Projected to hit 2008 levels: Americans are projected to spend $16.3 billion this year on Mother’s Day gifts and meals, according to a poll done by the National Retail Federation. The federation says the average person foresees spending $140.73 in pampering his or her mother, compared with $126.90 in 2010. That’s a return to 2008 spending levels for the occasion, the NRF says. Nearly 55% of the people polled say they plan on taking their mother out to a nice brunch or dinner, with estimated spending on meals topping $3.1 billion.
Teach the children well: Teach for America Week runs through Friday throughout south Louisiana, and leaders from across the Capital Region are heading into the classroom. LSU baseball coach Paul Mainieri will be at Highland Elementary today, while Tim Barfield, chief development officer at Amedisys, will be at Children’s Charter Elementary. Tuesday, Steve Blume, ExxonMobil refinery manager, is teaching at Capital Middle, while Patrick Mulhearn, director of studio operations at Celtic Media Centre will be at Kenilworth Middle. Albemarle President Luke Kissam will teach at Lanier Elementary Thursday.
