COMMUNITY

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BRCC RECEIVES $12 MILLION FOR EXPANSION

Our Lady of Lake announced a partnership and $12 million investment in Baton Rouge Community College. The investment will help support the construction and development of the college’s new Nursing and Allied Health building and the renovation of a section of the college’s Bonne Sante’ Wellness Center to focus on sports medicine and training. The new facility will bring together BRCC’s School of Nursing and Division of Allied Health under one roof, and will house the college’s current programs in Nursing, Sonography, Surgical Technician, and Medical Assistant. Additionally, it will allow the College to add high-demand programs in Respiratory Care, Physical and Occupational Therapy, and Athletic Training. ■ mybrcc.edu

The American Cancer Society has partnered with Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Institute to save more lives from cancer in Louisiana. This includes a campaign to increase cancer screening rates, patient education, employee engagement opportunities, and Presenting Sponsor rights for the American Cancer Society Excel Baton Rouge Best Dressed Ball. “As the community leader in cancer care for over 30 years, OLOL is committed to key partnerships that create stronger cancer care for the people we serve,” shares Linda Lee, Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Institute VP of Cancer Services. “Working more closely with the American Cancer Society will provide opportunities to better support our mission and care for our community.” ■ ololrmc.com

Local speech language pathologist, Keylonda Wheeler, has published the sophomore book to her series, The Inclusive K.R.E.W.E., centered around bringing awareness and acceptance to disabilities. Her latest book, Mrs. Key Key’s Speech Room, was inspired by Wheeler’s own experiences providing speech therapy for school-aged children with various disabilities. She recognized the need for children to see marginalized groups represented in books that educators use in their lessons. The book includes whimsical rhymes that add loads of fun, while readers get to take a peek into the school’s speech room. The children’s book is available now through online retailers. ■ keylondawrites.com

FIGHT CANCER AND HELP SAVE LIVES

REDUCING THE STIGMA OF SPEECH THERAPY

CHIMP HAVEN OPENING FOR CHATS

Chimp Haven, the world’s largest chimpanzee sanctuary, is opening to guests for ticketed Chimp Chats, and the rare opportunity to witness “The Chimp Life” on the 200-acre forested campus that is home to more than 300 chimpanzees. Visitors will have the opportunity to observe the lush habitats where chimpanzees live, play, and explore, and have the freedom to make choices on Saturday, May 14. Times include 10 a.m.-noon and 2-4 p.m. Chimp Chats will be limited in attendees and held outdoors with behind-the-scenes access to chimpanzees and staff that’s not available during larger public events. Tickets are $75 per person and are available to those ages 10 and older. ■ chimphaven.org

HEALTHYBR RELAUNCHES WEBSITE

Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome announced the relaunch of the HealthyBR.com website, which will serve as a one-stop shop for public health resources. The website includes healthy recipes and demonstrations, free fitness classes online, access to mental health services, locations of bike paths, and a community resource directory. “If the past two years have taught us anything, it’s the importance of each of us understanding our health and how to navigate the healthcare landscape. In order for our community to be a Safe, Hopeful, and Healthy Baton Rouge, websites like this one are going to be vital to ensure information and resources are accessible and attainable by all of our residents,” says Mayor Broome. ■ healthybr.com

LASM has announced the reopening of both of its hands-on children’s galleries, Science Station & Discovery Depot. LASM’s hands-on galleries will be open from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturdays, and from 1-5 p.m. on Sundays. “In response to community desires for LASM to reopen its hands-on galleries, we are excited to invite our visitors to experience our Science Station and Discovery Depot once again,” states S. Meredith Pandos, LASM President & Executive Director. “LASM’s Science Station makes life science, earth science, physical science, and math relevant and fun, and in our Discovery Depot, children are limited only by their imagination!” ■ lasm.org

LASM REOPENS HANDS-ON GALLERIES

CONNECT COMMUNITY

THE PREGNANCY HUB BY FIRST RESPONSE

First Response has launched The Pregnancy Hub by First Response, a new online community that aims to connect, inspire, and provide resources to those navigating trying to conceive, pregnancy and motherhood. Members will have access to resources and advice and an opportunity to engage in conversations with other members, share personal experiences, and gain insider access to special offers, products, and news from First Response. “If you are planning your future pregnancy, thinking about your fertility, trying to conceive, or becoming a mother, our community will help guide you through this very exciting and often sensitive time,” says Jennifer Gargano, Brand Manager. ■ frpregnancyhub.com

I JUST WANT TO BE ME! LOCAL CHILDREN’S BOOK

Deana Meaux Murray, a local children’s book author from Zachary, recently published a book about a spunky honeybee named Achoo who doesn’t quite fit in with the other bees in the hive. Achoo is allergic to pollen, so she sneezes all of the pollen away that the bees have collected during the day. However, in the story, she uses her difference to save the other honeybees. I just want to be ME!, says Achoo the Bee will inspire children ages three-six to embrace their authentic self and exclaim, “I just want to be me!” Murray has always loved reading and making up stories, and now, she is embracing this opportunity to focus on her writing. Her newest children’s story is available now for purchase. ■ achoothebee.com

WILD WINE WALK AT THE ZOO

Grab your besties, or make it a date night with your special someone, for BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo’s Wild Wine Walk. The Baton Rouge Zoo Foundation is set to host its second annual Wild Wine Walk at BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo on Friday, May 20 from 5-7:30 p.m. Tickets are on sale now, and all proceeds benefit the Baton Rouge Zoo Foundation, the nonprofit supporter of BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo and the Zoo’s international conservation efforts. The event is open to adults ages 21 and up only, and offers guests an opportunity to stroll the Zoo as they taste a variety of wines and sample bites from local eateries. The daylight will enable guests to see the animals as they enjoy vino and stroll the Zoo to the sounds of local acoustic artists. Tickets are $50-75, with a VIP option available. ■ wildwinewalk.org

BLUE STAR MUSEUMS PROGRAM FUNDED

LASM recently received a $21,000 gift from David Stogner and Special Risk Insurance Inc., VFIS of Miss/Lou in support of the museum’s Blue Star Museums program. This program enables veterans, active-duty military members, first responders, and their families to visit LASM free-of-charge year-round. “The Blue Star program at LASM is a great way to help those who serve their country and community,” states Stogner. “Our first responders, along with the military, risk their lives every day, and for their sacrifice, we should assist in any way possible.” LASM has participated in the Blue Star Museums program for many years. Sponsorship has enabled the program to expand at LASM. ■ lasm.org

PARKZEN WINS PITCH CONTEST

ParkZen won a $100,000 investment prize at Baton Rouge Entrepreneur Week’s cumulation–the High-Stakes Pitch Competition. ParkZen, founded by Manos Chatzopoulos, George Triarchou, and Haron Temam, offers an innovative solution to the age-old problem of finding a parking spot. The ParkZen app uses smart crowdsourcing to track and connect users with available parking–right down to the spot–in their vicinity. The Competition awards an investment prize to one local startup in Louisiana. The investment prize, managed by Red Stick Angels and Innovation Catalyst, comes from a group of Louisiana-based investors. The ParkZen app is available to download via the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store. ■ parkzenapp.com

NEW BILL ON RECEIVING BIRTH RECORDS

Currently, in the state of Louisiana, adoptees cannot receive their birth certificates unless they prove their reason for needing the certificates to a judge. It is then up to the judge to decide whether or not access will be granted. However, a new bill that is being reviewed by the Senate could finally change this law. The bill by Representative Charles Owen provides adoptees access to their original birth certificate once they reach the age of 24. “A grown person ought to be able to get their birth certificate,” says Rep. Owen, who said he is also an adoptee who, last year, tried and failed to get his own birth records. The bill passed through the House with a 76-21 vote, and has moved onto the Senate. ■ legis.la.gov