April 2023
nola family Parent Fearlessly April 2023
8 Rainy Day Science Experiments
Money Talks
The Gut & Mental Health Connection
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Publisher BRANDON FOREMAN Associate Publisher AMY L. FOREMAN Director of Operations SARAH MILLER Client Relations Coordinator Editorial AMANDA MILLER Managing Editor AUSTRIA COHN EMILY DREZ Assistant Editors SARAH BATROUS Editorial Assistant ANTHONY BUI Web Editor GILLIAN SCARBRO Editorial Intern Art/Production GRACE KNOX Senior Graphic Designer MADISON GRAHAM ALEX HERRING Graphic Designers Advertising CRYSTAL BARRETT CAMILLE CAVIN JENNIFER HOFFMANN Business Operations LAURIE ACOSTA Account Executives JADE GRAY Business Development Representative Marketing EMILY MANCUSO Director of Marketing MADISON MICHELLI Social Media Coordinator Community Development TERI HODGES Director of Community Partnerships ROXANE VOORHIES Community Outreach Contact Us: editorial@ familyresourcegroupinc.com Office: 4300 S. I-10 Service Road Suite 103R Metairie, LA 70001 (504) 866-0555 JEANNE JACOBS RYN WHITESIDE SAM SPRINGS
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KILLER ANXIETY: CALMING THE STORM OF THE MIND Try out some of these tips if you find yourself stuck in a rut of anxiety. DONATING BREAST MILK Breast milk aids in a baby’s growth and development, so look to donate that extra breast milk to help a child in need! WORRYING ABOUT CHILDREN ON SPRING BREAK Spring break is right around the corner, and for parents, it’s often a time filled with worry as their older kids are off on spring break vacations. GUIDE TO HANDLING CONCERTS Concerts can be very exciting and thrilling, as long as you are safe about it! Here are some tips and tricks to make the concert experience seamless.
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April 2023 Issue 143
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nola family CONTENTS APRIL 2023
22
FEATURES
6 Ways to Teach Kids About Money 16
18
22
24
How Your Gut Health Affects Your Mental Health
8 Rainy Day Science Experiments
Signs and Symptoms of Autism
IN EACH ISSUE
From the Publisher 08
10 From the Bookshelf
12 Spotlight
14
26 Out & About
30
Mom About Town
Things We Love
NOLA FAMILY i s published monthly by FAMILY RESOURCE GROUP INC. and distributed free of charge. Subscriptions accepted. Only authorized distributors may deliver and pick up the magazine. We reserve the right to edit, reject, or comment editorially on all materials contributed. We cannot be responsible for the return of any unsolicited material. NOLA FAMILY Copyright © 2023. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission prohibited.
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from the publisher
When did you have your first job? For me, I was 15 working at a skating rink while living in Iowa with my dad. I wasn’t even driving yet, and I had my first job. I wanted to make my own money so I could buy my own things. I wanted ownership of what I had. When I started driving, I started bringing friends home from school so they didn’t have to ride the bus. I would charge $5 per week to help cover the cost of gas. At some point during my 15/16 year-old life, I even worked as a telemarketer calling people for credit card insurance. I absolutely hated that job, but it paid well, and I liked to shop. Fast forward 25 years, my children are learning the concept of money. My daughter has her cell phone, and the deal is that if she keeps her room clean and does the chores asked of her we keep her service on. When rules are not followed, there is usually a come-to-Jesus meeting, and she’s back on track. My boys, however, are so different. They do not get an allowance; if they want money, they need to do extra chores around the house. I want them to learn what it means to be financially independent. I never realized how expensive all of my extracurricular activities cost until I had my own three children I had to start paying for. Dance class, costumes, private lessons, competition fees, soccer clothes, cleats, socks, soccer balls–I mean, the list is never ending. Sometimes I feel like I should be running a side hustle at night to keep up with all of their interests. We are at a stage with the boys where they want everything and we are having to wrangle them in. You want another pair of shoes, but the ones you have are perfectly fine, just maybe dirty? Sorry, you need to save up for that. How? You can pull weeds, clean the bathrooms, help cut the grass, or do a chore to help your mother take a break. My boys’ recent business had me cracking up. They came home from school saying they were getting paid 25 cents a day to draw pictures that their boss would sell. After listening to what they were doing, I asked, why don’t you be your own boss and work together as partners? This way you could split the profits instead of getting such little pay for your work. Well, they liked this idea. They would draw pictures and make them color-by-number pictures. Next, they had a marketing strategy: hit the family up first. This was comical in itself, listening to them talk to the iPad so it would type up the text. They were actually negotiating at one point for a custom drawing with my sister-in-law. Needless to say, this only lasted a few days, and I don’t even think they followed through with the process, so no money was made. Kids are always learning at every age. There is no right age to teach them about money, only a right strategy depending on their age and understanding. If we want our children to grow up and not have the “it’s owed to me” attitude, you have to hold them accountable and teach them their values. Teaching your children how to manage their money is very important not only for their future success, but it also instills discipline and prepares them for the expenses I never thought existed when I was their age. MY LIL ENTREPRENEUR
Associate Publisher Email amylynn@familyresourcegroupinc.com to tell me about topics you'd like to see in future issues.
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GOING GREEN WITH THE LIBRARY
from the bookshelf
With Spring in the air and both Arbor and Earth Day right around the corner, April is the perfect time to talk about all things green.
The New Orleans Public Library has tons of great items in our collection to inspire you and your family to love our planet. Plus, when you borrow from the library instead of buying new, you’re doing a small part to reduce waste. Children’s Books: In Be Thankful for Trees , Harriet Ziefert & Brian Fitzgerald use rhyming couplets to explore the many items that are made from trees as well as the environmental danger trees face in forest fires, floods, and deforestation. Split into seven sections, young readers will learn why trees are a vital part of our ecosystem and why it’s important to never take
nature for granted. For a charming, interactive tour around an ideal sustainable city, check out Tanya Lloyd Kyi & Colleen Larmour’s Our Green City . Filled with beehives and chicken coops, public transit and community gardens, outdoor classrooms and windmills, Our Green City takes a refreshingly positive message about the environment and is sure to give children some ideas of ways they, too, can live a more sustainable life. Middle Grade Reads: In We Have a Dream , Dr. Mya-Rose Craig & Sabrena Khadija introduce children to 30 young environmental activists from
put her community in danger again.
indigenous backgrounds or people of color. The collection of profiles is approachable and speaks to the diverse set of issues different groups are fighting. The First Rule of Climate Club by Carrie Firestone follows Mary Kate Murphy–a young girl living in a small suburban town–as her eyes are opened to the numerous ways her community is contributing to climate change. In response, she joins a special science pilot program, rallies her friends, and starts to fight to bring lasting change to her community. Young Adult Books: Teens and young adults will
be inspired by the cutting edge projects detailed in Buildings That Breathe: Greening the World’s Cities by Nancy F. Castaldo . The book exposes young people to green infrastructure and how urban planners, architects, and scientists are developing high-rise forests that seek to balance human activity and natural regeneration. For poetry-loving teens, Don’t Call Me a Hurricane by Ellen Hagan is a beautiful telling of how one 17-year-old navigates the after-effects of a hurricane that devastated her coastal town. Along the way, Eliza falls for Milo, a rich tourist who is at the center of a redevelopment that could
In addition to books, movies, and music, the New Orleans Public Library has a variety of unique items in our lending collection, including professional cake pans and baking equipment, tools, seeds, tablets, and more. Plus, by joining the Best Buy Teen Tech Center at Main Library, 13-18 year-olds can have access to cutting edge gadgets–like recording equipment, 3D printers, cameras, and so much more –all for free. By borrowing and sharing items, you can help lessen the number of items being produced, and eventually, thrown out.
Kacy Helwick is the youth collection development librarian for the New Orleans Public Library’s collections and acquisitions department. Marie Simoneaux is the media and communications coordinator for the New Orleans Public Library.
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spotlight
Barcelo Gardens
By Sarah Batrous
Ashley Webb and her husband Andres Barcelo- Sanchez are the owners of Barcelo Gardens, a community garden turned farmer’s market in New Orleans. How did they get here? Humble beginnings. Webb wasn’t always interested in gardening, but after attending a garden show and learning about Ron Finley, a Los Angeles fashion designer and urban gardening enthusiast who did a TED talk on “guerilla gardening,” she was hooked. Upon moving to New Orleans in 2017, she wanted to garden in a small area by the sidewalk like Ron Finley did, but ended up going for gold by purchasing an empty lot nearby to establish a larger community garden. The reason behind starting a community garden was to fill a need in her neighborhood: combatting the food desert. So, with the community garden established, so came disaster in the form of the pandemic. With restrictions weighing heavily on everyone’s minds, the family came to a decision (following the suggestion of a neighbor) to use the extra time on their hands to create a farmer’s market. In July 2020, they did just that by hosting their first market, selling the various produce they had grown in their garden. With time and effort, the simple market soon grew to encompass two locations in New Orleans in Napoleonville, where they hold farmer’s markets weekly called “Fresh Market.” The market is open to the public and runs Sunday to Thursday, meeting the needs of everyone who decides to drop by. Of course, despite their success here, there was still more work to be done.
“As I learned more and more about food sovereignty, I really wanted to both teach others to grow and increase the availability of fresh produce in the 9th ward, an area that is a food desert,” shares Webb. Alongside the markets, they began to teach gardening classes twice a month and occasionally do free cooking demonstrations. The markets themselves have grown to allow vendors to set up and sell their own produce and products as well. Additionally, they do free delivery of produce bags to local families. To further give back to their community, they have donated produce to community fridges and pantries, Second Harvest Food Bank when they have extra produce, and take the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program coupons when they are available. In March, they donated food to a neighborhood engagement event as well. In the future, Webb hopes that their Fresh Market can be built into more of a community gathering spot with gardening classes, cooking classes, kids’
activities, and more. For now, when looking back, Webb is proud of their success. “The most exciting thing is seeing things grow and being able to see people’s excitement when they are able to make things grow, too,” says Webb. Today, their community garden market is open every Saturday, except the first Saturday of the month, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 2301 Gallier Street. Barcelo Gardens is always looking for new vendors to join its ranks and is open to hearing any exciting ideas for new classes, so feel free to drop by! To donate towards building the Fresh Market and supporting the garden, visit their GoFundMe page. If you would like to keep up with their latest happenings and successes, peruse their Facebook page at facebook.com/BarceloGardens.
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mom about town
ROBYN BRUNO THINGS I’M LOVING RIGHT NOW 5
Born and raised in New Orleans, Robyn Bruno is an associate broker/realtor with Mirambell Realty. She has been selling real estate for 15 years; has been married to her husband, Joseph Bruno, for 10 years; and is a loving mom of three (Anthony, 7; Scarlett, 5; and Violet, 1). She loves helping people navigate the biggest purchase they have ever made and figuring out a solution that works best for them and their family.
TRAVEL
Now that two of my kids are older we are loving game nights. UNO and Monopoly Jr. are two of our favorites. UNO gives us some friendly/family competition as we serve draw 4s, reverse, and skip cards. FAMILY
One of our favorite things to do as a family is our annual Destin beach trip. We go with my brothers and rent a big home directly on the beach. It is something we look forward to every summer and have made so many memories there.
HOBBY
As a busy mom, long workouts have always felt overwhelming and like I didn’t have enough time. I came across Hotworx, and now I get a 15-minute HIIT workout in an infrared sauna. I sweat and feel like I’ve worked out for an hour. I also have gotten back into running. My older kids like to come along with me for a short run.
FAVORITE GETAWAY We went to the New
Outpost for the Getaway House this past October for a camping/glamping trip. We loved it and plan on making a trip for a quick weekend getaway soon! We sat around the campfire at night making s’mores and walked the trails during the day.
A BITE TO EAT
Our favorite spot to eat right now - Lime Leaf Thai Eatery in Bucktown. We pick up there a couple times a month. It used to be Mama Thai and recently changed names after Mama passed away. Same great food! My kids love their noodles.
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What about high schoolers? Teach Money Mindfulness At this age, most teens are starting their first jobs, making starting that checking and savings account that much more important. Once they have one set up, it’s time to teach them how to handle money responsibly. “Step one is to create a budget,” says Rogers. “Without knowledge of how much income is coming in and where money is going out, it can be difficult to manage spending. Knowing how much money is available each month will help teens stay within their means. It’s important to include all necessary expenses, such as rent and food, in the budget as well as entertainment costs.” While budgeting, teach them how important it is to save for retirement, even if only in
small amounts. By beginning to save early, your teen will be able to take advantage of compound interest, creating the building blocks for a strong financial future. Help them explore the benefits by talking to family and doing online research. Introduce the Idea of Credit To teach your teen how to use a credit card responsibly, Rogers says to remind them to always pay at least the minimum balance each month and to keep track of how much is being spent. To get started, have them use their credit card on something small like gas or groceries instead of incurring a large amount of debt. This way, they will gradually build up their credit without a huge risk or cost to you if you must step in to help pay.
on) by motivating them with incentives like an allowance which can encourage them to learn more about finances. Allowances and Piggy Banks When it comes to allowances and birthday or holiday money, it’s important to teach children how to save responsibly with the classic piggy bank. Rogers recommends starting early, saying a child as young as five can learn how to handle money and save with proper use of a piggy bank. Have your child pick a goal to save for a new toy or treat. Start them off with a small donation to their piggy bank and help them keep track of their money by counting together. Once they have a sizable amount of money saved up, plan a field trip to the bank to set up a checking or savings account, explaining what deposits and withdrawals are.
Photo by Freepik.com
6 Ways to Teach Kids About Money
By Sarah Batrous
Unfortunately, once a child this young begins to handle money for things like popsicles or extra cookies at school, losing money by accident is an inevitability. “Make sure your child is properly protected when handling money. Inform them about the importance of keeping track of their money and warn them about the dangers of losing it,” warns Rogers. “Teach them to be aware and cautious when carrying or exchanging cash and always offer assistance if needed.” Don’t be afraid to reward your child for handling money properly. Rogers suggests offering rewards for money-related activities (counting coins, memorizing worth, and so
each bill and cent are worth. After all, the one thing your child will be handling all their life is money. Rogers recommends introducing money in various forms from paper money to coins to bills. Explain the worth of each and how they differ in looks so that your child can begin to tell the difference between each. Additionally, if you have a mobile banking app, she suggests showing it to your child and using it as an avenue to explain the worth of each type of currency while learning to comprehend the value of money in the virtual sense.
Teaching your child how to be responsible with money can be challenging, especially when you feel like you don’t know what you’re doing. Shawn Rogers, a Community Lender at Red River Bank, stepped in to answer our questions about how to teach kids about good money management. How can I teach my elementary-age child about money? Start with the Basics Creating financial-knowhow at this age requires thorough knowledge of how much
Handling Money Safely
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in our stomach–the brain and gut are tightly linked together.” Additionally, if you are stressed, nervous, or anxious, those feelings can affect your digestive system by causing indigestion, bloating, nausea, or loss of appetite. When there is an interruption in the nervous system, there is a reciprocal problem in the GI tract, and vice versa. So, dysbiosis, or an imbalance of the gut, is linked to anxiety and depression. This is why the same neurons that contribute to one’s mental wellbeing, such as serotonin, are very important in balancing your GI tract. What can someone do to improve their gut health? One of the most important pillars of good gut health is by eating well. If you feed your microbiome well, it responds by making more good bacteria and controlling your weight, bowel movements, and daily energy. “We recommend eating cleaner, so less processed foods, less fried foods, eating more fruits and vegetables, and having a colorful plate.” says Dr. Loganantharaj. “Also, it’s crucial to digest your food properly, like taking small bites, taking your time while eating, and drinking plenty of water.” That being said, make sure to include the entire family in a cleaner diet. As Dr. Hutchings notes, “A family that eats well together feels well together. In our busy lifestyles, we lose that time spent with one another at the dinner table where we can decompress from the day, make strong connections, and celebrate with good food and good times.” Another pillar is good exercise. We all know exercise is an instant mood-booster because it releases endorphins, but it can improve your gut health as well. Whether you’re taking a walk around the neighborhood every day or doing at- home workouts, moving your body is one of the best things you can do for your gut. “For the GI tract, you have to train it to function properly, and by exercising you are strengthening the muscles around the GI tract,” says Dr. Hutchings. The third point is to sleep well. “A lot of people feel like we don’t need as much sleep as we actually do, but recent research shows that if you sleep properly, about 8-8.5 hours per night, you actually end up burning more calories overnight, which makes you feel better the next day,” Dr. Hutchings adds. “The better you sleep, the longer your GI system has a chance to quiet down and be ready for the next day.” Finally, it’s important to do what we love. As we get older, it’s typical to get caught in a rut and forget about the things that bring us joy. Doing something every day that makes you happy will have a positive effect on your physical and emotional wellbeing. Once you’ve reached this fourth pillar of gastrointestinal health, your body, mind, and gut will thank you.
How Your Gut Health Affects Your Mental Health
By Emily Drez
Did you know your gut health can be directly linked to the state of your mental health? Think about it: if eating your fruits and veggies makes you feel healthier, happier, and stronger, it only makes sense that constantly putting bad food into your body will have the opposite effect. This is because what you eat impacts how your digestive system functions, and, if your digestive system is unhappy, it signals to the brain that something is wrong. Dr. Nisha Loganantharaj and Dr. John Hutchings with LSU Health provide more information on what we can do to help our guts. What is gut health? Your gut health consists of the microbiome, which is a collection of microorganisms that can be bacteria, viruses, and fungi, all of which live together to keep your gut healthy. The microbiome can affect your mental health as well, as it affects the whole body. “The medical term for gut health is ‘homeostasis,’ which is a state of balance,” says Dr. Hutchings, a gastroenterology (GI) physician at LSU Health who also specializes in psychiatry. His specialized clinic focuses on disorders of brain-gut
it may be time to check what you’ve been putting into your body. Getting lab work done will help your doctor pinpoint what may be wrong, as there may be nutrient deficiencies that need to be addressed. How does gut health affect mental health? “Both the brain and the enteric nervous system come from the same tissue, so they are connected,” says Dr. Hutchings. “As you develop, there is only one direct connection to the GI tract, which is the vagus nerve. Everything else is connected by the same neurotransmitters.” Your GI tract, therefore, is its separate nervous system. If a doctor were to take out your GI tract, it would continue doing what it’s supposed to do without the brain! That’s why your gut is referred to as the “second brain,” according to Dr. Loganantharaj. “[The gut] has the same synapses, neurons, and neurotransmitters that are found in the central nervous system, so the connection between our brain and gut really affects our digestion and mood,” she notes. “It’s like how we get butterflies
interaction, which emphasizes the overlap in the GI system with one’s emotional wellbeing. “Your body is constantly searching for that balance, and we have to be in the position to try and support our bodies with healthy living,” he adds. He describes the microbiota of the GI system as a galaxy within our bodies; that mass of organisms is responsible for keeping the balance, and, if anything gets out of balance, that imbalance can have an impact on your emotional wellbeing. What are some signs of poor gut health? “Poor gut health symptoms could be bloating, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, and vomiting,” lists Dr. Loganantharaj, who specializes in inflammatory bowel diseases. “Having functional bowel problems can also contribute to anxiety and depression. These problems are linked to diseases such as obesity and type 2 diabetes.” Things that can harm the microbiome include antibiotics, toxins, poor diet, high sugar and high carbohydrate intake, and chemicals in your food supply. So, if you’re feeling particularly sluggish,
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8 Rainy Day
glue to add some pizzazz to your bouncy ball. Experiment curated by Life’s Carousel. Floating Shapes Discuss how density works with your kiddos using only a dry erase marker, water, and a glass plate. Using the dry erase marker of your choice, draw shapes onto your glass plate. Next, slowly pour water over the shapes and watch as your drawings lift from the plate and float around. The magic of this experiment lies within the dry erase marker’s insoluble ink. Fireworks in a Jar While rain isn’t the most ideal weather for fireworks, these can be “popped” on any day! This science experiment explores what happens when oil meets water. All you will need is warm water, liquid food coloring, vegetable oil, and two glass jars. Fill one jar with warm water. In your second jar, add your vegetable oil and food coloring and stir to combine. Then, carefully pour the colorful vegetable oil into the jar with the warm water for a firework display indoors. Ice Cream in a Bag Remember making your own ice cream in
science class? Why not make your own at home? All you will need is 1 cup half and half, 2 Tbsp sugar, 1/2 tsp vanilla extract, ice, 1/3 cup rock salt, a sandwich bag, and a gallon bag. In a container, mix together the half and half, sugar, and vanilla extract. Pour the mixture into the sandwich bag and seal. In your gallon bag, fill the bag with ice and the rock salt. Place the sandwich bag inside the gallon bag and seal the gallon bag. Finally, take turns shaking the bag until your sweet treat is ready to eat. You’ll know it’s ready when the liquid changes consistency to ice cream; it’s a perfect lesson on matter. Self-Inflating Balloon You’ll see a balloon inflate right before your eyes with this experiment that creates a gas- producing chemical reaction. You will need an empty plastic bottle, a balloon, 3 tsp baking soda, and 1/3 cup vinegar. First, pour the vinegar into the plastic bottle and set aside. Next, have one person hold open the balloon while the other pours in the baking soda. Make sure the baking soda is as far in the balloon as you can get it. Then, stretch the neck of the balloon over the mouth of the bottle, careful to not let any of the baking soda get
inside the bottle. Finally, have your kiddo shake the bottle until the baking soda empties from the balloon into the bottle. This experiment causes carbon dioxide gas to create, and since it doesn’t have anywhere to go, it pushes through the bottle and inflates the balloon. Walking Water A lesson in absorption and mixing colors is easy and a lot of fun with this water-ful experiment. For this experiment, you will need six small glass jars, paper towels, food coloring, and water. We recommend setting up your experiment on a tray so it’s easy to transport and easy to clean up. First, take three jars and fill them with water. Next, add drops of food coloring into each jar and stir to combine. You can choose one color or a variety of colors for a cooler look. Pattern your three colorful jars with your three empty jars in a circle (colorful jar, empty jar, colorful jar, etc.). Then, take your paper towels and fold them into strips. You will need six strips total. Place one end of each paper towel strip into a colorful jar and one in an empty jar. From there, you and kiddos can watch the water “walk” up the paper towel strip and move into the empty jar. Soon enough, there will be colorful water in all of the jars.
Science Experiments
Photo by Freepik.com
By Amanda Miller
We all know the saying “April showers bring May flowers” to be true; however, weathering those April showers with kiddos stuck inside isn’t always sunshine and rainbows. They’re bored (even tired of their screens, too) and they’re rambunctious at times, leaving you with your own little thunderstorms inside. Next time the storms come rumbling in, try some of these kid-friendly science experiments to keep little hands busy and their minds off the To make butter, all you need to do is agitate cream. Sounds easy enough, right? Well, it is, and you can show your children how to make their own right at home. All you will need is heavy cream and a mason jar with a lid. weather outside. Butter in a Jar
Fill the mason jar with the heavy cream and tightly close the lid of the jar. Then, take turns shaking the jar. Eventually, a butter ball will begin to form. Why? Because when cream is agitated (shaken), the fat molecules get shaken out and clump together. When the butter ball stops growing, you’re done! Take the butter out of the jar (the liquid left over is buttermilk) and it is ready to eat. Cloud Dough With 2 cups of flour, ¼ cup vegetable oil, and oil-based food coloring, you and your kiddos can create your own “clouds.” For this experiment, make sure you measure out your materials in order for everything to combine properly. First, mix together your food coloring and vegetable oil. Next, pour in your flour and mix
until fully combined. Once combined, your dough will be ready for playtime! DIY Bouncy Ball Explore elasticity and bouncing by making your own bouncy balls at home. This experiment requires help from an adult as it contains Borax. Be sure to follow the safety guidelines and directions when using Borax. Here’s what you will need: ½ cup of water, 1 Tbsp of Borax, and 1-2 tsp of Clear Elmer’s Glue. First, an adult should create a Borax solution combining the Borax and warm water. Make sure the Borax is completely dissolved before moving to step two. Let it cool before adding your glue into the mixture. The more glue you add, the bigger the ball will be. You can add colorful glitter
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their hands or with sounds rather than their words. Be sure to learn this child’s nonverbal communication so they will feel comfortable and understood. People with autism usually have a special interest as well. Whether it’s insects, math, technology, or art, they possess a deep knowledge of a specific thing that brings them joy. Showing an interest in it will encourage them to be themselves, especially if their classmates are not so understanding of their disability. Providing them with the proper care and support will give them a safe space where they can communicate and play as they desire. Don’t wait for a diagnosis to seek help for your child. Start treatment as soon as you notice any signs they may have autism, as waiting for your child to “outgrow” the problems may lead to said problems worsening as they get older. As you seek professional help for your child, it’s important for you to educate yourself as well and become an expert on their behavior, as well as an advocate for them.
lights, noises, and textures. The Louisiana State Museum, Louisiana Children’s Museum, and Audubon Nature Institute are some places that host sensory-friendly events and spaces in their facility. How can I support a child with autism? Children with autism have very specific needs in order to function. If a person with ASD becomes overstimulated or frustrated, their brain may shut down and cause them to have a breakdown. It’s not because they are immature; rather, their brain is wired to process certain things differently, which means they may not be able to handle certain situations (loud noises, bright lights, physical touch) the way a neurotypical person would. They don’t always have the appropriate verbal or physical coping skills for the situation. So, if you know someone who is autistic, whether it’s your child or your child’s friend or classmate, it’s important to understand how that child prefers to communicate. For example, if they do not like physical touch, it’s best to not hug them or touch them in any other way. The child may also communicate with
get a diagnosis. You can get a diagnosis via developmental monitoring and screening in which you and your child’s pediatrician will track their development and keep note of their skills and abilities. A screening is more formal, as it can be a regular part of your child’s wellness visits even if there is no need for concern. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends children get screened at 9, 18, and 30 months. For autism screenings, children should be evaluated at 18 and 24 months. There is no fix-all treatment for autism spectrum disorder; rather, the symptoms are treated to improve your child’s day-to-day life. Treatment can be given at home, at school, at a doctor’s office, and in your community. There are behavioral (Applied Behavior Analysis), developmental therapies (speech, occupational, and physical), and educational therapies available for children who need them. Many schools provide accommodations for children with learning disabilities such as autism, and the New Orleans community is full of sensory- friendly events for children who are sensitive to
Signs and Symptoms of Autism
By Emily Drez
According to Autism Speaks, 1 in every 59 children in the United States has some form of autism. The five major types of autism include: Asperger’s syndrome, Rett syndrome, Kanner’s syndrome, pervasive developmental disorder, and childhood disintegrative disorder. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability that can affect speech, movement, learning, and social interactions. Though it can impact significant aspects of a child’s life, most children with autism can live perfectly normal lives with the right treatment and accommodations. What are the signs of autism? Diagnosing autism can be tricky. “It’s not like taking a simple blood test,” says Donna Murray,
vice president of Clinical Programs and head of the Autism Treatment Network of Autism Speaks. “It’s all clinical symptoms that can be somewhat different because it’s a spectrum.” That being said, not every case of ASD is the same, and sometimes the symptoms are too mild to detect. Signs and symptoms of autism include: delayed or lack of social communication and interaction skills, restricted or repetitive behaviors and/or interests, and other characteristics such as delayed language, cognitive, and motor skills, intense (or, sometimes, too apathetic) emotional reactions, and hypersensitivities to sound and textures. Some with autism can have epilepsy, OCD, depression, and other mental disorders.
Autism can be detected in children as early as 18 months old, with 2 years being the age at which a diagnosis can be most reliable; however, most people do not get diagnosed until much later. It’s important to keep track of your child’s developmental milestones so they can get any necessary treatment as early as possible. How can autism be treated? “Primary care physicians, psychologists, and educators can help with early identification in a number of ways,” Murray answers. She oversees the Autism Speaks Treatment Network, a team of professionals who answer questions and provide resources such as tool kits for families of autistic children and information on where to
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Special Needs Class. Join Culinary Kids for a cooking class designed for people with special needs. Ages 10-adult, every Thursday from 5:30- 7:30 pm. culinarykidsns.com Teen Lounge: Snack Attack. Drop by the Teen Area for activities, conversations, games, and snack prizes at the Norman Mayer Library. Teens will also have the opportunity to weigh in on future teen programs. 4-5:30 p.m. nolalibrary.org 7 Friday Food Truck Round Up. Abita Brewing Company from 5:30-8:30 p.m. facebook.com/abitabeer Fridays of Lent Crawfish Boils. Covington OMM First Friday. College students get free admission to the Ogden Museum the first Friday of every month. ogdenmuseum.org Parents’ Night Out! Drop off your children for a three-hour, movie-themed party! 6-9 p.m. every Friday, ages 5-12. culinarykidsns.com Spring Break Camps! Kids can cook their own meals, learn to garden, play games, and do science experiments at Culinary Kids on April 7 and April 10-14. culinarykidsns.com 8 Saturday Beer Garden from 4-8 p.m. covingtonbeergarden.com Arts Market. The Arts Market at New Orleans City Park takes place every second Saturday of the month on the Great Lawn. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. artsneworleans.org Bunny Hops. Join City Park for an adults-only egg hunt complete with drinks, jambalaya, music, and unlimited amusement park rides. Carousel Gardens Amusement Park from 7-10 p.m. neworleanscitypark.org Butterfly Gardening Basics. Learn how to manage a butterfly garden from 1-3 p.m. at Long Vue Gardens. $30 general admission. longvue.com Covington Easter Eggstravaganza. Covington Trailhead from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. covla.com Crescent City Classic. Caesars Superdome through April 9. Race start time is 8 a.m. Run, jog, or walk the iconic course through the City of New Orleans. ccc10k.com Easter Egg Hunt & Pop Up Event. Choice The Events Place from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Free event featuring a kids zone, music, food, and vendors. eventbrite.com Run, Walk, Give. Run for charity or donate to those who are participating in the 45th running of the Crescent City Classic. Donate or sign up online. jlno.org 9 Sunday
program designed for families with children ages 3-5 years old. Registration required. 4:30-6:00 p.m. at the Rosa F. Keller Library. nolalibrary.org Storytime. Children ages five and under and their caregivers are invited to read, sing, write, and play at the Algiers Regional, Norman Mayer, and Robert E. Smith Libraries from 10:30-11:30 a.m. nolalibrary.org 5 Wednesday Lafreniere Park Farmers Arts Market. Every Wednesday from 2-7 p.m. lafrenierepark.org LEGO Challenge Club: Brick Dinner (Food Challenge). Children are invited to the Central City Library to do cool engineering projects using LEGOs. 4-5 p.m. nolalibrary.com Moulin Rouge: The Musical. Saenger Theatre through April 16. Enter a world of splendor and romance, of eye-popping excess, of glitz, grandeur, and glory. saengernola.com Read and Sing Storytime: Hoppy Easter! Children will read Five Easter Friends by Danielle McLean and make Easter Bunny top hats and crowns at the Lakeshore Library from 10:30-11 a.m. nolalibrary.org Storytime. Children ages five and under and their caregivers are invited to read, sing, write, and play at the Alvar, Central City, Children’s Resource Center, Nix, and Nora Navra Libraries from 10:30-11:30 a.m. nolalibrary.org T(w)een Chess Club. Learn the basics of chess and play against your peers at the Children’s Resource Center Library from 4:30-5:30 p.m. nolalibrary.org West Bank Book Club. Read and discuss literary fiction from 4-5 p.m. at the Algiers Regional Library. New members are always welcome. nolalibrary.org 6 Thursday Evening Storytime. Children ages five and under and their caregivers are invited to read, sing, write, and play at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library from 5-6 p.m. nolalibrary.org Music at the Museum. New Orleans Jazz Museum at 6 p.m. lpomusic.com NOLA Kidsground Egg Hunt & Play. Children ages five and under can hop on over to NOLA Kidsground for an Easter egg hunt. April 6-7 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. $20 per child. nolakidsground.com Rhythm ‘n Roses. Historic BK House & Gardens from 6-9 p.m. through April 27. A Garden Variety Concert Series presented by The Land of Dreams Foundation. eventbrite.com Rockin’ the Rails. Covington Trailhead from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Free concert featuring Fermin Ceballos. covla.com
Easter Sunday Champagne Classic. Cultura Park NOLA from noon-10 p.m. Day of glamour, day party-vibes, and libations. Experience a delicious selection of cuisine curated for brunch vibes with plenty of champagne. eventbrite.com Easter at Messina’s at the Terminal. Messina’s at the Terminal at 11 a.m. and 1:45 p.m. messinascatering.com Easter Brunch. Maison Lafitte from noon-2 p.m. This event is family friendly. Enjoy a brunch buffet along with optional adult beverages. The Easter Bunny will be there visiting with tables and available for you to snap photos. eventbrite.com 11 Tuesday Activate STEAM Afternoon: Slime Time. Experiment, create, and craft at this hands-on STEAM event for children ages 6-12 at Central City Library from 3:30-4:30 p.m. nolalibrary.org Art Smarts. Make art, learn about important artists throughout history, and hang out with other kids in this program for kids ages 6-12 at the Robert E. Smith Library from 4-5 p.m. nolalibrary.org Evening Storytime. Children ages five and under and their caregivers are invited to read, sing, write, and play with other children at the East New Orleans Regional Library from 5-6 p.m and the Main Library from 5-5:45 p.m. nolalibrary.org 12 Wednesday Activate STEaM Afternoon: Slime Time. Experiment, create, and craft at this hands-on STEAM event for children ages 6-12 at Alvar Library from 3:30-4:30 p.m. nolalibrary.org LEGO Challenge Club: Mondrian Squares. Children are invited to Nix Library to do cool engineering projects using LEGOs. 4-5 p.m. nolalibrary.com Storytime. Children ages five and under and their caregivers are invited to read, sing, write, and play with other children at the Alvar, Central City, Children’s Resource Center, Nix, and Nora Navra Libraries from 10:30-11:30 a.m. nolalibrary.org T(w)een Chess Club. Learn the basics of chess and play against your peers at the Children’s Resource Center Library from 4:30-5:30 p.m. nolalibrary.org Witness to Change: Jesmyn Ward’s Salvage the Bones. Gallier House from 6-8 p.m. The book to be discussed is Jesmyn Ward’s Salvage the Bones . The conversation will be led by environmental humanities scholar Dr. Christopher Schaberg, Dorothy Harrell Brown Distinguished Professor of English at Loyola University New Orleans. hgghh.org NOLAFAMILY.COM | APRIL 2023 27
out & about
Photo by Freepik.com
1 Saturday Bunny & Beignets. PJ’s Coffee in Belle Chasse from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Includes visits with the Easter Bunny and a coloring contest. $15 per child. facebook.com/nolatreasuredmemories Easter at the Market. Mandeville Trailhead from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. experiencemandeville.org Easter Egg-stravaganza. Aldersgate United Methodist Church from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. facebook.com/sharethelife.org Egg Scramble. Join Carousel Gardens Amusement Park for an egg-cellent egg hunting experience, including a visit from the Easter Bunny and unlimited amusement park rides. April 1 and 2 from 9 a.m.-noon. neworleanscitypark.org Finding Nemo Jr. Rivertown Theaters for the Performing Arts through April 2. rivertowntheaters.com Flower Fest. Pointe Marie through April 2. Event is devoted to celebrating the talent and ingenuity of floral artists. Profits benefit St. Jude Children’s Hospital. eventbrite.com Gretna’s Farmer’s Market. Fresh produce and local art every Saturday from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Gretna Farmers Market. gretnala.org Hemmings Tailgate Throwdown. The Tailgate Throwdown will utilize all the facilities of NOLA Motorsports Park for a weekend full of on-road and off-road activities for new and classic trucks and SUVs. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. hemmings.com Historic Open-Hearth Cooking. Hermann- Grima House from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Watch and learn as docents use authentic recipes, tools, and methods of cooking on the open flame in the hearth, potager (stew holes), and beehive oven. hgghh.org Hogs for the Cause. UNO Lakefront. Day two of a two-day event full of music, food, and fundraising. hogsfest.org Los Angeles Azules – De Iztapalapa Para El Mundo Tour. Saenger Theatre at 9 p.m. saengernola.com Muffins and More with the Easter Bunny. INFINITY Science Center from 10-11:30 a.m. Enjoy muffins, crafts, and photos with the Easter Bunny. eventbrite.com
2 Sunday Bunny & Beignets. Join the Abita Springs Trailhead Museum for a morning of beignets and photo opportunities with the Easter Bunny. 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. (985) 502-0154 Cinderella: A Part of the World Ballet Series. A cast of 40 professional ballet dancers will be performing the magical story of Cinderella at 7 p.m. at the Jefferson Performing Arts Center. Tickets available online. jeffersonpac.com Crawfish Cook Off for Miracle Beauties Family Fest. The Kamp from noon-5 p.m. facebook.com/redfishpageant Crescent City Farmers Market. Every Sunday from 8 a.m.-noon. in Tad Gormley Stadium. crescentcityfarmersmarket.org GatesFest. 4000 W. Esplanade Avenue from noon-7:30 p.m. gatesfest.org 3 Monday Beginner Cooking Class for Kids. Culinary Kids invites children ages 7-10 to learn cooking skills from 5:30-7:30 p.m. culinarykidsns.com Crafting with Literature. Children can craft and learn about literature at the Children’s Resource Center Library from 4:30-5:30 p.m. nolalibrary.org 4 Tuesday Best Buy Teen Tech Center Community Day. Discover all the Best Buy Teen Tech Center has to offer. Open to all ages on the first Tuesday of every month at the Main Library from 1-5:30 p.m. nolalibrary.org Cooking Class for Kids. Culinary Kids invites children ages 10-16 to learn cooking skills every Tuesday night from 5:30-7:30 p.m. culinarykidsns.com Homeschool StudiO! Students in grades K-4 are invited to join the Ogden Museum for this monthly program where homeschooled children can partake in an interactive tour of the museum. $18 admission for members and $20 for non- members. 1-2:30 p.m. ogdenmuseum.org Iris Day. Celebrate Long Vue Garden’s stunning iris collection from 4-7 p.m. longvue.com Prime Time Preschool Reading. A six-week
Musical Storytime: Maybe Something Beautiful. Popp Bandstand in City Park at 10:30 a.m. lpomusic.com NOMA Egg Hunt and Family Festival. A family-friendly Easter event at the New Orleans Museum of Art’s Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. noma.org NORD Easter Event. Joe W. Brown Rec Center, Lafitte Greenway, and Morris F.X. Jeff, Sr. from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. nordc.org Spring Garden Show. Fifty vendors will be exhibiting common and exotic plants at New Orleans City Park April 1 and 2 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. neworleanscitypark.org Sprouts–Chickens Aren’t the Only Ones! Children ages five and under and their parents are invited to Long Vue Gardens for structured garden exploration, creativity, and free play. The first and third Saturday of the month from 9:30- 11 a.m. $10 per participant. longvue.com St. Bernard Irish Italian Islenos Parade. The parade starts at noon along the W. Judge Perez route in Chalmette from Meraux Drive, down to Ventura, and back. Consists of 53+ floats, 35+marching groups, 1,500+ members, and 350,000 pounds of produce. stpatricksdayneworleans.coml Storytime. Children ages five and under and their caregivers are invited to read, sing, write, and play at the Robert E. Smith library from 10:30-11:30 a.m. nolalibrary.org Tanner the Turtle Loves to Swim Storytime and Author Signing. Metairie Barnes & Noble at 11 a.m. Welcome local author Christopher DiBenedetto as he signs his book and does storytime at 11 a.m. barnesandnoble.com Treasures From the Point. Algiers Point through April 2. Neighborhood-wide porch sale. eventbrite.com VFW Easter Craft Event. VFW Post 3267 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Features a scavenger hunt, Easter Bunny visits from 2-4 p.m., and vendors. facebook.com Vue Crew Kids Garden Club - Vegetable Gardening I: Starting Our Seeds. Students ages 5-10 can join Long Vue Gardens to learn about gardening techniques and nature-inspired art. $20 per student. longvue.com
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engineering projects using LEGOs. 4:30-5:30 p.m. nolalibrary.com Outdoor Storytime. Children ages five and under and their caregivers are invited to read, sing, play, and write during outdoor storytime at the Milton H. Latter Memorial Library from 10:30-11:30 a.m. nolalibrary.org Storytime. Children ages five and under and their caregivers are invited to read, sing, write, and play with other children at the Algiers Regional, Norman Mayer, and Robert E. Smith Libraries from 10:30-11:30 a.m. nolalibrary.org Swing In The Oaks. City Park at 7 p.m. lpomusic.com 26 Wednesday Friends of Cabildo Film Series presents 1970 Jazz Fest Films. New Orleans Jazz Museum from 6:30-8 p.m. $15 general admission and $10 members. nolajazzmuseum.org Spanish Conversation Group. Adults can improve their Spanish-speaking skills at the Rosa F. Keller Library and Community Center from 6-6:45 p.m. nolalibrary.org Storytime. Children ages five and under and their caregivers are invited to read, sing, write, and play with other children at the Alvar, Central City, Children’s Resource Center, Nix, and Nora Navra Libraries from 10:30-11:30 a.m. nolalibrary.org Teen Board Game Group. Come play board games and make new friends at the Rosa F. Keller Library and Community Center from 3-5 p.m. nolalibrary.org T(w)een Chess Club. Learn the basics of chess and play against your peers at the Children’s Resource Center Library from 4:30-5:30 p.m. nolalibrary.org 27 Thursday Art Smarts. Kids age 6-12 can make art, learn about important artists, and hang out with other kids at the Mid-City Library from 4-5 p.m. nolalibrary.org. Evening Storytime. Children ages five and under and their caregivers are invited to read, sing, write, and play with other children at the East New Orleans Regional Library from 5-6 p.m. and the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library from 5-6 p.m. nolalibrary.org Rockin’ the Rails. Covington Trailhead from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Free concert featuring Lost in the ‘60s. covla.com Storytime. Children ages five and under and their caregivers are invited to read, sing, write, and play with other children at the Cita Dennis Hubbell, Mid-City, and Rosa F. Keller Libraries from 10:30-11:30 a.m. nolalibrary.org
13 Thursday Big Freedia & the LPO. Orpheum Theater at 7:30 p.m. lpomusic.com Focus on Children Class. A nationally- acclaimed program to help divorcing parents lessen the impact of the separation for their children. 6-8 p.m. at the Parenting Center at Children’s Hospital New Orleans. chnola.org French Quarter Fest. The world’s largest showcase of Louisiana music will take place April 13-16 in the heart of New Orleans. Free admission! frenchquarterfest.org Pull! for the Chamber. Covey Rise Lodge from 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Participants shoot a round of 100 targets, in teams of four, on a beautifully laid- out course. business.sttammanychamber.org Rockin’ the Rails. Covington Trailhead from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Free concert featuring Witness. covla.com Storytime. Children ages five and under and their caregivers are invited to read, sing, write, and play with other children at the Cita Dennis Hubbell, Mid-City, and Rosa F. Keller Libraries from 10:30-11:30 a.m. nolalibrary.org Wild Game Dinner & Cook-Off. Grand Ridge Golf Club from 6-9 p.m. Features live music by Will Dempsey. Tickets $75+ available on eventbrite.com 14 Friday Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival. Three days of sweet tradition, tasty food, live music, and plenty of family fun. April 14-16 at Ponchatoula Memorial Park. lastrawberryfestival.com 15 Saturday Autism Family Day and Resource Fair. Easterseals Louisiana invites the community to join them for a day of support, information, and community building. 1-4 p.m. at ESL Chartwell Center. bit.ly/eslfamilyday Historic Open-Hearth Cooking. Hermann- Grima House from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Watch and learn as docents use authentic recipes, tools, and methods of cooking on the open flame in the hearth, potager (stew holes), and beehive oven. hgghh.org Special Needs Expo. St. Tammany Parish Coroner’s Office from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. stpcoroner.org Sprouts–Earth Day. Children ages five and under and their parents can come to Long Vue Gardens and create sculptures and instruments from recycled materials from 9:30-11 a.m. $10 admission. longvue.com Studio Kids! Children ages 6-13 can join NOMA for art-making workshops from 10:30 a.m.-noon. Registration required. noma.org 28 APRIL 2023 | NOLAFAMILY.COM
16 Sunday Plant Sale & Brunch Market. Paradigm Gardens from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., and on April 23. Paradigm Gardens Plant Sale featuring plants for sale, art & crafts, brunch, drinks, and live music. eventbrite.com 17 Monday Crafting with Literature. Children can craft and learn about literature at the Children’s Resource Center Library from 4:30-5:30 p.m. nolalibrary.org Storytime. Children ages five and under and their caregivers are invited to read, sing, write, and play with other children at the Algiers Regional, Norman Mayer, and Robert E. Smith Libraries from 10:30-11:30 a.m. nolalibrary.org Zurich Classic. TPC Louisiana through April 23. Golf tournament on the PGA tour. Tickets $40+. zurichgolfclassic.com 18 Tuesday Evening Storytime. Children ages five and under and their caregivers are invited to read, sing, write, and play with other children at the East New Orleans Regional Library from 5-6 p.m. and the Main Library from 5-5:45 p.m. nolalibrary.org LEGO Challenge Club: Mazes. Children are invited to the Norman Mayer Library to do cool engineering projects using LEGOs. 4:30-5:30 p.m. nolalibrary.com The Recycle Challenge Parade & Festival. St. Roch Market through April 23. The fun-filled six-day hybrid festival celebrates recycling & repurposing. eventbrite.com 19 Wednesday Disney Trivia. Happy Raptor Distilling from 7-10 p.m. This all ages trivia night is designed to test your knowledge of all things Disney with questions ranging from easy to expert. Complete with themed cocktails, mocktails, prizes, and bragging rights. eventbrite.com Power Up: Women’s Leadership Conference. New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Connect with hundreds of business-women for the annual all-day conference. powerupnola.com Spanish Conversation Group. Adults can improve their Spanish-speaking skills at the Rosa F. Keller Library and Community Center from 6-6:45 p.m. nolalibrary.org Storytime. Children ages five and under and their caregivers are invited to read, sing, write, and play with other children at the Alvar, Central City, Children’s Resource Center, Nix, and Nora Navra Libraries from 10:30-11:30 a.m. nolalibrary.org T(w)een Chess Club. Learn the basics of chess
Teen Lounge: Snack Attack. Drop by the Teen Area for activities, conversations, games, and snack prizes at the Main Library. Teens will also have the opportunity to weigh in on future teen programs. 4-5:30 p.m. nolalibrary.org 28 Friday Columbia Street Block Party. Columbia Street in Downtown Covington from 6-9 p.m. Enjoy a free block party and classic car show on Columbia Street in downtown Covington. Live music, food and drinks will be aplenty. gocovington.org Hancock Whitney Zoo-To-Do (for adults). Celebrate Spider Monkeys and the Zoo’s expansion and conservation efforts. 8-11 p.m. Tickets available online. audubonnatureinstitute.org Lettuce and Tower of Power with the LPO. Saenger Theatre at 8 p.m. saengernola.com N.O. Jazz & Heritage Festival. An annual celebration of New Orleans culture and music held at the Fair Grounds Race Course from April 28-May . nojazzfest.com NGA State Meet in Louisiana. Alario Center through April 30. Spectator fees run from $7-15, with a $1 credit card fee. la-nga.info Plaquemines Parish Seafood Festival. Held annually during the last weekend of April at the Plaquemines Parish Government Complex from 6-9 p.m. plaqueminesparishfestival.com 29 Saturday Kite Day. Milne Rec Center from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. nordc.org Sensory Friendly Mornings. Every last Saturday of the month, the National WWII Museum offers sensory-friendly mornings where individuals with special needs and their families can enjoy early access to the Museum with sensory friendly modifications. nationalww2museum.org Spring Home & Lifestyle Show. Lakeside Shopping Center through April 30. Features 25 exhibitors who have the latest in kitchens, remodeling, flooring, as well as the latest trends in outdoor living. lakesideshopping.com Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue Treme Threauxdown. Saenger Theatre at 8 p.m. Tickets available at saengernola.com. 30 Sunday Mental Health Awareness and Suicide Prevention Fundraiser. 1436 Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard from noon-4 p.m. The event will kick off with an open panel discussion. $50-100. eventbrite.com NOLAFAMILY.COM | APRIL 2023 29
a.m. This family-friendly event kicks off with a DJ, takes you through Historic Downtown Covington, and ends with a band and food at the Covington Trailhead. All proceeds go towards the SSA Alumnae Association. Wear your favorite festive blue dress. raceentry.com/ssa-blue-dress-run Louisiana Bicycle Fest. Abita Springs Trailhead, Tammany Trace, and central Abita from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. brooksbikeshop.com St. Matthew Men’s Club Crawfish Cook- off. St. Matthew The Apostle School from 3-8 p.m. $30 for adults, $10 children 6-12, free for children 5 and under. facebook.com/ stmatthewmensclubcrawfishcookoff St. Paul’s Crawfish Cook-Off. St. Paul Catholic High School from 1-6 p.m. The purpose of this event is to raise funds for both Hope House of Saint Tammany and Saint Paul’s Alumni Association while providing an entertaining event for all to enjoy. spscco.com State Ballet of Georgia Presented by NOBA. Mahalia Jackson Theater at 7:30 p.m. Dino Ranch Live. Mahalia Jackson Theater at 4 p.m. For the first time ever, Dino Ranch, as seen on Disney Junior, comes to the stage with a fun-filled, action-packed live show. mahaliajacksontheater.com Suite Sunday Salon: Afternoon with Carlos. St. Andrew’s Episcopal at 2:30 p.m. lpomusic.com 24 Monday Chamber of Music Society of Lincoln Center. mahaliajacksontheater.com 23 Sunday Dixon Concert Hall at 7:30 p.m. One of the nation’s premier chamber music organizations returns to New Orleans with “The Brahms Effect.” eventbrite.com Crafting with Literature. Children can craft and learn about literature at the Children’s Resource Center Library from 4:30-5:30 p.m. nolalibrary.org 25 Tuesday Art Smarts. Make art, learn about important artists throughout history, and hang out with other kids in this program for kids ages 6-12 at the Robert E. Smith Library from 4-5 p.m. nolalibrary.org Evening Storytime. Children ages five and under and their caregivers are invited to read, sing, write, and play with other children at the East New Orleans Regional Library from 5-6 p.m. and the Main Library from 5-5:45 p.m. nolalibrary.org Lego Challenge Club: Gardens. Children are invited to the Algiers Regional Library to do cool
and play against your peers at the Children’s Resource Center Library from 4:30-5:30 p.m. nolalibrary.org 20 Thursday Disney on Ice presents: Into the Magic. April 20-23 at the UNO Lakefront Arena. arena.uno.edu How I Learned What I Learned. Le Petit Theatre through May 7. August Wilson’s poetic one-man autobiographical show journeying through love, adversity, and self-discovery in the Hill District of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. lepetittheatre.com Jefferson Art Guild: Show & Sale. Lakeside Shopping Center through April 23. Artwork from several local artists will be showcased and sold. lakesideshopping.com Orpheum Sessions: Beethoven’s 7. Orpheum Theater at 7:30 p.m. lpomusic.com Rockin’ the Rails. Covington Trailhead from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Free concert featuring Audubon Zoo-To-Do for Kids. Hightail it to Audubon Zoo: Celebrate Spider Monkeys and the Zoo’s expansion and conservation efforts. 5-9 p.m., tickets available online. audubonnatureinstitute.org Black and White Friday Night. Girls in grades 4 and 5 are invited to Dominican for a night of crafts, games, and Dominican fun from 6-9 p.m. Dinner will be provided. Register online. stmarysdominican.org FOC Concert Series presents: The Iguanas. New Orleans Jazz Museum from 7-9 p.m. nolajazzmuseum.org Northshore Classics: Beethoven 7. Covington High School at 7:30 p.m. lpomusic.com 22 Saturday Earth Day April Art Market. Bayou Wine Garden from noon-5 p.m. Includes live music, Mother’s Day gifts, dog adoptions, vendors, and crawfish. facebook.com/bayouwinegarden Autism Festival. Westwego Farmers Market from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Food trucks, live entertainment, resources, silent auction, craft fair, and activities. asgno.org Crawfish Cook-off. Fritchie Park from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. All you can eat crawfish festival supporting the Hospice House in Slidell. $35 in advance, $40 at the gate, children 12 and under for free. eventbrite.com Maritime Music & Arts Festival. Madisonville Ball Pall at 11 a.m. maritimemuseumlouisiana.org SSA Blue Dress Run. Bogue Falaya Fitness at 8 Swingaroux. covla.com 21 Friday
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