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SAFE WAYS TO ORDER GIRL SCOUT COOKIES GIRL SCOUT COOKIE time is officially here, and girl scouts are offering safe and socially distant ways to help you get your fix. The girl-led entrepreneurship program is adapting sales methods to include contact-free pickup and an option for delivery through a collaboration with Grubhub. Even if you don’t know a Girl Scout, you can still order your favorite Girl Scout cookies online. “People will notice some delightful changes to the way we do cookie season this year,” says Rebecca Pennington, CEO of Girl Scouts Louisiana East. “With more emphasis on using technology and using girl-powered creative solutions such as innovative drive-thru cookie booths, we hope our communities will support their local Girl Scouts with the same energy and excitement as they have in years past.” girlscoutcookies.org
RARE DISEASE DAY IS FEBRUARY 28 MORE THAN 300 million people are currently living with a rare disease, and more than 6,000 rare diseases have currently been identified. Rare Disease Day, the last day of February each year, is an effort to raise awareness of these diseases and their impacts on patients’ lives. Garage 10 is a local nonprofit started by two friends, Ashley Gravois and Kasey Gary, who have both been affected by rare diseases. The name comes from the parking structure at MD Anderson where Gravois’ husband received treatment. Its mission is to provide emotional and financial support to help ease some of the challenges patients face. Garage 10 is launching a website and fundraising to help families like theirs. garage10br.com
NEW BOOK CELEBRATES BLACK JOY AFTER AUTHOR RUTH Forman’s daughter said she didn’t
like her curly hair, Forman was inspired to write Curls, a love song to African-American hair. A great way to mark Black History Month, the joyful and poetic board book features five friends who are experiencing the confidence that comes from having the perfect hairstyle. Bright, captivating illustrations by Geneva Bowers help bring the story to life. “I understand how critical books for very young children of color can be in helping to form a sense of positive identity, self-worth and inspiration,” Forman says. “[Curls] is intended to be the first in a series for these young readers, celebrating identity and self-love for children of color and for all children to enjoy.” simonandschuster. com/books/curls 14
F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1 | B R PA R E N T S . C O M
Photo by Lauren Ashton Photography 2019-20 Cover Kid: Tyler B.
NEW KID-FOCUSED STREAMING PLATFORM NETFLIX, DISNEY+, AMAZON Prime, Hulu, the list goes on for streaming choices. In addition to juggling logins, parents have to ensure little eyes don’t see inappropriate content. Common Sense Networks, the for-profit affiliate of Common Sense Media, has announced it is launching a kid-friendly streaming service this year called Sensical. The free platform will provide only age-appropriate content, offering thousands of videos for ages 2 to 12. Each hour of programming will have no more than seven minutes of advertising. “Every family can afford to add Sensical to their personal bundle, and we couldn’t be more excited to create a distinctive alternative for parents and partner with them in their goal to raise good humans,” says Eric Berger, CSN CEO. commonsensenetworks.com
