Helpingteachersteach
Master instructor at Metairie elementary is chosen for national leadership program
BY EVAJACOB BARKOFF Contributing writer
Master teacherJessica Carmean, of Bissonet PlazaElementary in Metairie,has been selected as oneofonly 12 teachers from around the country to participate in the inauguralFellows Programofthe National Institute for Excellence in Teaching. She’scomealong way from the day her family migrated from Honduras to the United States. Thelanguage barriermadeacademicshard forthe young Carmean, but that changedwhenher fifth grade teacher,Donna HardeeatElla Pittman Elementary School in Harvey,noticed something about her
“Each day, Ms.Hardee wouldask us to bring in ‘amazing vocabulary words’ and use them in asentence,” Carmean recalled. “I would pick the biggest vocabulary word I could find in the dictionary,but Iwas afraid Icould not pronounce the word correctly in front of the class.
“Ms. Hardee found outwhy Iwas reluctantand came over to me andwhispered, ‘bring something in Spanish.’ It wasasmall gesture but meant so much to me. It was a way forher to make aconnection with me, and that madea huge difference in my confidence concerningboth my work andmy identity.”
That early vote of confidence, along with acontinuing dedication both inside and outside the classroom, led to her selection as is one of four teachers from Louisiana selected forthe NIET program. Theotherthree
See TEACHER, page 2G
Hurricane season officially started on June 1, but we knowthatthe seasondoesn’treally heat upuntil right about now.Weare officially in the peak of hurricane season. Hopefully,itwill remain quiet in the Gulf of Mexico, but we need to be prepared andmake sure we haveour plansinplace should we need to evacuate. This includes making sure our pets have acollar with identification and that they are microchipped. Prepare now.Once astorm is in the Gulf, it may be too late.
Each year,anestimated10million dogs andcats are lost in theU.S., and 1in3pets will become lost at somepoint during their lives. Pets get anxious, too, and the stress of evacuating or sheltering in place for astorm may cause adog to go intoflight mode.
The last thing anyone needs is a missing pet before, during or after astorm. Should Fido go missing —because it can happen to even the most responsible pet owners —havinghim chipped and wearing identification will give him the best chance of getting home to his family
PROPER IDENTIFICATION: Asecure, buckle collar withanidentification tag that includes current contact informationiscritical. This is the fastest way for someone whofinds alost dog to get in touch with an owner
MICROCHIPPING: Avet can insert a little chip, the size of agrain of rice, under the animal’sskin, usually between the shoulder blades. This microchip has aunique number on it that can be picked up andread by ascanner
The procedure takes secondsand offers secure, reliable,unique and permanent identification.Unlikea collar with tags, apet’smicrochip cannot fall offorberemoved
The veterinarian can scan and locate the chip at annual visitsto ensurethat the chip has not moved and can still be easily detected.
ä See PLAN, page 2G
The Rolling Elvi and the Sassyracs were among organizers of arecent summer blood drive at Tipitina’sinNew Orleans. Donors were treated to dance performances, live music and the satisfaction of helping boost the blood supply in atime of year when donations tend to be low
STAFF PHOTO BY BRETTDUKE
Jessica Carmean is amasterteacher at Bissonet Plaza ElementarySchool in Metairie.
The Pussyfooters performduring asummer blood drivebythe Rolling Elviand the SassyracsatTipitina’sinNew Orleans on Sunday.
Janel Conley, of The Blood Center,left, draws blood from Sherri Cain, of the Pussyfooters.
PHOTO BY JANLUGENBUHL
Veterinaryassistants inserta microchip into adog.It’s easy and relatively painless.
PLAN
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Once the pet gets achip, it needs to be registered with the microchip company so that they have the owner’scontact information, as well as agood description of the pet. Provide as many contact phonenumbers as possible, so that if the owner cannot be reached, afriend or family member is on the call list as well. If the owner is on vacation and unreachable, havingan alternative number to is important, as most shelters only hold animals for five days before making them available for adoption. Registered microchips give lost pets the best chance of returning home. Statistics indicate that less than 25% of lost pets are reunited with their families. However,the return-to-owner rate for microchipped pets is over 50%.Unfortunately, only about half of microchips are actually registered in adatabase with the owner’scontact information
NOTATRACKING DEVICE: A very common misconception about microchipsis that they are trackingdevices, like aGPS tracking device. This is not the case The location of an animal cannot be pinpointed fromthe microchip. Rather,the animal must be scanned to see if they have achip. If an animal is lost, someone must first find him and then bring him to avet or shelter to be scanned to see if he is chipped. Then, can the owner be contacted.
My dog, Stewie, also wears an air tag because, well, I’m one of those ultra responsiblepet owners who still managedtohave alost pet. Having properID tags and aregistered microchip will increase the chances of ahappy reunion, should apet become lost. If this does happen, contact the microchip company right away and confirm that all information current. It is also important to alert area shelters, vets, groomers and neighbors so everyone can be on the lookout.
Events
JPAWS CLEARING THE SHELTER: Jefferson Protection &
TEACHER
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PETOFTHE WEEK
PROVIDED PHOTO Hop intofun withRabbit a1-year-old female collie mix.This 34-pound, energetic girlhas ablast playing with her canine pals. Rabbit is the perfect companion for anyone who lovesoutdoor adventures and activeplay. For moreinfo, email adopt@ animalrescueneworleans. org
Animal Welfare Services is participating in the10th annual national Clear the Sheltersadoption campaign throughSept. 10. Dog andcat adoptionsare only $10. Adoptionfees arewaived for seniorpetsand those who have beenatJPAWS for30+ days.Additionally, adoptionfees are waived forseniorcitizens, firstresponders and veterans JPAWSislocated at2701 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey Adoption hours are from noon to 4p.m. MondayFriday and from noon to 3p.m. Saturday.For more information,visit clearthesheltersfund.org.
RACE TO THE RESCUE: Discount registration is open for the NOLA Dogs Race to the Rescue5KRun/Walk happening on Oct. 13. Run through Lake Lawn Metairie Cemetery in New Orleans and raise money foranimal rescue organizations including Animal Rescue New Orleans, Take Paws, Trampled Rose Rescue, Zeus’ Rescuesand The InnerPup —Education and Prevention Services Learnmoreand registerat nolagirl.org/events.
Traci D. Howerton is the volunteer manager for AnimalRescueNew Orleans. For more info, visit www.animal rescueneworleans.org.
were from outsidethe Greater New Orleans area. Those selected for the program each received a $10,000 stipend.
“Representing my school, Bissonet Plaza Elementary,and my district, is an honor for me,” said Carmean, of Metairie. “I planto take what Ilearn throughthis program and work with my school to continue to build on thatwork.”
Agraduate of St. Mary’sDominican High School, Carmean received her BachelorofScience degree from the University of Southern Mississippiand her master’sineducational leadership
The Order of the Casket Girls performduring asummer blood drivebythe Rolling Elvi and the Sassyracs at Tipitina’sin NewOrleans on Sunday
from Louisiana State University
This is her 12th year at Bissonet, the onlyschool where shehas taught.
In 2019,Carmeantransitionedto therole of master teacher
“In schoolsystems supported by the NIET,master teachers take on instructional leadership positions that support curriculum, instruction,teaching and learning,” Carmean explained. “Weare teachers who are released from all or most of our regular classroom teaching duties in order to provide instructional leadership for about 15 of their colleagues.”
Erin Foster,NIET senior specialist, said nearly 250 teachers from around the country applied for the program. NIET selected the 12 fellows
based on arigorous application process,including awritten submission, letters of recommendation, and an interview,Foster explained. Applicants were expected to be in ateacher leader positionwith at least five years of combined classroom teaching experienceand experience supporting other educators.
“NIET looked for dynamicand impactful individuals who had a record of supporting instructional improvement and leading educator collaboration,”Foster said.
“Jessica hasworked in herdistrict formore than adecadeand is an exemplary teacher leader.She embodies NIET’sbelief that building educator excellence is the key to student success.”
Those selected for the program
will participate throughoutthe year in virtual networking meetings and with on-site observations of NIET specialists to provide coachingand support as well as attend the 2025 NIET National Conference in February in Washington, D.C.
James Gray,superintendentof Jefferson Parish Schools, said he’sthrilled with Carmean’sselection as amember of the NIET Fellows Program. “Jessica embodies Jefferson Parish Schools’ commitment to strengthening student-centered learning in her work,” Gray said.
“Weknow the selectionprocess was rigorous and competitive so were very proud to have one of our own teacher leaders selected,” added chief academic officer
LauraRoussell. “Jessica’s participation (in the NIET program) will bring new learning to our colleagues in Jefferson Parish.” Carmean explainedthe concept of teachers helping teachers. A teacher’sresponsibilities, Carmean said, “can be so massive that they can get lost in the dayto-day aspect of teaching and all it entails.”
“Wehave about 80 different schools, and the work Iamdoing as an NIET fellowisaddressing avery real need in our district, which is focused on elevating both student and teacher achievements. Our roles are so much bigger,somuch more than we sometimes realize, and our children deserve teachers who are champions for them.”
Members of the Rolling Elvi andothers gather
Shannon Hardiman, left, and Dani Kennedy, of the Muff-ALottas, chat during asummer blood drive by the Rolling Elvi and the Sassyracs at Tipitina’s.
Regina Lawson, right, and Tara Nichols, of the Mystic Vixens, check thetime beforetheir performanceatthe blood drive.
STAFFPHOTOSBYSCOTT THRELKELD
The Muff-A-Lottasperformduring the blood drive
Violinist Molly Graham performs during the blood drive.
PROVIDED PHOTO
Holocaust survivor Saul Drieir,99, plays the drumsat ‘Survival ThroughSong.’
Holocaustsurvivorinspires ‘SurvivalThrough Song’ gatheringinMetairie
Staff report
Chabad of Louisiana and Chabad Jewish Centerof Metairie hosted agathering Aug. 14 at the Jefferson Performing Arts Center,a historic and uplifting evening with 99-year-old Holocaust survivor Saul Dreier.
“Survival Through Song” was apowerful tribute to the human spirit’scapacity for resilience and joy.Opening remarks were issued by Rabbi Mendel Rivkin, and a short prayer was recited by STAstudents Heshel Ceitlin and Eliyahu Rivkin.Robert French, CEO of the Jewish FederationofGreater New Orleans, and Sam Fradella
of Metairie Bank greeted the gathering.
Rabbi Yossie Nemes interviewed Dreier,who shared hisstory of survival and hope, interspersed with lively klezmer music.The audiencewas deeplymoved by his experiences,inspired by hismessageoftriumph over adversity,and amazed by his wit, humor and energy,which defied his 99 years.
Theeventwas madepossible throughthe support of sponsors including the Lee and JeffreyFeilFoundation/Lakeside Shopping Center,Metairie Bankand other local businesses and community members.
FAITH
ST.PIUS XBLOOD DRIVE:
Sept. 15, 8a.m. to 1:30 p.m., in the St. Pius Gym, 6666 Spanish Fort Blvd., NewOrleans. All donors will receive
amini healthexam, including blood pressure,ironand cholesterol screening. Preregister at thebloodeenter. org. Walk-ins welcome.
Southern Jewish experience focus of Sept.4talkbymuseumdirector
Kenneth Hoffman, executivedirector of theMuseum of the Southern Jewish Experience, will discuss Jewish genealogy and other related topics at 7p.m. Sept.4atthe East Bank Regional Library,4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie.
Chris Smith LIBRARY LAGNIAPPE
Hoffman asks: “What do an immigrant’s trunk from Galveston,atwo-dollar bill, and a prosthetic leg have in common?They can tell us alot about the Southern Jewish experience, which in turn can tell us alot about America.” That’sthe premisefor his talk, “The Southern Jewish Experience in Ten Artifacts,” through 10 untold tales of the Southern Jewish Experience. Hoffman was born in Houston and raised in Baton Rouge. He earned bachelor’sand master’s degrees in history from Tulane University.Hehas worked as agrant writer for the New OrleansMuseum of Art and as thecurator of education at the Louisiana State Museum. From 200406, he served as president of the Louisiana Association of Museums, leading theassociation through the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. In 2017, he completed an 18year tenure as director of education at The National WWII Museum.
at the West BankRegional Library,4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie. Gordon says thefield of African-American genealogy is wrought with challenges. “Beyond the emotional difficulty of the subject matter —dealing with records which describe the captivity and subjugation of human beings —AfricanAmerican genealogical research is also difficult because of ascarcity of records,” she said. “Add to this thewidespread record destruction in theSouthern United States in general, and tracing African ancestorscan be aformidable task. This is where DNA testingcomes in.”
FINANCIAL LITERACY: Sheila Cao, apersonal finances consultant based in New Orleans, will give aseries of presentations on financial management at 7p.m. all four Tuesdays in September at the Edith Lawson Westwego Library,635 FourthAve.,Westwego.
n Sept. 3: Financial foundation, including cash flow, debt management and universal life
n Sept. 10: How money works, including education funds
n Sept. 17: Wealth formula, including the Rule of 72 and emergency funds
n Sept. 24: Income protection, including the DIME method and tax-free retirementincome.
Cao is alicensed financial consultant. She has been a business owner formore than 15 years.
WAGNER LIBRARYRENO: The Wagner Library closed on Aug. 12, forabout 10 weeks to accommodate renovations. Wagner patrons should visit other libraries, mostlikely the East Bank Regional Library,4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie, and the North Kenner Library,630 W. Esplanade, Kenner
Avisitor looksat exhibits at the Museum of the SouthernJewish Experience in New Orleans. The museum’s executivedirector, Kenneth Hoffman, will talkabout Jewish immigrants to the South on Sept. 4at the MetairieLibrary.
STAFFPHOTO BY MAX BECHERER
will be integrated with the existing building.
‘A HARD DAY’S NIGHT’: Bruce Spizer,alocal attorney and an internationally recognized expert on The Beatles, will discuss his latest book, “The Beatles A Hard Day’s Night &More,” at 7p.m. Aug. 31 at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie.
WWII PLANES: Jack Gross, an expert on World WarII aircraft, will explode common myths about the era’s planes and related air war topics at 7p.m. Sept. 5at the East Bank Regional Library,4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie.
AFRICAN AMERICAN GENEALOGY: Genealogist Ja’el Gordon will give apresentation on DNA testing for African Americans at 7p.m.Aug. 28
Cao says her workshops will focus on the basic financial managementan individual or afamily performs to budget,save, and spend monetaryresources over time, taking into account various financial risks and future life events. The times, dates and descriptions are below
Learnfinancial management in fall series at thelibrary
BY JANE LEGROS Contributing writer
This fall, the New OrleansPublic Library is hosting afinancialliteracy series at NormanMayer Library, in partnership withHope Credit Unionand the Junior Achievement of Greater NewOrleans.
“CanWe Talk About Money” is asix-week course for teens and adults outlining stepsyou can take towardfinancial freedom,security andwell-being The workshop series is taught by Phoebe Brown, an educator who specializesinsoundfinancial management. The workshops start on Sept. 4and will be held everyWednesday throughNov.13. Classesare from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Space is limited to 20 people, visit nolalibrary.co/ money to register for one or more of the workshops:
n Sept. 4: Earning,employment, andincome
Learn that healthy personal finances require planning and managing.
n Sept. 18: Budgeting
Investigate the importance of budgeting andplan for staying within abudget
n Oct. 2: Savings Analyze the role that saving plays in your personal finances. Explore how havinga healthysavings plan is necessary in all phases of life, but is especially critical for big-ticket itemsand emergencies.
n Oct. 16: Credit and debt
Analyze the importance of good credit andthe outcomes of wise and poor credit use.
n Oct. 20: Consumer protection
Explore consumer protection basics, including financial literacy,avoiding scams, managing your money,using credit andloanscarefully,and protecting your personal information.
n Nov.11: Investing
Explore thedifference between saving and investing, the advantages of and potential returns from investing, and common types of investment products. Learn about various types of investment risks, and self-assess your personal investmentrisk tolerance. Space is limited and registration is recommended. Walk-ins are welcomeasspace allows. Visit nolalibrary.co/money to sign up.
Back to school with homework help
It’s back-to-school time,and the libraryhas everything studentsneed to succeed this year
HomeworkLouisiana is acomprehensive educational tooloffering one-on-one, online tutoring in all subjects, for Kthrough college level, by real instructors and educators. With tons of great testprepguides and even resumeand coverletterhelp, HomeworkLouisiana is awonderful e-resourcefor all ages,including post-grad job seekers.
For early learners, ABC Mouse is afantastic resourcethat’s available for free to Librarycardholders. Designed for ages 2-8, ABC Mouse has tons of fun and educational games featuring curricula perfect for pre-K through early elementaryschool students.
This year,some schools areencouraging families to purchase subscriptions to ABC Mouse,but if you havea library card,you can unlock unlimited access to the platform at no cost.All youhavetodoisvisit eresources.nolalibrary.organd click on ABC Mouse to get connected withthe library’sfreeportalorstopby any Librarylocation for help.
Visit nolalibrary.org/student-sucessfor more tips on using your New Orleans Public Librarycardto unlock dozens of online learning resources.
Jane LeGros is thedirector of marketing and communications forthe Orleans Parish Library
Renovations will include: Adding a1,100-square-foot meeting room;updating the library’sinteriors; installing new flooring; creating four study rooms; adding energy-efficient windows and insulation; upgrading lighting, doors and fixtures; painting the entire space; enhancing the HVAC, electrical, sprinkler and plumbing systems; and additional parking. The new additions
GENTLE YOGA: “Yoga by the Books” is offered every Wednesday and Thursday from noon to 2p.m. by registered yoga teacher Peter Spera, whohas 20 years of experience in yoga. Bring ayoga mat and wear comfortable clothes. Zen meditation is offered from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. every Saturday.Patrons should bring matsfor this event as well. All Jefferson Parish Libraries will be closed on Monday,Sept. 2inrecognition of Labor Day.
ChrisSmith is manager of adultprogramming at the Jefferson Parish Public Library
The Augustwinners of the Westbank ArtGuild Artist of the Month competition, from left: first placeGlinda Schafer,‘My Sunset’; second place, Wayne Himel, ‘Parrot’; and third place, PeggyDeleryPospisil, ‘Orange/yellowHibiscus.’
The Algiers Lions Club recently inducted officers. Theyare, from left, Richard Zorthian, tail twister; Joyce Schmitt, secretary; Jay Schmitt, membership; Buddy Lilly,Lion tamer;Charlotte Dean, vice president; Jerry Underwood, president; and Louise Punch, treasurer
KATRINA COMMEMORATIONS
COMMEMORATIVE CEREMO-
NY: St. BernardParish Council will hold the 19th annual ceremonyAug. 29, 9:30 a.m., at the Shell Beach Katrina Memorial, 1320 Yscloskey Highway in St. Bernard. The program will include the reading of the names of the St. BernardParish residents who perished followedbyplacing awreath in the Mississippi River Gulf Outlet by surviving family members. SBPG.net.
MARCH AND SECOND-LINE: The event marking 19 years since Hurricane Katrina will takeplace Aug. 31, 10 a.m. to 3p.m., at 2103 Jourdan Ave. in NewOrleans. The program will start in the Lower9th Ward with ahealing ceremonyand areading of the names of those who died, followedbythe march through the streets until abrass band joinsatthe halfwaypoint to lead to Hunter’s Field for arally with speakers and performers. think100climate com.
COMMUNITY
BABY SHOWER CELEBRATION: TrainingGrounds, Changing Generations, DePaul Community Health Centers, Labor and Love and NOLA Baby Café arecollaborating to celebrate Black Breastfeeding Week with an event for expecting and breastfeeding families Aug. 31, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., in the cafeteria of the Corpus Christi Community Room,2022St. BernardAve.inNew Orleans. Includes ahost of community partners, health screenings and more. RSVP required: https://bit.ly/BlackBreastfeedingWeekBabyShower.
MERMAID PARADE: KreweDu Fool hosts its parade along the river front from St. Philip to the Audubon Aquarium, 1 Canal St. in New Orleans, on Aug. 31 at 6:30 p.m. Mermaids, mermen, sea creatures, fish pirates and sailors areinvited to participate. Fees are$25, with proceeds benefiting the Audubon Institute educationdepartment (504) 444-3604.
TATTOO ARTS FESTIVAL: The three-day“all-things-tattoo” to do is Sept. 6-8 at Hall Jof the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, 900 Convention Center Blvd Included areseminars, contests, entertainment and aslate of featured artists and special guests, including actors and contestants from tattoo competition reality shows.The showruns 2p.m.11 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturdayand 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday. Tickets start at $20. villainarts.com.
‘THRILLER’ HALLOWEEN
WORKSHOP: Register now for the workshopthat will culminate in aflash mob performance on Halloween Day. Classes run Sept. 7-Oct. 26, 2-3:30 p.m.,atthe Anne Burr Dance Studio, 1128 Dublin St in New Orleans. $80 for the session or $10 per class. $10 discount for those who sign up by Sept. 5. kyntbryan@hotmail.com or (504) 453-6991
TICKLED PINKTOBREAST-
FEED: DePaul Community Health Centerswill host a reception dedicated to supporting breastfeeding mothers on Aug. 29, 5:30-7:30 p.m., at Salon22, 2407 Bienville St in New Orleans. The gathering is designed for expecting women, current nursing mothers and those planning to breastfeed. Therewill be educational materials on local breastfeeding support
Charles Ave. in New Orleans. nolalibrary.org
“THATLIBRARIAN:THE FIGHT AGAINST BOOK BANNING IN AMERICA”: Award-winning Louisiana librarian Amanda Jones will be in conversation about her memoir with Katie Schwartzmann of the Tulane LawClinic on Sept. 6, 6p.m., at Garden District Bookshop, 2727 Prytania St. in New Orleans. gardendistrictbookshop.com.
“THE COTTAGEWITCH OF VENICE”: Author Ashley Cecilia Meyer will be in conversation with Corey Dupree to discuss Sept. 7, 4-6 p.m., at Baldwin &Co., 1030 Elysian Fields Ave. in New Orleans. The talk will be followedbya book signing and photo opp. Reservations areavailable through Eventbrite. baldwinandcobooks.com
liveauctions. Ticket prices start at $150. lepetittheatre. com.
COOKING FORACAUSE: The New Orleans Culinary & Hospitality Institute will host the event on Sept. 18, 5:308:30 p.m at 725 Howard Ave. in New Orleans. The event will include livemusic, libations and cuisine prepared by NOCHI alumni chefs and special guest chefs. nochicfac.org.
services and more. RSVP is required. www.depaulcommunityhealthcenters.org.
MOVIES
“FIELD OF DREAMS”: The SaturdayMovie Matineeis the baseball fantasyset in an Iowa cornfield.Itwill be shownatthe NorthKenner Library, 630W.Esplanade Ave. in Kenner, on Aug. 31, 1-3 p.m. jplibrary.net.
“THE COLOR PURPLE”: The 2023 musical basedonAlice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novelwill be shownAug. 31, 2-4:30 p.m., at Rosedale Library,4036 Jefferson Highway in Jefferson.jplibrary.net
“HEAVYWEIGHTS”: Themovie about asummer retreat whereoverweightboysrebel against atyrannical fitness guru will be shownAug. 31, 2-4 p.m., at Live Oak Library 125 Acadia DriveinWaggaman. jplibrary.net
CULTURE& CONCERTS
LA GRANDE RENTREE: L’Union Française will hostits fall semester kickoff withLes Femmes Farouches, anew female group that embraces Louisiana’s Cajunmusical traditions, Aug.31, 4-6 p.m., at L’Union Française,4522 Prytania St. in New Orleans. In addition tomusic,the free program will includebeverages andsnacksand class registration. lunionfrancaise. org.
THURSDAYSATTWILIGHT: The concert series featuring musicians, mint julepsand more continuesonThursdays, 6-8 p.m., through September at the Pavilion of the Two Sisters at the New Orleans Botanical Garden,1Victory Ave. in New Orleans. Sept.5 is Walrus &ElectricYat Quartet. Sept. 12 is Pardon My French Sept. 19 is John Boutté. Sept. 26 is TheYat Pack. Admission is $15 per person per concert. Beer, cocktails, soft drinks, water, wine androtating menu items areavailable for purchase. No outsidefood, drink or pets areallowed. NewOrleansCityPark.org.
LPO GOESTOHOLLYWOOD: The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestraperforms iconic melodiesfromblockbuster films such as Star Wars,” “Fiddler on the Roof,” “The WizardofOz,” E.T.,” “Rocky” and the 007 theme on Sept. 14, 7p.m., at the Dr. Rodney R. Lafon PerformingArts Center, 275 Judge Edward Dufresne Parkway in Luling. Ticketsare $45. lafonartscenter.org.
BOOKS
“SUNDERWORLD,VOL. I: THE EXTRAORDINARYDISAPPOINTMENTS OF LEOPOLD BERRY”: Author Ransom Riggs will beinconversa-
SCHOOL NOTES
INSPIRENOLA CHARTER
SCHOOLS: InspireNOLA and Rock of Ages Baptist Church will host their kickoff event of NOLALove Celebration of Inspiration, Love,and Advocacy on Sept. 6, 10 a.m., at Xavier University of Louisiana Convocation Center, 7900 Stroelitz St. Bishop T.D. Jakes will participate in afireside chat with Pastor Jonathan Everett of Rock of Ages Baptist Church, along with other speakers, performances and panel discussions, bringing the youth and community together through ashared commitment to education.
tion 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. octaviabooks.com.
“THE BEATLES AHARD DAY’S NIGHT &MORE”: Author Bruce Spizer will discuss his book, which covers the Beatles’ first film and its related soundtrack albums, on Aug. 29, 7-8:30 p.m., at the East Bank Regional Library 4747 W. Napoleon Ave. in Metairie. The book also contains chapters on the news, music and films of the era. jplibrary net.
“SHERLOCK HOLMES AND THE TELEGRAM FROM HELL”:
Author Nicholas Meyer will be in conversation with Christopher Tidmore about his newest book on Sept. 3, 6p.m., at Garden District Bookshop, 2727 Prytania St. in New Orleans. gardendistrictbookshop.com.
CENTRAL CITY BOOK SALON:
The September book for discussion is “Sleepwalk” by Dan Chaon, and the group will meet Sept. 3, 5:30-6:30 p.m., at the Central City Library,2020 Jackson Ave. in New Orleans. New members arewelcome. nolalibrary org.
”FOREIGN SEED”: Author Allison Alsup will discuss her debut novelonSept. 5, 5:306:30 p.m., at Milton H. Latter Memorial Library,5120 St.
“THE HEBRIDEAN BAKER AT HOME”: Author and baker Coinneach MacLeod will sharestories about his recipes and travels beforepersonalizing copies of his most recent cookbook on Sept. 9, 6p.m., at Garden District Bookshop, 2727 Prytania St. in New Orleans. RSVPtoensure entry and reserveacopyof the book via Eventbrite. gardendistrictbookshop.com.
FUNDRAISERS/GALAS
ALLIES AGAINST CANCER: The American Cancer Society’s fundraiser will be held Aug 29, 6:30-10 p.m., at Generations Hall, 310 Andrew Higgins Blvd. in New Orleans. The event includes an open bar/mocktails, local cuisine, silent auction, recognition of Allies Ambassadors, free lung cancer screenings on-site and other information about local support services and research grants funded by the ACA. Tickets start at $75. secure.acsevents.org/site/ STR?pg=entry&fr_id=109346.
CURTAIN CALL BALL: Le Petit ThéâtreDuVieux Carré kicks off its 108th season with the annual fundraiser on Sept. 6, 6:30 p.m., at Le Petit Theatre and Tableau restaurant, 616 St. Peter St. in New Orleans. The event will begin with cocktails and cuisine and includes liveperformances of Broadway tunes, silent and
PLAYSOIREE: Louisiana Children’s Museum will host its 26th annual gala, formerly known as Chairish the Children, on Sept. 21, 8p.m., at the museum, 15 Henry Thomas DriveinNew Orleans. The event, whose 2024 theme is “Goodnight Moon on the Lagoon,” will include livemusic, local cuisine and feature an awardceremonyhonoring Anne and King Milling and Tracy and Calvin Mackie with the Great Friend to Kids Award. Apatron party will be held 7-8 p.m. Tickets start at $50. lcm.org.
MEETINGS
LEARNING BEFORE LUNCH: CathyAnderson, aharpist working with the Music for Healing and Transition Program through the Louisiana Department of Health Medicaid and MedicareServices, will present “The Science and Research Behind Therapeutic Music” on Sept. 12 at UNO’s Homer L. Hitt Alumni Center, 2000 LakeshoreDriveinNew Orleans. Programs begin at 9:30 a.m. with coffee and pastry.The presentation begins at 10 a.m. Annual membership is $25 per person, $30 per couple/double or a$5donation for an event. learningbeforelunch.com.
CLASSES CONCEALED CARRYCLASS: twogun safety and selfdefense workshops will be held Aug. 29 at the University of Holy Cross Moreau Center, 4123 Woodland Drive in New Orleans. Times are 3:30-5:30 p.m. or 6-8 p.m. Each session is open to anyone 18 years and older who wishes to learn about the new lawon carrying afirearm in public and howitimpacts their
rights and responsibilities.
Registration is required. (555) 123-4567 www.pierrebasicguns.com.
AARP SMARTDRIVER CLASS: The four-hour class will be presented Sept. 4, 5-9 p.m., at the Ochsner/Elmwood Fitness Center in the Elmwood Shopping Center, 1200 S. Clearview Parkway in Harahan. Open to anyone 50 and older. Completion mayqualify participants for adiscount from their car insurance. Preregistration required.
VIETNAMESE TET TRUNG THU MOONCAKE WORKSHOP FOR KIDS: Children ages 6-12 and their families can learn from Chef Bích Trâm Tuòng to makemooncakes on Sept. 14, 11 a.m.-noon, at the Algiers Regional Library,3014 Holiday DriveinNew Orleans. Learn moreabout TetTrung Thu traditions and receiveaTet lantern to keep. Registration required. nolalibrary.org.
DOWNSIZING AND DECLUTTERING: The program in partnership with AARP will be held Sept. 18, 11 a.m.-noon, at the Algiers Regional Library, 3014 HolidayDriveinNew Orleans. Learn to declutter and organize, practical tips on organizing and decluttering and better organization could positively impact daily life. nolalibrary.org.
SPORTS YOUTH GOLF: Registration is open for fall youth golf, to be held on Thursdayafternoons at Cypress Lakes in Ormond, 10 VillereDriveinDestrehan, 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
ST.MARY’SDOMINICAN HIGH SCHOOL: The Dominican Deb Minicamp will be held Sept 14, 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m., at the school, 7701 WalmsleyAve in NewOrleans. GirlsinK-7 areinvited. Attendeeswill be grouped by gradelevel. The camp will bemonitored by adult chaperones and instructedbymembers of the stateand national awardwinning Dominican Debs. Online registration feeis$50 by 5p.m. Sept. 9. Walk-upregistrationfee is $60. stmarysdominican.org.
ARCHBISHOP CHAPELLE HIGH SCHOOL: Chapelle’s annual craft fair will beheld Sept. 28, 9a.m.-4 p.m., on in thegym oncampus at 8800 Veterans Memorial Blvd. in Metairie The event will feature more than 250 vendors. Thefair is free and open tothe public. www chapellecraftfair.com.
COLLEGES
DELGADO COMMUNITY
COLLEGE: Tickets areon sale for the Building Futures Luncheon, hosted by the DelgadoCommunity College Foundation, on Sept. 9, 11:30a.m.-1:30 p.m., at Galerie de Galatoire, 211 RoyalSt. in the French Quarter. Proceeds arebenefit the academic programs in allied health, constructionmanagement culinary arts, motor vehicle technology and nursing at Delgado. Tickets start at $125. www.dcc.edu. TULANE UNIVERSITY: Tulane’s School of Professional Advancement will hold afree boot camp toboost knowledgeofArtificial Intelligence Aug. 26-Dec. 6, featuringa flexible schedule with selfpaced learning and faculty/ instructor meetings four times throughoutthe course. sopa.tulane.edu
