EVENT ALERTs: Plus Size Model Casting Call + Parties on Both Sides of the Red

Attention all Curvy Girls, Bodadious Divas, Thick Chicks and Big & Beautiful Sistaz! Get ready to show your stuff!

2 Fierce Diva Plus-Size Fashions and Modeling, Inc. is looking for plus size models for their agency that will be working with photographers and trainers to establish there portfolio so they can rip the runway.

2 Fierce Diva is hosting a Model Casting Call this Saturday, Feb. 28th, at the RODEWAY INN AND SUITES in Bossier City (off Airline Drive on Hilton). The call will be at 1 pm and will last until 5 pm.


If you think you have what it takes to become a member of their team, come out to the casting call. Please bring a HEAD SHOT (if you have one). Sizes 12-26 encouraged to come apply!


For more information, call La'Sheka Drew at (318) 751-6687, SEND AN E-MAIL, or go HERE for more information.





LATER THAT NIGHT ...



There are two "Recession" parties, one on each side of the Red (for two different crowds), that you can spend your Saturday night (and part of your refund check) enjoying:

Join FREAKBOY ENT. (you already know lol) at Riverview Hall for the Recession Party (for the college/sexy crowd). When a flyer says "For Mature Audiences Only" ... it makes you think some thangs are gonna go down that are too hot for TV. LOL. Check the flyer (in the bottom bin) for more info.

In the BC, CrowdPleaser is hosting an ALL-BLACK AFFAIR for the Grown & Sexy crowd at Adam's Lounge. Check the flyer bin to see the flyer up close and personal.

PARTY HARD, BUT PARTY SAFE PEOPLE! ***

SBC 411: Scholarship Money, Volunteer Opportunities & Firefighters Wanted

Kohl's Seeks Students for Scholarship


Kohl's has kicked off its annual scholarship program, Kids Who Care, to recognize and reward youth volunteers nationwide.

Nominations will be accepted through March 15.

To nominate a deserving youth, ages 6 to 18, visit www.kohlskids.com.

The 2009 Kids Who Care program will recognize more than 2,000 kids with $350,000 in scholarships and prizes.

For more information, visit www.kohlskids.com.







Books Sought for After-School Programs


Shreveport Public Assembly and Recreation is forming libraries at its 15 community centers for after-school programs at those centers. Donations of children's books are sought to help stock the libraries.

Donations of children's books may be made at SPAR's Wildwood facility located at 7401Jewella Ave.

For more information, contact Robin Jenkins, youth coordinator, at (318) 213-0434.







Shreveport Green Seeks Help With Cleanup


Shreveport Green is gearing up for the 18th annual Great American Cleanup, slated for 8 a.m. to noon March 14.

Volunteers from Caddo schools, businesses, colleges, youth and neighborhood organizations, civic groups, and faith-based institutions are invited to help remove litter from streets, roads, vacant lots, waterways and parks.

Groups can also plant flowers and trees to beautify a park, school or other public space.

Organizers expect about 900 volunteers. The first 200 to sign up will get free T-shirts for their group.

Volunteers can expect a thank you celebration that will include food, fun and prizes after the cleanup.

Call Shreveport Green's Casaundra Calloway for more information or to sign up at (318) 219-1888.







Fire Department Recruiting Firefighters


The Shreveport Fire Department has open firefighter positions and is accepting applications until Feb. 27.

The next step is to take the civil service exam April 6, but applicants must wait for a letter of approval from Fire Department to take the test.

Applications are available between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. at the following locations: Central Fire Station at 263 North Common Street; City of Shreveport's Personnel Department at 505 Travis St., Suite 530; and Shreveport Fire and Police Training Academy at 6440 Greenwood Road.







Bossier City Launches New Web Site


Bossier City has launched a new Web site for the public to use, with a new style, and features such as a "find your councilman" section in which you can type your address and look up your councilman, and archives of all city press releases.

The address is still www.bossiercity.org.

EVENT ALERTs: BHM Comes To A Cultural Close ...

Black History Month is coming to a close, but there are STILL some great cultural events to check out this last week of February .... Check em out:





TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24th

8 am: Tuesday Morning Breakfast Group @ Holiday Inn-Downtown Shreveport

Attorney Jacqueline Scott, Shreveport-Bossier City Black Lawyers Association, will be the guest speaker. Call (318) 221-2344 or 222-7797 for more information.




6 pm: PRIME TIME Family Reading Time @ Multicultural Center of the South

Eight week family program with professional Storyteller, Thelma Harrison. This even runs every Monday in March as well. Call (318) 424-1380 for more information. The Center is located at 401 Texas St.




7 pm: Celebrating Black History Month @ West Shreveport Library

The Mount Canaan Baptist Church Male Chorus will perform. The library is located at 4380 Pines Road. Call (318) 635-0883 for more information.







THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26th


7 pm: Poetic Paradise - Poetry at Its Finest @ H&H Lounge

Singers, dancers, comedians, and artists will compete, $25 prize goes to top poem. Hosted by Shreveport's Poetic X. The Lounge is located at 717 Hope Street. Call (318) 221-3199 or (318) 424-9297 for more information. This event is free.





8 pm: Expressions After Dark Remix Edition -An Nspired Grown and Sexy Affair @ JOSH Lounge

Open mic featuring local talent. Women must be 23 years of age and men must be 25 years of age. Artist registration begins at 7:30 p.m. $5 admission. Call (318) 681-9960 or (318) 828-3050 for more information.






SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 28th


6:30 pm - 21th Annual African American Awards Banquet @ Morning Star Baptist Church

Keynote speaker will be Caddo Parish School Superintendent, Dr. Gerald Dawkins. Buffet dinner with music will be provided by Intuition. Proceeds will go toward college scholarships. The church is located at 5340 Jewella Ave. Tickets are $20. Call: (318) 424-8679 for more information.

• To see ALL of this week's events (BHM related or otherwise) go HERE.

SBC 411: Free Haircuts & "Free" Pancakes

FREE HAIRCUTS TODAY

SPAR along with Premier Cou-Pate Barber Shop owned by Brian Hampton and Byron K. Laneaux, will give monthly haircuts to youth today (Monday) at Hollywood Heights Recreation Center.

This event will begin at 4:30 pm and end at 6:30 pm. The rec center is located at 4815 McDaniel Drive. This event will rotate monthly among the different community centers.





IHOP CELEBRATES NATIONAL PANCAKE DAY

On Tuesday (2.25), IHOP restaurants nationwide will offer their guests a free short stack, three of their signature buttermilk pancakes, and in return, guests are asked to donate the price of the meal or more to local children's hospitals and other local charities in their community.

(Which means it's not EXACTLY free ... but it's for a good cause!).




***

EVENT ALERTs: Tyler Perry Play + The Men of Playgirl

I know I'm late with this ... but honestly when I first saw it, I didn't believe it. Tyler Perry's newest play THE MARRIAGE COUNSELOR is coming to Shreveport!

When I checked the listings for the show I didn't see anything closer to the SBC than Houston.

But this week, WEDNESDAY to be exact, it seems the show is coming to Riverview Theatre (formerly the Civic Theater) on Clyde Fant Pkwy. Tickets are $45.50, plus service charge. Call (318) 227-8863 for more information.

Again, I know it's last minute -- but hey, I do what I can lol ... If you want to get more info about the play showing in Houston (for a 3-night-stand) ... Go HERE.







IN OTHER EVENT NEWS:

The men of Playgirl are coming to the SBC for a one-night stand ... I mean SHOW :)

The touring hardbodies will peform this Thursday night (February 19th), beginning at 8 pm, at the Phoenix Underground (on Market St.).

Thursday is TRULY Ladies Night this week because ONLY LADIES are admitted! For more info (about tickets and such), Call 318-676-0950.

• The event info is also on MySpace, check it out HERE.

EVENT PICS: Rev. Al Sharpton Comes To The SBC

Civil rights activist Al Sharpton paid a visit to the SBC this past Sunday (2.15). He came to break bread with another Reverend -- Dr. Harry Blake, of Mount Canaan Baptist Church.

A civil rights pioneer in his own right, Rev. Blake had Sharpton visit as part of the church's Black History Celebration ... but also to receive the first ever National Harry Blake Award.

Rev. Sharpton's visit included visiting with members of the congregation and talking to the youth of the church ... afterward, Sharpton spoke from the pulpit, giving the Word to the packed pews.

• To see all the photos from Rev. Sharpton's visit, go HERE.

• Read more about Rev. Sharpton's visit HERE.
  
  
  
  

(photos by: stan carpenter/the times)

EVENT PICS: Barkus & Meoux Mardi Paw Parade

The Krewe of Centaur wasn't the only parade this weekend. The Krewe dedicated to pets paraded their four-legged friends around Riverview Park Sunday (2.15) for the Krewe of Barkus & Meoux's MARDI PAW PARADE.

The park was packed with pet lovers (and admirers) for the kitten and pooch parade. Here are some shots from the event (pulled from http://www.shreveporttimes.com/):

Aren't they ADORABLE???!!! :) I almost feel sorry for some of them having to endure those little costumes but it makes for a very cute, cuddly, and entertaining event! :)

• See ALL of the Mardi Paw Parade pics HERE.

EVENT PICS: 2009 Krewe of Centaur Parade

While most people were preparing to smooch on their sweeties on Valentine's Day, the Krewe of Centaur was getting ready to roll through the streets of Shreveport. The Mardi Gras Krewe entertained the masses with its annual parade ....

This year's theme was Centaur Says It All ... and they went all out with the floats and throws this year ....

The parade brought out he young and old to enjoy the parade (and some face painting) ... and of course to collect throws!!!

The festivities also brought out some interesting characters ... (lol) putting their own special spin on Mardi Gras customs ... and bringing the craziness of the Crescent City revelry to the SBC:

I couldn't post SOME of the pictures because -- um -- let's just say they were showing a certain part of woman's anatomy (the top part) ... no, no one flashed -- but there were some novelty items being worn by MEN to enhance their chances of getting good beads (lol).

• To see more of the parade pics, go HERE.

The Krewe of Gemini rolls Saturday, February 21st (same time, same place) ... and Mardi Gras is next Tuesday, February 24th.

• And find out more about the remaining Mardi Gras events HERE.

EVENT PICS: Open Mic Night at LSU-S

It was a night of outstanding performances last Thursday at the Port (LSUS's student hang-out spot in the Union). Culturally-aware collegiates packed the cafe to enjoy some poetry, spoken word and some musical stylings as the LSU-S Kappas hosted Open Mic Night ...

VIP Ent. was among the co-eds in the building and got these shots from the event:

Event host Kendrick Farris talks to someone in the crowd (aww, look at the cute little red candle!)

Here are some of the participants who blessed the stage that night:

Sang boys ... sang!

This guy got so hype with his performance ...

... he came out of his shirt! lol

And of course my boy Poetic X was in the building ...

The ladies show their appreciation for the night's entertainment.

Group photo before we go! Say "Yo Nupe!"

Expect to see more events from the LSU-S Kappas (and other NPHC chapters as well) ... I'll keep you posted :)

• The rest of the photos are on VIP's Facebook page ... Check them out HERE.
  
  

SBC 411: Holiday Trash Pickups

Not only are the kids out of school this Monday (for President's Day) but there are some other weekly alterations because of the federal holiday:


The celebration of Presidents Day will affect trash pickup. Garbage and recycling normally picked up Mondays in Shreveport and Bossier City instead will be picked up Tuesday, and garbage and recycling normally picked up Tuesday instead will be gathered Wednesday, a release from Shreveport's Department of Operational Services states.


The holiday observance will not change trash pickup Thursday and Friday.

The Woolworth Road Regional Solid Waste Facility will remain open.



And don't forget -- most banks and state/federal buildings will be closed as well, so plan accordingly! :)

EVENT PICS: LSU-S Spring '09 Yard Show

The Greeks at LSU-S put on a show for the campus this week. They stepped and strolled in front of the Student Union for the 2009 Spring Yard Show.


Back when I went to an HBCU (Xavier University), our NPHC held these kinds of shows (we called em patio shows) every Friday (when weather permitted) as a way to showcse the Greek community -- and see who's the best of the steppers on campus.

(Bragging rights was the main thing lol but it was also a way for step teams to get some practice in front of a crowd).

I'm happy to see the NPHC active at LSU-S ... hell, in Shreveport PERIOD. We have soooo many Greeks in our community that don't show what we're REALLY about and what we contribute to the area.


Anyway, check out some pics from the LSU-S Yard Show (courtesy of "O"):

THE ALPHAS:

THE DELTAS:

THE KAPPAS:

THE ZETAS:

Loves it!!! GO NPHC!!! To read more about the Divine Nine chapters on LSU-S's campus, go HERE. To read about Greek Life in general at the university, go HERE.

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