Wedding: Rebecca Dennis and Jeremy Leggett said their wedding vows at 5 p.m. Feb. 28 in a quaint ceremony at Hill Country Village. The reception was also held there. The bride sang “Making Plans” by Miranda Lambert, accompanied by her brother, Bill Dennis III, on the guitar as a gift for her husband. Guests enjoyed a fajita bar on the patio. The couple left under tosses of sprinkles rather than rice. The wedding favor for each guest was a succulent plant.
Municipal Re-opening: Mayor Cedric Glover reopened the Shreveport Municipal Memorial Auditorium at a press conference and open house from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. April 3. The city of Shreveport celebrated the renovations with a tour of the building, stories of its past and “Auditorium Appetizers.” The Shreveport Regional Arts Council partnered to organize the re-opening event with the city of Shreveport celebrating another “completed” initiative of the 2010 Bond Proposition and the Shreveport Common Vision Plan.
Simon Sinek: The Ark-La-Tex Chapter of the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics awarded scholarships to 12 high school students April 25 at a luncheon at DiamondJacks that featured author Simon Sinek. The group has awarded $200,000 in scholarships the last seven years. They also award teacher grants. Everyone received a copy of Sinek’s latest book, “Leaders Eat Last.”
Chocolate and Champagne: Jennifer Norwood, a nurse practitioner, was honored at Chocolate and Champagne, an Easter Seals event, April 25 at Sam’s Town. She received the Lily Award for being a hometown humanitarian. Featured at the event were various vendors sharing such chocolate specialties as cupcakes (some shaped like a lady’s high-heeled shoe), cake balls, brownies, cookies, bread pudding, truffles, cheesecake with drizzles and chocolate-covered strawberries. Various-flavored coffees were offered along with champagne. Centerpieces were a big candy wrapper topped with clanking champagne glasses. Proceeds will be used to purchase wheelchairs, walkers and ramps.
Cook-off: The smell of barbecue was in the air April 25 at Festival Plaza. The second annual Ark-La-Tex Ambassadors BBQ cook-off was a two-day grill-fest. The event began Friday night with a fish fry and concert by A Train. Saturday was about the grilling. Chicken, pork ribs, pork and brisket were the categories, and dozens of teams participated. There was also a children’s area and mechanical bull rides. Proceeds from the cook-off will go toward the Ark-La- Tex Ambassadors’ college scholarship essay contest for Ark-La-Tex high school seniors.
Spring Tea: For the third year, ladies filled Stonewall Missionary Baptist Church for the C. Wright Pink Ribbon Project Elegant Spring Tea. It was held April 26. Songs, scripture and praise dancing were among the activities. The funds generated from ticket sales will be used for helping those women in need who are battling breast cancer. Melody Scott spoke from personal experience. She said her tears were preparation for her storm. The C. Wright Pink Ribbon Project has helped dozens of women with transportation to and from medical appointments, doctor/ facility co-payments, pharmacy expenses and monetary support to maintain necessary living expenses.
Strand: The Strand Theatre announced its upcoming season May 6 at the 30th anniversary party of its re-opening. Snippets of the shows were shown by video as attendees enjoyed snacks and drinks on the stage. A New York tribute group to Peter, Paul and Mary named A Band Called Honalee closed the event. Shows include “Restless Heart,” the Oak Ridge Boys, “Smokey Joe’s Café,” Darlene Love Christmas Show, “A Christmas Carol,” “Guys and Dolls” and “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.”
Airshow: The Barksdale 2014 Defenders of Liberty Airshow was welcomed back, after last year’s absence, by thousands and thousands of people coming out to see the show. The air show featured aerial displays of more than 20 aircraft, including the Thunderbirds’ F-16s and the F-22 Raptor, as well as dozens of large and small aircraft at static displays on the ground, including the special massive transport C-5 Galaxy and the unique “three-holer,” aerial refueling tanker KC-10A Extender. Further displays included the B-52 weapons display, armored HMMWV, and a brand new, state-of-the-art SkyRunner, part all-terrain buggy, part light-aircraft which was the first presentation to public in the United States.
Opera: The Shreveport Opera turned 65 with a “Star Sapphire Soiree” on May 3 at the home of Dr. Ghali and Mrs. Hope Ghali. Supporters of the arts were welcomed by Shreveport Opera Express singers from an indoor balcony as they entered the front door. Once inside, they feasted on the Petroleum Club’s inventive international food with creative ties to the grand operas. A signature drink was called the “Sapphire Cocktail.” The Roger Barnes Trio entertained on the back patio. Gems from six local jewelers glittered on the silent auction tables. Susannah Poljak chaired the event. The Shreveport Opera has featured concerts with such well known singers as Beverly Sills and Plácido Domingo and has enjoyed the wonderful opportunity to help launch the careers of such internationally acclaimed stars as Renee Fleming and Greer Grimsley.
Pink: The Pink Party turned 21 and was finally legal. The party was held May 3 at the Shreveport Convention Center. Hundreds showed up for a night of fun. This year’s event paid tribute to all the activities expected of a 21st birthday celebration, starting with its theme, “Happy 21st Birthday – Finally Legal.”
Specialist Hospital: A launch party was held May 3 for the new Specialist Health System websites. The event was hosted by the design firm Popular Creative. Popular Creative and Specialist Health System celebrated their partnership at Cantina Laredo in the Shoppes at Bellemead.
Heroes: A light was on 83 people recognized for providing lifesaving care at “Evening for Heroes” on May 8 at the Shreveport Convention Center. The funds raised help support the LSU Health Sciences Foundation. The recovery of Trent Wierick and Kaitlyn Parker, who were victims in vehicular accidents, were featured in videos and their heroes recognized on stage. The Anatomage Table, a technologically advanced anatomy visualization system for anatomy education, was on display in the lobby.
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