Baton Rouge Parents Magazine September 2019

S E P T E M B E R 2 019

T H E M A G A Z I N E T H A T B A T O N R O U G E FA M I L I E S L I V E B Y

SING YOUR HEART OUT

WITH THE ARTS MEET THE NEW

PRECIOUS CARGO: NEW LA LAWS

COVER KID

THE MENTAL WAR: IT’S OKAY TO TALK

SQUAD

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CONTENTS SEPTEMBER 2019 ▪ ISSUE 350

FEATURES 28

CAN I PLEASE GET A LITTLE PEACE AND QUIET?

A humorous take on moms who just want some time to themselves

2019-20 COVER KIDS

ON THE COVER

2018-19 Cover Kid Ava B. is as sweet as she is adorable! As a three-time Cover Kid, Ava is no stranger to photo shoots. She recently signed with a local talent agency, and she has even walked the runway at Baton Rouge Fashion Week.

She is learning how to play the ukulele with the help of YouTube, she has a love for sports and animals, and she enjoys hanging out with her friends.

Meet our newest squad

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44 FROM THE BRINK OF SUICIDE Why we should talk about mental illness

FOR THE LOVE OF THE ARTS Introducing your children to the arts

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RAISING AN EXPRESSIVE CHILD

Helping kids understand their emotions

KEEPING PRECIOUS CARGO SAFE

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Understanding Louisiana’s new car seat law

IN EVERY ISSUE

12 A MOTHER’S VOICE 14 LAGNIAPPE 64 CALENDAR 75 MARKETPLACE 76 THE LAST WORD 78 SNAPSHOTS

CONNECT

16 COMMUNITY 22 EDUCATION 23 ONE AMAZING KID 26 PATHWAYS TO PARENTING

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2018-19 Cover Kid: Ayden J. Photo Credit: Kleinpeter Photography

32 MOM NEXT DOOR

LIVE

30 LOCAL PROFILE 32 MOM NEXT DOOR 34 EXCEPTIONAL LIVES 36 FAITH

PLAY

54 56 58 60

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF DAD GET OUT OF TOWN THINGS WE LOVE MOMS ONLY

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46 FOR THE LOVE OF THE ARTS

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Photo Credit: Kleinpeter Photography

IN EVERY ISSUE FREEBIES T H E M A G A Z I N E T H AT B AT O N R O U G E F A M I L I E S L I V E B Y

Win Freebies!

P U B L I S H E R / E D I TO R I N C H I E F A MY F O R E M A N-P L A I S A N C E A S S O C I AT E P U B L I S H E R BRANDON FOREM AN

Visit brparents.com and click “Register for Freebies.”

Deadline to enter is September 23, 2019.

D I R E C TO R O F O P E R AT I O N S A MY LY N N F O R E M A N E D I TO R I A L M A N A G I N G E D I TO R A M ANDA MILLER S E C T I O N E D I TO R M A R I WA L K E R

Breathe some fresh air into your space with the Alio Odor Neutralizing Oil-Free Reed Diffuser.

The natural wood resin reeds are infused with an odor-eliminating formula and fragrance that is released into the air, leaving the air around you clean. ■ aliohome.com

C A L E N D A R E D I TO R NANC Y LEBL ANC A R T/ P R O D U C T I O N GR APHIC DESIGNER M E LO DY TA U Z I N GR APHIC DESIGNER L AUREN LEOP OLD C O V E R P H OTO G R A P H E R K L E I N P E T E R P H OTO G R A P H Y A DV E R T I S I N G /M A R K E T I N G ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE K ASSIE WILLIA MS ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE K A R E N M CC U L L E N ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE ANGIE L APORTE ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE CHRIS TIE T URNER

Keep your little one's ears safe as she listens to her favorite YouTube videos or songs with the iClever Cat-Inspired Headphones. Made with retractable arms, these purr-fect headphones can be made to fit your child’s head, and they even feature adorable cat ears. ■ iclever.com

COMMUNIT Y E VENTS M ANAGER L A U R I E A CO S TA COMMUNIT Y OUTRE ACH ROX ANE VOORHIES

C O N TAC T B R PA R E N T S .CO M E D I TO R I A L @ B R PA R E N T S .CO M C A L E N D A R @ B R PA R E N T S .CO M O F F I C E 2 25-2 92-0 032 FA X 2 25-2 92-0 03 8 11 8 3 1 W E N T L I N G AV EN U E B ATO N R O U G E , L A 70 8 1 6-6 055

Taking care of yourself is important, and it’s always helpful to have a reminder to make sure you’re taking care of yourself. With the Ban. dō Wellness Planner, you can focus on your wellness with advice from experts inside and pages for goal planning, meal planning, and activity logs. ■ bando.com

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Copyright © 2019. All rights reserved.

ISSN # 1050-8708

Last Month’s WINNERS

Look who won August’s Freebies: Lisa Ladatto won the Infantino Grow-With-Me 4-in-1 Convertible High Chair; Kayla York won the ZizzyBee Bags; and Katelyn Cheatwood won the Dumbo DVD.

Reproduction prohibited without permission. The opinions expressed in Baton Rouge Parents Magazine are those of the authors or advertisers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the owners, nor do they constitute an endorsement of products or services herein. The publisher reserves the right to accept or reject any paid advertisement.

Baton Rouge Parents Magazine is a division of Family Resource Group Inc.

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IN EVERY ISSUE A MOTHER’S VOICE

Picking up Pennies

I

have found my purpose. My purpose is to change the opinions of the humble copper-clad penny. I have witnessed many times the total disrespect for this shiny coin. It is tossed into parking lots, left on the bottom of our floorboards, pressed into an elongated souvenir and cut in half to show the strength of a pair of household scissors on television.

Out of my own personal satisfaction (and to prove my point), I began to solmenly pick up every penny I found and place it in an old-fashioned glass milk jug that sits next to my husband’s dresser. Whether the penny is shiny or old or old and grubby, I stop to pick it up. My eye can spot an orphaned penny like a cheetah spots his next dinner.

I remember all the times I would hear the vacuum cleaner rattling while my daughter cleaned her room growing up, only to find out that the rattles were being caused by pennies left on the floor. How could they just be discarded as trash?

As parents, we must teach our children that money does not grow on trees, and handling money is a lifelong responsibility. Learning to save at an early age can have a major impact on a child’s future. As parents, we should model the kind of money management behavior we want our children to practice. I know that as far as our kids are concerned, talk is cheap, but our children watch us and learn by observing our behavior.

What we do, they will do.

I know that it is only one cent, but the penny has symbolized the spirit of the nation and has been an integral part of the American experience.

Many schools and organizations have turned thousands of pennies into real dollars. By collecting pennies, children learn that they can make a contribution to the community.

I grew up thinking the penny was an excellent conductor of luck, and yes, I am a penny picker upper. Maybe it’s just superstition, but common sense (pun, intended) tells us to go ahead, pick up the penny. Tell me your two cents on the penny by emailing me.

Amy Foreman-Plaisance Publisher/Editor in Chief

Have ideas? I'd like to hear from you.

By mail: Amy P., 11831 Wentling Ave., Baton Rouge, LA 70816 Email: amy@brparents.com. Be sure to include your name, address, and daytime phone number.

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IN EVERY ISSUE LAGNIAPPE TAILGATING TIPS FOR FAMILIES It’s tailgating season! As you don your purple and gold and head down to Tiger Stadium to take part in your tailgating routine, you know there are a few must-dos for you and your crew each year. When it comes to tailgating with your little ones, what tips do you have to offer other families looking to join in the fun?

“Bring a portable swing and fan for the babies.”

—Allicen V.

“Plan ahead. Know where you plan to set up before you even begin packing the car.”

—Brittany C.

“Bring snacks and those fancy damp neck towels!”

—Lauren L.

“Bring along plenty of games for them. They likely won’t be interested in the game, so make sure you have cornhole, balls, or books.”

—Meagan T.

‘‘

“Make sure you have plenty of snacks and drinks for them.

It’s hot here, so make sure you always pack extra!”

—Vanessa B.

“Make sure they are wearing comfortable shoes because the first complaint will be about their feet hurting!”

—Ashton L.

“Bring raincoats, umbrellas, and Band-Aids, etc. Be sure to have kid-friendly food and drinks. Put them in charge of games or putting out food. Have them scream, 'Go Tigers' to the opponents.

Put up a tent, or find a friend who has one.”

—Jeneé L.

HOWEVER, NOT EVERYONE WANTS TO BRING THEIR CHILDREN TAILGATING. HERE ARE SOME OF THEIR TIPS FOR GAME DAY! “Our little ones don't often last all day during tailgating, so we head to our favorite restaurant to watch the game instead.”

—Angela L. “Don’t bring them!”

—Lyn F.

“We don't tailgate. Instead, we stay home and have a party with our friends and family!”

—Melissa S.

My instinct is to protect my children from pain. But adversity is often the thing that gives us character and backbone. It's always been a struggle for me to back off and let my children go through difficult experiences."

—Nicole Kidman 14

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CONNECT COMMUNITY NO BOX? NO PROBLEM. KOHL’S ACCEPTS AMAZON RETURNS

The idea of standing in line at the post office can be enough to make you decide to skip making an online return, especially if you have little sidekicks while running errands. A new Amazon partnership with Kohl’s allows returns directly through the store, no return packaging or post office visit needed.

The simple return process will work for most items Amazon sells and uses a QR code on your phone. In addition to making returns easier, the stores can also be used as package pick-up points.

MAYOR’S CRADLE TO K PROGRAM HONORED

The youngest citizens in BR benefit from the award-winning Cradle to K early childhood initiative launched by EBR Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome. The program was recognized with a 2019 City Livability Award for Outstanding Achievement at the U.S. Conference of Mayors’ 87th annual meeting. The award honors mayoral leadership in developing and implementing programs that improve citizens’ quality of life. The initiative focuses on strengthening the parenting culture, and the effort involves the participation of partners, connecting parents to information, resources and opportunities. ■ c2kbr.com

BABY ORANGUTAN JOINS AUDUBON ZOO FAMILY

Great news for great apes at Audubon Zoo as Feliz, the matriarch of the Sumatran orangutan group recently gave birth to her second baby. Her first, Menari, was born in 2009, and the Sumatran orangutan habitat includes juvenile female Reese and male Jambi. “We couldn’t be prouder of Feliz for showing such great signs taking care of the new infant,” says Courtney Eparvier, curator of primates and sea lions at the zoo. “With this birth, we hope zoo visitors will connect with a species on the brink of extinction and want to start making the little changes in their lives to help save them.”

GET PARENTING TIPS BY TEXT FROM LPB

Louisiana Public Broadcasting has a new service to help parents unravel the mystery of child development one text message at a time. LPB’s “Bright by Text” is a free program that sends regular, research-based text messages on child development, health and safety from pregnancy to age five. Each text includes a link to more info, short videos, related books, games and other resources. “It will have a tremendous impact on families not only in Baton Rouge but statewide.” says Melissa Tolson, Bright by Text program coordinator. The service is available in English and Spanish.

Text DEMO to 274448 to sign up.

■ brightbytext.org 16

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DADS & DAUGHTERS

Fun and family is the name of the game with LSU’s Dads & Daughters event series. During the 2019-20 athletic season, dads and daughters are invited to attend LSU athletic events together and learn all about the Lady Tiger athletes and what encouraged them to pursue their dreams. Members can attend presentations given by current female athletes; receive LSU t-shirts, key chains, and collectible sunglasses; attend exclusive member-only events/ activities; get discounted tickets to men’s sporting events; and even receive free admission to select women’s sporting events. The current games on the schedule are set for Sunday, September 15 for LSU Soccer vs. Arizona State and on Friday, October 18 for LSU Volleyball vs. Alabama. More dates will become available as the LSU schedules are released.

Tickets are $15 each. ■ (225) 578-6884

BABYANDTODDLER WATCH DORA FOR FREE

Hola! Soy Dora. If your pint-size channel surfers want to catch up on the antics of Dora, Boots and Swiper, you are in luck.

The entire original Dora the Explorer series can be streamed for free on Pluto TV. Every episode of the long-running Nickelodeon preschool series is available to watch on the streaming service from Viacom. The lineup includes other Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. series, including SpongeBob Squarepants, plus classic cartoons and family films.

Activating couch potato mode NOW. ■ pluto.tv

WET DIAPERS? THERE’S AN APP FOR THAT

Our houses are smart, our cars are smart, our phones are smart. But should our babies’ diapers be smart? Pampers thinks so. The diaper company recently partnered with Verily and Logitech on a new line of diapers called Lumi by Pampers. The Lumi diapers work with a video monitor and an activity sensor to help caregivers monitor and track baby’s wet diapers and sleep. Parents can view room temperature and humidity in the app and use it to track feeding times and diaper changes. The Lumi system should be available soon, and there is a waitlist online. ■ pampers.com/lumibypampers

U.S. COAST GUARD TO SHIP MOTHERS’ MILK

Every breastfeeding relationship is different and challenging in its own way, but when mom needs to be away from her nursling for extended periods of time, the challenge can be insurmountable.

Having a supportive workplace can make all the difference. The U.S. Coast Guard has a new program to benefit its breastfeeding service members. The program will reimburse shipping costs for sending pumped breast milk back home to their children, up to $750 per year. We hope this idea takes off in all types of job sectors.

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CONNECT COMMUNITY BALLERINAS ASSEMBLE: NUTCRACKER AUDITIONS ANNOUNCED

It may seem early to be thinking of dancing sugar plum fairies and other Christmas magic, but Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre (BRBT) is already preparing for its annual performance of The Nutcracker: A Tale from the Bayou, and auditions have been announced. More than 400 children from all over the community will dance on stage, accompanied by the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra. Company auditions for dancers 13 and up are Saturday, September 7, and children’s auditions are Sunday, September 29.

■ batonrougeballet.org

PARENTS CAN PLAY A KEY ROLE IN PREVENTING OBESITY

We all want to keep our little ones healthy, but treats are an easy trap to fall into. Children with obesity are more likely to become adults with obesity, so helping them stay at healthy weights is crucial. DRIVE, a Pennington Biomedical Research Center study, found that an in-home, weight-management program improved the health of children and their parents. “Parents typically are the most important and influential people in a child’s environment. The parents’ buying into the health promotion and weight-management program really seemed to make it effective,” says Corby Martin, PhD.

NICKELODEON SLIME HEADS TO INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION

Slime in space? Yep! Among the 5,500 pounds of scientific instruments, food and other supplies sent to the astronauts aboard the International Space Station, the SpaceX Dragon capsule included six packets of Nickelodeon Slime. The neon green goo first made famous on the game show Double Dare will be studied in microgravity. Astronauts will conduct a series of experiments with the non-newtonian fluid and record videos to demonstrate the basic principles of fluid flow.

ENJOY AN EVENING OF COLOR AT LASM GALA

Lose yourself in a color-filled evening at the Louisiana Art & Science Museum’s 34th annual gala on Friday, September 20. CHROMA: Color Your Senses is a “party for a purpose” to benefit LASM’s educational programs. The theme is derived from the art exhibition, Harmonies in Color, which is on display at the museum until January 5. “We wanted a theme that opens a dialogue about the multifaceted world of color,” says Serena Pandos, LASM president and executive director. The evening will include food, drink, live music with dancing, fine art, a silent auction, and a raffle. Tickets start at $100 for members. ■ lasm.org

LIGHTEN THE LOAD: MAKE SURE BACKPACKS AREN’T TOO HEAVY

Some students may complain that being back in school is a pain in the you-know-what. But children can experience real pain if their backpacks are too heavy and they must bend forward or arch their backs while carrying them. “School children and teens should not carry too much weight in their backpack or wear it the wrong way,” says Dionna Mathews, MD, Ochsner pediatrician. “Either of these missteps can cause a lot of problems for kids, such as backaches, neck and shoulder pain, tingling, numbness, and weakness in the arms and hands. A child’s posture can be damaged both in the short and long term.” Never load a backpack with more than 15 percent of body weight, and encourage your little scholar to use both straps.

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YOUTH GOOGLE MAKES LEARNING DIGITAL SAFETY FUN

Staying safe on the web is an important skill. As parents, we struggle to navigate Internet safety while teaching our kids.

Google has released \“Interland,” a free online game as part of its Be Internet Awesome program for the youngest web surfers. Players learn good digital habits, including spotting fake news, scams and phishing; avoiding oversharing; dealing with cyberbullies; and creating strong passwords. Be Internet Awesome has expanded to include new media literacy activities and bilingual workshops for parents in partnership with the YMCA. ■ beinternetawesome.withgoogle.com

TOYS ‘R’ US RETURNING

Still want to be a Toys ‘R’ Us kid?

That will be possible again as the store announced a comeback. The parent company Tru Kid Brands announced plans to open two new stores this fall. About a quarter of the size of the once-ubiquitous big box stores, the new smaller shops won’t have aisles stacked high with toys. The focus will be on interactive toy displays and spaces for demos and events. The new concept will first open in Houston and Paramus, New Jersey, and the company plans to open more stores in 2020.

ASSIGN CHORES TO YOUR CHILDREN WITH ALEXA

Squabbling over family chores can become an ever-present battle, but your smart speaker may be able to help. Alexa Skills Blueprints allows you to make a chore chart and set reminders. Alexa can read each family member’s chore assignments and check them off when completed, tracking whose done the most with chore scores. Turning chores into a game and making Alexa the bad guy with reminders seems like a smart family policy to us.

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CONNECT COMMUNITY TARGET MAKING HALLOWEEN MORE ACCESSIBLE

Although we have several weeks until Halloween, it’s never too early to start thinking about this year’s costume. Target has released a new collection this year designed for children in wheelchairs, helping more kids enjoy the trick-or-treating fun as a princess in a carriage or pirate on a ship. The costumes include openings in the back to make it easier and more comfortable for children with disabilities to wear. The line is part of a trend in the last few years toward more stores offering accessible, wheelchair-friendly and sensory-friendly clothing options, including from Target, Tommy Hilfiger, Zappo’s and Kohl’s.

CELEBRATE GRANDPARENTS ON SEPTEMBER 8

There’s nothing like the love between a grandchild and grandparent. If your little one is lucky enough to have such a relationship, make a point to celebrate it on National Grandparents Day on Sunday, September 8. The holiday is observed on the first Sunday after Labor Day, and about four million greeting cards are sent each year to mark the occasion. The first National Grandparents Day was in 1979, making this the 40th year of celebration. We know grandparents enjoy hearing from their families on any day, but it’s always nice to be recognized on a holiday.

DESIGNER BRA FASHION SHOW TO INCREASE BREAST CANCER AWARENESS

Woman’s Hospital will raise funds to support breast cancer patients and raise awareness with a dash of sparkle at its BUST Breast Cancer event on Thursday, September 26. Each year, local models, including breast cancer survivors, sashay down the runway to show off bras designed by local artists to raise funds for Woman’s breast cancer outreach. After a VIPink Party at 6 p.m., the main event will include the bra art fashion show, chef’s showcase, and live and silent auctions. Now in its ninth year, the event will take place at L’Auberge Casino & Hotel. Tickets are $75, or $125 with VIPink Party access. ■ womans.org/bbc

WOMEN’S COUNCIL: THE EVOLUTION OF HER

Women are strong, powerful, and they should be celebrated, and that is precisely what happens during The Evolution of HER. This celebration from the Women’s Council showcases the women of Greater Baton Rouge and thanks them for their hard work and dedication. The organization strengthens the bond among women in the greater Baton Rouge area, and this year, the event has been transformed into an all weekend celebration from Friday, September 27-Saturday, September 28. ■ eventbrite.com

NOISY HAND DRYERS MAY HARM KIDS’ EARS

The sharp, shrill noise of hand dryers in public bathrooms is unpleasant to most users, including and especially children. That noise may actually be harmful to their ears, according to a recent study published in the Canadian journal, Paediatrics & Child Health.

Nora Keegan, the study’s 13-year-old author, tested the volume of hand dryers because her ears would sometimes ring after using them. Because kids are shorter and closer to where the air comes out, the sound can be much louder to their more sensitive ears. Keegan used a professional decibel meter in more than 40 public bathrooms to gather her data.

Her highest measurement was 121 decibels, a level that can cause pain and ear injury with prolonged exposure. Noise-canceling headphones all around?

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TWEENANDTEEN MENTAL HEALTH DAYS FOR OREGON TEENS

Some days you just can’t. That’s true for teenagers too, and an Oregon bill has been signed into law allowing students to take mental health days just as they do sick days. Mental health support is critical, especially during the teenage years. Teen depression rates are increasing, and the adolescent suicide rate continues to rise. Legislation like this as well as workplace and school system policies can make a difference for those who are struggling with anxiety, depression and high stress levels.

THE NATIONAL YOUNGARTS COMPETITION

High school sophomore, junior and senior artists who are between 15 and 18 years old are encouraged to apply to the National YoungArts Competition.

Designed to honor students’ work in the visual, literary, design and performing arts, the top winners can receive up to $10,000 in cash awards. Nationally recognized winners are able to take master classes with accomplished artists and are eligible for nomination as a U.S. Presidential Scholar in the Arts. The deadline to apply is Friday, October 11 and costs $35. Fee waivers are available.

■ youngarts.org/apply

DUTCH DROPPINGS

Dropping off our children at accredited, safe sleepaway camps can be hard enough, but families in the Netherlands go a step farther. The Dutch have a scouting tradition of “dropping” tweens and teens in a dark forest and expecting them to find their way back to base without GPS or other help. The experience is designed to instill principles of self reliance. The youngsters learn not to depend too much on adults, and adults learn to allow children to solve their own problems. We doubt it will catch on here–imagine the gator threat!

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CONNECT EDUCATION RUNNELS STUDENTS FUNDRAISE FOR DOG SHELTER

Dogs at the Bark and Roll Rescue Companions foster home are barking their thanks to the Runnels sophomore class who raised $100 and collected pet supplies to donate to the shelter. The nonprofit was founded in 2015 by Dana Kahn, a Runnels parent, and specializes in small breed dogs, puppies, pregnant dogs and neonates. So far, Bark and Roll has found homes for more than 2,000 dogs. Kahn is part of the Runnels “Exam Dog” program and brings puppies to visit campus during midterms and finals. Students can get a dose of pet therapy, relax and unwind between tests by playing and cuddling with the puppies.

LSU PRESCHOOLERS LEARN THROUGH PLAY

Playing with blocks is a favorite activity for many in the preschool setting. LSU Early Childhood Education Laboratory Preschool students discovered that building with dad makes it more fun when fathers and father-figures were invited to play during morning drop off. “Block play activities provide children opportunities to practice skills related to problem-solving, imagination, self-expression, mathematics, continuity and permanence, creativity, science, self-esteem, social emotional growth, and development in all areas,” says Angela Barnes, preschool director.

“It’s intriguing to watch the children as they carefully plan and design these elaborate block structures.”

PARKVIEW STUDENTS EXPLORE HEALTH CARE CAREERS AT WOMAN’S

ASCENSION SCHOOLS RECEIVE $9.8 MILLION FOR FLOOD REPLACEMENTS

More than three years after the August 2016 floods, Ascension schools are still recovering.

Funds from FEMA will help replace flooded buildings’ contents. The grant, announced by Sen. John Kennedy, will cover furniture, textbooks, computers, kitchen equipment, and band instruments for Galvez Middle and Primary; St. Amant Primary and High School; Lake Elementary; and maintenance and distribution facilities supporting the schools. “This grant is an investment in our teachers and students as they work to put our schools back together,” Kennedy says.

What do you want to be when you grow up? Parkview Baptist School seniors Kristen Caughman and Heidi Reed, and junior Jaila Simmons got closer to answering that question at the A-HEC of a Summer program at Woman’s Hospital. Chosen based on GPA, transcript, teacher recommendations and an essay, the students explored different health care careers, gained CPR certification, received elective credit and earned 105 service hours.

KNOCK KNOCK OPEN MONDAYS FOR FIELD TRIPS

About 50 PreK to third grade teachers plus principals and school administrators recently got to experience the Knock Knock Children’s Museum through the eyes of their students.

At the first Peace, Love and Educators Extravaganza, museum officials announced new, expanded field trip options. “The new Monday field trip option means that an entire school can come at one time and experience all the museum has to offer without being pressed for time,” says Kristin Spencer, early childhood education program coordinator. “We’ve also expanded our staff-facilitated field trips with brand new STEAM learning options, and if your class can’t make it to Knock Knock, our expert staff will come to you.”

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Character counts for COLLIN SPROUSE, and his parents, Johnathon and Allison Sprouse, work hard to ensure that the 11-yearold keeps his focus on what matters most.

Collin has been honored for that work and his academic excellence.

Now a sixth grader at North Corbin Junior High, Collin was one of only seven state finalists for 2019 fifth grade student of the year.

After being named student of the year at South Walker Elementary, he went on to win student of the year in Livingston Parish and a larger regional competition.

“It was far more involved than we understood it to be, in a good way,” says Johnathon.

In addition to rounds of interviews, Collin provided writing samples and prepared a portfolio that outlined his academic successes as well as sports, extracurriculars and volunteer work.

“Collin has always been academically focused, but we’ve always been impressed from the standpoint that that’s not the only thing that he cares about,” Johnathon says. “We admire him for how hard he works, for his passion.

He really thinks about others.” One of Collin’s favorite volunteer opportunities has been with Mighty Moms, helping out with malnourished and underprivileged kids in Livingston Parish.

Collin is also an athlete, playing soccer for eight years, now for FC Galaxy. He loves reading, solving Rubix cubes and playing outside on the trampoline. Collin says, “I love to spend time with my family,” which includes two younger sisters, Carrington and Caydence.

With his passion for others, academic gifts and depth of character, Collin is absolutely one amazing kid.

DO YOU HAVE ONE AMAZING KID? Email education@brparents.com.

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CONNECT EDUCATION BRCVPA ENGINEERING TEAM COMPETES AT GLOBAL FINALS

A team of six students from the Baton Rouge Center for Visual and Performing Arts, ages 9 to 11, found success in the Destination Imagination engineering challenge. After receiving top scores at the state level, the team competed at the Global Finals. Teams were challenged to design a structure that could hold as much weight as possible and present it with an original skit including some type of monster and a special effect, all within a $150 budget. The Mon-Stars, a play on the BRCVPA mascot and the challenge’s theme, built a structure able to hold 125 pounds.

ST. JOSEPH STUDENTS HELP LOCAL FAMILIES

EBR SCHOOLS GET WILD WITH ENROLLMENT EVENT

Pre-enrollment for EBR Schools was a lot more fun this year because of the inaugural “Explore EBR Schools at the Back-to-School Zoofari” event at BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo. Families who attended received free, same-day zoo admission while checking off an important item from their to-do lists. Families enjoyed face painting, refreshments and interacting with some of the zoo’s ambassador animals. Parents were able to explore all EBR schools have to offer by speaking with representatives EBR.

A group of students from St. Joseph’s Academy learned that you don’t have to travel far to find people in need. During a weeklong Blessings Mission Trip, the students were able to serve people locally here in Baton Rouge. “Often, we think mission trips require us to go abroad, but there remains plenty of work to be done in our Baton Rouge community,” says Father Michael Alello, of St. Thomas More Catholic Church, who led the local mission. The students worked together with the Red Cross to install smoke detectors in homes, painted and spruced up St. Francis Xavier Catholic School, painted homes still recovering from the 2016 flood, and visited several nursing home residents.

LIVINGSTON BUS FLEET UPGRADED

The wheels on the bus go round and round, and many of those bus wheels in Livingston Parish will be new this year. The school district has rolled out 22 new buses as part of an effort to upgrade the fleet and replace the more than 70 buses lost during the August 2016 flood. “I’m glad to say that this year’s purchase allows us to do away with all flood-related leases, and we can return to our normal replacement schedule after this year,” says Joshua Day, transportation supervisor. The new buses are equipped with the latest safety features and three-eye cameras, recording entrance, front and back.

BATON ROUGE BRIGHTENED WITH MURAL

The community service legacy of Sadie Roberts-Joseph was recently honored with a mural on Plank Road. East Baton Rouge Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome and her Mayor’s Youth Workforce Experience teamed up with The Walls Project and Build Baton Rouge to create the large-scale art project honoring the murdered Baton Rouge activist. Sadie Roberts-Joseph founded the Baton Rouge Odell S. Williams Now & Then Museum of African-American History and the nonprofit Community Against Drugs and Violence. East Baton Rouge Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome’s Youth Workforce Experience is an eight-week summer employment program for teens and adults ages 14 to 24 years old who learn life and workforce skills while also acquiring certifications that are needed for them to graduate. In 2019, more than 500 scholars participated in the summer program. ■ brla.gov 24

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EBR STUDENTS TO EXPLORE STEM WITH PROJECT ARK

What’s better than a field trip to the zoo? How about zoo animals making a visit to your school?

That will be the case for first through fifth graders in East Baton Rouge Parish Schools with BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo’s Project ARK: Animals Reaching Kids program sponsored

by Entergy. The free program will provide hands-on encounters with education animal ambassadors and interactive programming to compliment existing science curriculum. “We are thrilled to see the excitement students have as they discover more about science in a format that is fun,” says Jennifer Shields, education coordinator. “Who knows which ones may go on to do great things in the world of conservation because of a spark that was created during Project ARK?”

DUNHAM FACULTY MEMBER EARNS MASTER TEACHER HONOR

Dunham School fourth grade teacher Valerie Jaques was named the 2019 Liz Peters Master Teacher. The annual award, named for the school’s first employee and master teacher, recognizes a faculty member who demonstrates excellence in the classroom. Jaques has taught at Dunham School for 14 years and is the Lower School’s robotics team sponsor and leader of its science program. “In 14 years, I have received countless praises for this teacher and not a single negative comment–not one,” says Deedra LaPlace, Lower School head and dean of faculty.

“She is a gentle spirit and always humble, but there is no doubt that her caliber as a teacher is worthy of this high recognition.”

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CONNECT PATHWAYS TO PARENTING

Anger or Anxiety?

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s parents, we expect to deal with tantrums during the toddler years, but we are often less prepared when angry outbursts continue well into childhood.

However, anger can actually be a symptom of anxiety in children.

Melinda Le, PhD, counseling psychologist at Le Psychological Services, LLC, says anxiety is one of the most common mental health disorders affecting children and adolescents. Temporary fears and anxieties are considered developmentally appropriate, however. “The physiological mechanisms are the same for anxiety and anger. Anxiety is a fear of the unknown. For children, any unfamiliar and stressful situation can be interpreted as a threat,” Dr. Le says.

Such threats trigger the body’s fight-or-flight response. Hearts beat faster, muscles tense up, blood flows away from the digestive system, and breathing quickens. “The physical symptoms of distress are uncomfortable,” Dr. Le says. “These symptoms are difficult for adults to manage, and in children, it can be even more confusing.”

Children react to fight-or-flight differently. Some respond by avoiding and clinging, others respond with irritability, tantrums and angry outbursts.

Learning to understand emotions like anxiety and dealing with them is part of growing up. “Caregivers can play a major role in helping children navigate their world,” Dr. Le says. “Patience, encouragement and support are needed.”

Modeling appropriate ways to handle emotions is an important way parents can help children develop emotional maturity. “How you deal with your own frustrations and distress will have an impact on how they respond to their distress,” Dr. Le says.

“An important point to remember is that they are children. Children are new at managing their emotions. As they mature, they will become better at it.”

Dr. Le recommends reinforcing positive behaviors, validating feelings by listening without judgment, helping them find ways to self-soothe, teaching them relaxation techniques, and helping them use self-compassionate language.

“When children are provided with age-appropriate information and given clear expectations, they are better able to manage their distress,” Dr. Le says.

When you need support, Dr. Le recommends first speaking with your pediatrician to decipher what may be developmentally appropriate behavior and what may be more problematic. A mental health professional can help if difficulties are more serious. ■ 26

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Can I Pleaseee Get a Little Peace and Quiet?

By Joy Holden

I TURNED THE BATHROOM DOOR LOCK WITH A CLICK. MY BOOK IN MY HANDS, I NESTLED DOWN ON THE BATHROOM RUG. I LOOKED AT MY PHONE AND SET MY TIMER FOR 10 MINUTES. “AFTER THIS, I’LL GO BACK OUT THERE,” I SAID TO MYSELF.

I opened my book and inhaled deeply, savoring the quiet. I could hear muffled voices coming from down the hall, but I knew it was as close to quiet as I was going to get.

Yes, I was hiding from my children, and yes, I’m perfectly okay with that.

Of course, five minutes into my solace, knocks on the door accompanied by “Mama!” disrupted my sweet solitude.

I sighed and opened the door to a blathering little boy who was going on and on about the latest incident between him and his brother. I said goodbye to my book and entered the fray once again.

Here’s the thing about parenting: we long to hear their little voices when 28

they are babies, and then pretty soon they are preschoolers who will not stop the constant flow of chatter from their always-open mouth faucets. And if you have older children, here come the arguments like a competing spigot that will also not turn off. Even if it isn’t words, it’s strange sounds–burps, clicks, snorts, grunts, squeals–you name it.

And, we all know the repetition cycle that arrives around four years old. You know, the one phrase or the one song lyric, or the one exclamation that their little precious brains get hooked on that they repeat far too many times. Who can forget the many “Mama”s that resound over and over again? And, I have to

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mention the crying. When does it end?

High-pitched wails pierce the air and shoot right down my spine. Does anybody else grit their teeth at the sound of audible tears or is it just me? The vast cacophony of noise really doesn’t stop until they are asleep in their beds.

But what’s the alternative? Silence?

That can be eerily frightening. They have either left the house (which really doesn’t happen, but it’s the big fear our minds jump to) or they are into some serious mess that surely signals a disaster in the works. We call out their names with the slightest hint of “Where are you?”

Every once in awhile, I will find my boys engrossed in a harmless and beneficial

activity like reading, drawing, or playing.

Once I discover this little moment of peace, relief surges through me. Because let’s be honest, I expected much worse.

As much as I want the quiet though, once I get that reprieve of a silent house, it’s not very long before I am anxious for them to come home and fill it up with chaos again.

This summer, I had to go out of town for a work trip. I was alone in a hotel room for three days. Initially, I felt so indulgent and giddy. I could make my own choices. I could watch HGTV by myself. I didn’t have to correct anyone. I didn’t have to break up any fights. I may have actually done a mini-dance for my silent sojourn. I don’t think I used my voice for like 12 whole hours. On the other hand, I didn’t sleep well, and by the next day, I was asking my husband to bring our kiddos up to visit for the night.

The minute they arrived the following afternoon, the incessant noise began again. The asking, oh, the asking. “Can we do this?” “Can I eat that?” “Can you come here?” “Can I have that?” The questions were rapid fire. The name calling surged here and there. The random comments popped around the room constantly. Yet, here’s the truth: I slept better. Even though I was being emptied out while my ears were being filled up, I felt more at ease.

Reader, I am not a superstar mom.

So, if you’re rolling your eyes right about now at my disclosure, just know I mess up all the time. I yell. I hide. I lose my patience. I don’t always use a “kind tone.”

But I need my boys. I am connected to them. Their voices are a part of me. As much as their voices can sometimes get under my skin, I crave them. When their unique sounds aren’t bouncing off the walls of our house or my car, I miss them.

The absence of noise is the elusive oasis we search for in the parenting wilderness, and once we find it, we are in disbelief that it actually exists. But for me, the oasis has a timer. I relish the peace and quiet, but after some time, I am ready for the loudness again. Some days though, you may still find me locked in my bathroom with a book, smuggling my quiet minute by minute. ■ SEPTEMBER 2019 | BRPA RENTS .COM

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LIVE LOCAL PROFILE

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

By Madeline Rathle

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hen Dot Thibodeaux found herself raising her grandson, she felt alone and like she had no one to turn to for guidance. It turned out her friend, Danna Spayde, was facing the same issues as Dot, so they decided to form a support group called “Second Time Around,” which would help grandparents or caregivers who are raising children who are not their own. The support group is still in existence today, helping individuals with everything from finding the right insurance to tackling school expenses on a limited income.

The support group has become a nonprofit called Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Information Center of Louisiana (GRG), and it provides legal, 30

health, behavioral, adoption, and support resources to caregivers with the help of volunteers, lawyers, and counselors.

Kathy Coleman, Secretary Treasurer and CEO of GRG, is raising six grandchildren. She found the organization over seven years ago and joined a support group. When Dot, who passed away recently, asked for Kathy’s help, Kathy knew she would help however she could.

“Once you’ve lived this life and lived in those shoes, it makes you want to give back,” Kathy says. “It’s very difficult.

You go through a mixture of emotions.

You’re angry and confused and bitter and depressed, but you have to put that on a shelf for now. You’re put into a situation where you’re forced to step up.”

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One important resource GRG offers is a 24-hour hotline. Sometimes they need specific help, and sometimes they just need to vent, Kathy says. From there, they can be directed to different workshops, support groups, and local resources.

Todd Gaudin, founder of On Point Legal, LLC, in Baton Rouge, got involved with GRG after he saw a volunteer invitation through the Baton Rouge Bar Association.

He gives his time at GRG’s quarterly legal workshops and annual conference.

Todd’s role is to demystify legal terms, making the process clearer to people who have never had legal experience. He often discusses adoption, child custody, social security benefits, and estate succession, among others.

“They’re older and have spent substantial time on this Earth and now find it their moral duty to care for and protect their grandchildren, a job that exhausts even 20-something parents,” Todd says. “This ‘job’ exists because the children’s parents are not willing or able to be parents. They deserve extra help!”

We live in a world of information, and many grandparents are overwhelmed by it, Todd says. Grandparents need clear advice, and they want to hear it from an actual human being.

Being in this situation can be stressful, but GRG provides a place to discuss challenges. GRG allows caregivers to step back and take a breath.

“There are so many people in the same boat, and it varies as to why they’re there, but I will tell you the one common thing, no grandparent sets out to raise their grandchildren. Our organization deals with people who say these are not the state’s children, and we are going to take care of them,” Kathy says. ■

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LIVE MOM NEXT DOOR

Meghan Parrish

By Amanda Miller

OCCUPATION ▪ VP of Marketing & Communications at Baton Rouge General HUSBAND ▪ Tommy CHILDREN ▪ Elise, 10, and Ian, 7 HOBBIES ▪ running and traveling Meghan thrives on working in a creative and challenging environment each day. As the VP of Marketing and Communications at Baton Rouge General, Meghan gets to push herself through naming new programs and buildings and creating new experiences for our community.

As a mother of two, she gets to share her love for her job with her little ones, especially during the holidays when they get a sneak peek at the light displays. But while her schedule is full, Meghan makes her family her top priority by always making time for their love for traveling, bike riding, and

Photo Credit: K l e in p ete r P h oto gr a p hy

watching movies together.

Tell me about your children.

M: Elise is the oldest, and she’s very sensitive, witty, kind and empathetic. Ian is very independent. He’s an animal and dinosaur lover, and he’s very likable and friendly.

What do you like to do as a family?

M: We like to travel. Ian is into fishing right now, so we go fishing, ride bikes, and go for walks in the neighborhood. On Fridays, we have a movie night. So far, the only movie we have all agreed on liking is Back to the Future.

What’s the greatest thing about being a mom?

M: Watching them build their relationship with one another as siblings.

How has parenthood changed you?

M: It turned me into a morning person. I remember telling my mom that I would never get up before 10 a.m., but now I get up at 5:30 a.m. every day and I don’t hate it.

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What do you love most about your job?

M: It’s never boring. I can go from setting up a pumpkin patch to a board meeting to helping a doctor prepare for an interview. Also, hearing the stories. You meet so many people who are going through life-changing events, so hearing those stories is great.

How has it changed your time with your kids?

M: It’s all we know. There are pros and cons.

We may always be rushing and I may miss open houses, but at the same time, they get to see that their mom is doing something she loves.

What have you learned about parenting from your job?

M: Just like you can’t manage two employees the same way, you can’t parent two children the same way. Each child is different.

How do you find the balance between work and family time?

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M: Well, my house is really messy, but being prepared helps. If I have my lunch packed and clothes picked out for the kids, it’s one less thing to worry about. Also, embracing the crazy.

What do you use to keep yourself organized?

M: I’m a list maker, I’ll make lists on my phone or in my notebook. We also have a family calendar.

What kind of mom are you?

M: Supportive, a worrier, and straightforward. I encourage them to communicate with me.

What personality traits of yours do you share with them?

M: They’re also worriers. Both of them couldn’t sleep because they were worried about their first day of school. I’m just like that.

What advice do you often give your children?

M: To not give energy to someone who doesn’t make you feel good.

What would you say is the best parenting advice you have ever received?

M: One of my old bosses told me to teach my children how to make their own breakfast. It has made mornings so much easier!

What do you do to take care of yourself?

M: I get up, workout, get a good night’s sleep, eat healthy, and on Saturday mornings if we don’t have anything to do, I let us be lazy. I’ll lay in bed and have coffee and play on my phone.

What was your first job?

M: It was at a video store, which doesn’t exist anymore. It taught me customer service, and I met my husband there! We’ve been married for 16 years.

How long have you been a vegetarian?

M: Two years. I had really high cholesterol and by becoming a vegetarian, it’s better. We make some vegetarian meals at home, and I can’t get Ian to eat a taco, but he’ll eat split pea soup!

Which family member has been your greatest role model in life?

M: My mom. She’s the perfect mom. She’s always there to talk, and she has always been there. She’ll even volunteer to watch the kids!

Do you have any advice for other parents?

M: Schedule one-on-one time with each of your children. It gives you a chance to know them on a different level, and they may tell you things that they might not feel comfortable saying in front of their other family members. ■

Q&A The parenting item I couldn’t live without…

THE INTERNET. In my fridge, you will always find…

ALMOND MILK. Favorite movie growing up…DIRTY DANCING. Music I’m loving…THE SOUNDTRACK FOR BIG LITTLE LIES. I feel my best when I…CAN GET A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP. My favorite television show is...THE HANDMAID’S TALE. My favorite ice cream is...MINT CHOCOLATE CHIP. SEPTEMBER 2019 | BRPA RENTS .COM

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LIVE EXCEPTIONAL LIVES

Photo Credit: Melody Tauzin

wasn’t able to make it home for a wedding.

“A lot of people in Pearl Harbor were getting marriages by telephone,” Hawkins remembers. “We’d never heard of it.” She checked with the head of the LSU Law School to be sure it would be legal in Louisiana.

It was, and the Hawkinses’ wedding-by-phone was the first in the state.

After the war, Murray taught at LSU, and the Hawkinses raised their family. “Marry a good man or good woman as the case may be,” Hawkins advises.

“That’s what I had. I had a great man.” They were married for 70 years.

Hawkins was a teacher, including one year teaching in Honduras at a banana plantation before her marriage. “I brought an orchid collection and a monkey home with me,” she says. So it wasn’t a huge ask when later, one of her daughters asked for a monkey for her birthday. “You could buy them at the pet store back then!”

The Hawkins family had other adventures as well, including regular summers in Colorado Springs where Murray taught a geology camp. “All of that added to the pleasure of our life,” she says. “We did all kinds of neat things.”

All four Hawkins children, two boys and two girls, graduated from LSU. Hawkins has three living grandchildren and one great-grandson, Ender.

Hawkins published a memoir, It’s Been Wondrous, in 2017, and the written word is important to her. She and Murray wrote letters during the war, and she says re-reading his makes her feel young again. “We’re losing letters, and I want to urge people not to quit writing,” she says.

“You can read them over and over, and they can mean so much not just to you but also to other generations.” ■

A GOLD MEDAL LIFE: FULL AND WONDROUS

By Mari Walker

JULIA HAWKINS HAS BEEN A MOTHER FOR 73 YEARS, GIVING BIRTH FOR THE FIRST TIME ON HER 30TH BIRTHDAY, AND NOW SHE IS 103.

Such a long, healthy life is remarkable in itself, but Hawkins is also a decorated athlete who competes in the National Senior Olympics. She is believed to be the oldest woman to formally compete on an American track. Known as “Hurricane” Hawkins, she set a world record for her age category, running the 100-meter dash race in 39.62 seconds in 2017.

“I did biking all my life, and I did it in the National Senior Olympics before I did running,” Hawkins says. When biking became too difficult for her, at 100, Julia 34

decided she would give running a try.

“I found out I liked it and can still do it.

That’s astonishing to me as well as to everybody else.”

Hawkins credits regular biking to keeping her legs, back and hips in good shape for running. “I’ve always ridden my bike almost every day of my life for exercise as well as just to get out and smell the flowers on the way,” she says.

“I’m a big garden person.”

Her garden is planted outside the Baton Rouge house that she and her late husband, Murray, built themselves and where she still lives. The couple met as students on her first day at LSU. “It was eight years later before we got married,” she says.

Murray had been working at Pearl Harbor and was there when it was attacked on December 7, 1941. Murray then accepted a naval commission and

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LIVE FAITH

What Makes a Good Faith Family?

By Lewis Richerson, Ph.D., Lead Pastor of Woodlawn Baptist Church

T

his was not a normal announcement. My wife walked into my office on a night in November 2018 and exclaimed, “I have some news! We are going to have a baby…in December!” I had been through several birth announcements before, however, this announcement made me look back down at my desk and continue my work. I knew there was no way my wife was going to go from having no signs she was pregnant to delivering a baby in less than two months. Well, little did I recognize, my wife was not joking and we were going to have a baby in December, just not in the way we had experienced in the past.

My wife had just received a phone call from a friend about a young lady who was due to deliver in December. This young mother was seeking adoption. My wife had come to my office to ask, “What do you think about this?” For both of us, it was an immediate, “Yes!” Why? The answer to this question strikes at the heart of the foundation of “What makes a good faith family?” Jesus, the founder of the Christian faith, said it best, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.” This was to be the evidence that showed others that one was a follower of Christ.

Writing 20 years after Jesus, the Apostle Paul wrote 1 Corinthians 13, not as a statement to be read at a wedding, but as a statement that should summarize every faith community. Love compels us to act in ways that are contrary to our nature and desires.

Jesus serves as the greatest example of this radical idea of love: “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.”

Find a faith community that is identified by love and there you will find a community of people who radically gives, cares, serves, sacrifices, and is committed to one another. After all, this is what Jesus has done for us! There are other important marks: expositional preaching, evangelism, discipleship, regenerate church membership, etc. However, none of these other marks matter if we do not have love. ■

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ANNOUNCING THE 2019-20

S

Our judges have done it again! With the help of Megan H. Kelly, Namisha Patel-Vasanji and Kathy Fletcher Victorian, Baton Rouge Parents Magazine is happy to introduce you to the 2019-20 Cover Kids.

2-3 YEARS

Breighton H.

Britton H-J.

Bryson H-J.

Sabastian H-J.

Catherine C.

Evelyn D.

Harmony W.

Carolyn McG.

Darby McG.

Ethan C.

Evangeline P.

Hendrix R.

Holden B.

Kinsley C.

Preslynn M.

Jeremiah F.

John L.

Rhys J.

12-17 YEARS

Kylie B. 40

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Layla A.

Madelyn B.

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Megan S.

Ryder P-W.

Brayson L.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!

Braces & Invisalign for Children & Teens

g for Generations Carin

Braces & Invisalign for Children & Teens

4-5 YEARS

McKenzie M.

Cason C.

6-8 YEARS

Rosie McK.

Samuel H.

Courtnee E.

9-11 YEARS

Sophia T.

Thomas-Kade K.

Annabella P.

Bryce C.

Isla McG.

Condoleezza S.

Leilani J.

Nalon S.

Samuel H.

Sydni W.

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MEET THE JUDGES

Megan H. Kelly

Megan Howard Kelly, a Baton Rouge native, is a proud wife and mom of two sweet little girls.

Megan is most passionate about helping mompreneurs pursue their passions.

She has a deep love for all things creative, with a special passion for videography and design.

She is also the founder and owner of The Mompreneur Nation. The Mompreneur Nation is a national networking and resource community for moms who are also business owners. The group was created in October 2018 as Baton Rouge Mompreneurs, and has since expanded.

Megan holds a bachelor's degree in mass communication from Southern University A&M. She began her career in the news broadcast field as a TV producer/ reporter for Raycom Media at WAFB-TV in Baton Rouge for several years, learning the market and developing lasting relationships. Megan is a graduate of Leadership Baton Rouge 2017-18, which she considers the best class.

Megan's entrepreneurial journey began with a wedding videography company she and her husband, Trey, owned.

Additionally, she has spent 16 years as the creative director of Encounter Church, overseeing website development, graphic design, branding, video production, social media and marketing.

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Namisha Patel-Vasanji

Namisha is licensed to practice law in California and Louisiana. Namisha is a member of the American Bar Association, California State Bar Association, the Louisiana Bar Association and the Baton Rouge Bar Association.

Her practice includes personal injury, entertainment law, family law, intellectual property, corporate law, business law, transactional law, and general and complex civil litigation. Namisha has been at The Maughan Law Firm since the beginning of her career. As an attorney at the firm, Namisha not only practices law, but is also the firm’s operating manager.

Namisha’s cultural background and passion for community involvement has led her to a number of volunteer opportunities and community leadership roles.

Namisha serves as the President of the Junior League of Baton Rouge. She also serves as a board of trustee member at St. Luke’s Episcopal School. Namisha was elected as the Board’s Secretary, and is a member of its Executive Committee and Development Committee. Namisha is also a board member for the BREC Foundation, and has been the chair of the Membership/Charting A New Course committee for two years.

Namisha has also served on the board of directors for the Hindu Samaj of Baton Rouge, Inc.

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Kathy Fletcher Victorian

Kathy has over 20 years of Public Relations/Marketing experience and has worked in the private and public sector before becoming an entrepreneur.

Prior to her current position as Medicaid Territory Marketing Manager at Healthy Blue Louisiana, Kathy served as Program Director with City Hall Fellows Baton Rouge, the first and only Executive Director of the Baton Rouge Black Chamber of Commerce.

Kathy is a recipient of the MLK Humanitarian Award, the Louise McFarland Award for Excellence in Public Health Communication, and the Mid-South’s Louisiana Do-Gooder of the Year Honoree. She was recognized by the American Cancer Society as one of Baton Rouge’s Best Dressed, was a Dancing for the Big Buddy Star Dancer, a Susan G. Komen BigWig, and one of Baton Rouge Business Report’s Influential Women in Business.

Kathy is LASM's 34th Annual Gala Chair, and Chair-elect for its board of directors.

Kathy is a board member of: Habitat for Humanity, The Safety Place, Urban League of Louisiana, and YWCA Greater Baton Rouge. She is also an on-air personality with Cumulus Media, and a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and Gloryland Baptist Church.

She is married to the love of her life, Michael W. Victorian.

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FROM THE BRINK OF SUICIDE WHY SOCIETY SHOULD TALK ABOUT MENTAL ILLNESS

When I was a teenager, I was hanging out in my room one night when my mom came home really late. She quietly knocked and entered my bedroom. Her face was tear-stained and her voice cracked as she told me where she’d been. She had been attending the funeral services for a friend’s son who had committed suicide. She begged me to never consider such a thing. I promised that I would never kill myself, but that doesn’t mean that as a teen, and even into my twenties, that I didn’t think about it.

In fact, lots of people think about it.

Suicide is the second leading cause of death for individuals ages 10-24.

By Jannean Dixon, M.Ed.

TALKING ABOUT SUICIDE AND MENTAL ILLNESS According to Danita LeBlanc, the Louisiana Office of Behavioral Health Suicide Prevention Coordinator, we should absolutely be talking about mental illness and suicide. “Talking about mental illness is important because it affects a lot of people. Suicide and suicidal thoughts affect people across the lifespan. Talking about it reduces the stigma associated with suicide. There is help available.”

LeBlanc later adds that children as young as age eight think about suicide.

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There is a spectrum of thoughts regarding suicide from “I wish I could sleep forever” type of thinking, which LeBlanc says is normal, all the way to planning the actual steps of committing the act. Penny, a local teacher, recalls, “I was 12 years old the first time it occurred to me that I could escape the daily torment from peers and my parents if I was not here at all. Once you realize you have an option, the only thing standing between you and it is the motivation that finally compels you to act. I did not actually attempt to end my life until I was

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22 years old.” LeBlanc wants parents to know that it is ok to ask your child if they have ever had thoughts of suicide.

Mental health counselor Tara Dixon shares, “Be open to speaking with your child. Too often there is negative shamefulness associated with suicide and talking about suicide. This can prevent your children from asking for the help that they may desperately need.”

MYTHS VS. REALITY “There is a myth,” LeBlanc shares, “that talking about suicide will put the idea

into someone’s head and make them do it.

There is absolutely no research to support that myth.” However, sensationalizing suicide in the media has often been linked to the risk of additional suicides, according to ReportingOnSuicide. org’s document Recommendations for Reporting on Suicide.

Another popular myth is that friends and family have plenty of time to intervene before it happens. LeBlanc shares a shocking figure. Forty percent of the time, when a person has made the decision to act upon their suicidal thoughts, they act within 10 minutes.

Additionally, Dixon reports, “Many parents do not think that their family could be affected by suicide, but the numbers speak for themselves.”

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2017, “7.4 percent of youth in grades 9-12 reported that they had made at least one suicide attempt in the past 12 months.

Female students attempted almost twice as often as male students.”

Former police officer, Billy, who has been on the brink of suicide, shares his thoughts on the myth of suicide, “There is an internal belief that no one is going to understand how you feel, and that no one will care.”

WARNING SIGNS Children who are bullied are at greater risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

Listen to what your children are saying to you and their friends.

Red flag conversations can include the person claiming to have nothing to live for, wishing they were dead, feeling trapped, or feeling they are a burden to other people.

Look for warning signs in your child’s behavior. A lack of interest in social activities or activities that used to be fun and exciting is one warning sign that the person may be in distress. Sleeping too much or too little, giving away possessions, telling people goodbye, and increased alcohol and or drug use can be indicative of a deeper problem.

Parents of children who have Internet access should occasionally check the search history for searches that would

indicate an interest in suicidal actions.

Keepng up with their social media use can also be helpful.

PRACTICAL TIPS Both LeBlanc and Dixon were adamant about prevention strategies. Firearms and ammunition should be stored separately and locked in a place that is inaccessible to others. Youths who use firearms to kill themselves most often use family-owned firearms. Medications should be stored in a locked cabinet.

Do not underestimate their pain or crisis level. You may not understand the immediacy or depth of their thinking.

Ask people directly if they are thinking about it to give them permission to talk about it. If the threat of suicide is eminent, take the person to the emergency room. Never leave a person who is displaying warning signs of suicide alone. Follow up. Once the person has received treatment, this does not mean that the thoughts cannot return.

Suicidal thoughts are not one and done.

“It is important that we don’t sugarcoat the threat of suicide,” Billy adds. “When we talk about these things, we need to be as honest as possible so that other people become informed and won’t miss possible signs of suicidal thoughts in themselves or others. We need to encourage communication about suicide and depression. People want to hold those emotions in, but you can only hold that stuff in for so long before it is going to take over.”

Penny shares, “Your biggest challenge is going to be to remain calm. I am telling you this right now: Your child's life depends on you remaining calm.

Find another adult for support, but right now, you have to find a way to make them understand they aren't 'freaks' for having these feelings. It's not an attitude, willpower, or influence at fault. Your child has an illness. No parent wants to lose a child to an illness any more than any child wants to die of one.”

There is hope. Thoughts may come again, but overriding them is possible.

Billy shares, “Hope and recovery are the light at the end of the tunnel, but this time, that light is not the train coming.” ■

FINDING RESOURCES In the midst of a crisis, it can be hard to know where to turn for help. Danita LeBlanc, the Louisiana Office of Behavioral Health Suicide Prevention Coordinator, shares the following resources and guiding practices. LeBlanc also warns about using a search engine to seek help.

She explains that a standard Internet search can yield as many how-to tutorials as interventions and prevention strategies.

■ For a wealth of credible information about suicide prevention, visit suicidepreventionlifeline.org. You can read stories of loss, survival, learn how to raise awareness for suicide prevention, and call the lifeline at (800) 273-8255.

■ On betheoneto.com, visitors can learn five steps for helping a person who is in crisis as well as how to spread the message that help is available. The site’s hashtag #betheoneto is gaining popularity across social media outlets.

■ If the person you are concerned about is more comfortable with texting, the crisis text line is available 24/7 to provide support. Text 741741 for immediate and free suicide prevention support.

GETTING INVOLVED

The Baton Rouge chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) will host their annual “Out of the Darkness” Community Walk on Saturday, October 19.

AFSP has set a goal to reduce the annual suicide rate by 20 percent by 2025.

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FOR THE LOVE OF

THE

ARTS Cover Kid 2018-19 Ayden J. Photo Credit: Kleinpeter Photography

By Virginia Brown

W

hen Jenny Ballard was 11 years old, her parents took her to see a play. It was Shakespeare’s As You Like It–an experience that she’s never forgotten.

“I remember the way it transformed the way I thought about the world,” she says.

“From the lights going down to the set pieces changing–I felt like I could do anything, full of hope, like there was magic in the world.”

Today, Ballard, 41, lives that passion in her role as Managing Artistic Director of Theatre Baton Rouge. Since 1947, the theater has produced and staged over 400 performances, from musicals and comedies to the classics. “I wanted to be involved in that for the rest of my life,” she says. “I wanted to create worlds like 46

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that so others could have that feeling.”

In today’s environment of judgement and bullying, other worlds may prove increasingly important for today’s kids.

Theatre specifically, says Ballard, teaches tangible life skills, from confidence, empathy, and teamwork to decision-making and public speaking.

“You learn the ability to walk in another person’s shoes, and learn about cultures and lifestyles that you might not otherwise be exposed to,” she says. “I think that’s more important than ever.”

For Baton Rouge’s youngest, there are many ways to get involved, namely through the Young Actors Program.

Young actors perform a free production for children; they also take the performance to area schools.

Hope Carline’s children have been involved in the Young Actors Program

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for over two years. With a background in musical theatre and dance herself, Carline now makes costumes and supports her 13-year-old daughter, Sammie’s, theatre interests. Carline’s son, Zachary, 15, who has always loved to sing and dance, also participates. “They have both made lasting relationships,” she says. “And they always feel safe and welcome to be whoever they want to be when they walk through those doors.”

The theatre offers year-round classes and camps for ages five and up. Classes center on the basics of performance–acting, voice instruction, and improvisation. October brings open auditions for A Christmas Carol, and the theatre ends its season with Roald Dahl’s Matilda. “This show is a great example of the power of imagination,” says Ballard.

“Exposing your kids to theatre grows that imagination in them, so they can tap into the world inside their heads.”

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But even more than the creative opportunities, Ballard says, theater can be life-changing. “All of these kids say that the theater is the first place where they feel they can be themselves and were accepted,” she says. “That’s more important than ever.”

Learning to share the spotlight Growing up next door to a dance studio, Molly Buchmann says ballet was a natural choice. But a visit to hear the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra was what sealed her interest in the arts. “I was so taken by the live orchestra–that’s what really opened my eyes into wanting to know more,” she says.

Today, Buchmann is the artistic director of Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre.

Retired from the LSU department of theater, she has choreographed over 50 musicals for professional and community theaters, and works hard to offer other young people the experiences she had.

Whether in youth ballet, summer intensives, or the annual Nutcracker production, there are many ways kids can get involved.

For children looking to dip their toes in, Buchmann suggests The Nutcracker: A Tale from the Bayou, a vibrant show that puts a Louisiana cultural spin on the popular holiday juggernaut. Children as young as eight can audition for roles as lambs, cherubs, and mice, for a performance that brings in 8,000 people per season. This year’s auditions will be held on Sunday, September 29 at The Dancer’s Workshop.

“What they learn is invaluable,” Buchmann says. “Other than becoming physically fit at a very athletic level, [ballet] teaches time management and responsibility–being a part of a team and understanding when you should have center stage, and when you shouldn’t.”

With a 40-piece live orchestra, visual arts, choreography, acting, vibrant sets– The Nutcracker is a wonderful window into the arts. “It’s a great first chance for kids to say, ‘Wow. This is beautiful and the arts can be fun’,” Buchmann says.

The power of make-believe Louisiana has long been known for its 48

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influence on opera in the U.S., with nearby New Orleans boasting America’s first staged opera over 200 years ago.

“Opera is meant to be for the people,” says Opéra Louisiane General Director Leanne Clement. “It was created as a way to take advantage of the power of the human voice–we all have it in common.”

“

From the lights going down to the set pieces changing–I felt like I could do anything, full of hope, like there was magic in the world.”

Clement grew up in rural Virginia, with little access to the arts. One day, an opera program visited her middle school.

“There were four singers on stage and they would take off their hats and become a different character, singing an aria from that opera,” she says. “I remember that so vividly–before that, I didn’t have exposure to opera.”

Today, she pays it forward, overseeing similar outreach programs with Opéra Louisiane. One of the best ways to try the opera, says Clement, is through the Young People’s Opera Program, which this November presents Rossini’s adaptation of the classic fairy tale Cinderella. The performance includes colorful costumes, a live orchestra, and is translated to English.

“This is a great opportunity to expand your kids’ minds, teach them about the power of make believe, and expose them to a beautiful musical experience,” says Clement. Children 10 and under are admitted free and all are encouraged to dress comfortably–even in costume. A decorated carriage adds to the enchanting experience. “It’s make-believe,” she says.

“It’s the ultimate dressing-up game.”

All about support Rebecca Bellelo wasn’t raised in a musical family. She got her start in piano

SEPTEMBER 2019

when she was eight years old. “It just clicked,” she says, “so I kept going.” She went on to study music at Delta State in Mississippi, eventually pursuing a master’s, then a doctorate in music education and piano pedagogy from Louisiana State University. “I knew I always wanted music to be in my life,” she says.

Today, at 35, she leads a team of five music teachers, educating over 100 students and adults at Piano Pathways, a studio she started in 2011. Piano students not only learn how to read music, they learn the trust and responsibility that comes with playing duets or in ensembles. They learn to improvise, and open their minds to all genres of music.

Most people think about piano lessons in the traditional format, with a teacher and a student in an hour-long lesson weekly, but Bellelo also teaches popular group lessons during summer. “Kids get motivated by each other and learn from other kids, their peers,” says Bellelo.

“They can offer something other than how I would teach.”

Whether they're playing the piano or picking up the guitar, studies show that children who study music out-perform their non-music peers in math skills. But what’s more? Patience, says Bellelo. “The instant gratification thing is not there with music,” she says. “Music is a longterm endeavor so it may take years before your kids can play and read music, but there is a dedication, concentration, and focus that can carry over into a kid’s life.”

Debora Schulze sees it in her son, Adam, who, at 13, is entering his seventh year of piano lessons. “Music education teaches and trains students in the process of preparing for a performance… disciplines of practice, memorization, and the poise to perform in front of an audience,” she says. “That process develops confidence and skills they can apply to other areas of learning and even their future career.”

The key to a successful go at lessons?

“Make it a priority. Ask about your kids’ lessons, ask the names of the songs they’re playing, and maybe hold a minirecital at home,” Bellelo says. “It’s all about support.” ■

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Raising an Expressive Child

By Sarah Lyons Does your child throw temper tantrums when things don’t go his way? Does he hit siblings when he is mad? Does he throw toys across the room when he is frustrated?

Kids often don’t understand how to appropriately express strong feelings like anger, frustration, or disappointment, causing them to act out.

This is totally normal, and the good news is, parents can help kids understand their emotions, express themselves in a healthy way, and even learn to cope with their feelings.

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TEACH FEELING WORDS The biggest obstacle toddlers have when they are trying to express their feelings is the simple fact that they do not have the words to explain what is going on. When your child has worked hard to build a tower of blocks only to have it topple down over and over again, they begin to feel frustrated. Simply stating, “You are frustrated with your blocks aren’t you?

Can I help?” acknowledges your child’s feelings and gives words to identify their feelings in the future.

SEPTEMBER 2019

If a sibling took his toy away and he begins to cry, acknowledge that he is sad and come up with a solution together to work it out. In the future, give your child the opportunity to express how he is feeling and listen. This will help him show his feelings through words rather than actions (like hitting or throwing a tantrum).

For an older child, ask him what he is feeling and listen to the answer without criticism. If he is having trouble coming up with words to express himself, give

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There are many ways to help kids who stutter...

Doing nothing is not one of them!

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STUTTERING FOUNDATION

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800-992-9392 StutteringHelp.org tartamudez.org

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him a couple that you feel may fit the situation. Ask if he feels there is a better way he could handle the situation, and talk it out together.

TALK ABOUT FEELINGS OFTEN It is important to not only give your child the words to express his own feelings but to also notice and label the feelings of others. When you arrive home to a dog who greets you at the door with a wagging tail, explain that the dog is excited to see you. If he notices someone crying, talk about how they are sad and why. If your child acts out toward someone else, try to explain the feelings involved. “You were mad at your sister, and so you told her you didn’t like her anymore; that hurt her feelings and now she feels sad.” Help your child to notice the cues and body language of others, and guess their emotions. You can also play a game where you make faces at each other. First, make a happy face, then a mad face, then a sad face. As you read books, try to guess the feelings of the characters. Parents can also find many books and videos about feelings at their local library.

MODEL APPROPRIATE EXPRESSION It’s okay for kids to know that parents have feelings of sadness, excitement, frustration, and anger, just like they do.

During these emotional moments, we can model a positive way of dealing with our feelings for our kids. When parents gets mad, they have the opportunity to yell or get physical, or they can calmly say they need to take a walk and excuse themselves until they can cool down.

When we are frustrated with a task, let your kids know what you are feeling, and that you have decided to take a break or ask for help. Feelings of sadness are normal, and we can show kids it’s okay to feel down once in awhile. Spending time with people we care about, exercising, or doing something we enjoy is a great way to lift a mood.

TEACH APPROPRIATE WAYS TO DEAL WITH EMOTIONS Once kids can express how they feel

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with words, we can help them come up with appropriate ways to express their feelings. For some kids, this may be simply talking about it. For others, they may need extra snuggles or hugs. For another child, having time to be alone to sort out his thoughts and feelings or cool down gives him the time he needs to process his emotions, so he can discuss his feelings.

When my daughter gets mad, she finds it helpful to go to her room, shut the door, and turn up the music. I often hear her singing as she looks at books, plays, or even cleans. When she joins us again, she is calmer, happier, and able to talk and interact with others calmly.

My son prefers to take a walk when he is upset. The exercise and fresh air helps him settle down. Depending on the child, the current emotion, and the situation, the coping skills may look very different.

As kids begin to learn to express their feelings using words and appropriate coping skills, it is important to give them positive feedback. This will help encourage them to continue to express themselves as they mature. ■

Books About Feelings for Kids

The Angry Dragon by Michael Gordon The Way I Feel by Janan Cain In My Heart: A Book of Feelings by Jo Witek and Christine Roussey I Hate Everything: A Book About Feeling Angry by Sue Graves Stand in My Shoes: Kids Learning About Empathy by Bob Sornson How Full is Your Bucket by Tom Rath and Mary Reckmeyer Today I Feel Silly: And Other Moods That Make My Day by Jamie Lee Curtis and Laura Cornell Everybody Feels Sad! by Moira Butterfield and Holly Sterling Everybody Feels Scared! by Moira Butterfield and Holly Sterling The Anger Volcano by Amanda Greenslade

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PLAY A DAY IN THE LIFE OF DAD STAY CONNECTED If you would like to read more of Brandon’s adventures from A Day in the Life of Dad, visit us online at brparents.com.

GEAR UP Enjoy your sound in motion with Tivoli’s Andiamo. This durable and portable speaker features aluminum housing, protecting the speaker’s internal components from the elements. It even has a leather handle, making it easier than ever to transport your tunes around the house. ■ tivoliaudio.com

‘‘

FROM THE MOUTHS OF DADS

She's Still a Little Girl

By Brandon Foreman

S

he walks around holding a phone in the air talking to it, helps teach a dance class, dances three additional days a week then dances at football games, works company events, goes to parties every now and then, goes to the mall and works with the boys, and who knows what else.

Sound familiar to anyone else? A buddy of mine thought so. He said, “My wife is probably just as busy.” But the funny thing is, I’m not talking about my wife. I’m talking about my little girl who is not even a teenager yet.

I talked with her the other night and was teasing her about how she forgets stuff, and I always have to remind her to get her stuff or pick something up that she left behind. It was a funny conversation, but then all of a sudden, things got a little serious when she started to tear up a little bit and talk about how she is worried that she's always going to be forgetting something because she always has so many things that she needs to be doing. Between our family, her dance, and school and friends, a lot of people are asking for her time already.

Looking back on it now, I think maybe what I need to do is remember that she is still my little girl and not another parent in this family. She is my oldest and I rely on her a lot, and I appreciate everything that she does, but parents, I think we need to keep reminding ourselves that they will only be little for a short while, and we need to do more little girl stuff with them, and stop pushing them to grow up so fast.

Try this, Dad. Would you really ask my 11 year old to do that for you? If not, why ask your 11 year old? ■

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Good parenting means investing in your child’s future, which is why I am saving to buy mine a hoverboard someday.”

—Lin Manuel Miranda

PIC OF THE MONTH

Tony B. and his sons, Fischer & Ben, know all about dressing in style.

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PLAY GET OUT OF TOWN

AUSTIN

Texas

THINGS TO DO

By Julie Engelhardt

BEFORE YOU GO

Coordinates | 30.26759° N, -97.74299° E Baton Rouge to Austin | 432 miles Driving Time | 8 hours, 16 minutes Why Austin? | Saddle up for a Texas-sized adventure. The capital city welcomes everyone from cowpokes to city folks. You and your posse can round up a full day of fun visiting one-of-a-kind restaurants, museums, parks and waterways. Austin has been dubbed “The Live Music Capital of the World,” and the city’s unofficial motto is “Keep Austin Weird,” a call to embrace all things local, original and uniquely Austin.

WHERE TO STAY

Situated in the heart of downtown, The Driskill is the perfect place to relax after a day of sightseeing. Built in 1886, The Driskill has been updated over the years, adding conveniences such as satellite television, iPod docking stations and mini-bars. The hotel is also dog-friendly, offering Fido his own pet bed and treats.

WHERE TO EAT

Terry Black’s Barbecue Dine like the locals and enjoy grilled and smoked meats at Terry Black’s Barbecue. Mouthwatering brisket and beef ribs are favorites. Their sides– mac and cheese and green beans–pair well with their mouthwatering meats.

For dessert, try the pecan tarts, banana pudding or the peach cobbler.

Kerbey Lane Café Comfort food is definitely on the menu at Kerbey Lane Café. This cute spot opened in a small house in 1980, and now 39 years later, they have eight great locations around town. Yummy delicacies such as chicken and pancakes or Migas–scrambled eggs, pico de gallo, tortilla chips, and cheddar-jack cheese–are sure to please your palate.

Home Slice Pizza Whether you prefer cheese, pepperoni and olives, or the works, Home Slice Pizza serves New York-style goodness with any type of topping you desire.

Meats include pepperoni, sausage and meatballs, plus there are veggies like eggplant, artichoke hearts, and house-roasted red peppers. Subs, salads, calzones and desserts like cannolis round out the menu.

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Visit with more than 300 animals at the Austin Zoo. The zoo first began as a small facility known as the Good Day Ranch with its very own collection of animals that were rescued from unfortunate circumstances. The zoo still features some rescue animals like African lions, a binturong (aka, bearcats), umbrella cockatoos, tortoises and North American black bears. You and your animal lovers can also take part in interactive programs and camps throughout the year.

Challenge your brain at the Thinkery which offers 40,000 square feet of play-based, hands-on indoor and outdoor fun. Their newest exhibition, Earth, Wind, Inspire, gives visitors a chance to explore the powerful forces that shape our planet through 13 visual representations and hands-on experiences. Guests can splash and play in currents as they explore fluid dynamics and the connections between water and sound.

Take a step back in time and explore Bullock Texas State History Museum.

Appealing to all ages, the exhibits offer interactive displays and immersive environments for families to enjoy. Special features include a full-size recreated Alamo façade and an original Goddess of Liberty Statue, and a WWII AT-6A “Texan” aircraft suspended from the atrium.

See the sights from the water via Lone Star Kayak Tours. Suitable for ages six and up, the company offers a skyline tour of Austin, a full moon paddle, and a San Marcos River adventure tour. You can also take the Congress Avenue Bat Bridge Tour to see the largest urban bat colony made up of 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats.

Austin can get a little toasty at times, so take a plunge in the city’s crown jewel, Barton Springs Pool, located in the 358-acre Zilker Park. The massive pool measures three acres in size and is fed from underground springs, maintaining an average temperature of 68-70 degrees throughout the year. It’s the ideal place to take an afternoon dip.

If you’re hankering to get out of town for a day or two, then head to Bandera, Texas, to the Dixie Dude Ranch. This 75-year-old real working ranch offers planned activities, including horseback riding and swimming, or create your own fun hunting for fossils and arrowheads. Take note that the ranch is 118 miles from Austin, so make sure your horse has plenty of water for the long haul.

To take in the incredible music that Austin has to offer, they host several music festivals throughout the year. In September, you can check out the Pecan Street Festival and Waterloo Music Festival. ■

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PLAY THINGS WE L

VE

Stay hydrated and be able to tuck your water bottle away when it’s empty with the HYDAWAY Collapsible Water Bottle. The watertight, dishwasher safe bottle can fit almost anywhere and comes in vibrant colors.

■ hydawaybottle.com

Hide your wall outlets when they’re not in use with the Adorne Pop-Out Outlets. All you have to do is push on the outlet and it disappears into the wall. It even includes capacity for up to three plugs. ■ legrand.us

The Bellabeat Leaf health tracker is the fitness tracker that she’ll actually want to wear. This fitness accessory can be worn as a necklace or bracelet without looking bulky or obtrusive, and it syncs with both iOS and Android to collect activity metrics via the companion app.

■ bellabeat.com

As you begin to accumulate car gadgets, you’ll also need more space to charge many of these devices.

Thankfully, Scosche’s charger allows you to charge two devices at once. While there are USB hubs with more ports, this unit is one of the best given its low profile and budgetfriendly price tag. There are plenty of excellent chargers if you’re willing to spend a little bit more, too.

■ scosche.com

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Enjoy comfort built for two with this easy-folding Ozark Trail Tailgating Couch. The adjustable backrest easily sets to multiple positions. With a durable waterproof bottom, you can set it up in the bleachers or the tailgate of your truck. ■ amazon.com

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PLAY MOMS ONLY TAILGATING FASHION TIPS 1. While there’s nothing wrong with dressing up, loose-fitting knits or jersey tee-type materials are the go to. Louisiana is hot as is, so with materials like that, you’re less likely to ruin your overall look with visible sweat stains. Items that breathe well and aren’t made up of odd fabrics are your best bet while tailgating, especially during the earlier games.

Moms, Tailgating, and Fashion With Jami & Katrina

Tailgating is the great American tradition. It’s a great excuse to come together with family and friends to enjoy plenty of fun, food, and football. What’s really taking off in Tiger Stadium, though, is the fashion. Moms headed to their favorite tailgate spots with their families are known for taking their purple and gold wardrobes and bringing them to another level in Baton Rouge.

This month, we visited a local boutique, Hey, Penelope, that is known for making sure families have all they need from fashion to tailgating essentials for game day. Desiree Guidry, the owner, specializes in all things football, tailgating and LSU, and when it comes to moms dressing up for the game, she encourages to strive for comfort.

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2. For the mom who enjoys attending events that feature the games in a fancier setting, items that are versatile are key. That way, they can easily be dressed up by pairing with more jewelry or cardigans/blazers. Examples include front tucking a simple graphic tee and pairing it with a cardigan and dark denim. The same top can also be worn alone with distressed cutoffs and your favorite slip on tennis shoes while tailgating. You’ll get more use out of these pieces than having to buy specifics for each event–and you’re sure to be extremely comfortable.

3. Comfortable clothing helps boost confidence, and when you’re comfortable in what you’re wearing, you’re bound to have an even better time while tailgaiting!

Hey, Penelope even offers personal, inhouse designed graphic tees and boutique items in a variety of neutrals to get you through the whole season as well. ■

FOOTBALL FASHION

GIVEAWAY Because we know any mom would be thrilled to add to her game day attire, we have teamed up with Hey, Penelope to bring Baton Rouge Parents Magazine readers a fabulous giveaway this month.

From Monday, September 16 through Friday, September 20, readers can go to Facebook and like Jami and Katrina's Facebook page: @jamiandkatrina and Hey, Penelope’s: @heypenelopedesign.

Then, tag a friend in the giveaway video for a chance to win.

The winner will receive $150 worth of her choice of football season-geared shoes, apparel, and accessories (to use before 2019 season’s end) at Hey, Penelope.

The prize must be redeemed in store at the Jefferson location only. Prize is not valid for cash or general store credit.

The prize cannot be applied toward exchanges/store credit after redemption. For more information, call (225) 924-5338.

We hope you have a fun football season.

And, as always, GEAUX TIGERS! SEPTEMBER 2019 | BRPA RENTS .COM

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KEEPING PRECIOUS CARGO SAFE

Get on board with the new Louisiana’s car safety laws

By Mari Walker

From the initial click of buckling up our newborn on that first ride home until we eventually hand that baby the keys to drive the car, we as parents only want to keep our kids safe as passengers.

The leading cause of death for Louisiana children is motor vehicle crashes, and the proper use of child safety seats and seat belts can reduce that risk. This summer, state legislators unanimously passed changes to child car seat requirements to keep children safer and ultimately reduce the number of deaths. The new law went into effect August 1.

BREAKING DOWN THE NEW LAW The regulations keep children from moving to the next level of less-protective restraint too soon. “The whole intent of the law is not to rush the transition of the child into that next level of restraint,” says Lisa Freeman, executive director of the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission. “The law requires keeping the child in the more protective category.”

Babies and toddlers must ride rearfacing until they are at least two years old, and the progression to forwardfacing internal harness seats, high-back boosters, booster seats and only using the adult seat belt is based on age, height, weight, development and seat manufacturers’ guidelines. Regardless of height or weight, passengers must ride in the back seat until they turn 13.

To see if your child is ready to switch, complete the five-step safety test: Knees bend comfortably at the edge of the seat with feet flat on the floor, bottom is all the way back, lap belt lies low on the hips at the top of the thighs, the shoulder belt crosses on the collar bone, and the child 62

can stay seated like throughout the entire car ride.

The new state law is based on best practices that were released by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) in August 2018, and Gov. John Bel Edwards signed the law in June 2019. “In less than a year, Louisiana was the first state to embrace all of the recommendations of what were best practices,” Freeman says. “We are being hailed by national child safety experts as having the best law in the country.”

The hope is to help save young lives.

“Louisiana children are our best assets.

Our rivers and streams and Cajun cuisine, all that’s great, but it’s our children who are our most prized asset,” Freeman says.

CONVINCING KID PASSENGERS Baton Rouge mom Jill Walker says her children will ride rear-facing until they’re four. “The law for me just reinforced something I’m very passionate about and was a step forward in progress for car seat safety,” she says. Walker says it gives

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her a stronger argument with her six year old who wants to switch to a booster before outgrowing his current seat.

“It’s no longer going to be that you’re the only one with a big kid in the booster,” says Amy Waters, child passenger safety technician with Baton Rouge Car Seat Safety, LLC. “You have the law behind you saying this is why I do this. Not only the booster but really the back seat law.”

Freeman notes that children’s developing bodies are much more vulnerable than adults’, and in the event of a crash, the back seat is the safest place for any passenger.

COMPLIANCE EXPECTED Freeman expects that caregivers will want to comply with the new law. “People in my profession, they would much rather go the route of deterrence,” she says. “It’s not anybody’s intention to cite caregivers for violations, just compliance.”

Waters says she hopes the new law will lead to training school staff who run carpool, not to police families or enforce

the law, but to help get the word out by only opening back doors for children under 13. Freeman says, “We have been contacted by some schools to make sure they understood the requirements so they can then share what the law is.”

CAR SEAT USE AND INSTALLATION The state highway safety commission estimates that all babies under one in the Baton Rouge region ride in car seats, but the use rate drops off as children grow.

Freeman says up to 96 percent of car seats are improperly installed.

“You can have the most high-end car seat available, but if that high-end car seat isn’t installed properly, it’s not going to do its job.” ■ CAR SEAT SAFETY RESOURCES Ready to have your car seat installation double-checked or just learn more about keeping your kids safe on the go?

• nhtsa.gov/therightseat • facebook.com/brcarseatsafety • lahighwaysafety.org • thecarseatlady.com

2019 LOUISIANA CHILD PASSENGER SAFETY LAW AGE/SIZE

RESTRAINT USE

Birth to at least two years old

Ride rear facing in an infant or convertible child safety seat

At least two years old Ride in a forwardand has outgrown the facing child safety seat rear-facing seat by with an internal harness height or weight Four years old and has outgrown the forward-facing, internal harness system by height or weight

Ride restrained in a belt positioning child booster seat

Nine years old or has outgrown the booster seat and can pass the five-step test

Ride restrained with a lap shoulder belt secured correctly on the vehicle seat

Younger than 13 years old

Ride in the rear seat of a vehicle when available and properly restrained

Source: Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, June 2019

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September

ASCENSION HOT AIR BALLOON FESTIVAL

See the balloons as they soar up, up, up in the air from September 27-29 at the Lamar Dixon Expo Center in Gonzales. Enjoy fun, family days full of hot air balloons, entertainment, music, carnival rides, the Boucherie Festival, fireworks, food, and children’s activities. Admission is $5 for ages nine and above. ■ ascensionballooning.com

1 SUNDAY

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Mellia E. 2018-19 Cover Kid 12 years old BLUE STAR MUSEUM PROGRAM. Blue Star Museums offer free admission for all active duty, National Guard and Reserve military personnel as a collaboration among the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, the Department of Defense and museums across America. arts.gov END OF SUMMER DOG POOL PAWTY. BREC’s Liberty Lagoon.

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A dog-friendly event with Session I from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Session 2 from 1-3 p.m., and Session 3 from 3:30-5:30 p.m.

Tickets are $10. This is not an event for small children under the age of five. libertylagoon.com FREE FIRST SUNDAY. Free admission to the LSU Museum of Art, LASM, the Old State Capitol, USS Kidd, Capitol Park Museum and BREC’s Magnolia Mound Plantation. visitbatonrouge.com LIVING HISTORY WEEKEND. USS Kidd from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Living history interpreters from all branches of service and eras will demonstrate their uniforms, weaponry and equipment. usskidd.com LOUISIANA SHRIMP AND PETROLEUM FESTIVAL. Morgan City through September 2. shrimpandpetroleum.org SENSORY SENSITIVE SUNDAY. Chuck E. Cheese’s at 9 a.m. Opens

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early with reduced lighting and games for children with autism and other special needs. chuckecheese.com THE LITTLE PRINCE. McKinley Middle Magnet School, at 2 p.m. Performed by Playmakers of Baton Rouge. Tickets are $15. playmakersbr.org

2 MONDAY LABOR DAY

BLUE STAR MUSEUM PROGRAM. Blue Star Museums offer free admission to participating museums for all active duty, National Guard and Reserve military personnel and their families through today as a collaboration among the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, the Department of Defense and museums across America. arts.gov BSAFE BABYSITTING COURSE. Baton Rouge

General Hospital, Bluebonnet, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. A one-day class for babysitters ages 12 and up who would like to be certified in First Aid and CPR and learn home safety, tips on starting a babysitting business, and child care basics. Cost is $65.

Pre-registration required. brgeneral.org LOUISIANA SHRIMP AND PETROLEUM FESTIVAL. Morgan City through today. Most activities have free admission. shrimpandpetroleum.org MOMMY AND ME. Baton Rouge General Hospital, Bluebonnet, from 11 a.m.-noon. A breastfeeding support group. brgeneral.org

3 TUESDAY

CPR FOR FRIENDS AND FAMILY. Baton Rouge General Hospital, Bluebonnet, from 6-8 p.m.

Learn CPR and foreign

body airway obstruction techniques for infants and children. $30 per couple. brgeneral.org HOPE CHESTS BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUP. Ochsner Hospital from 6-7 p.m. Monthly support group with speakers and light refreshments. ochsner.org SIDEWALK ASTRONOMY. Perkins Rowe Town Square at 6:30 p.m. Join the Baton Rouge Astronomical Society and get a glimpse of the sky. Free. facebook.com

4 WEDNESDAY

I CARE LIVE. Webinar series at noon by the I CARE program with various guest speakers who promote personal safety, drug prevention and selfhelp educational resources on the first Wednesday for the English version and the third Wednesday for the Spanish version. icare.ebrschools.org

TOUR FOR TWO (OR MORE). Baton Rouge General Hospital, Bluebonnet, from 6-7 p.m.

Free tour of the Birth Center. brgeneral.org

5 THURSDAY

BABY PLAY BASICS. Baton Rouge General Hospital, Bluebonnet. Families of infants, ages 0-12 months old, are invited to a class that teaches bonding and hands-on ways to engage and develop play with your infant. Class for birth to age six months is 9-9:45 a.m. and from 10:15-11 a.m. for 7-12 months.

Limited registration. Cost is $12-40. brgeneral.org BODY BASICS FOR GIRLS. Woman’s Hospital from 6:30-8 p.m. Preteen girls ages 9-12 will learn how their bodies grow, what changes to expect during puberty, and how to take care of themselves.

Cost is $15. Registration required. (225) 231-5475 CASA ORIENTATION. CASA office at 9 a.m.

Capital Area Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Association holds orientation. Registration required. casabr.org NATIONAL READ A BOOK DAY READ-ATHON. Greenwell Springs Road Library. Children ages 4-11 are encouraged to celebrate National Read a Book Day and promote literacy by participating in a read-a-thon. Pick up a time card at the Children’s Services desk.

(225) 274-4450 SUNSET PADDLE. BREC’s Milford Wampold Park from 6:30-8 p.m. for ages 12 and older. Enjoy the University Lakes for an evening paddle under the setting sun. $10-15 per boat. Registration required two days before the event. webtrac.brec.org TEEN ADVISORY BOARD. Watson Library at 5:30 p.m. Teens can suggest programs, volunteer at the branch and help choose books.

(225) 686-4180

6 FRIDAY NATIONAL READ A BOOK DAY BOOK BABIES. Watson Library at 10:30 a.m. Activity for infants through age five with stories, music and games.

(225) 664-3963 BREASTFEEDING SUPPORT GROUP. Woman’s Hospital from 9:30-11 a.m. Learn from a certified lactation nurse and other moms about their own successes and challenges with breastfeeding. Free.

(225) 231-5475 FAMILY FRIENDLY CONCERT. New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park, New Orleans, at 11 a.m. Children’s storyteller and musician, Johnette Downing, performs. Free. johnettedowning.com FRIDAY LUNCH LIVE. Baton Rouge General Hospital, Bluebonnet Cafeteria, at noon. Free performance by Warick Avenue. brgeneral.org NATIONAL READ A BOOK DAY READ-ATHON. Greenwell Springs Road Library. Children are encouraged to celebrate National Read a Book Day and promote literacy by participating in a read-athon. Pick up a time card at the Children’s Services desk. (225) 274-4450 SPOOF NIGHT: HARRY POTTER. Manship Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Improv performance by the The Family Dinner Comedy Troupe. Rated R-ish. Tickets are $11. manshiptheatre.org STORIES IN ART. LSU Museum of Art at 10:30 a.m. Free program for children from birth to preschool and their caregivers. Enjoy a book and art project designed to make families comfortable exploring in a museum setting. (225) 389-7207 SUMMER’S END NIGHT HIKE AND CAMPFIRE. BREC’s Manchac Park from 7-9 p.m. Includes a night hike, activities, games, campfire,

CALENDAR IN EVERY ISSUE marshmallow roast, and local folklore. Cost is $5, and the event is for ages eight and above. Registration required by noon the day of the event. webtrac.brec.org

7 SATURDAY

#LOVEBATONROUGESATURDAYS. Knock Knock Children’s Museum at 1 p.m. The museum, in collaboration with the Baton Rouge Mayor’s Office, will present a program with experts demonstrating how families can be healthy. Woodworker Ford Thomas helps construct an obstacle course for everyone to race through. knockknockmuseum.org A BABY IS COMING. Woman’s Hospital from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. for children ages four to eight.

Class designed to help big brother and sister learn about their new sibling’s arrival by talking about what new babies are like.

Cost is $25.

(225) 231-5475 ACT PRACTICE TEST. Donaldsonville and Gonzales Libraries at 9 a.m. Students can take a practice ACT for free. Registration required. myapl.org ASK A LAWYER. Eden Park Library from 9:3011:30 a.m. Adults can have free confidential and individual counseling offered by the Pro Bono Project of the Baton Rouge Bar Association. First-come, first-served. ebrpl.com AUDUBON AT OAKLEY PLANTATION. Audubon State Historic Site, St. Francisville, from 10 a.m.3 p.m. Celebrate the time of John James Audubon with guest speakers, a birding talk and handson activities for all ages.

(888) 677-2838 BATON ROUGE ARTS MARKET. Farmers Market downtown from 8 a.m.-noon. The event will feature special art activities for kids. artsbr.org BATON ROUGE BALLET THEATRE NUTCRACKER COMPANY AUDITIONS.

Dancer’s Workshop at 10:30 a.m. for ages 13+ with two years minimum en pointe for Company Auditions. Cost is $10. batonrougeballet.org CHILDBIRTH PREPARATION. Baton Rouge General Hospital, Bluebonnet, from 8 a.m.-noon.

Learn the basics of labor and birth, including pregnancy changes, nutrition, relaxation techniques and comfort measures. $40 per couple. brgeneral.org CLINTON MARKET DAY. Downtown Clinton in front of the Courthouse from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Monthly open market. (225) 683-5531 COMMUNITY CPR CERTIFICATION COURSE. Our Lady of the Lake Ascension Education Building, Gonzales, from 8 a.m.-noon. This course is ideal for community groups, new parents, grandparents, babysitters or anyone interested in learning how to save a life.

Cost is $50 and includes BLS certification card.

Pre-registration required.

(225) 621-2906 FALL SCARECROWS. The Arts Council of Livingston Parish, Denham Springs, from 10-11:30 a.m. Children ages 8-12 are invited to a class with drawing and painting. Cost is $10. artslivingston.org FIRE PREVENTION AND SAFETY PROGRAM. Bluebonnet Library at 10:30 a.m.

Children ages three and up can meet firemen from St. George Fire Protection District. Registration required. (225) 763-2250 FIRST SATURDAY OF THE MONTH HIKE. Port Hudson State Historic Site, Jackson. Join a park ranger on a guided hike.

(888) 677-3400 HEARTS AND HOOVES VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION AND FUN DAY. BREC’s Farr Park Equestrian Center from 9 a.m.-noon. Learn and have fun at Volunteer Orientation. All tasks and duties will be taught. For high school ages and above.

(225) 769-7805

LPL COMMUNITY HEROES DAY. Denham Springs-Walker Library from 1-3 p.m. Get up close to a fire truck, ambulance and police car while enjoying free food from generous sponsors. Free.

(225) 686-4140 LSU VS. TEXAS. Away. lsusports.net MAKIN’ IT FOR MAMAW AND PAPAW. BREC’s Milton J. Womack Park from 10:30 a.m.noon. Workshop for ages 6-10 will highlight a project celebrating Grandparent’s Day. Participants will learn the basics of how to draw facial features and will leave with a self-portrait.

Cost is $10-15. brec.org NATIONAL READ A BOOK DAY READ-ATHON. Greenwell Springs Road Library. Children are encouraged to celebrate National Read a Book Day and promote literacy by participating in a read-athon. Pick up a time card at the Children’s Services desk. (225) 274-4450 STEAM CLUB: SOLAR OVEN S’MORES. Jones Creek Library at 3 p.m.

Teens can learn how to make a solar oven and then use it to make s’mores.

Registration required.

(225) 756-1170 STORY TIME IN THE GARDEN. Burden Center from 9-11:30 a.m with readings and imaginationthemed activities every 30 minutes for ages three to eight. Sponsored by the LSU AgCenter and the Junior League of Baton Rouge. Free. lsuagcenter.com STORYWALK IN THE GARDEN. Burden Museum and Gardens from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Stroll through, enjoy nature and read the pages of a new book, Gilly and Bloo, written by local author Mary Ann Sternberg and illustrated

by Elma Sue McCallum, posted along the path.

Free. discoverburden.com TOUR FOR TWO (OR MORE). Baton Rouge General Hospital, Bluebonnet, from 6-7 p.m.

Free tour of the Birth

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Center. brgeneral.org TYKE HYKE. Woman’s Hospital from 9-10:15 a.m.

Prepare your three year old for your hospital stay by taking a tour of the hospital and through practice with baby dolls. Registration required. Cost is $25. womans.org

8 SUNDAY

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Sam W. 2018-19 Cover Kid 8 years old HOSPITAL ORIENTATION. Woman’s Hospital from 1:30-2:45 p.m. or 3-4:15 p.m. Tour the labor birth suites, family waiting areas and Transition Nursery while learning what you can expect. Registration required. Free.

(225) 231-5475 KIDS’ ETIQUETTE CLASS. The Royal Standard from 3-4:30 p.m. Children ages 6-11 will enjoy games, roleplay and

the use of a light learning meal. Sunday dress encouraged. Taught by Impeccable Manners of BR. Cost is $35. theroyalstandard.com OLD TIME COUNTRY OPEN JAM. West Baton Rouge Museum from 3-5 p.m. Anyone with an acoustic instrument is welcome to join, and music lovers can sit back, relax and enjoy. Free. westbatonrougemuseum.org PAPA GEORGE FAIRCHILD JAMBALAYA COOK-OFF. St. Gabriel Catholic Church with cooking starting at 5 a.m. Jambalaya, sweets and other food will be sold.

Raffles, auctions, music and children’s games. Free admission. Benefits St. Jude Children’s Hospital. papageorgefairchild.com

9 MONDAY

KAYAK AND COFFEE. BREC’s Greenwood Community Park from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Start your morning with a relaxing paddle on the water and coffee at the Waterfront Cafe. Cost is $10-12. outdooradventure@brec.org PARENTS NIGHT OUT FOR SPECIAL NEEDS REGISTRATION DEADLINE. St. Jean Vianney

Church on September 13 for children with special needs ages 2-12 and their siblings. parentsnightout@ stjeanvianney.org PREGNANCY 101.

Woman’s Hospital from 6:30-9 p.m. Learn how to provide your baby with the best environment for growth and development.

(225) 231-5475 SURELY YOU JEST! A COM-PUN-TITION. Denham Springs-Walker Library at 6:30 p.m.

Pre-registered adult contestants compete while audience members can attend without registration.

(225) 686-4140

10 TUESDAY

BREASTFEEDING BASICS. Ochsner Medical Center, First Floor Classroom, from 6-9 p.m.

Learn the information needed to breastfeed successfully. $35 fee covers registration, materials and refreshments for mother and partner.

(225) 755-4854 FALL LAWN CARE AND IDENTIFICATION OF WEEDS. Galvez Library at 6:30 p.m. Workshop by Ronald Strahan, LSU Professor of Plant Environmental and Soil Sciences.

Registration required.

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(225) 622-3339 PAJAMA STORYTIME. Donaldsonville and Dutchtown Libraries at 6:30 p.m. Children seven and younger can enjoy storytime in their pajamas. myapl.org RIVERDALE MURDER MYSTERY. Watson Library at 5:30 p.m. Teens ages 12-18 can solve this life-sized mystery game.

Registration required.

(225) 686-4180 SPECIAL EDUCATION: GIFTED, TALENTED AND TWICE EXCEPTIONAL. Fairwood Library from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Free workshop by Families Helping Families of Greater Baton Rouge. fhfgbr.org SWAMP SCHOOL. BREC’s Bluebonnet Swamp from 2-4 p.m. For ages 6-10 with naturebased education activities.

(225) 757-8905 TEEN MOVIE NIGHT: AVENGERS ENDGAME. Denham Springs-Walker Library at 4:30 p.m. Popcorn and snacks provided.

(225) 686-4140 TIME FOR BED, LITTLE HOOT. Jones Creek Library at 10:30 a.m.

Children ages two to six will listen to Little Hoot and make a cute paper plate owl. Registration required.

(225) 756-1160 ZOO AND ME MORNING: GEAUX TIGERS. BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo from 9:30-11:30 a.m.

Children’s program for ages three to six. Cost is $12-18 per session.

(225) 775-3877

11 WEDNESDAY

SIDEWALK ASTRONOMY. Perkins Rowe Town Square at 6:30 p.m. Join the Baton Rouge Astronomical Society and get a glimpse of the sky. Free. ■ facebook.com

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY Evelyn D. 2018-19 Cover Kid 4 years old

GROCERY STORE TOUR. Rouses, Bluebonnet, from 10-11 a.m. Join Baton Rouge General’s dietitians for a grocery tour to learn how to choose fresh and healthy foods, and how to understand confusing nutrition labels.

Free. brgeneral.org

12 THURSDAY

BABY CARE BASICS. Baton Rouge General Hospital, Bluebonnet, from 6-9 p.m. Learn how to prepare for your baby’s arrival, what to expect on the big day, and how to survive the first two weeks.

Cost is $30. brgeneral.org BABY FOOD BASICS. Baton Rouge General Hospital, Bluebonnet, from 6:15-7:30 p.m. A class for parents preparing to introduce their infant to solid foods. The course will be instructed by speech-language pathologist/feeding specialists and registered dietitians. brgeneral.org COMMUNITY PRAYER BREAKFAST. Catholic Life Center at 7 a.m.

Annual event hosted by the Interfaith Federation of Greater Baton Rouge.

Tickets are $20.

Ifedgbr.com HAIRSPRAY, JR. AUDITIONS. BREC’s Independence Park Theatre from 5:30-7 p.m. All-kids production which will be performed from October 18-19. (225) 216-0660 PAJAMA STORYTIME. Gonzales and Galvez Libraries at 6:30 p.m. Children seven and younger can enjoy storytime in their pajamas. myapl.org THE GALA GOES GLOBAL. L’Auberge Casino and Hotel at 6:30 p.m. Cancer Services joins forces with Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Center for their fundraiser. thegalagoes.org THE LOUISIANA MASTER GARDENERS. Fairwood Library at 6 p.m. Topics are Container Gardening and Successful Propagation for the Home Gardener.

WEEKLY EVENTS BASF KIDS’ LAB. LASM on the second and fourth Saturdays at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. and Sundays at 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. Explore the world of chemistry in hands-on workshops for children ages 6-12 and their parents or caregivers.

■ kidslab@lasm.org BATON ROOTS DEMO DAYS. 5509 Winbourne Avenue on Wednesdays from 4-6 p.m. Families can learn about growing their own food, harvesting, and eating healthy in Baton Rouge. ■ facebook.com/batonroots FREE FRIDAY NIGHTS. LSU Museum of Art on Fridays from 5-8 p.m. Free admission to the museum. ■ lsumoa.org PIPELINE. LSU Studio Theatre from September 5-8. Play by New Venture Theatre which contains adult language, content and themes. Tickets runs $15-20.

■ newventuretheatre.org PLANETARIUM FAMILY HOUR AND STARGAZING. LASM on Saturdays at 10 a.m. Learn about stars and constellations in the local nighttime sky. Then, enjoy a planetarium show. Regular admission applies. ■ lasm.org PRE-LITERACY TEXT MESSAGES. Text the word LITERACY to (225) 4001336 to receive family activity prompts and ideas to your mobile phone every Thursday evening. ■ ebrpl.com RED STICK FARMERS MARKET. Saturdays on 5th Street between Main and North Street, on Tuesdays at the EBR Main Library, and Thursdays in the Pennington Biomedical Conference Center parking lot from 8 a.m.-noon. (225) 267-5060 ROCK ‘N ROWE. Perkins Rowe on Thursdays from 6-9 p.m. Free concert. Lawn chairs welcome. perkinsrowe.com ROMEO AND JULIET. Theatre Baton Rouge from September 12-15. Young Actors Program adaptation of the classic Shakespeare tragedy. ■ theatrebr.org SATURDAY NIGHT FAMILY NIGHT SKY VIEWING. BREC’s Highland Road Park Observatory on Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. Standard sky viewing. Plus Night is September 28. Free. ■ hrpo.lsu.edu THE CRUCIBLE. Theatre Baton Rouge. Play about the Puritan purge of witchcraft in old Salem. Rated PG-13. Tickets run $20-26. ■ theatrebr.org TRAIL TIME FOR TODDLERS. BREC’s Bluebonnet Swamp. Two-week sessions on Wednesdays or Thursdays from 9:30-11:30 a.m. beginning September 4 or 5 for children ages two to five and their parents. Includes trail walks, storytelling, animal encounters and snacks. ■ (225) 757-8905 TROUBLE IN MIND. LSU Shaver Theatre from September 27-October 6. A semisatirical study of racism in the theater world. ■ lsu.edu TWILIGHT TUESDAYS. Families Helping Families of Greater Baton Rouge from 4-8 p.m. Open late for working families to obtain resources. ■ (225) 216-7474

CALENDAR IN EVERY ISSUE (225) 924-9385 TIGER TAILGATE FOOD TRUCK NIGHT. The Crown: A Royal Bistro from 5-8 p.m. with the Rouge A Roux Food Truck, music, games, face painting, and crafts. theroyalstandard.com

13 FRIDAY

BREASTFEEDING EXPRESS. Woman’s Hospital from 11:30 a.m.- 1:30 p.m. Small group class for women only. Recommended as a refresher class or for women who prefer a fast-paced class. Cost is $20. (225) 231-5475 CASA ORIENTATION. CASA office at noon.

Capital Area Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Association holds orientation. Registration required. casabr.org DOWNTOWN LIVE AT THE GAZEBO. Gazebo in Zachary Historic Village.

Performers are After 8.

Food and drinks available for sale. Bring blankets or lawn chairs. cityofzachary.org MOVIE IN THE PARK: BUMBLEBEE. BREC’s Independence Community Park at 6 p.m. Free movie begins at dusk. Bring blankets or lawn chairs. Food available for purchase.

Crafts will include creating Transformer masks and building beehives. Rated PG-13. brec.org OPENING NIGHT: MUSIC AND MOVEMENT. Manship Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Opera and modern dance intertwine in this unique collaboration of Opéra Louisiane and Of Moving Colors Productions. Arrive early to enjoy hors d’oeuvres and champagne toast. operalouisiane.com PARENTS NIGHT OUT FOR SPECIAL NEEDS. St. Jean Vianney Church from 6:30-9 p.m. for children with special needs ages 2-12 and their siblings.

Registration requested. parentsnightout@stjeanvianney.org SHIVER ME TIMBERS PIRATE SCAVENGER

HUNT. Station Sports Bar and Grill from 6-10 p.m.

The 10/31 Consortium holds this scavenger hunt for persons ages 21 and above. Free. Registration for teams of four or less. facebook.com SUMMER’S END NIGHT HIKE AND CAMPFIRE. BREC’s Zachary Community Park from 7-9 p.m. Includes a night hike, activities, games, campfire, marshmallow roast, and local folklore. Cost is $5, and the event is for ages eight and above. webtrac.brec.org WIGGLE WORMS. Denham Springs-Walker Library at 10:30 a.m.

Children up to age five and their caregivers will participate in music and dance activities that enhance life-long learning and neural development.

(225) 686-4140

14 SATURDAY

ANYTHING OUTDOORS FALL FEST. Knights of Columbus Hall, Gonzales, from 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Jambalaya cook-off, food and drink, kids’ activities, blood drive, silent auction, music, and vendors. $5 admission.

Benefits children with life-threatening illnesses. facebook.com ASCENSION LEGO CLUB. Gonzales Library at 11 a.m. for all ages. Legos, Duplo blocks and Mega Bloks will be provided.

(225) 647-3955 BREASTFEEDING BASICS. Woman’s Hospital from 1:30-5 p.m. Learn the benefits of breastfeeding, how to prepare for breastfeeding, how to get the baby on the breast properly, the father’s role, and how to avoid common problems. Cost is $35. Registration required.

(225) 231-5475 CHILDBIRTH CLASS. Ochsner Medical Center from 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Free class covers pregnancy, pain theories, pre-labor signs, postpartum/newborn procedures and basic breastfeeding.

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(225) 755-4854 EXPLORE THE POUR. Art Depot Gallery, Gonzales, from 2-3 p.m. For all ages, though those under the age of 10 must have an adult to assist them.

Acrylic paint class. Cost is $30 per class.

(225) 644-8496 GEAUX VELODROME DAY. BREC’s Perkins Road Extreme Sports Park from 6-9 p.m. Baton Rouge Velodrome Association will help answer your questions and show you how the velodrome works.

There will be 10 bikes available to use free of charge.

(225) 766-9039 GET A JUMP ON SUCCESS: ACT PRACTICE TEST. Bluebonnet Library at 9:30 a.m. Students can take a practice ACT for free. Results will be sent by email. Registration required. (225) 763-2250 HUMMINGBIRD FESTIVAL. National Wildbird Refuge from 7 a.m.-3 p.m.

Observe hummingbirds up close as they are banded.

Free admission. stfrancisville.us LSU VS. NORTHWESTERN STATE. Tiger Stadium. lsusports.net MARSHMALLOW LAUNCHERS. PrideChaneyville Library at 3 p.m. Teens can make a launcher that can launch a marshmallow 40 feet.

(225) 658-1550 MODEL TRAINS. Republic of West Florida Historical Museum from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Free indoor and outdoor model train displays by the Greater Baton Rouge Model Railroaders. (225) 634-3473 MONARCH DAY. Audubon Louisiana Nature Center, New Orleans, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Butterfly plant sale, expert chats and tour along Pollinator path. audubonnatureinstitute. org OLDIES BUT GOODIES FEST. West Baton Rouge Tourist Information and Conference Center from 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Enjoy a BBQ and steak competition, live music, food, antique car show, crafts, a 68

poker run, and hula hoop and jitterbug contests. westbatonrouge.net PET ADOPTION DAY. Zachary Library at 10 a.m.

Representatives from Dixon Correctional Facility along with a few of the animals currently housed at the Pen Pals Animal Center will be at the library. (225) 658-1850 RED STICK ROLLER DERBY. Mt. Pilgrim Family Life Center at 6 p.m. Double Header home team bout. Admission is $8-15. facebook.com RUBBER BAND PRINTMAKING. Jones Creek Library at 3 p.m. Teens can create a rubber stamp that makes a beautiful design.

(225) 756-1170 SECOND SATURDAY COMMUNITY MARKET. Audubon Louisiana Nature Center from 8:30-11:30 a.m. Family-friendly event with local produce and seafood for sale, nature hikes, live music and planetarium shows. audubonnatureinstitute.org SOLAR VIEWING. BREC’s Highland Road Park Observatory from noon-2 p.m. Staff shows the sun in three manners. hrpo.lsu.edu SOUTHERN VS. EDWARD WATERS. Mumford Stadium. gojagsports.com

15 SUNDAY

BELLA’S ROYAL CELEBRATION. Renaissance Hotel from 12:30-2:30 p.m. An enchanted afternoon featuring princesses, superheroes, activities and an exclusive performance.

Tickets start at $60. Benefits the Bella Bowman Foundation which includes pediatric brain cancer research. bellabowman.org BREASTFEEDING SUPPORT GROUP. Ochsner Medical Center, First Floor Classroom, from 2-4 p.m. Share stories and tips on what works and what doesn’t. (225) 755-4854 GIRL TALK. Baton Rouge General Hospital, Bluebonnet, at 2 p.m. Class

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led by OB/GYNs for girls ages 9-11 and a parent or trusted adult. Focuses on what girls experience during puberty. brgeneral.org OLDIES BUT GOODIES FEST. West Baton Rouge Tourist Information and Conference Center, Port Allen, from 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Enjoy a BBQ and steak competition, live music, food, antique car show, crafts, a poker run, and hula hoop and jitterbug contests. westbatonrouge.net STEEL MAGNOLIAS. Manship Theatre at 2 p.m. Six icons of the silver screen come together in this hilarious and heartwarming story of life, love and loss in a small Louisiana parish. manshiptheatre.org

DATE NIGHT

TIGER TAILGATE FOOD TRUCK NIGHT Call the babysitter and get to The Crown: A Royal Bistro on Thursday, September 12. From 5-8 p.m., you and your favorite teammate can enjoy delicious food from the Rouge A Roux Food Truck; listen to music; play a few lawn games; get your faces painted in LSU’s favorite colors, purple and gold; and even show off your creative sides when you do crafts together. ■ theroyalstandard.com

16 MONDAY

MICROSOFT WORD BASICS. Denham Springs-Walker Library at 2 p.m. For students ages 12+. Registration required.

(225) 686-4140 TABLETOP GAMING NIGHT. Denham SpringsWalker Library at 5 p.m.

Ages 12 and up can play role-playing, adventure, strategy, or board games.

(225) 686-4140

17 TUESDAY

AFTER BABY COMES (ABC): BABY CARE AND PARENT CARE. Woman’s Hospital from 6:30-9 p.m. For new parents, grandparents, adoptive parents or other caregivers. Cost is $35.

(225) 231-5475 BILL CONTI AND THE LSU SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA. LSU Union Theater at 7:30 p.m. Tickets run $11-18. lsu.edu BOOK A LIBRARIAN COMPUTER HELP. Denham Springs-Walker Library at 2 p.m. Teens and adults can make an appointment with a librarian to help with basic computer and Internet skills. (225) 686-4140 CURIOUS ABOUT

SHIVER ME TIMBERS! Team up with your first mate for the Pirate Scavenger Hunt on Friday, September 13. Start your adventure at Station Sports Bar and Grill at 6 p.m. before venturing out to find all of the loot on your scavenger hunt list. The hunt will be from 6-10 p.m.

The 10/31 Consortium holds this scavenger hunt for persons ages 21 and above. Free. Registration required for teams of four or less. ■ facebook.com

CHROMA: COLOR YOUR SENSES Party for a purpose at the Louisiana Art & Science Museum (LASM) from 7:30-10 p.m. on Friday, September 20. LASM’s annual gala features fine art, a silent auction, a grand raffle, food and drinks for you and your special someone to enjoy. Tickets start at $150 for nonmembers. Proceeds will go to help grow the museum’s educational programs.

■ lasm.org

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IN EVERY ISSUE CALENDAR

THE CONSTITUTION. Denham Springs-Walker Library at 6 p.m. Teens can learn about the Constitution while celebrating National Constitution Day. (225) 686-4140 EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES. Gonzales Library at 6 p.m. Workshop on free online library resources for parents and educators of children from PreK to 5th grade.

(225) 647-3955 FALL TREES AND SHRUBS. Dutchtown Library at 6:30 p.m. Andre Brock, LSU Horticulture agent in St. John the Baptist Parish, will discuss how to select the right plant for the right location.

Registration required.

(225) 673-8699 KAYAKING 101. BREC’s Greenwood Community Park from 6-7 p.m. A beginner to intermediate kayaking class for ages 12+.

Cost runs $10-12. outdooradventure@brec.org LINDA RONSTADT: THE SOUND OF MY VOICE. Manship Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Celebration of an artist whose desire to share the music she loved made generations of fans fall in love with her and the sound of her voice. manshiptheatre.org

PARENTS/CAREGIVERS NETWORKING MEETING. Conference call at 10 a.m. Sponsored by the Louisiana Department of Health and Families Helping Families of Greater Baton Rouge.

For parents of children with behavioral issues who need information and support. Access number is 546755#. (605) 313-4819 TEEN ADVISORY BOARD. Denham Springs-Walker Library at 5 p.m. Teens can suggest programs, volunteer at the branch, and help choose books. (225) 686-4140

18 WEDNESDAY

AFTER BABY COMES (ABC): BABY CARE AND PARENT CARE. Woman’s Hospital from 6:30-9 p.m. For new parents, grandparents, adoptive parents or other caregivers. Cost is $35.

(225) 231-5475 CAREER COACH DROP-IN. Scotlandville Library at 2 p.m. Adults can come for a free seminar led by experts from the East Baton Rouge Parish Library Career Center.

(225) 354-7550 CASA ORIENTATION. CASA office at 11 a.m.

Capital Area Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Association holds orientation. Registration required. casabr.org I CARE LIVE. Webinar series at noon by the I CARE program with various guest speakers who promote personal safety, drug prevention and selfhelp educational resources on the first Wednesday for the English version and the third Wednesday for the Spanish version. icare.ebrschools.org TAPESTRY: THE CAROLE KING SONGBOOK WITH SUZANNE O. DAVIS. Manship Theatre at 7:30 p.m. A tribute to Carole King. Tickets run $38-68. manshiptheatre.org

19 THURSDAY

TALK LIKE A PIRATE DAY AHOY MATEY! STORY/ CRAFT. Eden Park Library at 4:30 p.m. Children will listen to Pirate’s Perfect Pet and make a pirate handprint craft.

(225) 231-3250 EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES. Gonzales Library at 6 p.m. Workshop on free online library resources for parents, edu-

15

BELLA’S ROYAL CELEBRATION. Renaissance Hotel from 12:30-2:30 p.m. An enchanted afternoon featuring princesses, superheroes, and activities. Tickets start at $60. Benefits the Bella Bowman Foundation. ■ bellabowman.org 70

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cators and teens for grades 6-12. (225) 647-3955 PFLAG SUPPORT GROUP. Unitarian Universalist Church at 6:30 p.m. Support group for friends and families of LGBT people. unitarianchurchbr.com SUNSET PADDLE. BREC’s Milford Wampold Park from 6:30-8 p.m. for ages 12 and older. Enjoy the University Lakes for an evening paddle under the setting sun. webtrac.brec.org TECH WELLNESS WORKSHOP. EBR Main Library at 6:30 p.m. Free seminar for adults about the connection between technology and our health

by Dr. Karen Dantin.

(225) 231-3750 TEEN ANIME CLUB. Watson Library at 5:30 p.m. Anime and Manga enthusiasts can watch anime, discuss manga, learn about Japanese culture and play games. Snacks provided. (225) 686-4180 THE FAREWELL. Manship Theatre at 7:30 p.m. An aspiring Chinese-American writer’s relationship with her grandmother in China. manshiptheatre.org

20 FRIDAY

BREASTFEEDING SUPPORT GROUP. Woman’s Hospital from 9:30-11 a.m. Learn from a certified lactation nurse and other moms about their own successes and challenges with breastfeeding. Free.

(225) 231-5475 CAJUN DANCE. UCT Hall at 7:15 p.m. with free dance lessons and the band at 8 p.m. Admission runs $10-12. batonrougecajundance.com CHROMA: COLOR YOUR SENSES. LASM from 7:30-10 p.m.

LASM’s annual gala with fine art, a silent auction, a grand raffle, food and drink. lasm.org LANE RMC FOUNDATION GOLF TOURNAMENT. Beaver Creek Golf Course, Zachary, from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Benefits the

Lane Regional Medical Center Foundation. lanermc.org NATIONAL FRIED CHICKEN FESTIVAL. Woldenburg Riverfront Park, New Orleans, from noon-9 p.m. with food and entertainment. friedchickenfestival.com PLAY 4 ALL. Knock Knock Children’s Museum from 5-7 p.m. Program for children with sensory processing differences, disabilities and developmental delays featuring a less crowded environment, light and sound reduction and quiet rooms. knockknockmuseum.org RED DRAGON SERIES SONGWRITERS PRESENTS: BAND OF HEATHENS IN CONCERT. Manship Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Collective of talented songwriters. manshiptheatre.org SUNSHINE SOCIAL: SWING IN SEPTEMBER. BREC’s Womack Ballroom from 6-9 p.m. Dance for ages 16 and up with special needs and their friends and families. Suggested donation is $5. (225) 216-7474

21 SATURDAY

BODY BASICS FOR BOYS. Woman’s Hospital from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Preteen boys ages 10-13 and their dads/moms will learn how their bodies grow, what changes to expect during puberty, and how to take care of themselves.

(225) 231-5475 CHAIRISH THE CHILDREN GALA. Louisiana Children’s Museum with the main event at 8:30 p.m. Annual fundraiser with auction packages and whimsical one-of-a-kind chairs. lcm.org COLORFUL FISH. Jones Creek Library at 2:30 p.m. Children will listen to Fish Facts and then draw a fish. Registration required.

(225) 756-1160 DODGEBALL CHALLENGE. West Feliciana Sports Park at 8 a.m.

Teams of six play in a bracket-style tournament

to benefit the West Feliciana Education Foundation.

Also includes a 5K, 10K. Fun Run, Kids’ Zone and food. wearewestfel.org DOG DAY AT THE SWAMP. BREC’s Bluebonnet Swamp from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. BSNC drops its “No Pets” policy and opens its doors and trails to pets. General admission applies. brec.org EXPLORE CIRCUITRY WITH LITTLEBITS. Dutchtown Library at 10:30 a.m. Children can make connections and create machines with easy and swappable circuit boards.

(225) 672-8699 FELICIANA TRADE DAYS. Graceland Portable Buildings at the corner of Hwy. 10 and Line Road, Jackson, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Crafts, pottery, clothes, yard sale items, a farmer’s market and food.

(225) 719-2199 FURY IN THE FELICIANAS. Audubon State Historic Site, St. Francisville, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Visitors can help mark the 155th anniversary of the Battle at Oakley Plantation with soldier camps and living history demonstrations. (888) 677-2838 GET A JUMP ON SUCCESS: ACT PRACTICE TEST. Carver Library at 9:30 a.m. and Jones Creek Library at 3 p.m. Students can take a practice ACT for free. Results will be sent by email. Registration required. (225) 389-7440 (Carver) or (225) 7561170 (Jones Creek) LIGO SCIENCE SATURDAY: MAGNIFICENT MIRRORS. The Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory, Livingston, from 1-5 p.m.

Tour the facility, talk to a LIGO Scientist or science specialist, and explore and interact with over 40 LIGO Science Concept exhibits. ligo.caltech.edu/la LSU VS. VANDERBILT. Away. lsusports.net MID CITY MAKERS MARKET. 541 South Eugene Street from 4-8 p.m.

Makers’ booths, food, a bar, a kids’ area and music.

midcitymakers.market MULTICULTURAL BASH. BREC’s Saia Park from 4-7 p.m. Explore various cultures through song, dance and arts. brec.org NATIONAL FRIED CHICKEN FESTIVAL. Woldenburg Riverfront Park, New Orleans, from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. with food and entertainment. friedchickenfestival.com PREGNANCY WORKSHOP AND BABY CARE BASICS. Lane Regional Medical Center from 10 a.m.-noon. Free prenatal and newborn baby care class. lanermc.org RIDE N’ ROLL. BREC’s Perkins Road Extreme Sports Park from 2-6 p.m.

Annual commemoration of the grand opening of the park with a skatepark competition. brec.org SMITHSONIAN MAGAZINE’S MUSEUM DAY. Free admission when you present a ticket. One ticket for free admission for two permitted, per email address. Tickets must be printed. smithsonian.com SOUTHERN VS. FLORIDA A&M. Away. gojagsports.com SPECIAL SATURDAYS: ICE SHEET RETREAT. LSU Museum of Natural Science, Foster Hall, from 10-11 a.m. with the exhibit area open from 11 a.m.noon. Free. Registration required. lsu.edu STUDIO SATURDAYS. LASM at 2 p.m. Hands-on workshop for children ages 8-14 and their accompanying adults. Included with general admission. Registration required. lasm.org THE FAREWELL. Manship Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Aspiring Chinese-American writer’s relationship with her grandmother in China.

Rated PG. Tickets are $9.50. manshiptheatre.org

12:30-5:30 p.m. For new parents, grandparents, adoptive parents or other caregivers. Cost is $35.

(225) 231-5475 ALTERNATIVES TO OPIOID PAIN MANAGEMENT. EBR Main Library at 3 p.m. Representatives from the Capital Area Human Services Opioid Prevention Alliance for Ladies and Girls Project will present non-opioid pain treatment alternatives. (225) 231-3750 BATON ROUGE STRING QUARTET. EBR Main Library at 3 p.m. Special performance by the Baton Rouge String Quartet. Enjoy the sounds of Mozart and Alexander Borodin. ebrpl.com FURY IN THE FELICIANAS. Audubon State Historic Site, St. Francisville, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Visitors can help mark the 155th anniversary of the Battle at Oakley Plantation with soldier camps and living history demonstrations. (888) 677-2838 MUSIC DREAMS...AN AMERICAN STORY. West Baton Rouge Museum from 3-5 p.m. Film screening in conjunction with the traveling exhibit and an in-house curated exhibit. (225) 336-2422

CALENDAR IN EVERY ISSUE NATIONAL FRIED CHICKEN FESTIVAL. Woldenburg Riverfront Park, New Orleans, from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. with food and entertainment. friedchickenfestival.com THE FAREWELL. Manship Theatre at 2 p.m. Aspiring Chinese-American writer’s relationship with her grandmother in China.

Rated PG. Tickets are $9.50. manshiptheatre.org

23 MONDAY

HOSPITAL ORIENTATION. Woman’s Hospital from 6:30-7:45 p.m. or 8-9:15 p.m. Tour the labor birth suites, family waiting areas and Transition Nursery while learning what you can expect. Registration required. Free.

(225) 231-5475 MICROSOFT EXCEL BASICS. Denham Springs-Walker Library at 2 p.m. Students ages 12+ will learn the basic features of Excel along with entering, sorting, and computing data. Registration required. (225) 686-4140

24 TUESDAY

BABY PLAY BASICS. Baton Rouge General Hospital, Bluebonnet. Families

of infants are invited to a class that teaches bonding and ways to engage with your infant. Class for birth to six months is 11-11:45 a.m. and 12:15-1 p.m. for 7-12 months. Cost is $1240. brgeneral.org BODY BASICS FOR GIRLS. Woman’s Hospital from 6:30-8 p.m. Preteen girls ages 9-12 will learn how their bodies grow, what changes to expect during puberty, and how to take care of themselves.

Cost is $15. Registration required. (225) 231-5475 FINANCIAL FITNESS: WHEN FINANCES AFFECT YOUR HEALTH. Woman’s Hospital from 6-8 p.m. Free lecture by a financial counselor, educating women on making financially informed choices and how to reduce financial stress. womans.org GROWING UP BOYS: A CLASS FOR PRETEEN BOYS. Our Lady of the Lake Ascension Hospital from 6-7:30 p.m. A class for boys ages 10-12 and their dads/moms. Cost is $15. Pre-registration required. (225) 621-2906 LSU SCIENCE CAFE. LSU Digital Media Center Theater from 5-7 p.m.

Free lecture on Live Oaks,

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22 SUNDAY

AFTER BABY COMES (ABC): BABY CARE AND PARENT CARE. Woman’s Hospital from

SMITHSONIAN MAGAZINE’S MUSEUM DAY. Free admission when you present a Museum Day Live ticket. One ticket for free admission for two permitted, per email address. Tickets must be printed. ■ smithsonian.com/museumday SEPTEMBER 2019 | BRPA RENTS .COM

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IN EVERY ISSUE CALENDAR

Arches and Terracotta.

Light refreshments. Open to all ages. Registration requested. eventbrite.com

25 WEDNESDAY CASA ORIENTATION. CASA office at 4:30 p.m.

Capital Area Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Association holds orientation. Registration required. casabr.org GROCERY STORE TOUR. Rouses, Juban Crossing, from 10-11 a.m. Join Baton Rouge General’s dietitians for a grocery tour to learn how to choose fresh and healthy foods, and how to understand confusing nutrition labels. Registration required. brgeneral.org HOME BUYER WORKSHOP. EBR Main Library from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Sponsored by Neighbors Federal Credit Union. neighborsfcu.org LOLLIPOP LANE FALL MARKET. Perkins Rowe from 9 a.m.-8 p.m.

Children’s clothing sale with consignment and new items. perkinsrowe.com PRENATAL CLASS. Baton Rouge Clinic Pediatric Building at 5:30 p.m. Free class with Baton Rouge Clinic pediatricians.

Registration required. batonrougeclinic.com

26 THURSDAY BINGO. Jones Creek Library from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Football jersey themed event for all ages. Prizes awarded. (225) 756-1160 CHARITY AUCTION. Addis Community Center from 6-9 p.m. Annual celebration benefiting the support campaign for Dow Westside YMCA with dinner, drinks, dancing and auctions. Tickets run $2535. ymcabr.org FEEDING YOUNG MINDS. Denham SpringsWalker Library and Watson Library at 5 p.m. Free meal sponsored by Mighty Moms in partnership with LPPS School Food Services. (225) 686-4140 (Denham) or (225) 6864180 (Watson) GET A JUMP ON HALLOWEEN STORY/ CRAFT. Bluebonnet Library at 4:30 p.m. Children ages 8-11 will listen to The Man Who Tricked a Ghost and sculpt a papiermâché mask.

(225) 763-2250 GRANDPARENTS RAISING GRANDCHILDREN. Family Road at 10 a.m. Information and

support group for grandparents and others raising children not their own. lagrg.org LA LECHE LEAGUE OF BATON ROUGE MEETING. Java Mama at 10:30 a.m. The League will host a breastfeeding meeting. facebook.com LEGO CLUB. Watson Library at 5:30 p.m. Children ages 3-11 can enjoy this club with different monthly themes.

(225) 686-4180 LOLLIPOP LANE FALL MARKET. Perkins Rowe from 9 a.m.-8 p.m.

Children’s clothing sale with consignment and new items. perkinsrowe.com TCHAIKOVSKY AND PINES OF ROME. First Baptist Church at 7:30 p.m. Performance by Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra. brso.org TWEEN IMPROV EXTRAVAGANZA. Denham Springs-Walker Library at 5:30 p.m. Children ages 8-11 can participate in interactive activities and exercises to get their creative juices flowing.

Registration required.

(225) 686-4140

27 FRIDAY

ASCENSION HOT AIR

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CIRCUS LOUISIANA PRESENTS DARK CIRCUS. Manship Theatre at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Two boys go to see the circus and learn that the performers are imprisoned into puppets. Cost is $33. Sponsored by Gymfit and Bayou Cirque. ■ manshiptheatre.org 72

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BALLOON FESTIVAL. Lamar Dixon Expo Center, Gonzales, from 4:30-11 p.m. Hot air balloons, entertainment, music, carnival rides, Boucherie Festival, fireworks, food and children’s activities.

Admission is $5 for ages nine and above. ascensionballooning.com GO WILD: CAT TAILS AND COCKTAILS. Crowne Plaza from 7-10 p.m. Hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, live music, a fashion show and a silent auction. Cat Haven’s annual fundraiser. Tickets run $75-100. cathaven.org LOLLIPOP LANE FALL MARKET. Perkins Rowe from 9 a.m.-8 p.m.

Children’s clothing sale with consignment and new items. perkinsrowe.com WOMEN’S COUNCIL: THE EVOLUTION OF HER ALL ACCESS WEEKEND DAY. The Tracy Center from 7 p.m. through September 28 at 6 p.m. Instead of a whole week of Women’s Week, this will be a two-day celebration. Cost is $10-90. eventbrite.com

28 SATURDAY

ASCENSION HOT AIR BALLOON FESTIVAL. Lamar Dixon Expo Center, Gonzales, from 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Hot air balloons, entertainment, music, carnival rides, Boucherie Festival, fireworks, food and children’s activities.

Admission is $5 for ages nine and above. ascensionballooning.com BARNYARD DANCE. Louis A Mouch, Port Allen, from 4-8 p.m. An event for families and individuals touched by disability with food, hayrides, horses and dancing. Food is provided, but you may bring a dessert. mississippi@ joniandfriends.org BELIEVE IN G.I.R.L. LSU Campus. Louisiana Girl Scouts in grades K-12 will explore various exhibits related to educational aspects. (504) 733-8220 BODY BASICS FOR

GIRLS. Woman’s Hospital from 9:30-11 a.m. Preteen girls ages 9-12 will learn how their bodies grow, what changes to expect during puberty, and how to take care of themselves.

Cost is $15. Registration required. (225) 231-5475 BRECFLIX TEEN MOVIE NIGHT: BLACK PANTHER. North Sherwood Forest Community Park at 6 p.m. Teen night with a PG-13 movie, food, music and movie trivia with prizes. brec.org CIRCUS LOUISIANA PRESENTS DARK CIRCUS. Manship Theatre at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Two boys who sneak away to see the circus learn that the performers are imprisoned into puppets. Cost is $33. manshiptheatre.org GET A JUMP ON SUCCESS: ACT PRACTICE TEST. EBR Main Library at 9:30 a.m. Students can take a practice ACT for free. Results will be sent by email. Registration required. (225) 231-3750 HARVEST DAYS. LSU Rural Life Museum from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Living history demonstrations will interpret activities that took place on Louisiana farms and plantations during harvest time in the 1800s. Wagon rides and other activities included.

Admission is $8-10. Free for children ages five and under. lsu.edu/rurallife HEROES DAY. West Baton Rouge Parish Library, Port Allen, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Meet and celebrate our local first responders, and enjoy activities. Registration encouraged.

(225) 342-7920 LAINE HARDY HOMECOMING BASH. North Park, Denham Springs, at 2:30 p.m. Includes special guests, LeRoux, Sara Collins and Parish County Line. Presented by Cajun Country Jam. Tickets run $30-50. etix.com LAMAZE: LABOR OF LOVE. Woman’s Hospital from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. for couples wanting to learn how Lamaze techniques assist in labor and birth.

CALENDAR IN EVERY ISSUE womans.org LOLLIPOP LANE FALL MARKET. Perkins Rowe from 9 a.m.-8 p.m.

Children’s clothing sale with consignment and new items. perkinsrowe.com MODEL TRAINS. Republic of West Florida Historical Museum, Jackson, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Free indoor and outdoor model train displays by the Greater Baton Rouge Model Railroaders.

(225) 634-3473 NATIONAL PUBLIC LANDS DAY. Port Hudson State Historic Site, Jackson, from 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. In recognition of Public Lands Day, volunteers can help enhance and restore the park.

(225) 654-3775 PUZZLE TIME. Jones Creek Library from 2-4 p.m. Children can stop by the Children’s Room to put together a puzzle.

(225) 756-1160 RECYCLED READS. 3434 North Blvd. at Acadian Thwy., behind the Baton Rouge General. Enter on Westmoreland Drive from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Book sale sponsored by the EBR Library system. Cash only.

(225) 231-3741 SATURDAY NIGHT FAMILY NIGHT SKY VIEWING PLUS NIGHT. BREC’s Highland Road Park Observatory at 7:30 p.m. Standard sky viewing plus a sky tour, physical science demonstrations, filtered lunar trips, birth stars, and a marshmallow roast. hrpo.lsu.edu SCOTLAND SATURDAYS. Scotlandville Plaza between Scotland Avenue and Scenic Highway from noon-3 p.m. Open air market. scotlandsaturdays@gmail.com SOUTHERN VS. ARKANSAS-PINE BLUFF. Away. gojagsports.com TOUCH AND FEEL STORYTIME. Greenwell Springs Road Library at 11 a.m. Ages three to six who are visually impaired. They will enjoy Pat the Bunny; Shapes; Peck, Peck, Peck; and The Black Book of Colors. Registration required.

(225) 274-4450 WHEELS TO SUCCEED KIDS BIKE EVENT. Istrouma Baptist Church from 8 a.m.-noon. This event gives children with disabilities ages 3-21 the opportunity to ride specially adapted bikes with their peers. mcmainscdc.org WILD NIGHT AND INSECT ADVENTURES. Audubon Wilderness Park, New Orleans. Insect adventure from 1-4 p.m. and wild night from 7-10 p.m.

Join Audubon entomologists and learn about the fascinating bugs in south Louisiana. auduboninstitute.org WOMEN’S COUNCIL: THE EVOLUTION OF HER ALL ACCESS WEEKEND DAY. The Tracy Center from 7 p.m. through September 28 at 6 p.m. Instead of a whole week of Women’s Week, this will be a two-day celebration. Cost is $10-50. eventbrite.com WOODS WALK HIKING SERIES. BREC’S Frenchtown Conservation Area from 9-11 a.m. Enjoy a hike and learn from a BREC naturalist. Children must be accompanied by an adult and able to complete a two-mile hike without a stroller. Registration required by 3 p.m. on Friday before this event. brec.org

29 SUNDAY

ASCENSION HOT AIR BALLOON FESTIVAL. Lamar Dixon Expo Center, Gonzales, from 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Hot air balloons, entertainment, music, carnival rides, Boucherie Festival, fireworks, food and children’s activities.

Admission is $5 for ages nine and above. ascensionballooning.com BATON ROUGE BALLET THEATRE NUTCRACKER AUDITIONS. Dancer’s Workshop, starting at noon for children ages eight and up. Child must be eight by December 31.

Cost is $10.

batonrougeballet.org HARVEST DAYS. LSU Rural Life Museum from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Living history demonstrations will interpret activities that took place on Louisiana farms and plantations during harvest time in the 1800s. Wagon rides and other activities included.

Admission is $8-10. Free for children five and under. lsu.edu/rurallife LSU WIND ENSEMBLE: STARRY CROWN. LSU Student Union Theater from 7:30-10 p.m. Tickets run $11-18. lsu.edu PLANTFEST! 2019 TEASER. Hilltop Arboretum with registration at 12:30 p.m. Brian Sean Early will talk and then there will be a drawing for participants to be able to purchase plants. Cost is $15 for nonmembers. lsu.edu/hilltop PREPARING FOR DELIVERY. Woman’s Hospital from 1-5 p.m.

Learn basic information so you can recognize signs of labor and practice comfort measures. Registration required. Cost is $35.

(225) 231-5475 WORLD DAY OF PEACE. Louisiana State Capitol Rotunda at 2 p.m.

Music, dance, poetry and

art. louisianaworldpeaceday.org/index.htm

30 MONDAY

EDITOR’S NOTE

Occasionally the date or location of an event may change after publication.

Always phone ahead or check website to confirm important information.

SUBMISSIONS

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Aayush D. 2018-19 Cover Kid 6 years old SELF-CARE WITH THE OPAL PROJECT. EBR Main Library at 6 p.m. To celebrate Women’s Week, representatives from the Capital Area Human Services Opioid Prevention Alliance for Ladies and Girls Project will discuss the importance of selfcare for overall wellness and as a tool to manage the risk of addiction.

(225) 231-3750 TABLETOP GAMING NIGHT. Denham SpringsWalker Library at 5 p.m.

Ages 12 and up can play role-playing, adventure, strategy, or board games.

(225) 686-4140

Baton Rouge Parents Magazine welcomes submissions of events of interest to families.

Send all calendar submissions to: calendar@brparents.com.

Include: dates, times, location with address, recommended age, cost, public telephone number, website address, and photos.

Submit information for the October calendar by September 8, 2019.

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RED STICK ROLLER DERBY CHAMPIONSHIP GAME. Mt. Pilgrim Family Life Center at 6 p.m. facebook.com SEPTEMBER 2019 | BRPA RENTS .COM

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MARKETPLACE IN EVERY ISSUE

Make it your business to know their business

Call 225-292-0032

SEPTEMBER 2019 | BRPA RENTS .COM

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IN EVERY ISSUE THE LAST WORD

What IKEA Reveals About Your Home and Marriage

By Kathryn Streeter

You and your husband go to IKEA’s website with high expectations. You’re convinced that IKEA will help bring beauty and order to your home. However, what you may not be aware of is that this very place could also prove to be the ultimate homewrecker.

If you’re not worried, perhaps you should be. Home is bigger than the stuff; it’s a projection of the relationship within.

At its deepest level, building a home is enough work without the chaos of the infamous IKEA. But after moving 23 times in 24 years of marriage, there has always been an IKEA involved. We’ve spent many hours filling our shopping cart with items to help transform a house into a home.

Home is a big idea. And even with IKEA exhibiting the conditions for a perfect storm, we’ve kept using their services. Perhaps inviting the ruthless testing of our marriage gives me a sick thrill. How are we really doing? Let’s find out by spending an entire day on IKEA’s website looking at decorations!

IKEA functions as a merciless blunt tool to test the core of your home: your relationship with the man you love.

IKEA isn’t to be blamed, though. It merely serves as the agitator in bringing your hidden issues to light. Failure to appreciate this in advance could leave you rattled as a couple because furnishing 76

your home–which is the foundational reason you’re using IKEA to begin with– is an extension of you.

In order to not fall victim, communicate that, though you do like to nest as much as the average woman, this doesn’t let him off the hook. You absolutely need his involvement. A furnished home is a public expression of both of you, blended. With two identities under one roof, home represents a merger.

Sometimes this merger sings in harmony. We married young and broke and received Victorian hand-me-downs from various relatives. We welcomed these furnishings with open arms until children, spit-up and exploding diapers came along. Then we traded upholstery for leather. Leather always cleans up well, and we were also unified in the abrupt stylistic change.

It’s not always seamless. Sometimes when I see the color red, my husband sees pink-red and that item is nixed.

Sometimes what I see as jazzy and dramatic, he sees as busy. He doesn’t want pink, busy furnishings waiting for him when he arrives home.

This is why I will not shop without my husband. I enjoy him channeling his interior decorator. After all these years, I’ve found that he does have an opinion and can easily say what he’d rather have in our home when given choices.

BRPA RENTS .COM | SEPTEMBER 2019

This matters because home tells a story. Its plot centers on who you are inside as a couple. As a team, your home displays what you value. As you build your home, you are building a story about yourselves. It’s a sanctuary where safety, security and belonging are foundational.

It’s deeply revealing, reflecting what you and the man you love care about most.

At one point, we hosted a sometimesrowdy reading group that met once a month. Many times, wine glasses broke.

It was more important that we carried on with our reading group than worry about broken wine glasses. Evidence of good times, I’d tell myself late Saturday nights.

On the surface, IKEA helped us keep the wine glasses a-coming. Underneath, our sense of home was expanding because ultimately, we care about our friends, not our glassware. Our answer was a robust supply of wine glasses from IKEA. Your man is adding to the IKEA cart, growing more expensive by the minute.

But more than his physical presence, you need him engaging mentally and emotionally. Unless he hates it, you want him to affirm your preference. If you’re wallowing in indecision, he should show leadership by making the decision. He dare not say, either is fine with me. You want him to man up, name a winner and take you out of your misery.

And when he flat-out disagrees, he’d better tell you. Kindly. Gently. It’s in your best interest, too. Eventually, if he’s not keen on something, it will come out.

Instead of avoiding the discomfort in real time on IKEA’s site, he’d better be prepared to address it. Deftly maneuvering disagreements on the spot will encourage you to respond in kind.

Whatever happens, reward yourself with dinner that night. Over a bottle of wine, you’ll be able to toast your survival and decompress. Hopefully there will be laughter and good conversation about how you made it through.

Home-building isn’t for wimps, and IKEA has demanded the very soulsearching you may have needed. Don’t be ungrateful. With your arms around your love, say it. Thanks, IKEA. ■

SEPTEMBER 2019 | BRPA RENTS .COM

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NATIONAL LEAGUE OF JUNIOR COTILLIONSTM

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You can expect your child to graduate from the NATIONAL LEAGUE OF JUNIOR COTILLIONSTM with the poise, self confidence, and assurance of knowing the proper way to conduct oneself in different social situations. The cotillion curriculum helps students cultivate ethical qualities and develop positive peer relationships.

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