nola family Parent Fearlessly
November 2019
ECOANXIETY THE BURDEN OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON OUR CHILDREN P. 10
GIVING THANKS NEW NOLA TO FAMILY, COMMUNITY, SERVICEPEOPLE, & THE HOMELESS
BABIES GOT IT GOING ON WITH THESE NEW PARENT CLASSES
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P. 16
A STRANGER IN YOUR HOUSE FINDING A BABYSITTING APP YOU CAN TRUST P. 15
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publisher/editor ANN BOWER HERREN
Contr ibutors
ann@nolafamily.com
managing editor TIM MEYER tim@nolafamily.com
office manager JENNY ZIGLIN
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.
jenny@nolafamily.com
advertising sales DURBAN ZAUNBRECHER durban@nolafamily.com
SCOTT CAMPBELL is publisher and founder of River Road Press, a local boutique publisher of local and regional authors.
designer CAT LANDRUM 2ND STORY CREATIVE edit intern THYME HAWKINS ad production SARA YOUNGBLOOD
SARAH HERNDON is a freelance writer, mom, and frequent contributor to Nola Family.
contributing photography TWIRL PHOTOGRAPHY
PAMELA MARQUIS, a freelance writer, has lived in New Orleans for more than 40 years. For reprint information, contact
ann@nolafamily.com Business Office:
8131 Oak St., Ste. 500, New Orleans, LA 70118
504.866.0555
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.
A publication of
THYME HAWKINS is our amazing edit intern at
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NOLA Family.
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november 2019 volume 13, issue 8 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.
FR OM THE EDITO R
I’M A CRY BABY
AND IT’S MY
SON’S FAULT Since having my son, everything makes me cry, especially if it involves anything about family. Yeah, I cried during the entire last half of “Marley & Me,” — that’s understandable. Anyone would. I wouldn’t trust anyone who hasn’t. But even a movie trailer about a lost dog finding her boy again makes me weep everytime I see it. A television commercial for coffee about a daughter coming home between college semesters made me cry. I even cried while listening to an NPR interview with Jamie Lee Curtis. She shed tears, on air, while talking about her own children. A YouTube video about some guy dancing in different countries, with locals gathering around him and dancing along, made me cry, and that wasn’t even about family. Thanksgiving is a particularly hard time. From now till the new year, it’s a bonanza of sappy, feel-good movies. What is it about this damn kid that makes this grown man (debatable) such a sap? I mean, I was no hardened, sheltered man before, but I could have gotten through a movie trailer without breaking down. Then this baby boy comes along and suddenly I have this giggling, stinky embodiment of this almost uncontainable love and a constant reminder of how devastating it would be to lose him. Other parents get like this? Does everyone suddenly become sofies after having kids? It’s a strange balance we parents have to maintain. Yes, my son is the greatest thing that has ever happened to me, but at the same time, he’s also the only person in the world who has ever made me question my own sanity. We parents have to deal with backtalk, explosive diarrhea and vomit, messy rooms, ungrateful attitudes, homework, the hot sun during baseball practice, the mall at Christmastime — oh, the mall at Christmastime (My soul just died a little.) — and ungrateful attitudes. Did I mention that one already?
Letting It Loose,
Tim Meyer
november 2019 | www.nolafamily.com
But we also get that almost uncontainable love I noted before. Hey, I think I actually experienced an epiphany. My crying at almost anything to do with family is this almost uncontainable love just trying to let itself loose. It’s the never-ending struggle of raising a productive member of society (Oh my God! I sound like a father.) while trying to keep a lid on this process that actually brings you joy, even through the ungrateful attitudes.
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nola family CONTENTS NOVEMBER 2019
New Parents learn all about the ‘Snuggles and Struggles’ of newborns through local classes. P. 16
A FEW WORDS 5 From the Editor
FEATURES 10 Green Issues The Burden of Climate Change
15 On-Demand Sitter Services
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Finding One You Can Trust
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16 Newbies with Newborns Classes for First-Time Parents
19 Thanksgiving Holiday Camps When School’s Out, but Work Isn’t
27 Ways to Give Back Family/Community/ Servicepeople/Homeless
34 Skip-Gen Travel Vacations with Grandparents
EDUCATION & GUIDANCE 9 Open House Calendar When to Go & Where to Be 28 Parenting Corner The Grandparent Influence 30 Wiggle Room SPED and the Law 38 In the Know Family Classes & Resources
IN EACH ISSUE 22 Pull-Out Calendar Fall Into the Holidays
24 Mom About Town Jeanne Charlebois
32 Gear to Get Breastfeeding Goodies
33 Spotlight Miles4Migrants
36 From Our Bookshelf 1-2-3, A-B-C - Louisiana
39 Out & About Who, What, When, & Where Family Fun
ON THE COVER Livingston Herron, 12, at the Tree of Life in Audubon Park Photo by Twirl Photography.
504.579.4886
Tara C. Quin Hagmann, MCD, CCC-SLP 123 Metairie Road Suite 203Â www.chsp.org
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nola family SCHOOL OPEN HOUSES NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019 SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
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Archbishop Chapelle 6 pm Brother Martin 5–8 pm Louise S. McGehee Pre-K–12th grade 8:30 am
Nola Nature School 9 am
Lusher 6th–12th grades Freret Campus 5:30 pm
Lusher 1st–5th grades Willow Campus 9 am
International High School 5–7 pm
St. Pius X 9–10:30 am
Warren Easton 5-7 pm
De La Salle 4–7 pm
Ecole Bilingue 4:30–6:30 pm St. Francis Xavier 7–8:30 pm
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Archbishop Shaw 6–8 pm St. Augustine High School 4–7 pm
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Archbishop Rummel 6 pm Arden Cahill Infant Centre–12th 9 am
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Lusher Charter School Kindergarten Willow Campus 9 am
St. George’s Episcopal Age 1–8th 8:30–10 am
Isidore Newman School Middle/ Upper School 6 pm
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Metairie Park Country Day 6th–12th 6:30 pm St. Edward the Confessor 9 am and 7 pm
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TEAR THIS PA UT
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Nola Nature School 9 am
Some school names are abbreviated due to space constraints.
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DECEMBER
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Photo by Twirl Photography.
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Eco-Anxiety: The Burden of Climate Change
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PART ONE OF A TWO-PART SERIES
The physical effects of global warming have long been studied, but the mental effects on today’s youth is just coming to light. Greta Thunberg, a 16-year-old climate activist took a 32-hour train trip from her home in Stockholm, Sweden, to Davos, Switzerland, just to attend the recent World Economic Forum. She gave an impromptu speech that took world leaders to task when she said the following: “Adults keep saying: ‘We owe it to the young people to give them hope,’” she said. “But I don’t want your hope. I don’t want you to be hopeful. I want you to panic. I want you to feel the fear I feel every day. And then I want you to act. I want you to act as you would in a crisis. I want you to act as if our house is on fire. Because it is.” According to a Planet Earth report, one example for that fear is the fact that since scientists started measuring winter sea ice, earth has lost half a million square miles of it. For every additional ton of carbon dioxide in the air, about 32 square feet of summer sea ice disappears. And, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, we are less than 12 years away from not being able to undo our mistakes.
It’s understandable that many people are worried. “Temperatures are rising, sea levels are rising, and because we live in Louisiana, we get the double whammy because our land is sinking too,” says Martin O’Connell, chair of the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of New Orleans. “Fifty years from now, there will be more devastating hurricanes, more flooding — the school systems and businesses will be disrupted often because of massive street flooding and people won’t be able to get to school or work.”
“Because of the inevitability of the downfall of the ecosystem, I chose to mostly ignore it,” says Rudy Morris, a ninth grader at Benjamin Franklin High School. “I make small choices that benefit the environment, like recycling and reusing items sometimes, although I think my small contributions are meaningless because of the advanced state of our environmental problem.”
Eco-Anxiety According to a new report released by the American Psychological Association and ecoAmerica, climate change is taking a toll on mental health. It’s called eco-anxiety: A chronic fear of environmental doom. It is not a clinical diagnosis, nor is it listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, used by clinicians and psychiatrists to diagnose psychiatric illnesses. But it is a very real concern and mental health professionals have been seeing an increase in the number of families expressing their feelings of depression, hopelessness, and helplessness about the world’s climate. Dr. Kathryn Lawing, a licensed developmental psychologist in Mid-City, has seen the number of patients troubled about the environment grow steadily. “Many of them are concerned and it is a rational, humanistic concern,” she says. “Sometimes, however, these thoughts turn into frequent and intense ruminations, especially about potential catastrophes, which can begin to affect occupational, interpersonal, or academic functioning. I use cognitive behavioral therapy techniques, such as recognizing irrational or unproductive worrying, to help mitigate anxiety.” Most of the sixth graders that Emily Snyder, education manager with Energy Wise Alliance, teaches feel as though it’s always been hot and it’s always flooding.
november 2019 | www.nolafamily.com
New Orleans is also taking a hard look at the problem. A 201617 New Orleans Health Department report states that “New Orleans is on the front line of climate change. While New Orleans is no stranger to hurricanes and warm temperatures, the effects of climate change are becoming a regular part of life in New Orleans. Tornados, marsh fires, extreme heat days, air quality alert days, and flooding are occurring more frequently in addition to sea level rise in the Gulf of Mexico.”
All of this leaves many of New Orleans’ youth feeling anxious, frustrated, guilty, powerless, and fearful.
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“...I think my small contributions are meaningless because of the advanced state of our environmental problem.”
“But one child’s parent told me before class that her autistic son would not participate,” she says. “She said he can not handle talking about the environment. He just shuts down because he can’t compartmentalize his fear about climate change and extreme weather.” Many believe becoming involved with activism can be an antidote to the anxiety that climate change awareness can bring. “New Orleans is one of the most environmentally fragile communities in the country,” said Benjamin Franklin High School AP environmental science teacher Kady Clincy in a press release about the school’s recent climate change forum. “I find when I cover habitat loss, climate change, and sea level rise in my class, my students often feel helpless. They worry that the home they love won’t exist for their children and grandchildren. By organizing this forum, my students have turned their hopelessness into action. They have found a pragmatic way to ensure these issues are discussed by the people tasked with addressing them.” Philip Coolidge, a senior at Ben Franklin, is cautiously optimistic about the future of the planet. “What helps me stay optimistic and less anxious is the fact that there seems to be continuing international recognition of the problem and solutions being implemented, as in the Paris Climate Agreement,” he says. Edie Wolfe, a Tulane professor and mother of two young boys says her seventh grader, Mose, hasn’t actually expressed a lot of anxiety, yet, about climate change. “However, I have a lot and I’d rather not seed it in my children for the time being,” she says. If you are worried about how much to tell your children about climate change, most experts say to tell them what they can understand based on their age, comprehension level, and proclivity for disabling anxiety. One recommendation to calm anxiety is to find support and maintain their social networks.
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Also, start green missions for your family to feel as though you are making a positive difference: cut down on your contribution to landfills by improving your recycling habits; plant trees, which pull carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere (The NOLA Tree Project is a nonprofit dedicated to growing stronger, healthier communities in the city through tree plantings and community service projects.); walk more and take public transportation; reduce your use of plastic bags; or go vegan or meatless one day a week.
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In September, around 100 Tulane students joined other young people around the world for the Global Climate Strike to address global warming. Photos by Elana Bush.
Pamela Marquis has lived in New Orleans for more than 40 years. She is a freelance writer and holds a master’s in social work from the University of Missouri.
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FINDING AN
ON-DEMAN D S I T T E R S E RV ICE YOU CAN TRUST
You’ve heard about them , even know used one, b someone w ut here’s ho ho’s w you can fi nd one for y our family.
Why should I use an on-demand sitter service? When it comes to finding babysitters, most parents still rely on their personal network for referrals, then use text messaging to try and book them. As a result, these busy parents spend a lot of time just trying to book a sitter, often with mixed results. Unlike five or 10 years ago, there are now mobile platforms that make it possible to hire a sitter in seconds. The key for parents is finding a platform that they can trust.
What makes an on-demand sitter service one that I can trust? The best and most trustworthy services have a few things in common. First, they have a thorough vetting process, which includes understanding the sitter’s babysitting experience, conducting an interview, and requiring that every sitter pass a background check. Second, the services enable parents to decide which sitter they want to hire rather than sending a sitter that the service chooses. Third, the best services help parents choose the right sitter by providing information on the number of previous jobs and ratings that other parents have given to the sitter. Fourth, the best services allow parents to connect with other parents so that they can see which sitters their friends have used and the ratings their friends have given each sitter. Finally, the most reliable services provide parents with easy access to customer support staff who can help answer any questions or address any concerns by phone or through email.
Once I find a service I trust, how quickly can it provide me with a sitter? How quickly a service can provide you with a sitter often varies by service and by the time of day. However, the best services enable you to post a job and receive interest from sitters in minutes, even for same-day jobs regardless of the time of day.
How do the best on-demand sitter services handle hourly rates and payment? One of the most awkward parts of coming home to a sitter is trying to figure out how much you should pay them. The best on-demand sitter services let parents decide the hourly rate they want to pay before the sitter books the job, and enables the sitter to see and accept a rate before they commit to working a job.
If I’ve never used an on-demand service, what’s the best way to get started? For parents who haven’t yet used an on-demand service, I recommend hiring a sitter, but explaining in advance that the parent will be at home working while the sitter is watching the kids. This approach gives parents the ability to try out a service and ensure it is a good fit.
Ginger Mayfield is co-founder of the on-demand sitter app Wyndy, which now includes New Orleans in its lineup of available cities.
november 2019 | www.nolafamily.com
In addition, the most useful services utilize mobile technology to enable sitters to time the jobs precisely. These services give parents the ability to see exactly how long they were gone, how much they owe, and securely pay the sitter through the app with a tap of a button.
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The Parenting Center’s “Snuggles and Struggles” class is a kind of support group for brand new parents and their newborns.
ADVENTURES IN FIRST-TIME PARENTHOOD THERE’S NO HANDBOOK FOR FIRST-TIME PARENTS, BUT NEW ORLEANS OFFERS THE NEXT BEST THING: NEW PARENT CLASSES.
There is always a lot of excitement and activity surrounding first-time moms and dads, from picking out paint colors for the baby’s room to collecting tiny outfits and not-so-tiny infant gear. Yet, there are also many weighty topics that need to be discussed, from basic newborn needs to breastfeeding. It can be overwhelming to navigate all of this new information. Fortunately, most of the New Orleans-area hospitals and parenting centers provide classes for these newbies who are looking to get a jump start on their new adventure in parenthood.
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Ochsner Baptist, located in Uptown, offers a series of prenatal classes that are all free, but registration is required. There are a total of four classes, but participants can choose which ones to attend and in any order. Jenifer Ducoing, a registered nurse and one of the educators at Ochsner Baptist, says that the prenatal offerings are very popular with over 100 people registered for them every week.
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The first in the series is “Labor and Delivery” and covers pregnancy, when to go to the hospital, and having a vaginal birth. The second class, “Medical Interventions,” walks participants through pain relief options, inductions, and cesarean section. “Postpartum & Baby Safety” is the third class and discusses care for mom after she has delivered the baby as well as newborn safety. The last in the series is “Newborn Care” and participants learn about how their baby is taken care of in the hospital and then given further recommendations for when they bring baby home.
Tulane-Lakeside Hospital’s “Safe and Sound” class covers basic newborn needs, safety, and health, including a free car seat safety check.
get ready for all the newness that babies bring. I learned about all the delivery options available to me and what to expect in the moments before and after childbirth.” Breastfeeding is well-supported at Ochsner Baptist with 80 percent of their delivering moms successfully nursing. Its “Breastfeeding Class” is free and gives new moms the basics, which includes the benefits of breastfeeding, latching on, and positioning of the baby. The Parenting Center at Children’s Hospital in New Orleans offers a “Snuggles and Struggles” class for parents and newborns up to 6 months of age. “They talk about whatever is on their mind, and a lot of it tends to be the transition into parenthood,” says Lisa Phillips, a licensed master social worker and parent educator with The Parenting Center. This is free, meets weekly at the center in Uptown on Calhoun Street, and is an on-going program with no start or end date. The group is meant to provide support to new moms, as well as socialization for their infants. “I began ‘Snuggles and Struggles’ when my baby was 3 weeks old and it was the best decision as a new parent,” says new parent Betsy Winters. “I made true life-long friendships and had a safe place to talk, get advice, and sometimes just listen. It was wonderful to be surrounded by other people going through the same life experiences.”
New mom, Samantha Ross, took advantage of the prenatal series in its entirety at Ochsner Baptist, as well as their “Breastfeeding,” “Infant CPR,” and “Happiest Baby on the Block” classes.
The Parenting Center also partners with The Family Birthing Center at Touro and offers the “The Happiest Baby on the Block” class. Expecting parents learn techniques for calming a crying newborn and is open to any new parents, even those who did not deliver at Touro.
“It was my first pregnancy, and I wanted to prepare for the delivery and for caring for my newborn,” she says. “It was important to me to
For soon-to-be moms seeking alternative techniques for labor pain management (or perhaps just wanting a calmer birth experience),
“IT WAS IMPORTANT TO ME TO GET READY FOR ALL THE NEWNESS THAT BABIES BRING.”
Ochsner Baptist offers a whole series of classes for new parents, from labor and medical interventions to postpartum and newborn care. Photo by Leslie Chirinos.
Touro offers a “Hypnobirthing Childbirth Education Class.” Participants learn self-hypnosis, involving special breathing methods and visualization, to enable them to have a more comfortable delivery. There is a fee associated with this class. Touro also has a free “Baby Food Making Class” taught by a Touro nutritionist. Parents not only learn how to make and store baby food, but also when and how to introduce solids to their infant. The class is interactive and participants are able to sample some of the baby foods that are made. While moms seem to be the primary parent supported with many of these classes, Tulane Lakeside Hospital for Women and Children offers a class specifically designed for first-time dads. “What To Expect…For Dads” is a free lecture with hands-on demonstrations of burping, diaper changing, and swaddling. They have a chance to hear from other veteran dads on their experiences in parenthood. Marika Chauvin, a resident of Lakeview, took advantage of the prenatal classes along with her spouse.
Note: Most classes require pre-registration. Please visit the hospitals’ or The Parenting Center’s websites for more information.
Sarah Herndon is a freelance writer, mom, and frequent contributor to Nola Family.
november 2019 | www.nolafamily.com
“My husband and I took a series of four main classes at Tulane Lakeside,” she says. “All the classes had good pieces and parts and made us feel very prepared for our first baby. I don’t think I would have felt as prepared if I hadn’t gone through all the classes.”
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THANKSGIVING
Holiday Camps
Believe it or not, the holidays are already upon us, and unlike our super-lucky kids, we don’t necessarily have the whole week off! So, here to save the day — and your sanity — is our comprehensive list of Thanksgiving week camps. We’ve done the homework for you! Adventure Quest Laser Thanksgiving Camp
Cascade Stables Turkey Trotter Camp
Happy Tails Mini Camps
Ages: 5-13
Ages: 5 and up
Ages: 8–12
Cost: $50/day, $40/additional sibling, 20% session discount
Cost: $75/day
Cost: $65/day
Dates/Times: Nov. 27 & 29, 9 am–3 pm, before/ aftercare available
Location: Jefferson Parish Animal Shelter
Contact: cascadestables.net/camps, 504.891.2246
Dates/Times: Nov. 25 & 26, 9 am–3 pm
Enjoy riding, crafts, games, and learning about horse care.
November 25’s mini camp is all about Dogs!, Dogs!, Dogs! and November 26’s Furry Friends mini camp is for those kids who can’t pick one favorite animal.
Dates/Times: Nov. 25–27 & 29, 7:30 am–5:30 pm, includes before/after care Contact: gm@lasertagnola.com Campers will enjoy unlimited laser tag, bumper cars, cosmic golf, and many other games and activities.
Audubon Zoo Camp
Church's Karate Thanksgiving Camp
Ages: 4–10
Ages: 6–12 (4 and 5-year-old siblings and campers with previous experience welcome)
Costs: $35/day for members, $45/day for nonmembers
Cost: $45/day or $200/5 days
Contact: auduboninstitute.org Tradition-filled holidays are fun times for daylong getaways at the Zoo. Make Audubon’s Holiday Camp part of your tradition. Provide your child with plenty of action-packed adventures among the animals. Each day is full of animal exploration, scientific investigation, outdoor exercise, and more.
Contact: churchskarateacademy.com or 504.309.6138 A full-day camp experience for your child that is equally educational as it is exciting and fun! It is sure to be a safe, positive, and motivational camp adventure where your child is guaranteed to obtain physical and mental fitness. We also help students develop strong communication and ethical problem solving skills.
JCC Thanksgiving Mini Camp Ages: Grades K–5th Cost: Members only, $50/day Location: Uptown & Metairie Dates/Times: Nov. 25–27, 9 am–3 pm, before/aftercare available Contact: nojcc.org Play with old and new friends while enjoying art, swimming, and games. Bring a bagged lunch, swimwear, and closed-toed shoes to take part in all of the fun.
november 2019 | www.nolafamily.com
Dates/Times: Nov. 25–27, 9 am–3 pm; before/ aftercare available
Dates/Times: Nov. 25-29, 8:30 am–3:30 pm (early drop-off/late pick-up available by request at no extra charge, 7 am/6 pm)
Contact: JPASCAMP@gmail.com
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KidCam Camp: Aurora United Methodist Holiday Camp Ages: Pre-K 4–13 Cost: $42/day, $142/4-day session Dates/Times: Nov. 25–27 & 29, 7:30 am–5:30 pm Contact: Call 844-4KIDCAM or email algiers@kidcamcamps.com Campers will enjoy indoor and outdoor games, gym play, holiday-themed arts and crafts, Young Rembrandt drawing lessons, kids yoga provided by Yoga Krewe, and much more.
Lolo's Youth Yoga + Fitness Thanksgiving Camp Ages: 5 & up Cost: $70/day Dates/Times: Nov. 25–27, 9 am–3 pm Contact: Laurie Azzano, 415.786.3317, or sign up at lolosstudio.com Join for a morning of thankfulness-themed fun: music, art, games, movement, and mindfulness. At Lolo’s, we’re big believers that gratitude is an attitude. And what better time of year to enjoy some good times strengthening our habit of gratitude together? Fun animal yoga poses and crazy dance moves to music, thankfulnessthemed art, turkey-race, games, and more.
Studio KIDS! Holiday Workshops at NOMA
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Ages: 5-10 Costs: $25/day for members, $30/day for non-members Date/Time: Nov. 27, 10 am–noon Contact: 504.658.4100 Students will explore works of art in the museum galleries and get creative in the studio.
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Sugar Roots Farm Holiday Camp
YMCA East Jefferson Fall Holiday Camp
Ages: 5-12 Cost: $55/day Dates/Times: TBD Contact: sgarland@sugarrootsfarm.org Children will explore nature, learn about farm life, and the many life lessons that come with being outdoors.
Ages: 5-12 Cost: $ 25/day for members, $40/day for nonmembers Dates/Times: Nov. 25–27 & 29, 7:30 am–3:30 pm Contact: 504.888.9622 Activities include festive stories, songs, crafts, active play, sports, and seasonalthemed educational play.
Upturn Arts Twerksgiving Camp Ages: 4-14 Cost: $68.25/day or $136.30/both days. creARTive grants available Dates/Times: Nov. 25–26, 9 am–3:45 pm Contact: upturnarts.org/twerksgiving A two-day camp intended to guide young artists toward finding their unique artistic confidence and leading light with a superstar Master Artist Series.
¡Vamonos NOLA! Oasis Espanol Holiday Camp Ages: 5-10 Cost: $55/day or $180/week for members; $70/day, $200/week for nonmembers Dates/Times: Nov. 25–28 & 29, 9 am–3:30 pm, before/aftercare available Contact: info@vamonosnola.com ¡Vamonos NOLA! is your Spanish Language Vacation Camp Destination. Your camper will make friends and build memories while laying a foundation of multilingualism.
Longue Vue Crew School's Out Day Camp Ages: 5-10 Cost: $45/day for members, $55/day for nonmembers Dates/Times: TBD, 9 am–3 pm, before/ aftercare available Contact: Lauren Rouatt, lrouatt@ longuevue.com, 504.293.4719 School’s out! Spend one or two whole days at Longue Vue exploring the gardens, making nature-themed art, playing games, and learning about plants and insects.
YMCA West St. Tammany Fall Holiday Camp Ages: 5–12 Cost: $30/day for members, $40/day for nonmembers Dates/Times: Nov. 25–27 & 29, 7 am–6 pm Contact: 985.893.9622 Description: Activities include festive stories, songs, crafts, active play, sports and seasonal-themed educational play. Bring a lunch, two snacks, and a water bottle.
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Lafreniere Park. “The Party Where Pets Bring Their People” is the Jefferson SPCA’s mega pet adoption event. Pets are welcome. Free. 10 am–4 pm.
Jefferson SPCA Pet Fest
LIHA Powwow Lamar-Dixon Expo Center, Gonzales. Join us the Louisiana Indian Heritage Association for its 53rd annual Powwow to experience the color and excitement of intertribal and gourd dancing, singing, arts and crafts vendors, food, and culture.
Tigerama Saenger Theatre. Show your LSU pride at this event featuring the Golden Band, LSU Wind Ensemble, and the Golden Girls. Tickets start at $20/person. 7 pm.
46468 River Rd., Hammond. Every autumn the Louisiana Renaissance Festival creates the English “Village of Albright,” with more than 600 artisans, entertainers, and educational demonstrations welcoming you to the best parts of the 16th century: fun, clean, safe, and educational. 9:45 am–5 pm.
NOV 16
Pontchartrain Convention and Civic Center. Learn and explore big trucks courtesy of the Junior League of New Orleans. Children will meet the people who protect, serve, and build the metropolitan area. $10/person in advance, $15/ person at the door. Children under 1 are free. 10 am–4 pm.
St. Louis King of France School. In its 21st year, the free festival is the school’s largest fundraiser and all revenue raised is used for the direct benefit of the students. From amazing food vendors and top-notch entertainment to spectacular carnival rides and the Little Shrimper Village for children to enjoy, this is always the best weekend in Bucktown. Free. Times vary by day.
Louisiana Renaissance Fest
NOV 2
Spons ored b y: IN & O U T URGE NT CA RE
NOV 14
Touch a Truck
Bucktown Seafood Fest
NOV 3
NOV 2
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s y a d i l o H e h t o t n I l l a F
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DEC 7 Krewe of Jingle Parade Presented by the Downtown Development District and The Roosevelt New Orleans, Downtown NOLA’s Christmas Parade starts at Lee Circle.
DEC 6
Movies on the Mississippi
Spanish Plaza, Riverwalk. Presented by the Downtown Development District and The Outlet Collection at Riverwalk, movies are screened the first three Fridays of December.
Begins and ends at Canal Place. The Downtown Development District presents the annual holiday fun run for kids. Rudolph, Santa, and friends will jingle their bells to signal the start of the race. After the race, participants can “romp” around and enjoy healthy activities for kids and parents with music, games, crafts, and more.
Reindeer Run & Romp/ Holiday Scavenger Hunt
Astor Crowne Plaza. The Downtown Development District welcomes everyone to the “flip the switch,” turning on more than 1 million twinkling lights on historic Canal Street and throughout Downtown NOLA with a special visit from Santa Claus. 5:30 pm
New Orleans City Park. Kids enjoy a holiday party fit for kings and queens while parents relax and enjoy the party without lifting a finger. Limited number of tickets available. Visit neworleanscitypark.com/celebration-in-theoaks for more information. 5–8:30 pm.
DEC 14
Canal Street Lighting Ceremony
Celebration in the Oaks Family Party
New Orleans City Park. Experience a night of peaceful reflection around beautiful lighted lanterns. Ticket prices increase closer to the day of the event. 4–11 pm.
Water Lantern Festival
NOV 26
NOV 22
NOV 16
november 2019 | www.nolafamily.com
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5 Jeanne Charlebois MOM ABOUT TOWN
THINGS
I’M LOVING RIGHT NOW
BOOK CLUB
We gather at a member’s house and the hostess provides dinner and the attendees provide a bottle of wine and sometimes a dessert. Then we sit around a table and indulge, discuss the book, and catch up. Several evenings last long into the night with lively conversation, laughter, and even tears. We build each other up and listen when there is concern.
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Art and anything related, I adore it. I recently met several longtime friends for dinner and then had fabulous discussions around local art and our lives and families. It’s such a fun way to support local businesses and connect with one another in an elegant way. Some of our favorite places and events include the NOMA Besthoff Sculpture Garden, White Linen Night, Art for Art’s Sake, and the Ogden Family Days. Art for Art’s Sake, Kawaii, 4826 Magazine St.
RUN
www.nolafamily.com
| november 2019
ART
OPERA
Married for 21 years, Jeanne and Jean-Pierre Charlebois have a daughter, Simone, 12, and an adorable hamster named Cream Puff. Jeanne has worked for the global food and facilities management firm Sodexo for 18 years, currently as a consumer experience designer. She enjoys running, the arts, opera, as well as supporting local charities like the Louisiana SPCA.
Everywhere I go, someone always walks up to me and asks, “Are you the girl that always runs down St. Charles?” I love to run. One of my favorite runs is from my house, down the streetcar tracks along the oak tree-lined avenue, then along the river with a stop for a photo at Jackson Square, and then down Esplanade Avenue. An 11-mile route. I lose myself in the joy of running. St. Charles Ave.
As a Women’s Guild Opera member and as a way of honoring my late mother, I try to not only respect the arts, but also have infused my daughter in opera appreciation. Initially, we attended the student performance nights and I would bring her along with several classmates, but now that they offer a student subscription. I hope to carry on this tradition, especially as opera is less popular with younger generations. New Orleans Opera, 935 Gravier St., Ste. 1940, neworleansopera.org
VACATION We travel so often to the Holiday Inn in Pensacola Beach, Florida, that my daughter knows every mermaid and can identify who is who at the front desk. We take my daughter and seven of her friends every May for her birthday. I rent a large SUV and we have one fancy night out where the girls dress up. Pensacola Beach, Florida, visitpensacolabeach.com
nola family
Advertise in ou r u pcoming
Holiday Camp Gu ide Fill your camp fast with our guide to thanksgiving and winter camps. Ask about our multi-media package!
nolafamily.com
Kick back and relax. We got it. info@nolafamily.com
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www.nolafamily.com
| november 2019
k c a g in iv Bto ive Thanks G G Sometimes, the best way to give thanks is to give back. Here are a few ways you and your family can show appreciation and give support to your own family, your community, local servicepeople and first responders, and our homeless.
Showing Appreciation Within the Family
Community Action
Lend a Hand
Bake
Kids can help out around the house with chores (bonus points if they help out without being asked). If you’re visiting extended family for the holiday, offer to help with setup or clean up before meals.
Local churches and other organizations offer Thanksgiving meals for members and the community. If you have a knack for cooking or baking, help lighten their workload and sign-up or offer to bring a dish.
Capture Memories Whether it is a scrapbook or a slideshow, sharing fond family memories will bring you closer and show you care. Include moments when the family provided support to show your thanks for all they have done.
Welcome Friends
Share
Donate
Saying “thank you” aloud shows your family you notice and appreciate all they do and bring into your life. Mention how your kids, parents, spouse, and other family members at your table make you feel thankful. Encourage your whole dinner table to share their thanks, too.
Your child’s school, your local library, or a nearby church coordinates drives around the holidays to provide extra warmth to those in need. Support their efforts by donating new or gently used items and/or canned goods.
Some New Orleanians may not have nearby family. If there’s an extra seat at your dinner table, reduce leftovers and invite them over for a warm meal and friendship.
Respecting Servicepeople and First Responders
Helping the Homeless
Write a Letter
New Orleans lost a lot of housing after Hurricane Katrina, and we still have a ways to go. Habitat for Humanity, Rebuild Together, Uncommon Construction, and Lowernine. org are just a few of the local organizations working to provide affordable and energyefficient housing to the poor.
Operation Gratitude accepts letters from U.S. residents to send to troops, veterans, new recruits, wounded heroes, and first responders. Compose your own letter of thanks to brighten their day.
Rebuild
“You know the time that goes into making something, the sweat and the pain,” says Aaron Frumin of Uncommon Construction, which hosts community volunteer days.
Donate
Some U.S. troops are stationed on remote islands or in desert locations with little or no access to technology. Support Our Troops uses donations to connect these soldiers to their families via satellite communication. During this time of reflection and thanks, give the gift of family.
If you don’t have much time on your hands, you can still make a difference. Many shelters accept donations in the form of in-kind items and monetary donations. These donations help provide additional resources necessary for clean, safe, and sanitary living.
Send a Gift Basket First responders have long, grueling shifts. While they are at work protecting and serving our city, bring a thoughtful gift basket of New Orleans favorites like beignets and poboys to cheer them up and boost morale.
Volunteer Homeless shelters and shelters for women and children provide more than just soup on Thanksgiving. Hagar’s House, Covenant House, New Orleans Mission, Salvation Army, and Unity are just a few of the many local organizations that could use some extra hands. “We do it because we enjoy the gift of giving back,” says Christna Freeman. She and her family serve lunch each year at the Ozanam Inn, a nonprofit based in the Warehouse District that benefits homeless families. “It’s as simple as putting a smile on someone else’s face during such a wonderful time of the year.”
november 2019 | www.nolafamily.com
Connect
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PARENTING CORNER
The
Grandparent Influence The benefits of grandparent involvement can extend well past childhood.
It’s that time of year again; families gather to give thanks for being together. Maybe you’ve traveled across the country, or just across town, to bring your family to your parents or in-laws, or maybe they’ve come to you. Having different generations under one roof gives parents the opportunity to observe the relationship between grandchildren and grandparents. What are the benefits of this relationship for children, parents, and grandparents, and how can we help foster it?
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| november 2019
All families need support, especially when children are young. Research on family resilience, which is the ability to manage and navigate life’s challenges, shows that strong social connections outside the nuclear family is important. The demands of caring for little ones is almost all-consuming, and having outside support can reduce the strain on parents (and on their own relationship as well). Grandparent involvement runs the gamut from grandparents who step in as full-time caregivers to grandparents who may have very little daily contact or involvement, with many variations in between.
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Whether they’re near or far, there’s no doubt of the grandparents’ influence. In a 2010 survey from the organization Zero to Three, 8 in 10 parents said the way they were raised was the biggest influence on their own parenting. If grandparents provide childcare for parents, there is a huge financial benefit (not to mention peace of mind), whether it’s full-time care or filling in during sick days or school holidays. The relationship between grandparents and grandchildren can be beneficial in ways that extend past childhood. A Boston University study in 2016 found that emotional closeness between adult grandchildren and grandparents helps protect against depression for both. Loving grandparents can provide a sense of unconditional acceptance, security, and belonging. Grandparents themselves often express a sense of gratitude and enjoyment from this unique relationship, enjoying the emotional closeness with a child without the responsibilities of parenthood.
But sometimes the expectations of a grandparent and their adult child are not matched. A grandparent may not have the time, energy, or inclination to be involved at all, while other grandparents may be disappointed when their children limit their involvement. There may also be conflicts around issues such as boundaries and different generational parenting strategies. Common areas of disagreement include discipline, safety issues, and technology use. For example, many parents try and limit young children’s screen time, which an exhausted grandparent might see as a muchneeded respite after a day spent chasing a toddler. Conversely, a grandparent might feel a grandchild is too enraptured by electronics, making it difficult to engage during their time together. Good communication can prevent small conflicts from escalating into blow-ups. Parents have the right to be clear about their values and expectations, but it’s important not to let the perfect be the enemy of the good. Pick your battles about what can and can’t happen when grandparents and grandchildren are together. If conversations are particularly difficult, it may be best for the parent to initiate the conversation, rather than leaving it to the son- or daughter-in-law. Sometimes the best conversation starter is expressing appreciation and admiration for the job a grandparent is doing. And while a parent does not need to justify their choices, sharing up-to-date knowledge can be helpful. For example, Zero to Three (zerotothree.org) offers information about infants’ and toddlers’ development, as well as a section with tools for establishing good communication between parents and grandparents.
Lisa Phillips, M.S.W., G.S.W., is a parent educator at The Parenting Center at Children’s Hospital, and is a contributor to the award-winning “Parenting Corner” column. She can be reached at 504.896.9591; chnola.org/parentingcenter.
Trying to get you r message out? You could try making a wish... or you could call us at nola family and reach everyone that matters! (not that we’re knockin’ fairies) to advertise with us, call 504.866.0555 or email us at info@nolababy.com
november 2019 | www.nolafamily.com
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WIGGLE ROOM
SPED
NOT ALL SCHOOLS ARE CREATED EQUAL PUBLIC OR PRIVATE SCHOOLS: ONE IS REQUIRED BY LAW TO ACCOMMODATE STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS AND ONE IS NOT. The CDC reports children diagnosed with autism (1 in 59) and ADHD (6.1 million diagnosed) continues to climb each year. In addition, 2 out of 3 children diagnosed with ADHD have a least one other mental, emotional, or behavioral disorder. As more children are identified, public and private schools are faced with the challenge of meeting the child’s special needs in the classroom. A child identified with a special need who is attending a public school, according to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), can either have a 504 plan or an Individualized Education Program (IEP) in place. IDEA requires public schools to provide free and appropriate public education to eligible children with disabilities. It ensures the child receives related services such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and adaptive PE. The 504 plan comes from Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and is meant to improve access to accommodations for special needs students in public schools, ensuring academic success.
www.nolafamily.com
| november 2019
An IEP is a legal document that identifies the student’s disability according to IDEA. An IEP is for those students with disabilities that require specialized educational instruction and related services. It is more involved than a 504 plan and requires a plan of goals and growth.
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Public schools are required by law to have IEPs in place for all eligible students and to provide special education and related services, including instructional time and the frequency and duration of related services. Public schools are also mandated by law provide 504 plan accommodations as recommended for identified students. A 504 plan may include accommodations that can be provided in a regular education classroom such as preferential seating, extended time, or a pencil grip. More children identified as special needs means more are applying to private or independent schools. However, these schools are not required by law to provide IEPs or 504 plans. Just as they have the right to accept or not
accept students at will, they have the choice to provide accommodations or not. However, many private and independent schools have recognized the need for individualized learning. Many of these schools now have support built in with speech therapists and reading interventionist on staff, and allow outside service providers to work with a student during the school day. Many families look to private and independent schools as an option for their child with special needs as they often offer small class sizes, individualized attention, various approaches to learning, and the freedom to adapt curriculum as needed. For parents of special needs students looking for a private school, it is important to always be upfront and honest. This may include providing current and past evaluations and signing release forms for the school to communicate with outside providers or medical staff. It is also important to ask these questions:
• Is there a learning specialist or resource support personnel on campus?
• If so, how is the need for a learning specialist determined? What is the cost?
• Is resource support provided in a small group, individual, or consult basis?
• Are outside providers (private or public) allowed on campus?
• How often are meetings held with teachers, families, and resource support to discuss the child’s progress?
• What are some examples of accommodations that can be provided?
• Is there small group or levelized instruction for certain subjects?
Kimberly Bradley, M.S., L.O.T.R., is a pediatric occupational therapist and owns Kim4Kids in Metairie. She can be reached at 504.517.5437; kim4kidsnola.com.
Trying to get you r message out? You could try making a wish...
to advertise with us, call 504.866.0555 or email us at info@nolababy.com
november 2019 | www.nolafamily.com
or you could call us at nola family and reach everyone that matters! (not that we’re knockin’ fairies)
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GEAR TO GET
S M O M G N I D E B R E A ST FE
E C I O J E R . S E I D O O G K
L I M T S A BRE
WITH THESE
MILKSCREEN TEST Who says you have to give up your favorite cocktail just because you’re breastfeeding? These Milkscreen test strips can detect alcohol in breast milk in about two minutes, so there’s no guessing if that eggnog is still in your system.
LACTATION COOKIES Milk and cookies? Yes, please, but the cookie is for you while your baby gets the milk. The Milkflow Fenugreek Double Chocolate Chip Cookies is the sweetest way to get breast milk flowing. These are the only lactation cookies with fenugreek and blessed thistle to help naturally promote breast milk supply.
$21.99 (20 ct.), upspringbaby.com
$9.99 (5 ct.), upspringbaby.com
NIPPLE CREAM Lanolin Nipple Cream soothes and protects sore nipples for breastfeeding moms. It’s 100 percent natural and safe for mom and baby, so there’s no need to remove before breastfeeding. Also great for dry lips, elbows, heels, and more.
$8.75, lansinoh.com
BREAST MILK BOTTLE The Nanobebe bottle is designed to cool breast milk as quickly as possible by spreading the milk into a thin, even layer when storing it for later use. Its breast-like design also makes it easier to combine breast and bottle feeding.
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| november 2019
$22.99 (3 pk), nanobebe.com
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BREAST MILK REMOVAL SOAP Medela’s no-scrub soap for breast pump parts removes breast milk residue up to three days old. It’s formula is hypoallergenic and clinically tested under physician supervision so not to cause skin irritation or other side effects.
$6.99, amazon.com
SPOT LIGHT
The birth of their child in Afghanistan could void their travel visas, putting Enayat Mosawi’s and his wife’s lives in further danger.
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Enayat Mosawi needed to flee his home country for fear of death after fighting alongside U.S. troops for eight years.
MILES MIGRANTS Enayat Mosawi, an Afghan who fought alongside U.S. troops for eight years, faced persecution in his own country. He and his wife needed to escape, but time was ticking. She was pregnant and if their child was born at home their travel visas would be void and the process would have to start over again. In February, Enayat was referred to Seth Stanton in New Orleans. He is co-founder of Miles4Migrants, a nonprofit that uses donated frequent flyer miles to help reunite migrants and refugees with family living abroad. Two days after contacting Seth, Enayat received a pair of airline tickets. Enayat and his family’s visas remained valid, and they now live safely in New York. “From the date I contacted Seth until now, everyone was helpful and informative,” Enayat says. “Seth helped us in every step of our journey.”
Based on the reactions from other users, Seth knew something big was happening. “I realized we had enough of a groundswell to start something.” He contacted Nick and that same year they founded Miles4Migrants. Today, the organization is a registered nonprofit in New Orleans with a small staff and dedicated volunteers spread across the U.S. At first, the program mostly flew refugees from the Middle East to Europe. Its first flight reunited a family of Syrian refugees. Since then, 1,250 people from over 500 families have flown using donated miles. The average cost of a flight is 18,000 miles. So far, Miles4Migrants has used over 20 million miles. The organization has a partnership with
In August 2018, donated miles suddenly spiked thanks to a tweet from a law professor at the University of Michigan. She and her husband had recently used their own miles to reunite a 3-year-old boy with his father after they were separated by U.S. immigration authorities at the Mexico/U.S. border. The tweet went viral. The professor asked followers to message her if they’d like to donate, but she was so overwhelmed by the response that she began directing requests to Miles4Migrants. Seth also attributes a surge in interest thanks to a “zero tolerance” U.S. immigration policy that has separated thousands of families crossing the border. Now, about 60 percent of donated miles support reuniting families from Mexico and other Central American countries. The remaining miles continue to reunite families from Middle Eastern countries. Despite backlash and hate mail directed at Miles4Migrants, suggesting that it supports illegal immigration, the organization defends its actions. No one is given miles for court dates or other temporary stays. In order to receive donated miles, each applicant is carefully vetted by Miles4Migrants or a partner organization on a case-by-case basis. The organization primarily considers cases like Enayat’s where an individual is fleeing a hostile environment. “All of [the families] had the legal right to be reunited,” Seth says. For more information, visit miles4migrants.org.
Thyme Hawkins is an editorial intern with Nola Family and our sister publication, Nola Boomers. She is a student at Loyola University, class of 2021.
november 2019 | www.nolafamily.com
Seth, an optometrist at the Daughters of Charity Services by day, is a self-proclaimed miles junkie. In 2016, while reading a Reddit group dedicated to credit card bonuses, he came across a post from Nick Ruiz. Nick wrote about how he helped reunite a Pakistani family with his donated miles. “How do I do this?” Seth wondered.
Air Canada and can match with other airlines.
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GRAND TRAVELS www.nolafamily.com
| november 2019
Adventures With Grandkids
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Skip-generational travel is a bonding experience, but it may have more benefits for grandparents than grandkids.
Some grannies still spend time baking chocolate chip cookies with their grandchildren and some granddads still help them bait a hook to catch a few fish. But many more of today’s grandparents have an abounding sense of adventure. And a trend is catching on: skip-gen travel — grandparents taking fun-filled vacations with their grandkids without their parents hitching along. According to a new survey from the American Association of Retired Persons Research, about 40 percent of grandparents say they’ve traveled with their grandchildren. Annie Collins, owner and self-proclaimed travel architect of Freedom Travel in Alexandria, Louisiana, says the market for skip-gen travel is definitely growing. And she’s a part of the trend, taking all eight of her grandchildren on a variety of vacations from Cambodia to South Africa. Each grandchild getting a special trip. “I am passionate about this,” she says.“The grandchildren get to see some of the world. Not to mention, mom and dad will have a bit of time to themselves too. But it’s not just the kids who benefit from traveling. Who gets the most out of this? You might think it’s them but it’s you.” In fact, according to a recent study by the Cleveland Clinic, grandparents who help watch and spend time with their grandkids may actually live longer than their peers.
dmother, ent and gran As a travel ag has seen the benefits of Annie Collins el from both sides. skip-gen trav
“Kids away from their parents are different people, more open to ideas and willing to express themselves.” “I love time with my grands,” says Carol Lea LeBell of Metairie, who has also traveled extensively with her five grandchildren. “Kids away from their parents are different people, more open to ideas and willing to express themselves.” Ten years ago, LeBell took her first grandson, Andrew, on a trip to Disney World. She believes theme parks work very well because they have something for everyone. “Compromise is worked in because everyone, including me, gets to pick something they want to see or do with no complaints from the others,” she says. “He had so much fun, he decided I needed to do this with every grandchild. So the “10-year-old-to-Disney-vaca began.” For Richard, her third grandchild, it was his first time experiencing Disney World, Universal Studios, and his first time traveling by plane. It was also the longest he’d been away from his parents up to that point. “Having my grandparents take me kept me from ever getting homesick and made the trip that much more enjoyable,” he says. LeBell thinks trips can start as young as 6-years-old with short trips of two to three days. For the 10-year-old Disney trips, she suggests five to seven days.
Veteran traveler Collins says the key to a successful skip-gen trip is to find what interests the grandchild. And that could be anything from riding horses to swimming with dolphins. She offers another hint: Her grandkids love taking cooking classes. By involving your grandchildren in the trip-planning process, you are giving them age-appropriate, decision-making power and teaching them how to plan meaningful travel experiences. “Bringing them into planning at an early stage is vital,” Collins says. “I’ll say, ‘We’re going to Paris and here’s the itinerary but you need to fill it in with things you want to do too.’ Get a map and a guidebook
grandchildren and discuss the options. Do make sure you schedule in some down time.”
As to the best destinations internationally, she recommends Paris and Rome. “Both of these have a WOW factor — definitely different — architecture, food, historic sites, and art,” she says. “Also, there’s fun things like bike tours through the streets of Paris and Vespa tours in Rome. These are things kids will remember forever.” To minimize travel difficulties, be sure to assemble all required travel documents for everyone in your group. Ask your grandchildren’s parents to give you your grandchildren’s health insurance cards and a notarized medical release form for each grandchild. If you are traveling out of the country, you will also need your grandchildren’s passports and a letter from their parents giving you permission to take your grandchildren across international borders. Have this letter notarized. Depending on your destination, you may also need to carry a copy of each grandchild’s immunization records. Both grandmothers agree: the most important thing that happens with these trips is the priceless, deepening bond between the generations. They suggest sharing with your grandchildren the stories of your youth. Tell them about the games you used to play, challenges you faced, or moments you were afraid or proud. Along the way, point out birds, flowers, or anything else you enjoy. Finally, of course, take lots of pictures. “This is a time of talking and sharing ideas,” Collins says. “How grandparents talk to the children is very different than how the parents talks to them. Actually, I feel on a more equal footing with the grandchildren than I do with my own children, whom I adore.” Ryan, Collins’ 13-year-old grandson, was anxious about his trip, and like most teenagers, he was taciturn and a bit testy during the flight to Rome. “I must say there was not much conversation on the plane,” Collins says. “However, on the drive to the hotel through Rome, I could hear him say underneath his breath, ‘Wow!’ That’s all I needed. I wept silently with joy because this was exactly what I wanted for him.”
Pamela Marquis is a freelance writer, has lived in New Orleans for more than 40 years.
november 2019 | www.nolafamily.com
A Bond Between Generations
Caro tradi l Lea Lab e tion of sk ll and he ip-ge r n tra husband vel te , n yea Buddy, b e rs ag and sit down with your o. gan a
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FROM THE nola family BOOKSHELF By Scott Campbell
A-B-C AND 1-2-3 LOUISIANA STYLE Geauxing and good eatin’ serve up reading and counting for Louisiana families.
This month, I feature two solidly Louisiana children’s picture books. These newlyreleased titles are fun, educational, and wonderfully illustrated. Parents looking to teach their kids the ABC’s, Louisiana style, should check out “Things that Geaux.” Not only is “A” is for Alligator, “C” is for Catahoula, “F” is for Float, “L” is for Lucky Dog, and “R” is for Roman Candy, but more than one Louisiana-represnting feature accompanies each letter — over 100 individual illustrated “things that geaux” in total. “The Hungry Little Gator” is a counting book highlighting Louisiana foods, and the hungry little gator who eats them. When counting food, Louisiana style, one must include, “one sloppy Po’ Boy measured in feet,” and “four fat pralines so salty and sweet,” “seven beignets with coffee — no way to be neat.”
THINGS THAT GEAUX
River Road Press
Scott and Tallulah Campbell • Illustrated by Melissa Vandiver In Louisiana, we take pride in doing things a little bit differently. We don’t just go, we G-E-A-U-X! This book was written by my 9-year-old daughter Tallulah and I, after a friend (John Cavalier of Cavalier House Books) in Denham Springs, Louisiana, suggested it. This is the first book that either of us have written. It was a great experience collaborating with my daughter to create a book that other children can learn from. The book covers “things that geaux” from across the whole state of Louisiana. With wonderful, colorful Illustrations by New Orleans resident Melissa Vandiver. This joyfully illustrated book introduces little ones to all the things that move in Louisiana, whether you are down in Grand Isle, up by Grand Bayou, or near Bayou St. John. Things that zoom, things that crawl, things that dance, things that roll, things that fly, and things that run are all featured in this fun-filled jaunt that will satisfy lovers of planes, trains, automobiles, and boats. Arranged alphabetically, each object is clearly labeled to encourage young learners to read along as they identify familiar things and discover some new ones along the way. As a father-daughter team, we hope to inspire a discussion about all the unique aspects of the Pelican State, from how we get around to the ways we stamp our feet and sway to the beat. Readers will learn, smile, and laugh as they share their own ideas about all the things that geaux.
HUNGRY LITTLE GATOR
River Road Press
www.nolafamily.com
| november 2019
Alexis Braud • llustrated by Allison Dugas Behan
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Join the Hungry Little Gator as he eats his way through favorite Louisiana treats! The book is written by Alexis Braud, the prolific Cajun raconteur and illustrator whose clever rhymes are entertaining and educating an entire generation of Louisiana kids. This book follows her success with “Cajun ABC” (as illustrator); “Gumbo: A Magical Bayou Tale;” and “One, Two, Rougarou” (as author and illustrator). This time, Alexis surrenders the illustrating duties to the extremely capable New Orleans native Allison Behan. The book is bright, colorful, and airy and Alison captures kids attention with her whimsical illustrations of that hungry little gator. After all, what could be more satisfying than a culinary tour with an adorable alligator who knows his way around the most delicious dishes that the Bayou State has to offer? He chomps his way through gumbo, poboys, beignets, snoballs, and more. As his appetite grows, so does his counting skills. This is a great book for any Louisiana kid who loves food and counting. What’s your kids favorite local treat, and how many do you think they could eat?
Scott Campbell is publisher and founder of River Road Press, a local boutique publisher of local and regional authors.
november 2019 | www.nolafamily.com
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In The Know
We have complete listings on our dedicated “classes” calendar — just go to nolafamily.com and click on “Calendars.”
Louisiana State Police - Troop B Child Safety Seat Inspection Station 2101 I-10 Service Rd., Kenner. Wednesdays, 1–4 pm. Walk-in or call 504.471.2780 for an appointment. Free.
Louisiana State Police - Troop L Child Safety Seat Inspection Station 2600 N. Causeway, Mandeville. Tuesdays, 3–6 pm. Walk-in or call 504.893.6250 for an appointment. Free.
Ochsner Medical Center –Baptist Registration is required for all classes. Visit ochsner.org/baptistclasses.
Happiest Baby on the Block Learn techniques to calm and soothe a crying baby. Nov. 6, 6–7 pm. $25. Grandparents Class Learn about skin-to-skin, rooming-in, breastfeeding, and safe sleep. Nov. 14, 6:30– 8:30 pm. Free.
Ochsner Medical Center – Kenner To register, call 504.464.8365.
Breastfeeding Class in Spanish Nov. 14, 11 am–12:30 pm. Free.
Baby Care Basics Information on basic baby care, normal behavior, and how to keep baby safe. Nov. 20, 6–8 pm. Free.
Ochsner Medical Center – West Bank Campus
Touro Family Birthing Center For more information or to register, call 504.897.7319 or visit touro.com/events.
Registration is required for all classes. Call 504.391.5529 or email familyunitWB@ochnser.org.
Baby Food Making Class Learn the basics, including when and how to introduce solids. Nov. 4, 6–7:30 pm. Free.
Baby Basics Techniques covered include feeding, bathing, sleep patterns, safety, and more. Nov. 11, 6–8 pm. Free.
Diapers to Desk Equips new moms with the confidence needed to return to work after maternity leave. Nov. 21, 9:30–11 am. Free.
Parenting Center at Children’s Hospital
Understanding Your Newborn Designed for first-time expecting parents. Nov. 25, 6–8 pm. Free.
To register, call 504.896.9591 or visit theparentingcenter.net.
Snuggles & Struggles Provides information and socialization with new parents and babies. Tuesdays, 10:30 am– noon. Free. Breast & Bottle: Infant Feeding Clinic An informal support group led by a certified lactation counselor. Fridays, 9 am–noon. Free.
West Jefferson Medical Center Most classes are free, unless otherwise noted. Registration is required. Call 504.349.6200.
Grandparent Gathering Breakfast discussion on “what’s new.” Nov. 23, 9–11 am. $25/couple.
KIDS & TWEENS East Jefferson General Hospital Ochsner Medical Center – For more information or to register, call EJGH West Bank Campus
www.nolafamily.com
| november 2019
Health Finder at 504.456.5000.
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See listing above for registration information.
Babysitting Basics Designed off of the “Babysitter Cadette Badge” requirements, but is open to all girls and boys ages 11–14. Nov 9, 9–11 am. $10/person.
Sibling Class For children ages 3–11, this class prepares them for being a new brother or sister. Nov. 2, 9:30–10:30 am. Free.
Ochsner Medical Center – Baptist
Parenting Center at Children’s Hospital
See listing above for registration information.
Sibling Class Prepares siblings, ages 3–10, for a new brother or sister. Nov. 11, 5:30–6:30 pm. Free.
Ochsner Medical Center – Kenner See listing above for registration information.
Sibling Class Prepares siblings, ages 2 and up, for what to expect when the baby comes home. Oct.20, 3:30–5 pm. Free.
See listing above for registration information.
Growing Up for Girls (9–12 years) Information on female anatomy, puberty, body image, menstruation, and hygiene is presented in an informal, fun manner. Metairie. Nov. 19, 6:30–8:30 pm. $20/child.
Touro Family Birthing Center See listing above for registration information.
Sibling Class For ages 4–11, children will learn what to expect when a new baby enters the family. Nov. 16, 9–10:30 am. Free.
Tulane Lakeside Hospital for Women and Children For more information or to register, call 504.780.4641.
Super Siblings For children ages 4–9 years of age. The roles of big brother and big sister will be discussed. Nov. 19, 6:30–7:30 pm. Free.
West Jefferson Medical Center See listing above for registration information.
Sibling T.L.C. For children 3 years and older. Prepares them for arrival of mom’s new baby. Nov. 9, 2:30 pm.
The Oak Street Poboy Fest, November 3, is a one-stop-shop to sample all kinds of this New Orleans’ favorite.
Out & About NOVEMBER FRI 1
Scout Island Scream Park (continues November 2)
City Park, 1034 Harrison Ave., New Orleans. Round out the Halloween season with the final weekend of Scream Park. Ticket prices vary. 6 pm–midnight.
Pontchartrain Convention and Civic Center. Browse wholesale beads, jewelry, supplies, gemstones, and more. $5/person. Time varies by day.
Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live (continues November 3) Bayou Bacchanal (continues November 2) Crescent Park. The original Caribbean Carnival of New Orleans is back for its 17th annual celebration of Caribbean culture and heritage. Presented by Friends of Culture, Bayou Bacchanal will include two days of Caribbean cuisine, dance, music, and celebration. Tickets are $10-$15. Noon– 8:30 pm.
Smoothie King Center. Be amazed by the tricks and stunts of six monster trucks and motocross performers. Ticket prices vary. 1:30 pm.
Crescent City Fall Classic New Orleans City Park. Students throughout New Orleans from elementary school to college are welcome to race through the park in this annual run. Ticket prices increase closer to race day. 8:30 am.
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AKS Bead and Gem Show (continues all weekend)
Freret Market Freret St. and Napoleon Ave. Listen to music, check out local food and art vendors, and spend some time outside with friends. 12–4 pm.
Big Easy Con (continues all weekend) Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. New Orleans’ popular culture festival features Big Easy Con Jr. for children, artist alley, makers market, and more. Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets start at $10/person. Children 3 and under are free. Time varies by day.
SAT 2
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Special Needs Day at the Zoo
Super Plant Sale
Audubon Zoo. Audubon welcomes special needs visitors of all ages to the zoo. The zoo opens an hour earlier to ease accessibility, provide quiet spaces for animal encounters, and feature a sensory tent with local therapists. Regular zoo ticket prices apply. 9 am–2 pm.
(continues November 9) City Park. Browse and shop from Louisiana super plants provided by LSU’s Agricultural center. 10 am–4 pm.
Bu ild an Amer ican Eagle
(continues November 9–10) Westwego Farmers & Fisheries Market. Presented by the Westwego Farmers & Fisheries Market, the fest features bands, arts and crafts, kids' activities, delicious food, and more.
Home Depot, 1100 S. Claiborne Ave., New Orleans. Use a hammer, sandpaper, wood glue, and a Phillips screwdriver to make the bird and paint it and decorate it to make it your own. Participants keep their craft and receive an apron, certificate, and pin. 9 am–noon.
Crayola Model Magic Ornament Michael’s, 2900 S. Claiborne Ave., New Orleans. Construct your own little ornament to add to the tree. Children 3 and older welcome. Craft supplies included. $3/ child. 10 am–noon.
SUN 3
Wego Fest
SAT 9
Piety in Exile Market
Oak St. and Carrollton Ave. It’s becoming one of the city’s favorite festivals. The Oak Street Po-Boy Festival is a one-stop-shop to sample all kinds and versions of one of New Orleans’ signature sandwiches. 10 am–6 pm.
TUES 5
New Orleans Jewish Community Center Uptown and Metairie. Kids spend the night eating pizza, making crafts, watching a movie, and playing games while parents enjoy a night off. $35/child nonmembers. $30/child members. 6:30–10 pm.
YMCA Corporate Cup 5K YMCA of Greater New Orleans, 320 MetairieHammond Highway, Suite 321, Metairie. Support YMCA Education Services (YES) for adult literacy programs by participating in this race. Registration prices increase closer to race day. 7 am.
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UNO Pr ivateers vs. Sp r ing Hill College Badgers
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Pelicans vs. Toronto Raptors Smoothie King Center. Cheer on the Pelicans as they take on the 2019 NBA Finals Championship team the Toronto Raptors. Ticket prices vary. Tipoff at 7 pm.
Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Cheer on the Saints as they take on NFC South rival the Falcons. Ticket prices vary. Kickoff at noon.
MON 11
Pelicans vs. Houston Rockets Smoothie King Center. Cheer on the Pels as they take on the Rockets. Ticket prices vary. Tipoff at 7 pm.
TUES 12
Jonas Brothers: Happ iness Begins Tou r Smoothie King Center. The Jonas Brothers extended their tour through the end of the year including this new date in New Orleans. Ticket prices vary. Show starts at 7:30 pm.
UNO Pr ivateers vs. Pensacola Chr istian College Eagles UNO Lakefront Arena. Cheer on the Privateer women as they take on the Eagles in basketball. Ticket prices vary. Tipoff at 11 am.
WED 13
T(w)een Craft Ser ies: Shr inky Dinks
UNO Lakefront Arena. Cheer on the Privateer men as they take on the Badgers in basketball. Ticket prices vary. Tipoff at 7 pm.
FRI 8
Saints vs. Atlanta Falcons
(repeats on the second Saturday of each month) New Orleans Healing Center, 2372 St. Claude Ave., New Orleans. Browse arts, crafts, and handmade goods from over 50 vendors. Live music and food also available. 11 am–4 pm.
Kids' Night Out Oak Street Poboy Fest
SUN 10
Children’s Resource Center Library. Shrink down art and drawings you make to create magnets and jewelry. 3:30–4:30 pm.
Holly Jolly Pom Pom Fun Michael’s, 2900 S. Claiborne Ave., New Orleans. Make your own 3D Santa project with a soft beard made out of pom poms. Children 3 and up are welcome. Supplies included. $3/child. 10 am–noon.
Fete des Fromages (continues November 15–16 ) New Orleans Jazz Museum. Back for its second year, the NOLA Cheese Fest will bring together more than 150 cheeses and two dozen international cheesemakers. Ticket prices vary. Noon–6 pm.
THURS 14
Pelicans vs. L.A. Clippers Smoothie King Center. Cheer on the Pels as they take on the Clippers. Ticket prices vary. Tipoff at 7 pm.
Explor ing the Diaspora: Benin Republic (continues November 15) Ashe Cultural Arts Center, 1712 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., New Orleans. Learn about the Benin Republic through crafts, storytelling, an exhibit, food tasting, drumming, demonstrations, and more. $8/child. Teacher and chaperones free. Call 504.569.9070 to book your trip. Session one starts at 10 am.
FRI 15
Family Game Night Milne Rec Center, 5420 Franklin Ave., New Orleans. Spend time together, play games, win prizes, and share a healthy meal. 6–7:30 pm.
SAT 16
East vs. West All -Star Game Joe W. Brown Park, 5601 Read Blvd., New Orleans. Watch the best players from the season and playoffs in a showcase game. 10 am–1 pm.
Snow man Cookies Michael’s, 2900 S. Claiborne Ave., New Orleans. Do you want to build a snowman? Decorate your own snowman on a sugar cookie. Children 3 and up are welcome. $3/ child. 10 am–noon.
Foundation will host the 12th annual fest is combining with the popular, Congo Square Rhythms Festival. 11am–7:30 pm.
SUN 17
Pelicans vs. Golden State War r iors Smoothie King Center. Cheer on the Pels as they take on the Warriors. Ticket prices vary. Tipoff at 6 pm.
TUES 19
Treme Creole Gumbo Fest (continues November 17) Louis Armstrong Park. Celebrating the long heritage of what is known as the oldest neighborhood of free African Americans in the U.S., the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage
Pelicans vs. Portland Trail Blazers Smoothie King Center. Cheer on the Pels as they take on the Trail Blazers. Ticket prices vary. Tipoff at 7 pm.
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WED 20
WED 27
Little Acorns
Pelicans vs. L.A. Lakers
New Orleans City Park. Children 18 months–4 years are welcome to join this group under the Alferez oak tree for storytime, activities, and a snack. Bring your own blanket. $3/child with adult chaperone. 10–11 am.
Smoothie King Center. Cheer on the Pels as they take on Anthony Davis and the Lakers. Ticket prices vary. Tipoff at 8:30 pm.
THURS 21
UNO Pr ivateers vs. Lou isiana Ragin' Cajuns UNO Lakefront Arena. Cheer on the Privateer women as they take on the Ragin’ Cajuns in basketball. Ticket prices vary. Tipoff at 7 pm.
T(w)een Craft Ser ies: Perler Beading Children’s Resource Center Library. Melt down your own piece of colorful artwork into magnets or jewelry. 3:30–4:30 pm.
THURS 28
THANKSGIVING Westwego Performing Arts Theatre, 177 Sala Ave., Westwego. Based on the popular Disney film, Jefferson Performing Arts Society Kids perform “Frozen Jr.” $15/ person. Time varies by day.
Tu rkey Day Race New Orleans City Park. Start Thanksgiving Day off with a healthy start by participating in this run to benefit Spina Bifida of Louisiana. Registration fees vary. 7 am.
SUN 24
Saints vs. Carolina Panthers
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| november 2019
Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Cheer on the Saints as they take on NFC South rival the Panthers. Ticket prices vary. Kickoff at noon.
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TUES 26
Hopp y Thanksgiving (continues November 27) Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium. Taste some creepy crawlers in your favorite Thanksgiving dishes courtesy of the Bug Appetit chefs. Included with regular admission. 10 am–4 pm.
Audubon Zoo. Stroll through the zoo decorated for the holidays. Children under 2 admitted free. $13/person for members or $18/person for nonmembers. $3 discount for purchasing in advance online. 6–9 pm.
SAT 30
Art Market Palmer Park. Browse art and goods while enjoying live music at this monthly market. 10 am–4 pm.
Indies First Small Business Satu rday Octavia Books, 513 Octavia St., New Orleans. Get book suggestions and signatures from local authors working at Octavia in support of local bookstores on small business Saturday. 9 am–6 pm.
FRI 22
Disney's Frozen Jr . (continues all weekend)
Zoo Lights (continues November 30)
FRI 29
Bayou Classic Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Spend all week celebrating in anticipation for this year’s matchup between Grambling State University and Southern University. Tickets start at $16/person. Kickoff at 4 pm.
UNO Pr ivateers vs. Xavier University Musketeers UNO Lakefront Arena. Cheer on the Privateer men as they take on the Musketeers in basketball. Ticket prices vary. Tipoff at 6 pm.
UNO Pr ivateers vs. Eu reka College Red Devils UNO Lakefront Arena. Cheer on the Privateer men as they take on the Red Devils in basketball. Ticket prices vary. Tipoff at noon.
Family Fr iday Audubon Louisiana Nature Center. Skip the shops on Black Friday to spend the day at the nature center. Families can hike, view planetarium shows, meet animals, and more. 10 am–3 pm.
Create you r own Stocking Ornament Home Depot, 1100 S. Claiborne Ave., New Orleans. Create a new ornament for your tree that can hold a photograph. Participants keep their craft and receive an apron, certificate, and pin. 9 am–noon.
Ongoing Every Other Satu rday: Grow ing Gardeners City Park. Learn how to grow plants native to Louisiana in a kid-friendly gardening class. Open to children ages 6–9 at $17/child. 10 am– noon. Repeats every other Saturday.
Fr idays: Bucktown Harbor Farmers Market Bucktown Harbor, 325 Hammond Hwy, Metairie. Try some local produce and meats or buy the whole family a meal from a local vendor. Live music, crafts, and activities will keep up the kids’ appetites. Repeats every Friday. 3–7 pm.
STEM Satu rdays w ith Dr . Mackie Milne Center, 5420 Franklin Ave., New Orleans. Dr. Mackie teaches kids and parents new information from STEM NOLA each month. 8:30 am–12 pm.
WTUL's Kids Show
Old Metair ie Farmers Market Bayou Metairie Park, Metairie. Browse local vendors and listen to local music at this monthly, open-air farmers market. Free. 3:30–7:30 pm.
Free Wednesdays at the Audubon Natu re Institute Audubon Zoo, Aquarium, Butterfly Garden and Insectarium, and Louisiana Nature Center. Through 2019, the Audubon Institute’s Community Connect program is offering free admissions for Orleans Parish residents and four guests on alternating Wednesdays.
Free Admission to the Contemporary Arts Center 900 Camp St., New Orleans. Louisiana residents get free admission to the Contemporary Arts Center every Sunday courtesy of the Helis Foundation. The CAC is a multidisciplinary arts center that is dedicated to the presentation, production, and promotion of contemporary art. 11 am–5 pm.
Free Admission to the Botanical Gardens City Park, 5 Victory Ave. Louisiana residents receive free admission on Wednesdays courtesy of The Helis Foundation. Twelve acres of gardens and art awaits you. 10 am–4 pm. Wednesdays.
Art for All Ogden Museum of Southern Art. Admission to the museum is free for Louisiana residents courtesy of The Helis Foundation. 10 am–5 pm. Thursdays.
Satu rday Craft Jane O’Brien Chatelain West Bank Regional Library. A new craft is provided each week for children of all ages. Repeats every Saturday. 2:30–3:30 pm.
91.5 FM or stream online at www. wtulneworleans.com. This weekly radio show is hosted by DJ LizE and broadcasted live from Tulane’s campus features kid-friendly music, jokes, storytime, and more. 8–10 am. Saturdays.
Storytimes Chinese Stor ies
Children’s Resource Center Library. Read a story and make a related craft. Designed for children of all ages and their caregivers. Free. Repeats every Monday. 4:30–5:15 pm.
East Bank Regional Library. Elementary school age and younger children learn Chinese and a story in a bilingual storytime with paper crafts. Free. Repeats on the second Saturday of the month. 2:45–3:30 pm.
Preschool Storytime East New Orleans Regional Library. An interactive story time geared towards children ages 3–5 and their caregivers. Siblings welcome. Repeats every Tuesday. 5–6 pm.
Baby and Toddler Storytime Algiers Regional Library. An interactive story time geared towards children from birth to two years and their caregivers. Siblings welcome. Repeats every Tuesday. 10:30–11:30 am.
Storytime and Snack Children’s Resource Center Library. Children of all ages and their caregivers are welcome to attend this story time. A light snack will be provided. Repeats every Tuesday. 10:30–11:15 am.
Crescent City Reading Buddies Book Club Rosa F. Keller Library and Community Center. Middle school students pair with children ages 2–7 one-on-one to build early literacy skills. Repeats every month on the first Tuesday. 4–5:30 pm.
Reading to Thor Algiers Regional Library. Thor, a licensed therapy dog, provides a patient and receptive audience for reluctant readers and dog lovers to practice reading aloud.
Note: Schedules subject to change.
november 2019 | www.nolafamily.com
Storytime and Craft
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