Uniquely Different - UD

10/22/2026

The disabled adult community of Uniquely Different (UD) has been invited to share in St. Francis Episcopal Church, Denham Springs LA’s annual pumpkin slinging event. This event will be held on Sunday, November 1, 2026. After morning service, parishioners will have a chance to do some slinging. But at 1 pm, the parish has invited us to finish the job.

Their pumpkin patch ends on October 31. Traditionally, the Sunday after is open to pumpkin slinging. Pumpkins that are soft, inedible, and dented are used—those good for compost. If any useable pumpkin still exists, those are available to be taken home but monetary donations are welcome. A Photo Booth area will still be set up. Later during the week, area farmers are invited to come and pick up leftover edible pumpkins for their animals.

So yes, please come on Sunday, November 1, 2026, at 1 pm to St. Francis Episcopal Church where some accessible pumpkin slinging will be happening. The event should last about an hour. And different slinging, smashing, throwing methods will be available.

10/22/2026

Reminder to whoever attended the Pumpkin Bread Baking event on September 26, each person received a free mini pumpkin coupon from St. Francis’s Pumpkin Patch. And one person received a free $20 gift certificate to the patch. The patch runs through 10/31. Y’all have the “secret” recipe for pumpkin bread that is sold during the patch. If you didn’t get a free mini pumpkin coupon, did attend the baking event, and plan to go to the patch, DM Laura. … the patch is also a great place for photos.

10/12/2026

One special guy (and his mom) changed the world on Sunday. Well, the tiny world of a small church having their annual pumpkin unload from a big rig for their pumpkin patch. Not providing a name. But because of one, folks saw not a disability but a shared ability to volunteer, to lend a hand, to spread love and positivity. St. Francis had over 75 pairs of hands help unload half of a big rig full of pumpkins. But one UD guy, his mom, and a purple wagon made a difference. (Plus he had come on 9/26 to share the St. Francis pumpkin bread baking tradition). Superhero? Nope. Equal. (And that’s a big word).

10/04/2026

If anyone is available to help--even to pull a wagon or hand out water--please consider coming. This church family has helped UD twice so far this year. Laura, one year, drove a mini John Deere tractor (not hers) hitched to a trailer that kept filling up with pumpkins. The more help they get, the faster the unloading goes and the sooner the patch can be open to the community.

Pumpkins are due next Sunday (10/11) at 12 noon. We are searching for multiple helping-handed humans to help us unload these pumpkins from the truck. Both service hours and lunch will be available to those who come and help! For anyone interested, please let the church office (Rev. Maggie) or Laura (see the email address) know.

10/04/2026

Sharing this because a friend shared it with me. This is a Joni & Friends event in Port Allen. Saturday, October 24, 2026 from 4:30-7:00 pm.

10/04/2026

Spent the late afternoon at Acrylics on the Rocks. Sketching out a future UD event designed for adults 18+. Sensory Hydration. … shh I can’t disclose much more.

09/29/2026

I discovered this story. By the end, tears are in my eyes. To my crew, I try to support as many of them in their endeavors. Late last year, a group kept mentioning about their local bowling league. I got the details and showed up one afternoon. I cheered along with every parent and supporter. I was immensely proud of each of them. To bowl and to have fun. To do something with your life and make friends. I’m not a regular bowler. I didn’t grow up playing sports—due to injury fear and risk. Whatever my crew does to defy the odds and to enrich their lives, I’ll be cheering somehow some way. … Anyhoo, I wanted to share this story. https://www.facebook.com/share/v/19kyqap3sy/?mibextid=wwXIfr

09/28/2026

This isn’t concrete yet. Wanting some comments and feedback. None of UD’s dinner/lunch out outings would be ultimately too expensive (I also have a limited budget). I realize dinner is often more expensive than lunch at sit-down-waiter places.

Trying to arrange a fall activity for the group. I have some calls made and emails sent. Waiting to hear back etc. However, on Thursday, October 15, 2026, I thought about offering our first “different dinner” out. A close friend—Dorothy Leblanc—will be playing live guitar (and singing) music at La Divina Cafe (BR) from 6-8 pm. She has direct experience with kids/adults with disabilities. I thought if anyone was interested we could gather earlier and dine (there’s also homemade gelato). And whoever wants to stay awhile and listen to Dorothy’s music could. You don’t have to stay the whole time. It does fill up—she’s popular. But they have crayons and games and an area away from the music. I would have to let the venue know beforehand if a crowd is coming before Dorothy. So please comment below if you might be interested. Dorothy is free. La Divina’s menu will also be attached below. To pay, you would go Dutch—pay your own way. … This cafe is next door to Trader Joe’s. And shares a parking lot with all the shops around it.

This is just a short excerpt for the about page.

09/27/2026

Thank you to Drew Walker of Capital Area Autism Network (CAAN) for being the dry and clean photographer for yesterday’s pumpkin bread activity. Simply put, we had a blast!