In the know

Local men and women rappelled down the 24-story One America Place building on May 30 to raise awareness of adoption in Louisiana. The event “Over the Edge for Adoption” was organized by Louisiana Family Forum with a goal of uniting 100 families with 100 children awaiting adoption. Close to 500 children in the Louisiana Foster Care program are available for adoption.

“We want to streamline the adoption process for state custody children and make it easier to adopt them,” says Randy Hayden, a volunteer for Louisiana Family Forum and a coordinator of the rappelling event. Hayden and his wife adopted a child from foster care years ago. “We strongly believe that it was a great experience for us. We want to give others that opportunity. We want to give kids a chance.”

LSU football coach Les Miles was among numerous local celebrities who traversed the side of the building during working hours that Thursday afternoon. “As daunting a task as this may appear, it is nothing in comparison to what these children face every day,” Miles said in a prepared statement. “I’m honored to play a small part in bringing attention to this issue and hope my participation will encourage others to get involved either financially or on a more personal level.”

This month, dine outdoors with a spirited spread. These wine totes by Built NY insulate two 750 ml. bottles for up to four hours. With its easy-grip handles and a striking print, this summer essential has convenience in the bag. Several patterns are available at Pearson’s Luggage & Gifts. $18

Enliven your senses July 19 and 20 at Forum 35’s 10th annual Art Melt. This multimedia, juried exhibit is the largest in the state, featuring spectacular works for purchase by Louisiana artists. A ticketed preview party begins at 7 p.m. Friday at the Louisiana State Museum downtown, with the free exhibit opening at 5 p.m. Saturday. Learn more by visiting artmelt.org.

Baton Rouge native and entrepreneur Elke Ellzey has created Elkarita, a no-sugar-added nonalcoholic cocktail mix that comes in three flavors: lime, mango and pomegranate. Ellzey’s husband, a Type 1 diabetic, inspired her creation, with each flavor containing no more than 40 calories per serving. Elkarita can be found in locations throughout Baton Rouge including Maxwell’s Market, Calandro’s Supermarket and Matherne’s. Add your favorite spirit for a fruity summer treat.

Capital City residents no longer need to travel to the Big Easy to get their hands on the tasty treats made by Sucré Sweet Boutique and Confection Studio. Not only are the candies made with Louisiana sugar, produce, and dairy, they’re now being offered locally, too. Find Sucré artisan chocolate bars at Calandro’s Supermarket, Calvin’s Bocage Market, Alexander’s Highland Market, The Fresh Market, Whole Foods, and the Louisiana Art & Science Museum store.

Trends make men leery of accessories, frivolous trappings in particular. Some accessories, however, actually perform work: watches and wallets, for example. And so long as there is a sun, we will need my favorite accessory—sunglasses. Since the 12th century smart folks have shielded their eyes from the sun’s rays. Some modern yet perennial styles of shades include Ray Ban Shooters (pictured) or the iconic Wayfarers. These styles defy fads yet always look up-to-date. Get yourself a good pair and they will last. Just don’t wear them at night.
—For more men’s fashion advice, follow Matt Watson Clothing Knowledge on Facebook.

Greg Venice and damien boisvert have opened Studio C on Government Street at Steele Boulevard. This new design studio offers home furnishings, art and other décor in the former Brandt’s Maisonette building—now transformed to highlight the duo’s love of travel and home design. They are committed to helping revive the corridor. Says Venice, “We believe that Government Street will become the embodiment of the renewal of Baton Rouge’s urban core.” 

Mission: To improve life for those living with cancer.
Executive director: Brian Hannah
President:  Matthew Colvin
Board of directors: Delrice Augustus, Donald Barnes II, Skip Bertman, Vandy Black, Marvin Borgmeyer, Kim Bowman, Baron Bunch, John Daniel, Verni Howard, H. Alston Johnson III, Susan Henry Jones, ?C. Kris Kirkpatrick, Andrew Lauve, Jessica Monroe, Julie Morial, Anthony O’Connor, Anthony Parnell, Janice Pellar, David Perry, Mary Kathryn Rodrigue, Patricia Rugeley, Roni Sanders, Nick Speyrer, Victor Suane Jr., Thomas Temple Jr., Edgardo Tenreiro & Angela Zeringue
Address: 550 Lobdell Ave., Baton Rouge, LA 70806
Phone: 927-2273
Website: cancerservices.org
Founded: A local and independent nonprofit, Cancer Services opened in 1959 to serve in tangible ways people living with cancer in Greater Baton Rouge. Over the years the agency’s scope has evolved to empower cancer patients and their families by helping them meet the financial, educational and emotional needs that arise during their cancer journeys.
Of note: Cancer Services hosts over 50 support and exercise opportunities a month, including children’s events and educational programs.