening at shops like M. Levy’s, Rexall Drugs, Woolworth’s, Walgreen’s, Rubenstein’s, Selber Bros, JCPenney and others.

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I Wonder Sometimes
• In just a few decades how the world and people have changed. It makes me wish for the good old days before cell phones, computers, social media and 24-hour cable television news. There seems to be very little human interaction any more. Everyone is either on a cell phone or another electronic device, locked away in their own little world.

Adley Bills
As most will recall, following Hurricane Katrina there was a major call for revising the way south Louisiana levee authorities (board members) are appointed to create more independent, professional and responsive boards – and reducing ineffective political appointments to the boards.

Crawfish, Dead Plants and Mary
I’m not sure if you have heard, but crawfish is so scarce this year that they are double in price, compared to this time last year. After all, crawfish farmers in southern Louisiana have had to endure twice the number of freezes this year, four wintry precipitation events, and one of the coldest months ever in January.

The Way it Was in 2003
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Eye Exams
While it can be common knowledge to have annual wellness exams and six-month dentist visits, eye and vision checkups should never be overlooked. The American Optometric Association campaigns every year to raise public awareness about eye health and protecting your vision.

Minority Health
This resolution proposed the president should issue “a proclamation recognizing the immediate need to reduce health disparities in the United States and encouraging all health organizations and Americans to conduct appropriate programs and activities to promote healthfulness in minority and other health disparity communities.

HEALTHY CLEANING
(BPT) - If you’ve ever made a decision not to eat a certain food because it was bad for you, then you’re like most Americans who are increasingly more health-conscious. As you consider what not to put in your body, there are simple ways to improve your health by examining what’s in your home.

Connection to Disease
The goal is to strive for a world free of multiple sclerosis, or MS, and to connect people who live with the disease and those who love them. The National MS Society will host the Walk MS: Shreveport 2014 event supporting the MS movement and research 8 a.

Healthy geezer
The study, done at the University of Kansas Medical Center, recruited 70 healthy adults age 60 to 83 who were divided into groups based on their levels of musical experience. The musicians performed better on several cognitive tests than individuals who had never studied an instrument or learned how to read music.

at HOME
Ghali Family Welcomes opera Guild into their home.

Sophisticated Draw
hey say, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” That is certainly the case behind the beautiful new build in Shreveport’s Highland neighborhood, where Dr. Ghali and Mrs. Hope Ghali have created a gloriously child-loving pitcher of sweetness.

Building Your First Home
“If someone is about to build a house, go out and talk to two or three builders and try to find someone who really connects with you. You can sit down with someone and in five minutes and tell if someone is personable or not,” Smith said.

NAVIGATING THROUGH THE HOME MARKET
According to realtor.com, more than 2 million people in the United States hold real estate licenses, but only a percentage of those are actively helping buyers find the right home. A few guidelines can help take the guesswork in finding the right person.

Powerhouse salad: Fit and flavorful
With the beauty of spring greens sprouting up all around us, comes the urge to take up the tongs and toss a nice fresh salad. With each trip outdoors inhaling the sweet spring air, we shake off the lethargy of winter doldrums and carbohydrate rich foods, and begin to crave the bright crisp leaves of lettuce and herbs.

TALK of the TOWN
Shreveport. 221-0490. Acts are 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. unless otherwise stated. Loco Lounge featuring the best selection of electronic dance music artists in town, Fridays; Floyd Grigsby and the 5GK Band, Saturdays. COVE ON CROSS LAKE:.

The Big Scene
Makers Fair, UNsCeNe!, Holiday iN dixie Parade Make For MUst-see eveNt.

Animated Art
The R.W. Norton Art Gallery in Shreveport believes that concept, as well, and April 4, it’s going to prove it by staging its own evening of animated art and a movie. The museum is teaming up with two other nonprofits – the Shreveport Little Theatre and the Robinson Film Center – to present its own version of “Night at the Museum.

Wine Attraction
If you waited to buy tickets, it’s too late. Only 1,600 were offered, and according to Revel Executive Director Kevin Stone, they are all sold out. At press time, the organizers had 100 wines on the menu for connoisseurs to sample at the Saturday headline event.

Engine Still Running
Engine brands itself as “space Western” music, which may be described as an American folk-blues-rock-bluegrassswing crossbreed. Engine’s discography includes the recent release of the “B Side” compilation, “Wild Onions,” featuring tracks that didn’t make an official album but were just too good to let fall through the cracks.

Rediscovering Despujols
Nestled in the Meadows Museum of Art on the outskirts of Centenary College’s campus lies a cultural treasure trove of paintings by an artist named Jean Despujols. As an introduction to managerial changes at the museum, Despujols’s National Geographic.

Mouthwatering Menu
That being said, it actually stands for Chef Wil Pipkins. Chef Wil and owner Lee Anne Wallbaum have created an enchanting new upscale dining experience that should satisfy any gourmet. The main dining room is tastefully decorated with art and a fantastic centerpiece lighting fixture hanging from the ceiling in the middle of the spacious room.

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On the Scene
Washington Mardi Gras:.