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Young Professionals Initiative
For 14 years, the Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce has been nominating 40 young professionals from the area to compete in the 40 Under Forty Award.

Barbaree Turns Pro
“As a young kid, you grow up watching The Masters or the (major tournaments), and if you have big dreams, you don’t really ever say, ‘I want to be the best college player.’ You say, ‘I want to be the best player in the world. I want to win majors. I want to be a professional golfer on the PGA Tour.

Hello to Fat’s Oyster House
It’s been a rough 2020 for Chase Boytim. Like other bar owners in Louisiana, he has had a grim time in this year of Covid. Some have hunkered down, some have decided to close up shop altogether, but Boytim has done neither. In fact, he decided to expand.

Cumberland Farms
Three years ago, Mark Rodie, a minister who heads a group called Men of Courage, found his group growing and looking for a purpose. They learned about the Cumberland section of old Bossier, the highest crime, highest poverty and the city’s lowest educational achievement area.

BRF Economic Impact
An economic impact study of BRF and its associated entities by economist Dr. Loren Scott has been released. The study analyzes the 2018 and 2019 economic impacts of BRF and its associated entities in the Shreveport-Bossier metropolitan statistical area (MSA), which includes Caddo, Bossier, DeSoto and Webster parishes.

Silence is Not Golden
There are always motivations to do what is wrong in order to gain something. Maybe it’s lying on a resumé to get a job or taking something from someone that doesn’t belong to you just because you wanted it (or needed it).

The Science is Clear
For the health-care and science community, Christmas came before Thanksgiving this year with the announcement of two very large COVID-19 vaccine trials.

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Reviewing Your Investments
The year 2020 is finally coming to an end, and it is time to start looking forward to 2021. However, it would be wise to look at your investment portfolio before the end of the year for potential taxsaving opportunities. Start by reviewing the various sales you have realized this year on stocks, bonds and other investments.

2020 Year-End Tax Planning
2020 has been a challenging year for Americans, mentally, physically and financially. It will likely go down in history as “the year of uncertainty.” Even as we write this article, much remains unknown concerning the county’s physical heath and the future balance of power in our legislature.

On the E.R. Front line
And now it is magnified by a coronavirus, the cause of a worldwide pandemic. A steady influx of patients arrives for treatment. Staff in the emergency department often feel overwhelmed. They are taxed physically and mentally. Assessing and treating patients takes more time because there is a process for nurses to protect themselves.

Keeping Safe Over The Holidays
To keep everyone safer, including vulnerable populations such as seniors and those with underlying health conditions, it is recommended that large gatherings be avoided. Even small groups are encouraged to be limited to only individuals who have been quarantining together.

Restoring The Magic
Taking care of our mental health is so important during the holidays. Although it is a time of joy and celebration, it can be a time of stress, depression and anxiety. Unknowingly, we set our expectations high and try to soak in all the fun and excitement these events bring.

One Dose at a Time
The frontlines of the pandemic look different now, 10 months into the COVID-19 battle. In this season of giving and joy, there’s comfort in knowing that a glimmer of returning to some sort of normalcy is so close. For months, the question of when a vaccine will be ready riddled conversations.

318 Talk
will be on display in the West Wing Gallery of the Louisiana State Exhibit Museum. Admission free and tours available by appointment. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. 3015 Greenwood Road, Shreveport. For more information, go to www.laexhibitmuseum.org.

Neighborhood Favorites
dining locations in the neighborhood is Fat Calf Brasserie, which has quickly become one of my favorites. Owned by Chef Anthony Felan and his wife, Amanda, (you might remember them from the OG Wine Country like I do), the restaurant is located on the corner of Kings Highway and Creswell Avenue in Highland.

Healthy Holidays
A time of traditions and celebrations looks different this year. There will be fewer office parties, holiday gatherings and opportunities to overindulge in food and drink, which health-wise may be a good thing.