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.
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
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
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.
PROVIDED PHOTO
“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.
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,
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
6363 St.Charles Ave. in New Orleans. Tuitionis$450. pacs. loyno.edu
NUNEZ COMMUNITY COL-
LEGE: 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.
www.Nunez.edu
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
PROVIDED PHOTO
Emmy Rabalais DayinNew Orleans included asecond-line and lunchat Galatoire’s.
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 customs and traditions, but also identify the urgent need for ongoing documentation of these at-risk cultural elements.
Chris Smith LIBRARY LAGNIAPPE
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 author of “The Bone Lady: Life as a Forensic Anthropologist”and the mystery novel “Floating Souls: The Canal Murders.” She is retired director of the Forensic Anthropology andComputer Enhancement Services Laboratory at Louisiana State University.
HARP CONCERT: Angel Tolosa, concertartist and composer on the harp, will perform at 2p.m. Sept 22atthe East Bank Regional Library,4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie.
Tolosa also will lead amaster class for local harpists at 12:15 p.m.atthe library
Considered one of the best harpists of his generation, he is accomplished in bossa nova, jazz, bluegrass and World music
FESTIVALS
FRIENDS’ FEST: City Park Conservancy is hosting amembership-appreciation event on Sept. 11, 6-9 p.m. at the Carousel GardensAmusement Park and Storyland at City Park, 1Palm DriveinNew Orleans. Friends with an active membership willenjoyfreeaccess to ridesand refreshments. Free, but reservations arerequired. Friends must have activeproof of membership. NewOrleansCityPark.org.
WESTBANK HERITAGEFOOD &MUSIC FESTIVAL: Tamar Braxton andCon Funk Shun will headline the festival, to be held Sept. 21-22 at theJohnA Alario Center, 2000 SegnetteBlvd. in Westwego. The event also will featuremainstream and localartists, a Gospel Explosion and an interactive Kids Zone experience. Hours are noon to 9p.m. Free; on-siteparking $15. www.westbankhertiagefest. com. SALA STREET FEST: Westwego will host the festival Sept. 22, 2-6 p.m., at 401 Sala Ave. to River Road in Westwego. The event will includelivemusic, food trucks, craft vendors and kids’ activities. www.visitwestwego com/events.
FALL FESTIVAL: In celebration of 20 years of the Sydney and Walda Besthoff SculptureGarden,the New Orleans Museum of Art, OneCollins C. Diboll Circle in New Orleans, will host afreeoutdoorfestival for all ages on Sept. 28, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. It will include guided tours of the Besthoff Sculpture Gardenhighlights,art activities, livemusicand more. noma.org.
BLACKAMERICANAFEST: Thefestival celebrating the musical legacy and contributions of Black artists making music in the Americanaand Folk genres in NewOrleans andthe Mississippi RiverDelta region will be held Sept. 28,3-10 p.m., at theBroadside, 600 N. Broad St. in NewOrleans. Headlining artists include JoyClark, Lilli Lewis, Sunpie&the Louisiana Sunspots, Dusky Waters andTeena May, and more.Free, but RSVP is requested. blackamericanafest.com.
GATESFEST AFTER DARK: ALLSHUK UP!: Free tickets areavailable for the Congregation Gates of Prayer’s music and arts festival, to be held on Oct. 20, 4-9 p.m at 4000 W. Esplanade Ave. in Metairie. FlowTribewill headline, and the festival’scenterpiece, akumzitz, will featurean Israeli-style singalongand communal song and dance sessions. There willalso be local artists and Jewish/ Israeli food vendors. Gatesfest.org.
among others. At18, he co-founded the AContratiempo Ensemble, which provided aframework in which the musicians explore and fuse differing Venezuelan musical genres exclusively for theharp. The group has been invited toparticipate in numerous symposiums in Venezuela and internationally BACKYARD CRITTERS: Four local horticulture and gardening experts will discuss ways to improve the environment by using one’sbackyard at 9:30 a.m. Sept. 14 at the Jane Chatelain O’Brien West Bank Regional Library, 2751 Manhattan, Harvey n 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. —Backyard
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
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 written the great American novel —how do you sellit? Youspent adecade crafting yourgrandmother’s memoir —should you selfpublishit? Howdoyou carve out time to write when youhave afull-time job? What’sitlike to deal witha New York agent or an
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 InfluenceonNew Orleans Cemeteries” at 7p.m.Sept. 11 at the East Bank RegionalLibrary,4747 W. Napoleon Ave.,Metairie. Ford’sworkfocusesonempowering 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 classesfrom5:30to 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 DeclarationofIndependence;and the U.S. Citizenship andImmigrationServices interviewprocedure.
FINANCIAL LITERACY: Sheila Cao, apersonalfinances 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
COMMUNITY
‘THRILLER’ HALLOWEEN WORKSHOP: Register nowfor theworkshop that will culminateina flash mob performanceonHalloween day. Classes run Sept. 7-Oct. 26, 2-3:30 p.m., at the Anne Burr Dance Studio, 1128 Dublin St. inNew Orleans.$80 for the session or $10per class. $10 discount for those who sign up by Sept. 5. kyntbryan@hotmail.comor(504) 453-6991.
ARTSMARKETNEW ORLEANS: The semimonthly fine arts and crafts market will be held Sept. 14, 10 a.m.4p.m., on City Park’s Goldring/ WoldenbergGreat Lawn, 8Victory Ave. in NewOrleans. www.artsneworleans.org. INTERGENERATIONAL GAME NIGHT: NewOrleans Advocates for LGBTQ Elderswill host anight of games on Sept. 17, 6-8p.m., at the NOLA Pride Center,2762 OrleansAve.inNew Orleans. Some boardgames will be provided, butparticipants are welcometobring their own. www noagenola.org
FREECAR SEAT CHECKS: St.John Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies 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 caregivers an opportunity to meetwith certified car seat techniciansand verify that theirchildrenare in the right seat for their height, weight, and age. stjohnsheriff.org. NIGHT OUT AGAINST CRIME: The St John Sheriff’s Office is accepting registrations forthisyear’sNight Out AgainstCrime, tobeheld Oct. 1. Residents planning aparty can register theparty location. Officers will visit all parties that areregistered. stjohnsheriff.org(985) 359-8804.
GET #VOTEREADY: New Orleans
residents can register to vote and gets answers to voting questions on Sept. 17, 12:30-3 p.m.,atRobert E. Smith Library,6301 Canal Blvd.; on Sept. 19, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.,atthe Algiers Regional Library,3014 Holiday Drive; onSept. 19, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., at theNix Library,1401 S. Carrollton Ave.; on Sept.20, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.,at theMain Library,219 Loyola Ave. This event is part of the library’s ongoing Get #VoteReady series. neworleans.libnet.info. STORMIN’ OF THE SAZERAC: The 75th anniversary of the historic eventisSept.27, 1p.m in the Blue
ä See AROUND, page 7G
STAFF PHOTO BY SCOTT THRELKELD
Ridersonthe 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.,
Room and the Sazerac Bar at theRoosevelt New Orleans, 130 Roosevelt Way. Featuringa luncheon, fashion showand secondline, the event celebrates the womenwho gathered to storm the hotel’s barin1949, whenwomen were allowedtobeserved only on Mardi Gras. Chef Nina Compton is Spirit of the Sazerac. Period attireisencouraged.Tickets start at $115. showclix.com/event/stormin2024.
TEA DRAGON SOCIETY TEA PARTY: Children can celebrate K. O’Neil’s TeaDragon Society graphic novelseries with tea, acardgame and dragon-themed activities on Sept. 28, 2-4 p.m.,inthe programmingspace at theCita Dennis Hubbell Library,725 Pelican Ave. in New Orleans. neworleans.libnet.
GRASSROOTSRADIO CONFERENCE: Supporters of community radio will meetSept.26-29 at Gallier Hall, 545 St. Charles Ave. in New Orleans, forworkshops, panel discussions andnetworkingopportunities. Featured speakers include Louisiana nativeand Emmy Award-winning journalist Monica Pierre.The conference opens Thursdayat4:30 p.m.and runsthrough Sundayat1 p.m. Tickets start at $100 via Eventbrite.
ARTS MARKET NEWORLEANS: The monthly fine arts and crafts market will beheld Sept 28,10a.m.-4 p.m., at Marsalis HarmonyPark, 8211 S. Claiborne Ave. in New Orleans.
CULTUREAND CONCERTS
THURSDAYSATTWILIGHT: The concert series featuring musicians, mint julepsand more continues on Thursdays,6-8 p.m.,through September at thePavilion of the TwoSisters at the New Orleans Botanical Garden, 1Victory Ave. in New Orleans. Sept.12isPardon My French. Sept. 19 is John Boutté.Sept.26 is The YatPack. Admission is $15. NewOrleansCityPark.org.
BEAUTIFUL SPACES: EXPLORING THE HISTORY AND LEGACY OF NEW ORLEANS GARDENS: The program will be Sept. 14, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.atthe Historic BK House &Gardens, 1113Chartres St. in New Orleans. Speakers will present “New Orleans Landscapes, 1720s-1960s,” “Formal ParterreGardens andTheir Creation,” “Yakni Achokma, Okla Achokma: Wild Tending theSouthernMississippi MedicineWheel Garden” and “Garden Journeys: Exploringthe History and Design of New OrleansLandscapes.” Registration starts at $50 includeslunchand a closing reception. bkhouse.org.
LPO GOES TO HOLLYWOOD: TheLouisiana PhilharmonicOrchestraperformsiconic melodies from blockbuster films such as “Star Wars,” “Fiddler on the Roof,” “TheWizardof Oz,” “E.T.,” “Rocky” and the007 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: The salon,presented by the Joan ofArc Project,producers of the annual Joan of ArcParade, will be held Sept. 14, 9:30 a.m.-5p.m., at TulaneUniversity,6823 St Charles Ave. in NewOrleans. The theme is “Joan of ArcasMotivator &Muse.” The program will include historical presentations, introductionofkrewe royalty, speakers, demonstrations and performances. joanofarcparade.org.
JEFFERSONCHORALEAUDITIONS: The JeffersonChorale, an affiliate of the Jefferson Performing Arts Society, is accepting applications to audition. The chorale is a community choir comprised of amateurs and professionals under the direction of Dr. Louise LaBruyère. Rehearsals areThursday evenings at Good ShepherdChurch, 5122 W. Esplanade Ave. in Metairie from 7:30-9:30 p.m. llabruyere70123@yahoo.com.
SYMPHONIE FANTASTIQUE: TheLouisiana PhilharmonicOrchestra’s season opening night willfeature Berlioz’s classic, as well as “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice” andotherpieces under the direction of Matthew Kraemer. The concert will be held Sept.12, 7:30p.m ,atthe Orpheum Theater,129 RooseveltWay in New Orleans. Ticketsstart at $35. lpomusic.com.
BOOKS
“ARMED WITH GOOD INTENTIONS”: Wallace
“Wallo267” Peeples will talk aboutand sign copiesofhis book on Sept.12, 7p.m., at Baldwin &Co., 1030 ElysianFields Ave. in New Orleans. Ticketsstart at $32via Eventbrite andinclude acopyofthe book. www.baldwinandcobooks.com.
“INTROVERTS: INSIGHTS AND TIPSFOR TEENAGERS”: Christie Cognevich, of theJefferson Parish Library,will discuss her latest book on Sept. 17, 7p.m at theEast 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 hisdebut cookbook with Commander’s Palace Executive Chef Meg BickfordonSept. 19, 5:30 p.m., at GardenDistrict Bookshop, 2727 Prytania St.inNew Orleans. Booksignings will followthe discussion. RSVP encouraged via Eventbrite to reservea copy of the book. www.gardendistrictbookshop. com.
“GET HONEST OR DIE TRYING”: Author, podcaster and radio host CharlamagneTha Godwill discuss his book on Sept. 20, 7:308:30 p.m., at Baldwin &Co.,1030 Elysian Fields Ave. in New Orleans. Ticketsstart at$32 via Eventbrite and include asignedcopyofthe book. www.baldwinandcobooks.com.
“SIDESHOW: LIVING WITH LOSS AND MOVING FORWARD WITH FAITH”: AuthorRickeySmiley will be in conversation with Jonathan Everett, senior pastor of theRockofAgesBaptist Church, on Sept.20, 5:30p.m at Baldwin& Co.,1030ElysianFieldsAve.in NewOrleans
Tickets start at $35 via Eventbrite.www.baldwinandcobooks.com.
“THE TUNNEL”: Author Tripp Friedlerwilldiscuss his memoir with Nick Richard, executive director of NAMI, on Sept. 24, 6p.m atGarden District Bookshop, 2727Prytania St. in New Orleans.Book signings will follow. Friedler is donating 100% of his royalties from TheTunnel” to mental health charities.RSVP encouraged via Eventbrite to reserveacopyofthe book. www.gardendistrictbookshop.com.
FUNDRAISERS/GALAS
SHOP FORSUCCESS SALE: Dress for Success New Orleans will host an inventory reduction fundraiser Sept.12-14,at1700 Josephine St Suite101, in New Orleans. Thursdayand Fridayhours are3-6 p.m. Saturday hours are
9a.m.-1 p.m. Thesale 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., atthe Sugar Mill, 1040 S. PetersSt. 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 afundraising dinner Sept. 14, 4-8 p.m., at St. Matthew’sUnited 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 Breweryand Children’s Hospital New Orleans LCMC Health will host afreetailgate block partyfor a cause 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 halftimeshows from Tulane and LSUalumni bands, followedbyanevening performance from Big In The 90s, 6-9 p.m. Proceeds go to Children’sHospital New Orleans’songoingpediatric 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 prepared by NOCHIalumni 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 themeis “Goodnight Moon on the Lagoon,” will include livemusic,local cuisine and featureanaward ceremonyhonoring Anne and King Milling and Tracy andCalvin 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 AUCTION: The 10th-anniversary gala will takeplace Sept. 21, 6-10 p.m., at the RoyalSonesta New Orleans Hotel, 300 BourbonSt. in New Orleans. Tickets start at $100. Proceeds support the HeartN Hands mission and related programming, working to empowerand educate girls ages 10-18 about heart health and heartdisease prevention. www.heartnhands.org.
SOIREE DE LUMIERE: Lighthouse Louisiana will hold afundraiser on Sept. 26,6:30p.m., atthe Audubon TeaRoom, 6500 Magazine St. in New Orleans. The event includes music by James Andrews& The Crescent City All Stars Jazz Band, aseated dinner and liveand silent auctions. Cocktail attireisrequested. Tickets startat$250. us.givergy.com.
OIREE2024/?CONTROLLER=TICKETS
SUNSET ON THE BUCKTOWN BOARDWALK: Jefferson Beautification will host afundraiser for the BucktownHarbor Community Garden on Sept. 27, 5-8 p.m., at the Bucktown Harbor,325 Metairie-Hammond HighwayinMetairie. Live music by the TopCats. Food trucks will be on site. Tickets are$35. www.Jefferson Beautification.org.
FASHIONABILITY 2024: The ArcofGreater New Orleans fundraiser will be held on Sept. 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 membersofthe intellectually and developmentally disabled community.Tickets start at $50. https://secure.givelively.org/event/the-arc-of-greaternew-orleans/fashionability-2024.
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 beginsat10a.m.Annualmembership is $25 per person, $30 per couple/ double or a$5donation for an event. learningbeforelunch.com.
NARFE: The Vernon N. Landry Chapter 1398 of the National Activeand Retired Federal Employees Association will hold its next monthly luncheon/meeting on Sept. 11, beginning at 11 a.m., in the Sicilian Room of Rocky and Carlo’s Restaurant, 613 St. BernardHighway in Chalmette. Anyactiveorretired federal andpostal employees areinvited, as well as members of other surrounding chapters. pamela.e.marks1953@gmail.com.
REPUBLIC WOMEN’SCLUBOFJEFFERSON PARISH: The club will meet Sept. 19 at the Metairie Country Club, 580 Woodvine in Metairie. Guest speakers will be Dennis Burke,Heidi Parker Martinand Maggie List. Registration begins at 11 a.m., with lunch and the programstarting at 11:45 a.m. Cost is $42. RSVP required. RWC. JeffParish@gmail.com.
CLASSREUNIONS
JOHN MCDONOGH SENIOR HIGH: Tickets are on sale for the 57th-anniversary reunion of the 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 SOULGROWSUSHI WORKSHOP: Kids 7 and older areinvited to learn to makesushi and hear about Japanese traditions at Kenji Omakase, 217 Camp St. in New Orleans, on Sept. 21, noon-1:30 p.m. Reservations are required via Eventbrite. www.campsoulgrow org.
VIETNAMESE TET TRUNG THU MOONCAKE WORKSHOP FORKIDS: Children ages 6-12 and their families can learn from Chef Bích Trâm Túong to makemooncakes on Sept. 14, 11 a.m.-noon, at the Algiers Regional Library 3014 HolidayDriveinNew Orleans. Learn more about TetTrung Thu traditions and receive aTet lantern to keep. Registration required. nolalibrary.org.
DOWNSIZING AND DECLUTTERING: Theprogram 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.
FIXER UPPER 101: The Preservation Resource Center class covers howtopurchase and renovate an older home, acombination of their Buy Right and Renovate Right classes, on Sept. 13, 8a.m.-4 p.m., at the PRC, 923 Tchoupitoulas St. in New Orleans. This all-day seminar prepares youtoevaluate, plan and execute ahome purchase and renovation project. Tickets are$35. Advanced registration required. prcno.org.
SPORTS YOUTH BASKETBALL: The St. Charles Parish Department of Parks and Recreation will hold registration for the 2024-2025 season through Sept. 25 for boys and girls 5-15. The season is from November 2024 to early February 2025. Parents should register their children through their respectivebooster club: Destrehan Booster Club (Destrehan and St. Rose), Luling Booster Club (Luling, Ama, Hahnville and Killona), Mimosa Booster Club (Mimosa, Des Allemands and Boutte) and Norco Booster Club (Norco and New Sarpy). Feeis$45. scpparksandrec.com (985) 783-5090.
This articleisbrought to youbyCornerstone Chemical Company, LLC. Cornerstone’sinnovative
lvila@theadvocate.com
By LeighVila|
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 awareness andprevention, 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.
“Our employees areconstantlycheckingthe status 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 friendlycompetition is akey motivationfor 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 heartyheat-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, reacttostress, and engagethehealthcaresystem,aswellasotherbehaviors is somethingwecan controland change,” shesaid. To learnmoreabout Cornerstone, visit: www.cornerstonechemco.com.
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 We currentlyhave 250 employees earningpoints, 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,inadditiontoscreenings forprostatecancer.
PHOTO
Guests find their tables at Lighthouse Louisiana during aprevious Soiree de Lumiere at Arnaud’s restaurant. This year’sevent will be Sept. 26 at the Audubon TeaRoom.
