CONNECT
community NEW HANDS-ON CHILDREN’S GALLERY A new gallery could soon be at the Louisiana Art & Science Museum (LASM). For the last few months, the museum has been raising funds in order to renovate its Science Station Gallery into The Seed, an innovative space for young artists and scientists and their families to explore STEAM-based concepts through hands-on exhibits and activities. The Seed will be a living lab of creativity, imagination, and innovation that is focused on engaging children ages 6-12. Through the creator space, art and science connect, allowing children to explore the wonders of the natural and man-made world, while also developing 21st century skills as they become our next generation of artists and scientists. Above all, children will experience empathy for the living world. ■ lasm.org
BATON ROUGE NAMED TOP DIGITAL CITY
For the seventh year, Baton Rouge has been named a Top 10 Digital City by The Center for Digital Government, joining other leading cities like Alexandria, Virginia; Bellevue, Washington; and Fort Collins, Colorado. “This recognition validates all the hard work and advancements our City-Parish has made over the past several years to integrate technology and innovation into all we do in East Baton Rouge Parish,” says Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome. “From public safety and human services to transportation and drainage projects, technology is a foundational part of our approach to delivering quality programs, services and investments that help build a strong quality of life for our residents and community.” ■ govtech.com
MADDIE’S FOOTPRINTS EXPANDS TO BATON ROUGE
Anna’s Grace has become a part of Maddie’s Footprints, an Acadiana nonprofit. With the joining of these two nonprofits, Maddie’s Footprints has expanded their reach to the parishes that make up Greater Baton Rouge. As of January 1, Maddie’s Footprints will begin assisting families who have experienced miscarriage, stillbirth, and infant loss in: Lafayette, Vermillion, Iberia, St. Landry, Acadia, Avoyelles, Evangeline, Jeff Davis, St. Martin, St. Mary, Ascension, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Iberville, Livingston, Pointe Coupee, St. Helena, West Baton Rouge, and West Feliciana. Their vision is to help families who have experienced miscarriages, stillbirths, or the loss of an infant. ■ maddiesfootprints.org 14
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AUDUBON ZOO WELCOMES JAGUAR CUB
A seven-month-old female jaguar that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service rescued from wildlife trafficking has found a new home at Audubon Zoo. The Association of Zoos and Aquariums reached out to Audubon due to the staff ’s experience and zoo’s ability to house two jaguars. “This rescue effort was an amazing example of how zoos, government agencies, and conservationists work together for the greater good,” says Audubon Zoo’s Curator of Primates Liz Wilson. “She is adjusting well to her new environment, and we cannot wait for our guests to meet her.” To prepare for the new jaguar, the Zoo has added additional jumping and climbing platforms to increase vertical usage of the space, while also allowing guests to see the jaguar up close. ■ audubonnatureinstitute.org/zoo
