University at The Oaks: Ancient Civilization

Guest Speaker: Cheryl White, PhD, associate history professor at LSUS Monday, Feb. 5, 4 p.m. Franks Community Centre Cheryl White’s monthly University at The Oaks series focuses on the history of western civilization. Each month White selects diverse topics that offer an interesting survey that engages and intrigues guests.

Cost: Free. Registration is required.

The Magic and Mystery of Mardi Gras Masks

Guest Speaker: Dennis Beckman, fantasy mask designer Tuesday, Feb. 6, 5:30 p.m. Tower Ballroom The man behind some of the most creative Mardi Gras masks available in Shreveport-Bossier this Mardi Gras season will visit The Oaks for an informative program on his fantasy mask making. Dennis Beckman will share how his life experiences have inspired his creation of literally thousands of the enchanting Carnival accessory. Attendees will have an opportunity to try on one of a variety of masks Beckman will bring and learn the stories behind colors and materials used.

Cost: Free. Registration is required.

Fish Tale: A Journey Through the New Shreveport Aquarium

Guest Speaker: Jake Wood, director of marketing and public relations/tank diver Friday, Feb. 16, 3 p.m. Tower Ballroom Expect some memorable fish stories as Shreveport Aquarium’s Jake Wood visits The Oaks to share behind-the-scenes tidbits from the city’s highly touted opening of the area’s newest attraction. As part of his program, Wood will offer a special screening of “Backyard Bayou,” the aquarium’s locally produced series about the eco-treasures in our corner of the world. Take the bait! It will be a fun program indeed. Cost: Free. Registration is required.

Book Review

How to Hear from God: Learn to Know His Voice and Make Right Decisions

Guest Speaker: Sharon Wade, branch manager of David Raines Shreve Memorial Library Tuesday, Feb. 20, 3:30 p.m. Chapel at The Oaks In her book, “How to Hear from God: Learn to Know His Voice and Make Right Decisions,” Joyce Meyer reveals how God speaks to us through signs, revelations and internal confirmations. Learning to recognize His voice is important toward following plans for our lives, says Meyer. Sharon Wade will explore the revelations in Meyer’s book and share how to have attentive ears for God’s voice. Cost: Free. Registration is required.

Oh, no! Not Shingles! Everything You Didn’t Know about this Painful Condition

Guest Speaker: Elizabeth Clemons, MD, dermatologist Friday, Feb. 23, 3 p.m. Franks Community Center Almost one out of every three people in the United States will develop shingles in their lifetime. Shingles is a painful infection of an individual nerve and the skin service that is supplied by that nerve. It is caused by a reactivation of the same virus that causes chickenpox. Learn about the cause, symptoms, vaccine and treatment in an informative program presented by Elizabeth

Clemons, MD, of Ark-La-Tex Dermatology. Cost: Free. Registration is required.