THROUGH AUG. 28: GEORGE RODRIGUE FOUNDATION OF THE ARTS ART CONTEST: LOUISIANA CELEBRATES CARNIVAL,.

United Way of NWLA fights for the education, health and financial stability for all citizens living in Northwest Louisiana, while maintaining essential needs for those who are struggling in our community. United Way envisions a community where every individual has an opportunity to succeed, and entire communities thrive as a result.

So reads the superlative first sentence of Ashley Mace Havird’s debut novel, “Lightningstruck”. And who wouldn’t want to read further after taking in these words? It’s impossible not to wonder if the horse survived – you quickly find out it has – and why 11-year-old Etta McDaniel believes her world has turned crazy.

Tuesday through Thursday. 6 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Drew Ley, Tuesdays and Fridays; Winston Hall, Wednesdays; Winston Hall; Chris Allen “Jazz Night,” Thursdays. 2151 Airline Drive, Bossier City..

Currently, the biggest change lies in our understanding that the basis of the obesity problem is not what we thought. When I started my training in the early 1980s, I was taught that a gastric bypass was curative of morbid obesity. We had a woefully inadequate understanding of the problem.

Querbes Park Foundation:.

Plantation Ball: The 64th annual Plantation Ball continued its traditions of a formal presentation, Virginia Reel and old-fashioned plantation breakfast. It was held at the Scottish Rite Temple on April 22 as part of Holiday in Dixie. The event began as a way for area planters to squire their lovely ladies. Sons of planters began being recognized in 1963. Twenty daughters and sons were presented this year. Colleen LeBlanc chaired the event.

 Wine & Swine: Wine County Bistro & Bottle Shop on Line Avenue hosted the 40th Annual Wine & Swine wine tasting and pig roast event April 10. The party, which filled the parking lot, restaurant, bottle shop and inside corridors of Pierremont Mall, featured dozens of wines and a tasty buffet of food. The menu featured three whole roasted pigs and two whole alligators. Great Raft Brewing was on hand with a sample of their locally brewed beer.