nola family Parent Fearlessly
February 2022
Stay-at-Home Mom Depression The Family Guide to Mardi Gras Family Health Issue
Nola Family Magazine virtual events
NOLAFAMILY.COM | FEBRUARY 2022
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Founder ANN BOWER HERREN
nola family
Publisher BRANDON FOREMAN
CONTENTS
Associate Publisher AMY L. FOREMAN
FEBRUARY 2022
Editorial AMANDA MILLER Managing Editor
EMILY DREZ Assistant Editor
SARAH BATROUS ANTHONY BUI Editorial Assistants
Art/Production JENNY ZIGLIN Production Manager
ON THE COVER
MELODY TAUZIN Senior Graphic Designer
ALEX HERRING
Kenneth M. is four years old and attends Stuart Hall.
Graphic Designer
MADELENE SOILEAU Multimedia Specialist
Photo by Twirl Photography
CHANEY RAY
Multimedia Assistant
TWIRL PHOTOGRAPHY Cover Photography
Advertising LAURIE ACOSTA Director of Sales
JENNIFER HOFFMANN KRISTEN RENFROW Account Executives
A FEW WORDS
EDUCATION & GUIDANCE
IN EACH ISSUE
6 From the
10 Parenting
8 From the
Publisher
FEATURES
13
Stay-at-Home Mom Depression
Corner
What Makes a Family Healthy
12 Dear Frankie
Too Much of a Good Thing?
14 The Family Guide to Mardi Gras 17 Vaccine Update 20 Switching
Doctors
Bookshelf Fit for February Reads
21 Spotlight
Take the Lead NOLA
25 Gear to Get
A Love for Mardi Gras
26 Mom About
Town Kristen Zornman
27 Out & About What, When, Where: Virtual, On-Going, and Special Happenings
NOLA FAMILY 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. NOLA FAMILY Copyright © 2022. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission prohibited.
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Marketing EMILY MANCUSO Director of Marketing
MAGGIE SHARP Marketing Assistant
VICTORIA COTEJAR Social Media Coordinator
Business Operations TERI HODGES
Director of Community Partnerships
ROXANE VOORHIES Community Outreach
SARAH MILLER
Administrative Coordinator For reprint information, contact
jenny@nolafamily.com Business Office:
One Galleria Blvd., Ste. 1900 Metairie, LA 70001
( 504 ) 866 - 0555 A publication of
February 2022 Issue 130
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from the publisher
Getting Old is For the Birds You know, I always dread my birthday because it means another year older. I don’t know why we, as kids, wanted to grow up so fast. I miss the days of no worries, no bills, eating all food types, and staying out as long as I wanted. I mean, I haven’t had a McDonalds burger and fries since 2016. Oh, what I would do for a Whopper with cheese and onion rings from Burger King! I started something maybe five years ago: getting my annual physical done to make sure I am going to live for a long time. I mean, I make my kids go to their well visits every year, why not make myself responsible for myself? Well, the last five years have been a crap shoot. I know my family’s medical history, and I refuse to let it happen to me. Guess what? It finally did. I have learned so much this past year, and without my history of these yearly physicals, I may be way worse than I am today. I had a hysterectomy because all of the signs were showing early, and you know, why keep those parts if my family is complete? My doctor was able to build a case that it was time, and I didn’t want to sit around and wait for uterine cancer. So, that was done. My next journey was to see a hepatologist because my liver enzymes are through the roof, cholesterol is high, thyroids low, and I am now insulin resistant. How does all this happen? As I talk to my friends and family, all I can say is that turning 40 really sucks for me. However, I will be optimistic like my doctor that this will be temporary. We will get my levels under control, change my eating habits again, and get more active. Well, once the spring weather arrives! I encourage you all to start scheduling yearly visits and putting your health first. To help get you started, this issue of Nola Family has a special section featuring Top Notch Docs, information on changing doctors, and dealing with depression. I’m grateful that I made myself a priority by sticking to my yearly visits, and I hope that you will join me and do the same.
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from the bookshelf
FIT FOR FEBRUARY READS It’s February, which means Carnival season is in full swing, Valentine’s Day is around the corner, and most Americans have officially given up on their New Year’s resolutions. This year, health-related goals were some of the most popular resolutions, with exercise and healthy eating topping the list. Of course, diet and exercise aren’t the only ways to improve well-being. Other popular resolutions included taking stock of mental health or making time for mindfulness. If you and your family set goals for a healthy 2022, the New Orleans Public Library offers books for all ages on nutrition, fitness, mindfulness, and mental health.
Young Readers Taking Care of Me: Healthy Habits with Sesame Street by Mari Schuh Learn healthy habits alongside your favorite Muppets. Topics include washing hands, wearing masks, eating fruits and veggies, and wearing sunscreen.
Follow that Food by Christy Webster & Sarah Rebar (with introduction by Michelle Obama) If you’re a fan of Netflix’s Waffles + Mochi, this supermarket adventure makes a perfect read. Best friends Waffles and Mochi work at a supermarket, investigating ingredients and flavors from around the world to make a delicious treat for their coworkers.
Good Morning Yoga: A Pose-by-Pose Wake Up Story by Miriam Gates & Sarah Jane Hinder Teach young children to focus, relax, self-monitor, and self-soothe with this morning yoga routine.
I Am!: Affirmations for Resilience by Bela Barbosa & Edel Rodriguez Introduce children to mindfulness, emotional learning, and selfconfidence with this board book focused on 10 common emotions. Activities include a centering exercise and positive affirmation to recite together.
Rachel Marsh is a writer and marketing associate at the New Orleans Public Library.
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Kacy Helwick is the youth collection development librarian.
Middle Grade Sports & Fitness: How to Use Your Body and Mind to Play and Feel Your Best by Therese Kauchak Maring & Brenna Hansen Why participate in sports? Having fun, making friends, and building strength are just a few reasons. Part of American Girl’s “A Smart Girl’s Guide” series, this book shares helpful tips for team and solo activities.
Food Fight! A Mouthwatering History of Who Ate What and Why Throughout the Ages (with 30 Recipes) by Tanya Steel Chow down on this history of cooking trends and innovations, with recipes by the co-initiator of Michelle Obama’s Healthy Lunchtime Challenge.
Teen Your Brain Needs a Hug: Life, Love, Mental Health, and Sandwiches by Rae Earl Make it through the difficult days with friend advice, coping strategies, laughs, and zero judgment.
Mindfulness and Meditation: Handling Life with a Calm and Focused Mind by Whitney Stewart Get your meditation practice off to a strong start. Includes exercises for examining emotions, managing stress, and setting intentions to increase happiness. There’s no one perfect recipe for making your family’s 2022 as happy and healthy as it can be. But whether your goal is to eat more fruits and veggies, join a sports team, or prioritize your mental health, these books for all ages are a great place to start. For more health resources and family reads, head on over to your neighborhood library or go to nolalibrary.org. NOLAFAMILY.COM | FEBRUARY 2022
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parenting corner
What Makes a Family Healthy Since February’s issue is devoted to family health, it’s a good time for reflection about what makes a family healthy (besides the pandemic-related answers everyone has pondered for the last two years). Russian author Tolstoy famously noted that “all happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.” Substitute “healthy” for “happy,” and there may indeed be some commonalities among healthy families. What are some ways family members can help each other not only survive tough times, but eventually thrive? Some ideas: 1. Establish some new routines around basic physical needs. The pandemic has been hard on the body, mind, and spirit, even for those who never actually had the virus. Increased isolation may have created some tough habits to break, especially around eating, sleeping, and physical activity. We know children can’t really regulate their own behavior and emotions without these needs being met, and frankly, adults suffer as well. Striving for earlier bedtimes, looking for ways to increase time spent in motion (shorter blocks of time in physical activity may feel more doable than long ones), cooking some nutritious meals together, and setting limits on screens to give our minds (and eyes!) a break, may be a few small strategies for getting healthier together. 2. Don’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good. It may be easy to fall into an all-or-nothing shame spiral and just give up if you can’t seem to manage big improvements in the areas you’d like to change. Instead, seek to identify, with your children’s input, some ways to build small steps into your daily activities. Plan to cook a Sunday meal together, or go for a family walk after dinner. Identify together some screen-free zones, times of day, or alternative activities for both independent play and family connection that are easily available. Small and attainable changes trump overly ambitious ones, and the thrill of small successes will encourage you to do more. 3. Look for balance between individual members’ needs with
the family’s needs as a unit. As the world slowly returns to a place where outside demands continue to ramp up, it becomes difficult to prioritize family time. But cohesive families do value time spent together and intentionally look for ways to make it happen. Certainly, children need loving, predictable caregivers for their sense of security, but parents should not feel guilty for finding ways to fill their own cup of emotional energy and for spending time connecting with their partner. Again, maybe large blocks of time aren’t always available, but look for small ways to nurture yourself and your relationship, which can pay dividends to your well-being and ultimately your children’s as well. 4. Reflect on what emotional and communication habits you’d like to change. Shaming and blaming is something most parents wish to avoid, but it may be challenging to avoid when you’re under stress, and the last couple of years have been extremely stressful for many people. Mentally hitting the “pause” button when you feel yourself sliding into aggravated-parent mode, then taking a deep breath or even walking away for a moment can help you stop yourself from lashing out. Changing your self-talk about your child’s behavior (or your own) can change the course of the outcome of a situation. We sometimes tend to “catastrophize” thinking about what our child’s doing (“He forgets everything, he’ll never do well in school”), and it just escalates our own negative response. Rather, being curious and reflective takes us in a more productive direction (“I wonder what’s getting in the way of him remembering to pack up his backpack?”) When situations are not in crisis mode, talk with your child about how you can solve a problem together. Really listen to their ideas (even if you acknowledge you can’t go along with all of them), and find a plan that can work for all of you. The experience of feeling heard, and being supported rather than blamed, can shift everyone’s experience into a more positive one.
Lisa Phillips, MSW, LMSW, has been a parent educator at The Parenting Center at Children’s Hospital since 2001 and is a regular contributor to the award-winning “Parenting Corner” column. She can be reached at (504) 896-9591; chnola.org/parentingcenter.
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dear frankie
Too Much of a Good Thing?
Dear Frankie,
I think my mom is overly concerned about my health. Once a month, she gives me two pills to prevent heartworm and prevent fleas and ticks. I’m OK with that; no one wants to have a heart attack or Lyme disease. Every day, she gives me medicine for my joints and bones in the form of a chew that tastes horrible, so I refuse to eat it unless it is smothered in peanut butter. She thinks she is fooling me, but whatever, the point is, I get the peanut butter. She also cooks my food; she says you can’t trust the dog food companies. Every time one of them puts out a recall notice because of a toxic ingredient, she posts it on Facebook. She wants to make sure that her friends, who tease her about always cooking for me, see what she has been telling them all along. She cooks my food once a week and divides it into 14 Ziplock bags. She’s adamant that two meals a day are necessary for my digestion. A typical meal consists of organic ground chicken cooked in organic bone broth, mixed with salt (dogs also need sodium), a powdered vitamin supplement, and fresh green beans. When it comes to exercise, she is a fanatic. She sends me to doggie day four times a week for strength training and yoga classes. In addition, she walks me three times a day for nature calls and fresh air exposure. I won’t go into the monthly grooming appointments and the semi-annual physicals at the vet, which require a dental exam and a cleaning. Do you think my mom’s health routines are a bit overkill? Needing advice,
Marcia
Dear Marcia,
I agree; the two pills are essential. What’s your beef otherwise? Delicious homecooked meals twice a day sound like heaven. It sure beats food poisoning. Maybe grooming every six weeks would be more appropriate. If you have hair instead of fur, grooming goes with the territory. Nothing worse than a dog with matted and dirty hair. If it’s the exercise that gets you, what’s so bad? In your golden years, you can look back and remember when you looked like a Greek goddess. I do think having your teeth cleaned twice a year is a little over the top. Anesthesia shouldn’t be taken lightly and should be avoided whenever possible. Maybe it’s time for a new vet. Be sure to growl, whimper, shiver, and whine when you see your vet at your next appointment. Maybe your mom will get the hint. Best,
Frankie
Frankie is a rescue and a service dog for Geneva Woodruff. Together, they have traveled far and wide. Along the way, Frankie befriended dogs from all walks of life. She thought it would be remiss not to share the many lessons of life she learned from them.
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Stay-At-Home Mom
Depression By Sarah Batrous
Plenty of new moms hear about “the baby blues” or postpartum depression, but not many openly discuss depression that some stayat-home moms (SAHMs) face years after giving birth. It’s important to know the signs, what to do, and that help is easily accessible.
baby looks like he slept soundly through the night without a single fit. Many moms feel that pressure to be the perfect mother who is in control and knows what to do, no matter the situation at hand.
Causes and Symptoms
Ashley Comegys, LCSW is a therapist who specializes in working with moms with anxiety and depression. She believes that SAHMs are under a lot of pressure from outside factors, like social media and the need to be a flawless mother.
“It really isn’t different from other situation-based depression, which means the down emotions are caused by a set of specific circumstances, and not genetics, trauma, or other biological reasons,” says Brodnax. “Studies on this topic show that about 25 percent of SAHMs feel identity loss, lack of purpose, social isolation, overwhelming stress, and lower self-worth since staying at home.”
“Moms today are carrying a lot on their plate, and the added pressures and comparisons of social media can lead women to feeling like they aren’t measuring up, or that they are ‘the only one’ who doesn’t have it all together. I think many women feel like they are ‘supposed’ to know how to be a mom, and do it all, and that it’s going to be fun because that’s what we THINK we see other moms experiencing,” remarks Comegys.
Cheryl Brodnax, a PLCP with Crossroads Professional Services, weighed in on the causes and symptoms of SAHM depression.
Just as SAHM depression falls under the umbrella of other types of depression, the symptoms are similar and range from mild to severe. “The most common warning signs of depression are sadness, lack of motivation or enjoyment, changes in eating and sleeping, chronic headaches or stomach aches, and in severe cases, hopelessness or even suicidal thoughts,” notes Brodnax. The most important part is to understand these symptoms of depression are not your fault and the feelings you are experiencing do not indicate that you are a bad mother. Like many others, you are doing the best you can, and that’s all your baby needs.
Social Stigma
Growing up, you think your mom is a superhero, and when you have a baby of your own, you want to be their superhero, too! This mindset is perpetuated on social media where influencers display the “perfect mom persona.” She looks put together, her home is spotless, and her
Getting Help
The first step is to reach out. This can be someone you trust, like family or friends, who can help you curate your support system and provide support at home in the form of babysitting, invites out, or the occasional home-cooked meal. Understand that you are not alone and plenty of other moms have felt or are feeling the same way. Professional help is also easily available to moms who want to seek aid from the comfort of home. “Working with an online therapist can be an amazing option for stayat-home moms because they don’t have to worry about driving to appointments or finding childcare. They can do it during nap times or even with a baby on their hip,” shares Comegys.
If you feel ready to reach out to a professional for help, a simple email or short phone call can make all the difference. Don’t worry, mom, you’ve got this. NOLAFAMILY.COM | FEBRUARY 2022
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The Family Guide to MARDI GRAS What’s New
Different parade routes and new safety rules mean Mardi Gras 2022 could see a lot of changes. Here’s what’s new for this year’s Carnival season. In December, Mayor LaToya Cantrell and the Mardi Gras Advisory Council announced changes to Mardi Gras parade routes. While some krewes and parade goers may be unhappy with the changes, they are meant to greatly improve public safety. Let’s just roll with it! The Krewe of Thoth were disappointed that their updated route would not cross paths with the Children’s Hospital or other facilities they normally greet. Instead, this krewe will begin at Napoleon Avenue and Prytania Street before turning right onto St. Charles Avenue down to Égalité Circle. There, they will turn back onto St. Charles street, leading to Canal Street. A final right turn onto Tchoupitoulas Street will lead the parade to its end on Poydras Street. The Krewe of Endymion’s route is now over five miles long with the parade turning right onto Elk Place and Loyola Avenue instead of onto St. Charles Avenue. A right turn onto Girod Street will lead into the Caesars Superdome where the Extravaganza mega-party will begin. The longest-serving captain in Mardi Gras, Ed Muniz, announced that on Saturday, February 26 Diana Ross and Maroon 5 will headline along with Party on the Moon, Groovy 7, and The Wiseguys. The Krewe of Zulu will keep most of its traditional route beginning at S. Claiborne and Jackson Avenue. The modifications then include a left turn onto Poydras Street after passing Gallier Hall then a right turn onto Loyola Avenue. The Zulu krewe will then continue its original route on Basin Street. The Krewe of Rex’s parade route will remain mostly the same, the only change being a start on Napoleon Avenue and Carondelet Street instead of South Claiborne Avenue and Napoleon Avenue. Following suit, the Krewe of Elks followed by the Krewe of Crescent City will remain on their original route, allowing them to turn left onto Poydras Street from St. Charles Avenue then continue on Poydras Street until the krewes disband.
Top Safety Tips
Mardi Gras safety, with kids in tow, is an essential part of parade day planning. We’ve got tips to make it work.
Temporary Tattoo
A permanent marker and a layer of clear nail polish creates a temporary tattoo good for identification. Write out your child’s name, important phone numbers and health information like “Asthmatic.”
Parade Day Photo
Snap a photo with your phone of your child. This can be a major help to the police if they get lost. This will give them a greater chance of being reunited quickly.
Matchy-Matchy
Color coordinated or otherwise matching shirts for “the gang” could help family members recognize each other if separated. Watchful strangers could also identify any stragglers and corral them back. It takes a village.
Emergency Change of Clothes
Packing another set of clothes and an extra pull-up or diaper can save you a lot
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of trouble in the long run. Accidents happen and you’re going to want to get back to the fun ASAP.
Potties
Bathroom breaks are probably the last thing on your mind, but planning ahead is going to help you out. Our best advice is to be sure to bring cash. Participating restaurants and bars on the parade routes will offer pay-per-visit access to their restrooms or day passes. Your best bet might be to find a friend that lives on or near the route. Coordinate ahead of time, and put together a thank-you gift to stay in their good graces.
Noise Control and Sunglasses
Mardi Gras safety extends to the ears and eyes, especially if your child has sensory issues but doesn’t want to miss the fun.
Sanitizer
Beads that you scooped up off the ground are one of the least sanitary things at a Mardi Gras parade. Try to avoid having your child pick them up but do keep hand sanitizer or wipes on-hand just in case.
Start of the Route
Most parades are calmer at the beginning. If you would like to avoid the rowdiness (and misthrown beads-turned-missiles when riders are less careful), an expeditious retreat midway might be in your best interest. Treat yourselves to New Orleans cuisine or a headstart on post-parade traffic.
Top Kid-Fun Parades
Some are day parades, some night, but all are fun for the whole family.
French Quarter
Krewedelusion, Feb. 12 Krewe of Barkus, Feb. 20
Marigny
Krewe of Chewbacchus, Feb. 5 ‘tit Rex, Feb. 13
Uptown
Krewe of King Arthur, Feb. 20 Krewe of Muses, Feb. 24 Krewe of Thoth, Feb. 27 Krewe of Rex, Mar. 1
Mid-City
Krewe of Endymion, Feb. 26
Metairie
Krewe of Excalibur, Feb. 18 Krewe of MadHatters, Feb. 19 Krewe of Atlas, Feb. 20 Krewe of Athena, Feb. 27 Krewe of Elks, Jeffersonians, Mar. 1
Mardi Gras Audubon Zoo’s Mardi Gras Camp 6500 Magazine St. Ages: 4-10 Cost: $170-185 Dates/Times: March 2-4; 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Contact: (504) 913-0254 Each day is full of animal exploration, scientific investigation, and arts and crafts. Big Easy Sportsplex Mardi Gras Break Baseball Camp 800 Webb St. Ages: 4-12 Cost: $50/day, $180/week Dates/Times: February 28, March 2-4; 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Contact: bigeasysportsplex.com, (504) 733-0046 Camps will provide instruction, drills, and games in multiple sports, athletic games, and competitions. Culinary Kids 915 Marigny Ave. Ages: 5-12 Cost: $75/day Dates/Times: March 2-4, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Contact: culinarykidsns.com, (985) 727-5553 Kids cook their own breakfast, lunch and snacks, and desserts; make drinks; enjoy gardening; guest visitors with treats; science experiments; indoor/ outdoor games; and have great fun with friends. Franco’s Mandeville Mardi Gras Day Camp 100 Bon Temps Roule Ages: 5-13 Cost: $50-60 Dates/Times: TBA, 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Contact: (985) 792-0205 Campers will be doing Mardi Gras arts and crafts, inflatables, organized games, and fun exercise classes. JCC Metairie - Mardi Gras Mini Camp 3747 W. Esplanade Ave. Ages: 3-11
Cost: $65/day; JCC membership
required Dates/Time: March 2-4, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Contact: terrance@nojcc.org Campers will participate in art, sports, and games. Please bring a nap mat, lunch, and a change of clothes every day. Campers must be potty trained. Kidcam Camp: Aurora United Methodist School Break Camps 3300 Eton St. Ages: PK4-13 Dates/Time: February 28-March 4, closed March 1, 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Fees: $40-136 Contact: kidcamcamp.com/auroraholiday-camp, (844) 4KIDCAM At Kidcam, day camp isn’t just something we do, it’s all we do. Create memorable moments and lasting relationships through the power of camp. LCM’s Celebrate New Orleans Camp 15 Henry Thomas Dr. Ages: 4-8 Dates/Time: March 2-4, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Fees: $55-65 Contact: lcm.org/programs/camps Children will learn about New Orleans architecture, music, and artists, as they explore Creole cottages, musical instruments, and masterpieces in this one-of-a-kind hands-on camp experience. Mardi Gras Camp has one session for four-five-year-old children and one for six-eight-year-old children. You can register for one, two, or all three days. Longue Vue’s Carnival Camp 7 Bamboo Rd. Ages: 5-10 Dates/Time: March 3-4, 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Fees: $55-65 Contact: longuevue.com/event/ carnival-camp-begins, (504) 488-5488 Students out for Mardi Gras break can reconnect with nature through seasonal activities and supervised garden exploration.
camps
Laissez les bons temps rouler–even when the kids are out of school. Mardi Gras is almost here. Don’t miss your chance to sign up for camp during the break.
MOVE! New Orleans’ Best Summer Camp and After School Program: Mardi Gras Break Camp Hosted by Church’s Karate Academy 4714 Paris Ave. Ages: 5-11 Cost: $65/day Dates/Time: February 28-March 4, 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Contact: (504) 376-7009
MOVE! offers a full-day camp experience for your child that’s as educational as it is exciting. It’s a safe, positive, and motivational camp adventure where your child is guaranteed to obtain physical and mental fitness. Activities include Parkour, Dance, Tumbling, and Martial Arts as well as Arts and crafts, Brain Gain activities, indoor and outdoor sports, and team games. Come tour the new beautiful, clean, and safety-oriented facility. Pony Tales Mardi Gras Camp 156 Bertucci Ln. Ages: 5-12 Cost: $55-59/day Dates/Times: February 28, March 2-4, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Contact: (504) 469-0148 Campers will be learning about handling and riding ponies or horses, fun games, activities, and crafts. Posh Paint Pub Mardi Gras Camp 3218 Taft Park Ages: 5-12 Cost: $55-65 Dates/Times: March 2-4, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Contact: poshpaintpub.com, (504) 835-4155 Paint pottery and canvases, build with clay, and create with other fine arts mediums, as well as making your own jewelry and a variety of wacky crafts. Projects vary by day. Upturn Arts: Mardi Gras Masquerade 1719 Toledano St. Ages: 4-12 Cost: $120-140
Dates/Times: March 3-4, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Contact: upturnarts.org, (504) 390.8399 Each day, they will explore one of New Orleans’ classic spaces for a morning field trip. After each adventure, young artists will have lunch at a local park and then return to Nola Spaces for on-site programming with UA staff. Vamonos Nola Holiday Camp 600 Eleonore St. Ages: 5-11 Cost: $220 Dates/Times: February 28-March 4, 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Contact: amilia.com/store/en/ vamonos-nola Vamonos NOLA is committed to inspiring our future leaders to bridge cultures and language through authentic, play-based methodology. Campers leave not only speaking more Spanish, but with a love of learning the language. YMCA: Belle Chasse 8101 LA-23 Ages: 3-14 Dates/Times: February 28-March 4, closed March 1, 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Cost: $30-55/day Contact: ymcaneworleans.org, (504) 392-9622 Kids have the opportunity to play sports, make arts and crafts, and make new friends. Be sure to pack a lunch and plenty of snacks. YMCA: West. St. Tammany 71256 Francis Rd. Ages: 4-12 Dates/Times: February 28-March 4, closed March 1, 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Cost: $35-45/day Contact: ymcaneworleans.org, (985) 893-9622 When school is closed for a holiday, visit the YMCA and play. Bring two snacks, a bag lunch, and a water bottle. Note: Schedules subject to change. Check with the camp for more details.
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Vaccine Update:
What We Know Now By Emily Drez
Ever since the COVID-19 vaccines came out in December 2020, they have become available to a wider range of people. It started with healthcare workers, and now, young children can receive their COVID-19 vaccines. It is normal for parents to be wary about letting their child receive this new vaccine, but healthcare professionals say there is nothing to be worried about. Here’s what we know now: Children ages five and up can receive their COVID-19 vaccinations. Children ages 12-17 can receive a Pfizer booster shot at least five months after their first series of vaccinations.The booster shot is important for promoting the first shots’ effectiveness, which typically wears down five-to-six months after your most recent Pfizer or Moderna shot (a booster shot is recommended two months after a Johnson & Johnson shot). Doctors and nurses everywhere recommend getting vaccinated against COVID-19 as soon as possible. Take it from Kendall Connick, a nurse practitioner at Sprout Pediatrics in Metairie. “Making sure your child is vaccinated will aid in herd immunity for the protection of more vulnerable people who cannot receive the vaccine,” she says. “The vaccine will also lessen the severity of the disease should you or your child contract it.” The vaccines are effective. This fact might make you raise your eyebrows, especially considering the state’s drastic increase of COVID-19 cases since the Omicron variant, but it’s important to remember that the vaccines do not get rid of the virus entirely. “Even though we are seeing a rise in COVID-19 numbers, most patients are not requiring
hospitalization,” says Connick. “Also, the symptoms associated with the virus are much milder than the previous variant’s.” The vaccines are safe. In fact, the benefits of getting vaccinated against COVID-19 outweigh any risks. All COVID-19 vaccinations are CDC, FDA, and EUA (emergency use authorization) approved. Serious side effects such as allergic reactions, blood clots, and myocardosis are extremely rare and can be resolved. Common side effects include fever along with redness, swelling, and soreness at the injection site, all of which can last up to 48 hours. These common side effects are normal, as it means your body is actively building protection against the virus. Your child cannot contract the virus from his or her vaccinations, even though the possible side effects mimic those of COVID-19. To understand how vaccines work, you can easily do some quick research on mRNA vaccinations and how our bodies process them. If your child tests positive for COVID-19, he or she is likely to have milder symptoms, especially if they have received their vaccinations. The rapid spread of the Omicron variant is concerning, but nothing to panic about because its symptoms are less severe in comparison to what we have observed. “In children, Omicron typically presents itself with fever, respiratory symptoms, sore throat, and mild stomach aches along with vomiting and/or diarrhea,” says Connick. COVID-19 vaccines are free! All you have to do is go online and schedule an appointment at any local pharmacy such as Walgreens or CVS. Don’t forget to bring your vaccine card if it is not your first time getting vaccinated.
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Meet local healthcare professionals and practices — all dedicated to family health, including psychology, speech and hearing, dental, psychiatry, brain injuries, autism, and more.
Uptown Pediatric Dentistry Uptown Pediatric Dentistry is a boutique pediatric dental practice located in the heart of the medical corridor in Uptown New Orleans. Dr. Susan Fallahi and her team provide personalized care for children focusing on comfort, individualized attention, and prevention. Children of all ages are welcomed, including infants and those with special needs. The practice offers a range of services from cleanings and exams to sedation options for more challenging treatments. The mission at Uptown Pediatric Dentistry is to provide a welcoming and calming environment for children and their families. A lower volume patient roster allows Dr. Susan and her team the time to familiarize themselves with the needs of each individual patient and ensures a more relaxing experience for everyone involved. The office is equipped with the latest technology and has a multitude of age-appropriate entertainment options for children to enjoy before, during, and after their appointments. Dr. Fallahi, a board certified pediatric dentist, stays up-to-date with the latest advancements in the field through on-going continuing education. She maintains memberships in several professional organizations including the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the American Dental Association, and the Louisiana Dental Association. Dr. Fallahi attended her residency at Louisiana State University after graduating from the College of Dentistry at The Ohio State University and completing a pediatric dental fellowship. Her passion for working with the pediatric population is evident when you step into her office. 3715 Prytania St., Ste., 380 uptownpediatricdentistry.com, info@uptownpediatricdentistry.com, 504.896.7435
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Dr. Susan Fallahi
Sprouts Pediatrics Sprout Pediatrics was founded in July 2020 by Dr. Gabrielle Glasgow, Dr. Suzy Kingston, Dr. Lauren Hernandez, and Kendall Connick, NP. They had a vision to create a pediatrics practice in the New Orleans area that is family focused. Sprout Pediatrics offers a variety of extras, including CPR for parents/babysitters/grandparents, Meet and Greets with providers, puberty talks for early adolescents, drive-thru flu clinics, yoga for kids, and group therapy sessions for kids. The providers at Sprout enjoy watching their patients grow, not only within the clinic, but within the community. In 2022, Sprout Pediatrics is adding additional providers to the team to help serve the growing needs of the community. 1041 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Ste. 300, Metairie; sproutpediatricsnola.com; (504) 267-9336
Dr. Gabrielle Glasgow, Dr. Lauren Hernandez, Kendall Connick, NP, Dr. Suzy Kingston
Family Behavioral Health Clinic Knowing where to turn is often the biggest hurdle a parent has in their search for their healthcare needs. This is particularly true when a child or adolescent’s learning disabilities or special needs come into play, or their own adult mental health needs. One practice committed to helping families and that has been a steady local resource since 1996 is Family Behavioral Health Clinic (FBHC). FBHC provides a comfortable and friendly clinical environment, where families can find professional understanding and practical solutions to a wide spectrum of behavioral, physiological, emotional, and educational challenges. Their team of psychologists and social workers work with families to identify specific challenges and appropriate solutions. Through comprehensive diagnostic evaluations and private consultations, they are able to guide parents and patients through the most appropriate and effective courses of action. When necessary, FBHC provides individual therapy for children, adolescents, and their parents.
Dr. Megan Alsop
Among FBHC’s team is Dr. Megan Alsop, who has been a Louisiana licensed psychologist since 2011. Her clinical practice includes psychotherapy, psychological assessment, and consultation, providing such key services for all patient ages as psychoeducational and ADHD evaluations, Autism Spectrum evaluations (children, adolescents, adults), and psychological evaluations for emotional and behavioral concerns. Dr. Megan Alsop completed a fellowship at Sheppard Pratt Hospital’s Trauma Program, in which she treated and evaluated individuals with extensive physical and sexual abuse childhood histories. This work included outpatient and inpatient treatment and assessment of PTSD and dissociative symptoms, and often accompanying self-harming and suicidal behaviors. Also on the team is Dr. Matthew Holcomb. Dr. Holcomb completed a doctoral internship in Pediatric and Adult Neuropsychology at the London Health Sciences Center and a two-year fellowship in pediatric neuropsychology at Dartmouth Medical School. He has regularly scheduled clinic hours in both the Metairie and Mandeville offices where he provides clinical neuropsychological, cognitive, and psychoeducational assessment services for individuals across the lifespan. Additionally, FBHC’s partner Gulf South Autism also serves the needs of New Orleans families with comprehensive individual and group programs for children with autism spectrum disorders. Developed by a team of regionally and internationally renowned psychologists, the Gulf South Autism Center programs are structured around Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Gulf South Autism has two New Orleans locations in Lakeview and Metairie and regionally in Prairieville and Baton Rouge. FBHC – Serving your family’s mental health needs with clinical psychology and neuropsychology.
Dr. Matthew Holcomb
Metairie, Mandeville, Baton Rouge, Lafayette Visit FamilyBHC.com for more information. NOLAFAMILY.COM | FEBRUARY 2022
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Switching Doctors
By Anthony Bui A pediatrician plays such an important role in your child’s physical and mental health as they are growing up. They are the child’s primary point of contact when it comes to their well-being, and by the time they turn 18, this pediatrician is able to know and understand the child’s medical history better than any other doctor. It is comfortable and convenient to carry on with this doctor who already knows your child so well, but it is also very important that you do transition your children to a primary care physician for adults at some point, ideally after they turn 18. A pediatrician’s main focus is caring for children. To do so, they must have extensive knowledge on children and how they develop. As a result, their care isn’t necessarily geared toward an adult. That is why it is important to transition children to these adult primary care physicians and to do it as smoothly as possible in order to ensure that your child is always receiving the best care possible.
Before the Switch
Transitioning your child to a primary care physician for adults isn’t a decision that you make overnight. It is a process that sometimes begins years before your child even turns 18. It all depends on the child and what the parents are comfortable doing. But, once you figure out exactly what you want to do, you can now begin the process of: -Researching and finding a new doctor -Gathering medical records -Talking to your child about the switch.
Researching and Finding a New Doctor
This step is important, and it is vital that you complete this step before ending things with your child’s current doctor. You do not want to leave your child without any form of primary care physician, so continue to bring your child to their pediatrician while the search for a new doctor is ongoing. When it comes to finding a new doctor, it can be a bit intimidating and scary. There are so many factors to consider in order to figure out which doctor can provide the best overall care for your child. It can become really difficult to understand all these factors yourself, so
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why not turn to the person who has taken care of your child’s wellbeing and understands your child’s medical history? Asking your child’s pediatrician and even turning to friends and family helps you to compile a list of doctors who are trusted by the circle of people in your life. From there, you can narrow things down and schedule appointments with different doctors in order to find one you both feel most comfortable and satisfied with.
Gathering Medical Records
Once you have researched and found a new doctor, you can start the task of acquiring and transferring important medical records to this new physician. How far back you need to go really depends on the health of the child and any problems in particular that they may have or had in the future. If there aren’t any major concerns, acquiring these medical records isn’t the most vital thing as long as they are able to relay basic information back to their provider like allergies, medications being taken, surgeries, or any emergency room visits.
Talking to Your Child About the Switch
It is important to talk to your child about this transition opposed to just dropping the news on them as they are going to an appointment with this new doctor. Involving your child in the process and having them take some responsibility by making decisions helps bring forth a sense of responsibility when it comes to their physical and mental health. It helps to explain to them why they are transitioning from a pediatrician that they have known for the majority of their lives to a primary care physician for adults. You can explain to them what it means to manage their own health care needs and take action when they feel unwell or need something checked out. The whole point of this transition of doctors is because your child is becoming an adult who needs to start taking responsibility for their own health care. As a parent, it is and will always be your job to protect, love, and cherish your children, but it is also extremely important that you teach them to protect, love, and cherish themselves by being proactive in their own healthcare and regularly getting checkups in order to maintain their physical and mental well-being.
spotlight
Take the Lead NOLA
By Sarah Batrous
LaRita Francois, the founder of the non-profit organization Take the Lead NOLA, is the picture of perseverance. As a young adult and the eldest of her siblings, she was at a severe disadvantage due to her rough homelife. Her parents were addicted to drugs and alcohol, she was homeless, and she was suffering from depression. However, she refused to let these setbacks define her life. To build herself up, she had to work hard and overcome many challenges, including a lack of support and resources. She graduated from the University of Phoenix with a bachelor’s degree of Science in Human Services and a master’s degree in Business Administration, and she also became a Human Services Board Certified Practitioner. Her life experiences are what prompted her to found Take the Lead NOLA and let it be the light in a community where many stories were like hers. “There were no resources for me to get help getting into secondary school. I wanted to change that. After I graduated from college, I wanted to reach out and help others without resources,” explains Francois. Take the Lead NOLA’s mission is to empower the youth with access to better opportunities and provide assistance to disadvantaged people needing rehabilitation services to build successful careers. Reaching out across nine parishes and into Baton Rouge, LaRita and her team are working hard to change the trajectory of many lives. With the foundation’s help, at-risk youth now have access to initiatives like the “New Beginnings Initiative,” a program for juvenile offenders aged 16 to 21 who need help entering or reentering the workforce. The LIFE program was formed to help build social and interpersonal skills for everyday life while boosting self-confidence, teaching critical thinking skills, and fostering independence. The Youth Empowerment Series, or YES program, was created to give young women access to comprehensive sex education.
Additionally, they offer community rehabilitation with a focus on people with disabilities through vocational rehab. Take the Lead NOLA provides resources to help create effective resumes, build interview skills, and provide access to opportunities like paid internships and entry-level jobs. In the future, LaRita plans to expand Take the Lead NOLA’s influence by offering support to more parishes and by opening an education center. There, they would offer pathways to help jumpstart careers in healthcare and more through short-term certification programs. This facility would also be a hub of resources for people seeking job and facility training. While this effort will take some time to complete, Take the Lead NOLA plans to host plenty of job-centered events in the near future. In honor of National Disability Awareness month in October, they plan to have a job fair to give people with disabilities access to a range of new and exciting opportunities. With 15 served schools, 50 partnerships and counting, and over 500 families aided, Take the Lead NOLA’s growth and impact can be seen across the state. LaRita hopes to further expand her team’s reach. To properly evaluate and meet the needs of vulnerable communities, they need the help of the public and Louisiana businesses. “Over the years, the best way to depict or even describe the growth of Take the Lead NOLA is by a quote that came to me many years ago as I was on this journey, ‘It’s not about thinking outside the box but realizing there is no box,’” shares Francois. “I believe that my life’s purpose is to educate, enrich and empower vulnerable populations to take the lead and unlock their potential by providing work readiness training and job placement.” Are you interested in getting involved? Visit taketheleadnola.org to learn more about giving back to your community by volunteering, donating, or partnering with the organization. NOLAFAMILY.COM | FEBRUARY 2022
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A Love for Mardi Gras
gear to get
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100 Movies Scratch Off Poster
Take a dive into movie magic with this poster that invites you to screen 100 iconic films. $15, uncommongoods.com
2 Tassel Mardi Gras Earrings
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Accessorize with these made for Mardi Gras tassel earrings. $10, bigeasyjewelry.com
3 Valentine Hot Cocoa Bombs
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Choose your favorite flavors from mocha, salted caramel, or strawberries & cream. $20, etsy.com
4 Hugs and Kisses Monkeys
These cuddly monkeys are ready to share the love this Valentine’s Day. $39.99, amazon.com
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5 Tutu Dreams Unicorn Dress
This is the perfect fit for Mardi Gras for your little one. $19.35, amazon.com
NOLAFAMILY.COM | FEBRUARY 2022
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mom about town
THINGS
I’M LOVING RIGHT NOW
KRISTEN ZORNMAN
WORK
I love my job and feel so lucky to be able to share my love of dance with others. Teaching children how to express themselves through movement is such a precious gift for their personal physical and mental well-being.
TRAVEL
Kristen Zornman has turned her hobby into a career. She has been a dance instructor for the last 26 years. On top of owning her own business, Freedom to Move LLC, she is also a studio dance instructor at Meta Fairburns Dance Academy and a former Artist in Residence in Dance for St. Tammany Parish Public Schools. She plans to continue growing her business and hopes to obtain her masters degree in dance therapy. Kristen is a mom of three children who are her absolute world: Meghan, 23; Michael, 18; and Mia, 13. When she’s not teaching, she’s running around attending practices and events for her children.
My favorite travel destination is by far Estes Park, Colorado. It’s somewhat of a second home to me, and I travel there as often as possible. I enjoy reconnecting with nature, and I enjoy the solitude.
PARADE
Our favorite parade is Thoth. It’s a full day of family fun and parading. We are also partial to it because many friends and family ride in it.
LOCAL RESTAURANT My family and I love to frequent Trey Yuen. With beautiful aquatic gardens and delicious entrees, it’s our favorite spot.
I love the area I live in and the accessibility to Mandeville Lakefront. It’s so peaceful to watch a sunset on any given day or go on a leisurely bike ride adjacent to Lake Pontchartrain. North Lake Nature is a hidden jewel. The seven miles of trails are perfect for a mindful reset. 2623 Lakeshore Dr., Mandeville
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out & about
February 1 Tuesday BABY CAFE
Virtual event at noon. Free resource for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. Offers support from specifically-trained staff, opportunities to share experiences, and make friends. tockify.com
COOKING CLASS FOR KIDS
Culinary Kids starting at 5:30 p.m. every Tuesday. For ages 10-16, local chefs and cooking instructors take older kids through a detailed course of culinary skills. $45 plus tax one-time “Try It” rate or $165/month (4 classes) plus tax. culinarykidsns.com
2 Wednesday BARATARIA PRESERVE WETLANDS WALK
Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve at 10 a.m. Join a ranger for a guided walk on a boardwalk trail through the Louisiana swamps and marshes of the Barataria Preserve. nps.gov
FLAVORS OF THE FRENCH QUARTER: TEAM BUILDING BY SIDEWALK FOOD TOURS Starting at 739 Iberville Street at 5 p.m. They guide you to the best spots for tried-and-true Big Easy classics as well as innovative riffs on NOLA’s traditional dishes. eventbrite.com
JAMI ATTENBERG: I CAME ALL THIS WAY TO MEET YOU: IN CONVERSATION WITH KATY SIMPSON SMITH
Octavia Books at 6 p.m. Join Jami Attenberg as she talks about her dazzling new memoir about unlocking and embracing her creativity and how it
saved her life. octaviabooks.com
MUSIC @ MIDDAY
Myra Clare Rogers Memorial Chapel starting at noon. A weekly concert that is free and open to the public. tulane.edu
NATIONAL GIRLS IN SPORTS DAY
Joe W. Brown Rec Center at 6 p.m. Small group sessions in fundamentals of basketball, volleyball, and swimming, while also learning about jobs in sports and nutrition. nordc.org
3 Thursday AUDUBON NATURE CENTER’S INTERPRETIVE CENTER
Louisiana Nature Center-Interpretive Center starting at 10 a.m. Be welcomed by a Naturalist Interpreter who is passionate about bringing nature within your reach. Bring them your discoveries to learn about the nature you encounter while exploring the trails or your own backyard. new-orleans. audubonnatureinstitute.org
BILLIE EILISH: HAPPIER THAN EVER, THE WORLD TOUR
Smoothie King Center, 1501 Dave Dixon Drive, at 7:30 p.m. Don’t miss your chance to see Billie Ellish live as she brings her world tour to New Orleans. smoothiekingcenter.com
TASTE OF LOUISIANA: HANDS-ON CAJUN CLASS AND LUNCH
Southern Food & Beverage Museum starting at 11 a.m. This class offers an in-depth look into how
to create delicious, traditional dishes that can be found nowhere else in the world, while discussing their cultural and historical origins. Every Thursday. $100 admission. southernfood.org
4 Friday BIG LAKE NATIVE PLANT TRAIL RESTORATION PROJECT
New Orleans City Park starting at 9 a.m. New Orleans City Park and The Native Plant Initiative hosts a collaborative volunteer opportunity each Friday involving the continued renovation of multiple native plant beds along the Big Lake Native Plant Trail. The goal is to represent many different types of native plants in the New Orleans area for the community. neworleanscitypark.com
MUSIC AT THE MUSEUM
UNO Performing Arts Center Recital Hall starting at 6 p.m. Carlos Miguel Prieto, is the conductor and Anne-Marie McDermott plays piano. lpomusic.com
O FIRST FRIDAY
Ogden Museum starting at 10 a.m. On the first Friday of every month, college students can explore the world’s largest collection of Southern art free of charge. ogdenmusum.org
PARENTS’ NIGHT OUT
Culinary Kids at 6 p.m. Every Friday night during the month, drop off the kids for a three-hour, movie themed dinner/dessert/pajama party. Kids bring blankets and pillows for carpet time and enjoy a mini cooking class as they make their dinner, desserts and snacks with the teachers. Ages 5-12 and is $35 per child. culinarykidsns.com NOLAFAMILY.COM | FEBRUARY 2022
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RESPECT- AN ARETHA FRANKLIN TRIBUTE Cutting Edge Theatre starting 8 p.m. in Tribute to Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul. Sneed pays homage to the monarch herself with fresh renditions of her most cherished hits. cuttingedgetheater.com
TASTE OF LOUISIANA: HANDS-ON CAJUN CLASS AND LUNCH
Southern Food & Beverage Museum starting at 11 a.m. The Creole Cooking Class explores the iconic dishes of New Orleans from Jambalaya to Bananas Foster. Every Monday and Friday. $100 admission. southernfood.org
WETLANDS ACADIAN CULTURAL CENTER BOAT TOUR
Acadian Cultural Center at 10 a.m. Cruise into Louisiana’s past on a boat tour of Bayou Lafourche with a National Park Service ranger. nps.gov
5 Saturday ACADIAN CULTURAL CENTER FRONT PORCH MUSIC SERIES
Bring an acoustic instrument and join in or just enjoy. Free admission. nps.gov
LSU ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT PRESENTS: THINK LIKE AN ENGINEER JUNIOR BADGE WORKSHOP Patrick F. Taylor Hall at LSU starting at 10 a.m. Join LSU students and staff for a fun engineering badge workshop. gsle.org
MARDI GRAS INDIAN PRESENTATION
Louisiana Children’s Museum at 11 a.m. Join them in their Talk and Play Center for a special presentation by Mardi Gras Indian Big Chief of the Mohawk Hunters Mr. Tyrone Casby. lcm.org
SPROUTS
Longue Vue House and Gardens at 9:30 a.m. Sprouts returns for children ages one to five with exploration, guided crafts, and free play in the Discovery Garden. longuevue.com
TULANE MEN’S BASKETBALL
Devlin Fieldhouse starting at 1 p.m. vs East Carolina University. tulanegreenwave.com
Acadian Cultural Center at noon. Join for performances by local musicians. Zydeco, Cajun, and Swamp Pop. nps.gov
TULANE WOMEN’S TENNIS
BASIC CAMP TRAINING
WETLANDS ACADIAN CULTURAL CENTER- MUSIC ON THE BAYOU
Camp Covington starting at 9 a.m. Basic Camping is an in-person-overnight-session, at a council camp. Course topics include health and safety considerations for camping with groups, group dynamics in the out-of-doors, progression, program and environmental activities, outdoor skills and minimal impact camping. gsle.org
BROWNIE OUTDOOR SKILL BUILDER
Camp Covington starting at 9 a.m. In this introductory workshop, you will try your hand at archery, identify plants and animals, learn about fire safety, and practice the Leave No Trace Principles. Morning and afternoon sessions. gsle.org
CANVAS & KIDS
Mix It Up Art Studio starting at 11 a.m. Bring the kids in for a morning filled with fantastic fun creating their own painting and projects. All art supplies included. $20 admission. mixitupartstudio.com
GRETNA FARMERS MARKET
Historic downtown Gretna from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Enjoy fresh local produce and crafts. Rain or shine, under the covered Gretna Market Building. gretnala.com
JUNIOR HISTORIANS
Longue Vue House and Gardens at 2 p.m. Archival research, public speaking, and collections management are just a few of the skills students ages 10 to 15 develop in this two-part course. longuevue.com
LAFAYETTE DULCIMER JAM
Acadian Cultural Center at 10 a.m. Join the Cajun Dulcimer Society and its core group, the Lagniappe Dulcimer Society from Baton Rouge, for dulcimer music: Cajun, country, Celtic, folk, and hymns.
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City Park Tennis Center at 1 p.m. vs Alabama University. eventseeker.com Acadian Cultural Center at 2 p.m. Discover the wide range of south Louisiana’s music: zydeco, gospel, blues, jazz, and Cajun. Bring your lawn chair and enjoy the great outdoors with great music. nps.gov
WETLANDS ACADIAN CULTURAL CENTER SATURDAY PARK KID ADVENTURES
Acadian Cultural Center at 2 p.m. Free Outdoor Kids’ activities for the whole family during Music on the Bayou. Explore the science and art of our bayou region. nps.gov
VUE CREW
Longue Vue House and Gardens at 1:30 p.m. The Vue Crew invites students ages 5 to 10 to dig deeper into gardening techniques and concepts. longuevue.com
6 Sunday LOVE, HUG AND GROOM
Camp Marydale starting at 1 p.m. Show the horses some love. In this session, you will have the opportunity to interact with the Camp Marydale Wranglers, and learn about the horses in their herd. Try your hand at grooming, take a barn tour, play some fun horse games, and finish with a pony ride on one of their awesome horses. gsle.org
SUNDAY MAKEBREAK: PINK OMBRE NECKLACE AND KEYCHAIN
Michaels at 2 p.m. Make a necklace or keychain for Valentine’s Day, complete with a metal stamped charm. They will also have a kids take & make craft kit available as well. micheals.com
THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG CHILDREN’S DANCE WORKSHOP
New Orleans Dance Academy at 2 p.m. These workshops are an excellent way to introduce your
child to combining dance, music, and art. Led by highly experienced teachers, these workshops are specifically designed for your three-six year old child. neworleansdancelessons.com
7 Monday BEGINNER COOKING CLASS FOR KIDS
Culinary Kids at 5:30 p.m. every Monday. For ages 7-10, local chefs and cooking instructors take older kids through a detailed course of beginner culinary skills. $45 plus tax one-time “Try It” rate or $165/ month (4 classes) plus tax. culinarykidsns.com
8 Tuesday FRIENDS OF MUSIC
Dixon Hall at 7:30 p.m. Join Stephen Hough at Friends of Music. tulane.edu
SERVICE UNIT CAMPOUT TRAINING
Zoom at 6:30 p.m. This training is for registered adult volunteers who are in the Service Unit Campout Chair role, or assist the Service Unit Campout Chair. gsle.org
9 Wednesday FREE FITNESS ASSESSMENT & ORIENTATION Reily Center at 3 p.m. Get one-on-one time with personal trainers to build your confidence in navigating the Weight Room and Functional Fitness Gym with an orientation that will introduce you to strength equipment and provide you with the general knowledge you need to get a fullbody workout. The Fitness Assessment includes a body composition analysis, as well as a flexibility, strength, and heart-rate evaluation. tulane.edu
PAINTING A PORCH LEANER- “LOVE”
Painting With A Twist at 7 p.m. Have a fun night out and enjoy painting! paintingwithatwist.com
10 Thursday DISNEY’S FROZEN
Saenger Theatre through February 20, times vary. Frozen features the songs you know and love from the original film plus an expanded score with a dozen new musical numbers. saengernola.com
DOCENT-LED DROP-IN TOUR
Ogden Museum at 12:30 p.m. Meet at the admissions desk for a guided tour of Ogden Museum, home to the largest and most comprehensive collection of art from the Southern region of the United States. ogdenmuseum.org
UNO PRIVATEER WOMEN’S AND MEN’S BASKETBALL
UNO Lakefront Arena at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. vs Texas A&M. arena.uno.edu
11 Friday CADETTE JOURNEY: AMAZE
Camp Marydale at 6 p.m. Enjoy a weekend of navigating the twists and turns of getting along as they work through the Cadette aMAZE Journey. Saturday breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and Sunday breakfast provided. gsle.org
GALA CONCERT
Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts at 7:30 p.m. Selections will include highlights from Carmen, Il trovatore, and Tosca, including appearances by guest soloists. This 90-minute performance will be conducted by General Director Emeritus Robert Lyall, and you’re sure to be humming along. saengernola.com
HOMESCHOOL WORKSHOP
Culinary Kids at 10:30 a.m. Professional cooking instructors take kids through hands-on culinary experiences that support a well-rounded education, independent living skills, and personal confidences as they make math, science and cultural connections while creating delicious dishes! $30 plus tax per class. culinarykidsns.com
SWEETARTS THROUGH THE ASTRAL PLANE
Contemporary Arts Center at 6 p.m. The CAC SweetArts Gala returns with Through the Astral Plane, a multi-sensory journey that bends time and imagines the future through fashion, music, and artistic experimentation while honoring artistic leaders in our community. cacno.org
WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP SUMMIT
Virtual conference for all women striving to grow personally and professionally, while impacting the communities they serve. $75. jlno.org
WRANGLER/SPUR TRAINING WEEKEND
Camp Marydale at 6 p.m. Open to girls 12+ years old who are interested in joining the Wrangler/Spur Program regardless of experience. You will learn policies and procedures necessary in the program and then head to the barn for hands-on training with horses that will help you succeed the first time you volunteer. gsle.org
12 Saturday MUSICAL STORYTIME: MIKEY & THE DRAGONS
Popp Bandstand in City Park at 10:30 a.m. Little Mikey is scared of everything. But when he stumbles upon an old book that tells the tale of a young prince that volunteers to protect his kingless kingdom from hordes of dragons, there’s a chance Mikey might discover that his fears are not quite as big as they seem. lpomusic.com
POKEMON BRILLIANT STARS PRERELEASE TOURNAMENT
Go 4 Games at 6 p.m. Join them for the prerelease tournament for Pokemon: Brilliant Stars. $30 entry includes Build & Battle Kit, any energies you may need, tournament and prize support. go4gamesnola.com
TULANE MEN’S BASKETBALL
Devlin Fieldhouse at 1 p.m. vs Temple University. tulanegreenwave.com
UNO PRIVATEER WOMEN’S AND MEN’S BASKETBALL
UNO Lakefront Arena at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. vs University of Incarnate World. arena.uno.edu
13 Sunday
DAISY FAMILY PONY PICNIC
Camp Marydale at 1 p.m. Pack your picnic, and pick your favorite spot at camp to enjoy your lunch. Meanwhile the Camp Marydale Wranglers will bring some of their best friends to meet you while you eat. Daisy Girl Scouts and their families will get the chance to brush a pony, learn about our horse herd, feed their new friend a treat, and even get a picture with their favorite pony. $15 fee is per family. gsle.org
HOOT AND HEART
Painting With A Twist at 10 a.m. Bring the family and enjoy time together painting. paintingwithatwist.com
TULANE WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
Devlin Fieldhouse at 2 p.m. vs University of Cincinnati. tulanegreenwave.com
14 Monday ACRO YOGA
Reily Center at 4 p.m. Try a creative and acrobatic variety of yoga. Develop concentration, build trust, and challenge your core in this beginner friendly class. tulane.edu
VALENTINE’S DAY! “BRIGHT SUNSET” Painting With A Twist at 5 p.m. Have a date night and enjoy time together painting. paintingwithatwist.com
15 Tuesday CAR SEAT FITTING STATION
Children’s Hospital Parking Garage at 9 a.m. Installation by a nationally-certified technician. Free admission. chnola.org/parentingcenter
EXTENDED SCHOOL YEAR WEBINAR
Online at 10:30 a.m. Join them to learn more about ESY Services for students with IEPs. fhfnorthshore.org
16 Wednesday PARENTED TALKS: SUPPORTING ANTI-BIAS EDUCATION AT HOME AND IN SCHOOL
Virtual at 11 a.m. with Nola Family. Join us for this important talk by community leader and justice advocate Dr. Scotland Nash. eventbrite.com
17 Thursday FAMILY YOGA
Blue Arrow Yoga at 11:30 a.m. Kids of all ages (parents, too) can enjoy this 30-minute fun Yoga class. $15 admission. bluearrowyoga.com
SPECIAL NEEDS TRUST PRESENTATION
132 Terra Bella Boulevard 70433 at 6 p.m. Learn about special needs trusts for individuals with disabilities. fhfnorthshore.org
18 Friday FAMILYGRAS
Clearview City Center. There will be parades, the Flambeau Food Court, serving up Carnival favorites and the Art Market will feature great local art. Plus, there’s a Kids’ Court with face painting, unique
hand-wax art and games for kids 12 and under. All weekend long. visitjeffersonparish.com
KING CAKE, COFFEE & TRAVEL TALK
Travel Center at 8:30 a.m. Enjoy king cake and coffee and get all your travel questions answered. Get a picture in front of their Mardi Gras Float. If you get the baby, you win a $200 Travel Voucher. eventbrite.com
STARRY NIGHT IN THE CITY
Painting With A Twist at 7 p.m. Have a date night and enjoy time together painting. paintingwithatwist.com
19 Saturday BOTANICAL FASCINATOR WORKSHOP
Longue Vue House and Gardens at 1 p.m. Join Director of Gardens Amy Graham to create your own fanciful headpiece using fresh flowers and dried botanicals from their gardens, fabric, and fairy lights. All tools, materials, and instruction are provided. This is a glitter-free event. longuevue.com
FUN FAMILY FISHING
Sankofa Wetland Park and Nature Trail at 9 a.m. This free AARP sponsored fishing clinic is an opportunity for youth aged 8-15 to learn from and connect with seniors in our community. All fishing equipment is provided, along with snacks and drinks. eventbrite.com
GIRLS NIGHT OUT “KREW QUEEN”
Painting With A Twist at 7 p.m. Have a girls night out and enjoy time together painting. paintingwithatwist.com
HOT WHEELS MONSTER TRUCKS LIVE
Smoothie King Center at varying times. Fans of all ages will enjoy an exciting new and expanded lineup of epic monster trucks as they experience the thrill of watching the iconic Hot Wheels monster truck toys come to life in a full-size, kid-focused, immersive Hot Wheels experience. smoothiekingcenter.com
READING OF PRALINE LADY
Louisiana Children’s Museum at 11 a.m., Join them in their Talk and Play Center for a special reading of Praline Lady by guest author Kirstie Myvett. lcm.org
THE STAR CHILD
Painting With A Twist at 11 a.m. Bring the family and enjoy time together painting The Star Child. paintingwithatwist.com
UNO PRIVATEER WOMEN’S AND MEN’S BASKETBALL
Located at the UNO Lakefront Arena starting at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. vs Mcneese State University. arena. uno.edu
20 Sunday JUNIOR HORSEBACK EXPRESS
Camp Marydale at 1 p.m. Learn about horses, how to groom and saddle, how to be safe, and even see some of the basics of riding in the virtual portion of this workshop. Then, it is time to ride when you come out to Camp Marydale for a three-hour NOLAFAMILY.COM | FEBRUARY 2022
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horseback riding session where you will work hands on with what you have learned. You will practice the basics of horseback riding, and if time and weather permit, you will adventure out on a trail ride. gsle.org
SUNDAY MAKEBREAK: SMALL MACRAME HOLDER
TULANE WOMEN’S AND MEN’S BASKETBALL Devlin Fieldhouse starting at 3 p.m. 7 p.m. VS University of Houston (men) and Southern Methodist University (women). tulanegreenwave.com
24 Thursday
Michaels at 2 p.m. Learn some simple macrame. They will be showing you how to make a small macrame holder, perfect for a small plant, or a candle. They will also have a kids take & make craft kits available as well. micheals.com
CAREER FAIR AND NETWORKING EVENT
TULANE WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
NOLA COLORS
Devlin Fieldhouse starting at 5 p.m. vs University of Houston. tulanegreenwave.com
22 Tuesday KING CAKE WORKSHOP
New Orleans Culinary & Hospitality Institute starting at 6:30 p.m. Learn the history of king cakes and make your own to bring home and decorate with Martha Gilreath and Matt Haines nochi.org
23 Wednesday
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FEBRUARY 2022 | NOLAFAMILY.COM
Starting at 10 a.m. Interview with industry leading companies seeking talented, experienced, and motivated professionals. Free admission. eventbrite.com Painting With A Twist at 7 p.m. Have a date night and enjoy time together painting. paintingwithatwist.com
26 Saturday DEMO: ARTIST’S LOFT
Micheals at 3 p.m. Learn about their Artist Loft product. Learn the differences between the paint and canvases. micheals.com
ENDYMION EXTRAVAGANZA
Caesars Superdome. The Endymion will roll through the Dome once again followed by some of the best local and national entertainment Mardi Gras has to offer. caesarssuperdome.com
SENSORY FRIENDLY MORNINGS
The National WWII Museum at 8 a.m. Sensory Friendly Mornings are for individuals of all ages with special needs and their families to enjoy early access to the Museum with modifications to make the experience more sensory friendly. nationalww2museum.org
27 Sunday MARDI GRAS BULLDOG
Painting With A Twist at 1 p.m. Have a family day and enjoy time together painting. paintingwithatwist.com
SUNDAY MAKEBREAK: ABSTRACT ART
Micheals at 2 p.m. Make a piece of art. Perfect for beginners. They will also have a kids take & make craft kits available as well. micheals.com Submit your events to calendar@nolafamily.com.
