Baton Rouge Weekly Events: May12-18 2008

Monday-May 12, 2008

Baton Rouge Little Theatre- On Monday, May 12 the BRLT will be holding auditions for the "Producers". If you are interested in trying out, please call (225)924-6496

Baby N'You Orientation- Woman's Hospital is always offering great classes for mothers-to-be. I remember taking a few of them myself before I had my son. They were great. The orientation tour for expecting mothers will be held at Woman's Hospital. For more information, please call (225)924-8444

Baton Rouge Astronomical Meeting- Are you interested in Astronomy? If so, there will be a Baton Rouge Astronomical meeting. The meeting will be held at the LSU Highland Observatory. For more information, please call (225)768-9948

Tiny Tots Tennis- Does your child want to play tennis? It's a great after school sport. If you are curious about tennis for your tot, please call (225)766-0247. It will be held at the Highland Park Tennis Center from 5-6 pm.

Mondays With Mommy- There's nothing like spending time with your little one. This get together is full of moms and their little ones at Barnes and Nobles on Corporate starting at 10:00 am. For more info, pleas call (225)926-9491

Argentine Tango Lessons- Are you interested in learning how to tango? Well, here's your chance. Lessons are at the Roux House in downtown Baton Rouge from 6:30-10:00 pm

Preschool Storytime- Are you looking for a perfect place to have storytime for your child? The Bluebonnet Regional Branch Library is having storytime at 10:30 am.

Louisiana Art Drawing Class- Do you like to draw? Would you like to take drawing classes? Larry Downs is holding a drawing class at the Louisiana Art & Artists' Guild Studio from 6-8 pm.

Tuesday-May 13, 2008

Diabetes Education and Awareness Group- If you are interested in Diabetes awareness, join the group at Our Lady Of The Lake Auditorium, For more information, call (225)765-8020

Special Delivery- Another wonderful class this is offered by Woman's Hospital. If you are a first time mommy and are nervous about all things regarding your new baby, I encourage you to check out all of Woman's classes. This class is held at Woman's and Family Road of GBR. Please call (225)924-8444 for more info.

La Leche League Meeting- Viva La Breastfeeders! Meetings are at St. George Youth House on Seigen Lane from 10 am to 12 pm. Call (225)766-3350 for more info.

TD Bickham Park Recital- The recital is going to be held at BREC's Independance Park Theatre. Need more information? Call (225)216-0660

Zoo and Me Morning- I love the Baton Rouge Zoo. There's nothing like hanging out with the monkeys, makes me feel more at home. This program is for 3-6 year old children. Time are 9:30-11:30 am. Cal the BR zoo for more info. (225)755-3877

Baton Rouge Little Theatre- Baton Rouge Little Theatre is holding more auditions for "The Producers". If you are interested in being on stage, please call (225)924-6496

Gardening For Kids Workshop- Does your child have a green thumb? There will be a three part series on gardening offered by the Louisiana Master Gardners for your children. It will take place at Carver Branch Library. For more info, call (225)398-7460

Computer Classes-Computer classes for adults will be held at the Bluebonnet Branch Library at 10:00 am.

Wednesday-May 14, 2008

Baton Rouge Little Theatre-  The little theatre is still having auditions for "The Producers". If you are interested in this please call (225)924-6496

Child CPR- The Red Cross is offering a course held at Family Road that includes CPR and safety. For more information, please call (225)291-4533

Jim Hensons Fantastic World- It ain't wasy being green. This is a Jim Henson exhibit at the Louisiana Arts & Science Museum.

Trail Time For Toddlers- This is a four week program that is held at the BREC Bluebonner Swamp from 9:30-11:30 am. Need more info? Please call (225)757-8905

Storytime Perkins Rowe- Have you been to the new Perkins Rowe? It's awesome. They even have a Barnes & Noble and this is where the storytime is held. Call (225)926-9491

Thursday-May 15, 2008

Advertising Federation's Funkadelic Relics Bizarre Bazaar- This will be held at the Lane Agency Business Center at 6615 Florida Ave on May 15 from 7-10 pm.

Anime Club- All teens are invited to this cool club get together to watch anime. It's held at the Baker Branch Library at 4 pm. Call (225)778-5960

From Single To Family- This is a workshop that is held at Whole Foods and is part of a Family Financial series. The cost is $25. For more info, call (225)218-0452

Tea Thursdays- Have you ever been the the Enchanted Mansion? Well, this is where the complimentary tea is held. It will be from 1-4 pm. For more info, call (225)769-0005

Friday-May 16, 2008

Live After Five w/ Phat Hat- Come join the fun in Downtown Baton Rouge and hear Phat Hat at Live After Five. It will be held from 5-8 pm at the Galvez Plaza on N. Boulevard.

Girls Night: The Musical- This musical is held at Manship Theatre. For more information, please call (225)389-7260

D.A.R.E. To Be Safe Kids Campaign-Groups from D.A.R.E will let children know about safetly. This will be at Whole Foods. For more info, call (225)218-0452

Scholoastic Bok Fairs Wharehouse Sale-This is open to the public. Come get a good read.

Checkbook Workshop-This workshop is for adults with disabilities. It will be held at the BREC Independance Park building. Call (225)216-7474

Saturday-May 17,2008

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's Great Strides- This foundation meeting starts at 10:00 am at the LSU Livestock Show Barn. To register call (225)753-9990.

BREC Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center Anniversary- For more information, call (225)757-8905

Doulas and Comfort Measures For Labor- Are you expecting a little one? Are you interested in hirin a doula? If so and if you would ilke more information, call (225)924-8444. Destination Maternity from 2-3:30.

Armed Forces Day- Let's honor the woman and men of the Armed Forces on their special day. The observance will be held at the Louisiana Memorial Plaza. Need more info? Call (225)342-1942

Music on the River Concert- It's time for a little music! Come join in on the fun at the Plaquemine Lock State Historic Site. Call (877)987-7158 for more information.

Ramona Trivia Contest- Does your child love to read Beverly Clearly? I know I did when I was a child. Well, now is a chance for your child to show and share their knowledge. It's a trivia contest held at the Baker Branch Library. Call (225)778-5960 for more information.

Wheelchair Tennis-Come join in on a game fo tennis! This will be held at the Lamar Tennis Center. For more info, call (225)612-2420

Sunday-May 18, 2008

Girls Night: The Musical- Do you need a little entertainment in your life? Well, here's a chance to get it. It will be held at Manship Theatre. Call (225)389-7260

Jim Henson's Fantastic World- At the Louisiana Arts & Science museum, there will be an exhibit about Jim Henson.

Spring Garden Tour II- The Spring Garden Tour is sponsored by Hilltop Arboretum. For more information, call (225)767-6916

Labor of Love- Are you having a little one and interested in lamaze? Coem to this class to learn about lamaze techniques. It will be held at the Destination Maternity. For more info, Please call (225)924-8444

Should You Buy A Home or Rent A Home In Baton Rouge?

 This seems to be a question that many residents have asked. Should I buy? Should I rent? There's nothing that can make you sicker to your stomach than giving away your hard earned money to a land lord each month. Buying always seems to be a good idea in that you basically own your own home and you aren't just throwing money away. Buying a home is one of the best investments there is. But why do people rent if buying is such a great option. Well, there are several reasons that people rent homes instead of buy. Some people aren't at that point in their life where they can afford to buy.

Some of the reasons you should rent instead of buy are:

Bad Credit Report- How is your credit report? If your credit is somewhat in the dumps then it will be extremely hard for you to get a good interest rate or loan. Today a bad credit score is usually below 620. Buying a home with a bad score could end you up at a predatory lenders door, which isn't good.

So, how can I buy a home with a bad credit report? Well, it's not exactly the best advice to buy a home when your credit is bad. You need to get together a plan to better your credit. Have someone sit down with you and take a look at your credit. Do you have any debt? Are you making payments on time? Paying on time is the most important. Others want to know that you are reliable and can make any and all payments on time. So, renting would probably be the best option until you can raise your credit score so you can get a good loan and interest rate.

Job Instability- Are you completely locked in to your employment? Are you going from job to job? If you have a really good paying job and you qualify for a good loan and you buy a home and then lose your job, this could put you in a bind. You need to make sure that you are stable where you are and that you plan on staying at your place of employment. Also, they look at your job history, especially the last six months. I think you have to at least have worked at a place of employment for six months to even be considered. Also, they will look right past you if you are unemployed. Of course, it's somewhat obvious that you would probably not be able to pay a note if you are not employed.

Relocation- Does your job have you jumping from state to state? Do you plan on relocating in the near future? If you are planning on relocating because of a job or other reasons, it's probably a good idea to sit tight and just rent. There is really no reason to buy a home if you know that you aren't going to be a resident in your town for long.

Are there any advantages to renting?

No Downpayment
Smaller Payments
Lower Financial Burden
No taxes
No home/flood insurance
Low Maintence
Easier To Move

What are the advantages of buying a home?

Stability- There's just something about owning. There's a great sense of pride that comes with purchasing your own home. There is some sort of personal satisfaction. If you have been renting up until buying your first home, you are probably aware of that feeling of that having a place to call your own.

Appreciation- Another great advantage about owning your own home is that it's a great investment. Most likely the home you buy will appreciate in several years which will build equity. It sure beats the heck of handing over your hard earned money to a land lord.

Tax Breaks- By purchasing your own home, you will be able to catch a break from Uncle Sam, a tax break. The interest expense that you pay on up to $1 million in home mortgage debt ($500,000 if you are married and filing a separate return) is tax-deductible.

No More Land Lords- You're FREE! That's right! When you own your own home there's no one else to answer to but you. Of course, you still have to pay your bill on time but you are free to paint the rooms whatever color you like. You can make any changes to YOUR home without having to ask someone else for permission.

What are some disadvantages of buying a home?

Responsible For Maintence
Property Taxes
Possible Flood Insurance
Higher Note
Possible Loss of Equity
Harder To Move Than Renting

Baton Rouge Relocation Information: Baton Rouge Schools Public & Private

East Baton Rouge Parish Public Schools- The East Baton Rouge School District is the third largest district in the state and among the top 75 nationally in student enrollment. By visiting the EBR website, you will see a massive amount of information regarding Baton Rouge's public system. Of course, they offer kindergarten all the way to the twelfth grade but they also have classes that are perfect for adults. Information that can be found on their website includes: school uniforms, school handbook. school websites, admission information, attendance zones, transportation information and lunch menu options.

Baker School System- Baker's mission is to provide a quality education for all students. Baker is part of the metropolitan area of Baton Rouge. In Baker, you really get the best of both worlds because it's a small town but it's so close to Baton Rouge. After viewing Baker's website, you will find information regarding transportation, special ed and federal programs and parent connection.

Ascension Parish Public Schools- This district offers K-12. They also offer adult classes. By visiting Ascension's website, you will be able to find the zoning for your child. You can also learn about transportation and more. Ascension includes communities like: Prarieville, Gonzales, Donaldsonville, Darrow, Galvez, Burnside and Sorrento.

Livingston Parish Public School-Communities that Livingston Parish include are: Walker, Denham Springs, French Settlement, Walker, Albany, Killian, Livingston, Port Vicent, Sprinfield, Satsuma and Juban. If you would like more information on Livingston Parish Schools, please visit their website.

Baton Rouge Private Schools

Baton Rouge Relocation Information: Baton Rouge Libraries

Baton Rouge Relocation Information: Baton Rouge Private Schools

Baton Rouge Relocation Information: Hospitals & Emergency Numbers

Baton Rouge General Medical Center
3600 Florida Blvd.
Baton Rouge, La
(225)387-7000

Baton Rouge General Health Center
8585 Picardy Ave.
Baton Rouge, La
(225)763-4070

Earl K. Long Memorial
5825 Airline Hwy.
Baton Rouge, La
(225)356-3361

Medical Center of Baton Rouge
17000 Medical Center Dr.
Baton Rouge, La
(225)752-2470

Our Lady Of The Lake
5000 Hennessy Blvd.
Baton Rouge, La
(225)765-6565

Lane Memorial Hospital
6300 Main St.
Baton Rouge, La
(225)658-4000

Woman's Hospital
9050 Airline Hwy.
Baton Rouge, La
(225)927-1300

CPC Meadow Wood Hospital
9032 Perkins Rd.
Baton Rouge, La
(225)766-8553

Emergency Numbers

Emergency Number- 911

City Police
704 Mayflower
Baton Rouge, La
(225)389-3831

East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office
(225)389-5000

Fire Deparment
(225)354-1400

Ambulance Service
911

Are You Going To The Activerain Convention?

I have read several places in different states where Activerain members are getting together. I wonder what state has the most Activerainers. Okay, so I'm always coming up with goofy ideas, like the AR certification- which a few others seemed to think was also goofy. lol What about an Activerain convention?

I know there are always new things going on at Activerain. For instance, Mr. Bob has just announced that there will be a new Activerain newsletter! Yeehaw! How exciting, right? Okay, so maybe someone has mentioned this before but what about an Activerain convention? Come on people! Wouldn't it be a great idea if we could get all Activerain members under one roof? I would love to see if some of you can hi-jack a conversation like you do a blog! :)

We could even have our own theme or something. "Come Play In The Rain". Of course, it should be a two to three day convention with awesome speakers like um,er Seth Godin. :)Okay, so maybe that's not possible. It would still be cool to have great AR speakers like Lenn Harley and Katerina Gasset, Jason Crouch , Andrew Lenza , Adam Waldman and Christina Williams.

So, this is just me thinking outside of the box. Maybe it's been mentioned before but I am always sad when I hear about get togethers every so often, only to find out they are so far away.

Baton Rouge Relocation Information: Area 80,81,82 Denham Springs, Watson, Walker

Denham Springs-/WatsonI just love good ole Denham. It's really come a long way. There seems to be a lot of new construction going on in Denham. The good thing about Denham is that you can get a really beautiful house for much less than you could in Baton Rouge.There are about 10,000 residents living in Denham Springs.

The best thing about Denham Springs is the school district. I have heard over and again that they have awesome schools. One of the great schools I have heard about is Live Oaks.I've met several parents that want to move to Denham just to get into the Live Oaks School District.Here are some neighborhoods that are in Denham:

Greystone
South Point
Crystal Lakes
Rural Tract
Woodcrest
Easterly Farms

Walker- To me, Walker is like a mini-Denham. It's also come a long way and it steady growing.There is a new area around Walker called Juban that is starting to boom. There are some really nice homes there that I think are really affordable. There are several new subidvisions popping up in Walker and Juban.If you really like country living, then you would probably love Walker and Juban.

Baton Rouge Relocation Information: Area 21 & 22 Central

Central- Well, Central is no longer considered a part of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. They are now their own city. Central has about 26,000 residents. I've heard that Central might have some good schools also. They are Central Middle and Central High. These are the public schools. There are also a few private schools which include: Central Private School and Starkey Academy. Central has homes with a lot of acres and also offers your typical subdivision. Business and new construction seem to be booming in Central. Like a lot of parts in Louisiana, they are growing fast. This is another city where you get the best of both worlds. You are close enough to the city but at the same time have the feeling of living in the country.

Area 21 & 22 April 2008 Market Report

Baton Rouge Relocation Information: Area 31

East Brookstown- Brookstown is somewhat of an older neighborhood. It is bordered by Airline Highway to the east, Hollywood St to the north, McClelland St to the west and Evangeline St to the south. 

Howell Park Golf Course Area- I've heard that this is a good neighborhood where you can get a great deal! It's located near the BREC Golf Course, and who doesn't love a golf course? Another good thing about this neighborhood is that most of the homes come with decent size yards.

Istrouma-Istrouma is definitely an older section of Baton Rouge. It is located near Exxon and is close to a lot of industrial businesses.

Area 31 April 2008 Market Report

Information from GBRAR MLS