Live Oak to Host Earth-Friendly Events April 21-22

April 06, 2008

Earth Day events will begin a day early at Live Oak with “Blessings for the Earth,” an outdoor worship service open to the public. The event will be held on Monday, April 21, at 10:30 a.m. in front of the Alta and John Franks Community Centre on the retirement community’s campus at 600 East Flournoy Lucas Road in Shreveport. Seven spiritual leaders from local congregations, officials from Willis-Knighton, and Winona Ward, one of Live Oak’s founders, will offer blessings for the earth, and music will be provided by Margaret Williams Jones and the Live Oak chorus. Shreveport Mayor Cedric Glover has issued a proclamation commending Live Oak residents for “the immeasurable contributions they have made to our society as a truly respected generation that built the communities of Northwest Louisiana into thriving centers of life” and has declared April 21, 2008, as “Chapel at The Oaks Day.” Live Oak residents have been involved in environmental issues for many years and currently participate in a recycling program initiated at the community in 1990.

Immediately following the service, residents, staff and visitors will participate in a groundbreaking ceremony for “The Chapel at The Oaks.” This 7,200 square foot worship facility, chapel and annex with offices and meeting spaces, will be the centerpiece of Willis-Knighton Health System’s master planned community for active seniors, “The Oaks of Louisiana.” Live Oak is located on 17 of the 300 acres of “The Oaks of Louisiana” development.

Earth Day is observed every year on April 22, to celebrate the earth’s precious resources and to encourage “reduce, reuse and recycle” practices. To commemorate Earth Day, the Live Oak staff and residents will assemble at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, April 22, for a tree planting ceremony. Seven oak trees will be planted along Live Oak’s walking trail near Lake Herman.