Nola Boomers Magazine – May/June 2021 by nola family magazine & nola boomers magazine

MAY/JUNE 2021

Bryan Batt

CAMPING S’MORE FUN WITH THE GRANDKIDS! p. 16

LIGHTING UP THE STAGE p. 14

KEEPING YOUR BALANCE BYE-BYE CLUTTER... HELLO MONEY! p. 12

WHY ELECTROLYTES ARE SO IMPORTANT p. 8

SCAMMERS BEAT THEM AT THEIR OWN GAME p. 10

Have you or your loved one been diagnosed with a Blood Cancer? You may have been exposed to BENZENE by products such as GASOLINE Call 1-877-labenzene or 504-832-9898 Today for a

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Pleural mesothelioma (lungs) Peritoneal mesothelioma (abdomen) Testicular mesothelioma Pericardial mesothelioma (heart) Lung Cancer

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YOU MAY HAVE BEEN EXPOSED TO ASBESTOS IN THE WORKPLACE OR BY A LOVED ONE THAT BROUGHT ASBESTOS HOME ON HIS OR HER CLOTHING. SPOUSES AND CHILDREN OR WORKERS EXPOSED TO ASBESTOS DEVELOP MESOTHELIOMA AND OTHER CANCERS DUE TO CONTAMINATED WORK CLOTHES.

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L. Eric Williams 3000 26TH Street, Suite A, Metairie, LA 70002 | 504.832.9898

publisher/editor ANN BOWER HERREN

ann@nolaboomers.com   executive editor   LAURA CLAVERIE

claverip@gmail.com managing editor TREVOR WISDOM

trevor@nolaboomers.com   office  manager   JENNY ZIGLIN

jenny@nolaboomers.com advertising  sales   KRISTEN RENFROW

kristen@nolafamily.com   designer    CAT LANDRUM 2ND STORY CREATIVE

For reprint information, contact ann@nolaboomers.com   Business Office:

5500 Prytania Street, #617, New Orleans LA 70115

504.866.0555 A publication of

may/june 2021 volume 4, issue 2

I love springtime in New Orleans – who doesn’t? The azaleas are bursting, the temperatures are mild and the humidity is low-ish. What could be more perfect? Springtime is also my favorite time to get out and walk throughout the city. My husband and I just completed the 10K (6.2 miles) Crescent City Classic and marveled at the gorgeous gardens and majestic trees throughout our city. Since the pandemic began, Philip and I have been exploring different neighborhoods throughout New Orleans on foot, and we have discovered many architectural treasures. Another local treasure is actor Bryan Batt, who is our cover feature in this issue. Bryan has starred on Broadway, television’s favorite series “Mad Men,” and more. But it’s obvious that his heart remains in New Orleans. He and his husband, Tom Cianfichi, own the beautiful store Hazelnut on Magazine and an exquisite home Uptown. Together they support many local non-profits, Le Petit Theatre du Vieux Carre, in particular. Maria Sylvester Terry, a registered dietician at Ochsner and part of Eat Fit NOLA, writes a fascinating article about the importance of electrolytes to Boomers. If you’ve been feeling fatigued, confused or puffy lately, you might need to adjust your electrolyte consumption. Did you know that Boomers are a favorite target for computer scammers? Each year, one in ten Americans age 65 and older becomes a scam victim, and the numbers could be worse, as only one in 24 victims reports this abuse. This abuse costs Americans $2.9 Billion each year. As I was researching computer scams, I was curious as to why I had not received any scam emails. I checked my junk/spam folder. I found that in one month, I’d received four emails from scammers posing as attorneys or bankers representing unnamed clients who were leaving bequests from $10 million to $50 million. I could be cut into the deals if I sent them my financial information, such as bank and credit card numbers and passwords. I also received four emails saying there were “30,000 hot Russian females” who wanted to date me. I deleted everything. Exercise and proper nutrition can add years to your lives, Boomers. Put on your walking shoes, bring a big bottle of water, and enjoy this beautiful season! And while you are at it, get vaccinated so we can defeat COVID-19 for good.

Happy Spring, Boomers!

Laura Claverie

may/june 2021 | www.nolaboomers.com

The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors and/or contributors, and do not necessarily reflect those of the magazine or its advertisers.

FROM LAURA

CONTENTS M AY/J U N E 2 0 2 1

CONTRIBUTORS

ON THE COVER Bryan Batt photographed at Le Petit Theatre by Twirl Photography.

KIMBERLY BLAKER is a freelance family and senior writer. She’s also founder and director of KB Creative Digital Services, an internet marketing agency, kbcreativedigital.com.

A FEW WORDS

REGULAR TOPICS

3 From Laura

6 From the Bookshelf

FEATURES

7 Fitness

Don’t Get Scammed! Scams & 10 Tips to Avoid Them

12 Say Goodbye to Clutter

Throwing a Successful Garage Sale

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14 Bryan Batt

Lighting up the Stage & Screen

Electronic Resources at the New Orleans Public Library Rebalance for an Energy Boost

GEOFFREY RONIGER is the owner of Freret Street Yoga. He has been teaching full time for nearly two decades and is considered an expert in the field of adaptive yoga. He lives in New Orleans with his wife, three children, and faithful dog

8 Eating for Health

Electrolytes & Hydration: Key to Good Health

16 Travel Camping with the Grandkids 18 Freebies

behind the operations, marketing, Free Things to See & Do programming, and social media

19 On the Go

for Ochsner Eat Fit NOLA. Dietetics

is her second career; she was When, Where, and previously an English teacher and What to Do is passionate about educating

23 Senior Care Directory

MARIA SYLVESTER TERRY, MS, RDN, is the dietitian

Our Guide for Making Informed Choices

our community about food and nutrition.

may/june 2021 | www.nolaboomers.com

FROM OUR BOOKSHELF

There’s Something for Everyone Access your New Orleans Public Library from home with electronic resources As someone born in the latter days of the baby boom, I probably share a childhood memory with a lot of you – going to the public library, exploring the stacks, and taking home treasures that fed my imagination and sparked a love of books. I still love physical books; but, since I started working at the Library, I’ve developed a love for our electronic resources and spreading the word about them. Wait! I know what you might be thinking: that you’re not into tech stuff. One thing I’ve discovered, though, is that e-resources are a perfect match for older folks.

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When I say personal, I don’t just mean myself but that I’ve gotten older friends – including my mother – into

e-books and e-audiobooks. It’s a great feeling when I hear how much they enjoy them. If you have a smartphone, tablet, Kindle, or computer, you can take advantage of the library’s offerings. Imagine best-sellers, movies, audiobooks, music, and magazines all from the comfort of your home! You can even find picture books for when your grandchildren are visiting. Most readers have adjustable font sizes. And they return themselves!

How do e-resources work? The NOPL’s e-resources are available as apps for Android and Apple products, and most also can be accessed through websites. Because they come from different vendors, there are some differences in setup and use, but they’re all similar and intuitive. Early on, the apps were a bit more specialized: one for movies, one for e-books, etc., but now many are like Swiss Army knives of content, so I encourage you to explore.

PRO TIP:

You can often find items that don’t appear in our catalog if you search through an app itself.

Resource highlights • Overdrive: This popular service, accessed through the Libby app, offers e-books (including Kindle), e-audiobooks, movies, and magazines for all ages.

• Cloud Library: Offers e-books and e-audiobooks, and, like Overdrive, is a good place to look for new titles.

• Hoopla: Not only does Hoopla have books and audiobooks, movies, TV, and music, but also comics. With lots of back titles, it’s great for binging series from favorite authors.

• Flipster: This magazine reader offers top titles, including Essence, Vogue, Forbes, and even Consumer Reports.

• Freegal: Freegal lets you stream music and also download seven tracks a week to keep.

• TumbleBooks: An extensive collection of children’s content includes language learning, puzzles, books, and more for K-6th grade.

• Kanopy: This amazing resource has movies and TV shows, with an emphasis on documentaries and foreign films. You can even take classes from The Great Courses! Do give our e-resources a try. Visit eresources.nolalibrary.org, and then “Borrow” and “e-resources” on the dropdown menu. Library staff can help you get set up – just call or visit your closest branch.

After more than 20 years on the Copy Desk of The Times-Picayune, Kiki Reinecke, a native New Orleanian, was thrilled to find a second career with the New Orleans Public Library.

Big, Easy

ENERGY BOOST Enhancing your energy circulation is as easy as realigning your posture

Most people will agree that having more energy is a good thing. More energy to work without feeling exhausted, exercise or socialize, and perform one’s daily chores. This is why we have a whole industry dedicated to energy drinks, supplements, and dietary strategies for feeling more vital. Rarely, however, do we think to look inside ourselves for the energy that we already possess and think how we might distribute it more efficiently.

TAKE AN HONEST EVALUATION Take a nonjudgmental view of your posture, either by looking in the mirror or at a photo of yourself. Pay particular attention to the alignment of your chest and arms. Do your collar bones appear lifted and buoyant, or do they seem to be drooping down toward your breastbone? Do your arms look like they are supporting the lift of your chest, or are they pulling it down? Finally, do you see your palms or the back of your hands when observing yourself from the front? Please don’t fall into the trap of selfcriticism! This exercise is about selfobservation, not self-loathing. It is meant to give you an honest appraisal of the architecture of your body so that you might learn to organize it optimally.

First, you cannot correct this habit by tightening your back muscles to sit up straight. Instead, it is far simpler to balance your body like a stack of children’s building blocks.

• Sit toward the front edge of your chair so that you are not relying on the chair back for support. Make the rim of your pelvis parallel to the floor. (Don’t tilt your pelvis forward, swayed back, or tuck your tailbone under.)

• Hook your thumbs under the flesh of your armpits and lift up. Avoid scrunching your shoulders upwards. You should feel your collarbones lift and the front of your chest open like a spinnaker sail.

• Relax your hands back onto your lap, palms facing up. This will externally rotate your upper arms in the shoulder sockets, which will maintain the broadness and lift of your chest.

• Feel how much easier it is to breathe in this position! In fact, you don’t need any effort to breathe: the wind will naturally flow into that wide, open spinnaker sail. Of course, you can still enjoy your favorite caffeinated beverage for an extra boost of energy when needed. But with this new postural awareness, you will enhance your existing energy circulation. Best yet, it’s free, easy, and always available!

Geoffrey Roniger is the owner of Freret Street Yoga. He has been teaching full time for nearly twenty years and is considered an expert in the field of adaptive yoga.

may/june 2021 | www.nolaboomers.com

Most people these days spend considerable time hunched over a keyboard or electronic device. The consequence of this forward and down orientation is that the chest collapses down onto the pelvis, which restricts the diaphragm movement and compresses the heart and lungs. The net result is hampered breathing and circulation. And this is why life, at times, can feel like such a drag – we are unconsciously dragging ourselves down and subtly suffocating ourselves.

RE-BALANCE YOURSELF

E A T I N G F O R H E A LT H

Electrolytes & Hydration: Their balance is essential for functioning at peak potential as we age

Feeling fatigued? Confused? Swollen? Our minds race to determine why. A quick Google search leads to a rabbit hole of conditions. Sometimes the solution is much simpler than we think! Enter: electrolytes.

What are electrolytes? Many body functions rely on our electrolyte balance, the charged minerals that conduct electricity in water. Sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, chloride, and phosphate are the main players on your body’s electrolyte team. And their levels fluctuate for a variety of reasons, including exercise, overconsumption of water, medications, or diseases such as diabetes, kidney disease, cancer, and cirrhosis.

The roles these different electrolytes play are equally vital: SODIUM fluid control, muscle and nerve function, blood pressure POTASSIUM heart and blood pressure, electrolyte balance, nerve impulses, bone health, muscle contraction

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CALCIUM nerve impulses, muscle contraction, clotting, bone and teeth health

MAGNESIUM blood glucose levels, nerve and muscle function, heart rhythm, DNA production, immunity CHLORIDE electrolyte balance, healthy pH, digestion PHOSPHATE bone and teeth health, tissue repair

How to consume them When people hear the word “electrolytes,” they may picture a brightly hued sports drink, like Gatorade. Yes, Gatorade is a strong source of electrolytes. However, choosing electrolyte-rich foods is another way to promote electrolyte balance.

Recommended daily electrolyte intakes with food sources. ELECTROLYTE

Sodium

RECOMMENDED INTAKE RECOMMEND INTAKE FOR FOR PEOPLE 50+ YEARS (MG) PEOPLE 70+ YEARS (MG)

1,300

1,200

FOOD SOURCES Pickles, bread & rolls, cheese, tomato sauce & juice, canned soups & veggies , poultry & deli cuts, pretzels

4,700

Potatoes with skin, squash, white beans, plain yogurt , bananas, oranges, cantaloupe, cooked spinach & broccoli, raisins

Calcium

1,200

Yogurt, milk, ricotta, & cheeses, collard greens, spinach & kale, sardines & canned fish, dry peas & beans

Magnesium

420 (women), 320 (men)

Chloride

2,000

Potassium

Phosphate

Leafy greens, nuts & seeds, dry beans, whole grains, wheat germ, oat bran, dark chocolate, avocado, salmon, mackerel, halibut

1,800

Tomato juices, sauces, & soups, lettuce, olives, table salt Yogurt, milk, & cheese, salmon, scallops, chicken, & beef, lentils, nuts, & seeds, potatoes, beans, & oats

700

QUICK TIP: Spice up plain water by switching to flavored seltzer or coconut water,

adding a squeeze of lime, and a sprinkle of salt.

Why Are They Important to Your Health?

Two electrolytes control the balance of intracellular and extracellular water: potassium and sodium, respectively. Intake of these minerals is vital for our health. Hypernatremia (high sodium) and hyponatremia (low sodium) are the most common electrolyte abnormalities in older adults and can be deadly if not treated. We must prioritize hydration to live our most energetic lives possible. Aging decreases the

As we age, our bodies may require medication for conditions such as hypertension, which impact electrolyte levels. Thiazide diuretics are potassiumwasting, so hypokalemia (low potassium) is a possible side effect. Potassium-sparing diuretics may lead to hyperkalemia (high potassium). Loop diuretics can lead to hypernatremia. Hydrochlorothiazide can lower blood potassium, sodium, and magnesium levels. Keep an eye out for these levels in your lab work! Finding ways to support electrolyte balance means supporting your longevity! This can look like choosing electrolyte-rich foods, maintaining steady daily water intake, and making hydration appealing to you.

Improving hydration may require some bladder training to keep you from getting up during the day and night. However, increased bathroom trips may be a small inconvenience to starting feeling like #1 (pun 100% intended).

Maria Sylvester Terry, MS, RDN, is the Ochsner Eat Fit NOLA dietitian; her mission is to promote visibility of nutritious items wherever food is served and break down nutrition myths for all audiences.

may/june 2021 | www.nolaboomers.com

Electrolytes balance the fluids inside and outside of your cells to keep you healthy. This is called intracellular water and extracellular water; together, they equal your total body water. Roughly 60% of body weight comes from total body water. In healthy seniors, this number is more like 45% due to decreased muscle mass.

function of our thirst center, kidney function, and hypothalamus, all of which play a major part in electrolyte balance.

REAL TALK:

COMPUTER

SCAMS HOW TO AVOID GETTING CAUGHT IN A SCAMMER’S WEB

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In August of last year, Emile Fabacher bought a Garmin GPS and decided to install it himself. He Googled the Garmin website, found what he thought was the legitimate Garmin International site, and clicked the phone number on the screen, speaking to “Josh” who got Fabacher’s GPS going. At the end of the conversation, Josh asked if Fabacher needed any more help with his computer and gave him another number to call.

“The IRS, Social Security office or Medicare will never contact a citizen by computer or phone call. They will mail you an official letter,” says the BBB’s Cynthia Albert. “These con artists will try to intimidate you and use all sorts of scare tactics to get you to turn over your computer information, your bank records, your passcodes. Do not respond to them in any way.”

“By the time I called the number Josh gave me, he got into my computer, got all my banking and credit card information, and had all the passwords for those and my PayPal account,” says Fabacher. “In no time, he racked up charges for more than $3,200. I’d been scammed.”

Other scams include callers from “sweepstakes” that say the victim must pay a fee in order to claim the winning cash prize. At the peak of this scam, seniors lost more than $300 million. Most of these calls originate from Jamaica with a 876 area code. “Sadly, the Federal Communications Commission does not have jurisdiction over overseas calls,” says Albert.

Emile Fabacher is not alone.

Take control

One in ten Americans ages 65 and older will become victims of computer scams, a $2.9 billion hit in 2020 alone. And the numbers are actually worse, as only one in 24 victims report the abuse.

If you think you have been scammed, take charge. Once Emile Fabacher realized he had been scammed, he called the BBB, his bank, and credit card companies. He also filed a report with the local police. To date, four of his five credit cards have accepted his explanations and forgiven the charges. He is still working with the fifth credit card company. He also reported the scammer “Josh” to Garmin. The company had no record of his working for them.

“Senior citizens are an easy target for scammers,” says Cynthia Albert, the Better Business Bureau’s (BBB) local vice president of operations/media relations. “Often they live alone, are lonely, and are not as computer savvy as they should be. Seniors are more willing to listen to a scammer’s pitch and even sympathize with what he has to say.” According to a Senate Special Committee on Aging, the most common scam is the computer contact or phone call saying the caller is from the Internal Revenue Service. Often the caller will threaten the individual or warn of foreclosure, arrest or deportation if payment isn’t made. Since 2013, 2.4 million Amercans were targeted with this scam and 14,700 taxpayers lost more than $72 million.

“These scammers are smart,” says Fabacher. “They know how to jump through all the hoops. Seniors need to be aware. We need stronger laws to protect seniors. I’ve been working with computers since 1980 and you’d think I’d know better. And I got hit big.” Laura Claverie is a longtime New Orleans journalist and executive editor of Nola Boomers.

DON'T GET SCAMMED 10 TIPS FOR KEEPING YOUR INFORMATION AND MONEY SAFE First things first: Scammers are dishonest creeps who are out to steal as much as they can from you – your identity, life savings, and everything in between. They use advanced technology to their benefit and become better at subterfuge every day.

How to beat them at their own game: BE PROACTIVE Hackers can get to your information when computer updates are not current. Update your Windows operating system (OS) or Mac iOS regularly. Or, set all devices to automatically update: desktop, laptop, smartphone, and pads.

PASSWORDS Do not store your passwords, bank routing or other important information on your device. Use a good security app in the cloud to hold your sensitive information.

DON’T CLICK EMAIL LINKS OR OPEN ATTACHMENTS Links, if clicked, can download computer viruses or malware that enable them to either steal your identity or lock your computer for a “ransom” to free it. Without opening, move suspicious emails to your “spam” folder.

GET VALIDATION Call whatever company or government agency directly to determine if you did indeed receive a phone call or email from them.

BE SKEPTICAL

PROTECT YOUR SOCIAL IDENTITY

Don’t believe your caller ID. Scammers can spoof (fake) both company phone numbers and numbers in our area code to look legitimate. The same is true for email addresses and website homepages.

Set your social media (Facebook) privacy settings to “private.” And set sharing to “friends only,” be careful what you share (like being out of town on vacation), and don’t accept invitations from strangers.

PROTECT YOUR SOCIAL IDENTITY

IGNORE UNKNOWN PHONE NUMBERS

Hang up! You do not have to listen to anyone on the phone or give them any information.

PAY BY CREDIT CARD

BE ALERT Sign up for free scam alerts from the FTC at ftc.gov/scams.

Credit card fraud protection will protect you if someone uses your card information without your knowledge. By federal law, you will only be liable for $50 if your account is compromised and you report it.

FOR MORE INFORMATION SEE THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU’S “SCAM TRACKER” PAGE ON WWW.BBB.ORG.

may/june 2021 | www.nolaboomers.com

BE RUDE

We all know how frustrating “robocalls” are, with their recorded spiels pitching services. Ignore any unknown numbers to prevent being patched through to nefarious companies that may try to steal your identity or rack up hidden fees.

Your

Guide to a Successful Garage Sale HOW TO GET RID OF ALL THAT STUFF AND PUT MONEY IN YOUR POCKET

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Are your closets overflowing with heaps of stuff you’ve been saving ‘just in case?’ If so, it’s time to put those languishing piles to good use...in someone else’s home! Garage sales are a great way to clear out, recycle, and make some extra cash. Follow these suggestions for a successful sale and a clutter-free home.

WHERE A garage is the best place to hold a sale, offering shelter and quick day-before set up and tear down. If no garage, use a covered porch or your front yard. Be sure to have plenty of tarps available to protect your goods from rain.

TIMING Watch the weather and choose a sunny yet cool day. Typically, the best days to hold sales are Thursdays thru Sundays, with Fridays and Saturdays bringing the most traffic. Mornings bring the most significant flow of shoppers, and the earlier you’re ready, the better. If you open by 7:30 or 8:00 a.m., rummagers will flock.

ORGANIZE AND DISPLAY YOUR WARES Don’t heap your merchandise on tables or leave it in boxes to be ransacked. While some don’t mind digging through messy stacks, most people won’t bother. Organize by type (men’s, women’s, kitchen, office, etc.) Hang as much clothing as possible. Use a laundry pole or portable closet. You can also support a pole between two ladders or stepladders. Plenty of table space is a must. Borrow folding tables, and if you run out, make a table by

propping spare planks of wood between chairs. Keep all but big items off the floor for better visibility. Neatly fold and stack clothing that can’t be hung on tables, and label stacks according to size. Organize good toys and complete sets where parents and grandparents will easily spot them. Then place small articles such as jewelry in divider containers or egg cartons, so they’re easy to view. One exception to the disorderly rule is for small toys. Stick all these little goodies in boxes on the ground where young children can dig for treasures to take home. Label boxes according to the price per item or allow kids to choose one as a prize. Finally, make sure batteries and electricity are available so you can show shoppers that items are in working condition.

NEXT TO NEW SELLS Appearance plays a big role in the sale of used goods and how much they can bring. Wash and dry all clothing and linens, then fold or hang immediately to prevent wrinkles. Wash dust, dirt, and grime from toys, tools, and household items. Also, repair broken merchandise when feasible.

ble ‘guys’ ta Set up a d tools, with han s, lectronic e , s t e g d ga e repair and hom items.

PRICED TO SELL Don’t overprice, or you’ll end up packing up nearly as much as you started with. For big items, look through classified ads or on eBay for average resale prices. But if you check eBay, keep in mind that eBay pricing often isn’t comparable to what people will pay at a garage sale. Some top-quality items in like-new condition can bring 25 to 35% of the replacement cost at rummage sales. Occasionally, tools, equipment, and other things in small supply can be priced higher and sell for 50% to 60% of replacement cost, depending on age and condition. Most used merchandise will bring 5 to 10% of replacement cost at best.

ADVERTISING First, post on Nextdoor.com, the messaging app for your neighborhood, to get good word of mouth. Newspaper classified ads, and Craigslist.com, yardsalefinder.com, and yardsale.com also bring great results. In your ad, be sure to include your address and main cross streets, dates and time of your sale, and what you’ll be selling. List big items individually, as well as the categories of things you’ll sell, like “tools” or “women’s clothing.”

Don’t overpri ce, or you’ll end up packing up nearly as m uch as you started w ith.

Also, post fliers at the grocery or other businesses.Don’t forget to put a bright sign in front of your house and on nearby corners. Balloons tied to your fence or a tree can also make your sale more visible.

PRICING Price all items with stickers or tags, or place a general price sign on a table for groups of items. Many people will walk away from a sale when things aren’t priced; they don’t want the hassle of asking the price for everything they might consider buying.

TIPS FOR SUCCESS The bigger the sale, the more traffic you’ll get. Go in with family, friends, and neighbors and hold one big sale rather than several small ones. Don’t suddenly become emotionally reattached to items. Let them go with no regrets. And be prepared to haggle! Know in advance how low you’re willing to go. Keep in mind it’s better to sell items than having to drive them later to the Goodwill or worse, bring them back inside! Kimberly Blaker is a freelance lifestyle and parenting writer. She’s also founder and director of KB Creative Digital Services, an internet marketing agency, kbcreativedigital.com

may/june 2021 | www.nolaboomers.com

Bryan On his rich acting career and New Orleans’ postpandemic arts scene

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No doubt about it: local actor Bryan Batt was destined for the stage and screen. Encouraged by his arts loving mom, Gayle, at the tender age of 10 he took to the boards of the old NORD theater in the basement of Gallier Hall and has been acting since.

New Orleanians know this native son by many hats, starting with the Batt Family’s ownership of beloved Pontchartrain Beach and star turns on multiple local stages (Tulane and Le Petit Theatre, to name two). He’s a Tulane Greenie who, in 2014, sang the Star-Spangled Banner at the university’s first home football game in the new Yulman Stadium. And while he’s been beamed into our living rooms as Salvatore Romano on Bravo-TV’s awardwinning “Mad Men,” not all realize the scope of Bryan’s big and little screen and theater work.

Batt

At last count, this busy actor has 49 film and television credits to his name, most recent being the locally-shot short film “Garden District,” for which he won Best Lead Actor at the March 2021 London International Film Festival. And this isn’t to mention his many off- and on-Broadway roles, ranging from his first 1980s performances in “Forbidden Broadway” through starring roles in multiple musicals, including “Cats.” Among Batt’s other hats: co-proprietor with his husband Tom Cianfici of the beautifully curated Hazelnut gift and homewares shop on Magazine Street, Emeritus Governor and former board member of Le Petit Theatre, and author of three books (“She Ain’t Heavy, She’s My Mother: A Memoir,” “New Orleans Style: Creating Rooms You Love to Live In,” and “Pontchartrain Beach: A Family Affair”).

WOW!

And even more wow? He’s simply the nicest fella you’d ever want to meet, easy with a big smile and hello for people waving to him on the street and happy conversations at the drop of a hat for friends. It’s no wonder that young, wanna-be actors gravitate toward Batt, seeking advice and asking how he “did it.” He laughs when he explains: “I just moved to New York blindly (after graduating from Tulane) and had no idea what I was getting into. It’s a bizarre business and you do sacrifice for it, at least in the beginning. Back then, the job ruled your life decisions; you performed no matter what, even when an immediate family member was dying or getting married, or you were deathly ill. Although now it’s more lenient and if it can be worked out, they’ll do it for your benefit.”

Secret “I am an extremely shy person. One way I get through stressful situations is to pretend to be someone else. A lot of actors are that way, shy.”

GETTING STARTED

“IT WAS GENETIC!”

Acting was something Batt always wanted to do. NORD’s youth theater program in the ‘70s had a minimum age requirement of 12 years, “But I lied (to get in). It was ‘Lil’ Abner’ and I went on as Pappy Yokum when I was 10!”

Batt comes by his theatricality naturally – he was born to it. “My grandfather (Harry Batt, Sr., Pontchartrain Beach founder) was quite a showman, larger than life. He loved the entertainment business and was a real impresario. I got part of it from him, and then my mom and her mother, Hazel Nuss, who had multiple dance studios.”

Then-producer/director Ty Tracy “was very open and progressive. NORD was for the children of the entire city and the only requirement was you had to be talented.”

LASTING LESSONS Tracy taught the impressionable Batt three lasting, key theater lessons. About the importance of stage awareness, “I learned if you can see them, they can see you.” Of role gravity, “Don’t drop your character until you’re completely off the stage in your dressing room.”

NORD opened his eyes about more than the theater. The privileged little boy from Isidore Newman, living a very protected life, was put into an incredible mix of New Orleanians from every walk of life had his eyes opened. “I didn’t understand the racial problem then. But it’s made me realize (now) how far we’ve come and yet still need to go.”

About today’s dark theaters, Bryan Batt compares COVID-19 restrictions and cancellations to what we experienced in New Orleans post-Katrina. The same uncertainties and worries within the theater industry have been very much the same over the past year-plus. Batt describes how he wrote and performed in his one-man cabaret act, “Batt on a Hot Tin Roof,” at Le Chat Noir (then on St. Charles Avenue) the year after New Orleans’ post-hurricane devastation. “Barbara Motley (Chat Noir owner) called me and said, “Bryan, people are coming back, there’s nothing to do, no entertainment. Come sing your songs and tell your stories.” His husband Tom directed the hugely popular show, with its list of songs and stories about theater and personal New Orleans experiences, which he later took on the road.

AND PROGNOSIS Batt is optimistic: “It will take a while for Broadway to come back. But New Orleans has always been kind of insular in good and bad ways. We’re naturally resilient. If it’s not working, let’s morph it into something else. If the glass is half-empty, add vodka! We celebrate everything – life, death, and everything in between. We’re gonna be fine!”

Trevor Wisdom is a native New Orleanian and managing editor of Nola Boomers.

may/june 2021 | www.nolaboomers.com

And most hard hitting, “All of you are replaceable; there’s a million people people lined up to take that part.”

POST-PANDEMIC PLANS

That same hunger for live performances is what Batt sees will drive audiences back to theaters across the country. Since spring 2020, he’s been busy reworking a one-man drama, “Dear Mr. Williams,” he wrote for and performed at the 2018 Tennessee Williams Festival. The drama is an exploration of Tennessee Williams’ time in New Orleans and the influence his works had on Batt, and Batt’s personal affinity for the great playwright. The revised work is a collaboration with Tony-nominated director Michael Wilson; they hope the play will premiere this fall and open Le Petit Theater’s new season.

CAMPING: A Family

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Get-Away How-To

Primitive or premium, there’s a camping style for you and the grandkids to get away

Going stir crazy? Have the travel itch but not yet comfortable with airplanes, hotels, and fellow travelers? Then consider taking the grandkids on a family camping trip at one of the nearby state parks. Several Louisiana and Mississippi State Parks are within one to two hours of New Orleans, with campsites and cabins open yearround.

First things first Choose your locale and decide whether you want to pitch a tent at a campsite (“primitive camping”) or go a little more upscale in an RV with electrical and water hookups (“premium camping”). Or plan a comfy experience with a furnished cabin. Multiple

options are found through a quick Google search. Whichever mode you choose, reservations are required at both state parks and private cabins; all have terrific online resources and reservations systems. And remember, if you want it, you need to bring it! This includes gear, clothes, firewood, food, and all other necessities, including garbage bags. Good campers are thoughtful campers: everything you bring must also go back out with you. That includes taking your trash with you for proper disposal at home.

to place under each sleeping bag. The ground is colder and harder (and more damp) than you might think. Remember to bring mosquito netting & spray if you’ll be in a tent.

Practice Before packing, test whatever you’re taking to ensure comfortable sleep, that batteries work, and so forth. Consider an overnight practice run in your backyard if you’re planning to camp out in a tent. This way the kids will know what to expect when they get to the campground.

Gear

Safety

Your locale and weather will determine your gear; grab a pad and start a list. Sleeping bags, tents, firewood and matches, eating utensils and cups, flashlights, lanterns, and all other necessities and creature comforts need to be planned for and packed. Do you need a pillow? Do the kiddos sleep with woobies? Don’t forget special items! And extra socks. And toilet paper!

A word to the wise: pack a first aid kit with essentials including bandages, hydrogen peroxide, bug bite relief, antibiotic and burn ointments, and gauze, tape, and scissors. If you’re hiking, those bandages will be greatly appreciated.

Remember to bring a sweater and hat for chilly nights, and sunblock for daytime rays while hiking or fishing. Don’t plan to sleep on the ground if you’re camping in a tent – buy each person a specially made foam pad

Remember fire safety if you bring a camp stove or fire pit, or are using an existing park fire pit. Read up in advance and review with the kids how to prevent forest fires. Never leave a campfire unattended. (Smokeybear. com is a terrific site for families and to prepare the kids.) The same rules should apply when you practice camping in the backyard. Print a map of the camping site/park area and review it with the kids in advance so that they have the lay of the land. Give each child a whistle so they can communicate their location in case they get separated.

Activities BIRDING

Bring along a couple of fishing poles and a tackle box appropriately stocked for the fish in that park’s waterways. Want to go old school? Bring a trowel to dig for earthworms and a covered container to put them in. Cook what you catch, or fish for fun – take pictures and then catch and release. Remember bug spray.

COOKING Yes, consider cooking a fun activity, with everyone pitching in. Some campsites provide barbecue pits or pre-made fire pits, but others don’t. Park cabins will have kitchens; check in advance what’s there. Depending upon what’s supplied, you may need to bring wood, newspapers, and matches for starting fires, and kitchen utensils like pots, pans, spatulas, etc. There are a wide variety of stoves and grills specifically manufactured for camping. If you decide to camp out regularly, you’ll want to purchase one of these to bring with you. Ample water and snacks are essential. Consider bringing beef jerky or making homemade granola or energy bars for the total camping experience. Last, don’t forget s’mores fixings! A camping trip isn’t complete without making s’mores around the campfire and telling ghost stories.

WATER SPORTS Some camps provide canoes and even have swimming pools. Others have boat launches. Make your reservation at a park with the options that most interest your family. Remember life vests and towels if you’ll be on the water. Having the whole family together, away from wifi and electronics, is a great way to reconnect and make memories for a lifetime. Happy camping!

Trevor Wisdom is the managing editor of Nola Boomers, who loved camping as a kid and watching falling stars.

may/june 2021 | www.nolaboomers.com

Our Mississippi Delta locale is within the great migratory flyway with an abundance of birds throughout the year. Download a birding app or purchase a good paperback book, and bring along your binoculars. Early mornings in summer are best to see nesting forest birds like kite, thrush, and warbler. And you’ll find wading birds in coastal locales.

FISHING

s e i b e e r F Virtual Music & Learning

Museums and Exhibits

Sundays

CAC 900 Camp St. Each Sunday, Louisiana residents receive free admission to the Contemporary Arts Center, courtesy of The Helis Foundation. cacno.org. 11 am–5 pm. Longue Vue House and Gardens 7 Bamboo Road. On the 1st Sunday of every month, free admission for Louisiana families. Bring a picnic, explore the children’s Discovery Garden, and stroll the gardens. Reservations required. 1–5 pm. Longuevue.com.

Wednesdays Audubon Zoo 6500 Magazine St. On the 3rd Wednesday of each month, Orleans Parish residents with ID proof of residency get free admission with up to four guests to Audubon Zoo. audubonnatureinstitute.org. 10 am–5 pm. Botanical Garden 5 Victory Ave. Each Wednesday, Louisiana residents receive free admission to the New Orleans Botanical Garden, courtesy of The Helis Foundation. neworleanscitypark.com/botanical-garden. 10 am–8 pm.

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Thursdays

Audubon Aquarium of the Americas 1 Canal St. On the 1st Thursday of each month, Orleans Parish residents with ID proof of residency get free admission with up to four guests to Audubon Aquarium of the Americas. audubonnatureinstitute.org. 10 am–5 pm. Free Admission to Ogden Museum 925 Camp St., Each Thursday, Louisiana residents receive free admission to the Ogden Museum of Southern Art, courtesy of The Helis Foundation. ogdenmuseum.org. 10 am–5 pm. Free Admission to NOMA One Collins Diboll Circle, City Park, Each Thursday, Louisiana residents receive free admission to the New Orleans Museum of Art, courtesy of The Helis Foundation. noma.org. 10 am–6 pm.

CONCERTS FROM THE NEW ORLEANS JAZZ MUSEUM Tuesdays

Balcony Livestream Concert Series Dynamic jazz musicians perform live from the Jazz Museum’s balcony, watch on facebook.com/nolajazzmuseum/live. 5--6 pm

Wednesdays & Thursdays Jazz Foundation of America Presents... Live jazz performances featured every Wednesday and Thursday. facebook.com/nolajazzmuseum/live to watch. 2–3 pm.

Fridays QUARANTUNES Virtual Concerts Tune in to an exciting mix of musicians performing from their homes, highlighting the rich culture and history of New Orleans. facebook.com/nolajazzmuseum/live. 2–3 pm Virtual Concert: Piano Hour Join these virtual concerts featuring a different artist each week. facebook.com/nolajazzmuseum/live. 2--3 pm. *Past concerts also can be seen on the museum’s FB page.

NEW ORLEANS PUBLIC LIBRARY THUR May 6 Home DNA Testing & You Author Libby Copeland will talk about her book “The Lost Family: How DNA Testing is Upending Who We Are,” and archivist Amanda Fallis will demonstrate the use of Ancestry.com Library Edition. Registration required, nolalibrary.org. Thursday, May 6. 6–8 pm.

SAT May 8 & 22 Creative Writing Workshop Writers will create, share, and critique original work while learning to develop their own voice and style via Zoom. Novice & experienced writers welcome. Registration required, nolalibrary.org. Free. 1–3 pm. Yarn Arts Craft Circle Share skills and techniques to learn from and with one another while working on your own yarn and thread arts projects. Registration required, nolalibrary.org. Free. 3:30–4:30 pm.

ON THE GO

MAY 1 SAT

Pelican Greenhouse Plant Sales Pelican Greenhouse, New Orleans City Park. Shop through a large selection of plants, many of which are propagated from cuttings, seeds, and divisions from specimens growing in the Botanical Garden. Face masks required. neworleanscitypark.com. Saturdays & Sundays in May & June. 8 am–noon.

5 WED Cinco de Mayo Art in Bloom 2021

Homemade Butter Making Class LSU AgCenter. Dairy professor Dr. Chuck Boeneke will explain the science behind making butter and demonstrate how to make it. Gaye Sandoz, LSU AgCenter Food Incubator director, will demonstrate how to infuse butter with flavors. $15. store.lsuagcenter.com. 6–7 pm.

12 WED

Hey Y’all Art Talk

Virtual Mint Julep

Ogden Museum of Southern Art. Museum Educator Sara Echaniz facilitates an in-depth conversation about art and artists from Ogden Museum’s permanent collection and current exhibitions. Registration required. ogdenmuseum.org. Noon–12:30 pm. Free.

Sazerac House, 101 Magazine St. Featuring Buffalo Trace Bourbon. Cocktail Kits available for sale for curbside pickup. A portion of the sales benefiting the Louisiana Hospitality Foundation. sazerachouse.com. 5–5:45 pm.

Music at the Museum Pitot House, 1440 Moss St., New Orleans. Enjoy an outdoor performance in the courtyard with Brass Quintet. BYO chairs, blankets, food, and drinks. $35/person. lpomusic.com. 6 pm.

8 SAT Jazz’n the Vines Ponchartrain Vineyards, 81250 Highway 1082, Bush. Amanda Shaw & The Cute Boys captivate audiences, blending authentic Cajun culture with endearing charm. Tickets $10–$25. pontchartrainvineyards.com. 6:30–9 pm.

9 SUN MOTHER’S DAY

Twilight at Longue Vue Longue Vue House and Gardens, 7 Bamboo Road. Twilight at Longue Vue open-air showcase features local musicians; Robin Barnes provides this week’s entertainment. Free/member, $10/non-member. longuevue.com. 5–7 pm.

13 THURS Cured & Aged: Whiskey and Meat Pairings Sazerac House, 101 Magazine St. This BBQ and whiskey pairing features Emmylou’s BBQ and a flight of whiskey cocktails. sazerachouse.com. 5–6 pm. $30/person.

Music at the Museum – Violin, Viola, and Piano St. Alphonsus Art & Cultural Center, 2045 Constance St., New Orleans. Enjoy an indoor performance. Food and beverage allowed. $35/person. lpomusic.com. 6 pm.

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New Orleans Museum of Art. Spectacular floral designs created by garden clubs, floral designers, and creative talents from across New Orleans are showcased. Both virtual and in-person, adhering to safety measures. noma.org. Prices vary. Continues through May 9.

6 THURS

14 FRI Hors d’oeuvres, Cocktails and Garden Tales Botanical Garden, New Orleans City Park. The Botanical Garden and The Sazerac House partner for a fun night in the garden. $45/person. neworleanscitypark.com. 6:30–8:30 pm.

15 SAT ARMED FORCES DAY

LPO Digital Concert. Featuring music by Bach, Bernstein, and Piazzolla with a special performance by Music for Life Students. Appearances by Carlos Miguel Prieto, Thomas Wilkins, and Courtney Bryan. lpomusic.com/event. 7 pm.

19 WED Lunchbox Lecture The National WWII Museum. Asian Americans and World War II: How Non-Japanese, Asian Americans Experienced the War will explore the experiences of Chinese, Korean, Filipino, and Indian Americans during World War II. Free. nationalww2museum.org. 11 am–noon.

| may/june 2021

20 THURS

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Drink & Learn: Juleps

Ogden Museum of Southern Art. Tune in for a new drawing exercise with Museum Educator, Michelle Pontiff. This beginner-level drawing class is designed to build your drawing skills via interpretation of nature. Registration required. ogdenmuseum. org. Noon–1 pm. Free.

Sazerac House, 101 Magazine St. Learn how the adaptations of the julep went from Persia and the Mediterranean to the southern states. sazerachouse. com. 4–5 pm. $30/person.

Cocoa & Cocktails: Bourbon

Twilight at Longue Vue

Sazerac House, 101 Magazine St. From cocoa bean to oak barrel, learn how chocolate and whiskey are perfect pairings, featuring Piety & Desire Chocolate, and Buffalo Trace Whiskey. sazerachouse.com. 4–5 pm. $30/ person.

Who Dun it? Mystery Book Club

LPO At 30

Drawing 101

JTOURS: Congregation Mickve Israel with Rabbi Robert Haas Founded in 1733, Congregation Mickve Israel is America’s third oldest Jewish congregation and its first Ashkenazic synagogue. The current building, dating to 1878, is named one of the “15 Most Beautiful Synagogues in the World.” nojcc.org. Free. 11 am–noon.

New Orleans Public Library. Solve crimes and discover “whodunit” on Zoom. Each month, a new selection will be unveiled. New members welcome. Registration required, nolalibrary.org. Free. 4–5 pm.

21 FRI “HEDY! The Life & Inventions of Hedy Lamarr” BB’s Stage Door Canteen. HEDY! The Life & Inventions of Hedy Lamarr explores Hedy Lamarr’s Hollywood stardom and inventive achievements in the war effort. $37/member, $40/ non-member. nationalww2museum. org. Additional showtimes on May 2223 and 28-30. 7 pm.

22 SAT Jazz’n the Vines – The Krickets Ponchartrain Vineyards, 81250 Highway 1082, Bush. A two-time IMA song of the year winner, this female Americana Gulf Coast group boasts a stunning, one of a kind sound with deep folk-based harmony. Tickets $10–$25. pontchartrainvineyards.com. 6:30–9 pm.

26 WED

Longue Vue House and Gardens, 7 Bamboo Road. Twilight at Longue Vue open-air showcase features local musicians; Ryan Hanseler provides this week’s entertainment. Free/ member, $10/non-member. longuevue. com. 5–7 pm.

27 THURS Art + Zen Meditation Series Ogden Museum of Southern Art. Join for a live monthly contemplation practice inspired by a work of Southern art led by Ogden Museum educator and yoga instructor, Mikhayla Harrell. Registration required. ogdenmuseum.org. Noon– 12:30 pm. $5 suggested donation.

28 FRI Virtual Way of Tea Demonstration New Orleans Museum of Art, One Collins C. Diboll Circle. Led by Naomi Yoder (they/them), Japanese Way of Tea Practitioner, Urasenke Lineage. Registration required. Free. noma.org. 6:30 pm.

31 MON MEMORIAL DAY

JUNE 2 WED

Fine Print Book Club Presents The Historic New Orleans Collection. The group’s informal learning program promotes dialogue and connections via shared reading. This week: Ernie K-Doe: The R&B Emperor of New Orleans. Participants are expected to obtain their own copy of each title, registration is required. On Zoom. Free my.hnoc.org/events. 7 pm.

5 SAT Jazz’n the Vines Ponchartrain Vineyards, 81250 Highway 1082, Bush. Samuel Ray Warren and his band pay tribute to the great Ray Charles in this well-rehearsed and stunning performance. Tickets $10–$25. pontchartrainvineyards.com. 6:30–9 pm.

9 WED New Orleans Wine & Food Experience

Twilight at Longue Vue Longue Vue House and Gardens, 7 Bamboo Road. Twilight at Longue Vue open-air showcase features local musicians; Wrong House provides this week’s entertainment. Free/member, $10/non-member. longuevue.com 5–7 pm.

Wartime Piano Happy Hour

FLAG DAY

BB’s Stage Door Canteen, 945 Magazine St. After your museum visit, enjoy favorites like “Sentimental Journey” and “I’ll Be Seeing You,” and learn how these tunes coincided with significant war events. Beverages for purchase. $10/person. nationalww2museum.org. 4–4:45 pm.

16 WED Lunchbox Lecture The National WWII Museum. This lecture follows the story of the USS Samuel B. Roberts from her construction and outfitting and through her missions, culminating with her gallant defense of the Escort Carriers in the Battle off Samar. Free. nationalww2museum.org. 11 am–noon.

19 SAT Jazz’n the Vines Ponchartrain Vineyards, 81250 Highway 1082, Bush. The Pine Leaf Boys, a four-time Grammynominated band, hail from Southwest Louisiana. Tickets $10–$25. pontchartrainvineyards.com. 6:30–9 pm.

20 SUN FATHER’S DAY

23 WED Twilight at Longue Vue Longue Vue House and Gardens, 7 Bamboo Road. Twilight at Longue Vue open-air showcase features local musicians; Trevarri provides this week’s entertainment.. Free/member, $10/non-member. longuevue.com. 5–7 pm.

27 FRI Memorial Day Events World War II Museum. 945 Magazine St. Special Memorial Day Weekend events for all ages and interests, including the Great Balloon Glow on Sunday evening and a free public ceremony on Memorial Day. Free admission for veterans and activeduty military personnel; public general admission is half-price. www. nationalww2museum.org. Continues through May 31. 9 am–5 pm.

may/june 2021 | www.nolaboomers.com

In its 29th Anniversary year, this New Orleans festival has become one of most incredible culinary events in the nation, attracting gourmands and connoisseurs as well as art and music lovers. nowfe.com. Continues through June 13. Time varies by day.

14 MON

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So advertise with us, and catch up to them.

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magazine

Senior Care DIRECTORY

Senior care is a catch-all term that encompasses a variety of facilities, living styles, and services – from assisted living and memory care centers to in-home assistance, adult daycare programs, retirement communities, and hospice care. Whether you’re selecting a facility or care for yourself or a loved one, we recognize that researching what’s best can be arduous. To simplify the process for you, here’s our directory of quality, local options from which to choose and a quick thumbnail on each type of care.

Adult Daycare Centers

Assisted Living

These facilities provide meals, structured activities, transportation, and social interaction for people with cognitive or functional impairments, usually serving those 80 years and older. Adult daycare centers also offer a safe place to go when family caregivers are at work or just need a break. On-site and on-call medical professionals, transportation, and field trips and activities are provided.

Assisted living is a great option for seniors who need some extra help and support with daily tasks. These facilities primarily provide personal care in a home-like, social setting. Residents live in their own rooms or small apartments and share common areas. They have access to three meals a day, help with medications, housekeeping, and laundry, 24-hour security and on-site staff, and are offered social and recreational activities.

John J. Hainkel, Jr. Home & Rehabilitation Center 612 Henry Clay Ave., New Orleans 70118 504.896.5900, hainkelhome.com Total # of Beds: 102, private/semi-private rooms available Payment Type Accepted: Private Insurance, Private Pay, Medicaid, Medicare, VA Contracts Kingsley House 1600 Constance St., New Orleans 70130 504.523.6221, kingsleyhouse.org Total # of Beds: N/A Payment Type Accepted: Private Pay, Medicaid, VA Contracts

Poydras Home 5354 Magazine St., New Orleans 70115 504.897.0535, poydrashome.com Total # of Beds: 110, private/semi-private rooms available Payment Type Accepted: Private Pay

Avanti Senior Living at Covington 2234 Watercross Pkwy., Covington 70433 985.317.6110, covington.avanti-sl.com Total # of Beds: 98, private/semi-private rooms available Payment Type Accepted: Private Pay Beau Provence 100 Beau West Dr., Mandeville 70471 985.869.5118, beauprovence.com Total # of Beds: 46, private/semi-private rooms available Payment Type Accepted: Private Pay Brookdale Mandeville 1414 N. Causeway Blvd., Mandeville 70471 985.200.0202, brookdale.com/en/communities/brookdale-mandeville.html Total # of Beds: 107, private/semi-private rooms available Payment Type Accepted: Private Pay

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PACE Greater New Orleans 4201 N. Rampart St., New Orleans 70117 504.941.6507, pacegno.org Total # of Beds: N/A Payment Type Accepted: Medicaid, Medicare

The Atrium Assisted Living 6555 Park Manor Dr., Metairie 70003 504.454.6635 Total # of Beds: 78, private/semi-private rooms available Payment Type Accepted: Private Pay

ssisted Livin

Christwood Retirement Community 100 Christwood Blvd., Covington 70433 985.898.0515, christwoodrc.com Total # of Beds: 223, private/semi-private rooms available Payment Type Accepted: Private Pay

St. Margaret’s at Belleville 813 Pelican Ave., New Orleans 70114 504.362.7166, facebook.com/BellevilleALF Total # of Beds: 53, private/semi-private rooms available Payment Type Accepted: Private Pay

Good Samaritan Rehabilitation & Nursing Center 4021 Cadillac St., New Orleans 70122 504.246.7900, goodsamaritanrehabandnursing.com Total # of Beds: 180, private/semi-private rooms available Payment Type Accepted: Private Insurance, Private Pay, Medicaid, Medicare

Sunrise of Metairie 3732 W. Esplanade Ave., Metairie 70002 504.273.4366, sunriseseniorliving.com Total # of Beds: 72, private/semi-private rooms available Payment Type Accepted: Private Pay

HomeLife in the Gardens 1101 Aline St., New Orleans 70115 504.894.6100, homelifeinthegardens.com Total # of Beds: 95, private/semi-private rooms available Payment Type Accepted: Private Insurance, Private Pay, VA Contracts Laketown Village 1600 Joe Yenni Blvd., Kenner 70065 504.322.3995, pegasusseniorliving.com/ laketown-village Total # of Beds: 25, private/semi-private rooms available Payment Type Accepted: Private Pay

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Lambeth House 150 Broadway St., New Orleans 70118 504.865.1960, lambethhouse.com Total # of Beds: 61 assisted living apartments Payment Type Accepted: Private Pay

St. Anthony’s Gardens 601 Holy Trinity Dr., Covington 70433 985.238.4310, https://www.stanthonysgardens.org/ Total # of Beds: 99, private/semi-private rooms available Payment Type Accepted: Private Insurance, Private Pay, VA Contracts St. Francis Villa Assisted Living 10411 Jefferson Hwy., River Ridge 70123 504.738.1060, stfrancisvilla.com Total # of Beds: 65, private/semi-private rooms available Payment Type Accepted: Private Insurance, Private Pay, VA Contracts

The Trace by Discovery Senior Living 19432 Crawford Rd., Covington 70433 985.249.7676, thetraceseniorliving.com Total # of Beds: 77, private/semi-private rooms available Payment Type Accepted: Private Pay Tranquil Living 4500 Leo St., Marrero 70072 504.304.9925, http://tranquilliving.net/ Total # of Beds: 10, private/semi-private rooms available Payment Type Accepted: Private Pay Village in the Oaks 75520 LA Highway 1081, Covington 70435 985.871.0111, villageintheoaks.com Total # of Beds: 34, private/semi-private rooms available Payment Type Accepted: Private Pay Ville St. Marie Senior Living Community 4112 Jefferson Hwy., New Orleans 70124 504.834.3164, villestemarie.com Total # of Beds: 87, private/semi-private rooms available Payment Type Accepted: Private Pay Vista Shores 5958 St. Bernard Ave., New Orleans 70122 504.288.3734, vistashores.com Total # of Beds: 162, private/semi-private rooms available Payment Type Accepted: Private Insurance, Private Pay, VA Contracts The Windsor Senior Living Community 1770 N. Causeway Blvd., Mandeville 70471 985.624.8040, windsorseniorliving.com Total # of Beds: 136, private/semi-private rooms available Payment Type Accepted: Private Pay

These residential communities or housing complexes are designed for older adults who are generally able to care for themselves. Activities and socializing opportunities are provided. Continuing care retirement communities offer different levels of service in one location, varying by facility. A resident might move from one level to another, depending on their specific needs. Healthcare services and recreation programs are provided.

R e t i r e m e n t

Retirement Communities/ Continuum Of Care Retirement Communities

Nouveau Marc 1101 Sunset Blvd., Kenner 70065 504.353.9314, holidayseniorliving.com/senior-apartments/ louisiana/nouveau-marc-kenner Total # of Beds: 110, private/semi-private rooms available Payment Type Accepted: Private Pay Poydras Home 5354 Magazine St., New Orleans 70115 504.897.0535, poydrashome.com Total # of Beds: 110, private/semi-private rooms available Payment Type Accepted: Private Pay

Chateau de Notre Dame 2832 Burdette St., New Orleans 70118 504.866.2741, cdnd.org Total # of Beds: 171, private/semi-private rooms available Payment Type Accepted: Medicaid, Medicare

St. Anthony’s Gardens 601 Holy Trinity Dr., Covington 70433 985.288.1075, stanthonysgardens.org Total # of Beds: 99, private/semi-private rooms available Payment Type Accepted: Insurance, Private Pay, VA Contracts

Christwood Retirement Community 100 Christwood Blvd., Covington 70433 985.898.0515, christwoodrc.com Total # of Beds: 223, private/semi-private rooms available Payment Type Accepted: Private Pay

Jo Ellen Smith Living Center 4502 General Meyer Ave., New Orleans 70131 504.361.7923, jesliving.com Total # of Beds: 176, private/semi-private rooms available Payment Type Accepted: Insurance, Private Pay, Medicaid, Medicare, V.A. Contacts

Village in the Oaks 75520 LA Highway 1081, Covington 70435 985.871.0111, villageintheoaks.com Total # of Beds: 34, private/semi-private rooms available Payment Type Accepted: Private Pay

Laketown Village 1600 Joe Yenni Blvd., Kenner 70065 504.322.3995, pegasusseniorliving.com/laketown-village Total # of Beds: 25, private/semi-private rooms available Payment Type Accepted: Private Pay

Landing at Behrman Place 3601 Behrman Pl., New Orleans 70114 504.208.2038, sunshineretirementliving.com/new-orleansretirement-living Total # of Beds: N/A, private/semi-private rooms available Payment Type Accepted: Private Pay

The Windsor Senior Living Community 1770 N. Causeway Blvd., Mandeville 70471 985.624.8040, windsorseniorliving.com Total # of Beds: 136, private/semi-private rooms available Payment Type Accepted: Private Pay

Woldenberg Village 3701 Behrman Pl., New Orleans 70114 504.367.5640, touro.com/woldenberg-village Total # of Beds: 120, private/semi-private rooms available Payment Type Accepted: Medicaid, Medicare, V.A. Contracts

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Lambeth House 150 Broadway St., New Orleans 70118 504.865.1960, lambethhouse.com Total # of Beds: 118 independent living apartment homes Payment Type Accepted: Private Pay

Ville St. Marie Senior Living Community 4112 Jefferson Hwy., New Orleans 70124 504.834.3164, villestemarie.com Total # of Beds: 87, private/semi-private rooms available Payment Type Accepted: Private Pay

y r o m e M Memory Care Homes

Memory care is a distinct form of long-term care designed to meet the specific needs of a person with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, or other types of memory problems. The Academy House 4324 Academy Dr., Metairie 70003 504.884.1063, theacademyhouse.net Total # of Beds: 6, private/semi-private rooms available Payment Type Accepted: Private Pay The Atrium Assisted Living 6555 Park Manor Dr., Metairie 70003 504.454.6635 Total # of Beds: 78, private/semi-private rooms available Payment Type Accepted: Private Pay Avanti Senior Living at Covington 2234 Watercross Pkwy., Covington 70433 985.317.6110, https://covington.avanti-sl.com/ Total # of Beds: 98, private/semi-private rooms available Payment Type Accepted: Private Pay

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Bayside Healthcare Center 3201 Wall Blvd., Gretna 70056 504.393.1515, facebook.com/ BaysideHealthcareCenter Total # of Beds: 150, private/semi-private rooms available Payment Type Accepted: Medicaid, Medicare

Brookdale Mandeville 1414 N. Causeway Blvd., Mandeville 70471 985.200.0202, brookdale.com/en/communities/brookdalemandeville.html Total # of Beds: 107, private/semi-private rooms available Payment Type Accepted: Private Pay Christwood Retirement Community 100 Christwood Blvd., Covington 70433 985.898.0515, christwoodrc.com Total # of Beds: 223, private/semi-private rooms available Payment Type Accepted: Private Pay

Harvard House 4012 Harvard Ave., Metairie 70006 504.884.1063, theacademyhouse.net/the-homes Total # of Beds: 8, private/semi-private rooms available Payment Type Accepted: Private Pay Heritage Manor of Mandeville 1820 W. Causeway Approach, Mandeville 70471 985.626.4798, heritagemanormandeville.com Total # of Beds: 145, private/semi-private rooms available Payment Type Accepted: Private Insurance, Private Pay, Medicaid, Medicare HomeLife in the Gardens 1101 Aline St., New Orleans 70115 504.894.6100, homelifeinthegardens.com Total # of Beds: 95, private/semi-private rooms available Payment Type Accepted: Private Insurance, Private Pay Jo Ellen Smith Living Center 4502 General Meyer Ave., New Orleans 70131 504.361.7923, jesliving.com Total # of Beds: 176, private/semi-private rooms available Payment Type Accepted: Insurance, Private Pay, Medicaid, Medicare, V.A. Contacts Laketown Village 1600 Joe Yenni Blvd., Kenner 70065 504.322.3995, pegasusseniorliving.com/ laketown-village Total # of Beds: 25, private/semi-private rooms available Payment Type Accepted: Private Pay Marrero Healthcare Center 5301 August Ave., Marrero 70072 504.341.3658, nexion-health.com/marrerohealthcare Total # of Beds: 105, private/semi-private rooms available Payment Type Accepted: Private Insurance, Private Pay, Medicaid, Medicare

Our Lady of Wisdom Healthcare Center 5600 General DeGaulle Dr., New Orleans 70131 504.394.5991, olwhealth.org Total # of Beds: 138, private/semi-private rooms available Payment Type Accepted: Private Pay, Medicaid

The Suites at Algiers Point 813 Pelican Ave., New Orleans 70114 504.676.5279, algierspointsuites.com Total # of Beds: 53, private/semi-private rooms available Payment Type Accepted: Private Pay

Peristyle Residence Lakeview House 858 Mouton St., New Orleans 70124 504.517.3273, peristyleresidences.com/locations/ lakeviewhouse Total # of Beds: 7, private/semi-private rooms available Payment Type Accepted: Private Insurance, Private Pay, VA Contracts

Sunrise of Metairie 3732 W. Esplanade Ave., Metairie 70002 504.273.4366, sunriseseniorliving.com Total # of Beds: 72, private/semi-private rooms available Payment Type Accepted: Private Pay

Pontchartrain Health Care Centre 1401 Hwy. 190, Mandeville 70448 985.626.8581, pontcare.com Total # of Beds: 127, private/semi-private rooms available Payment Type Accepted: Private Insurance, Private Pay, Medicaid, Medicare Poydras Home 5354 Magazine St., New Orleans 70115 504.897.0535, poydrashome.com Total # of Beds: 110, private/semi-private rooms available Payment Type Accepted: Private Pay St. Anna’s at Lambeth House 150 Broadway St., New Orleans 70118 504.865.1960, lambethhouse.com Total # of Beds: 72, private/semi-private rooms available Payment Type Accepted: Private Pay

St.Anthony’s Healthcare & Rehab Center 6001 Airline Dr., Metairie 70003 504.733.8448, stanthonynh.com Total # of Beds: 124, private/semi-private rooms available Payment Type Accepted: Private Insurance, Private Pay, Medicaid, Medicare, VA Contracts

St. Joseph Nursing & Rehabilitation Center 405 Folse St., Harahan 70123 504.738.7676, stjosephofharahan.com Total # of Beds: 192, private/semi-private rooms available Payment Type Accepted: Private Pay, Medicaid, Medicare

Wynhoven Health Care Center 1050 Medical Center Blvd., Marrero 70072 504.347.0777, wynhoven.org Total # of Beds: 166, private/semi-private rooms available Payment Type Accepted: Medicaid, Medicare

may/june 2021 | www.nolaboomers.com

St. Anna’s at Lambeth House 150 Broadway St., New Orleans 70118 504.865.1960, lambethhouse.com Total # of Beds: 15 secure memory care rooms Payment Type Accepted: Private Pay

ursing Home

Nursing Homes Nursing homes offer round-the-clock health and personal care in a clinical setting, with services varying by facility. Their services focus on medical care, 24-hour supervision, three meals a day, and assistance with everyday activities, including bathing and feeding. Most nursing home residents live there permanently. Bayside Healthcare Center 3201 Wall Blvd., Gretna 70056 504.393.1515, facebook.com/ BaysideHealthcareCenter Total # of Beds: 150, private/semi-private rooms available Payment Type Accepted: Medicaid, Medicare Carrington Place of New Orleans 5301 Tullis Dr., New Orleans 70131 504.394.5807, carringtonplaces.com Total # of Beds: 160, private/semi-private rooms available Payment Type Accepted: Medicaid, Medicare Chateau Living Center of Kenner 716 Village Rd., Kenner 70065 504.464.0604, chateaulivingcenterkenner. com Total # of Beds: 250, private/semi-private rooms available Payment Type Accepted: Private Insurance, Private Pay, Medicaid, Medicare

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| may/june 2021

Covenant Nursing Home 5919 Magazine St., New Orleans 70115 504.897.6216, covenantnursinghome.org Total # of Beds: 96, private/semi-private rooms available Payment Type Accepted: Private Insurance, Private Pay, Medicaid, Medicare, V.A. Contracts

Ferncrest Manor Living Center 14500 Hayne Blvd., New Orleans 70128 504.246.1426, ferncrest.com Total # of Beds: 258, private/semi-private rooms available Payment Type Accepted: Private Insurance, Private Pay, Medicaid, Medicare Good Samaritan Rehab and Nursing Center 4021 Cadillac St., New Orleans 70122 504.246.7900, goodsamaritanrehabandnursing.com Total # of Beds: 180, private/semi-private rooms available Payment Type Accepted: Private Insurance, Private Pay, Medicaid, Medicare

Heritage Manor of Mandeville 1820 W. Causeway Approach, Mandeville 70471 985.626.4798, heritagemanormandeville.com Total # of Beds: 145, private/semi-private rooms available Payment Type Accepted: Private Insurance, Private Pay, Medicaid, Medicare Jefferson HealthCare Center 2200 Jefferson Hwy., Jefferson 70121 504.837.3144, jeffersonhealthcarela.com Total # of Beds: 220, private/semi-private rooms available Payment Type Accepted: Private Insurance, Private Pay, Medicaid, Medicare John J. Hainkel, Jr. Home & Rehabilitation Center 612 Henry Clay Ave., New Orleans 70118 504.896.5900, hainkelhome.com Total # of Beds: 102, private/semi-private rooms available Payment Type Accepted: Private Insurance, Private Pay, Medicaid, Medicare, VA Contracts Lafon Nursing Facility of the Holy Family 6900 Chef Menteur Blvd., New Orleans 70126 504.241.6285, lafonnursingfacility.com Total # of Beds: 148, private/semi-private rooms available Payment Type Accepted: Private Insurance, Private Pay, Medicaid, Medicare, VA Contracts Maison Deville Nursing Home of Harvey 2233 8th St., Harvey 70058 504.362.9522 Total # of Beds: 100, private/semi-private rooms available Payment Type Accepted: Private Insurance, Private Pay, Medicaid, Medicare, VA Contracts Marrero Healthcare Center 5301 August Ave., Marrero 70072 504.341.3658, nexion-health.com/marrero-healthcare Total # of Beds: 105, private/semi-private rooms available Payment Type Accepted: Private Insurance, Private Pay, Medicaid, Medicare Our Lady of Wisdom Healthcare Center 5600 General DeGaulle Dr., New Orleans 70131 504.394.5991, olwhealth.org Total # of Beds: 138, private/semi-private rooms available Payment Type Accepted: Private Pay, Medicaid

Personal C are St. Anna’s at Lambeth House 150 Broadway St., New Orleans 70118 504.865.1960, lambethhouse.com Total # of Beds: 56 private nursing care residences Payment Type Accepted: Private Pay St. Joseph Nursing & Rehabilitation Center 405 Folse St., Harahan 70123 504.738.7676, stjosephofharahan.com Total # of Beds: 192, private/semi-private rooms available Payment Type Accepted: Private Pay, Medicaid, Medicare St. Jude’s Health and Wellness Center 1539 Delachaise St., New Orleans 70115 504.895.3953 Total # of Beds: 116 Payment Type Accepted: Private Insurance, Private Pay, Medicaid, Medicare, VA Contracts St. Luke’s Medical Center 4201 Woodland Dr., New Orleans 70131 504.378.5050, stlukesno.org Total # of Beds: 101, private/semi-private rooms available Payment Type Accepted: Private Insurance, Private Pay, Medicaid, Medicare, V.A. Contracts St. Margaret’s at Mercy 3525 Bienville St., New Orleans 70119 504.279.6414, stmmercy.org Total # of Beds: 112, private/semi-private rooms available Payment Type Accepted: Private Pay, Medicaid

Wynhoven Health Care Center 1050 Medical Center Blvd., Marrero 70072 504.347.0777, wynhoven.org Total # of Beds: 166, private/semi-private rooms available Payment Type Accepted: Medicaid, Medicare

Assisted living and personal care homes offer seniors many of the same services as independent living communities, but with the addition of assistance with daily needs. These are usually smaller, more private facilities, providing beds for five to 20 residents. The Academy House 4324 Academy Dr., Metairie 70003 504.884.1063, theacademyhouse.net Total # of Beds: 6, private/semi-private rooms available Payment Type Accepted: Private Pay Fidelis Residential Care Homes Fidelis Care IV 4801 Tartan St., Metairie 70003 504.304.7862, fideliscaregroup.com Total # of Beds: 8, private/semi-private rooms available Payment Type Accepted: Private Pay Lake Villa House 4212 Lake Villa Dr., Metairie 70002 504.884.1063, theacademyhouse.net Total # of Beds: 6, private/semi-private rooms available Payment Type Accepted: Private Pay Serenity Senior Residences 817 Aurora Ave., Metairie 70005 3949 Meadowdale St., Metairie 70002 504.495.5522, serenityres2.com Total # of Beds: 12, private/semi-private rooms available Payment Type Accepted: Private Pay

Solution Care Homes, LLC River Forest Home, 5 S. Division Dr., Covington 70433 504.202.2548, solutioncarehomes.com Total # of Beds: 8, private/semi-private rooms available Payment Type Accepted: Private Pay Westbank Lighthouse 1712 Holiday Dr., New Orleans 70131 504.218.5074, westbanklighthouse.com Total # of Beds: 7, private/semi-private rooms available Payment Type Accepted: Private Insurance, Private Pay

may/june 2021 | www.nolaboomers.com

West Jeff Health Care Center 1020 Manhattan Blvd., Harvey 70058 504.362.2020, http://wenohealthcare.com/ Total # of Beds: 104 Payment Type Accepted: Private Insurance, Private Pay, Medicaid, Medicare

Personal Care Homes

Hospice Hospice Care

Hospice care is compassionate, palliative care provided to those in the last phases of a serious illness so that they may be as comfortable as possible. Care is provided either in a freestanding, dedicated facility or in one’s own home, with staff either making daily housecalls or living temporarily on-site with the patient.

RESOURCES Louisiana-Mississippi Hospice & Palliative Care Organization 717 Kerlerec St., New Orleans 70116 888.546.1500, lmhpco.org Hospice Foundation of America 1707 L. St. NW, Suite 220, Washington, DC 70036 800.854.3402, hospicefoundation.org Medicare medicare.gov/hospicecompare

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| may/june 2021

HOSPICE CARE FACILITIES & PROGRAMS

AmeraCare Family Hospice & Home Health Home Health: 985.635.6900 (Covington & Ponchatoula); 504.849.9100 (Metairie), ameracare.com Hospice: 985.893.3301 (Covington & Ponchatoula); 504.831.1300 (Metairie), ameracare.com 303 W. 21st Ave., Covington 70433 1579 Business Hwy. 51, Suite A, Ponchatoula 70454 3822 Airline Dr., Metairie 70001 - Outpatient Care Canon Hospice 3600 Prytania St. #46, New Orleans 70115, 504.818.2723, canonhospice.org 19375 North 4th St., Covington 70433, 985.626.3051, canonhospice.org - Outpatient Care - Accepts Private Pay/Insurance

Community Hospice 3600 Chestnut St., New Orleans 70115 504.899.2011, communityhospice.us - Outpatient/Inpatient Care

Compassus 1301 W. Causeway Approach, Mandeville 70471, 985.200.9729, compassus.com 2450 Severn Ave. #315, Metairie 70001, compassus.com - Outpatient Care - Accepts Private Pay/Insurance Louisiana Hospice and Palliative Care of New Orleans 3500 N. Causeway Blvd. #650, Metairie 70002 504.483.9792, lhcgroup.com - Outpatient Care - Accepts Private Pay/Insurance Notre Dame Hospice 1000 Howard Ave., New Orleans 70113 504.227.3600, notredamehealth.org - Outpatient Care - Accepts Private Pay/Insurance Passages Hospice-North Shore 20081 Highway 36 Covington, LA 70433 Phone: 985-888-1687, passages-hospice.com - Inpatient Care - Accepts Private Pay/Insurance Sanctuary At Passages Hospice 617 Dublin St., New Orleans 70118 504.875.4204, passages-hospice.com - Inpatient Care - Accepts Private Pay/Insurance St. Joseph Hospice 507 Upstream St., New Orleans 70123, 504.734.0140, thecarpenterhealthnetwork.com 19500 Helenberg Road #C, Covington 70433, 985.892.6955, thecarpenterhealthnetwork.com - Outpatient/Inpatient Care - Accepts Private Pay/Insurance

may/june 2021 | www.nolaboomers.com

Our seniors are so extraordinary,

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Nola Boomers Magazine – May/June 2021

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