Sound the Trumpet: Holiday in Swing

Guest Performer: Byron Stripling, trumpeter Friday, Dec. 16, 4 p.m. Alta and John Franks Community Centre A concert by world-renowned trumpeter Byron Stripling will kick off an evening of seasonal favorites in a preview of what’s to come at the Shreveport Symphony’s Masterworks Series concert Saturday, Dec. 17. Cost: $5, nonresidents. Registration is required.

Book Review The Last Original Wife

Guest Speaker: Maredia Bowdon, retired English teacher with Caddo Parish Schools Tuesday, Dec. 20, 3:30 p.m. Chapel at The Oaks Leslie Anne Greene Carter is approaching her 60th birthday and is dissatisfied in her marriage, feeling taken for granted by her husband and grown children. She also is discontent in the company of new trophy wives among her husband, Wesley’s, Atlanta social circle. Following an accident that goes unnoticed by her husband for several hours, Leslie decides to return to her hometown of Charleston, where she will rediscover what it means to live, love and find true happiness within herself. Join Maredia Bowdon as she reviews this enjoyable work of Southern fiction by Dorothea Benton Frank. Cost: $5, nonresidents. Registration is required.

Well Worth It Series The History of Saint Nicholas

Guest Speaker: Tarah Thomas, library technician at Shreve Memorial Library Thursday, Dec. 22, 3 p.m. Ballroom, Tower at The Oaks Tarah Thomas will share her love of all things Saint Nicholas in this informative program perfect for the holidays. She’ll share a history of Saint Nicholas, focusing on original legends, and will discuss Santa Claus as he is portrayed in various cultures throughout the world. She will discuss how, throughout time, he has transformed into the modern image of the jolly old man depicted today, with flowing white beard, red suit and eight dashing reindeer. Cost: $5, nonresidents. Registration is required.