Transition to middle-schoollifecan bringchallenges
Parentsand teachers canhelp
BY EVAJACOB BARKOFF
Contributing writer
For some students,adjusting to the changesfrom elementary school to middle school can be a challenge, whether that’sadaptingtomore academic responsibility,anew learning environment or getting to know new teachers and new classmates.
For Willow Yimand Delilah Noble, both seventh grade students at The Willow School, their middle school experiences have similarities as well as differences.
“I have beenatWillow since kindergarten, so it felt more natural, more familiar to me to go on to middle school since I have been here so long,” Delilah said.
“Also, it was easier because Iwas friends with many of my
classmates. “I didhave alot more work that Iwasn’treally used to, but the teachers helped me get used to the change.”
“I was so nervous at first,”
added Willow,who attended Morris Jeff Schoolbefore coming to Willow as asixth grade student.
“I think the hardest part Ihad to learn was how to manage my time. But everyone was so kind and helpful thatIadapted easily.”
The faculties at both The Willow School, acoedschool, and HolyCross, an all-male school, acknowledgethe challenges in transitiontomiddle school.
Jeffrey Chenier,Ph.D., director of studentsupport at Willow, pointed out some major changes.
“Middleschool students may be unfamiliarwith the expectations, routines and the independence they nowhave,” Chenier explained. “There also are physical and mentalchanges they are experiencing as well as their means
of learning and the complexity of relationships.”
”
As principal of pre-K through seventh grade students at Holy Cross, Teresa Billings said the school collaborates with students on adjusting in several areas.
“Wework with our students as they transition to many points in their education including academically,athletically and socially,all building to the transition to high school,” Billings said.
“Some students make the transition between grade levels with little if any adjustment while others take asemester or even a year to adjust.
“Wehave found those who have been students at Holy Cross have an easier transition since they are familiar with the facility and schedule. This gives them an advantage when they go to high school.”
French Market FIESTA
The Vieux Carré celebrated its Hispanic roots at the French Market with the Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration of music, food and activities. Performers included Patrice Fisher & Arpa, SiempreFlamenco and more, with plenty of kids’activities as well.
ä More photos. PAGE 2G
STAFFPHOTO BY BRETT DUKE
The WillowSchool seventh graders WillowYim and Delilah Noble are picturedatthe school in NewOrleans. Both are adjusting to anew life in middle school.
Patrice Fisher &Arpa perform.
TRANSITION
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Chenier has asuggestion for teachers and as well as parentsofmiddle school students: “Take a deep breath.”
“At Willow,the middle school students have more choices for how they spend their time during the day,whether it is with electives, clubs or joining art activities,” he said. “Students who may be overwhelmed with too many choices may need more support.
“If astudent seems to be struggling, teachers and parents should work to establishfrequent communicationtoensure the family is informed of the resourcesavailable to support the transition such as self-advocacy, foundationalacademic skills and homework habits.”
Whileacknowledging their own struggles, both Delilah and Willow said they have some advice on how to help astudent get used to the challenges of middle school no matter what school they attend.
“If you need help, don’t be afraid to ask,” Willow said. “Teachers and other students are there for you eventually,you will find your place.”
“When Istarted at Willow,right away it felt like aclose community, like afamily,” Delilah added.“And it was because everyone was so kind and helpful to me. Because of the kindness shown to me, Itry to share that same kindness to help astudent.”
SCHOOL NOTES
NEW ORLEANS CENTER FOR CREATIVE ARTS: Families areencouraged to visit NOCCA’sOpen Studio Day, Oct. 5, between 9a.m. and noon, at 2800 Chartres St. in New Orleans. Students can learn details about NOCCA and attendance options. Nocca.com.
ST.MARY’SDOMINICAN: Dominican will host an open house Oct. 17, 3:306:30 p.m., on campus at 7701 Walmsley Ave. in New Orleans. Prospective students in grades 4-8 can sign up for an on-campus tour. www.stmarysdominican.org
ST.MARY’SDOMINICAN: Dominican will host Wednesdays on Walmsley for sixth and seventh grade students and their parents to spend the dayatschool The dates areOct. 2and Nov. 6. www.stmarysdominican.org.
COLLEGES
UNIVERSITY OF HOLY CROSS: The 2024 West Bank Hispanic Heritage Festival will be held Oct. 12, 11 a.m. to 7p.m., on the Great Lawn at UHC, 4123 Woodland DriveinAlgiers. There will be music, foodand art vendors. uhcno.edu.
LOYOLA UNIVERSITY: Applications arebeing accepted for History of New Orleans Voodoo, acourse that gives afoundational understanding and challenges common perceptions about voodoo. This course is for new and seasonedtour guides, as well as anyone interested in the topic. Class runs through Nov. 21 on Thursdays,6p.m. to 8p.m., at Loyola’s Uptown campus, 6363 St. Charles Ave. in New Orleans. Tuition is $275. pacs.loyno.edu.
TULANE UNIVERSITY: Tulane’s School of Professional Advancement will hold afreeboot camp to boost knowledge of artificial intelligence through Dec. 6, featuring aflexible schedule with self-paced learning and faculty/instructor meetings four times throughout the course. sopa.tulane.edu.
If your pet has put on afew pounds over thesummer, it’sa good idea to addsome exercise, as long as youavoid the hottest parts of the dayand takethingsslowly
PETS
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n The collar on afullgrown pet is gettingsnug andneedsloosening n Slowmovement n Shortnessofbreath
IfFidohas gained afew pounds, follow these five tips tohelp him get back in shape:
1.PROVIDEGOOD-QUALITY FOOD:
Switching to healthier food will decrease the empty calories apet takes in.Check the label to determine the calorie content per serving. This is important toknowto feed the correct portion to
maintain apet’sweight and health.
Avoid foods that feature corn, corn meal or wheat as the first or second ingredient, and instead choose foods with chicken or turkey listed first. These foods have more protein for an active, healthy lifestyle.
2.AVOID FREE FEEDING: Just aslight decrease in the amount of food apet consumes can help with weight loss. Especially if adog or cat is overweight, it is a good idea to have set feeding times and to pick up the food outside of the set times.
3.TRADE IN THE TREATS: Treats can quickly pack on the
pounds. They should make up no more than 10% of a pet’sdaily calories
Many prepackaged dog treats have very little nutritional value and are packed with extra calories
Decreasing the number of treats each day and opting for low-calorie, healthy treats that have nutritional value and are made with high-quality ingredients will help maintain ahealthy weight.
Options in moderation such as slices of apple, or green beans, can help with weight control, while still providing ayummy treat.
4. EXERCISE CAUTIOUSLY: Throwing the ball in the
Kitt is asweet, playful cat who’sabout ayear and ahalf old. Besides her striking looks— atabby bodywith orange legs —she’soutgoing and good with other cats, butwould also be content as an onlycat. To learnmore, email adoptionteam@animalrescueneworleans.org
yard and even adding small walks or ashort jog aday can make adifference but avoid the hottest parts of the day For felines, engage the cat in play with toys to get him off the sofa and moving around. Exercising pets also leads to more exercise for owners, so it is awinwin situation.
5.TALK TO AVETERINARIAN:
Before making any drastic changes, talk to aveterinarian who can determine if a dog is overweight. Sometimes weight gain can be asign of an underlying problem. Avet can properly evaluate the pet’s overall health and make recommendations for the best foods and the right amount of exercise for a pet’sindividual needs. We want our pets to be with us forever,and maintaining ahealthy weight can improve apet’soverall well-being, allowing them to live alonger,happier and healthier life.
HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTHCELEBRATION
Traci D. Howerton is the volunteer manager for AnimalRescue New Orleans (ARNO), anonprofit, volunteerbased,no-kill shelter For more information on ARNO, visit www animalrescueneworleans. org.
STAFFPHOTOSBYSOPHIA GERMER
Violet Goldberg, 2, sits on the lap of Maple Goldberg as ShayHenryapplies ‘pixie dust’ glitter
Celia Fonta, of Siempre Flamenco Duo from Spain, movestothe music.
STAFF FILEPHOTO BY MICHAEL JOHNSON
PROVIDED PHOTO
Getalookintothe worldofsome
BY JANE LEGROS Contributing writer
Three Smithsonian scientists willvisit theNew Orleans Public Library via Zoom to discuss “BatIsland: ARare Journey into the Hidden World of Tropical Bats.” For decades, scientists at theSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute havestudied the remarkable biodiversity of batson Barro Colorado Island in Panama,where 76 species coexist. In “Bat Island,”Smithsonian scientists’ expertise pairs with the photography of National Geographic contributor Christian Ziegler for avisual journey into the world of these elusive night creatures.
Researchers Dina K. N. Dechmann,Rachel A. Page, andM.TeagueO’Mara will give apresentation at 1p.m.onOct. 2to highlight howbats are threatened byhabitat fragmentation and land degradation, and the initiatives needed to ensure their survival.
Visit nolalibrary.co/bat-islandtoregister and submit your questions
BREAST CANCER: Learn about breastcancer prevention and screeningoptions at Keller Library,4300 S. Broad St., on Oct. 2. TheLouisiana Breast &Cervical Health Program will be available from 11 a.m. to 1p.m. to provide information aboutbreast and cervical cancer,including referrals to no-cost mammograms
The group will also be at East New Orleans Regional Library,5641 Read Blvd., from 3to5p.m. on Oct. 8.
‘DANSE MACABRE’: Photographer Cheryl Gerber will visit Latter Library from5:30 to 6:30p.m. on Oct. 3todiscuss her book “The Danse Macabre: Celebration andSurvival in New Orleans.”
In this street-level tableau of New Orleans culture, Gerber portrays the city’s rich and famous whilepaying homageto the everyday peoplewho make lifespecial in her hometown. The library is at5120 St. Charles Ave. Gerber will also be at Mid-CityLibrary, 4140 Canal St., on Oct. 9takingfree professional headshots from 4:30 p.m to6:30 p.m., with sponsorship from the Friends of the New OrleansPublic Library Professional attire is strongly recommended. For questions, call (504) 214-8275 or email workforce@nolalibrary.org
‘AMERICANDAUGHTERS’: Award-winningauthor Maurice Carlos Ruffin will visitHubbell Library from 6:30 p.m.to7:30 p.m. on Oct. 8todiscuss his new book, “The American Daughters.” The historical novel follows aspirited
To learnmore about agroup of tropical bats, check out the library’sOct. 2program.
girl,enslaved to aNew Orleansbusinessman, who joinsa sisterhood working to undermine the Confederates and begins a journey toward liberation.
“The American Daughters” is anovel of hope andtriumph that reminds us what is possiblewhen acommunity bands together to fight for their freedom.
Ruffin also is the author of “The Ones WhoDon’t Say They LoveYou,” which was long-listed for the Story Prize and was afinalistfor the Ernest J. Gaines Award forLiterary Excellence, and “WeCast a Shadow,”which was afinalist for thePEN/ FaulknerAward, the PEN Open Book Award,and the Dayton Literary Peace Prizeand was long-listed for theCenter for Fiction First Novel Prizeand International Dublin Literary Award.
This event is sponsored by theFriends of Hubbell Library.The library is located at 725 Pelican Ave.
Please note that all library programs are subject to change. Visit events.nolalibrary org for the most up-to-date information.
Jane LeGros is thedirectorofmarketing and communications forthe Orleans Parish Library
Attend afree knee pain seminar
Tuesday |October 8, 2024 |6:00-8:00 PM
Copeland’sRestaurant 1319 W. EsplanadeAve. Kenner,LA70065
Dinner will be provided.
Is knee pain keepingyou from activities youlove? Then take the firststeptowards recovery.Attend this educationalevent with William R. Junius, MD He will answer your questionsand discuss: •MakoRobotic-Arm Assisted Technology •new technologies in hipand knee replacement •minimally invasive direct anterior approach to hipreplacement
To register,scanQRcodeorcall 1888 STRYKER (1 888 787 9537)
Find adoctor who uses Mako, visit
Allsurgery carriesrisk. Talk to your doctor to seeifjoint replacement is rightfor you. JR-MKOSYM-GRAP-748550 Copyright© 2023Stryker
Howdokids heal inside and outwhentheysurvive burns? Camp Catahoula is an outreach programfromBaton Rouge General.Here, kids sharetheir storiesand learncoping skills Thehealingprocess beginswhenyou realizeyou’renot alone Shellisproud to sponsor Camp Catahoula Burns areaninjurythat aremorethan skin deep.
PHOTO BY SUSAN POAG PHOTOGRAPHY LLC
Campers, counselorsand volunteers at Camp Catahoula 2024
Things aregetting spooky in NewOrleans as Halloweennears
NEW ORLEANS NIGHTMARE: The haunted attraction is open through Nov. 2at319 Butterworth St. in New Orleans with add-on experiences, twosecret bars and three new attractions: Dead Again, DeadHour and Craft of the Midnight. Tickets start at $19.99.
GHOSTS IN THE OAKS: City Park Conservancy will host the familyfriendly event Oct. 17-20 to support improvement projects at thePark’s Carousel Gardens, 1Palm Drivein New Orleans. The event features arts and crafts, pumpkin patch andtrick-or-treating throughout Storyland, and admission includes Amusement Park rides.Early admission is 5-6 p.m., with general admission 6-9 p.m. Early admission tickets are$30. General admission is $25. FriendsofCity Park members,$22 NewOrleansCityPark.org.
KENNER TRUNK-OR-TREAT: Kenner will host its annual Halloween event, presented by Kenner Parks & Recreation, at Muss BertolinoStadium, 620 W. Esplanade Ave., on Oct. 19, 3-10 p.m. Costumes encouraged www.visitjeffersonparish.com TRUNK-OR-TREATATLAFRENIERE
PARK: The event, presented by Dawn Busters, will be held Oct.19, 6-9 p.m., at LafrenierePark,3000 DownsBlvd. in Metairie. $15 admission. Morethan 45 vehicles will be giving out free candy,along with afood court, carousel rides and spacewalks. www.visitjeffersonparish.com.
BREWSAND BOOS: The adultsonly event will be held Oct.25-26 at the Amusement Park’s Carousel Gardens at City Park, 1Palm Drive in New Orleans. Proceeds from the event, which includes Amusement Park rides and unlimited beer, benefits the continued careand preservation of City Park. VIP tickets are$60; general admission $35. Friends ofCity Park members, $32. NewOrleansCityPark.org.
FALL FEST: The Louisiana Children’s Museum will hold itsfamily fallfestival on Oct.26, 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m , at the museum, 15 Henry Thomas DriveinNew Orleans. The eventwill feature spooky storiesaround the campfire, brewing magic potions andpumpkins to paint, theMonster
Thefrights will just keep on coming for all ages at CityPark’sGhost in the Oaks Oct. 17-20.
Mash Dance Party and some creepy crawlers in theEdible Garden.Costumesencouraged.Admission for adults andchildren is $18. Seniors 65 andolder and activemilitaryare $15. lcm.org/ticketsnights. neworleansnightmare.com. BOO! DAT504 HALLOWEEN EX-
TRAVAGANZA: The celebration will be held Oct. 26, starting at 1p.m in the 2900 block of Audubon Street in New Orleans. It is being held to raise awareness and resources for domesticviolence issues, and will also includeavoter-registration drive and activities, including ahaunted
house, costume contest, STEAM activities, carnival games, food and music. Free. www.BOODat.com.
HAUNTED HOUSE AT HABANA OUTPOST: Camp SoulGrow will celebrate Halloween on Oct.29, 5-7 p.m with ahaunted houseatHabana Outpost, 1040 Esplanade Ave. in
NewOrleans. Childrenwill be able to walk through, collect candy gift bags,playoutdoor gamesand make Halloween-themed crafts. Costumes areencouraged. Reservations are required through Eventbrite. www campsoulgrow.org/upcomingevents.html.
BEREAVEMENT AND SUPPORT GROUP: Thebereavement and support ministry ofSt. Christopher Church’s Oct. 10 meeting will feature guest speaker Kim Smith, Gretna bereavement coordinator andchaplain from Heart of
Hospice.The meeting will begin at 6:15 p.m. in theParish Center at St.ChristopherChurch, corner of Manson and Derbignystreets, 3900 DerbignySt. in Metairie. All areinvited. www stchristopherano.com.
NAMIWALKS: Registration is open for the National Alliance on Mental Illness Southeast Louisiana walk to raise funds for free mental health support and services. The walk will be held on Oct. 12 at Audubon Park (Newman Bandstand),6500 MagazineSt. in New
Orleans. Check-in starts at 9a.m., andthe walk begins at 10 a.m. Registration is free. Participants can walk as individuals or create ateam.All donations remain in thelocal community. namiwalks.org/selasouthshore.
Cancer Crusaderstohonor 11 survivors whocontributetothe community
Cancer Crusaders will honor 11 cancer survivors who are active in the community during their Celebration of Life Luncheon on Oct. 11.
The 2024 honorees are: Bonnie Lee Glinky Blackman:A former oncology nurse,she is an integral part of Cancer Crusaders who co-chaired the gala titled “Cartoon Capers.”
Dr.Harris M. Blackman:Aformer dermatologist and chief of staff atWestJefferson Medical Center, Blackman is doingcancer researchstudies along withLSUHSC
Linda Daigle: Retired after acareer inclinical laboratory medicine, Daigle was awarded the national honor of “Woman of the Year” by the Spirit of Women for her efforts in Emergency Management at East Jefferson Hospital during HurricaneKatrinaand has
served as president of Cancer Crusaders.
Dawn MacLeod Davis: She is aconsummate volunteer.Her work includes Lakeview Presbyterian Church, New Orleans Spring Fiesta, Lakeview Shepherd Center,Cancer Crusaders, and NOMA.
Tristan Rappold Dupépé: Shevolunteersat Christ Episcopal School and St. Timothy on thenorthshore and participates in the “You Night” events that help women embrace life after their cancer diagnosis.
Edith Garcia Eason: She was avolunteer coordinator and board secretary for Habitat for Humanity, she received the“Service Above Self Award” from the Rotary Club, andhas worked in literacy and rehab programs.
Cristin DeMarco Hand: Avolunteer forScott’s Wish, she also coordinates WYESsponsorships and devotes time to Second Harvest
Food Bank.
Michael Heim: For thelast eight years Michael has worked at the Jewish Community Center wherehewas recently appointedto theposition of Director of Fitness. He has been studying to becomeacancer exercise specialist.
Kristy Solis: As afamily nurse practitioner, she specializes in cancer care and women’s health. She is anursing department faculty member at theUniversityofHoly Cross.
JanGafford Treuting: Aretired legalassistant, hervolunteer work hasincluded working on thewalk/run for Girls on the Run.
AngelaLambertVillemarette: Alongtime laboratorymedical technologist, shea hasbeen a member of Sweet Adeline’sInternational. The event will be held at the New Orleans Marriott,555 CanalSt. in NewOrleans.
Doors open at 10 a.m.Gregory Ricks and Maddie Kerth will be the masters of ceremonies. Activitiesinclude asilent auction and raffle, and entertainment will be provided by the Bionic Babes. Ticket pricesstart at $110 per person.Reservations may be made at through Oct. 4atwww.bidpal.net/cancercrusaders. No payments will be accepted at the door Cancer Crusaders, alocal, nonprofit, allvolunteer organization established in 1976 to raise money for cancer research in the NewOrleans area, has donated morethan $5 milliontoLSU Health Sciences Center and Tulane Cancer Center forcancer research. Eeditor’s note: An incorrect version of this storyran last week. The Times-Picayune regrets the error
CornerstonehasbeenacommunitypartnerinWaggamanand JeffersonParishforover70years.AtCornerstoneEnergyPark, weinvestincollaborativecommunityprogramstochampion educationandempowerthelocalscience,technology,engineering, andmathematics(STEM)workforceofthefuture. We’recommittedtoourcommunity.Togetherwithourcommunity partners,wearehelpingbridgethegapbetweeneducationand opportunitytoinspirelearning,locally.
Angela LambertVillemarette
Jan Gafford Treuting
Kristy Solis
Michael Heim Cristin DeMarco Hand
Edith Garcia Eason
Tristan RappoldDupépé
Dawn MacLeod Davis
Linda Daigle
Dr.Harris M. Blackman
Bonnie Lee Glinky Blackman
Alookbackatconfusion around 1860 presidential election
Election Day is coming up on Nov.5,and if you’re thinking that today’spolitics are complicated, consider what happened in Abraham Lincoln’sday Afterhewas elected, butbefore he could even be inaugurated, seven states seceded fromthe Union. Walk through the events preceding theCivil Warwith Cyril Lagvanec, Ph.D., the curator of the AmericanItalian Research Library in Metairie, as he talks about the presidential election of 1860 at 7p.m. Oct. 8at the East Bank Regional Library,4747 W. NapoleonAve,, Metairie
The 1860 election was afourway contest. The Republican Partyticket of Abraham Lincoln and Hannibal Hamlin won anational popular plurality; apopular majority in the North, where states had already abolished slavery; and anational electoral majority comprising only Northern electoralvotes.
In the months following Lincoln’selection —and before his inauguration in March 1861 —seven Southern states, led by South Carolina on Dec. 20, 1860, seceded, setting the stagefor the American Civil War(1861-65)
The UnitedStates had become increasingly divided duringthe 1850s, primarily over extending slaveryinto the Western territories.
The incumbent president, James Buchanan, like his predecessor,Franklin Pierce, was a Northern Democrat withSouthern sympathies. Buchanan also adamantlypromised nottoseek reelection.
The 1860 presidential election marked the first time thata Republican waselected president.
FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY: The curator of Decorative Arts and Design at the New Orleans Museum of Art,Mel Buchanan, willbethe guest speaker when the Friends of the JeffersonPublic Library meet at 10 a.m. Oct.2 at the East BankRegional Library Buchanan will talk about the
current NOMA exhibit, “Sand, Ash, Heat: Glass at the New Orleans Museum of Art.” Adocentledtourfor six people will be amongthe door prizes.
Also at the meeting, volunteers cansignupfor the next BigBook Sale, Oct. 25-27, at thePontchartrain Center in Kenner Thelibrary is located at 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie.
WWIIDISCUSSION: Learn about the role of blimps in WWII from Kim Guise, senior curator and director for Curatorial Affairs at The National WWII Museum in New Orleans, when shespeaks at 7p.m. Oct.3atthe East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie.
Despite their contributions to theAllied war effort, blimp crews fought in relative obscurity while warplanes andfighting ships captured headlines andthe public’s
imagination.
However,more than 10,000 airship pilots, gunners and mechanics took part in an estimated 37,000 combat patrols, chalking up nearly 400,000 flying hours while protecting tens of thousands of friendly vessels from harm
GENEALOGY: Amanda Fallis will talk about navigating theresourcesatthe City Archives and Special Collections at 7p.m. Oct. 2at theEast BankRegional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie. Attendees will learn how to use thenew website, as well as information aboutthe types of records held there. Fallis is alibrarian and archivist in theCity Archives &Special Collections at New Orleans Public Library,where she works withgenealogical and municipal government records and develops
public archives programming.
MUSIC: American Legion Post 377’sband will perform aconcert at 7p.m. Oct. 9atthe East Bank Regional Library,4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie.
BOATING SAFETY: TheLouisiana Department of Wildlifeand Fisheries will conduct aboating safety class beginning at 9a.m. Oct. 12 at the East Bank Regional Library,4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie. The course includes information on choosing aboat, equipmentrequirements, navigation rules and charts, andmore. Studentswho complete thecourse will be issued avessel operators certification card. The class lasts between sixand eight hours.
CITIZENSHIP CLASS: The New Neighbor Project offers citizenship classes from 5:30 p.m.to 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays at the Rose-
dale Library,4036 Jefferson Highway,Jefferson. The free classes are designed to prepare eligible permanent residents forthe United States naturalization process.
BOOK CLUBS: October book club meetings and selected reading include: n Waggaman MysteryBook Club: 5:30 p.m.Oct. 7and the first Monday of each month at the Live Oak Library,125 Acadia Drive, Waggaman.
n ”Origins of Totalitarianism” by Hannah Arendt: 12:30 to 2p.m. Oct. 5, Rosedale Library,4036 Jefferson Highway,atthe Old Jefferson Study of Authoritarianism Book Club
n ”Candide”byVoltaire: 7p.m. Oct. 14, East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie. French Lit Discuss Group. Read the first half,orabout 200 pages.
n ”Before ISleep” by Cynthia Harrod-Eagles, 2p.m. Oct. 15, Old Metairie Library,2350 Metairie Road. Old Metairie Mystery Book Club.
n ”A Confederacy of Dunces” by John Kennedy Toole: 2:30 p.m.Oct. 15, River Ridge Library,8825 Jefferson Highway,River Ridge. Jefferson Highway Book Club.
n ”Dracula” by Bram Stoker: 7p.m. Oct. 15, East Bank Regional Library,4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie. Great Books Discussion Group.
n TheAfrica Diaspora Book Club: Teens meet at 6p.m. Oct. 14 at the Live Oak Library,125 Acadia Drive, Waggaman.
n Critique Group: The Lakeshore Writer’sCritique Group meets at 9:30 a.m. Oct. 5and 19, at the Lakeshore Library,1000 Esplanade, Metairie. The small group consists of writers whogather regularly to share their writing with others.
APAUSE FOR VOTING: Library programming at the East Bank Regional Library and the West Bank Regional Library will go on hiatus forashort period to accommodate early voting, which will occur in the meeting rooms. The roomswill not be available from Oct. 15 to Nov.6
ChrisSmith is manager of adult programming at theJefferson Parish Public Library
FILEPHOTO BY MORGAN WERTHER
FESTIVALS
GRETNA FEST: The 30th anniversary fest will be held Oct. 4-6with livemusic, artsand crafts, games, food and much moreat740 2nd St. in Gretna. The festival will featuremore than 40 musical acts, including CowboyMouth, Dierks Bentley,SteveMiller Band the Revivalists, Foghat, Blue Oyster Cult,Morris Day&the Time, Galactic, Rockin’ Dopsie, Amanda Shaw, Glen David Andrewsand theIguanas Tickets startat$40. Weekend and VIP packages areavailable. gretnafest.com.
FALL GARDEN FESTIVAL: The City Park Conservancy’s fall fundraiser will be held Oct. 5-6,9a.m.-4 p.m., at the Botanical Garden at New Orleans City Park, 5Victory Ave. More than 50 vendors will exhibit common and exotic plants. Also: educational programs, arts and crafts, and specialists, Master Gardeners and New Orleans Botanical Garden personnel on hand to answer questions Admission is $12 for adults,$6 for children. NewOrleansCityPark.org.
NATIONAL FRIED CHICKEN
FESTIVAL: To be held on the New Orleans Lakefront, LakeshoreDriveand Franklin Avenue in NewOrleans, on Oct. 5-6, 11 a.m.-9 p.m., the fest is ranked sixth onUSA Today10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards list of topspecialty Food Festivals. Entrants will compete in categories that include “Best Fried Chicken,” “Best Use of Chicken in aDish,” “Best Chicken Sandwich” and the “People’s Choice Award.” Tickets startat$10. friedchickenfestival.com
QUE PASA FEST: The festival will featuremusic and more than 25 food vendors from a variety of Latin American countries and 75 nonprofits, and arts and crafts. It will be held at LafrenierePark, 3000 Downs Blvd. in Metairie, Oct. 5-6 from 11 a.m. to 9p.m.Admission is free, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., and $5 after 5p.m.quepasafest.org.
GATESFEST AFTER DARK: ALL SHUK UP!: Free tickets are available 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. FlowTribe will headline, and the festival’s centerpiece, akumzitz, will feature an Israeli-style singalong and communalsongand dance sessions. Therewill also be local artists and Jewish/Israeli food vendors. Gatesfest.org.
ELECTRIC CON: Afan convention commemorating Electric Entertainment’s original programs will be held Oct. 12-13 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center,900 Convention Center Blvd. in New Orleans. Fans of “Leverage,” “The Librarians,” “The Outpost,” “Almost Paradise” and “The Ark” can participate in programming featuring special guests, panel discussions, cosplay andmore. Tickets start at $49. www.creationent. com/cal/elc_nola/index.htm.
CULTURE&CONCERTS
THURSDAYSATTWILIGHT: The concert series featuring musicians, mint juleps and morecontinues on Thursdays,6-8 p.m., at thePavilion
of theTwo Sisters at the New Orleans Botanical Garden, 1 Victory Ave. in New Orleans. Oct.3isBruce Daigrepont. Admission is $15. NewOrleansCityPark.org
BACHTOBERFEST: The concert will be held Oct. 2, 6p.m., in the courtyardofMargaret Place Hotel, 1133 Margaret Place in New Orleans. It will featureElectric YatQuartet, pianist André Bohren and trumpeter Vance Woolfand include musicspanning from Bach to the Beatles. Tickets are$25. masno.org/. AN EVENING OF REMEMBRANCE, RESILIENCE &HOPE: The Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleanswill host “Commemorating Oct. 7: An Evening of Remembrance, Resilience, &HOPE,”Oct. 6, with
twoexhibits paying tribute to unexpected heroes in the terrorist attack in Gaza. Featured speakers include Yoni Diller an Israeli filmmaker and survivorofthe 10/7 Nova Music Festival terror attack. Venue is the JeffersonPerforming Arts Center, 6400 Airline Drive in Metairie. Doors open at 4:30 p.m., and the program begins at 6p.m. jewishnola.com/ commemorating-october-7/.
BOOKS
“LITANY OF SAINTS: ATRIPTYCH”: Author Diana Rojas will discuss her debutbook with writer Annell Lopez on Oct. 2, 6:30 p.m., at Blue Cypress Books, 8123 Oak St.in New Orleans.The event will include areading, audience Q&A and abook signing. www.bluecypressbooks.com.
“CLYDE THE GIANTCRAWFISH”: Author Alexandra NavarreDavis,illustrator ShannonKelley Atwater and aspecial crawfish will be part of story time on Oct. 5, 11 a.m., at the Garden District Book Shop, 2727 Prytania St. in New Orleans.www.gardendistrictbookshop.com.
“KINGMAKER: PAMELA HARRIMAN’SASTONISHING LIFEOF POWER, SECUCTION, AND INTRIGUE”: Author Sonia Purnell will celebrate the publication of her newest book on Oct. 6, 4p.m at the Garden District
Book Shop,2727 Prytania St. in NewOrleans. The presentation on WinstonChurchill’s daughter-in-lawwill be followedbyaQ&A and book signing. Reserve abook on Eventbrite. www.gardendistrictbookshop.com.
FUNDRAISERS/GALAS
SPIRIT OF YOUTH AWARDS: Boys Town Louisiana will hold itsawardsdinneron Oct. 4, 6p.m., at TheBarnett, 600 Carondelet St. in New Orleans. The eventincludes a performance by Marley Marsalis,along withthe recognition of community members and leaders. Tickets startat $175. www.boystown.org.
SPCACARNIVAL: Louisiana SPCA’safternoon of fun and fundraising will be held Oct. 5, noon-4 p.m at 1700 Mardi Gras Blvd. in NewOrleans, withmusic, gamesand auctions. Tickets startat $50. Pooch Passes at $15 are required to bring your dog. www.louisianaspca.org
FUN-RAISER: Raphael Village will hostatennis and pickleball tournament to benefit thedifferently abled communityofNew Orleans on Oct. 5-6 at CityPark Pepsi Tennis Courts, 5900 MarconiDr. in NewOrleans. Playerswill be matched based on theirtennis and pickleball ratings for games, 9a.m. to 3p.m. The eventwill includefood,music and araffle. Registration costs $150 per tennis duo. Pickleball playersregister for $65 aperson. onecau.se/ rvtournament
DRAGBINGO: The Dress for Success fundraiser will be held Oct. 10 at theCannery 3803 ToulouseSt. in New Orleans. Doors open at 6p.m. for drinks and silent auction, withbingo withKookie and theQueens7-9 p.m.Tickets startat$75. neworleans. dressforsuccess.org
NOLADOGS RACE TO THE RESCUE: Registration is open for the5Krun/walk on Oct 13 at Metairie Cemetery, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. in New Orleans. The fundraiser will also includeaprerace dog parade and Heaven’sPets’ annual Blessing of thePets after therace. Proceeds will go to Animal RescueNew Orleans, Take Paws Rescue, The Inner Pup, Trampled Rose Rescue&Rehab and Zeus Rescues. Registration starts at $35. raceroster.com.
FRIENDSOFMUSIC: New Orleans Friends of Music will host afundraising dinner with artists andsupporters following the first performance,
Oct. 16, Dixon Hall Room 115, Newcomb Circle, Tulane University,6823 St. Charles Ave. in New Orleans. Theconcert starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets for the dinner start at $65 forsubscribers. Friendsofmusic.org MINIBOX AUCTION: CommunityVisions Unlimited will sponsor an auction of miniatures from itsUtilityBox Art Project on Oct 18, 4-7 p.m., at Urban South Brewery, 1645 Tchoupitoulas St. in NewOrleans. The auction will include25-30 7”x7” mini boxes. Minimum bidis $50. All proceeds benefitthe continuation of theproject. cvunola2@gmail.com.
HONORS ST.BERNARD PARISH SHERIFF’SOFFICE: Lt.Christopher Scheeler wasamong 254 topranking Louisiana lawenforcement officials who graduated from theFBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia. A29-year veteran of lawenforcement,Scheeler servesin theSpecial Operations Division of theSt. BernardParish Sheriff’s Office, where he has been since 2015. During theacademy, Scheeler, who holdsanM.B.A. from Upper Iowa University,earned 18 hours of graduate credithours toward amaster’s degreein public safety from theUniversity of Virginia.
MEETINGS
DUTCH OVEN SOCIETY: The Wego Cookers, part of the Louisiana Dutch Oven Society will demonstrate theart of Dutch ovencooking on Oct 5atBelle TerreLibrary,5550 Belle TerreRoad in Marrero. Set up begins at 9a.m., demonstrations begin at 10 a.m.,
Chowdownatthe National Fried Chicken Festival, coming up Oct.
Scheeler
