In honor of the First Amendment, the ACLU of Louisiana will host Shreveport’s 2nd public celebration of freedom of expression on Sunday, January 22 from 5pm-8pm. The “Banned in America” celebration will be held at The Philadelphia Center (2200 Centenary Blvd). The event, free and open to the public, will feature readings, songs, poetry and displays of works that have been banned or challenged around the United States, as well as messages from community members and those dedicated to the freedom of speech and expression. For more information, call the Philadelphia Center at 318-222-6633.
Learn about world religions from the people who live them at the 13th Annual World Religion Day 
on Saturday, January 21st from 1pm-5pm at the Highland Center (520 Olive). The purpose of the event is “to foster world peace, harmony, and understanding. We will accomplish these goals through education and communication via exhibits and demonstrations of music, spirituality, cultural foods and arts. We will offer information about origins, basic beliefs, religious feasts, and observances in a manner fully respectful of everyone’s beliefs without intent to proselytize or convert”. For more information, call 318-465-3427 or visit the website at www.worldreligiondayshreveportbossier.org.
During the month of January “The Cosmic Series” by C.S. Ellington will be on display’s at Lilah’s Deli and Bakery (440 Olive). The artist describes the series as “flowers suspended in the delicate colors of natural space. Abstracts using some of the same palette. I like a painting that causes the eyes of the viewer to move around the image. I like a painting that inspires the viewer to look deeply. There is simplicity in a natural creation. Simplicity in nature, with an otherworldly element.” Lilah’s is open from Mondays- Fridays 8:30am-6pm and Saturdays 8:30am-3:00pm. The show is sponsored by Noel Community Arts Program.
Come and enjoy some great music and fine dining with Mr. Tracy Dawn & Friends at the Olive Street Bistro (1027 Olive St) for “Mambo Italiano” on Christmas Eve at 6:30pm. You’ll enjoy classic Top 40 and holiday themed music while feasting on authentic Italian cuisine at the 5 star rated Olive Street Bistro. For more information, call 221-4517 or visit their website at olivestreetbistro.com.
Looking for some culture this holiday season? Look no further than the Highland area! 
The Meadows Museum (2911 Centenary Blvd) is currently featuring two exhibits: ”Species in Crisis: Endangered Flora” through December 31st and “The History and Collections of the Masur Museum of Art” through February 12. Visit the Meadows website at www.centenary.edu/meadows for for information about their current and upcoming exhibits. The Karpeles Manuscript Museum (3201 Centenary Blvd) will continue to show its “Milestones in Medicine” exhibit through December 28. Click here to read a description of the exhibit on the Shreveport Bossier Fun Guide.
Thanks to everyone who came out to support HRA and the historic Highland neighborhood this past weekend. The homes on tour were beautiful and decked out in their holiday finest, there was a good turnout from the community, and everyone who came had wonderful things to say about the neighborhood. Special thanks to ISA/Stewart Insurance Associates, Robin Ramsey (Realtor), the Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau, C & C Electric and the Meadows Museum for their support of our tour. We”ll see you on tour again in 2013!
Celebrate Highland 2011: A Holiday Home Tour is just 10 short days away and Shreveport is 
taking notice! The Shreveport Times’ Maggie Martin recently featured an article about the tour and a photo gallery of one of the beautiful homes on the tour; click on the above links to view them. Highlander Noma Fowler-Sandlin also wrote an article about the tour in the Forum; click here to read her story. Want more information on all of the homes on tour? Visit the “Celebrate Highland 2011: A Holiday Home Tour” link under the Welcome! menu to see the homes and to order your tickets online. See you at the tour!
