Baton Rouge Parents Magazine: November 2021

NOVEMBER 2021

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

Meet the

Give Back

2021-22

Cover Kids

This Season

The Winners’ Circle 2021 Family Favorites

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inside FEATURES

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NOVEMBER 2021 • ISSUE 376

WHAT’S YOUR CHILD’S LEARNING STYLE?

Tackle learning obstacles by first knowing what route to take.

BY SARAH LYONS

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PREDIABETES AMONG TWEENS AND TEENS

What we can do to slow the number of prediabetes diagnoses.

BY ELISE GRAY

THE CALL TO SERVE Ways to give back with your family this holiday season.

BY ANTHONY BUI

IN EVERY ISSUE

10 CONNECTING 12 A NOTE FROM MOM 82 THINGS TO DO 91 MARKETPLACE 92 THE LAST WORD 94 SNAPSHOTS

CONNECT

See the adorable faces who have been named Cover Kids this year.

LIVE

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2021 FAMILY FAVORITES

You’ve nominated and voted, and now it’s time to see who you picked as your Favorites.

SARY

IVER

ANN

DEPARTMENTS

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BY BRPM

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YEAR

14 COMMUNITY 18 EDUCATION 19 ONE AMAZING KID

2021-22 COVER KIDS

Photo by Kleinpeter Photography 2020-21 Cover Kid Noah T.

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24 MOM NEXT DOOR 26 THRIVE 28 FAITH

PLAY

76 A DAY IN THE LIFE OF DAD 78 OUT & ABOUT 80 THINGS WE LOVE

BY BRPM

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PAMPERING YOUR SPOUSE Try these eight tips if you’re a busy parent.

BY SARAH LYONS

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on the COVER

ON THE COVER November Monthly Observances

24 Photo by Lauren Ashton Lights Design & Photography

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2021-22 Cover Kid Riyah R. is ready to do more photo shoots after having such a great time at her cover shoot. Riyah’s bright and bubbly personality is super infectious, and everyone loves being around her. Riyah enjoys hanging out with her friends and cousins, going to the mall, making TikTok videos, and cheering with Baton Rouge Cheer Stars.

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THE MAGAZINE THAT BATON ROUGE FAMILIES LIVE BY

MEET OUR TEAM AMY PLAISANCE

POLL

Founder

How many children did you think you’d have and how many did you end up having?

BRANDON FOREMAN Publisher

AMY L. FOREMAN

Associate Publisher

“Three, but way earlier than I probably wanted.”

– Brittany T.

EDITORIAL

AMANDA MILLER

Managing Editor

EMILY DREZ

“So far I have one, but at one time, I wanted three or four.”

– Cristen D.

Assistant Editor

SARAH BATROUS ANTHONY BUI

Editorial Interns

“I wanted two. I have a daughter, twin boys, and an angel baby, so I was an overachiever.”

– Lynn F.

Growing up, we’ve all thought about how many children we would like to have. Many of us wanted the perfect duo–a boy and a girl–or simply enough little ones so our children would always have someone to play pretend with. This month, we wanted to know how many children you hoped to have one day and how many you ended up having.

ART/PRODUCTION JENNY ZIGLIN

Production Manager

MELODY TAUZIN

Senior Graphic Designer

“I always thought I wanted two, but then my first arrived and he helped make the decision very easy by screaming like a pterodactyl the entire first year of his life. One and done, thank you very much!”

– Katie G.

ALEX HERRING

Graphic Designer

MADELENE SOILEAU

Multimedia Specialist

CHANEY RAY

Multimedia Assistant

KLEINPETER PHOTOGRAPHY

Cover Photography

“Two was always my ideal number. I wanted a boy and a girl, and I was blessed for it to happen.”

– Marie R.

ADVERTISING/MARKETING LAURIE ACOSTA

Director of Sales

CRYSTAL BARRETT JESSICA LAMBERT CAMILLE MILLER JASON WALL RYN WHITESIDE

Whether your pregnancy was meticulously planned, medically coaxed, or happened by surprise, one thing is certain—your life will never be the same.

– Catherine Jones

Account Executives

EMILY MANCUSO

Marketing Specialist

MAGGIE SHARP

Marketing Assistant

VICTORIA COTEJAR

Social Media Coordinator

freebies

BUSINESS OPERATIONS

TERI HODGES

Director of Community Partnerships

ROXANE VOORHIES

Visit brparents.com and click “Register for Freebies.” | Deadline to enter is November 19, 2021.

Stay organized and encouraged with the word of God with Paper Sunday’s Joy Planner. Includes monthly and weekly views with scriptures. papersunday.com

Calm fears and anxieties with Huggaroo’s Weighted Plushie.

An alternative to a weighted blanket, these lap pads make great snuggle buddies. huggaroo.com

LAST MONTH’S WINNERS Look who won October’s Freebies: Jessica Lowry won the PediPocket and Olivia Tran won the Affirmicious Zodiac Card Deck.

/brparents

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/brparents

/baton-rouge-parenting-magazine

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/brparentsmag

/br parents

CONTACT US EDITORIAL@BRPARENTS.COM OFFICE (225) 292-0032 11831 WENTLING AVENUE BATON ROUGE, LA 70816-6055

Community Outreach

SARAH MILLER

Administrative Coordinator

BATON ROUGE PARENTS MAGAZINE is published monthly by FAMILY RESOURCE GROUP INC. and distributed free of charge. Subscriptions accepted. Only authorized distributors may deliver and pick up the magazine. We reserve the right to edit, reject, or comment editorially on all materials contributed. We cannot be responsible for the return of any unsolicited material.

BATON ROUGE PARENTS MAGAZINE Copyright © 2021.

All rights reserved. ISSN # 1050-8708. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission prohibited.

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IN EVERY ISSUE

a note from mom

d r a H s i g n i t l u d A

T

PODCAST

H E first nine weeks of school are officially in the books, and my daughter made the honor roll for the first time. Literacy & language usually gets her on the last test. This year, my twin boys are in second grade and my daughter is in eighth grade. My daughter has a class where she has to learn to adult.

I never had this class growing up, but after listening to what she is learning, I wish I had. I read the assignments for the second quarter and I am really curious to see how she does. In the third quarter, she gets married.

The class is called Life 101 and her first topic was budgeting and saving $2,000 for college.

This web-based game teaches them financial literacy. I am 100 percent on board with this game! Can I tell you, I have not laughed that hard in a while? “Why does it cost so much for an apartment?” “Stop making me buy food, I just bought food.” “How is it time to pay rent again?” “I am just going to not pay my phone bill; that is too expensive.” “I got a job cleaning toilets; it pays $45.”

Eventually, she said: Her: I got a $5 per hour raise!

Me: That is not a realistic expectation. Most people get 2 percent raises. How much are they paying you?

Her: I don’t know!

Me: Well, look at your pay stub.

Her: I don’t have a pay stub.

These were just a few of her questions and remarks. Of course, I had my responses, but I kept repeating the same one: Do you see why we give you chores?

Anyhow, she made it to her goal of saving $2,000 for college. She was so proud of herself. The final question was: What did you learn? She told me her first two responses, and of course, I asked, well what did you learn this time?

Her response: Adulting is hard. I was laughing so hard I had tears rolling down my face.

Having activities like these helps immerse our children into the real world, and with the shopping season upon us, this is the perfect time to teach our little ones about managing their finances.

Amy L. Foreman Associate Publisher

Email amylynn@brparents.com to tell me about topics you’d like to see in future issues.

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CONNECT

community SEE THE LIGHTS AT BR ZOO’S ZOOLIGHTS Let the festive family fun begin! ZooLights returns to the Baton Rouge Zoo on Friday, November 26. See more than 50 illuminated display sculptures of animals and traditional holiday displays on a mile-long trail through the Zoo. The Zoo has teamed up with the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank once again, and every guest presenting a non-perishable food item during the hours of ZooLights will receive a 50 percent discount from the regular admission price. The displays will shine through Thursday, December 30. The Zoo and the displays will be closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Admission gates are open from 5:30-8 p.m., with the Zoo grounds closing at 9 p.m. Admission is $3-5.

■ brzoo.org/zoolights

GET OUT AND VOTE THIS MONTH

Due to the devastation caused by Hurricane Ida, Louisiana fall elections were postponed. However, be sure to mark your calendars because they have since been rescheduled. The election that was originally scheduled for Saturday, October 9 has been rescheduled for Saturday, November 13. The election previously scheduled for Saturday, November 13 has been rescheduled for Saturday, December 11.

The ballots feature Constitutional amendments, a 10-year renewal of a property tax for the Capital Area Transit System– or CATS–in Baton Rouge, and questions for localities around the state. The polls will open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m.

■ geauxvote.com

OLOL PLANS CANCER FACILITY

Our Lady of the Lake (OLOL) has established the OLOL Cancer Institute and plans to break ground in 2022 on a new state-ofthe-art cancer center that will be a destination and leader in advancing cancer care for Baton Rouge and the Gulf South region. Construction will be an expected investment of $100 million with additional investments advancing care and services.

The facility will include more than 80,000 sq ft that will be connected to the Regional Medical Center, providing access to a full suite of services.

The Cancer Institute will include medical and surgical oncology practices, a chemotherapy/infusion center, advanced imaging and diagnostics for treatment, dedicated infusion pharmacy, and an on-site pharmacy. ■ ololrmc.com 14

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AUDUBON LAUNCHES NATURE AT NIGHT SERIES

Now your little ones can discover what the animals do all night at the zoo. Audubon Nature Institute is offering a Nature at Night series for children. The series will feature events for children ages 6-11 years old, where they can enjoy an up-close animal encounter, pizza party, special event-themed art or science project, and a flashlight tour of the zoo. This series will be offered on Friday and Saturday nights. “We are thrilled to offer kids an exciting new opportunity to explore nature this Fall,” says Audubon’s Director of Education Llewellyn Everage. “Nature at Night events are going to be a blast! We will be meeting special animal friends, touring the Zoo after dark, and learning all about the natural world and what we can do to protect it.” ■ audubonnatureinstitute.org

PEDIATRIC MODERNA VACCINE TRIAL

Pennington Biomedical Research Center is evaluating the safety and effectiveness of Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine for children under 12. “This is crucial and potentially life-saving research,” says Dr. Daniel Hsia, Associate Professor, Clinical Trials Unit, and site Principal Investigator of the study. “In the past two months, we’ve seen a substantial increase in the number of children testing positive for COVID-19. Unlike earlier variants of the virus, the Delta variant is taking a considerable toll on kids, most of whom haven’t been vaccinated.” Moderna’s KidCOVE study is being conducted in collaboration with the NIAID, part of the National Institutes of Health, and the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority. ■ pbrc.edu

GIRLS ON THE RUN 5K IN BATON ROUGE

Lace up those running shoes and don’t forget to stretch because it’s time to run.

The Girls on the Run 5K will take off on Saturday, November 20 at 9 a.m. This year’s 5K will be set at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana on Reitz Avenue in Baton Rouge. You can register now, and the run is open to all ages and experience levels. Even if you think you aren’t prepared to complete the full length of the run on race day, they still want you to join in on the fun and simply “go at your happy pace and keep moving forward.”

Participants who register for the run will receive a t-shirt, bib, and medal. This is not a timed event, so don’t let the jitters get to you. Get ready for an exciting time the whole family can enjoy.

■ girlsontherunsola.org B R PA R E N T S . C O M | N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 1

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CONNECT COMMUNITY

NETWORKING FOR YOUTH IN BR

Founded in January 2021 by representatives from Capital Area United Way and The Huey & Angelina Wilson Foundation, the Baton Rouge Area Youth Network (BRAYN) is a network of youth service providers and youth supporting organizations in the Greater Baton Rouge area that are dedicated to sharing resources and time to increase youth engagement in high-quality youth opportunities and build the youth services field to create more equitable outcomes for youth.

BRAYN organizations offer a variety of programming, including academic support, mentoring, positive youth development, sports and recreation, the arts, and workforce development. ■ ourbrayn.org

LOUISIANA HARVEST OF THE MONTH Celebrate the bounty of Louisiana’s crop through the new digital-first series from the LSU AgCenter and LPB. The Louisiana Harvest of the Month series celebrates foods grown in Louisiana and Louisiana’s farms and gardens. Each month, a new video will premiere on LPB’s YouTube Channel, featuring information on a different Louisiana crop. The series presents fun facts, planting and growing advice, visits to farms, and ways to include the harvest of the month in everyday cooking and in school environments.

Upcoming videos include sweet potatoes (November), lettuce (December), greens (January), and strawberries (February).

■ lpb.org/harvest or youtube.com/lpbtv

CELEBRATION IN THE OAKS IN NOLA Hop in the car for a quick drive to New Orleans to experience the most spectacular lights festival this holiday season.

Celebration in the Oaks will light up New Orleans City Park, beginning Thursday, November 25. This incredible light festival has enchanted visitors since the 1980s and features a Driving Tour Experience, where the park’s oaks are adorned in over a million twinkling lights. Breathtaking light displays add some fun to the 2.25mile tour.

Your family can even enjoy the Carousel Gardens Experience, which features 18 rides, marshmallow roasting, dancing lights, a new train experience, and for the adults, a festive outdoor bar.

Tickets are on sale now and begin at $39.99 for sedans and SUVs to $225 for sprinter vans.

■ neworleanscitypark.com

RETURN TO THE LAND OF THE SWEETS

After taking a year off due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre will revive its popular Land of the Sweets Nutcracker Tea at the Lod Cook Alumni Center on Sunday, November 28 at 2 p.m.

Everyone’s favorite characters from The Nutcracker–A Tale from the Bayou will be on hand for a fun-filled festivity of treats, teas, and hot chocolate. There will even be plenty of fun activities and photo opportunities that cannot be missed. Best of all, aspiring dancers will be able to join company members to learn some of their favorite parts of the ballet.

Seating is limited. Tickets are on sale now at $60.

■ batonrougeballet.org 16

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CHIMP CHATS AT CHIMP HAVEN

After more than a year’s hiatus, Chimp Haven, the world’s largest chimpanzee sanctuary, is once again opening for exclusive Chimp Chats this fall. Guests seeking the rare opportunity to get an inside look at the 200-acre forested campus that more than 330 chimpanzees know as home are invited to attend. “We are happy to be able to welcome visitors on site once again where they will have the chance to witness

chimpanzees climbing, playing and exploring the forest, and simply, living ‘The Chimp Life’,“ says Chimp Haven President and CEO Rana Smith. The next Chimp Chats will take place on Saturday, November 13 at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Tickets are $75 per person.

■ chimphaven.org

LASM’S NEW PLANETARIUM SHOW

From the award-winning producers of the documentary National Parks Adventure comes MacGillivray Freeman’s Into America’s Wild, a cross-country adventure into the hidden wonders of the natural world. This large-screen cinematic experience celebrates America’s natural treasures and time spent in the wild, and it can now be viewed at Louisiana Art & Science Museum’s Planetarium. “From kayaking Oregon’s stunning coast to the ancient canyons of the Southwest, from the wilds of Alaska to the Appalachian Trail, Into America’s Wild will connect audiences to the trailblazer in all of us and show that nature is the best classroom of all,” states Jam Lamm, Planetarium Director of LASM. ■ lasm.org or intoamericaswild.com B R PA R E N T S . C O M | N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 1

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education BONNIE PLANTS CABBAGE PROGRAM

Fall registration for the Bonnie Plants Third Grade Cabbage Program is open now. Through this hands-on science lesson, students will learn about backyard ecology and plant life cycles by growing colossal cabbages and reaping hefty harvests. One student in each state who enters has a chance to win bragging rights and a $1,000 scholarship. This year’s program has been designed with COVID-19 safety in mind. Participating in the program is completely free. Your student’s cabbage will be delivered by mail during your selected shipping window. After you’ve signed up, they will send over instructions for planting, growing, and harvesting, along with resources to help students learn and succeed. ■ bonniecabbageprogram.com

GIRL SCOUTS WRANGLER SHOW TEAM DEBUTS

The Girl Scouts Louisiana East (GSLE) Wrangler Show Team, composed of five members of the council’s signature Wrangler/Spur Program, participated in the Feliciana Youth Rodeo 2021 Buckle Series in Saint Francisville, LA, placing in barrels, straight away barrels, and flags. The Wrangler Show Team is a new component of the Wrangler/Spur Program, developed to give participants the opportunity to test their skills in a competitive setting. Members include Morgan Bagot and Molly Roberts, Baton Rouge Magnet High School; Katelyn Beckham, Northshore High School; Isabel Carbo, Central Middle School; and Mackenzie LaCombe, Baton Rouge International School.

PBS DONATES $7,000 FOR BREAST CANCER PATIENTS

EBR MAGNET APPLICATION PERIOD OPEN

The 2022-23 magnet application period is open now and has been extended until July 15, 2022. Unlike previous application periods, the enrollment portal will remain open, even if seats are unavailable for a program. Applicants who apply by Friday, December 3, will be selected for seats first based on the board-approved selection process. Eligible applicants who apply after the December date, will be placed in a waiting pool if seats are no longer available. Students who are eligible for a program will be selected for an available seat based on when they applied and must be marked eligible within the time frame that an application was submitted. ■ ebrmagnet.org 18

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Parkview Baptist School celebrated Pink Week during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the student council raised a total of $7,000 for breast cancer patients at Mary Bird Perkins’ Breast & GYN Cancer Pavilion. Fundraising activities included a t-shirt sale and Coin War donation contest. The donation was presented to Art Farve, Immediate Past Board Chair of Mary Bird Perkins and Danielle Mack, MBP Chief Development Officer during halftime at the school’s football game. “All of us know someone or have a family member who is a cancer survivor,” says Josh Domingue, Senior Class President. “It was great to see the whole campus GEAUX PINK to support friends and family fighting breast cancer.”

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amazing kid When Sophie-Grace Segraves was in the first grade, she was diagnosed with dysgraphia, a neurological disorder that can impair writing ability and fine motor skills. A year later, she was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome and Irlen Syndrome. With all of these obstacles placed before her, Sophie-Grace has managed to thrive, especially in her extracurricular activities.

“Growing up, extracurriculars have always been a challenge for me. Though there have been many challenges, I have archery, which has helped me in many ways,” she says. Sophie-Grace practices archery at Gotham Archery and Axe Throwing. Through her learning, she has improved her focus, work ethic, patience, social skills, and most of all, her confidence.

“Gotham Archery has definitely grown my love for this sport. They have taught me how to improve my shooting skills, how to take care of my bow, and fletch my own arrows,” she explains.

Sophie-Grace has excelled in the sport, earning an NFA State Championship and Team USA title. However, it hasn’t been easy. Sophie-Grace has put in extra hours of practice, fine-tuning her skills.

While she has accomplished a lot already, she has remained humble throughout her experience.

Sophie-Grace’s mom describes her as wonderful, competitive, compassionate, and humble. She has overcome many difficulties in order to be where she is today, but her determination has pushed her to succeed. Sophie-Grace is simply one amazing kid. ■ DO YOU HAVE ONE AMAZING KID? Email: education@brparents.com B R PA R E N T S . C O M | N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 1

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CONNECT EDUCATION

SJA RUNNERS WIN AT INVITATIONAL

The St. Joseph’s Academy cross country team won the 39th annual SJA Cross Country Invitational at Highland Road Park.

With five runners in the top 21, the team advanced to 4-0 on the season. SJA scored 64 points to finish atop the 29-team field.

Sophomore Grace Rennhoff led the Sticker charge finishing in fifth place in the three-mile varsity race. Sophomore Hannah Vaughan finished 12th; senior Maddie Kate Gardiner finished 15th; junior Emma Claire Hendry finished 18th; and senior Alexis Napoli finished 21st. The JV team also finished in first through fifth places for a perfect score of 15 points. Top five finishers were Ava Marie Lemoine, Amelia Cochran, Julia Monzon, Elise Brown, and Melia Hoope.

EPISCOPAL STUDENT ACHIEVES ACT SUCCESS

Episcopal School of Baton Rouge junior Carter McLean scored the highest score possible on the ACT, a 36. In addition to his strong academic accomplishments, Carter is also involved with Episcopal Cross Country, Quiz Bowl, and the First United Methodist Youth Group. In the past, Carter has earned recognition for his achievements with the Episcopal Mu Alpha Theta and Youth Legislature student groups. Millions of students take the ACT each year, and test scores are accepted at colleges and universities across the country as part of the entrance requirements. Earning a 36 on the ACT places students in the top 99th percentile nationally out of the 2 million test takers of the ACT entrance exam.

STEAM EXPRESS ROLLS IN LIVINGSTON

Livingston’s STEAM Express was on the road last month, visiting campuses across the parish to inspire learning and excitement for science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM) subjects. The STEAM Express is Livingston Parish’s mobile classroom that is filled with a variety of hands-on interactive activities that students and their parents can do together.

“Our STEAM Express offers parents and their children a great opportunity to engage in learning together. Not only is it fun, but it’s an opportunity for parents to gain a better understanding of the types of learning activities that can be done outside the classroom,” says Superintendent Joe Murphy.

The Express returned this year with COVID-19 safety measures in place.

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SIXTH GRADER NAMED WEIGHTLIFTING CHAMPION

Brynn Catalano, a sixth grader at Live Oak Middle School, recently competed in the USA Weightlifting National Youth Championships and went home a winner.

Brynn was named a national champion at the event in Detroit, Michigan, competing in the events of Snatch (lifting the barbell from the ground to overhead in one continuous motion) and Clean and Jerk (lifting the barbell from the floor to a racked position then raising the barbell to a stationary position above the head).

Brynn is quite the athlete. The Denham Springs student won her first championship in 2019. She is even receiving multiple college offers already and is hoping to make the national team to represent the USA in Worlds in 2022 and 2023.

BLUE RIBBON SCHOOLS NAMED

The U.S. Department of Education announced two EBR School System schools that have won 2021 National Blue Ribbon Schools awards. The winning schools are Baton Rouge Magnet High School and Westdale Heights Academic Magnet. “I am so proud of these schools’ extraordinary performances in the face of tremendous adversity,” says Dr. Cade Brumley, State Superintendent of Education. “I commend them for all of their hard work and congratulate them on winning this highly prestigious award.”

The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program recognizes public and private elementary, middle and high schools based on their overall academic excellence or their progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups.

SWIMMER MAKES ALL-AMERICAN TEAM Aqua Tiger Patrick Murphy of The Dunham School has been named to the 2021 USA Swimming Scholastic All-American Team. The senior joins 1,238 high school swimmers across the country who earned this recognition. Patrick qualified for Scholastic All-American honors by maintaining a minimum 3.5 grade-point average and swimming a time that met or exceeded the 2019 Winter Junior qualifying time. Patrick, who led a feisty Tiger swim team to a fourth place finish in the 2020 LHSAA Division IV State Swim Meet, is the current Division IV state titleholder in the 100m breaststroke and the 200m individual medley. In addition, he has also been recognized as a 2021 National Merit Commended Student and a 2021 Advanced Placement Scholar.

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The Call

To Serve WAYS TO GIVE BACK THIS SEASON

BY ANTHONY BUI PHOTO BY KLEINPETER PHOTOGRAPHY 2021-22 COVER KID RIYAH R.

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PODCAST

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verybody can be great because anybody can serve.

You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.”

These are wise and powerful words from the late Martin Luther King Jr. Yet, despite this, there is always a lack of people willing to serve and give back to the community. There is always the hint of hesitancy, and then, there are those who just do not know how.

To put it simply, one should give back because one is able to in the first place. It builds character, benefits the community, and for families, it can serve as an example for children to follow.

The holidays are rolling around again, and this is the time where families get together to celebrate them. How will you utilize that time? It could be sitting around enjoying material possessions, or it could be going out together as a family and instilling life skills that will continue to impact lives while those material possessions break and fade away.

HOW TO GIVE BACK

There is no shortage of ways to give back to the community. People are under the assumption that in order to give back, they need to have a stack of cash in their bank account. They fail to realize that there are other ways to give back that do not require money.

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GIVE YOUR TIME It is not hard to find places that need volunteers. A quick Google search and you will find a list of reputable volunteer options in the Baton Rouge area. All you will need is a contact person and his or her phone number, or a link to the foundation’s website, to discover what volunteer opportunities are available.

Find which opportunity best suits you and your family.

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BECOME A MENTOR The Big Buddy Program provides mentors who have such a huge impact on children’s lives. When you serve as a mentor, you will help build relationships with children in order to help build up their self esteem. You are ultimately there to help support their overall growth and development.

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HELP FEED THE HUNGRY The Baton Rouge Food Bank is always looking for people to help them complete their mission to feed the hungry in Baton Rouge and surrounding parishes by providing food and educational outreach through faith-based and other community partners. However, there are several other organizations geared towards helping those who are in need of food and services.

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START YOUR OWN FOOD DRIVE If you’re wanting to take a more handson approach to helping feed the hungry, start your own food drive as a family.

Discuss how you would like to collect the food, collect boxes for your food items, and spread the word.

At the end of the day, volunteering one’s time leaves such a longer lasting impact on people’s lives. Showing up with a smile on their face, volunteers are able to spread positivity and life to people and situations that seem so dire. One single interaction between a person with a heart and soul oftentimes leaves a larger imprint on someone’s life than a check. ■

WHERE TO GIVE BACK If you aren’t sure which organizations are in need, we have compiled a list of local organizations to give you some ideas. You and your family can choose one (or more) and do your best to help out those in need this holiday season.

Alex’s Lemonade Stand alexslemonade.org (610) 649-3034 Alzheimer’s Services of the Capital Area alzbr.org (225) 334-7494 American Red Cross of Louisiana redcross.org/local/louisiana Baton Rouge Youth Coalition thebryc.org (225) 456-5752 Big Buddy Program bigbuddyprogram.net (225) 388-9737

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Baton Rouge habitatbr.org (225) 927-6651 Iris Domestic Violence Center stopdv.org (225) 389-3001 Keep Tiger Town Beautiful facebook.com/groups/4938953992812965 Kids’ Orchestra kidsorchestra.org (225) 922-4656 Louisiana Book Festival louisianabookfestival.org (225) 342-4996 Louisiana Hemophilia Foundation lahemo.org (225) 291-1675

Brave Heart–Children In Need, Inc. braveheartchildren.org

Mighty Moms mightymomsgo.org (225) 435-9195

Cancer Services cancerservices.org (225) 927-2273

Opéra Louisiane operalouisiane.com (225) 377-2029

Capital Area Animal Welfare Society caaws.org (225) 752-5801

Presbyterian Children’s Homes and Services pchas.org (800) 888-1904

Capital Area CASA Association casabr.org (225) 379-8598

Rebuilding Together Baton Rouge rtbr.org (225) 960-4700

Cat Haven cathaven.org (225) 636-2680

River Road African American Museum africanamericanmuseum.org (225) 474-5553

Companion Animal Alliance of Baton Rouge caabr.org (225) 408-5360

Tankproof tankproof.org (225) 939-0931

Capital Area United Way cauw.org (225) 383-2643

The Salvation Army salvationarmybatonrouge.org (225) 355-4483

Connections for Life connectionsforlife.net (225) 379-3640

Top Box Foods topboxfoods.com/baton-rouge (225) 244-9564

Dreams Come True dreamscometrue.org (225) 346-4311

United Cajun Navy thecajunnavy.org (844) 4UCNAVY (482-6289)

Dream Day Foundation dreamdayfoundation.org (225) 754-5700

Volunteers of America voa-br.org (225) 387-0061

Fathers on a Mission (F.O.A.M.) fathersonamission.com

Volunteers in Public Schools (VIPS) vipsbr.org (225) 226-4700

Girls on the Run girlsontherunsola.org (225) 636-0800 Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank brfoodbank.org (225) 359-9940 ext. 207

Women’s Community Rehabilitation Center wcrcbr.com (225) 336-0000 Youth Oasis youthoasis.org B R PA R E N T S . C O M | N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 1

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LIVE

mom next door Tasha Robichaux

BY EMILY DREZ PHOTO BY LAUREN ASHTON LIGHTS DESIGN & PHOTOGRAPHY

OCCUPATION: Fourth grade teacher and owner of Indigo Art Studios HUSBAND: Roland Robichaux Jr. CHILDREN: Emma, 18; Silas, 16; Lucy, 14; Joseph, 12; Nathan, 11; Lee, 11; Eli, 6; Kyle, 4 HOBBIES: Art, gardening, painting, & photography

W

H E N Tasha Robichaux tells people she has eight children (six biological and two adopted), the usual response is, “Oh, my gosh! You must have your hands full!” The truth is, Tasha wouldn’t have it any other way.

In fact, her favorite part about parenthood is having so many children to love on top of her duties as a teacher and an artist at her own art studio.

What does a normal day look like for you?

TASHA: I get up at 5 a.m. to get ready for school, then it’s all hands on deck. Emma moved to Hammond for college; she used to be a really big help, so now everyone’s having to chip in a little bit more. Most of the children ride with me to school; then, I teach all day, take care of studio chores after, do homework, get them ready for bed, and do it all over again.

What’s something a lot of people don’t know about you?

TASHA: I always knew I was going to adopt a kid one day, ever since I was a child.

What is your favorite art style to teach?

TASHA: I feel the most confident in teaching photography. I’ve never charged for photography lessons–it’s always free.

What are the joys and challenges of raising your children?

TASHA: Seeing them grow, learn new things, and become responsible individuals is definitely a joy, especially with our first growing up and being on her own. The challenge is trying to keep everything in order. It’s like organized chaos. Sometimes you just have to let things go because you can’t control everything. That’s probably the hardest thing to do.

How would you describe yourself as a mother?

TASHA: Laid back, but I have expectations. They know the things I expect, such as doing their best in everything, which is what my husband and I expect for ourselves, too. If you give it your best, you can say that you’ve done it. And I love my babies, they’re all different and have their unique personalities What do you like to do as a family?

TASHA: We like to have movie nights at home, or we go to the zoo.

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Teaching is like parenting, but you’re educating everybody as well. You have to give bandaids, split up arguments, and make sure they’re learning what they’re supposed to learn.

What has parenthood taught you?

TASHA: Don’t sweat the small stuff. Some things just aren’t worth your time. As long as everyone is fed, happy, and loved, it’s a good day. We haven’t come up with a problem that we haven’t survived yet.

What are some things you hope to teach your children?

TASHA: To be kind and to share their gifts with others. As long as you’re doing the best you can do, being a good human, and loving God and everyone else, then it will be a good life.

What is something your job has taught you about parenting?

TASHA: Teaching is like parenting, but you’re educating everybody as well. You have to give bandaids, split up arguments, and make sure they’re learning what they’re supposed to learn.

There’s so much that goes into teaching that is more than just teaching. At the art studio, whenever we have people coming in with their families, the main takeaway is that families get to spend time together. Even though you may not all have the same interests, you still take time to have conversations and be with each other. It’s a good thing.

Biggest challenge in parenting during the pandemic?

TASHA: Keeping the house clean with so many people in it, but at the same time, we had more time to do it. Also, feeding them!

The limits on bread and everything was hard. We would exceed the limits on a normal shopping trip, so when they started limiting everything, we had to get very creative with meal planning. In some ways, I kind of miss us being quarantined and having all that time at home.

Biggest challenge for your job during the pandemic?

TASHA: Keeping so many little people and their places clean.

We have to remind them to keep their masks on, but overall they’ve been really good about it. We’ve met the challenges head on and have been able to figure out who’s talking with the mask on. You get really good at things that you were not before.

How do you make time to relax?

TASHA: My husband and I are really good at tag teaming things, so we give each other breaks. He’ll give me some time for myself, and I’ll give him some time for himself, and sometimes we both manage to get away because our older kids help out.

What personality trait of yours do your children also have?

TASHA: My oldest likes to stay busy just like me. I hope they’re gaining a good work ethic, and I see that in the older ones especially. They know the value of working hard for something you want.

What do you want to do that is still on your bucket list?

TASHA: Go to Ireland. We’ve done a lot of traveling. We used to live in the Middle East, so we’ve traveled all over the world, but we haven’t been to Ireland.

Any advice for parents who want to adopt?

TASHA: Hang in there, it’s gonna happen. The hardest part is the wait, but regardless of how you get your children, there’s a wait, either when you’re pregnant or when you’re waiting for paperwork. Just take time to prepare yourself and try not to stress over it. ■

Q&A Before I go out, I always check to make sure I have… my keys.

My favorite dessert is… ice cream.

My favorite food is... olives.

Favorite painter growing up…

Vincent Van Gogh.

My guilty pleasure is… getting my nails done.

The first thing I do when I wake up is... snooze the alarm clock.

I’m always laughing at… the kids and their antics.

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LIVE

thrive Top Box Eating Without Breaking the Budget

BY SARAH BATROUS PHOTO BY TOP BOX FOODS

C

O N N O R DeLoach, the Executive Director of Top Box Foods offers Baton Rouge and New Orleans an easier, budget-friendly way to eat healthy by selling a mouth-watering variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, seafood, poultry, and dairy products in convenient boxes.

Top Box Foods was founded in Chicago by Chris Kennedy and his wife Sheila Berner Kennedy to reach food-insecure communities that needed affordable and accessible food. At 19 years old, DeLoach got his start at the community-centered nonprofit as a volunteer at the Chicago location. Wanting to give back to those in need, he moved to Louisiana in 2013 to kickoff Top Box Foods as he transferred to Tulane University.

“While volunteering, I kind of fell in love with the program and wanted to take a bigger role,” says DeLoach. “So, I did a lot of research to figure out where there is a need for that same program. New Orleans really stood out as it was a city still recovering from Hurricane Katrina.”

After their successful launch in New Orleans catering towards those suffering from a lack of basic food access, they extended a helping hand to Baton Rouge. For shoppers in Baton 26

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Rouge, fresh supplies are delivered every Monday and Thursday. To reach the largest audience possible, Top Box Foods offers a multitude of payment options on all items from credit card, debit, EBT, P-EBT, and DSNAP. Paying through EBT, P-EBT, or DSNAP gets you a 50 percent discount off the whole order. This discount is thanks to the help of Capital Area United Way, Healthy BR, and their partnerships with Market Umbrella and the Crescent City Farmers Market.

On top of their day-to-day operations, the arrival of the holiday season signals an uptick in business.

The holidays are notoriously times of giving to those in need of aid, and Top Box Foods wants to further their reach in the community by feeding our hungry friends, family, and neighbors. DeLoach’s exceptional team created the Community Food Share Program to help businesses, organizations, and funders that are focused on a specific demographic or wish to meet a certain need in their community to use Top Box Food’s program to purchase food in bulk.

Having stocked up on resources, they can facilitate large-scale community distributions where food is donated for free.

“This year, we anticipate weekly events where we are participating in four or five large community food distributions to dole out anywhere between 400 to 1,000 boxes at any given time. We’re really excited,” shares DeLoach.

Of course, with these large-scale efforts, Top Box Foods relies on volunteers and information from the community to reach the hungry. Their volunteers help keep supplies running by helping out with in-office work, going with the hands-on approach by filling grocery boxes, or hitting the pavement doing deliveries.

If you know someone who struggles with food insecurity, be sure to spread the word. However, this isn’t your only option. Top Box Foods head a give-a-box program that is referral-based, so all donations on their website can directly put a box of food in the hands of someone in need.

“Overall, we’re a social business,” asserts DeLoach. “We’re designed to be self-sustaining based on community participation.

The best thing that I can encourage anyone to do is to participate, spread the word, and let everyone know we are a resource with great options.”

By collaborating with phenomenal local producers to sell their amazing products, Top Box Foods is thriving as a business focused around making an added effort to help people be conscious about food shopping and investing both their time and money back into Louisiana. ■

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LIVE

faith What Serving Really Means

BY ANTHONY BUI PHOTO BY RODNAE PRODUCTIONS

W

H AT I S YO U R P O S T U R E?

Do you treat church like you do your job? You clock in on Sunday morning, sit there for an hour, and then you leave without giving it a second thought. Maybe you throw in some overtime by going to a weekly Bible study every now and then. While all of this is great, it is not a substantial way to live your life as a Christian.

We are not called to be idle in our actions, but to serve the church and others in whatever capacity that we can. It is easy to get caught up in your own bubble that you forget that being a Christian means popping that bubble and stepping into some uncomfortable and exhausting situations where you may not exactly want to be.

SO, WHAT DOES THIS LOOK LIKE? True service reflects not just what you do but how you do it. I can volunteer to serve with a church daycare, but if I go into it every time with a sour attitude or expecting some kind of praise from people, then I am not serving in a positive manner.

At that point, it may have even been better had I not volunteered at all.

Serving means taking the message that you hear on Sunday and applying it to your life outside of that building. When you hear a message about generosity, pray about it and find ways to serve the community. If there is a need, look to fulfill it. It doesn’t matter how big or small it is.

It could be something as simple as being a greeter on Sunday mornings or picking up chairs after a big fellowship event. It could also be something as complex as building and leading your own small group Bible study. At the end of the day, the complexity of the service does not matter. It is the effort and heart that you put into it.

WHY SERVE? One may begin to think that all of this is pointless. There couldn’t possibly be any life change that can happen from you saying, “Hello,” to someone as they come into church, or maybe, you are leading a small group Bible study with a whopping attendance of zero. What is the point?

The reality is that you won’t always get to see the point. You will hopefully plant a seed, but the fruit of that seed might not show until way later down the road. If there is even the smallest chance that your action can help bring someone closer to God, that alone makes it worth it and answers the question of why you should serve.

In addition to that, serving also benefits your own relationship with God. It gives you a way to glorify God as well as grow in relationship with him instead of just remaining stagnant. Being a Christian becomes more than just a Sunday 28

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By serving, you are actively taking the word of God and applying it to your life, allowing it to truly change you.

morning thing. By serving, you are actively taking the word of God and applying it to your life, allowing it to truly change you.

No matter where you are in life or how busy you are, there is never a bad time to look for ways to serve within the body of Christ where you are at. ■

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What’s Your Child’s Learning Style?

PODCAST

BY SARAH LYONS PHOTO BY KLEINPETER PHOTOGRAPHY 2020-21 COVER KID NOAH T.

D

O E S your

child love reading and writing? Do they have a knack for music? When they tell a story, do they tend to use their whole body to describe what happened?

Are they drawn to groups, or do they prefer to work alone? These traits can give a clue about your child’s learning style.

A learning style is the method a person uses to learn and should be used to maximize learning. It’s important for parents to understand their child’s learning style, so that they can help them find study methods, environments, and activities that help them learn best.

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VISUAL



Visual learners prefer seeing pictures and images to learn new things. They usually have good spatial awareness skills. Children with this learning style understand maps and have a good sense of direction. They usually love doodling and drawing. Study habits best for these learners are to write information down; underline or highlight as they read; and use colorful diagrams, charts, and pictures to enable them to visualize what they want to remember.



AUDITORY

People who are auditory learners are typically drawn to music. They may sing, play a musical instrument, or have the ability to pick individual musical instruments out of a piece of music. They may hum, sing, or tap their feet while

they work. Using music and rhythm to remember information can be helpful for children who have this learning style.

It might also be helpful to record and playback things you want to remember, or read and recite information aloud.



VERBAL

Children with a verbal learning style can easily express themselves in both speaking and written communication. Verbal learners have a strong understanding of the meaning of words and will consistently seek out new words to master, which they will later use to communicate with others. Try using acronyms or reading information aloud while learning new things. Role playing can also be helpful for the verbal learning style.



PHYSICAL

Children who prefer using their bodies, hands, and sense of touch prefer the physical learning style. Many of these learners enjoy drama, dancing, woodworking, or exercise. They would rather go for a run or walk when something is bothering them than sit at home and think it through. These children use hand gestures and body language to communicate and are very aware of the world around them. Sitting and listening to a lecture can be a challenge for children who prefer a physical learning style, so they will often fidget and look forward to when they can move around.

Try actually incorporating the physical objects they are learning about or allowing movement whenever possible.

Writing, drawing, and using flashcards can also be helpful for children who have this learning style. Frequent breaks can help the physical learner feel more prepared for study time. You can also try standing while reading, using a computer for studying, or making a review into a gross-motor style game.



LOGICAL

Children with a logical learning style generally excel in math and critical thinking. They can recognize patterns and commonalities in seemingly unrelated content. They often understand and work complex calculations in their head. Problems are usually tackled in a systematic way, and they enjoy creating lists, agendas, charts, and procedures. Children with this learning style will retain information if they understand the logic behind it. They need not simply memorize information but truly

understand the concepts and reasons for the information to retain them long-term.



SOCIAL



SOLITARY

People who are drawn to the social learning style love working in groups or participating in classes.

They enjoy sharing their ideas with others and listening to what others think.

Children with this learning style are good at both verbal and nonverbal communication and understand others as well. People typically like being around the social learner and seek their advice or input when faced with problems. They prefer to work through challenges in a group and will often be found staying after class to chat with friends. Children with this learning style will enjoy role playing, studying in groups, or sharing what they have learned with others.

People with a solitary learning style often prefer working alone and enjoy thinking and reflecting on things. They tend to be independent, introspective, and private. They are good at focusing on a task and have strong concentration skills. They may also enjoy keeping a journal to reflect on personal thoughts and feelings. Children with this learning style prefer to study alone in quiet spaces.

Understanding your child’s learning style is important, so you can help them get the most out of their education while also identifying any ways to handle challenges that may occur because of their preferred learning style. Also, parents can use this to their advantage to appeal to their child’s interests when learning new things. Don’t be surprised if your child seems to have a combination of learning styles, as this is very common.

When caring adults understand a child’s strengths and weaknesses when it comes to learning, it can only improve their experience at school and their study habits at home. ■

What’s

your child’s style?

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33

Prediabetes Among Tweens and Teens

BY ELISE GRAY

F

PODCAST

O R the average par-

ent, nutritional health is a top priority. It’s part of the reason that the advertising industry spends millions every year. Brightly-colored boxed products gleaming with buzzwords like “gluten-free” or “low sugar” call from the grocery shelves, promising nourishment to growing bodies. And yet, prediabetes is increasingly affecting children and young adults in the United States.

According to data found by Dr. Daniel Hsia, an Associate Professor and endocrinologist specializing in diabetes at Pennington Biomedical Research Center, the results for prediabetes in adolescents are shocking. According to recent data from the CDC, roughly 1 in 5 adolescents ages 12-18 have prediabetes. According to Dr. Hsia, there’s also been an increase in full-blown type 2 diabetes in adolescents.

While there’s an increase, the medicine demand hasn’t exactly caught up.

Dr. Hsia cites that while there are treatment options for diabetic teens and 34

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tweens, there are far more for adults with the disease. At present, adults with diabetes have around 60-70+ FDA-approved medications to choose from, whereas teens have 3 medications.

There’s Metformin, Liraglutide (which was approved fairly recently, in 2019), and varying types of insulin. With a higher risk of developing the disease and not as many treatment options, parents are doing their best to keep up.

“As a healthcare professional, I am aware of the risks associated with prediabetes. I read labels like a madwoman, and when it comes to cooking for the kids, I try to stick to things that grow from the ground. But it’s hard–sometimes life gets busy and you find yourself reaching for the cereal box,” says Alex A., a 29-year-old mother of two.

So, how did we get here? There’s quite a bit of research to suggest that the issue seems to be a combination of lifestyle choices and genetics.

CONTRIBUTING FACTORS: NATURE VS. NURTURE

Nature: Genes There are some early warning signs that can hint at the risks, making pre-screenings an important thing to do for parents who have an inkling, or any associated medical conditions that could be linked to diabetes. Screenings can also help catch warning signs early. For instance, children who have a BMI greater than the 85th percentile for their age and sex

are at a slightly higher risk than those with lower BMI ratings.

However, examining family histories is a great place to start. “Those with first or second-degree relatives who have diabetes could be at risk for prediabetes.

Anyone who has an associated medical condition or a predisposition to highblood pressure or sleep apnea should also get pre-screened. If a child was born to a mother with gestational diabetes, they are also at risk for prediabetes,” says Dr. Hsia.

Nurture: Diet While one’s genes do play a large role in a teen’s ability to become diabetic, there are other contributing factors that parents might have more control over, like our diets. Caroline Gilmore, an outpatient dietitian at the Health and Wellness Center at Baton Rouge General has some insights for us.

“The earlier you start with healthier eating, the better. Choose water as your primary beverage, as we find sugary drinks to be the number one source of sugar in the diet,” says Gilmore. Fear not, there are a few things that parents can do to get ahead of the curve.

While we know sugar isn’t the end-all cause of all prediabetes, cutting sugar from the diet of teens and tweens can help reduce the risks. In general, excess carbohydrates can lead to weight gain, which impacts insulin and sugar levels, leading to unwanted diagnoses.

“Staying off the blood sugar rollercoaster is the key to feeling healthy and having energy,” says Gilmore, as she explains the differences in food groups and their contributions to health. Many dietitians, including Gilmore, recommend The Plate Method.

The Plate Method is portion control with a focus on food groups. It’s quite simple. At Baton Rouge General’s clinic, they primarily recommend that half the plate be made up of non-starchy veggies (around half a cup or so will do). Then, the other half of the plate should be made up of a healthy fat source, a good protein source, and healthy carbs. One easy way to throw in a healthy fat source would be cooking the vegetables in butter or having a side salad with olive oil instead of dressing.

Predisposition or not, moving toward non-starchy veggies in meals is a great step toward overall health and wellness.

These veggies have vitamins and minerals that one cannot get from other sources, they are also often lower in calories and high in fiber. Fiber is a godsend for those looking to balance blood sugar levels. Non-starchy vegetables include greens like broccoli, kale, and spinach.

However, even onions and mushrooms can also count.

When it comes to choosing healthy carbs, there are a few options, such as beans, potatoes, and fruit. For protein sources, as long as it is not breaded or fried, there’s some wiggle room. A grilled chicken breast, hamburger patty, or even eggs will do the trick.

WHAT PARENTS CAN DO

Balancing healthy diets with picky eaters or busy teens can be difficult. The best thing parents can do is build good habits.

For those battling the workweek, band practices, and activities galore, it’s easy to grab the Pop-Tarts or Hot Pockets in the morning. One tip that Gilmore provides clients is the idea of meal prepping. Baton Rouge General has a range of healthy meal prep ideas, along with Nutrition 101 classes parents can register for. Even eating out is okay once and a while, so long as parents know what to choose. For instance, Chick-fil-A lovers can still find solace in their chicken nuggets, but should instead order grilled chicken. There are tons of little lifehacks here and there.

In hindsight, all of these factors and diet tips might feel like needles in a haystack when it comes to prevention–but all good things start with small steps.

Perhaps, in this case, the age-old phrase “an apple a day” might actually keep the doctor away. ■ B R PA R E N T S . C O M | N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 1

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Announcing The 2021-22

S

2-3 YEARS

We had a blast getting to meet so many of you at The Cover Kid Event this year. Thank you to everyone for coming out! For the upcoming year, our judges picked some wonderful children who will appear on the cover or in the pages of our magazine. Without further ado, here are the 2021-22 Cover Kids.

ERIC D.

NORA M.

SEBASTIAN O.

EZRA W.

JOY L.

MADELYNN H.

CASSIUS T.

CASON C.

CHADRICK J.

9-11 YEARS

6-8 YEARS

ADELE B.

BRADLEY F.

CAROLYN M.

DALLIS M.

DARBY M.

ALANNA P.

BRYSON A.

JEREMIAH P.

MAX D.

SHANI J.

12-17 YEARS

RIYAH R.

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4-5 YEARS

THANK YOU to Our Sponsors

KAYLEE S.

KEVIN J.

LILA W.

LISA W.

MICHAEL O.

CLINE B.

EVELYN D.

JOHN PAUL L.

KATE D.

LA'BREYAH H.

EMMA C.

GRAHAM F.

HAILEY B.

PRESTON F.

RHYS J.

Congratulations, Cover Kids

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37

J

UDGES 2021-22

We all had an incredible time at The Cover Kid Event this year.

The search for the Cover Kids, who will go on to represent the magazine on the cover and inside the pages of Baton Rouge Parents Magazine, is no easy task. We were lucky to have our incredible judges on hand to find this year’s 2021-22 Cover Kids.

Now, you can learn more about them.

LETRECE GRIFFIN

JAMI REDMOND

ROSALIND THOMPSON

LETRECE GRIFFIN

Baton Rouge native, Letrece Griffin, is a highly-lauded communications professional and community advocate who works extensively in a variety of media.

She is the Director of Communications & 38

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Public Relations for the East Baton Rouge Parish School System. She is also the author of three books, an event curator, public speaker, and public relations specialist. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communication from Loyola University, and a Master of Science degree in Entertainment Business from Full Sail University.

Griffin is a member of the Baton Rouge Sigma Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and a charter member of The National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc.–Metropolitan Baton Rouge Chapter. Outside of her various membership duties, she independently volunteers to facilitate self-esteem workshops for the Outstanding Mature Girlz Conference and has assisted communities with food insecurity through Top Box Foods.

She has been featured in 225 and the Greater Baton Rouge Business Report. She is a 2021 Ada Lovelace Award nominee for Digital Marketing. She is also a 2020 graduate of the Baton Rouge Area Chamber’s Leadership Baton Rouge Cohort.

Her awards are many and include Baton Rouge Parents Magazine’s Favorite Local Author, The Greater Baton Rouge Business Report’s 40 Under 40, Woman of Wonder, Baton Rouge Black Professionals 40 under 40, Top Branding Experts on Twitter, and Manager of the Year.

JAMI REDMOND

Jami Redmond is a party planner and local lifestyle and beauty influencer.

Redmond is a lifelong resident of the Greater Baton Rouge area. She graduated from Louisiana State University in 2000.

Since then, she has worn many hats.

Redmond has been involved in the fashion and beauty industry since 2002, and she has been involved in party hosting, planning, and promoting since 2014.

Jami is a co-founder of the Jami & Katrina Influencer/Promoter Partnership. She has owned three Merle Norman Beauty franchises from 2002-2013, and she is also a co-owner of Coy’s Diesel Specialties in Gonzales.

In her spare time, she has also taken on the role of judge in the Mrs. Pelican State Beauty Pageant from 2018-2021 and is a creator and selection judge of the prestigious Influencer Award at the Pelican State Pageant.

Jami is a wife and a mother of one.

ROSALIND THOMPSON

Rosalind Thompson’s broad skills with people and in business began in her early corporate career. As a human resources executive, Thompson developed insight and practical business sense that have fostered achievement and pride in each school community she has served. Recruited from the corporate world to her new, fulfilling role in the BASIS Charter School network by her own daughter, a BASIS Charter School teacher, today she can’t imagine working anywhere else.

Since joining BASIS Charter Schools in 2013, Thompson has been immersed in the BASIS Charter School Curriculum, particularly at the primary level, and has served as a much-loved Head of School in Arizona, Texas, and New York. She successfully opened BASIS Chandler Primary South, BASIS San Antonio, BASIS Independent Brooklyn, and BASIS Austin Primary as the inaugural Head of School.

She was also the Head of School at BASIS Phoenix Central and implemented the Arts Element. She is committed to drawing on each school’s diverse and unique culture–the students, teachers, and families that make up each community–to strengthen and grow new schools.

Thompson is thrilled to serve as Head of School at BASIS Baton Rouge Mid City.

She is dedicated to growing the BASIS Baton Rouge Mid City community and to inspiring a lifelong love of learning in your children.

Thank you to Letrece, Jami, and Rosalind for being a part of our annual event and finding the upcoming year’s Cover Kids.■

y l i m a F s e t i r o v a F 2021

AZINE AG M

BATON R O

PARENTS E UG

ER’S CHOICE R EA D

Photo by David Gallent

Congratulations, 2021 FA M I LY FAVO R I T E S

Over 100,000 votes poured in for this year’s Family Favorites, and we are so excited to officially announce who you have chosen as your winners. These businesses and professionals are the ones you trust to provide you with excellent service and a top-notch experience whenever you’re in need, again and again. Congratulations to our winners and thank you to our readers for helping us honor all they do.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Favorite Entertainment Venue for Kids Knock Knock Children’s Museum 1900 Dalrymple Drive Baton Rouge, LA 70808 (225) 388-3090 | knockknockmuseum.org Runners Up Gotham Archery and Axe

Throwing & UpTown Climbing Favorite Family Entertainment Venue BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo 3601 Thomas Road Baton Rouge, LA 70807 (225) 775-3877 | brzoo.org Runners Up Main Event Baton Rouge & UpTown Climbing Favorite Museum Knock Knock

Children’s Museum 1900 Dalrymple Drive Baton Rouge, LA 70808 (225) 388-3090 | knockknockmuseum.org Runners Up Louisiana Art & Science Museum & The National WWII Museum

Favorite Music Program Episcopal School of Baton Rouge 3200 Woodland Ridge

Baton Rouge, LA 70816 (225) 753-3180 | episcopalbr.org Runners Up Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra & Parkview Baptist School: Music Program Favorite Theater Program Episcopal School of Baton Rouge 3200 Woodland Ridge Baton Rouge, LA 70816 (225) 753-3180 | episcopalbr.org

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Runners Up Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre & Theatre Baton Rouge

Runners Up Pediatric Dental Specialists & Yale Pediatric Dentistry

FAMILY HEALTH

Favorite Dermatologist Dr. Mary C. Dickerson, Louisiana Dermatology Associates Multiple locations (225) 927-5663 | louisiana-dermatology.com

Favorite Adult Dentist Dr. Ed Hood, Hood Dental Care Multiple locations (225) 667-0037 | hooddentalcare.com Runners Up Dr. Glen Appleton, Drs. Maginnis and Appleton Prosthodontics & Family Dentistry & Dr. Krista Bennett-Bruns, Bruns Family Dental Center, LLC Favorite Allergist Dr. Adrianne Edmundson, The Allergy, Asthma & Sinus Center Multiple locations allergyasc.com Dr. Joseph Redhead, The Baton Rouge Clinic, AMC 7373 Perkins Road Baton Rouge, LA 70808 (225) 769-4044 | batonrougeclinic.com Runners Up Dr. Prem Menon, Asthma, Allergy and Immunology Center Favorite Cosmetic Center Louisiana Dermatology Associates Multiple locations (225) 927-5663 | louisiana-dermatology.com Runners Up The Dermatology Clinic & Williamson Cosmetic Center & Perenack Aesthetic Surgery Favorite Day Spa Bumble Lane 7450 Jefferson Highway Baton Rouge, LA 70806 (225) 932-9522 | bumblelane.com Runners Up Avant Tous Beauty Bar & Spa &The Woodhouse Day Spa Favorite Dental Care Group Associates in Pediatric Dentistry Multiple locations (225) 924-6622 | aipdbr.com 44

Rouge Family Medical Center 8595 Picardy Avenue Baton Rouge, LA 70809 (225) 763-4900 | brgeneral.org Runners Up Dr. Casey B. Carlisle, The Baton Rouge Clinic, AMC & Dr. Shawn K. Hall, Our Lady of the Lake Physician Group Ascension

Runners Up Dr. John Brantley, Calais Dermatology Associates & Dr. W Trent Massengale, Atlas Dermatology

Favorite Hospital Woman’s Hospital 100 Woman’s Way Baton Rouge, LA 70817 (225) 927-1300 | womans.org

Favorite Dermatology Group Louisiana Dermatology Associates Multiple locations (225) 927-5663 | louisiana-dermatology.com

Runners Up Baton Rouge General & Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital

Runners Up The Baton Rouge Clinic, AMC & The Dermatology Clinic Favorite ENT Doctor Dr. Elise Scallan, Louisiana Ear, Nose, Throat & Sinus Multiple locations lentsmedicalgroup.com Runners Up Dr. Amy Rabalais, Ochsner Health & Dr. Ryan T. Boone, FACS, Louisiana Ear, Nose, Throat and Sinus Favorite ENT Group Louisiana Ear Nose Throat & Sinus: Bluebonnet Clinic 8080 Bluebonnet Boulevard Baton Rouge, LA 70810 (225) 767-7200 | lentsmedicalgroup.com Runners Up Louisiana Ear Nose Throat & Sinus & The Baton Rouge Clinic, AMC Favorite Eye Center Williamson Eye Center Multiple locations (225) 960-6733 | williamsoneyectr.com Runners Up Acadiana Vision Care Optical & Eye Medical Center Favorite Family Physician Dr. Brad J. Gaspard, Baton

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Favorite Local Pharmacy Prairieville Pharmacy 16270 Airline Highway Prairieville, LA 70769 (225) 677-7979 | prairievillepharmacy.com Runners Up Central Pharmacy & Prescriptions to Geaux Favorite OB/GYN Doctor Dr. Ryan Dickerson, Louisiana Women’s Healthcare 500 Rue de la Vie Baton Rouge, LA 70817 (225) 250-1070 | lwha.com Runners Up Dr. Nicole Chauvin, Louisiana Women’s Healthcare & Dr. Rebecca Boudreaux, Louisiana Women’s Healthcare Favorite OB/GYN Practice Louisiana Women’s Healthcare 500 Rue de la Vie Baton Rouge, LA 70817 (225) 250-1070 | lwha.com Runners Up Associates in Women’s Health & Dr. Schwartzenburg, Dr. Lafranca, Dr. Guidry and Dr. Chapman Favorite Orthodontic Clinic Sherman & Balhoff Specialists in Orthodontics 8311 Bluebonnet Boulevard Baton Rouge, LA 70810 (225) 769-1276 |

shermanbalhoff.com Runners Up Frugé Orthodontics & Porter Orthodontics Favorite Orthodontist Dr. Joseph Porter, Porter Orthodontics 4451 Bluebonnet Boulevard Baton Rouge, LA 70809 (225) 291-9900 | porterbraces.com Runners Up Dr. Michael Hiller, Hiller Orthodontics & Dr. Stephen Sherman Jr., Sherman & Balhoff Specialists in Orthodontics Favorite Orthopaedic Clinic Baton Rouge Orthopaedic Clinic Multiple locations brortho.com Runners Up Bone & Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge & Ochsner Medical Complex–The Grove Favorite Orthopaedic Doctor Dr. Brad Culotta, Baton Rouge Orthopaedic Clinic 8080 Bluebonnet Boulevard Baton Rouge, LA 70810 (225) 924-2424 | brortho.com Runners Up Dr. Craig Greene, Baton Rouge Orthopaedic Clinic & Dr. Michael Robichaux, Baton Rouge Orthopaedic Clinic Favorite Pediatric Dentist Dr. Robert Delarosa, Associates in Pediatric Dentistry Multiple locations (225) 924-6622 | aipdbr.com Runners Up Dr. Brooke Wood, Pediatric Dental Specialists & Dr. Johnnie Hunt, Pediatric Dental Specialists Favorite Pediatrician Dr. D. Stephen Sanches, The Baton Rouge Clinic, AMC 12351 Industriplex Boulevard Baton Rouge, LA 70809 (225) 246-9290 | batonrougeclinic.com Runners Up Dr. Dawn Barrient, The Pediat-

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ric Place & Dr. Mindy Calandro, The Baton Rouge Clinic, AMC

& Azalea Lakes Veterinary Clinic

Favorite Psychiatrist Dr. Renee Bruno, Woman’s Hospital 7470 Highland Road Baton Rouge, LA 70808 (225) 615-8102 | womans.org

IT’S A PARTY

Runners Up Dr. Donna Fargason, Family Focus & Associates & Dr. Joseph Anthony Grizzaffi Jr., Our Lady of the Lake Physician Group Psychiatry Center Favorite Therapist/Counselor Dr. Megan Dewberry, CCC-SLP, Baton Rouge General Multiple locations brgeneral.org Runners Up Dr. Logan McIlwain, Logan McIlwain LCSW & Dynamic Therapy Specialists Favorite Urgent Care Facility Lake After Hours Urgent Care Multiple locations lakeurgentcare.com Runners Up Central STAT Care & The Baton Rouge Clinic Urgent Care Center Favorite Veterinarian Dr. Stephen Lee, Sherwood South Animal Hospital 3803 S. Sherwood Forest Boulevard Baton Rouge, LA 70816 (225) 293-6440 | sherwoodsouth.com Runners Up Dr. Jennifer Schneider, Jones Creek Animal Hospital & Dr. Jonathan Heintz, Dutchtown Animal Hospital Favorite Veterinary Clinic Sherwood South Animal Hospital 3803 S. Sherwood Forest Boulevard Baton Rouge, LA 70816 (225) 293-6440 | sherwoodsouth.com Runners Up Associated Veterinary Services 52

Favorite Entertainer Petite Princess Company Denham Springs, LA (225) 347-1981 | petiteprincesscompany.com Runners Up Animated Art Balloon Decor & Entertainment & UpTown Climbing Favorite Inflatable Rental All About Inflatables Denham Springs, LA (225) 667-2386 | allaboutinflatablesds.com Runners Up Ascension Party Rentals & Bouncing Off The Walls Favorite Party Supplies Party Time 3350 Bluebonnet Boulevard Baton Rouge, LA 70809, (225) 927-3270 | partytimebr.com Runners Up Gonzales Balloons Party Store & Party City Favorite Party Venue Southern Oaks Athletic Club 15253 Shenandoah Avenue Baton Rouge, LA 70817 (225) 756-7485 | soacitup.com Runners Up Jump-N-Jive & UpTown Climbing

LOCAL Favorite Church /Family Worship Center Healing Place Church Multiple locations healingplacechurch.com Runners Up Live Oak United Methodist Church & St Margaret’s Episcopal Church Favorite Community Event Live After 5 238 North Boulevard

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Baton Rouge, LA 70801 (225) 283-5803 | downtownbr.org Runners Up Anna’s Grace Quarter Marathon & Empty Bowls Favorite Festival Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival 301 North 6th Street Ponchatoula, LA 70454 (800) 917-7045 | lastrawberryfestival.com Runners Up Livingston Parish Fair & Louisiana Book Festival Favorite High School Football Team Catholic High School 855 Hearthstone Drive Baton Rouge, LA 70806 (225) 383-0397 | catholichigh.org Runners Up Episcopal School of Baton Rouge & Parkview Baptist School Favorite Library Branch East Baton Rouge Parish Main Library 7711 Goodwood Boulevard Baton Rouge, LA 70806 (225) 231-3750 | ebrpl.com Runners Up Bluebonnet Regional Library & Denham SpringsWalker Library Favorite Local Sports Program Gotham Archery and Axe Throwing 14455 Greenwell Springs Road Central, LA 70739 (225) 400-6349 | gothamarcherybr.com Runners Up Catholic High School & Parkview Baptist School Favorite Mom’s Day Outing BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo 3601 Thomas Road Baton Rouge, LA 70807 (225) 775-3877 | brzoo.org Runners Up

Paris Parker Salon & Spa & Topgolf Favorite Outreach Program Healing Place Church Multiple locations healingplacechurch.com Runners Up Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Louisiana & Front Yard Bikes Favorite Pumpkin Patch Mrs. Heather’s Pumpkin Patch 11215 Lee’s Lane Hammond, LA 70401 (225) 567-3493 | thfarms.com Runners Up Barn Hill Preserve & NewSong Community Church Favorite Radio Station K-LOVE Radio (800) 525-LOVE (5683) | klove.com Runners Up 100.7 The Tiger & 102.5 WFMF Favorite TV Station WAFB 844 Government Street Baton Rouge, LA 70802 (225) 383-9999 | wafb.com Runners Up WBRZ-TV & NBC Local 33

MOM AND BABY

Favorite 3D/4D Ultrasound Birth Center of Baton Rouge 277 Rue de la Vie Baton Rouge, LA 70817 (225) 761-1200 | birthcenterbr.com Runners Up First Glimpse Prenatal Imaging, Gender Reveal HD Ultrasound, & Look At Me 4D Imaging Favorite Baby Announcements Cherilyn Haines Photography 11857 Bricksome Avenue Baton Rouge, LA 70816 (225) 235-3444 | cherilyn hainesphotography.com Runners Up Baton Rouge Stork and Birthday

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Signs & The Keeping Room

(225) 308-7450 | basised.com

Favorite Baby Gifts Oh Baby! A Children’s Collection 7655 Jefferson Highway Baton Rouge, LA 70809 (225) 930-0089 | ohbabybr.com

Runners Up GEO Prep Mid City & Impact Charter School

Runners Up Mini Macarons A Children’s Boutique & The Royal Standard Favorite Birthing Hospital Woman’s Hospital 100 Woman’s Way Baton Rouge, LA 70817 (225) 927-1300 | womans.org Runners Up Birth Center of Baton Rouge & Ochsner Medical Center Favorite Newborn/ Maternity Photographer Butterflies of Hope Photography by Heather Banker Prairieville, LA (225) 324-8622 | butterfliesof hopephotography.com Runners Up Cherilyn Haines Photography & Kleinpeter Photography Favorite Pre- and Post-partum Classes Birth Center of Baton Rouge 277 Rue de la Vie Baton Rouge, LA 70817 (225) 761-1200 | birthcenterbr.com Runners Up Birth Help & Woman’s Hospital

SCHOOLED Favorite Afterschool

Program The Dunham School 11111 Roy Emerson Drive Baton Rouge, LA 70810 (225) 767-7097 | dunhamschool.org Runners Up Gotham Archery & Axe Throwing & Studyville Favorite Charter Elementary School BASIS Baton Rouge Materra 7550 McCall Drive Baton Rouge, LA 70817 58

Favorite Charter Elementary School Principal Roberto Ramirez, BASIS Baton Rouge Materra 7550 McCall Drive Baton Rouge, LA 70817 (225) 308-7450 | basised.com Runners Up Chakesha Scott, Impact Charter School & Christina Kelly, GEO Prep Mid City Favorite Charter High School GEO Next Generation High School 2355 N. Sherwood Forest Drive Baton Rouge, LA 70815 (225) 314-2044 | geonext generationhighschool.org

Runners Up Chakesha Scott, Impact Charter School & Stephanie Goudeau, PhD., Slaughter Community Charter School Favorite College Louisiana State University Baton Rouge, LA lsu.edu Runners Up Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University & Southern University and A&M College Favorite Magnet Elementary School Westdale Heights Academic Magnet 2000 College Drive Baton Rouge, LA 70808 (225) 926-5421 | westdaleheights.weebly.com

Runners Up Madison Preparatory Academy & Slaughter Community Charter

Runners Up Baton Rouge Center For Visual & Performing Arts and Forest Heights Academy of Excellence

Favorite Charter High School Principal Alisa Welsh, Madison Preparatory Academy 1555 Madison Avenue Baton Rouge, LA 70802 (225) 636-5865 | mpa.csalcharterschools.org

Favorite Magnet Elementary School Principal Alesha Cavanaugh, Westdale Heights Academic Magnet 2000 College Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70808 (225) 926-5421 | westdaleheights.weebly.com

Runner Up Stephanie Goudeau, PhD., Slaughter Community Charter School

Runners Up Candice Hartley, Baton Rouge School for Visual and Performing Arts & Patricia McBride, Baton Rouge Foreign Language Academic Immersion Magnet

Favorite Charter Middle School BASIS Baton Rouge Materra 7550 McCall Drive Baton Rouge, LA 70817 (225) 308-7450 | basised.com Runners Up GEO Prep Mid City & Impact Charter School Favorite Charter Middle School Principal Roberto Ramirez, BASIS Baton Rouge Materra 7550 McCall Drive Baton Rouge, LA 70817 (225) 308-7450 | basised.com

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Baton Rouge, LA 70806 (225) 383-0520 | brmhs.com Runner Up Brandon Levatino, Liberty Magnet High School Favorite Magnet Middle School Sherwood Middle Academic Magnet School 1020 Marlbrook Drive Baton Rouge, LA 70815 (225) 272-3090 | sherwoodmiddlemagnet.org Runners Up McKinley Middle Academic Magnet & Westdale Heights Academic Magnet Favorite Magnet Middle School Principal Jamie Noel, Sherwood Middle Magnet School 1020 Marlbrook Drive Baton Rouge, LA 70815 (225) 272-3090 | sherwoodmiddlemagnet.org Runners Up Aaron Sinclair, Scotlandville Pre-Engineering Magnet Academy & Amber Boyd, Southeast Middle Magnet School Favorite Mother’s Day Out Program Broadmoor Presbyterian Early Childhood Center 9340 Florida Boulevard Baton Rouge, LA 70815 (225) 926-3421 | bpeccbr.com Runners Up Jefferson Baptist Mother’s Day Out & Woodlawn Baptist Church Mom’s Day Out

Favorite Magnet High School Baton Rouge Magnet High School 2825 Government Street Baton Rouge, LA 70806 (225) 383-0520 | brmhs.com

Favorite Preschool Program St. James Episcopal Day School 445 Convention Street Baton Rouge, LA 70802 (225) 344-0805 | stjameseds.org

Runners Up Liberty Magnet High School & Scotlandville Magnet High School

Runners Up Parkview Baptist School & Trinity Lutheran Preschool

Favorite Magnet High School Principal Nannette McCann, Baton Rouge Magnet High School 2825 Government Street

Favorite Private Elementary School St. James Episcopal Day School 445 Convention Street Baton Rouge, LA 70802 (225) 344-0805 | stjameseds.org

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Runners Up Episcopal School of Baton Rouge & Trinity Lutheran School Favorite Private Elementary School Principal Bridget Henderson, St. James Episcopal Day School 445 Convention Street Baton Rouge, LA 70802 (225) 344-0805 | stjameseds.org Runners Up Daniel McCulloch, Parkview Baptist School & Marinea McGehee,Trinity Lutheran School Favorite Private High School St. Joseph’s Academy 3015 Broussard Street Baton Rouge, LA 70808 (225) 383-7207 | sjabr.org Runners Up Central Private School & Episcopal School of Baton Rouge Favorite Private High School Principal Stacia Andricain, St. Joseph’s Academy 3015 Broussard Street Baton Rouge, LA 70808 (225) 383-7207 | sjabr.org Runners Up Robert Martin, Central Private School & Tom Forti, Episcopal School of Baton Rouge Favorite Private Middle School

Episcopal School of Baton Rouge 3200 Woodland Ridge Boulevard Baton Rouge, LA 70816 (225) 753-3180 | episcopalbr.org Runners Up Central Private School & Trinity Lutheran School Favorite Private Middle School Principal Mark Engstrom, Episcopal School of Baton Rouge 3200 Woodland Ridge Boulevard Baton Rouge, LA 70816 (225) 753-3180 | episcopalbr.org Runners Up Daniel McCulloch, Parkview 64

Baptist School & Marinea McGehee, Trinity Lutheran School Favorite Public Elementary School South Live Oak Elementary School 8400 Cecil Drive Denham Springs, LA 70706 (225) 667-9330 | lpsb.org Runners Up LaSalle Elementary School & Prairieville Primary School Favorite Public Elementary School Principal Michell Stone, North Live Oak Elementary 36605 Outback Road Denham Springs, LA 70706 (225) 667-3135 | northliveoak.com Runners Up Amy Savage, South Live Oak Elementary & Lontarris Williams, LaSalle Elementary School Favorite Public High School Live Oak High School 36079 HIghway 16 Denham Springs, LA 70706 (225) 665-8858 | liveoakhigh.org Runners Up Central High School & Dutchtown High School Favorite Public High School Principal Brandon LaGroue, Central High School 10200 East Brookside Drive Baton Rouge, LA 70818 (225) 261-3438 | centralhigh.centralcss.org Runners Up Jason St. Pierre, Walker High School & Scott Stevens, Woodlawn High School Favorite Public Middle School Central Middle School 12656 Sullivan Road Central, LA 70818 (225) 261-2237 | centralmiddle.centralcss.org Runners Up Glasgow Middle School,

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Prairieville Middle School, & University Laboratory School Favorite Public Middle School Principal Ryan Hodges, Live Oak Middle School 8444 Cecil Drive Denham Springs, LA 70706 (225) 664-3211 | lomeagles.org

3765 Government Street Baton Rouge, LA 70806 (225) 963-5453 | theluckylawfirm.com Runners Up Brad Barback, Brad Barback with McGlinchey Stafford & Loren Shanklin Fleshman, Smith Shanklin Sosa

Runners Up Jolena Downing, Central Middle School & Matthew Monceaux, Bluff Middle School

Favorite Bank Chase Bank Multiple locations chase.com

Favorite Special Needs Program St. Lillian Academy 9755 Goodwood Boulevard Baton Rouge, LA 70815 (225) 771-8173 | stlillian.org

Runners Up Hancock Whitney Bank & Red River Bank

Runners Up Dynamic Therapy Specialists & LeBlanc Special Services Center Favorite Trade School River Parishes Community College 925 West Edenborne Parkway Gonzales, LA 70737 (225) 743-8500 | rpcc.edu Runners Up ABC Pelican Chapter & ITI Technical College Favorite Tutoring Program Studyville 10156 Perkins Rowe Baton Rouge, LA 70810 (225) 408-4553 | studyville.com Runners Up Best In Class Professional Tutoring & Dynamic Therapy Specialists

SERVICES Favorite Adult Hair Salon SOHO Boutique Salon 7731 Perkins Road Baton Rouge, LA 70810 (225) 246-8005 | sohoboutiquesalon.com Runners Up Mod Salon & Studio des Amis Favorite Attorney Robert Lucky, The Lucky Law Firm

Favorite Car Wash Benny’s Car Wash & Oil Change Multiple locations bennyscarwash.com Runners Up Geaux Clean Car Wash & Ollie’s Car Wash Favorite Catering Company Chef Celeste Multiple locations chefceleste.com Runners Up Bacon & Fig Events & City Pork Brasserie & Bar Favorite Child Care Kids Count, Inc 525 Rapides Street Baton Rouge, LA 70806 (225) 928-0801 | kidscountinc.com Runners Up Baton Rouge International School & The Child Development Cooperative Favorite Credit Union Neighbors Federal Credit Union Multiple locations neighborsfcu.org Runners Up Campus Federal Credit Union & EFCU Financial Favorite Hotel WATERMARK Baton Rouge 150 Third Street Baton Rouge, LA 70801 (225) 408-3200 | watermarkbr.com

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Runners Up Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center & Renaissance Baton Rouge Hotel Favorite Kids Hair Salon Teen & Toddler Cuts 6626 Jones Creek Road Baton Rouge, LA 70817 (225) 349-8337 | teentoddlercuts.com Runners Up Pigtails & Crewcuts & Sniggles & Giggles Kids Salon Favorite Lawn Care Service Southern Turf Lawn & Landscape 16465 Strain Road Baton Rouge, LA 70816 (225) 806-5148 | southernturfbr.com Runners Up GreenSeasons & Kees Lawn Care Favorite Maid Service Two Maids & A Mop 11347 Cedar Park Avenue Baton Rouge, LA 70809 (225) 400-9534 | twomaidsandamop.com Runners Up Guarantee Maid Services & Williams Cleaning Service Favorite Pest Control Service The Bug Man 1946 Wooddale Boulevard Baton Rouge, LA 70806 (225) 923-2847 | bugmanonline.com Runners Up Arrow Termite & Pest Control & Dugas Pest Control Favorite Pet Care Service Camp Bow Wow Multiple locations campbowwow.com Runners Up Royal Treatment: Pet Manor & Grooming Spa & Smooch My Pooch Favorite Photographer Heather Banker, Butterflies of Hope Photography by Heather Banker 70

Prairieville, LA (225) 324-8622 | butterfliesof hopephotography.com Runners Up Angele Rosendahl, Layne Photography & Damion Haines, ZeroFourFour Photography Favorite Photography Studio Butterflies of Hope Photography by Heather Banker Prairieville, LA (225) 324-8622 | butterfliesof hopephotography.com Runners Up Kleinpeter Photography & Layne Photography Favorite Tree Service Mr D’s Tree Services Baton Rouge, LA (225) 292-6756 | mrdtreebr.com Runners Up Bofinger’s Tree Service and Consultants & Creel’s Tree Service

SHOPPING Favorite Adult Boutique JM Boutique 35720 LA Highway 16 Denham Springs, LA 70706 (225) 369-2002 | shopjmboutiquela.com Runners Up Addiction Boutique & Bayou Belle Boutique Favorite Bridal / Formal Wear Natasha Marie Bridal 235 N. Range Avenue Denham Springs, LA 70726 (225) 243-4479 | natashamariebridal.com Runners Up Blush Bridal Salon & I Do Bridal Couture Favorite Car Dealership Price LeBlanc Lexus 13200 Airline Highway Baton Rouge, LA 70817 (225) 267-9101 | priceleblanclexus.com Runners Up Subaru of Baton Rouge & Team Honda

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Favorite Children’s Boutique Oh Baby! A Children’s Collection 7655 Jefferson Highway Baton Rouge, LA 70809 (225) 930-0089 | ohbabybr.com Runners Up Mini Macarons A Children’s Boutique & Olly-Olly Favorite Consignment Store The Purple Cow Multiple locations thepurplecow.net Runners Up Olly-Olly & Once Upon A Child Favorite Florist Billy Heroman’s Multiple locations (225) 272-7673 | billyheromans.com Runners Up Hunt’s Flowers Inc. & Pretty N Pink Florist & Gifts

Maxwell’s Market Favorite School Uniform Wear Inka’s Uniforms 11626 Sherwood Forest Court Baton Rouge, LA 70816 (225) 922-9495 | inkas-uniforms.com Runners Up School Time Uniforms & The Uniform Post

SPORTS & REC PROGRAMS

Favorite Cheer Program Louisiana Cheer Force 14050 Tiger Bend Road Baton Rouge, LA 70817 (225) 978-4741 | lacheerforce.com Runners Up Central Community Athletics & Live Oak Rec Cheerleading

Favorite Gift Store The Royal Standard Multiple locations theroyalstandard.com

Favorite Dance Program Evolve 26 10163 Patriot Drive Baton Rouge, LA 70816 (225) 329-9969 | evolve26.com

Runners Up District Mercantile & Messengers Gifts

Runners Up De Frances Academy of Dance & Machita Dance Company

Favorite Grocery Store Oak Point Fresh Market Multiple locations oakpointmarket.com

Favorite Gymnastics Program PAC Gymnastics 12036 Industriplex Boulevard Baton Rouge, LA 70809 (225) 751-3517 | pacgymnastics.com

Runners Up Calandro’s Supermarket & Rouses Markets Favorite Lawn & Garden Store Clegg’s Nursery Multiple locations cleggsnursery.com Runners Up D’s Garden Center & Louisiana Nursery Favorite Meat Market Oak Point Fresh Market Multiple locations oakpointmarket.com Runners Up Iverstine Farms Butcher &

Runners Up C.G.’s Gymnastics & Valor Gymnastics Favorite Health & Fitness Studio Southern Oaks Athletic Club 15253 Shenandoah Avenue Baton Rouge, LA 70817 (225) 756-7485 | soacitup.com Runners Up Body Sculpt Barre Studio & UpTown Climbing Favorite Martial Arts Program

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Gracie United - Team Jucao Baton Rouge 14719 Tiger Bend Road Baton Rouge, LA 70817 (225) 439-5858 | championfactory.com Runners Up Bayou Jiu Jitsu & Self Defense & JFK Martial Arts Favorite Summer Camp Program Southern Oaks Athletic Club 15253 Shenandoah Avenue Baton Rouge, LA 70817 (225) 756-7485 | soacitup.com Runners Up Parkview Baptist School & The Dunham School Favorite Swimming Lessons Tadpole Academy Swim School 18465 Perkins Road Prairieville, LA 70769 (225) 678-9772 | tadpoleacademy.com Runners Up Crawfish Swim School & Southern Oaks Athletic Club

TREATS & EATS Favorite Bakery The Ambrosia Bakery 8546 Siegen Lane Baton Rouge, LA 70810 (225) 763-6489 | ambrosiabakery.com Runners Up Baum’s Fine Pastries & Les Amis Bake Shoppe Favorite Bar & Grill Superior Bar & Grill 5435 Government Street Baton Rouge, LA 70806 (225) 927-2022 | batonrouge.superiorgrill.com Runners Up Our Mom’s Restaurant & Bar & Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux Favorite Barbecue Restaurant BRQ Seafood and Barbeque 10423 Jefferson Highway Baton Rouge, LA 70809 (225) 372-2674 | brqrestaurant.com 72

Runners Up Cou-Yon’s Cajun Bar-B-Q & Hannah Q Smokehouse Favorite Boiled Crawfish Tony’s Seafood Market & Deli 5215 Plank Road Baton Rouge, LA 70805 (225) 357-9669 | tonyseafood.com Runners Up Hole ‘N Da Wall Seafood & Willie’s Restaurant Favorite Breakfast / Brunch Restaurant Frank’s Restaurant Multiple locations franksrestaurantla.com Runners Up Elsie’s Plate & Pie & Mason’s Grill Favorite Burger Joint Burgersmith Multiple locations burgersmith.com Runners Up Curbside Burgers & Five Guys Favorite Chicken Joint Chick-fil-A Multiple locations chick-fil-a.com Runners Up Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers & Triplet’s Blue Store Chicken Favorite Coffeehouse CC’s Coffee House Multiple locations ccscoffee.com Runners Up Espresso Geaux & Starbucks Favorite Date Night Restaurant The Little Village Multiple locations littlevillagebr.com Runners Up Gino’s Restaurant & Stab’s Steak & Seafood Restaurant Favorite Donuts Mary Lee Donuts Multiple locations maryleedonuts.com Runners Up

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Krispy Kreme & Thee Heavenly Doughnut

(225) 927-2022 | batonrouge.superiorgrill.com

Favorite FamilyFriendly Restaurant Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux Multiple locations walk-ons.com

Runners Up Superior Grill Highland & The Velvet Cactus

Runners Up Curbside Burgers & Our Mom’s Restaurant & Bar Favorite Food Truck Espresso Geaux (337) 412-9234 | facebook.com/espressogeaux Runners Up Cou-Yons Express & Mr. Milkshake Favorite Ice Cream Shop Marble Slab Creamery Multiple locations marbleslab.com Runners Up Andy’s Frozen Custard & Baskin-Robbins Favorite Italian Restaurant The Little Village Multiple locations littlevillagebr.com Runners Up Gino’s Restaurant & Monjunis Italian Cafe & Grocery Favorite Kids Eat Free BRQ Seafood and Barbeque 10423 Jefferson Highway Baton Rouge, LA 70809 (225) 372-2674 | brqrestaurant.com Runners Up Mason’s Grill & Sombreros Mexican Restaurant Favorite King Cake Oak Point Fresh Market Multiple Locations oakpointmarket.com Runners Up Gambino’s Bakery & Rouses Markets Favorite Mexican Restaurant Superior Bar & Grill 5435 Government Street Baton Rouge, LA 70806

Favorite Pizza Place Fleur de Lis Pizza 5655 Government Street Baton Rouge, LA 70806 (225) 924-2904 | fleurdelispizza.com Runners Up Lit Pizza & Rotolo’s Pizzeria Favorite Seafood Restaurant Parrain’s Seafood Restaurant 3225 Perkins Road Baton Rouge, LA 70808 (225) 381-9922 | parrains.com Runners Up Duke’s Seafood & Steakhouse & Louisiana Lagniappe Restaurant Favorite Snowballs Olivia’s Snowballs 34409 Highway 16 Denham Springs, LA 70706 (225) 243-5739 Runners Up The Sno House & Way Cool Snowballs Favorite Steakhouse Ruth’s Chris Steak House 4836 Constitution Avenue Baton Rouge, LA 70808 (225) 925-0163 | ruthschris.com Runners Up Doe’s Eat Place & Stab’s Steak and Seafood Restaurant

Thank you to everyone who took the time to vote for their Favorites in this year’s Family Favorites. We are so thrilled to share the winners with you.

To learn more about them, visit us online and check out the 2021 Family Favorites online listing. You will be able to see photos, learn more about their businesses, contact them, and leave a review. brparents.com ■

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Your Pampering Spouse!

TIPS FOR BUSY PARENTS

BY SARAH LYONS

W

hen you become a parent, it seems like life can become very busy, very quickly. Lack of sleep, work, school, activities, and taking care of little ones often takes center stage in the home. While juggling schedules and managing the household, parents must become more intentional about spending quality time with each other. Show your spouse how much you love and appreciate him or her with a little extra pampering. Here are some ideas that are meaningful, but aren’t impossible for a busy couple.

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SHOW YOUR GO TO THE SPA

What could make your spouse feel more pampered than a day at the spa? Offer to take care of the kids and send your partner off to the salon for a day of relaxing, or get a babysitter and go as a couple. If a spa isn’t your partner’s thing, offer to take the kids while he or she spends the day doing a favorite pastime. Your spouse is sure to come home rejuvenated.

HAVE DINNER IN

When our children were young, a babysitter was not in the budget. My husband and I would put the kids to bed early once a week and either get take out or cook a special meal at home.

There would be no television, phones, or electronics to distract us. There would only be conversation and quality time together. For busy parents, a quiet night in is a perfect way to unwind.

PLAN A DATE NIGHT

A date night is always a great way to connect with your spouse. Plan a night on the town doing things that you and your spouse enjoyed before you became parents. If hiring a babysitter isn’t an option and family is unable to help, try swapping with another couple. Watch their children for them while they enjoy a date night, and then, they can watch your children another night while you and your spouse go out on the town.

SURPRISE THEM

Let your spouse know you are thinking about her by sending a surprise to her workplace. Flowers are nice, but also try sending her cookies, balloons, or a homemade treat. You can even mail a card with a special note to her workplace.

If her work schedule allows, take her to lunch. If it doesn’t, consider using Waitr or DoorDash and have lunch sent to her.

DO THEIR “JOB”

In most relationships, responsibilities are divided up between the two people, whether intentional or not. As a way to pamper your significant other, do one of her “jobs” without her asking. For example, if your spouse always mows the lawn, do it for her. If your spouse usually does all the grocery shopping, offer to do it one evening. Another idea is to let her have the “day off ” and do all of her normal responsibilities that day.

Having all of the tasks done ahead of time will provide extra time for her to do something she enjoys doing or another necessary task.

LEAVE A NOTE

If you want to make your spouse feel special, leave love notes. Simple and sweet notes like “Thinking of you,” “I love you,” or “Have a great day” will let him know you care. Have fun with it and try leaving notes in a coat pocket, in his coffee mug,

in his car, or anywhere else you know it will surprise him.

YOU PICK

If your marriage is anything like mine, we come to a compromise on what we want for dinner, what movie to watch, or what activity to do. Let your spouse pick what you will do the whole day. There can be no complaining about his choices, just focus on doing the activities your partner enjoys doing with you.

PICK UP A FAVE

One of my favorite ways to let my husband know I am thinking about him is to just pick up a favorite of his while I am out. If I am at the gas station, I grab his favorite drink, gum, or candy. At the grocery store, I pick up his favorite ice cream or snack. I’ll rent a movie he likes, cook his favorite meal, or buy him a shirt with his favorite sports team logo. It doesn’t have to be an expensive gift, just something to let him know I was thinking of him while I was out.

The demands of parenting can leave little time for romantic dates with your spouse. This doesn’t mean that working on your marriage and making your spouse feel loved and appreciated isn’t high priority. During the busy years of parenting, try these tips to show your spouse you care, and keep your marriage going strong. ■

LOVE!

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PLAY

a day in the life of dad It’s Crazy, but It’s Us

BY BRANDON FOREMAN

S

O, I was told we were going to a wedding. The keyword there is “told,” because I’m not the biggest fan of weddings. After all, I had mine almost 20 years ago. That was enough for me. Don’t get me wrong, I think getting married is great, but as Steve Martin said in Father of the Bride, “...A wedding is an entirely different proposition.” Anyway, the point of all this is, not only was I going to a wedding, but my whole family was going to a wedding, and not just down the street, but in Texas. So now, I’m looking at a wedding and a road trip with my whole group. That is a whole new level.

What started out as a wedding and road trip then turned into a weekend getaway and shopping adventure. After all, no one has clothes for a wedding, right? We all need something and there is never time to get it here in town, so let’s just do it there.

So, we pack up for the weekend as if we are leaving for the moon and get everything into the truck. As you can guess, we are no more than five minutes down the road and it all starts: “When are we going to be there?” “I need a bathroom.” “Who has my charger?” “Why does the Internet not work?” You would think we were like the Israelites, wandering in the desert for 40 years, but in all actuality, we were just making a seven-hour car ride.

We finally make it there, and now, the fun starts, as we have to unpack, find ice, find food, find where to shop the next day, and discuss where everyone is going to sleep. Only after, do we then find out what we forgot and where we can get it. Once we are all settled, we get moving the next morning and head out to get clothes and shoes and all the things you need to be presentable at a wedding. Next, do we eat before or after? Will they have food? What if the little ones don’t like it? Do we Uber or drive? How do we make sure everyone is in a good mood so we are not having to babysit all night? These are just some of the questions in my mind as we start the getting ready process.

We made it to the wedding, and it was great. The wedding ceremony was beautiful; the reception was even better. The food was great (I had two plates). My children loved it. They danced and had fun, and ran around all night long, and you know what? When I sat back at the table and watched my children and wife on the dance floor, and saw how much fun they were having with each other, that made it worth it. You see, we only knew the bride and her family, as she was so important in our lives and our children’s lives for years. This is why we were there. We did not know anyone else, so our family had to put our best foot forward and meet some new friends, have a great time, and get out of our bubble. You should try it. It made the money spent on the trip so much more than money spent on a trip. It was a chance for us to connect and talk for hours, and 76

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When I sat back at the table and watched my children and wife on the dance floor, and saw how much fun they were having with each other, that made it worth it. to pack into a little hotel room and meet new friends. It was an amazing experience, not just a wedding.

So, congratulations to Morgan and Enrique. Thank you for making us part of your special day and allowing us the opportunity to grow our family, as I will always remember your special day as one of our family’s special days. So, Dad, next time you get told you are doing something, guess what? You just might be doing something you will never forget. Get out and have some fun, and spend some time together. We are only with each other for a short amount of time. ■

PIC OF THE MONTH Ryan J. and his daughter, Ella Rose, show off their matching Sonic the Hedgehog t-shirts. This duo loves Sonic!

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out & about ‘cause parenting is a trip

Plymouth, Massachusetts

BY EMILY DREZ PHOTO BY SEE PLYMOUTH MASSACHUSETTS

D

I D you know this year marks the 400th anniversary of Thanksgiving? In 1621, the colonists of Plymouth Colony, Massachusetts, partook in a harvest celebration feast with the native Wampanoag tribe in what we call Thanksgiving. Today, families are getting ready to prepare their turkey, cranberry sauce, stuffing, and casseroles for the holiday, and some may be getting ready to visit the town where the holiday started. Plymouth is brimming with early American history that will take you back to the days of the first colonists.

WHERE TO STAY The Cape Codder Resort & Spa is the perfect place to stay for your Thanksgiving getaway. Whichever room you choose, you will have access to all the amenities and even a water park.

Just outside your room is a three-story lighthouse with a water slide, along with a pirate ship, a kiddie play pool, and a spouting humpback whale, all of which are available year-round.

WHERE TO EAT New England Harvest Feast Join Plimoth Patuxet for a New England Harvest Feast. Dine like a true Pilgrim with fine 17th-century meals and lively entertainment. This season, the menu includes cider, sweet corn pudding, and turkey cheesecake. Or, if you’re in the area on Thanksgiving Day, why not have Thanksgiving at Plimoth Patuxet? The Thanksgiving Day Homestyle Buffet brings to life the classic tradition of a Thanksgiving meal with all your favorite dishes.

Wood’s Seafood Get a taste of fresh, local seafood while looking over the Historic Plymouth Harbor. Want to cook your own seafood? Wood’s has a fish market stocked with lobster, cod, swordfish, salmon, haddock, clams, sole, scallops, and oysters, along with other seasonal fish like crabs and halibut. If you’re at the market in the afternoon, you may be able to see the lobstermen dropping by with their catch of the day. Start with some lobster bisque as an appetizer before feasting on a famous Clambake, some classic fish and chips, or a daily special.

Dillon’s Local You can find more local flare at Dillon’s Local. It’ll be tempting 78

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Coordinates: 41.9584° N, 70.6673° W Distance from Baton Rouge: 1,603 miles Flying Time: 3 hours, 25 minutes Driving Time: 24 hours

to fill up on appetizers, from the Mahi Mahi lettuce wraps, to the chicken wings, and to the pretzels and beer cheese, but save room for the clam chowder. Have your soup on the side of a melty Cape Cod Reuben or a Lobster BLT. Or, you may want to opt for the savory lobster ravioli with white wine garlic sauce and a berry salad on the side.

THINGS TO DO Take a journey to the past at the Plimoth Patuxet Museums!

Here, you can visit three museums (Historic Patuxet, a 17th century English village, and Mayflower II) in one that will take you back to the days of the English Pilgrims and Native Americans–400 years back.

Did you know Wampanoag can mean “People of the First Light,” “Eastern People,” or “People of the Dawn?” There is so much to learn at Historic Patuxet. You will learn about the indigenous people who inhabited this area on the Eel River for more than 12,000 years. Actors and interpreters will bring Wampanoag culture to life, everything from their houses, canoes, and diet.

You can also check out gardens full of beans, squash, and corn.

Then, make your way to a recreation of Plymouth Colony, a 17th-century English village. You will be able to explore Pilgrim houses and gardens while interacting with actors. A Pilgrim woman may ask you to help her in her garden, or maybe you’ll participate in Captain Miles Standish’s muster drill.

To commemorate the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower’s arrival to Plymouth, Plimoth Patuxet is welcoming aboard visitors on Mayflower II, a reproduction of the ship that carried the Pilgrims to Plymouth in 1620. As you walk around the 106-foot long ship, pretend you are taking a voyage across the Atlantic ocean to live in a new world. ■

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things we l ve Cozy & Thankful

T

H E weather is cooling down (at least to what we’re used to!) in Baton Rouge, and it’s time to bring out the cozy scarves, jackets, and adorable Thanksgiving pajamas to celebrate. This month, we found the perfect items to add to your holiday fun. Get in the spirit of thankfulness with these must-have items that dress you up from the inside out, including a wellness journal, terrific turkey slippers, and a scarf that almost doubles as a blanket.

little

LOVE

THANKSGIVING, HERE I COME! These poems cover the heartwarming and hilarious moments families share on this special occasion.

ERIN CONDREN WELLNESS LOG Set and reach your health and wellness goals with this adorable and affordable Wellness Log. This journal features 80 pages dedicated to health goal setting, and it comes with a wellness sticker sheet for making your health goals fun and more attainable.

PLAID BLANKET COZY SCARF Stay warm and cozy with this oversized knit wrap shawl that will coordinate perfectly with your fall outfits.

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FOOTBALL BINGO SET FOR TWO Add some friendly competition to Thanksgiving football game day this year with this Bingo game.

FUNZIEZ! TURKEY SLIPPERS Relax in comfort in these slippers that are so cute you’ll want to gobble them all up.

MAGICAL WASHOFF NAIL POLISH These charmingly iridescent nail colors are not only non-toxic, they wash off with soap and water.

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IN EVERY ISSUE

things to do GO. SEE. PLAY. LEARN. EXPLORE.

FREE: PARENTED TALKS: WHAT MAKES RELATIONSHIPS WORK?

NOVEMBER 16 PHOTO BY ANDREA PIACQUADIO

Virtual talk with Baton Rouge Parents Magazine at 9 p.m. Grab your partner for this free session with renowned marriage expert John Gottman, PhD. brparents.com

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Epilepsy Awareness Month Lung Cancer Awareness Month Movember National Adoption Month National Alzheimer’s Disease Month National Diabetes Month National Family Caregivers Month National Gratitude Month National Native American Heritage Month

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MONDAY NATIONAL AUTHORS’ DAY NATIONAL FAMILY LITERACY DAY FITNESS IN THE STACKS. Bluebonnet Regional Library from 10-11 a.m. ebrpl.com GREATER BATON ROUGE STATE FAIR. State Fair Grounds through November 7. gbrsf.com POURED ACRYLIC PAINTING WORKSHOP SERIES. West Baton Rouge Museum from 10-11:30 a.m. Sixweek series exploring an exciting way of creating art with abstract artist and instructor, Kellie Rountree. Advanced, paid registration of $75 which includes materials is required.

(225) 336-2422

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TUESDAY BODY BASICS FOR BOYS. Virtual from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Boys learn how their bodies grow, what changes to expect during puberty, and how to take care of themselves. $20 per child. womans.org CHRIS HILLMAN: AN EVENING OF STORIES AND SONGS FEATURING HERB PEDERSON & JOHN JORGENSON. Manship Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Chris Hillman has carved a permanent niche in the history of contemporary American music through his work. $50. manshiptheatre.org GREATER BATON ROUGE STATE FAIR. State Fair Grounds through November 7. gbrsf.com HOT GLUE CANVAS ART. Denham

Springs-Walker Library from 3-4:30 p.m. Turn a simple canvas into a 3D work of art. mylpl.info KNOW YOUR RIGHTS: BANKRUPTCY & CONSUMER LAW. Virtual from noon-1 p.m.

Presented by Southeast Louisiana Legal Services. ebrpl.com LIBRARY FOR ALL: AN INTERACTIVE PROGRAM FOR ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES. Livingston Parish Main Library from 9:30-11 a.m. Join friends from the Livingston Activity Center and their caregivers for coloring and a movie. mylpl.info SWISS ARMY KEYRING. Watson Branch Library at 6 p.m. Make keyrings in the style of Swiss Army knives.

See the possibilities the library’s CNC Machine can offer with these precision-cut pieces of wood and tin. Ages 18+. mylpl.info TRY ARTS TUESDAY: EXPLORATIONS IN ACTING WITH GREGORY WILLIAMS, JR. Cary Saurage Community Arts Center at 6:30 p.m. Students will explore the art of theatre through ensemble building games, storytelling games/story structure, improv, and design. artsbr.org VIRTUAL OUTDOOR ART PARTY. Virtual at 6 p.m. Prospective Girl Scouts will engage in art activities using items from their own backyard. They will also learn about the environment. gsle.org

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WEDNESDAY NATIONAL STRESS AWARENESS DAY FALL TRUCK STANDEE STORY/CRAFT. Delmont Gardens Library

GREATER BATON ROUGE STATE FAIR. See November 1.

at 4 p.m. Reading of Trucks Zooming By by Pamela Jane. Create and color your own fall truck standee.

(225) 354-7060 FITNESS IN THE STACKS. Bluebonnet Regional Library from 10-11 a.m. ebrpl.com FUZZY WILDTHING BOOKMARKS. PrideChaneyville Branch Library at 4 p.m. Make something special for friends and guests at Thanksgiving time. ebrpl.com GREATER BATON ROUGE STATE FAIR. State Fair Grounds through November 7. gbrsf.com LUNCHTIME LECTURE WITH STAN ROUTH. West Baton Rouge Museum at noon. Stan Routh is known for his drawings of historical landmarks, original paintings, sketches, and watercolors of cities and towns. westba tonrougemuseum.org PREGNANT/INFANT LOSS SUPPORT GROUP. Woman’s Zoom meeting at 7 p.m. A licensed social worker will guide discussions and help grieving families as they navigate the many emotions that follow the loss of a baby. womans.org TEEN HANGOUT.

Denham Springs-Walker Branch from 5-6 p.m.

Video games, activities, crafts, and snacks. For ages 12-18. mylpl.info

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THURSDAY NATIONAL CANDY DAY FOR KING AND COUNTRY A CHRISTIAN POP DUO. Raising Cane’s River Center at 7 p.m. Performance

by Christian pop duo composed of Australian brothers Joel and Luke Smallbone. raising canesrivercenter.com GREATER BATON ROUGE STATE FAIR. State Fair Grounds through November 7. gbrsf.com HENRY TURNER JR. DAY PRESENTS A TASTE OF THE DEEP SOUTH PRE-PARTY. Henry Turner Jr.’s Listening Room from 8 p.m.-midnight.

Admission is $25 and includes a buffet and no-host bar. htjday.com ROMANTIC FALL DINNER FOR TWO. Louisi-

[

ana Culinary Institute at 5 p.m. Spice things up by making a romantic meal together. $250 per couple. lci.edu TEEN ADVISORY BOARD MEETING. Watson Library from 5:30-7 p.m. TAB members suggest programs you would like to see, volunteer at the branch, and help choose books for young adult sections. mylpl.info

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FRIDAY CAFÉ FRANÇAIS. West Baton Rouge Museum from 1-3 p.m. Café Français is a great way for students of all levels to brush up on their French. Each month there will be a different lesson or topic of discussion, as well as a delicious treat. westba tonrougemuseum.com FALL FEST 2021.

PARDS North Park through November 7.

Includes a full carnival, fair foods and live music with no entry fee. facebook.com FITNESS IN THE

Find things to do by visiting us online at brparents.com or by downloading our app.

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IN EVERY ISSUE CALENDAR

STORYTIME IN THE GARDEN. See November 6.

STACKS. Bluebonnet Regional Library from 10-11 a.m. ebrpl.com FOLDED BOOK ART: THANKSGIVING TURKEY CENTERPIECE. Livingston Parish Main Library at 10 a.m. Make this gobbler out of a book, and it will be the talk of the table at your Thanksgiving feast. mylpl.info GREATER BATON ROUGE STATE FAIR. State Fair Grounds through November 7. gbrsf.com LIVE AFTER 5: THE MIXED NUTS. Rhorer Plaza at 5 p.m. The Mixed Nuts will perform all your favorite hits from the decades with professionalism and flair. downtownbaton rouge.org

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SATURDAY NATIONAL NACHOS DAY NATIONAL PLAY OUTSIDE DAY BEAUTY OF INSECTS. Greenwell Springs Regional Library and Delmont Gardens Library from 10 a.m.-noon. Be a junior Entomologist and learn about the beauty of insects with avid 84

Arthropod enthusiast Luis Santiago-Rosario. ebrpl.com BODY BASICS FOR GIRLS. Virtual from 9:30-11 a.m. Girls will learn how their bodies grow, what changes to expect during puberty, and how to take care of themselves. Includes informal, open discussions, a film presentation, and take-home materials. womans.org BREASTFEEDING BASICS. Virtual 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, breastfeeding pumps and supplies, and how to avoid common problems. womans.org FALL FEST 2021.

PARDS North Park through November 7.

Includes a full carnival, fair foods and live music with no entry fee. facebook.com GREATER BATON ROUGE STATE FAIR. State Fair Grounds through November 7. gbrsf.com GREEN BOOK BIKE TOUR. 660 North 4th Street at 9 a.m. Learn about the Smithsonian’s new traveling exhibi-

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tion from your bike. eventbrite.com HENRY TURNER JR. DAY PRESENTS A TASTE OF THE DEEP SOUTH FESTIVAL. Riverfront Plaza through November 7. Includes live performances, a vendor’s village, and a food court. Family-friendly and free to the public. htjday.com LETTERS TO VETERANS. River Center Branch Library through November 10. Visit the library and pick up a coloring sheet or a letter to thank a veteran for his or her services.

Color your sheet or write your letter and they will distribute the cards to local veterans. ebrpl.com LSU MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCE SPECIAL SATURDAY: THE IMPORTANCE AND MAKE, BAKE, & TAKE: WINTER WONDERLAND. Louisiana Culinary Institute at 9 a.m. Show off your creative holiday style with edible decorations to create your own unique winter wonderland cake. $125. lci.edu OPEN AIR FAIR. River Center Branch Library from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Opéra Louisiane event featuring live music performances, costumed characters, fun arts and crafts, and activity bag. operalouisiane.com STORYTIME IN THE GARDEN. LSU AgCenter Pavilion from 9 a.m.-noon. A creative way of mixing storytelling and imagination with hands-on craft activities for children. lsu.edu VIRTUAL BEYOUTIFUL PARTY. Virtual at 10 a.m.

Prospective Girl Scouts will engage in self-development activities that include creating their own personality map. gsle.org

WATCH CERAMIC DEMOS BY VISITING ARTIST: WES BROWN. LSU Museum of Art from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. wesleytbrown.com

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SUNDAY DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME ENDS AFTER BABY COMES. Virtual from 12:305:30 p.m. Learn how to bathe, feed, diaper, dress and hold a baby with a lifelike doll. Also learn about “baby blues” and recovery from childbirth. womans.org BEYOND THE FLUFFY WORLD TOUR “GO BIG OR GO HOME.” Raising Cane’s River Center at 8 p.m. Performance by one of America’s most successful stand-up comedians. raisingcanesrivercenter. com DINOSAUR JUBILEE. Kristenwood at 10 a.m.

See the all new show from The Dinosaur Experience as they take you on a journey through time to meet and get close to some of the creatures we all love. facebook.com FALL FEST 2021.

PARDS North Park through today. Includes a full carnival, fair foods and live music with no entry fee. facebook.com FREE FIRST SUNDAY: FORM & FIRE TOUR. LSU Museum of Art from 1-5 p.m. Learn about ceramic works in Form & Fire with LSU MOA Executive Director Daniel E. Stetson. lsumoa.org GREATER BATON ROUGE STATE FAIR. State Fair Grounds through November 7. gbrsf.com

HENRY TURNER JR. DAY PRESENTS A TASTE OF THE DEEP SOUTH FESTIVAL. Riverfront Plaza through November 7. Includes live performances, a vendor’s village, and a food court. Family-friendly and free to the public. htjday.com LETTERS TO VETERANS. River Center Branch Library through November 10. Visit the library and pick up a coloring sheet or a letter to thank a veteran for his or her services.

Color your sheet or write your letter and they will distribute to veterans. ebrpl.com SUNDAY IN THE PARK: THE MICHAEL FOSTER PROJECT. Shaw Center for the Arts at 2 p.m. Performance by The Michael Foster Project, a Baton Rouge-based brass band that covers multiple genres of music.

Free. artsbr.org THREE ROLL ESTATE’S HARVEST PARTY. Three Roll Estate from 1-4 p.m. Includes live music, food, live painting by Leslie Charleville, and a painting demo for kids. facebook.com/ threerollestate VETERANS CELEBRATION. Gonzales Memorial VFW Post 3693 from 1-5 p.m. Performance by Trent Bourgeois & The Fly by Nite Band. $10. eventbrite.com WINE AND ROSES RAMBLER. LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens from noon-3 p.m. Wind through the garden while enjoying tasting stations with live music, a wine toss, a floral raffle, and a grand prize of an original art piece. $85. lsu.edu

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MONDAY

NATIONAL STEM/ STEAM DAY FITNESS IN THE STACKS. Bluebonnet Regional Library from 10-11 a.m. ebrpl.com FREDERICK BALLENTINE: A DINNER CONCERT. The City Club with cocktails at 6 p.m. The concert will be at 6:45 p.m., with dinner at 7:15 p.m. Performance

by Frederick Ballentine accompanied by Opéra Louisiane artistic director Michael Borowitz. operalouisiane.com LETTERS TO VETERANS. River Center Branch Library through November 10. Visit the library and pick up a coloring sheet or a letter to thank a veteran for his or her services.

Color your sheet or write your letter and they will distribute the cards to local veterans. ebrpl.com POURED ACRYLIC PAINTING WORKSHOP SERIES. West Baton Rouge Museum until the 22 from 10-11:30 a.m. Series exploring an exciting way of creating art with abstract artist and instructor, Kellie Rountree.

(225) 336-2422 PREGNANCY 101.

Virtual from 6:30-9 p.m.

Attend this class to learn how to provide your baby with the best possible environment for growth and development. womans.org THANKSGIVING MOVIE: ADDAMS FAMILY VALUES. Eden Park Branch Library from 4-6 p.m. ebrpl.com

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TUESDAY NATIONAL LOUISIANA DAY EBR 8TH GRADE

TECHNOLOGY EXPO. Tara High School Gym from 8:30-10:30 a.m.

Learn design thinking, coding, 3D printing, and college skills. Free, but registration required. eventbrite.com HOW TO PAY FOR COLLEGE: A ROADMAP FOR TOPS, FINANCIAL AID, GRANTS, AND SCHOLARSHIPS. EBR Main Library from 6-8 p.m. Learn what tools and support are out there to help you afford college. ebrpl.com LETTERS TO VETERANS. River Center Branch Library through November 10. Visit the library and pick up a coloring sheet or a letter to thank a veteran for his or her services.

Color your sheet or write your letter and they will distribute the cards to local veterans. ebrpl.com RED DRAGON AND PEDIATRUST PRESENTS: SHINYRIBS IN CONCERT. Manship Theatre at 7:30 p.m. It will be a full-band night with Kevin Russell and his crew. $39. manshiptheatre.org THE CRAWFISH FAMILY BAND. Gonzales Library at 6 p.m. Join the author and illustrator team behind The Crawfish Family Band for a musical storytime featuring fabulous puppets and original songs. myapl.org TRY ARTS TUESDAY: DANCE FORMS AND FLOW WITH ROXI VICTORIAN. Cary Saurage Community Arts Center at 6:30 p.m. The class will explore different dance genres, and choreography grounded in mind-body wellness, dance fitness & conditioning. artsbr.org VIRTUAL ROBOT BUILDING PARTY.

Virtual at 6 p.m. Prospective Girl Scouts will engage in robotics-related activities that include learning about robots, investigating what engineers do, and discovering the secret of an algorithm. gsle.org

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manshiptheatre.org VETERANS DAY PAPER HEART STORY CRAFT. Greenwell Springs Regional Library from 5-6 p.m. Children will celebrate the American heroes we call veterans. ebrpl.com

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WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

MARINE CORPS BIRTHDAY NATIONAL FORGET-ME-NOT DAY

NATIONAL SUNDAE DAY VETERANS DAY

FALL LEAVES VASE. Eden Park Library at 2:30 p.m. Adults will make an eye-catching vase by putting leaves on a vase that illuminates in the dark. ebrpl.com FITNESS IN THE STACKS. Bluebonnet Regional Library from 10-11 a.m. ebrpl.com LETTERS TO VETERANS. River Center Branch Library through today. Visit the library and pick up a coloring sheet or a letter to thank a veteran for his or her services. Color your sheet or write your letter and they will distribute the cards to local veterans. ebrpl.com SEAUX EASY. Denham Springs-Walker Library from 2-4 p.m. Bring your sewing machine for a friendly sit-and-sew at the library. With the holidays upon us, it’s not too early to sew a fun quilted Santa stocking. mylpl.info TAB BENOIT’S SWAMPLAND JAM. Manship Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Tab Benoit is a Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter and guitarist who has built a remarkable 30+ year career on the foundation of his gritty and soulful Delta swamp blues. $55.

‘FRAID KNOT CROCHET CLUB. Jones Creek Regional Library at 6:30 p.m. Supplies will be provided for the first 15 people, but you are welcome to bring your own supplies and/ or projects. ebrpl.com FUN WITH PAINT! Livingston Parish Main Library from 5-6 p.m.

Bring your little ones to the library to discover their creative side. mylpl.info THANKSGIVING ESSENTIALS. Louisiana Culinary Institute at 5 p.m. Chef Jeanne Mancuso will share her all-time favorite, can’t-miss recipes for a flavor-packed feast. $125. lci.edu VETERANS DAY AT THE USS KIDD. USS KIDD Veterans Museum from 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Admission on this special day is free for veterans and their families. visitbatonrouge.com VETERANS DAY BIKE RIDE. Begins at the Capitol Park Museum, ends at Highland Road Fire Station #11. The Walls Project is honoring veterans with a community bike ride that will end with a viewing of the newly completed mural commemorating 9/11. Participants need to provide their own bike. samantha@

thewallsproject.org

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FRIDAY

FITNESS IN THE STACKS. Bluebonnet Regional Library from 1011 a.m. ebrpl.com GODSPELL. Theatre Baton Rouge until November 21. A small group of people help Jesus Christ tell different parables by using a wide variety of games, storytelling techniques and hefty doses of comic timing. theatrebr.org THE BONEYARD EXHIBITION TOUR & MUG WORKSHOP. LSU Museum of Art from 6-7

ck COVER KIDS

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

4

Wednesday, 3rd

JOY L.

10

Thursday, 18th

HAILEY B.

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THANKSGIVING ESSENTIALS. See November 11.

p.m. Join LSU Museum of Art Educator Grant Benoit for a tour of The Boneyard: The Ceramics Teaching Collection and a hand-building coffee mug workshop. lsumoa.org UNCHAINED VOICES. West Baton Rouge Museum from 6-8 p.m. The museum will feature the voices of Consuela Gaines and former members from the Louisiana Correctional Institute for Women Choir that appeared in the documentary. westbatonrouge museum.com WIGGLE WORMS: MUSIC AND MOVEMENT. Livingston Parish Main Library at 10:30 a.m. Fun and creative program for children ages 0-5 and their caregivers. mylpl.info

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SATURDAY WORLD KINDNESS DAY 2021 ZOO RUN RUN 2-MILE RACE AND 1/2 MILE FUN RUN. BREC’S Baton Rouge Zoo at 7:30 a.m. Run like a cheetah while you enjoy the scenery through BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo. brzoo.org 86

CHIMP CHATS. Chimp Haven at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Get an inside look at the 200-acre forested campus that more than 330 chimpanzees know as home. chimphaven.org CREATIVE RELIEF WELLNESS RETREAT. Cary Saurage Community Arts Center from 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. The You Aren’t Alone Project is proud to offer a Creative Relief Wellness Retreat designed for artists, creatives and makers to engage in mental health & wellness activities. eventbrite.com FALL CROW ORNAMENT. Jones Creek Regional at 2:30 p.m. After talking about scarecrows and hearing a story, children will make a fall ornament with a crow sitting on a fence. ebrpl.com GARDEN DISCOVERIES. EBR Main Library from 10-11 a.m. ebrpl.com GODSPELL. Theatre Baton Rouge until November 21. A small group of people help Jesus Christ tell different parables by using a wide variety of games, storytelling techniques and hefty doses of comic timing. theatrebr.org

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LAMAZE: A LABOR OF LOVE. Virtual from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Recommended for couples wanting to learn how to apply Lamaze techniques for coping with pain in labor and birth who plan to deliver without anesthesia. womans.org PUMPKIN SPICE & EVERYTHING NICE! Louisiana Culinary Institute at 9 a.m. Spice up your Thanksgiving dessert table with a pumpkin roll cake filled with cream cheese frosting. lci.edu SATURDAY SCIENCE: LOOKING INSIDE US WITH X-RAY EYES. EBR Main Library from 1-2 p.m. LSU’s own Dr. Kip Matthews will talk about the evolution of X-ray imaging from discovery, through the present-day technology of computed tomography (CT) imaging. ebrpl.com VIRTUAL OUTDOOR ART PARTY. Virtual at 10 a.m. Prospective Girl Scouts will engage in art activities using items from their own backyard. They will also learn about the environment and how to explore their world using principles from “Leave No Trace.” gsle.org

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SUNDAY NATIONAL FAMILY PJ DAY NATIONAL PICKLE DAY FÊTE ROUGE. L’Auberge Casino Baton Rouge from 2-5 p.m.

Louisiana chefs’ competition featuring over 30 of your favorite restaurants, plus taste 175-200 different wines. eventbrite.com GODSPELL. Theatre Baton Rouge until

November 21. A small group of people help Jesus Christ tell different parables by using a wide variety of games, storytelling techniques and hefty doses of comic timing. theatrebr.org RING OF FIRE, CIRCLE OF LOVE: THE WOMEN IN JOHNNY CASH’S LIFE. West Baton Rouge Museum at 2 p.m. Ethel Claiborne Dameron Lecture Series featuring guest speaker, Dr. Elista Istre. westbatonrouge museum.com SUNDAY IN THE PARK: WILL WESLEY BAND. Shaw Center for the Arts at 2 p.m. Performance by Will Wesley Band. Free. artsbr.org THE MUSTANGS: AMERICA’S WILD HORSES (2021). Manship Theatre at 2 p.m.

Film takes audiences on an odyssey throughout America to places few people have seen. manshiptheatre.org OLD TIME MUSIC OPEN JAM. West Baton Rouge Museum from 3-5 p.m. Musicians come together to play acoustic instruments. westbatonrouge museum.com

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MONDAY

AMERICA RECYCLES DAY NATIONAL PHILANTHROPY DAY DECOUPAGE COASTERS. Delmont Gardens Branch Library from 10-11:30 a.m. Patrons are invited to construct coasters using decoupage techniques. ebrpl.com FITNESS IN THE STACKS. Bluebonnet Regional Library from 10-11 a.m. ebrpl.com GODSPELL. Theatre Baton Rouge until

November 21. A small group of people help Jesus Christ tell different parables by using a wide variety of games, storytelling techniques and hefty doses of comic timing. theatrebr.org POURED ACRYLIC PAINTING WORKSHOP SERIES. West Baton Rouge Museum from 10-11:30 a.m. Series exploring an exciting way of creating art with abstract artist and instructor, Kellie Rountree.

(225) 336-2422

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TUESDAY NATIONAL FAST FOOD DAY FOLDED BOOK ART: THANKSGIVING TURKEY CENTERPIECE. Watson Branch Library from 5:30-7 p.m. Make this gobbler out of a book, and it will be the talk of the table at your Thanksgiving feast. mylpl.info GODSPELL. Theatre Baton Rouge. A small group of people help Jesus Christ tell different parables by using a wide variety of games, storytelling techniques and hefty doses of comic timing. theatrebr.org GOOFY LEAVES ORNAMENT. PrideChaneyville Branch Library at 10:30 a.m.

Create a goofy leaf ornament after listening to A Leaf Can Be... by Laura Purdie Salis. For ages 3-11. ebrpl.com LIBRARY FOR ALL: AN INTERACTIVE PROGRAM FOR ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES. Denham Springs-Walker Library from 9:30-11 a.m. Join friends from the Livingston Activity Center and their caregivers for coloring and a movie. mylpl.info PARENTED TALKS:

WHAT MAKES RELATIONSHIPS WORK? Virtual with Baton Rouge Parents Magazine at 9 p.m. Grab your partner for this free session with renowned marriage expert John Gottman, PhD. brparents.com TRY ARTS TUESDAY: CHARACTER CREATION WITH GREGORY WILLIAMS, JR. Cary Saurage Community Arts Center at 6:30 p.m.

Focuses on cultivating the actor’s tools to access the transformative power of character-building. artsbr.org VIRTUAL BEYOUTIFUL PARTY. Virtual at 6 p.m.

Prospective Girl Scouts will engage in self-development activities that include learning about and creating their own personality map. gsle.org

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WEDNESDAY NATIONAL EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT PROFESSIONALS DAY NATIONAL TAKE A HIKE DAY BIONIC HAND STORY/ CRAFT. Delmont Gardens Branch Library at 4 p.m. Join for a reading of Power Up by Seth Fishman and create a moving “bionic” hand.

(225) 354-7060 FITNESS IN THE STACKS. Bluebonnet Regional Library from 10-11 a.m. ebrpl.com GODSPELL. Theatre Baton Rouge. A small group of people help Jesus Christ tell different parables by using a wide variety of games, storytelling techniques and hefty doses of comic timing. theatrebr.org ONIGIRI PLUSHIE PILLOW. Pride-Chaneyville Library at 4 p.m. This is a no-sew pillow shaped

like a delicious rice ball. ebrpl.com PREGNANT/INFANT LOSS SUPPORT GROUP. Woman’s Zoom meeting at 7 p.m. A licensed social worker will guide discussions and help grieving families as they navigate the many emotions that follow the loss of a baby. womans.org THE MILLENIUM TOUR 2021. Raising Cane’s River Center at 7 p.m. Performances by Ashanti, Omarion, Bow Wow, and more. raising canesrivercenter.com

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THURSDAY GREAT AMERICAN SMOKEOUT MICKEY MOUSE BIRTHDAY NATIONAL PRINCESS DAY CAPITOL PARK MUSEUM FREE ADMISSION. Capitol Park Museum.

Bring the family to experience larger-than-life Louisiana history. louisi anastatemuseum.org CENTRAL BOOK CLUB. Central Branch Library from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (225) 262-2650 FALL ORIGAMI SUNCATCHER. Delmont Gardens Library at 4 p.m. Learn how to take simple origami folds and turn kite paper into beautiful fall-themed window suncatchers.

(225) 354-7060 GODSPELL. Theatre Baton Rouge. A small group of people help Jesus Christ tell different parables by using a wide variety of games, storytelling techniques and hefty doses of comic timing. theatrebr.org GOOFY LEAVES ORNAMENT. River Center Branch Library at 4 p.m.

Create a goofy leaf ornament after listen-

ing to A Leaf Can Be...

by Laura Purdie Salis. ebrpl.com MOVIE: HIGH NOTE. Delmont Gardens Library from 1:30-3:30 p.m. Watch a movie about an overworked, overlooked, and underappreciated personal assistant to a superstar singer. ebrpl.com ROME IN ROUZAN. Rouzan Circle from 7-9 p.m. Enjoy Italian bites with wine and beverages. All proceeds benefit Hogs House, a multi-million dollar home to provide free housing to children receiving on-going treatment at Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital. eventbrite.com TEEN HANGOUT. Watson Branch Library from 5:30-7 p.m. Bring your friends or make new ones where everyone is welcome. Video games, activities, crafts, snacks, and more. mylpl.info THE FAMILY DINNER IMPROV COMEDY SHOW. Manship Theatre at 7:30 p.m.

Locally-made, monthly improv comedy show. $10. manshiptheatre.org WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY: WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW. Virtual at 11:45 a.m. Join a weight loss surgery physician to learn more about the different types of weight loss surgeries and get your questions answered. womans.org

storytelling techniques and hefty doses of comic timing. theatrebr.org RED DRAGON PRESENTS: BAND OF HEATHENS. Manship Theatre at 7:30 p.m.

Americana Supergroup “Band of Heathens” returns to the Manship Theatre for a country rock extravaganza. $49. manshiptheatre.org WIGGLE WORMS: MUSIC AND MOVEMENT. Denham Springs-Walker Library and Watson Branch Library at 10:30 a.m. Fun and creative program for children ages 0-5 and their caregivers. mylpl.info

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SATURDAY NATIONAL ADOPTION DAY NATIONAL CHILD’S DAY BODY BASICS FOR GIRLS. Virtual from 9:30-11 a.m. Girls will learn how their bodies

grow, what changes to expect during puberty, and how to take care of themselves. Includes informal, open discussions, a film presentation, and take home materials. womans.org DIY NO BAKE SHARPIE BOWLS. Gonzales Branch Library from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Make your own designs with Sharpie markers and decorate a ceramic bowl. myapl.org GIRLS ON THE RUN 5K. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana at 9 a.m. Untimed event.

Participants will receive a bib, t-shirt, and medal. girlsontherunsola.org GODSPELL. Theatre Baton Rouge. A small group of people help Jesus Christ tell different parables by using a wide variety of games, storytelling techniques and hefty doses of comic timing. theatrebr.org GROWING UP BOYS. Gonzales Branch Library at 9 a.m. Help your son understand the physical and

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FRIDAY FITNESS IN THE STACKS. Bluebonnet Regional Library from 10-11 a.m. ebrpl.com GODSPELL. Theatre Baton Rouge. A small group of people help Jesus Christ tell different parables by using a wide variety of games,

ZOO RUN RUN. See November 13.

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BATON ROUGE TURKEY TROT. See November 25.

emotional changes he will experience as he goes through puberty.

Designed for boys ages 10–12 and their parents or guardians. To register for this workshop, call OLOL Ascension.

(225) 621-2906 MAKE & TAKE: THANKSGIVING DESSERTS. Louisiana Culinary Institute at 9 a.m. Join Chef Jeanne Mancuso to get your Thanksgiving desserts started early. You will make and be able to freeze your items for the big day, taking a little stress off your plate. lci.edu MID CITY FLATS HOT PINK 80S 5K. 4525 North Boulevard at 10 a.m. Pre-registration includes t-shirt or runners tank, and an 80s swag bag. Race finishers receive a custom 80s medal. Prizes awarded for Best Dressed and Group Awards. Postrace 80s party at Soji featuring live music, food and drinks, and a breakdance competition. eventbrite.com PHOTOS WITH SANTA. The Crown from 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Have your kiddos Christmas picture taken with Santa by a professional photographer. $30 eventbrite.com 88

PREPARING FOR DELIVERY. Virtual from 1-5 p.m. Covers basic information so you can recognize when labor starts, know when to go to the hospital, know what to expect when you arrive at the hospital, and be aware of indications for a cesarean birth. womans.org PUMPKIN TRUCK STAND UP. Jones Creek Regional Library at 11 a.m. The Ugly Pumpkin by Dave Horowitz is the story they will read before this fun craft. ebrpl.com THANKSGIVING PAPER PLATE TURKEY STORY CRAFT. Greenwell Springs Regional Library at 2:30 p.m.

Children will color and glue turkey parts (eyes, beak and waddle) onto a turkey face following the stories, Turkey Trouble by Wendi Saviano, and Thelonius Turkey Lives! On Felicia Ferguson Farm by Lynn Rose Reed. ebrpl.com THE CRAWFISH FAMILY BAND. Galvez Library at 10 a.m. Join the author and illustrator team behind The Crawfish Family Band for a musical storytime featuring fabulous puppets and original songs. myapl.org VIRTUAL ROBOT

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BUILDING PARTY. Virtual at 10 a.m. Prospective Girl Scouts will engage in robotics-related activities that include learning about robots, investigating what engineers do, and discovering the secret of an algorithm. gsle.org WHITE LIGHT NIGHT. Mid City along Government St. from 6-10 p.m. Revel under the white lights adorning the streets, meet local artists, enjoy live music, and eat at Mid City’s exceptional and unique restaurants. visitbatonrouge.com

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SUNDAY NATIONAL GINGERBREAD COOKIE DAY NATIONAL STUFFING DAY CAJUN FRENCH MUSIC ASSOCIATION OPEN JAM. West Baton Rouge Museum from 3-5 p.m. Each month, a different artist will lead a group of interested musicians from throughout the area. westbaton rougemuseum.com GET ORGANIZED: TEACHING CHILDREN TO ORGANIZE. EBR Main Library at 3 p.m.

Join Louisiana’s only Certified Professional Organizer, Alyssa Trosclair, for a workshop on teaching children ages 4-10 to organize. ebrpl.com GODSPELL. Theatre Baton Rouge. A small group of people help Jesus Christ tell different parables by using a wide variety of games, storytelling techniques and hefty doses of comic timing. theatrebr.org NATIONAL GAME & PUZZLE WEEK. River Center Branch Library from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Play cards, games and

puzzles, then enter your name into a drawing. ebrpl.com PEABO BRYSON. Manship Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Peabo Bryson, the legendary voice of love, is back, and music has never been happier. manshiptheatre.org

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MONDAY BOARD GAME NIGHT (TEENS & ADULTS).

Denham Springs-Walker Library from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Something for everyone: traditional, casual, & strategy games. Space available for tabletop role-playing as well. mylpl.info FITNESS IN THE STACKS. Bluebonnet Regional Library from 10-11 a.m. ebrpl.com GET ORGANIZED: TEACHING CHILDREN TO ORGANIZE. EBR Main Library from 1-2:30 p.m. Join Louisiana’s only Certified Professional Organizer, Alyssa Trosclair, for a workshop on teaching children ages 4-10 to organize. ebrpl.com POURED ACRYLIC PAINTING WORKSHOP SERIES. West Baton Rouge Museum from 10-11:30 a.m. Series explores an exciting way of creating art with abstract artist and instructor, Kellie Rountree.

(225) 336-2422 SEASONAL SLIME! Carver Branch Library at 3-4 p.m. ebrpl.com THE CRAWFISH FAMILY BAND. Dutchtown Library at 2 p.m. Join the team behind The Crawfish Family Band for a musical storytime featuring fabulous puppets and original songs. myapl.org

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TUESDAY

VIRTUAL OUTDOOR ART PARTY. Virtual at 6 p.m. Prospective Girl Scouts will engage in art activities using items from their own backyard. They will also learn about the environment. gsle.org

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WEDNESDAY ACRYLIC ART WORKSHOP. Jones Creek Regional Library from 1-2 p.m. Make beautiful Louisiana-inspired art while learning the basics of acrylic painting. ebrpl.com FITNESS IN THE STACKS. Bluebonnet Regional Library from 10-11 a.m. ebrpl.com TEEN BOOK CLUB. Greenwell Springs Regional Library from 4-5 p.m. You can now join in-person at the library or online via Zoom. This book club is for grades 6-12. Registration required. ebrpl.com

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THURSDAY THANKSGIVING DAY BATON ROUGE TURKEY TROT. Downtown Baton Rouge at 7:30 a.m. Run, walk or jog the 5K or the one-mile fun run with your family and friends and #earnyourturkey. turkeytrotbr.com CELEBRATION IN THE OAKS. New Orleans City Party, beginning today and running through January 2.

Features a Driving Tour Experience and the Carousel Gardens Experience. neworleanscitypark.com THANKSGIVING DAY BUFFET AT THE HOUMAS HOUSE. Houmas House Estate and Gardens from 11 a.m.-3

p.m. Thanksgiving Day buffet. (225) 473-9380 THANKSGIVING DINING AT BON TEMPS BUFFET. L’Auberge Casino Hotel from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Enjoy roasted turkey, smoked country ham, and slow-baked dressing. Must be 21 to enter. $32.95 per person. visitbatonrouge.com

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FRIDAY BLACK FRIDAY CELEBRATION IN THE OAKS. New Orleans City Party through January 2. Features a Driving Tour Experience and the Carousel Gardens Experience. neworleanscitypark.com FITNESS IN THE STACKS. Bluebonnet Regional Library from 10-11 a.m. ebrpl.com ZOOLIGHTS. BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo, beginning today through December 30. See more than 50 illuminated display sculptures of animals and traditional holiday displays on a mile-long trail through the Zoo. Closed on Christmas Eve and Day. Admission is $3-5. brzoo.org/zoolights

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SATURDAY SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY CELEBRATION IN THE OAKS. New Orleans City Party through January 2. Features a Driving Tour Experience and the Carousel Gardens Experience. neworleanscitypark.com POINSETTIA SALE. LSU AgCenter from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. The botanic gardens evaluate

poinsettia varieties developed by breeders worldwide, and they will be exclusively sold at the annual show and sale. A limited number of each variety are available so arrive on time so that you don’t miss out on these rare varieties of poinsettias. lsu.edu ZOOLIGHTS. BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo through December 30. See more than 50 illuminated display sculptures of animals and traditional holiday displays on a mile-long trail through the Zoo. Closed on Christmas Eve and Day. Admission is $3-5. brzoo.org/zoolights

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SUNDAY CHANUKAH BEGINS NATIONAL FRENCH TOAST DAY CELEBRATION IN THE OAKS. New Orleans City Party through January 2. Features a Driving Tour Experience and the Carousel Gardens Experience. neworleanscitypark.com LAND OF THE SWEETS TEA. Lod Cook Alumni Center at 2 p.m. Enjoy sweets and finger foods while interacting with characters from Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre’s The Nutcracker–A Tale from the Bayou. Includes activities, photo opportunities, and dance lessons. batonrougeballet.org MUSEUM STORE SUNDAY. LSU Museum of Art from 1-5 p.m. Get 25 percent off one item (excluding sale merchandise) at the LSU Museum Store. While you shop, don’t forget to enter a raffle to win a household membership from LSU Museum of

Art and LASM. lsumoa.org ZOOLIGHTS. BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo through December 30. See more than 50 illuminated display sculptures of animals and traditional holiday displays on a mile-long trail through the Zoo. Closed on Christmas Eve and Day. Admission is $3-5. brzoo.org/zoolights

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MONDAY CYBER MONDAY ASB BOOK CLUB. Albany-Springfield Branch Library from 10 a.m.noon. Call to join.

(225) 686-4130 CELEBRATION IN THE OAKS. New Orleans City Party through January 2. Features a Driving Tour Experience and the Carousel Gardens Experience. neworleanscitypark.com FITNESS IN THE STACKS. Bluebonnet Regional Library from 10-11 a.m. ebrpl.com ZOOLIGHTS. BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo through December 30. See more than 50 illuminated display sculptures of animals and traditional holiday displays on a mile-long trail through the Zoo. Closed on Christmas Eve and Day. Admission is $3-5. brzoo.org/zoolights

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TUESDAY NATIONAL DAY OF GIVING CELEBRATION IN THE OAKS. New Orleans City Party through January 2. Features a Driving Tour Experience and the Carousel

Gardens Experience. neworleanscitypark.com FAMILY FUN FEST. South Branch Library from 5-7 p.m. Movies, crafts, games, and activities for all ages.

Registration required. mylpl.info MAIN BRANCH BOOK CLUB. Livingston Parish Main Library from 10:3011:30 a.m. mylpl.info TRY ARTS TUESDAY: DANCE FORMS AND NTS FLOW WITH @BRPARE ROXI VICTORIAN. Cary Saurage Community Arts Center at 6:30 p.m. The class will explore different dance genres, and choreography grounded in mindbody wellness, dance fitness & conditioning. artsbr.org VIRTUAL BEYOUTIFUL PARTY. Virtual at 6 p.m.

Prospective Girl Scouts will engage in self-development activities that include learning about and creating their own personality map.

Editor’s Note gsle.org Occasionally the date or location of an event may ZOOLIGHTS. BREC’s change after publication.

Baton Rouge Zoo Always phone ahead through December or check the website 30. See more than to confirm important 50 illuminated display information. sculptures of animals and traditional holiday Submissions displays on a mile-long Baton Rouge Parents trail through the Zoo. Magazine welcomes Closed on Christmas submissions of events of interest to families. Send Eve and Day. Admission all calendar submissions is $3-5. to calendar@brparents. brzoo.org/zoolights com. Include dates,

MORE EVENTS

times, location with address, recommended ages, cost, public phone number, website, and photos.

Deadline Submit information for the December calendar

by November 10, 2021.

No part of this calendar can be reproduced in print or web.

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marketplace MAKE IT YOUR BUSINESS TO KNOW THEIR BUSINESS (225) 292-0032

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the last word

PODCAST

Snacking with the Pilgrims

BY CHERYL MAGUIRE

When I think about Thanksgiving, my mind conjures up images of pies, parades, and Pilgrims. I realize that most people think of turkeys, but I live in Massachusetts where Pilgrims are kind of a big deal.

T

H E R E’S even a dedicated museum for the Pilgrims called Plimoth (yes that’s how they spell it) Plantation.

Since I didn’t grow up in Massachusetts, I never went.

I’m not sure why my Boston-born husband failed to go, but once we had three kids, we decided it was a must-see.

I probably should have done some research about the place before our visit, but when you’re the mom of twins and a daughter, all under the age of five, you don’t have time.

Instead, you’re like a doomsday prepper–always in survival mode. Any research you conduct is related to identifying all the nearest bathrooms in a 25-mile radius or packing enough snacks to satisfy the hunger of a pride of lions. Because let’s face it, if your kids experience even a pang of hunger, it becomes a five-alarm fire situation with all hands-on deck. Just like you have a fire extinguisher under your sink to put out a fire, you need a bag of food to prevent an embarrassing hunger induced meltdown.

We arrived at Plimoth Plantation with a double stroller and our backpack of food rations only to realize that the pathways were all dirt, which was not easy to maneuver. But we forged ahead as any good Pilgrim would do.

Like Disney World, there are different sections of Plimoth Plantation–one for the Pilgrims and the other for the Native Americans. After meandering down the gravel path, we found ourselves in the 17th-Century English Village–land of the Pilgrims. We first noticed a row of small wood houses with thatched roofs and people dressed in outfits like the ones worn by my favorite characters in Little House on the Prairie.

A man with a brown felt hat and socks up to his knees greeted us by saying, “Good morrow.”

At first, I thought maybe this man had an unusual thick Boston accent, but after glancing over at my Bostonian husband who had a dumbfounded look on his face, I knew it wasn’t.

“Hello,” we replied in unison.

“Pray pardon me,” the Pilgrim said.

“Oh, I get it. You are supposed to be a Pilgrim. This should be fun,” said my husband.

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And then the next hour or so he tried to “trip up” the Pilgrim actors by asking them a trillion or so questions. Those actors were good because they never strayed from the year 1622.

After visiting the village, we continued along the path that led to the Native American Wampanoag Homesite. The first man we encountered was dressed in deerskin attire. My husband was eager to play 20 questions.

Now here is where it would have been helpful to do some research before visiting. Besides having to push a stroller with tiny wheels down a bumpy path, or as the Pilgrims would say, a jumble-gut lane, it would have been helpful to know a little information about the place, as you will soon see.

“So how do you feel about your Pilgrim neighbors down the way?” my husband asked the Wampanoag man.

“This homesite is in the present day. We are not actors and I’m in the Wampanoag tribe.”

Dead silence. And then he awkwardly apologized for his faux pas. Then, we ventured over to Plymouth Rock, where it all began for the Pilgrims.

“That can’t be it,” my husband said.

“Uh, that’s what the sign says,” I replied.

I must admit, I was envisioning a huge boulder, not a rock smaller than my snack stash. It was a bit disappointing.

Speaking of snacks, I noticed my supplies were running dangerously low, which meant it was time to return home–stat!

So now you can understand why Thanksgiving makes me think of the Pilgrims. All that Thanksgiving food almost rivals my snack stash backpack we brought to Plimoth Plantation. Oh, and of course, there is the fact that they had the first Thanksgiving, but if I’m being honest, I can’t help but think of the food-snack parallel.

On that note, I gotta go start prepping for our next adventure. “Fare thee well.” That’s Pilgrim’s speak for “Goodbye.” I wonder what the Pilgrim word is for snacks. ■

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snapshots

ISLA F

Well, you know the saying...

“When life gives you lemons…”

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GRACIE M.

DREXEL M.

Go to brparents.com and click on the “UPLOAD SNAPSHOTS” button to submit photo(s). All photos must be at least 5MB in size, and photos are chosen at random. Photos become property of Baton Rouge Parents Magazine, a division of Family Resource Group Inc.