From the publisher: Youth, mothers and music

This month we celebrate and honor all of the wonderful mothers and grandmothers in the Capital Region. Unfortunately, I lost my mother 11 months ago, and I miss her dearly. She was my hero.

My mother used to call me every day between 5 p.m.-6 p.m. to tell me she loved me. I miss that phone call. I used to think that people didn’t need their moms so much after they grew up. But I’ve realized that just is not true. So many times when things happen I know she would be proud of or would enjoy, I wish she were here to experience it. Whenever I was down or was facing a challenge, my mother would always put a positive spin on the situation and encourage me. While my mother taught me the value of hard work, taking responsibility, good judgment, serving others and honesty she also taught me how to dance, laugh, smile and have a good time in life. I had a chance the last day of her life to thank her for all she sacrificed and did for me and our family.

I know how special mothers are, and I am grateful for the special bond I had with mine. No words can express the love, appreciation and admiration I had for her. I shared these thoughts with you in hopes that you cherish every moment you have with your mom. Mother’s Day comes once a year. Some think that if they just buy their mother flowers and a card that they have fulfilled their obligation for the rest of the year. If we only remember a 10th of what our mothers did for us as children, and how they would literally die for us if needed, we would realize that one day is not sufficient enough to show our gratitude. Make sure you don’t just show appreciation on Mother’s Day but every day of the year!

Speaking of mothers, in this issue, we’re highlighting five dynamic moms in Baton Rouge who balance career and family and thrive doing so. We asked these moms to share their challenges, their advice and their ideas for quality time with children that I hope will inspire other parents reading this issue. Find these fantastic moms.

A lot of pro athletes have a secret weapon in their corner, and that weapon calls Baton Rouge home. Personal trainer and Body Mechanics owner Kolby Tullier has steadily become a premiere exercise specialist for top athletes across a variety of sports, from PGA Golf and Major League Baseball to the NFL. Stars like Terrence Toliver, Mikie Mahtook and John Peterson, one of our 2014 People to Watch, sing Tullier’s praises. Meet the man behind the muscle with contributor Jake Clapp’s profile of Tullier.

One of my mentors told me a long time ago, “You’re never too young or inexperienced to start making a difference in your community.” He was right. That has been a life lesson I have never forgotten. A few months ago our editorial leaders from 225, Business Report and inRegister decided to do something we have never done: Collaborate on a single editorial theme that would run throughout all three of our magazines. The goal was to highlight talented young people in our city. These individuals are our future. The energy and commitment many young people have for what they are passionate about can be incredibly inspiring, and even more so when they are as accomplished as people much older. This month, 225 profiles ten creative youths in Baton Rouge. We have an actor, a fashion designer, a culinary student, a painter, and musicians of all genres who not only show incredible promise for the future, but who are impacting the arts and culture of our city right now. Meet these young talents.

The superstars of country music convene in Baton Rouge again on May 23-25 for three days of world-class performances inside Tiger Stadium for Bayou Country Superfest. This is the fifth year of the event founded by Jazz Fest owner Quint Davis. A huge economic booster for our city and a concert experience unlike any other in Baton Rouge, this year’s lineup includes George Strait, Reba McEntire, Luke Bryan and many more. Read about the festival.

Last year I attend the first Symphony Pops at the Rural Life Museum, and it was a fabulous event. For the second year in a row, the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra will partner with the LSU Rural Life Museum to present an evening pops music outdoors. The setlist will include many of the all-time favorite Broadway and patriotic tunes. Baton Rouge native Ana Andricain, who has performed on Broadway in productions like Beauty and the Beast, South Pacific and Les Miserables, will perform as a special guest.

Tickets for lawn seats range from $10-$20, with large group discounts and table seating available. For more information call 383-0500.