There's a very
famous song entitled Do You Know What It Means To Miss New Orleans which became
even more beloved after hurricane Katrina hit just over ten years ago and
displaced so many from their NOLA homes. If you've ever been to New Orleans, you know you've left at least a
little piece of your heart when you had to return home. If you haven't yet been to the Big Easy,
you'll discover what we're talking about when you come to the CHADD conference
November 12 - 14.
CHADD (Children and
Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is the nation’s leading
nonprofit organization providing education, advocacy, and support for those
with ADHD and coexisting conditions. With worldwide membership, CHADD hosts the
largest gathering of individuals and families affected by ADHD and the
professionals and educators who support the ADHD community. Attendees come to
the annual conference year after year for the latest in ADHD-related research,
education, trends, treatment options, solutions and to network with others.
The 2015
conference theme, ADHD: Compassion and Courage in the Big Easy refers to
overcoming challenges faced by those managing ADHD, and providing opportunities
to explore current thinking and emerging trends. The conference will focus on
different perspectives and provide participants access to cutting-edge ADHD
research and information to build new understanding.
I'm writing this to encourage you to register
NOW and reserve your room at the beautiful Hyatt Regency on Loyola Avenue while
rooms are still available at the special discounted rate. I also urge you to plan to spend a few more
days in New Orleans if your budget will allow so you can fully enjoy all the
sessions and special events the conference has to offer and get to see and know
the city. Visit our web site, CHADD.org
or go directly to conference info at http://www.chadd.org/Training-Events/Annual-International-Conference-on-ADHD.aspx You may also call our National Resource
Center tr 800-233-4050.
The city is
known for its gumbo of music from many genres and eras, rich decadent food and its
oh so unique melting pot of cultures. Here's my "must do and see" list for making the most of your
trip.
· To get from the airport to the
hotel, just pick up a round trip shuttle pass by the baggage claim. You can book online before you leave home and
perhaps save a few bucks.
· Getting around New Orleans is
easy; the hotel will have info on all the bus and trolley routes as well as
brochures on special river boat and bayou tours. Cabs are also readily available.
· Please stop by AAA in your area and pick up a
tour book on Louisiana. They have a
wonderful self guided tour of the French Quarter and the Garden district. You
can go online and print out the tours without being a AAA member.
· Please be sure to ride the
trolley car up St. Charles (just a short walk from the hotel). This will take you past the Garden District
with many miles of beautiful homes and fabulous architecture, past Loyola and
Tulane Universities and the Audubon Zoo and Gardens.
· There's such great food in the
city - EVERYWHERE! However, if you want
some healthy choices for your room, Rouse's Food Market is just a few blocks
from our hotel and has amazing selections of fresh and lovely healthy produce.
· Best free magazines and weekly
papers - Off Beat, Gambit and Where Y'at can be found throughout the city.
· Best radio station - WWOZ
90.7FM. Owned by the Jazz and Heritage
Foundation, this station is public radio at its best with no ads and great
shows.
· Oh the music - do sign up for the
Friday event at The Little Gem Saloon. This is a really beautiful music venue just across the street from the
hotel on Rampart Street. The music
planned for our event will be wonderful. If you're still in town Sunday morning, the Little Gem has a delectable
Sunday Brunch with a trio playing fabulous music with a slightly gypsy flavor
of a bygone era.
· Of course Bourbon Street is known
worldwide for its music and good times flavor. Irvin Mayfield's Playhouse is right in the elegant Royal Sonesta Hotel
on Bourbon and offers great Jazz in a beautiful atmosphere. Do walk down this street and sip a drink
while doing so if you choose. It's
legal. Steps off Bourbon on Saint.
Peter's Street you'll find Preservation HalI which is known worldwide for
traditional Jazz.
· I strongly recommend you also go
to the very next neighborhood called the Faubourg Marigny and visit the various
music clubs on Frenchman Street. This is
where the locals go and it's really great. When not touring worldwide, John Boutte has a regular gig Saturday night
at d.b.a on Frenchman. He'll probably
start about the time our tour ends and I'll take anyone interested to Frenchman
after the Ghost Tour finishes. If you
like to jitter bug, d.b.a. is the place to be Sunday afternoons and many of the
dancers of all ages come dressed in vintage clothes from the 40's and
50's. It's such fun! Monday night my dear friend Charmaine Neville
performs at Snug Harbor and you just never know who will show up to join her on
stage. The Spotted Cat, Apple Barrel,
Bamboula's, Blue Nile, Three Muses are some other great music spots on
Frenchman Street.
· You also must visit the greatest
music store I've ever seen; The Louisiana Music Factory also on Frenchman
Street. Pick up some new and used music
to take home with you from this great spot which often hosts live music
performances in house.
· Walking down Decatur Street from
the French Quarter toward Frenchman Street, you will pass the French Market
Cafe and The Gazebo which are both wonderful outdoor daytime live music venues. If you arrive to the conference early, be
sure to get some red beans and rice, pecan pie and/or gumbo from either of
these spots and enjoy local live music and fresh air!
