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Howdy Ice Cream vs Blue Bell?

Howdy Ice Cream vs Blue Bell?

September 01, 2025

TOGETHER WITH

☀️SBC! LSU wins the first season-opener in 6 years! Grambling steam rolls Langston in the Kickoff Classic. So far so good!

Quick question:

Would ya'll want a section dedicated to local high school football schedules/scores?

Yes- I need the reminders | Nope- not interested

In this edition, we’ll shine light on:

Artwork and Angels
Shreveport nonprofit touching lives in Africa
40 under 40 list revealed

Let’s get our shine on! ☀️

Partnered with Holy Angels

Holy Angels, right here in Shreveport, has been a place of hope and opportunity since 1965. This incredible nonprofit is dedicated to serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, helping them live more independent and fulfilling lives. You can volunteer your time or stop at one of their gift shops to support this organization and their residents!

✨ They offer a wide range of services, including residential living with complex medical care, specialized education through The Community School, job training and creative programs through AngelWorks, and even sweet opportunities with Howdy Homemade Ice Cream. (We heard it was better than Blue Bell- stop by one of their gift shops and confirm please.)🍦

Mark your calendar for November 6, 2025, because TASTE is back at the Shreveport Convention Center! 🎶🍴 This unforgettable evening brings together:

Stunning resident artwork from AngelWorks 🎨
Delicious food from local restaurants
Lively music and entertainment
A joyful celebration of community

Best of all, proceeds from TASTE directly support Holy Angels’ life-changing programs. Get your tickets here or even SPONSOR the event! We’ll see you there!💜

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✨ Staycation Spotlight: Emerald Isle on Cross Lake ✨

Source: Airbnb

POV: You’re sipping coffee on a big porch overlooking Cross Lake, watching the sun rise through the cypress trees.

This is that kind of place: peaceful, cozy, and right in our own backyard. The log cabin has all the lodge vibes with a stone fireplace, hot tub, and plenty of room for family or friends. Spend the day fishing off the pier, kayaking, or roasting s’mores by the fire pit. With space for groups and water views in every direction, it’s the perfect Shreveport staycation spot.

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Meet your Neighbors

🌟Spotlight Locals of the Week🌟
Mike and Carla Riordan

Founded in 2011 in Louisiana, The Mandate, Inc. has spent over a decade passionately working to alleviate poverty and share the love of Christ through tangible, sustainable outreach in Uganda, Africa. A couple of weeks ago, Michael Riordan, CEO of The Mandate, and his wife Carla embarked on a trip to Uganda, reconnecting with the communities they serve and reinforcing their core initiatives:

Education: Their sponsorship program now enables dozens of children to access quality schooling and secure brighter futures.
Clean Water: Newly drilled wells continue to bring life-giving clean water to remote villages, making a real difference for families and their health.
Women’s Health: The team distributed essential childbirth safety kits and reusable menstrual kits, empowering women and girls with dignity and care.
Christian Missionary Work: Through youth conferences, Bible distribution, and community outreach, they spread encouragement, hope, and the message of Christ.
Child Sponsorships: Many families were personally matched with sponsors who will walk alongside them in ongoing support and encouragement.

From humble beginnings in 2011 to impactful missions today, The Mandate is more than a local nonprofit; it’s a family rooted in relationships, faith, and lasting transformation.

_{Got a local in mind making a difference? Nominate}_here!

☀️ This Week’s Happy Highlights

🎓 55 Years Later, A Promise Fulfilled 🎓

Source: KTBS

The Eden Gardens High School Class of 1970 finally received their diplomas more than five decades after their school closed during integration. In an emotional ceremony, former students were honored at last, turning a long wait into a joyful celebration of resilience, recognition, and community spirit.

🌟 Finding Healing Through Positivity 🌟

Twenty years after Hurricane Katrina, survivor Darcell Francois is turning pain into purpose. At just 23, he endured days stranded on a Ninth Ward rooftop with no food or water, watching tragedy unfold around him. Though the trauma remains, Francois has embraced positivity as a tool for recovery, not only for himself but for others. Through social media and personal coaching, he now uplifts communities, focusing on mental, emotional, and physical well-being.

🎺 Shreveport Native Hits a High Note for Students 🎶

Source: Booker T. Washington Facebook

The Booker T. Washington High School marching band is striking a new chord thanks to alumnus Cameron Parsons. Partnering with the Guitar Center Music Foundation, he donated six trombones and nine trumpets ($25,000 in instruments) hoping to inspire the next generation and keep the joy of music alive in Shreveport.

✍🏼 Side Notes & City Talk

The Young Professionals Initiative has announced its 2025 40 Under Forty class, honoring rising leaders across Northwest Louisiana. 👉 See the full list.

Bossier City now has Barksdale Family Wholesale, offering big discounts on everyday essentials! Find out where to go here!

🍷 Book an Aug/Sept Mud & Merlot or Date Night Pottery Class at The Clayground and get a FREE bottle from On Cloud Wine Winery!

💪 Block-by-Block Clean-Up continues in Southern Hills this weekend. Join the cleanup team HERE.

💡 Bright Side Smarts 💡
Test your SBC smarts and win!

Here’s how it works:
📅 We post a local fun fact every weekend on our Facebook page.
❓ On Monday, we drop a trivia question here in the newsletter.
🎁 Answer right = You could win!

Last Week’s Gift Card Winner: Macie McClure!
Last Week’s Answer: Shreveport Biscuit Company was aka Shreveport Cottage Homestead!

Thank you for playing trivia with us!

This Week’s Question:

What franchised company inspired Prep Cakes?

👉 Not sure what the answer is? Click here if you need a cheat sheet. Good luck!

🎉Happenings you won’t want to miss…

What’s happening in SBC this week…

LIVE MUSIC LINEUP 🎶

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Have a Blessed Week, SBC!

Love what you got this week? Send this to someone who teams lost every game this weekend. (They need the positivity.)

Philippians 4:6