We start off, much like the holiday season, with roasted turkey. Turkeys are a New World food and were eaten by ancient peoples in the Americas for centuries before European conquerors brought turkeys back home with them.

Willson worked at Louisiana Tech as a fundraiser for the College of Engineering and Science when he heard about the opening at United Way in Shreveport. The board interviewed him, liked what they heard and hired him in April 2008.

“It got me thinking – life is too short,” Pourteau said. “I knew I needed to do something. The way I was going in life – just working customer service, going to work Monday through Friday, I wasn’t happy.

“March 21 is the day I started working,” Chandler said. “We went to Baton Rouge two or three times and had a one-on-one with the governor. One of the things we discussed was the Jimmie Davis Bridge. We had $24 million already, and he gave us another $100 million.

“This” is Ed’s Emporium Art Glass Studio, at 2200 Barksdale Boulevard, Suite A, in Bossier City. Ed got so busy making glass items for his wife — and others — that he outgrew his backyard and went into business for himself. Both Carol and Ed have since died.

For some, dining out is an occasional indulgence. For others, it’s a way of life. If this year has taught us anything, it is how valuable our health is. And fortunately, there are things we can do to effortlessly make healthy choices while dining out. Here are five simple strategies to get you started:.