Baton Rouge is not only becoming a hub for a variety of TV and movie projects through the efforts of the Baton Rouge Film Commission, Louisiana International Film Festival, Celtic Media Centre and others; locals are also making an impact on the airwaves with appearances on popular reality shows.
This month’s cover story takes a look at several talented people with ties to the 225 region who are getting plenty of attention.
Recently, LSU graduate Nicole Gaffney became a popular finalist in the high-stakes cooking competition show Food Network Star. Other locals and former Baton Rougeans have performed on American Idol and The X Factor, played roles in major movies or had their lives documented on television. What their experiences were truly like and what’s next for these fascinating individuals is the subject of Kaci Yoder’s profiles as each tells 225 all about “My 15 Minutes.”
Colin Powell once said, “A dream doesn’t become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work.” It does take a lot of determination and sacrifice to see a vision through to reality, but that should never dissuade us from dreaming big.
Baton Rouge can take lessons from some of history’s great dreamers who put their ideas into action, and one local artist is doing just that. Successful sculptor Joseph Jilbert’s latest project is huge! This fall he plans to open Capitol Arts Studios, a series of large warehouse spaces in north Baton Rouge that he is converting to house artist studios, gallery spaces and event venues for concerts and art exhibits—including his own in-demand metalwork.
Editor Jeff Roedel has the exclusive story on this unique visionary and his plans for the culture scene in Baton Rouge.
A healthy mind needs a healthy body. I think we can all agree that we need to nourish our children the best we can, especially if we expect them to learn and develop all the skills they need to while in school. Recently, the local school system has made some health-conscious changes to what public school students receive for breakfast and lunch, but not all of these changes have gone over well with the students. And what children eat today, whether at school or at home, is often a struggle for local moms. Read April Capochino Myers’ report on school lunches in East Baton Rouge Parish.
One of 225’s newest features is called “A Good Time With,” and it is all about dynamic locals sharing with readers their ideas for throwing an amazing party or having a fun adventure out in Baton Rouge. We hope this triggers your imagination and creativity the next time you are planning a get-together with friends or a night on the town. This month, we spoke to former Miss Louisiana Erin Edmiston, and you can read her great party tips.
Do you know someone living with autism? If you don’t, you might soon. Earlier this year, the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta released a report indicating that 1 in every 68 American children under age 12 is diagnosed with this developmental disorder. What does that mean for Baton Rouge? That means that 1 in 34 parents are likely to have a child diagnosed with the disorder. Nationally, cases of autism are increasing about 13% annually.
Right here in the Baton Rouge area, of the 12,000 children born annually, at least 176 are at risk for developing autism, and many will need support throughout their lifetime. It’s time to do something about autism and help the families who live with it day in and day out.
That’s why at 225, we are proud to help bring awareness to this issue by co-sponsoring a screening of Sounding the Alarm, a documentary that will be presented by Autism Speaks, Unlocking Autism and the Baton Rouge Area Foundation on Thursday, Oct. 23, at the Manship Theatre.
The movie debuted to great reviews this year at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York City. It covers the issues that families living with autism face over the course of the child’s lifespan and demonstrates the urgent need to address it at the local, state and national levels. The event is free and open to the public but seating is limited. To reserve your tickets go to autismspeaks.org/batonrougescreening.
Send us your photos with celebrities. Plans are under way for our December issue of 225, which will feature a collection of our favorite photos that readers have taken with celebrities. So scroll through your camera rolls and email us your pictures with actors, musicians, pro athletes, famous politicians and more. Don’t forget to tell us the story behind your fame-filled photos! You can email them to us at [email protected].
