To Market I Did Not Go

market_bagDDHow many times have you said you were going to the Farmer’s Market to purchase locally grown fresh foods and then forgot? Yeah, for me, too many times. Well I’ve got a great suggestion for those of you in the Shreveport-Bossier area. Delta Delivered. This is an awesome service that delivers local and organic meals and groceries. lemon cucumberToday, to market I did not go, but I received my first Market Bag full of fresh fruits and veggies. It came just in time to use for dinner. I already had a pork roast in the oven and was trying to decide what to add to the meal. Inside the bag I found lettuce, peppers, a variety of tomatoes, corn, eggplant, zucchini, squash, blue berries, peaches, an onion, and one item that I’ve never seen before. My friend Jada also received a bag and she flushed out the question on social media. We now believe it is a lemon cucumber.

saladFrom the bag, I was able to add a nice garden salad to my pork roast dinner, along with lovely sautéed zucchini. It was almost as if someone went to a garden, picked the veggies and dropped them off to my door. Actually, I think that is exactly what happened.

zuchinniDelta Delivered sells and delivers fruits, veggies, berries, meats, coffee, prepared meals, soaps and flowers right to your door. They source locally from the following vendors:

We are all busy with family, work, fun and play. This is a convenient service that helps balance your time and interest in eating healthy and fresh local products.

Want more information about Delta Delivered? Check them out:

That just happened.
Robin Williams,
Marketing Maven at Holiday Lanes

Disclaimer: I received products for review in exchange for writing this blog, although all opinions are my own.

It really takes a community

People tell me every day that I seem to have such a fun life and then they ask how I know what’s going on in the Shreveport-Bossier community. Most of the time, I rattle off how I heard about particular events. One of the things that annoys me most is when people say that there is nothing to do in our locale. It is so NOT true. Sometimes my calendar has so many events that I have to cull my choices. I thought it might be fun to make a list of the people and organizations who contribute community event information to my life each day.

BCC new logoBossier Chamber of Commerce – I have been a diplomat for the Bossier Chamber for 5 years. This year I decided to take some time off in an official capacity, but I still make an effort to be at the events. The Bossier Chamber is probably my best resource for networking. I find the info to attend on their website calendars:

facebookFacebook Events – I hear people say they hate getting all of the event invites on Facebook. Not me! I rejoice in them, because behind each one is a person that created the event with hopes for even one “going” response. This is my main resource for finding out information about events in our community. Of course, from time to time, there are events that I’m not interested in attending, but I still look at them and value them as a contribution of knowledge in my life. I link my Facebook events with my iCal and Google calendars so that I don’t miss an opportunity. ALSO, I invite people to those events and share, share, share!

IMG_9723Jada Durden – Recently Jada was named my true soul mate by Captain Quizz, so you know it must be true. Jada has a very similar vision as mine and has made a huge impact in contributing to my life. She is in the know when it comes to the events, restaurants and attractions that are appealing. Jada writes the Loving This Life blog and has been honored by Louisiana Travel as a top 11 blogs to follow in Louisiana. She also writes for the Shreveport Times, has her own videographer and more plans in the works for sharing.  Her contribution is enormous and you should be following her every move.

IMG_7664Chris Jay and Sara Hebert – This dynamic duo = THE cool kids in town. Chris knows lots, and even more about food. Sara is who I strive to be, even though I’m sure she is 20 years younger. I follow both on social media just to pick up any nuggets they might be chucking, especially the events that they share. They know about music, food, events and even weird stuff that you didn’t think you needed to know. I’ll let you figure out those on your own. Oh, and they dress really cool. I want to rip off their style, yet I’m afraid I’m too old to pull it off. Together Sara and Chris produce the All Y’all Blog, Live Storytelling Events and Podcasts. Sara is the marketing genius at Moonbot Studios and Chris is the extra hard working Public Relations and Social Media Manager for the Shreveport- Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau and writes the 20×49 Blog (listed next).  I hear that Chris writes for six magazines. Ask him about it.

19120_10153133965946328_887482314413511101_nShreveport- Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau (SBCTB) – I serve on the Attractions Association Board with the SBCTB and get lots of info just by hanging around those folks. On days when I can’t think of anything to do, I check out the SB Fun Guide and 20×49 blog:

1507837_10201883458861266_1240861387_nRobert Trudeau – Robert is one of those people who you just want to stand close to in hopes that his creativity will waft over to you. If I’m looking for info about music, art, or community, Robert is the one I look to. Robert is the editor of the Shreveport Blog and I look to him for my cultural arts fill. His wife Talbot is a fabulous artist and they make a great team.

Shreveport Chamber of Commerce – As with the Bossier Chamber, the Shreveport Chamber has many opportunities to connect with others in our community.

These are just a few of the info powerhouses that I look to for my pulse on the community. I wanted to add paragraphs to acknowledge the likes of:

but we would be here for quite a while. It really takes a community to know your community. I guess what I’m saying is . . . get to know those who know.

That just happened.
Robin Williams,
Marketing Maven at Holiday Lanes

Peanut Butter for Chimps

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These chimps made me smile today!

Have you ever been to Chimp Haven? Do you know what Chimp Haven is? Before today, I knew what Chimp Haven was, but had not ever visited the facility. I’m so glad I had this opportunity and can share with you.

Chimp Haven is a non-profit National Chimpanzee Sanctuary located in Keithville, Louisiana inside the Eddie D. Jones Nature Park. They provide housing and humane care for over 200 chimpanzees who have been subjects of biomedical research and other purposes for which they are no longer being used. In addition, Chimp Haven is committed to educating the public about these endangered nonhuman primates and the needs for conservation in the wild and protection in captivity.

Ashley showed me around Chimp Haven. She's awesome!

Ashley showed me around Chimp Haven. She’s awesome!

Part of my job with Holiday Lanes is to build community within our area. It’s important for us to be a leader in cross-promoting other attractions and non-profits. What this does for us is to help us see beyond ourselves. By learning what other organizations are doing and offering, we learn how to serve in a bigger way. It also gives us an opportunity to share the sport of bowling with a wider audience. Today, I met with Ashley at Chimp Haven to discuss our involvement with their June Fest 2015 – Discovery Day. A bowling lane in the relay race it is!

This is Matthew.

This is Matthew.

Chimp Haven June Fest 2015 event is being held on June 20, 2015 from 9 am – 1 pm. June Fest is going to be a super fun day of activities and exploration. You will be able to observe over 50 chimpanzees in the natural wooded habitat. You can talk to staff about the chimpanzee’s personalities and natural behavior. There will be games and field day activities (INCLUDING BOWLING!).  The cost for the day is

  • Adult (13 and older): $6
  • Children (12-6): $3
  • Children (5 and younger): Free
  • Optional Behind-The-Scene Hayrides: Adults: $10; Children: $5

IMG_9873I want you to consider making the drive to Chimp Haven. I really think you will be amazed at the service they are providing for these amazing primates. If you are interested in helping Chimp Haven, they have opportunities for volunteerism, donation and participation. Check out the ways that Chimp Haven relies on generosity. 

IMG_9887So now, about this peanut butter. Ashley tells me that they are having a peanut butter drive during the June Fest event. Peanut butter is a great supplement to the chimpanzees diet. With over 200 chimps, can you imagine how much peanut butter they might need? Everyone is encouraged to bring a jar of peanut butter for chimps. There will be prizes for the person who brings the most peanut butter. Will it be you?

Follow Chimp Haven:  Facebook  |  Website  |  Twitter  |  YouTube

That just happened.
Robin Williams,
Marketing Maven at Holiday Lanes

Jump for Fitness

IMG_9311If you are ready to amp up your fitness routine, I’ve got some news for you. My friend, Katie Q. invited me to join her for a fitness class at the new Altitude Trampoline Park in Bossier City. It sounded like fun, so I agreed. Thirty minutes before class started, my sweet friend bailed on me. “Should I go . . .?” I thought. “Yes” was the answer.  Boy! I was in for a workout like I haven’t had in quite a while. This class works out every muscle in your body. And while the class lasted for an hour, I only made it 15 minutes. (Yes, I’m a quitter!)

For anyone looking for a fun and intense workout, you need to check out Altitude’s fitness class. Classes are $8.95 per session (or $4 if you purchase 12 at a time). You will be required to purchase a pair of slip-grip socks for $2. I put those socks in my glove compartment in my car with hopes that I work up the nerve to go back (and Katie doesn’t bail on me).

Get more information about Altitude Trampoline Park:

That just happened (check out pics and video below),

Robin Williams,

Marketing Maven at Holiday Lanes

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I have Jada privileges

I have Jada privileges. And by “Jada Privileges”, I mean I get to do all the fun stuff when Jada Durden calls. If you don’t know Jada, I’m afraid you are just not a cool kid.

To describe Jada as a blogger would be a disservice. Jada is a blogger, but more importantly she is a connecter of people. She is on a mission (like me) to dispel the idea that there is nothing to do in Shreveport-Bossier City. Jada was tired of hearing it and decided to start making a list of things to do in the community.  Her blog “Lovin’ This Life” sparked. From there, the Shreveport Times asked her to publish that list in the ACE entertainment section. History! Recently Jada’s blog was listed as a blog to follow on the Travel Louisiana website, which shares information about travel and tourism in the state of Louisiana. This is huge!  As a person who has tried to make the same impact, I am so honored to know that Jada is “doing it” with “Lovin’ this Life“. 

Loving This Life! has partnered with the Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau to provide one lucky winner a fantastic Staycation adventure in Shreveport-Bossier City. Be sure to check out and sign up for Jada’s “Loving This City-Giveaway” contest. Contest ends today.

Today, Jada was being interviewed by Clay Ostarly at KSLA about the influence her blog is having on our community. She asked a few of her friends to come out and support her. This is where I felt the “Jada Privilege”.  I feel like a cool kid when I get to be a part of her group. 

I’m really glad that Jada is sharing the love of our community and our state. Keep it up Jada! 

Follow Jada:

Jada Durden:   Facebook   |   Website  | Twitter

That just happened,

Robin Williams,

Marketing Maven at Holiday Lanes

Go see this documentary about fencing!

Andy Shaw

My son used to tell me about this guy called Andy. Andy taught fencing at Centenary College. Chase excitedly told me about all the famous people that Andy had taught and I could tell that Chase admired this guy so much. Chase taking fencing seemed unlikely, but he really enjoyed the community he had found with this guy called Andy.

I adore these two! Directos: Michele & Jay

So when my friends, Jay and Michele Carter, started promoting a documentary about this guy, Andy, I immediately knew I had to go. Tonight, with little knowledge of what I was getting into,  I viewed Jay and Michele’s Beyond Meaure Media production of “Southern Fried Fencing“. The documentary held the Louisiana premier at the Robinson Fim Center (RFC) in Shreveport. (RFC is one of my favorite places in Shreveport.) It played to a sold out crowd with all 126 seats filled.

After viewing Q&A with Directors and cast

I knew with great certainty, within a few minutes, that I was  going to like this guy called Andy. The eclectic Andy, from New York, drew me in and mesmerized me for the entire film. Without a spoiler for the film, my expectation, based on a news clip, was that this guy was a wacky soul. Perhaps, yet I found so much heart and wisdom in Andy. I now understand the excitement my son had brought home from Centenary. Andy is not just a fencing teacher/coach, he is a teacher/coach of life. Andy sees things a little differently than most. He knows how to bring out the potential in people. Jay and Michele captured the exact thing that we, as an audience, needed to see – the humanity of Andy. Andy has considerable compassion for people and animals.

If you live in the Shreveport area, I  encourage . . . no, I command you to go see this film at RFC by Thursday, April 30, 2015. If you don’t live in the Shreveport area, be sure to follow their Facebook page so that you can find out when it will be streaming online. DVD’s should be available by the end of the year which will make great Christmas presents. (Don’t tell Chase he’s getting a copy) Here is the trailer for the film.

I’m so glad to have seen this film and hope you see it soon too. Be sure to follow Jay and Michele on social media and as they head to Madrid, Spain to open there.

That just happened,

Robin Williams,

Marketing Maven at Holiday Lanes

Be still my Flying Heart

Flying Heart Brewing is preparing to celebrate its grand opening. On May 1, 2015, you will get a chance to taste Bossier City’s first craft beer. Don’t hate me because I got a sip tonight. I tasted the Fire House Blonde, and be still my flying heart, it was quite tasty. It was a light and crisp Kolsch. I’m not a beer drinker, and yet I really enjoyed this beer. I think you will too.

Ben Hart shows the custom made flight

Ben Hart, co-founder, and as I found out quite handy guy, was so kind to tell me some of the history of the brewery. Flying Heart Brewing is located in historic and restored Bossier City Fire Station 6. I want to tell you all about it, but I’d prefer that you stop by on May 1st and let him tell you all about it. Ask him about the antique cooler and the 513 fire box.

Flying Heart does all brewing right on site in Bossier City. There are currently six flagship brews. Check them out. At their grand opening on May 1, you will be able to taste three of those brews. Louisiana Amber, Milk Maid Stout and Barrel 52.

Let’s celebrate this new business in Bossier City. Be sure to follow them on social media and show up for their grand opening on May 1. They are located at 700 Barksdale Boulevard in downtown Bossier.

That just happened,

Robin Williams,

Marketing Maven at Holiday Lanes

 

      

Cold-pressed Juice

I have to admit that I haven’t been to work-out at my gym (Fit Nation) in a few weeks. (That means a couple of months in my life) I just returned from a trip to Mexico. While I was there I went zip-lining. It made me remember why I “should” work-out. My body is feeling the pains. So today I decided to head on in for a little interval circuit. Well Fed DoorHalf-way through my work-out, a decal on the door in the circuit room caught my eye. It was a decal that had a fun and funky wellness vibe. I couldn’t look away. It seemed as if it was saying “stop, come see me”, so I did and I found that a new juice bar had been added while I’ve been away.

Well+Fed Louisiana Cold-Pressed Juice just launched a soft opening in Fit Nation in the Heart O Bossier Shopping Center in Bossier City. I’ve considered juicing in the past, but knew that if I purchased a machine, it would end up collecting more dust than veggies. Well Fed MachineWhen I walked in I was greeted by Dany. Dany told me all about the cold-press process and also told me that they had sold out all but two jars of juice for the day. Dany introduced me to his wife, Lindsi Martin. Lindsi shares ownership of Well+Fed with Ashley Everage. Lindsi let me sample the  Carrot, Apple, Ginger Juice, which is “Roots #2” on the menu. I wasn’t sure if I was going to like it, but I was surprised. It was a really nice combination and the flavors made my taste-buds explode. I’m not usually a fan of ginger, but I liked it . . . I really liked it.

Well Fed Menu BoardCurrently there are ten different juices on the menu. A twelve ounce juice will cost you $8. If you bring your empty jar on your next visit, you will receive $1 off the next juice. Lindsi explained to me that cold pressing retains more vitamins and good stuff than other juicing methods.

I’m bringing my $8 on my next visit and will be trying the “Fruits #1”, which is watermelon, grapefruit, mint and lime. I can’t wait! Now it’s your turn to stop by Well+Fed and tell them I sent you.

And be sure to follow them and watch for their grand opening dates:

That just happened,

Robin Williams,

Marketing Maven at Holiday Lanes

I’m changing the title of this blog

Travel South USA Opening Reception with Meg Davenport and Jada Durden

Travel South USA Opening Reception with Meg Davenport and Jada Durden

Do you ever start something and never finish it? That’s how I feel about my blogs. I have been neglecting both lately. I’ve realized that the neglect of this blog is because I do so much more than just volunteer with the awesome Bossier Chamber of Commerce and the title was pigeon-holing me. I’ve decided to change the name of my blog from “My Time as a Bossier Chamber Diplomat” to “That Just Happened“. I’m hoping this will allow me to share more about all of the activities for which I participate. This blog will now celebrate and promote good stuff going on in the Northwest Louisiana community while I represent as Holiday Lanes‘ Marketing Maven.

If you subscribe to my blog, please be patient with me. I am going to try to back-post several events that I want included on my blog and that means you may get more emails than normal.

Sharing the Holiday Lanes message with the Bossier Chamber Board of Directors

Sharing the Holiday Lanes message with the Bossier Chamber Board of Directors

Working for Holiday Lanes is such a fun job. Melanie Coleman (managing member/proprietor) understands the importance of being in and supporting the community. She told me just today, “we are about to have the funnest year EVER”. This is exciting to me because as a “creative” it isn’t always easy to conform to a normal 9-5 position. Thank goodness she gives me lots of opportunities to work around that.

Showing my two posters displayed at the

Showing my two posters displayed at the “See America” Exhibit at the Meadows Museum in Shreveport, LA

The reason that I feel the need to share a blog about events going on in our area is because I have this really goofy pet peeve. When I hear someone say (in a whiny voice) “There’s nothing to do around here”, I want to prove them wrong! So with that, I’m going to share, share, share.

I hope to see you around NW Louisiana,

Robin Williams,
Marketing Maven at Holiday Lanes