Lifestyle

“Things of That Nature: From Shame to Confidence” — A Journey of Empowerment

Join award-winning author Lakrisha Wilcott Gee for an exclusive Book Signing & Meet-and-Greet celebrating her powerful book, Things of That Nature: From Shame to Confidence! This special event will take place on March 28, 2025 at Barnes and Noble from 5pm-7pm, providing readers with the opportunity to connect with the author, hear the inspiration behind the book, and have their copies personally signed.

Things of That Nature is more than just a book — it’s a movement that helps readers, especially young women, overcome fear, shame, and self-doubt while embracing confidence and selfworth. Through personal experiences and heartfelt storytelling, Lakrisha empowers her audience to navigate life’s challenges and step boldly into their purpose.

Event Highlights: Book Signing: Get your copy of Things of That Nature signed by the author.

BackAlley Community Theatre in Grand Cane is excited to present Southern Fried Nuptials written by J. Dietz Osborne & Nate Eppler, and produced by Playscripts. Show dates are Friday and Saturday, April 4, 5, 11, and 12 @ 7 pm and Sunday, April 6 and 13 @ 2 pm. Tickets may be purchased at backalleygrandcane. com. If you need assistance, call our box office at 318-461-0202.

Harlene Frye is going to marry her childhood sweetheart this weekend... assuming the typical Frye family hijinks don’t derail the wedding! Harlene and Attie’s future together is threatened when the bride-to-be’s ex-flame shows up with news no one needs to know. And Harlene’s not the only one keeping secrets. Will the Fryes be able to get Harlene down the aisle in one piece? Join us for this big-hearted comedy about family — Southern style!

The dates for DeSoto Regional Health Fairs for 2025 have been set for March 7th in Mansfield at the First United Methodist Church, September 12 in Zwolle at St. Joseph Catholic Church, and July 11 in Logansport at the Logansport High School Gymnasium. All three will be held from 6:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m.

The fees remain the same as last year with the female panel costing $30.00, which will include CBC (complete blood count), CMP (comprehensive metabolic panel), Lipid Panel (for cholesterol levels), Thyroid Profile, Vitamin D panel, and HGB A1C (Hemoglobin) The male panel fee is $35.00 and will include the entire previously mentioned test, along with a PSA (prostate specific antigen). Be sure to remember to fast after midnight the night before the fair if you are going to do blood work. No appointments are needed to be tested at the location of your choice. Be sure to fast after midnight if you plan to have lab work done.

Books and Biscuits Book Club met Tuesday, February 4, at Village Cuisine Catering and Cafe in Grand Cane where we enjoyed a delicious meal with a Texmex flair. Joyce Smiley led an interesting and thought-provoking discussion of “The Pact” by Jodi Picoult.

This novel is a contemporary story of love, betrayal, and a suicide pact between teenage neighbors Emily Gold and Chris Harte. The novel opens with Emily’s death and Chris’s subsequent murder charge. As the story unfolds, it explores the complicated dynamics of their lifelong friendship and the impact of the pact on both families.

Books and Biscuits will meet again at Village Cuisine on Tuesday, March 4, at 11:30 am. This is our “book choice” month when we will choose our books for the upcoming six to eight months. Everyone is encouraged to bring one or two titles and summaries to be considered for our upcoming months. Please call Village Cuisine at (318) 858-3200 by Sunday evening, March 2, to reserve your seat.

Alexis Christianna Tatum earned a 4.0 GPA in the fall 2024 semester, securing a reputable position on Southern Arkansas University’s President’s List.

Tatum is a junior Financial Analysis major from Stonewall, LA.

A total of 479 students were honored on this semester’s President’s List. Alexis also made the Dean’s list along with 650 other students.

Southern Arkansas University provides students the complete college experience in a caring environment of service, innovation, and community. With more than 100 degrees in four distinct colleges and the School of Graduate Studies, SAU initiates new degree programs to fit the needs of career and professional trends of today.

DeSoto Parish School Board congratulations to Mrs. Jacqueline Roberson for being named District Teacher of the Month! Mrs. Roberson consistently goes above and beyond to ensure our students succeed. Her dedication and passion make a tremendous impact every day. DPSB is blessed to have her on our team! Mrs. Roberson is pictured with her family.

Opening this upcoming weekend at Back-Alley Community Theatre in Grand Cane is Milestones and Moose Dancing, written by Gale Gooch Alexander of Shreveport and Casper, WY. Show dates are Friday and Saturday, February 7, 8, and 14, 15 @ 7 pm and Sunday, February 9 and 16 @ 2 pm. Tickets may be purchased at backalleygrandcane. com. If you need assistance, call our box office at 318-461-0202.

The play follows the travels of Sally and Frank Bryce, two stubborn old moose, who are grappling with the unexpected consequences of retirement. To save their marriage and rekindle a loving relationship, they embark on a road trip to relive the “milestones” of their early years, and we get to ride along! They learn to dance around the potholes of aging, retirement, and regret, as powerful insights are gained and long-hidden secrets are revealed, along with twists and turns and laughter along the way.

We are thrilled to celebrate the outstanding achievements of North DeSoto Middle School and North DeSoto High School students, Cade Carter and Ben Flanders, for earning a spot in the 2024-25 Louisiana Music Educators Association (LMEA) All-State Ensembles!

Cade (7th grade, NDMS) made history as part of the inaugural All-State Middle School Honor Band — a remarkable achievement in this prestigious new ensemble!

Ben (11th grade, NDHS) secured a spot in the elite All-State High School Concert Band, showcasing his exceptional musical talent on a state level.

Earning a place in All-State is no small feat — students must master challenging audition music, often independently, to compete at the highest level. Only a select few from each district qualify, forming elite ensembles that rehearse and perform at the LMEA Music Conference each year.

The DeSoto Parish EMS got to spend the morning instructing a stop the bleed / CPR / AED class for all the teachers at Mansfield Middle School. They always enjoy getting to educate DeSoto educators about how important it is to know how to save a life. They partnered with nurses from CHRISTUS Shreveport-Bossier Health System to help them make sure everyone got the most out of the training. All the educators got lots of hands on training and everyone involved really enjoyed the course.

On a cold blustery morning with a threat of rain a large crowd gathered on Main Street. The rain held off and local celebrity, Barry Larson, announced the arrival of Marva Anderson, Parade Grand Marshall. Marva has been Branch Manager of Progressive National Bank since its opening in Grand Cane and has actively supported the Village. As member of the Board and Treasurer of Historic Grand Cane Association she has been responsible for keeping financial records and assisting in fund raising projects.