Willing andable
Metairie teen crowned as firstMissTeen Wheelchair USA
BY KIMBERLEY SINGLETARY
Contributing writer
Even though it’sway outside of Carnival season,thissummer New Orleans officially gainedanew royal.
In front of acrowd of more than 20,000 live and multimedia-streamed viewers,Metairieresident Emmy Rabalais was crowned the first Miss Teen Wheelchair USA following afull weekof pageant activity in northeast Ohio.
“I made history,and Iwanted to do it because Iwanted to show people a chair doesn’t have to slow you down,” said Emmy.“That night Iwas so shocked. I couldn’teven talk Iwas so happy.”
Ab ubb ly 17-year-old, Emmy was born premature with an infection that threatened both her and her mother’slives and left her with abrain injury called periventricular leukomalacia. She also has cerebral palsy Her challenges, however,havenot slowed her one bit.
Emmy has multiplepassions. She is fluent in French. She loves geography (including sharing factsabout the flags, foodand cultureofany country), loves researchingmedical topics and procedures,and has what she describes as “more of an obsession than apassion” for acertain disco-era heartthrob since watching the movie “Grease” two years ago.
“I actually got to meet John Travolta last year and it was just the best thing ever,” she said. “I admire him so much, not only as an actor,but asa father.He’shad quite afew losses in
ä See TEEN, page 2G
SEND IN THE CLOWNS
Clowns from the AncientEgyptian Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine Imperial recently danced from theRonald McDonald House Charities of SouthLouisianabuilding and into Children’s Hospital New Orleans, wherethey broughta bit of happiness to young patients.
dances around an excited patient at Children’sHospital.
Staff report
STEM NOLA founder Calvin Mackie, Ph.D., has been named awinner of the AARP Purpose Prize award, which recognizes extraordinary nonprofit founders age50orolder who areusing their knowledge and life experience to make adifference. Each of thesevenPurposePrize winners is awarded $50,000 for their organization. Honorees will also receive ayear of technical support to help broaden the scope of their organizations’ work.
STEM NOLA, founded by New Orleans native and former Tulane University engineering professor Mackie and his wife, Tracy,works to expose, engage and inspire future innovators, creators, makers and entrepreneurs through STEM-based activities andtoopportunities in thefields of science, technology,engineering and math. Since 2013, STEM NOLA |STEM Global Action has engaged over 160,000 participants in grades K-12. Recipients and their organizations will be honored during an in-personcelebration in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 1.
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Emmy Rabalais, Miss Teen Wheelchair USA
Apopcorn-loving clown
STAFF PHOTOSBYCHRIS GRANGER
JustyceWilson, right, hugsher daughter,Zahinnia Hampson, 10, as theydanceamong the clowns.
Patient Charlee Henry, 5, looks up at the AEAONMS Imperial clowns as theydance with her
Abevyofclowns
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Be extra-aware of howyour older pet is behaving. Watch for changesineating,energylevel and pottyhabits.
Acertain age
Elderlypets’
needscan grow
Idraw alot of the inspiration for this column through my own experiences With 14-year-old and 17-year-old dogs, senior pet care is top of mind for me and the life Ilive daily Just last week, we had amorning trip for Romeo to get his allergy shot and then an unplanned evening trip the same day to the emergency vet withStewie for blood in his urine. Now that they are up in age, Iamvigilant and hyper-aware of how both of my dogs are acting. Are they eating? Are they having normal bathroom behaviors? Do they seem sluggish? Both aregoing blind and deaf, both wear diapers most of the time and both are giving me lots of content to write about Imay not have even noticed the blood in Stewie’s urine if not for the diapers. Thankfully,itseems just to be an infection, and he is doing much better now that he has antibiotics and pain meds. He is about 17 years old this month, and this is my first go-round with adog this old. Overall, he is pretty healthy for adog hisage. I adopted him from ARNO 15 years ago. Iamthankful for every day Ihave with Stewie, but Iamalso mindful to make sure he is still living his best life every day We no longer take him on long walks; it is too much forhim. Instead, we make sure to give him time to lounge outside and roll in the grass, as he loves to be outdoors. He also wears an air tag, in addition to a collar with tags and being microchipped, since he is still quite spry,can run fast when he wants to and has been known to take an unattended neighborhood stroll. The problem now is, he can no longer hear when Icall him to come back. Romeo stillloves his walks if the ground is dry and the walk is not too far He hates being outside in general, likely becausehe is allergic to the world, butwe cater to each of their needs to ensure both dogs get to
his life, but he stays so strong for (his children) Ella and Ben.”
Emmy is also an incredible fundraiser; last year she raised morethan $16,000 for GiveKids the World Village in Kissimmee, Florida.
“It’s an 89-acre resort where children withcritical illnesses and their families can stay for aweek for free,” explainedEmmy’smother,Nikki. “We stayed in January 2020 and Emmy loved it so muchshe became an ambassador.She’s been backmorethan 10 times giving speeches.”
Standout speaking skills
Emmy’sincredible speaking talents were one of the things that wowed the judges of Miss Teen Wheelchair USA
“Emmy was so eloquent, so professional and prepared,” noted Dr.LoweryLockard,who foundedwhatwould becomeMs. Wheelchair USA in 1997.
Traci Howerton ANIMAL RESCUE
spendtime doing whatthey enjoy Ihave also been grooming thedogsmyselffor awhile now,since going tothe groomer hasbecometoo stressful for Stewie. There are many other thingsIwould rather bedoingfor five hoursonmy weekend,but Ihave to do what is best for Stewie. Ithink I am gettingbetter at it each time. No one is winningabeauty contest, buthygiene needs are being met.
My point is, as our pets age, we need to pay extra attention to the little things. We no longer travel without our pets because Iamnot confident someone other than myself wouldnotice if oneofthem was not acting right. Senior petsare a lot like babies in that way. Just as they need extra care when they are puppies, they needthatsamelevel of attentiveness andcare in their golden years, too. Maybe evenmore so.
Events
Sept.12: From 4p.m.to 8p.m Yappy Hourfor Animal RescueNew Orleans takes place at theRusty Nail, 1100 Constance St., New Orleans. TheRusty Nail will donate 20% of bar sales. Therewill be adoptabledogson-site andinfo on volunteering and fostering. For more info, adopt@ animalrescueneworleans.
org
Race registration: Discount registration is open forthe NOLADogs Race tothe Rescue 5K Run/Walk on Oct. 13. Runthrough Lake Lawn Metairie Cemetery in New Orleans andraise money foranimal rescue organizationsincludingAnimal Rescue New Orleans, Take Paws, Trampled Rose Rescue, Zeus’ Rescues and The Inner Pup— Education andPrevention Services. Learn more andregister at nolagirl.org/events
Traci D. Howerton is the volunteer manager for Animal Rescue New Orleans (ARNO), anonprofit, volunteerbased, no-kill shelter For more information on ARNO,visit www animalrescueneworleans. org.
Magic is aPlott hound,about 11/2 yearsold. He has mastered impeccable pup-manners, as he’sboth housebroken and kennel trained. He also gets along with otherdogs and children. He’dmake amarvelous companion. Formore info, email adopt@ animalrescue neworleans.org.
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“Our older contestants should be grateful they didn’thave to compete against her.”
Aformer Miss America competitor, Lockard said sheformed the organization to share the benefitsofpageants with womenwho don’tfitthe typical mold of acompetitor.According to the program’swebsite, while there are more than4,600 pageant competitions in the world, only two are focused on women who have adisability that impairs their mobility
“I was able to go to college because of the Miss USA program,” she said.
“I was able to have so many amazing experiences, including singing on a USO tour all over the world because of that program. Iknow theeffect pageantscan have. So, when Istarted theMiss Wheelchair Ohio program, I wanted to make sure we treated our competitors the same way. It had to be abeautiful production.”
The pageant quickly gained popularity, enough to warranttransformingitintoa nationalcompetition by 2008. Five years ago, talk began about adding ateen competition.
“Oneofthe bestparts has always been seeing how theladies —who range in agefrom18to75years old —have connected with each other and mentored each other,” she said. “I thought that by adding ateen element, young women could connect withoth-
HAYNES ACADEMY: Hudson Mobley,ofMetairie, asenior at Haynes, has been selected as avolunteer Youth Heart Ambassador. Hudson saved apatron’s life by performing CPR until EMS arrivedathis job at Chateau Golf& Country Club in October 2023. He had learned CPR at school through one the American Heart Association’sCPR in Schoolsprogram and through his lifeguardtraining.Mobley will work closely withthe association’s inschool programs, Kids Heart Challengeand American Heart Challenge, to inspire peers to adopt healthy habits.
JEFFERSON PARISH SCHOOLS: Applications arebeing accepted through Sept. 13 for members on theJefferson Parish SchoolsSuperintendent’ssix councils involving parents, students, teachers, principals, special education advocates and English Language Learners advocates. www.jpschools.org.
NOCCA: Middle and high school students interested in taking classes at New Orleans Center for Creative Arts after school have until Sept. 13 to apply for the Experience NOCCAworkshop sessions. The sessions takeplace twodaysaweek in variousarts areas, Oct. 21-Dec. 12, at NOCCA, 2800 Chartres St.inNew Orleans. Students interested in intensiveauditionpreparation can sign up for free audition prep classes and audition information sessions as well.
ers like themselves and also with our Ms. Wheelchair ladies.”
Love from NewOrleans Freshoff her big win, Emmy has already been enjoying her reign.
“She made her first appearance at theNational Veterans Wheelchair Games at the New Orleans Convention Center in July,has been on TV multiple times andhad hername on thesignatTic TocCaféinMetairie,” saidNikki Rabalais. “We’re working on booking moreappearances now.”
In true New Orleans fashion, Emmy also made apublic appearance on Aug. 23 —proclaimed by the City of
SCHOOL NOTES
NewOrleansasEmmy RabalaisDay —inher own second-line downBourbon Street.
“Emmy rode in ahot pink golf cart thatwas alldecorated, and we had a four-piece band, and theNOPD superintendent and about 10 officers all showed up, along with Patch the mini pony,” saidNikki Rabalais. “Wehad umbrellas and fans with Emmy’s picture on them and friends and family flew in to participate, as well as people from the pageant.”
“There was even agiant cutout of John Travolta,” noted Emmy,who added, “I really loved thepink golf cart. It looked like Barbie.”
PROVIDED PHOTO
Hudson Mobley, second from right, will serve as an American HeartAssociation Youth HeartAmbassador for 2024-2025. Pictured withhim are, fromleft, Melissa Mitchell of the American HeartAssociation, AngieMobley and Kevin Mobley.
Nocca.com.
ST.BERNARD PARISH SCHOOLS: St.BernardParish schools have earned Cognia Systems Accreditation. Cognia recognizes schools and districts across the globe that meet rigorous standards focused on productivelearn-
ing environments, equitable resource allocation, and effective leadership. Doris Voitierissuperintendentof thesystem NOMMA: NewOrleans Militaryand Maritime Academy, theType2charter school withacollege-preparatory
COLLEGES
www.Nunez.edu
LOYOLA UNIVERSITY: Apply nowfor Professional Tour
Guiding 1: History of New Orleans, acourse for those interested in taking the New Orleans Tour Guide Permit exam or just wanting to learn moreabout the city.Those who complete thecourse will receive4.0 Continuing EducationUnits (CEUs). The courseruns Sept.10through Dec. 3onTuesdays,6-9 p.m., at Loyola’s Uptown campus,
6363 St.Charles Ave. in New Orleans. Tuitionis$450. pacs. loyno.edu
NUNEZ COMMUNITY COLLEGE: Registration is open for theNunez minisession B that starts Oct. 15 and runs through Dec. 11. More than 20 courses will be offered online and morethan 40 courses will be offered overall. Additional courses may be added beforethe start of theMini-Session Bterm.
curriculum and 100% student body participation in JROTC, has seats unfilled. Parents of students interested in attending NOMMA, located in Algiers’ Federal City, can apply before Sept. 13 regardless of where they livein themetroarea. mmoore@ nomma.net(504) 227-3810. ST.MARY’SDOMINICAN: Dominican will hostWednesdays on Walmsleyfor sixthand seventh-grade students and theirparents to spend theday at school. The dates areSept. 18, Oct. 2and Nov. 6. www.stmarysdominican. org.
ST.MARY’SDOMINICAN: The Dominican Deb Minicamp will be held Sept. 14, 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m., at the school, 7701 WalmsleyAve in NewOrleans. Girls in K-7 areinvited. Attendees will be grouped by grade level. The camp will be monitored by adult chaperonesand instructed by members of thestate and national award-winning Dominican Debs. Online registration fee is $50 by 5p.m. Sept. 9. Walkup registration fee is $60. stmarysdominican.org. ARCHBISHOP CHAPELLE HIGHSCHOOL: Chapelle’s annual craft fairwill be held Sept. 28, 9a.m.-4 p.m.,
TULANE UNIVERSITY: Tulane’s School of Professional Advancement will hold afree boot camp to boostknowledgeofArtificial Intelligence through Dec. 6, featuring a flexible schedule withselfpaced learning and faculty/ instructor meetings four timesthroughout thecourse. sopa.tulane.edu
LOYOLA UNIVERSITY: Applications arebeing accepted for History of NewOrleans Voodoo, acoursethat gives afoundational understanding and challenges common perceptions about voodoo. This course is for newand seasonedtour guides, as well as anyone interested in thetopic. Classruns Sept. 26-Nov.21onThursdays 6-8 p.m., at Loyola’sUptown campus, 6363 St. CharlesAve in NewOrleans. Tuition is $275. pacs.loyno.edu
PETOF THEWEEK
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Emmy Rabalais DayinNew Orleans included asecond and lunchat Galatoire’s.
East meetsWest East meetsWest
They called it the Senior Roundup. The party at Joe Brown Park in New Orleans East had aWestern theme and was help recently as partof National Seniors Day
By LeighVila| lvila@theadvocate.com
This articleisbrought to youbyCornerstone Chemical Company, LLC.
Though many corporationsacknowledge the importanceofmentaland physical health,finding ways to inspireproactive self-carerequires creative solutionsand unwaveringcommitment. CornerstoneChemical Company,LLChastaken theleadinsupporting itsworkforce througha comprehensivewellness programandinitiatives designed to boosthealthand incentivizeself-care
CornerstoneEnergyParkthrives on people power andemploys ateamofmorethan400 individuals, each with auniquestory,traininghistory andexperience.The site focusesonsustainabilityand pursues projects that make theirprocesses cleaner, greener, andmoreefficient. Theconcept of sustainabilityisalsoembedded within Cornerstone’sapproachtoemployeewellness andlong-termhealth. Investment in thepeoplewho make innovation andsuccesspossibleisapriority sincethe companyconsiders theiremployees to be theirgreatestasset.The CornerstoneWellness Programfocuses first on awarenessand prevention andsecondoneducation andbehaviorchangetohelp employeesachieve theirhealthgoals
“Webelieve that employeeswho feel good andtake care of themselves contribute to ahappier,healthier andmoreproductiveworkplace,” said NatalieNaquin, Occupational Health NurseatCornerstone Naquin hasover25years of occupational health experienceinbothhospitaland industrial settings andhas beenwithCornerstone in Waggaman since2006. Sheworks as both aregisterednurse andwellnesscoordinator at CornerstoneEnergy Park andhas served as amemberofCornerstone’s United WayCommittee benefitting United Wayof SoutheastLouisiana andUnitedWay of St.Charles Parish since2012. Duringher time at Cornerstone, Naquin hascollaborated with Cornerstone’sWellbodyCommittee on developing onsite wellness programs emphasizing chronicdisease prevention.Additions like theWellworksWellnessPortal,exercisechallenges,lunchtime nutritionseminars, andscreeningshave allbeenpart of making wellness afeasibleand rewarding goal Employeesare encouraged to participateinthe programthrough theWellworks Wellness Portal whichawardspointsbased on voluntaryparticipation activitiesdesignedtoimproveoverallhealth,wellness, andfitness. As employees accumulate points over the programyear, they canearnrewards “Employees cansubmitevidence of biometric screenings, physical exams, vision screenings, colonoscopies, flu shots, PSAblood tests, dental checkups, doctor visits,participating in 5K walksorruns, or by contributingtocharitableorganizations such as theUnitedWay,” said Naquin.“Once they earn 100 wellness points,theyare eligible for a$150 gift card Wecurrently have 250 employeesearning points and16ofthose employees have alreadyexceeded 200points!
Cornerstoneaimstomakeiteasyfor employees to complete activities that willearnthempoints. Mobile blooddrivesare hosted onsite,which supports critically needed donationsintheir community. Cornerstonealsocoordinates with OchsnerHealth physicians andlocalorganizations to host onsite wellness presentationsontopicssuchasdiabetes prevention,smoking cessation,healthy cooking demonstrations,stretching, hypertension treatment, andmore. Employee andspousal mammograms are also scheduledthrough apartnership in honorof
breast cancer awareness, in addition to screenings for prostate cancer
“Our employeesare constantly checking thestatus of theirpointsjustliketheyare checking thenumber of stepsreportedontheir Fitbits,”saidNaquin. “We have 10 employees that have alreadyachievedWellworksYearlyWalking Activity by loggingaminimum of 1,500,000 steps, whichisanaverage of 9,244steps takeneachday!”
Cornerstonealsooffersyearlywellnessinsurance premiumdiscounts to employees whoopt to submit arecent biometricscreening.Diagnostics like these canhelpemployees lowerblood pressure andcholesterolwhich,inturn, canhelpthe companynegotiate lowerrates for health insurancefor both thebusiness andemployees Thebenefits of this voluntaryprogram areevident notonlytoemployees’familiesand thecommunities wheretheylive, butalsotothe companyasawhole throughimproved employee satisfaction andperformance, andlower costs. Employeemoraleand job satisfaction areboosted throughsuchdirectaccess to physical andmentalhealthresources
Anotherkey resource availabletoCornerstone employees is afull-service Wellness Center.“Several yearsago,weconverted aformercafeteria into a wellness center with state-of-the-art exercise equipment.Our employeescan utilizethe spacious workout facility,which nevercloses, at no cost,” said Naquin Naquin hasalsofound that friendly competition is akey motivation for employees,especiallyduring theirWeightLossChallenges. “One year,employees collectively lost almost 400poundsduringthe 8-week competition!”she said Cornerstonealsoopened24/7Fresh Market stores onsite whereemployees canfind aconstantvariety of fresh foodslikesalads, sandwiches,fresh fruits, snacks,and hearty heat-and-eat entrees made daily by award-winningchefs “Goodnutrition playsacrucial role in employee productivity,job satisfaction,and performance, and we’veincorporatedthe Fresh Market stores in our overallwellnessstrategyforthatreason,”addedNaquin. Cornerstone’sFresh Marketsgainedpopularity quicklyamong employees. Back in July 2021,Cornerstonewas thenumberone site serviced by themarket vendor andhad purchasedmoresaladsand fresh fruits than anyother market wheretheyoperated. This year,Cornerstone’s wellness programalso provided apresentationabout holistic medicine whereemployees learnedabout avariety of options. In addition,Cornerstone hascollaboratedwithCypress Physical Therapytoprovide ergonomicprograms foremployees like stretching classes, andwiththe LSUAgCentertoprovide nutritioneducation and gardeningand lawn care tips Cornerstoneemployees andtheir families have enjoyedseveral otherwellnessprogram offerings such as free CPRclasses,financialwellnessseminars, walkingclubs,self-defenseclasses taught by the St.Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office,and aDistracted Drivingseminar.The companyalsocollaborateswith theLouisiana OrganProcurement Agency to register employees whowishtobeorgan donors AtCornerstone,thecultureofwellnessthecompany workstoencourage dailyisone of themostimportant ways to foster employee health andthe long-term sustainability andgrowthofthe organization.Naquin takespride in thesuccess Cornerstone’swellness programs have hadand theproactive approach to health inspired in theirworkforce “The waywelive, eat, exercise,react to stress,and engagethehealthcaresystem,aswellasotherbehaviors is somethingwecan controland change,” shesaid. To learnmoreabout Cornerstone, visit: www.cornerstonechemco.com.
Attendees participate in an exercisedemonstrationbefore lunch.
William Bickham sports acowboyhat
Jonetta Bennett holds up a‘wanted’ sign while doingthe video booth during the party
INTERNATIONAL ESSENTIAL
TREMOR FOUNDATION: The group will meet Sept. 17, 6:30 p.m., at theOld Metairie Library,2350 MetairieRoad in Metairie. The meeting topicis an overview of medications used for treatment.Contact Terri Wakefield.neworleanset@gmail.com (504) 298-2140
OCHSNERHEALTH: David A. Schwartz, M.D.,has been named the 2024 winner of the Alton Ochsner Awardfor relating smoking and disease. He wasrecognized forhis research on howgenetic and environmental factors, including smoking, contribute to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. The award, established in 1986, includes a $15,000 honorarium. Schwartz is adistinguished professor of medicine and immunology and director of the Program to Advance Physician Scientists and Translational Research at University of Colorado’s Anschutz School of Medicine.
ADULTEPILEPSY EXPO:
EpilepsyAlliance Louisiana will host the expo, designed to educate thoseliving with epilepsy, as well as their families and caregivers, on Sept. 14 at theLSU Health Sciences Center Human Development Center, 411S Prieur St. in NewOrleans. The event will featureapanel discussion with leadingexperts in epilepsycare, along with presentations, breakfast and lunch. Free;a virtual option is available. Registration is required. www.epilepsyloui-
The Home BuildersAssociation of Greater New Orleansheld its annual cook-off in August,with aportion of the proceeds being donated to the ProfessionalWomen in BuildingFund. Winners were Marchand Creative Kitchens, first place; Dave Millet Insurance, second place; New Orleans Flooring, third place; and M&M Glass Company, People’sChoice. Pictured from left are Dan Mills, CEO,HBAGNO; Jason Verdin, Rhonda Guthrieand Nicole Pommier from Marchand Creative Kitchens; and Kyle Cooper,vice chair, Louisiana Home BuildersAssociation. Home builderscook-off winners announced
FESTIVALS
FRIENDS’ FEST: CityPark Conservancy is hosting amembership-appreciation event on Sept.11, 6-9 p.m., at the Carousel Gardens Amusement Park and StorylandatCity Park, 1Palm DriveinNew Orleans. Friends with an activemembership will enjoyfreeaccess to rides and refreshments. Free, butreservations arerequired. Friendsmust have activeproof of membership. NewOrleansCityPark.org.
WESTBANK HERITAGEFOOD& MUSIC FESTIVAL: Tamar Braxton and ConFunk Shun will headline the festival, to be held Sept.21-22 at the John A. Alario Center, 2000 Segnette Blvd. in Westwego. The event also will featuremainstream andlocal artists, aGospel Explosion andan interactiveKids Zone experience. Hours arenoon to 9p.m. Free; onsite parking $15. www.westbankhertiagefest.com. SALA STREET FEST: Westwego will host the festival Sept. 22, 2-6 p.m.,at 401 Sala Ave. to RiverRoad in Westwego. The event will includelive music, foodtrucks, craft vendors and kids’activities. www.visitwestwego.com/events.
FALL FESTIVAL: In celebration of 20 years of the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden,the New Orleans Museum of Art, One Collins C. Diboll Circle in NewOrleans, will host afreeoutdoor festival for all ages on Sept. 28, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. It will include guided tours of the Besthoff SculptureGarden highlights, art activities, livemusicand more. noma.org.
BLACKAMERICANA FEST: Thefestivalcelebrating themusical legacy and contributions of Black artists making music in theAmericana and Folk genres in New Orleansand the Mississippi River Delta region will be held Sept. 28, 3-10 p.m., at the Broadside, 600 N. BroadSt. in New Orleans. Headlining artists include JoyClark, LilliLewis,Sunpie&the Louisiana Sunspots, DuskyWaters and TeenaMay,and more. Free, but RSVP is requested. blackamericanafest.com.
GATESFEST AFTERDARK: ALL SHUK UP!: Free tickets areavailable for the Congregation Gates of Prayer’s music and arts festival, to be held on Oct. 20, 4-9p.m., at 4000 W. Esplanade Ave. in Metairie. FlowTribe will headline, and the festival’s centerpiece, akumzitz, will feature an Israeli-style singalong and communal song and dance sessions. There willalso be local artists and Jewish/ Israeli food vendors. Gatesfest.org
COMMUNITY
‘THRILLER’ HALLOWEEN WORKSHOP: Register nowfor the workshop that will culminate in aflashmob performance on Halloween day. Classes runSept. 7-Oct. 26, 2-3:30 p.m., at the
ARTS MARKET NEW ORLEANS: The semimonthly finearts and crafts market will be held Sept. 14, 10 a.m.4p.m., on CityPark’s Goldring/ WoldenbergGreat Lawn, 8Victory Ave. in NewOrleans. www.artsneworleans.org.
INTERGENERATIONAL GAME NIGHT: NewOrleans Advocates for LGBTQ Elderswill hostanight of gameson Sept. 17, 6-8 p.m., at theNOLA Pride Center, 2762 Orleans Ave. in New Orleans. Some boardgames will be provided, butparticipants are welcome to bring theirown. www noagenola.org. FREECAR SEAT CHECKS: St. John ParishSheriff’s Officedeputies will conduct free car seat safety checks on Sept. 21, 9a.m.-noon. The fitting station will be held at 1801 W. Airline HighwayinLaPlace. This service allows parentsand caregiversan opportunitytomeet withcertified car seat technicians and verify that theirchildrenare in theright seat for theirheight,weight,and age. stjohnsheriff.org.
NIGHTOUT AGAINST CRIME: TheSt. John Sheriff’s Officeisaccepting registrations for this year’s Night Out Against Crime,tobeheldOct. 1. Residents planning aparty can register theparty location. Officers will visit all partiesthat areregistered. stjohnsheriff.org(985) 359-8804. GET #VOTEREADY: NewOrleans residents can register to vote and gets answers to voting questions on Sept. 17, 12:30-3 p.m., at Robert E. Smith Library,6301 Canal Blvd.; on Sept. 19, 11 a.m.-3 p.m at theAlgiers Regional Library,3014
thelibrary’s ongoing Get#VoteReady series. neworleans.libnet.info. STORMIN’ OF THE SAZERAC: The 75th anniversaryofthe historic eventisSept. 27, 1p.m., in theBlue Room and theSazerac Bar at the RooseveltNew Orleans, 130 RooseveltWay.Featuring aluncheon, fashion show and second line,the eventcelebrates thewomenwho gatheredtostorm thehotel’s bar in 1949, whenwomenwereallowed to be servedonly on Mardi Gras. ChefNina ComptonisSpirit of the Sazerac. Period attireisencouraged. Tickets startat$115. showclix.com/ event/stormin2024. TEA DRAGON SOCIETY TEA PARTY: Childrencan celebrate K. O’Neil’s TeaDragon Society graphic novel serieswithtea, acardgame and dragon-themed activities on Sept. 28, 2-4 p.m in theprogramming space at theCitaDennis Hubbell Library,725 Pelican Ave. in New Orleans. neworleans.libnet.
ä See AROUND, page 9G
STAFF PHOTO BY SCOTT THRELKELD
Riders on the LadyBug rollercoaster squeal with delight at Carousel Gardens Amusement Park at City Park in NewOrleans. CityPark Conservancy is hosting amembership-appreciation event on Sept. 11, 6-9 p.m., at the Carousel Gardens.
Campers, counselorsand volunteers at Camp Catahoula 2024
GRASSROOTS RADIO CONFERENCE:
Supporters of community radio will meet Sept. 26-29 at Gallier Hall, 545 St. Charles Ave. in New Orleans, for workshops, panel discussionsand networking opportunities.Featured speakers include Louisiananative and EmmyAward-winning journalist Monica Pierre. The conference opens Thursdayat4:30 p.m. and runs through Sundayat1 p.m. Tickets start at $100 via Eventbrite ARTS MARKET NEW ORLEANS: The monthly fine arts and craftsmarket willbeheld Sept.28, 10 a.m.-4 p.m , at Marsalis HarmonyPark,8211 S. Claiborne Ave. in New Orleans.
CULTUREAND CONCERTS
THURSDAYSATTWILIGHT: The concert series featuring musicians, mint juleps and morecontinues on Thursdays,6-8 p.m., through September at the Pavilion of the TwoSisters at the New Orleans Botanical Garden, 1VictoryAve.in NewOrleans. Sept. 12 is Pardon My French. Sept. 19 is John Boutté.Sept 26 isThe YatPack. Admission is $15. NewOrleansCityPark.org.
BEAUTIFUL SPACES: EXPLORING
THE HISTORYAND LEGACY OF NEW ORLEANS GARDENS: The program will be Sept. 14, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Historic BK House &Gardens, 1113 ChartresSt. in New Orleans. Speakers will present “New OrleansLandscapes, 1720s-1960s,” “Formal ParterreGardens and Their Creation,” “Yakni Achokma, Okla Achokma: Wild Tending the Southern Mississippi Medicine Wheel Garden”and “Garden Journeys: Exploring the Historyand Design of New Orleans Landscapes.”Registration starts at $50 includes lunch and aclosing reception. bkhouse.org.
LPO GOES TO HOLLYWOOD: The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra performs iconic melodies from blockbuster 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 Performing Arts Center, 275 Judge Edward Dufresne Parkway in Luling. Tickets are$45. lafonartscenter.org.
SALONDEJEANNE D’ARC: Thesalon, presented by the Joan of ArcProject, producers of the annual Joan of ArcParade, will be held Sept. 14 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.,atTulane University,6823 St Charles Ave. in New Orleans. The theme is “Joan of Arc as Motivator &Muse.” The program will include historical presentations, introduction of kreweroyalty speakers, demonstrations andperformances. joanofarcparade.org.
JEFFERSON CHORALE AUDITIONS: The JeffersonChorale, an affiliate of the Jefferson Performing Arts Society,isaccepting applicationsto audition. The chorale is acommuni-
ty choircomprisedofamateurs and professionals underthe direction of Dr. Louise LaBruyère. Rehearsals areThursdayevenings at Good ShepherdChurch,5122 W. Esplanade Ave. in Metairiefrom7:30-9:30 p.m. llabruyere70123@yahoo.com.
SYMPHONIE FANTASTIQUE: The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra’s season opening night will feature Berlioz’s classic, as well as “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice” and other pieces under the direction of Matthew Kraemer. Theconcert will be held Sept. 12, 7:30p.m., at the OrpheumTheater,129 Roosevelt Way in New Orleans.Tickets start at $35. lpomusic.com.
BOOKS
“ARMED WITH GOOD INTENTIONS”: Wallace “Wallo267” Peeples will talk about andsign copies of his book on Sept. 12, 7p.m., at Baldwin &Co., 1030 Elysian FieldsAve.inNew Orleans.Tickets start at $32 viaEventbrite and include acopyofthe book. www.baldwinandcobooks.com.
“INTROVERTS: INSIGHTS AND TIPS
FORTEENAGERS”: Christie Cognevich, of theJefferson Parish Library, will discuss her latest book on Sept. 17, 7p.m., at the East Bank Regional Library,4747 W. Napoleon Ave. in
Metairie.www jplibrary.net.
“MODERN CREOLE: ATASTE OF NEW ORLEANS CULTURE AND CUISINE”:
Chef Eric Cook will discuss his debut cookbook withCommander’sPalace Executive Chef Meg Bickfordon Sept. 19, 5:30p.m., at Garden District Bookshop,2727 Prytania St. in New Orleans. Book signings will follow the discussion.RSVP encouraged via Eventbrite toreserveacopyof the book. www.gardendistrictbookshop.com.
“GET HONEST OR DIE TRYING”:
Author, podcasterand radio host Charlamagne ThaGod will discuss his book on Sept.20, 7:30-8:30 p.m., at Baldwin &Co., 1030 Elysian Fields Ave. in New Orleans. Tickets start at $32 via Eventbriteand include asigned copyof thebook. www baldwinandcobooks.com.
“SIDESHOW: LIVING WITH LOSS AND MOVING FORWARD WITH FAITH”: Author Rickey Smiley will be in conversation with Jonathan Everett, senior pastor of the Rock of Ages Baptist Church, on Sept. 20, 5:30 p.m., at Baldwin &Co., 1030 Elysian Fields Ave. in New Orleans. Tickets start at $35 via Eventbrite. www.baldwinandcobooks.com.
“THE TUNNEL”: Author Tripp Friedler will discuss his memoir with Nick Richard, executivedirector of NAMI, on Sept. 24, 6p.m., at Garden District Bookshop, 2727 Prytania St. in New Orleans. Book signingswill follow. Friedler is donating 100% of his royalties from “The Tunnel” to mental health charities. RSVP encouraged via Eventbrite to reserveacopyof the book. www.gardendistrictbookshop.com.
FUNDRAISERS/GALAS
SHOP FORSUCCESS SALE: Dress for
Success New Orleans will host an inventory reduction fundraiser Sept. 12-14, at 1700 Josephine St.,Suite 101, in New Orleans. Thursdayand Fridayhours are3-6 p.m. Saturday hours are9a.m.-1 p.m. The sale is women’s fashions only,with nothing priced over$25. All women’s sizes areavailable from 0to28. neworleans.dressforsuccess.org.
CHANGE ACHILD’S VOICE GALA: The evening of music, dancing and dining supporting CASA Jefferson will be held Sept. 13, 7-10 p.m., at the Audubon TeaRoom, 6500 Magazine St. in New Orleans. Tickets start at $125 via Eventbrite. www.casajefferson.org. IMAGINATION GALA: The fundraiser benefiting Ochsner Children’s will
be held Sept. 13, 6-10 p.m., at the Sugar Mill, 1040 S. Peters St. in New Orleans. The evening includes cocktails, bites, games and dancing. Tickets start at $250. https:// one.bidpal.net/imaginationgala/ welcome.
ALFREDO FIDO DINNER: Metairie Humane Shelter will sponsor a fundraising dinner Sept. 14, 4-8 p.m., at St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church, 6017 Camphor St. in Metairie. The menu consists of chicken Alfredo and green salad for $14. Take-outs and walk-ins are welcome. Orders can be reserved in advance by text. (504) 458-0531.
TAILGATE FEST: Urban South Brewery and Children’s Hospital New Orleans LCMC Health will host a free tailgate block party for acause on Sept. 14, starting at 11 a.m., at Urban South, 1645 Tchoupitoulas St. in New Orleans. The block party fun includes food trucks, special drinks for adults and children, special halftime shows from Tulane and LSU alumni bands, followedby an evening performance from Big In The 90s, 6-9 p.m. Proceeds go to Children’s Hospital New Orleans’s ongoing pediatric cancer research. https://urbansouth.start.page/.
COOKING FORACAUSE: The New Orleans Culinary &Hospitality Institute will host the event on Sept. 18, 5:30-8:30 p.m., at 725 Howard Ave. in New Orleans. The event will include livemusic, libations and cuisine preparedbyNOCHI alumni chefs and special guest chefs. nochicfac.org.
PLAYSOIREE: Louisiana Children’s Museum will host the gala 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 featureanaward ceremonyhonoring 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.
LOVE YOUR HEARTGALA AND AUC-
working to empowerand educate girls ages 10-18 about heart health and heart disease prevention. www.heartnhands.org.
SOIREE DE LUMIERE: Lighthouse Louisiana will hold afundraiser on Sept. 26, 6:30 p.m., at the Audubon
Highway in Metairie. Livemusic by the TopCats. Food trucks will be on site. Tickets are$35. www.Jefferson Beautification.org.
ä See AROUND, page 10G
ENDANGERED CEMETERIES
Learnmoreabout Louisiana’s burial customs as authorsdiscuss newbook
When the Genealogical Research Society of New Orleans meets Sept. 16, Jessica H. Schexnayder and Mary Manhein will discuss their new book “Fragile Grounds:Louisiana’s Endangered Cemeteries.” The meeting will be at 7p.m.atthe East Bank Regional Library,4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie.
“Fragile Grounds”compiles stories and photographs of endangered cemeteries throughout Louisiana’scoastal zone and beyond. These burial places link the fragile land to threatened community structures. The presentation will show the state’s unusual burial customsand traditions, but also identify the urgent need for ongoing documentation of these at-risk cultural elements.
Schexnayder is aLouisiana native who says she is passionate about documenting the people, history and culture of south Louisiana. Her writing and photography have been featured by the Louisiana State Archives, Louisiana Cultural Vistas, Country Roads, Heart of Louisiana, Inside New Orleans, and genealogy journals Les Voyageurs and Le Raconteur
Manhein, of Baton Rouge, is authorof“The Bone Lady:Lifeasa Forensic Anthropologist” and the mystery novel “Floating Souls: The Canal Murders.” She is retired director of the Forensic Anthropology and Computer Enhancement Services Laboratory at Louisiana State University.
HARP CONCERT: Angel Tolosa, concert artist and composer on the harp, will perform at 2p.m. Sept 22 at the EastBank Regional Library,4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie.
Tolosa also will lead amaster class for local harpists at 12:15p.m. at the library
Considered one of the best harpists of his generation, he is accomplished in bossa nova, jazz, bluegrassand World music
AROUND
Continued from page9G
2024: The Arcof
FASHIONABILITY
Greater New Orleans fundraiser
will be heldonSept.28, beginning at 6:30 p.m., at Sterling Hall, 3700
Jean Lafitte Parkway in Chalmette
The evening will featurecocktails food, music and dancing, and fashions modeled by members of the intellectually and developmentally disabled community.Ticketsstart at $50. https://secure.givelively org/event/the-arc-of-greater-neworleans/fashionability-2024.
MEETINGS
LEARNING BEFORE LUNCH: Cathy Anderson, aharpist working with the Music for Healing and Transition Program through the Louisiana Department of Health Medicaid and MedicareServices,willpresent “The Science and Research BehindThera-
among others. At 18, he co-foundedthe AContratiempo Ensemble, which provided aframework in which the musicians explore and fuse differing Venezuelan musical genres exclusively for the harp. Thegroup has been invited to participateinnumerous symposiums in Venezuela and internationally BACKYARD CRITTERS: Four local horticulture and gardening experts will discuss ways to improve the environment by using one’s backyard at 9:30 a.m. Sept. 14 at the Jane Chatelain O’Brien West Bank RegionalLibrary, 2751 Manhattan, Harvey. n 9:30 to10:30 a.m. —Backyard
peuticMusic” on Sept. 12 at UNO’s HomerL.HittAlumni 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 perperson, $30 per couple/double or a$5donation for an event. learningbeforelunch.com.
NARFE: The Vernon N. Landry Chapter 1398 of the National Activeand RetiredFederal Employees Association will hold its next monthly luncheon/meeting on Sept. 11, beginning at 11 a.m.,inthe Sicilian Room of Rocky and Carlo’s Restaurant, 613 St. BernardHighway in Chalmette. Anyactiveorretiredfederal and postal employees areinvited, as well as membersofother surrounding chapters. pamela.e.marks1953@ gmail.com. REPUBLIC WOMEN’SCLUBOFJEFFERSON PARISH: The club will meet Sept. 19 at the Metairie Country Club,580 WoodvineinMetairie. Guest speakers will be Dennis
chickens with Linda Vinsanau n 10:45 to 11:45 a.m. —Backyard butterflies withKathy McCrocklin n 12 to 1:15 p.m. —Backyard birds withWendy Rihner n 1:30 to 2:45 p.m. —Backyard bees withJay Martin WRITERS’ CLINIC:Stephen Rea, author of the critically acclaimed Katrina memoir “Finn McCool’s Football Club,” will lead two sessions at the September edition of the Saturday Writer’sClinic beginning at 9:30 a.m. Sept.21at theEast BankRegional Library 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie. The two sessionsare: 9:30 a.m. —Mistakes EveryWriter
Burke,Heidi Parker Martin and MaggieList. Registration begins at 11 a.m.,with lunch and the program starting at 11:45 a.m. Cost is $42. RSVP required. RWC.JeffParish@ gmail.com.
CLASSREUNIONS
JOHN MCDONOGHSENIOR HIGH: Tickets areonsale for the 57th-anniversary reunionofthe class of 1967, to be held on Sept. 21 at Southport Hall, 200 Monticello in Jefferson. Festivities, including livemusic, start at 6p.m.Buffet and open barare included at $60 per person. jafern2@ cox.net or (504) 343-6171.
CLASSES
CAMP SOULGROWSUSHIWORKSHOP: Kids 7and older areinvited to learntomakesushi and hear about Japanese traditions at KenjiOmakase, 217 Camp St.inNew Orleans, on Sept. 21, noon-1:30 p.m. Reservations arerequired via Eventbrite. www.campsoulgrow.org
Makes: Are youtaking too long to get to thestory? Are youwaffling your way through weak writing instead of being strong and direct?Isyourdialogue clunky and forced? All aspiring writers make the same mistakes. Learn what they are, anddiscover how to fix them.
11 a.m. —Life as aWriter,Amateuror Professional: You’ve writtenthe great American novel —how do you sellit? Youspent adecade crafting your grandmother’s memoir —should you selfpublishit? Howdoyou carve out time to write when youhave afull-time job? What’sitlike to deal withaNew York agent or an
VIETNAMESE TETTRUNG THU MOONCAKE WORKSHOP FORKIDS: Children ages 6-12 and theirfamilies can learn from ChefBích Trâm Túong to makemooncakes on Sept. 14, 11 a.m.-noon, at theAlgiers Regional Library,3014 Holiday Drive in New Orleans. Learn moreabout TetTrung Thu traditions and receive aTet lantern to keep. Registration required. nolalibrary.org.
DOWNSIZINGAND DECLUTTERING: The program in partnership with AARP will be held Sept. 18, 11 a.m.-noon, at theAlgiers Regional Library,3014 Holiday Drive in New Orleans. Learn to declutter and organize, practical tips on organizing and decluttering and better organization could positively impact daily life. nolalibrary.org.
FIXER UPPER101: The Preservation Resource Center class covers how to purchaseand renovate an older home, acombination of theirBuy Right and Renovate Right classes, on Sept. 13, 8a.m.-4 p.m at thePRC,
editorata big publishing house? In this session, we will talk about howthe publishing industry works, andleaveextra time to answeryourquestions.
CEMETERYPRESERVATION: Emily Ford, acemeterypreservationist, monumental mason, and writer of New Orleans cemetery history,will discuss “The French Influence on New Orleans Cemeteries” at 7p.m.Sept. 11 at the East Bank RegionalLibrary,4747 W. Napoleon Ave.,Metairie. Ford’sworkfocuses on empowering cemeterystakeholders in the careand preservation of their property.AsownerofOak andLaurelCemeteryPreservation, she hascompleted dozens of tomb, tabletand monument restorations as well as an ongoing scholarly-citedblogpresenting historic cemeteryresearch.
CITIZENSHIP CLASS: The New Neighbor Project offers citizenship classesfrom 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays at the Rosedale Library,4036Jefferson Highway, Jefferson.
The freeclassesare geared to preparing eligible permanent residents for the UnitedStates naturalizationprocess. Classes address: the application procedure;American government; American history; the U.S. Constitutionand Declaration of Independence;and the U.S. Citizenship andImmigrationServices interviewprocedure.
FINANCIAL LITERACY: Sheila Cao, apersonal finances consultant basedinNew Orleans, will give aseriesofpresentations on financialmanagement at 6:30 p.m. allfourTuesdays in September at the Edith Lawson Westwego Library,635 Fourth Ave.,Westwego. The next workshop occurs at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 17 andfocuses on the “Wealth Formula,” including the Rule of 72, andemergency funds.
Sheila Caoislicensed financial consultant. She hasbeen abusiness ownerfor more than 15 years.
ChrisSmith is manager of adult programming at the Jefferson ParishPublic Library
923 Tchoupitoulas St. in NewOrleans. This all-dayseminar prepares youtoevaluate, plan and execute ahome purchaseand renovation project. Tickets are$35. Advanced registration required. prcno.org.
SPORTS YOUTH BASKETBALL: The St. Charles ParishDepartment of Parks and Recreation will hold registration for the2024-2025 seasonthrough Sept. 25 for boys and girls 5-15. The seasonisfromNovember 2024 to early February 2025. Parentsshould register theirchildrenthrough theirrespective booster club: Destrehan Booster Club (Destrehan and St. Rose), Luling Booster Club (Luling, Ama, Hahnville and Killona), MimosaBooster Club (Mimosa, Des Allemands and Boutte) and Norco Booster Club (Norco and New Sarpy).Fee is $45. scpparksandrec. com (985) 783-5090.
