It’s that time of year where we gather with friends, family, coworkers, strangers – you name it – to give thanks over heaping plates of delicious food. It might get hectic at times (and we might even forget what we’re thankful for), but we are here to remind you that Thanksgiving is a marathon, not a sprint. To help you through this time, we’ve got all the training tools you’ll ever need:
- Thinking about hosting Friendsgiving this year? Take a look at these 11 tips that will make the event stress-free and fun-filled. Friendsgiving can be enjoyed by all with just a little bit of organization.
- For all of us in search of the perfect bottle of wine to kick off the holiday festivities, look no further than Hokus Pokus in Prairieville. They have everything from wine to spirits to gourmet food and cheeses.
- While we truly think the meal should be the centerpiece of the occasion, a few flowers never hurt anybody. Head to the Red Stick Farmer’s Market on Saturday morning to pick out a bouquet (grab your fresh ingredients while you’re there, too) and you’ll be ready to set up the perfect centerpiece arrangement.
- Looking to keep the little ones busy while you try to avoid burning the turkey? Consider one of these crafts that will even help you in the decorating department. Might we suggest playful place cards or a wreath of plenty?
- It’s inevitable that your kitchen will be overflowing with leftovers by the end of the week. We love a good turkey sandwich, but why not spice up the leftover experience? Grab the mashed potatoes and let’s get cooking!
Flavor of the Week: Bird is the Word
One of the most exciting parts about Thanksgiving is the mountain of food that sits atop the dining room table. The crown jewel of your dinner spread? Turkey, of course! Head to one of these local stores for the perfect one:
- Frank’s Restaurant in Prairieville has been frying up turkeys for years. You can get one precarved, and they even provide instructions on how to best warm your bird.
- Looking to make Thanksgiving stress-free? City Pork can help you out with turkey and sides on demand.
- If turkey isn’t your style, try a honey baked ham instead. There are several Honey Baked Ham Co. locations across the state that you can place your order with. Be sure to schedule early though, come the holidays their hams are always in high demand.
What are your favorite Thanksgiving foods? Tag your eats with #thinkBR for a chance to be featured on our blog.
Workin’ It: Civil Engineering Project Manager
Duplantis Design Group, PC is seeking a Civil Engineering Project Manager to join its team. The civil engineering project manager is responsible for supervision of commercial, industrial, and other civil design projects. The project manager will be required to complete all projects within the allotted time and budget and is expected to manage client needs, project scopes, budgets, and more. Along with attending meetings to understand project needs, the project manager is also expected to summarize all environmental reports for design implementation among the team.
Qualifications include a bachelor’s in civil engineering and three to six years of experience. Candidates with experience in site development projects are preferred. Excellent verbal and written communication skills are a plus.
To apply, candidates should forward resumes to Monique Rodrigue at mrodrigue@ddgpc.com.
In the “Workin’ It” section of the newsletter we feature exciting job opportunities and/or professional organizations in the Baton Rouge Area. The positions featured are from companies who are BRAC investors and not necessarily positions at BRAC. For more information about BRAC’s talent development program or to advertise an open position, email talent@brac.org.
My Baton Rouge: Giving Back
The best way to show thanks is by giving back. And the Capital Region offers numerous ways to get involved and help the community throughout the holidays. Check out a few of these upcoming volunteer opportunities:
- Join the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank for its Family Night on November 15 to help combat hunger and homelessness in the community.
- Get into the holiday spirit and join the Holiday Helpers for St. Vincent de Paul’s Thanksgiving Together dinner at the Raising Canes River Center on Thanksgiving Day. The organization needs volunteers to set up the day before Thanksgiving, serve on Thanksgiving Day, and clean up following the Thanksgiving Day meal. Last year over 600 people enjoyed Thanksgiving Day at the River Center.
- Carry the holiday cheer into the rest of the year by signing up for volunteer opportunities year-round. Your local Volunteers of America location is a great place to start.
Giving back to a great community, that’s my Baton Rouge.
In the “My Baton Rouge” section of the newsletter, we feature people or events that help tell the story of Baton Rouge. To submit an idea, email talent@brac.org.
Out on the Town
- Mistletoe Market, November 10, get in the holiday spirit at Lamar Dixon’s 19th annual shopping extravaganza
- Sunday in the Park, November 11, experience a free concert at the Shaw Center for the Arts Plaza in downtown Baton Rouge
- Baton Rouge Entrepreneurship Week, November 13-15, learn about all the new ideas brewing in the Capital Region at this weeklong entrepreneurs’ event
- White Light Night 2018, November 16, drive out to Mid City to enjoy art, food, drinks, live music, and more
For more local events, visit the Life in BR Events Page.