Centaur Grand Bal XXXI was a big top spectacular. It was held on Jan. 28 at the Shreveport Convention Center. Queen Tina Tomasek was joined by King Danny Lowery and Captain Byron Trust in opening the event. Dukes and duchesses included Ryan Williams, Abby Arledge, Matt Freeman, Kimberly Aulds, Russell and Cindy Henry, Sean Pieper and Karla Sweeney. There was a late-night breakfast buffet and music with Groove Function. – Mary Ann Van Osdell (Photo contributions Van Osdell, Harvey Dillahunty and Marty Johnson.)

Krewe of Centaur Bal

1) Tina Tomasek

2) Karla Sweeney

3) Jack Davis and Emma Benson

4) Robert and Rhonda Chavis

5) Ryan Williams

6) Ryan Williams and Abby Arledge

Emerie Eck Gentry and Jason Holtzclaw chose New Year’s Eve for a fab wedding at The Barn at Coyote Creek. Mrs. Holtzclaw’s gown was by Adrianna Papell. Guests enjoyed an extravagant fireworks display pre-wedding, a spread of delectables from Buttercups Cupcakes and Chef Tootie Morrison, and the venue’s ambiance. Mr. and Mrs. Holtzclaw were happy to share their moment with friends and family. – Special to 318 Forum (Photo contributions by Jeremy Hernandez and guests.)

Jessica Latin, Jason Holtzclaw and Brent Latin

Emerie Eck Holtzclaw and Jason Holtzclaw

Lauren and Derek Simmons and Liz Swaine

Shondale Coleman and Emerie Eck Holtzclaw

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Yvonne Balentine, Emerie Eck Holtzclaw and Elizabeth Reynolds

Shelley and Greg Redmond

Jan. 19, the Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce hosted its 113th annual meeting, which kicked off the new year with the installation of new executive officers and the board of directors, as well as the recognition of the annual Business Person of the Year Award. This award is presented to a local business leader who has made significant contributions to the development of the community. This year’s recipient was Larry Clark, chancellor of Louisiana State University in Shreveport. – Mark Crawford

Greater Shreveport Chamber Annual Meeting

1) Lisa Babin and Linda Biernacki

2) Brian McNew and Scott Ward

3) Erin Smith, Caitlin Sattler and Katie Bursley

4) Ed Walsh and Angie White

On Jan. 10, the Bossier Chamber of Commerce hosted its Annual Meeting at the Bossier Civic Center. More than 400 people were in attendance for the event, which was the 75th anniversary of the Bossier Chamber. The new officers were announced during the event, and the Business of the Year and Business Person of the Year were honored with awards. – Mark Crawford

Bossier Chamber Annual Banquet

5) Greg Orrison, Tommy Clark and Grady Morrison

6) Hedy Hebert and George Fritze

7) Ian Summers, Kem and Dana Smelser

8) Lisa Johnson and Scott Zeuch

9) Tim Magner, Diane Clark and Mark Crews

10) Michael Melerine, Laura and Alan Seabough

For over 30 years, Cedar Grove Post 6 of the American Legion has hosted the Cedar Grove Reunion for “Groveites” and friends. More than 130 “Groveites” and friends recently got together at Lowe-McFarland Post 14 on Cross Lake to reminisce and tell stories. – Mary Ann Van Osdell

Gary Laun, Bob Petrus and Larry Netherland

Alexis and Bob Petrus

The Turkey Fry Guys, a group of local volunteers, recently presented a check for $80,000 to Gingerbread House Children’s Advocacy Center. The donation resulted from last November’s fundraiser, where The Turkey Fry Guys fried and sold 500 Thanksgiving turkeys. Money was also raised from an event featuring a live and silent auction. Corey Craft from Home Federal Bank and Mark Harrison from House of Carpets and Lighting presented the check to Jessica Milan Miller, Gingerbread House’s CEO. – Special to 313 Forum.

Patricia Schwartz, Paula Muckleroy and Pat Horton

Peggy Parker is the new owner of Connie and V. Cross Jewelers. The former owners were in business 30 years. Mardi Gras krewes were invited for wine and cheese and bling shopping in December. The staff was collecting wish list cards to send to spouses saying, “Oh, my goodness, I love this; This is so Me, I can’t wait to wear this” and “Honey, I really love this.” – Mary Ann Van Osdell

Paula Pendleton, Sue Cooksey and Nancy Randall

Peggy Parker

To be included in OTS, e-mail your high-res photos to editor@318forum.com or mail to Editor at 318 Forum,1158 Texas Ave., Shreveport, LA 71101. Must include a daytime phone number. Or, contact Mary Ann Van Osdell at mavo@softdisk.com or Mark Crawford at markcrawford1@aol. com for coverage.