Nola Family Magazine - November 2021 by nola family magazine & nola boomers magazine

nola family Parent Fearlessly

November 2021

Volunteering Outside the Box Meet Mom About Town

Brittany Ducote, M.B.A.

+ Local Thanksgiving Camps

november 2021 | www.nolafamily.com

nola family CONTENTS NOVEMBER 2021

ON THE COVER Ashlyn T., 14, (left) and Caleigh R., 14, (right) both attend St. Charles Catholic School. Photo taken at a Nola Community Fridge location. nolacommunityfridge.org Photo by Twirl Photography

A FEW WORDS

EDUCATION & GUIDANCE

IN EACH ISSUE

6 From the Publisher

10 Financial Lessons Green Finances

8 From The Bookshelf

14 Thanksgiving During a Pandemic

12 Parenting Corner Thriving with the Help of

21 Spotlight Food Pantries in New Orleans

Thanksgiving Ideals

18 Thanksgiving Camps

16 Wiggle Room Sensory Processing Disorder & the

24 Gear to Get Cozy & Thankful

www.nolafamily.com | november 2021

FEATURES

22 Staying Green During the Pandemic

Holidays

23 Outside the Box Volunteering

20 Hip Grannie Growing Pains

Explore History with Your Library Card

25 Mom About Town Brittany Ducote, M.B.A. 27 Out & About What, When, Where: Virtual, On-Going, and Special Happenings

30 In the Know Classes and Family Support Resources

Founder ANN BOWER HERREN

Contributors

Publisher BRANDON FOREMAN Associate Publisher AMY L. FOREMAN Editorial AMANDA MILLER Managing Editor EMILY DREZ Assistant Editor

SARAH BATROUS ANTHONY BUI LYNZI WHALEN

ROBERT BAER is a Vice President at Fidelity Bank. He coordinates

Fidelity’s Financial Literacy initiative.

KIMBERLY BRADLEY, a pediatric occupational therapist, writes the “Wiggle Room’’ column. She owns Kim4Kids in Metairie and can be reached at (504) 517-5437; kim4kidsnola.com.

Editorial Interns

Art/Production JENNY ZIGLIN Production Manager

MELODY TAUZIN

LAURA CLAVERIE is Nola Family’s HIp Grannie. She is a local mother, grandmother, and writer.

Senior Graphic Designer

ALEX HERRING Graphic Designer

MADELENE SOILEAU Multimedia Specialist

CHANEY RAY

RACHEL MARSH is a writer and marketing associate at the New Orleans Public Library.

Multimedia Assistant

TWIRL PHOTOGRAPHY Cover Photography

Advertising/Marketing LAURIE ACOSTA Director of Sales

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.

KRISTEN RENFROW Account Executive

EMILY MANCUSO Marketing Specialist

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

(504) 866- 0555 A publication of

November 2021 volume 15, issue  9

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 © 2021. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission prohibited.

november 2021 | www.nolafamily.com

Business Office:

One Galleria Blvd., Ste. 1900 Metairie, LA 70001

FROM THE PUBLISHER

The True Meaning of Giving As I sit here thinking about what it means to give back, or volunteer, I have a lot of thoughts running through my head. I always first think about my mother-in-law, Kay. I wish I was more like her, not just now during the holiday season, but year-round. I have been a part of my husband’s family for 20+ years now, and she has always given her time volunteering. Whether it’s at a soup kitchen, sponsoring a family for Thanksgiving or Christmas, or just picking up trash on the side of the road, she’s always giving back, and she does it with a smile. As we get together this Thanksgiving, I am sure things will look very different for many families. While some families still cannot travel due to COVID, let’s still try to include them through Zoom or FaceTime. As weather allows, why not sit outside for the family feast? If your family is able, sponsor a family and help give them a Thanksgiving dinner they may not be able to afford or cook due to housing arrangements. Let’s give back to the community this year with our time. In south Louisiana, there is always a need for giving. Most recently with Hurricane Ida, there are so many people who need just the basics. This month’s cover was taken at one of the Nola Community Fridges, something I just recently learned about. Their goal is to empower our neighbors in supporting each other through the offering of free food. Their mission is something I think we can all agree is needed. It is so important to get your neighbors involved and help the ones who need it. I love this mission and challenge you all to help stock these fridges around town. If you need help finding a fridge near you, visit nolacommunityfridges.org.

www.nolafamily.com | november 2021

Happy Giving,

november 2021 | www.nolafamily.com

FROM THE BOOKSHELF

EXPLORE HISTORY WITH YOUR LIBRARY CARD Hermann-Grima House Built in 1831, the Hermann-Grima House is not only one of the French Quarter’s best-preserved examples of Federal-style architecture, it also offers the only original, intact stable in the Vieux Carré. Tour the Hermann and Grima families’ rooms, complete with period furniture, family portraits, and Felix Grima’s original book collection. Discover the stories of the enslaved persons and free people of color who lived on this site. Learn how food shaped life and culture in 19th-century New Orleans with a cooking demonstration in one of Louisiana’s only historic open-hearth kitchens still in operation.

The Exchange Shop Hermann-Grima House history is not limited to the 19th-century, however. During the early-to-mid 20th-century, this site was home to The Woman’s Exchange, New Orleans’ first association chartered by women for women. The upstairs rooms served as a boarding house, while downstairs hosted a shop where women could sell their handmade wares. The Exchange Shop remains located in Hermann-Grima House and still supports local women artisans today.

Gallier House In 1860, famed New Orleans architect, James Gallier, Jr., completed building his family’s luxurious French Quarter townhouse. Marked by its eye-catching Paris Green gate, Gallier House exhibits impressive engineering innovations for its era, including indoor plumbing. Based on the original household inventory, Gallier House’s period décor includes trompe l’oeil wall treatments and a Rococo Revival double parlor, while authentic toys and games fill the children’s bedroom upstairs. Tour 19th-century urban elegance and learn more about the enslaved persons, and later domestic servants, who lived and worked at Gallier House.

Reserve Your Pass Today

www.nolafamily.com | november 2021

Hermann-Grima Historic House and Gallier Historic House provide free general-admission entry for up to two adults and four children. Hermann-Grima + Gallier Historic Houses (HGGHH) require reservations for timed ticketing slots. Once you have reserved an HGGHH Culture Pass through the New Orleans Public Library, you must call (504) 525-5661 to reserve your date and time slot. Your Culture Pass is only valid for the confirmed date of visit. Entry will not be granted without the Culture Pass confirmation email or print out.

Culture Pass Program Dive into New Orleans’ rich culture and history for free with your library card. The New Orleans Public Library partners with cultural institutions around the city, including Audubon Nature Institute, The National World War II Museum, New Canal Lighthouse Museum, New Orleans Museum of Art, Ogden Museum of Southern Art, and now Hermann-Grima + Gallier Historic Houses. Passes are available at culturepass.nolalibrary.org to library cardholders, ages 18 and older, who live in Orleans Parish. For assistance reserving or cancelling a pass, call (504) 529-7323.

Rachel Marsh is a writer and marketing associate at the New Orleans Public Library.

TOUGH START TO THE SCHOOL YEAR?

november 2021 | www.nolafamily.com

FINANCIAL LESSONS

GREEN FINANCES Every day, we make decisions about the health of our planet. Some are conscious, and some are unconscious. Have you ever thought about how you manage your finances and the impact that has on whether you’re “going green” or not? You may not think that the decisions you make will have much of an impact, but when you group them together with other customers of the financial institutions you work with, the impact can be significant. Here are a few of the ways you can help the environment with your banking decisions.

Stop receiving paper statements for everything. Depending on the number of accounts you have, this could add up to a lot of paper coming to your house. Most financial institutions offer electronic statements, or E-Statements, for free and have begun charging modest fees ( $2-5 ) if you want to receive paper statements. You can view your statements online, and the bank even keeps previous months’ statements for a period of time. If you’re one of those folks who just has to have a physical copy of your statement for your files, download it and keep it on your computer. Then, you can review it whenever you need and don’t have to worry about whether or not you can access it online.

www.nolafamily.com | november 2021

Pay online.

There are a few ways to do this, and it really depends on your preferences. If you prefer to use a one-stop experience to pay your bills, enroll in Bill Pay. You set up a payee once, type the payment information in each month, and the bank pays the item electronically or with a check. You can also visit each payee’s website and pay your bill there. You may have a few sites to visit, but it also gives you an opportunity to receive notifications and see if they need any additional information from you. Setting automatic payments is also an option if you

don’t want to visit the payee’s site each month. You authorize them to automatically debit your account each month on a specific day, and you only need to verify the payment when you look at your transaction history online.

Stay away from the other paper, too. When paying with a card, don’t get a receipt; opt to receive an email or text message with the information. What do you do with the receipts anyway, verify each one against your statement when you receive it? If you switch to E-Statements, you can switch to E-Receipts at the same time.

Reduce your carbon footprint. While there are certain times you need to speak with a banker, the vast majority of the tasks associated with banking can be completed using technology. You can make deposits from your phone, verify transactions, receive alerts for payments or deposits, open accounts, apply for loans, you get the idea. So, there’s no reason to get in the car and drive all the way to the bank.

Why write a check? There are a number of automated solutions that allow you to reimburse friends and pay other individuals you owe money to right from your phone. Right after Hurricane Ida, when I was still out of town, I had folks cutting down trees and putting temporary fixes on my roof from 350 miles away. This has a ripple effect since the people you’re paying deposit the money in their accounts electronically as well. This list could go on and on, but you get the idea. In many cases, going green with your banking can be more secure. No statements in your mailbox, no check books to keep track of, etc. The trick is to decide how you want to bank, how green you want to be, and what level of security you are comfortable with and go with it.

Sponsored by Robert Baer is a Vice President at Fidelity Bank. He coordinates Fidelity’s Financial Literacy initiative.

november 2021 | www.nolafamily.com

PARENTING CORNER

Thriving with the Help of Thanksgiving Ideals As Thanksgiving approaches, and we move nearer to the end of the calendar year, it’s a natural time for reflection. This past year has been eventful on a national and local level, in a way we may have never experienced as parents before. Not all losses have been shared equally. Some families will be grieving for loved ones whose lives were lost in the pandemic; others will be focusing on the struggle of rebuilding after Hurricane Ida, and some will be coping with both. Day-to-day challenges will probably continue as children return to school with the uncertainty of quarantines and closures. Some parents may be looking forward to the traditions of the holidays; others of us may be wondering how to forge ahead with holiday rituals when lives might feel very different than they did a year or two ago. Here are some ideas for integrating Thanksgiving ideals with the reality of what families may have recently experienced.

www.nolafamily.com | november 2021

Don’t be afraid to talk about what’s happened.

On one hand, children and adults alike are probably tired of thinking and talking about COVID or hurricanes. And, you may think that if a child doesn’t seem visibly disturbed about something, initiating a conversation about it will only upset them. But sometimes, there are feelings under the surface, and giving kids an opening is enough to prompt a meaningful dialogue: “I’ve been thinking about all the changes we’ve had this past year, it’s really been a lot. What stands out for you?” Or, if there has been a death in the family, bring up a fond memory so your son or daughter realizes you welcome the opportunity to talk about your loved one. If a child doesn’t want to talk, encourage him or her to draw a picture or write a story of what’s happened, or to keep a journal. Be sure not to minimize the feelings he or she shares, even if such feelings surprise you or are very different from your own. Siblings who have had similar experiences may also have different perspectives depending on their age and temperament, and all need to be validated.

Share what’s been helpful.

What’s your child’s coping style? What strengths have served him or her well this past year? You can share your observations with them: “I noticed talking with your friends, even when you weren’t in school with them really seemed to help, is that right?” And since we are always role-modeling for our children, don’t forget to share what works for you (“Going outside for a walk, even if it’s early in the morning, really helps me feel good all day.”).

Bring it back to your family’s identity. Creating a feeling of safety and security is one of our biggest tasks as parents, and that feels tough when so much in this world feels out of our control. Younger children depend on us, though, to keep their world as predictable as possible, and older children and teens need us to try and make meaning out of what’s happening. Think about creating and referring to a family motto or saying that implies the strength you share together: “We’re the Smith family. We work together to take care of each other.” It may sound a bit corny, but the goal is to create a feeling of connectedness between all family members that can buffer the challenges of the outside world.

Gratitude is not just for Thanksgiving Day. It may be hard sometimes to feel grateful if there have been a lot of unwelcome changes, and it’s not a panacea to deep suffering, but expressing appreciation, even for small things, can be beneficial. Keep a list of things on the refrigerator that people in your family are grateful for, so kids and adults can add to it throughout the year. Share something good that happened during your day every night at dinner or bedtime (along with something not-so-good, so people can support each other). Help children extend their circle of concern for their family into the wider world. There are a lot of opportunities for helping others, whether raising money or collecting items for people in communities affected by Ida, cooking meals to put in community refrigerators here in New Orleans, or simply checking in on a neighbor who might need our help. 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.

november 2021 | www.nolafamily.com

Thanksgiving During a Pandemic By Julie Engelhardt and Lynzi Whalen The holidays are a joyous time of year when we gather together with family and friends to eat, drink, play games, and simply enjoy being with our loved ones. Now that we’re into November, the most-anticipated holiday season will soon be upon us, starting with the long Thanksgiving weekend. We’ve been advised to scale back when it comes to participating in large gatherings. Behaviors that once seemed so innocuous, like hugging, kissing, passing out gifts, and even sitting down and sharing food with one another may need to take a back seat for a while until we’re certain what the future holds, when it comes to practicing what used to be considered “normal” to us. We don’t want to miss out on being with family, so what can we do to make this season enjoyable, as well as safe?

Safe Travel Plans

www.nolafamily.com | november 2021

It’s well known that the Thanksgiving weekend is the busiest travel holiday, but heeding certain guidelines to stay safe and healthy is very important. The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention outlines four different levels of safety practices when it comes to celebrating, which includes Transportation, Lodging, Food, and Camping. These four areas are then divided into five different risk levels: lowest risk, lower risk, medium risk, medium-high risk, and high risk. For example, they say that the lowest risk for travel is taking a short trip by car with no stops along the way. Higher risk practices include flights with layovers at crowded airports, staying at dormitory-style hostels where you’re lodging with people who don’t live in your home, and eating in a restaurant with little social distancing or where masks aren’t required. Talking with your family members about which guidelines you might want to follow is the first step in making wise decisions.

Virtual Celebrations

Although cozying up to a computer screen may not be as satisfying as sitting around the dining room table with others digging into mom’s famous pumpkin pie, this still may be the safest way to celebrate with extended family. Franki Batten and her family are in New Orleans and are finding new ways to interact with extended family out of state. She found that incorporating fun games for them to do virtually is a great way to spend time together even though they’re apart. “It is all about finding small ways to connect with family,” she explains. “We’ve made new special traditions by playing fun games with the grandparents and cousins that we can all do together over video chat. Last year, we had the cousins make apple turkeys together on Zoom and did a photo scavenger hunt where we all had to send each other pictures with different objects.” These are

fun ways to safely spend virtual time with family and friends.

Utilizing the Great Outdoors for Celebrations

Franki, her husband, and three kids are taking advantage of New Orleans’ great outdoor spaces and finding new ways to celebrate safely outside. “Last year, the photo scavenger hunt was an excellent way to get the kids exploring outdoors, and this year we are thinking of doing a pie day!” she explains. “The day after Thanksgiving, everyone has leftover desserts, so we are asking our friends to bring their desserts and families to a park so we can all spend time together outside.” Being in open spaces with fresh air is sure to alleviate some of the pandemic-induced anxiety.

Celebrating in Person

Dr. Laura Boudreaux, a pediatrician with The Baton Rouge Clinic, has some solid advice when it comes to gathering with family and friends. “As far as Thanksgiving is concerned, limiting gatherings to single families that live in the same house would be best at preventing spread of the virus,” she offers. “If families would still like to gather with other members that do not live in the home, then everyone should wear masks inside unless sitting to eat.” Other advice she gives is that families who live together should be grouped at their own table, and then socially distance the different groups, if possible. She also says that if you can gather outside or open windows or doors to help ventilate the air, that will be helpful.

Family Meals at Thanksgiving

“With food sharing, buffet style would be best with everyone wearing masks while serving food,” Dr. Boudreaux says. “Wash your hands before going through the buffet line, and don’t touch anyone else’s food or drinks. It’s also advised not to pass bread around the table.”

Being Without Others

As far as the mental and emotional impact isolation is having on people, Dr. Boudreaux agrees with the practice of using technology to stay in touch with distant family and friends. “Zoom and FaceTime those loved ones who are isolated due to increased risk for disease,” says Dr. Boudreaux. Franki states that despite having the technology to interact, it’s still despairing not to be with family again during the holidays. “It’s difficult not to be with family again for the holidays. I think about my memories with my grandpa and my aunt’s famous corn pudding, but this is a good opportunity for me to come up with new fun traditions with my husband and kids.” The holidays are going to look a lot different, but if we play it safe, they will still be the most joyous time of the year.

november 2021 | www.nolafamily.com

WIGGLE ROOM

Photo by freepik.com

Sensory Processing Disorder & the Holidays With the holiday season around the corner, many of us are excited to gather around groups of friends and family to celebrate. While we are overjoyed for a semi-normal holiday season, these gatherings will be extremely difficult for many kids, especially those with sensory difficulties. Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is a neurological disorder when an individual processes and perceives sensory input much differently than others and produces abnormal responses. When an individual has SPD, their sensory systems may be over or under sensitive to certain types of sensory input related to touch, sight, smell, taste, hearing, movement, and body awareness.

-Prepare your child as much as possible before the event. Provide pictures of the home and what people will be there. -Be mindful of environment (sights, sounds, smells). -Have the child assist in setting table, serving others, cleaning up, etc. -Have a practice run before big event. -Find a holiday attire outfit that meets the needs of their body (textures, seams, tags).

-Holding ears with loud noises

-Reinforce taking breaks such as taking a walk outside, reading a book, bathroom break, walking away from table for a few minutes and returning; provide a safe, quiet take-a-break place in the home to use.

-Overstimulation from busy environments -Difficulty staying seated at dinner and attempting to escape situation, such as hiding under table, staying in bathroom

-Use transitional items, such as an item from home that can assist them feeling more comfortable in unfamiliar places. -Allow noise canceling headphones or ear plugs.

-Difficulty eating different textures of foods and refusal to touch or eat new foods

-Don’t force new foods with picky eaters. Being tolerant of new foods first begins with being able to handle the sight and smell of them.

-Constantly wiping hands when dirty

-If they can handle the sight and smell of a new food, allow a “No, thank you,” plate, and have them use their hand or utensil to place food on the plate.

-Seeking out movement, such as spinning, jumping, crashing -Shy and trouble interacting with new people www.nolafamily.com | november 2021

-Allow child to help with seating placement for meals so they can provide input on where they would be most comfortable.

A child with sensory processing disorder may exhibit (but not limited to) these types of behaviors at a large family gathering: -Poor tolerance of smells of food

-Participate in cooking by making a grocery list, shopping for ingredients, reading recipes, and measuring and stirring ingredients.

-Difficulty getting child to wear holiday attire; particular about wearing certain clothing, socks, shoes If you observe your child having these difficulties, it can be beneficial to consult with a pediatric occupational therapist for an evaluation. Occupational therapy can provide strategies and intervention to manage these sensory processing difficulties. Some strategies that an Occupational Therapist would recommend for these particular events include:

-Engage in movement activities before seated gatherings, such as riding bikes and running and playing on playground equipment. This can improve the ability to stay seated for a longer period of time at the table. It can be also helpful to educate other family members about your child’s difficulties prior to gatherings. Know your child’s needs and be mindful of their difficulties with sensory processing during this holiday season. Keep in mind, none of us have had any of these kinds of events in over 18 months.

Kimberly Bradley, MS, LOTR, a pediatric occupational therapist, writes the “Wiggle Room’’ column. She owns Kim4Kids in Metairie and can be reached at kim4kidsnola.com.

november 2021 | www.nolafamily.com

Thanksgiving Camps Believe it or not, the holidays are here! To help our parents, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of local Thanksgiving week camps.

Arts & Crafts Camp at Posh Paint Pub, the Pottery Painting Studio Ages: 5-8 and 9-12 Cost: Varies based on days attended Location: 3218 Taft Park, Metairie LA Dates: Monday-Wednesday the week of Thanksgiving. poshpaintpub.com

Audubon Zoo Thanksgiving Camp

Ages: 4-6 and 6 and up Cost: $170-185 Location: 6500 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA Dates: November 22-24 audubonnatureinstitute.org/holiday-camps

Ages: Pre-K, 4-13 Cost: $40/day, $136/4-day session Location: 3300 Eton Street, New Orleans, LA Dates: November 22-26 (Closed Thanksgiving Day) (844) 4KIDCAM

Move! New Orleans Best After School Program

Culinary Kids Thanksgiving Camp

Franco’s Mandeville Thanksgiving Camp

Ages: 5-12 Cost: $15-60/day Location: 6500 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA Dates: November 22-24 (504) 390-8399

Ages: 5-13 Cost: TBA Location: 100 Bon Temps Roule, Mandeville, LA Dates: November 22-26 (985) 792-0205

JCC Thanksgiving Mini Camp www.nolafamily.com | november 2021

KidCam Camp: Aurora United Methodist Holiday Camp

Ages: 5-11 Cost: $45/day with discount code MOVEMEMBER Location: 417 Paris Avenue, New Orleans, LA Dates: November 22-26 (Closed Thanksgiving Day) (504) 376-7009

Ages: 5-12 Cost: $75 daily rates ($20 ext care) Location: 915 Marigny Avenue, Mandeville, LA Dates: November 22-24 (985) 727-5553

Cost: Varies Location: 5620 Crawford Street, Elmwood, LA Dates: November 22-24 junctionplacesportsplex.com

Ages: Grades K–5 Cost: Members only, $210 Location: New Orleans JCC Uptown Dates: Novevember 22–24 nojcc.org

Junction Place Sportsplex Thanksgiving All Sports Camp

Ages: 5-12

Upturn Arts Twerksgiving Camp

¡Vamonos NOLA! Oasis Espanol Holiday Camp

Ages: 5-10 Cost: TBA Location: 600 Eleonore Street, New Orleans, LA Dates: November 22-24 & 26 vamonosnola.com

YMCA West St. Tammany Fall School’s Out Camp

Ages: 5-12 Cost: $35-45/day Location: 71256 Francis Road, Covington, LA Dates: November 22-24 & 26 (985) 893-9622

november 2021 | www.nolafamily.com

HIP GRANNIE

Photo by macrovector/freepik.com

Growing Pains Right now, Papa and I are in a state of total bemusement, that interesting state of wonder and disbelief. We are watching our grandchildren, Rylan, 14, and Amelia, 12, grow physically (and probably mentally and emotionally) by leaps and bounds. It is as if each time we see them, they’ve grown another few inches. Overnight.

places. Their calendar of events would make a debutante dizzy. That’s the good news. The bad news is that our family time is limited. I miss those weekends when we’d have sleepovers and make popcorn and watch the latest Disney flick. I miss making homemade Play-Doh on the kitchen counter. This growing up thing kind of stinks at times.

Rylan has grown almost six inches in the past year or so. He’s now taller than I am by a lot. He’s got fuzz on his face and his voice has dropped at least an octave. Who is this guy? Someone in this family is experiencing serious growing pains. It isn’t Rylan. It’s me.

So, I’ve done what any self-respecting grandmother would do: I borrow other people’s kids. We have a passel of adorable and much younger cousins who love to come swim at our house. Our new neighbors–two adorable girls, Libbie, 6 ½ , and Margaux, 4 ½–come over occasionally to make cookies and slime. All of them call me Lollie and treat me like their bonus grandmother, a job I thoroughly enjoy. I even get invited to their birthday parties and am the first to go down the Bounce House slide.

I remember well what his dad was like at this age. It seemed as if we bought new shoes each month, sometimes before we’d paid the Visa bill for the earlier pair. Feeding him–and now Rylan!–was like stoking a furnace. We’d shovel food in the kid as fast as we could and all would be safely and voraciously consumed.

www.nolafamily.com | november 2021

The other day, I dropped something off at Rylan’s house. Tamara, his mom, and I were talking in the kitchen. I heard a deep, husky male voice coming from the den and asked if she had workmen in the house. “No, that’s Rylan,” she said. I suddenly felt as if 14 years had flown by. Jeez, Louise. Who is this guy?

Like most adolescents, Rylan and Amelia have intense soccer, volleyball, and social schedules. Their daily activities look like the White House social calendar, with each day planned minute-byminute. Weekends are spent traveling with soccer teams to far-flung

It probably says something about my own level of maturity, but I’d rather hang out with a bunch of five year olds than just about anyone else. Their energy, creativity, and outrageous honesty warm my heart. Maybe other people’s kids can’t completely cure my own growing pains, but what the heck? It’s worth a try. For now, Rylan and Amelia’s growth spurts are reminding me that time is marching on at breakneck speed. I need to lace up my running shoes, drink some Gatorade, and pick up the pace. My teens aren’t slowing down, and neither should I.

Laura Claverie is Nola Family’s Hip Grannie. She is a local mother, grandmother, and writer.

Food Pantries in New Orleans By Lynzi Whalen Food insecurity is on the rise, and as the holiday season is approaching, local pantries are bracing for a hectic couple of months. Feeding America has reported that over 700,000 people are facing hunger in Louisiana, and according to Propeller, 1 in 5 New Orleanians are food insecure. This hurricane season mixed with new COVID-19 outbreaks has made it harder for families to stock their cabinets. Local food pantries around the city are determined to beat hunger and bring communities together by providing nonperishables, prepared meals, baby food, diapers, and household products. New Orleans Community Fridges (NOCF) has over 15 locations that are stocked with fresh foods and prepared meals for those in need. They also have a baby station that provides baby food, diapers, wipes, and other supplies that community members may need to care for their little ones. NOCF is an excellent option for those who are looking for nutritious, fresh foods for themselves or their families. To find locations close to you, or to find out how you can help this organization, visit nolacommunityfridges.org. St. Paul Lutheran Church has also taken the initiative of fighting hunger in the New Orleans community. During a Bible study, the congregation came up with the idea to provide food for those around the city. Pastor Andrew voices, “A few members were trying to figure out how we could help our community during the beginning of COVID. Concerns were raised about the rules for social distancing, and it was concluded that a low-contact food pantry would be best. A committee was formed, and donations were received. The food pantry was dedicated in September of 2020.” For this church, it is much more than just helping those in need. They want to unite the church with the surrounding community. “The food pantry was a big unifier for the congregation. Everyone seems to want to help with it to varying degrees. Some go and make purchases with donated money. Others arrange the stock of supplies. Still, others love to come and put out the supplies in the food bank. Oftentimes, when the food pantry is being stocked, people in need come by and receive more than they expected. It also appears that people in the community have embraced it. People regularly stop by to drop off a can here or a can there.” To visit or find out how you can help this congregation, go to stpaulmarigny.org. With the holiday season approaching and many unable to fully provide for their families, it is an important time for our city to come together to fight hunger. As New Orleans Community Fridges puts it, “no one is fed until everyone is fed.” If you are in need of food or baby supplies or want to find out where you can donate to help the city of New Orleans, visit foodpantries.org to find locations near you.

november 2021 | www.nolafamily.com

SPOTLIGHT

Staying Green During the Pandemic By Susan Marquez As a conscientious mother, New Orleans resident Jennifer Bogart makes daily efforts to live a “green” lifestyle. Her family recycles, they turn off lights when not in the room, and Jennifer tries to buy food that is grown locally instead of food that is shipped across the country. When the COVID-19 crisis became a full-blown pandemic, she was put to the test. “For a while, we were afraid to go out much,” she says, “even to the grocery store.” Jennifer began ordering fresh fruits and vegetables, and sometimes even fresh shrimp, from Top Box Foods, a local food share program that sources foods locally and the proceeds benefit those in need. “I really liked it because they delivered directly to our house. We came up with so many ideas for healthy dinners.” The pandemic was a test to New Orleans families who conscientiously try to live their lives in a way that makes minimal impact on our planet. Go Green NOLA (gogreennola.org) is a guide for the New Orleans community on how to build and live green. The website is a good jumping off point to learn about the people and organizations making a positive and green change in the city. Here are ways that families can make steps towards “going green:”

Shop at Farmers Markets

Shopping at local farmers markets is a great way to make an impact on both your family’s overall health and well-being, as well as making an impact on the environment. The variety of offerings at a farmers market helps a family to eat healthy while helping local farmers. Buying locally also reduces transportation emissions that occur when transporting large crops across the country. In addition to fresh fruits and vegetables, other homemade items can be purchased, including jam, jellies, honey, preserves, and bread. A comprehensive list of farmer’s markets in the area is listed on the Go Green NOLA website.

www.nolafamily.com | november 2021

Grow Your Own

Gardening has grown (pardon the pun) during the pandemic for many reasons. People have spent more time at home, incomes are often limited, and for a time during the pandemic, the compromised supply chain for food made finding some items difficult. Not to mention, home gardeners have discovered that food they grow themselves has better nutrition, flavor, and variety than food that is mass-produced. Any sunny plot of land can easily become a garden that provides a plethora of produce. Tomatoes, peppers, and other produce can even be grown in pots on patios or balconies. Community gardens have become popular as well. Schoolyard gardens are an ideal place to teach kids about both nutrition and science. Seed saving is a great activity, as plants that reproduce through natural means tend to adapt to local conditions and evolve as reliable performers year after year.

Shop at Art Markets

In need of a gift? Want to fluff up your place with new décor? Shop at the many art markets that are springing up around town. Most of the art markets

are held monthly or bi-monthly, usually outdoors. You may find unique items created with reclaimed or recycled materials as well as other basic necessities, including handmade soaps, creams, bug sprays, and clothing items.

Build Green

There is a trend these days to build green, and for good reason. Many new builds are LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified, designed, and built to be environmentally friendly. But what can a homeowner do to make their existing home more energy and resourceefficient? The pandemic forced people to quarantine in their homes, which in turn caused them to take a good look around and think about ways they can improve their environment. That, in turn, has caused a huge uptick in remodeling projects. Jessica Brown, the executive director of The Green Project (thegreenproject.org) in New Orleans says that they have been busier than ever. The Green Project accepts donations of usable building materials, both old and new, and sells it to the public. “Paint is our most popular product,” she says. Residents donate used cans of paint to The Green Project, and every Tuesday, they recycle the paint, mixing new colors. “It’s my go-to place to look for paint when I’m working on a project,” says Joe Gravier, an uptown resident. “We have also purchased old doors there for a coffee table project as well as old windows to make a room divider.” Gravier says he has also added extra caulking and insulation to make his home more energy efficient.

Tips for Families

While no one can accurately predict when the COVID-19 pandemic will end, we can all learn to reduce what we use, reuse what we already have, and recycle what we have used. Go Green NOLA shares these ideas: -Sign up for recycle on the city’s website. -Bring building materials to be recycled to The Green Project. -Go paperless. Receive bills and make payments online. -Stop junk mail. You can do that online at dmaconsumers.org. -Use cloth bags. -Use your own reusable water bottle instead of using disposable plastic bottles. -Organize a paperback book swap. -Save food scraps. Compost NOW is a free residential waste collection project in New Orleans that collects frozen food scraps for composting in community gardens. -Recycle old cell phones and printer ink cartridges at Kinko’s, Office Depot, and Whole Foods. -Because we are in New Orleans, recycle your Mardi Gras beads. ArcGNO accepts them and sells them the next year to float riders. For more information, call (504) 837-5105.

Photo by freepik.com

Outside the Box Volunteering Fostering a Commitment to Community Service By Valerie Andrews “Some people want to save animals. Some people want to save the planet. You have to find what your family finds important,” says Lakeview mom, Mandy F. When talking about how her family engages in community service, she believes you’re never too young to learn the value of volunteering your time, your talents, or your money. “My kids have more than what I had growing up. They need to know there are people who don’t have things and they need to share their gifts, whether it’s monetary or time. It’s what we need to do to keep the world a kind place.” Volunteering makes the world a happier place as well. Healthcare experts say volunteering teaches empathy and compassion, and volunteering as a family helps create a sense of purpose and accomplishment.

Giving Your Time

Giving Your Goods

Cleaning out closets and wondering what to do with gently-used products, especially clothes? Some organizations accept them for their constituents’ use or to resell to generate funds. All ages of family members can be involved in identifying toys, games, books, or clothes they’re no longer using that can help others. Covenant House accepts clothes and electronics. Often, churches and other organizations sponsor an Angel Tree during the holidays. Families can choose an angel from the tree; the angel includes information on the child or family’s needs. One mom takes her children shopping to select items for their contribution, also letting them wrap the gifts to get more involved in the act of giving.

Giving Your Money

One former nonprofit fundraiser notes, “People think if they can’t write a big check, they can’t contribute. They could give a dollar. Kids can take the dollars they earn for chores and make an impact. All those dollars add up.” Make sure you’re working with a legitimate organization by checking them out on the IRS Nonprofit Charities Database Exempt Organizations Select Check Tool or on Charity Navigator.

Before You Volunteer

• Confirm that all of your family members are eligible to volunteer. Ensuring all of your family can participate before you go will save disappointment when you arrive. • Ask how these opportunities will be supervised by representatives of the organization you’re serving. • Inquire about any special materials, equipment, or clothing required for specific volunteer events or activities.

Just Do It

Family volunteering starts with making the decision to act. With hundreds of nonprofits seeking volunteers of every age and interest, every family can find a mission that suits them. Mandy, who is also an experienced volunteer mom, says, “Everybody has the opportunity to make a ripple in the pond.”

november 2021 | www.nolafamily.com

Family volunteering doesn’t mean hours and hours of labor, a benefit for those whose calendars are pretty full. Allocating even an hour a week can provide families a chance to do something good for others and spend time together. Even the youngest can create cards and letters for military personnel and donate them to national organizations like Operation We are Here, Support Our Troops, or Doing Good Together. Closer to home, HandsOn New Orleans showcases volunteer opportunities through its partnerships with other organizations across the region. The HandsOn Volunteer Center Portal provides links to these partners. At Youth Rebuilding New Orleans (YRNO), the volunteer experience is allinclusive, according to Program Manager Courtlyn Sholar. And while they don’t have family-specific projects, “When families and young people volunteer with us, we have specific tasks that are able to be accomplished by young and old alike.” For safety reasons, YRNO can’t have volunteers younger than 6, and those 16 and younger need to be accompanied by an adult. If you’re looking for outdoors opportunities, NORD Outdoors seeks Saturday volunteers for its Open Canoeing & Fishing activities at Joe W. Brown Park. Family members ages 14 and up can assist with registration, life-jacket distribution, casting games for children, lessons in casting or knot-tying, water monitoring, or other activities. The Garden of Grace is a collaborative project between Grace at the Green Light, Urban Gardening, and Tulane’s Environmental Studies program. Beginning in February 2022, family members of all ages (starting at five years old) can help work the garden, whose crops will be used to feed the city’s unsheltered population. Eden House, which works to “eradicate the trafficking and selling of human beings,” hosts volunteers of all ages; however, children under high school age need parental accompaniment. According to Emily Thomas, program coordinator, “Young volunteers have assisted us with all kinds of projects from painting to gardening to organizing donations.” Environmentally-conscious volunteer families should consider Glass Half

Full, which takes family members under 16, as long as a parent or guardian is present. This organization accepts glass donations for recycling into sand, which is then used in disaster relief, new glass, eco-construction, and other projects. If your family members are 10 or older, they can volunteer at Culture Aid NOLA, which supports culture and hospitality workers through food distribution. Volunteers bag and distribute produce and dry goods. Younger volunteers (ages 10-15) must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. According to Olivia Morgan, communications manager, “Many of our regular volunteers have been serving with us and bringing their friends and loved ones along since we first began.”

GEAR TO GET

Cozy & Thankful Erin Condren Wellness Log

Set and reach your health and wellness goals with this adorable and affordable Wellness Log. amazon.com, $15.99

Football Bingo Set

Add some friendly competition to Thanksgiving football time this year with this Bingo game. uncommongoods.com, $50

Thanksgiving, Here I Come!

These poems cover the heartwarming and hilarious moments families share on this special occasion. penguin.com, $5.99

Funziez! Turkey Slippers

www.nolafamily.com | november 2021

Relax in comfort in these slippers that are so cute you’ll want to gobble them up. amazon.com, $24.99

Wash-Off Nail Polish

These charmingly iridescent nail colors are not only non-toxic, they even wash off with soap and water. uncommongoods.com, $20

MOM ABOUT TOWN

THINGS

I’M LOVING RIGHT NOW

BRITTANY DUCOTE, M.B.A.

OUTDOOR FUN

We love to ride bikes as a family around our neighborhood, go swimming, go to the Audubon Zoo and Aquarium, and go to the local parks around town to play on their playsets and feed the ducks. Audubon Nature Institute, audubonnatureinstitute.org

DATE NIGHT

Vincent’s Italian Restaurant in Metairie is Matt and I’s go-to spot for an incredible date night. We are always greeted at the door by the owner, Vincent, and his enthusiasm for his customers is amazing. Vincent’s Italian Restaurant, vincentsitaliancuisine.com

I coach high school varsity cheerleading at Haynes Academy for Advanced Studies. I have been coaching for five years now and have watched some of my former students take cheerleading with them to college. It fulfills me to see their passion for cheerleading grow.

Haynes Academy for Advanced Studies, jpschools.org

Pensacola Beach, visitpensacolabeach.com

My family and I love going to Pensacola Beach. Matt and I have gone almost every summer since we have been together, and we were finally able to take Sadie for her first beach trip this past summer. We will definitely be back as it has now become our annual family vacation.

FALL ACTIVITY We absolutely love all things fall. Picking out pumpkins at the St. Martin’s pumpkin patch has become a tradition for our family. We are so excited to get many different sized pumpkins and set them on our doorstep to enjoy.

St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, facebook.com/STMChurch

november 2021 | www.nolafamily.com

HOBBY

TRAVEL DESTINATION

Helping others to succeed and assisting in the growth of healthcare providers have always been passions for Brittany Ducote, M.B.A. As the Clerkship Program Coordinator of Ochsner Health New Orleans for the UQ-Ochsner School of Medicine, Brittany spends her days coordinating medical students in surgery and surgical specialty clinical rotations. When she’s not working or coaching cheerleading, Brittany can be found spending time with her two-year-old daughter, Sadie, and her husband, Matthew.

www.nolafamily.com | november 2021

OUT & ABOUT

1 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

November

2 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 TELL IT TO ME SWEET

Noma Sculpture Garden at 7 p.m. This play is the perfect way to explore the new addition to the Besthoff Sculpture Garden while experiencing live theatre that is bold, fun, family-friendly, and COVID-safe. noma.org

3 Wednesday BEGINNER COOKING CLASS: AGES 7-10

4 Thursday OPERATION HOME FRONT

The National WWII Museum through November 7. Explore, remember, and reflect on World War II through exclusive access to the Museum’s campus. nationalww2museum.org SPECIAL NEEDS COOKING CLASS

Culinary Kids every Thursday. Practice independent living skills, social skills, kitchen safety and confidence in the kitchen. Ages 10-adult.

5 Friday

features tribal dances, demonstrations, split-cane basketry, powwow dancing, tribal commemoration, and discussion forums. louisiananorthshore.com

NATURE AT NIGHT AUDUBON

Audubon Zoo at 6 p.m. Nature at Night will feature “kid-only” events for children ages 6-11 years old, where they can enjoy an up-close animal encounter, pizza party, special event-themed art or science project, and flashlight tour of the Zoo. audubonnatureinstitute.org

7 Sunday 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

PARENTS NIGHT OUT

NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE CELEBRATION

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 teachers. Ages 5-12. culinarykidsns.com

Bayou Lacombe Museum from noon-4 p.m. Celebration of Choctaw history and culture that features tribal dances, demonstrations, split-cane basketry, powwow dancing, tribal commemoration, and discussion forums. louisiananorthshore.com SAINTS VS. ATLANTA FALCONS

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

6 Saturday ABITA FALL FEST

Abita Springs Trailhead Museum from 10:30 a.m.7:30 p.m. Music on two stages, food & drinks, the Kid Zone with activities, entertainment from the “Pumpkin Stage,” and the Interactive Circle for all ages. abitafallfest.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 NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE CELEBRATION

Bayou Lacombe Museum from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Celebration of Choctaw history and culture that

Caesars Superdome at noon. Cheer on the New Orleans Saints as they take on the Atlanta Falcons in the Superdome. caesarssuperdome.com

8 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

9 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 TELL IT TO ME SWEET

Noma Sculpture Garden at 7 p.m. This play is the perfect way to explore the new addition to the Besthoff Sculpture Garden while experiencing live theatre that is BOLD, fun, family-friendly, and Covid-safe. Come and wind the trail of tales with us this fall! noma.org

november 2021 | www.nolafamily.com

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

culinarykidsns.com

10 Wednesday BEGINNER COOKING CLASS: AGES 7-10

11 Thursday 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

12 Friday PARENTS NIGHT OUT

Audubon Zoo at 5 p.m. Funds raised for Zoo-To-Do events have long supported programs and conservation efforts while celebrating the animals you love. audubonnatureinstitute.org

13 Saturday BAYOU PADDLESPORTS DOG DAY

Bayou St. John from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Paddling isn’t just for humans. On Dog Day, you can bring your canine friends along with you. bayoupaddlesports.com COVINGTON THREE RIVERS ART FESTIVAL

Downtown Covington, 200-600 Blocks of Columbia St., from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free concert at Covington Trailhead. The 25th annual Three Rivers Art Festival, one of the largest juried art festivals in the region and most popular events on the Northshore, brings art lovers to downtown Covington each year for two full days of shopping and entertainment. louisiananorthshore.com

www.nolafamily.com | november 2021

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, under the covered Gretna Market Building, Huey P. Long Avenue between 3rd and 4th Streets in hsitoric downtown Gretna. gretnala.com

14 Sunday COVINGTON THREE RIVERS ART FESTIVAL

Downtown Covington, 200-600 Blocks of Columbia St., from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The 25th annual Three Rivers Art Festival, one of the largest juried art festivals in the region and most popular events on the Northshore, brings art lovers to downtown Covington each year for two full days of shopping

and entertainment. louisiananorthshore.com DAISY FAMILY PONY PICNIC

Camp Marydale from 1-3 p.m. Picnic with the ponies at Camp Marydale. Pack your picnic and pick your favorite spot at camp to enjoy your lunch. The Camp Marydale Wranglers will bring some of their best friends to meet you while you eat. gsle.org

20 Saturday GRETNA FARMERS MARKET

EXPLORE CITY PARK

New Orleans City Park from 10 a.m.-noon and 1-3 p.m. Grab your troop or family for a day full of fun and exploration. The City Park/McFadden Cabin Trail Patch Program is a self-guided tour through New Orleans City Park. gsle.org

15 Monday

21 Sunday

COOKING CLASS FOR KIDS: AGES 10-15

JUNIOR HORSEBACK RIDER WORKSHOP: GIRL SCOUTS

Culinary Kids every Monday and Tuesday. Local chefs and cooking instructors take older kids through a detailed course of culinary skills. culinarykidsns.com

TBA from November 21-23. 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 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

17 Wednesday BEGINNER COOKING CLASS: AGES 7-10

18 Thursday 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

19 Friday FRIDAY NIGHTS ON THE SQUARE

TerraBella Village at 5:30 p.m. A concert series featuring Four Unplugged brings together local bands and food and beverage vendors right in the Town Square. terrabellavillage.com NATURE AT NIGHT AUDUBON

25 Thursday CELEBRATION IN THE OAKS

New Orleans City Park through January 2. This incredible light festival has enchanted Park visitors since the 1980s and is vital to the Park’s maintenance, care, and beautification year round. Make memories with your loved ones in City Park this holiday season. neworleanscitypark.com SAINTS VS. BUFFALO BILLS

Caesars Superdome at 7:20 p.m. Cheer on the New Orleans Saints as they take on the Buffalo Bills in the Superdome. caesarssuperdome.com

26 Friday BAYOU CLASSIC BATTLE OF THE BANDS

Caesars Superdome at 7 p.m. Before Southern University takes on Grambling State in the Bayou Classic on Saturday, the annual Battle of the Bands and Greek show kicks off the weekend of events. Don’t miss Southern University’s human jukebox and Grambling’s band square off inside the Superdome. caesarssuperdome.com

27 Saturday BAYOU CLASSIC: SOUTHERN VS. GRAMBLING PRESENTED BY PROCTER & GAMBLE

Caesars Superdome at 4 p.m. This annual event is one of the country’s greatest college sports rivalries, bringing the fans and alumni of Southern University and Grambling State University to New Orleans each November. caesarssuperdome.com GRETNA FARMERS MARKET

november 2021 | www.nolafamily.com

IN THE KNOW

www.nolafamily.com | november 2021

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-and-classes. Breastfeeding Class New moms will learn the basics of breastfeeding. November 1, 6:30–8:30 p.m. Free. Mommy Again/Prenatal Express Class For moms who have had a baby before, this class reviews key points concerning labor, birth, and the newborn baby. November 18, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free. Prenatal Classes In these classes, you will learn about general prenatal health, pain relief methods in labor, the process of labor and giving birth, delivery options and interventions, skin-to-skin contact, and post-delivery care for mother and baby. November 23, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free. Ochsner Kenner To register: ochsnerstore.org/collections/ events-and-classes. Baby Care Class Learn information on basic baby care, normal behavior, comforting baby, and how to keep baby safe. November 10, 6-8 p.m. Free. Breastfeeding Class Discuss breastfeeding techniques and AAP recommendations. November 9, 6-8 p.m. Free. Childbirth Class In this relaxed class, you will learn the basics of childbirth. It will cover what to expect when you are in labor, pain relief options, cesarean birth, medical procedures, the newborn, and recovery after you deliver. November 20, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Parenting Center at Children’s Hospital To register: chnola.org/theparentingcenter. Calming Your New Baby (Prenatal–4 months) (Virtual)

Learn what to expect from the first few months, also known as “the fourth trimester.” November 13, 10-11 a.m.. Free. Pre-registration required. Car Seat Fitting Appointment Have your car seat installed or checked over by a nationally certified technician. Drop-ins welcome, appointments preferred. November 16, 9-11 a.m. Free. Touro’s Family Birthing Center To register: touro.com/events. Happiest Baby on the Block Learn to turn on a baby’s “calming reflex” using five simple steps. November 13, 10 a.mnoon. Free. Infant/Child CPR Training Basic techniques of CPR and relief of choking for a child and infant are covered. November 11, 6-7:30 p.m. Free. Prenatal Breastfeeding Class Designed to teach mothers the basics of breastfeeding. November 18, 6-8 p.m. Free. Understanding Your Newborn Class Designed for first time expecting parents to gain skills needed to care for baby at home. November 22, 6-8 p.m. 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. November 11, 7-9 p.m. Free. Breastfeeding Basics Learn the benefits of breastfeeding. November 18, 7-9 p.m. Free. Infant Care and Safety Review basic newborn care, safety, and newborn health. November 23, 7-9 p.m.Free. West Jefferson Medical Center Pre-registration is required: wjmc.org/ events-calendar. ABCs of Breastfeeding Get help from experienced lactation consultants. November 9, 7-9:30 p.m. Free. Caring For Your Newborn Learn how to care for your newborn. November 20, 1-4:30 p.m. Free. Labor and Birth Learn the process of labor and birth. November 6, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Free.

KIDS & TEENS Touro’s Family Birthing Center To register: touro.com/events. Sibling Class Ages 4-11 years will learn what to expect when a new baby enters the family. November 2, 9-10:30 a.m. Free. Tulane Lakeside Hospital To register: tulanelakeside.com/calendar. Super Siblings This class is for children ages four-nine years of age. Children attend with their parents and the role of big brother and big sister will be discussed. November 16, 6:30-8 p.m. Free

PARENTS & GRANDPARENTS Ochsner Baptist To register: ochsnerstore.org/collections/ events-and-classes. Grandparents Class (Virtual) Learn about the new definition of active labor, skin-to-skin care, breastfeeding, safe sleep, and more. November 4, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free.

Want to see your class or event here? Send calendar submissions to calendar@nolafamily.com.

nola family

SCHOOL OPEN HOUSES November Archbishop Chapelle High School

Metairie Park Country Day School

Archbishop Rummel High School

St. Andrew’s Episcopal School

Archbishop Shaw High School

St. Edward the Confessor School

Brother Martin High School

St. George’s Episcopal School

De La Salle High School

St. Pius X Catholic School

Date: Nov. 4 Time: 6 p.m. Date: Nov. 9 Time: 6 p.m.

Date: Nov. 4 Time: 4-7 p.m. Date: Nov. 2 Time: 4-7 p.m

Date: Nov. 10 Time: Noon

Date: Nov. 18 Time: 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. Date: Nov. 13 Time: 9-11 a.m. Date: Nov. 5 Time: 9-11 a.m.

november 2021 | www.nolafamily.com

Date: Nov. 14 Time: 6-8 p.m.

Date: Nov. 9 Time: 6:30 p.m.

Nola Family Magazine - November 2021

Articles inside

Outside the Box Volunteering

Out & About

Staying Green During the Pandemic

Spotlight

Wiggle Room

Hip Grannie

Thanksgiving During a Pandemic

Thanksgiving Camps

Financial Lessons

From the Publisher

Parenting Corner

From The Bookshelf