December 2019 by Rushing Media

DECEMBER 2019 | VOL. 1 â&#x20AC;¢ ISSUE 10

FREE

TAKE A LOAD OFF AND SPEND MORE TIME WITH YOUR KIDS! TRY OUR:

• Wash • Dry • Fold

• Iron • Full Linen Service

6154 W. Park Ave. · Houma, LA 70364

985-851-6760 · BRSO@att.net

Like us on Facebook - Bayou Region Soap Opera

GREG LEBLANC TOYOTA

2020 TUNDRA

BUILT TO WORK. BORN TO PLAY.

GREG LEBLANC FAMILY FIRST

GregLeBlanc.com

DECEMBER 2019

CONTENTS

PUBLISHER

Brian Rushing EDITORIAL

Bonnie Rushing Editorial Director Mary Ditch Managing Editor Drew Miller Associate Editor CREATIVE

Amber Duplantis Senior Designer Nicholas Boutte Graphic Designer COVER PHOTOGRAPHY

Channing Candies ADVERTISING

Deanne Ratliff Sales Manager Elise Falgout, David Gravois, Linda Pontiff OFFICE/CIRCULATION MANAGER

Michelle Ortego CUSTOMER SERVICE

Kimberly Ross SPECIAL EVENTS COORDINATOR

Emily Rini CONTACT

Publisher: publisher@rushing-media.com Editorial: mary@rushing-media.com Sales: sales@rushing-media.com FAMILYFIRSTHOUMA.COM

6160 W. Park Ave., Houma, LA 70364 • 985.868.7515

Family First Magazine is a free publication. The entire content of this publication is copyrighted by Rushing Media, with all rights reserved. Reproduction or use, without written permission, of editorial or graphic content in any manner is prohibited. Family First Magazine is published monthly by Rushing Media.

TABLE OF

CONTENTS 04 06 10 12 14 16

HOMEROOM HAPPENINGS

GET MOVING WITH THIBODAUX REGIONAL

20 23

GET WARM AND COZY

EVAN, ALLIE AND AVERY PRICE

Pictures from the classroom

FUN FOR THE FAMILY Local event calendar

HEALTHY BITES WITH TGMC Green Tea Christmas Cookies

Merry Christmas, y’all!

KID ENERGY ALL-STARS Emmy LeCompte

SYNERGY CENTS WITH PENNY Penny Celebrates the Holidays

S.T.E.A.M. ACTIVITY WITH HOUMA FAMILY DENTAL Let It Snow!

Winter Family Fitness

December is an exciting month in our house. We celebrate my son Jackson’s birthday at the beginning of the month. This year he will be five! Where has the time gone? Then, of course, comes Christmas! We like to deck the halls early and enjoy our tree all season long. We also love to snuggle up with hot cocoa and a holiday movie or two any chance we get! Our community is full of events and activities where you and your family can visit with Santa all month long. We hope to see you out and about this holiday season!

Book reviews

FUN AND GAMES Win $25 courtesy of South Louisiana Bank

FAMILY FIRST

DECEMBER 2019 • ISSUE 10

DECEMBER 2019

MARY DOWNER DITCH

Happy HoLidays

homeroom happenings WHAT’S HAPPENING IN YOUR CLASSRROM?

Benefits to our Services:

Send your accomplishments to us at mary@rushing-media. com to see your class in print!

Better relationships with family and friends Greater success in school/work Improved sense of well-being Staying out of trouble

1418 Tiger Drive • Thibodaux, LA 70301 www.magnoliafamilyservices.com • 985.449.4055

Supports Focus & Attention!

MULBERRY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Mention ad for discount!

Mulberry 6th grade Beta members had an awesome day participating in District Day at H.L. Bourgeois. They placed 4th in Apparel Design, 3rd in Book Battle, 4th in Engineering, 3rd in Service Learning Showcase, 3rd in 3D Design, and 2nd in Songfest. Book Battle, Service Learning, Showcase, 3D Design and Songfest will move on to State competition.

• Help maintain healthy focus & concentration

• Aid bouts of distress and hyperactivity

• Support learning & social engagement

• Maintain healthy cognitive function

• Promote mental alertness

• Acceptable for use on the Feingold Program

Heavenly Scent of Houma, LLC

DULARGE ELEMENTARY

Vitamins, Herbs, Essential Oils, Nikken Magnets

BETA students visited the animal shelter to donate a check and read to the animals.

1437 St. Charles St. Suite. 109 • Houma, LA 70360 • (985) 868.2216 M-F 9:00-5:30 • Sat 9:00-3:00

FAMILY FIRST

DECEMBER 2019

• Field Trips

• fun for every age!

• Private Parties

• Most Escape rooms under one roof in the country!

• try our new kid friendly room! DULARGE ELEMENTARY

279 Enterprise Dr #102, Houma

Congratulations to Chloe McElroy, 5th grader of the Year, Dularge Elementary

Like us on Facebook & get a free clue.

YOUR CHILD MAY NEED A NEW SCHOOL IF: Grades Slipping?

Hard Time with Social Interaction

Frustrated & Overwhelmed

Meltdowns, Outbursts & Emotional Distress

BOURG ELEMENTARY Students at Bourg Elementary recognized veterans in their community at a special program.

8594 Main St. • (985) 780.0210 CALL TODAY TO SCHEDULE AN INTERVIEW FAMILY FIRST

DECEMBER 2019

family fun

DENTAL BENEFITS FUN FOR THE FAMILY YOUR

WILL EXPIRE DECEMBER 31

Use ‘em before you lose ‘em!

EVENT CALENDAR

The Nutcracker DEC. 1, 1 P.M. & 5 P.M. HOUMA-TERREBONNE CIVIC CENTER

New Orleans Ballet Theatre presents two performances of The Nutcracker, a two-act ballet, originally choreographed by Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov with a score by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, featuring several rising dance stars from our community.

CALL TODAY TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT!

“A Joyous Christmas”

MARK BILELLO DENTISTRY

DEC. 1, 3 P.M. LIVING WORD CHURCH, SCHRIEVER

399 BAYOU GARDENS BLVD, HOUMA, LA 70364 985.872.9470 • DRMARKBILELLO.COM

South Louisiana Community Orchestra wishes you “A JOYOUS CHRISTMAS” with the presentation of their 2019 Winter/Christmas Concert Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 years and under. Brad Adams will be the Conductor and Sarah Todd as piano accompanist.

Wrap Up Your Little One for the Holidays!

Very Merry Christmas Tour

FAMILY FIRST

A Bayou Christmas Teddy Bear Tea DEC. 7-8, 14-15 CHEZ FELICITE, RACELAND

Downtown Houma Christmas Festival

Polar Express Experience

It’s time for your family’s favorite tradition! The free festival features Santa’s workshop, food and arts & crafts vendors, games, a live nativity, and holiday music. The Winter Wonderland Snow Fall will occur every hour. At 5 p.m., the annual Christmas parade rolls through the streets. The Tree Lighting, along with a Meet & Greet with Santa & Mrs. Claus, will take place from 7:30-9 p.m.

Thibodaux Service League hosts this yearly Christmas market featuring unique holiday shopping from 40 local merchants all in one place. A Visit to Santa’s Land is the children’s portion of the day-long event and features crafts, games, snacks, and a visit from Santa. Admission to Reindeer Rowe is $5 or free with a Santa’s Land ticket (Santa’s Land tickets must be purchased prior to the event!)

First Baptist Church of Houma is hosting the “Very Merry Christmas Tour 2019” featuring NewSong, Citizen Way, and Mac Powell (formerly of Third Day) and The Family Reunion. Tickets are $25.

DEC. 7, 12-9 P.M. DOWNTOWN HOUMA

1539 MLK Blvd • Houma

DEC. 7, 8 A.M.-4 P.M. WARREN J. HARANG MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM, THIBODAUX

Santa’s elves are busy preparing for the third annual A Bayou Christmas Teddy Bear Tea! Enjoy delicious holiday food, specialty teas, hot chocolate, and tasty pastries. Enjoy a special teddy bear gift for all children in attendance followed by a teddy bear parade. Tickets are $35 for adults, $25 for children ages 2-11. There are six tea times available, but seating is limited!

DEC. 1, 6 P.M. FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH, HOUMA

985.851.1559 Mon - Fri 10-7 Sat 10-5

Reindeer Rowe & A Visit to Santa’s Land

DECEMBER 2019

DEC. 7, 1-3 P.M. SOUTH LAFOURCHE BRANCH, CUT OFF DEC. 14, 1-3 P.M. LOCKPORT BRANCH AND THIBODAUX BRANCH

All Aboard! The polar express is coming to a library station near you! Join your friends in your pajamas for milk and cookies as you watch “The Polar Express” in your homemade Polar Express train car! Make a cardboard train car at home and bring it to sit in and watch the movie. Cuddly

items such as blankets and pillows are welcome if you would prefer that to a train car. The conductor is waiting for you - all aboard! This event is fun for all ages. No registration required.

Swim with Santa DEC. 13, 6-9 P.M. BAYOULAND YMCA, HOUMA

Bring your wish list and join Santa for poolside pictures and a swim in the Y’s indoor heated pool! All kids under age 7 must have a parent in the water with them at all times. Join Mrs. Claus while she reads her favorite holiday stories and play reindeer games for all ages. Photos with Santa are 6-7:30 p.m. Swim with Santa is from 7:308:30p.m. Cost for this unique event is $5 for YMCA members and $10 for non YMCA members.

Visit with Papa Noël

ANNOUNCES

DEC. 14, 3-8 P.M. BAYOU COUNTRY CHILDREN’S MUSEUM, THIBODAUX

Bring your children dressed in PJs for some after-hours fun! Children can play in the museum, make crafts, play games, visit and take photos with Papa Noel, and enjoy cookies! There are 2 time slots 3-5 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Admission is $8. There are only 200 spots; online registration required.

The Center for The Deaf

Pictures with Santa

COMING JANUARY 2020

DEC. 14, 1-5 P.M. DEC. 15, 1-5 P.M. PAISLEY PARK, HOUMA

Join Paisley Park for their annual free pictures with Santa at Paisley Park Resale! Hot chocolate and cookies provided for small visitors. To show appreciation and in the spirit of the holidays, they are kindly asking for donations in return for a picture with Santa this year: feminine products for the women’s shelter; a new toy for Toys for Tots; a canned good or non perishable item for the food bank; a Christmas card for our soldiers over seas; coats, hats and mittens for children in need. Donations can be turned in at the door in return for a ticket to snap a picture with Kris Kringle!

Susan Niette, M.C.D., CCC-SLP

President/National Educational Consultant/Educational Diagnostician and Therapist/ Speech-Language Pathologist Certified

7927 PARK AVENUE • HOUMA, LA 70364 | CELL: 504-390-1222 | OFFICE: 985-580-0017 BESTPRACTICEASSOICATES@GMAIL.COM

WE BUY & SELL GENTLY USED ITEMS

5th annual Down the Bayou Christmas Selfies with Santa DEC. 14, 11 A.M. – 6 P.M. DAVID CHAUVIN’S SEAFOOD COMPANY, DULAC

Enjoy pictures with Santa, arts & crafts, storytelling and tree decorating at this 5th annual Down the Bayou Christmas celebration! The fun starts at 11 a.m., with the tree lighting at 5 p.m.

Papa Noël’s Cajun Christmas DEC. 14, 4-7 P.M. HOUMA AREA CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU, GRAY

Celebrate a Bayou Country Christmas at Houma Travel’s third annual event. Enjoy an outdoor movie, create holiday arts & crafts and enjoy delicious snacks. “Shrek the Halls” will be shown at 4:30 p.m., 5:15 p.m. and 6 p.m. Admission for this community event is free; however please take a moment to register each child for their photo time with Papa Noël to better help him plan his visit.

DEC. 14, 2:30-4 P.M. ROUSES MARKETS, 204 N. CANAL BLVD., THIBODAUX DEC. 18, 3-5 P.M. ROUSES MARKETS, 1030 SOUTH ACADIA RD., THIBODAUX ROUSES MARKETS, 5818 W. MAIN ST., HOUMA DEC. 19, 6-8 P.M. ROUSES MARKETS, 1410 ST. CHARLES ST., HOUMA

Children of all ages are welcome to take a free Selfie with Santa and receive a free treat from Santa.

Kids Cookie Class

OFFERING CASH OR STORE CREDIT FOR THE FOLLOWING ITEMS: Baby Gear (Pack N Plays, High Chairs, Walkers, Etc.) Children's Clothing (Newborn - Youth 10-12) Children’s Shoes (sizes 0 - Youth 4) • Maternity Fashions

DEC. 14, 2:30-4 P.M. ROUSES MARKETS, 204 N. CANAL BLVD., THIBODAUX DEC. 19, 5:30-7 P.M. ROUSES MARKETS, 1410 ST. CHARLES ST., HOUMA

Join Rouses Markets for a holidaythemed kids cookie class. This month, children ages 4-10 will decorate Christmas cookies and rice krispie treats. Each child will have the option FAMILY FIRST

Paisley Park

A CHILDREN ’ S RESALE STORE WWW . PAISLEYPARKRESALE . COM

6861 WEST PARK AVE. • HOUMA, LA• 985-876-2227 DECEMBER 2019

to enjoy their delicious treats or take it home to enjoy later. Space is limited; sign up today! (Santa will be at the store for pictures from 6-8 p.m.)

Grade

Family Movie Night

CHANGER

DEC. 14, 2-3 P.M. EAST HOUMA LIBRARY

Enjoy a special showing of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” Refreshments will be served.

Act now to take control of this school year.

One Quiet Night

READING • MATH • WRITING • STUDY SKILLS GEOMETRY • ALGEBRA • ACT PREP

Christmas. Stress. They seem to go hand in hand. Why is it that the time of Peace on Earth is anything but peaceful? In this all-too-close-tohome dramatic musical, a harried mom, Kelly, frantically pushes through the rush of the Christmas season until an unexpected accident forces her to stop dead in her tracks. This musical is filled new songs and familiar carols, pivotal truth of this real-life dramatic musical will impact the hearts of viewers as they see Kelly in themselves. Told with poignancy and humor, this 50-minute musical will entertain and will inspire choir and congregation alike to seek the Prince of Peace just as Kelly did One Quiet Night.

DEC. 15, 6-7 P.M. BAYOU BLUE ASSEMBLY

Our personal learning approach will really connect with your child, combining engaging technology with amazing teachers, raising grades and conﬁdence.

CALL TODAY! 985-223-3798 Sylvan Learning Center • 657 Corporate Drive, Ste A www.sylvanhouma.com

Unwrap a New Smile

Stuffed Animal Pajama Party

THIS HOLIDAY SEASON !

DEC. 20, 4-5 P.M. MAIN BRANCH LIBRARY, HOUMA

Celebrate the first day of Winter with a special pajama party. There will be a themed story time, crafts, and snacks. Be sure to bring your favorite stuffed animal with you so that they can celebrate, too!

Royal Christmas Tea Ball DEC. 21, 9 A.M. – 3:30 P.M. LA TEA DA, THIBODAUX

Join your favorite Princesses for a Royal Christmas Tea Ball! You will be greeted by the Royal Princesses and Queen, enjoy an Enchanted Christmas Tea experience complete with Tea and Special Treats, Sing-a-Long with the Princesses, Photo taking (with your own cameras), and Princess Entertainment. Each child will receive a special gift from the Princesses. Reserve seating

CALL FOR A

COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION! DR. NICOLE THIELER • 985.876.4484 • WWW.THIELERORTHODONTICS.COM 206 MYSTIC BLVD. • HOUMA, LA 70360 FAMILY FIRST

DECEMBER 2019

required. All attending must have a ticket. ($35 per adult/ $45 per child.) There will be 2 seatings: 9-11 a.m. and 1:30-3:30 p.m.

Family Christmas Movie Night DEC. 22, 5 P.M. VICTORY CHURCH OF HOUMA

Bring along your family, friends, and children and experience a wonderful night of holiday tradition. The evening begins with a reading of the Christmas Story, followed by the showing of “The Star”, and ending with cookies & cocoa as we sing along with the Christmas choir. Feel free to come dressed in your pajamas or ugly Christmas sweaters.

Family Movie Matinee DEC. 22, 3-5 P.M. MAIN BRANCH LIBRARY, HOUMA

Join in an afternoon viewing of “Toy Story 4.”

Lady Chops: Here Come the Bells DEC. 23 10 A.M. – THIBODAUX BRANCH (JEAN LAFITTE CENTER) 2 P.M. – LOCKPORT BRANCH 5 P.M. – SOUTH LAFOURCHE BRANCH

Jingle bells, jingle bells! Elizabeth Vidos, AKA Lady Chops, is bringing her one woman drumming show to Lafourche Parish Public Library! Her new holiday show is energetic, interactive, & fun for all ages. Join your friends at the library for new instruments, fun facts, & rockin’ the holiday hits! No registration required for this holiday musical experience.

•

Noon Year’s Eve Party DEC. 31, 11 A.M. – 12 P.M. LIBRARY MAIN BRANCH, HOUMA DULAC BRANCH

Celebrate the New Year with noisemaker crafts, story time, music, and dancing.

Training Starts January 14, 2020

CHANGE A CHILD’S STORY Volunteer

www.casaofterrebonne.org

GREAT PRICEs! GREAT SERVICE!

19 Serving Terrebonne Parish for 59 years.

For Value & Freshness You Can’t Beat Piggly Wiggly! 594-3076 • 5308 Hwy 56 • Chauvin

FAMILY FIRST

DECEMBER 2019

HEALTHY BITES WITH TGMC | BY HALEY GREGOIRE, DIETETIC INTERN AND MICHELLE BRICENO, MS, RD, LDN

GREEN TEA POWER!

GREEN TEA CHRISTMAS COOKIES

INGREDIENTS • 1 tablespoon green tea powder (matcha) • 2 cups all-purpose flour

Green tea comes from a plant that is found in parts of India and China. In order to make the tea, the fresh plant leaves are lightly steamed. For convenience, many people buy the pre-made tea bags from their local grocery stores. There is evidence that green tea could enhance mental alertness due to the low amount of caffeine content. Other evidence suggests that both green and black tea may have beneficial effects on some heart disease risk factors, including blood pressure and cholesterol. Some even say that green tea provides other benefits such as relieving digestive symptoms, relieving headaches, and promoting maintenance of weight. However, none of these claims have been proven though research. Matcha means powdered tea. The powder comes from green tea that is steamed, stemmed and then ground into powder. This powder can be added to warm water or milk, or even added to recipes to give them a green tea flavor. Try these green tea Christmas cookies using matcha powder for a light and flavorful holiday treat.

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda • 1/2 teaspoon salt • 1 cup packed brown sugar • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted • 1/2 cup white sugar • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract • 1 egg • 1 egg yolk

DIRECTIONS STEP 1 Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Grease baking sheets or line with parchment paper. STEP 2 Sift flour, matcha, baking soda, and salt together in a bowl. Beat brown sugar, butter, and white sugar together in a large bowl using an electric mixer until blended; beat in vanilla extract, egg, and egg yolk until light and creamy. STEP 3 Mix flour mixture into creamed butter mixture until dough is just blended. Drop cookie dough, 1 heaping tablespoon per cookie, onto the prepared baking sheet 2 to 3 inches apart. Top with sprinkles. STEP 4 Bake in the preheated oven until edges are lightly browned, 8 to 10 minutes. Cool cookies on the baking sheet for 2 to 3 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

FAMILY FIRST

DECEMBER 2019

FAMILY FIRST

DECEMBER 2019

KID ENERGY ALL-STARS

ALL-STAR OF THE MONTH EMMY LECOMPTE

DANCE TEAM • MONTEGUT MIDDLE BLUE KNIGHTS

When did you start dancing? I started dancing at age 3. Why did you decide to give dancing a try? I enjoy dancing and challenging myself to learn new things. How often do you practice? I attend practice at school 2-3 days a week, attend classes H3 Studios and also practice at home. What’s your favorite dance genre? Hip Hop What have you learned about teamwork? Keep improving and help those that need encouragement. How do your teammates make practice fun? We try new dances and laugh at our mess-ups.

FAMILY FIRST

DECEMBER 2019

What is the best part of performing? Getting the crowd excited and cheering for our team. What is one thing you do after a good performance? I like to go to Olive Garden! Who is your favorite sports hero? Drew Brees What are you looking forward to doing next in your sport? I would love to become a captain one day. Do you play any other sports? I played soccer for eight years but gave it up to pursue dancing.

ALL-STAR ADVICE Practice really does “make perfect”! Keep trying and you will be able to master any skill you put your mind to.

TIP FROM BERNIE & EARL Have an adult call 811 before you dig! Nominate your child to be a Kid Energy All-Star by emailing rhett@kidenergyusa.com FAMILY FIRST

DECEMBER 2019

SYNERGY BANK PRESENTS SYNERGY CENTS WITH PENNY D. PELICAN

PENNY CELEBRATES THE HOLIDAYS Hello, friends! Are you excited about the holidays? It’s my favorite time of year. I especially enjoy exchanging gifts with my friends and family. When I receive money for Christmas, my parents help me separate it into three jars. The first jar is labeled savings. This is the money I put in my savings account. The second jar is labeled spend. This is the money I use to buy something for myself. The third jar is called my give jar. This is the money I donate to my favorite charity. A charity is an organization that helps people, animals or communities in need. I love animals, so I donate money to the local animal rescue. Remember, even if you don’t have money, you can give your time by helping others in need. On behalf of all of us Synergy, we wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Santa’s Reindeer Scramble Can you unscramble the names of Santa’s reindeer?

CPARREN

XEIVN

HPDORUL

NNODRE

ASDEHR

ZELBTIN

PCIDU

REDNAC

OCEMT Find game solutions at banksynergy.com/penny. FAMILY FIRST

DECEMBER 2019

Santa Maze

Can you help Santa find his way to the chimney?

START

FINISH

Find game solutions at banksynergy.com/penny.

Avoid the Christmas meltdown, give a

VISAÂ® Gift Card

Available at all locations. 985.851.2217 banksynergy.com FAMILY FIRST

DECEMBER 2019

S.T.E.A.M. ACTIVITY WITH HOUMA FAMILY DENTAL

LET IT SNOW! We typically don’t see much snow here in south Louisiana. It’s up to us to create our own! By mixing together two simple ingredients, we create a substance with an entirely new property! How cool!

WHAT YOU’LL NEED: • 1 cup baking soda • 3 Tablespoons hair conditioner • White glitter (optional) • Mixing bowl

FAMILY FIRST

DECEMBER 2019

Call today to schedule your appointment at our new location at the corner of HWY 311 & Polk St.

WHAT TO DO:

985-868-5699

STEP 1 Pour the baking soda into a mixing bowl. STEP 2 Add the hair conditioner

From your first tooth... to your last.

H F

STEP 3 Mix the wet and dry ingredients together. Using your hands works best!

D

STEP 4 (Optional) Add the glitter at this point if desired. STEP 5 Enjoy your south Louisiana snow! Tips: • While this snow won’t melt, it can get a little messy! We recommend using a large crawfish tray to place the snow in when playing. • To extend the life of your snow, place it in an air-tight storage container when not in use. • Our scientists had more fun when the recipe was doubled! Our other toys, such as dinosaurs, had fun exploring the snow as well.