Marilyn Wellan, a 35-year volunteer for American Rose Society (ARS) and the Gardens, is also a former ARS national president and is creator of the newly invented Master Plan for the Gardens. She is also serving as coordinator of the Great Garden Restoration Project.

With the new year comes new opportunities to accomplish goals and get organized – especially when it comes to college prep! It’s easy to get swept away in senior parties, class trips, prom and other exciting events.

“I can safely say the first thing attendees should expect is to laugh – a lot,” Winston Hall, piano man, said. “I started my professional piano career at a Chinese restaurant in West Texas when I was 18 years old, and from there, things only got funnier.

“Each year the Chamber is pleased to recognize engaged and involved emerging leaders through our 40 Under Forty Program,” Dr. Timothy Magner, president of the Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce, said.

“The Integrity award highlights businesses that maintain a solid commitment to ethical business practices,” Fisher said. “The Customer Commitment award celebrates businesses with outstanding customer service programs.

“Les Boutiques de Noel is the signature event that signals the start of holiday shopping season in the Ark-La-Tex, so it’s appropriate that this year’s theme portrays the tradition of the classic Christmas season in the South,” Frierson said.

It certainly takes a village to create such a peaceful, cozy oasis. From the open floor plan to the patterned kitchen backsplash to the hardwood floors and elegant lighting fixtures, this house is just begging for its person to find it. Builder Doug Rains of Rains Construction in Haughton, La.

“I’ve been heavily involved with style show decorations and set design for the last four to five years,” Corbell said. “Besides affording me a creative outlet, volunteering has allowed me to spend many hours with other parent volunteers and has facilitated meaningful friendships that would not have otherwise developed.