nola family Parent Fearlessly
October 2021
COVID-19 in NOLA What’s the Latest?
Meet Dad About Town
Jason Church
Develop a Positive
Body Image
+ Enter Our Costume Contest
october 2021 | www.nolafamily.com
3
nola family CONTENTS OCTOBER 2021
ON THE COVER Maverick M., 9, is a homeschooled student from Covington. Photographed by Twirl Photography.
A FEW WORDS
EDUCATION & GUIDANCE
IN EACH ISSUE
6 From the Publisher
10 Financial Lessons Preparing Financially for a Hurricane
8 From The Bookshelf
FEATURES
12 Parenting Corner Helping Children Develop a Positive
23 Spotlight Youth Rebuilding New Orleans
Body Image
24 Gear to Get Falling for Fall
20 10 Things You Should Know Before College 22 Times Are Changing
14 The Vagina Whisperer Tips for Not Peeing Your Pants While
26 Pick of the Patch
Exercising
16 Learning Years The Dangers of Obsessive Worrying
www.nolafamily.com | october 2021
About Your Child’s Future
4
Fall Favorite Reads
25 Dad About Town Jason Church 27 Out & About What, When, Where: Virtual, On-Going, and Special Happenings
30 In the Know Classes and Family Support Resources
ANN BOWER HERREN Founder BRANDON FOREMAN Publisher AMY L. FOREMAN Associate Publisher Editorial AMANDA MILLER Managing Editor EMILY DREZ Assistant Editor
SARAH BATROUS ANTHONY BUI LYNZI WHALEN Editorial Interns
Art/Production JENNY ZIGLIN Production Manager
MELODY TAUZIN Senior Graphic Designer
ALEX HERRING Graphic Designer
MADELENE SOILEAU Multimedia Specialist
CHANEY RAY Multimedia Assistant
TWIRL PHOTOGRAPHY Cover Photography
Advertising/Marketing LAURIE ACOSTA Director of Sales
KRISTEN RENFROW Account Executive
EMILY MANCUSO Marketing Specialist
Contributors ROBERT BAER is a Vice President at Fidelity Bank. He coordinates
Fidelity’s Financial Literacy initiative.
DR. PAT BLACKWELL is a licensed psychologist who has
worked with families for over 30 years. See her website for more information and her blog at patblackwellphd.com.
KACY HELWICK is the youth collection development librarian at
the New Orleans Public Library, working in the Acquisitions/Collection Services department.
MARIE SIMONEAUX is the marketing associate responsible for
the Library’s social media content and impact stories.
EMILY MCELRATH PT, DPT is a Doctor of Physical Therapy
and pelvic floor specialist at NOLA Pelvic Health in New Orleans, La.
LISA PHILLIPS, a licensed social worker and parent educator at The Parenting Center at Children’s Hospital, is a contributor to the award-winning “Parenting Corner” column. She can be reached at (504) 896-9591; chnola.org/ parentingcenter.
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
(504) 866- 0555 A publication of
October 2021 volume 15, issue 8
NOLY 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. NOLY FAMILY Copyright © 2021. All rights reserved.Reproduction in whole or part without written permission prohibited.
october 2021 | www.nolafamily.com
Business Office:
One Galleria Blvd., Ste. 1900 Metairie, LA 70001
5
FROM THE PUBLISHER
Hurricanes and Halloween
www.nolafamily.com | october 2021
Those are two words that do not belong together. As we pick up the pieces from Hurricane Ida and start to plan for fall and Halloween, I can’t help but wonder, how will it look this year? I mean, we are still dealing with a worldwide pandemic, and our state is at the top of the list for rising cases. Are we going to be able to finally bring some normalcy back for our littles this season? Trick-or-treating is such a fun time with the family. Every year, I try to get a theme picked out for my crew so we can match. It’s all fun and games until we get to the party store! Then, my perfectly planned out matching costumes goes down the drain. The kids always want to be something totally off track. I have never even heard of some of the characters they talk about and want to dress up as. Like, who is Squirtle? What is Bendy and the Ink Machine? Who is Drift? I am obviously living under a rock! Nevertheless, seeing them in their costumes on Halloween night is always fun. What will trick-or-treating look like this year? The closer it gets to Halloween, I am hoping that all power will be restored to our city, and that clean up crews are able to get the debris removed so our kiddos can go trick-or-treating safely. I’m also really looking forward to seeing the children in their costumes, all dressed up and having fun on Halloween. At least, these are the things I am hoping all of our kiddos will be able to do this year. I’m really looking forward to some normalcy.
6
october 2021 | www.nolafamily.com
7
FROM THE BOOKSHELF
FAL L FAVORITE READS Fall is that delicious time of year that brings out a need for coziness only to be satisfied with pumpkin-flavored treats, warm scarves, hot apple cider, and the crunch of leaves under your favorite boots. But, if you have the pleasure of living in southern Louisiana, the unrelenting heat might prevent you from getting that fix. So, we turn instead to the bookshelf, where we can indulge in all of our favorite fall pleasures, regardless of the temperature outside.
Children It can be hard to get into the Halloween spirit when it still feels like summer, so we recommend reading Ten Spooky Pumpkins by Gris Grimly to get you and your little ones excited for trick-or-treating. It’s a cute-but-kind-of-creepy counting book, perfect to read ahead of Halloween. Fall is also a time of bounty and harvest, making it a great time to talk to children about food across cultures. With Thanksgiving right around the corner, it’s a fantastic opportunity to get kids thinking about traditions and customs that are different from their own. A Taste of the World: What People Eat and How They Celebrate Around the Globe by Beth Walrond is a great way to introduce these topics. In short, it’s a delightful read all about festive feasts and how they bring people together to celebrate, share stories, and eat seasonal food.
Middle Grade Ghost Squad by Claribel A. Ortega is a perfect choice for middle grade readers who want something a little spooky but also heartwarming and fun. It takes place shortly before Halloween after Lucely Luna and her best friend Syd accidentally awaken malicious spirits. With the help of Syd’s witchy grandmother and her cat, the two embark on a journey to defeat the demons and save their town. For mid-grade readers looking for more of a scare, Thirteens by Kate Alice Marshall should quench their thirst for thrill. Described as a cross between Coraline and Stranger Things, this book is a chilling ride that might be too creepy for some. The story follows 12-year-old Eleanor, who just moved to the mysterious town of Eden Eld, where every 13 years, three 13-year-olds go missing on Halloween. As Eleanor and her two new friends are marked as the next sacrifices, the three must discover how to break the curse in order to save themselves and future victims.
www.nolafamily.com | october 2021
Teens/Young Adult
8
Pumpkinheads by Rainbow Rowell and Faith Erin Hicks is the fall story of our dreams. It’s a delightfully illustrated graphic novel about two high school seniors who are “seasonal best friends’’ that work in a pumpkin patch every fall and are grappling with it being their last season together. But don’t worry, the tale is a cute, fun adventure that will leave you with a desperate urge to drop everything and run to your nearest pumpkin patch.
Creativebug Seeking crafting, cooking, and costuming tips? Check out Creativebug, an online crafting classroom, available for free with your New Orleans Public Library card. Get started at creativebug.com/lib/nolalib.
Kacy Helwick is the youth collection development librarian at the New Orleans Public Library, working in the Acquisitions/Collection Services department.
Marie Simoneaux is the marketing associate responsible for the Library’s social media content and impact stories.
october 2021 | www.nolafamily.com
9
FINANCIAL LESSONS
PREPARING FINANCIALLY FOR A HURRICANE
YOU’LL WANT TO GET YOUR DUCKS IN ORDER Hindsight being 2020, we probably should have published this article in the previous edition. Be that as it may, preparing your finances to manage a Hurricane, or other natural disaster, is something you should have a plan for. It’s easy to forget about the finances when you’re busy bringing furniture inside, packing, making plans for lodging, and other things. Ensuring your finances are safeguarded is not just about ensuring you have enough money to survive the storm; it’s also about safeguarding your assets, important documents, and other items that are important to you. The rule of thumb when evacuating is to plan for the worst, and hope for the best. Here are some tried and true items you should plan for.
Have an Emergency Fund Put some money in an account to handle the basics like food and lodging in case you can’t return home. For a family of four, plan for expenses to run between $1,500-2,000 per week. We left for Ida thinking we’d be back in town in about four or five days. We were out of town for 12.
Have a Cash Fund If the power goes out or Internet connectivity fails, you won’t be able to use your debit or credit cards if you stay in town. Plan for about two to three days of expenses.
Become a Believer in Direct Deposit
www.nolafamily.com | october 2021
You should set up every regular payment (payroll, social security, etc.) on Direct Deposit. Banks have backup systems in secure sites, so even though you may not be able to visit a local branch, their systems are up and running and your Direct Deposits will still be in your account.
10
Get Emergency Credit Cards Get a credit card that you only use for emergencies and make sure you have a credit limit on this card to handle expenses for up to two weeks. You won’t have to use your cash, and an added benefit is that you’ll have all of your expenses itemized on your statement to help you with any insurance claim information.
Bring Your Important Documents
After Katrina, my wife and I keep all of our important papers, insurance policies, wills, passports, tax records, etc. in a Rubbermaid container in a closet. It’s easy to just pick it up and put it in the car.
How Much Insurance Coverage Do You have? There was a collective gasp when everyone understood that the dreaded hurricane deductible was going to rear its ugly head after Ida. These deductibles are 2, 5, or even 10 percent of the value of your home and contents (what you’re insuring). Check with your agent in the next few weeks and analyze if it makes sense for you to pay more for a lower deductible going forward.
What Does Your Insurance Cover? You’ll want to read, and re-read, your policy to make sure you understand exactly what is covered in the event of a hurricane. It’s also a good idea to look up any terms you’re not aware of and discuss them with your agent.
Do I Need Flood Insurance? Your homeowners’ policy will typically not cover flood damage. It’s relatively inexpensive, and based on the floods we’ve had over the last 20 years, something you should have whether you live in a flood zone or not.
Document–Document–Document Take pictures of everything before you leave and again when you return. You’ll need them to show your agent if any damage has occurred, and you’ll need it for your peace of mind to remember where everything goes if it got blown around. You’ll also want to document your finances before a hurricane in case you need assistance from governmental agencies, or to ensure you have coverage for certain expenses on your homeowner’s policy. You’ll need to know how much money you spend on groceries, meals, etc. each week so they can determine how they’re going to pay/reimburse you. Your list may look a little different than this based on choices you and your family make. The key is to identify areas you need to strengthen to ensure the safety of both your family and your finances.
Sponsored by Robert Baer is a Vice President at Fidelity Bank. He coordinates Fidelity’s Financial Literacy initiative.
october 2021 | www.nolafamily.com
11
PARENTING CORNER
Helping Children Develop a Positive Body Image Parents of preteens and adolescents are often concerned with their child’s increasing preoccupation with his or her appearance. Physical and emotional changes that occur during puberty increase a young person’s feelings of self-consciousness about their appearance. While those feelings are certainly normal, there are some things parents can do to encourage a positive body image:
Provide education about puberty, health, and nutrition.
www.nolafamily.com | october 2021
Children need to know that it’s a very normal part of development to grow in both height and weight, especially during puberty. For example, girls need to know that their hips will widen, and they will often put on weight before a growth spurt. Beginning in early childhood, parents can communicate important information about nutrition, healthy eating habits, and exercise. Routines around meals and physical activity should be family-centered and not focused on one particular child. While parents should provide a home with nutritious foods and snacks and established mealtimes, they should try and avoid the temptation to micromanage their child’s eating. Nutritionist Ellyn Satter coined the phrase “division of responsibility” to remind parents that we decide where and when meals are eaten and what foods are available in the home, while it is a child’s responsibility to decide whether to eat, and how much.
12
Praise a child’s talents, efforts, and interests. One of the tasks of growing up is to develop a sense of self. Help your child find an identity that’s much stronger and deeper than simply how he or she looks. Praise your son or daughter for what you appreciate about them, help them find a passion for a cause or activity, and let them know you value their uniqueness.
Encourage critical thinking about media messages and social media judgment. Adolescents are more likely than adults to compare their bodies to images they see in the media and pop culture. Therefore, they need to have discussions with trusted adults about how those images are often manipulated through technology, and often unattainable for most people. They also need to think critically about how companies use such idealized images to market products to young people. While screen time may play a major role in your child’s life, it’s still a good idea to encourage interests other than media viewing since the values of pop culture are often very different from the ones parents want their children to internalize. And while social media connects your child with his or her peers (particularly valuable during the pandemic), there is often a lot of jockeying for “likes’’ and positive comments on appearance. Talking about your child’s feelings and your own concerns about this kind of validation can help keep things in perspective. Although it’s hard to resist, try not to slip into lecture mode. Our children often listen more when we encourage open conversation with a genuine interest in what they think.
Refrain from making negative comments about your own body (and others’). It’s hard to encourage your child to be positive about themselves and their accomplishments if you’re focused on your own appearance in a negative way. Instead, comment on the way our bodies serve us by providing the strength and capability to have a variety of life experiences, such as riding a bike or watching a sunset. And refraining from criticizing the bodies of other people, whether family members or strangers, communicates that we value people for their qualities and character, rather than appearance.
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.
october 2021 | www.nolafamily.com
13
THE VAGINA WHISPERER
www.nolafamily.com | october 2021
Tips for Not Peeing Your Pants While Exercising
14
What if I told you peeing on yourself when you run, jump rope, or go to trampoline parks with your kids is NOT normal?!... even after having kids. Despite the fact that many women experience leakage with exercise, it is actually a sign that your pelvic floor may be in need of some attention. To understand the abnormal, let’s take a look at what IS normal. Normal bladder emptying should occur every two-four hours throughout the day, and anywhere from zero-two times at night. While this may increase slightly during pregnancy, it should stay very close to the same. If you’re a “just in case” pee-er, you are likely going more frequently than what’s recommended. Peeing “just in case” can also cause your bladder to feel urgency even when you don’t really have to go. For normal bladder function, our bladder needs to fill to about 400-600 ml. This signals the brain to contract the bladder, allowing us to urinate. By peeing just in case, we are not allowing our bladder to fill fully, which can lead to a sense of increased urgency, need to strain to initiate the flow of urine, and a disconnect of the pathway between the brain and the bladder. This can also lead to overactivity of the pelvic floor muscles that assist bladder function and ultimately lead to increased leakage. “But I have to pee before I exercise or I will leak.” Sound familiar? If so, that’s because many women who have stress incontinence feel this way. So what can be done to avoid leakage or increased urgency during exercise? Here are some tips: 1. Try to maintain a voiding schedule of every two-four hours during the day.
2. Do not strain to initiate the flow of urine or to squeeze that last little bit out. 3. If you feel you are not fully emptying, use the double void technique: Finish peeing, stand and wipe, then sit back down to see if more urine comes out. 4. Try to have a bowel movement prior to exercise (even if it’s earlier that morning). The rectum is right behind the bladder, and it can put pressure on the bladder if it is full. The weight of fecal matter can also put added stress on the pelvic floor muscles and make it more challenging for them to function properly during exercise. 5. Make sure you are including some relaxation techniques and exercises into your routine if you are into high-intensity fitness. This will help balance the ability of your pelvic floor muscles to contract AND relax. 6. Modify any exercises/movements that increase leakage. This includes a decrease in weight, speed, or intensity of activity. This helps meet your tissues at a load they can handle and reduce leakage. The good news is that pelvic floor physical therapy can help. A pelvic floor physical therapist can access the muscles of your pelvic floor to determine if there is over activity or weakness, and can provide personalized recommendations on how to modify exercise to reduce leakage. So if you are having leakage when you exercise, don’t hesitate to come see us at NOLA Pelvic Health for help.
Emily McElrath PT, DPT is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and pelvic floor specialist at NOLA Pelvic Health in New Orleans, La.
october 2021 | www.nolafamily.com
15
LEARNING YEARS
www.nolafamily.com | october 2021
The Dangers of Obsessive Worrying About Your Child’s Future
16
A baby is born, and suddenly, parents are responsible for keeping this precious human alive. Anxiety is a common aspect of caregiving during infancy because it is adaptive. Worrying keeps parents vigilant for potential danger and focused on the baby’s needs. Appropriate parental attentiveness also promotes a secure parent-child relationship in the early years. So, fretting has its roots in love and care. Ideally, as the child grows in resilience and independence, parents become less anxious and vigilant; but this doesn’t always happen. Worry can become a fixed pattern, even as the baby gradually transforms into a more independent person. There is a difference between attentiveness and anxiety. Awareness of our orientation to our child is vital and can lead to discernment about an appropriate level of concern and involvement. For example, parents may “catastrophize” when they witness their child’s frailties. Each misstep is seen as a threat to their ultimate success in life. Anxiety is related to “thought distortions,” and this is an example. Another thought distortion is “confirmation bias.” Every mistake confirms the negative perceptions parents have about the child (Susan failed another math quiz. She’s not college material). It is hard to hide this sort of mindset from a child. Eventually, anxiety and doubt seep through and may affect the parent-child relationship as well as the child’s self esteem. Becoming obsessed with the unknown (the future) is damaging in other ways, too. Anxiety robs us of calm objectivity, causing us to react rather than respond. In other words, parents go into rescue mode rather than stepping back to support the child’s own problem-solving skills. A kid who is accustomed to being rescued is less likely to learn to stand up to challenges independently. Anxiety can become an entrenched pattern driven by yet another thought distortion. Overly anxious caregivers begin to believe that if they do not worry, everything will fall apart. Likewise, parents may think that letting go
and allowing children to make mistakes they can learn from is irresponsible on their part. Some helpful steps may reduce excessive worry, including parenting adult children. -The first step is to practice acceptance. Embrace the fact that your child is a separate, unique individual from you. Young people have a different moral compass and orientation to a successful future than their parents. It also seems to take youngsters longer to become independent today than in past generations. -Remind yourself that even your adult child is still in the process of development. An unambitious 18-year-old may eventually get their mojo working. -Practice making a balanced appraisal of your child’s faults by listing all of the things she has going for her. -Allow yourself not to worry. Instead, spend more time making yourself the best you can be. -Try to accept that your child will have some hard knocks. Mistakes are learning experiences. Very few missteps are fatal or lead to a failed life. -Explore whether you see your child’s mistakes or successes as a reflection on you. What your child does is their choice. Children are not spokespersons for the quality of their parents’ character. Trust is an essential dynamic in the parent-child relationship. Throughout childhood, parents are attentive to promote bonding and security. Children trust their parents to take care of them. As children grow, it’s best to step back and trust them to find their own path. Parental anxiety (and the thought distortions that go with it) is a burden that weighs kids down and compromises their confidence. Believing that your children will find their place in the world is the best way to nudge them forward while building a secure parent-child relationship during the young adult years and beyond.
Dr. Pat Blackwell is a licensed psychologist who has worked with families for over 30 years. See her website for more information and her blog at patblackwellphd.com.
october 2021 | www.nolafamily.com
17
18
www.nolafamily.com | october 2021
october 2021 | www.nolafamily.com
19
10 Things Kids Should Know Before College By Kerrie McLoughlin Your family has survived the testing, the essays, the applications, and the waiting game. Now, it’s time to teach your college-bound child some important skills before she heads out of the house and explores the world on her own. Here are some basic things I’ll be working on with my own college-bound teens, and now is the perfect time to do it! 1. How to wash clothes. Wash light and dark clothes separately. Put a set of clothing in the washer, add detergent based on product recommendations, and wash everything on warm just to be safe. Never put “dry clean only” clothing in a regular washing machine. Once clothes are washed, put them in the dryer on a medium temperature for about 40 minutes or as long as a specific setting runs, according to your washer. Also, teach the proper way to separate clothing. 2. How to cook a decent meal to save time and money. Start with basics like how to scramble eggs, boil pasta, and bake pizza in the oven. Work your way up to assembling casseroles and putting together slow-cooker meals.
www.nolafamily.com | october 2021
3. How to change a tire (and other car maintenance). Always have a spare tire in the vehicle you drive, as well as a jack, flashlight, rain poncho, and gloves. Parents, you should teach this one a few times until he or she gets the hang of it. Also, if there is a AAA plan in place, they can come out and help or supervise.
20
4. How to budget money. Track your income and spending in a small notebook or Excel spreadsheet so you can be realistic about how much you’re spending. If you know something is coming up that you’ll need money for, make a note about it and save in other ways, or figure out income-earning opportunities. 5. How to manage money and the difference between a credit card and a debit card. A debit card needs a PIN because money comes from a bank account right away. A credit card needs a signature because you’re agreeing to pay interest and anything you owe at a later date. Kids, make sure you know how to balance your checkbook. You don’t want to get that debit card declined…it’s always so embarrassing!
6. What an advanced care directive is and why you should have one. Once you turn 18, the law states that you can make your own medical decisions. Since you’re away from home, you need to think about what you would want done in the event of a life-threatening accident. A living will gives specific instructions, while a durable power of attorney is when you assign someone to make decisions for you. It’s a heavy, but necessary, discussion to have with your family. 7. How to manage time. You might just have a part-time job along with classes, homework, and social time. Just like with money, getting real makes a huge difference. Google Calendar is a great on-the-go option, and different activities can be color-coded, so you can see where you might have a free block of time…or where you may be double-booking yourself. Don’t forget to plan sleep time in there, or you’ll burn out fast. 8. How to refill a prescription (ADD meds, antibiotics, etc.). Make sure you have insurance information at the ready so it can be logged in the database, and find a drugstore that will take your insurance. The first time you do this, you will likely need to contact your doctor so he/she can contact the pharmacy, but after that, refills should be smooth sailing. 9. How to deal with people. There truly is an art to bringing up grievances and respectfully disagreeing with people such as authority figures and roommates. You don’t have to be a doormat when arguing your case with a professor, doctor, or boss, but you also don’t have to always go for the win. 10. How to use public transportation. You’re not the only college kid to arrive without a car, especially if it’s your first year. Check online or grab a paper route and schedule. If you’re still confused, ask someone at the station how to get where you need to go, then buy your ticket using your student discount. Now that you have some important basics down, do your best to relax and enjoy your college experience, knowing that you are prepared for whatever life throws your way. Having these basics down will help you thrive in college and in life.
october 2021 | www.nolafamily.com
21
Times Are Changing What’s the Update on COVID-19?
www.nolafamily.com | october 2021
By Valerie Walker
22
My son, the confirmed lounge lizard, recently made the surprising announcement that he was joining his high school cross country running team this fall. A few days later, he added another surprise: he had to be vaccinated to participate. As of mid-September, no school–preK through 12th grade–requires student vaccinations. Extracurricular activities like athletics, however, are different. The LHSAA (Louisiana High School Athletic Association) has remained neutral on the topic of vaccination, preferring to allow mandates to occur on a local level. In New Orleans, most public and parochial schools have mandated vaccinations to participate in sports; if a team does not vaccinate, it must forfeit games, and what’s the fun in that? A vaccination mandate for students is probably forthcoming. Uyen Li, Director of Communications and Marketing for the Algiers Charter School Association predicts, “[O] nce the COVID vaccine has received FDA approval for youth, I do think school systems throughout the country will add it to their list of required immunizations for school.” New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell made vaccinations mandatory for many businesses, starting August 16. This includes all customers ages 12 and older to enter restaurants, bars, theatres, stadiums, casinos, racetracks, athletic clubs, play centers, and other places for social gatherings. If you can’t or don’t wish to be vaccinated, you must provide proof of a PCR test (more on that) in the last 72 hours prior to your visit. Exempt from this list are grocery, hardware and department stores, gas stations, places of worship, public libraries, and federal offices like the Post Office. Governor John Bel Edwards’s announcement on September 1 extended mandatory masking in almost all public places. The exceptions are parochial schools, where it is recommended, and at outdoor events of up to 500 with less than 50 percent occupancy, like a children’s baseball game, or a sales event at a used car lot. The bottom line is that to catch a Saints game at the new Caesar’s stadium, see the Doobie Brothers at the Smoothie King Center, or enjoy Inferno Burlesque at the House of Blues (their motto is “Mask On So We can Rock On”) will require vaccination plus a mask. Fortunately, vaccinations are free and easy to find. You can search for a location at vaccines.gov, or find information by calling (800) 232-0233. For minors ages 16 and older,
only the Pfizer (recently rebranded Comirnaty) vaccine is approved; for ages 12 to 15 and the severely immunocompromised, the Pfizer shot is approved on EUA (Emergency Use Authorized) basis. For the immune compromised, this would be a booster shot. Ready.nola. gov provides a user-friendly vaccine calendar for community vaccination sites for all three kinds of vaccinations: pick a date and the vaccine, and it will provide a location. This site can be used to organize community vaccinations as well. Alternatively, Ochsner, Children’s Hospital and LCMC provide vaccinations. The distribution of vaccinations at CVS and Walgreens was disrupted by Hurricane Ida, but some small independent pharmacies like the Lagniappe Pharmacy on St. Charles continue to vaccinate. Someone who does not wish to, or cannot be vaccinated, rt-PCR or PCR testing is offered by the aforementioned healthcare providers as well as In and Out Urgent Care and De Paul community centers. Many places accommodate drive-through only and patients self-perform swabbing of the nostril. Testing results are compiled by independent labs and the results are sent to an email address provided by the patient. Same-day rt-PCR rapid testing is available at fasttestnow.com. After getting vaccinated, keeping track of your records is important; one way is to make a photocopy of both sides of a vaccination card and laminate it. Keep all family members’ original cards in one place. Another solution is to download the LA Wallet App onto your mobile phone. This app is only for Louisiana residents, and you must have a driver’s license or state ID. Another catch: the information on your vaccination record and license or ID must match. See your healthcare provider if you need to edit your vaccination card to match. If you have misplaced your vaccination card, you can recover the information by contacting your original place of vaccination or contacting the state health department where you received your vaccination. For Louisianans, a useful site is lalinks.org for all immunization records. President Biden’s press conference on September 9 suggests that vaccine protocols will become increasingly stringent. Educate and prepare your family now so you are not disappointed–or worse–moving forward in the 2021-2022 school year.
SPOTLIGHT
Youth Rebuilding New Orleans By Lynzi Whalen Started by a group of high schoolers banding together to help the city of New Orleans after Katrina, Youth Rebuilding New Orleans shines a light on how adolescents and young adults are eager to roll up their sleeves to improve their community. Following the devastating hurricane of 2005, several students from across the city realized they shared the same passion for restoring the area. Together, they started gutting homes, cleaning out neighborhoods, and acting as therapists for those affected by the storm. Now, this completely youth-led nonprofit organization is committed to reenergizing the soul of New Orleans through education, employment, and spiritual health.
Breathing Life into New Orleans At the heart of Youth Rebuilding New Orleans (YRNO) is its dedication to buying, renovating, and selling homes in lifeless neighborhoods. After purchasing homes that need a little TLC, the organization then hires and trains young people in the area who are hungry to learn a new trade. Instead of contracting out the work to profiting construction companies, YRNO supplies these young adults with work experience in construction and design to carry on to the full-time employment that the organization officials then help them find. Once the flip of these homes is complete, they prefer to sell them to community members who will bring good energy to the neighborhood, like nurses, teachers, or first responders. The renovation of these properties motivates other developers to come in and rebuild, which revives the areas turning once simple homes into thriving communities. But the organization doesn’t just stop there. Youth Rebuilding New Orleans is dedicated to teaching the community’s young adults about financial literacy, sex education, and the importance of connection. They provide school programs, tutoring services, and extracurricular activities.
Lending a Helping Hand Currently, Dwayne “Prince” Holmes Jr., one of the four leaders of Youth Rebuilding New Orleans, is leading community efforts to clean up after the devastation of Hurricane Ida.
The organization uses its social media platform and community outreach to inform the masses of low-income families’ problems following the storm. With many still without power and the elderly struggling to receive the help they need, YRNO stops at nothing to ensure their neighbor’s health and safety. Daily volunteers supply fresh water, food, gas, and tarps to those in need. Their main priority is fixing damaged properties to ensure people in the community have liveable dwellings. Due to Ida’s impact, they have also implemented a financial assistance program for those struggling to make ends meet. Holmes Jr. observes how outstanding leaders come about in times like this. He says, “Unfortunately, natural disasters happen, but it is a great opportunity to connect and step up for your city.” Hurricane relief efforts are still underway, and volunteers are needed. To find out how you can help Youth Rebuilding New Orleans, visit yrno.com/donate.
Encouraging Others to Serve
Put on your sunglasses because the future for this organization looks so bright it’s blinding. After realizing that all you need to revamp your city are youths who want to learn, YRNO is taking its “business model” and expanding around the country. This week, they have community volunteers from Washington, DC interning with them and studying the process of flipping homes by training young adults in the area. Holmes Jr. explains, “People want to help their community; they take pride in bettering their neighborhoods, so we hope to teach other states and other cities in Louisiana how to do that.” Their presence on social media has made it easier to spread the word about how areas can benefit from educating young adults and training them in specific trades. It is not just about building new structures for this organization, but more importantly, it’s about harmonizing the city through collective projects. They strive to use the vigor and ambition of youth to breathe new optimism into perishing neighborhoods. Through service, respect, and advocacy, Youth Rebuilding New Orleans hopes to revitalize the emotional and spiritual health of the city.
october 2021 | www.nolafamily.com
23
GEAR TO GET
Falling for Fall Candy Corn Halloween Door Wreath
This door wreath is super cute, and you can hang as a finishing touch to your indoor or outdoor decorations. amazon.com, $134.95
Momsters and Dadcula Shirts
Don’t have time to put together a costume this year? These matching t-shirts are made for the ghoul-est parents. etsy.com, $10.12
Sweet Water Decor Pumpkin Spice Candle Spice up your home and fall decor with this pumpkin spice soy candle. amazon.com, $20
We’re Going on a Pumpkin Hunt Book
www.nolafamily.com | october 2021
Read all about three trick or treaters and their spooky quest for the perfect pumpkin. amazon.com, $13.02 and up
24
Halloween Fidget Toys
These bubble fidget toys come in the shape of pumpkins and ghosts and are excellent for anxiety relief. amazon.com, $5.99
5
DAD ABOUT TOWN
THINGS
I’M LOVING RIGHT NOW
JASON CHURCH
DATE NIGHT Stumpy’s Hatchet House, stumpyshh.com
Axe throwing at Stumpy’s is great because it’s easy to get to and park. There are separated areas for safety and a lot of fun. You can also have larger groups attend for a fun, small staff outing.
RESTAURANT We enjoy having dinner at Conola Grill & Sushi restaurant. They have a very down-to-earth feel to them. Sushi is amazing, and they have vegan options that are delicious, even for meat-eaters.
Barataria Preserve, nps.gov
Conola Grill and Sushi, (504) 837-0055
We enjoy bike riding in City Park off of Harrison. A few trails intersect to keep your route updated and fresh. There are small areas to explore to see streams and shaded areas. It’s near main roads, but it feels secluded from city life.
The Barataria Preserve is great to take visiting family and friends to see the ecosystem. You’ll find alligators, snakes, and tons of southern wildlife. There are long trails for hours of secluded family time.
FALL ACTIVITY Mrs. Heather’s Pumpkin Patch has an open area with fun activities for everyone. You can take home a small pumpkin for each kid, and it helps get into the fall spirit every year.
Mrs. Heather’s Pumpkin Patch, thfarms.com
october 2021 | www.nolafamily.com
OUTDOOR FUN
New Orleans City Park, neworleanscitypark.com
FAMILY TIME
For 15 years, Jason Church has been teaching martial arts. He owns his own business, Church’s Karate Academy, and has been hosting camps and programs (MOVE! and MOVE! And Dance) for children of all ages. Jason understands the need to have an enriching environment for children when they are out of school. With this in mind, he coordinates with over 40 schools to make sure that, regardless of the school’s vacation days, he is ready to provide a space to help children grow. Jason is a father of two daughters, Kaia, 10, and Eve, 6, and together, they love going on adventures and getting outdoors.
25
Pick of the Patch
It’s pumpkin season! Although the season might look a little differently this year, there are still fun patches that you and your kiddos can visit to pick the perfect pumpkin.
Bantings Nursery Westbank 3425 River Road Bridge City, LA 70094 North Shore 26300 Highway 190, Lacombe, LA 70445 Through October 31 Monday- Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sundays 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Free Admission
Brushy Branch Christmas Tree Farm 51211 Narretto Road Loranger, LA 70446 Oct. 2-31 Weekends only, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission: $10/adults, Free for children two and under
Jim’s Trees Pumpkin Patch 2123 Florida Street Mandeville, LA 70448 Until the pumpkins run out Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., FridaySaturday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Free Admission
Mrs. Heathers Pumpkin Patch 11215 Lees Lane Hammond, LA 70401 Through November 8 Admissions: $8/child, cash only
St. Andrews Episcopal Church
www.nolafamily.com | october 2021
1031 South Carrollton New Orleans, LA 70118 October 2-31 Free Admission
26
St. Luke The Evangelist Catholic Church 910 Cross Gates Boulevard Slidell, LA 70461 October 9-31 9 a.m. -dark Free Admission
St. Martin’s Episcopal Church 2216 Metairie Road Metairie, LA 70001 Through Oct.ober 31 Free Admission
St. Pauls Episcopal Church 6249 Canal Boulevard New Orleans, LA 70124 October 9-31 Monday-Friday 3-6 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sundays 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free Admission
St. Peter Catholic Church 125 East 19th Avenue Covington, LA 70433 October 10- 31 Daily, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Free Admission
Terrabella Village Pumpkins In The Park 111 Terra Bella Boulevard Covington, LA 70433 October 23 Free Admission
OUT & ABOUT
1 FRIDAY CANVAS & COCKTAILS Green Oaks Apothecary from 7-11 p.m. theartboxslidell.com CANVAS & KIDS Mix It Up Art Studio at 11 a.m. Morning filled with fantastic fun creating paintings and projects. All art supplies included. mixitupartstudio.com PARENTS NIGHT OUT Every Friday night. 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 our teachers! Ages 5-12. culinarykidsns.com RENT 30 by Ninety Theatre at 8 p.m. Set in the East Village of New York City, Rent is about falling in love, finding your voice and living for today. 30byninety.com TASTE OF LOUISIANA: HANDS-ON CREOLE CLASS AND LUNCH Southern Food & Beverage Museum at 11 a.m. The Creole Cooking Class explores the iconic dishes of New Orleans from Jambalaya to Bananas Foster. southernfood.org
2 SATURDAY
RENT 30 by Ninety Theatre at 8 p.m. Set in the East Village of New York City, Rent is about falling in love, finding your voice and living for today. 30byninety.com
3 SUNDAY FREE FAMILY SUNDAY Longue Vue House and Gardens at 1 p.m. Louisiana families will be admitted to enjoy the gardens free of
charge. longuevue.com
LOVE, HUG, AND GROOM: GIRL SCOUTS Camp Marydale from 1-3 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 the herd. gsle.org RENT 30 by Ninety Theatre at 2:30 p.m. Set in the East Village of New York City, Rent is about falling in love, finding your voice and living for today. 30byninety.com
4 MONDAY COOKING CLASS FOR KIDS: AGES 10-15 Culinary Kids every Monday and Tuesday. Local chefs and cooking instructors take older kids through a detailed course of culinary skills. culinarykidsns.com TASTE OF LOUISIANA: HANDS-ON CREOLE CLASS AND LUNCH Southern Food & Beverage Museum at 11 a.m. The Creole Cooking Class explores the iconic dishes of New Orleans from Jambalaya to Bananas Foster. southernfood.org
5 TUESDAY COOKING CLASS FOR KIDS: AGES 10-15 Culinary Kids every Monday and Tuesday. Local chefs and cooking instructors take older kids through a detailed course of culinary skills. culinarykidsns.com
6 WEDNESDAY BEGINNER COOKING CLASS: AGES 7-10 Culinary Kids every Wednesday. Join the Teaching Chef and her team to practice cooking and baking skills, plating and decorating techniques, measurements and conversions, ServSafe food handling practices, equipment and ingredient identification, and proper kitchen management skills, and you can eat your creations in this professional but fun practice setting. culinarykidsns.com LUNCHBOX LECTURE: REMEMBERING PEARL HARBOR: NATIVE HAWAIIAN HISTORY AND A “DAY THAT WILL LIVE IN INFAMY.”
The National WWII Museum Zoom event at 11 a.m. This lecture rethinks the attack on Pearl Harbor from the perspective of Native Hawaiian history. nationalww2museum.org RICK RIORDAN DISCUSSES DAUGHTER OF THE DEEP. Virtual at 7 p.m. Rick Riordan, a New York Times bestselling author, discusses his newest novel Daughter of the Deep. bnrickriordan.eventbrite.com
7 THURSDAY JENNIFER L. HOLM & MATTHEW HOLM TALK SUNNY MAKES A SPLASH. Virtual at 1 p.m. Author Jennifer L. Holm and illustrator Matthew Holm discuss Sunny Makes a Splash which is the fourth edition entry in the fourth entry in their New York Times bestselling Sunny graphic novel live on Facebook and YouTube channels. facebook.com SPECIAL NEEDS COOKING CLASS Culinary Kids every Thursday. Practice independent living skills, social skills, kitchen safety and confidence in the kitchen. Ages 10-adult. culinarykidsns.com TASTE OF LOUISIANA: HANDS-ON CREOLE CLASS AND LUNCH Southern Food & Beverage Museum at 11 a.m. Leave the city behind and explore another beloved cuisine of Louisiana in this Cajun Cooking Class. southernfood.org TRANSITIONING FROM EARLY STEPS Webinar at 2 p.m. Many parents have questions about what to do once their child ages out of Early Steps. fhfnorthshore.org
8 FRIDAY CANVAS & COCKTAIL Green Oaks Apothecary from 7-11 p.m. theartboxslidell.com GENTILLY FEST Pontchartrain Park through October 10. This October, you can help make a difference in New Orleans’ Gentilly neighborhood and have a ton of fun while doing it. experienceneworleans.com
october 2021 | www.nolafamily.com
GRETNA FARMERS MARKET Gretna Farmers Market from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Enjoy fresh local produce and crafts at the Gretna Farmers Market, rain or shine, under the covered Gretna Market Building, Huey P. Long Avenue between 3rd and 4th Streets in historic downtown Gretna. gretnala.com
October
27
TASTE OF LOUISIANA: HANDS-ON CREOLE CLASS AND LUNCH Southern Food & Beverage Museum at 11 a.m. The Creole Cooking Class explores the iconic dishes of New Orleans from Jambalaya to Bananas Foster. southernfood.org
9 SATURDAY ART IN CITY PARK: GIRL SCOUTS New Orleans City Park from 10 a.m.-noon and 1-3 p.m. Cadette, Senior, and Ambassador Girl Scouts are invited for a day of art exploration in historic New Orleans City Park. Spend the day creating a unique work of art, going on a scavenger hunt through the sculpture garden, and exploring the City Park Art Market. gsle.org BIG BAND AUTUMN SWING BB’s Stage Door Canteen at 7 p.m. The National WWII Museum’s own Victory Swing Orchestra celebrates the greatest big bands of the WWII era. nationalww2museum.org BLUESBERRY FESTIVAL Bogue Falaya Park in Covington from 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Bluesberry Festival is a full-day immersive arts experience on the bank of the Bogue Falaya River in Downtown Covington. The festival will feature both national and regional musical talent, 30+ vendors showcasing their original artwork, a Beer Garden with a variety of locally crafted brews, a food truck roundup, and children’s village. thebluesberryfest.com CANVAS & KIDS Mix It Up Art Studio at 11 a.m. Morning filled with fantastic fun creating paintings and projects. All art supplies included. mixitupartstudio.com GRETNA FARMERS MARKET Gretna Farmers Market from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Enjoy fresh local produce and crafts at the Gretna Farmers Market, rain or shine, under the covered Gretna Market Building, Huey P. Long Avenue between 3rd and 4th Streets in historic downtown Gretna. gretnala.com
10 SUNDAY
www.nolafamily.com | october 2021
DAISY FAMILY PONY PICNIC: GIRL SCOUTS Camp Marydale from 1-3 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. gsle.org
28
SMALL CRAFT SAFETY TRAINING: GIRLS SCOUTS Camp Marydale from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. This training course will cover all aspects of canoeing and kayaking, including paddling skills, rescue skills, and facilitation of small crafts. The online portion must be completed prior to attending the in person session. gsle.org
11 MONDAY TASTE OF LOUISIANA: HANDS-ON CREOLE CLASS AND LUNCH Southern Food & Beverage Museum at 11 a.m. The Creole Cooking Class explores the iconic dishes of New Orleans from Jambalaya to Bananas Foster. southernfood.org
12 TUESDAY LAUREN GROFF DISCUSSES MATRIX WITH JAMIE
QUATRO VIRTUAL #BNBOOKCLUB EVENT Virtual event at 3 p.m. Registration on Eventbrite is required to join this virtual book club event. bnlaurengroff. eventbrite.com
13 WEDNESDAY A PLACE OF OUR OWN: MEXICAN AMERICAN VETERANS IN THE POST-WAR SOUTHEAST The National WWII Museum Zoom event at 5 p.m. World War II was a watershed moment for Mexican Americans and their quest for equality. nationalww2museum.org TWILIGHT AT LONGUE VUE Longue Vue House and Gardens at 5 p.m. Bring drinks, snacks, picnic seating, or just your walking shoes and face covering to enjoy the cool hours of the day in the Longue Vue Gardens. longuevue.com
14 THURSDAY CANVAS & COCKTAIL Green Oaks Apothecary from 7-11 p.m. theartboxslidell.com L.O.L. SURPRISE! LIVE: CALLING ALL B.B.’S Saenger Theatre at 6 p.m. Features fan favorites and best sellers Lady Diva, Royal Bee, Neonlicious, and Swag in the first-ever family spectacular with original music, dancers, a DJ, and never-before seen live holograms. saengernola.com
15 FRIDAY JUNIOR HORSEBACK RIDER WORKSHOP: GIRL SCOUTS From October 15-17. Members of the Wrangler/Spur program will share the basics of horseback riding, teach you how to take care of a horse and about horse safety, prepare you for your ride, practice your ride, and take you out on a trail ride, if weather permits. gsle.org
16 SATURDAY CANVAS & KIDS Mix It Up Art Studio at 11 a.m. Morning filled with fantastic fun creating paintings and projects. All art supplies included. mixitupartstudio.com GRETNA FARMERS MARKET Gretna Farmers Market from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Enjoy fresh local produce and crafts at the Gretna Farmers Market, rain or shine, under the covered Gretna Market Building, Huey P. Long Avenue between 3rd and 4th Streets in historic downtown Gretna. gretnala.com
20 WEDNESDAY THE VICTORY BELLES BB’s Stage Door Canteen at 2 p.m. The Victory Belles are a delightful vocal trio performing the music of the 1940s, serenading audiences at The National WWII Museum and across the globe. nationalww2museum.org
21 THURSDAY GHOSTS IN THE OAKS City Park through October 24. This family-friendly event will be held at the amusement park and Storyland inside of City Park. There will be trick-or-treating, arts & crafts, rides and a pumpkin patch. experienceneworleans.com MUSIC AT THE MUSEUM
Performing L’Histoire du Soldat, 3rd Floor Performance Center, The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Museum. lpomusic.com TASTE OF LOUISIANA: HANDS-ON CREOLE CLASS AND LUNCH Southern Food & Beverage Museum at 11 a.m. Leave the city behind and explore another beloved cuisine of Louisiana in this Cajun Cooking Class. southernfood.org
22 FRIDAY CANVAS & COCKTAIL Green Oaks Apothecary from 7-11 p.m. theartboxslidell.com MUSIC AT THE MUSEUM Performing A Fiddler’s Tale at 3rd Floor Performance Center, The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Museum. lpomusic.com
23 SATURDAY CANVAS & KIDS Mix It Up Art Studio at 11 a.m. Morning filled with fantastic fun creating paintings and projects. All art supplies included. mixitupartstudio.com EAST JEFFERSON YMCA VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT Coconut Beach Volleyball Complex at 2 p.m. Volleyball tournament, food, drinks, and prizes. All proceeds benefit EJ YMCA. ymcaneworleans.org GRETNA FARMERS MARKET Gretna Farmers Market from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Enjoy fresh local produce and crafts at the Gretna Farmers Market, rain or shine, under the covered Gretna Market Building, Huey P. Long Avenue between 3rd and 4th Streets in historic downtown Gretna. gretnala.com KREWE OF BOO French Quarter. New Orleans’ official Halloween parade is scary fun. Spooktacularly enough, it is the only major parade with full size floats to travel through the French Quarter. experienceneworleans.com NIGHTMARE ON COLUMBIA STROLL, COSTUME CONTEST & CONCERT Downtown Covington. Costumes and revelry will abound as patrons fill the streets of Downtown Covington, strolling from business to business to sample 20+ craft cocktails and craft beers. Live music/entertainment will take place in the streets and at local establishments. eventbrite.com NOLA RIVER FEST New Orleans Jazz Museum. Celebrates the environmental, cultural, and economic impact of the Mississippi River and the land it built through live music, cooking demonstrations, presentations, panels, and walking tours. nolariverfest.org SWING THAT MUSIC: A TRIBUTE TO LOUIS ARMSTRONG BB’s Stage Door Canteen at 7 p.m. New Orleans jazz legend and former bandleader for the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Wendell Brunious, pays tribute to the great Louis Armstrong. nationalww2museum.org TASTE OF LOUISIANA: HANDS-ON CREOLE CLASS AND LUNCH Southern Food & Beverage Museum at 11 a.m. The Creole Cooking Class explores the iconic dishes of New Orleans
from Jambalaya to Bananas Foster. southernfood.org TRICK OR TREAT TREASURE HUNT City Park. The treasure hunts will be on October 23-24 and October 29-30. Families will be given a map and will set off on an adventure to find where spooky guards have hidden their candy troves. Costumes are encouraged. loopnola.org
24 SUNDAY KIDS DANCE WORKSHOP Children’s Dance Workshop at New Orleans Dance Academy at 2 p.m. inspired by Coco. neworleansdancelessons.com SWING THAT MUSIC: A TRIBUTE TO LOUIS ARMSTRONG BB’s Stage Door Canteen at 2 p.m. New Orleans jazz legend and former bandleader for the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Wendell Brunious, pays tribute to the great Louis Armstrong. nationalww2museum.org
25 MONDAY TASTE OF LOUISIANA: HANDS-ON CREOLE CLASS AND LUNCH Southern Food & Beverage Museum at 11 a.m. The Creole Cooking Class explores the iconic dishes of New Orleans from Jambalaya to Bananas Foster. southernfood.org
26 TUESDAY DINNER WITH A CURATOR: “KICKOFF: FOOTBALL AND WORLD WAR II.” BB’s Stage Door Canteen at 6:30 p.m. Join Senior Curator & Director of Curatorial Affairs Kimberly Guise as she tackles the subject of football during the war. nationalww2museum.org
28 THURSDAY
HANCOCK WHITNEY ZOO-TO-DO Audubon Zoo at 7 p.m. Funds raised for Zoo-To-Do events have long supported programs and conservation efforts while celebrating the animals you love. audubonnatureinstitute.org SWING THAT MUSIC: A TRIBUTE TO LOUIS ARMSTRONG BB’s Stage Door Canteen at 7 p.m. New Orleans jazz legend and former bandleader for the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Wendell Brunious, pays tribute to the great Louis Armstrong. nationalww2museum.org TASTE OF LOUISIANA: HANDS-ON CREOLE CLASS AND LUNCH Southern Food & Beverage Museum at 11 a.m. Leave the city behind and explore another beloved cuisine of Louisiana in this Cajun Cooking Class. southernfood.org
29 FRIDAY CANVAS & COCKTAIL Green Oaks Apothecary from 7-11 p.m. theartboxslidell.com COLUMBIA STREET BLOCK PARTY At Columbia Street in Covington from 6-9 p.m. louisiananorthshore.com SWING THAT MUSIC: A TRIBUTE TO LOUIS ARMSTRONG BB’s Stage Door Canteen at 7 p.m. New Orleans jazz legend and former bandleader for the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Wendell Brunious, pays tribute to the great Louis Armstrong. nationalww2museum.org TASTE OF LOUISIANA: HANDS-ON CREOLE CLASS AND LUNCH Southern Food & Beverage Museum at 11 a.m. The Creole Cooking Class explores the iconic dishes of New Orleans from Jambalaya to Bananas Foster. southernfood.org WIDESPREAD PANIC
UNO Lakefront Arena through October 31. Fall without a Halloween run? Don’t think so! arena.uno.edu
30 SATURDAY CANVAS & KIDS Mix It Up Art Studio at 11 a.m. Morning filled with fantastic fun creating paintings and projects. All art supplies included. mixitupartstudio.com GRETNA FARMERS MARKET Gretna Farmers Market from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Enjoy fresh local produce and crafts at the Gretna Farmers Market, rain or shine, under the covered Gretna Market Building, Huey P. Long Avenue between 3rd and 4th Streets in historic downtown Gretna. gretnala.com SENSORY FRIENDLY MORNINGS The National WWII Museum at 8 a.m. For individuals of all ages with special needs and their families where they can enjoy early access to the Museum with modifications to make the experience more sensory friendly. nationalww2museum.org SWING THAT MUSIC: A TRIBUTE TO LOUIS ARMSTRONG BB’s Stage Door Canteen at 7 p.m. New Orleans jazz legend and former bandleader for the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Wendell Brunious, pays tribute to the great Louis Armstrong. nationalww2museum.org WIDESPREAD PANIC UNO Lakefront Arena through October 31. Fall without a Halloween run? Don’t think so! arena.uno.edu
31 SUNDAY WIDESPREAD PANIC UNO Lakefront Arena through today. Fall without a Halloween run? Don’t think so! arena.uno.edu
october 2021 | www.nolafamily.com
29
IN THE KNOW
EXPECTING, BABIES, & TODDLERS Child Safety Seat Inspection Station Louisiana State Police Troop B 2101 I-10 Service Rd., Kenner. Wednesdays, 1–4 p.m. Walk-in or call (504) 471-2780 for an appointment. Free.
Ochsner Baptist
To register: ochsnerstore.org/collections/events-andclasses.
Prenatal Breastfeeding Class Designed to teach mothers the basics of breastfeeding. October 21, 6–8 p.m. Free. Infant/Child CPR Training Basic techniques of CPR and relief of choking for a child and infant are covered. October 28, 6–7:30 p.m. Free.
Tulane Lakeside Hospital To register: tulanelakeside.com/calendar. Birth and Beyond Stages of pregnancy, stages of labor, and types of anesthesia, plus vaginal and cesarean births are discussed. October 14, 7–9 p.m. Free.
Parenting Center at Children’s Hospital
West Jefferson Medical Center
To register: call 504.896.9591, or see chnola.org/ theparentingcenter.
Pre-registration is required: wjmc.org/events-calendar.
Car Seat Fitting Appointment Have your car seat installed or checked over by a nationally certified technician. Drop-ins welcome, appointments preferred. October 19, 9–11 a.m. Free.
Touro’s Family Birthing Center www.nolafamily.com | october 2021
Happiest Baby on the Block Learn to turn on a baby’s “calming reflex” using five simple steps. October 9, 10 a.m.-noon. Free. October 11, 6-8 p.m. Free.
Breastfeeding Class New moms will learn the basics of breastfeeding. October 4, 6:30–8 p.m. Free.
Calming Your New Baby (Prenatal–4 months) (Virtual). Learn what to expect from the first few months, also known as “the fourth trimester.” October 9-11, 6-7 p.m.. Free, pre-registration required.
30
For information or to register, call (504) 897-7319, or see touro.com/events.
Labor and Birth Learn the process of labor and birth. October 2, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Free. ABCs of Breastfeeding Get help from experienced lactation consultants. October 12, 7–9:30 p.m. Free. Caring For Your Newborn Learn how to care for your newborn. October. 23, 1–4:30 p.m. Free.
KIDS & TEENS Touro’s Family Birthing Center For information or to register, call (504) 897-7319, or see touro.com/events. Sibling Class Ages 4–11 years will learn what to expect when a new baby enters the family. Next class is November 2, 9-10:30 a.m. Free.
PARENTS & GRANDPARENTS Ochsner Baptist
To register: ochsnerstore.org/collections/events-andclasses. Grandparents Class (Virtual)Learn about the new definition of active labor, skin-to-skin care, breastfeeding, safe sleep, and more. October 14, 6:30–8:30 p.m. Free.
Want to see your class or event
Infant Safety and First Aid here? Send calendar submissions to Class on infant safety and first aid. October 26, 7-9:30 p.m. Free. calendar@nolafamily.com.
nola family
SCHOOL OPEN October HOUSES SUNDAY
3
MONDAY
4
TUESDAY
5
WEDNESDAY
6
THURSDAY
7
Louise S. McGehee 8:30-10:00 am PK-12
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
1
2
8
9
15
16
St. George’s Episcopal 8:30-10:30 am Age 1-Kindergarten Cabrini High School 3:30-6:30 pm Benjamin Franklin High School 5:30-8:00 pm
10
11
12
Louise S. McGehee 8:30-10:00 am Little Gate
17
18
Metairie Park Country Day 8:30 am PK-K/1/2 Admission Virtual Information Session
19
13
14 Louise S. McGehee Noon-1:00 pm PK-12 (Virtual)
Atonement Lutheran 5:00-7:00 pm
20
Metairie Park Country Day 8:30 am 8th-9th Grade Admission Virtual Information Session
Christian Brothers School 9:00 am, 11:00 am, and 1:00 pm City Park Campus, Registration required
Mount Carmel Academy 2:oo-7:30 pm Archbishop Shaw 6:00-8:00 pm Registration required
21
22
Christian Brothers School 9:00 am, 11:00 am, and 1:00 pm Canal Street Campus (Pre-K-7th), Registration required
Holy Name of Jesus Metairie Park Country Day 6:00-8:00 pm Pre-K
John Curtis Christian School 5:00-6:30 pm
25 Jewish Community Day School Noon
26
27
28
Metairie Park Country Day 8:30 am 6th-7th Grade Admission Virtual Information Session
St. Martin’s Episcopal: Middle & Upper School 10:30 am-12:30 pm
29
30
october 2021 | www.nolafamily.com
St. Martin’s Episcopal: George Cottage & Lower School 8:45-10:30 am
Louise S. McGehee 8:30-10:00 am PK-12 St. Mary’s Dominican 3:30-6:30 pm
24
23
31
32
www.nolafamily.com | october 2021
