Maggie

If there was anything to be said about the area's hospitality, officials representing University of Alabama at Birmingham and Brigham Young University, who played Dec. 18 in the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl, repeated it over and over again at the Chairman's by-invitation-only VIP Reception. The coaches repeated the praise repeatedly, as each stepped up to the microphone for a moment in the spotlight. In thanking locals, UAB Coach Bill Clark said, "This (bowl) is a big deal for us."

While the BYU Cougers and UAB Blazers duked it out on the Independence Bowl Stadium field, Shreveport and Bossier City mayors Adrian Perkins and Tommy Chandler and Caddo District Attorney James Stewart were among the power pack wearing coveted badges for admission to the traditional bowl party in the upstairs club house.

Betty and Leonard Phillips Deaf Action Center was back with Las Vegas Night after a year's absence because of COVID-19.

Huntington High School Choir members are dreaming of a trip to New York to perform in Carnegie Hall.

With community leader Liz Comegys as chairwoman, the Shreveport-Bossier Opera Guild, of which Comegys is president, put on a humdinger and popular Les Boutiques de Noel at Shreveport Convention Center. Funds raised go to Shreveport Opera for SOX.

With mascot Snoopy dressed like Elvis and dancin' on a pink '50sera pink Cadillac, a pair of dice, a palm tree and a fountain bubbling up in the background, the cover of the Loyola College Prep Style Show & Luncheon told it all.

HEBER SPRINGS, Ark. -- Carl Roberts and Emily Glassell were high school sweethearts who fell in love on their very first date.

(Standing clockwise from left) Linda Biernacki, Ellen Ballard, Shelly Smith and Angie Triplet