Is your mouth ready for a makeover? If you answered YES, you could be
one of the first to take the Better Check Ups Challenge.

Crest and Oral-B are looking for Baton Rouge residents to take the
Better Check-Ups Challenge to help improve their oral health and
encourage others to do the same! We’ll select six challengers to
use the full-line of Crest-Pro Health products for six months,
confident that they will show better results at their dental
check-ups. All Crest-Pro Health products will be provided– free of
charge.

If you would like to take the challenge and become a Better Check-Ups
ambassador for Baton Rouge, visit the Borders Book store located at
the Mall of Louisiana on Tuesday, March 16 from 11:30-1:30 pm and 4-6
pm to complete an application form and tell us why YOU are up for the
challenge!

Date:           Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Time:           11:30-1:30 p.m. and 4-6 p.m.
Location:       Mall of Louisiana
6401 Bluebonnet Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA 70836
(225) 769-2112

BREC invites families and friends to view Mars’ closest approach to Earth on Wednesday, Jan. 27 from 8 p.m. – midnight at the Highland Road Park Observatory (HRPO), 13800 Highland Road.

At this time, Mars will lie 61.72 million miles (99.33 million km) from Earth.  Mars gets close to Earth every two years.   Mars also reaches opposition – appears opposite from the sun in the sky as seen from Earth, and shines at its brightest (magnitude 1.28), on Jan 29.

HRPO and Baton Rouge Astronomical Society (BRAS) volunteers will be available to address any questions, inconsistencies or fallacies about Mars.  Visitors will also have a chance to participate in NASA’s Send Your Name to Mars! program, where individuals’ names will be included with others on a microchip on the Mars Science Laboratory rover heading to Mars in 2011.  The latest Free Spirit news regarding Spirit, a rover that has been stuck in soft soil on Mars since May 1, 2009, will be available.

A sky tour and a raffle with prizes (proceeds will go to support programming and displays at HRPO) will also be available to all visitors.  Admission is free for all ages.

HRPO is brought to the public by BREC, LSU’s Department of Physics and Astronomy and the BRAS.

For more information, please call the HRPO at (225) 768-9948.

A benefit is being held for 3 Central High School students who were injured in 2 separate accidents recently. The benefit will be held on January 16th @ Oak Point on the corner of Greenwell Springs Road and Sullivan Road. Tickets are $6.00 each. For more information and to donate food please contact Dirk Arnold at 225.329.5564. The City of Central has set up an event on facebook for this benefit. You can find it by following this link.

Below is the information/names of the 3 students the benefit is being held for:

Michael Calamia is a student at Central High School and was involved in a head on collision and sustained multiple life threatning injuries and was hospitalized. He has recently recovered enough to return home to his family.

Ebony Watkins was involved in the same accident as Michael and she also suffered very serious injuries.

Kelsey Lieux was involved in a serious car accident on Wednesday, December 9, 2009. She’s been in a medically induced coma ever since. Wednesday, January 6, Kelsey will be in surgery for her neck injury. Her c2 vertebra is fractured so the doctors are going in and fusing C1,C2 and C3 vertebra together and adding a few screws.

Please forward this page to everyone who you think would be interested by using the email icon below.

HGTV’s hit TV series, House Hunters, is coming to Baton Rouge/New Orleans and surrounding areas, and we’re looking for homebuyers and real estate agents who want to appear on the show!

House Hunters follows buyers and their agents on the hunt as they find just the right house for them—and every story is different. If you’re an energetic and outgoing homebuyer currently working with a real estate agent, we’d love to hear from you.

We are currently looking for homebuyers who are:

• Closing within the next 1-2 months, this includes buyers who are actively bidding on a home or newly under contract
• Fun, enthusiastic, and have a great story to tell
• Purchasing within a 90 minute drive of downtown New Orleans

House Hunters airs weeknights at 9/8c on HGTV and is produced by High Noon Entertainment.  To learn more about the show visit HGTV.com/HouseHunters

To apply contact Lexy Kohake, Associate Producer at

(303)712-3207 or LKohake@highnoontv.com

The Office of the State Fire Marshal is encouraging families to attend professional, public fireworks displays this holiday season. Attending a public fireworks display is a safe way to honor our tradition, our shared values, and our hopes for a healthy future.

Permanent scarring, loss of vision, dismemberment – these are all too often the harsh realities of amateur fireworks use. The State Fire Marshal’s Office is urging everyone to treat all fireworks, as suitable, only for usage by trained professionals. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), amateur firework usage endangers not only the users, but also bystanders and surrounding property and structures. Pyrotechnic devices ranging from sparklers to aerial rockets cause thousands of fires and serious injuries each year.

“Safe fireworks do not exist,” as stated by State Fire Marshal H “Butch” Browning. “When things go wrong, they go wrong very fast, and often with disasterous consequences.”

In recent years, fireworks have been one of the leading causes of injuries serious enough to require hospital emergency room treatment. Fireworks can result in severe burns, fractures, scars, lifelong disfigurement or even death. The thousands of serious injuries each year typically harm the eyes, head, or hands and are mostly reported in states, such as Louisiana, where fireworks are legal. Even sparklers, which are considered by many to be harmless, can reach temperatures in excess of 1200 degrees F.

Wooded areas, homes, and even automobiles have become engulfed in flames because of fireworks. Firework-related fires have typically caused at least $21 million in property loss nationally (not adjusted for inflation) in recent years. A substantial portion of the property loss is due to fireworks typically involving bottle rockets or other fireworks such as rockets/aerial devices. Rockets can land on rooftops or wedge within certain structures and still retain enough heat to cause a fire. “A family’s home represents the work of a lifetime,” said State Fire Marshal Browning. “Losing your home
or having a family member seriously injured because of a fireworks accident would be disastrous. There are safer alternatives to using fireworks this “holiday season”.

Public firework displays are one of those alternatives. These are conducted by trained professionals. They are the smartest and safest fireworks alternative for everyone, because they are established under controlled settings and regulations. Clearly, fireworks are capable of devastating and fatal injuries. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), there are currently ten states that ban all consumer fireworks. “The fireworks banned in these states do not become safer just because they are used in Louisiana or other states; in which, consumer fireworks can be legally purchased,” states Fire Marshal Browning.

To those citizens of the State who do intend to purchase and use fireworks during the upcoming holiday, the Fire Marshal’s Office offers the following fireworks safety suggestions:

Marshal’s Office offers the following fireworks safety suggestions:
– Always read and follow the label directions carefully
– Always have a garden hose or water bucket nearby for medical emergencies and/or to douse spent or misfired
fireworks.
– Adults should always supervise fireworks activity.
– Fireworks should be placed on a hard, smooth surface prior to ignition. NEVER light fireworks in your hand.
– Quickly light one firework at a time, and move away quickly after lighting.
– Never point or throw fireworks at people, pets, cars, or buildings
– Keep fireworks away from small children.
– Do not alter or make your own fireworks.
– After displays, never pick up fireworks that may be left over.

Fireworks that have been ignited and fail to immediately explode or discharge can cause injury, as they may still be active. Children should always tell an adult if they find fireworks rather than picking up smoking or charred fireworks themselves.

Public displays (unless permitted through The Office of State Fire Marshal or local jurisdiction having authority to do so by this office) and retail sales are prohibited in the following parishes: St. Charles, Orleans, East Baton Rouge, and Terrebonne.

Concerning age requirements, Fire Marshal Browning advised that state law prohibits anyone from offering to sell or selling fireworks to any child under the age of fifteen (15). Fire Marshal Browning adds that parents may be held liable for any damages or injuries caused by their children’s illegal use of fireworks. He further advises that anyone found selling fireworks without a proper permit from the Office of the State Fire Marshal will be ordered to “cease and desist” operations until a proper permit has been obtained and properly posted. Browning said that his deputies will be inspecting fireworks stands during the retail season to ensure they meet the minimum requirements for fire safety and registration. Fire Marshal Browning stressed that, due to the fire hazard as well as the inherent risk of injury involved in fireworks, citizens are urged to use extreme caution when handling fireworks to ensure a safe, fire-free holiday. “The few moments of pleasure consumer fireworks bring are not worth the risk of property loss, injury, or death.” “Avoid needless risks,” as state by State Fire Marshal H “Butch” Browning. “The alternative of a professionally-run public display is, in every way, superior in spectacle and safety.”

Join us on December 11th, 2009 under downtown’s historic oaks to commemorate Baton Rouge’s oldest holiday tradition. Transforming the winter sky into a wonderland, the Mayor will light North Boulevard with half a million sparkling lights. Experience the magic beneath the snow at the 35-foot Christmas tree, where Third Street meets North Boulevard. Enjoy free ice skating and play in six (6) tons of real snow at the Snow Village. Visit Santa’s Gift Shoppe or listen to holiday music during an evening of visual, culinary, and performing arts. Don’t miss an illuminated Miracle on Third Street and visit the many holiday open houses. Look below for a lists of events and celebrate the season during an evening filled with the Christmas spirit! 

2009 Festival of Lights Flyer
2009 Downtown Festival of Lights Events map

Please view the attached flyer to check out what Downtown Baton Rouge has to offer throughout the month of December!
2009 Holiday Season Schedule of Events

__________________
Baton Rouge Downtown Development District
http://www.downtownbatonrouge.org/

It was decided over a dozen years ago to offer an outreach event in the community that would be wholesome fun for all!! And thus was ‘born’ the Jones Creek Business Association’s (JCABA) Annual Christmas Parade.

Actually the original ‘parade’ idea started out being done on July 4th!! But it was so HOT and steamy that date was used only once and then it was decided to go with a Winter event. And thus the Christmas Parade idea was founded!!

The parade has always been run on Jones Creek Road. Originally it ran from South to North but now it runs from North – starting at the First Pentecostal Church at the intersection of South Harrell’s Ferry Road and Jones Creek, to the parking lot at the end of Jones Creek at Tiger Bend Road.

Several years ago it was decided to have a special guest, other than Santa Claus and thus the idea of Grand Marshall was ‘put in place’. Over the years we have had Fred Raiford, when he was Head of Dept. of Public Works, Whitney Vann with Channel 2, Steve Caporatta – Meteorologist with Channel 9, Paul Gates with Channel 9, Sam Crifasi, Owner of Hi Neighbor – 2nd business to be located on Jones Creek Road over 40 years ago, and Vivian Stevens. Who was our Parade Chairman for many years – she was the ‘heart and soul’of this!! Thanks Vivian!!

Last year over 80 entries were involved in the Parade, ranging from Marching Bands, Scout Packs, Floats, to Corvettes. It has become one of the largest privately held Christmas Parades in the Greater Baton Rouge area!!

Come join the the ‘fun and good times’ once again as we hold it on Sunday December 13th from 2:00 until!!

________________
Jones Creek Area Business Association
http://www.jcaba.org/

Walking in downtown Baton Rouge 10 years ago was a site for sore eyes…and that’s putting it generously. With that said, downtown Baton Rouge has made progress within that time.

Notable progress over the past 10 years:

• Expansion of the River Center
• Renovation of the Capital House Hotel (300 room hotel)
• Department of Education & Land and Natural Resources Buildings were demolished and replaced
• The Shaw Center (LSU Museum of Art located here also)
• Multiple bars and eateries
• Relighting of the Coca Cola sign
• Restoration of the Old Capital fence
• City Plaza 2
• New Court House
• One Eleven Apartments (Behind the Shaw center)

Just to name a few…Now it looks like a Town Square is on the horizon with an anticipated completion in Spring of 2011. This is thanks to Federal money that has rolled into the Downtown Development District (DDD) coffers. The DDD has talked about a Town Square for years, and even had much public involvement with the project.

The Town Square is probably one of the best visions that the DDD has had thus far. This concept will help to connect most of the improvements listed above, and will also help to connect the citizens of Baton Rouge back to downtown.

Money recently received will also help to make the entire project larger in size by 2 city blocks…which is fairly substantial.

The Town Square will have covered pavilions, game tables, a 35’ projection screen, in-ground lighting, over head lighting, sound system throughout, outdoor WIFI, café seating, and benches. The center of the entire project will be referred to as “The Square” and will feature 3 large areas for gathering crowds. One of these areas includes the Beacon Plaza which will sport the 35’ Projection Screen made of glass panels. During the night time these glass panels will glow, and during special events the Beacon will project a spot light into the sky.

This project will be a great community gathering spot in general. I highly urge everyone to check it out once it is completed. It will be great to have a spot to enjoy a beautiful day downtown on the laptop, having a coffee, or a picnic with the family. This will also offer a more organized space for crowds to gather for events.

These same monies received from the Federal Government are also being divided among many other projects including a new pedestrian path in the LSU area, multiple improvements around the CAT’s bus station terminal, improvements to (or new) bus stop covers, new 4 foot bike paths along Hyacinth Ave, and new sidewalks in the Delmont Village area.

On the web: Town Square Description

Join Councilwoman Tara Wicker and State Representative Patricia Smith for the Annual South Baton Rouge Christmas Parade on December 19, at 10:00 am in the heart of Old South Baton Rouge. McKinley High will be the starting point of the parade as well as the ending point. The 2009 Grand Marshall for the parade is Superintendent John Dilworth. The Deputy Grand Marshalls include Sheriff Sid Gautreaux, District Attorney Hillar Moore, and Chief of Police Jeff Leduff.

“This is going to be an awesome event. There are so many wonderful and positive things happening in South Baton Rouge and there is such a renewed sense of excitement and hope. It is a new beginning!” stated Councilwoman Tara Wicker.

State Representative Patricia Smith stated, “During this wonderful time of year we invite all of the citizens of the Old South Baton Rouge community to come out as we celebrate a rebirth of our South Baton Rouge Christmas Parade.”

Organizations wishing to participate can pick up forms at the Leo Butler Center. Entry fee is $40. Anyone wishing to make financial contributions to help cover parade expenses should contact State Representative Patricia Smith’s office at 342-7106.

Due to predictions of nasty weather, the Festival of Lights that was originally scheduled for Friday, Dec. 4, in downtown Baton Rouge has been postponed for one week until Friday, Dec. 11.

Weather forecasters are predicting that temperatures will drop into the 40s on the evening of Dec. 4 with rain that will likely turn to sleet. Due to concerns that the inclement weather might create safety problems, Mayor Melvin “Kip” Holden postponed the Christmas celebration until Friday, Dec. 11.

The Reindeer Run, sponsored by Forum 35, will take place as scheduled on Friday, Dec. 4, according to Downtown Development Director Davis Rhorer. Here is some information for the Reindeer Run

Cost:

• $20.00 on race day
• Entry fee includes a long-sleeve t-shirt
• Family Plan: $12.00 a runner before race day with a minimum of three runners from a family (can be a combination of Fun Run and 5K participants)
• Children 5 and under run free!

This year’s Reindeer Run will be on Friday, December 4, 2009. Registration will take place at City Plaza at the corner of 4th St. and North Blvd.

• Registration begins at 5:30 p.m.
• The Jog begins at 7:00 p.m.
• The 5K race begins at 7:20 p.m.
• Post race food and festivities start at 7:30 p.m.

http://www.reindeer-run.com/therace.htm

While running from ghosts, ghouls and goblins this Halloween, remember, they aren’t the only things to be aware of while creeping around in the night. Did you know that it was unlawful for registered sex offenders to participate in Halloween by offering candy at their door? If you don’t know where the sex offenders in your neighborhood live, now is the time to find out. Check out the sex offender registry website and search your area to see what houses to avoid this year. Use the mail link at the bottom of this article to mail this to friends who may not know the location of sex offenders in their area.

Here are some other tips that will help you have a safe and happy Halloween as well:

• Carry a flashlight with fresh batteries after dark.
• Take along a cell phone.
• Wear identification that’s easy to read.
• Always trick or treat in groups, accompanied by an adult.
• Follow a curfew and take a watch with a backlight.
• Plan your route ahead of time.
• Stay on the sidewalks and out of the streets. Cross only at intersections and designated crosswalks.
• Walk. No running.
• Don’t trample through flower beds and gardens.
• Watch out for open flames in jack-o-Lanterns.
• Trick or treat in familiar neighborhoods.
• Walk with your head up and be aware of your surroundings.
• Only visit well lit houses. Don’t stop at dark houses.
• Don’t enter any houses unless you know the people.
• Carry a spare Halloween bag — in case yours breaks or you fill your original one.
• Don’t approach unfamiliar pets and animals.
• Don’t cut across yards and stay out of back yards.
• Follow traffic signals and don’t jaywalk.
• Always watch for cars backing up or turning.
• Review the “stop, drop and roll” procedure in case your costume catches on fire.
• Never accept rides from strangers.
• Respect other people and their property.
• Be polite and say “thank you.”
• Don’t eat any candy until it’s inspected for tampering under bright lights.
• Avoid candy that has loose wrappings, is unwrapped, has puncture holes, or is homemade.
• Small children should not be allowed hard candy they may choke on.
• Report any suspicious or criminal activity to an adult or the police.
• Consider having a party instead of Trick or Treating.

Happy Halloween from BatonRougeToday.com!!

Carry a flashlight with fresh batteries after dark.
Take along money for a phone call.
Wear identification that’s easy to read.
Always trick or treat in groups, accompanied by an adult.
Follow a curfew and take a watch with a backlight.
Plan your route ahead of time.
Stay on the sidewalks and out of the streets. Cross only at intersections and designated crosswalks.
Walk. No running.
Don’t trample through flower beds and gardens.
Watch out for open flames in jack-o-Lanterns.
Trick or treat in familiar neighborhoods.
Walk with your head up and be aware of your surroundings.
Only visit well lit houses. Don’t stop at dark houses.
Don’t enter any houses unless you know the people.
Carry a spare Halloween bag — in case yours breaks or you fill your original one.
Don’t approach unfamiliar pets and animals.
Don’t cut across yards and stay out of back yards.
Follow traffic signals and don’t jaywalk.
Always watch for cars backing up or turning.
Review the “stop, drop and roll” procedure in case your costume catches on fire.
Never accept rides from strangers.
Respect other people and their property.
Be polite and say “thank you.”
Don’t eat any candy until it’s inspected for tampering under bright lights.
Avoid candy that has loose wrappings, is unwrapped, has puncture holes, or is homemade.
Small children should not be allowed hard candy they may choke on.
Report any suspicious or criminal activity to an adult or the police.
Consider having a party instead of Trick or Treating.