A bite to eat: Two new food speciality outlets are open in the Baton Rouge River Center, the venue’s officials say in a news release. The Smokehouse Café and Ma Rouge’s Pizza & Panini are now open and are located on the north side of the arena’s lower concourse. Tables are available for patrons who don’t want to eat at their seat. Today’s announcement of the new eateries is the second in a series of four announcements highlighting improvements aimed at modernizing the nearly 40-year-old entertainment venue. On Monday, officials announced that 87 high-definition monitors measuring from 21.5 inches to 75 inches have been installed throughout the River Center.
Back in business: After six weeks of renovations, Cox Communications is reopening the Cox Millerville Solutions Store at 1927 Millerville Road. The store sustained damage during the widespread flooding in August, and in the weeks following the flood customers were served from a tent set up in the parking lot. “We are delighted to be back in operation at our Millerville location with a fully renovated and refurbished store,” says Anthony Pope, Cox Communications’ senior vice president and region manager, in a prepared statement. “Like many surrounding homes and businesses, we didn’t let historic flooding keep us down and are excited to be serving our customers from this very popular retail location.” Customers can utilize the location to exchange equipment, pay bills or purchase accessories. A event celebrating the reopening will take place from 3-6 p.m. on Thursday at the store.
In the classroom: The Foundation for East Baton Rouge School System, a nonprofit organization that supports the parish school system, has received $100,000 from ExxonMobil to help establish the STEM Learning Network, Pathways to STEM Education in East Baton Rouge Parish Schools—a project that will create high-quality science, technology, engineering and math learning opportunities for K-12 students and teachers. Through the STEM Learning Network, the foundation will provide resources, support and a structure for teachers, administrators, parents, community and business leaders to deepen connections with students and schools. Through the project, two schools in particular—Scotlandville Magnet Pre-Engineering Academy and Lee High School—will receive funding to implement project-based learning initiatives for high school students.
