[225] June 2020

Special Section 2020

JUNE 2020 • FREE SUMMER TREATS 21

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VIRTUAL CHURCH 27 TIKTOK STARS 85

225BATONROUGE .COM

HEALTH CARE

HEROES

STORIES FROM THE FRONTLINES OF THE PANDEMIC IN BATON ROUGE

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Here for Louisiana Our Commitment.

Your Medicaid Plan.

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LAFAYETTE

5000 Ambassador Caffery Building 1, Suite 101 | (337) 484-1234

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You Thank TO OUR HEROES CARING FOR OUR COMMUNITY

Since the beginning of this pandemic, The Baton Rouge Clinic has continued to care for our community through video visits, in the hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation facilities, at the city-wide testing site, and at our own on-site testing facility.

We appreciate your patience during this crisis and want to assure you of our continued commitment – to our patients, to our team, and to this community.

WE ARE IN THIS TOGETHER.

MAIN CLINIC: 7373 PERKINS ROAD l BATON ROUGE, LA 70808 l (225) 769-4044 l BATONROUGECLINIC.COM 4

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UPFRONT //

Health care heroes

BY JULIO MELARA

6

YOU COULD SEE the planes all over Baton Rouge. They roared loud over the Mall of Louisiana, the state capitol and Tiger Stadium.

But as much as last month’s military flyover honoring health care workers meant to our whole community, its sound was the sweetest over the Baton Rouge Health District.

Hospital workers at the area’s hospitals—and all over the Capital Region—went outside, tilting their heads toward the sky to watch the planes zoom past.

Ashley Joffrion, a respiratory therapist at Baton Rouge General, was off work that day and watched from home.

“That flyover truly touched my heart,” she says. “It was just a flyover, but it meant so much to so many of us. It was very, very special. It covered me with chills, and I got a little choked up. It just meant so much that we’re getting that much [community] support.”

Joffrion is one of the many who have cared for patients infected with COVID-19 the past several weeks. No hospital has been spared. Medical teams have built intensive care units on the fly. Doctors and nurses without previous ICU experience have quickly learned to adapt to giving critical care in a fight to save lives. And every single day has brought life-or-death challenges for their patients.

“Everybody has been more than willing to step up and work these COVID units,” says Our Lady of the Lake physician assistant Adam Ferguson. “They’ve gone into battle as if they have been training for this their whole lives.”

For this month’s cover story, we interviewed 11 hospital workers on the frontlines battling the coronavirus.

They shared their stories of what the past several weeks have been like behind hospital doors. They recounted the things they’ve seen, the emotions they’ve felt, and how they’ve made it through both the good days and the bad days.

While each worker had their own set of experiences caring for patients infected with the virus, they all agreed on one thing: their gratitude for the community. They were so thankful for the Barksdale Air Force Base and Louisiana Air National Guard pilots behind that flyover. For the restaurants that have stepped up to help feed them on days when they might not otherwise have time to eat. And for the

rest of us, who have followed social distancing guidelines.

On behalf of our entire team at 225 magazine, THANK YOU to all the health care professionals who have worked and continue to work tirelessly to help keep our communities safe. We are grateful to all of you!

Turn to page 36 to meet some of our city’s health care heroes.

Sunday service When gatherings of over 10 people were restricted this spring due to the coronavirus outbreak, Baton Rouge lost access to in-person events like concerts, shows, weddings and parties.

But they also missed out on what is a crucial weekly routine for so many: going to church.

And it all came in a time of fear and uncertainty, when many people might be needing prayer and worship more than ever.

Local religious leaders rushed to figure out how to keep connecting with worshippers. Institutions like Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church, Congregation B’Nai Israel and The Chapel did the only thing they could do: take services digital.

Pastors and rabbis broadcast over platforms like Facebook Live and Zoom, bringing comfort to those who were missing church, and in some cases even reaching new followers.

I’m personally grateful for that—my family has been watching church online every Sunday to feed our spirits and stay encouraged.

Check out how some of Baton Rouge’s local religious organizations have adapted, starting on page 27.

Outdoor art show We have some great museums and galleries in Baton Rouge. But if you really look around town, you’ll realize we have another, lesser-known museum: the great outdoors.

Baton Rouge has some seriously cool public art, from LSU’s Sculpture Park to the downtown riverfront’s reflective music-themed sculpture to the famous “Red Stick” overlooking the Mississippi River on Scott’s Bluff at Southern University.

And best of all: These pieces are open to the public and free to view.

Sounds like a great sightseeing activity with the kids this summer, right?

As we send this issue to press, local museums have been closed for weeks and are now looking toward

a new normal during the state’s phased reopening. Regardless of how accessible they are this summer, it’s comforting to know there’s still plenty of art to see outdoors.

Turn to page 81 for a tour of our local public art.

Social’s newest stars During this spring’s quarantine, many of us picked up new hobbies.

Whether it was cooking, home DIY projects or joining new social media networks, we found creative ways to fill all those days at home.

And there’s one social platform, traditionally dominated by Generation Z teens, that many of us have dipped our toes into.

That’s right, we’re talking about TikTok. In the first three weeks of March, the video-sharing app saw a 27% increase in user downloads.

And here in Baton Rouge, that’s meant a new crop of influencers.

This month, we interviewed three of them, including a dancer-comedian with more than 2 million followers, an actor who has famous musicians “liking” his videos, and a New Orleans Saintsation performer/LSU alum who started posting inspirational dancing videos when the shutdown began.

Turn to page 85 to learn all about the TikTok phenomenon.

Best of 225 Awards

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BEST

It’s time to find out how all your votes of panned out!

This year’s Best of 225 winners will be published in our July issue. But in the meantime, mark your calendars for Tuesday, June 30. That’s when our team will make an announcement of this year’s winners, streamed live from the Manship Theatre!

The Best of 225 Awards presentation will take place 6:30-8 p.m. Special thanks to our sponsors Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry, the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport and the East Baton Rouge Parish Library.

More details will be announced soon—follow us on Facebook or subscribe to our 225 Dine e-newsletter for updates.

[225] June 2020 | 225batonrouge.com

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CONTENTS //

36

“That flyover truly touched my heart. … I got a little choked up. It just meant so much that we’re getting that much [community] support.”

—Ashley Joffrion, Baton Rouge General respiratory therapist, about the May 1 flyover of Barksdale Air Force Base and Louisiana Air National Guard pilots to honor health care workers

Features Which local summer treats 21 can quench your thirst places of worship stayed digitally 27 How connected to their worshippers ways Capital City boutiques 65 The got creative with online shopping

Health care heroes BEFORE THOMAS WIMBERLY’S work went viral, he was a well-known artist around Baton Rouge. This spring, people around the world got to know Wimberly a little better as his illustration of a health care worker wearing a mask was featured in The New York Times, on the sides of buildings from New York to London, and even locally in Baton Rouge Gallery’s online “Flat Curve Gallery.” Wimberly left Baton Rouge last year. But when we told him we were dedicating our June cover story to local health care professionals, he was kind enough to share the illustration for our front cover. Turn to page 36 to read the stories of hospital workers on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

8

you should be streaming 86 What at home this summer And much more …

Departments 16 What’s Up 27 Our City 32 I am 225 36 Cover story

63 Style 73 Taste 81 Culture 90 Calendar

COURTESY KATHERINE ELLARD DANTIN

ON THE COVER

[225] June 2020 | 225batonrouge.com

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READY TO SERVE! A S K T H E S TA FF

Let’s spread some local love!

What are your personal favorite businesses to support?

Publisher: Julio Melara

EDITORIAL

ROUJCREOLE.COM • 225-614-2400

Editorial director: Penny Font Editor: Jennifer Tormo Managing editor: Benjamin Leger Staff writer: Cynthea Corfah Digital content editor: Mark Clements Staff photographer: Collin Richie Contributing writers: Brittney Forbes, Hannah Michel, April Capochino Myers, Tracey Koch, “I love to shop at The Plant Elle Marie, Kayla Randall, Studio because there’s no Maggie Heyn Richardson, Stephanie Riegel other place I could get new Contributing photographers: plant babies, hand-blended soil, good music and even Catrice Coleman, Gabrielle Feld, Sean Gasser, better conversation.”

Jordan Hefler, Andrea Matherne, Kristin Selle, —Cynthea Corfah Amy Shutt, Haskell Whittington

ADVERTISING

Sales director: Erin Palmintier-Pou Account executives: Manny Fajardo, André Hellickson Savoie, Jamie Hernandez, Brooke Motto Advertising coordinator: Devyn MacDonald

CORPOR ATE MEDIA

Editor: Lisa Tramontana Content strategist: Allyson Guay

MARKETING

Chief marketing officer: Elizabeth McCollister Hebert Marketing & events assistant: Taylor Floyd Events: Abby Hamilton Community liaison: Jeanne McCollister McNeil

CITYPORKBR.COM • 225-615-8880

“I am a boutique lover, and I have quite a few favorites. But my last purchase was from Aria.

Love its Frame denim and statement earrings!”

—Elizabeth McCollister Hebert

ADMINISTR ATION

Assistant business manager: Tiffany Durocher Digital manager: James Hume Business associate: Kirsten Milano “We’ve been doing our part Office coordinator: Tara Lane to support Crawfish on the Geaux and Superior Grill at Receptionist: Cathy Brown Highland every weekend!”

—James Hume

PRODUCTION/DESIGN

Production director: Melanie Samaha Art director: Hoa Vu Graphic designers: Melinda Gonzalez, Emily Witt

AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT

CITYSLICEPIZZA.COM • 225-388-5454

Audience development director: Katelyn Oglesby Audience development coordinator: Ivana Oubre A publication of Louisiana Business Inc. Chairman: Rolfe H. McCollister Jr. President and CEO: Julio Melara

“I love stopping by Teatery for an afternoon pick-me-up.

In my opinion, they have the best boba tea in town and offer the tastiest snacks to go with their drinks.”

—Emily Witt

9029 Jefferson Highway, Suite 300 Baton Rouge, LA 70809 225-214-5225 • FAX 225-926-1329 225batonrouge.com

CITYGROUPHOSPITALITY.COM 10

©Copyright 2020 by Louisiana Business Incorporated. All rights reserved by LBI. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is strictly prohibited. Business address: 9029 Jefferson Highway, Baton Rouge, LA 70809. Telephone (225) 214-5225. 225 Magazine cannot be responsible for the return of unsolicited material—manuscripts or photographs—with or without the inclusion of a stamped, self-addressed return envelope. Information in this publication is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy and completeness of the information cannot be guaranteed.

[225] June 2020 | 225batonrouge.com

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we are here for you.

CHARLES AYCOCK, M.D.

JILL BADER, M.D.

DEBRA BAEHR, M.D.

BRITANI BONADONA, M.D.

ALLYSON BOUDREAUX, M.D.

REBECCA BOUDREAUX, M.D.

FRANK BREAUX, M.D.

THERESA BRIGNAC, M.D.

RANDALL BROWN, M.D.

NICOLE CHAUVIN, M.D.

LIN DANG, M.D.

SARAH DAVIS, M.D.

RYAN DICKERSON, M.D.

STEVEN FEIGLEY, M.D.

LISA GAUTREAU, M.D.

WENDY HOLDEN-PARKER, M.D.

CARING FOR OUR COMMUNITY, one woman at a time.

Obstetrics & Gynecology

NICOLLE HOLLIER, M.D.

SHAWN KLEINPETER, M.D.

CHARLES LAWLER, M.D.

SHARON LEE, M.D.

PAMELA LEWIS, M.D.

JULIE MARTIN, M.D.

O’NEIL PARENTON, III , M.D.

AMANDA PEARSON, M.D.

MICHAEL PERNICIARO, M.D.

KIRK ROUSSET, M.D.

LAUREN SANDERS, M.D.

MICHAEL SCHEXNAYDER, M.D.

CURTIS SOLAR, M.D.

JAMES STENHOUSE, M.D.

LAURIE WHITAKER, M.D.

SUNSHINE WILLETT, M.D.

lwha.com •

/LWHAwomenshealth • 225-201-2000

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F E E D B AC K / / W H AT ’ S O N L I N E / /

“I can’t tell you how proud I am of our crew members for stepping up and supporting our community in such a meaningful way. When our crew came up with the idea, I was immediately on board.”

CATRICE COLEMAN

Restaurant owners preparing for Phase 1 reopening

The downtown location of Raising Cane’s became a makeshift mask-sewing headquarters as the fast food chain’s employees took to sewing machines to support local hospitals. Because the downtown restaurant couldn’t be open during the coronavirus shutdown, employees instead made thousands of masks for health care workers at Our Lady of the Lake.

STOCK IMAGE

“Please be patient while all of this gets figured out.

Be human to one another and get back to some of the grassroots things we had forgotten for the sake of convenience. Support your local businesses and farmers markets.”

—Cocha chef and owner Saskia Spanhoff

“We’re in survival mode—doing whatever I can.”

—Brian Dykes, partner of Bin 77 Bistro and Sidebar and Solera Bar and Kitchen

Employees at the downtown Raising Cane’s sew masks during their shifts.

—Raising Cane’s CEO and founder Todd Graves

Chill out on the patio When Gov. John Bel Edwards announced restaurants could start opening up their patios for patrons to eat to-go meals, we helped spread the word. Each week, we highlighted restaurants across the Capital Region that were getting their patios ready for guests. We also continued to update our list of more than 300 restaurants in the area that were offering takeout and delivery. Find the list at 225batonrouge. com/food-drink and sign up to get 225 Dine in your inbox every Tuesday and Thursday.

AG E

We asked several local owners how they were feeling about slowly reopening their businesses and the future of the industry.

I

M

We got it covered

Cane’s employees start sewing masks

THROUGHOUT THE coronavirus stay-at-home order, our e-newsletter 225 Dine became much more than just a showcase of good food in the Baton Rouge area. We set out to report regularly on how local restaurants were coping with the dining-in ban and the ways they were helping the community despite their own hardships.

Here are some highlights:

O ST

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CONNECT WITH US

Issue Date: June Ad proof #1

twitter.com/225batonrouge facebook.com/225magazine • Please respond by e-mail or fax with your approval or minor revisions.

• AD WILL RUN AS IS unless revision requests are received within 24 hours.

• Additional revisions must be requested and may be subject to production fees.

instagram.com/225batonrouge

pinterest.com/225batonrouge

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Carefully check this ad for: CORRECT ADDRESS • CORRECT PHONE NUMBER • ANY TYPOS This ad design © Louisiana Business, Inc. 2020. All rights reserved. Phone 225-928-1700 • Fax 225-926-1329

OPEN FOR OUTDOOR DINING 12

[225] June 2020 | 225batonrouge.com

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• Additional revisions must be requested and may be subject to production fees.

Carefully check this ad for: CORRECT ADDRESS • CORRECT PHONE NUMBER • ANY TYPOS This ad design © Louisiana Business, Inc. 2020. All rights reserved. Phone 225-928-1700 • Fax 225-926-1329

LUXURY CUSTOM POOLS & OUTDOOR SPACES

CALL US TODAY for a complimentary consultation! 225.757.6138 | pecbuilt.com |

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LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED

5/13/20 2:02 PM

Get your diagnosis doublechecked. It could save your life.

When you have concerns or doubts about a diagnosis, treatment, or surgery, Best Doctors can help. Our world-renowned medical experts can give you the peace of mind you deserve by providing an in-depth review of your diagnosis to either confirm it or recommend a change.

See if you have Best Doctors as a benefit.  1-800-223-5003 |  ask your HR representative

We’re more than just a list We’re peer-selected as the best medical experts in the world

This can genuinely help people around the world to get the most appropriate diagnosis and therapy, whilst also being of benefit to treating physicians.

Dr. Otto A. Smiseth

Professor of Medicine, Director of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Diseases Oslo University Hospital

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The report I received from Best Doctors actually confirmed one of my diagnoses was wrong.

It has changed my life.

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Best Doctors is now a part of Teladoc Health, the global leader in virtual care. We garner a nationally recognized group of experts, peer-selected as the best in their field. Our doctors serve nearly 40 million members worldwide with a unique suite of services designed to eliminate medical uncertainty in a very uncertain landscape.

Learn more about the Best Doctors selection process. ď„ˆ experts@bestdoctors.com Best Doctors is now part of Teladoc Health, the global leader in virtual care.

Best Doctors and the star-in-cross logo are trademarks of Teladoc Health, Inc., in the United States and in other countries, and are used under license.

All rights reserved Š 2020. 497637553_04282020

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June

Hands on the wheel

1

Add some ceramics to your home by local pottery businesses

2

THERE IS SOMETHING special about decorating your house and filling the cabinets with handcrafted items. Is it just us, or does sipping coffee from a locally made mug actually make your beverage taste better? The same goes for floral arrangements that look fresher poking out of a handmade vessel, or for trinkets that appear more stylish when stowed in a jar created by a local maker.

The Baton Rouge pottery scene is expanding, and so are the different styles. Locals can shop elegant designs

by Andrew Pullman Pottery; artsy pottery from Ghada Henagan Ceramics; and fresh feminine creations by Pollumination Ceramics.

Revamp your home decor with these locally made designs.

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3

6

—CYNTHEA CORFAH

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7

1

Tea-for-one set, $48.

From Pollumination Ceramics

2

Confetti planter, $48.

From Pollumination Ceramics Round mug, $40.

3 From Andrew Pullman Pottery Pelican vase, $65.

4 From Ghada Henagan Ceramics Small jar, $75.

5 From Andrew Pullman Pottery

8

6 Gold band mug, $45.

From Andrew Pullman Pottery

7

Doodle mug, $45.

From Ghada Henagan Ceramics Gilded honey drip

8 notched tea mug, $25.

From Pollumination Ceramics

ONLINE

Other local ceramics businesses

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andrewpullmanpottery.com ghadahenaganceramics.com pollumination.com COLLIN RICHIE

Amanda Proctor Ceramics | amandaproctor.com Barbara Donovan | etsy.com/shop/barbaradonovan Empty Nest Pottery | emptynestpottery.com Pottery by Osa | potterybyosa.com

[225] June 2020 | 225batonrouge.com

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W H AT ’ S U P / /

Talking walls 10 local artists with prints for your gallery wall DURING THE SHUTDOWN, locals spent more time at home than ever before. People decluttered, reorganized and redecorated their homes just to stay busy. Now that you have spring-cleaned, bring your space to life with new art by local artists. Since the art markets and boutiques were temporarily closed, local artists could especially use the support of the community. Shop their websites to order prints.

Aline Prints + Design | alinemoreaux.com Chase Mullen | chasemullenstudios.com Kim Pierson | Find her on Instagram Kourtney Zimmerman | kourtneypaints.com Nicole Cotten Callac | nicolecallac.com

COURTESY BREC

Zoe Robison | Find her on Instagram

Let the good times roll

E RO Y ZO

Animated puppy portraits, mermaid art and TV characters

ThistleBee Art | etsy.com/shop/ThistleBeeArt

R TES

Sam Thomas | samarathomas.com

Zoe Robison

COU

Petite Louisiane | etsy.com/shop/PetiteLouisiane

BISO

N

Peliprints | etsy.com/shop/peliprints

Chase Mullen

For a family fun day Forest Community Park | 13900 S. Harrells Ferry Road | brec.org For a scenic ride during sunset LSU Lakes | 1058 Stanford Ave. | batonrougelakes.org

CHASE MU

Out-of-the-box mind-bending art nodding to Louisiana

For a close-up view of the Horace Wilkinson Bridge Mississippi River Levee Bike Path | downtownbatonrouge.com For the nature lover Pennington Trail alongside Dawson Creek | brec.org

Sam Thomas

COURTESY SAMARA THOMAS

For the urban sightseer Downtown Greenway | downtownbatonrouge.org

SY COURTE

FOR MANY PEOPLE, the stay-at-home order brought them closer to the outdoors. Walking trails were packed with pedestrians and families picnicked in the park. At local shops, bike racks quickly sold out, and Gotcha’s bike-share racks were often fully checked out.

Over the years, Baton Rouge has continued to expand its trails and walkways. Take your wheels for a spin on one of these local bike trails.

LLEN

Five bike trails to ride around town

Botanical drawings?

Say no more.

BREC AND EMANUEL “BOO” MILTON partnered this spring to provide the public with free drive-in Wi-Fi at select BREC locations. Milton, a local community organizer and media personality, wanted to provide Baton Rougeans with safe spaces to access Wi-Fi when libraries were temporarily closed. BREC doubled the duration and speed of its basic tier of Wi-Fi services to improve citizens’ digital experiences. Drive-in Wi-Fi locations included BREC Administrative Milton Womack Building, Anna T. Jordan Community Park, Highland Road Recreation Center, Gus Young Recreation Center, North Sherwood Recreation and Sports Academy Center. boomilton.com/wifi

REBEL GRAPHIX, a Baton Rouge printing company, distributed witty and inspiring signs in the shape of its logo around town in April to uplift the community’s spirits during the shutdown. The signs had phrases like, “Alexa, skip to May,” and “Social distance doesn’t mean we aren’t together.” rebelgraphix.com

COURTESY REBEL GRAPHIX

COURTESY EMANUEL MILTON

WINNERS

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W H AT ’ S U P / /

W H AT ’ S N E W

Buzz feed

By Hannah Michel

Another O’neal SHAQUILLE O’NEAL’S SON, Shareef, and daughter, Amirah, have officially signed with the LSU basketball teams.

Shareef, a former-UCLA power forward, played 13 games as a redshirt freshman before transferring to play for his father’s alma mater. Amirah committed to LSU on the heels of her high school basketball career at Crossroads High School in Santa Monica, California. lsusports.net

ROCKIN’ ROAST BEEF Louisiana lyrics

I MA

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B CE FA VIA

O O

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FOLLOWING LIVINGSTON NATIVE Laine Hardy’s big American Idol win last year, another Capital Region resident made it to the top 11 this season.

Gonzales native Jovin Webb (pictured left) is part of two bands, including Baton Rouge’s jazz-fusion band Captain Green.

Faith Becnel, a Destrehan artist, almost made the top 20. Find the artists on Facebook

COLLIN RICHIE

PIZZA BURGER

OURMOMSRESTAURANT.COM

MON – SUN: 11:00AM – 9:00PM 225.456.5392 | 985.662.5038 250 W LEE DR, BATON ROUGE, LA 70808 205 EAST THOMAS ST, HAMMOND, LA 70403

18

Majestic Mike NETFLIX’S HIT TRUE-CRIME series Tiger King has become extremely popular over the past few months. Careful watchers can spot the Red Stick highlighted on a map of tiger habitats in the U.S., with our dot denoting our beloved mascot Mike. And before he arrived in Baton Rouge, Mike VII began his career as a cub being photographed and played with by tourists, similar to cubs in the show. The Bengal-Siberian was passed from rescue to rescue before ending up as the Bayou Bengal.

Find Mike the Tiger on Facebook

[225] June 2020 | 225batonrouge.com

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Issue Date: June Ad proof #3 W H AT ’ S U P / /

• Please respond by e-mail or fax with your approval or minor revisions.

• AD WILL RUN AS IS unless revision requests are received within 24 hours.

• Additional revisions must be requested and may be subject to production fees.

Carefully check this ad for: CORRECT ADDRESS • CORRECT PHONE NUMBER • ANY TYPOS This ad design © Louisiana Business, Inc. 2020. All rights reserved. Phone 225-928-1700 • Fax 225-926-1329

VIRUS VENTURES BEGINNING LOCALLY IN March, the COVID-19 outbreak led to a statewide stay-at-home order, an unprecedented rise in unemployment and strain on both medical supplies and staff at hospitals. The Baton Rouge community came together and supported one another in their times of need. Below are just a few examples of how everyone has helped their neighbors.

‘Fueling the Fight’

Entergy Louisiana launched this initiative in early April to cover food and labor costs of providing meals to health care and nonprofit workers on the frontlines of the fight against COVID-19. Entergy and other area companies pledged up to $290,000 in funds for relief efforts, as well as matched individual donations up to $50,000.

SAVE YOUR HOUSE. Get your trees storm-ready so hazardous or dead limbs don’t cause damage in heavy winds.

Virtual prom

The Baton Rouge Youth Coalition organized a virtual prom in April for its high school seniors. The hour-and-a-half long dance featured a live DJ and music performances. The event happened after Gov. John Bel Edwards announced public K-12 schools would remain closed for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year. thebryc.org

SAVE YOUR TREES. Failing to prune out dead branches can allow decay to move into the rest of the tree. Leaving cracking or defective branches can lead to hazards and damage.

Free gas for health care workers

SAVE YOUR VIEW. With the weight of ST CK

O TO

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PH

ExxonMobil donated gas gift cards to health care workers at Our Lady of the Lake, Baton Rouge General and Ochsner Health in April. The company also provided 30,000 gallons of fuel to emergency vehicles directly from its terminal. exxonmobil.com

‘Every Swipe Counts’

foliage on the branches, our Arborists will know exactly how to prune your trees to look their best without being too close or in the way.

Neighbors Federal Credit Union raised money for the Greater Baton Rouge Area Food Bank by committing five cents to the food bank for every qualified debitcard purchase made from its free cash-back checking accounts between April 1 and June 30. The food bank reported significant food shortages due to increased shopping habits during the pandemic. neighborsfcu.org

18%

The decrease in service calls per day received by the Baton Rouge Police Department during the first week of April. The decrease in emergencies is thought to be a result of fewer people on the streets during the COVID-19 stay-at-home order. This decline, in combination with greater use of BRPD’s Telephone Reporting Unit, led to a quicker response time. brla.gov

Request your free estimate today!

(225)414-6619

WHYMONSTER.COM/GBR 225batonrouge.com | [225] June 2020

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M

AHEAD AND WATCH US TAKE FLIGHT. We’ve soared to amazing heights for 50 We’ve soared to amazing heights for 50 years. Grab your (very affordable) ticket years. Grab your (very affordable) ticket and zoom ahead with us into a future filled and zoom ahead with us into a future filled with education, conservation and fun for all! with education, conservation and fun for all!

YEARS YEARS && COUNTING COUNTING BRZOO.ORG BRZOO.ORG

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ORDER THIS

Heat stroke

Beat the brutal Baton Rouge summer heat with cold treats GOING GREEN

Teatery’s creamy green avocado smoothie guarantees a whole fresh avocado in every cup. If avocados aren’t your thing, Teatery has brought back boba ice cream bars to help you chill out in the summer heat. teaterybr.com

SHAKIN’ IT UP

If a thick shake in a traditional New Orleans flavor would make for the perfect addition to your hot summer day, try the Creole Cream Cheese Malt from Fat Cow. For a more classic cool down, try a chocolate and peanut butter malt. fatcowburgers.com

COUNTER THE HEAT

David’s Drink from Counter Culture Frozen Yogurt is a yogurt shake blended with milk, honey, granola and sunflower seeds. Other cool options from Counter Culture include a frozen yogurt take on a banana split or frozen yogurt topped with fruit, granola and honey. counterculturebr.com

Fat Cow’s Creole Cream Cheese Malt

FLOCK TO FRUTTA

The Pink Flamingo smoothie from Frutta Bowls combines pitaya—also known as dragon fruit—pineapple, mango and almond milk for a fruity way to brighten your day. If pitaya is not your thing, Frutta Bowls offers plenty of chilly alternatives like its Chocolate Explosion or Green Machine smoothies. fruttabowls.com

TOUCH DOWN

Death Valley popsicles at Rock ’n’ Pops are perfect for those hot days spent dreaming about fall Saturday nights. Half grape-flavored purple and half lemonadeflavored yellow, this popsicle is perfect for showing your Tiger pride. rocknpops.com

POP ON OVER

If summer heat leaves you dreaming of Christmas in July, try the eggnog ice cream bar from PoPaletas. For those not singing “Jingle Bells” yet, there are plenty of other popsicle and ice cream bar flavors to choose from. Find PoPaletas on Facebook

MORE MOCHI

Black Sesame Mochi from Southfin Southern Poké is the perfect shade to complement those bright summer days. The black sesame ice cream is wrapped in sweet rice paper. Southfin offers other flavors of mochi, including the classics: chocolate, vanilla and strawberry. southfinpoke.com

KRISTIN SELLE

—HANNAH MICHEL CA TR

Southfin Southern Poké’s Black Sesame Mochi ICE

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AN

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Events around town

Photos by Kristin Selle

Life before social distancing: Celebrations at some of the Mardi Gras parades this spring, before the statewide stay-at-home order

SCOTT PATTON, GRACE PATTON, MICHAEL PATTON, MARGARET PATTON and HENRY PATTON at Mid City Gras

The MID CITY GRAS Parade rolled from 19th Street to Foster Drive Feb. 16.

Issue Date: June Ad proof #1

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CULLEN BOUDREAUX, BASH BOUDREAUX and OLIVER BOUDREAUX at Mid City Gras

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CANDACE RICKETT and GAVIN SIMONEAUX at the Spanish Town Parade

W H AT ’ S U P / /

The SPANISH TOWN PARADE rolled through downtown Feb. 22.

CHERIE FILLASTRE, JAMIE PERKINS, MIKAILA NADEAU and STORMY CHERIZARD at the Spanish Town Parade

JORDAN and JAYCE FREE at the Spanish Town Parade

GRACE VALENCIANO, MONICA ROGERS, CAMERON ROGERS, COURTNEY WIGGINS, SPENCER WIGGINS, FINN WIGGINS, RUDY VALENCIANO and COLE ROGERS at the Spanish Town Parade

We see extraordinary courage. We see a culture of resilience.

We’ll make it through the tough times, we always do.

And Blue Cross will always be here to support you.

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YOUR FLAVOR

Worst thing about quarantining

Favorite at-home activity

Book or movie you’ve been really into

One thing you’re looking forward to this summer

Restaurant you can’t wait to dine at again

Not being able to spend time with my elderly relatives

Preparing new culinary dishes

How Successful People Grow by John C. Maxwell

Publishing two books I’ve been working on

Drago’s and Louisiana Lagniappe

The lack of options for going anywhere

Yoga, drawing and painting

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

My second son is due in June.

Homeschooling children

Exploring who I am as an artist

The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern

Photographing models again once it’s safe

2001: A Space Odyssey

Being able to eventually go out to bars

Best thing about quarantining

Bea Gyimah

President, America, My Oyster Association 38

Finally having the time to reach my fitness goals

Tsunami

Todd Kepper

Metal fabricator, Southern Style OffRoad Artist 30

Jennifer Esneault Artist 39

Zack Tullier Photographer 28

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Being present with my family

Realizing I am capable of so much more than I thought was

Finally having time to deep clean my apartment

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Not being able to socialize with people at events

Watching funny dog and cat videos

I’d be willing to endure a threehour wait to dine at Tsunami.

City Pork Brasserie & Bar

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We’re open and here to help your family

stay clean, stay safe, stay healthy!

225-275-2660 N Sherwood near Choctaw Perkins near College Choctaw near Monterrey

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E V E R YO N E YO U

PHONE

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YO U

At Cox, we’re reaching everyone we can with messages of connection.

As a digital connections company, we’ve always known that the most meaningful connections are the ones people share with each other. We see it every day. We are feeling it now in a socially distanced world. Reach out to friends and loved ones. Stay connected to your communities.

Learn more at TheConnectionsProject.com.

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LOCATION

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SPONSORED CONTENT

@ChateauxDijon

What You See:

The Experience:

Hot Topic:

Chateaux Dijon, a landmark Baton Rouge apartment community, is a great choice for hospital employees.

Conveniently located on Essen Lane between I-10 and I-12 just minutes from surrounding hospitals. An energized setting with updated and modern one, two and three bedroom options.

The Perfect Location. Revitalized.

The spacious, recently refreshed interiors create an inviting and relaxed atmosphere.

Spend some time in its beautiful outdoor spaces including three swimming pools, beautifully landscaped courtyards and outdoor grill areas. If you are looking for convenience and excellent service, Chateaux Dijon is your home. See for yourself, schedule a tour today.

This Baton Rouge based, communityfocused company proudly supports all of Baton Rouge especially its health care heroes and local businesses.

Special thanks to Shane Griffin Designs, HerringStone’s Boutique and Chris’ Specialty Meats for their partnership showcasing this newly renovated community.

4155 Essen Lane | 225.924.3676 | chateaux-dijon.com | @chateauxdijon225

MODELS: Brooklyn B., Mary Catherine L., Gianna M., Mary O., Georgia H., Mike W., Bobby N., Abel D.,

5/13/20 2:11 PM

Keeping the faith Church leaders troubleshoot virtual gatherings during the pandemic B Y B ENJAM I N L EGER

“LOVE THY NEIGHBOR” becomes a little harder to do when you can’t even visit your neighbor.

That’s been the struggle of Baton Rouge’s religious community during the coronavirus outbreak, when gatherings of 10 or more were forbidden. And now as shutdown rules are slowly lifted, houses of worship are faced with a new normal of health guidelines to follow, restrictions on church capacity and a congregation that may not be ready to join together just yet—instead opting to worship through a screen for the foreseeable future.

COLLIN RICHIE

The Chapel pastors Kevin McKee and Andrew Bates offer drive-thru communion outside the church’s Siegen location during the stay-at-home order.

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OUR CITY //

R OU

“It’s creating a great hunger to return to the church, and a hunger from the priest to be reunited with his flock.”

—Our Lady of Mercy’s Father Cleo Milano

“We’re speaking to a camera with lights in our eyes. It’s taken a while to find the person in the lens and feel like you’re talking to them directly,” says The Chapel’s senior pastor Kevin McKee. Even before the stay-at-home order, The Chapel and similar nondenominational Christian churches were experimenting with Facebook Live events and videotaped services. They also had a built-in audience of young people ready to use online platforms like Zoom.

For more traditional places of worship, the learning curve might have been longer. There are older parishioners who don’t have social media accounts or access to the internet, and church leaders had to navigate technology they hadn’t used regularly.

“As a priest, you prepare your whole life to celebrate mass and the sacraments, and now that’s on hold,” says Father Cleo Milano of Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church. “At the end of the day there’s never a substitute for bringing together people in a church for worship.”

And much like the business community has had to “adapt or die” in the digital age, the Capital City’s religious institutions needed to embrace this

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COLLIN RICHIE

“We’re definitely seeing it as opening the front door for new people, even though we know some of them won’t ever be able to even come through that door in real life.

The megaphone has gotten so much louder.”

—The Chapel’s Siegen site pastor Andrew Bates (seated at right)

see on a televised worship service, minus the audience. And The Chapel’s leaders say they hope it helps broaden their reach online.

“We’re definitely seeing it as opening the front door for new people, even though we know some of them won’t ever be able to even come through that door in real life,” says Siegen site pastor Andrew Bates. “The megaphone has gotten so much louder.”

At Our Lady of Mercy, Father Milano and his staff have been delivering Sunday services online as well as

EL

SY

Rabbi Jordan Goldson of Congregation B’Nai Israel had held a few meetings over Zoom before.

And last winter, he taught a Jewish spirituality class using the video conferencing platform. But when he organized the synagogue’s first Shabbat services on Zoom in midMarch, he wasn’t sure what to expect.

The services are typically held every Friday night, and Goldson admits they often only attract around 20 attendees because of competing cultural and athletic events around town.

But that first Friday night, he saw around 40 “squares” pop up on his screen—indicating at least 40 households that decided to join in for prayer. Since then, Zoom has become a temporary replacement for regular Shabbat services.

“We’re having larger numbers, and I see people who I wouldn’t normally see otherwise,” Goldson says. “We all visit before the service; we visit after.

People seem to be getting a lot out of it.”

Goldson and members of the synagogue’s board began calling the roughly 200 congregants to check up and make sure they were able to connect virtually during the stay-athome order. He has even used Zoom to tutor young people preparing for their bar mitzvahs.

“I think if we’re missing people, it’s a small number of people,” Goldson says. “Most people have access. And if they don’t, we’ve offered assistance.”

For The Chapel, which first began on LSU’s campus before adding a second location on Siegen Lane, its leaders say their “one church, two locations” mantra took on a new meaning as they transitioned to joint live streams featuring pastors from both assemblies.

Pastor McKee says they had already been updating facilities to accommodate video—adding lighting and purchasing video equipment while also improving the church’s website.

Throughout the stay-at-home order, its Sunday services were recorded at the empty church. The pastors delivered their same conversational vibe with a skeleton crew of camera operators and a live band.

The Chapel’s staff also started calling through the database of congregants to make sure they could access the online content.

The end production looks as professional as anything you might

ISR A

R TE

The digital reach

AI

COU

new normal—or risk losing the connection to their followers.

B’

N

LA DY OF M

E RC

Y

CHURCHES, TEMPLES AND assembly centers across the Capital Region started canceling regular services from late March to mid-May—a season with special holy significance for many. Spiritual leaders had a tough decision: Forego interactions with their congregations entirely, or find a way to still share their message online.

For churches with a younger demographic of worshipers and more experience with social media, the transition to virtual services was somewhat smooth. But it may not have felt natural at first—even for those with top-line video equipment.

CO

UR

TE

SY

“People don’t have to rush off to an event or a game or something like that right now, so they have more time to talk after prayer. There’s this relaxed energy about having a conversation.

People are relating to each other in new ways.”

—Congregation B’Nai Israel’s Rabbi Jordan Goldson

through WBRZ on Channel 2. He’s posted regular video messages and prayers from the sanctuary on the church’s website and social media while other church officials have created a Zoom prayer series and educational videos.

The physical church can fit 800 worshipers, so the variety of resources and content the church has put online aims to cast as wide a net as possible.

And all these videos give the sense of a typical Catholic mass, with Milano in his traditional robes going through the rituals of the service.

“Obviously these have been some very unusual days for everyone,” Milano says. “But it’s also been a gamechanger with how people can plug in online. We’ve been trying to be creative and trying to reach out in every way we can.”

A message for now The unknowns of the coronavirus pandemic have put added stress and anxiety on people.

Pastors McKee and Bates at The Chapel say they didn’t want to shy away from that topic when offering spiritual guidance. Bates developed an ongoing series called “Anxious for Nothing,” which he weaves into the Sunday services. The Chapel also provides online resources for mental health counseling and ways to deal with anxiety and depression.

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Niels J. Linschoten, M.D. Hip & Knee Specialist

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OUR CITY //

His message is that it’s “OK to not be OK.” “We’re constantly riding the rhythm of: Here’s the problem that many of us are dealing with; now here’s a step toward the solution,” Bates says.

“We’re sharing our own personal stories of how we’re dealing with this and sharing from scripture.”

And while COVID-19 seems to find its way into every conversation or news article, McKee acknowledges people need a breather sometimes.

“People don’t always remember what pastors say week to week.

There’s a bit of redundancy there sometimes,” he says. “But right now, you can’t stay at that serious level all the time and ask people to dig deep over and over.”

Rabbi Goldson provides a “kavanah,” or intention at the beginning of each service. Lately, it’s been focused on hope and encouragement to stay strong, reminding his congregation they are in it together.

“If any people has been through these kinds of things throughout history, ours has,” he says. “We’ve survived and found ways to adapt. And so if you know you’ve made it through before, sometimes that gives you hope that you’re going to be able to find a

way through this even though it’s not going to be the same on the other end.”

Reopening the doors While this issue of 225 was being finalized in early May, Gov. John Bel Edwards announced the next steps toward a Phase 1 reopening of businesses, allowing church assemblies at a reduced occupancy of 25%.

On May 4, the Interfaith Federation of Greater Baton Rouge, which represents nearly 50 congregations, published suggested guidelines. It similarly called for capping church occupancy at 25%, encouraging worshipers to maintain 6 feet of space from those who aren’t part of their households, wearing protective masks and avoiding passing around items like collection baskets or communion vessels.

Religious leaders interviewed for this story all seemed eager to get back to a normal routine. But all of them acknowledged that online services provided an alternative that will likely stick around.

“There’s a lot of conversation in the

people don’t fall into a trap of thinking that they don’t have to go to church Find the Interfaith Federation of Greater Baton and instead can just watch Rouge’s suggested guidelines for reopening places online at home in their of worship at ifedgbr.com. pajamas.”

For those religious institutions featured in this story: At The Chapel, pastors The Chapel, thechapelbr.com seem to be embracing Congregation B’Nai Israel, bnaibr.org the online world as an Our Lady of Mercy, olomchurch.com extension of its purpose.

“You’ve got a larger community of people experiencing it Jewish community about what we are at the same time,” Pastor McKee says. going to do come our major holidays “The fact that we all know we’re here in September,” Rabbi Goldson says. “If together, it creates an organic nature we told everyone we’re having services that’s been a plus.” at the temple tonight, we would do For Goldson, the stay-at-home that and we’d be able to livestream our routine of April and May gave him services if people aren’t comfortable an insight into the idea of a “reset” coming back to the sanctuary.” many people have talked about during Father Milano says Our Lady of COVID-19.

Mercy is following the directions of “What I’ve noticed is that because the Catholic diocese of Baton Rouge. people don’t have to rush off to an Its leadership has indicated they will event or a game or something like adhere to the state-ordered occupancy that, they have more time to talk after guidelines, which may mean hosting prayer,” he says. “There’s this relaxed additional masses to accommodate energy about having a conversation. all congregants who want to return to People are relating to each other in church. new ways. So I think that the online “Mercy is usually alive and filled platform is really the entree to creating with people all the time,” Milano says. these new relationships. And I hope “It’s creating a great hunger to return that will only expand once we’re able to the church; a hunger from the priest to come back together.” to be reunited with his flock. I hope

Best practices

MAINTENANCE | CONSTRUCTION

FMMLA.COM 225.910.8757 30

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LI P O

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I AM 225 //

Sandra Brown SANDRA BROWN never imagined she’d live to see a pandemic like COVID-19.

Brown has worked in health care for decades. She is the dean of the College of Nursing and Allied Health at Southern University and spent more than 30 years in the nursing field as a practitioner, professor and administrator.

Her job title expanded this April, when she was named the co-chair of Gov. John Bel Edwards’ COVID-19 Health Equity Task Force. And as the virus spread like wildfire in Louisiana this spring, an alarming trend arose: African Americans accounted for the majority of the state’s deaths—56% as of May 11. Many deaths were tied to underlying health issues like diabetes, hypertension and obesity.

There are many layers to the health disparities in the state, Brown says. She has made it her career to study local issues such as HIV awareness and risk factors among students at historically black colleges; and racial and gender differences in cardiac care in Louisiana’s public teaching hospitals.

“Out of every crisis comes an opportunity,” she says.

Through the task force, Brown aims to make COVID-19 and antibody tests more accessible by offering mobile testing sites that locals can get to by foot or bike. The task force plans to focus on vulnerable populations in nursing homes, prisons and areas where there are multigenerational homes and people can’t properly quarantine. It will provide recommendations to the governor relative to health inequities in communities most impacted by coronavirus.

And it hopes to provide greater access to high-quality medical care and improve overall health outcomes.

“We’re not too proud to learn from others,” she says.

“We’re looking at what other states are doing and trying to find solutions, because they’re out there.”

Brown is optimistic about the future of Baton Rouge— and she hopes the community keeps the momentum to improve the state’s health by continuing practices like social distancing and hand washing. gov.louisiana.gov

—CYNTHEA CORFAH

COURTESY SANDRA BROWN

“If we all continued to do a little, we would accomplish a lot. Our citizens in Louisiana are resilient.

We will pull together.”

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SPONSORED CONTENT

BETWEEN THE PAGES

SPONSORED BY:

LET’S GET DIGITAL:

F

ind yourself cooking more lately?

Maybe you’ve been considering a new hobby or finally doing that genealogy research on your family tree? Whatever you are into, the East Baton Rouge Parish Library has digital

Get great recommendations from NoveList Plus, a comprehensive reader’s resource. Find titles, articles, and lists for both your fiction and nonfiction needs.

NoveList Plus also includes audiobook information, recommendations and audio samples. NoveList K-8 Plus is a trusted source of read-alike recommendations specifically for younger readers. It helps kids find books that are just right for their reading level and interests. Parents, teachers, and librarians can also find tools to teach with books and engage young readers.

FREE WAYS TO ENTERTAIN, LEARN AND GROW—REMOTELY

resources to match. From stories for your littles to career support and certifications for adults, the Digital Library has more treasures than you can imagine.

Assistant Library Director Mary Stein shares a few of the Digital Library’s jewels

Flip through a (digital) magazine.

Access digital archives from some of your favorite magazines like Vogue or National Geographic as well as local newspapers and more.

Listen up with free audiobooks from Overdrive and RBDigital.

Kids can tap into TumbleBooks.

Need a little help with homework?

From kindergarten through college and beyond into adulthood, Homework Louisiana provides the resources you need, free. Access online tutoring, test preparation, job search assistance and resources—seven days a week.

for readers of all ages. Visit ebrpl.com/ digitallibrary to see what’s online for you.

The East Baton Rouge Parish Library has some exciting online events happening as well. Check the calendar at EBRPL.com for updates.

Take the opportunity to boost your work life with the Job & Career Accelerator inside Learning Express, modules that have been designed for remote learning.

Find a career match, explore new occupations, and search for jobs and internships. Do research and plan ahead with the school and scholarship finder.

Need to learn how to use the digital resources? EBRPL’s Niche Academy has quick videos on how to utilize the digital resources the Library makes available, like Ancestry Library, Consumer Reports, Gale courses and more. Just look for the blue “Tutorials” tab on the right the Digital Library page.

SUMMER READING IS GOING DIGITAL! This year readers of all ages can earn digital badges, rewards and prizes by submitting your reading accomplishments online.

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AD V E RT I SE ME N T

Dudley DeBosier recognizes those who

#

4LA oRight4

CHRISTY MENSAH Christy Mensah is a passionate educator and the founder of I AM, Empowering the Next Generation. Before founding I AM, Christy was an educator for 15 years both in Ghana, West Africa and Baton Rouge. Her work as an educator is driven by her passion for ensuring all children know their value and equipping them with the tools and strategies to become the next generation of leaders in our community. In addition to education, Christy also believes that social and emotional support are imperative tools children need for success, which lead her to begin I AM in August of 2015.

I AM is a non-profit, social and emotional learning program that is an ancillary class at the elementary school level. The I AM program covers making wise choices, establishing a strong identity, increasing personal voice, learning leadership

skills, improving communication, and developing problem solving skills. For more information contact Christy Mensah at christy.mensah@iambr.org.

Christy plans to continue developing and expanding the I AM program throughout East Baton Rouge and surrounding parishes. Her long-term goal is to provide small group counseling and tutoring to support students struggling socially and academically and to partner with the families of these students to strengthen the family unit. Christy looks forward to creating future partnerships with educators and the community so that together they can impact the education system locally, statewide, and nationally. To learn more visit www.iambr.org and follow on Instagram @iambrorg and Facebook @ iamorgbr.

Do you know someone “doing right?” Submit their name to promos@dudleydebosier.com

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AD V E RT I SE ME N T

MAKING A

Difference

DUDLEY DEBOSIER FEEDS OUR FRONTLINE HEROES Inspired by the hard work and sacrifices made by our Frontline Heroes, Dudley DeBosier worked with locally owned pizza restaurants across Louisiana to deliver lunch and dinner to hospitals and medical centers. They also purchased food vouchers for hospital workers when outside food was not allowed.

In Baton Rouge, Dudley DeBosier teamed up with Red Zeppelin Pizza to deliver meals to multiple locations of Baton Rouge General Medical Center, Ochsner Medical Center and Our Lady of the Lake – 258 pizzas feeding 620 frontline healthcare workers!

Responsible Attorneys

Across the state, they worked with local pizza restaurants to deliver a total of 686 pizzas to 1,185 hospital workers. If you combine that with buying vouchers and other meals for another 264 workers, Dudley DeBosier has fed 1,449 healthcare workers since the end of March! Feeding the Frontline is a way for the Dudley DeBosier Team to show their appreciation for all the challenging times frontline workers are bravely facing. For more information and to stay up-to-date on what they are doing in the community, follow Dudley DeBosier on Facebook.

444-4444

1075 GOVERNMENT STREET BATON ROUGE, LA 70802 WWW.DUDLEYDEBOSIER.COM

CHAD DUDLEY | STEVEN DEBOSIER | JAMES PELTIER, JR.

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C OV E R S T ORY

HEALTH CARE 36

HEROES

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C OV E R S T ORY

STORIES FROM THE FRONTLINES OF THE PANDEMIC IN BATON ROUGE

BY JENNIFER TORMO Cover illustration by Thomas Wimberly hen she woke up in the ICU a couple years ago, Ashley Joffrion remembers being surrounded by her coworkers.

Joffrion is a respiratory therapist at Baton Rouge General. Her job is to care for patients having trouble breathing. Some of the sickest ones end up on ventilators.

But that day, Joffrion was the one on the ventilator.

She had a severe episode of angioedema, which caused swelling in her airways and put her into respiratory distress.

She doesn’t remember much from her short time on the ventilator. Just bits and pieces. The feeling of the breathing tube in her throat. The faces of her fellow respiratory therapists and nurses, hovering over her before they removed the tube. The discomfort. The fear.

But those memories came flooding back this spring, when Joffrion’s patient load surged during the COVID19 outbreak. It’s a story she now shares with her own patients, trying to comfort them before they’re placed on ventilators. I’ve been in your shoes before, she tells them.

“I was definitely not as sick as these patients are. But I can relate to them. I know what they’re going through when it is time to have to go on the ventilator,” she says. “I don’t want to tell them it’s just going to be OK. I want them to know the truth that it is not a comfortable feeling, but we’re going to get through it.”

Joffrion’s story is unique, but her fellow health care workers have been seeing similarly distressed patients the last couple of months.

We interviewed staff at Baton Rouge General, Our Lady of the Lake, Ochsner Medical Center - Baton Rouge, and Woman’s Hospital about what they’ve seen as coronavirus cases reached their units.

They describe scared patients who don’t always understand what’s happening to them. When they do get better, coming off a ventilator is like waking up in a fog. At first, some might not even realize they were sick during a pandemic.

For medical workers, life is foggier, too. Their entire reality has changed, at work and at home.

Hospitals were restructured to create COVID-only units. ICU bed capacity was doubled, then tripled. Nurses who did not have ICU experience partnered with those who did, prepping for a new normal.

Respiratory therapists tested new tactics to streamline care for patients on ventilators. Nurses and physician assistants developed clever ways to minimize exposure, such as keeping patients in one bed for the entirety of their visit and even stretching long IV wires outside the doors.

For most people in Baton Rouge, the coronavirus has felt like an invisible disease. Many of those who are infected are asymptomatic or only present mild symptoms.

But every day, hospital workers are seeing this virus at its absolute worst. Patients’ ages range from their 20s to 80s. Some have underlying conditions. Some don’t. Most take weeks to get better—if they get better. There have been sick parents in their 30s, whose young children have been unable to come say goodbye.

Rules restricting hospital visitors are constantly changing, but workers describe halls that felt like ghost towns in the beginning of the outbreak. Even as patient load rapidly increased, the hospitals got quieter. Waiting rooms were empty. Family members were only able to visit with loved ones through iPad screens. No more happy celebrations as babies were born, no families in the hallways to cheer when the sickest patients were discharged.

Every conversation has been happening through heavy layers of PPE. Coworkers have learned to communicate with their eyes, or even through shared feelings. And because they’re now giving care while wearing a mix of face shields, goggles, boot covers, impermeable gowns, gloves and masks, they can no longer just run into a room to help a patient.

“It looks like we’re just wearing some extra stuff in the pictures, but the process of putting on and taking it off adds so much time to the care,” says Nicole Allen, an Ochsner ICU nurse practitioner. “If there’s a major change, and we need to get into the room, you’re looking at two to three minutes. Which doesn’t seem that long, but in the ICU world, it really is.”

Pregnant moms are even wearing N95 masks for hours during labor, mirroring their PPE-clad nurses and doctors. It’s unbearably hot, but it’s necessary to protect every person in the room.

To safeguard their families, some hospital employees have been sleeping in hotels or isolated parts of their homes. They shower constantly. When those with young children finally see their kids, they describe a painful inner battle: “Is today a day I can do without a hug?”

But for a time of such high stress, hospital workers also describe an experience that’s been deeply rewarding. Every employee we interviewed emphasizes how impressed they have been with their hospital’s response. They talk about how proud they are to work there, and how they and their coworkers are working so, so hard for their patients. They all say they’re being provided with plenty of PPE, and their hospitals are doing everything possible to keep them safe. The hospitals, they say, were ready for this.

They’re grateful to the community for the outpouring of support, the flyovers and all the donated restaurant meals—lifesavers on days they can’t leave the COVID units to enter the regular cafeteria.

Finally, they all stress that even though they work with this virus daily, they don’t fully understand it. It’s a brand-new disease scientists and medical workers alike are still learning about.

Most say they feel more comfortable walking into their hospitals now than they did at the outbreak’s beginning. But they still never know what the new day will bring.

In the following pages, these workers share—in their own words— what the coronavirus has looked like in Baton Rouge hospitals. They tell stories of grief and triumph, and of managing the unexpected.

While we spoke with them collectively for hours, their interviews have been edited for clarity and brevity, representing just a small slice of what’s been happening during this pandemic.

And even as you read their words, stories like these continue to unfold every day in Baton Rouge—right this very minute—behind closed hospital doors. ­­

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5/13/20 5:48 PM

Issue Date: June Ad proof #5

• Please respond by e-mail or fax with your approval or minor revisions.

• AD WILL RUN AS IS unless revision requests are received within 24 hours.

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COVID-19 RESPONSE WHAT WE’RE DOING TO HELP

Here’s a snapshot of what ExxonMobil Baton Rouge and our 3,000 employees are doing to support the COVID-19 response.

SUPPLYING THE FRONTLINE • Manufactured hand sanitizer at Chemical Plant and packaged at Port Allen Lubricants Plant • Provided isopropyl alcohol made at Chemical Plant to local & national hand sanitizer product efforts • Donated hand sanitizer to EBR School System, BR Health District, MOHSEP & GOHSEP • Supplied feedstock materials to make PPE (masks, gowns, face shields) for national healthcare industry

PROVIDING GRANT FUNDING TO • The Walls Project for remote learning technology for EBR students; matched by Cox Communications • Mayor’s “Keep BR Serving” initiative with focus on North BR restaurants • “Fueling the Fight” collaborative to provide meals to hospital workers • Catholic Charities to support North Baton Rouge families • VIPS learn-from-home enrichment program in North Baton Rouge

CARING FOR OUR COMMUNITY • Donated gasoline to local first responders • Provided 1,500 gas gift cards to local hospital workers • Assisted LSU in facemask production efforts • Sent thank-you videos to healthcare workers and first responders

@ExxonMobilBRA

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In their eyes

C OV E R S T ORY

With faces obscured by masks and ventilators, Ochsner workers say much of their communication is happening through eye contact

Janell Schexnaydre

Registered nurse, emergency department at Ochsner Medical Center – Baton Rouge

COLLIN RICHIE

You can hear about it on the news, but it’s so different when you see these patients face to face.

When they come into the hospital, they see all these people with masks on. They’re scared. They can’t breathe.

There’s one patient we were going to have to intubate who I’ll never forget. I could just see the fear in her eyes. She was trying to call her son on the phone. So I talked with him and tried to calm his fears, as well. I prayed for her.

I told them we were going to take great care of her. And we did. She actually came off the ventilator, and she’s doing OK. I always wanted to be a nurse since I was small. I knew I wanted to help people. It’s a very hard job, but it’s very rewarding. This has been a very stressful time for me and my team. We’ve gotten all of the PPE that we’ve needed, and the hospital has done everything it can to protect us. But when we walk in those doors, everybody does know that they’re coming into something that could be fatal.

That is what it is. We know that we could get sick, and it’s led to a lot of fear and anxiety.

I know some people are calling us heroes, but I don’t consider myself one at all. I consider these patients and these families to be heroes, because they’re by themselves.

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Nicole Allen

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HSNER HEALTH COURTESY OC

I’ve spent my entire career working in the ICU, but I’ve never seen this many patients in this short of a time who are all just the sickest of the sick.

Every one of them.

When we were hearing about the virus in the beginning, in critical care we expected to mostly see alreadysickly or really elderly people.

But that’s not exactly what we’re seeing. We’re having patients anywhere from mid 30s well into their 80s. They might not be the perfect picture of health, but a lot of them don’t have major prior diseases. These patients are coming into the hospital knowing they’re sick but not having any idea that they’re critically ill or that they’re so sick that they might not go home. And their families, who aren’t allowed in the hospital with them, have no idea that maybe they just came to the hospital and are never going to come home.

I’m calling their families every day at least once with updates. They hang on everything we say, looking for some sign of improvement, some kind of hope.

These patients don’t improve quickly. Typically, we’ll have someone come into the ICU super sick with something like sepsis from an infection and they’re in shock. But we treat them, and 24 or 48 hours later, they’re better.

These patients stay sick for a long time. We’re seeing people go two to three weeks before they’re really getting to where we’re making any big improvements. And a lot of them do die.

We’re working so hard, around the clock, but they’re so sick and some of what we’re doing isn’t making a difference in the outcome.

But we remember the names of every patient that has gotten better.

We feel the hurt for the ones that we thought were getting better and then decline again.

As somebody who has seen how bad the virus can be firsthand: This is real. This is a threat. It’s not being overblown.

Nurse practitioner, intensive care unit at Ochsner Medical Center – Baton Rouge

CHALK IT UP Ochsner’s staff not working the COVID units wanted to do something special for workers treating the sickest patients. Every Monday morning, they make chalk art outside hospital entrances. Each week has a different theme and an inspirational message to give coworkers a boost before they walk in the doors.

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Donna Warren

Respiratory therapist at Ochsner Medical Center – Baton Rouge

WHAT’S IN A NICKNAME?

COURTESY OCHSNER HEALTH

HSNER HEALTH COURTESY OC

Shortly after the pandemic began, Warren’s coworkers began testing out a method they now call the “Donna Burrito.”

She introduced her coworkers to this new way to prone, or carefully move ventilation patients onto their stomachs. Rolling the patients and equipment in their bedsheet like a burrito made the process safer and easier—which is crucial when they might have to prone several patients at once.

I originally thought I wanted to be a nurse, but I decided to become a respiratory therapist the day my twin sister’s son was born. He has cerebral palsy, and I was there when he was intubated. I saw them bring life to him, get him breathing. I said, ‘I want to do that.’

Working in the ICU now, there have been tough days—like when I had a husband and wife both on a ventilator, or when I was taking care of a patient in his 30s and found out he was one of our own who worked in our ER, or the day I had to terminally extubate three patients in a row.

Some of the patients are on ventilators for days. You’ll have one of them doing great, and then the next day you walk in, and they’re worse.

I’m missing seeing everybody’s faces. We’re all behind masks now, and we’re all in the same-color uniforms.

I miss seeing the smiles. We’re all just getting to know each other’s eyes.

ART THERAPY Laney Daigrepont, the daughter of an Ochsner respiratory therapist, made this painting for her mom’s department.

“She wrote the sweetest note thanking the staff for fighting on the front lines, exposing themselves to this awful virus and for the love and care they give their patients,” Warren says.

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COLLIN RICHIE

Baton Rouge General’s ICU team is appreciative of the kindness and support Capital Region residents have shown hospital workers.

Dr. Stephen Brierre, center, led Baton Rouge General’s ICU during the outbreak, working to keep workers and patients safe.

WE KNEW ‘WHAT WAS FIXING TO HAPPEN TO US’ AS THE CHIEF of critical care at Baton Rouge General, Dr. Stephen Brierre monitored the coronavirus outbreak from the beginning. He heard stories from friends at hospitals in Seattle and New Orleans. As soon as its first COVID-19 patient was diagnosed in March, the hospital nearly tripled its ICU capacity in

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a one-week span. In daily talks, Brierre now updates the team on hospital resources and stresses the importance of preserving N95 masks and medications for patients on ventilators. “To see how the team came together, how nurses who didn’t have ICU experience partnered with ICU nurses to increase the number

of patients we can care for … There’s a great deal of camaraderie and willingness to help each other. It’s almost as if we were going into a battle, and all the troops are ready for the fight,” he says. “I have known a lot of rewarding things in my career, but this has been the most rewarding of all of them.”

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‘It’s like a war zone’ Fighting the virus might feel like a battle, but Baton Rouge General staff say they’re ready for the challenge

Dr. Stephen Brierre

Pulmonary/critical care physician, Baton Rouge General

‘THE LAST THING WE WANT TO DO IS PUT SOMEONE ON A VENTILATOR’ Patients with underlying health conditions usually have a harder time coming off ventilators, says Baton Rouge General respiratory therapist Ashley Joffrion. Most patients on ventilators also need to be heavily sedated or chemically paralyzed. And since

COLLIN RICHIE

I specifically recall the first two times I spoke with families of a COVID-presumed patient. I introduced myself; I let them know their loved one was stable and on a breathing machine.

And each time the family member would ask, ‘Do you think this is coronavirus?’ And I would say ‘Yes, I do believe it’s coronavirus.’ The fear that response generated in the family was crushing. I’m a lung doctor. I tell some patients that they have lung cancer that has spread all over their body and that we’re not going to be able to cure it. But I have never seen fear like this in families.

We quickly had to change our messaging to decrease their anxiety. We built an iPad stand with an external speaker that we roll into the rooms. We FaceTime and explain to families what they are looking at in the room and what we are doing. And each day as we round on that patient, we call them in real time while we’re at the bedside.

The families have been wonderful. They are thankful every day. I spoke with 14 families today. And every one of them starts the conversation by saying, ‘How are you, Stephen?’

there’s also a greater need for ventilators right now, Joffrion and her team first try alternate therapies to help with oxygenation, such as noninvasive BiPAP and CPAP machines. “Once we’ve maxed out those therapies,” she says, “that’s when we put them on the ventilator.”

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Ashley Joffrion

Respiratory therapist, Baton Rouge General

COLLIN RICHIE

During the peak of flu season, we may only see five or six patients who are super, super sick and are maxed out on ventilator settings. The majority of these patients that end up on the ventilator now—they’re all like that. It’s been like flu season on steroids.

It’s so hard to describe. It’s something I never thought I would be dealing with as a respiratory therapist.

Your patient load has increased, and you’re dealing with the sickest patients you’ve ever dealt with. We’re used to an average of eight to 10 ventilators in the ICU during normal times. Now, each therapist on their own is taking care of eight to 10 patients on ventilators, sometimes even 12.

When you have to intubate, it has to happen very fast because their oxygen levels drop very quickly. The other day, I started my rounds on the COVID unit with eight ventilators. And I couldn’t even see my first patient before two patients needed to be intubated, and we intubated two more patients back to back.

It’s very hard. You’ll have one patient that has passed away, but you can’t forget about your other eight patients who are on ventilators that you have to take care of. You literally go from withdrawing life support from one patient to the next one with your happy face on.

It’s like a war zone. It’s like the Wild West. You never know what’s coming. We’re working extra shifts. It’s emotionally, physically and mentally exhausting on all ends. But somehow, we just keep going.

WHAT DOES A RESPIRATORY THERAPIST DO? “We are there for every distressed person having any complications with breathing,” explains Baton Rouge General respiratory therapist Ashley Joffrion. They rotate through hospital units, working with ER, regular floor, surgical and ICU patients. Some therapists also cover labor and delivery and NICU patients. They administer oxygen and determine what breathing treatments are needed. They’re in constant communication with doctors and nurses.

Rebekah Booth

In nursing, you’re in a very unique position to love and care for people. It’s pretty crazy how much of a bond you can make in a 12-hour shift with patients and their family members. I have always loved that aspect of my job.

A lot of these patients with the coronavirus are a lot sicker than our normal ICU care, and with no visitors allowed, they are really isolated. But we’ve still gotten to make some really close connections with patients—and family members, even though we can’t meet them in person. When someone’s not having a positive outcome and you’re the only person there with them in end-of-life care, it’s a very powerful moment. Then you’re able to tell their family, ‘I cared about them. I was with them. They weren’t alone.’

I want the families to know we are giving everything that we have to their loved ones. We don’t just look at a patient as being a patient in the bed. We look at them as someone’s mother, someone’s sister, someone’s daughter, and we really do care for them like they were our own family.

In some of the success stories that we’ve seen, we’ve given people so much care and just think: How can their bodies get better? So it’s such a victory for us, such a happy moment to get someone discharged from the ICU.

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PHOTOS COURTESY BATON ROUGE GENERAL

Registered nurse, Baton Rouge General

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Helping the helpers.

Entergy Louisiana is proud to partner with the Baton Rouge Area Foundation and other Louisiana companies in Fueling the Fight. Together, we’ve raised approximately $330,000 to provide meals and resources to front-line hospital workers and nonprofits in need of assistance.

To all of the men and women who are working tirelessly to keep our communities safe, thank you. Your courage and dedication is an inspiration to us all. entergy.com/covid-19

A message from Entergy Louisiana, LLC Š2020 Entergy Services, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

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‘The most important day’ Just ahead of summer’s busy delivery months at Woman’s Hospital, the staff built a separate unit—for mothers infected with COVID-19

Allyson Hingle Registered nurse, Woman’s Hospital

HOW DOES A COVID-19 POSITIVE DIAGNOSIS AFFECT PREGNANCY, LABOR AND DELIVERY?

COURTESY WOMAN’S HOSPITAL

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For years, we’ve been taking care of patients on one of the most important days of their lives—and we’re still doing that. But now we’re walking them through one of the most important days of their lives in the middle of a pandemic.

We’re so used to being close-up and personal with our patients. We’re with them for a 12-hour labor, for the whole day. Now we’re wearing full PPE for every delivery. Half of your face is covered, and it’s a lot different. Our patients are also in an N95, which I’m sure is difficult for them to breathe while they’re trying to push. It’s extremely tight on your face, where you cannot have air coming in from around your nose and mouth. We wear an extra mask with a face shield, boot covers, an extra gown to cover our scrubs, gloves and a hat covering our hair. You feel like you can’t breathe, and you’re sweating. But patients need to wear PPE to protect us, and we’re wearing the same thing to protect them.

In a normal delivery, we might have three family members that are in the delivery room, and then an entire waiting room of 20 visitors waiting for the good news. Right now, we’re only allowing one support person per patient, and no one is in any waiting rooms. The halls are a lot more bare. When patients are COVID-positive, they haven’t been allowed visitors.

I’ve been doing this for 20 years and seeing families experience the joy. Now, the family members are standing outside the windows of the hospital in the parking lot, we’re holding up signs, and people are FaceTiming.

But I know all of our nurses will say that in deliveries for a patient that’s positive for COVID, we are there with those mothers.

They are not alone.

Pregnancy creates added stress on a woman’s body and lung capacity, and it also makes her more susceptible to infection. But one of the biggest points all the doctors we interviewed for this story stressed: This virus is novel, and much is still unknown. “There’s patients that I’ll see in the office today, and every single time I’ll say, ‘This could change tomorrow,’” says Dr. Pam Simmons, a maternal-fetal medicine physician at Woman’s Hospital. The virus affects every patient differently. While most of Simmons’ pregnant patients have so far not needed hospitalization and have been able to recover at home, there have been challenging cases with patients being extremely sick and, in worsecase scenarios, requiring intubation. Simmons refers all patients to Woman’s Hospital’s COVID-19 website for the most up-to-date information. womans.org/about-womans/community/coronavirus

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COURTESY WOMAN’S HOSPITAL

RESCHEDULED 2020 SHOW DATES

Dr. Pam Simmons Maternal-fetal medicine physician, Woman’s Hospital

AMBROSIA SEPT 20 | 7:30 PM

Ambrosia, the band known and loved by a multitude of fans since the 1970’s, is now more alive and compelling than ever.

In no other realm of the medical world do you get to take care of two patients at once. That’s what drew me to this field: making sure that you get the best outcome for both the mom and the baby. In the majority of these cases, it’s really good outcomes. It’s a very fulfilling career.

In the beginning, I remember lying awake the night before I had several COVID-positive patients I had to go see the very next day. I remember being extremely nervous, anxious and not being able to sleep. And I think that that’s because you’re facing the unknown. But then you go through that day, and that week, and you realize: I am provided with the appropriate PPE. I have a great team.

And you just kind of have to trust the system, and that you are giving the absolute best care to these patients and that you’re also going to be OK. Protocols are changing constantly, but right now, the recommendation is that if the mother is currently COVIDpositive, she and the baby are separated. The baby goes to an isolation room within NICU. The biggest fear I am seeing women have is delivering by themselves and being separated from their baby. We take that to heart. It is scary.

Our job is to try to get them where they can not have both of those things happen, and deliver in the safest manner.

We want to do good for our patients, and that sometimes puts you into positions that you would not have seen yourself ever being in. It’s about stepping up to those. And it’s nice when you look across the hallway, and you see your other colleagues also stepping up to the challenge.

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Patients we ‘won’t ever forget’ At Our Lady of the Lake, the chance to save lives is what’s been keeping the staff going

HOW TO PROPERLY REMOVE PPE To reduce risk of exposure to the coronavirus, medical workers remove their safety devices in a specific chronological order.

We asked physician assistant Adam Ferguson to describe the protocol he follows at Our Lady of the Lake.

1) Carefully pull off the gown. Ball it up.

2) Remove the gloves, containing them with the gown. Place both in the trash can.

3) Use hand sanitizer before putting on fresh gloves.

4) Remove the goggles. Our Lady of the Lake has reusable goggles, which each worker wipes down with disinfectant. Then, wrap the goggles in an antiseptic towel. Place in a small basin to soak and sterilize.

5) Take off the gloves.

6) Remove the mask.

Be careful not to touch the front of the mask. Discard.

7) Wash hands with soap and water for 20 seconds.

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Adam Ferguson Physician assistant, Our Lady of the Lake

I was working in one of our COVID units when we admitted a gentleman in his 60s with underlying lung disease. His oxygen levels were low, and we were concerned he would have to be put on mechanical ventilation. The first thing he asked me about was his wife. He told me she’d been at our hospital for three weeks, and he hadn’t been able to see her.

I went into the computer and found her in a separate COVID unit on the other side of the hospital. She had an underlying neurological disease, was on a ventilator and was doing very poorly at the time.

So we made arrangements for the man to be transferred to the complete other side of the hospital so that he could be next to his wife. The nurses were able to take him into her room and FaceTime the family while they were both in there together, which was an extraordinary feat of organization. The husband was eternally grateful.

It was a happy ending. The husband cleared the virus, and he managed to wind up avoiding being put on mechanical ventilation.

The wife got better. We were able to take her off the breathing machine, and she’s now breathing on room air and is almost completely recovered. I got to be the one to place the order to take her breathing tube out because she was doing so well. I immediately went next door to tell the husband, and his eyes welled up with tears.

That day, after she got her breathing tube out, we again brought the husband into his wife’s room and FaceTimed with the family so that they were able to share that victory.

This was a huge win for us. Everybody on my team was cheering and so happy.

There’s a lot of people who’ve been really, really sick despite all of our best efforts. Even with all of our knowledge pooled together, we’re unable to save a lot of these people who come in and wind up on a ventilator. When there are so many losses, even little small wins are really important to team morale.

Melanie Guillory Respiratory therapist, Our Lady of the Lake

We see death. I mean, I’ve been doing this for 28 years. But not to this extent. It’s like our backs are against the wall—sometimes there’s nothing we can do that’s going to even come close to helping.

You know that you’re going to lose a patient before you leave your shift or before you come back the next day. One will be gone.

The saddest, most heartbreaking thing is when family members are not able to come be with their loved ones as they’re dying. Our team tries to spend time with them, holding their hands and praying for them, but it’s not the same as their own family members being here. I can’t even imagine not being able to hold my mom’s hand and tell her goodbye.

There’s one patient that sticks out to me. A young man in his 20s with comorbidities. We ended up having to intubate him and put a breathing tube down. When we do this, we have to restrain patients’ arms so that they don’t pull anything. He didn’t know why he was being restrained, and he was so scared. The look in his eyes—I’ll just never forget it, ever.

For me, the emotional stress right now outweighs the physical stress. The only thing that keeps me going is knowing that God will lift me back up to come do it again the next day.

I have also found a new meaning in having a work family. Now we spend more time with our work family than we do with our own family. We can just look at each other, through our goggles and our masks, and know: She needs an air hug.

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Issue Date: June Ad proof #2 C OV E R S T ORY

• Please respond by e-mail or fax with your approval or minor revisions.

• AD WILL RUN AS IS unless revision requests are received within 24 hours.

• Additional revisions must be requested and may be subject to production fees.

Carefully check this ad for: CORRECT ADDRESS • CORRECT PHONE NUMBER • ANY TYPOS

PHOTOS BY DR. JONATHAN RICHARDS / COURTESY OUR LADY OF THE LAKE

This ad design © Louisiana Business, Inc. 2020. All rights reserved. Phone 225-928-1700 • Fax 225-926-1329

Shopping made easy

AT TOWNE CENTER! In store, curbside pickup, delivery and online.

Dr. Christopher Thomas Medical director of quality and patient safety, Our Lady of the Lake

We had a younger gentleman with three little kids who was on a breathing machine. He was one of those ones where on that first day, I didn’t know if he’d get better. But by day 14, we thought: We’re gonna get him better. That was a big change in our brains. When he finally walked out, his daughter came and hugged him.

You know, they talk about, ‘Why do you do this? What do you spend seven years training for?’ When I think about my own kids and not getting to see them as much right now as I would like to, it’s really important to get those moments. To see him get to his daughter, and for his daughter to cry from joy because she knows that he’s OK. We FaceTime the families; we’ll tell them a patient’s doing OK. But until they get to touch them, feel them, hug them—it’s not real.

That is our job: to create those moments.

What sticks out to me the most from this whole experience is that guy. Because when he came in, he changed our team’s whole mindset to: We’re gonna get him home. We’re now comfortable knowing that patients can get better.

And we didn’t have that when we first heard the stories coming from the West Coast.

THE UNSUNG HEROES: ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICE TECHNICIANS There are many health care workers walking into the fire of the COVID-19 outbreak.

But the workers not getting enough attention are those in charge of cleaning the hospital, says Our Lady of the Lake’s Dr. Christopher Thomas.

During the pandemic, their job often means entering a room where a terminally ill patient has spread particles of the virus everywhere. But they keep disinfecting all day, every day.

“When you have an RN, RT or MD behind your name, someone gives you credit at some point in your life.

These workers need credit right now. They’re unbelievable,” Thomas says. “They clean and clean and clean. They’ve been just as important in keeping me safe as the small role I play in trying to make sure that our teams are safe.”

Corporate Blvd at Jefferson • 225.925.2344 townecenteratcedarlodge.com • HEALTH • BEAUTY • DESIGNER SHOPPING HOME DECOR • GOURMET DINING • AND MORE 225batonrouge.com | [225] June 2020

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2020

Whether you need a routine check-up, immediate medical help, or a specialist to treat a chronic condition, you can find a physician here to put you on the path to good health. The Best Doctors list includes 68 local physicians across 23 specialties, recognized by their peers as among the best in their fields.

These lists are excerpted from The Best Doctors in America® 2019-2020 database, which includes close to 40,000 U.S. doctors in more than 450 medical specialty/subspecialty combinations. The Best Doctors in America® database is compiled and maintained by Best Doctors, Inc. For more information, visit www.bestdoctors.com or email research@bestdoctors.com.

Please note that lists of doctors are not available on the Best Doctors website.

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ALLERGY AND IMMUNOLOGY

COLON AND RECTAL SURGERY

JAMES MARION KIDD III Kidd Allergy Clinic 8017 Picardy Ave. Baton Rouge, LA 70809 Phone: 225-769-4432

LOUIS R. BARFIELD Our Lady of the Lake Physician Group Baton Rouge Colon Rectal Associates Medical Plaza 1 7777 Hennessy Blvd., Suite 206 Baton Rouge, LA 70808 Phone: 225-767-8997

PREM KUMAR MENON Asthma, Allergy and Immunology Center 5217 Flanders Dr. Baton Rouge, LA 70808 Phone: 225-766-6931

ANESTHESIOLOGY SON M. DANG Baton Rouge General Medical Center - Bluebonnet Department of Anesthesiology 8585 Picardy Ave. Baton Rouge, LA 70809 Phone: 225-387-7000

CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE KENNETH C. CIVELLO Our Lady of the Lake Physician Group Louisiana Cardiology Associates Medical Plaza 2 7777 Hennessy Blvd., Suite 1000 Baton Rouge, LA 70808 Phone: 225-767-3900

RICHARD BYRD Our Lady of the Lake Physician Group Baton Rouge Colon Rectal Associates Medical Plaza 1 7777 Hennessy Blvd., Suite 206 Baton Rouge, LA 70808 Phone: 225-767-8997

CRITICAL CARE MEDICINE STEPHEN P. BRIERRE LSU Healthcare Network Baton Rouge Multi-Specialty Clinic Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine 8585 Picardy Ave., Suite 313 Baton Rouge, LA 70809 Phone: 225-381-2755 BRAD D. VINCENT Our Lady of the Lake Physician Group Critical Care Medicine Service Medical Plaza 1 7777 Hennessy Blvd., Suite 701 Baton Rouge, LA 70808 Phone: 225-765-5864

COVID-19 antibody testing Do you have a sneaking suspicion you may have already had COVID-19? While diagnostic testing for people experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 is now widespread, it can only tell someone if they’re currently infected. New antibody tests, however, reveal whether or not someone may have been infected in the past.

When your body fights an infection, it creates proteins, called antibodies, that help your immune system fight off the pathogen.

Those antibodies remain after the infection is gone and can tell you exactly which infections your body has been fighting. It’s important to note that having antibodies doesn’t mean you’re immune to a particular illness. Some viruses work that way, but not all of them do - and we don’t know yet which group COVID-19 falls into.

Talk to your physician about antibody testing, and in the meantime: • Wear a mask when you go out in public, especially in places where social distancing may be a problem (grocery stores and pharmacies).

• Keep all surfaces in your home and in your car clean and disinfected.

• Clean your hands frequently, especially after you go out in public.

—BATON ROUGE GENERAL/MAYO CLINIC CARE NETWORK

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DERMATOLOGY JOHN B. BRANTLEY Calais Dermatology Associates 5220 Flanders Dr. Baton Rouge, LA 70808 Phone: 225-766-5151

ENDOCRINOLOGY AND METABOLISM JOLENE K. JOHNSON Our Lady of the Lake Physician Group Endocrinology Services 5428 O’Donovan Dr., Suite C Baton Rouge, LA 70808 Phone: 225-300-1076

FAMILY MEDICINE GERALD BARBER Our Lady of the Lake Physician Group Family Practice Associates 12525 Perkins Road, Suite A Baton Rouge, LA 70810 Phone: 225-761-4256 ROBERT M. CHASUK Baton Rouge General Physicians Family Health Center Physician’s Office Bldg., Suite 200 3401 North Blvd.

Baton Rouge, LA 70806 Phone: 225-381-6620 BRAD JOSEPH GASPARD Baton Rouge Family Medical Center 8595 Picardy Ave., Suite 100 Baton Rouge, LA 70809 Phone: 225-763-4900 WAYNE D. GRAVOIS Baton Rouge General Physicians Family Health Center Physician’s Office Bldg., Suite 200 3401 North Blvd.

Baton Rouge, LA 70806 Phone: 225-381-6620 LOUIS REYNOLD MINSKY Minsky & Carver Medical Center for Personal Wellness 8585 Picardy Ave., Suite 513 Baton Rouge, LA 70809 Phone: 225-819-1188 KAREN ANN MURATORE Ochsner Health System Ochsner Health Center - Jefferson Place Department of Family Medicine 8150 Jefferson Hwy. Baton Rouge, LA 70809 Phone: 225-336-3100 PAUL RACHAL Our Lady of the Lake Physician Group Commercial Plans 310 Durel Road New Roads, LA 70760 Phone: 225-713-2400 GLENN DAVID SCHEXNAYDER Lake Ascension Physicians 214 Clinic Dr. Donaldsonville, LA 70346 Phone: 225-473-8151

ROBERT PARKER ST. AMANT Our Lady of the Lake Physician Group Lipidology Medical Plaza I 2647 S. St. Elizabeth Blvd., Suite 311 Gonzales, LA 70737 Phone: 225-743-2774 LINDA C. STEWART Family Medicine Center 604 Chevelle Court, Suite C Baton Rouge, LA 70806 Phone: 225-926-1495

INTERNAL MEDICINE DAVID W. FONTENOT The Baton Rouge Clinic - Internal Medicine 7373 Perkins Road, 4th Floor Baton Rouge, LA 70808 Phone: 225-246-9240 MARK KENNETH HODGES The Baton Rouge Clinic - Pulmonology 7373 Perkins Road, 1st Floor Baton Rouge, LA 70808 Phone: 225-246-9240 ROY GILES KADAIR The Baton Rouge Clinic - Internal Medicine 7373 Perkins Road, 4th Floor Baton Rouge, LA 70808 Phone: 225-246-9240 BRADLEY L. MEEK Our Lady of the Lake Physician Group Internal Medicine at Picardy 8119 Picardy Ave. Baton Rouge, LA 70809 Phone: 225-214-3638 KATHERINE F. PEARCE Our Lady of the Lake Physician Group Primary Care for Women 5131 O’Donovan Dr., Suite 201 Baton Rouge, LA 70808 Phone: 225-374-0220 EDWARD DAVID SLEDGE, JR. Ochsner Health System Ochsner Medical Complex - High Grove Primary Care 10310 The Grove Blvd.

Baton Rouge, LA 70836 Phone: 225-761-5200

MEDICAL ONCOLOGY AND HEMATOLOGY DAVID SAM HANSON Mary Bird Perkins - Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Center Louisiana Hematology Oncology Associates 4950 Essen Lane, Suite 500 Baton Rouge, LA 70809 Phone: 225-767-1311

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ORTHOPAEDIC SURGERY

PEDIATRIC CARDIOLOGY

CRAIG C. GREENE Baton Rouge Orthopaedic Clinic 8080 Bluebonnet Blvd., Suite 1000 Baton Rouge, LA 70810 Phone: 225-924-2424

MICHAEL CRAPANZANO Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Health Pediatric Cardiology Associates Medical Plaza 1 7777 Hennessy Blvd., Suite 103 Baton Rouge, LA 70808 Phone: 225-767-6700

R. BRYAN GRIFFITH, JR. Baton Rouge Orthopaedic Clinic 8080 Bluebonnet Blvd., Suite 1000 Baton Rouge, LA 70810 Phone: 225-924-2424

What is A1C? The A1C (glycohemoglobin) test measures the amount of glucose that has been attached to your red blood cells over a threemonth period. It represents the estimated average glucose.

The higher the A1C, the more glucose is attached to your red blood cells and the greater your risk of complications.

JAMES LALONDE Baton Rouge Orthopaedic Clinic 8080 Bluebonnet Blvd., Site 1000 Baton Rouge, LA 70810 Phone: 225-924-2424

Most patients with diabetes have an A1C test every three to six months. In general, keeping your A1C under control helps prevent the complications of diabetes. Everyone’s goal is different, so discuss your A1C goal with your health care provider.

DAVID POPE Bone & Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge 7301 Hennessy Blvd., Suite 200 Baton Rouge, LA 70808 Phone: 225-766-0050

REDUCING COMPLICATIONS Did you know that reducing your A1C by merely 1% results in a decreased risk of complications of at least 10%? For example, an A1C reduced from 8.5% to 7.5% results in almost 40% lower risk of kidney, eye and nerve disease.

—OCHSNER HEALTH SYSTEM

NEPHROLOGY MITCHELL JUDE HEBERT Renal Associates of Baton Rouge 5131 O’Donovan Dr., 1st Floor Baton Rouge, LA 70808 Phone: 225-767-4893 MELANIE J. MCKNIGHT Baton Rouge General Medical Center - Mid City Department of Internal Medicine 3600 Florida Blvd.

Baton Rouge, LA 70806 Phone: 225-387-7900

NEUROLOGICAL SURGERY LUKE A. CORSTEN The NeuroMedical Center Clinic 10101 Park Rowe Ave., 3rd Floor Baton Rouge, LA 70810 Phone: 225-769-2200 GREGORY L. FAUTHEREE The NeuroMedical Center Clinic 10101 Park Rowe Ave., 3rd Floor Baton Rouge, LA 70810 Phone: 225-769-2200 KELLY J. SCRANTZ The NeuroMedical Center Clinic 10101 Park Rowe Ave., 3rd Floor Baton Rouge, LA 70810 Phone: 225-769-2200

NEUROLOGY KEVIN J. CALLERAME Our Lady of the Lake Physician Group Neurology 5247 Didesse Dr. Baton Rouge, LA 70808 Phone: 225-215-2193

OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY PHILLIP A. BARKSDALE Louisiana Incontinence Center Physician Office Bldg., Suite 511 500 Rue de la Vie Baton Rouge, LA 70817 Phone: 225-752-3000 RANDALL L. BROWN Louisiana Women’s Healthcare Physician Office Bldg., Suite 100 500 Rue de la Vie Baton Rouge, LA 70817 Phone: 225-201-2010 ALBERT L. DIKET Woman’s Maternal Fetal Medicine 100 Woman’s Way, 1st Floor Baton Rouge, LA 70817 Phone: 225-924-8338 LAUREN F. OGDEN Our Lady of the Lake Physician Group Primary Care for Women 5131 O’Donovan Dr., Suite 201 Baton Rouge, LA 70808 Phone: 225-374-0220 ELLIS J. SCHWARTZENBURG Woman’s Physician Office Bldg., Suite 210 500 Rue de La Vie Baton Rouge, LA 70817 Phone: 225-888-4491 JAMES R. STENHOUSE Louisiana Women’s Healthcare Physician Office Bldg., Suite 100 500 Rue de la Vie Baton Rouge, LA 70817 Phone: 225-201-2010

CATHERINE J. RICHE Baton Rouge Orthopaedic Clinic 8080 Bluebonnet Blvd., Suite 1000 Baton Rouge, LA 70810 Phone: 225-924-2424 KEVIN RICHE Baton Rouge Orthopaedic Clinic 8080 Bluebonnet Blvd., Suite 1000 Baton Rouge, LA 70810 Phone: 225-924-2424

PEDIATRIC GASTROENTEROLOGY JOHN BRANNON ALBERTY Ochsner Health System Ochsner Medical Complex - The Grove 10310 The Grove Blvd.

Baton Rouge, LA 70836 Phone: 225-761-5200

PEDIATRIC SPECIALIST/ CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHIATRY MEGAN P. THOMPSON 7470 Highland Road Baton Rouge, LA 70808 Phone: 225-615-8102

6 steps to lower your cancer risk Cancer is often unpredictable, but there are things everyone can do to help reduce their cancer risk or improve their chances of beating the disease if they do get it. What’s more, some of those same behaviors can also help lower your risk for other serious diseases, and boost your odds of living a longer, healthier life. · Get regular cancer screening tests - Regular screening tests can catch some cancers early, when they’re small, have not spread, and are easier to treat. · Maintain a healthy weight - Being overweight or obese is a risk factor for many cancers. You can control your weight through regular exercise and healthy eating. · Exercise regularly - Physical activity has been shown to lower the risk of several types of cancer, including breast, endometrium, prostate, and colon cancer. It also reduces the risk of other serious diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. · Eat a healthy diet - Studies show that eating a variety of vegetables and fruits, whole gains, and fish or poultry is linked with a lower risk of developing certain cancers. · Avoid tobacco - Tobacco use in the US is responsible for nearly 1 out of every 5 deaths – about 480,000 premature deaths each year. If you don’t use tobacco products, don’t start. If you do, quit. · Limit alcohol - The more alcohol you drink, the higher your risk of certain cancers. Men should have no more than 2 drinks a day and women no more than 1. (One drink is equal to about 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1½ ounces of 80-proof liquor.)

—WOMAN’S HOSPITAL

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ABOUT THIS LIST

PEDIATRIC/GENERAL KATHRYN COREIL ELKINS Pediatric Associates 59325 River West Dr., Suite D Plaquemine, LA 70764 Phone: 225-687-3055 LOIS HERD GESN Ochsner Health System Ochsner Health Center - O’Neal Section of General Pediatrics 16777 Medical Center Dr., Suite 100 Baton Rouge, LA 70816 Phone: 225-754-3278 DAVID GARRETT HILL Our Lady of the Lake Physician Group Pediatrics at O’Donovan 5131 O’Donovan Dr., Suite 301 Baton Rouge, LA 70808 Phone: 225-490-0393

If you experience chronic acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and your current treatment isn’t managing your symptoms, you might be eligible for a minimally invasive procedure. Acid reflux is a digestive condition that occurs when stomach acid travels upwards out of the stomach. It moves into the esophagus and sometimes into the throat and mouth. GERD is characterized by frequent episodes of acid reflux and heartburn.

JAMAR A. MELTON The Baton Rouge Clinic - Pediatric Medicine 7373 Perkins Road, 2nd Floor Baton Rouge, LA 70808 Phone: 225-246-4888

Symptoms vary from person to person but may include: heartburn, shortness of breath, sore throat, difficulty swallowing, sour taste in the throat or mouth, coughing, belching, regurgitation, and tooth decay. Without prompt treatment, repeat exposure to stomach acid can damage your esophagus and oral health. Some conditions that stem from repeated acid exposure are: esophagitis, esophageal stricture, esophageal rings, Barrett’s esophagus and esophageal cancer.

KENYATTA D. SHAMLIN Louisiana Internal Medicine & Pediatric Associates 7444 Picardy Ave. Baton Rouge, LA 70808 Phone: 225-424-2554

Lifestyle changes and medications are almost always the first course of action, but if these treatments don’t produce the desired effect, talk to your physician who may suggest an alternative procedure or treatment.

TASHA C. SHAMLIN Louisiana Internal Medicine & Pediatric Associates 7444 Picardy Ave. Baton Rouge, LA 70808 Phone: 225-424-2554 EDWARD DAVID SLEDGE, JR. Ochsner Health System Ochsner Medical Complex - High Grove Primary Care 10310 The Grove Blvd.

Baton Rouge, LA 70836 Phone: 225-761-5200 ARTHUR GERARD TRIBOU The Baton Rouge Clinic - Pediatric Medicine 7373 Perkins Road, 2nd Floor Baton Rouge, LA 70808 Phone: 225-246-4888 DANNY SCOTT WOOD The Baton Rouge Clinic - Pediatric Medicine 7373 Perkins Road, 1st Floor Baton Rouge, LA 70808 Phone: 225-246-4888

PSYCHIATRY RENEE BRUNO 7470 Highland Road Baton Rouge, LA 70808 Phone: 225-615-8102

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Symptoms and treatment for acid reflux

—FRANCISCAN MISSIONARIES OF OUR LADY HEALTH SYSTEM

GERALD HEINTZ Our Lady of the Lake Physician Group The Family Center Medical Plaza 2 7777 Hennessy Blvd., Suite 6000 Baton Rouge, LA 70808 Phone: 225-765-8648 BRIAN D. MONETTE Gonzales Mental Health Clinic 1112 E. Ascension Complex Blvd.

Gonzales, LA 70737 Phone: 225-621-5770 L. LEE TYNES, JR. Our Lady of the Lake Physician Group The Family Center Medical Plaza 2 7777 Hennessy Blvd., Suite 6000 Baton Rouge, LA 70808 Phone: 225-765-8648 MARK HENRY ZIELINSKI Our Lady of the Lake Physician Group The Family Center 5131 O’Donovan Dr., Suite 300 Baton Rouge, LA 70808 Phone: 225-374-0400

PULMONARY MEDICINE STEPHEN P. BRIERRE LSU Healthcare Network Baton Rouge Multi-Specialty Clinic Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine 8585 Picardy Ave., Suite 313 Baton Rouge, LA 70809 Phone: 225-381-2755

MARK KENNETH HODGES The Baton Rouge Clinic - Pulmonology 7373 Perkins Road, 1st Floor Baton Rouge, LA 70808 Phone: 225-246-9240 BRAD D. VINCENT Our Lady of the Lake Physician Group Critical Care Medicine Service Medical Plaza 1 7777 Hennessy Blvd., Suite 701 Baton Rouge, LA 70808 Phone: 225-765-5864

RADIATION ONCOLOGY MAURICE LEON KING Mary Bird Perkins - Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Center Southeast Louisiana Radiation Oncology Group 4950 Essen Lane Baton Rouge, LA 70809 Phone: 225-767-0847

VASCULAR SURGERY ANDREW J. OLINDE Baton Rouge Vascular Specialty Center 8888 Summa Ave., 3rd Floor Baton Rouge, LA 70809 Phone: 225-769-4493

Founded in 1989 by Harvard Medical School physicians, Best Doctors is a global benefits provider and medical information services company that connects individuals facing difficult medical treatment decisions with the best doctors, selected by impartial peer review in over 450 medical specialty/ subspecialty combinations, to review their diagnosis and treatment plans.

Best Doctors’ team of researchers conducts a biennial poll using the methodology that mimics the informal peer-to-peer process doctors themselves use to identify the right specialists for their patients. Using a polling method and proprietary balloting software, they gather the insight and experience of tens of thousands of leading specialists all over the country, while confirming their credentials and specific areas of expertise.

The result is the Best Doctors in America® List, which includes the nation’s most respected specialists and outstanding primary care physicians in the nation. These are the doctors that other doctors recognize as the best in their fields. They cannot pay a fee and are not paid to be listed and cannot nominate or vote for themselves. It is a list which is truly unbiased and respected by the medical profession and patients alike as the source of top quality medical information.

Best Doctors is a part of Teladoc Health, Inc., the global leader in virtual care successfully transforming how people access and experience healthcare. Teladoc Health partners with the world’s leading employers, health plans, and health systems to offer patients across the globe access to care for a broad spectrum of needs.

As part of Teladoc Health, Best Doctors focuses on improving health outcomes for the most complex, critical and costly medical issues. More than a traditional second opinion, Best Doctors delivers a comprehensive evaluation of a patient’s medical condition – providing value to both patients and treating physicians. By utilizing Best Doctors, members have access to the brightest minds in medicine to ensure the right diagnosis and treatment plan.

Through its global network of Best Doctors and other critical services, Teladoc Health is expanding access to high quality healthcare, lowering costs and improving outcomes around the world. The company’s award-winning services are inclusive of telehealth services, expert medical services, mental health services, integrated clinical solutions, and platform and program services.

Best Doctors, Inc. has used its best efforts in assembling material for this list, but does not warrant that the information contained herein is complete or accurate, and does not assume, and hereby disclaims, any liability to any person or other party for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions herein, whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident, or any other cause.

Copyright 2020 Best Doctors, Inc. Used under license, all rights reserved. This list, or any parts thereof, must not be reproduced in any form without written permission from Best Doctors, Inc. No commercial use of the information in this list may be made without the permission of Best Doctors, Inc. No fees may be charged directly or indirectly for the use of the information in this list without permission.

Best Doctors, Inc. is the only authorized source of the official Best Doctors in America® plaque and other recognition items. Best Doctors does not authorize, contract with or license any organization to sell recognition items for Best Doctors, Inc. Please contact Best Doctors at plaques@bestdoctors.com with any questions. For more information or to order, visit usplaques.bestdoctors.com.

BEST DOCTORS, THE BEST DOCTORS IN AMERICA, and the Star-in-Cross logo are trademarks of Best Doctors, Inc., registered in the US and other countries, and are used under license.

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

THIS SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION honors some of the best physicians in Baton Rouge. The doctors featured here are known for their medical expertise, their innovative treatments, their commitment to outstanding patient care and their gift for providing hope and healing.

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CRAIG C. GREENE, MD, MBA BATON ROUGE ORTHOPAEDIC CLINIC 8080 Bluebonnet Blvd., Suite 1000 225.924.2424 ccgreene@brortho.com brortho.com DR. CRAIG GREENE is an orthopedic surgeon specializing in hip and knee replacement, sports medicine, knee and shoulder arthroscopy, and orthopedic trauma. Based at the Baton Rouge Orthopaedic Clinic, he is part of a large network of board-certified orthopedic surgeons who represent nine specialties and cover the Greater Baton Rouge area. The group is partnered with Surgical Specialty Center.

“I believe that all patients deserve access to medical care that will improve their quality of life,” he says. “Painful conditions like arthritis and injuries related to sports can severely affect a patient’s quality of life, and my goal is to restore mobility and function for those patients so they can enjoy a healthy and pain-free life.”.

Dr. Greene earned his undergraduate degree from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, and his medical degree from LSU Health Sciences Center in New Orleans.

He completed rotations at Scott and White Hospital in Temple, Texas, and at Harborview Trauma Center in Seattle, Washington. He also earned an MBA from Yale University in 2016.

Aside from his thriving practice, he has performed dozens of surgeries on medical mission trips from South America to Africa, and his Dr. Greene Foundation (greenecharity. com) provides disaster aid throughout the world. In 2017, he was elected to the Louisiana Public Service Commission, an office he will hold through 2024. His civic efforts led him to join the military, where he served as a doctor and a Commander in the United States Navy Reserves.

Dr. Greene is a member of several professional organizations, including the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American Association for Physician Leadership, American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, Orthopedic Trauma Association, Louisiana Orthopaedic Association, International Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons, and Arthroscopy Association of North America.

WITH THE CURRENT COVID-19 CRISIS, WE ARE LIMITED TO PERFORMING ONLY SURGERIES THAT ARE CONSIDERED ESSENTIAL. THIS HAS RESULTED IN A DECREASED PATIENT LOAD SO WE ARE DOING TELEHEALTH AND VIRTUAL VISITS WHEN APPROPRIATE. WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO HELPING MORE PATIENTS GET BACK ON THEIR FEET IN THE COMING WEEKS AND MONTHS AS THE RESTRICTIONS ARE EVENTUALLY LIFTED.

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

KEVIN RICHÉ, MD • CATHERINE RICHÉ, MD BATON ROUGE ORTHOPAEDIC CLINIC 8080 Bluebonnet Blvd.

225.924.2424 brortho.com Kevin Riché nurse's line: 225.408.7939 Catherine Riché nurse’s line: 225.408.7864 | criche@brortho.com

KEVIN RICHÉ BORN AND RAISED in Baton Rouge, Dr. Kevin Riché specializes in the treatment of a variety of orthopedic conditions such as fractures and orthopedic trauma, and performs procedures such as knee and hip replacement, sacroiliac joint fusions, and hip arthroplasty. He takes pride in serving the community where he grew up and is proud to be a partner at Baton Rouge Orthopaedic Clinic. He takes a conservative approach with patients and always reserves surgery as a last resort.

Dr. Riché completed his residency at LSU School of Medicine and his fellowship training in orthopedic trauma at Harvard School of Medicine. He completed an internship in orthopedic surgery at Albert Einstein/Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx, New York. He has also received extensive training in direct anterior total hip arthroplasty. He is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and a member of several professional organizations, including Orthopedic Trauma Association, American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, and Louisiana Orthopedic Association.

A Catholic High School alumni, Dr. Riché is licensed as an instrument-rated pilot. He also enjoys hunting, fishing, boating, traveling and scuba diving.

CATHERINE RICHÉ DR. CATHERINE RICHÉ is a board-certified foot and ankle specialist and treats conditions such as arthritis, fractures, deformity, tendon and ligament disorders, and sports injuries. She performs minimally invasive surgeries as well. Based at Baton Rouge Orthopaedic Clinic, she is the only woman in the group and one of just a few female orthopedists in Louisiana.

“I treat my patients as if they are members of my family,” she says. “I am honest about treatment options and expected outcomes. I explain problems and treatments in understandable terms so patients are wellinformed."

Raised outside of Boston, Dr. Riché earned her undergraduate degree from Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire, and graduated Summa Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa in chemistry and philosophy. She also ran track all four years. She received her medical degree from Cornell University Medical College and completed her residency at Harvard University. It was at Harvard where she met her husband Kevin (doing his fellowship there) and decided to follow him to his hometown of Baton Rouge.

In her spare time, Dr. Riché enjoys running, biking, skiing, and working out on her Peloton. She has many nieces, nephews and godchildren, and she and her husband have two golden doodles.

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LUKE CORSTEN, MD • GREGORY FAUTHEREE, MD HORACE MITCHELL, MD • KELLY SCRANTZ, MD THE NEUROMEDICAL CENTER 10101 Park Rowe Ave. Baton Rouge, LA 225.769.2200 theneuromedicalcenter.com

LUKE CORSTEN

HORACE MITCHELL

DR. CORSTEN USES a careful and conservative approach in treating his neurosurgical patients and focuses on their overall well-being. When surgery is necessary, he wants his patients to feel like a valuable part of the decision-making process from beginning to end.

DR. MITCHELL SAYS his patients are his most important motivator and his mission as a neurosurgeon is to use his skills to help individuals overcome their pain and distress. His areas of expertise include minimally invasive and complex spinal surgery, cranial surgery, carpal tunnel and ulnar nerve surgery, and the treatment of scoliosis.

He received his medical degree from Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee and completed his residency at University of Illinois in Chicago. His areas of expertise include the treatment of brain tumors, pituitary tumors, aneurysms and minimally invasive and complex spinal surgery. He has been named one of Louisiana’s Best Neurosurgeons and one of Baton Rouge’s Top Neurosurgeons and is listed among the world’s Top Doctors by the International Association of Healthcare Professionals.

GREGORY FAUTHEREE A GRADUATE OF LSU School of Medicine in New Orleans, Dr. Fautheree completed his residency at the University of Florida, Department of Neurosurgery, and completed his fellowship in endovascular neurosurgery. He specializes in open and endovascular treatment of brain aneurysms, minimally invasive and complex spine surgery (cervical, thoracic and lumbar), and the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome, trigeminal neuralgia and cranial and spinal tumors.

Dr. Fautheree uses a thoughtful and conservative approach to deliver outstanding neurological care to his patients, and always explores non-surgical options first. When surgery is required, he uses the most minimally invasive techniques available. He is president of The NeuroMedical Center Clinic and chief of staff for The Spine Hospital of Louisiana.

He earned his medical degree from Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans and completed his residency at St. Louis University Health Sciences Center. He is a former assistant professor of neurosurgery at St. Louis University and is chairman of The Spine Hospital of Louisiana at The NeuroMedical Center in Baton Rouge.

KELLY SCRANTZ AMONG DR. SCRANTZ’ many areas of expertise are brain tumor surgery and minimally invasive and complex spinal surgery. His commitment to patient care includes a profound respect for every patient he sees, and he offers them the most innovative, effective and safe interventions available.

Apart from his practice at The NeuroMedical Center, Dr. Scrantz is a member of the Neuro MDC Team at Mary Bird PerkinsOLOL Cancer Center and an associate professor for LSU Department of Otolaryngology for skull base surgery. He received his medical degree from LSU School of Medicine in New Orleans and completed his residency at Semmes-Murphey Clinic at the University of Tennessee’s Department of Neurosurgery in Memphis.

Right: Neurosurgeons Luke A. Corsten, MD, Horace L. Mitchell, MD, Gregory L. Fautheree, MD, and Kelly J. Scrantz, MD

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Issue Date: June Ad proof #2

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• Additional revisions must be requested and may be subject to production fees.

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RASHEED ‘RICK’ AHMAD, MD BATON ROUGE ORTHOPAEDIC CLINIC 8080 Bluebonnet Blvd., Suite 1000 225.924.2424 brortho.com info@brortho.com DR. AHMAD’S PRACTICE is located at Baton Rouge Orthopaedic Clinic, where his areas of expertise include hand, wrist and elbow surgery, as well as microsurgery of the nerves and vessels. He is especially proud to be one of the few doctors in America performing “targeted muscle reinnervation,” an emerging nerve procedure that vastly improves the lives of patients with upper and lower extremity amputations.

“Most importantly, the patient is in charge,” he says. “I provide the advice, and they make the decisions.”

Dr. Ahmad received his undergraduate degree in electrical engineering at the University of Tennessee, and his medical degree from Vanderbilt University. He completed a hand surgery fellowship at The Indiana Hand Center.

Dr. Ahmad is a member of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand, and he also acts as the team doctor for the LSU Lady Tigers basketball team. In addition, he is the medical director of the Iberville Parish Fire Department and the Iberville Parish Sheriff ’s Office.

CONGRATULATIONS

THE BEST DOCTORS IN AMERICA® T H E B AT O N R O U G E C L I N I C

SUSAN M. BANKSTON, MD RONALD L. BOMBET, MD RONALD L. BOUDREAUX, MD TRACI T. BRUMUND, MD R. TODD COOLEY, MD ROBERT E. DRUMM, MD GERARD J. DYNES, MD

LARA M. FALCON, MD DAVID W. FONTENOT, MD MARK K. HODGES, MD ROY G. KADAIR, MD T. RICHARD LIEUX, MD SHELLEY M. MARTIN, MD

MELANIE MCKNIGHT, MD JAMAR A. MELTON, MD MICHAEL L. ROLFSEN, MD JOEL D. SILVERBERG, MD ARTHUR G. TRIBOU, MD MARK J. WAGGENSPACK, MD DANNY S. WOOD, MD

MAIN CLINIC: 7373 PERKINS RD BATON ROUGE, LA 70808 (225) 769-4044 BATONROUGECLINIC.COM

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I N S I D E : Boutiques go (even more) digital / Gretta Garments

TRENDING

Clay creations

2

1

Baton Rouge businesses make bold and vibrant earrings out of clay

EIGHTIES FASHION TRENDS seem to always come back in style. Spandex leggings, neoncolored tracksuits, scrunchies and fanny packs are just a few of the decade’s staples that have slid back onto boutique shelves. Now, another blast from the past is taking the jewelry world by storm: clay earrings.

Local makers use polymer clay and mixed media to create unique pieces. And many of the earrings are more than just pretty designs—they have interesting backstories. Local contemporary jewelry company Modern Lulu finds inspiration from graphic design, fashion, architecture and photography. Local clay jewelry and art business Okoye Couture sells accessories and art inspired

by African plants, textiles and foods. Southern Clay Co., a Baton Rouge clay jewelry business, also gets inspiration from Louisiana culture and colorful countries abroad. Shop these local brands online for trendy clay earrings.

4

3 5

—CYNTHEA CORFAH

1. Aztec earrings, $25. From Southern Clay Co.

7

2. Melon green Celine earrings, $30. From Modern Lulu 3. Brick Omije earrings, $30. From Okoye Couture 4. Ocean Descent earrings, $30. From Okoye Couture 5. Garden medium drop earrings, $25. From Okoye Couture 6. Lime-green Frond earrings, $25. From Southern Clay Co.

6

7. Gianna earrings, $25. From Modern Lulu

ONLINE

modernlulu.com okoyecouture.com Find Southern Clay Co. on Instagram

More local clay earring makers

225batonrouge.com | [225] June 2020

COLLIN RICHIE

Andrew Pullman Pottery | andrewpullmanpottery.com Nouvelle Ancienne | etsy.com/shop/NouvelleAncienne Queens of the Wild | etsy.com/shop/queensofthewild

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We Feel Your Love and Support

Our teams are grateful for the encouragement, meals, notes, parades, horn honks, gift cards, smiles, kind words, masks, and most of all for your many prayers.

Thank you will never be enough.

Together, we’re ALL the

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Spirit of Healing.

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STYLE //

COURTESY POSH BOUT

From bags to boxes: NK Bo utique staff m Moore and An em na Kather ine Gladden set as bers Emily paper shoppi ide the store’s ng bags, inste ad packaging purchases in customer boxes to be m ailed and ship ped.

Window shopping

COURTESY NK

IQUE

BOUTIQUE

ackaged Kait Harrison hand-p nth.

Posh Boutique owner grab-bag sale last mo ual virt her for ers 200 ord

B Y HA N N AH M I C H EL

During the stay-at-home order, many boutique owners turned to their phones to make sales virtually SOCIAL MEDIA HAS always been an important sales tool for local boutiques. But during the COVID-19 outbreak, it became a lifeline.

From showing off new merchandise to facilitating sales and sharing encouraging messages of hope, platforms like Facebook and Instagram helped Baton Rouge stores do it all.

Businesses used technology to turn their stores into virtual experiences, complete with online shopping and try-ons, plus socially distant versions of their signature sales events.

“I think the retail industry has been in a period of transition even before

the advent of COVID-19,” says NK Boutique assistant general manager Sydney Bankston. “There has been a real shift toward fast fashion and the online shopping arena. The outbreak of coronavirus has only pushed us and other retail stores to adapt to those changes faster than we ever anticipated.”

Nonessential retail businesses were allowed to stay open during this spring’s stay-at-home order, so long as no more than 10 people were in the store at once. But many shut down physical operations, anyway, out of concern for safety.

NK Boutique hosted a virtual tent sale, posting its products on its Instagram stories. Customers responded with their information to make purchases, which were then shipped or made available for pick-up.

Posh Boutique typically holds a grab-bag sale twice a year, when customers can take home as much as they can stuff into one bag for a set price. But due to the coronavirus, the most recent grab-bag sale looked a little different.

To make the sale virtual, customers purchased a grab bag with selections made by boutique owner Kait

Harrison. Despite that big change, more than 200 bags were shipped to customers or available for curbside pick-up.

Responses to both Posh Boutique’s and NK Boutique’s virtual sales were overwhelmingly positive, according to Harrison and Bankston.

“I am always reluctant to change the format of an event that has been profitable in the past; however, the virtual tent sale exceeded my expectations, and then some,” Bankston says. She expects NK to host more virtual tent sales in the future.

Other boutiques, such as 225batonrouge.com | [225] June 2020

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STYLE //

Issue Date: June Ad proof #2

• Please respond by e-mail or fax with your approval or minor revisions.

• AD WILL RUN AS IS unless revision requests are received within 24 hours.

• Additional revisions must be requested and may be subject to production fees.

Carefully check this ad for: CORRECT ADDRESS • CORRECT PHONE NUMBER • ANY TYPOS This ad design © Louisiana Business, Inc. 2020. All rights reserved. Phone 225-928-1700 • Fax 225-926-1329

COURTESY

NK BOUTIQU E

We look forward to serving you again!

Instagram photos became more important than ever as many stores temporarily shut down physical operations.

BEST OF

AWARDS 2019 WINNER

Burgersmith.com

BEST FRIES

Baton Rouge • Denham Springs • Lafayette • Broussard

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Wanderlust by Abby, turned to personal shopping appointments to keep business going. Customers called, texted, emailed or DMed to schedule an appointment with the store, then they would meet one worker in the boutique for in-person shopping.

“Keeping the communication open and letting people know we’re still here is everything,” says Wanderlust owner Abby Bullock.

Each of the boutiques we talked to expressed a common sentiment: gratitude for customers’ continued support during a difficult time.

“I want them to know how truly thankful I am for their love and support,” Harrison says. “Not only in my business, but their words of encouragement in my daily life helps make the world’s craziness a little bit easier.”

[225] June 2020 | 225batonrouge.com

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• Additional revisions must be requested and may be subject to production fees.

Carefully check this ad for: CORRECT ADDRESS • CORRECT PHONE NUMBER • ANY TYPOS This ad design © Louisiana Business, Inc. 2020. All rights reserved. Phone 225-928-1700 • Fax 225-926-1329

SPONSORED CONTENT

THE LOWDOWN

SPONSORED BY:

g for Generations Carin

WEBSIDE MANNER

HOW BATON ROUGE DOCTORS CAN TREAT PATIENTS VIRTUALLY

V

isiting a doctor’s office looks a little different now. We try to avoid it, but sometimes we need to be seen in the office. The Baton Rouge Clinic has taken precautions to help us keep our distance, even when we need to go in. Virtual visits started with occasional consultations, but have now expanded to connect more patients and doctors every day. With a MyChart video visit, doctors can evaluate, diagnose, and treat you—all from the comfort of your home.

WHAT IS A VIDEO VISIT?

At the Baton Rouge Clinic, a video visit is a live, interactive appointment with your physician. These visits are available exclusively through your active MyChart account and can be accessed with your mobile phone, tablet, or desktop device with a camera. You will need an Internet connection and a quiet, private place where you can talk with and hear your provider.

WHAT CAN YOUR DOCTOR DO THROUGH A VIDEO VISIT?

• Follow-up on patients who are doing well on medications for ADHD, anxiety, and depression.

• View and develop treatment plans for new rashes and other skin disorders.

• Check on patients who have been treated for COVID-19 and are doing well at home.

• Perform Medicare annual wellness visits.

• Allow for primary care physicians to follow-up with high-risk hospital patients who have been recently discharged from post-acute care.

• Treat upper respiratory and sinus infections, refill medications, and so much more.

Consult your primary care doctor or insurance company to get more information and find out if telemedicine services are available to you. If you have an active MyChart account, you can schedule your video visit now in your MyChart account or you can call (225) 246-9240 for adult patients and (225) 246-9290 for pediatric patients.

DID YOU KNOW?

1 2 3

VIRTUAL VISITS MAY COST LESS THAN AN IN-PERSON VISIT. VIRTUAL VISITS ARE MORE CONVENIENT AND CAN SAVE YOU TRAVEL TIME. You can schedule a video visit from home at whatever time is suitable for you.

FINALLY, VIRTUAL VISITS ARE INCREDIBLY SECURE. The virtual connection with your doctor is reliable and compliant with HIPAA guidelines to protect your personal medical information.

Note: Providers will bill your insurance according to the appropriate level of service provided.

You may be responsible for any resulting patient amount specific to your plan’s coverage.

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• Additional revisions must be requested and may be subject to production fees.

Carefully check this ad for: CORRECT ADDRESS • CORRECT PHONE NUMBER • ANY TYPOS This ad design © Louisiana Business, Inc. 2020. All rights reserved. Phone 225-928-1700 • Fax 225-926-1329

Whether it’s his dad bod, his dad jokes, or his ‘don’t tell mom’ adventures, Mason’s Grill knows how much your dad means to you!

Join us Father’s Day Weekend to

Celebrate the Best Dad there is, Your Dad!

VISIT ONLINE FOR HOURS MONDAY-SUNDAY | CALL AHEAD, WAIT LIST AVAILABLE TAKEOUT & DOORDASH AVAILABLE

13556 Jefferson Highway | Baton Rouge, LA 70817 | (225) 756-8815 | masonsgrill.com

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STYLE //

Sustainable style

Grace Chetta runs an online clothing shop called Gretta Garments.

Local designer Grace Chetta breathes new life into vintage fabrics with her eco-friendly clothing line

BY CYNTH E A CO R FA H // P H OTOS B Y CO L L I N R I C H I E

THEY SAY ONE person’s trash is another person’s treasure. For local clothing designer Grace Chetta, that saying rings especially true.

The LSU apparel alumna creates sustainable garments using colorful, textured and classic vintage fabrics.

Her fabric collection has materials from as early as the ’60s, but her clothing designs are timeless.

On Chetta’s online shop, Gretta Garments, you’ll find items like a bright ’60s-style, long-sleeve, floral

dress; a short, emerald dress with long, puffy, checkered sleeves and bottom half to match; and a midlength, striped-and-floral mixed-print dress with a belt.

“I get excited about making new items out of old ones,” Chetta says.

“I want to eliminate fast fashion and bring back an appreciation of fashion as an art form and thoughtful expression.”

Chetta launched her sustainable clothing business in June 2019. She

wanted to design clothes she loved without creating clothing waste.

Chetta had inherited a large collection of vintage textiles after her grandma died in 2015. Her grandmother was a spunky, imaginative doctor whose hobbies included gardening, reading and sewing. She had a large, stylish wardrobe with clothes Chetta wears herself today. Her grandmother’s favorite color was green, so she acquired many different shades of beautiful, green fabrics.

“I get excited about making new items out of old ones.”

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STYLE //

Shoppers can order custom sizes for any of the dresse s on Chetta’s Et sy shop.

on of textiles Chetta’s collecti ted fabrics she inheri e tag vin includes r. the mo nd gra e lat from her

Now, the materials can be spotted in stylish, custom-sized dresses and hair accessories.

People can order custom sizes for any of the dresses on Chetta’s Etsy shop, or buy one of her pieces at local pop-up events like Mid City Makers Market. On average, it takes her a week to create one of her original designs.

She even makes custom garments like wedding and bridesmaid dresses, which could take at least two weeks to complete. People can donate vintage fabrics to Chetta by contacting her through Instagram or email.

Chetta is living her childhood dreams. Since she first received a Barbie design kit at 7 years old, she’s always wanted to be a clothing designer. Her dreams became a reality in 2016 when she started working with New Orleans custom-gown designer Suzanne Perron. Little did she know that just three years after graduating college, she’d combine her love for fashion, vintage and the environment to launch her own environmentally conscious clothing brand.

“I feel so proud,” Chetta says. “I’m honored to share this expression of myself.” etsy.com/shop/ GrettaGarments

REFRESH. RESTORE. REPEAT. JUST CALL THE MAIDS. ®

LIMITED-TIME OFFER

$50 OFF GOOD TOWARDS THE PURCHASE OF YOUR FIRST CLEAN

No cash value. New customers only. Cannot be combined with other offers. Offer Code: AD50 Limited Time Offer.

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[225] June 2020 | 225batonrouge.com

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Issue Date: June Ad proof #2

• Please respond by e-mail or fax with your approval or minor revisions.

• AD WILL RUN AS IS unless revision requests are received within 24 hours.

• Additional revisions must be requested and may be subject to production fees.

Carefully check this ad for: CORRECT ADDRESS • CORRECT PHONE NUMBER • ANY TYPOS This ad design © Louisiana Business, Inc. 2020. All rights reserved. Phone 225-928-1700 • Fax 225-926-1329

A Professional Chiropractic Corporation

WE’VE GOT YOUR BACK! WOMAN’S HOSPITAL

NEW LOCATION ON JEFFERSON HWY

Toyota

MAIN OFFICE ON AIRLINE HWY

Infiniti

JEFFERSON LOCATION: Right off I10 & I12 at Jefferson Highway and Drusilla AIRLINE LOCATION: Directly off Airline between Toyota and Infiniti dealership and across from Woman’s Hospital PLANK LOCATION: Right off I110 on Plank Road near Chippewa Street • BRUSLY LOCATION: On Highway 1 next to Walk-Ons

PLANK ROAD LOCATION

BRUSLY LOCATION

Chippewa Street

Walk-On’s

Dr. Michael J. Goff, D.C. | Dr. Shari L. Bouy, D.C. Dr. Patrick A. Martello, D.C. Dr. Goff is a certified DOT Medical Examiner and on the Federal National Registry.

He’s also certified in Dry Needling and Manipulation Under Anesthesia.

Open Monday-Friday, 8:30am-6pm • Saturday, 9am-1pm • Free Transportation at all 4 locations 13406 Airline Hwy, Baton Rouge

9026 Jefferson Hwy, Baton Rouge

2832 Plank Rd, Baton Rouge

467 Oak Plaza Blvd, Brusly

(225) 752-2760

(225) 456-5461

(225) 357-3222

(225) 478-3991

LaHealthandInjury.com • Hablamos Español 225batonrouge.com | [225] June 2020

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5/13/20 2:28 PM

• Additional revisions must be requested and may be subject to production fees.

Carefully check this ad for: CORRECT ADDRESS • CORRECT PHONE NUMBER • ANY TYPOS This ad design © Louisiana Business, Inc. 2020. All rights reserved. Phone 225-928-1700 • Fax 225-926-1329

YOUR DIGITAL LIBRARY IS OPEN!

always

Browse and enjoy thousands of FREE digital items like e-books, e-magazines and e-audiobooks, plus streaming media including music, films, documentaries, and concerts. Stay in the know with online newspapers and magazines, and acquire a new skill or broaden your knowledge with a variety of learning tools and platforms.

Kids can explore Miss Humblebee’s Academy, Pebble Go, Sesame Street E-books, Early World of Learning, and Scholastic Watch and Learn, and teens can check out TeenBookCloud, OverDrive, Kanopy...AND MORE!

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14 Branches Open Conveniently 7 Days a Week Available 24/7 Online

ebrpl.com • 225.231.3750

ebrpl.com/DigitalLibrary

5/13/20 2:37 PM

DINING IN

Ready to sizzle Now’s the time to fire up the grill— and we have three recipe ideas to keep the flavor profile interesting

B Y TR AC EY KOC H AND STEPH ANI E R I EGEL F I L E P HOTO S B Y AM Y S HU T T

LIKE YOUR FAMILY, ours is slowly trying to bounce back from the disruption the pandemic has brought the past months and dealing with our new reality. Since we have still been practicing social distancing and modified our work schedules, we decided to share with you some of our favorite grilling recipes from the 225 archives and suggestions for side dishes. Along with these, we’ve added some grilling tips to help make your outdoor cooking experience that much better.

Stay safe, keep smiling, and enjoy!

225batonrouge.com | [225] June 2020

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OUR CALLING Through routine appointments and personal crises, natural disasters and global pandemics, BRG has been, and will always be, here for you.

Regardless of the challenges we face, our passion for healthcare at the highest level endures, because caring for our community is what we're called to do.

BRGeneral.org

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TA ST E / /

Herb-rubbed Flat Iron Steak SERVE IT WITH: • Creole tomato jam and crostini • Zucchini fritters with Creole aioli Flat iron steak is a flavorful cut of beef that’s great on the grill. It is best served thinly sliced and can be enjoyed in a number of ways. The herb mixture in this recipe is an easy marinade that enhances the flavor. Bring the steak to room temperature before grilling to make sure it cooks evenly. Because it’s a lean piece of meat, make sure not to overcook it, and to let it rest at least 10 minutes before slicing.

Servings: 6 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley 1 teaspoon kosher salt ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper ¼ cup olive oil 2-pound flat iron steak

1. In a shallow baking dish, combine the garlic, herbs, salt, pepper and olive oil.

2. Place the steak into

this mixture and coat it on both sides.

3. Cover and allow the steak to marinate at room temperature for 1 hour.

4. Heat the grill to 425 degrees. Place the steak on the grill, close the lid, and grill for 6-7 minutes.

5. Flip the steak, close the lid, and continue to grill for an additional 4-5 minutes.

6. Transfer the steak to a cutting

board and cover with aluminum foil for 10-15 minutes. Use a sharp carving knife to slice very thin.

This recipe originally appeared in the June 2016 issue of 225.

ONLINE EXTRAS

Find recipes for all the suggested side dishes by clicking on this story at 225batonrouge.com/ food-drink.

225batonrouge.com | [225] June 2020

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Grilling TIPS Preheating the grill properly is key for cleaning: This will help ensure your meat doesn’t stick to the grates, and it will also give you a nice sear, locking in the meat’s natural juices. Preheat the grill with the lid closed for about 10 minutes to around 500 degrees, a temperature that will make it easier to clean off any stuck pieces of food that may have been left on your grates. If using a charcoal grill, the coals should glow red while heating. If you are using a gas grill, keep the burners on high to allow the grill to reach the desired temperature. Use a stainless-steel brush to scrape the grates clean before grilling. Then, lower the heat to the desired cooking temperature.

Try the direct heat method: Placing the meat directly over the flame helps sear the meat quickly, locking in juices and creating a crispy layer on the outside. Use direct heat when grilling smaller cuts of tender meat, chicken, fish and shrimp that require 20 minutes or less of cooking time.

Indirect heat is best for low and slow cooking: This is when the fire is on either side of the meat during the grilling process. Use this method for whole chickens or bone-in skin-on pieces of chicken, as well as thicker chops, steaks and larger, tougher cuts of meat.

Gas grill 101: For direct heat, preheat the grill to 400 degrees and place meat directly over the flame. For indirect heat, preheat the grill to 400 degrees and turn off the flame on one side of the grill. Place the protein over the unlit side of the grill to ensure a lower, slower cooking time.

Charcoal grill 101: Place an even, single layer of coals to sear meat quickly. In order to create indirect heat, place the coals double banked on either side of the inside of the grill, and place your meat in the middle of the grate with the flames or hot coals on either side.

Keep a lid on it: For a consistent temperature in both the grill and internal temperature of the meat, keep the lid closed as much as possible.

This will keep the temperature high enough to allow the meat to sear without charring. It will also decrease the cooking time and will help the meat stay juicier and more tender while grilling.

Korean Barbecue Chicken SERVE IT WITH: • Kimchi slaw • Spicy Korean pickled cucumbers • On top of steamed rice or in butter lettuce wraps

1. Wrap the chicken thighs in freezer paper or

This is a popular dish in Korean cuisine, with a wonderful blend of flavors that has just the right amount of heat and a slight hint of sweetness from honey. We used boneless, skinless chicken thighs to give this dish a bit more richness and flavor. Cutting the chicken into thin strips helps to cut back on the grilling time.

2. In a blender or food processor, combine the

Servings: 6 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs 1 ⁄3 cup sesame oil ¼ cup soy sauce 3 tablespoons honey 1 ⁄3 cup chopped green onions, tops and bottoms 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger 4 cloves garlic 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes ½ teaspoon kosher salt

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plastic wrap. Place in the freezer for 30 minutes to an hour. This will make it easier to slice the chicken thinly and evenly. remaining ingredients and blend until smooth.

3. Remove the chicken from the freezer. Slice it thinly and place into a sealable plastic freezer bag.

Pour the marinade over the chicken, seal the bag and chill it in the refrigerator for several hours.

4. Heat the grill to 400 degrees. Allow the

chicken to come to room temperature before grilling.

5. Grill the chicken 2 minutes per side. Serve immediately.

This recipe was originally published in the July 2017 issue of 225.

Use a timer and thermometer: Don’t overlook the use of gadgets to help prevent overcooking. When using a meat thermometer, keep in mind that the internal temperature of the meat will rise an additional 3-5 degrees after you remove it from the grill.

Let it rest: To make sure grilled meats turn out juicy and tender, always let them rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting and serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute through the meat, making it more tender upon serving.

Don’t forget grilled vegetables: Take advantage of summer’s yellow squash, zucchini, red and yellow bell peppers, eggplant and mushrooms.

Cut the vegetables as uniformly as possible to ensure they cook evenly.

To prevent them from sticking to the grill, pat them dry with a paper towel once cut.

Also, do not salt the vegetables until after they have been grilled because it will draw out natural liquids and cause them to steam as they are grilling, making them wet and soggy once cooked.

[225] June 2020 | 225batonrouge.com

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If I were not aware of the trends affecting Louisiana business I would be out of touch with my policyholders and their workers. BRBR helps me think beyond today and see tomorrow what will matter to our community, from our agent partners to Louisiana business and workers

Kristin Wall,

PRESIDENT & CEO, LWCC

Very often we see future projects mentioned in Business Report that we would have not known about otherwise. Business Report provides valuable information that we actually use in our Business Plan.

John Chustz,

PRESIDENT, CHUSTZ ELECTRIC, LLC

BECOME AN

INSIDER.

I read the Business Report to stay abreast of the current business activity and atmosphere in our city and state.

The Business report is one of the best business periodicals in the country and has earned numerous awards over the years. We are fortunate to have this publication in Baton Rouge.

Mike Wampold, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, WAMPOLD COMPANIES

Information that I get from the Business Report helps me stay ahead of the curve because it is always current, relevant and “to the point.”

Renita Williams Thomas, PRESIDENT/CEO, IN LOVING ARMS PEDIATRIC DAY HEALTH

Breaking news. Events that matter. Unlimited archives. No one keeps you better connected to business than Business Report. We put it all at your fingertips — just a click away! Read by thousands of business and political leaders in Louisiana, Business Report gives you an exclusive inside track to all the business that’s worth talking about.

Join us at BusinessReport.com/Subscribe

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TA ST E / /

Moorish Pork Kabobs SERVE IT WITH: • Creole tomato jam • Spanish-style cheese board • Homemade sangria Kabobs are on just about every Spanish tapas menu we have seen. Our version of pork kabobs has a wonderful balance of spices like cumin and smoked paprika, inspired by the Moorish spices of North Africa and the Middle East that so heavily influenced Spanish cuisine. It’s a great way to use your grill to prepare the protein portion of a tapas party at home with your family.

Servings: 6 2 (2-pound) pork tenderloins 1 teaspoon kosher salt 1 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon turmeric ½ teaspoon dried oregano ½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper 3 cloves garlic, minced ½ teaspoon fresh lemon zest ¼ cup olive oil ½ cup fresh chopped parsley 6-8 metal skewers

1. Trim the fat off the tenderloins and

remove the silver skin. Cut the tenderloin into chunks and place into a large plastic storage bag.

2. In a small bowl, combine all the spices, garlic, lemon zest, olive oil and fresh parsley. Mix well and pour into the bag with the pork.

3. Seal the bag and shake well to make sure the rub evenly coats the pork. Chill for 2-3 hours.

4. Heat a grill to 400 degrees. Meanwhile, remove the pork from the bag and skewer the cubes on 6-8 metal skewers.

5. Grill the pork kabobs 5-6 minutes per side.

6. Remove from the grill. Cover and let sit for 5 minutes before serving.

This recipe originally appeared in the August 2019 issue of 225.

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[225] June 2020 | 225batonrouge.com

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Issue Date: June Ad proof #7

• Please respond by e-mail or fax with your approval or minor revisions.

• AD WILL RUN AS IS unless revision requests are received within 24 hours.

• Additional revisions must be requested and may be subject to production fees.

Carefully check this ad for: CORRECT ADDRESS • CORRECT PHONE NUMBER • ANY TYPOS This ad design © Louisiana Business, Inc. 2020. All rights reserved. Phone 225-928-1700 • Fax 225-926-1329

E TIM AT E E T A T E VE N o m K c O BO IVATE at ion.

PR nt OR t e r p l a car

CARTER PLANTATION

A resort style residential community in South Louisiana

Be active & live relaxed

HOMES STARTING IN THE $260s 23475 CARTER TRACE SPRINGFIELD, LA 70462 225-294-7555

View Carter Plantation new homes at levelhomeslifestyle.com

225batonrouge.com | [225] June 2020

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5/13/20 4:44 PM

Issue Date: June Ad proof #2

• Please respond by e-mail or fax with your approval or minor revisions.

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u l t a a t r i o g ns n o C Class of 2020

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CULTURE I N S I D E : Local TikTok stars / What’s streaming / Arts and music events

Still life Appreciating Baton Rouge’s oftenoverlooked outdoor sculptures

BY M AGGI E H EY N R I C H AR DS ON PHOTO S B Y CO LLIN RICHIE

Frank Hayden’s Oliver Pollock monument in Galvez Plaza downtown

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THERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT outdoor sculpture that anchors a city’s identity, and in Baton Rouge, powerful works around town point to a diverse heritage. You might not know it, but the Red Stick is awash in pieces created by a range of artists, including 20th century masters, renowned contemporary artists and aspiring students.

“Public art is a reflection of who we are as a community,” says Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge president and CEO Renee Chatelain. “Baton Rouge is a culturally rich place with an interesting relationship to sculpture.

We have some significant pieces that help tell our story.”

With social distancing and the urge to get out of the house prompting us to continue to enjoy wide open spaces, it’s a great time to learn a thing or two about sculpture in the Capital City.

LSU Sculpture Park

Art students at LSU contribute works on display at the Sculpture Park.

On LSU’s campus

The “Red Stick” sculpture

by Frank Hayden overlooks the river at Southern University.

THE LSU SCULPTURE Park feels like a secret garden tucked just off the Quad behind the College of Art and Design. It’s an outdoor gallery where student projects invite passers-by to stop, reflect and connect. The works are made by students every fall in LSU art professor Malcolm McClay’s intermediate sculpture class, and they are intended to depict each student’s personal narrative.

Also in the park is the bright yellow “Msssspp Runoff” by New York sculptor Nari Ward, who gave the piece to LSU after serving as an artist-in-resident during the 2013-2014 school year.

Frank Hayden’s ‘Red Stick’ and ‘Lift Every Voice’ On Southern University’s campus SCULPTOR FRANK HAYDEN was a Southern University distinguished professor and one of America’s best-known modern sculptors of the 20th century. After growing up in a Memphis housing project, he studied under the Croatian sculptor Ivan Mestrovic at the University of Notre Dame. Hayden joined the Southern faculty in 1962, teaching and creating until his untimely death in 1988. His “Red Stick,” overlooking the Mississippi River on Scott’s Bluff, is an ode, of course, to the actual red stick that gives Baton Rouge its name.

Hayden’s “Lift Every Voice,” in front of the Southern student union, is a memorial to two students shot and killed by law enforcement during a 1960s campus protest over the lack of funding for black colleges and universities.

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The MLK memorial by Arthur Silverman towers over the River Center plaza

Arthur Silverman’s Martin Luther King Jr. memorial River Center plaza downtown CREATED IN 1996, this memorial to MLK symbolizes the slain civil rights leader’s historic contributions through opposing yet complementary colors on the color wheel: orange and blue. The monument rises out of the plaza as a monolith, inviting crowds to gather around it. The two colors are arranged in interlocking pieces, showing their reliance on one another. The work faces both north and south, pointing to two halves of the same city.

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C U LT U R E / /

Other notable pieces Dale Chihuly’s sculpture ‘Red Reeds’ LSU Medical Education and Innovation Center Dale Chihuly’s vibrant glass sculptures are well known throughout the world, and one installation sits on the second floor teaching terrace of the LSU Medical Education and Innovation Center. On loan from the Baton Rouge Area Foundation, the piece is an anchor component in a meditation garden where medical residents can pause and reflect on their commitment to their work.

Frank Hayden paid tribute to Revolutionary War figure Oliver Pollock with a sculpture on one side of Galvez Plaza and a relief wall on the other.

Ivan Mestrovic’s ‘Pieta’

Po Shu Wang’s ‘Sing the River’

Galvez Plaza downtown

River Road at Florida Street downtown

ANOTHER OF HAYDEN’S works is the 1979 bronze tribute to Revolutionary War figure Oliver Pollock, then-Louisiana Governor Bernardo de Galvez’s aide-de-camp. A portrait head of Pollock sits on one side of the plaza while a relief wall and fountain frames the other side. Owing to the significance of Hayden’s body of work, the Louisiana Art & Science Museum recently announced “Frank Hayden: Lift Every Voice,” an exhibit of the sculptor’s works and studies that will be on display at the museum until December.

REFLECTIVE AND INTERACTIVE, this contemporary sculpture overlooking the Mississippi River was a gift from the Rotary Club of Baton Rouge to the city last year. Visitors can touch it, see it from a distance when it lights up at night and catches sunlight during the day, and also hear it when sensors from the river trigger different pieces of music to play.

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EA

Frank Hayden’s Oliver Pollock monument and fountain

Baton Rouge is also home to the second largest collection of works by Ivan Mestrovic, the Croatian sculptor under whom Frank Hayden studied at Notre Dame. While most of his works are housed at the LASM, one usually seen Ivan Mestrovic’s on the River Center Plaza is the stunning “Pieta.” It reflects “Pieta” before it was placed in the religious undertones of storage much of Mestrovic’s work—an influence Hayden also shared.

The work has been temporarily moved to storage to accommodate renovations of the River Center Theatre.

ES Y

The “Sing the River” sculpture is downtown’s newest addition of public art.

ST RY BAT RA LIB ON R OUGE PARISH

River Center plaza downtown

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Baton Rouge is OPEN FOR BUSINESS! It’s a new day in Baton Rouge, a new day in business and as a business community we will show the world our resilience and commitment to our community.

Let’s do this together and make Baton Rouge proud!

Let’s shop. Dine out. Celebrate the arts.

Enjoy the outdoors. And BUY LOCAL. A strong economy is important to the future and BR needs our support now.

Stay safe and keep Baton Rouge moving forward.

Together, WE ARE BACK TO BUSINESS.

b2bBR

backtobusinessbr.com

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TikTok, don’t stop

By Cynthea Corfah

Local Cale Saurage has racked up more than 8 million views on some of his TikTok videos.

IMAGES TAKEN

He talked with them backstage, took photos and was shocked when he learned that Cardi B has watched his videos. He also had a supporting role in the 2020 comedy movie Rent Due with rapper Machine Gun Kelly and comedians B. Simone, Shiggy and Haha Davis.

The 25-year-old first started posting short comedic videos on Vine in 2013. After the app was discontinued in 2016, Romano shared videos on Instagram and rebuilt his following.

He posted for fun at first, but after he learned he could make a career out of social media, he decided to use the platform to make a name for himself in the entertainment industry. He dreamt of one day acting in movies, making music, writing a book and starting a business.

S TE UR CO

Landon Romano

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IT’S HARD NOT to notice the impact of the video-sharing app TikTok. It’s become the virtual space for people to upload short videos of comedic skits, dancing, lip-syncing and other talents. It’s the birthplace of popular dance routines to songs like “Savage”

by Megan Thee Stallion and “Lottery”

by K Camp.

Now that the app has become a worldwide sensation, it’s turned some Baton Rouge natives into viral stars, too.

Cale Saurage has more than 2 million followers on TikTok. He had already gained popularity on Instagram and Twitter for dancing videos and comedy skits as Cowboy Cale. He joined the app in January 2019, which then sent his follower count through the roof.

The 22-year-old is a full-time social media influencer now.

“My ultimate goal is to make people laugh,” Saurage says. “I’m just having fun and riding the wave.”

A TikTok video of him and his friends singing their breakfast order at a local McDonald’s drive-thru in February 2019 has more than 8.6 million views. Another one of his hit videos was a skit where Cowboy Cale pretends to be a Chick-fil-A employee and dances for a customer in the drive-thru. It has more than 8.8 million views.

Saurage’s videos have led to unique opportunities like being flown to California to appear in rapper Tyga’s Western-themed music video for the single “Goddamn.”

Baton Rouge native and TikTok up-and-comer Landon Romano also got to work with celebrities after being discovered on social media. In 2019, he was invited to the Hustlers premiere where he got to spend time with Jennifer Lopez, Cardi B, Keke Palmer and the rest of the movie’s cast.

FROM TIKTOK

Local entertainers rack up thousands of views on TikTok

TO O PH

Saintsation Dylon Hoffpauir

Now he lives in Los Angeles, where he is a full-time social media influencer.

He is most known for cheeky videos where he talks directly to the camera, giving the audience advice as if to one of his friends. His on-screen character usually wears mismatched heels, striking outfits and a baseball cap.

On Instagram, he has more than 1 million followers, including music artists like Brandy and Megan Thee Stallion. This year, he started sharing his videos on TikTok and gained more than 200,000 followers in only a few months.

“Without Baton Rouge, I wouldn’t be where I am today,” Romano says.

“A lot of my videos are inspired by my upbringing. Had I not grown up in the environment that I did, I wouldn’t be the person I am today.”

Some rising TikTok stars didn’t start using the app until this spring’s stay-at-home order for the coronavirus. New Orleans Saintsation and LSU alumni Dylon Hoffpauir used his newfound free time to post dance videos.

As a professional cheerleader for the New Orleans Saints, he wanted to share original choreography and videos doing trendy dance routines to popular songs on TikTok for fun. Since the 28-year-old started posting on the app in March, he has gained more than 5,000 followers and has been

offered job opportunities to coach cheerleaders around the country. For now, he plans to continue using the app for fun, but is open to business collaborations in the future.

“TikTok is not just something to mindlessly scroll and look at,” Hoffpauir says. “You can also join in on someone else’s TikTok or come up with your own creation. It’s almost like Twitter, Vine and Instagram all combined in one.”

The app may have gained more popularity during social distancing, but it’s continuing to provide a creative outlet and even professional opportunities for these Baton Rouge natives.

KEY TERMS TikTok: An app where users can upload videos that are 1 minute or less and add special effects. Videos are set to original or borrowed audio already published on TikTok. Users share a variety of content, including dancing, gaming, cooking, comedy, makeup tutorials and how-to videos.

TikTok characters: On-screen personas some users invent for comical relief, often with their own signature style and personality.

Find them on TikTok @calegoes @dancingdyll @landonromanoo

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Summer of streaming

By Benjamin Leger

Editor’s note: Many of the planned summer blockbusters this year have shifted release dates repeatedly because of COVID-19. Some originally set for this summer have been delayed until the fall or 2021. Check with theaters and streaming services for the most current information.

Nonso Anozie, Lara McDonnell, Josh Gad and Ferdia Shaw are out to save the world.

JUNE 12

John David Washington and Robert Pattinson bend time.

The gist: A young genius sets out to find his missing father, who also happens to be a criminal mastermind protecting the world’s magical secrets.

The stars: Ferdia Shaw, Josh Gad, Nonso Anozie, Colin Farrell, Judi Dench The good: Kenneth Branagh directs, and Dench plays a villain.

Could be fun, right?

The bad: Fans of the original book series weren’t impressed with the trailer, which seems to paint the main character as a wide-eyed kid rather than a bad guy in training.

Recommended if you like: Tricked out secret lairs, Men In Black but with steampunk aesthetics, someone saying they’re going to do just one last job and you know that won’t end well

Liu Yifei heads into battle.

JULY 24

JULY 17

Mulan

The gist: A secret agent is on a mission to stop another world war—and it looks like time travel is involved?

The stars: John David Washington, Robert Pattinson, Elizabeth Debicki, Michael Caine The good: Christopher Nolan is back doing mindbending futuristic thrillers after 2017’s historical war epic Dunkirk.

The bad: His last futuristic jaunt, Interstellar, was confounding and polarizing in its ambition.

Recommended if you like: Serious business dudes walking around with briefcases, Caine offering delicate wisdom across a cafe table, seafaring

The gist: The daughter of an ailing warrior disguises herself as a man to take his place and defend her country.

The stars: Liu Yifei, Jason Scott Lee, Gong Li, Jet Li The good: The live-action adaptation features an entirely Asian cast and stunning visuals from director Niki Caro.

The bad: Those who loved Disney’s animated version might be turned off by the more serious tone and lack of musical numbers.

Recommended if you like: Horse riding, taking that old heirloom sword down from the mantle, music on the pipa, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon fight scenes

Tenet

Artemis Fowl, on Disney+

IMAGE VIA WALT DISNEY PICTURES TRAILER

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Yes, that’s a Keanu Reeves cameo.

AUGUST 7

The gist: Spongebob and Patrick set off to find his missing snail pal Gary.

The stars: Voice work from Tom Kenny and Bill Fagerbakke; also featuring Keanu Reeves and Awkwafina The good: The success of the first two Spongebob movies meant a sequel was almost a given, and this just looks like more silly fun.

The bad: Reeves’ floating head plays a wise sage in a sagebrush, so what could be bad about this?

Recommended if you like: Road trips, hanging out at the roulette table, kelp shakes

P R I VAT E C O M PA N I E S

COURTESY STUDIOCANAL

Gal Gadot gets an armor upgrade.

Dixie Egerickx uncovers a lush, strange world.

AUGUST 14

AUGUST 14

The gist: Our kind-of-immortal hero has left behind World War I for the ’80s, where she faces two new foes.

The stars: Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, Kristen Wiig, Pedro Pascal The good: The whole gang is back, including director Patty Jenkins. And it looks like they’ve embraced a lighter tone inspired by the neons and acid washes of the decade.

The bad: We’re not sure about Wiig playing a villain, but OK. Recommended if you like: Hanging out at the mall, Gadot in ’80s glam, synthesizers, deflecting bullets

The gist: An orphaned girl sent to live with her curmudgeonly uncle discovers a possibly magical corner of the massive estate.

The stars: Dixie Egerickx, Colin Firth, Julie Walters The good: The set design looks gorgeous. And interestingly, Firth was in a 1987 TV version of the story.

The bad: This retelling looks to lean heavy on the magical fantasy elements, which may mean an overload of CGI. Recommended if you like: Scrappy youngsters who teach adults the meaning of love and imagination, horticulture, seasonal allergies

Wonder Woman 1984

The Spongebob Movie: Sponge On The Run

TOP100

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C U LT U R E / /

The Secret Garden

VISIONARIES LEADERS CREATORS INFLUENCERS DECISION-MAKERS Directly engage those who make things happen in their business and our community.

BRTop100.com Reserve your ad space now in this once-a-year edition coming in July.

Contact Kerrie Richmond at krichmond@businessreport.com

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Worth a binge

COURTESY LASM AND THE ARTIST

IMAGE VIA NETFLIX TRAILER

Mini series and new shows to stay home with this summer Netflix’s Space Force

Steve Carell plays a celebrated pilot who gets tapped to lead the military’s new space branch. This comedy, released in May, was created by Carell’s Office collaborator Greg Daniels and features Ben Schwartz, John Malkovich, Lisa Kudrow, Jane Lynch and others.

IMAGE VIA HULU TRAILER

COURTESY LIONSGATE FILMS

Hulu’s The Great

HBO’s RUN

The gist: A popular modern-day author gets trapped in what appears to be the South during the slave era.

The stars: Janelle Monáe, Marque Richardson, Gabourey Sidibe, Jena Malone The good: The trailer’s juxtaposition of plantation scenes over the audio of a 911 call already has us rattled and riveted.

The bad: If there is a bad, it’s the overt usage of “from the producer of Get Out and Us” even though Jordan Peele isn’t directing this one.

Recommended if you like: Creepy kids standing at the far end of a hallway, moss-covered oaks, girls’ night out, a weird feeling of déja vu

Merritt Wever plays a woman whose former college boyfriend messages her out of the blue to meet him in New York City. The prospect of a sexy reunion turns out maybe too good to be true as the former sweetheart, played by Domhnall Gleeson, seems to be hiding a dangerous secret. The show’s seven episodes launched in May.

HBO’s Perry Mason IMAGE VIA HBO TRAILER

Antebellum

IMAGE VIA HBO TRAILER

Janelle Monáe is faced with a terrifying reality.

AUGUST 21

Produced by The Favourite writer Tony McNamara, expect plenty of irreverent and sharply dark humor injected into 18th century Russia, with Elle Fanning as Catherine the Great and Nicholas Hoult as her husband Emperor Peter III. The show’s 10 episodes launched in May.

Los Angeles in the 1930s is the setting for this film-noir reboot of the long-running CBS detective drama and the early 20th century books that were its source material. Matthew Rhys takes the lead role along with Tatiana Maslany and John Lithgow in a gritty new series that starts June 21.

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Issue Date: Nov. Ad proof #1 C U LT U R E / /

• Please respond by e-mail or fax with your approval or minor revisions.

• AD WILL RUN AS IS unless revision requests are received within 24 hours.

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Carefully check this ad for: CORRECT ADDRESS • CORRECT PHONE NUMBER • ANY TYPOS

“The Wizard Casting Spells off into Space (The Wizard Nebula)”

This ad design © Louisiana Business, Inc. 2017. All rights reserved. Phone 225-928-1700 • Fax 225-926-1329

N N OR M

R HE AT

E N

Far out

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‘Astral Visions’ closes this month at Louisiana Art & Science Museum

CO UR TE

COURTESY LASM AND THE ARTIST

ART

Connor Matherne

EACH MONTH, WE write magazine stories about Baton Rouge’s coolest events, performances and art exhibits.

It’s not too often we get to write about something that came about because of a 225 article.

That’s the case for the “Astral Visions” exhibition, which ends this month at Louisiana Art & Science Museum.

In February 2019, local astrophotographer and planetary scientist Connor Matherne caught the eye of 225 contributing writer Kaylee Poche. Well, it was actually his crystalclear images of the stars captured on remote telescopes and posted on Instagram that grabbed her attention.

“His photos contain hot pinks, light purples and a shade of blue you swore only existed in bottles of Cool Blue Gatorade. And once you look at one of Matherne’s photos, a deep dive into his

Instagram feed is pretty much inevitable,” Poche wrote.

The story and incredible images of the heavens inspired awe among our readers—and the staff at LASM, too. The team soon contacted Matherne to put together an exhibition that launched in May 2019 in the museum’s Universe Gallery.

And while the coronavirus shutdown made the museum inaccessible to viewers for two months, there’s still a little time left to see Matherne’s images of the Whirlpool Galaxy, the Wizard Nebula and more. Otherwise, you can join the nearly 40,000 other space lovers who follow Matherne on Instagram at @cosmic.speck.

“Astral Visions” ends June 14 at LASM. lasm.org

—BENJAMIN LEGER

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ARTS BEST BETS

JUNE 1 Have a movie-going experience at home.

Join the Manship Theatre as it presents the virtual release of Pahokee. The documentary about a small town in the Florida Everglades features a heartwarming story about the life of four teens. Plus, 50% of proceeds will go directly to Manship. manshiptheatre.org ONLINE Members of the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra performed at-home sets throughout the stay-at-home order. The symphony posted those videos on its website, where you can check out talented cellists, flautists and more doing what they do best. brso.org/home-concert-series ONLINE Spend some time browsing the artworks created by your neighbors and friends during COVID-19 on Baton Rouge Gallery’s website. The “Flat Curve Gallery” contains nearly 500 entries from local creators— professional artists and aspiring artists alike.

BRG’s Artists in Residences video series also provides an inside look at local artists’ processes. batonrougegallery.org

Keeping it Real with Abbie COLLIN RICHIE

ALL MONTH His iconic work can be seen downtown and at Southern University. And now, Louisiana native sculptor Frank Hayden is being celebrated with the exhibition “Lift Every Voice” at the Louisiana Art & Science Museum, which continues until December. lasm.org

Work by Frank Hayden at Galvez Plaza.

See more examples of public sculpture around the city starting on page 81.

MUSIC BEST BETS ONLINE Check out live streams from local bands and information on small outdoor concerts by finding Red Stick Music on Facebook. We’ve caught virtual performances by the Michael Foster Project, David St. Romain and more on Red Stick Music’s page—and they’re still available to watch.

ONLINE Content marketing business Rep Cap has held regular performances from local musicians as part of its “Remote Talent,” series on Facebook. You can find shows by Clay Achee and Ziggy and the Junk Yard Band, Peter Simon and more on Rep Cap’s Facebook page.

Editor’s note: Event details are as of press time in mid May. Please check with the venues for the latest information.

FROM

STRESS AND YOUR SKIN Like so many parents, overnight I went from working mom to teacher, laundry slave, ipad police, day drinker...stressed to say the least. The mind and skin are intricately intertwined. Increased stress hormones also increase oil production making you more prone to breakouts and inflammatory skin conditions. Our advice to you is do not ignore your skin, quarantine doesn’t have to be all bad! Combining proper skincare and facial treatments such as chemical peels, microdermabrasions, or our Laser Genesis treatment can help combat the harmful effects of stress. Also, drink more water, eat more colorful, and take some time for you to just breathe. Louisiana Laserderm is here when you are ready to get back to You, better than ever.

We offer a 15% discount for nurses and first responders.

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CALENDAR //

june

Where play aro to Baton R und o this monuge th C ompiled b Brittney Fo y rbes

all month

SUPPORT LOCAL FARMERS Every week, you can venture to the Pennington Biomedical Center on Thursdays and downtown on Saturdays to support your favorite farmers and vendors at the Red Stick Farmers Market. Or, head to the Market at the Oasis in Shenandoah on Saturdays. Stock up on your favorite fresh baked goods, local farm fresh eggs, wines and more.

Find the markets on Facebook

Best Dressed ISSUE

COMING AUGUST 2020 MAILED DIRECTLY INTO THE HANDS OF OUR CITY’S INFLUENTIAL READERS The Red Stick Farmers Market briefly switched to a drive-thru format this spring. As of mid May, it was back to a socially distant walk-up format.

Includes The Cosmetic & Aesthetic Special Section Issue Date: August Ad

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Q &A

SPECIAL ADVERTISI

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CELEBRATE LOCAL ART The Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge usually brings its Art Flow show to downtown venues in the spring, coinciding with the Ebb & Flow Festival. But since the fest was canceled, the show was put online so participants can view works in the comfort of their own homes.

All month long, check out the online exhibition, including a digital gallery of more than 300 pieces, 3-D experiences, and a chance to vote on the People’s Choice Award. ebbandflowbr.org/art-flow-4

ON THE ROAD NEW ORLEANS

1: Robin Barnes presents #SongbirdAtHome, Find the event on Facebook

504 6-7: VIRTUAL Festigals New Orleans, festigals.org

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ALSO THIS MONTH JUNE 2 Starting every Tuesday and Thursday evening, head over to BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo for Twilight Tours. You and your family can take a train tour around the zoo and have lots of animal encounters. brzoo.org

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JUNE 5 Bring your family out to the Highland Road Park Observatory for its Friday Night Lecture series to learn some new astronomy concepts. hrpo.lsu.edu

SING YOUR LUNGS OUT Feel the music of south Louisiana course through your veins at the 2020 Swamp Pop Music Festival and BBQ Cook-Off at the LamarDixon Expo Center.

With Louisiana swamp pop bands Na Na Sha, Don Rich, The Mojoes and Mike Broussard & Night Train, you can expect to be hopping out of your seat as you laissez les bon temps rouler. lamardixonexpocenter.com

JUNE 6 Love cars, trucks and motorcycles? Join the Corps of Cadets at LSU for its first car show with trophies, classes and raffles to help fundraise for the organization.

Find the event on Facebook JUNE 10 Paddleboarding off into the sunset may sound like a dream, but BREC is making it a reality. Show off your kayak and paddleboarding skills while you enjoy the south Louisiana sunset at BREC’s Milford Wampold Memorial Park. brec.org

225.926.6892 | 7620 OLD HAMMOND HWY.

JUNE 13 The Elite Sports of Baton Rouge wants you to bring your dad fishing for its 2nd Annual Reel Dads event, where dads and kids can have a splashing good time with food, fun and plenty of competitions. elitesportsbr.com

27

KRISTIN SELLE

ROCK AND ROLL If you like rock ‘n’ roll, south of the border and even a little bit of Americana, head over to the Bandito Festival to jam out with Elsah, Dalton Wayne & the Warmadillos, Elizabeth Cook and more all day at Galvez Plaza. This free festival will fill you up on barbecue and tacos as food vendors compete for awards. banditofestival.com

LAFAYETTE

28: Stars & Stripes, A Musical Celebration at Sugar Cane Festival Building, iberiacultural.com 1-7: Iberia Performing Arts League Presents: Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, ipaltheater.com

2020

JUNE 18-20 Although the in-person fundraiser event Big Bash has been canceled, Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital is moving to a virtual event: The Big Virtual Bash, supporting pediatric intensive care. ololchildrens.org

KEYNOTE SPEAKER, LAUREN BAILEY JULY 29, 2020 • CROWNE PLAZA 11am Doors Open • 11:45am Luncheon & Awards

Editor’s note: Event details are as of press time in mid May. Please check with the events for the latest information.

NEW

337

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From the frontlines EVEN AFTER OUR interviews were over, having on your patients, physically and I could still hear their words. mentally? How is your job affecting you The hospital workers I interviewed for at home? What do you think will stand our cover story have seen firsthand what out to you from this pandemic a decade COVID-19 looks like at its worst. from now?

Before talking to them, I thought I One spoke about the isolation their had an idea what the virus looked like. patients have been feeling.

I’d read the news, of course, and heard “I think they are experiencing the stories about it from friends. same feelings that a lot of people that A couple of my friends had tested posare staying at home are feeling. They feel itive for the virus and experienced it in a lonely. They feel like they’re missing out milder but still unpleasant on life. It’s like the bride form. And I had also been that didn’t get to have checking in often with a her bachelorette party. friend who had four family The new mom who isn’t members in the hospital going to get to have her with the virus. baby shower. The dad But interviewing who doesn’t get to bring nurses, physicians and cupcakes for their kid’s respiratory therapists who fifth birthday at school.” care for the hardest hit Except in these patients’ patients rewrote what I worse-case scenarios, thought I knew. they’re alone when they’re It’s not so much the dying.

By Jennifer Tormo words they shared that “I just want so badly a have stuck in my mind. way to convey to them that It’s how they said them. Their solemn even though their family can’t be there tone when they’d describe how scared for them, I am,” my friend said. “And their patients were, or how they couldn’t I know I’m not the same. I’m not even breathe. The way they’d pause to remotely an equivalent substitute. But collect themselves before they’d finish I’m here for you.” answering my questions. How they’d Another friend said the hardest thing emphasize each word when they’d is not seeing their parents. explain that “every one” of their ICU “Because I’m taking care of people patients is the “sickest of the sick.” that are sick with this disease, and my I could hear their strength and deterparents fall into the at-risk category, I’m mination when they talked about fightnot letting myself see them. I’m grateful ing for their patients. Their pride when I’m still able to talk to them and see them they pictured how their coworkers had virtually. But it’s hard not to hug your been rising to the challenge. The sadness mom and your dad.” when they talked about seeing patients When the conversation felt like it was die alone. The hope when they’d share getting too serious, that friend shifted to stories about ones who’d survived despite a funny rendition of the never-ending the odds. And their gratitude toward dance of PPE: putting it on, taking it off, their hospitals and the community. putting it on, taking it off. N95s, I was Long after we ended our phone calls, told, are like acne incubators. We laughed their voices echoed in my mind. I heard for a minute. But we quickly got serious them when I went to the grocery store. again when I mentioned I would be When I went for walks. returning soon to my office.

But I also heard their voices when I “You need to wear a mask every day,” thought of my own friends who work in my friend said. Before I had a chance to hospitals on the frontlines. I couldn’t stop ask any dumb “What if ...” questions, thinking about how they were probably my friend reminded me it was not fun seeing the same things as these health for hospital staff to wear PPE. But they care workers. do it to keep their patients safe—and stay I asked a couple of them some of the healthy so they can keep caring for them. same questions I’d asked during my Talking to medical workers really put hospital worker interviews—but on a things into perspective for me. The rest of more personal, friend-to-friend level. us should do anything we can to protect Things like: What was your job like each other. Wearing masks. Sanitizing on a typical day before your first patient our hands. Even getting a flu vaccine with coronavirus arrived, and how is it every fall. different now? What impact is this virus It’s the least we can do.

REACH JENNIFER TORMO AT JENNIFER@225BATONROUGE.COM.

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Issue Date: June Ad proof #5

• Please respond by e-mail or fax with your approval or minor revisions.

• AD WILL RUN AS IS unless revision requests are received within 24 hours.

• Additional revisions must be requested and may be subject to production fees.

Carefully check this ad for: CORRECT ADDRESS • CORRECT PHONE NUMBER • ANY TYPOS This ad design © Louisiana Business, Inc. 2020. All rights reserved. Phone 225-928-1700 • Fax 225-926-1329

s

THE CAT’S OUT OF THE BAG... “

My human is the bravest person I know. I’ve seen her battle the blow dryer, socks, and even the vacuum. One time she defeated the man in the big brown truck and even took his box! When she told me she wouldn’t be home much, because other humans needed her help, I was a little frightened. Thankfully, my human decided I would be safe at Cat Care Center. That place was amazing! I got to sleep in my own cozy kitty condo and watch birds all day. Dr. Lacie’s staff even came by often to play with me. The BEST part about Cat Care Center is there are NO scary noises, ever. Thank you to Dr. Lacie’s team for keeping me safe and thank you to the brave humans like my

”

mommy who are working hard to make sure my feline friends see their humans again.

― BLU

CAT ONLY VETERINARY HOSPITAL AND BOARDING RESORT 12018 Perkins Rd, Suite A 225.228.1039

CATCARECENTER.COM

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FRAMED //

In every issue of 225, you’ll find a free print on this page. FRAMED celebrates life and art in Baton Rouge, each one featuring a local photographer, place or graphic designer. Cut it out to hang in your cubicle, or frame it for your home gallery wall. Show us where you hang them by tagging them on social media with #225prints.

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ILLUSTRATION OF LOCAL DOCTOR TATIANA PATEL

BY ADRIANA CARRIER / adrianaportraits.com GET FEATURED We love collaborating with local photographers, artists and designers for this page! Shoot us an email at editor@225batonrouge.com to chat about being featured.

[225] June 2020 | 225batonrouge.com

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2020

BEST of Awards SPECIAL VIRTUAL PRESENTATION TUESDAY, JUNE 30 6:30-8 PM Tune in as we announce the 2020 winners.

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