The annual fundraiser for the Shreveport Opera, Les Boutiques de Noel, was hosted at the Shreveport Convention Center in downtown Shreveport. Dozens and dozens of booths featured all kinds of merchandise from clothes to foods to home decor. Throughout the three-day event, members of the Shreveport Opera performed songs to entertain the shoppers. – Mark Crawford

Les Boutiques De Noel

1) Allison Rhymes, Kelly Byrd, Liz Comegys

2) Flora Wall, Evan Hammond, Emma Bonanno Lurry

3) Jane and John Hubbard

4) Steve and Jennifer McMenamin

5) Lindsey Ferrington, Valorie

The Strand Theatre hosted “A Christmas Carol” for their annual holiday show. The traditional story of Ebenezer Scrooge was told throughout the show, but with an updated twist thanks to the use of technology. The next upcoming Strand show is “Finding Neverland” on Feb. 8. – Mark Crawford

A Christmas Carol

6) Jenifer Hill, Jodie Glorioso

7) Robby Mayance, Stephanie Marsh

At Home Academy recently celebrated the grand opening of their second location on Line Avenue. Friends, family, students and tutors were on hand to share in the excitement. Owner Beth Woods thanked those who have supported her in her passion for educating and helping students achieve their scholastic goals. — Special to 318 Forum

At Home Academy (Photos by Megan Gambarino Photography)

8) Beth Woods, Clair Griggs, Vicki Franks, Bobby Lou Armstrong, Margaret Jordan, Mary Lou Salley, Jane West

9) Donna Bryan, Sheridan Shamburg, Melissa Parkerson, Beth Woods, Karol Fontaine, Julia Smith, Jemma Sloan

10) Brandy Blanchard, Carla Miley, Beth Woods, Marteen Van Diest, Alice Lothman and (front row) Denisha Thomas and Donette Smith

11) Carla Miley and Beth Woods

Jane Snyder and Julia Blewer, longtime friends, were recognized as 2019 Samaritans of the Year at a luncheon at East Ridge Country Club on Oct. 3. Surrounded by family and friends, they were awarded for exemplifying the values of the Samaritan ministry by making significant contributions of time, energy, resources and leadership to the program to improve the quality of life in the community. – Mary Ann Van Osdell

2019 Samaritans of the Year

12) Susan Snyder, Jim Snyder, Edwin Blewer, Julie Blewer, Caroline Blewer (rear) and Jane Snyder and Julia Blewer

13) Willie Bradford, Martha Marak, Dessie Adger, Jane Snyder, Lisa Wellborn, Al Moore, Mary Trammel, Mary Bradford