Jail program an eye-opener

I took both of my sons to Caddo Correctional Center on Wednesday for the Don’t Let This Be You program. I didn’t take them because they’ve been in trouble; I took them because I want them to be fully aware of the things that will land them in jail or prison.
Believe me, it was an eye-opening experience. The event began with a lecture from Caddo District Judge Scott Crichton and Assistant District Attorney Ron Stamps. During the lecture, youths were told what activities are identified as crimes and what the punishments are for those crimes. They learned that if they are in the vehicle with someone who has drugs, they all can go to jail. They heard how drugs can affect peoples' lives. They also saw what can happen if you ride in a vehicle without wearing a seat belt.
Stamps’ brother, who served time in prison, also addressed the group. During his presentation, he displayed a large board full of make-shift weapons inmates at CCC had made.
After the lecture came the tour. We toured both the male and female section of the facility where some of the inmates were given the opportunity to speak to the youths. The somber expressions on most of the youths’ faces, my children included, indicated that what was being said was sinking in.
There’s another tour and lecture scheduled next week. Same place, same time. But in case you missed it here it is: 6 p.m. Feb. 6, media room at Caddo Correctional Center, 1101 Forum Drive in Shreveport. To register, call Andrea Samuel at the Caddo Sheriff’s Regional Training Academy at (318) 681-0735.
And remember, the program isn’t just for teens who have been in trouble. So take your teens. You’ll be glad you did. A voluntary trip to Caddo Correctional Center now beats an involuntary trip later.

Black History Month

Black History Month is coming up and there will be plenty of opportunities to attend various events in the community.
Here's one to put on your calendar:
LaBetha Casey will present "Quilts and Their Secret Underground Railroad Messages" at 5 p.m. Feb. 28 at Shreve Memorial Library West branch, 4380 Pines Road.
The program is for all ages. For more information, call Charlyn Cleere at (318) 635-0947.

Celebrating 50 years

Classmates from Booker T. Washington High School, J. S. Clark Jr. High School, Ingersoll Elementary and West Shreveport Elementary who were born in 1958 are turning 50 this year and are gearing up for a big celebration.
A celebration committee is coordinating the festivities, which will take place July 18-20 in Shreveport. The committee also is seeking graduates of 1976 to participate.
For more information and to participate in the event, call (318) 635-4545 or send contact information to: celebratefifty@bellsouth.net.

Open house and a movie

Shreveport Public Assembly and Recreation will host an open house at 2 p.m. Friday at Bill Cockrell Community Center, 4109 Pines Road. Also on tap, a movie in the park: Shrek, starting at 6 p.m. in partnership with the Robinson Film Center.
Other events include an obstacle course, art display, on-site registration for the after-school program, applications for SPAR summer lifeguard positions, tennis clinic, first tee clinic and demonstration by Ike Salone, Ce Ce the clowns, free balloons, free popcorn and a safety booth/information by the Shreveport Fire Department.
The event is free and open to the public. For information, contact Germaine Williams, recreation superintendent, at 673-7873.

Minority Business Council Leaders

The Minority Business Council's leaders for 2008 include Katrina Thomas, president; president-elect, Eddie Norris; first vice president, LeMar Flukers; treasurer, Darrin Dixon; program chair, Terry Jackson; program co-chair Pavunae Jones; membership chair Kristi Baylor; membership co-chair Jerry Williams; publicity chair Michelle Coxen; publicity co-chair Bill Sharp; secretary, Sharon Daniels; Expo chair Sharon Henderson; Expo co-chair, Charlie Jones; and immediate past president, Carol Nunley.
The MBC will meet from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Jan. 17 at the El Dorado Casino Hotel. Admission is $5. RSVP mbc@shreveportchamber.org.