The Crescent City Advocate 02-26-2015 by The Advocate

ANJELIKA ‘JELLY’ JOSEPH, OF MARRERO, COMPETES ON ‘AMERICAN IDOL’ ä Page 2G

THE C ESCENT CITY

ADVOCATE

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 26, 2015 H

JEFFERSON • NEW ORLEANS • PLAQUEMINES • RIVER PARISHES • ST. BERNARD THENEWORLEANSADVOCATE.COM

Lighthouse Louisiana reaches milestone Facility marks 100th year of providing opportunities for people with disabilities

BY MARY RICKARD

house Louisiana represents a new, untapped resource, according to a new study. A reIn a shady, secluded corner cent study by the Institute for of Uptown near Audubon Park, Corporate Productivity showed a multimillion-dollar manufac- that employees with intellecturing facility daily produces tual and developmental disand assembles tens of thou- abilities are highly motivated, sands of products for shipment dependable and productive. “The heart of our mission is across the country and around the world. Jobs created by the to create jobs for people — not not-for-profit organization al- robots. We don’t do it for a proflow individuals who are blind, it,” said Erin McQuade Wright, visually impaired, hard-of- vice president of development hearing or deaf to earn better and communications. David Green, a 10-year than minimum-wage salaries with full benefits, allowing Lighthouse employee, takes them to be productive and in- considerable pride in manually inspecting the assembly of dependent. Now in its 100th year, Light- single-fold, brown paper tow-

Special to The Advocate

Lynne Jensen

THROW ME SOMETHIN’

Encore shop benefits LPO

els, which are bundled, bound and packed into containers for shipment to U.S. military bases overseas. Huge rolls of paper, four feet wide, are trucked to New Orleans from Alabama where they are trimmed to size on a chop-saw. The giant machinery might appear to pose a safety hazard, but the records show Lighthouse has challenged those perceptions, McQuade Wright said. For the Navy Prime Program, workers wrap plates in plastic, repacking and boxing them for distribution. Everything is biodegradable for the rare instance a box might accidentally

SPIRITED PROCESSION

Day of Prayer marks Year of Consecrated Life

Barbara Sands, with the Encore Shop, took note when prognosticating groundhog Punxsutawney Phil predicted six more weeks of winter on Feb. 2, although from the piles of snow shown on the Weather Channel it could be longer. Sands and the Encore staff decided it’s a good time to begin the end-of-winter sale at the shop, owned and operated by Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra volunteers. Affordable prices will continue as winter clothing and accessories are reduced to make room for spring consignments and donations, and you will find a preview of spring-season items on the racks. You’ll also find designer pieces, business attire, casual wear and evening dresses. The sale will be from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, March 3, to Saturday, March 7, at 7814 Maple St. As always, net profits benefit the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra. For information, call the shop at (504) 861-9038 or visit symphonyvolunteers.org.

who serves as vicar for

Set sail for fun

religious in the Archdiocese

The Alliance Francaise de La Nouvelle Orleans will host its annual gala “Captain’s Dinner on the SS France, Versailles of the Atlantic” from 7 p.m. to midnight Saturday March 14 at the JW Marriott, 614 Canal St. The Alliance is a nonprofit that promotes appreciation of the French language and culture. It offers French language courses, activities and an online library for native speakers and students. For information, call (504) 568-0770 or email afno@af-neworleans. org.

Annual tree and plant sale

The New Orleans Department of Parks and Parkways will host its annual plant and tree sale from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 14, at 2829 Gentilly Blvd., behind Dillard University at Warrington Drive. Gardening guru Dan Gill, associate professor of Consumer Horticulture with the LSU AgCenter, will be on hand to answer questions and help visitors select plants. Bring a plant carrier or wagon to take advantage of the sale. For information, email äSee THROW ME, page 2G

get dumped into the ocean. “They are all paper products so they won’t affect the marine life. The fish will be OK,” Green commented. Workers who are blind or visually impaired just need to be shown the procedures by touch once or twice and then they’ve got it, McQuade Wright said. With certified manufacturing facilities in New Orleans, Baton Rouge and Gulfport, Mississippi, the Lighthouse is the largest employer of people who are Photo by MARY LOU UTTERMOHLEN blind in the state of Louisiana. The U.S. government has Cliff Williams holds single-fold, embossed paper towels made always been Lighthouse Loui- from large rolls at Lighthouse Louisiana’s Uptown New Orleans facility. Williams, as well as all but one person in the äSee LIGHTHOUSE, page 5G paper towel department, are blind.

Advocate staff report

More than 200 religious men and women attended the Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life held at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Prompt Succor. Representatives of different orders led a candlelight procession into the shrine where Archbishop Gregory Aymond celebrated the Mass. In the Archdiocese of New Orleans there are nearly 400 religious sisters, about 145 religious priests and nearly 70 religious brothers serving in varying ministries from contemplative life to social service. According to Sister of Mount Carmel Sr. Beth Fitzpatrick,

of New Orleans, the theme for the Year of Consecrated Life is “Wake Up the World!”

Advocate staff photos by SHERRI MILLER

ABOVE: Brother Mark Gehret, of St. Mary of the Angels Church, bows at the altar during the Day for Consecrated Life celebration at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Prompt Succor in New Orleans on Saturday. TOP: Nuns, priests and brothers from several different religious orders line up outside the church for the procession. LEFT: Sister Maryan Hoang, of the Teresian Sisters, stands in line with her candle.

Pope Francis declared the Year of Consecrated Life, which will be celebrated throughout the world through Feb. 2, 2016.

Metairie race is qualifier for Crescent City Classic The 48th annual Al Briede Gold Cup Race, sponsored by the New Orleans Track Club, is Saturday in Metairie’s Bucktown. The races are open to all runners and walkers, NOTC members and nonmembers. All races start and finish at the Bucktown Marina, 200 Old Hammond Highway, in Metairie. The event, which is a qualifier for the Crescent City Classic in April, includes a 1-mile race at 8 a.m., and both a 10K and a 3-mile race beginning at

Eva Jacob Barkoff AROUND JEFFERSON

8:30 a.m. Race day registration begins at 7 a.m. Entry fee for the 10K is $40 per person. To enter the 3-mile race, the cost is $30 for all entrants. And for the 1-mile race, the fee is $15 for all entrants. For information, email notc@

runNOTC.org or call (504) 3042326.

Library group to meet

The Friends of the Jefferson Public Library will hold a general meeting at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., in Metairie. Earl Higgins, a National Park Service ranger at the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, will talk about the history of the park. Higgins is the author of “The Joy of Y’at Catholicism” and

“Metairie, Ames, High: The Streets of Jefferson Parish.” Those attending the meeting will have the opportunity to sign up to volunteer at the Big Book Sale, scheduled for March 26-29 at the Pontchartrain Center in Kenner. For information, call (504) 455-2665 or email friendsJPL@ yahoo.com.

Chamber gala set for March

The Jefferson Chamber of Commerce will host its annual gala from 7:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. March 13 at the New Orleans

Saints indoor training facility, 5800 Airline Drive, in Metairie. The gala will include an open bar, hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction and music by The Bucktown Allstars. Silent auction items include a Blue Dog print by George Rodrigue titled “We Are Marching Again,” a David Yurman bracelet and a suite of seats at the Saenger Theatre. Individual tickets to the event are $125 per person. Corporate and VIP tickets also äSee JEFFERSON, page 2G

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community

Singer,playwright make mark on national stage The West Bank is not lacking in talent. First, we have Anjelika “Jelly” Joseph, of Marrero. Joseph is one of the local contestants who vied to gain the title on Fox’s “American Idol” this year. I had a chance to speak with her while she was on somewhat of a break during American Idol Hollywood Week. Joseph, 26, is a 2007 graduate of L.W. Higgins High School and WEST BANK worked as a singSPOTLIGHT er in Bourbon YETORIA Street clubs. She DESHAZIER participated in an open-call audition at UNO Lakefront Arena in June, then a judges-round audition at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in August. With her bubbly attitude, Joseph, who received her nickname “Jelly” from her grandmother Luecindya Rowe, said she has never competed for anything. “My first performance in front of people was in my senior year of high school and my school was asked to participate in Celebration in the Oaks as one of the school choirs. My teacher asked if I would mind doing a solo,” she

Photo provided by YETORIA DESHAZIER

Harold Rowland, Boomtown vice president and general manager, was recently the guest speaker at the Westwego Rotary Club. the Original Pinettes Brass Band and in 2014 performed in “Four Women — Tribute to Nina Simone” at Chickie Wah Wah with Erica Falls, Mykia Photo provided ANJELIKA JOSEPH Jovan and Tarriona “Tank” Anjelika ‘Jelly’ Joseph, of Marrero, performed on ‘American Ball. For the first audition, Joseph Idol’ this season. sang “Rolling in the Deep” by Adele. sing,” her mother, Marie said. “I decided to invite my “I had never seen so many “Girlie” Gibson, said. “She family, who had never heard people going after this one never sang around the house me sing in public before. My dream with so much passion, or anything. I sing and her family was just as nervous as which made the experience dad, Andrew Joseph, was the I was when they saw me grab for me both intimidating and the microphone and I began to lead singer for the Batiste inspiring.” Brother Band.” sing ‘O Holy Night.’ ” Next was Hollywood Week. Joseph also performs with “We had no idea Jelly could

NORDC Summer Camp Expo set for March 7 Now that the Mardi Gras season is over and warmer weather is on the horizon, schoolaged children from around the city will begin their official countdown to summer fun. NORDC will host its Summer Camp Expo from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, March FUN WITH 7, for parents NORDC and guardians to VICTOR explore a variety RICHARD III of recreational, cultural and academic programming provided by schools, nonprofits and faith-based organizations that partner with NORDC to provide quality summer programming for youth and teens. The expo will be held at the following locations: Gernon Brown Rec Center, 1001 Harrison Ave.; Behrman Rec Center, 2529 Gen. Meyer Ave.; Treme Rec Center, 900 N. Villere St.; and Joe W. Brown Rec Center, 5601 Read Blvd. Youth summer camps, available in the five Orleans Parish districts, provide youth with free breakfast, lunch and swimming lessons. To register for summer camp, parents or guardians must provide proof of Orleans Parish residency, proof of income for one full month in 2015 and a copy of a 2014-15 report card. Registration fees will vary per camp and can be paid by cash or money order.

The Summer School Expo also will be a great place to learn about upcoming NORDC activities for children and adults of all ages. Activities include aquatics, athletics, piano lessons, adult exercise, NOBA/ NORDC Center for Dance classes, Fit NOLA Parks classes, Casa Samba classes, Senior Choir and the popular Movies in the Park events. For those unable to attend the expo, registration will be available directly through each summer camp partner. Information is available at www. nola.gov/nordc. Camps usually fill up quickly, so early registration is advised. NOLA YOUTH WORKS: NORDC provides teens with an exceptional summer experience developed in partnership with NOLA Youth Works, the Mayor’s Summer Youth Employment Program. Teens who participate in any of the five summer programs are given the opportunity to earn paychecks while exploring career options that help define and advance their professional goals. NOLA Youth Works will provide all who are interested with information at the expo, but registration must be completed online by visiting nola.gov/nolayouthworks.

THROW ME

discuss self-discovery at 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 6, at Parker United Methodist Church, 1130 Nashville Ave. The presentation is free for Jung society members, $15 for adults and $10 for students. For information visit www.jungneworleans.org.

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jbroussard@parkwaypartnersnola.org.

Forever Jung on March 6

The C.G. Jung Society will present “Alchemy and the Hero’s Journey — A Guide for the Seeking, Lost, Curious and Befuddled.” Author and Jungian analyst Everett McLaren will

JEFFERSON Continued from page 1G

are available at an additional price. For tickets and information, call Katie Ivory (504) 835-3880 or email katie@jefferson chamber.org.

Special dinner Sunday

St. Catherine of Siena’s Boy Scout Troop 230 will host a spaghetti dinner from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday in the

Victor N. Richard III is the Chief Executive Officer of the New Orleans Recreation Development Commission. For more information, visit nola. gov/nordc.

Lynne Jensen writes about New Orleans community events and people. Contact her at jensen column@gmail.com.

school cafeteria, 105 Bonnabel Blvd., in Old Metairie. The cost is $8 per person and includes meatballs and spaghetti, salad, vegetable and bread. Homemade desserts will be sold separately. For information, call (504) 835-9343. Eva Jacob Barkoff writes about the people and events on the east bank of Jefferson Parish. She can be reached at ejbarkoff@gmail.com or by calling (504) 430-8053.

Metairie Rotary Club hears from entertainer Ronnie Kole

Hollywood Week determines the Top 24, 12 girls and 12 guys who make the cut to contend to be the next American Idol. “Hollywood Week was very intense because you didn’t know who you would be performing with and what genre songs you would be singing. I have met so many interesting people during this experience,” Joseph said. Her road may have come to an end for “American Idol,” but she is traveling far in the eyes of West Bankers. She will be performing in several major festivals in New Orleans this year. “They can catch me onstage with Tank and the Bangas and the Original Pinettes Brass Band, which I’ll be performing with at French Quarter Festival.” She is also one of the lead singers in the Speakerbox Experiment, which has a CD available. “I wrote my first song on this album, also available on iTunes, called ‘The Speakerbox Experiment Volume 1: Love Stories,’ ” she said.

Bobby ’63.” Clark, who wrote numerous unpublished novels and unproduced screenplays for 18 years before writing his first play in 2010, also was a finalist for the 2013 Stanley Drama Award for his play “Tour DeClark tour.” Each of the winners and Clark will be honored during a ceremony and reception on March 23 at the Players Club in New York. Clark’s other plays include “Marrero Action,” “Fishers of Men” and “We Live Here,” the latter of which ran Jan. 2-25 at Playhouse on the Square’s Theaterworks in Memphis. He won Playhouse on the Square’s 2013 New Works@The Works Playwriting Competition for “We Live Here” and Upstage Theatre’s 2013 Emerging Playwrights Project for “Fishers of Men.” Clark was a semifinalist for the Eugene O’Neill National Playwrights Conference in both 2013 for “Tour Detour” and 2014 for “We Live Here.” He’s editing a new play, “Madame Thames’s Spirit Bar.” Good luck, Anjelika “Jelly” Joseph and Harold Ellis Clark.

Playwright Harold Ellis Clark Playwright Harold Ellis Clark, of Gretna, has been named one of two finalists for the 2015 Stanley Drama Award for his play “Uncle

Cancer Crusaders get an update on research at Tulane

Photo provided by Metairie Rotary Club

Photo provided by Cancer Crusaders

Entertainer Ronnie Kole was the guest speaker at a recent meeting of the Metairie Rotary Club. Kole discussed the Jazz on the Bayou charity event, benefiting Easter Seals Louisiana and STARC, that he will be holding March 21-22 at his home at 35090 Bishop Road, Slidell. For information, visit www.jazzonthebayou.com. From left are Rotarian Bob Shaw, Kole and Metairie Rotary President Joey Nieto.

Dr. William ‘Rusty’ Robinson, chief of the gynecologic oncology section at Tulane, was the guest speaker at a recent meeting of Cancer Crusaders, a nonprofit raising money for cancer research at LSU and Tulane. The group also accepted a donation from Gretchen Armbruster, owner of Armbruster Artworks, left, seen with Kathleen Robert, a co-president of the group.

New Orleans walk to support multiple sclerosis services ciety to support programs and services for more than 8,800 Registration is open for Walk Louisianans affected by mulMS: New Orleans 2015, present- tiple sclerosis, including more ed by Peoples Health, which will than 3,700 diagnosed with the begin at 9 a.m. Saturday, March disease. Walk MS: New Orleans is one 21, at Audubon Park, 6500 Magaof a series of 32 Walk MS events zine St., New Orleans. The event is sponsored by the taking place within the society’s National Multiple Sclerosis So- South Central five-state region.

Advocate staff report

Since Walk MS began in 1988, it has raised more than $870 million to support life-changing programs and cutting-edge research. Walk MS: New Orleans 2015 is a family-friendly event featuring fully accessible mile and half-mile route options. On-site registration and check-in begins

at 8 a.m., followed by a 9 a.m. official start time. Participants can enjoy complimentary food and entertainment before and after the event. There is no cost to register; however, all participants are encouraged to actively help raise money. To register, visit www. walkMS.org.

New Orleans Charter Schools teacher Fair set for March 14 Advocate staff report The New Orleans Charter Schools Teacher Fair will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 14 in the gym at Hynes Charter School, 990 Harrison Ave., New Orleans. Teachers can register, review charter school vacancies and post résumés online now at eastbankcollaborative. com. Candidates who register

by March 8 will have exclusive access to hiring schools for the first hour of the event, from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., but are required to bring a copy of their Event Brite ticket for early admission. Additionally, early registrants will have the option to have their résumés posted for all charter school leaders to review on the ECCS website. Walk-ins are welcome from

10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; they should bring sufficient printed copies of their résumé. The fair is sponsored by the Eastbank Collaborative of Charter Schools with support from the Louisiana Association of Public Charter Schools, School Leadership Center of Greater New Orleans, Adams and Reese LLP, Baptist Community Ministries, the Pro Bono Publico

Foundation and New Schools New Orleans. Charter schools from across Louisiana are invited to participate and interview candidates at this free event. There is room for nearly 60 schools to participate, but tables must be reserved in advance. Regularly updated charter school vacancy listings are available online at www. eastbankcollaborative.com.

Community College. Registration is open through March 13, so students still have time to apply for financial aid, take a placement test if necessary and enroll for March classes. Second Start courses are compressed and move at a quicker pace, similar to a summer term. Successful students are prepared to start working on the first day of class. Classes are typically core courses that appeal to a variety of student majors. Current, former and new Delgado students may enroll through Second Start as long as individual

course prerequisites are met. Registration is via LoLA. Financial aid and admission applications are still being accepted, and placement tests are available. Students can pay their tuition and fees with an installment plan. To learn more and see the list of Second Start courses offered this spring, visit www. dcc.edu/second-start. Delgado is one of the nation’s fastest-growing public twoyear colleges with enrollments of at least 10,000 students, according to a recent special report in the publication Com-

munity College Week. Delgado is No. 22 on the publication’s 2014 list. The list was compiled from an analysis of U.S. Department of Education data for fall 2012 and fall 2013. In that period, Delgado experienced 3.3 percent growth in student enrollment, from 18,096 to 18,698. The list includes students enrolled in for-credit programs only. It does not include students involved in workforce development initiatives. Delgado has about 15,000 additional students who fit that description..

COLLEGE BRIEFS LOUISIANA NOTARY CLASS: A 65-hour course to prepare students for the Louisiana notary exam will begin March 3 at Southern University New Orleans. The class will meet from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesdays and from 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays through May 30. The state notary exam will be June 6. The cost for the class is $400. For information and to make a payment, call (504) 284-5512 or email dthomas@suno.edu. DELGADO SECOND START: Fullcredit courses taught over eight weeks instead of 16 will begin March 16 at Delgado

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community

Event to highlight‘adopt a black cat month’ It is often said that black dogs and cats are overlooked by potential adopters simply because of their fur color. It is true that there are more black animals in shelters than other colors, but is there really a stigma that prevents them from being adopted? Often referred to as black dog syndrome, one explanation for this problem is the fact that black ANIMAL dogs and cats are RESCUE not photogenic. TRACI Their features HOWERTON are not always distinguishable in photographs. Graphic images of black animals have been used to portray an animal that is “scary” such as at Halloween. Superstition about the bad luck of having a black cat contributes to the number of

homeless black animals. The truth is, black dogs and cats are just as cuddly, lovable and smart as any other color animal. Therefore, shelters and rescues across the country are constantly coming up with creative ways to help their black dogs and cats shine. Local cat rescue SpayMart has designated February “adopt a black cat month” and is celebrating with an adoption event from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday at Custom Furniture, 6601 Veterans Blvd., Metairie. The “Midnight Express” event is a way for SpayMart to showcase some of its black cats available for adoption and to show that, while their fur may be black, their personalities are bursting with color. Dubbed their “ebony charmers” SpayMart will take their black beauties to the public so they can interact with them and see just how special they are.

true,” said Lynn Chiche, Spaymart’s president. Every day, approximately 9,000 pets are killed in shelters because they do not have a home. The challenges a homeless pet faces are plenty enough and being discriminated against due to their fur color should not be one of them. When looking for a new Photo provided by ARNO member of the family, keep Lucky is one of many ebonyyour eyes open for that special colored animals up for adopblack dog or cat. tion at SpayMart’s Midnight In addition to adoptable Express all-black-cat adop- cats, there will be door prizes, tion event Saturday, Feb. 28 raffles and reduced adoption from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Cus- fees. For information, visit tom Furniture, 6601 Veterans www.spaymart.org. Blvd. in Metairie. “All of us in animal rescue know this is true, that black cats and black dogs routinely get overlooked by potential adopters. There are negative stereotypes about black cats and dogs that simply aren’t

Boy Scout Troop 14 of Chalmette recently participated in the Battle of New Orleans bicentennial ceremony at the battlefield. From left are Peter Foles, Robinson Rodriguez, Jacob Koster, troop leader Al Graffia, Austin Stout, Ethan Konnecker, troop leader Darren Oalmann and Trace Sweeney.

Photo provided by Boy Scout Troop 14

Ochsner manager shares experiences with Kiwanis

Photo provided by Kenner North Kiwanis

The St. Charles Art Guild February artists of the month are, from left, first-place winner Carolyn Clausing, with her untitled, mixed media; second-place, Joan Longo, with her oil painting ‘Reverent’; and third-place, Donna Nassar, with her oil, ‘Veggies.’ Photo provided by SCAG

East Bank Regional Library to host 2-night program on bird-watching Wendy Rihner will lead a twonight program on the basics of bird-watching at 7 p.m. Wednesdays, March 4 and 11, at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 West Napoleon Ave., in Metairie. Each session is free and open to the public. Registration is not required. Rihner, education chairwoman of the local chapter of the Audubon Society, will discuss how to become a bird-watcher, the types of local birds and local places to

Traci D. Howerton is social media editor of Animal Rescue New Orleans, a nonprofit, volunteer-based, no-kill shelter. Contact ARNO at animalrescuecolumn@gmail.com. For information, visit www. animalrescueneworleans.org or call (504) 571-1900.

New Orleans native Carolyn Kolb, a former reporter for the Times-Picayune and a former curator of the New Orleans jazz museum, will be discussing her book “New Orleans Memories: One Writer’s City at the Nix @ THE Library” on LIBRARY Thursday, FebCHARLES ruary 26, at 6:30 BROWN p.m. Her book is grounded in her column, “Chronicles of Recent History” in New Orleans magazine. EVOLUTION OF FRANCOPHILE: The New Orleans Public Library and the Algiers Historical Society have joined together to present The Evolution of Francophile to Anglophile Language Identification in Louisiana. Joseph Dunn, the Director of Marketing and Public Relations for Laura Plantation, in Vacherie,

Louisiana, will provide a linguistic journey of the earliest inhabitants of the Louisiana colony: Native Americans with their Mobilian-Choctaw pidgin, early French and Canadian colonists and West African slaves. Their unique settlement yielded a dialect found only in Louisiana. This program will be held at the Algiers Regional Library from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday. ART EXHIBIT AT CHILDREN’S RESOURCE CENTER: On Monday, March 2, at 10:45 am, the Children’s Resource Center will host an art opening for the month-long exhibit of work by artist Bruce Davenport Jr. Davenport is a New Orleans native who lives and works in the Lower 9th Ward, and his work features meticulous graphic re-enactments of the local musical culture of junior high and high school marching bands. Davenport is an artist whose work has been applauded by art critics as breaking down the partition

separating folk art from fine art. Davenport’s works will be accompanied by the works of several other local artists. The artwork will be on display through March 31. ONLINE COURSES: The New Orleans Public Library now offers hundreds of highly interactive, instructor-led online courses that are focused on professional development, technology skills, and personal enrichment. The six-week courses are taught entirely online by instructors and new sessions begin every month. To see what courses are offered and to learn more, visit neworleanspubliclibrary.org. Charles Brown is the executive director of the New Orleans Public Library. For more information, visit new orleanspubliclibrary.org, like the Facebook page at facebook.com/neworleans publiclibrary, and follow them on Twitter, @nola library.

Metairie library to host authors

St. Charles Art Guild announces February artists of the month

Advocate staff report

AMAZING ACRO-CATS: The Amazing Acro-Cats are back in New Orleans from Feb. 26 to March 1. A portion of the proceeds go to Jefferson SPCA. For more info, visit www.circuscats. com. ARNO AT PALMER PARK: An Ani-

SPCA at Woofstock, a mega pet adoption event put on by St. Tammany Humane Society, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Castine Center in Mandeville. Over 200 adoptable dogs and cats, $40 adoption fee. Low-cost vaccination clinic; $12 microchips. For information, visit www.sthumane.org. LOST OR FOUND PETS: In Orleans Parish you can send a photo, description of your pet, date lost/found and your contact information to lostandfound@ la-spca.org; in Jefferson Parish send to molsen@jeffparish.net and bbourgeois@jeffparish.net; and in St. Bernard Parish send to cluna@sbpg.net.

Former reporter, curator to discuss new book

Chalmette Boy Scouts participate in Battle of New Orleans ceremony

At a recent meeting of Kenner North, Katie Pellittieri, now manager of guest and volunteer services at Ochsner, shared her experiences as a member of the Kiwanis family and how those experiences help her today in her career. Pellittieri joined Key Club in 2001 and went on to Circle K and Kiwanis. Pictured are Service Leadership sponsors Mary North, Irby Bourque, John Dufrene, Gene Katsanis, Pellittieri, president Amy Guerra, Joel Phillips and Dianne Cook.

EVENTS

mal Rescue New Orleans, ARNO, Adoption Event will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at Palmer Park Arts market, South Claiborne at South Carrollton. ARNO’s booth faces Dublin Street. For information, email adoptfromarno@yahoo.com. AL BRIEDE GOLD CUP RACE: Adoptables and a LA/SPCA information booth will be on-site Saturday at the Al Briede Gold Cup Race on the Lake Pontchartrain lakefront in Metairie. The 48th annual race is a 10k, 3-mile, and 1-mile and an NOTC Grand Prix Series Race (CCC qualifier) benefiting the LA/SPCA. For information, visit runnotc.org/ races/2015/goldcup. ADOPTION AND BAKE SALE AT CLEARVIEW: A Neighborhood Pet Adoption and Bake Sale, sponsored by the LA/SPCA will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at Clearview Mall, 4436 Veterans Blvd. LA/SPCA adoption counselors and volunteers will be on hand to help families select the right pet. Call (504) 3685191 or visit la-spca.org. WOOFSTOCK: Join the Jefferson

watch for birds, how to become involved in local bird-watching organizations and, in general, how to be supportive of the environment of birds and other creatures. She will discuss where to look for birds, what to look for, how to listen and birding etiquette. According to the U.S. Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, there were 47 million birdwatchers, or birders, 16 years of age and older in the United States in 2011 — about 20 percent of the population. To be

counted as a birder, an individual must have taken a trip 1 mile or more from home for the primary purpose of observing birds or have closely observed or tried to identify birds around the home. The average birder is 53 years old and more than likely has a better-than-average income and education. For information regarding this presentation, contact Chris Smith, manager of adult programming for the library, at (504) 889-8143 or wcsmith@ jefferson.lib.la.us.

The East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie, hosts six authors during March; to attend each appearance is free of charge and open to the public. Books will be available for those who would like to purchase them. “UNFATHOMABLE CITY”: Rebecca Snedeker will JP LIBRARY discuss her book LAGNIAPPE at 7 p.m. TuesCHRIS day. The book SMITH maps out pivotal scenes of American history and culture in New Orleans, and sites of monumental disasters such as Hurricane Katrina and the BP oil spill. It was the 2014 choice for One Book One New Orleans. “IRISH NEW ORLEANS”: Laura Kelley will discuss her book at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 10. The book focuses on Bloody O’Reilly in the 18th century; the great churches and charitable organizations built by the Irish Famine immigrants in the 19th century; the Irishdominated politics of the 20th

century; and Irish dance, music and sports. The book also includes essays by Betsy McGovern recalling her involvement in the city’s Irish music scene and Terrence Fitzmorris discussing wakes and funerary practices. “THE TIMES-PICAYUNE IN A CHANGING MEDIA WORLD”: S.L. Alexander will discuss the book at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 12. The book deals with the decision by one of the largest U.S. newspaper chains to switch from daily print publication of The Times-Picayune to three days a week, and the furor that ensued. “THE ICE GARDEN”: Moira Crone will discuss the book at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 17. The book examines the struggle of a young mother dealing with mental illness amid the social expectations of the small-town South in the early 1960s. The story is told from the perspective of the woman’s 10-year-old daughter, who is left largely on her own to save herself and her baby sister. “ROYAL AND ST. LOUIS”: Renee Austell will discuss the book

at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 19. The book tells the story of a lawyer who learns more than she bargained for during her representation of a man accused of murdering corporate executives. “TAI CHI AMERICAN STYLE”: Terry Rappold will discuss the book at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 26. The book offers a simple guide to healthful living for those leading mentally challenging and often physically exhausting lifestyles. It draws its information predominately from the 3,000-year-old Chinese art of tai chi. Readers are invited to undergo a mind shift, perceiving daily activity and movement as exercise. Readers also will be taught to “actively” move both their external physical body and their internal energetic body, creating greater chi (vital life force) circulation. For information about programs at the 15 branches of the Jefferson Parish Library, visit www.jplibrary.net or friend the library’s Facebook page for daily programming updates.

Boating safety class to be held at library legal and equipment requirements, navigation rules and A free boating safety class charts, trailering, sailboats will be offered at 9 a.m. Sat- and related subjects that inurday, March 21, at the East clude canoeing, personal waBank Regional Library, 4747 tercraft and more. Completion of the course West Napoleon Ave., Metairie. The class lasts between will result in the student being issued a vessel operators six and eight hours. The course includes infor- certification card. The Louisiana Department mation on choosing a boat, classification, hulls, motors, of Wildlife and Fisheries is Advocate staff report

sponsoring the class. Preregistration is not required but is recommended by going to the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries website, www.wlf. louisiana.gov. For more information regarding this presentation, contact Chris Smith, manager of adult programming for the library, at (504) 889-8143 or wcsmith@jefferson.lib.la.us.

4G F Thursday, February 26, 2015 F theneworleansadvocate.com F The Advocate

community CASA Jefferson to host fundraising gala

Shriners elect new Potentate for 2015

Advocate staff report

The Jerusalem Shriners of the greater New Orleans area recently elected new Potentate for 2015 Greg Parham.

Photo provided by Jerusalem Shriner

Photos inspire Garden Society members

The Court Appointed Special Advocate program of Jefferson Parish will host the “Light of Hope Gala — Every Child Counts.” The gala will be held from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday, March 6 at the The Arbor Room in City Park, 12 Magnolia Drive in New Orleans. The gala will raise awareness and funds for the organization’s mission: To break the cy-

cle of child abuse and neglect through volunteers advocating for safe, nurturing and permanent homes for foster children. The night will feature WDSU meteorologist Jay Galle as emcee, along with local vendors and sponsors such as Laurel’s Licks, Treo’s, Acme Oyster House, 5 Happiness, Barecca’s, Baker’s Dozen, Conola, Dong Phoung, Café 821 and Highland Catering. The signature drink of the evening, The Pinwheel, will

symbolize child abuse prevention and guests will be encouraged to take the pinwheel decorations to display for Child Abuse Prevention Month in April. Currently, CASA Jefferson has 105 CASAs advocating for 135 children with 25 still on the waiting list and new cases entering the system daily. The total cost in advocate training, supervising and continuing education for volunteers is around $1,000 per child per

year. “This event is being held so that CASA Jefferson can have the chance to give every child in the Jefferson Parish foster care system a chance to survive and thrive,” says gala committee chair Mike Herzog. General admission tickets include food, open bar, entertainment and silent auction. Tables are available. For information, visit www. casajefferson.org/gala or call (504) 481-8739.

tional Short Film Showcase at 6:30 p.m. March 8 at Indywood, 628 Elysian Fields Ave., Doors open at 6 p.m. and the event is free to WIFT members and $10 for the public. The screening coincides with International Women’s Day, March 8 and the international showcase screening in Washington DC. One of the shorts was made in New Orleans. “Keeping the Promise” is a documentary by WIFT-Louisiana members Sandy Parker and Jency Griffin Hogan. The film exposes the underworld of human trafficking and tells the story of how two women helped each other escape and are now helping others.

Carol Bidault de l’Isle and Sheri Leigh Myers of New Orleans helped produce the 10th annual WIFTI Short-Case. They received 869 films submission from 58 countries. Films represent WIFTI chapters in Brazil, India, United Kingdom, Finland, Australia, France, Canada, New Zealand, Germany, Iceland and the United States. Winners will be announced at the WIFTI ShortCase in Washington D.C., and New Orleans. “Here is great storytelling around love, sexuality, religion, death, family, war, human trafficking, body image, friendship and community, something for all,” de l’Isle

said. Also screening will be “Life with Asperger’s,” Director Jaimi Ekkens, New York; “Keli,” Director Ranjitha Rajeevan, India; “Hunger,” Director Mathilde Rousseau, France; “April Fools,” Director Lisa Thomson, UK; “Mbeti: The Road to Kisesini,” Director Ann Bromberg, New Mexico; “Marrying the Sea,” Director Sarah Walsh, Ireland; “Before Babel,” Director Cheryl White, UK; “By this River,” Director Melissa Anastasi, Australia; and “Baja’s Secret Miracle,” Director Eliana Alvarez Martinez, New York. For information, visit wift louisiana.org.

REEL NEWS

Photo provided by New Orleans Garden Society

Coleen Perilloux Landry presented a slide show of her photographs of wetlands birds and flowers at a recent meeting of the New Orleans Garden Society. The group meets monthly in the playhouse at Longue Vue House and Gardens. From left are Landry; Jackie Elliott, program chairwoman; Denise Mehurin, president; and Lee Pitre, vice president.

BRIEFS

‘CANTINFLAS’ SCREENS AT EASTON PLAYGROUND: NORDC Movies in the Park screening of “Cantinflas” (in Spanish with English subtitles) will begin at sunset, 6:15 to 6:45 p.m., on March 6 at Easton Playground, 5100 LaSalle St., hosted by Puentes New Orleans. There will be pre-show fun including field games and fun fitness activities led by Fit NOLA Parks instructors at 5:30 p.m. Free. NORDC Movies in the Park continues through May 30. For details, visit www.nola.gov/ nordc or call (504) 658-3052. WOMEN IN FILM SHORT FILM SHOWCASE: Women in Film and Television Louisiana will present the 10th annual WIFT Interna-

‘Toast Our Coast’ to be held in Bucktown The Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation will present the “Toast Our Coast” fundraiser from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, March 6, at the Pontchartrain Room at Lakeside Country Club, 1520 Rose Garden Drive, Metairie. There will be silent and live auctions, a dinner buffet, cocktails and dancing to the music

of Bobby Cure and the Poppa Stoppas. Celebrity auctioneers include Fox 9 News’ Chris Franklin and Greg Adaline. This new LPBF event replaces the Basin Bop Patron Party. Tickets are $50. For information, call (504) 836-2205 or visit www.saveourlake.org.

Auditions set for ballet intensive programs Auditions will be held March 7-8 for tuition-free summer intensive programs held by the New Orleans Ballet Association. Classes and workshops in June and July will culminate in professionally produced performances for all participating students. Auditions for ages 9 to 11 will take place from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 7, in the Chevron Studio at the Lyons NORDC Center, 624 Louisiana Ave., New Orleans. Auditions for ages 12 to 18 will take place from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, March 8,

at the same location. To audition, it is recommended that students have a minimum of two years of ballet training. The audition dates and times listed above are only for new students not currently enrolled in NORDC/NOBA Center for Dance or NOBA classes at any of the neighborhood centers or partner sites. For more audition requirements and additional information, visit www.NOBAdance. com or call (504) 522-0996, ext. 213.

NAMI Louisiana seeks new board members NAMI Louisiana is seeking board members who will bring fresh ideas, leadership and knowledge to the work of advocating for people with mental illness across the state. For consideration send email to info@namilouisiana. org indicating an interest in serving. The NAMI Louisiana Nominating Committee will review completed applications and recommend qualified ap-

plicants to the current NAMI Louisiana Board for consideration. Family members of those with mental illness are encouraged to apply, as well as those who come from the legal and healthcare professions; counselors or certified public accountants also would be particularly helpful in rounding out the skills and abilities of the existing board of directors.

Compiled from Advocate staff reports

Photo provided by East Jefferson General Hospital Auxiliary

Eight role models of volunteerism and community service will be honored when the East Jefferson General Hospital Auxiliary holds its Great Lady/Gentleman Awards luncheon April 19 at the Audubon Tea Room. Proceeds from the luncheon will benefit the auxiliary’s nursing scholarship program. Members of the steering committee for the awards program are, from left, Coleen Landry, Mary Crumb, Jerri Klein, Jo Ann Bohm, event Chairwoman Sharon Marchand and auxiliary President Katherine Landry.

HEALTH BRIEFS PREGNANCY SERVICES: The Daughters of Charity Foundation of New Orleans recently received a grant from March of Dimes Louisiana to expand the Centering Pregnancy program to the Daughters of Charity health centers in eastern New Orleans and Gentilly. Daughters of Charity Services of New Orleans already utilizes Centering Pregnancy at its health center in Mid-City. Participants in the Centering Pregnancy program get health assessment, education and support in a group setting rather than in one-on-one visits with a provider. Each pregnant woman will attend 10 sessions throughout her

pregnancy, with topics ranging from breast feeding and nutrition to safety and pregnancy spacing. “There is strong evidence that Centering Pregnancy assists in decreasing pregnancy complications and increases patient education and satisfaction. It also lowers costs and is efficient for both providers and patients,” said Michael Griffin, president and CEO, Daughters of Charity Services of New Orleans. “We are grateful for the support from March of Dimes Louisiana to help fund this program in New Orleans East and Gentilly.” HEART HEALTHY ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS: The LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine

Women’s Affairs Committee has planned and will host hands-on healthy heart activities for kids to learn and play at local libraries over the coming weeks. The schedule for the events, which are free and open to the public includes: Feb. 26, 4:30-5:30 p.m., Algiers Regional Library, 3014 Holiday Drive; March 4, 3-4 p.m., Rosa F. Keller Library, 4300 South Broad St.; and March 22, 2-3 p.m., Milton H. Latter Library, 5120 St. Charles Ave. Part of their Heart Health Month events, the free LSU Health New Orleans faculty and student community outreach is designed to teach children to develop healthy habits for a lifetime of heart

health. Activities include recording blood pressure at rest and after exercise; simulating the flow of blood through arteries, veins and capillaries; making a test tube model of the different types of blood cells; coloring heart-healthy foods; and identifying hearthealthy activities. HOSPITAL AUXILIARY TO GIVE AWARDS: Eight role models of volunteerism and community service will be honored when the East Jefferson General Hospital Auxiliary holds its Great Lady/Gentleman Awards luncheon April 19 at the Audubon Tea Room. Proceeds from the luncheon will benefit the auxiliary’s nursing scholarship program.

NEIGHBORHOOD BRIEFS ASHÉ POWER HOUSE: Grand opening events will take place Friday and Saturday, Feb. 27 and 28, at the Ashé Power House, 1731 Baronne St., New Orleans. The ribbon-cutting will take place at 1 p.m. Feb. 27. The Ashé Power House is in the 1924 building that once housed the New Orleans Public Service Inc. streetcar switching station. The 10,650-squarefoot performing arts center and visual art gallery will present works emphasizing the heritage and contributions of African, African-American, Caribbean and indigenous peoples. It is a project of Efforts of Grace Inc. Ashé Cultural Arts Center, in partnership with Gulf Coast Housing Partnership Inc. For information, contact Viola T. Blunt at (504) 813-9008 or (504) 569-9070. COMMUNITY CHORUS OF RIVER PARISHES: Singers from middle school through adulthood are invited to join the Community Chorus of River Parishes for its spring season. The chorus, under the direction of Brian Martinez Jr., typically performs two concerts in December and two

in April or May. Rehearsals are held from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month at R.K. Smith Middle School, 281 Judge Edward Dufresne Pkwy., Luling. No auditions or previous experience is necessary. For information, call (985) 652-0162, or send email to ccrpsings@gmail.com. FATHERS OF THE YEAR: The New Orleans Father’s Day Council will honor four men as fathers of the year with a reception from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 3, in the Fulton Street Ballroom of Harrah’s Hotel, 228 Poydras St., New Orleans. The honorees were chosen for their ability to balance their personal lives, serve as role models for their children and help make a positive difference in their communities. They are Dr. Gerald A. Cvitanovich, chief medical officer of MHM Urgent Care; Glen Golemi, president and CEO of UnitedHealthcare, Gulf States Region; Kenny Rabalais, owner of The Plant Gallery; and James Remetich, network director for JenCare Neighborhood Medical Centers. To make a reservation, con-

tact Kathleen Gross at (504) 889-0278, ext. 6072, or kgross@ diabetes.org by Feb. 27. FIRE SAFETY AT HOME: “Fire and Fumes” home safety training for homeowners and contractors will be presented at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 3, at the Local 60 Plumbers’ Hall, 2541 N. Arnoult Road, Metairie. An expert panel of fire safety and inspection professionals will discuss and illustrate various hazards involving improper installation of products and equipment. Homeowners will learn how to look for potential problems. Speakers will include Sidney Chaisson, an engineer and home inspector; Paul LaGrange, building science professional; Trent Naquin, a firefighter and air conditioning contractor; and Walter Oliveaux, a fire investigator. Registration is $20 in advance or $30 at the door, which includes food and beverage. To register, visit the website of the Southeast Louisiana Coalition of the AC Industry at SELACACI. org. For information, call (504) 488-2412.

THE HERO’S JOURNEY: Jungian analyst Everett McLaren will discuss the challenges along the alchemical journey of selfdiscovery when the C.G. Jung Society meets at 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 6, at Parker United Methodist Church, 1130 Nashville Ave., New Orleans. The program, “Alchemy and the Hero’s Journey: A Guide for the Seeking, Lost, Curious, and Befuddled,” is free for Jung Society members, $10 for students and $15 for others. INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY: Poets will gather to mark International Women’s Day from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 7, at the New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park, 916 N. Peters St., New Orleans. The event is free. Participants include Tara Thierry, Delia Tomino Nakayama, Marla Chirdon, Amelie Prescott, Jessica Mashael Bordelon, Honey Sanaa, Biljiana Obradovic and vocalist Miki Fujii. For information, send email to poetryprocess@gmail.com. PAINT THE TOWN GREEN: Raintree Children and Family Services will be the beneficiary of a Paint the Town Green fun-

draising gala from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, March 7, in the Harrah’s New Orleans Theater, 228 Poydras St., New Orleans. A patron party at Ruth’s Chris Steak House will begin at 6 p.m. Raintree is a social service organization with programs including Raintree House, a group home for teenage girls; Raintree Family Foster Care; and Raintree Family Support Coordination for families with infants or toddlers with developmental disabilities. The gala will feature music by The Yat Pack and live and silent auctions. Tickets start at $85. For information or to buy tickets, visit www.raintreeservices. org. ST. CHARLES PARISH CLEANUP: St. Charles Parish will hold its spring Trash Bash from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, March 7. Those interested in volunteering for the litter cleanup and recycling awareness event may sign up as teams or individuals at www.scptrashbash.org or by calling (985) 331-8604. Groups of volunteers will fan out around the parish beginning at 8:30 a.m. to clean

up litter hotspots in their communities. Volunteers can either choose their own areas to clean or be assigned one. All equipment will be provided, including pickup sticks, gloves and trash bags. Verification certificates will be available for students needing service hours for school or church requirements. A culminating celebration will kick off at 11:30 a.m. at the Edward A. Dufresne Community Center, 274 Judge Edward Dufresne Parkway, Luling. Volunteers are invited to enjoy free food, music, face painting, a rock climbing wall and information about local recycling efforts and wetlands restoration. Awards will be given to teams that provide the most volunteers and collect the most trash and door prizes will be available. This event does not include a recycling drop-off. Last spring, 420 volunteers registered for Trash Bash, with 206 attending the after-party at the community center. A total of 218 bags of litter were collected, which equaled approximately 1,560 pounds of trash.

The Advocate F theneworleansadvocate.com F Thursday, February 26, 2015 F 5G

community

Photo by MARY LOU UTTERMOHLEN

Sandra Cole pauses with a fresh sleeve of cups, which will help fulfill a government order. Commercial customers are more likely to utilize the 6-color custom printed cups, also made on-site at Lighthouse Louisiana’s Baton Rouge facility. The organization is preparing to celebrate its centennial.

LIGHTHOUSE Continued from page 1G

siana’s biggest customer for product manufacturing, accounting for $43 million in revenue in 2010, but those contracts have steadily declined as the military has withdrawn troops from Afghanistan. One of the most promising initiatives in recent years is the production of a compostable paper cup made at Lighthouse Louisiana in Baton Rouge. Natco Food Services distributes the hot and cold cups to res-

Photo by MARY LOU UTTERMOHLEN

David Green poses with one of the big rolls of paper used to make products at Lighthouse All but one person in the paper towel depart- Louisiana’s Uptown New Orleans facility. ment are blind. Employees at the New Orleans facility embody the mission of Lighthouse Lighthouse Louisiana which for 100 years has provided Louisiana opportunities for people with disabilities to manufactures succeed. hot and cold paper cups in 19 sizes with taurants, hotels and other busi- house Louisiana helps others nesses that want to save money find jobs at local businesses, a traditional while reducing their impact on which receive a tax break. For poly coated the environment. Commercial some workers, it is the first job paper, or with 6-color custom printed cups are they have ever had, McQuade a ‘green’ cornWright said. also made on-site. starch-based The organization holds life “We have been working with coating that Lighthouse Louisiana for over a skill classes to help people takes less enyear now. They have delivered learn to operate microwaves, ergy and fewa quality product to us time af- ovens and other household aper greenhouse ter time,” said Dana Roos, as- pliances and a Low Vision clinic gases to sistant vice president of Heart- that can help retrain the brain make. A sixland Food Products, which pur- to maximize diminishing sight. color printer chases paper cups. “The work Lighthouse Louisiana also has a creates highthey do for the community its summer camp to introduce chilquality cup dren who are visually impaired tremendous.” images. In addition to employing to activities they might not othPhoto provided by Lighthouse Louisiana people with disabilities, Light- erwise be able to experience.

Mona Dugas, a resident of Bayou Corne, sings in French about family life at the Red Carpet Gala to benefit completion of the documentary ‘Forgotten Bayou: Life on the Sinkhole.’

Photos provided by VICTORIA GREENE

Shown at the Red Carper Gala are ‘Forgotten Bayou: Life on the Sinkhole’ filmmakers, from left, producer John Darling Hayne, director/producer Victoria Greene and editor and producer Paul E. LeDoux.

Gala supports film exploring life in Bayou Corne, sinkhole’s impact Advocate staff report Photos provided by YAYA

YAYA, Young Aspirations/Young Artists, 2013 and 2015 grant recipient Timeka Junius is seen during a weeklong residency at the Lower East Side Girls Club in New York City.

Alumni of YAYA design program get grants

gas. Guests were treated to Dugas performing her own music in Cajun French. Many Bayou Corne homeowners were present along with friends and family of the filmmakers. The film will be completed this year. For information, email Greene at vkgreene@gmail.com or visit www.forgottenbayou.com.

Irish Channel church bell tower to be dedicated The 120-foot tower was built in the 1860s but was damaged The restored bell tower at by hurricanes Betsy and KaSt. Mary’s Assumption Church trina, then by termites and will be dedicated at 11:30 a.m. water. The church holds the reSunday after 10:30 a.m. Mass mains of Blessed Francis Xaviat 2030 Constance St., New Or- er Seelos, who died of yellow fever in 1867 while ministering leans. After Archbishop Gregory to the Irish Channel immigrant Aymond blesses the tower, population in New Orleans. Renovating the tower took there will be a light reception.

Advocate staff report Alumni of the nonprofit teaching design studio YAYA (Young Aspirations/Young Artists) have received a total of $40,000 in grants from the Adeline Edwards Foundation to advance their professional and personal goals as visual artists. The Adeline Edwards Foundation was established in 2011 by Jana Napoli, who also founded YAYA. Some of the activities funded through YAYA Alumni Grants of up to $8,000 are participating in a book illustrators’ conference in Los Angeles, shadowing the staff of a youth arts organization in Texas, attending Xavier University in New Orleans, and creating a fashion look-book as a stepping stone for an independent designer. YAYA Alumni Grants for professional development went to Andy Anderson, Timeka Junius, Sharika Mahdi and Carlos Neville, of New Orleans,

Guests were welcomed on the red carpet as they walked inside the French Quarter Film House for a “Red Carpet Gala” hosted by director Victoria Greene and the New Orleans Video Access Center to support “Forgotten Bayou: Life on the Sinkhole,” a documentary

film about the Bayou Corne community. Guests were treated to hors d’oeuvres prepared by the chefs at Mimi’s in the Marigny and foods and wines from restaurants throughout the area. Greene presented a never before seen clip from the film and introduced former Bayou Corne homeowner Mona Du-

Advocate staff report

two years and cost nearly $1 million. The work included remounting the church’s two original bells, Pius and Gabriel, which will sound during the dedication ceremony. Also, the bell choir at St. Michael Special School will play “The Bells of St. Mary’s,” and all in attendance will ring small bells in unison.

FAITH NOTES

’Self through the eyes of others,’ 2015, by Jourdan Barnes, a 2015 YAYA Alumni Grant recipient. Grants for creative ventures went to Gerard Caliste, of Houston; Rondell Crier, of Chattanooga, Tennessee; and Rontherin Ratliff, Dexter Stew-

art, Derroles Taylor, Brandon Thomas and Paul Wright, of New Orleans. Jourdan Barnes, of New Orleans, got a scholarship grant.

LENTEN PRAYER: Sister Gloria Murillo, STJ, will lead a Lenten morning of prayer from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 4, at the Archdiocesan Spirituality Center, 2501 Maine Ave., Metairie. To register, visit asc. arch-no.org or call (504) 8613254. The cost is $25, with discounts available. SEAFOOD DINNERS IN ST. BERNARD: Seafood dinners will be served from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Fridays through March 27 in Iverson

Hall at St. Bernard Catholic Church, 2805 Bayou Road, St. Bernard. Eat in or take out. For information, call (504) 2812267. WAY OF THE CROSS: A Way of the Cross service will be held each Friday in Lent after the 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Mass at St. Bernard Catholic Church, 2805 Bayou Road, St. Bernard. For information, call (504) 281-2267. KC LENTEN FISH FRY: The Knights of Columbus, de la Salle Coun-

cil 3411, will host a Lenten Fish-Fry every Friday through Lent at 6:30 p.m. at the Blessed Pauline Center, 4219 Constance St. Plates will consist of fried fish, french fries, coleslaw, a vegetable, a dessert, and a soft drink, for $8. The dinners will follow the Stations of the Cross at the Church of St. Henry, 803 General Pershing St. For information, call the St. Stephen Rectory at (504) 899-1378.

6G F Thursday, February 26, 2015 F theneworleansadvocate.com F The Advocate

schools Metairie preschoolers enjoy Community Helper Week

Photos provided by Parkway Presbyterian Preschool and Kindergarten

Photo provided by ReNEW Elementary

Emily Roach’s fourth-grade students at the ReNEW Dolores T. Aaron Academy wear special glasses while participating in the free ‘Light & Color’ science workshop taught by veteran science teacher John Varine.

During Community Helper Week, Ryan Puleo discussed his work as a firefighter with the Gingerbread Class at Parkway Presbyterian Preschool and Kindergarten. From left are Ryan Puleo, Marlee Thomas, Emma Labiche, Rawan Mroue, Angelia Alvarado, Hayden Lomont, teacher Mary Ann Vicknair, Michalea Rico, Mason Bode, Diana Clouate, Noah Guevara, Alyssa Maestas, Sophie Bertucci, Kinsley Worthy, teacher Pat Young, Luke Wilkinson, Sophia Brisset and Paul Rogers.

Workshop shows ReNEW Academy students how light colors their world Advocate staff report More than 70 fourth-graders recently participated in “Light & Color,” a science workshop at ReNEW Dolores T. Aaron Academy in New Orleans. The students learned about how light and color are related and how their world is shaped by the light all around them. The science workshop was presented by veteran science teacher John Varine, courtesy of Pittcon, the world’s premier laboratory science convention. The workshop’s theme was chosen to commemorate 2015 as the International Year of Light. The ReNEW School event was a preview to Science Week, an outreach program of

science education that Pittcon offers in each of the cities where it holds its convention. Pittcon’s Science Week kicks off on March 7 and the official conference is March 8-11 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. More than 100 teachers will join science workshops that offer them continuing education as well as supplies to implement the demonstrated activities in their own classrooms. Students can attend workshops on “Chromatography: Coloring With Science” to “Learning Science Through Toys” and hands-on science lectures and demonstrations. Teachers participating in Science Week teacher workshops qualify for science grants.

Pittcon last met in Louisiana in 2008, when the conference made a 2007 contribution of $100,000 for science equipment and supplies for six high schools affected by Hurricane Katrina and an additional $120,000 in equipment in 2008 through grants to teachers who attended the conference’s Science Week activities. This year, Pittcon anticipates to donate tens of thousands of dollars to New Orleans-area science programs and schools. There is no charge to the school for the student programs. However, there is a $25 fee for teacher workshops. For information, call (800) 825-3221, ext. 208; email scienceweek@pittcon.org; or visit pittcon.org/science-week.

The Gingerbread Class at Parkway Presbyterian Preschool and Kindergarten in Metairie includes, front row from left, Hayden Lomont, Sophia Brisset, Rawan Mroue and Autumn Dolese. Behind them are Kinsley Worthy, Diana Clouate, Alyssa Maestas, Michalea Rico, Sophia Bertucci, Angelina Alvarado, Marlee Thomas, Paul Rogers, Luke Wilkinson, Mason Bode and Noah Guevara. In back are teacher Mary Ann Vicknair, parent Staci Rico and teacher Pat Young.

Staci Rico and her daughter Michalea Rico wore traditional Greek costumes while teaching students at Parkway Presbyterian Preschool and Kindergarten about some elements of Greek culture, such as dancing the hasaposerviko and shouting ‘Opa!’ as an expression of joy.

Metairie Park Country Day seniors are Merit Scholarship finalists

Photo provided by Metairie Park Country Day School

Seven seniors at Metairie Park Country Day School are finalists in the National Merit Scholarship competition. Among the 1.5 million entrants in the program, only 15,000 are recognized as finalists, and only 8,000 will become Merit Scholarship winners. In the front row, from left, are Harrison Downs, Cameron Lowry, Joanna Haug and Robert Livaudias. In the back row are Daniel Shea, William Downs and Alex Chesnut.

Dominican basketball player reaches scoring milestone Gabby Sperber holds a commemorative ball after achieving the milestone of 1,000 varsity points scored playing for St. Mary’s Dominican High School. Gabby is a junior. With her, from left, are DHS assistant coach Ashlie Smith; Gabby’s parents, Mike and Nancy Sperber; DHS varsity basketball coach Ryan Reuter; and DHS assistant coach Charles Waldrop. Dominican won the game Jan. 20 against Thomas Jefferson with a score of 59-16.

St. Mary’s Dominican High School presents sports awards

Photo provided by Ursuline

Ursuline Academy students in Mu Alpha Theta, a national mathematics honor society, recently tied for first overall in Division II at the Brother Martin Mu Alpha Theta Math Tournament. Pictured with their awards are Ursuline participants, front from left, Katie Jones, Christiane Petitbon, Lauren Parker and Kate Browning; second row, Kristen Vicknair, Morgan Assavedo, Ellen Hymel, Elena Nusloch, Brittney Nguyen, Mary Shannon Snellings; third row, Lauren Legendre, Alex Sensenbrenner, Lizzie Miller; fourth row, Jensen Liljeberg, Bailey Clouatre, Maya Suell, Emily Lonker; fifth row, Lauren Cuneo, Madison Vise, Yasmeen Magharehabed, Aimée Petitbon; sixth row, Abby Sewell, Holly Monk, Kalee Jo Banks, Daniela Rocha; seventh row, Logan Franovich, Margo Roussel, Caroline Cerminaro, Ingeborg Hyde, Deanna Garrett; eighth row Abbe Tassin, Anna Michiels, Meg MacLaren, Faye Daigle; and back, Lauren Cooke, Kelsy Prestenburg and Grace Daigle.

Ursuline students tie for 1st in tournament Advocate staff report

Photos provided by St. Mary’s Dominican High School

Coaches at St. Mary’s Dominican High School have chosen the recipients of Lou Reilly Awards for fall sports. The award is presented to the athlete ‘who continually tries to improve her skills and who has listened to her coaches and teammates. This is an athlete who encourages those playing while she is not in the game, and while playing herself, gives her full effort at each moment.’ From left are Anne Hamilton, swimming; Maddie Bogart, cross country; and Payton Nunez and Laura Lorio, volleyball.

Ursuline Academy students in Mu Alpha Theta, a national mathematics honor society, recently tied for first overall in Division II at the Brother Martin Mu Alpha Theta Math Tournament. In total, 450 students from 23 schools competed in the tournament. Individual and group awards also were given out. The algebra/geometry team

of Tiffany Charlot, Leah Strickland and Leah Melancon placed first; the puzzlements team of Morgan Assavedo, Brittany Robert, Abbe Tassin and Kate Browning placed third; the Calculus team of Holly Monk, Katie Jones, Lauren Parker and Christiane Petitbon placed second; the calculus team of Jensen Liljeberg, Tiffany Yochum, Maya Suell and Logan Franovich placed third. Tiffany Charlot placed ninth

in geometry; Madison Vise placed ninth in Algebra II; Brittany Robert placed fifth in precalculus; Abbe Tassin placed eighth in precalculus; Kate Browning placed ninth in precalculus; Christiane Petitbon placed third in calculus; Holly Monk placed fifth in calculus; Lauren Parker placed seventh in calculus; Katie Jones placed eighth in calculus; and Jensen Liljeberg placed 10th in calculus.

The Advocate F theneworleansadvocate.com F Thursday, February 26, 2015 F 7G

schools Academy of the Sacred Heart students provide service in community garden

Photo provided by Academy of the Sacred Heart

Six sophomores from Academy of the Sacred Heart were among more than 300 students from the Archdiocese of New Orleans who made Dr. Martin Luther Jr. Day a day of service. They worked in the community garden serving Cafe Hope, a restaurant providing at-risk young adults with training in all aspects of the food industry. From left are Caroline Hughes, Clare Heidel, Grace Gundlach and Madeline Cook.

Stuart Hall prekindergartners learn to make king cake Sarah Lilly teaches prekindergartners Taylor Mouledoux, Tom Diano and Parker Lilly how to make a king cake by rolling dough recently at Stuart Hall School for Boys in New Orleans.

Photos provided by Music Forward Lori Champion received a violin from Molly Kathleen Graham received a viola the House of Blues Music Forward Foun- from the House of Blues Music Forward Khalila Williams received a baritone dation. Foundation. saxophone from the House of Blues Music Forward Foundation.

Six get instruments from foundation

Advocate staff report

Photo provided by Stuart Hall School for Boys

Six New Orleans students received instruments from the House of Blues Music Forward Foundation during the gospel brunch Feb. 1 at the House of Blues in New Orleans. Keyboards were presented to N’iya’Oni Birden, Don Jefferson and Andrelle Lewis. Lori Champion received a violin, Molly Kathleen Graham received a viola and Khalila Williams received a baritone saxo-

phone. In all, the instruments are valued at more than $8,000. “Music has the power to create possibilities in young people’s lives, and we are dedicated to helping connect aspiring artists with resources that otherwise would not be available,” Executive Director Marjorie Gilberg said. “Give Music is the perfect partnership between our supporters and young musicians in our local House of Blues communities.” Throughout the 2014 holiday

season, Music Forward’s Give Music invited young musicians from across the country to send letters detailing what new instruments would mean for their lives. Music Forward received nearly 2,000 letters and will provide instruments valued at more than $60,000 to aspiring young musicians nationwide. All of the letter-writers will receive a special discount from Musician’s Friend toward the purchase of a new instrument. “Each letter was unique and

amazing, but so many told a similar story. Even if kids had access to an instrument, oftentimes it was damaged, old and shared among several students. They couldn’t take it home to practice or use it during summer and school breaks,” Gilberg said. “They weren’t able to do what they loved most: play music.” For information about the House of Blues Music Forward Foundation, visit www.hob musicforward.org.

SCHOOL BRIEFS

Photo provided by St. Mary’s Dominican High School

When 13 students from St. Mary’s Dominican High School in New Orleans left for a mission trip to the Dominican Republic this Photo provided by St. Mary’s Dominican High School month, they brought a donation of 50 soccer balls. In the front row, from left, are Megan Guidry, Kristin Selle, Shelby Scuderi, Madison Bologna, Lauren Guidroz, Jackie Valdes and Taylor Monthey. Behind them are Emily Munch; Megan Bologna; Rita St. Mary’s Dominican High School students Lauren Guidroz, of Kelly; Taylor Sigur; chaperone Melida Martinez; Steven Voorhies, of Tire Centers LLC, who facilitated the soccer ball donation; Kenner, left, and Hannah Rubiano, of Metairie, packed 50 socSister Pat Harvat; Hannah Rubiano; Giannine Escobar; campus minister Katherine Almon; and Spanish teacher Lauren Coumes. cer balls in two bags to bring on the one-week mission trip to the Dominican Republic. The students’ bags also were packed with donated composition tablets, pencils, workbooks, flash nology Academy. ‘SATCHMO’S STORY’: Registration “We are so excited that these cards, puzzles and other school supplies. They volunteered at is open for schools that wish to eight students have been rec- Esp’ritu Santo, a school founded 20 years ago by the Adrian participate in a performance of ognized for their hard work Dominican Sisters in the community of Villa Fundacion. “Satchmo’s Story,” which the and their accomplishments,” Louisiana Philharmonic Orsaid Superintendent James Bard College in Annandale-on- of Teachers of Mathematics. chestra will present at 10 a.m. Meza, Jr. “It’s a huge honor to Hudson in New York are Saul Guthrie, who teaches pre-algeWednesday, April 29, at the Mabe selected as a Posse Scholar, Amezcua, Helen Cox High bra, Algebra I and geometry, halia Jackson Theater in New and I congratulate not only School; and Jazlyn Johnson, began her teaching career at Orleans. the selected students, but also Thomas Jefferson High School. Taylor six years ago while siMusic will include selections The Scholars attending Tu- multaneously completing her their families, teachers and important to Louis Armstrong: counselors, and school staff lane University in New Orleans master’s degree in education from what he heard growing for supporting and nurturing are Younes Boulares, Haynes from the University of New up to what he made famous, inthese students’ drive for ex- Academy; Keristen Edwards, Orleans. She serves as the head cluding “The Entertainer” and Riverdale High School; Sydney of the mathematics department cellence.” “What a Wonderful World.” The The Posse Foundation gives Monix, Patrick F. Taylor Sci- at Taylor and has also trained performance will involve NOLA extraordinary high school stu- ence & Technology Academy; faculty on the use of technolProject actor James Bartelle dents who may be overlooked and Bilal Sarmini, Thomas Jef- ogy and interactive learning in and trumpeter Kermit Ruffins. classrooms. by the traditional college se- ferson High School. Participating schools will “Ms. Guthrie models exemGabrielle DeRoche, from lection processes the resourchave five rehearsals with an es and the support needed to L.W. Higgins High School, and plary teaching throughout the LPO musician to work on the Photo provided by JPSS complete a four-year degree Edward Scott, from Helen Cox school year,” said Principal music. The fee for the concert is $6 per student ($3 for Title I Patrick F. Taylor Science and Technology Academy teacher at partner universities. Posse High School, are part of the in- Jaime Zapico. “Not only does schools) and $6 per adult (with Angela Guthrie was recently honored with the 2014 Outstand- Scholars are nominated by augural Posse cohort from the she possess strong content 1 free for every 10 students). ing High School Teacher of Mathematics Award from the Loui- their high schools in their se- New Orleans area headed to knowledge in her field, but she nior year for their leadership Grinnell College in Grinnell, also realizes the importance of For information, or to register siana Association of Teachers of Mathematics. continuous learning.” in the school and the commu- Iowa. a school, call education director Guthrie is one of three eduFor information on The nity, their academic commitAmanda Wuerstlin at (504) 523The cost is $8 for fish or Jefferson Parish Public School ment and their overall motiva- Posse Foundation, visit www. cators in Louisiana selected 6530, ext. 501. for the Outstanding Teacher of ST. ANN SEAFOOD DINNERS: Sea- shrimp dinners, or $10 for System have been awarded tion to succeed. The nominees possefoundation.org. HIGH SCHOOL MATH TEACHER OF Mathematics Award by LATM, food dinners will be served combination dinners. All din- four-year, full tuition scholar- undergo a rigorous selections from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, ners are served with a potato, ships from The Posse Founda- process conducted by both THE YEAR: Patrick F. Taylor Sci- which honors one teacher evMarch 6, and Friday, March salad and garlic bread. Seafood tion, including students from Posse staff and their partner ence and Technology Acad- ery year from the elementary, 27, in the school cafeteria at St. gumbo will be sold for $5 a Helen Cox High School, Haynes universities before being se- emy teacher Angela Guthrie middle and high school levels. Ann Church and Shrine, 3601 bowl. Prices are good for eat-in Academy for Advanced Stud- lected for the merit-based was recently honored with the In addition to her master’s de2014 Outstanding High School gree, Guthrie holds a bachelor ies, L.W. Higgins High School, scholarship. Transcontinental Drive, Metai- or take-out. The newest Posse Scholars Teacher of Mathematics Award of science degree from the UniPOSSE FOUNDATION SCHOLAR- Riverdale High School and Patrie. Visitors should enter from SHIPS: Eight students from the rick F. Taylor Science & Tech- from JPPSS selected to attend from the Louisiana Association versity of New Orleans. Loveland Street.

8G F Thursday, February 26, 2015 F theneworleansadvocate.com F The Advocate

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