Kerry Kimler, vice president of Region 4 of the Louisiana Federation of Republican Women, installed new officers of the Professional Republican Women of Caddo on Dec. 18 at Savoie’s. They are Shannon Dean, president; Janis Kutschbach, vice president; Pat Roach, recording secretary; and Dottie Maziarz, treasurer. Elliott Stonecipher was the guest speaker. – Mary Ann Van Osdell

Republican Women

1) Shannon Dean, Janis Kutschbach, Kerry Kimler, Pat Roach and Dottie Maziarz

Robin Merkle’s Annual Cupcake Extravaganza was held Dec. 30 at her home dubbed Merkle Manor. Festive attire was requested to squelch the winter doldrums. She collected canned goods for the Salvation Army in barrels on her porch. Her dogs nestled by the fireplace, and hot coffee was served.

– Mary Ann Van Osdell

Cupcake Extravaganza

2) Sarah Price and Robin Merkle

3) Sue Oppliger, Cathey Cook, Cara Smith

4) Vicki Wallace and Cathey Cook

Jingle Mingle was held at the Woman’s Department Club on Dec. 6. It was an event by the Woman’s Department Club and the LSUHSC Woman’s Club. WDC collected for the Food Bank, and toys were distributed to the pediatric unit at Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport over the holidays.

– Mary Ann Van Osdell

Jingle Mingle

5) Brenda Traylor, Susan Knowles, Celly Morris

6) Donna Cavanaugh and Susan Knowles

7) Elizabeth Wendt, Meagan Kee, Reesa Cash, Tammie Manas, Shirley Kelley

8) Rissa Cash, Sandra Harrold, Meagan Kee

Anna Loftin and Robbie Myers wed at Mount Zion Baptist Church on Dec. 8. A reception was held at the home of the bride’s parents in Coushatta under a huge tent lit with chandeliers. Flowers were designed by Mary Marston of Plum Nealy Plant Farm at East Point. Guests walked away with a silver glittered bell ornament as a souvenir and were treated to fireworks. – Mary Ann Van Osdell

Loftin Wedding

9) Robbie Myers and Anna Loftin

The Sons of Italy annual party was held on Dec. 8 at El Dorado Casino’s ballroom. It once again included good food, music and decorations.

Sons of Italy

10) Judge Tommy Wilson, Patsy Wilson, Linda Serio, Sue and Mike Bartnik

11) Seated are Lynn Mandina and Ann Criswell. Standing are Patsy Wilson, Rich and Elaine Baki.

Judge Jeff Cox swore in the new officers of the Republican Women of Bossier. Former Rep. Jane Smith is president. The event was held at Silver Star on Dec. 11. – Mary Ann Van Osdell

Republican

12) Sen. Barrow Peacock, incoming president of Republican Women of Bossier, former state Rep. Jane Smith, and Rep. Dodie Horton.

The Remington Suite Hotel & Spa kicked things up a notch at CLINK, a dinner event, on New Year’s Eve. Featuring a menu by Jacob Mouser and Steve Ramey on piano, the high-spirited guests enjoyed an evening of music and fun as the clock ticked toward midnight.

Another happening event was “Rock Around the Clock” at 421 Texas Street. Guests turned out in their sharpest attire to ring in the new year with music and dance. – Photos by Jeremy Hernandez

NYE 2019

1) Inez Nolan, Haylee Sands, M.C. Ackel, Kasey Stroud, Britini Sepulvado, Amber Park at Clink.

2) Randee Webster, Gena Ormond, Thelma Jones, Michelle Moore at Clink.

3) Steven Knight and Ammiee Brown at Clink.

4) Robert and Randee Webster, Dale Colvin at Clink.

5) Erin Smith, Tyler Vendor at Clink.

6) Skylo Johnson, Vanity Johnson at Rock Around the Clock.

7) Kharmen Davis, Fredrick Taylor at Rock Around the Clock.

8) Charles and Courtnie Owens at Rock Around the Clock.

9) Nicole Echols, Jerrica Lister, Emily Lawrence at Rock Around the Clock.

Estelle Brown, the latest inductee into the Shreveport Walk of Stars, performed at the James Burton Concert Dec. 8 at Margaritaville. She was a member of the Sweet Inspirations and was known for working with Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul, and Elvis Presley, the King of Rock ’n’ Roll. A VIP question-and-answer was held before the show. The bodyguard of Presley was there and shared stories; his sister dated Presley. Veterans were presented guitars, and the Elvis Angels presented a check for more guitars.

– Mary Ann Van Osdell

James Burton Concert

10) Anna Bufkin, Sheriff Julian Whittington, Johanna Loftin, Lynn and Dianne Austin

11) Dianne Harmon

12) James Burton

13) Estelle Brown, latest induction into Shreveport Walk of Stars.