PREPARE LIKE A PRO
for the Ultimate Outdoor Concert Experience by Sylvia Ney
1MONEY
The concert may be free, but food, beverages, and souvenirs are not, so bring along cash as many vendors are not set up for credit/debit cards.
2 WEATHER
Temperature fluctuations in Southwest Louisiana are notorious as is the change from dry and clear, to cool and wet. Watch the weather reports and consider bringing towels and umbrellas with you.
3 What to PACK • Earplugs - If you, a friend, or family member are sensitive to loud sounds, bring ear plugs or head sets to counter annoying amplification. • Seating – Consider seating arrangements and bring folding chairs or blankets. • Food - Save money by bringing your own snacks and drinks. (Coolers are often not allowed. Check the rules.) • Sun Wear – If the show begins during daylight on a sunny day, bring sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses.
Seeing great artists in concert can be a fun exciting excursion. If you know what to expect, and you’re prepared, you can enjoy the experience even more.
• Children – Children may get bored easily and need distractions. Bring along small toys or electronic devices. • Potty breaks - Add baby wipes, packs of tissue, hand sanitizer, and some toilet paper, in case the restrooms or porta-potties run out. • Lost in the Crowd - Consider bringing a unique flag or other marker to re-find your spot in the crowd after visiting the restroom or concessions.
4 What to WEAR
conditions expected. Even if the weather calls for a comfortable temperature, anytime a large number of people gather together, the mercury tends to rise. • Shoes - Leave the heels and opentoed shoes at home since you may be doing a lot of walking, standing, or even dancing. Not to mention many people get their feet stepped on at outdoor experiences. • Warmth - You might dress cool, but bring a sweater or lightweight jacket for after the sun goes down.
• Cool Comfort - Be sure to dress comfortably and for the weather
Fairview Elementary and Second Harvest Food Bank Partner to Feed the Hungry
Big Brothers Big Sisters of SWLA: BBBS-SWLA, a non-profit organization, has been helping children in the SWLA community for over 30 years. Big Brothers Big Sisters believes that all children should be able to achieve success in life. Its mission is to provide children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported one-to-one relationships that change their lives for the better, forever. The Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring programs help children to achieve proven positive outcomes including educational success, avoidance of risky behaviors, higher aspirations, greater confidence and better relationships.
One of every five children in Calcasieu Parish struggles with hunger. To address this problem, Second Harvest Food Bank recently opened a School Pantry at Fairview Elementary School on Gerstner Memorial Boulevard. (Second Harvest also opened a food pantry at Oak Park Elementary last year.) This program addresses child hunger by bringing food resources into the school setting to ensure children and their families in need have access to healthy foods. “While many students may receive free breakfast and lunch at school, it is important that they also have access to healthy foods in the evenings, on weekends and over holidays when school is out of session,” said Second Harvest Food Bank President and CEO, Natalie Jayroe. “For every hungry student, there’s likely a hungry sibling or siblings and hungry parents or caregivers. The School Pantry helps us reach the whole family.” With support from First Federal Bank
and help from local partners Magnolia LNG and Cameron LNG among others, Second Harvest Food Bank stocks the School Pantry with nutritious foods throughout the school year. Teachers learn when and how to refer students to the pantry and communicate pantry services to students and their families. “With adequate nutrition at home, students come to school better prepared to learn, grow and thrive,” said Fairview Elementary School Assistant Principal, Marlana Collins. More than 58 percent of students who attend Fairview Elementary participate in the Federal Free and Reduced School Lunch Program. Second Harvest hopes to provide food to as many as 50 households in need of assistance through the food pantry. Karl Bruchhaus, Superintendent of the Calcasieu Parish School Board, says the board is proud to be a part of such partnerships. “We see the needs of these students that extend way beyond their education. These opportunities to partner with organizations such as
March 201717 Thrive Magazine for Better Living
Second Harvest are opportunities we cherish.” Over the last 12 months, Second Harvest Food Bank has distributed 1.7 million meals to those in need in Calcasieu Parish. “Through food access, we strengthen children and families,” said Second Harvest Development Manager, Mary-Kay Rath. “This is the foundation for healthy families and strong communities.” Second Harvest Food Bank leads the fight against hunger and building food security in South Louisiana by providing food access, advocacy, education, and disaster response. They provide food to more than 500 partners and programs across 23 parishes, from the Mississippi border to the Texas state line, and make up the largest charitable anti-hunger network in the state. Their goal is to make food security a reality for every household in South Louisiana. To learn more about Second Harvest Food Bank, the School Pantry program, and volunteer opportunities, visit www.no-hunger.org. www.thriveswla.com
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