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.
