Anderson Ranch, one of the nation’s most revered retreats for artists and makers of art, invited Nick Cave to Aspen to receive the prestigious International Art Award, honoring Cave’s creativity and ability to use art to make change. Cave, interviewed on stage, fascinated the moderator with Cave’s “As Is” residency in Shreveport and the intricate process of dressing the people who ultimately wear the sound suits for which he’s best known. The audience included collectors and arts administrators from all over the country. – Special to 318 Forum

Nick Cave

1) Artist Nick Cave, Sandi Kallenberg and Bob Faust

2) Nick Cave, Jeffrey Kallenberg and Bob Faust

Bret Michaels asked veterans to join him onstage July 3 at DiamondJacks. He had a meet and greet before the show and was friendly to all. – Mary Ann Van Osdell

Brett Michaels

3) Brett Michaels

4) Blaine and Jazz Cathey

5) Brook Dean and Casey Hanson

6) Jessica Barron, Sharon Hicks and Jerri Naranjo-Luna

The balloon glow for the Red River Balloon Rally did not occur due to weather on July 12 at LSUS, but the fireworks show was able to go on. The event continued Saturday. Music and food vendors rounded out the events. – Mary Ann Van Osdell

Balloon Rally

7) Denise Storey and Bill Ward

8) Melanie, Henry, Barrow and William Peacock

Sister Martinette Rivers celebrated 70 years since joining the convent at a party on July 14. She left Zwolle to follow her dream and as a sister has reached out to the last, least, lost and the lowest of all peoples. She works as a gerontologist and geriatric counselor at Azalea Estates Assisted Living Facility, teaching their seniors how to age gracefully with happy hearts. Pope John Paul II has garlanded her. Guests had Italian cream cake and wine and cheese. Leonard Kacenjar played “Ave Maria” on violin. A wreath of holy cards was at the entrance. – Mary Ann Van Osdell

Sister Martinette Rivers

9) Sister Martinette Rivers, Lauren Boley and Carolyn Boley

10) Sister Martinette Rivers and Sheila Ybarbo

11) Sister Martinette Rivers and Randy Stewart

12) Sister Martinette Rivers and Cathey Cook

LSU Coach Ed Orgeron was the guest speaker at a luncheon benefit for Geaux 4 Kids at East Ridge Country Club in May. Aetna was the presenting sponsor. K.C. Kilpatrick founded the organization, and Logan Schroeder, board president, welcomed guests. Geaux 4 Kids eases the emergency transition of displaced children into the protective custody of foster care. His wife, Kelly, accompanied Orgeron. He said he grew up in a home that was a rental but was rich with heart. The Orgerons will continue to help the cause. – Mary Ann Van Osdell

LSU Coach Ed Orgeron

13) Ed and Kelly Orgeron