CLEARIMPROVEMENT
St.Bernard teen cansee againwithglasses from LionsEye Foundation
BY TOREYBOVIE Staff writer
When Joshua Aisolo, 14, got his first pair of glasses, he was suddenly able to see theleaves on trees.
The soon-to-be high school freshman from Violet hasalwaysmadegood gradesand participated in extracurricular activities, saidhis father,Josh AisoloSr.
Buttherewas aproblem. Joshua realizedthathecouldn’tsee theboard in classatSt. Bernard Middle School, and he was having headaches
“I’mgoing to say around 11 or 12, he started playing baseball, and he couldn’tsee the balls coming at him,” saidAisolo Sr
Things changed for Joshua last year
when aprogram called Sight For Kids gave him theability to see clearly Throughthe program, the Lions Foundation hashelped more than 50 million kids around the world receive free eye exams and glasses.
TheLions Foundation, establishedin 1968, offers wellness services across theglobe. It established Sight for Kids, fundedbyJohnson &Johnson, in 2002.
The Lions Club in Louisiana has been providing eyecare to adults in thestate since 1974.
The Sight For Kids program is taking the same services to children.
“Not only are we able to go screen the kids andidentifythose that have need, but we’re also able to bring the care to thekids instead of trying to bring the
NEWSHOES, new school year
The nonprofit Shoes that Fit recently brought 200 pairs of free new footwear to kids on the last day of summer camp at the Boys and Girls Club of Metro Louisiana in Gretna. The event was held in conjunction withthe National Urban League Conference in New Orleans, and in partnership with GEICO.
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kids to adoctor,” said Chris Carlone, executive director of the Louisiana Eye Foundation. The foundation also uses mobile trailers to visit schools,Carlone said, making it easierfor parents to juggle busy schedules. That’show Sight For Kids met with Joshua at St. Bernard Middle When Joshua called to tell his dad he was finally going to get glasses, it was abig relief, Aisolo Sr.said.
“WhenI heardthat littleJoshwas going to finally gethim some glasses Iwas ecstatic,” he said. “I set him an appointment before that, but it was going to take abouta month before he could go.”
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Acontainer of abandoned guinea pigs recently wasfound in Lafreniere Park, and now,the animal shelter in Jefferson Parish is seeking homes for them. If anyone is considering opening their homes and hearts to one of these guinea pigs, Isay do it. Guinea pigs can make great pets. We had no experience with guineapigs when we adopted Jingles in 2019. What we quickly discovered wasthat guinea pigs, or cavies, are really engaging. Jingles was so affectionate and talkative and, although more high maintenance than our hamster, she wassomuch more fun, too. She would squeal with delight whenshe heard our voices, run up to the bars of her cage to touch noses with our dogs, and she loved to be held and petted. Jingles enjoyed an endless supply of romaine lettuce and hay and demanded to be given her treats. She reminded me of apuppy: small, cute and cuddly minus the puppy breath and shoe chewing. Guinea pigs generally do best in pairs as they can get lonely.When we adopted Jingles, however,she had already lived as asolo pet for over ayear and half, so we just made sure she got loads of love and attention every day Here are five interesting things
Traci Howerton ANIMAL RESCUE
PHOTO BY KATE T. PARKER
Joshua Aisolo, 14, astudent at St. Bernard Middle School, tries on his newglasses
STAFF PHOTOSBYMATTHEW PERSCHALL
Volunteers hand out shoes at the Boys &Girls ClubinGretna.
Aboy tries on his newshoes.
Ilearned about guinea pigs during the three years we had the privilegeofhaving Jingles as part of our family until she passed away:
1. PERSONALITY: Some guinea pigs are shy,some are outgoing and some can be dominant. Just like dogs and cats, they come with their own little attitudes. Jingles was definitely outgoing and full of sass.
2. KID FRIENDLY: Under adult supervision, guinea pigs are great for school-aged children. Ourson was 9 when we got Jingles, and she provided endless hours of entertainment. Shewas very gentle, unlike our hamster,which wouldbite sometimes.
Cavies are not as standoffish as smaller rodents like hamsters or gerbils, and they enjoy attention. But remember,young children should alwaysbe supervised when handling any pet.
3. FRESH FOOD: Guinea pigs need lots of fresh fruitand veggies in their diets, and there is avariety of foods they can enjoy.Ours loved romaine lettuce, celery the tops of strawberries and carrots. They can also have oranges, grapes, bell pepper,red peppers and zucchini. Make sure to check for approved foods before offering them. Some options should only be given as treats in moderation. Jingles would literally scream and squeal when we opened the veggie draw of our refrigerator.She knew that’s where the goods were.
4. IS THIS ACAT?: Guinea pigs purr.It’strue! If you close your eyes, it’sasif you are holding akitten. They make the same quiet, vibrating sound when they are held and being petted. They make lots of other adorable sounds including squawking, squealing and squeaking, just to name a few.They can be very outspoken.
5. PEOPLE FOCUSED: Cavies know who their family
PROVIDED PHOTO
Ichabod has been looking for ahomefor over 600 days! He is almost 2years old and has been in ARNO’scare sincehewas ayoung puppy. After spending time in a foster home, he’sshown to be good withcats, dogs, kids and is even housebroken. He’dmakeaperfectfamily pup thanks to hisfun-loving and easily trainable personality For more info, email adopt@animalrescueneworleans.org
members are andrecognize faces and voices They will squeal with excitementwhen their person walks in the room and run up to the cage to say hello. They also “popcorn.” This is aunique behavior of guinea pigswhen they are happyorexcited.They will jump up straight into theair over andoverlike popcorn popping. Many will also squeal while they arepopcorning! Do some research before addingany new pet to the family,including acavy. Guinea pigsare alongterm commitment, as they can livefive to eightyears andsome even longer Althoughthey do not require vaccinations, they do need to be neutered and require ayearly wellness visittothe vet. They also have special dietary needs that are important to keeping them healthy and require adaily Vitamin C supplement. They are not thebest housekeepers oftheir areas, so they do also require
maid service. If you are considering gettingaguinea pig, now is thetime to adopt one. Visit Jefferson Protection &Animal Welfare Services (JPAWS) at 2701 Lapalco Blvd. in Harvey to meet theguinea pigs currently available for adoption. I promise, they are loads of fun. Call (504) 349-5111.
Events
SATURDAY: Meet adorable puppies and dogs looking for homes at an ARNO adoption event at Petco, 3500 Williams Blvd. in Kenner,from 1p.m.to 3p.m. Applications to foster or adopt are available. Email adopt@animalrescueneworleans.org.
Traci D. Howerton is the volunteer manager for Animal RescueNew Orleans, anonprofit, volunteerbased, no-kill shelter For more information on ARNO, visit www. animalrescueneworleans. org.
LIONS
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Sight For Kids doesn’task extensive medical questions. The Louisiana Lions EyeFoundation tries to make the processassimple as possible, Carlone said.
“Wedon’t trytocharge the insurance companies. This is just clean cutand very easy.Signapiece of paperand you’re going to getanexam. as opposedto going through filling out insurance information,” Carlone said.
Once achild hasgotten glasses from Sight For Kids, he also go back and geta replacement pair if the glassesare lost. For moreinformation about the Louisiana Lions Eye Foundation, go to lioneyes.org/donate
Email Torey Bovieat torey.bovie@theadvocate. com.
PHOTO BY KATE T. PARKER
Joshua Aisolo Jr.and his dad, Josh Sr., tussleoverabasketball.Josh Jr.got glasses thanks to the Louisiana Lions.
Ayoung girlisexcited about her newpair of shoes.
Agirlgets apeek inside the box.
PROVIDED PHOTO
Meraux Foundationboard membersvisited theNunez campus July 15 to present acheckfor $10,000tothe Nunez Robotics program. Pictured from left are PaigeDavis, director of development; Julie Rexford, STEAM director; Bill Haines, Floyd Gue and Chris Haines, Merauxboard members; and Katherine Lemoine, associatevice chancellor of institutional advancement at Nunez.
Nunezroboticsteams
get $10K from Meraux Foundation
Staff report
The three competitive robotics teams at Nunez Community College in Chalmette have receiveda $10,000 donation from the Meraux Foundation. Foundation Board President Rita Gue committed to the donation in April after Nunez’shigh school team, Team 9456, competed in its first competition at Bayou Regionals in Kenner and finished 32nd in afield of 51
teams.
Theteams learn coding, engineering, problem solving and teamwork. Team 9456 has fabricated, assembled, wired and programmed their own large, rolling robot capableofshooting plastic hoops ata raised goal and competed in the Northshore KnockoutJuly20atMandeville High School.
Nunez’stwo younger teams are working with versions of LEGO’sSPIKE Prime robots.
SCHOOL NOTES
ST.MARY’SDOMINICAN HIGH:
Claudia Vallejo, Spanish teacher at Dominican, has received the 2024 Drs. Emil and Anna SteinbergerExcellence in Holocaust Education Award, presentedby Holocaust Museum Houston. The awardrecognizes the
honoree’s commitment to Holocausteducation andher work with Holocaust Museum Houston. Vallejo contributes bilingual articlestoVivaNola Magazine andhas worked as areporter andeditorfor notableHispaniccommunity publications.
COLLEGES
TULANE UNIVERSITY: Tulane has been awarded almost $2 million as part of theClimate Resilience Regional Challenge, acompetition funded through the Inflation Reduction Act. Tulane will partner with the South Central Climate Adaptation Science Center at the University of Oklahoma, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette,
nonprofit organization Micah 6:8 Mission andthe William Averette Anderson Fund to work on making communities in southwest Louisianaand central Acadiana moreresilient against climate-related disasters. Simone Domingue PhD, of Tulane University’s ByWater Institute, will direct theproject.
Einstein Charter Schools hosteda back to school fest andsupply giveaway for its students recentlywithmusic, entertainment, vision screenings and more, held at theSherwood Forest campus. Einsteinencompasses four schools on threecampuses—Einstein Charter School at Villagedel’Est (pre-K-5),Einstein Charter School at Sherwood Forest (pre-K-5), Einstein Charter Middle at Sarah T. Reed (6-8),and Einstein Charter HighatSarah T. Reed (9-12).The event was in partnership with Walmart,Entergy, Sam’sand Nola Public Schools
COMMUNITY
NOLA PICKLE FEST 2024: The festival-style pickleballtournament will return to the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, 1100 Convention Center Blvd. in New Orleans,on Aug. 7-11. It features livemusic,a celebrity exhibition match featuring Drew Brees, VIPexperiences and pickleball matches in threedivisions of round robin play. Gold medal matches will be playedonSunday, 8a.m.-3 p.m. Proceeds benefit the Brees Dream Foundation. www. nolapicklefest.com
DIRTY LINEN NIGHT: The21st annual event will be held Aug. 10,6-9 p.m., 300-1100 blocks of RoyalStreet. Galleries and shops along RoyalStreet will open their doorsasmusicians line the streets. Wristbands are$20 (21and over)and include specialty drinks, wine, beer and water. dirtylinen.org.
SOUL-SIP AT NOMA: The NewOrleans Museum of Art’s art and wine series continues on Aug. 7,6-8 p.m at the museum, 1Collins Diboll Circle. The evening includes guided meditation, wine-tasting instruction, acurated wine flight, small bites from Cafe NOMA, adiscussion of select wine-related artwork from NOMA’s permanent collection and lagniappe. Tickets are$95. noma.org
HEXFEST 2024: The 18 years andover conference takes place Aug. 9-11at various locations around the city opening with ariverboat ritual and dinner, held on aMississippi River steamboat, followedbytwo days of workshops, drumming andritual at The Bourbon Orleans Hotel, 717 Orleans St. in New Orleans. Tickets start at $150 via Eventbrite.www hexfest.com
BACK TO SCHOOL EXTRAVAGANZA: Three hundred backpacks filled with school supplies, vouchers for haircuts andhairstyles, and twoscholarships for aspiring cosmetologists will be given out Aug. 10, 10 a.m.1p.m., in Morton Hall at GreaterSt. Stephen Full Gospel Church, 5600 Read Blvd. in New Orleans. TheEast New Orleans Regional Library will be on-site giving away books and helping attendees signupfor library cards. www.houseofgreater.org
THE SNEAKER TRAVELERS: Collectors, sellers andfans can discover the latest trends in the sneaker world at the John A. AlarioSr. Event Center, 2000 Segnette Blvd.in Westwego, on Aug.10, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. sneakertravelers.com.
NEW ORLEANS COMIC CON: The event takes place Aug. 10-11 at the Pontchartrain Convention &Civic Center, 4545 Williams Blvd. in Kenner, with guests, comic book writers andartists, costumes, video games, toys and comic books. Tickets start at $18 via Eventbrite. www.facebook.com/MightyCon. CARD &COLLECTIBLE CONVENTION:
The event will feature vendors from all overthe countryoffering a selection of sports cards, Pokémon cards, comics, autographs, memorabilia, Funkos,shoes andmoreat thePontchartrain Convention & Civic Center, 4545 Williams Blvd. in Kenner, on Aug. 10-11, 9a.m.-4 p.m. nolacardconvention.com.
CULTURE COLLISION: The kickoff to thecultural seasonwill be held Aug 28, 5:30-8:30p.m., at the Jefferson Performing Arts Center, 6400 Airline Drive in Metairie.The free happy hour introduces potential audience members,volunteers, patrons and artists to the diverse mixofarts organizations. www.culturenola.com.
WINGSPAN FORWETLANDS COM-
way in River Ridge. www.jplibrary net.
“DUNE: PART TWO”: The 2024 science fiction sequel based on the novels by Frank Herbertwill be shownAug. 17, 2-4:45 p.m at RosedaleLibrary,4036 Jefferson Highway in Jefferson. www.jplibrary.net.
“FIELD OF DREAMS”: TheSaturday Movie Matineeisthe baseball fantasyset in an Iowa cornfield.It will be shownatthe NorthKenner Library,630 W. Esplanade Ave. in Kenner, on Aug. 31, 1-3 p.m.www jplibrary.net.
“THECOLOR PURPLE”: The 2023 musical based on Alice Walker’s PulitzerPrize-winning novelwill be shownAug. 31, 2-4:30 p.m., at RosedaleLibrary,4036 Jefferson Highway in Jefferson. www.jplibrary.net.
CULTUREAND CONCERTS
BONSAIAUCTION AND PLANT SALE: The Greater New Orleans Bonsai Society hosts its annual sale Aug. 10 at the VFW Hall, 1133 Hickory Ave. in Harahan.Viewing of trees andplant salebegins at 4p.m.Auctionruns 6-9 p.m.gnobs.org. GLASS RECYCLING DROP-OFF: Glassroots will accept glass for recycling on Aug. 15, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., at the Algiers Regional Library 3014 HolidayDrive in New Orleans. It will alsoaccept glass Aug.16, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.,atMilton H. Latter Memorial Library,5120 St Charles Ave. in New Orleans, and on Aug. 20, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., in the yard at Alvar Library,913 Alvar St.in New Orleans.
PETITION: An evening of strategic board-gaming fun, featuring the bird-centric, card-drivengame Wingspan, will be held on Aug. 17 at Skeeta Hawk Brewing, 455 N. Dorgenois St. in New Orleans. Afreenewplayertutorial begins at 5:30 p.m., and competition begins at 6p.m Registration for competitors is $10. Allfees and aportion of food and drink sales go to support forested wetland restoration in Louisiana. www.woodlandsconservancy.org
MOVIES
“SHOWHER THE MONEY”: The screening will be held Aug. 7, 6p.m at WoldenbergArt Center +Freeman Auditorium at Tulane University,50Newcomb Place in New Orleans.The movie provides insights into women’schallengesin securing venturecapital and spotlights femaleinvestors working to change the statusquo. Seats can be reserved fora$10 donation to Dress for Success NewOrleans. Innovation.tulane.edu/her.
“THOR: LOVE AND THUNDER”: LakeshoreMovie Night will feature the 2022 Marvel film on Aug. 7, 6-8:30 p.m., at theLakeshoreLibrary, 1000 W. Esplanade Ave. in Metairie www.jplibrary.net.
“A STREETCARNAMED DESIRE”: The Classic Movie Evening on Aug. 15 will be theTennessee Williams melodrama set in NewOrleans. It will be shown at 6p.m. at theRiver Ridge Library,8825 Jefferson High-
THURSDAYSATTWILIGHT: The concert seriesfeaturing musicians mint juleps and morecontinueson Thursdays,6-8 p.m., through August at thePavilion of theTwo Sistersat theNew Orleans Botanical Garden, 1Victory Ave. in NewOrleans. Aug. 8isBon Operatit! Aug. 15 is Audrey LeCrone &the Crawzaddies. Aug. 22 is thePfister Sisters. Admission is $15. NewOrleansCityPark.org. STAGEDOOR IDOL: The National WWII Museumishosting asinging competition, withthe finals Aug. 13. Local celebrity judgeswill decide thewinner, as thefinalists areaccompanied by theMuseum’s Victory SixSwing Band. Tickets are$15; $20 for thefinals Aug. 13. Performances startat6 p.m.atBB’s Stage Door Canteen,945 Magazine St. in New Orleans. www.nationalww2museum.org. SURVIVAL THROUGH SONG: The Chabad Jewish Center of Metairie presents “AnEvening withHolocaust Survivor SaulDreier” on Aug. 14, 7p.m., at theJeffersonPerforming Arts Center,6400 Airline Drive in Metairie.Dreier, who worked at Oskar Schindler’s factory during World WarII, is thefounder of the HolocaustSurvivor Band. Tickets startat$15. www.jewishlouisiana. com
HNOC CE SOIR: The Historic New Orleans Collection will hosta celebration Aug. 14, 4:30-8 p.m., at theCollection, 533 RoyalSt. in New Orleans. The eventwill featurelive music and free Italian Ice from Angelo Brocatofor thefirst100 guests. The café and shop will also remain open.Admission is free withRSVP www.hnoc.org NEW ORLEANS AIDS MEMORYPROJECT: The LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana will sponsor apanel discussion on thehistory of medical and service providersinNew Orleans during theAIDS crisisonAug.
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STAFF PHOTO BY SCOTT THRELKELD
Retired NewOrleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees plays tennis legend John McEnroe in an exhibition game during last year’sNOLA Pickleball Festival. This year’sevent begins Aug. 7.
that
had strange andoddly specific criteria formembership. Thedinner and presentation will be Aug. 15, 6:30-8:30 p.m., at BB’s Stage Door Canteen, 945 MagazineSt. in NewOrleans. Tickets are$80. www. nationalww2museum.org
CANDLELIGHT AT THE CABILDO: Mark AnthonyThomas andmembers of the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestrawill performaprivate concert featuring songs spanning the generations to celebrate the ministry of Next Generation Clubs on Aug. 16, 6p.m., at the Cabildo State Museum, 701 Chartres St.in New Orleans. Tickets startat$250 and include access to the after party.www.nextgenclubs.com
BOOKS
“DEVIL IS FINE”: Author JohnVercher will discuss his latest novelin conversation with author Maurice Carlos Ruffin on Aug. 7, 6-8p.m., at Baldwin &Co., 1030 Elysian Fields Ave. in New Orleans. www.baldwinandcobooks.com.
“A PLACE UNMADE”: Author Carla Seyler will discuss her bookof corporate intrigue and environmental consciousness on Aug.13, 6:307:30 p.m. at the Cita Dennis Hubbell Library,725 Pelican Ave. in New Orleans. neworleans.libnet
STORIES AND SIGNATURES: The book signing event, to be held Aug. 13, 5:30-7:30 p.m., at Salon 22, 2407 Bienville St. in New Orleans, will featurebooksignings by authors Laverne Toombs, Rekena Collins RonickaBriscoe, Ph.D., KarenBurks, Cherlyn Lina, L.S. Fisher, Keidra Hobley,Quiana Scott, Dionne Nichols-Condoll, Denise W. McConduit, Loreal Ivory, Casey Ferrand, PatAustin, Lisa M. Wineburg and Ty Salvant. Space is limited; registration is requested. www.timewithty com.
“ALL ABOUT YVIE: INTOTHE ODDITY”: Author and performer Yvie Oddly and co-authorMichael Bach will discuss their book at Baldwin & Co., 1030Elysian Fields Ave. in New Orleans,onAug. 13,6-8 p.m.www baldwinandcobooks.com.
SATURDAY WRITER’SCLINIC: Bill
Loehfelm, author of series featuring aNew Orleans police rookie, will lead twosessions at the August edition of the clinic on Aug. 17, at the East Bank Regional Library
4747 W. Napoleon Ave.,Metairie.
“Building Believable Characters”is the 9:30 a.m. session. “Structure& Pacing” is the 11 a.m. session. The free clinic isfor beginners or experienced writers.www.jplibrary.net.
“DAC BIET:AN EXTRA-SPECIAL
VIETNAMESE COOKBOOK”:Chef, instructor and TopChef”contestant Nini Nguyen will be at Garden District Book Shop,2727 Prytania St. in New Orleans, on Aug. 27 at 6p.m. to celebratethe launch of her cookbook and totakeaudience questions. www.gardendistrictbookshop.com.
“SUNDERWORLD,VOL. I: THE EXTRAORDINARYDISAPPOINTMENTS OF LEOPOLD BERRY”:Author Ransom Riggs will be in conversation with authors Daniel José Older and BrittanyN Williams on Aug.28, 6-7:30 p.m., at Octavia Books, 513 Octavia St. in New Orleans. Tickets start at $21.99. www.octaviabooks. com.
FUNDRAISERS/GALAS
DRAGBINGO 2024 FUNDRAISER: Pho Orchid will hostanadult-only event Aug. 17, 6-10 p.m., at 3117 Houma Blvd. in Metairie. Entertainment includes LexxannaVanderhurst and music from KBGNO’s DJs, dinner buffet, bingo games and more. All proceeds will bedonated to the nonprofitAsian Pacific American Society of NewOrleans. Space is limited. Tickets are$70 at Eventbrite. apasnola.com.
ST.BERNARD VFCFASHION SHOW LUNCHEON: The St.BernardVolunteers for Family andCommunity will host afundraisingluncheon on Aug. 24, starting at 10:30 a.m., at the MaumusCenter, 721 Friscoville Ave. in Arabi.Proceeds go to scholarships, food banks and other parish organizations. Tickets are $40. Clittle1936@gmail.com; (504) 723-8157
CLASSES
LEARNING BEFORE LUNCH: Robert Freeland, vice chair of the Louisiana AMERICA250 Commission, will present “America 250, July 4, 2026” on Aug. 8atUNO’s Homer L. Hitt Alumni Center, 2000 Lakeshore DriveinNew Orleans. The lecture will review what theUnited States and Louisiana aredoing for our 250th anniversary in 2026. Programs begin at 9:30a.m. with coffee and pastry.The presentation begins at 10 a.m. Annual membership is $25 per person, $30 percouple/double or a$5donation for an event. www learningbeforelunch.com.
AARP SMARTDRIVERCLASS: The four-hour classwill be presented Aug. 8, 5-9 p.m., at theOchsner/ Elmwood Fitness Center in the Elmwood ShoppingCenter, 1200 S. Clearview Parkway in Harahan. Open to anyone 50 and older. Completion mayqualify participants for adiscount from their car insurance. Preregistration required. The cost is $20 forAARP members, $25 for
nonmembers. (504) 828-3962.
BEGINNERS FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY:
The New Orleans Photography Group will hold abeginners’ class led by Donnie Pearson on Aug. 11, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., at 4204 Magazine St. in New Orleans. The registration fee is $47. neworleansphotographygroup.com
CUTTING BOARD WORKSHOP: Community Workshop NOLA will host a workshop led by Ben Dendy on Aug. 15, 5:30-8:30 p.m., at 3142 Calhoun St. in New Orleans. Participants will learn the safety and use of the drill press, router table, bandsaw and sanders to get cutting boards. Materials areincluded in the $80 cost of the class. Register through Eventbrite. www.communityworkshopnola.com
MEETINGS
NATIONAL ACTIVE AND RETIRED
FEDERAL EMPLOYEES: The VernonL Landry Chapter 1398 of NARFE will hold its monthly luncheonAug.14, beginning at 11 a.m., in the Sicilian Room at Rocky and Carlo’s Restaurant &Bar, 613 W. St. BernardHighwayinChalmette. All activeand retired federal and postal employees areinvited. Pamela.e.mark1953@ gmail.com.
INTERNATIONAL ESSENTIAL TREMOR FOUNDATION: The Greater New Orleans area support group for those affected by essential tremor aneurological condition that affects an estimated 10 million Americans, will meet Aug. 20, 6:30 p.m., in the Old Metairie Library,2350 Metairie Road in Metairie. The meeting topic is adaptive/helpful eating utensils. neworleanset@gmail.com, (504) 298-2140
ST.BERNARD VFC: The next meeting of the St. BernardVolunteers for Family and Community will be held on Aug. 15, 10:30 a.m., in the Sicilian Room at Rocky &Carlo’s Restaurant, 613 W. St. BernardHighway in Chalmette. www.facebook.com/ st.b.vfc/ KNIGHTS OF NEMESIS SOCIAL: The Knights of Nemesis Social Club and Parade will host the event on Aug. 13 at 6:30 p.m. at Old Arabi Bar, 6701 N. Peters St., Arabi. All members and prospectivemembers are invited. The 19th annual Knights of Nemesis Parade is scheduled for Feb. 22, 2025. Forinfo, contact Billy Showalter, (504) 583-3998, or visit www.knighsofnemesis.org.
SPORTS
YOUTH GOLF: Registration is open for fall youth golf, to be held on Thursdayafternoons at Cypress Lakes in Ormond, 10 VillereDrivein Destrehan, and on Fridayafternoons at Grand Ridge in Willowdale, 500 Willowdale Blvd. in Luling. Children 5-13 can participate in First Tee. Classes begin Sept. 5and will run for eight weeks. firstteenola.org.
Formal wear sought for N.O. military families
Staff report
Grant that gown anew lease on life as the Military Officers’ Wives’ Club of New Orleans is asking for donations of gently used fashions for Operation Free Ball Gown,an annual gathering of frocks for a good cause.
Theprogram helps local military families meet thechallenges of finding room in abudget for proper attire to wear to manylocal happenings in the CrescentCity —party central forCarnivalballs and other must-attend eventsfor female military service members and spouses.
Co-chair Char Wenrich, wife of retired Marine Corps Col. Stephen Wenrich, said, “Wewant allour military ladies to be able to enjoy this amazing city and take part in all that’soffered.”
The local branch of the service group has been supporting the efforts of newcomers to the city for several years by providing gowns, accessories and more. The 2024 distributionofgowns will be Saturday and Sunday,Sept. 21-22, at the Frank J. Uddo Armed Forces Reserve Center Building at theNaval Air Station Joint Reserve Base in Belle Chasse.
“But we need the public’shelp
Malaya createdMentor Milo, aplatform connecting studentsand counselors Mentor Miloisacontemporarymethod forcommunication between studentsand counselors. Throughthis software, counselors canschedule meetings, store information and moreeasily connectwithstudents. The programwill first be developed as aweb application and then expanded to mobile devices. Malayashares he resourcesprovided by school counselorsled me to competein national debate tournaments, enroll in early collegewithRiver Parishes CommunityCollege, and applyfor the YoungEntrepreneurs Academy. It would be ideal if all studentscould receive the individual attention Ireceived.”
Shell congratulatesMalayaon building a productdesigned to help studentsreach their fullest potential!
To keep thebranding fun and recognizable,Malaya’s
to pull this off,” said Kathi Callahan, co-chair and spouse of retired Coast GuardRear Adm. David Callahan, 8th District commander
“Weare asking all local ladies out there who may have ballgowns, cocktaildresses,bridesmaid dresses, shoes, pursesand jewelry sitting in their closets that they willlikelynever wear again: gather it up and donate it all to the cause.”
Donations will be accepted at the following locations:
n NavalAir Station Joint Reserve Base Commanding Officers Building, Russell Avenue n Rihners Jewelers,91Westbank Expressway,Gretna n Shear LuxurySalon,4001Gen.DeGaulle Drive, Algiers n Snap Realty NOLA,2625 Gen. Pershing St., New Orleans n The Purple TigerBoutique,3250 Severn Ave., Metairie n North Shore Family Dentistry,2790 E. Gause Blvd., Slidell.
“This is agreat way to show our appreciation as acommunity,” said Wenrich, “and it’sa great excuse forlocalstogoout andget anew dress.”
For more information, check Facebook at OperationBallGownNewOrleans.
MALAYA MORRISisduallyenrolled as aDutchtown High School junior participating in theRiver Parishes CommunityCollege EarlyCollege Option program. Sheisonthe road to a future filled with unlimited possibilities. Sheisone of 22 graduatesofthe 2024 YoungEntrepreneursAcademyBaton Rouge(YEABR),auniquelearning experience guidingtoday’s youthas they transform intotomorrow’s business leaders.
YEABR, an after-school programlocated on LSU’scampus, teaches high school studentshow to create,execute and pitch business plansfor funding.
Part of anationalorganization, YEABRis sponsored by theBaton Rouge Area Chamber (BRAC), LSUE.J.Ourso College of Business, and LouisianaEconomicDevelopment (LED) Each year,YEA BR comestolife throughthe enthusiastic supportofareabusinesses As asponsor of YEABR, Shell supports programscholarships forstudentsin Ascension Parish,wherethe company employs morethan600 people at its Geismar facility.
Foradditional information about YEABR, visit yeabr.org. Applications forthe 2024-25 programare accepted throughAugust18.
STAFFPHOTO BY SOPHIA GERMER Shannon Burgoyne flips through dresses during Operation Free Ball Gown at the NavalAir Station Joint Reserve Base in Belle Chasse in 2023.
Expert to help organize info forgenealogicalresearch
Learntomake themostof time andeffort
Chris Smith
LIBRARY LAGNIAPPE
Apoint comes in most genealogical research when the lack of organization of the information already collected hinders the ability to make progress, says Marguerite Scully,a professional genealogical researcher andlecturer She’ll talk about how to organize to make the most of your time and effortat 7p.m. Aug. 14 at the East Bank Regional Library 4747 W. NapoleonAve., Metairie.
There are manysources for genealogical research.A Jefferson Parish Librarytalk on Aug. 14 will offera look at howtoorganize the information you find for maximumbenefit.
“If family historians become aware of this problem, it is usually because we discover we have spent time collecting records that we already have, or we find ourselves having to go back again and again through our records to figureout what we already have and what we are still missing,” she said. She will demonstrate how organizing information can help identify the records andinformation that it still missingand keep track of thesources one has already searched Scully is presidentofthe St.TammanyGenealogical Society and was theformer vicepresident of the Board of the Louisiana Genealogical andHistorical Society She’sbeen doinggenealogical research for 20 years. GERMAN GENEALOGY: Carol
Schlueter,director of the German American Cultural Center in Gretna, and Pat Smith, genealogist at the center,will discuss the museum and themany ways it can help those looking for information about ancestors at 7p.m. Aug. 7 at the East BankRegional Library,4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie. Gretna’sroots came from theGerman families who
Bereavement ministryholds memorial Mass
St. Christopher’sBereavement and SupportGroup Ministryheld its Memorial Mass on July 11, remembering those whohavedied and their survivors. In the front row, from left, are Sue Kirsch, Joel Vaughan, Anne Madding,Mickey Luxand Jo Ann Matherne. In the back row, Bob Rauch, RaySchmitt, Deacon Philip McManamon, Deacon Michael Cardella Jr., the Rev. Raymond Igbogidi,the Rev. Edward Grice, TomCanale,Terry Canale and Andrea Bacino.
have lived and worked there for more than 185 years. They established businesses, organized volunteer fire departments,ran dairy farms and served as civic leaders. The GACC honors thememories of those pioneers through community leadership andfestivals that celebrate German foods and culture.
OLD METAIRIE GENEALOGY:
GwenKelley,alibrarian at the East Bank Regional Library,will conduct aseries of genealogy classes at the Old Metairie Library,2350 Metairie Road. The four sessions will take place at 6:30 p.m.onThursdays in August.
n Aug. 8—Researching Census records n Aug. 15 —Researching vital records
n Aug. 22 —Researching newspapers and obituaries n Aug. 29 —Researching cemetery records
AUTHOR EVENT: Peter Finney Jr executive editor and general manager of the Clarion Herald since 1993, will discuss his book, “Dragos: An American Journey,” at 7p.m. Aug. 8atthe East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie.
This book tells the story of the Cvitanovich family, the founders and proprietors of Drago’sSeafood Restaurant, which opened its first location just outside NewOrleans, in the 1970s.
PERSONAL FINANCE SEMINAR:
Sheila Cao, apersonal finances consultant, will give aseries of presentations on financial management at 7p.m. on Mondays in August at the Jane O’Brien Chatelain West Bank Regional Library,2751 Man-
By Amanda McElfresh amcelfresh@theadvocate.com
Thisstory is brought to youby Dillard University.
DillardUniversityistaking aproactiveand responsiveapproach to help incoming freshmen preparefor college.
Dillardisstill accepting applications forthe fall semester.Application, admission requirements and tuition information canbefound at www.dillard.edu/admissions-aid. Staff membersare on hand daily to answerquestionsand have simplified the application process so thatmostpeople can completeitinlessthan ahalf-hour, and sometimes in just 15 minutes In addition, the Dillard staff is reaching outto prospectivestudents who have expressedinterest in attending the university buthavenot confirmed their intentions to enroll
“Weare looking at ouradmissions calls in adifferentway,” said Dr Ceeon Smith, vice presidentofoperations “Wedon’tstopbyasking if someone received an application or intends to enroll. We look at whereeach individual personisinthe process and if thereisanything we candotohelp them gettothe next step.”
hattan Blvd., Harvey.The next one occurs at 7p.m., Aug. 12. It’s titled “Understand How Money Works” and includes information on funds forcollege savings plans.
DOG TRAINING: Brooke DeFore, adog trainer who specializes in behavior modification, will discuss various issues regarding the training of canine companions at two sessions on the westbank. n 7p.m. Aug. 7—Westwego Library,635 Fourth St., Westwego n 6:30 p.m.Aug. 13 Belle Terre Library,5550 Belle Terre Road DeFore will bring one of her four-legged students fordemonstration purposes. Patrons should not bring their pets to this event.
POETRY: River Ridge Poets meet from 2to4 p.m.Aug. 10, at the River Ridge Library,8825 Jefferson Highway. Poets gather to read and discuss poetry MUSIC: The Trombone Choir performs acentury’s worth of music at 7p.m. Aug. 15 at the East Bank Regional Library,4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie. ChrisSmith is manager of adultprogramming at the Jefferson Parish Public Library
students as much as we can.”
Over thepastfew months, much of the staff’s focushas been on addressing concerns aboutthe Free Application forFederal StudentAid (FAFSA).The application foraid forthe 2024-25 academicyear launched in December acrossthe United States, but has been plagued by numerous delays,glitches and technical errors.The result is that some students in thenation arestill unsureabout thetypeand amount of financial aid theycan receive, regardlessofwhich collegetheyplan to attend.
Dr.LakietaEmanuel said theoutreach and responsivenessfromDillardhas stood out as herdaughterprepares to enroll this fall to studyfilm and television. Dr.Emanuel recently traveled from California to New Orleans to help tie up looseends beforethe semesterbegins
“Whenevermydaughter sends an email toany department, theyactually getback to her,”Dr. Emanuel said. “I’ve been to three departments todayand every single person hasinvited me to come in andsit down, then given me the answers Ineed. This is howit’s supposed to be.It’sagreat feeling to know your questions will be answered.
That proactiveapproach has sometimes helped Dillardstaff uncoverobstacles they canhelp students overcome. Forexample, during the outreach, some prospective students saytheyneed help with their enrollmentfee.Dillardhasdevelopedaplantowaive that feeinsome situations to ensure potential students have the opportunity to enroll.
“Wedoget alot of questions aboutthe financial aspect of enrolling. We arehere to help families through thatprocess,”said Robert Mitchell, assistantprovost of enrollmentservices.“We arefortunate to have some funds available to help students,thanks to generousalums and communitysupporters. If astudentisworried about payingfor college, we have aconversation aboutittosee what theoptionsare.Wewanttohelp those
“It’scaused abig pause foralot of families in the country. Theyhaven’t been able to plan because they don’tknowhow much moneytheyhave been awarded,”Dr. Smith said. “Ourdepartmenthas been creating packages and applying grants and scholarships as we canto help families getanswers Our concernasaninstitution is that we want to makesureour students have accesstoaquality education and that we help to remove barriers to making that happen.”
Aside from theonline application, Dillard will accept newstudentapplications during SOAR WEEK, from August 14-17. This week includes numerous sessions to introduce newstudents to theacademicand co-curricular services and programs thatare available. Dillardstaff will be available to assist thosewho arejust beginning theapplication processbut want to move quickly to begin classesassoon as possible. Mitchell noted that Dillardistest-optional when it comes to admissions,which means applicants arenot required to submit standardized test scores.Applicants who elect not to submit ACTorSAT scores must have at least a3.0 minimum cumulative unweighted GPAtobeconsidered foracceptance. Students who opt to submit test scores must have at least an 18 on theACT or a960 on the SAT, as well as at least a2.5 cumulative GPA. First-year applicants who do not meet these requirements must alsosubmittwo letters of recommendation and apersonal statement forconsideration.
DillardUniversityisaprivate Historically BlackCollegeand Universityinthe Gentilly neighborhood of NewOrleans.Itoffers22 programs of study in areas such as business, thesciences,liberal arts,criminal justice, healthcare, publicpolicy,entertainmentand more. The universityhas an average13-to-1 facultytostudentratio.Inaddition, 59 percentofgraduates completetheirdegree in four yearsand 80 percentofgraduates areemployedorenrolled in graduateschool. Visit www.dillard.edu formoreinformation or
STAFF PHOTO BY BILL FEIG
PROVIDED PHOTO
