Hall of Fame: Tony Papa was inducted into the American Italian Sports Hall of Fame at its 30th annual banquet Jan. 17 in New Orleans. The annual gala honors and celebrates contributions of Italian Americans. Proceeds of the banquet benefit the American Italian Cultural Center and fund scholarships for collegebound seniors exceling in academics and athletics. Papa began playing sports at St. John’s School in Shreveport in 1956. He played football and baseball at Jesuit High School in Shreveport and was named to the All-City, All-District and All-State Football and Baseball teams. He spent one year at Texas A&M before transferring to Northwestern State University, where he received NSU’s Best Offensive Back Award in 1968. He graduated from NSU with a degree in education and began his career as a coach and teacher at Jesuit.

–Mary Ann Van Osdell

Announcement: Acclaimed Shreveport Chef Jason Brady and his team announced their new hospitality partnership Feb. 5 at Zocolo Neighborhood Eatery. Cadre Hospitality is made up of Wine Country Bistro and Bottle Shop, Zocolo Neighborhood Eatery and Drinkery and Southern Fork Catering. The partnership was announced at a news conference, which included a taste-testing of some of their most popular dishes.

–Mark Crawford

Toast to Mardi Gras: Held atop the middle of the Texas Street Bridge at 11:30 p.m. Feb. 17, Mardi Gras krewe captains took turns toasting the end of carnival season, ending with the final toast of the season by Aesclepius Captain Craig Seal. Lenten ashes were dispensed by Monsignor Earl Provenza at midnight.

–Mary Ann Van Osdell 

Dream Series: An opening reception for “The Dream Series” by Marlene Tseng Yu featured a talk by the artist Feb. 28 at Meadows Museum of Art. Other current exhibits are “See America: Advertising Our National Treasures Through Graphic Design” and “#exhibit: Reinterpreting Art from the Permanent Collection.” Admission was free.

–Mary Ann Van Osdell

Trunk Show: Kate Hesson had a trunk show of her Zombee Candles at King Hardware on Feb. 28. Zombee Candles are made with 100 percent soy wax. Lead-free wicks ensure a clean and natural burn. Burn time for the 8-ounce candles is 40 hours. Wax tarts and body butter are also available. The candle names and scents have a Louisiana flair (such as Lemon LaRoux).

–Mary Ann Van Osdell

Best in Sheaux: Robinson’s Rescue and Eldorado Casino presented Best in Sheaux at RiverView Hall on March 7. Thirteen dogs participated on the runway. Ticket purchases allowed votes for the favorite dog. Pixie, a blonde Corgie mix, had its own cheering squad, a table of women dressed in pink boas and hats. Several rescued dogs were in attendance including, one named Freeway that was found on the side of Interstate 49. There was also a silent and live auction. Trips featured included, one to Napa Valley, the Kentucky Bourbon Trail and a spa getaway in Sedona, Ariz. Sheriff Steve Prator emceed.

–Mary Ann Van Osdell

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Or contact Mary Ann Van Osdell at mavo@softdisk.com or Mark Crawford at markcrawford1@aol.com for coverage.