• Race for Cure

The annual Race for the Cure benefitting Susan G. Komen and breast cancer research will be held at 8 a.m. on Oct. 12. This year is extra special, as it marks the silver 25th anniversary.

The race consists of a 5k and a 1-mile walk/run. “We’re moving the race back to Mall St. Vincent where the race began, taking it back to our roots for the 25th anniversary,” Taneisha Primus, MBA, affiliate coordinator for Susan G. Komen Louisiana, said.

“I love seeing everyone come together and celebrate and honor our survivors,” Primus said. “Seeing the joy from our survivors on this day helps me to continue the work towards reducing the number of breast cancer-related deaths and providing more resources for our local survivors.”

The race will begin in the mall parking lot and proceed to Ratcliff, then down Fairfield to Pierremont and back. “The course is managed by Sportspectrum, so we are excited to have them back on board to ensure that the course is measured properly,” Primus said.

There’s usually an average of 2,000 participants each year, and 2019 is prime time for even more locals to get involved. “We are under new leadership and are working to reinvigorate the spirit of Komen in the NWLA community,” Primus said. “The more participation and sponsorship we have for our silver anniversary, the more funds we’ll be able to grant out for screening, education, financial and support services.”

Seventy-five percent of the money raised stays in the Ark-La-Tex to fund breast health services.

All participants will receive a Race for the Cure T-shirt with their registration. “Most participants wear their race day shirts,” Primus said. “However, some participants opt to design their own shirts and wear those!” The race is for everyone — whether you’re an experienced runner or a professional couch-warmer, there’s an opportunity to walk or jog for a good cause. Whatever you choose to wear, come out ready to run and have some fun!

To register, visit komenlouisiana.org/ NWLARacefortheCure to register. Sponsors should contact Primus at [email protected] or 318-220-7050.

• Focusing On Domestic Violence

During October, the topic of domestic violence is front and center in making people aware of the serious issue that plagues our communities and the homes of many who live silently in abuse. • Beginning on Wednesday, Oct. 2, Project Celebration Inc. kicks off the month with Wear Purple Day at a downtown riverfront event from 5:30 to 6 p.m. called “Roses on the Red,” and it is a time to remember domestic violence homicide victims and their families. Free.

• On Oct. 3, a luncheon at Sam’s Town Casino, hosted by the Family Justice Center of NWLA, will begin at 11:30 and is entitled, “People Of Courage.” Tickets are $50.

• At the Bossier Arts Council on Oct. 5, an event hosted by Dream SBC will begin at 5 p.m. called “Pouring with a Purpose w/Primal Flow.” Tickets are $10.

• Oct. 15, the annual Unmasking Domestic Violence Breakfast and Silent Auction will begin at 9 a.m. at Diamond Jacks Casino. Individual tickets are $40. Table sponsorships are available by calling Project Celebration at 318-221-8003.

• On Oct.18 the Trey Hutchison Awards Banquet will be held at Earnest of Orleans beginning at 11:15 a.m. and is $35.

• Then the PCI Gold Tournament at Cypress Bend Golf Resort begins at 9:30 a.m. on Oct. 19.

• And, finally, on Wednesday, Oct. 23, The Cohab is hosting “A Call To Men” from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., where men are invited to join in community dialogue and action plan to address intimate partner violence. Free.

For additional information, please call Project Celebration Inc. at (318)-226-5015.

• Busiest Summer in 19 Years at Shreveport Regional Airport

A new flight to Destin, Fla., and larger planes to most of the eight nonstop destinations from Shreveport Regional Airport (SHV) helped make this summer at SHV the busiest since 2000.

The traditional summer travel season is May through August and this year 257,651 people traveled through SHV, which was an increase of 11% from last year’s passenger numbers. The new Destin nonstop flight was very popular with more than 7,500 passengers taking the trip in the four months it operated. There were also more than 9,400 passengers that used the nonstop flight between Orlando-Sanford Airport and SHV, which included a new, third weekly flight this year.

“We were excited that the new nonstop flight to Destin on Allegiant was so popular with the residents of the Ark-La-Tex this summer. With thousands of passengers using the new flight, it shows Allegiant and our other airlines that there is demand for additional routes from Shreveport Regional Airport,” said Stacy Kuba, interim director of airports for the Shreveport Airport Authority.

August marked the 17th consecutive month of increased passenger activity. To date, 451,166 passengers have used Shreveport Regional Airport since January, which is 41,391 more passengers this year and an increase of 10% over the same time last year.

“Our passenger numbers this summer are rivaling those of nearly two decades ago and we are extremely thankful that residents of Shreveport- Bossier, and the entire Ark-La-Tex, are flying from Shreveport,” said Waynette Ballengee, chairman of the Shreveport Airport Authority board of directors. “We encourage everyone to continue to Fly Shreveport First and support their local airport.”