Baton Rouge Parents Magazine April 2019

A P R I L 2 019

T H E M A G A Z I N E T H A T B A T O N R O U G E FA M I L I E S L I V E B Y

150+ DAY CAMPS + MEET THE CAMP EXPERTS

GEAUXING GREEN

IN RED STICK

DITCHING FAKE FRIENDS BUNNY

SIGHTINGS

MCDONALDS

BELLES & BEAUS

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CONTENTS APRIL 2019 ▪ ISSUE 345

FEATURES 28

ON THE COVER

2018-19 Cover Kid Peyton L. is a little firecracker who had a blast at her photo shoot for the cover. Peyton is extremely friendly, bubbly, and full of energy.

She loves going to the beach, being outdoors, and playing with her American Girl doll, Casey. Peyton and her older sister, Paris, also have their own t-shirt line! The shirts are sold to help raise money for charity.

She is the daughter of Chacory T. and Corey G.

FAKE FRIENDS

How to recognize them, how to break up with them, and how to not be one

HIV IN BATON ROUGE

What you should know and what to teach your children

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2019 DAY CAMP LISTING

Browse through these local day camps to plan the perfect summer

CAMP Q & A

Discover what camp is really all about from the directors, counselors, campers, and parents

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GEAUXING GREEN IN RED STICK

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Find out if we’re making a difference or making things worse

BUNNY SIGHTINGS

See where the bunny will be this month

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IN EVERY ISSUE

12 A MOTHER’S VOICE 14 LAGNIAPPE 68 CALENDAR 79 MARKETPLACE 80 THE LAST WORD 82 SNAPSHOTS

CONNECT

16 COMMUNITY 22 EDUCATION 23 ONE AMAZING KID 26 PATHWAYS TO PARENTING

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2018-19 Cover Kids Wesley H. and Ryder P. Photo credit: Kleinpeter Photography

32 DAD NEXT DOOR

LIVE

30 LOCAL PROFILE 32 DAD NEXT DOOR 34 EXCEPTIONAL LIVES 36 FAITH

PLAY

58 60 62 64

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A DAY IN THE LIFE OF DAD GET OUT OF TOWN THINGS WE LOVE MOMS ONLY

Photo credit: Alisha Hudman Photography

42 2019 DAY CAMP LISTING

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IN EVERY ISSUE FREEBIES

Win Freebies!

T H E M A G A Z I N E T H AT B AT O N R O U G E F A M I L I E S L I V E B Y

P U B L I S H E R / E D I TO R I N C H I E F A MY F O R E M A N-P L A I S A N C E A S S O C I AT E P U B L I S H E R BRANDON FOREM AN

Visit brparents.com and click “Register for Freebies.” Deadline to enter is April 17, 2019.

D I R E C TO R O F O P E R AT I O N S A MY LY N N F O R E M A N E D I TO R I A L M A N A G I N G E D I TO R A M ANDA MILLER

Bridge the gap between a child's tablet and an adult computer with the Tanoshi 2-in-1.

This computer and tablet hybrid was made for children so they can do their homework, play games, and even learn how to code.

■ tanoshikidscomputers.com

S E C T I O N E D I TO R M A R I WA L K E R C A L E N D A R E D I TO R NANC Y LEBL ANC S O C I A L M E D I A C O O R D I N ATO R K AT Y C A U G H M A N A R T/ P R O D U C T I O N GR APHIC DESIGNER TAY LO R V O I S I N GR APHIC DESIGNER L AUREN LEOP OLD GR APHIC DESIGNER M E LO DY TA U Z I N C O V E R P H OTO G R A P H E R K L E I N P E T E R P H OTO G R A P H Y A DV E R T I S I N G /M A R K E T I N G D I R E C TO R O F S A L E S A N D M A R K E T I N G K ASSIE WILLIA MS ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE K A R E N M CC U L L E N ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE MASON HOOD

Build them a home to call their own with Rescue Runts Babies. These adoptable mini plush pets can be rescued, groomed, collected, and loved. They arrive in plastic crates in need of some love and care, allowing you to transform them from ragged runt to perfect pet. ■ rescuerunts.com

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE DONNA ARNOLD COMMUNIT Y E VENTS M ANAGER L A U R I E A CO S TA COMMUNIT Y OUTRE ACH ROX ANE VOORHIES

C O N TAC T B R PA R E N T S .CO M E D I TO R I A L @ B R PA R E N T S .CO M C A L E N D A R @ B R PA R E N T S .CO M O F F I C E 2 25-2 92-0 032 FA X 2 25-2 92-0 03 8 11 8 3 1 W E N T L I N G AV EN U E B ATO N R O U G E , L A 70 8 1 6-6 055

This adorably sweet Bluetooth Animal Speaker is fun to look at, but it also creates great sound. It includes a wireless selfie remote shutter, built-in mic for phone calls, and optional pairing that lets two speakers create a stereo-sound experience.

■ thegrommet.com

Last Month’s WINNERS

Look who won March’s Freebies: Abigail Capestany won the Chicklet backpack; Britney Williams won the STEM Explorers: Geomakers; and Gina Nevels won the KIDZ BOP 39 CD.

Parenting Media Association Design & Editorial Awards 2019 Gold, Silver, and Bronze Award Winner Social icon

Rounded square Only use blue and/or white.

For more details check out our Brand Guidelines.

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Copyright © 2019. All rights reserved.

ISSN # 1050-8708 Reproduction prohibited without permission. The opinions expressed in Baton Rouge Parents Magazine are those of the authors or advertisers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the owners, nor do they constitute an endorsement of products or services herein. The publisher reserves the right to accept or reject any paid advertisement.

2018 GOLD Design & Editorial Awards Competition

Baton Rouge Parents Magazine is a division of Family Resource Group Inc.

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IN EVERY ISSUE A MOTHER’S VOICE

Spring into the Season

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pring has officially arrived, and with the warmer weather, I find myself spending Sunday afternoons putting away my wool sweaters, coats, scarves, and gloves. It’s very therapeutic, but usually after a day of closet organizing, it’s almost always time to go shopping, for I never think the spring clothes from last year look quite as good as they did the year before.

Then, there’s the Spring cleaning, which only I seem to think is a necessary tradition in my family. Although, I think we can all find joy in having everything in its place for the start of the new season. I painted the front door this morning, and though I dropped the can, ruined my clothes, and spent hours hiding mistakes from my husband, I breathed in the fresh air, let the sun warm my skin, noticed the grass turning green, and watched my birds sneak to their feeders that are now filled with birdseed.

This month is all about planning, too. Have your planners ready because your calendar is sure to fill up with all of the local festivals, Easter egg hunts, egg painting parties, and day camps that are available for you and your children to enjoy. I get excited just thinking about all of the fun to be had at the Strawberry Festival. It's one of my favorites to attend.

It’s also always a good feeling to see more and more people outdoors.

With the on and off cold and hot weather we have been experiencing, it’s nice to see that the sun is finally here to stay. At least, of course, until a rain shower occurs. However, you know what they say: April showers bring May flowers! I suppose I can live with a few showers if it means my flowerbeds will have some new life. Speaking of flowers and flowerbeds, I think I’ll plant some flowers this weekend. Working in my flowerbeds has always been one of my favorite ways to welcome in Spring.

Have a happy Spring season!

Amy Foreman-Plaisance Publisher/Editor in Chief

Have ideas? I'd like to hear from you.

By mail: Amy P., 11831 Wentling Ave., Baton Rouge, LA 70816 Email: amy@brparents.com. Be sure to include your name, address, and daytime phone number.

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IN EVERY ISSUE LAGNIAPPE THE BUNNY TALE

Having an imagination is a wonderful thing. From imaginary friends to creative play, it’s always exciting to see what our children will come up with next. However, some parents choose to avoid the Easter Bunny tale. They would much rather their children know the truth early on than believe the story of the Easter Bunny’s visits.

We wanted to know if the little bunnies in our community still believed, and if they didn't, what age did their parents tell them the truth. Here’s what they had to say.

DOES YOUR CHILD STILL BELIEVE IN THE EASTER BUNNY?

75% YES

10% NO

15% NO BUNNY

WHAT AGE SHOULD YOU TELL THEM THE TRUTH? “At age two.”

—Shannon K. “At age 10 or 11.”

–Angela W. “When he asks. He's currently 10 years old and still believes.”

–Sara K. “At age 11, when they enter middle school, if they haven’t figured it out by then.”

–Victoria K. “10ish. I think it is best to keep it a secret for a long time. It brings so much joy. I love the innocence and the ‘magic’ that the Easter Bunny, Santa, and the Tooth Fairy bring. When I found out the truth, I still loved holidays, but they weren’t as much fun.”

–Liz G.

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“Around age seven or eight is when children enter the concrete stage of reasoning, so that's probably when I will spill the jelly beans.”

–Cecilia W. “I'll tell her when the time is right, based on her needs.”

–Jannean D. “Wait until they figure it out, or age 12.”

–Jacqueline R. “Every child is different, therefore, I believe it is more important to focus on the child's personality rather than age. My daughter is very playful and finds joy in playing ‘pretend’ or ‘imaginary’ things. We try to make every event, like Easter, special for her and want her to have these childhood moments for as long as she can. We also

believe in being truthful, so if/when she asks questions, we discuss her curiosities and try to answer in the best way that doesn't also ruin the magic.”

–Danielle T. “He is nine and still believes, although, he is starting to ask questions. We will probably tell him after this year.”

–Jared S. “Maybe age eight. It depends because most kids will ask, and that's when you stop taking the mall pics and getting Easter baskets.”

–Kenya H. “I’m not sure on an exact age, but I want her to believe forever. I guess once she starts asking questions.”

–Micah B.

I want my daughter to be proud of what I do. I want her to brag about me to her friends.”

—Mindy Kaling

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CONNECT COMMUNITY BIRTH CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE DOWNTOWN

Gone are the days of waiting for your child’s birth certificate to be mailed to you so you can register her for school on time. If you need her certificate, hop in your car and visit the Baton Rouge Clerk of Court Office.

Clerk of Court Doug Welborn says, “The days of having to travel to New Orleans or wait to be issued a certificate by mail are behind us. We have birth certificates available for immediate purchase on a walk-in basis at our main location downtown.” After a visit downtown, you can leave with an original, certified birth certificate in your hands.

■ ebrclerkofcourt.org

SAVING LIVES WITH HUMAN MILK

We know the benefits of breastfeeding, but sometimes, despite our best efforts, we just can’t do it. If you find that you still want to provide your little one with all of those nutrients and vitamins to help her grow, you can! If you can’t breastfeed, the Academy of Pediatrics recommends using pasteurized donor milk as your next option. Through Ochsner Baptist Hospital, we now have the Mother’s Milk Bank of Louisiana to collect, process, and provide donor human milk to premature and sick babies who need human milk to thrive. Donations are always accepted, but donors must complete the screening process. ■ ochsner.org

PEEP ON A PERCH

DANCING & SINGING SCIENTISTS

SAFETY ALERT: IGLOO COOLER RECALL

Whether it’s for tailgating, parades, or crawfish boils, a big cooler, preferably on wheels, is part of the south Louisiana starter pack. The safety of the bigger models with strong locks is in question after a five-year-old managed to lock himself inside while hiding.

Thankfully, his parents are great at hide-and-seek, so he was only trapped for a few seconds. However, Igloo voluntarily issued a recall of its Marine Elite coolers with stainless-steel lock latches.■ igloocoolers.com

Photo credit: Quinn Miller of SASSO Agency

Drawing, writing songs, singing, or creating dances are all ways to help your future scientists remember the lessons they learned. According to a Johns Hopkins University study, fifth graders who tapped into their creative sides were better able to retain the science information they learned. C. Aliah James, Founder/CEO of the nonprofit Le Jeunes Artistes De Louisiane, says she observes that phenomenon in her classroom. “The grades my students are getting match the science grades that they get.” she says.

“This is a serious correlation.”

Move over, Elf on the Shelf! There’s a new helper toy in town with Peep on a Perch, a stuffed bird that looks like the iconic marshmallow-filled Easter candy. In the accompanying book, we learn how the Easter Peep assists the Easter Bunny. Your little peep will be delighted with the boxed set, which encourages being friendly, generous and considerate.

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NEW ENTERTAINMENT VENUE TO OPEN

Let the good times roll at Red Stick Social, a new Baton Rouge entertainment venue set to open Monday, April 15. The 30,000-square foot community gathering space is located inside the renovated Electric Depot on Government Street in Mid City. In addition to locally inspired food and 10 state-of-theart bowling lanes, Red Stick Social has a stage for live music and will provide space for community meetings and events. Might we suggest scheduling a date night or moms’ night out?

■ redsticksocial.com

BABYANDTODDLER COUPLES STRUGGLING TO CONCEIVE

One in eight American couples struggle with infertility each year, yet only a quarter of healthcare insurers offer coverage for treatment. One couple facing medical and financial roadblocks to having a baby can receive a grant for a free cycle of in vitro fertilization (IVF) through Gift of Hope. “We started the program as a way to help Louisiana couples undergo IVF who could not otherwise afford it,” says Dr. John Storment, medical director at Fertility Answers. Eligibility requires that couples earn less than $100,000 per year, have no insurance coverage for infertility, and for whom IVF is medically necessary to conceive. The deadline to apply is May 24, 2019.

■ fertilityanswers.com

HOP, HOP, HOP!

Can your child hop like the Easter bunny? Many moms often compare what their children can do to what their friends’ children can do. However, knowing when your child should be reaching these milestones wasn’t always clear. Whether it’s hopping on one leg or running, researchers from the University Children’s Hospital Zurich and the University of Zurich have created The Zurich Motor Assessment to gauge the motor skills of children ages three to five so problems can be addressed sooner.

■ sciencedaily.com

BORN WITH ANGEL WINGS

After the loss of her first great grandchild, Anne McCoy created Born with Angel Wings, a new nonproft.

Volunteers take donated wedding gowns and transform them into tiny gowns for “little ones who earn their wings.” Often, babies who die at birth are so small that traditional clothes won’t fit. Rather than using doll clothes, parents can find comfort in the custom-made gowns and burial garments. Blackwater United Methodist Church in Central hosted the group’s first sewing work day, and other area churches have signed on in support.

■ facebook.com/bornwithangelwings A PRIL 2019 | BRPA RENTS .COM

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CONNECT COMMUNITY AUTISM TOWN HALL

As part of Autism Awareness Month in April, the Baton Rouge Area Foundation will host an Autism Community Town Hall Panel.

The open discussion will feature members from the Capital Area Autism Network, describing their organization’s work and accomplishments over the last year and where their focus will be moving forward. The panel will take place on Saturday, April 6 at 10 a.m. at the Hartley/Vey Workshop at The Shaw Center in downtown Baton Rouge.

■ braf.org/autism-rsvp

CASA NEEDS VOLUNTEERS TO STEP UP

Abused and neglected children in our community need caring adults, especially AfricanAmerican men, to become their advocates through the CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) program. Volunteers speak up for these kids with the goal to get them into safe, permanent homes. There’s no special background required to become a CASA volunteer other than being willing to be an independent voice, speaking solely for the child’s best interest. If this important role sounds like something you can do, the first step is to attend a 45-minute orientation session. ■ casabr.org

YMCA HEALTHY KIDS DAY

REGISTER FOR LOUISIANA LEMONADE DAY

Calling all young entrepreneurs! Lemonade Day 2019 is coming up on Saturday, May 4, and aspiring tycoons can sign up to run their own lemonade stand as part of the national program. This incredible program was brought to our state in 2010. Participating lemonade stand entrepreneurs will gain financial literacy and life skills, and they’ll have a lot of fun.

Registering online gives access to a workbook to learn about budgeting, goals, serving customers, repaying investors and giving back to the community. ■ lemonadeday.org/louisiana

Healthy minds + healthy bodies = healthy children. That’s the message the YMCA of the Capital Area is sending with its free Healthy Kids Day on Saturday, April 27. The national initiative is designed to help families imagine their best summer yet. Games, healthy cooking, arts and crafts, health info, and community vendors will keep participants engaged at the six participating Y locations from 9 a.m. until noon. “A child’s development is never on vacation, and Healthy Kids Day is a great opportunity to educate families and motivate kids to stay active in spirit, mind and body throughout the summer,” says marketing director Kristen Hogan. Howard Johnson sponsors the event. ■ ymcabr.org

PARENTS’ SLEEP DISRUPTION LASTS UP TO SIX YEARS

New parents are well aware of the sleep deprivation they can expect with a newborn. But new research from the University of Warwick has shown that longer term impacts on parents’ sleep duration and satisfaction can last up to six years. Katie Dallimore, certified pediatric sleep consultant at Counting Sleep in Baton Rouge, says while the study results seem logical, good sleep is possible. “Pre-children, you have a lot less responsibilities and most likely a very different schedule than you do after you become a parent,” she says.

“Perhaps before childbirth you slept more than you needed.” She recommends making it a priority to instill healthy sleep habits in your child, which benefits the whole family with better quality sleep.

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YOUTH UNLOCKING THE DISNEY VAULT

Great news for Disney fans itching to watch classic movies without resorting to garage saling for VHS tapes. The company’s upcoming streaming service, Disney Plus, will make every Disney movie ever made available, CEO Bob Iger announced at a recent shareholder meeting. “At some point fairly soon after launch, it will house the entire Disney motion picture library, so the movies that you speak of that traditionally have been kept in a ‘vault’ and brought out basically every few years will be on the service.”

Disney Plus is expected to launch sometime in late 2019.

DANCING MAKES YOU HAPPY

Feeling a little tense from the stress of your day? The answer may be as simple as “Alexa, play dance music!” Boogie down with your children to increase everyone’s happiness and get those good #DanceEndorphins flowing. Dancing uses our sensory and motor circuits, and it also activates the brain’s pleasure centers. Sarita Rayna, Baton Rouge native dance teacher and performer, says, “Science continues to prove and push dancing as the best workout. I always say, come see why my students leave happier than when they came in!”

WOMAN’S OFFERING AUDITORY PROCESSING DISORDER TESTING FOR CHILDREN

If it seems like your child has trouble understanding what you’re saying, she may not be trying to be obnoxious, but instead, could have a real problem.

Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) can keep children from correctly processing the sounds they hear, which can lead to not understanding what you–or their teachers–are saying. And, you can’t follow instructions if you don’t understand them! Woman’s Hospital Center for Wellness has begun offering APD testing for children ages seven and up. All you have to do is make an appointment. ■ womans.org A PRIL 2019 | BRPA RENTS .COM

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CONNECT COMMUNITY GROCERY STORE TOURS

If your little bunnies are subsisting mostly on chicken nuggets and mac and cheese, Baton Rouge General and Rouses Markets has a program for you with their monthly Grocery Store Tours. Although not aimed specifically for children, the tours’ focus on teaching about healthier food options, meal planning, and shopping list creation are invaluable skills to learn at any age. The Bluebonnet Rouses will host a tour on Wednesday, April 10, and Juban Crossing Rouses’ tour will be on Wednesday, April 24.

■ brgeneral.org

PLAYING PRETEND IN PLAYHOUSES AT OLOL

Construction on the new, freestanding Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital wouldn’t be complete without playhouses in the garden to make a hospital visit a little less scary and a lot more fun. MAPP, LLC, a general contracting company based in Baton Rouge, recently committed $200,000 to the playhouses. “Our freestanding children’s hospital is built from the ground up with kids in mind,” says K. Scott Wester, President and CEO of Our Lady of the Lake. “These playhouses are a fantastic addition to the beautiful outdoor garden space and will be fun distractions for children of all ages.” The hospital is expected to open this fall.

HEAR A STORY FROM SPACE!

SUNSET PADDLE VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Get outside while you help a worthy organization!

Volunteers are needed for BREC Outdoor Adventure’s Sunset Paddle, a program allowing youth and adults to explore paddling into the beautiful south Louisiana sunset. Sunset Paddle takes place twice a month from April until August, and volunteers are needed to assist with outfitting participants, registration, event set up and take down, and assisting participants in and out of kayaks. ■ brec.org

If your little shooting stars dream of outer space or they just like hearing a good book, they’re in luck! Plug into Story Time from Space, a project from the nonprofit Global Space Education Foundation. Families can snuggle up and watch astronauts read popular children’s books from the International Space Station. Six of the stories recorded so far are books about a mouse astronaut named Max, written by astronaut Mark Kelly and read by his twin brother Scott Kelly. The library is growing, and it’s out of this world.

■ storytimefromspace.com

MONSTER CHARGED FAMILY FUN

Get your adrenaline pumping when Grave Digger, El Toro Loco, Max-D and more recognizable monster trucks are pushed to their limits at the 2019 Monster Jam at the Raising Cane’s River Center from April 26-28. Families will be on the edge of their seats during this unscripted and unforgettable event featuring jaw-dropping displays and gravity-defying feats from the worldclass drivers. For a little extra scratch, you can join the Monster Jam Pit Party and get up-close access to the trucks and their drivers. This is sure to be a hit with any vehicle-obsessed little one and parents, too. ■ raisingcanesrivercenter.com 20

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TWEENANDTEEN JUNIOR VOLUNTEERS NEEDED AT OCHSNER

Get your teen off the couch this summer, and encourage him or her to provide a helping hand to someone in need with Ochsner. The popular Ochsner Junior Volunteer program is accepting applications from teens for its summer session at the Jefferson Highway and Elmwood campuses. Junior volunteers must be going into ninth grade and be between 14 and 17 years old, and they must commit to one of two four-week sessions, working two full days per week. Deadlines to apply are May 10 and June 17, but spaces will fill up quickly.

The participating locations are in New Orleans, so be sure to plan ahead, if your teen will be attending.

■ ochsner.org

JOBS FOR TEENS

Are your teens looking for a job a little closer to home this summer? Jobs for Teens HQ may be able to help them explore all of their employment options.

This comprehensive website for teens who want to be employed provides resume writing tips and other guidance for finding part-time and full-time jobs.

The site also provides job suggestions that are sorted by ages and interests. Your couch potato might just get inspired to find the perfect summer job.

■ jobsforteenshq.com

BULLYING VIA GOOGLE DOCS

Passing notes in class is surely less common now that teens and tweens have the entire Internet in their pockets.

The latest trend for communicating with friends is to use Google Docs.

The online word processor can be used collaboratively–and likely with less adult oversight than a traditional social media account. Great for a shared homework project, not so much for an online burn book. Bark, an app to monitor kids online, reports more than 60,000 cases of kids ganging up on others using Google Docs.

Talk with your child about these findings, and be sure to keep an eye on their Internet usage.

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CONNECT EDUCATION STEM & ROBOTICS CENTER APPROVED FOR DENHAM SPRINGS HIGH

Denham Springs High School will have a new STEM & Robotics Center this year. The Livingston Parish School Board approved plans to convert two buildings on the former Southside Elementary School campus.

With approval from FEMA, Southside is being demolished due to damage sustained from the 2016 floods. LSU will partner with the high school on classes at the new center to enrich student learning in science, technology, engineering and math. The refurbishment is expected to be complete before school starts in August 2019.

PARKVIEW STEPPERS PLACE FIRST AT NATIONALS

The 13-member Parkview Baptist School Silver Steppers team placed first in two categories at the American All Star Dance and Drill Team Nationals in Orlando. Their jazz dance to “Black and Gold” and their prop novelty dance to “New York, New York” were their winning numbers. They also placed second in open dance with a performance to “Fever.”

The school’s Junior Steppers also placed second in the competition with their jazz dance to “Another One Bites the Dust.” Parkview students will be trying out for next year’s dance teams this month.

THE DUNHAM SCHOOL LAUNCHES LITERARY JOURNAL

Students at The Dunham School have launched the Dunham Literary Journal 1.1, an online showcase of original fiction, essays, poetry and artwork. Led by senior Reed Landry, the new publication includes an editorial staff comprised of 15 students in grades 9-12 who take raw submissions and turn them into a cohesive, polished presentation. The journal is designed to promote and foster student creativity.

English teacher Laura Smith is the faculty sponsor.

BR SEVENTH GRADER NAMED JUNIOR BETA STATE PRESIDENT

Ben Hader, a seventh grader at Runnels School, was elected Junior Beta state president at the organization’s 2019 state convention in Lafayette. At the convention, Ben delivered his campaign speech to more than 13,000 people and participated in a Q&A session with students representing more than 268 clubs from around Louisiana. Ben will attend the national Junior Beta Convention this summer, serving as ambassador for our state. The first Runnels student to hold the state office, Ben also has the option to run for national office.

PROFESSIONAL ATHLETES CELEBRATE READ ACROSS AMERICA DAY

Temeka Johnson, former LSU Women’s Basketball player and former WNBA player, and Lyman White, former NFL and LSU linebacker, read to Wedgewood Elementary students in celebration of National Education Association’s Read Across America Day. East Baton Rouge Parish School System partners with PASS, a nonprofit founded in 2005 to help students succeed in school, sports and life, to bring professional athletes of all sports into schools to support students’ character development and growth. ■ passtheballnow.org 22

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When Ella Barker’s dad, Wayne, encouraged her to get into coding, he didn’t realize she would end up traveling to an international tech conference in middle school.

Ella, now 13, started her coding journey by participating in the Hour of Code, an event designed to demystify computer science and introduce kids to coding as part of Computer Science Education Week.

“When I was younger, I didn’t understand it as well and wasn’t as interested,” Ella says.

“But I kept doing it every year because my dad wanted me to.” However, Ella realized that she was getting good at coding and could do something more.

Ella’s project VR StoryGram was chosen for the 2018 Mozilla Festival, which accepts only 20 percent of submitted proposals. VR StoryGram is designed for educators to create their own 360-degree photospheres and videospheres. She and her brother, Stephen, whose project was also chosen for MozFest, traveled to London for the week-long conference with mom, Holly, and aunt Heather Stone.

“London was awesome,” Ella says about her first trip out of the country.

Ella is already preparing a proposal for next year’s MozFest, and she’s also on the Episcopal High School robotics team. Although as a seventh grader, she is able to help build the bots and learns a lot in the process. Ella also has a YouTube channel where she posts videos about coding and technology as Coder-Ella.

With her coding chops, video skills, and advanced robotics, we can say that Ella is definitely one amazing kid.

Do you have One Amazing Kid? Email education@brparents.com.

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CONNECT EDUCATION SAINTS VISIT ASCENSION PARISH SCHOOL

St. Amant Middle School students celebrated winning the Fuel Greatness Breakfast Challenge with a visit from the New Orleans Saints. Cam Jordan, Saints defensive end, spoke about the importance of good nutrition and daily physical activity.

The team mascot, Sir Saint, cheered on the students for their healthy habits. The school had a 51 percent increase in breakfast participation and a 17 percent increase in milk consumption, the highest increase of more than 350 schools. The challenge was sponsored by Dairy MAX, the Louisiana No Kid Hungry Campaign, and the Saints.

EPISCOPAL THIRD GRADER WRITES ABOUT RAISING CANE’S, EARNS TOUR

In response to a class nonfiction writing assignment, Episcopal School third grader Lowell Lambert wrote and illustrated a 10-page book about Raising Cane’s, his favorite restaurant.

The Baton Rouge-based fast food chain was started by Todd Graves, who graduated from Episcopal in 1990. Graves invited Lowell and his family to tour Raising Cane’s headquarters, and Lowell gave a private reading of his book. Lowell’s teacher Amy Arceneaux is always in search of such creative and meaningful ways to inspire students to practice writing.

PARK FOREST CELEBRATES NO ONE EATS ALONE DAY

Park Forest Middle School in Baton Rouge was one of 2,250 schools across the country that participated in National No One Eats Alone Day. The positive prevention initiative, created by the nonprofit Beyond Differences, recognizes the impact of bullying on health and is designed to promote inclusion in middle schools. Students learned about social isolation and the negative impact it can have on health and academic performance at an assembly hosted by representatives from Louisiana Healthcare Connections.

STEM FAMILY NIGHT AT WHAM

ST. MICHAEL TEACHER HELPS STUDENTS TRAVEL THE WORLD

Over more than 30 years, Jim Baldridge, foreign language and science teacher at St. Michael the Archangel High School, has taken hundreds of students on educational tours around the world, including Greece, France, Brazil, China, Fiji, Germany, Prague, Japan, and Spain. The trips allow students to expand their worldviews, be immersed in new ways of life, and learn by experiencing the culture, history, and language of another country first hand. Baldridge’s trips are arranged through EF Educational Tours, a program helping teachers create these international experiences. ■ eftours.com

Westdale Heights Academic Magnet recently presented a STEM family night.

Students, parents, and other community stakeholders joined the principal and teachers to learn how the school is integrating digital content and other educational technologies into STEM education to prepare all students for future success. Participants engaged in a variety of interactive, hands-on learning experiences, modeling the lessons students experience in the classroom and showcasing how teachers make STEM come alive. The STEM night was co-hosted

by Discovery Education, a leading provider of digital curriculum, content, and professional learning for K-12 classrooms that launched a partnership with the school district in 2018.

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MIDDLE SCHOOLERS’ BATTLE OF THE BOOKS

The first Red Stick READgional Competition pitted three teams representing Episcopal School, Central Middle School, and Denham Springs Junior High in a battle of the books.

Students read the same 10 books over 8-10 weeks, and the competition consisted of multiple choice questions about the books and a puzzle round. The winning teams from each school moved onto the regional competition, which was won by Episcopal’s Team Weaver.

FAMILY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY LAUNCHES AR PROGRAM

There are many ways to instill a love of reading in children, and Family Christian Academy has implemented one way with the Accelerated Reader (AR) program launched this school year.

AR is software to monitor reading practice and was developed by Renaissance Learning, Inc. It equips teachers with insight into students’ reading practice and skills and has a worldwide community of support. The top AR readers at FCA are fourth grader Olivia Bolander, fifth grader Melina Pires, and sixth graders Chloe Millirons and Nyanna Brown.

LOCAL STUDENT ATTENDS STEM LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

Brant dos Ramos, a junior at STEM Magnet Academy, recently attended a week at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama, as part of the Honeywell Leadership Challenge Academy. The Challenge Academy, open to 16-18-year-old children of Honeywell employees, inspires students to pursue careers in STEM with a week of hands-on activities, technology, and science-oriented workshops, lectures, and team exercises.

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CONNECT PATHWAYS TO PARENTING

Selective Mutism

W

hen at home, your happy, bubbly child can’t stop talking. But when you attend larger family gatherings, she clams up and doesn’t utter a word. You thought she was just overly shy, but you’ve noticed that this happens at soccer practice, in school, and whenever anyone new is around. After reaching out to your child’s doctor, you discover that she has Selective Mutism.

According to the American Speech Language Hearing Association, Selective Mutism is “a complex childhood anxiety disorder characterized by a child’s inability to speak and communicate effectively in select social settings.”

For many of us, communicating is a part of our everyday lives. For a child with Selective Mutism, communicating daily is complicated. Communicating in unfamiliar social settings, or with unfamiliar people, can cause her to have social anxiety, and therefore, cause her to not speak. At first, it will seem like she is just being shy. However, there are other aspects that will be considered during diagnosis, including limited eye contact, if she avoids asking to use the restroom at school, and crying if pressured to speak.

Sheran Benton, a Speech-Language Pathologist at Access to Better Communication, shares, “The process for assessing and diagnosing Selective Mutism should involve a team of people and professionals.” The reason so many people are involved is because the goal of treatment is to help build comfort and consistency for the child. The treatment aims to increase the child’s confidence in different social settings, from the home to the classroom and beyond.

According to Benton, there isn’t one singular cause of Selective Mutism. The disorder tends to be caused by several different factors, including anxiety disorders (social or separation anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder), a timid temperament, environmental factors, and even genetic components.

Benton notes that in order to help your child, it’s important to catch Selective Mutism early. If your child displays symptoms for longer than a month, Benton encourages parents to take their child to a Speech-Language Pathologist. With early intervention and proper support, Selective Mutism can be treated. ■ 26

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FAKE FRIENDS HOW TO RECOGNIZE THEM, HOW TO BREAK UP WITH THEM, AND HOW TO NOT BE ONE

By Lindsey Saucier

A

“

in’t nobody got time for that.”

Kimberly Wilkins’ popular saying went viral–for good reason–in 2012 after being interviewed about a fire at her apartment complex, referring to the bronchitis she received as a result of the smoke. If you’re a parent, you know you literally do not have extra time for anything, especially when it comes to “fake” friends.

“If you can’t genuinely be yourself, who needs them anyway?” asks Licensed Clinical Social Worker/Therapist Mallory Williams. Williams says it’s “absolutely okay” to cut a friend out of your life if they aren’t bringing value.

“You don’t want a friendship to be constant work,” she says. “If someone doesn’t respect your boundaries, you may need to reevaluate that relationship.

People have bad days, sure, but that’s different from someone who is a constant negative influence. We forget that boundaries are okay to set sometimes. It is okay to say, ‘no,’ if you’re advocating for yourself.”

Cue: Ain’t nobody got time for that.

It’s OK to Break Up with Fake Friends “If a person has betrayed your trust in the 28

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past, then that person doesn’t have your best interest at heart,” says Emily Major, LCSW. “It becomes a situation where self-awareness is key. You have to realize these people aren’t the best people to be around, especially if they’re pulling you emotionally one way or the other.” And that’s completely okay, she says.

“All of our lives are stressful,” Major says. “A lot of that is stress we can’t control, but we can control the friendships and who we allow in our lives. If a certain friendship no longer benefits you, it’s okay to cut ties.”

Jami Redmond, who has a four-yearold son, Cash, recommends using ‘mom intuition,’ when deciding if a friend is fake. “I’ve always been very cautious to whether or not people were lifting me up or bringing me down,” she says. “If something feels off, then it probably is.

If you need to move on, be polite. Life is too short to waste time on anyone who doesn’t have you or your child’s best interest at heart.”

The Value of Logging Off Fake friends not only present themselves in real life, but online as well. It is important to remember that social media

is only a highlight reel of our lives. The photos we post have filters, and only the best of the best make the cut on getting actually getting posted.

“Do you put your best self on Facebook, or do you put the real authentic you? You put your best self,” Williams says. “I do not put that I stepped in my daughter’s Cheerios bowl because she sat it on the floor. Instead, we post the picture of the five-course meal we cooked, but we do not mention that we burned the bread or spilled the can of mushroom soup.”

Major says social comparison is a real issue. “A lot of women fall into the rabbit hole of scrolling and scrolling and then log off and feel isolated and bad about themselves,” she says. “It’s unreal and a skewed sense of reality. It’s crucial to spend down time off of social media.”

Redmond says if you ever feel judged or overwhelmed by social media, simply take a step back. “Nothing about Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter should make you feel bad about yourself,” she says. “If it doesn’t serve you–whether it’s social media or a friendship–let it go.”

IRL (In Real Life) Redmond says it’s very important for her sanity to maintain her social life alongside her mom friends because it’s important to her to know that she’s not alone. Redmond says her IRL friendships are a godsend, and Williams agrees that they’re crucial.

“It’s those generational friendships that help talk to that shame and tell you that you’re not broken and you’re not a bad mom,” Williams says. “Those friendships are the ones that tell you, “Look, I did this yesterday, so it’s okay that you did that.” It is so helpful to have that reminder that you are human just like the rest of us. Your kids benefit from seeing you not be perfect.”

Tiffany Favre, local mom to two, says she makes it a point to connect with her friends at least once a month. She believes women are designed to need relationships with other women. She also says it’s important to her to remember

that any disagreements between her children and her friends’ children are just that–disagreements between children– and to not let their arguments come between you and an IRL friend.

“We all make mistakes,” Favre says.

“That’s part of parenting. A real friend isn’t going to take pleasure in your fall, but instead support you in learning where you went wrong.”

How to Not be a Fake Friend Sometimes being a real friend can be as simple as checking in. Maintaining friendships is hard, but it doesn’t have to be time consuming. A simple phone call, text, email, or Facebook message saying, “I’m thinking about you, have a good day,” could–and does–go a long way.

“We’re under the impression that if we see our mom friend and she’s smiling and laughing, then she must not be struggling with anything, but that’s absolutely not the case,” Major says. “We all have daily stressors, and we all need a support system at the end of the day. Make sure you’re reaching out, whether it’s to schedule a playdate or alone time without kids. Check up on your friends whether you think they’re struggling or not.”

Favre believes those who appear to have it all together are the ones possibly going through the hardest struggles.

“My laundry room stays cluttered by mounds of both dirty and clean clothes, my golden retriever needs a bath and haircut 90 percent of the time, and I roll through carpool (sometimes Albertsons, too) in my PJ pants, flip flops and no makeup,” she says. “That’s called life.

Just because someone’s house appears to be kept in pristine condition, they post all of the monogrammed cookies they send to school, and look like a supermodel at every school event, doesn’t mean they have it all together. We all have different shoes we fill and different paths God has us walking,” she says.

Williams notes that it’s important to let your friends know you’re there for them. When it comes to having real friendships, Williams says, “I don’t know how we survive without them.” ■ A PRIL 2019 | BRPA RENTS .COM

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LIVE LOCAL PROFILE

Making Music Together

By Melanie Forstall Lemoine, Ph.D.

P

“

articipating in music has a profound impact on children and youth. When playing in an ensemble, students learn countless life skills, including the importance of showing up on time, responsibility, discipline, social skills, and the ability to view things out of the box,” shares David Torns, Associate Conductor of the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra.

As a part of the mission of the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra, the Louisiana Youth Orchestra (LYO) is beyond music lessons; it is a combination of four ensembles that provide orchestral training through weekly rehearsals.

As David Torns expresses, the LYO enhances students’ music abilities, but it also goes beyond playing an instrument.

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There are currently 150 students participating as members of the youth orchestra. With the help of conductors Jennifer Cassin and Chase Gillett, the LYO is able to provide music education at a very high artistic level. They focus on building trust, responsibility, and encouragement, while also holding the students to high artistic standards.

Some positions within the LYO are competitive, but not all. “Students are selected through an audition process beginning in late August,” says Torns.

“Some positions in the high school ensemble are competitive, as an orchestra can only take so many of certain instruments.” However, the audition process is for placement within the correct ensemble to help each student

achieve success. “We are not in the business of turning musicians away based on their inabilities, but rather giving them an opportunity to grow their skills,” continues Torns.

Local musician, Alexander Acosta played with the LYO for eight years. Having access to learning music, beyond school, had a huge impact on him. “Playing in a full orchestra is such an incredible experience. I think it is so important for young musicians to participate.” says Alexander.

Learning additional life skills is part of participation in the LYO. David Torns notes, “These students are creative, empathetic, and emotional people, and they are aware of their impact on society.”

This is important because participation in the LYO is a true commitment. Practices are held at the LSU School of Music, and there are typically nine weeks of rehearsals in between each concert.

While there is regular rehearsal time, Torns stresses, “Every musician has a responsibility to practice and learn their part to the best of their ability, so that when we all come together as a team, we can focus on making music together.”

The LYO also provides social opportunities. Local mom and Chair of the LYO Committee, Laura Acosta, shares, “Alex played in his school music program, but LYO provided the opportunity for Alex to play with young musicians outside of his school, which also enabled him to make new friends,” The LYO has a positive impact on both students and their families. Laura adds, “Even though Alex is no longer an LYO musician, I continue to serve as the committee chair because I feel so strongly that the program is an important part of the young musicians scene of the Baton Rouge area.” ■

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LIVE DAD NEXT DOOR

Chris Mitchell

By Amanda Miller

OCCUPATION ▪ Soccer Coach WIFE ▪ Angie CHILDREN ▪ Sophia, 11, and Savannah, 9 HOBBIES ▪ Traveling with my family, hiking, camping, and yard work

T

he soccer field is a place that each member of Chris Mitchell’s family is comfortable with. It’s also one place where they all enjoy spending a lot of time. Whether he’s coaching, watching his daughter’s play, or traveling out of state to attend a competition, Chris and his family are a soccer family that is always on the go. And for Chris, it’s something he thrives on.

Chris is incredibly energetic, and he’s always ready to have fun.

Whether that means sitting around the dinner table playing Spades and Hearts with his daughters or going on outdoorsy trips together, Chris puts his family first by making sure they are always creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Tell me about your children.

C: Sophia’s very loud, energetic, and active.

She doesn’t like to sit still; she likes to be doing something. She is also a big reader, and she’s involved in her school’s book club. Savannah is extremely competitive. She has no fear, and she dittos everything Sophia does. She’s also fantastic in school.

What are things you do together as a family?

C: We travel a lot because of soccer. We go to the movies. Both girls are big Star Wars fans. We also have a lot of family time, and we do a lot of outdoor activities together like hiking, canoeing, and rafting.

What’s the greatest thing about being a dad?

C: Firstly, I am very fortunate to have the wife I have. She is extremely supportive. Also, watching them take on challenges and persevere.

To them, there is no challenge too great. It’s exciting watching them grow and work hard.

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How has parenthood changed you?

C: Without a doubt, I think more about life. My faith has grown exponentially. When you have kids, not only seeing the birth, but watching them grow, it’s very spiritual. There has been a lot of growth in my faith, which is why we start and end the day with prayer.

What do you love most about your job?

C: At first, I had no plan or desire to coach, but once I got into it, I never looked back. Being able to pass on all of the knowledge I learned along the way is very rewarding.

What kind of coach are you?

C: Hopefully one who inspires a love of soccer and an openness to be able to express oneself.

Do you ever have to deal with angry parents?

C: Absolutely. It’s the most challenging part.

However, I try to look at it as I would rather have a passionate parent than one who doesn’t care.

What advice would you give to someone who is wanting to play a sport?

C: Pick something you enjoy and have fun with it. You will be more successful in the sport if you enjoy it.

How do you find the balance between work and family?

C: Organization. I make lists daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly. With how many activities we are involved in, organization is paramount.

What advice do you often give your children?

C: I tell them that life is not meant to be fair, but it’s important to always push through those difficult times.

What’s the best parenting advice you have ever received?

C: My mother and my sister often tell me that it’s important to always set aside time for you and your wife.

What’s your favorite date night with your wife?

C: Going to eat what she wants to eat, which is usually sushi. It’s the number one item on our list.

What do you do to take care of yourself?

C: I am part of a weekly Bible study group. It has pushed me in a good way. We also pray every day, and we do a quick devotional before bed.

Who does the homework: you or your wife?

C: My wife is first to help. For me, as an observer, she does a great job. She’s probably more patient with it. They tend to lean on her more for that.

What do you keep on your nightstand?

C: Phone is number one. I also have a book I am reading from my daughter’s book club, Vanished

by James Ponti. It’s pretty good!

What did you have as a child that kids today don’t have?

C: Freedom to take my bike anywhere I wanted to go. We would just explore, and it was awesome.

I think that is why we take so many outdoorsy trips now.

Which family member has been your greatest coach in life?

C: My sister has given me really good advice.

Also, my wife. She has been my inspiration.

How do you parent like your parents?

C: The things we do are very similar. My parents were also pro-activities and athletics.

Do you have any advice for other parents?

C: If you’re going to have kids, don’t wait. Also, set aside time to be with your kids if they ask you to do something. It could be shooting hoops, needing help with homework, or playing a video game, make the time to do it. ■

Quick Q&A

The parenting item I couldn’t without… love.

In my fridge, you will always find… cheese of all different sizes, colors, and shapes.

Favorite movie growing up…Superman.

Music I’m loving… 80s and 90s. The Cars were my favorite band when I was growing up.

My favorite ice cream is... chocolate.

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LIVE EXCEPTIONAL LIVES

A Stand for Life, Independence, and Health

K

aren Roy has lived most of her life in a wheelchair. When she was 19, she was shot in the back during an armed robbery, resulting in a complete T-10 spinal cord injury.

After being told she would never walk again, Roy remembers her first question, “Can I still have children?” The answer she received was yes. “At that point of my life, all I really knew was that I wanted to be a mom. As long as I could do that, I would be fine,” she says.

Roy is the mother of three young adults, Caroline, Austin and Joseph. She and her husband, Phillip, who passed away in 2016, were married for 20 years.

When her children were young, Roy managed like any other mom. She had a co-parent in Phillip, and her mom 34

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By Mari Walker

also provided babysitting help, but she remembers, “If I needed to go to Walmart, I loaded the chair and the kids, hauled the groceries, and went home. I didn’t really think much of it and neither did the kids because that was normal.”

Roy believes that benefits her children now. “They don’t see people with a disability as any different,” she says. “My kids don’t see the disability. They see the person. That’s an advantage in life.”

Now that her children are out of the house, Roy has turned her attention to advocacy as Ms. Wheelchair America.

Her platform is Stand for Life.

“Stand for Life has a double meaning– obviously, physically for me, it means to stand up as much as possible to improve your health. It’s also meant

to stand up for your rights to have the technology that makes you healthier or more independent,” she says.

Through her recovery, Roy learned about electrical stimulation bicycles and different standing devices. “I realized early on they were the key to me being healthy again,” Roy says.

Although doctors discouraged her, she told them, “But my legs are still attached to my body, and I’m pretty sure my skin, bones, and muscles still affect the health of my body.” Roy was absolutely right, and in the years since, she has never had a pressure wound which are often common among people who use wheelchairs.

“Sitting too much has become an issue for all ablebodied people,” Roy says.

“We’re learning how unhealthy it is to sit all the time.” People who need devices to help them stand must pay for those completely out of pocket, but Roy is working to get standing equipment covered by insurance.

“I’ve said the same thing for 31 years, but then I put a crown on my head and people listen,” Roy says. “I don’t know why it works, but it does.”

Roy works for Numotion, a custom wheelchair and medical supplies provider, which has been her main Ms. Wheelchair America sponsor and has allowed her the flexibility to travel. As Ms. Wheelchair America, Roy has been to 20 cities in 17 states so far.

She is also writing a book about her life story, which she hopes to finish after she passes on her crown in July. She even regularly blogs on her website. Roy is persistent in her advocacy, and she works hard to “stand up” for the the rights of the 56 million people in the United States who are living with a disability. ■

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LIVE FAITH

Take it Back

By Minister Yvonne Williams of Elm Grove Baptist Church

S

ocialization is a major component of our existence. It is a determining factor in others’ opinions of our character. Since we do not reside in Utopia, we make mistakes. These mistakes are evidenced in our conversations and physical interactions. We do not want others to perceive us as undisciplined, rude, or unkind.

Lessons from childhood taught us that when we offend someone, we should state, “I take it back.” Sometimes, this action is of our own volition, or it can be prompted by another who emphatically states, “Take that back!” What does that mean? Simply stated? “I’m sorry.”

I have learned that there are things that never come back. One of those is spoken word. So, if I “take back” the offensive words, does that mean it has been eradicated from time? No. Does it mean the person instantly forgets what has been said? No. It is an acknowledgement of wrongdoing. Second is the desire to achieve harmony; third, a return to “business as usual”-removing the incident from a peaceful co-existence; and finally, a request/a plea to forgive the words or the action that inflicted pain.

It should become ingrained in our character of lessons and actions learned to not be repeated. Whether it is children in school or adults in all interpersonal relationships, we all have moments when we wish we could take it back. Instead, simply state, “I am sorry, please forgive me.”

God has presented the ensample of forgiveness through His son, Jesus, the Christ while on His earthly Ministry. We are instructed to forgive those who “trespass against us,” that we will be forgiven when we trespass (Matthew 8:14-15). We are further instructed to forgive multiples, if necessary, because that same privilege is extended to us (Matthew 18:21-22). The ultimate act of forgiveness is found at the Cross at Calvary when the request to forgive was uttered from Jesus’s lips as He was being crucified for the sins (“take it back” moments) of the World (Luke 23:34).

Our response when we hear, “I take it back” or “take it back,” should be “I forgive you” or “I am sorry.” That is the Godly way to take it back. ■ 36

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HIV IN BATON ROUGE

Talking With Your Children About HIV and AIDS

Sometimes, it might seem easier to look the other way and say, “That’s not my problem.”

Although it might not be your problem directly, it very well may be a problem that your friend, neighbor, or co-worker is silently battling.

By Lauren Labbé Meher

I

“

tested HIV positive 12 years ago and immediately went on medication. For the last ten of those 12 years, I have tested ‘HIV-Undetectable.’ I think we need more education and less stigma surrounding HIV. It is not the ‘disease’ it once was in the 80s. It is more manageable, and people are living long, healthy lives with the HIV virus,” shares a local resident with HIV who believes that work to remove the stigma once associated with HIV is a step in the right direction.

However, in 2017, Louisiana had the third highest HIV diagnosis in the United States. In 2015, Baton Rouge ranked second for estimated HIV case rates among the largest metropolitan areas in the United States.

Sometimes, it might seem easier to look the other way and say, “That’s not my problem.” Although it might not be your problem directly, it very well may be a problem that your friend, neighbor, or co-worker is silently battling. Author Anthony J. D’Angelo says, “Without a sense of caring, there can be no sense of 38

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community.” It’s time we take a closer look at how HIV impacts our community and the ways we can help our friends and neighbors who are living with HIV. According to the Louisiana Department of Health Quarterly Report from March 2018, there are approximately 5,380 people currently living with HIV/AIDS in Metro Baton Rouge. While the Baton Rouge Area Foundation reports that the number of new cases of HIV is at the lowest it has been in two decades, Baton Rouge still remains one of the highest ranked cities for new cases.

It’s been over 30 years since HIV was first defined, but the virus isn’t going away. In 2017, 1,035 new HIV cases were diagnosed in Louisiana, with about 21 percent of these coming from Baton Rouge. The majority of new HIV diagnoses are among persons ages 15-34 years old.

HIV continues to disproportionately affect African-Americans in Louisiana. In fact, in 2017, 73 percent of the new diagnoses were African-American. This is six times higher than Caucasians and two times higher than

Hispanics. The statistics are staggering, but they may serve as a wake up call for parents as to why this is such an important issue to everyone in our community. As parents, the best thing that you can do is to educate yourself first, so that you can then work to educate the next generation.

How is HIV transmitted?

HIV is transmitted in specific ways such as: having unprotected sex, sharing needles, and less commonly, transferring from mother to child during pregnancy, birth, or breastfeeding. Meta Smith Davis of HIV/ AIDS Alliance for Region Two (HAART) suggests that when educating our children, it is equally important to dispel myths and teach them how HIV is not transmitted.

HIV cannot be transmitted by hugging, shaking hands, sharing toilets, sharing dishes, or closed-mouth “social” kissing with someone who is HIV positive. It is not transmitted through saliva, tears, or sweat that is not mixed with the blood of an HIV positive person. It cannot be transmitted by mosquitoes, ticks, or other blood-sucking

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insects, and it is not transmitted through the air.

for everyone to know their own HIV status.

Knowing your status is crucial.

Why is Baton Rouge one of the highest ranked places? How can we change this?

Smith-Davis believes that the primary reason we continue to rank with the highest numbers is about stigma. “Unless we address not only the basic stigmas about HIV, but also the stigmas related to the kinds of sex that puts folks at risk, as well as intravenous drug use, we will continue to have those numbers,” says Smith-Davis.

Rev. AJ Johnson, Founder of the Baton Rouge AIDS Society, attributes Baton Rouge’s high numbers to three things: lack of education, lack of access to free screening, and lack of involvement in the community. “In the 80s, it was common to see individuals fighting and marching for AIDS prevention and patient rights.

Now that it’s not the ‘in’ thing, no one wants to get involved,” says Rev. Johnson.

He believes community involvement would help, and he encourages people to volunteer, donate, and most importantly,

How important is HIV testing?

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If you have placed yourself at risk for HIV, the only way to tell you are infected is from an HIV test. Rev. Johnson says HIV testing is critical, and the most important thing everyone can do is know their own HIV status, otherwise you are part of the problem. With the testing available today, you can get results within 20 minutes.

Are children HIV positive in our community?

According to Robert Johannessen at the Louisiana Department of Health, there are less than 20 children in the Baton Rouge area living with HIV. Thankfully, this number is small, however, part of eliminating the stigmas associated with HIV starts with the children.

“Kids living with HIV are still just kids, you treat them all the same,” says SmithDavis. When age-appropriate, parents can educate their children about this, and assure them that if there is an accident

with a child at school, standard universal precautions that are in place at school should help prevent the need for any special precautions.

According to Smith-Davis, schools will not notify other parents, and parents need only disclose their child’s status if they want to or if there is a specific reason the school would need to know.

Children living with HIV in our community may receive outpatient, familycentered primary and specialty medical care through Part D of the Federal Ryan White Program, according to Sholanda Bradley, Director of HIV Services for Family Service of Greater Baton Rouge.

What happens to a baby who is born with HIV?

When a baby is born from an infected mother, the baby is considered exposed to HIV. Bradley says these babies go through a series of tests, and receive a medication called Zidovudine (Retrovir) within 6-12 hours after birth. “This combined with other medications when necessary, protects the babies from infection with any

HIV that may have passed from mother to child during childbirth. The use of these medications and other strategies before and after childbirth have greatly reduced the rate of mother-to-child transmission of HIV. Since breastfeeding is one of the ways HIV is transmitted, mothers who are HIV positive should never breastfeed.

Johannessen says the current advice from the AIDSInfo Panel on Treatment of Pregnant Women with HIV Infection and Prevention of Perinatal Transmission is that women still wishing to breastfeed should receive patient-centered, evidence-based counseling on infant feeding options.

What resources are available?

The Baton Rouge AIDS Society offers free HIV, Syphilis, Hepatitis C, Pregnancy, and Glucose screenings throughout the community through their mobile testing unit. They also offer educational programs both on site and via “Home Health Parties,” where they can come into your home to educate you and your family about safe practices and prevention. HAART also provides free HIV and STD testing. Their wellness clinic offers free testing for Same Gender Loving (SGL) men of color and the Transgender community. They also work to educate the community on the importance of testing, and they even participate in community events whenever they are needed.

How can the community help?

All of our experts agreed that the best thing we can do as a community is to talk about it. Encourage conversations with your friends and family members about sexual health. Include your physician in this conversation, and be sure that you know your own status. Look for opportunities for you and your family to volunteer. You will be helping to reduce the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS, while also educating yourselves on an issue that greatly impacts our community. ■

February 7th is National HIV/ AIDS Awareness Day For more information, visit hiv.gov, ldh.la.gov, and lahhub.org.

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p m a C y a D

g n i t s Li

Explore the incredible opportunities available for your child this summer with the 2019 Day Camp Listing. Through this listing, you and your child can find a camp for all of his or her various interests.

From cheering, singing, and performing to playing sports and challenging his brain, your child will find a camp to enjoy this summer–and possibly even more summers to come!

CHEER & GYMNASTICS Cheerleading St. Joseph's Academy 3015 Broussard Street (225) 388-2226 sizzlingsummer.org Grades: 4-8 Dates: May 28-31 Rates: $130 Mini Cheer Camp Parkview Baptist School 5750 Parkview Church Road (225) 291-2500 eagleexperience.camp Grades: PreK-4 Dates: June 24-27 Rates: $150 42

Tiger Cheer and Dance Kiddie Clinic Tiger Cheer and Dance LSU Carl Maddox Field House (225) 572-2867 lsusports.net Ages: 4-12 Dates: July 8-10 Rates: $195-225

CREATIVE ARTS 3D Printing & Laser Cutting Camp St. Joseph's Academy 3015 Broussard Street (225) 388-2226 sizzlingsummer.org Grades: 5-8 Dates: June 3-21

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Rates: $150 Art Camp St. Joseph's Academy 3015 Broussard Street (225) 388-2226 sizzlingsummer.org Grades: 4-8 Dates: June 10-14 Rates: $135 BRCVPA Summer Camp: Blast Off to Fun! Baton Rouge Center for Visual and Performing Arts 2040 S. Acadian Thruway (224) 344-0084 brcvpa.com Grades: PreK-5 Dates: May 2-July 26 Rates: $160-1,000 BREC Art Camp BREC’s Milton J. Womack Park

6201 Florida Boulevard (225) 272-9200 brec.org/summercamp Ages: 6-14 Dates: June 3-August 2 Rates: $120-144 Budding Artist Camp Runnels School 6455 Jefferson Highway (225) 215-5706 runnels.org Grades: PreK-2 Dates: June 17-July 19 Rates: $125 Creative Kids' Easter Art Camp Fleur de ME Designs 11666 Cedar Park Avenue (225) 938-0907 fleurdemedesigns.com Ages: 4-14 Dates: April 22-25 Rates: $50-225

Elementary Art Camp Parkview Baptist School 5750 Parkview Church Road (225) 291-2500 eagleexperience.camp Grades: 3-5 Dates: June 10-14 Rates: $125 Media Arts St. Joseph's Academy 3015 Broussard Street (225) 388-2226 sizzlingsummer.org Grades: 5-8 Dates: June 17-21 Rates: $135 New Orleans Video Access Center Film Club East Baton Rouge Parish Libraries Various Locations ebrpl.com

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Ages: 13-18 Dates: June 3-28 Rates: Free Tapestry Visual and Performing Arts Camp St. Luke’s Episcopal School 8833 Goodwood Boulevard (225) 927-8601 stlukesbrschool.org Grades: 2-8 Dates: June 3-14 Rates: $450 Think Sm"ART" at Runnels Runnels School 17255 South Harrells Ferry Road (225) 215-5706 runnels.org Grades: 2-7 Dates: June 10-21 Rates: $180 Video Camp Parkview Baptist School 5750 Parkview Church Road (225) 291-2500 eagleexperience.camp Grades: 5-8 Dates: May 28-31 Rates: $150

EDUCATION Algebra I Prep St. Joseph's Academy 3015 Broussard Street (225) 388-2226 sizzlingsummer.org Grades: 9-10 Dates: June 24-27 Rates: $130 Algebra II Prep St. Joseph's Academy 3015 Broussard Street (225) 388-2226 sizzlingsummer.org Grades: 8-11 Dates: June 24-27 Rates: $130 Ancient Greece and Rome T-O-G-A! St. Joseph's Academy 3015 Broussard Street (225) 388-2226 sizzlingsummer.org Grades: 4-8 Dates: May 28-31 Rates: $130 44

Brighton Summer Program The Brighton School 121008 Parkmeadow Avenue (225) 291-2524 thebrightonschool.org Grades: 1-6 Dates: June 3-28 Rates: $100-250 Camp Invention-Central Primary School National Inventors Hall of Fame 41469 LA Highway 621 (800) 968-4332 invent.org Grades: K-6 Dates: June 10-14 Rates: $230 Camp Invention-Lewis Vincent Elementary School National Inventors Hall of Fame 7686 Vincent Road (800) 968-4332 invent.org Grades: K-6 Dates: June 3-7 Rates: $255 Camp Invention-Oak Grove Primary School National Inventors Hall of Fame 17550 Old Jefferson Highway (800) 968-4332 invent.org Grades: K-6 Dates: June 3-7 Rates: $230

3015 Broussard Street (225) 388-2226 sizzlingsummer.org Grades: 9-10 Dates: June 24-27 Rates: $130 Handwriting Camp Parkview Baptist School 5750 Parkview Church Road (225) 291-2500 eagleexperience.camp Ages: 3-Grade 8 Dates: June 3-27 Rates: TBA Highland Road Park Observatory Camp 13800 Highland Road (225) 768-9948 brec.org/summercamp Ages: 6-13 Dates: June 3-August 2 Rates: $120-144 History Camp BREC’s Magnolia Mound Plantation 2161 Nicholson Drive (225) 343-4955 brec.org/summercamp Ages: 7-11 Dates: June 3-July 26 Rates: $120-144 Kamp Kindergarten Parkview Baptist School 5750 Parkview Church Road (225) 291-2500 eagleexperience.camp Grades: K Dates: July 29-August 1 Rates: $175

Elementary Pathways Parkview Baptist School 5750 Parkview Church Road (225) 291-2500 eagleexperience.camp Grades: 1-4 Dates: July 29-August 1 Rates: $175

LKA Summer Reading Camp Louisiana Key Academy 3172 Government Street (225) 298-1223 lakeyacademy.com Grades: 1-8 Dates: June 24-July 19 Rates: $125

Foreign Language Summer Camp Baton Rouge International School 5015 Auto Plex Drive (225) 293-4338 brintl.com Ages: 2-10 Dates: June 10-28 Rates: $180

LPB's Sensational Science Camp with Ruff Ruffman Louisiana Public Broadcasting 7733 Perkins Road (225) 767-4445 lpb.org/camp Ages: 4-5 Dates: June 10-21 Rates: $175

Geometry Prep St. Joseph's Academy

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LSU Baton Rouge

Energy Venture Camp Louisiana State University Digital Media Center (225) 236-7877 cct.lsu.edu Ages: 14-18 Dates: July 15-20 Rates: $100 LSU Beowulf Boot Camp Louisiana State University Digital Media Center (225) 578-0595 cct.lsu.edu/beowulfcamp Ages: 14-18 Dates: July 8-12 Rates: $65 LSU Gamecrash: Adventures in Game Design Summer Camp Louisiana State University Digital Media Center (225) 578-0595 cct.lsu.edu/gamecrash Ages: 12-18 Dates: June 3-7 Rates: $130 LSU Global Game Jam Next Summer Camp Louisiana State University Digital Media Center (225) 578-0595 cct.lsu.edu/ggjnext Ages: 12-18 Dates: July 15-19 Rates: $130 LSU PyFUN Programming Summer Camp Louisiana State University Digital Media Center (225) 578-0595 cct.lsu.edu/pyfun Ages: 11-14 Dates: June 24-28 Rates: $130 LSU Tiger Challenge LSU Pre-College Programs 1225 Pleasant Hall (225) 578-2500 outreach.lsu.edu Ages: 5-14 Dates: June 3-July 19 Rates: $200-375 LSU Tiger University LSU Pre-College Programs 1225 Pleasant Hall (225) 578-2500 outreach.lsu.edu Dates: June 3-July 19 Ages: 15-18 Rates: $375-450

Mad ChemistryKitchen Chemistry and a Little More St. Joseph's Academy 3015 Broussard Street (225) 388-2226 sizzlingsummer.org Grades: 5-9 Dates: June 17-21 Rates: $170 Math Camp Parkview Baptist School 5750 Parkview Church Road (225) 291-2500 eagleexperience.camp Grades: 2-7 Dates: TBA Rates: $200 Pets and Vets LSU School of Veterinary Medicine Nicholson Drive & Skip Bertman Road (225) 578-9825 lsu.edu Ages: 6-13 Dates: June 3-July 19 Rates: $145 Programming in Scratch Summer Camp Runnels School 17255 South Harrells Ferry Road (225) 215-5706 runnels.org Grades: 5-6 Dates: June 17-21 Rates: $150 Shiloh Summer Camp Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church 185 Eddie Robinson Sr. Drive (225) 343-0640 shilohbr.com Ages: 4-14 Dates: May 28-August 2 Rates: $80 Spanish Camp St. Joseph's Academy 3015 Broussard Street (225) 388-2226 sizzlingsummer.org Grades: 3-8 Dates: June 17-21 Rates: $130 Study Skills Basics St. Joseph's Academy 3015 Broussard Street (225) 388-2226 sizzlingsummer.org Grades: 6-8

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Dates: June 3-6 Rates: $130 Summer at CHS Catholic High School 855 Hearthstone Drive (225) 383-0397 catholichigh.org Ages: 10-18 Dates: June 3-July 12 Rates:$80-180 Summer Remediation eLearning Academy 13441 Tiger Bend Road Suite A (225) 753-5500 elearningk12.com Ages: 5-19 Dates: June 3-July 23 Rates: $130-410

Rates: $200 Dance Camp St. Joseph's Academy 3015 Broussard Street (225) 388-2226 sizzlingsummer.org Grades: 4-8 Dates: June 24-28 Rates: $150 Dance Center and School of Performing Arts Camps and Workshops Dance Center and School of Performing Arts 3535 Jones Creek Road (225) 753-6909 dancecenter-spa.com Ages: 5-15 Dates: June 3-August 2 Rates: $140-150 Extreme Summer

PERFORMAING Music Camp Broadmoor Baptist Church ARTS Baton Rouge Harp Festival 8484 Old Hammond Highway (225) 572-4138 batonrougeharpfestival. site123.me Ages: 6 and up Dates: June 3-7 Rates: $250 Beginner Piano Camps Piano Pathways 9270 Siegen Lane (225) 767-0030 thepianopathway.com Ages: 6 and up Dates: May 28-July 19 Rates: $175-240 Boot Camp Cangelosi Dance Project 3749 Perkins Road (225) 937-3367 cangelosidanceproject.com Ages: 8 and up Dates: June and July Rates: $150-500 CYT Musical Theater Camp CYT Baton Rouge 12124 Airline Highway (225) 938-1438 cytbatonrouge.org Ages: 5-18 Dates: July 8-19 46

9755 Goodwood Boulevard (225) 927-5454 broadmoorbaptist.com Grades: K-5 Dates: June 3-June 7 Rates: $90

High School Musical Summer Drama Camp Runnels School 17255 South Harrells Ferry Road (225) 215-5706 runnels.org Grades: 2-10 Dates: June 17-28 Rates: $325-350

Mini Dance Camp Parkview Baptist School 5750 Parkview Church Road (225) 291-2500 eagleexperience.camp Grades: PreK-4 Dates: June 3-6 Rates: $150 Musical Theatre Performance Camp BREC’s Independence Park Theatre 7800 Independence Boulevard (225) 216-0660 brec.org/summercamp Ages: 7-16 Dates: June 3-28 Rates: $240-288 Play Production for Kids Camp BREC’s Independence Park Theatre 7800 Independence Boulevard (225) 216-0660 brec.org/summercamp Ages: 7-16 Dates: July 8-August 2 Rates: $240-288 Private Lesson for All Band Instruments Runnels School 17255 South Harrells Ferry Road (225) 215-5706 runnels.org Grades: K-12 Dates: June 4-July 25 Rates: $150

Kids' Orchestra Music Camp Kids' Orchestra 445 Convention Street (225) 922-4656 kidsorchestra.org Grades: K-5 Dates: June 17-28 Rates: $300

Rookies, Rock 101, Classic Rock Rewind, Songwriting School of Rock 5830 S. Sherwood Forest Boulevard (225) 408-0029 schoolofrock.com Ages: 5-17 Dates: June 10-July 26 Rates: $225-450

LSU Bands Summer Camp LSU Department of Bands 292 Band Hall (225) 578-2384 bands.lsu.edu Grades: 9-12 Dates: June 9-13 Rates: $350-45

The Heist Summer Drama Camp with Mrs. Julie Runnels School 17255 South Harrells Ferry Road (225) 215-5706 runnels.org Grades: K-6

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Dates: June 3-7 Rates: $175 Theater Camp St. Joseph's Academy 3015 Broussard Street (225) 388-2226 sizzlingsummer.org Grades: 5-8 Dates: June 17-21 Rates: $175

SPECIAL NEEDS

Church Road (225) 291-2500 eagleexperience.camp Grades: 3-12 Dates: June 10-13 Rates: $125-150 All Star Football Academy Parkview Baptist School 5750 Parkview Church Road (225) 291-2500 eagleexperience.camp Grades: 2-8 Dates: July 22-25 Rates: $180

Autism Camp by MARK Meaningful Autistic Resources for Kids 1712 Pecan Grove Avenue (225) 264-1650 succeedwithmark.org Ages: 5-12 Dates: June 3-July 12 Rates: $175

Area 51 Kids Camp Area 51 Extreme Air Sports 10111 The Grove Avenue (225) 224-8545 area51.us Ages: 5-12 Dates: May 27-July 25 Rates: $150

Camp Conquer 8133 Jefferson Highway Park (225) 588-0216 hospicebr.org/ camp-conquer Ages: 5-13 Dates: April 23-26 Rates: Free

Baseball Advanced Skills Camp Parkview Baptist School 5750 Parkview Church Road (225) 291-2500 eagleexperience.camp Grades: 5-8 Dates: July 15-18 Rates: $100-200

Camp Sunshine Various Locations brec.org/summercamp Ages: 6 and up Dates: June 3-July 26 Rates: $100-120 Preschool Speech & Language Camp LSU Speech, Language , Hearing Clinic (225) 578-9054 lsu.edu/comd Ages: 2-6 Dates: June 3-27 Rates: $325

SPORTS & FITNESS 60/40 Keys For S uccess In Athletics Parkview Baptist School 5750 Parkview

​​​ aseball Fundamentals B Camp Parkview Baptist School 5750 Parkview Church Road (225) 291-2500 eagleexperience.camp Grades: K-6 Dates: June 10-13 Rates: $150 Basketball Camp Runnels School 17255 South Harrells Ferry Road (225) 215-5706 runnels.org Grades: 4-8 Dates: June 3-6 Rates: $100 Basketball Level I St. Joseph's Academy 3015 Broussard Street (225) 388-2226 sizzlingsummer.org Grades: 8-9 Dates: June 17-20

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Rates: $130 Basketball Level II St. Joseph's Academy 3015 Broussard Street (225) 388-2226 sizzlingsummer.org Grades: 4-7 Dates: June 17-20 Rates: $130 Boys and Girls Basketball Camp Parkview Baptist School 5750 Parkview Church Road (225) 291-2500 eagleexperience.camp Grades: 1-11 Dates: June 17-20 Rates: $150 BREC Summer Sports Camp BREC’s Kathy Drive Park 1801 Kathy Drive (225) 272-9200 brec.org/summercamp Ages: 6-12 Dates: June 3-July 26 Rates: $100 BRSC 2019 Academy Camp Baton Rouge Soccer Association Burbank Soccer Complex (225) 924-2157 brsoccer.org Ages: 5-10 Dates: July 29-August 2 Rates: $145-165 BRSC 2019 Goal Keeper Camp BREC’s Independence Park Baton Rouge Soccer Association (225) 924-2157 brsoccer.org Ages: 5-14 Dates: June 10-14 Rates: $145-155 BRSC 2019 Summer Camp Baton Rouge Soccer Association BREC’s Independence Park (225) 924-2157 brsoccer.org Ages: 3-14 Dates: May 27-July 13 Rates: $110-205 Coach Borel's Summer Fitness Camp 10534 Ridgebrook Avenue (225) 939-1229 48

coachborel.com Grades: 5-12 Dates: June 10-July 11 Rates: $75-175 Crawfish Aquatics Summer Swimming Lessons Crawfish Aquatics 7150 Bluebonnet Blvd (225) 769-4323 crawfishaquatics.com Ages: 2-Adults Dates: April 1-August 1 Rates: $85-180 Crawfish Swim School Crawfish Swim School at Bayou Oaks 15077 Highway 73 (225) 673-3366 crawfishswimschool.com Ages: 6 months-Adult Dates: May 27-August 11 Rates: $20-200 Crawfish Swim School Splash & Play!

Crawfish Swim School 8556 Siegen Lane (225) 757-6867 crawfishswimschool.com Ages: All ages Dates: May 27-August 11 Rates: $5-20 Crawfish Swim School Splash & Play!

Crawfish Swim School at Bayou Oaks 15077 Highway 73 (225) 673-3366 crawfishswimschool.com Ages: All ages Dates: May 27-August 11 Rates: $5-20 Crawfish Swim School Swim Lessons Crawfish Swim School 8556 Siegen Lane (225) 757-6867 crawfishswimschool.com Ages: 6 months-Adult Dates: May 27-August 11 Rates: $20-50 Cross Country Camp Parkview Baptist School 5750 Parkview Church Road (225) 291-2500 eagleexperience.camp Grades: 4-12 Dates: June 24-27 Rates: $150 Eagle Strength and Conditioning Camp Parkview Baptist School 5750 Parkview Church Road

BRPA RENTS .COM | 2019

(225) 291-2500 eagleexperience.camp Grades: K-8 Dates: June 3-July 17 Rates: $550 Football Camp Parkview Baptist School 5750 Parkview Church Road (225) 291-2500 eagleexperience.camp Grades: 1-8 Dates: June 3-6 Rates: $150 Golf Camp Various Locations brec.org/summercamp Ages: 8-17 Dates: May 28-July 12 Rates: $210 Horse Lover’s Adventure Camp BREC’s Farr Park Equestrian Center 6402 River Road (225) 769-7805 brec.org/summercamp Ages: 9-12 Dates: June 24-28 Rates: $135-240 Horse Lover’s Camp BREC’s Farr Park Equestrian Center 6402 River Road (225) 769-7805 brec.org/summercamp Ages: 6-12 Dates: June 3-July 26 Rates: $135-240 Junior Horsemanship Camp BREC’s Farr Park Equestrian Center 6402 River Road (225) 769-7805 brec.org/summercamp Ages: 13-15 Dates: July 29-August 2 Rates: $135-240 Lester Roberts Sports Academy BREC Sports Academy 1002 Laurel Street (225) 272-9200 brec.org/summercamp Ages: 6-12 Dates: June 3-July 26 Rates: $100 LSU Baseball Summer Camp Alex Box Stadium (225) 578-0082 lsubaseballcamps.com

Grades: PreK-8 Dates: July 1-Aug 1 Rates: $279-699 LSU Tiger Golf Camp 15223 Lockett Lane (225) 405-9775 lsutigergolfcamp.com Ages: 6-10 Dates: June 11-July 26 Rates: $225 Middle School Fitness Training St. Joseph's Academy 3015 Broussard Street (225) 388-2226 sizzlingsummer.org Grades: 7-8 Dates: June 24-July 25 Rates: $100 Soccer Camp Parkview Baptist School 5750 Parkview Church Road (225) 291-2500 eagleexperience.camp Grades: K-8 Dates: July 8-11 Rates: $150 Soccer Camp St. Joseph's Academy 3015 Broussard Street (225) 388-2226 sizzlingsummer.org Grades: 4-6 Dates: June 24-27 Rates: $130 Softball Camp Parkview Baptist School 5750 Parkview Church Road (225) 291-2500 eagleexperience.camp Grades: 3-12 Dates: July 15-18 Rates: $150 Softball Camp St. Joseph's Academy 9222 Burbank Drive (225) 388-2226 sizzlingsummer.org Grades: 3-9 Dates: June 24-27 Rates: $135 Softball Pitching Clinic St. Joseph's Academy 9222 Burbank Drive (225) 388-2226 sizzlingsummer.org Grades: 3-9 Dates: June 24-27 Rates: $40 Sommerview Horsemanship Camp

Sommerview Farm 6905 Bayou Paul Road (225) 315-2670 sommerviewfarm.com Ages: 6 and up Dates: June 3-July 26 Rates: $50 Summer at CHS Catholic High School 855 Hearthstone Drive (225) 383-0397 catholichigh.org Ages: 5-14 Dates: June 3-July 14 Rates: $140-260 Teddy Tennis Tender Teddy Tennis, LLC 11111 Roy Emerson Drive (225) 223-0579 camperregsecure.com Ages: 2.5-6 Dates: June 3-July 19 Rates: $150 Tennis Camp Various BREC Locations brec.org/summercamp Ages: 4-17 Dates: May 27-August 2 Rates: $45-195 Topgolf Spring Kids Academy Topgolf 10955 North Mall Drive (225) 208-0098 eventbrite.com Ages: 6-12 Dates: April 15-24 Rates: $119 Volleyball Camp Parkview Baptist School 5750 Parkview Church Road (225) 291-2500 eagleexperience.camp Grades: 2-12 Dates: July 22-25 Rates: $75-125 Volleyball-Level 1 St. Joseph's Academy 3015 Broussard Street (225) 388-2226 sizzlingsummer.org Grades: 4-6 Dates: June 3-14 Rates: $140 Volleyball-Level 2 St. Joseph's Academy 3015 Broussard Street (225) 388-2226 sizzlingsummer.org Grades: 7-9 Dates: June 3-14 Rates: $140

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Volleyball Setter/ Hitter-Level 1 St. Joseph's Academy 3015 Broussard Street (225) 388-2226 sizzlingsummer.org Grades: 4-6 Dates: June 3-13 Rates: $40 Volleyball Setter/ Hitter-Level 2 St. Joseph's Academy 3015 Broussard Street (225) 388-2226 sizzlingsummer.org Grades: 7-9 Dates: June 3-14 Rates: $50

TRADITIONAL Backyard Habitat Gardener Spring Bird Camp Friends of Hilltop Arboretum 11855 Highland Road (225) 767-6916 lsu.edu/hilltop Ages: 7-10 Dates: April 24-25 Rates: $50-85 Backyard Habitat Gardener Summer Habitat Camp Friends of Hilltop Arboretum 11855 Highland Road (225) 767-6916 lsu.edu/hilltop Ages: 7-10 Dates: June 17-21 Rates: $125-160 Baking Camp St. Joseph's Academy 3015 Broussard Street (225) 388-226 sizzlingsummer.org Grades: 5-8 Dates: June 10-28 Rates: $165 Blackwater UMC Parents Day Out Blackwater United Methodist Church 10000 Blackwater Road (225) 261-4013 blackwaterumc.org Grades: 18 months-5 Dates: June 11-July 18 Rates: $500 Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center Camp 10503 N. Oak 50

Hills Parkway (225) 757-8905 brec.org/summercamp Ages: 5-17 Dates: May 28-August 2 Rates: $120-144

3015 Broussard Street (225) 388-2226 sizzlingsummer.org Grades: 5-9 Dates: June 3-21 Rates: $165

BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo Summer Camp BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo 3601 Thomas Road brec.org/summercamp Ages: 5-13 Dates: May 27-August 2 Rates: $130-152

Eagle Experience Summer Camp Parkview Baptist School 5750 Parkview Church Road (225) 291-2500 eagleexperience.camp Grades: PreK-6 Dates: May 28-August 2 Rates: $175

Broadmoor Methodist Summer Day Camp Broadmoor United Methodist Church 10230 Mollylea Drive (225) 926-5243 bumcchildrenslearningcenter.org Grades: K-7 Dates: May 28-August 2 Rates: $140-195 Camp Can Do St. Andrew's United Methodist Church 17510 Monitor Avenue (225) 753-9873 saumcbr.com Ages: 3-13 Dates: June 3-July 26 Rates: $140 Camp Istrouma 25975 Greenwell Springs Road (225) 261-2089 campistrouma.com Grades: 1-6 Dates: June 3-July 26 Rates: $170 Camp Theodore Trinity Episcopal Day School 3550 Morning Glory Avenue (225) 270-7734 trinityschoolbr.org Grades: PreK3-6 Dates: June 3-July 26 Rates: $160-200 Charm School St. Joseph's Academy 3015 Broussard Street (225) 388-2226 sizzlingsummer.org Grades: 6-9 Dates: May 28-31 Rates: $135 Cooking Camp St. Joseph's Academy

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Early Learning Center 930 North Boulevard (225) 387-4229 elcbr.com Ages: K-11 Dates: May 29-August 2 Rates: $225 Girl Talk St. Joseph's Academy 3015 Broussard Street (225) 388-2226 sizzlingsummer.org Grades: 5-7 Dates: June 3-6 Rates: $130 Kid-Possible Summer Camps 10328 Jefferson Highway (225) 442-3143 kid-possible.com Ages: 5-12 Dates: May 28-August 2 Rates: $145-165 Kidcam of Baton Rouge at First Baptist 529 Convention Street (225) 485-6633 kidcamcamp.com Ages: 5-13 Dates: May 28-August 2 Rates: $145-156 Kidcam of Baton Rouge at New Song 18465 Old Perkins Road (225) 485-6633 kidcamcamp.com Ages: 5-13 Dates: May 28-August 2 Rates: $145-156 Kidcam of Baton Rouge at St. Margaret 12663 Perkins Road (225) 485-6633 kidcamcamp.com Ages: 3-13 Dates: May 28-August 2 Rates: $145-156

Kidcam of Baton Rouge at St. Paul 2021 Tara Boulevard (225) 485-6633 kidcamcamp.com Ages: 5-13 Dates: May 28-August 2 Rates: $145-156 Laurel Oaks Enrichment Camp Laurel Oaks Academy 440 North Foster Drive (225) 362-3624 laureloaksbr.org Ages: 5-12 Dates: June 3-28 Rates: $40 LSU UREC Tiger's Den Summer Camp LSU University Recreation 102 Student Rec Complex (225) 578-7029 lsuuniversityrec.com Ages: 6-12 Dates: May 27-August 2 Rates: $160-180 Mini Cooking and Baking Camp St. Joseph's Academy 3015 Broussard Street (225) 388-2226 sizzlingsummer.org Grades: 3-7 Dates: May 28-31 Rates: $135 Nature Explorers Camp BREC’s Independence Activity Building (225) 388-3029 brec.org Ages: 7-17 Dates: June 3-July 26 Rates: $120-144 Outdoor Adventure Camp BREC’s Greenwood Community Park outdooradventure@brec.org brec.org Ages: 8-12 Dates: June 3-July 26 Rates: $120-144 Pine Cove-Camp in the City Fellowship Church 14363 Highway 73 (225) 673-4735 pinecove.com Grades: 1-6 Dates: May 27-31 Rates: $280 Recreation Summer

Camps Various BREC Locations brec.org Ages: 4-12 Dates: June 3-July 26 Rates: $100-120 Sewing Camp St. Joseph's Academy 3015 Broussard Street (225) 388-2226 sizzlingsummer.org Grades: 5-8 Dates: June 3-14 Rates: $165 SJA Day Camp St. Joseph's Academy 3015 Broussard Street (225) 388-2226 sizzlingsummer.org Grades: 3-7 Dates: May 28-June 28 Rates: $70-150 STEM Explorer St. Joseph's Academy 3015 Broussard Street (225) 388-2226 sizzlingsummer.org Grades: 5-8 Dates: June 3-14 Rates: $160 Summer Sprouts Camp Friends of Hilltop Arboretum 11855 Highland Road (225) 767-6916 lsu.edu/hilltop Ages: 4-6 Dates: June 3-7 Rates: $165-200 Teen Get Out Summer Camp Various BREC Locations brec.org Ages: Teens Dates: June 3-July 12 Rates: $60 YMCA of the Capital Area 350 South Foster Drive (225) 923-0653 ymcabr.org/camp Grades: PreK-10 Dates: May 28-August 2 Rates: $120-170

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S T R E P X E E H T M O FR CAMP

After compiling your most commonly asked questions, we reached out to camp directors, camp counselors, campers, and local parents who know a thing or two about camp to get the answers you're looking for.

Q&A

DIRECTOR Q. HOW DO YOU HELP CAMPERS INTEGRATE INTO THE CAMP COMMUNITY?

Susan Hooks, Riverview Camp for Girls “Most of the campers watch our website and YouTube videos, and they already feel a connection when they arrive.

They choose a camp team during check in, so that is exciting for them. Once in their cabins, they set up their beds and spaces, and with girls, that meets the “nesting instinct” and is another level of self-comfort. After parents leave, each cabin will have a cabin meeting and get to know their cabin mates, and then, the entire camp has lunch (cabins sit together). There is just immediate integration into the camp community throughout the day’s activities. Of course, a camp tour of their “new camp home” is always included. We want new campers to feel like they are coming home, too, just like prior year campers.

Every camper in our camp community feels important!”

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Andrew Vincent, Twin Lakes Summer Camp “Much of the way Twin Lakes helps campers integrate into our program happens behind the scenes. We select and train a high-quality staff of counselors who invest in each camper and focus on their individual needs. Our desire is to get every camper involved as quickly as possible. In order to give campers the best opportunity to meet and make new friends, we pay attention to the way we assign campers to cabins. We do not, knowingly, assign large groups of campers who already know one another to the same cabin so that other campers can more easily be included into the group, rather than excluded. Once campers arrive, meet one another, and get started with all of the fun activities and programs offered at Twin Lakes, the rest just happens on its own.”

COUNSELOR Q. WHAT ARE WAYS YOU HELP CAMPERS WHO ARE EXPERIENCING HOMESICKNESS? HOW DO YOU HELP THEM OVERCOME IT?

Ta'lynn "Goofy" Belle “As Girl Scout camp counselors, we always try to offer as many comforts from home as possible in the camp environment. I always bring a stuffed animal from home, and I will lend it to a camper who is struggling with homesickness. You would think something so small wouldn't make a difference, but it always seems to brighten their day.”

Steven Peacock “The easiest way to help a camper who is homesick is to not let him dwell upon the fact that he is homesick. This comes in a variety of ways, including distracting him with events, engaging the child with other kids, and encouraging the child to immerse himself in the camp atmosphere. If this doesn’t work, the next step is to remind him how short a week is: today is Monday, tomorrow is Tuesday, and basically, it’s Saturday, etc.”

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CAMPER Q. IN WHAT WAYS DO YOU FEEL THAT CAMP IS HELPING YOU GROW AS A PERSON?

Katie McCullen “I think camp helped me grow as a person because I was placed in an entirely new environment with people I didn’t know at all. It forced me to make the best of my situation and learn how to ebb and flow with other people’s opinions and way of living. I got to participate in so many different activities and really bond with so many cool people.”

Emma Acosta “When I first started going, it was really hard to be away from my family for so long. Even though I still get a little lonesome, I’ve developed my independence. Summer camp has helped me open up to learn and to try new things. It has definitely boosted my problem-solving skills and self confidence.”

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PARENT Q. WHEN YOU WERE CHOOSING A CAMP, WHAT ARE THINGS YOU WANTED THE CAMP TO HAVE FOR YOUR CHILD?

Paula Dawson “We start narrowing camp choices down based on activities that our child enjoys while factoring in affordability.

My go-to resource for options is always the camp listings in Baton Rouge Parents Magazine. Utilizing this source allows us to engage our child, gets him excited about the opportunity, and it allows him to voice his interests. When the camp options have been narrowed down, we then try to talk to other families who have attended, review the security policies, and determine the camper/counselor ratio.”

Blair Purgerson “The summer camp must be a faithbased camp, therefore the counselors will be wonderful spiritual role models to our daughters. I look for camps that introduce new sports and outdoor adventure from ropes courses to rock climbing. One camp I sent my daughters to, asked me what experiences I would like for them to try.

My response was to learn how to pitch a tent and sleep outdoors in a sleeping bag.

These experiences teach them wonderful collaboration and leadership skills.” ■ 2019 | BRPA RENTS .COM

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GEAUXING GREEN IN RED STICK Making a Difference or Making Things Worse?

By Jannean Dixon, M.Ed

W

hile I am a recycling nut, my husband swears it all ends up in a landfill. And, we aren’t the only two debating this. With a push to improve the health of Red Stick, recycling has been a hot topic in many circles. Some parents recycle to try and help make a difference in our community, but there are ways that recycling can be done incorrectly, causing the recyclable items to only end up where my husband predicted–in a landfill, completely erasing the work that was done.

Local mom Nancy Mahalik shares that she and her children recycle.

“Recycling is a commitment to my kids, and ultimately, my grandkids. I saw a statistic one time about cardboard toilet paper rolls and the length one family adds to a local dump each year.

I started recycling years ago with that statistic in my mind, and I appreciate communities that have a committed focus on recycling.”

On the flip side, parents who do not recycle often say that they don’t because their neighborhood or workplace doesn’t have a recycling pickup or they lack faith that the items they are recycling are actually being recycled and not just taking a different route to the city dump.

Sadly, they aren’t completely wrong, which is where the problem lies. However, with the right education, there are ways that we can help get the recyclables to the right place. “I think 56

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recycling education is needed so people will care more and do more about it,” adds Lindsay Harper.

The Bottom Line in Baton Rouge According to The Red Stick Green Guide, Baton Rouge recyclables are trucked to Progressive Waste Solutions.

“There, materials are separated, baled, and shipped off to be processed into new recycled products,” reports the guide.

Lisa Mahoney with City of Baton Rouge Recycling shares that after the recyclables are sorted and baled, they are sold. Pratt Industries buys Baton Rouge’s cardboard and paper, and plastics, steel, and tiny, are sent to regional manufacturers for processing.

In 2016, Baton Rougeans threw nearly 42,000 tons of garbage into landfills, and we recycled about 14,000 tons. Overall, Louisiana currently recycles about 6.3 percent of our waste, according to the Department of Environmental Quality’s 2016 annual report. Household trash is comprised of 35 percent paper, and nearly ⅓ of U.S. waste is packaging. Only one percent of 30 billion plastic bags used in the U.S. annually are recycled.

The Problem with Recycling We are are the problem with recycling!

Many of us, despite our best intentions, are recycling incorrectly.

Baton Rouge has a single-stream recycling program. This means that all of

our recyclables that we have collected are placed in a single bin.

Recycling contamination is anything that does not belong in the bin from nonrecyclable items and food leftovers to plastic bags. One bit of contamination can ruin an entire bin of potential recyclables, resulting in sending them to the landfill.

Mahoney shares that the most frequent contaminant in Baton Rouge recycling is plastic bags.

“I don’t want to give the impression that plastic bags are not recyclable, they are, but not in curbside pickup. People often collect their recyclables in plastic bags and throw the bag into the bin. This can lead to a lot of recyclable materials being thrown away. The plastic bags are bad for the automated recycling system because they get caught in the screens.

This causes the screens to malfunction, and it increases downtime because the screens have to be cut free of the plastic film. You can recycle plastic bags, ice bags, plastic film, and dry cleaning bags at the pickup boxes located in grocery stores.” Mahoney explains.

If you’re in doubt, throw it out.

This will prevent loads of perfectly good recyclables from being trashed because they’ve been mixed in with the contaminating item.

Get the Kids Involved Local teacher Ann Giles shares that her class saves toilet paper rolls, milk jug tops, and other pieces to use in their art center. Teresa McDempsy, a gardening teacher, says that her students find innovative ways to reuse materials within their school garden.

You can also remind kids to turn off the water when brushing their teeth and turn off lights when leaving a room.

Also, use reusable water bottles, pack lunches in reusable packaging, reuse paper, compost, donate items to local resale shops, use fabric shopping bags, and learn to differentiate garbage from recyclable items.

I’ve made recycling easier in our household by having two different colors of trash can: one for garbage and one for the recycling bin.■

The Ecology of Diapers

By Robert Moskowitz

Let’s talk diapers. Those soggy, smelly, poopy diapers that babies keep generating are majorly affecting our environment. But, there are ways we can lighten their impact.

Whether it’s disposable, reusable, or hybrid diapers, scientists have studied them all and have come to a resounding impasse. No one can definitely prove that one diapering technology is more or less “harmful” to the environment than another. In fact, the whole picture is shot through with shades of gray.

A study conducted by the Environment Agency found that all three diapering choices have about the same overall environmental impact–but in different ways. Disposable diapers are dirtiest to manufacture, homelaundered diapers require much more energy to clean, and commercially laundered diapers burn extra fuels and generate significant amounts of emissions during pick up and delivery.

Every diapering choice somehow impacts the health of our planet, however, there are ways to help make the diapers a little greener.

The trick is to reduce the heaviest environmental impacts of whatever diapers you use, by such means as: ■ Use fewer disposable diapers and favor those brands that are made with “greener” materials ■ Conserve energy when washing and drying cloth diapers.

■ Arrange for fewer diaper service deliveries to conserve.

From the Earth’s point of view, it’s not all that important which kind of diapers you use. What makes this really special is that you were blessed with a little one. ■

PARKVIEW BAPTIST

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PLAY A DAY IN THE LIFE OF DAD STAY CONNECTED If you would like to read more of Brandon’s adventures from A Day in the Life of Dad, visit us online at brparents.com.

GEAR UP Point, aim, and measure!

The Lasergrip 774 lets you safely measure surface temperatures from a distance while still maintaining laser-sharp accuracy. Measure extreme temperatures ranging from -58°F-716°F without ever needing to come in contact.

■ amazon.com

Get a JOB

By Brandon Foreman

I

think everytime I turn around, I am spending money on my children, and I think I spend way too much on them. This summer, I have a plan, and it is called: “Operation: Get a Job.” Why do most people wait until their children are 15-16 to make them work? I think we can still have them do small odd jobs around the house and for friends and family, and yes, they need to make some money. They need to learn to save some of it, spend some, and lastly, give some.

I also think this is different than chores around the house. I think there should be some block of time during the summer each day that, even if it is for an hour a day, they “know” they are “at work.” I think them knowing they have to go to work and do a job is good for them, and they learn that they “have to work” in life. This will help teach them that no matter their age, they can improve their life/situation by going to work.

Do you remember how good it feels to work hard for something, have to save for a while, and then finally be able to get it? Then, we end up being torn with emotion on not wanting to give up our hard earned money in order to get it. Our children need to learn what that feeling is, and they need to learn how good it feels to help someone else with the money they have.

So, this summer we are handing out the jobs in our house and telling everyone to get to work, and to not forget to do their chores after work.

Here are a couple of job openings for summer that you may not have thought of: Dog Walker ■ Flower Bed Clean Up ■ Car Washer/Vacuum ■ Office Filer ■ Organize Office Supply Closet ■ Concession Stand at Sibling’s Summer Sports Games ■ Outside Window Washer. ■ 58

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‘‘

FROM THE MOUTHS OF DADS

If I teach my children to climb, then they can push themselves to the limits, gracefully move through fear and doubt.”

—Jason Momoa

PIC OF THE MONTH

Jonathan & Pearce C. paused their yard work to take an adorable photo.

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PLAY GET OUT OF TOWN

OWA

Foley, Alabama

BEFORE YOU GO

Coordinates | 28.0222° N, 81.7329° W Baton Rouge to OWA | 240.5 miles Driving Time | 3 hours, 26 minutes Flying Time | 3 hours, 21 minutes, 1 stop (BTR-Foley) Why OWA? | From the peaks of OWA’s highest amusement park rides, you can see incredible views of the Gulf of Mexico, which is precisely where OWA gets its name. OWA, meaning Big Water, puts family at the center of everything they do. Offering 21 rides, a splash pad, and downtown shopping, OWA provides you and your family several days of relaxing in a kid-friendly atmosphere for when you want to get away but still have some fun.

WHERE TO STAY

Stay close to all of the action by resting your heads after a long day of fun at TownePlace Suites by Marriott. These on-site suites are within walking distance of the park, offering amenities such as a free buffet-style breakfast, video games, an indoor pool, fitness center, Smart TVs with access to streaming services, and free WIFI.

WHERE TO EAT

Crazy Donuts 101 J South OWA Boulevard, Foley, AL 36535 Whether you prefer a burger, fries, or a breakfast sandwich, everything you order at Crazy Donuts comes with a donut. That’s right, all 28 dishes come served with a donut. In the mood to create your own donut? Well, you can at the Build a Bar. This hands-on dining experience is fun for all ages, and mom and dad can even have a drink, too, while there.

Trattoria Pizza & Italian 100-F South Owa Boulevard, Foley, AL 36535 Boasting fresh ingredients and made-from-scratch menu items, Trattoria Pizza & Italian is a comfy and casual restaurant that is sure to make every member of the family happy. Try any of the delicious hand-tossed pizzas for starters, and be sure to add a side of the infamous Garlic Ballz to go with your meal.

Groovy Goat 106 South OWA Boulevard, Foley, AL 36535 The name alone will bring a smile to everyone’s faces, but the food and atmosphere is what makes this one of the grooviest restaurants around. The menu includes everything from soups and salads to steaks and seafood, and 60

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everything is made from scratch. They are even home to the largest screens in the area for watching sports.

THINGS TO DO

Put on your bathing suit and cool off at the Wacky Waters splash pad.

However, this splash pad is unlike any other. Wacky Waters features 10,000 square feet of water-themed fun. With a dump bucket, a raining coconut tree, and a dome of water, it’ll be the wackiest water-filled day your family has ever experienced.

Get competitive with your crew at Midway Games. Remember those games you used to play at the fair? Well now they are all in one place once again for your family to enjoy. Play a round of Tub Toss or see who can shoot the most hoops. The winner could take home a great keepsake for being the game master.

From big drops to family-friendly spins, OWA offers over 21 different rides for your family to enjoy. For the thrill seeker in the family, hop on the Alabama Wham’a, Air Racer, Rollin’ Thunder, or the Wave Rider. If you’re travelling with smaller ones, there are rides that are just from them. They will get a kick out of riding Happy Haulers, Leap Frog, Swingin’ Fun, and the Gully Washer.

Move from game to game and accumulate points at The Arcade at OWA. Open to the public in Downtown OWA, this state-of-the-art arcade features more than 50 games for you and your family to take on. Best of all, you won’t have to keep up with paper tickets as you win with the help of the play-card technology and redemption center.

Take a break from the thrills and enjoy some time shopping with your family in Downtown OWA. You will each find the perfect souvenir to commemorate your trip with items ranging from custom printed t-shirts and home goods to jewelry, handmade soaps, and seasonings and teas. You won’t want to miss Pepper Palace’s sample bar where you can sample their gourmet products. But be warned, they’re hot!

If you’re wanting to sit back, relax, and be entertained, you’re in luck. OWA also offers live performances throughout the month at the Showroom.

You can see Brandon Styles LIVE at OWA on Tuesdays and Saturdays in Downtown OWA. Brandon’s performances feature celebrity singing and speaking impressions with comedy, magic, dancing, ventriloquism, and audience participation.

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PLAY THINGS WE L

VE

Start a garden with your children in a unique way. You can get plants from pencils (yes, pencils) with Sprout pencils. Simply use the Sprout pencil as you would any other pencil, then plant it and watch it grow into herbs, flowers, or even fresh vegetables.

■ sproutworld.com

Breathe some life into your hair with the Love Beauty and Planet Hair Spray. These coconut milk-infused hair sprays help give you shine, volume, or frizz control. With a long-lasting finish, the formulas help make your hair feel and smell amazing.

■ lovebeautyandplanet.com

Turning plastic waste into wearable art, Preston & Linnie’s Sea Petal Collection includes incredible rings, cuffs, necklaces, and earrings. Each piece is transformed from waste to beauty in order to help protect our oceans.

■ prestonandlinnie.com 62

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Have your little man looking handsome as ever on Easter Sunday with this adorable Shirt and Bow Tie. The patterned, button-up shirt features a chest pocket and cuffs, and it even comes with a detachable bow tie with an adjustable, elasticized strap. ■ hm.com

Simulate a natural sunrise to wake up feeling refreshed Bring with the Somneo Sleep and awareness, calm, and Wake-Up Light. And, you are joy to everyday life with in control of the brightness Mindfulness Cards: Simple and the sounds you wake up to.

Practices for Everyday Life.

Choose from nature sounds, Each card includes a phrase soothing music, or your and mindfulness exercise on the favorite radio station, and at back, and are divided into four your scheduled time, the sound categories: Rest & Balance, will play softly and gradually Insight & Awareness, Curiosity increase in volume. & Joy, and Kindness.

■ philips.com ■ amazon.com

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PLAY MOMS ONLY riage are two great things to be proud of, and the Pelican State Pageant wants to honor them.

J&K. What was your favorite part of the pageant?

B. Getting to meet all of the contestants for the first time. During the orientation, I was able to brief them on how the weekend was going to go.

My main focus for the pageant was to ensure that everyone was relaxed, knowledgeable of what to expect, and more importantly, they had a good time.

J&K. What do you want all contestants to take away from the competition?

B. One thing I stress more than anything for all girls competing is to soak up the time throughout the competition and have fun.

Enjoy yourself, meet a new face, and help another contestant with anything they may need– offering advice to newer contestants, etc. With or without winning the crown, it’s who you met along the way, and the attitude you approached the weekend with will allow you to grow and improve for your next competition.

Moms Can, Too Pageants don’t just have to be for tweens and teens, moms can do them, too! And no one knows that better than Brittany Lorio, the Executive Director of the Pelican Organization and the 2019 Teen, Ms., and Mrs. Pelican State Pageant.

Brittany lives in Prairieville with her husband, Aaron, and their three dogs. She has held numerous pageant titles, and she is the reigning Ms. Louisiana Cattle Festival Queen. She is also a former New Orleans Saints and New Orleans Hornets cheerleader. After the winners were crowned, we sat down with Brittany to get an inside look at why she started the pageant.

My main focus for the pageant was to ensure that everyone was relaxed, knowledgeable of what to expect, and more importantly, had a good time.

J&K. What made you decide to direct a pageant?

B. After years of competing as a contestant myself, I wanted to do something that would allow me to be involved in helping others grow and develop into better versions of themselves. I truly feel that pageants have developed me into the person I am today, but I wanted to do something more than just what a coach could do. I aspired to be a mentor, and I wanted to be a part of guiding those onto the next step.

J&K. How does the pageant empower women, especially mothers? What can mothers take away from the competition?

B. Providing the Mrs. and Ms. category for mothers is an opportunity for those to focus on something for themselves and to work toward a goal. The division for single and married women is a great way to continue living out your dreams and to show others that anything is possible. Motherhood and mar64

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The Pelican State Pageant Organization is an Official Preliminary competition for girls working to compete for the Miss Louisiana USA & Miss Louisiana Teen USA pageant. For the Mrs. Division, it is also a preliminary for the Mrs. Louisiana America pageant, a pageant honoring married women. All winners receive free entry to their state pageant. Throughout their year reign, they are active in appearances throughout the community to represent the Pelican State name and to give back and serve as role models to others.

This year, the winners of the Teen, Ms., and Mrs. competitions included Savanna Crawford, Kelsey Wilkes, and Angela Melle, respectively.

We were given the honor of presenting the first ever Influencer Award to the one contestant who had the most positive influence on her peers, family, and friends. The winner was Savanna Crawford.

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FIRST UNITED METHODIST

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Bunny s g n i t h g i S

APRIL 11 VIPS Eggs-Travaganza. BREC’s Magnolia Mound Plantation at 6 p.m. Adult Easter egg hunt with food, beverages, and music. Benefits Volunteers in Public Schools.

Tickets are $30. eventbrite.com APRIL 13 All Species Easter Parade. Mid City PetSmart from 3-4 p.m. Bring your favorite pet decked out in their Easter finery to participate in the parade. Each participant will receive a photo with the Easter Bunny. eventbrite.com BREC’s Community Egg Hunt.

BREC’s Forest Community Park from 10 a.m.-noon with recreational games, arts and crafts, a visit from the Easter Bunny, and the hunt. brec.org

2018-2019 Cover Kid Gia N. Photo credit: Lauren Leopold Photography

The Easter Bunny hops into town this month, and if you are hoping to catch a glimpse of him, be sure to check out these exciting events with your all little bunnies.

THROUGH APRIL 20 Easter Bunny Pictures. Mall of Louisiana through April 20. Reserve your place to skip the line and meet the Easter Bunny. malloflouisiana.com APRIL 6 BREC’s Community Egg Hunt.

BREC’s Zachary Community Park from 10 a.m.-noon. Recreational games, arts and crafts, a visit by the Easter Bunny, and an egg hunt for all ages. brec.org

Bunny Breakfast/Brunch. Java Mama with breakfast at 9 a.m. and brunch at 11:30 a.m. An Easter egg hunt will happen during each session. Cost is $7-25. facebook.com/javamamabr Easter Egg Hunt. The Gazebo, Zachary, from 10 a.m.-noon.

Sponsored by the Zachary Charity League, the event will feature the Easter Bunny and characters, homemade bonnet costume, games, snacks, and the egg hunt.

Cost is $10 for babies through age 10. zacharycharityleague.org Spring Festival. Bayou Plaquemine Waterfront Park from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Breakfast with the Bunny, crafts, food, chili cookoff, line dancing, egg hunt, bunny photos, Belle Beauty Pageant, alligator races, cake walk, face painting, and jump house. (225) 687-316

APRIL 7 Bunny Hop Brunch. L’Auberge Hotel Ballroom at 10:30 a.m.

Dress in your Easter best and don’t forget your basket. Annual Cystic Fibrosis Foundation event. Includes a style show. Tickets run $15-38. events.cff.org Dunham Easter Egg Hunt.

The Dunham School at 2 p.m.

Age-divided egg hunts, food, kid-friendly swag, princesses, and kid-friendly activities. Tickets are $25. eventbrite.com Easter Egg Hunt. Rosedown Plantation State Historic Site, St. Francisville, at 2 p.m. Children can enjoy an afternoon of hunting for Easter eggs on the grounds and then play 19th century games.

Prizes will be given out to children who find the Rosedown eggs. (877) 376-1867

Easter Egg Hunt. Mall of Louisiana Children’s Play Area from 9-10:30 a.m. Tickets for children includes Hunt admission and a four count nugget kid’s meal from Chick-filA. Tickets are $6 for children only.

Prizes awarded from Mall stores. eventbrite.com Special Needs Eggstravaganza.

Healing Place Church, Highland Campus, from 9 a.m.-noon. Free community event for persons with special needs and their families. healingplacechurch.org APRIL 14 An Old Fashioned Easter Celebration. LSU Rural Life Museum from 1:30-4 p.m. Children ages two to eight will have the opportunity to enjoy customs associated with Easter, including egg dyeing, paquing, races and an Easter egg hunt.

Admission is $5 per person. lsu.edu/rurallife Easter Eggstravaganza. West Baton Rouge Museum, Port Allen, from 2-4 p.m. Along with the West Baton Rouge Parish Library, the museum will host an oldfashioned Easter Egg Hunt with crafts, games, face painting and a visit from the Easter Bunny. Free. westbatonrougemuseum.com APRIL 19 Easter Eggstravaganza! Cortana Mall from 5-7 p.m. Egg hunt, face painting, balloon artist, DJ, dance party, games and prizes. cortanamall.com

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IN EVERY ISSUE CALENDAR

April

Cover Kid: Joey F. Photo credit: Kleinpeter Photography

PONCHATOULA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL

Feast on delicious strawberries and bring some home, too, during the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival from April 12-14 at Memorial Park in Ponchatoula. Challenge yourself to see how many strawberries you can eat during the strawberry eating contest, or test your skills during the egg toss. This free, family-friendly outdoor festival is filled with great food, strawberries, and live entertainment.

■ lastrawberryfestival.com

1 MONDAY COMPUTER BASICS. Denham Springs-Walker Library at 2 p.m. Ages 12 and up can learn the basics of using a computer.

(225) 686-4140 LINE 4 LINE. O’Neils Barber and Beauty Salon.

Free haircuts to boys ages 2-16 who read to the barbers. (225) 389-7207 TABLETOP GAMING NIGHT. Denham SpringsWalker Library at 6 p.m.

Ages 12 and up can play role-playing, adventure, strategy, or board games.

(225) 686-4140

2 TUESDAY

BOOK A LIBRARIAN COMPUTER HELP. Denham Springs-Walker Library at 2 p.m. Make an appointment with a librarian to learn basic computer and Internet skills.

(225) 686-4140 68

FAUX STAINED GLASS PAINTING. Dutchtown Library at 4 p.m. Teens can make a faux stained glass painting. (225) 673-8699 HOPE CHESTS BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUP. Ochsner Hospital from 6-7 p.m. Monthly support group. ochsner.org HYPE ON THE MOVE. North Boulevard Town Square from 6-7 p.m. Family cardio-based class. mtrep@firstmethodist.org MERMAID MAGIC. Watson Library at 6 p.m.

Children ages three to seven can enjoy an evening of magical mermaid games and crafts. Registration required. (225) 686-4180 THRIVING WITH DIABETES. St. Elizabeth Hospital, Gonzales, from 6-7 p.m. Registration preferred.

(225) 621-2906 YOUNG WRITERS CLUB. Denham SpringsWalker Library at 5 p.m.

Ages 12-18 practice writing.

(225) 686-4140

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3 WEDNESDAY

4 THURSDAY

BE OUR GUEST: DINNER WITH BELLE. La Divina Italian Cafe at 5 p.m.

Reserved seating includes beverages, dinner, a meet and greet with several princesses, photos, a fun sing-along, and stories. eventbrite.com CASA ORIENTATION. CASA office at 5 p.m.

Capital Area Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Association holds orientation. Registration required. casabr.org I CARE LIVE. Webinar series at noon with various guest speakers who promote personal safety, drug prevention, and self-help educational resources. icare.ebrschools.org SUNSET PADDLE. BREC’s Milford Wampold Park from 6:30-8 p.m.

This event is for children ages 12 and older. webtrac.brec.org

BEETHOVEN’S EROICA SYMPHONY: BASF ORCHESTRAL SERIES. First Baptist Church at 7:30 p.m. brso.org CUTTING THE CORD. Denham Springs-Walker Library at 6 p.m. Learn step-by-step instructions on how to cut cable cost.

(225) 686-4140 MOMMY (OR DADDY) AND ME FLAMENCO. Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge from 1010:45 a.m. For parents and their children ages six months to three years.

Registration required. artsbr.org ON POINTE SPRING MUSIC. Pointe-Marie Square on Thursdays through April 11 from 6-8 p.m. artsbr.org RUMORS. The Gladys Hague Runnels Theatre through April 5 at 7 p.m.

Play performed by Runnels’ students. runnels.org

SHADOW DAY. St. Michael’s High School from 7:30 a.m.-noon. For any seventh grade student who would like to shadow a St. Michael student for the day. smhsbr.org TEEN ADVISORY BOARD. Watson Library at 5:30 p.m. Teens can suggest programs, volunteer at the branch.

(225) 686-4180

5 FRIDAY

BOOK BABIES. Watson Library at 10:30 a.m.

Activity for infants through age five with stories, music and games.

(225) 664-3963 BREASTFEEDING SUPPORT GROUP. Woman’s Hospital from 9:30-11 a.m. Learn from a certified lactation nurse and other moms about breastfeeding.

Free. (225) 231-5475 DANCIN’ AT THE MANSION. Old Governor’s Mansion from 7-10 p.m.

CALENDAR IN EVERY ISSUE Fundraiser for Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre with live music, food and drinks, a silent auction, and dancing. Tickets run $50-65. batonrougeballet.org FAMILY FRIENDLY CONCERT. New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park, New Orleans, at 11 a.m. Children’s storyteller and musician, Johnette Downing, performs. Free. johnettedowning.com GRAY MONKEY PARADE. Plaquemine Waterfront, Plaquemine, at 12:30 p.m. This Mardi Gras-style parade features non-motorized vehicles. myipl.evanced.info MAGNOLIA CLASSIC LA ARABIAN HORSE SHOW. Lamar Dixon Expo Center, Gonzales, through April 6. tourascension.com RUMORS. The Gladys Hague Runnels Theatre at 7 p.m. Performed by Runnels’ students. runnels.org SENSORY SENSITIVITY TIME. EBR Main Library from 8:30-11:30 a.m. with a special storytime at 9:30 a.m. Registration required.

(225) 231-3750 SPORTING CLAYS TOURNAMENT. Bridgeview Gun Club, Port Allen, at 9 a.m. Neighbors Capital Area Foundation’s annual tournament. neighborsfcu.charityproud.org STORIES IN ART. LSU Museum of Art at 10:30 a.m. Free program for children from birth to preschool and their caregivers.

(225) 389-7207 TIGERS FOR AUTISM AWARENESS FRIDAY NIGHT OUT. LSU Women’s Center from 6-9 p.m.

Social gathering between LSU students and teens and adults with special needs. Advanced registration required. fhfgbr.org

6 SATURDAY

#LOVEBATONROUGESATURDAYS. Knock Knock Children’s Museum at 1 p.m. A program with experts demonstrating how families can be healthy. knockknockmuseum.org 2019 TROOPER FEST.

Gonzales Civic Center at 10 a.m. Includes a crawfish cook off, silent and live auctions, and live music. tourascension.com ALCOHOL INK TILES. West Baton Rouge Library at 11 a.m. Adults can create unique and colorful designs using alcohol ink.

(225) 342-7920 AUTHORS’ ROW. Jones Creek Library from 1-5 p.m. A festival featuring published Louisiana authors.

(225) 756-1170 AUTISM COMMUNITY TOWN HALL EVENT. Hartley/Vey Workshop at the Shaw Center for the Arts from 10-11:30 a.m.

(225) 927-0855 BATON ROUGE ARTS MARKET. Farmers Market downtown from 8 a.m.noon. artsbr.org BIOBLITZ. BREC’s Hooper Park through today at 3 p.m. This is a full 24-hour event where experts and citizen scientists will search on land and water to find and identify as many species as possible. brec.org BO’S EXTRAVAGANZA. John Schneider Studios, Holden, at 10 a.m. Live music, carnival, car stunt and explosions, vendors, Hazzard County Car show and parade, celebrities, bonfires and a Dukes of Hazzard Look-alike Contest. bosextravaganza.com BODY BASICS FOR GIRLS. Woman’s Hospital from 9:30-11 a.m. Preteen girls ages 9-12 will learn how their bodies grow, what changes to expect during puberty, and how to take care of themselves.

Cost is $15. Registration required. (225) 231-5475 BUNNY BREAKFAST/ BRUNCH. Java Mama with breakfast at 9 a.m. and brunch at 11:30 a.m.

An Easter Egg Hunt will happen during each session. facebook.com CAJUN DANCE. UCT Hall at 7:15 p.m. with free dance lessons and the band at 8 p.m. Easter dance with band Cajun Stompers Band. batonrougecajundance. com

CHEERS FOR CHILDREN 2019. The Barn from 6:30-10:30 p.m.

Fundraiser for St. Lillian Academy. stlillian.org CLINTON MARKET DAY. Downtown Clinton in front of the courthouse from 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

(225) 683-5531 COMMUNITY EGG HUNT. BREC’s Zachary Community Park from 10 a.m.-noon. Recreational games, arts and crafts, a visit by the Easter Bunny, and an egg hunt for all ages. brec.org CRAWFISH COLOR RUN FUN RUN AND CRAWFISH BOIL. The Lodges at 777 with run at 9:30 a.m. Registration of $10 includes t-shirt, color, and crawfish. eventbrite.com DONALDSONVILLE MARKET ON THE SQUARE. Louisiana Square, Donaldsonville, from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Various vendors. visitdonaldsonville.org EASTER EGG HUNT. The Gazebo, Zachary, from 10 a.m.-noon. Event will have the Easter Bunny and characters, homemade bonnet costume, games, snacks and the egg hunt. zacharycharityleague.org EBB AND FLOW FESTIVAL. Baton Rouge Riverfront. Celebration of Baton Rouge culture and aquatic ecology with live music, dance, arts, film, children’s activities, and an arts fair.

Free. ebbandflowbr.org GAME OF THRONES AFTER HOURS EXTRAVAGANZA. EBR Main Library from 6-8:30 p.m. Event with trivia, games, prizes, jousting, and combat demonstrations.

(225) 231-3770.

IBERVILLE PARISH RELAY FOR LIFE. Copac, Plaquemine, at 4 p.m. relayforlife.org KITE FEST LOUISIANE. West Baton Rouge Soccer Complex, Port Allen. Kites, inflatables, face painting, kite-making workshop, kite designing, and children’s activities. Free admission. westbatonrouge.net

LAHOUSE SPRING OPEN HOUSE. LSU AgCenter’s LaHouse Resource Center from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Highlights the array of cozy technologies in the high-performance house, provides free educational publications, and has experts on hand to answer questions.lsuagcenter.comMAGNOLIA CLASSIC LA ARABIAN HORSE SHOW. Lamar Dixon Expo Center, Gonzales. tourascension.com MOMMY’S COOKING HEALTHY. Barnes and Noble, Perkins Rowe, from noon-3 p.m. Join author Alicia Johnson to sample recipes while she signs copies of her new cookbook.

(225) 766-1337 NATIONAL TARTAN DAY. Rosedown State Historic Site, St. Francisville, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Celebration of Scottish culture and the role it has played in the development of the United States.

(877) 376-1867 OLD SOUTH JAMBOREE. 9554 Florida Boulevard, Walker, at 7 p.m. featuring Carlton Jones and His Red Hot Country Band. Tickets are $5-10. livingstontourism.com PASTEL AND JEANS. 910 Main Street, Baker, from 5-9 p.m. Food, music, and vendor services. eventbrite.com PRACTICE ACT TEST. Zachary Library at 9:30 a.m. Results will be sent by email. Registration required. (225) 658-1870 ROTARY CLUB OF LIVINGSTON PARISH SUPERHERO 5K. Train Station Park, Denham Springs, at 8 a.m. Race fee is $25. runsignup.com SHERLOCK HOLMES ESCAPE ROOM. Jones Creek Library from 2:304:30 p.m. Children ages 9-11 can try to escape a room by solving a series of clues. Registration required (225) 756-1160 SPECIAL SATURDAYS: EXTRAORDINARY CHICKENS. LSU Museum of Natural Science, Foster Hall, from 10-11

a.m. with the exhibit area open from 11 a.m.-noon.

A STEM program that focuses on introducing children ages 5-12 and their parents. Registration required. lsu.edu SPRING FESTIVAL. Bayou Plaquemine Waterfront Park from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Breakfast with the Bunny, crafts, food, chili cookoff, line dancing, egg hunt, bunny photos, beauty pageant, alligator races, cake walk, face painting, and jump house. wearethedifference.org SPRING FLING PLANT SALE. LSU Hilltop Arboretum Hodge Podge Nursery from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Turn your winter garden into a spring one. lsu.edu SWAMP BIRD WALK. BREC’s Bluebonnet Swamp from 7-9 a.m. Hike led by a volunteer of the Baton Rouge Audubon Society. (225) 757-8905 THE BAD SEED. Upstage Theatre, Cortana Mall, at 7 p.m. and April 7 at 3 p.m.

Story of a little girl who is able to charm her way into getting anything she wants. upstagetheatre.biz THE COOKOUT. Frank Hayden Hall, Southern University, at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and April 7 at 3 p.m. A dance musical

by New Venture Theatre. Tickets run $15-20. newventuretheatre.org THIRD STREET SONGWRITERS FESTIVAL: HIT WRITER SHOWCASE. Manship Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Jeffrey Steele, is a five-time Grammy Nominee, three-time NSAI Songwriter of the Year, and two-time BMI Songwriter of the Year. manshiptheatre.org ZIPPITY ZOO FEST. BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo from 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Annual festival with inflatables, face painting, entertainment, photo contest, and special keeper chats. brzoo.org

7 SUNDAY

12 ANGRY MEN PERFORMED BY 12 IMPAS-

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IN EVERY ISSUE CALENDAR SIONED WOMEN. Brew Ha-Ha at 5 p.m. Tickets are $10. redmagnoliatc.org

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Ryder P-W. 2018-19 Cover Kid 10 years old AFTER BABY COMES (ABC): BABY CARE AND PARENT CARE. Woman’s Hospital from 12:30-5:30 p.m. Plan to take this class in the sixth month of pregnancy. For new parents, grandparents, adoptive parents or other caregivers. Cost is $35.

(225) 231-5475 BO’S EXTRAVAGANZA. John Schneider Studios, Holden, from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Live music, carnival, car stunt and explosions, vendors, Hazzard County Car show and parade, celebrities, bonfires and a Dukes of Hazzard Lookalike Contest. bosextravaganza.com BUNNY HOP BRUNCH. L’Auberge Hotel Ballroom at 10:30 a.m. Annual Cystic Fibrosis Foundation event. events.cff.org COLORS OF LOVE FASHION SHOW: AUTISM AWARENESS. Mount Pilgrim Family Life Center at 7 p.m. Fashion show dedicated to bring awareness and showcase children in the community diagnosed with autism. jessicamcarter00@gmail. com DENTAL DASH. BREC’s Highland Road Community Park at 9 a.m. This 5K and one-mile fun run includes raffles, food, and a t-shirt. lsupredental.com DEVIL’S ELBOW TOUR. Port Hudson State Historic Site, Jackson, at 9:45 a.m.

Learn about the siege events that occurred in the area called Devil’s Elbow.

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EASTER EGG HUNT. Rosedown Plantation State Historic Site, St. Francisville, at 2 p.m. Children can enjoy hunting for Easter eggs on the grounds and play 19th century games.

(877) 376-1867 EASTER EGG HUNT. The Dunham School at 2 p.m.

Age-divided egg hunts, food, kid-friendly swag, princesses and activities. eventbrite.com EBB AND FLOW FESTIVAL. Baton Rouge Riverfront. Celebration of Baton Rouge culture and aquatic ecology with live music, dance, arts, film, children’s activities, and an arts fair.

Free. ebbandflowbr.org FREE FIRST SUNDAY. Free admission to the LSU Museum of Art, LASM, the Old State Capitol, USS Kidd, Capitol Park Museum, and BREC’s Magnolia Mound Plantation. visitbatonrouge.com GAITWAY’S INAUGURAL HORSE SHOW. Gaitway Therapeutic Horsemanship, St. Gabriel, from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Barrel racing, dressage, and English and Western pleasure events. facebook.com KITE FEST LOUISIANE. West Baton Rouge Soccer Complex, Port Allen. Kites, inflatables, face painting, kite-making, kite designing and children’s activities. westbatonrouge.net LEE ANN WOMACK. Manship Theatre at 7 p.m.

The singer’s songs resemble old-fashioned country legends like Dolly Parton and Tammy Wynette, yet add contemporary elements that make her sound her own. manshiptheatre.org LILY’S TEA PARTY. The Venue, St. Amant, from 2-4 p.m. St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital fundraiser with refreshments, a silent auction and entertainment. facebook.com LSU GOSPEL CHOIR CONCERT. Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church at 6 p.m. cmda.lsu.edu SENSORY FRIENDLY SUNDAY: SPRING. Louisiana Children’s Museum,

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New Orleans, from 10:30 a.m.-noon. Email preregistration required. gabrahams@lcm.org SENSORY SENSITIVE SUNDAY. Chuck E. Cheese’s at 9 a.m. Opens two hours early on the first Sunday of the month with reduced lighting and games for children with autism and other special needs. chuckecheese.com THE BAD SEED. Upstage Theatre, Cortana Mall, at 3 p.m. This is the story of a seemingly perfect little girl who is able to charm her way into getting almost anything she wants. upstagetheatre.biz THE COOKOUT. Frank Hayden Hall, Southern University, at 3 p.m. newventuretheatre.org USING MAPS AND LAND RECORDS. EBR Main Library at 3:30 p.m.

Land records are some of the most important documents available in genealogy research. Registration required. (225) 231-3750 ZIPPITY ZOO FEST. BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo from 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Annual festival at the Zoo with inflatables, face painting, entertainment, a photo contest, and special Zoo keeper chats to enjoy. brzoo.org

8 MONDAY MOMMY AND ME. Baton Rouge General Hospital, Bluebonnet, from 11 a.m.-noon. A continued breastfeeding support and education group designed to help mothers and babies learn about successes and challenges with breastfeeding. brgeneral.org PADDLE UP 2 REGISTRATION DEADLINE. BREC’s Milford Wampold Memorial Park from 6-7 p.m. for ages 12 and up. webtrac.brec.org PARENTS NIGHT OUT FOR SPECIAL NEEDS REGISTRATION DEADLINE. St. Jean Vianney Church on April 12 from 6:30-9 p.m. for children with special needs ages 2-12 and their siblings.

Registration requested. parentsnightout@stjeanvianney.org PREGNANCY 101. Woman’s Hospital from 6:30-9 p.m. Learn how to provide your baby with the best possible environment for growth and development.

Cost is $25. Registration required. (225) 231-5475 THE COMPOSER FORUM SERIES. LSU School of Music Recital Hall at 7:30 p.m. Performance by the Louisiana Sinfonietta.

Theme is “Music of Dinos Constantinides’ Students.” louisianasinfonietta.org

9 TUESDAY

CASA ORIENTATION. CASA office at 11 a.m.

Capital Area Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Association holds orientation. Registration required. casabr.org LSU SYMPHONIC WINDS CONCERT. LSU Student Union Theater at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets run $11-18. cmda.lsu.edu SUCCESS IN THE SHADE. Gonzales Library at 6:30 p.m. Patricia Brussack, of the Georgia Hosta Society, will share the successes and the failures of gardening. Registration required. (225) 647-3955 SWAMP SCHOOL. BREC’s Bluebonnet Swamp from 2-4 p.m.

Nature-based education program for ages 6-10.

Cost is $15. Registration required. webtrac.brec.org ZOO AND ME MORNING: BEST DRESSED NEST. BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo from 9:3011:30 a.m. Children’s program for ages three to six. Registration required.

(225) 775-3877

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ZIPPITY ZOO FEST. BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo from 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Annual festival with inflatables, face painting, entertainment, photo contest, and special keeper chats. ■ brzoo.org

WEEKLY EVENTS 13 THE MUSICAL. LSU Studio Theatre from April 25-27. A hilarious coming-ofage musical performed by Playmakers of Baton Rouge. Tickets run $15.75-21.

■ playmakersbr.org BASF KIDS’ LAB. LASM on the second and fourth Saturdays at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. and Sundays at 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. Explore the world of chemistry in hands-on workshops for children ages 6-12 and their parents or caregivers. Participants may preregister Monday through noon Thursday prior to the program.

Regular admission applies. ■ kidslab@lasm.org FESTIVAL INTERNATIONAL DE LOUISIANE. Downtown Lafayette from April 24-28. Largest international music festival with a children’s area, workshops, exhibits, visual art, food, and music. Free admission, but VIP passes available.

■ festivalinternational.org LIVE AFTER FIVE. North Boulevard Town Square from 5-8 p.m. Free concerts on Fridays through May 17. ■ liveafterfive.downtownbr.org PARADE OF HOMES. Forty Subdivisions in East Baton Rouge, West Baton Rouge, Ascension, and Livingston Parishes on April 6 and 13 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. and April 7 and 14 from 1-5 p.m. Tickets are $10 for ages 12+. ■ hbagbr.org PLANETARIUM FAMILY HOUR AND STARGAZING. LASM on Saturdays at 10 a.m. Gather around the campfire to learn about stars and constellations in the nighttime sky before enjoying a featured planetarium show. ■ lasm.org RED STICK FARMERS MARKET. Saturdays on 5th Street between Main and North Street, Tuesdays at the EBR Main Library, and Thursdays in the Pennington Biomedical Conference Center parking lot from 8 a.m.-noon.

■ (225) 267-5060 THE EXPLORER’S CLUB. Theatre Baton Rouge from April 26-May 12. Grab your safety goggles for some very mad science involving deadly cobras, irate Irishmen, and the occasional airship. Rated PG-13. Tickets run $19-25.

■ theatrebr.org THE FOUR Ms OF MOTHER GOOSE: MONEY, MAPPING, MOVEMENT, AND MEASUREMENT. Gonzales Library on Wednesdays in April at 10:30 a.m.

Children ages three to six can learn about skills through entertaining hands-on activities and stories. Registration required. ■ (225) 647-3955 THE WONDERS OF THE WORLD. Arts Council of Livingston Parish, Denham Springs, from April 3-May 25. In honor of Earth Day, the focus of the exhibit will be celebrating our Earth’s beauty through different mediums. ■ artslivingston.org WEST SIDE STORY. Ascension Community Theatre from April 25-28 and May 2-12. Musical about the gangs, Sharks and Jets, and their romantic and tragic relationships. Tickets run $20-30. ■ actgonzales.org

CALENDAR IN EVERY ISSUE

10 WEDNESDAY

GROCERY STORE TOUR. Rouses, Bluebonnet, from 10-11 a.m. Join Baton Rouge General’s dieticians for a grocery tour to learn how to choose fresh and healthy foods and how to understand nutrition labels. Registration required. brgeneral.org LEGAL ASSISTANCE. West Baton Rouge Library, Port Allen, from 10 a.m.noon. A representative from Southeast Louisiana Legal Services will be available. (225) 342-7920 LUNCHTIME LECTURE. West Baton Rouge Museum, Port Allen, at noon.

Carl Westmoreland, senior historian from the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, will present a lecture. westbatonrougemuseum.com PADDLE UP 2. BREC’s Milford Wampold Memorial Park from 6-7 p.m. for ages 12 and up. Registration required by April 8. webtrac.brec.org TOUR FOR TWO (OR MORE). Baton Rouge General Hospital, Bluebonnet, from 6-7 p.m. Free tour of the Birth Center. brgeneral.org

11 THURSDAY

CAPITAL AREA TRIVIA NIGHT. Ashley Manor Reception Hall from 6-9 p.m. laso.org GOURMET IN THE GARDEN. LSU Botanic Gardens from 6-9 p.m.

Tickets for the event include food and drink tastings from local restaurants and bars. eventbrite.com KAMIKAZE ATTACK REMEMBRANCE CEREMONY. USS Kidd at 1:55 p.m. A remembrance ceremony is held on the USS KIDD’s fantail each April 11. usskidd.com LES MAMELLES DE TIRÉSIAS. LSU Shaver Theatre at 7:30 p.m. A riotous farce full of gorgeous tunes and lush harmonies that is sure to turn heads and teach lessons. cmda.lsu.edu

LULU AND BEAN STORYTIME. Lulu and Bean at 9:30 a.m. Babies and toddlers up to age three can enjoy 20-30 minutes of fun with a storyteller. luluandbeanbr.com NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: AMPHIBIANS AND REPTILES. LSU Museum of Natural Science, Foster Hall, from 6-7:30 p.m. Scientists will give talks about their research and then take guests on a behindthe-scenes tour of their focus collection. Reservations requested. lsu.edu ON POINTE SPRING MUSIC. Pointe-Marie Square from 6-8 p.m. Free musical entertainment. artsbr.org VIPS EGGS-TRAVAGANZA. BREC’s Magnolia Mound Plantation at 6 p.m. Adult Easter egg hunt with food, beverages, and music. eventbrite.com WAYNE BERGERON AND LSU JAZZ ENSEMBLE. LSU Union Theater at 7:30 p.m. Tickets run $11-18. cmda.lsu.edu

12 FRIDAY BREASTFEEDING EXPRESS. Woman’s Hospital from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Class for women only. Recommended as a refresher class or for women who prefer a fast-paced class.

Cost is $20 person.

(225) 231-5475 GRANDPARENTS RAISING GRANDCHILDREN 22ND ANNUAL CONFERENCE. Holiday Inn South from 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Free to any grandparent/caregiver raising their grandchildren.

Free lunch. Registration required. (225) 810-3555 LES MAMELLES DE TIRÉSIAS. LSU Shaver Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Features gorgeous tunes and lush harmonies that are sure to turn heads. Performed by LSU Opera. Tickets run $7-32. cmda.lsu.edu NBHA BARREL RACING. Lamar Dixon Expo Center, Gonzales. tourascension.com PARENTS NIGHT OUT FOR SPECIAL NEEDS. St. Jean Vianney Church

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IN EVERY ISSUE CALENDAR from 6:30-9 p.m. for children with special needs ages 2-12 and their siblings.

Registration requested. parentsnightout@stjeanvianney.org SURROUNDED AND UNITED: THE TOUR. Raising Cane’s River Center at 7 p.m. Christian music supergroup, Newsboys United, and multi-platinum, multi-Grammy-winning singer/songwriter Michael W. Smith. raisingcanesrivercenter.com WIGGLE WORMS. Denham Springs-Walker Library at 10:30 a.m. Up to age five will participate in music and dance activities.

(225) 686-4140

13 SATURDAY

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Bryce C. 2018-19 Cover Kid 4 years old AN EVENING WITH JOHN MORGAN. We Are The Difference, Plaquemine, from 7-10 p.m. A night of laughter spent in the company of the hometown comedian. wearethedifference.org ASCENSION LEGO CLUB. Donaldsonville Library at 10:30 a.m. for all ages. Legos, Duplo blocks, and Mega Bloks will be provided. (225) 473-8052 AUTHORS AFTER HOURS WITH LISA WINGATE. EBR Main Library at 7 p.m. A former journalist, inspirational speaker, and author, Wingate will be at the Library to discuss her blockbuster hit, Before We Were Yours. ebrpl.com BATON ROUGE BLUES FESTIVAL. Downtown in and around Repentance Park and Galvez Plaza.

Family-friendly festival will feature internationally72

recognized performers and local blues legends. batonrougebluesfestival.org BODY BASICS FOR BOYS. Woman’s Hospital from 9:30-11 a.m. Preteen boys ages 10-13 and their dads/moms will learn how their bodies grow, what changes to expect during puberty, and how to take care of themselves. Cost is $15. Registration required.

(225) 231-5475 BOTANIC GARDEN PLANT SALE. Botanic Garden from 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

The sale will feature a wide variety of beautiful, affordable plants. brec.org BREC STUDENT HORSE SHOW. BREC’s Farr Park Equestrian Center from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Students will show what they have learned in lessons by competing in English events.

Free.

(225) 769-7805 CASA ORIENTATION. CASA office at 10 a.m.

Capital Area Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Association holds orientation. Registration required. casabr.org CHILDBIRTH CLASS. Ochsner Medical Center from 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Free class covers pregnancy, pain theories, pre-labor signs, postpartum/newborn procedures, and basic breastfeeding. Registration required. (225) 755-4854 CHILDBIRTH PREPARATION. Baton Rouge General Hospital, Bluebonnet, from 8 a.m.-noon.

Learn the basics of labor and birth. brgeneral.org COMMUNITY EGG HUNT. BREC’s Forest Community Park from 10 a.m.-noon with recreational games, arts and crafts, a visit from the Easter Bunny, and the hunt. brec.org CREATIVE IN RESIDENCE: KNOCK KNOCK NEWS. Knock Knock Museum’s Outdoor Studio from 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Children will learn about film and media production through puppetry, with local rabble-rouser Clay Achee. knockknockmuseum.org

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DONALDSONVILLE MARKET ON THE SQUARE. Louisiana Square, Donaldsonville, from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Various vendors. visitdonaldsonville.org EASTER EGG HUNT. Mall of Louisiana Children’s Play Area from 9-10:30 a.m. Tickets for children includes hunt admission and a four count nugget kid’s meal from Chick-fil-A. Tickets are $6 for children only. eventbrite.com EMPTY BOWLS. EBR Main Library at 11 a.m.

After the meal, guests keep the bowl as a reminder of all the empty bowls in the world. Also, enjoy the Chinese arts of Tai Chi and Kung Fu with special demonstrations in the Outdoor Plaza. brfoodbank.org FAT BOY 5K. Highland School at 8 a.m. One mile and 5K with pre-race donuts and chocolate milk and post-race sausage poboys, Moon Pies, Coke products, Mockler beverages, and chocolate Easter Bunnies for the winners. fatboy5k.com FEST FOR LIFE. Downtown at 4th Street and North Street from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free community event with health screenings, food, music,

and family activities. marybird.org FINDING VIVIAN MAIER SCREENING. LASM at 2 p.m. View the Academy Award-nominated documentary Finding Vivian Maier, which helped launch the photographer into posthumous stardom. lasm.org GEAUX TEAL OVARIAN CANCER WALK. Tiger Park at 9:30 a.m. Geaux Teal is a group of women in the metro Baton Rouge area whose goal is to make sure women know and understand the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer. geauxteal.com HEART HERO HUSTLE. Pennington Biomedical Research Center at 9 a.m.

Includes a 5K, one-mile fun run, and a Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Walk. lpcf.com JANE AUSTEN DAY. Audubon State Historic Site, St. Francisville, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Learn about fans, etiquette, and tea; make bath salts; enjoy dance lessons and a duel; and learn about soldier life in 1812. (888) 677-2838 LAGNIAPPE DULCIMER SOCIETY. Jones Creek Library at 11 a.m.

Traditional American music. ebrpl.com

LAMAZE: LABOR OF LOVE. Woman’s Hospital from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. for couples wanting to learn how Lamaze techniques assist in labor and birth. Plan to take this class during the last 8-10 weeks of pregnancy and after attending the Special Delivery class.

Registration required. womans.org MAMMY AND THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD. West Baton Rouge Museum, Port Allen, from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Learn about the ways Mammy served as a conductor on the Underground Railroad through storytelling, crafts and a scavenger hunt. westbatonrougemuseum. com MARKET AT THE MILL. Cottonseed Oil Mill, New Roads, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and April 14 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. A unique shopping experience. Admission will be charged. marketatthemillnewroads. com MODEL TRAINS. Republic of West Florida Historical Museum, Jackson, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Free indoor and outdoor model train displays by the Greater Baton Rouge Model Railroaders. (225) 634-3473 NBHA BARREL RAC-

AGMAGILSU John M. Parker Coliseum from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free interactive, visually stimulating environment that takes you on a journey of Louisiana agriculture and economically beneficial commodities used every day. Self-guided tours.

■ eventbrite.com

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IN EVERY ISSUE CALENDAR ING. Lamar Dixon Expo Center, Gonzales. tourascension.com RED STICK ROLLER DERBY. Mt. Pilgrim Family Life Center at 6 p.m.

Home team bout. facebook.com REPTICON. Lamar Dixon Expo Center, Gonzales, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Reptile and exotic animal sale. repticon.com SATURDAY NIGHT FAMILY NIGHT SKY VIEWING PLUS NIGHT. BREC’s Highland Road Park Observatory at 7:30 p.m. Standard sky viewing plus a sky tour, physical science demonstrations, filtered lunar trips, birth stars, and a marshmallow roast. hrpo.lsu.edu SPECIAL NEEDS EGGSTRAVAGANZA Healing Place Church, Highland Campus, from 9 a.m.-noon.

Free community event for persons with special needs and their families. healingplacechurch.org ST. JUDE OPEN CAR SHOW. Bayou Plaquemine Waterfront Park, Plaquemine, from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Features more than 100 vehicles, along with food, music, and entertainment. brcorvetteclub.com STORYTIME IN THE GARDEN. Burden Center from 9 a.m-noon. with readings and imaginationthemed activities every 30 minutes for ages three to eight. Free. lsu.edu TEEN STEAM: CUBELET ROBOTS. Jones Creek Library from 3-4:30 p.m.

Teens can explore programming and robotics and make modular robots using Cubelets. (225) 756-1170 THE WONDERS OF THE WORLD OPENING RECEPTION. Arts Council of Livingston Parish from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. The artists will be present, and light refreshments will be served. artslivingston.org TUNICA HILLS MUSIC FEST AND JAM. Parker Park​, St. Francisville, from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Bands, food and jam sessions. stfrancisville.us 74

V. WATTS TRADEMART TRADE DAY. V. Watts Trade Mart, Livingston, outdoors from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. and indoors from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. 100 indoor vendors and acres of outdoor vendors. Includes food and music. facebook.com

14 SUNDAY

AN OLD FASHIONED EASTER CELEBRATION. LSU Rural Life Museum from 1:30-4 p.m. Children ages two to eight will have the opportunity to enjoy customs associated with Easter, including egg dyeing, paquing, races and an Easter egg hunt. Admission is $5 per person. lsu.edu BATON ROUGE BLUES FESTIVAL. Downtown in and around Repentance Park and Galvez Plaza. The free to the public, familyfriendly festival will feature internationally-recognized performers and local blues legends. batonrougebluesfestival.org BREC STUDENT HORSE SHOW. BREC’s Farr Park Equestrian Center from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Students will show what they have learned in lessons by competing in Western events.

Free. (225) 769-7805 EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA. West Baton Rouge Museum, Port Allen, from 2-4 p.m. Along with the West Baton Rouge Parish Library, the museum will host an old-fashioned Easter Egg Hunt with crafts, games, face painting, and a visit from the Easter Bunny. westbatonrougemuseum.com GIRL TALK. Baton Rouge General Hospital, Bluebonnet, at 2 p.m. One-day class led by Baton Rouge General OB/GYN physicians for girls ages 9-11 and a parent or trusted adult.

Focuses on what girls experience during puberty. Cost is $10. brgeneral.org HOSPITAL ORIENTATION. Woman’s Hospital from 1:30-2:45 p.m. or 3-4:15 p.m. Tour the labor and birth suites, family waiting areas, and Transi-

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tion Nursery while learning what you can expect.

Registration required. Free.

(225) 231-5475 LOUISIANA YOUTH ORCHESTRA. Broadmoor Baptist Church at 5 p.m.

The concert features the four ensembles of the program. brso.org MARKET AT THE MILL. Cottonseed Oil Mill, New Roads, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

A unique shopping experience. marketatthemillnewroads.com NBHA BARREL RACING. Lamar Dixon Expo Center, Gonzales. tourascension.com REPTICON. Lamar Dixon Expo Center, Gonzales, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. repticon.com SCHOOL OF PERFORMING ARTS ROCK BAND. Knock Knock Children’s Museum at 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. Young musicians, along with Cohen Hartman and Lee White, will perform. knockknockmuseum.org THINGS THAT GO BUMP IN THE NIGHT: MAGIC AND MONSTERS IN THE DEEP SOUTH. EBR Main Library at 3 p.m. ebrpl.com

15 MONDAY

AFTER BABY COMES (ABC): BABY CARE AND PARENT CARE. Woman’s Hospital today and April 16 from 6:30-9 p.m. Plan to take this class in the sixth month of pregnancy. For new parents, grandparents, adoptive parents or other caregivers.

(225) 231-5475

DATE NIGHT

LIVE MUSIC, GOOD EATS. Sip on cocktails and eat crawfish at The Oasis Baton Rouge. This patio, restaurant, and bar overlooks a two-acre sports and recreation area that features seven sand volleyball courts. While you’re there, watch a volleyball game or kick back and relax to the sounds of local bands.

This month, the Chris LeBlanc Band will take the stage on Saturday, April 20. ■ theoasisbr.com

TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALL GAME! Put on your LSU gear and head out to Alex Box Stadium to see the Tigers play. This month, the LSU Tigers will take on Grambling, South Alabama, Texas A&M, Florida, and Lamar at home, so there are plenty of opportunities for the two of you to get out and have a ball. Don’t forget some extra cash for the concession stand. ■ lsusports.net

16 TUESDAY

AFTER BABY COMES (ABC): BABY CARE AND PARENT CARE. Woman’s Hospital from 6:30-9 p.m. Second class.

For new parents, grandparents, adoptive parents or other caregivers.

(225) 231-5475 BODY BASICS FOR GIRLS. Woman’s Hospital from 6:30-8 p.m. Preteen girls ages 9-12 will learn

ROCKIN’ AT THE ROWE. Put on your dancing shoes and head out to Perkins Rowe with your special someone for Rock N Rowe. Throughout the month of April on Thursdays, you will be able to enjoy great live performances by The Walrus–A Beatles Tribute Band, Kenny Neal, MJ & The Redeemers, and the V-Tones. Be sure to grab a bite to eat while you’re out from one of the many fantastic restaurants in Perkins Rowe. ■ perkinsrowe.com

CALENDAR IN EVERY ISSUE how their bodies grow, what changes to expect during puberty, and how to take care of themselves.

Cost is $15. Registration required. (225) 231-5475 DRAGONS LOVE TACOS PARTY. Dutchtown Library at 6 p.m. Children ages 5-10 and their families can enjoy doing all things dragon based featuring Adam Rubin’s hilarious book, a craft, and games.

(225) 673-8699 FAUX STAINED GLASS PAINTING. Gonzales Library at 4 p.m. Teens can make a faux stained glass painting. (225) 647-3955 PARENTS/CAREGIVERS NETWORKING MEETING. Conference call at 5 p.m. For parents of children with behavioral issues who need information and support. Access number is 546755#.

(641) 715-3273 RANDOM FANDOM. Denham Springs-Walker Library at 5 p.m. Teens can celebrate their favorite movie, TV show, or book series with discussions, trivia, games, crafts and snacks. (225) 686-4140 STEVIE NICKS: IN YOUR DREAMS. Manship Theatre at 7:30 p.m.

Unrated documentary follows Stevie Nicks as she begins writing and recording her first solo album in nearly a decade. Tickets are $9.50. manshiptheatre.org YMCA ANNUAL CELEBRATION AND VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION. Crowne Plaza Executive Center at 6:30 p.m. Dinner and volunteer awards.

Free. eventbrite.com

17 WEDNESDAY

EASTER NECKLACES. Eden Park Library from 4:30-5:30 p.m. Children ages five to seven will listen to Here Comes the Easter Cat and make Easter necklaces. ebrpl.com I CARE LIVE. Webinar series at noon by the I CARE program with various guest speakers who promote personal safety, drug prevention and selfhelp educational resources. icare.ebrschools.org

18 THURSDAY

BODY BASICS FOR GIRLS. Woman’s Hospital from 6:30-8 p.m. Preteen girls ages 9-12 will learn how their bodies grow, what changes to expect

during puberty, and how to take care of themselves.

Cost is $15. Registration required. (225) 231-5475 CASA ORIENTATION. CASA office at 4 p.m.

Capital Area Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Association holds orientation. Registration required. casabr.org CHAMPIONS OF SERVICE AWARDS GALA. Capitol Park Museum from 5:30-8:30 p.m. volunteerlafoundation.org CRADLE TO K PARENT CLUB. St. Mary’s Baptist Church from 10 a.m.-noon.

A chance for parents to have honest conversations about the joys and challenges of parenting. Lunch and childcare provided.

(225) 389-7957 FEEDING YOUNG MINDS. Denham SpringsWalker Library at 5:30 p.m.

(225) 686-4140 MERMAID MAGIC. Denham Springs-Walker Library at 6 p.m. Children ages three to seven can enjoy an evening of magical mermaid games and crafts.

Registration required.

(225) 686-4140 ONE BOOK ONE COMMUNITY BOOK DISCUSSION. Carver

GIRLS ON THE RUN 5K. Pennington Biomedical Research Center at 2 p.m. The event is the culmination of the 10-week Girls on the Run program. Attendees can enjoy music, free activities for children, a Zumba warm up, and post-race food. Registration runs $30-35, and free for ages seven and under. girlsontherunsola.org

Library at 5 p.m.

(225) 389-7450 PFLAG SUPPORT GROUP. Unitarian Universalist Church at 6:30 p.m. Support group for friends and family of LGBT people every third Thursday. sh4569@aol.com SUNSHINE SOCIAL: BUNNY HOP. BREC’s Womack Ballroom from 6-9 p.m. Dance for ages 16 and up, with special needs and their friends and families. (225) 216-7474 TEEN ANIME CLUB. Watson Library at 5:30 p.m. Anime and Manga enthusiasts can watch anime, discuss manga, learn about Japanese culture, and play games. (225) 686-4180

19 FRIDAY

GOOD FRIDAY BREASTFEEDING SUPPORT GROUP. Woman’s Hospital from 9:30-11 a.m. Learn from a certified lactation nurse and other moms about their own successes and challenges with breastfeeding. Free.

(225) 231-5475 EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA! Cortana Mall from 5-7 p.m. Egg hunt, face painting, balloon artist, DJ, dance party, games and prizes. cortanamall.com FAMILY DINNER IMPROV SHOW. Manship Theatre at 7:30 p.m. From the folks who brought you Spoof Night! with Films at Manship comes a locally made, monthly comedy show. Ages 17 and older. manshiptheatre.org FAUX STAINED GLASS PAINTING. Donaldsonville Library at 4 p.m. Teens can make a faux stained glass painting.

(225) 473-8052 LOUISIANIME 2019.

Baton Rouge Marriott through April 21 at 5 p.m.

Celebration of anime and Japanese culture with panels, workshops, guests and vendors. eventbrite.com

20 SATURDAY

EARTH DAY HIKE. Port Hudson State Historic

Site, Jackson, from 9-11 a.m. Participants will visit eight different ecological habitats within the park.

(888) 677-3400 LIGO SCIENCE SATURDAY: REVOLUTION (AND ROTATION). The Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory, Livingston, from 1-5 p.m. Tour the facility, talk to a LIGO Scientist or science specialist, and explore and interact with over 40 LIGO Science Concept exhibits. ligo.caltech.edu LOUISIANA SATURDAY NIGHT VARIETY SHOW. Suma Crossing Theatre, Satsuma. Grand Country Junction show. grandcountryjunction.com LOUISIANIME 2019.

Baton Rouge Marriott through April 21 at 5 p.m.

Celebration of anime and Japanese culture with panels, workshops, guests, and vendors. eventbrite.com SOLAR VIEWING. BREC’s Highland Road Park Observatory from noon-2 p.m. Staff shows the sun in three manners so visitors are able to see any sizable sunspots or flares occurring. hrpo.lsu.edu STUDIO SATURDAYS. LASM at 1 p.m. Hands-on workshop for children ages 8-14 and their accompanying adults. Registration required. lasm.org

21 SUNDAY EASTER

LOUISIANIME 2019. Baton Rouge Marriott. Ends at 5 p.m. Celebration of anime and Japanese culture with panels and vendors. eventbrite.com

22 MONDAY EARTH DAY

MICROSOFT EXCEL INTERMEDIATE. Denham Springs-Walker Library at 6:30 p.m. For students ages 12+ who have completed the basics. Registration required.

(225) 686-4140

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IN EVERY ISSUE CALENDAR MONDAY MOVIE PAJAMA PARTY. Jones Creek Library at 6:30 p.m.

Children are invited to see Sherlock Gnomes.

(225) 756-1160 PAINT A RAINBOW STORY/CRAFT. Bluebonnet Library at 10:30 a.m.

Children ages 8-11 can listen to Painting A Rainbow and make a rainbow using craft tissue paper. Registration required.

(225) 763-2250 SAFE SITTER COURSE. Woman’s Hospital from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Sitter can learn safety skills, first aid and rescue skills, life and business skills, and child care skills. Registration required. (225) 231-5475

23 TUESDAY

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Nash N. 2018-19 Cover Kid 8 years old BREASTFEEDING BASICS BATON ROUGE GENERAL. Baton Rouge General Hospital, Bluebonnet, from 6-9 p.m. Course on the advantages of breastfeeding. brgeneral.org CPR FOR FRIENDS AND FAMILY. Baton Rouge General Hospital, Bluebonnet, from 6-8 p.m. brgeneral.org DRAGONS LOVE TACOS PARTY. Donaldsonville Library at 6 p.m. Children ages 5-10 and their families can enjoy doing all things dragon based, featuring Adam Rubin’s hilarious book, a craft, and games.

(225) 473-8052 FAUX STAINED GLASS PAINTING. Galvez Library at 6 p.m. Teens can make a faux stained glass painting.

(225) 622-3339 GARDENING QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 76

AND PLANT SWAP. Gonzales Library at 6:30 p.m. Bring gardening questions for a panel of Master Gardeners, and then bring your labeled plants, cuttings, bulbs or seeds to exchange. Registration required. (225) 647-3955 LSU WIND ENSEMBLE CONCERT. LSU Student Union Theater at 7:30 p.m. cmda.lsu.edu PREPARING FOR DELIVERY. Woman’s Hospital. Two day class today and April 25 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Learn basic information so you can recognize signs of labor and practice comfort measures.

Registration required. Cost is $35. (225) 231-5475 SWAMP SCHOOL. BREC’s Bluebonnet Swamp from 2-4 p.m.

Nature-based education program for ages 6-10. webtrac.brec.org TEEN ADVISORY BOARD. Denham Springs-Walker Library at 5 p.m. Teens can suggest programs, volunteer at the branch, and help choose books. (225) 686-4140

24 WEDNESDAY

CASA ORIENTATION. CASA office at 1 p.m.

Capital Area Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Association holds orientation. Registration required. casabr.org EVENING WITH GREAT AUTHORS. LSU Dalton Woods Auditorium at 6 p.m. Featured author will be Dima Ghawi. adultliteracyadvocates.org FESTIVE FANTASY CROWNS DIY. Jones Creek Library from 3-4:30 p.m. Teens can make a festive fantasy flower or antlered headpiece.

(225) 756-1160 GET ORGANIZED WITH ALYSSA TROSCLAIR. Bluebonnet Library at 11 a.m. A workshop for parents and children ages 7-11. Registration required.

(225) 763-2260 GROCERY STORE TOUR. Rouses, Juban Crossing, from 10-11 a.m.

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Join Baton Rouge General’s dieticians for a grocery tour to learn how to choose fresh and healthy foods and how to understand confusing nutrition labels.

Registration required. brgeneral.org LSU SYMPHONIC BAND. LSU Student Union Theater at 7:30 p.m. cmda.lsu.edu

25 THURSDAY

ART AFTER HOURS: VIVIAN MAIER LECTURE. LASM from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Hear Vivian Maier biographer, Ann Marks present the true story of Vivian Maier. lasm.org BUTTERFLY WINGS. Jones Creek Library at 2:30 p.m. Children ages four to eight will hear A Butterfly is Patient and then draw and paint a butterfly. Registration required.

(225) 756-1160 CULINARY ARTS FOR HEALING HEARTS. Live Oak Arabians from 6:309:30 p.m. Food, a silent auction, door prizes, music, and a painting workshop. bigtickets.com DRAGONS LOVE TACOS PARTY. Gonzales Library at 6 p.m. Children ages 5-10 and their families can enjoy doing all things

dragon based, featuring Adam Rubin’s hilarious book, a craft, and games.

(225) 647-3955 GRANDPARENTS RAISING GRANDCHILDREN. Family Road at 10 a.m.

Information and support group for grandparents and others raising children not their own. lagrg.org LA LECHE LEAGUE OF BATON ROUGE MEETING. Java Mama at 10:30 a.m. Monthly breastfeeding meeting. facebook.com LEGO CLUB. Watson Library at 5 p.m. for ages 3-11. Includes a monthly theme, craft and snack.

LEGOs provided.

(225) 686-4180 MYSTERY BAG BINGO @ THE LIBRARY. Jones Creek Library at 6:30 p.m.

(225) 756-1160 PADDLE UP 3 REGISTRATION DEADLINE. BREC’s Highland Road Park Boat Launch from 7:30 a.m.-noon for ages 12 and up. Cost is $10-15. webtrac.brec.org PREPARING FOR DELIVERY. Woman’s Hospital from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Learn basic information so you can recognize signs of labor and practice comfort measures. Registration required. Cost is $35. (225) 231-5475 SISU AND YOU. Knock

Knock Children’s Museum from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Topic is “A New Health Perspective: The Body Revolution Kids Need.” Free for kids ages 5-11. eventbrite.com STEAM NIGHT. West Baton Rouge Library from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Science, technology, engineering, art, and math activities for the whole family, along with snacks and prizes.

(225) 342-7920 SUNSET PADDLE. BREC’s Milford Wampold Park from 6:30-8 p.m. for ages 12 and older. Enjoy the University Lakes. webtrac.brec.org

26 FRIDAY

CARMEN. Manship Theatre at 7:30 p.m. and April 28 at 3 p.m. Performance by Opera Louisiane.

Opera’s ultimate femme fatale weaves her tale of seduction in Bizet’s Carmen. Tickets run $18-90. operalouisiane.com DANCE AND PHYSICAL THEATRE SHOWCASE. LSU Shaver Theatre at 7:30 p.m. This familyfriendly event merges the beauty of the School of Theatre’s annual Dance Concert with the highflying Physical Theatre showcase. cmda.lsu.edu LIVE ON THE WEST-

PARTY FOR THE PLANET. BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo from 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. with earth-friendly activities, including special zookeeper chats, animal encounters, and educational family fun. Regular admission applies. ■ brzoo.org

CALENDAR IN EVERY ISSUE SIDE AT 5. Town of Addis Railroad Museum and Park from 5-8 p.m. Free concert. facebook.com LSU MASTERWORKS CONCERT. LSU Student Union Theater at 7:30 p.m. cmda.lsu.edu SAFE SITTER COURSE. Woman’s Hospital from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Sitter can learn safety skills, first aid and rescue skills, life and business skills, and child care skills. Registration required. (225) 231-5475 ST. JOHN’S FESTIVAL DE LA PRAIRIE. St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Prairieville, through April 28. Carnival rides, music, food, silent auction, raffles, face painting, hair painting, games, and races. stjohnchurch.org THE ITALIAN FESTIVAL. Highway 51 next to City Hall, Tickfaw. Live music, carnival rides, parade, and spaghetti cook-off. theitalianfestivalorg.com

27 SATURDAY

A BABY IS COMING. Woman’s Hospital from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. for children ages four to eight.

Class designed to help big brother and sister learn about their new sibling by talking about what babies are like. Registration required. (225) 231-5475 ACTIVE FOR AUTISM 5K, RUN/WALK AND FUN FEST. Pennington Biomedical Research Center from 8:30-11:30 a.m. with entertainment, food, vendors, displays and kids activities. fhfgbr.org ALEXIS ANGEL SALE. 14340 Villar Rd., Gonzales, from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Annual craft and plant sale with arts, crafts, and jambalaya at $6 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. alexisangelsale.com ANGOLA PRISON SPRING RODEO. Louisiana State Penitentiary with gates open from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and the rodeo show at 2 p.m. angolarodeo.com BLOOM BRUNCH FOR

NEW AND EXPECTING MOMS. Baton Rouge General Medical Center, Bluebonnet, at 10 a.m. for Baton Rouge area moms and moms-to-be. batonrouge.citymomsblog. com BOWLING IN STYLE FOR AUTISM. Circle Bowl at 6 p.m. Tickets are $15. eventbrite.com BREASTFEEDING BASICS. Woman’s Hospital from 1:30-5 p.m Learn the benefits of breastfeeding, how to prepare for breastfeeding, how to get the baby on the breast properly, the father’s role, and how to avoid common problems. Registration required. (225) 231-5475 CLASH OF THE COOKS: JAMBALAYA SHOWDOWN. Ochsner Medical Complex–High Grove at 11 a.m. A nonprofit, annual fundraising food competition that raises money for the ongoing medical expenses for families battling cancer.

eventbrite.com DANCE AND PHYSICAL THEATRE SHOWCASE. LSU Shaver Theatre at 7:30 p.m. This familyfriendly event merges the beauty of the School of Theatre’s annual Dance Concert with the highflying Physical Theatre showcase. cmda.lsu.edu DENHAM SPRINGS SPRING FESTIVAL. Antique Village, Denham Springs, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Vendors, kiddie rides, food, antique stores, art exhibits, Old City Hall exhibits, face painting and music at the Old Train Station. denhamspringsantiquedistrict.net DISNEY’S ALADDIN JR. AUDITIONS. Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge from 1-4 p.m. Children up to age 18 are invited to audition for the New Venture newventuretheatre.org HAIRSPRAY: THE BROADWAY MUSICAL. City of Plaquemine Activity Center, 7 p.m. wearethedifference.org

HEALTHY KIDS DAY. Area YMCAs from 9 a.m.noon. ymcabr.org LAMAZE: LABOR OF LOVE. Woman’s Hospital from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. for couples wanting to learn how Lamaze techniques assist in labor and birth.

Registration required. womans.org MID CITY MICRO-CON: BUILDING WORLDS, BREAKING MOLDS. EBR Main Library from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Celebration of diversity in comic book characters, fantastical worlds, creators, and their fans with discussion panels, comics and arts market, cosplay, workshops, film screenings, games and prizes, and special guests. ebrpl.com MID CITY RISING ART SHOW. Create Studios, 546 Bienville, from 6-9 p.m. An evening of art and music. facebook.com RECYCLED READS. 3434 North Blvd. at Acadian Thwy., behind the

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IN EVERY ISSUE CALENDAR Baton Rouge General. Enter on Westmoreland Drive from 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

(225) 231-3741 RETRO BEAD-WEAVING. Jones Creek Library from 3-4:30 p.m. Teens can learn to design and construct a 90s-style keychain, bracelet, or ornament with complex beaded patterns. (225) 756-1160 SEIZE THE DAY LSU Old Front Nine at 9 a.m. with a 5K and one-mile fun run, food, and entertainment. epilepsylouisiana.org ST. JOHN’S FESTIVAL DE LA PRAIRIE. St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Prairieville, through April 28. Carnival rides, music, food, silent auction, raffles, face painting, hair painting, games, and races. stjohnchurch.org SUPER SLEUTH SCAVENGER HUNT. Carver Library at 2 p.m. Teens in grades 6-12 can search through library resources to find clues to solve a mystery. (225) 389-7450 TAKE 5 FILM FESTIVAL. LSU Shaver Theatre at 7:30 p.m. The audience chooses the winner at this fun and flashy festival, which features entertaining student-produced

short films from LSU and other local universities in competition. Tickets are $12. cmda.lsu.edu TYKE HYKE. Woman’s Hospital from 9-10:15 a.m.

Prepare your three year old for your hospital stay by taking a brief tour of the hospital and through practice with baby dolls.

Registration required. Cost is $25. womans.org WALK FOR HUMANITY. Downtown at 8 a.m.

Annual 5K/one-mile health walk provides financial resources for the Institute for Global Outreach’s programs. eventbrite.com

28 SUNDAY

ALL PAWS ON DECK WALK FOR PET CANCER AWARENESS. EBR Main Library from 3-6 p.m. Includes demonstrations, booths, pet adoptions, and The Running of the Hounds fashion show. Free. facebook.com ANGOLA PRISON SPRING RODEO. Louisiana State Penitentiary with gates open from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and the rodeo show at 2 p.m. angolarodeo.com CARMEN. Manship Theatre at 3 p.m. Perfor-

mance by Opera Louisiane.

Opera’s ultimate femme fatale weaves her tale of seduction in Bizet’s Carmen. operalouisiane.com GRANDPARENTING 101. Woman’s Hospital from 3-5 p.m. Grandparents can brush up on baby skills. Registration required. womans.org HAIRSPRAY: THE BROADWAY MUSICAL. City of Plaquemine Activity Center, Plaquemine, at 2 p.m. Performance by the Iberville Community Theatre. Tickets run $15-20. wearethedifference.org LACHADD SUPPORT GROUP. Families Helping Families of Greater Baton Rouge office at 2:30 p.m.

ADHD meetings are open and free to the public.

Children are welcome at the regular meetings. lacachadd.org LOUISIANA EARTH DAY. LSU Parker Coliseum from 1-5 p.m. Fun, information-filled experiences for families of all ages. Free. laearthday.org PADDLE UP 3. BREC’s Highland Road Park Boat Launch from 7:30 a.m.noon for ages 12 and up.

Paddling program for intermediate to experienced

paddlers. Cost is $10-15.

Registration required by April 25. webtrac.brec.org PREPARING FOR DELIVERY. Woman’s Hospital from 1-5 p.m.

Learn basic information so you can recognize signs of labor and practice comfort measures. Registration required. Cost is $35.

(225) 231-5475 ST. JOHN’S FESTIVAL DE LA PRAIRIE. St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Prairieville, through April 28. Carnival rides, music, food, silent auction, raffles, face painting, hair painting, games, and races. stjohnchurch.org

29 MONDAY CASA ORIENTATION. CASA office at 3 p.m.

Capital Area Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Association holds orientation. Registration required. casabr.org HOSPITAL ORIENTATION. Woman’s Hospital from 6:30-7:45 p.m. or 8-9:15 p.m. Tour the labor birth suites, family wating areas, and Transition Nursery while learning what you can expect. Registration required. Free.

(225) 231-5475

30 TUESDAY

MONSTER JAM 2019. Raising Cane’s River Center at 7 p.m., April 27 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m., and April 28 at 2 p.m. Monster Jam is adrenaline-charged family entertainment providing jaw-dropping displays and gravity-defying feats. Tickets start at $16.50.

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DRAGONS LOVE TACOS PARTY. Galvez Library at 6 p.m. Children ages 5-10 and their families can enjoy doing all things dragon based featuring Adam Rubin’s hilarious book, a craft, and games. (225) 622-3339 LSU SCIENCE CAFE: ANCIENT UNDERWATER FOREST. The Varsity Theatre from 5-7 p.m. Free lecture on various topics.

Free food. Open to all ages.

Registration requested. eventbrite.com SWEET GEORGIA BROWN AUDITIONS. Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge from 1-4 p.m.

Adults are invited to an audition for the New Venture Theatre musical. newventuretheatre.org

TIME MANAGEMENT. Alyssa Trosclair, Louisiana’s only Certified Professional Organizer, will teach a workshop for adults. Registration required.

(225) 763-2250

EDITOR’S NOTE

Occasionally the date or location of an event may change after publication.

Always phone ahead or check website to confirm important information.

SUBMISSIONS

Baton Rouge Parents Magazine welcomes submissions of events of interest to families.

Send all calendar submissions to: calendar@brparents.com.

Include: dates, times, location with address, recommended age, cost, public telephone number, website address, and photos.

Submit information for the May calendar by April 8, 2019.

MARKETPLACE IN EVERY ISSUE

Make it your business to know their business

Call 225-292-0032

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IN EVERY ISSUE THE LAST WORD

Now That I’m a Parent, Facebook is Work child is nearing middle school. In the past

I

By Malia Jacobson

t used to be all funny memes and wedding pics. Then, parenting quickly took over.

On a recent family trip, I impulsively deleted my phone’s Facebook app to free up space for photos. I planned to reinstall it later. But after a day or two, I realized that I was enjoying the break from the constant pull of handheld social media.

I felt fully present and engaged with my kids, who seemed to like having mom’s undivided gaze, too. I decided to keep the app off my phone for a while longer.

When we got home, I fired up Facebook on my laptop to share a quick post about the trip. There, reality caught up with me as I stared down an avalanche of unread notifications from my kids’ school, my parenting group, and my kids’ after-school clubs. My Messenger inbox swelled with queries about this week’s carpool schedule, a group Halloween costume, a school sweatshirt order, and sleepover plans for my tween.

As it turns out, my “break” from social media was just a postponement of the parenting work that takes place there, all waiting for me–not so patiently, I might add. Facebook is now a portal for the emotional labor of parenthood, and opting out is not an option.

I’m not especially new to Facebook or to parenthood. I hopped on the social media platform back when you needed a .edu email address to join, and my oldest 80

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five years, though, I’ve noticed a shift: As Facebook beefs up its event management and group discussion capabilities, more and more parenting work is taking place there. For me, it’s crowding out everything else.

My kids’ school runs two Facebook pages, and helpfully, posts all events and announcements there. Each child’s class also has its own Facebook page, and every after-school activity, from 4-H to ballet, regularly posts events and updates.

Step out of the constant information stream, and you’ll be that parent, the one who didn’t know that all second graders were supposed to wear orange today or that the annual school barbecue is cash only. Ignorance isn’t bliss. It’s mayhem.

Of course, I do get the appeal of social media for schools and clubs. It’s easier to communicate with parents on a website they already use. And, I genuinely appreciate Facebook’s immense power to connect people and share ideas. Social media helps me share moments from my kids’ lives with far-flung friends and family, and it lets me see their kids grow up, too.

But since most of my time there is now spent on kid-logistics, social media is now much less about socializing or keeping up with my own friends and things I find interesting. These days, it is all business and a lot less pleasure for me.

It used to be a fun break from work. Now, it is work.

I can’t help but notice, too, that Facebook’s parenting workload seems to fall disproportionately to moms. My parenting circle includes dads who put in plenty of face time at school and playdates, but I can’t remember the last time one of them posted a parenting question, event, or announcement on Facebook. My parenting partner is free to dip in and out of Facebook as he pleases, only following news organizations and keeping up with friends. Meanwhile, my social media time is spent trying to keep my head above water.

Try as I might, I don’t see a way around this. Now, Facebook is back on my phone, and I’m trying to marry my role as the family’s Chief Information Officer with my kids’ legitimate need for attention and my own need for some inner calm.

So, dear Facebook friends, please forgive me if I don’t “like” your photos, ignore your event invite, or give you a blank stare when you mention your latest work promotion. I do want to see your baby photos and engagement announcements–really!–but my social media time is spent sorting out science fair questions, ballet buns, and school pickups. After that, I’m spent.

If it seems like I’ve deserted social media, I haven’t. I’m just stuck in its parallel parenting universe. I miss you over on the other side, but if you’re a parent, chances are I’ll see you here soon enough. Please bring wine. ■

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