FUNAND FUNCTION
BY EVAJACOB BARKOFF
Contributing writer
For more than acentury,Percy Marchand’sfamily has resided in the New Orleans neighborhood known as Gert Town. It was about four years ago, however,that Marchand said he noticed alack of interaction among neighbors.
“I decided to take action,”Marchand said. “Inspired by my brother,George, and his past Halloween events, Idecided to have an event to bring the community of Gert Town together.”
And so on Oct. 26 beginning at 1p.m., the fourth annual Boo!Dat504 Halloween Extravaganza willbeheldinthe 2900block of Audubon Street. The free event will include ahaunted house, acostume contest, food and music as well as STEM activities forkids, an interdisciplinaryapproach to learning that combines science, technology,engineering andmathematics.
Christian Bolden, holding his son, Julian, looks overthe treats Julian received at the2023Boo!Dat504 event. Julian costumed as a firefighter forthe Halloween event
BOO!DAT 504 HALLOWEEN EXTRAVAGANZA
WHAT: Adaylong celebration with trunk-ortreating,costume contests, ahauntedhouse avoter registration drive, STEMactivities, carnivalgames, food and music. Proceeds benefitdomesticviolence supportgroups.
WHEN: Oct. 26, 1p.m.to9 p.m. See boodat.com for schedule.
The recent hurricanes have had a devastating impact on communities, families and animals, especially in North Carolina and Florida. All will need help from farand wide as they face unprecedented challenges for the foreseeable future.
Animal shelters and rescues in the impacted areas are in dire need of assistance. Monetary donations are urgently needed to provide medical care, food, and shelter to displaced animals.
Those interested in donating to animal groups in the hardest hit areas should choose reputable and verified organizations.
Donating directly to ashelter or rescue is best and not to an individual collecting on an organization’sbehalf. Do someresearch and makesure that anyone soliciting donations is legit and that those donations will in fact go to animal relief efforts.
One great organization to consider in the wake of Hurricane Helene is Brother Wolf Animal Rescue, based in Asheville, North Carolina. It is a sister rescue organization of Animal Rescue New Orleans.
All 137 of the animals in its care were moved to safety,but the shelter wasdecimated.
The animals are currently in foster care, but supplies are running scarce, and the organization’s leadership is working to secure a building foremergency housing and operations.
“I wanttoemphasize the importance of community and proactive solutions to domestic violence,” Marchand explained.
WHERE: 2900 block of Audubon Street, New Orleans.
“Last year,wehad approximately 300 people attendthe event,and this year,I hope the number grows to 500,” Marchand said There is aserious component to the Oct. 26 celebration —the issue of domestic violence.
last year,weraised more than $2,000. Our eventhelps to connect individuals affected by domestic violence,and survivors will be on hand to share their stories to spread the messages of hope and victory.”
This year,proceedswill be shared between The New Orleans Family Justice Center andHelpA Sister Out, two organizations helping victims of domestic violence.
Misty Frye is theassociate director of programs and services for the NewOr-
Gert Town’s Boo!Dat fest benefits domestic violence victims ä See BOO!DAT, page 2G
“Financialdonations,goods and a50/50 raffle go to domestic violence shelters, and
FEAR FACTOR
Here are some of the freaky,frightening spots in the metro area to get in touch with your inner ghoul— and some fun and family-friendly ones, as well.
THE MORTUARY: 4800 Canal St., New Orleans. Set in aformer funeralhome near some of the city’s largestcemeteries
“HELLection 2024: Choose ThyFate”is the current frightful configuration of the 1872 domicile. In addition tothe house thereare MystereEscape Rooms and more. Open most weekendsthrough Nov. 3. Timed ticketsstartat$25. themortuary net.
NEW ORLEANS NIGHTMARE: 319 Butterworth St., Jefferson.This perennial favorite by 13th Floor Haunted House features “Dead Again,” “Dead Hour” and “Craft of the Midnight.” There’s also twohorror-
themed secret bars. Open most weekends through Halloween, tickets start at $19.99. neworleansnightmare.com.
SKELETON HOUSE: St.Charles Avenue at State Street. Over the past 20 years, LouellenBerger’s frontyardboneyard hasbecome aHalloween landmark, meant to amuse, nothorrify,the thousands who crowdthe fence to inspect thespectacle. Shehas astockpile of morethan 80 full-size assemblages of plasticskeletons. Not to be missed.
Brother Wolf officials are determined to rebuild, as the shelter is alifeline forthousands of animals each year.Over the coming months, Brother Wolf and countless other shelters will need our help. See moreatwww.bwar.org.
In Florida, Hurricane Milton has had catastrophic impacts. There are manyshelters and rescues in the TampaBay area and beyond that are assessing damages and starting the recovery process.
Twogreat organizations to help in that area are the Humane Society of TampaBay (www.humanesocietytampa.org) and Friends of Strays Animal Shelter in St. Petersburg (www.friendsofstrays.org).
Both are great, well-respected organizations that are doing wonderfulthings forthe animals in Florida. These groups need our assistance now
Some very scaaary things aregoing on across themetro area forHalloween ä See HALLOWEEN, page 2G
ZOMBIE PAINTBALL: NOLA Motorsports Park, 11075Nicolle Blvd.,Avondale.The raceway gets spookywith an interactive Zombie Apocalypse, go-karting, ax throwing, vendorsand more. Get ammo and boardthe bus to “kill” as manyofthe undead as possible.Tickets start at $22.
After Hurricane Katrina in 2005, we received help from all over the country.Infact, ARNOwas founded by out-of-town folks whocame to help and were on the scene at rescue headquarters located at the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center in Gonzales. Hundreds of volunteers came in and rescued thousands of animals while also urgently working to assist displaced pets and their families. Those sameefforts are happening now in the southeast.
If able, please consider donating to these rescues or others.
Traci D. Howerton is the volunteer manager for Animal Rescue NewOrleans (ARNO), anonprofit volunteer-based, no-kill shelter.For more information on ARNO, visit www.animalrescueneworleans.org.
Traci Howerton ANIMAL RESCUE
PROVIDED PHOTOS
AriyaSmith works on making slimeasapartofthe STEMNOLA activities at last year’sBoo!Dat504 Halloween Extravaganza.
PROVIDED PHOTO
party
STAFF PHOTO BY SCOTT THRELKELD
Mr.Floats, right, greet paradegoers at last year’s Krewe of Boo! Catch it this year on Oct.19.
and run through 10 p.m., weather permitting. ghostmanor.org.
GHOST IN THE OAKS: Carousel Gardens Amusement, City Park, 7Victory Ave., New Orleans. This family affair has arts and crafts, roasting hot dogs, apumpkin patch and trick-or-treating throughout the park. The fun starts at 6p.m. Oct. 17-20 (early admission is 5p.m.). Tickets start at $22, children under 36 inches free. neworleanscitypark.org.
BOO AT THE ZOO: Audubon Zoo, 6500 Magazine St., New Orleans. All the ghouls “axed for you” at this kid-friendly three-dayfest with ahost of things to do, food trucks, animalsand trick-or-treating. The fun benefits Children’s Hospital and the zoo. It happens from 10 a.m. to 5p.m. Oct. 18-20. Tickets startat $38. audubonnatureinstitute org. HAUNTED HOUSE AND SAINTS SPOOKTACULAR TRUNK-OR-
TREAT: St. Martin’s Episcopal School, 225 Green AcresRoad, Metairie. Twodaysofspooky fun areinstoretoraise funds for the school’s performing arts programs. The haunted house is open by time slots from 7:30 p.m. to 9p.m. Oct 18 and 6:30 p.m. to 9p.m. Oct 19. Tickets start at $10. The trunk-or-treat is from 5p.m to 7:30 p.m. and includes games and prize. Tickets start at $10, presale only stmsaints.com
GHOSTLYGALLIVANT: The Cabildo, Jackson Square, 701 Chartres St., New Orleans. Friends of the Cabildo presents “Gallatin Street —A Perfect Hell on Earth,” atour through one of the city’s most notorious thoroughfares, every half-hour from 5:30 p.m. to 8p.m. Oct. 18. Libations and music in the courtyard Admission starts at $30 friendsofthecabildo.org.
KREWE OF BOO: Carnival meets Halloween in this parade of epic proportions at sunset Oct. 19 in the French Quarter. It kicks off at Chartres Street and Elysian Fields Avenue, rolls through the Vieux Carré along North Peters and Decatur streets,then loops onto CanalStreet and heads to Tchoupitoulas Street to Andrew Higgins Boulevard, ending at the Monster Mash post-parade costume party at Generations Hall. kreweofboo.com.
BOO CARRE HALLOWEEN
HAUNT: The FrenchMarketDistrict will be Oct. 19
11 a.m.-4 p.m., in Dutch Alley, 900 block of North Peters Street in New Orleans. The kid-centric event encourages costumes for all agesand will featurelivemusic, children’s activities, aSpooky Second Line and trick-or-treating. Free. www.frenchmarket.org
CITY OF KENNER TRUNK OR TREAT: Muss Bertolino Sta-
dium, 620 W. EsplanadeAve Kenner. Don your favorite costumes and headtothe stadiumand get some candies, plusconcessionswill be available for purchase from 5p.m. to 7p.m. Oct.19. Then, there’s an outdoor screening of “IF.” Free. kenner.la.us.
TRUNKORTREAT AT LAFRENIERE PARK: 3000 Downs Blvd., Metairie. The Dawn Busters Kiwanis get trunk-y with it at this annual candypalooza,with morethan 45 vehicles giving outthe goodies. There’s also afood court, carousel rides and inflatables.Admissionis$15 per child from 6p.m. to8 p.m. Oct. 19. Tickets will besold at the gate only.dawnbusters. org.
BREWSAND BOOS: Carousel Gardens Amusement,City Park, 7Victory Ave.,New Orleans. It’s time for theover21 kids to get ghastly withit for beer and cheer at 8p.m. Oct. 25-26. Rides andmore areincluded and VIPsget an open bar, seating andspecial treats. Tickets start at $32. neworleanscitypark.org.
FALL FEST: Louisiana Children’s Museum, 15Henry Thomas Drive, CityPark,New Orleans. Seasonal celebration, costumes encouraged, that includes some things spooky,creepyand magical, likeaMonster Mash dance party,potion brewing, pumpkin painting, gamesand more. Oct. 26 during museum hours.lcm.org
HOWL-O-WEENIE PET FEST: Metairie HumaneDog Shelter hosts the fest Oct.26from 11 a.m. to 5p.m. at Westwood Playground,200 W. Loyola Ave. in Kenner.Free. Costumes encouraged.Bring pets on leashes or in carriers. Trick-or-treating for thekids, games food andphotos with Mr.PumpkinHeadand Santa forafee. Cutest Pet& Pal Costume Contestat3 p.m.;$5 to enter NORD MONSTERMILE WALK & RUN: New Orleans Recreation Department will sponsor a family-friendly runopento all abilitiesand ages 5-17 on Oct. 26,9 a.m.- noon,at Lafitte GreenwayStation, 436 N. NormanC.FrancisParkway in New Orleans. Registration is free through Eventbrite nordc.org/home/ FAMILYCONCERT—HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR: Roussel Hall, Loyola University, 6301 St. Charles Ave., NewOrleans. The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestraplays audience favorite featurestunesfrom “Harry Potter,” “Raiders of the Lost Ark” and “Frozen,” plus classics likeSaint-Saens’ “DanseMacabre.” Events startat10:15a.m. Oct.26for Music Learning Stationsto
chat with the music makers, then the hourlong concert is at 11 a.m. Costumes areencouraged. Tickets for adults (16 and over)start at $20. lpomusic.com.
BOO! DAT504 HALLOWEEN
EXTRAVAGANZA: 2900 block of Audubon Street, New Orleans. Impact 504 stages adaylong celebration Oct. 26, starting at 1p.m.,toraise funds for domestic violence issues, with trunk-or-treating, costume contests, ahaunted house, voter-registration drive, STEAM activities, carnival games, food and music. boodat.com.
HAUNTED HOUSE AT HABANA OUTPOST: 1040 Esplanade Ave., New Orleans. Camp SoulGrow hosts ahaunted house in which kids can walk through, collect candy gift bags, playgames and make Halloween-themed crafts from 5p.m. to 7p.m. Oct. 29. Costumes areencouraged. Reservations required through Eventbrite. campsoulgrow.org/upcomingevents.html.
THE ANNE RICE VAMPIRE BALL: Derbès Mansion, 2257 BayouRoad, New Orleans. The VampireLestat FanClub’s gathering at amasquerade ball at 8p.m. Nov. 1. A dinner is included, as well as beverages, music by the Harry Hardin Quartet and DJs, costume contest and silent auction. Tickets start at $275. vamplestat.com.
PUMPKINPATCHES
The metroareaisfrighteningly full of pumpkin patches. Here’s alist of some of them Take your pick.
ST.AUGUSTINE’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH: 3412 Haring Road, Metairie. Through Oct. 31, noon to 8p.m. Pumpkins, jewelry crafts, bakedgoods. staugustinesmet.com FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH: 5401 S. Claiborne Ave.,New Orleans. Through Oct. 31, hours vary.fpcno.org/pumpkinpatch.
ST.ANDREW’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH: 1031 S. Carrollton Ave.,New Orleans. Through Oct. 31, hours vary.Games, crafts, photo spots. standrewsnola. com.
ST.MARTIN’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH: 2216 Metairie Road, Metairie. Through Oct. 31, hours vary stmepiscopal.com.
WOODLAND CHURCH: 5837 Berkley Drive, Algiers. Through Oct. 31, hours vary.Patch, games, story time. wcnola.org.
ST.MARK’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH: 3245 Manhattan Blvd., Harvey Through Oct. 31, hours vary stmarksharvey.com.
BOO!DAT
Continued from page1G
leansFamilyand Justice Center,which provides programs for victims. It partners with severallocal agencies to address family violence, child abuse, sexual assault, and stalking to provide crisis services, safe housing, individual and group therapy services, health care, legal services and programs and activities. Those agencies include the New Orleans Police Department, the Orleans ParishDistrictAttorney’s Office, the New Orleans Children’sAdvocacy Center,and the Greater New Orleans Human Trafficking Task Force.
The Family Justice Center is also supportedbythe UnitedWay,the National Council of Jewish Women the Crescent City Classic and theGoldring Family Foundation. And in 2023, the center assisted 2,409 people,including men.
“Community events give us an opportunity to raise awareness about domestic
violence,”Fryesaid. “It takes avictim anywhere from seven to 10 times to finally leave adomestic violence situation. The Boo!Dat event is achance to talk to residents who may be afraid to contact us. We want people to know about this agency and that help is available to women, children and men who have suffered from violence and trauma.”
In 2020,TanishaJones founded Help ASister Out; she currently serves as its CEO. It also provides services to victims of domestic violence and outreach programs collaborating with local partners.
“Weaverage 1,500 women and children each year, and this demographic encompassesa diverse group reflecting life stages and challenges,”Jones explained.
“The organization connectsthose having trouble with resources such as temporary housing, health care access, child care enrollment and mental health services. Thanks to the generosity of donations from corporations, community members and indi-
viduals.”
“Events like Boo!Dat504 servemultiple services,” Jones said. “It assistswith fundraising that helps support our programs andprovides resources forwomen and children in need. And it helps to increase community awareness,fostering a greater understanding and empathy.”
Marchand said he hopes Boo!Dat504 focuses on “the importance that community takes proactive solutions”tohelp domestic violence victims.
“Instead of relying on large, national programs, I want the local community to take charge,” Marchand said. “The ultimate goal is to inspire those attending this event to become change agents, positively impactinglives by bringing hope and spreading love.”
If you are or know of someone who is avictim of domestic violence, contact the New Orleans Family and Justice Center at (504) 866-9554 or Help ASister Out at (800) 963-3529. Both are24-hour hotlines. Donations andsponsorships also are encouraged to cover event costs
PETOFTHE WEEK
Thayerisayear-old
he’syour guy For more info, email adopt@ animalrescueneworleans. org
STAFF PHOTO BY SCOTT THRELKELD
The Krewe of Boo! willrollinNew Orleans on Oct.19.
STAFF PHOTO BY SCOTT THRELKELD
The Rolling Elvi dress for the occasion for the Krewe of Boo.
FESTIVALS
NOLA FUNK FEST: The Louisiana Music&Heritage Experience will present funk acts Oct. 18-20 at the New Orleans Jazz Museum,400 Esplanade Ave. in New Orleans. They include LeoNocentelli, George Porter Jr., Big Freedia, Tank andthe Bangas, Marcia Ball and Dumpstafunk. Tickets start at $130. www nolafunkfest.com
PRAISE FEST: The free, three-day outdoor gospel music experience will be held Oct. 18-20,11a.m.7p.m., at BayouSt. John onthe cornerofOrleansAvenue &N.Norman Francis Parkway in New Orleans. FridayisSeniors Dayand features ablood drive1-4 p.m. Saturday is Career &Health Day. www.praisefestnola.com
SUGAR FEST: The Old Arabi Neighborhood Association festivalwill be Oct. 19, 11 a.m.-8 p.m., at theAycock Barn, 409 Aycock St. in Arabi. The event features competitions, games, food, arts and crafts, livemusicand narratedtours of the historic and cultural arts district. Free. oldarabi. org KENNER FOOD TRUCK FESTIVAL: The free event will be held from 11 a.m to 7:30 p.m.Oct. 20 in Laketownin Kenner with 30 local foodtrucks, live music, arts and crafts vendors and akids’ activity zone. Free parkingis available next to the Pontchartrain Center, 4545 Williams Blvd., with free shuttles to the fest. www.kenner.la us GATESFEST AFTER DARK: ALL SHUK UP!: Free tickets areavailable for the Congregation Gates of Prayer’s musicand arts festival,tobeheld 4-9 p.m. Oct. 20 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 will also be local artists andJewish/ Israeli food vendors. Gatesfest.org.
TOPTACO: The food competition will be held Oct. 24 at Lafreniere Park, 3000 Downs Blvd. in Metairie Area restaurants, bars and caterers will compete for prizes.Activities include livemusic, acostume contest, mechanical bull, performances by the Lucha Kreweand NOLA Nightlights and goat yoga. Proceeds benefit local nonprofits. This is a 21-and-older event. Tickets start at $85. toptaconola.com
JAPANFEST: The Japan Club in New Orleans and the Consulate General of Japan in Nashville will host a daylong event celebrating Japanese culture10a.m.-4 p.m. on Oct.26at the New Orleans Museum of Art,1 Collins Diboll Circle in New Orleans. Activities include art, performances, food, martial arts demonstrations and vendors. $10, $5 for NOMA members. Those 19 years and
under areadmittedfree. my.noma. org/6343/japan-fest
OAKSTREETPO-BOYFESTIVAL: The celebration of New Orleans’s favorite sandwich will be held Oct. 27 on the 8100-8700 blocks of Oak Street, with aKids Zone aSaints game-watching area,acelebrityjudged po-boy competition, food and beverage vendors and livemusic. Wristbands start at $10. www poboyfest.com
COMMUNITYEVENTS
SPLASH PARK OPENING: The new park, at JohnnyJacobs Playground, 5851 5th Ave. in Marrero,will be open from 10 a.m. to5 p.m. every Saturdayand Sunday in October.It includes six overhead water units and four in-ground sports ball features. The free splash park is for kids ages birth to 12years and is ADAaccessible. www.JeffParish.gov
HOWYOU DOIN’ NEW ORLEANS: Arts New Orleanswill host its 2024 Percent for Art Program exhibition opening 6-9p.m. on Oct. 17 at MerchantHouse,1150 Magazine St. in NewOrleans. Arts NewOrleans purchases artwork for displayin public spaces. Theevent will include music and small bites. RSVP is required. howyoudoinneworleans. splashthat.com
FAMILYGAME NIGHT: New Orleans Recreation Department will host the family-friendly event on Oct. 18, 5-7 p.m., at Joe W. BrownGym, 5601 Read Blvd. in NewOrleans. Registration required. nordc.org
HOMEFEST: The free block party will be held noon-6 p.m. Oct. 20 on the 2400 and 2500 blocksofBayou Road in New Orleans.Itcelebrates the cultural heritage andthe entrepreneurial spiritofBayou Road and will
featureafood, vendor and community resource marketplace, and live performances. www.homefestnola. com
TOUCH-A-TRUCK: Tickets areon sale through Oct. 31 for the Junior League of New Orleans fundraiser to be held 9a.m.-4 p.m. on Nov. 2 at the Pontchartrain Convention &Civic Center, 4545 Williams Blvd. in Kenner. Additional activities include achild-sized coloring wall, amarket and more. Advance tickets $12; VIP tickets $20. Tickets can be purchased at the door (no cash). Children 1and under areadmitted free. jlno.org/touch-a-truck
MOONLIGHT MARKET: Crescent City Farmers Market will hold aspecial market on Nov. 14, 6-9 p.m., at 500 N. Norman C. Francis Parkway.The event will include food, garden-toglass cocktails, pop-ups and live music. Tickets, $60, include entry food and beverages. Early bird tickets areavailable through Oct. 20. Day-of tickets are$75, available Nov. 14 and at the door. This event is 21+. No pets. www.crescentcityfarmersmarket.org
MOVIES
BACK TO THE GRETNA DRIVE-IN: Gretna continues its movie series in October at the Gretna Amphitheater, Huey P. Long Avenue at the river. Free movies start at 6:30 p.m. The Oct. 19 featureis“Elemental,” and the Oct. 26 film is “Wish.”Costumes encouraged on Oct. 26. www gretnala.com
CULTUREAND CONCERTS
THURSDAYSATTWILIGHT: The concert series featuring musicians, mint juleps and morecontinues
6-8 p.m. on Thursdays at the Pavil-
ion of the TwoSisters at the New Orleans Botanical Garden, 1Victory Ave. in New Orleans. Oct. 24 is the Boogie Men. Admission is $15. NewOrleansCityPark.org.
BACK TO THERIVER: Gretna continues its free concert series in October at the Gretna Amphitheater, Huey P. Long Avenue at the river. The Oct. 18 concert at 6p.m. will featurethe Bucktown All-Stars, and the Oct. 25 concert Typically Booked. Food truck vendors will be on site. www.gretnala.com/departments/ tourism/ BOOKS
“THE BIRDS,THE BEES,AND THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM”: Author Rachel Coler Mulholland will discuss her new book with Julie Lause, co-founder and chief of schools at Crescent City Schools, at 4p.m. on Oct. 20 at the Garden District Book Shop, 2727 Prytania St. in New Orleans. ReserveacopyonEventbrite. www.gardendistrictbookshop.com
“WHO LET THE NERVES OUT?”: Local author Loreal Ivory will read from her book for story time on Oct. 26, 11 a.m., at the Garden District Book Shop, 2727 Prytania St. in New Orleans. www.gardendistrictbookshop.com
“HAUNTINGLYGOOD SPIRITS”: Author Sharon Keating, along with Christi Keating Sumich, will treat attendees to ahistorical romp through the local barscene and its spirits, celebrating local New Orleans ingredients and hometown mixologists on Oct. 30, 5p.m., at the Garden District Book Shop, 2727 Prytania St. in New Orleans. Book signings will follow. www.gardendistrictbookshop.com
“’TIL STRESS DO US PART”: Couples therapist and author Elizabeth Earnshawwill read from and sign her new book at 4p.m. on Oct. 27 at the Garden District Book Shop, 2727 Prytania St. in New Orleans. Earnshaw will be joined by Kelley Delaune for a Q&A. ReserveacopyonEventbrite. www.gardendistrictbookshop.com
FUNDRAISERS/GALAS
FRIENDS OF MUSIC: New Orleans
Friends of Music will host afundraising dinner with artists and supporters following the firstperformance, Oct. 16, Dixon Hall Room 115, Newcomb Circle, Tulane University, 6823 St. Charles Ave. in New Orleans. The concert starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets for the dinner start at $65 for subscribers. Friendsofmusic.org.
MINI BOXAUCTION: Community Visions Unlimited will sponsor an auction of miniatures from its Utility BoxArt Project 4-7 p.m.onOct. 18 at Urban South Brewery,1645 Tchoupitoulas St. in New Orleans. The auction will include 25-30 7“x7” mini boxes. Minimum
DominicanHighSchool scholars recognized
Students from St. Mary’s Dominican High School have received honors from national scholastic organizations Seven Dominican studentshavereceived academic honors from the College Board National Recognition Programs. Allison Breaux, asenior, received the National First GenerationAward. Junior Natalie Cage and senior Mihley Clayton received the National African American Recognition Award.
Seniors Sofia Chanes and Alivia Christiansen and juniors Lillian Cruz and Julianne Sanchez received the National Hispanic Recognition Award.
Metairie Academy marks2 decades
To be eligible, students musthave exceptional grades and test scores and attend school in arural area or small town or identify as AfricanAmerican/Black, Hispanic American/Latino or Indigenous/Native.
DianaNguyen andKavya Paramesh, both seniors, have beennamed Commended Students in the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program In recognitionoftheir outstandingability and potential for academic success in college, theNational Merit Scholarship Corporation will honor these stude nts by sending Letters of Com mendation to them through their high schools.
New Orleans native Michael Brown, center,has advanced to the rank of chief pettyofficer in the U.S. Navy.The September promotion ceremony at the Washington Navy Yard makes Brownone of just seven musicians in the Navy Band selected for advancement to the E-7 pay grade. Brown joined the Navy Bandin2011 asa bass trombonistinthe Concert Band. He spent three years withthe Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra
Metairie Academy for Advanced Studies celebrated its 20th year of success with an event bringing together faculty,staff, and students, both pastand present. The milestonecelebration featured special guests, speeches and ashared sense of pride in the school’saccomplishments.
theschool year on apositivenoteand with theresources they need to succeed,thankstoCornerstoneChemical
LLC. In September, Cornerstoneand Cornerstone Energy Park companiesCFIndustries, UBEC1 ChemicalsAmerica,Inc.(UBE),and contractor Gray Construction co-sponsored aBack-to-School Supply andUniform Drive. With adonationofover $8,000,the companieswereabletopurchaseover 130uniformsand needed school supplies forchildren across Jeffersonand St.Charles parishes,including at Cherbonnier-RillieuxElementary, Emmett Gilbert School of Excellence,Ralph J. Bunche Elementary KennedyHeights CivicAssociation,aswellasa public housingorganizationinBoutte, La “Cornerstone is committed to empowering the youthinour community.ThisBack-to-SchoolSupply andUniformDrive enablesCornerstone Energy Park andsitecompanies to give back to ourcommunity andmakesureour localyouth arepreparedfor an enrichingschoolyear,”saidAinslieBlanke,Cornerstone senior marketingand communications advisor. Donationsare provided directly to theschooland organizationrecipients,who areabletoimmediately distribute theuniformsand supplies to kids in need
Withthese donations, schoolsand organizationscan ensure everychild is in thebestpositiontolearn, grow,and succeed.
“Weare so blessedtohave apartnership with Cornerstone, as they have supportedour school with school supplies forthe 2024-25schoolyear. Our students willbenefitfromthisgenerousdonation. ThepartnershipwehavewithCornerstone is helping ourstudentsand school to grow,” said Denise Rehm principalatCherbonnier-RillieuxElementary. Cherbonnier-RillieuxElementaryhas been a Cornerstone-adoptedschoolsince 2019.The school is locatedinWaggaman, La less than five miles from CornerstoneEnergyPark, andaimstoprovide allstudentswithahigh-quality, comprehensive, meaningful education, whereeachstudentis giventhe toolstobealifelonglearner andtaught to function in agroup andasa productive member of society. Sinceadoptingthe school,Cornerstone hasled numerous activities andeventstobenefitits students andstaff,including supply drives,science technology,engineering,and mathematics(STEM) programming,and an end-of-yearcelebration that includes afieldday andcrawfish boil Cornerstonehas also recruitedcontractors andfellowcompanies at CornerstoneEnergy Park to contributetothe back-to-school supply drives,expanding theimpactofthe eventinthe localcommunity
“The teachers andstudents at Emmett Gilbert School aredeeplyappreciativeofand excited aboutthe wonderfuldonations of school supplies from Cornerstone, CF Industries,UBE,and Gray Construction,” said Jennifer Giroir,masterteacher at Emmett GilbertSchoolofExcellence.
TheschoolislocatedinAvondale, La., andhas a vision to provideastudent-centeredculture where allstudents willgrowtowardmastery andbeyond. “AtBunche, ourstudents, teachers,and staff repeat this mantra beforeschoolstartsinthe morning: ‘We have goalsand motivation that equalsuccess. In a worldfullofplayers,bea game changer!’Thank you, CornerstoneEnergyParkand site companies, for changing thegame. Thestudents appreciate your generosity,” said Zulema Taylor,teacher at Ralph J. Bunche Elementary School.Located in Metairie Louisiana,Buncheiscommittedtoprovidingstudents with asafeand nurturinglearningenvironment and opportunitiestoheightenstudents’ interest in STEM In addition to school supply drives,Cornerstone regularlyhosts STEM educationenrichment activities with localschools,bolsteringlocal students experience andexposuretosubjectsleading to the most in-demandcareers As part of itscommitmenttobridgingthe gap betweeneducationandopportunitytoinspirelearning locally, Cornerstoneworks with otherCornerstone Energy Park companiestoinvestincollaborative communityprogramsthatchampioneducation andequip thelocalSTEMworkforce of thefuture. “Givingbacktothe communitieswhere we live andworkhas been abedrock of Gray Construction’s culturefor more than 60 years. We were happyto co-sponsor theBack-to-SchoolSupplyand Uniform DrivewithCornerstone,CFIndustries,and our customer,UBE,tomakeapositiveimpactinthis community.Welookforward to continuing to make apositivedifference alongsideCornerstone andUBE here in Waggaman,” said BrianJones,president and CEOofGrayConstruction. Cornerstonealsosupportsavariety of educational andmentoringprograms,includingemployeevolunteer time andfinancialsupport to awiderange of local charities, sponsors communityevents, andconducts outreachprogramsamongourneighbors.Throughthe CornerstoneScholarship Program, thecompany also aims to expand accesstoeducation,providing high school graduatesand currentcollege students with financial supporttopursueaSTEM-relateddegree at an accredited university or communitycollege in Louisiana. Thesescholarshipsare awardedannually. TolearnmoreaboutCornerstoneandthecompany’s commitment to thecommunity andtosustainability visitwww.cornerstonechemco.com/community
Special guests were, from left, Ralph Brandt, board member,District 7; ClayMoise, school board member District 4; Diane Roussel,former superintendent of Jefferson Parish schools; Lisa Babin, principal, MetairieAcademy; Gerard Leblanc,school board president, District1; Ajit ‘AJ’ Pethe, chief of schools.
Current faculty and staff members of Metairie Academy for Advanced Studies were on hand.
Current principal Lisa Babin, left,isshown with Helen Blanke, the school’s first principal.
Breaux
Sanchez Clayton Nguyen Christiansen
Attorneysoffer free advice with civil-lawmatters at Jeff libraries
Attorneys will give free advice on civil-law matters in sessions at Jefferson Parish libraries
Local attorneys are volunteering for two-hour “Ask-aLawyer” sessions at several Jefferson Parish libraries in which they will meet with patrons one-on-one to answer civil legal questions and to connect them to further resources.
n Oct. 25, 9-11 a.m., attorney Chad Mollere
n Oct. 26, 9-11 a.m., attorney
Emily Hager
n Oct. 26, 11 a.m.to1p.m., attorney John Guenard
n Oct. 26, 1-3 p.m., attorney
Kelley Mackenroth
Chris Smith
LIBRARY
LAGNIAPPE
It’sall part of theJefferson Parish Library’s participation in the Lawyers in Libraries program in partnership withthe Louisiana StateBar Association, the StateLibrary of Louisiana andthe Louisiana Library Association.
The sessions are free and on a
first-come,first-served basis.
Gretna Library, 102 Willow Drive
n Oct. 22, 1-3 p.m., attorney
Temia Griffin
n Oct. 25, 9-11a.m., attorney
Brittany Carnes Melacon
n Oct. 26, 1-3 p.m., attorney
Jordan Giles North Kenner Library, 1000Esplanade Ave.
n Oct. 25, 3-5 p.m., attorney
Barry Ranshi
n Oct. 26, 9-11 a.m., attorney
Herman Bastian River RidgeLibrary, 8825Jefferson Highway
n Oct. 22, 10 a.m. to noon, at-
torney Maurice Hebert
n Oct. 24, noon to 2p.m attor-
ney Peter Meisner
EastBank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie
n Oct. 21, 9-11a.m., attorney
Erin Kalus
n Oct. 22, 5-7 p.m., attorney
Mariarenee Contreras
Old Metairie Library, 2350Metairie Road
n Oct. 21,5-7 p.m., attorney
Mariarenee Contreras
n Oct. 23, 11 a.m. to 1p.m., attorney Peter Meisner
n Oct. 24, 9-11a.m., attorney Amanda Hogue
The attorney-library partnership is acritical oneinastate where nearly 20% of thepopulation lives below the federal poverty line.
Manypeople need legal assistance butcannot afford an attorney and arenot within drivingdistance of afree legal aid office.
This programallows participantstoget answers on arange of topics: bankruptcy,collection matters, custody,divorce, evictions, FEMA/disaster benefits, food stamps, foreclosures, housing,Medicaid,Social Security, successions, taxes and wills.
TAYLOR SWIFT WEEK: It’sTaylor SwiftWeek —for teens(and some adults) at theLakeshore Library,1000 Esplanade Ave., Metairie.Swift-themed events include:
n Musicalbingo, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 21.
n Jeopardy, 5:30 p.m. Oct. 22.
n Hedbanz: Taylor Swift Edition, 3p.m.Oct. 23. n Song Quiz Show,3p.m. Oct. 24.
n Fab Fit: Shaking Everything Off with TaylorSwift,3:30 p.m Oct. 25
WHOYAGONNA CALL?: David Laville, of theNew Orleans Ghost Hunters, will discuss the haunted history ofNew Orleans at two libraries this month.
Thefirst talk will be at 7p.m. Oct. 23 at theRiver Ridge Library,8825 Jefferson Highway, River Ridge.
Thesecondwill be at 7p.m. Oct. 24 at theOld Metairie Library,2350 Metairie Road
Both of Laville’stalks will focusonthe city’sstatus as one of themosthaunted in America, andwhy so many spirits seem attracted to the local environment.
Laville and the New Orleans
Ghost Hunters have appeared on television shows, been written about in local papers and are often invited to panels at sci-ficonventions. He is alicensed New Orleans tour guide specializing in haunted tours of the French Quarter BIG BOOK SALE: TheFriends of theJefferson Public Library will conduct itssemi-annual Big Book Sale from Oct. 25 to Oct. 27 at the Pontchartrain Center, 4545 Williams Blvd.,atthe Lake, Kenner
Hours are 10 a.m. to 7p.m. Oct. 25-26 and noon to 5p.m. Oct. 27. The sale will feature more than 65,000 used books, records, DVDs, CDs and jigsaw puzzles. Cash and credit cards are welcome; checks are not.
MURDER MYSTERYBALL: The Lakeshore Library,1000 W. Esplanade Ave., Metairie, will host a“Broadway Murder Mystery Haunted House Tour” for teens aged 12 to 18 from 6to8 p.m Tuesday,Oct. 29. Registration is required. Contact thebranch to reserve a role to participate. Patronsuse cunning and deceit to reveal the assassins among them, or to get away with murder.Spectators are welcome! Refreshments will be provided.
FIRESAFETY: All ages are invited from 11 a.m. to 1p.m. Oct. 19 as thelocal fire department pays a visit to theRiver Ridge Library 8825 Jefferson Highway,tohelp promote fire safety week.
Afire truck will be on hand, along withastorytime, craft activities and alimited supply of snacks. Afire safetytalk will be included as well.
PAUSE to VOTE: Library programmingatthe East BankRegional Library and theWest BankRegional Library will be limited for ashort period to accommodate early voting, which will take place in themeeting rooms. The rooms will not be available until Nov.7
Chris Smith is manager of adult programming at the Jefferson Parish Public Library
BY JANE LEGROS Contributing writer
Teens are invited to get in touch with theirinnergothbycreating cool art pieces while listening to music at aWitchy Vibes Party at 3:30 p.m. Oct. 16 at the Robert E. SmithLibrary,6301 CanalBlvd.
Young people can hang out, play games, make art, learn a new hobby,and meet new friends at this teen program forlibrary patronsages11-18
This event is sponsored by the Friends of the New Orleans Public Library
Visitnolalibrary.org/teens to find more library programs, book recommendations, and eresources for teens.
FREE LEGAL ADVICE: In celebration of National Pro Bono Week,the New Orleans Public Library is hosting two Lawyers in Libraries events: on Oct. 22 at KellerLibrary, 4300 S. Broad St.; and Oct. 23 at East New Orleans Regional Library,5641 Read Blvd.
During these ask-a-lawyer sessions, visitors can discuss legal concerns one-on-one with alocal lawyer,including bankruptcy, civil lawsuits, collection matters, custody, divorce, evictions, FEMA/disaster benefits, food stamps, foreclosures, housing, Medicaid, social security,SSI/ SSDI, succession, taxes, and wills.
Advice will be provided on a first-come, first-servedbasis.
Sign-up begins at 2:45 p.m. and sessions will be held 3p.m.to 5p.m. both days.
Capacity is limited. Please note that this clinic does not handle criminal cases Lawyers in Libraries is presented in partnership with the Louisiana State Bar Association.
COMMUNITY ACTION: On Oct. 17, Shaq Cossé fromthe Louisiana Bucket Brigade will visit Smith Library from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. to discuss getting engaged with your community on issues that you careabout.
The library is located at 6301 CanalBlvd.
COMPOSTING: Home composting doesn’thavetobeintimidating. Learnhow to start your own composting system, regardless of the size of your outdoor space, at aclass with Barcelo Gardens from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30a.m.Oct 19 at Nora Navra Library,1902 St. Bernard Ave.
The workshopwill cover two methods of composting to help youturn your yard waste and food scraps into organic garden fertilizer
BarceloGardens is acommunity gardenand fresh produce market in Upper9th Ward New Orleans, dedicated to helping people learntogrow and providing accesstofresh produce. This eventissponsored by the Friends of the New Orleans Public Library
AUTHOR TALK: Award-winning authorLoriGottliebwill visit the library via Zoom on Oct. 22 to discuss herbestseller,“Maybe YouShould Talk to Someone: A Therapist, Her Therapist, and Our LivesRevealed.”
Gottlieb is apsychotherapist who co-hosts the popular “Dear Therapists” podcasts. Visit nolalibrary.co/gottlieb to registerand to submit your questions forthe author.
Jane LeGros is the director of marketing and communications for the Orleans Parish Library
STAFF PHOTO BY MICHAEL JOHNSON Teens cancome in costume fora party at the Smith Library.
N.O. HBCUstohostreading groups
Staff report
Xavier, Southern and Dillard universities in New Orleans are collaborating on aseries of reading groups on the works of scholar Saidiya Hartman. The reading series, free and open to the public, will explore fourofHartman’sworks, which are renowned for focusing on the historically marginalized This initiative, which involves the LouisianaEndowment forthe Humanities, will engage students,
THE WILLOW SCHOOL: Eight members of the senior class have been named semifinalists in the annual National Merit Scholarship Program for 2025. John T. Cajski, Robert B. Carroll, Marigny K. Gill, Cypress C. Hodgson, Larissa L. Huilgol, Mia I. Montelibano, Conor A. Mooreand Chloe A. Polin will continue in the competition for some 6,870 National Merit Scholarships worth morethan $26 million About half of national finalists will winaNationalMerit Scholarship. Also, nine Willow students were recognized as Commended Scholars who scoredinthe top 2–3% of PSAT takers nationally They areAudrey Broussard, Rafael Calderon, Ainsley Kornman, Kelly Laines, Marbella Maristany, NeNe McDonald Elissa Merlin, EliseRussell and Naima Zanders
BROTHER MARTIN HIGH: The school 2024 Homecoming Court has been announced. Elected by thestudent body, the members of the court will represent BrotherMartin at the Homecoming Court presentation and crowning of the queen during halftime of the Holy Cross game on Nov. 8at TadGormley Stadium. This year’s court is Sophia Becnel, Mount Carmel Academy; Gabriella Brent, St. Mary’sDominican High School; Emma Cruikshank, Mount Carmel; GabrielleCummiskey,Mount Carmel; Riley Danos, Dominican; and Seren Rodriguez, Mount Carmel.
ST.MARY’SDOMINICAN: Dominican has been namedto the 2024 AdvancedPlacement Program SchoolHonor Roll. The school received abronze distinction for developing an AP program that creates acollege-going cultureand gives students opportunities to earn college credit and to maximizetheir college outcomes. Dominican also received the 2024 AP Access Awardfor ensuring AP coursework is equally available to students no matter their backgrounds. Dominican had 28% of seniors who took at least one AP Examduring highschool. Dominican offers 15 AP Courses and has 13 teachers teaching AP and 16 sections.
URSULINE ACADEMY: Ursuline’s alumnae homecoming Mass and brunch will be held Nov. 3, 9:30a.m.,atthe National Shrine of OurLadyof Prompt Succor, 2701 State St., and in the Ursuline Courtyard, 2635 State St. in New Orleans. Gayle Parmelee, class of 1948,
faculty and the public in discussions centered around Hartman’s books, leadinguptoher visit to New Orleansinspring 2025. Thegroup will discuss“Wayward Lives,BeautifulExperiments: Intimate Histories of Riotous Black Girls, Troublesome Women, and Queer Radicals” on Oct. 24,6 p.m. to 8p.m., in theCivic Centeronthe first floor of Xavier University of Louisiana Library,1 Drexel DriveinNew Orleans. Robin Vander,Ph.D associate professor of English andAfrican
and Patricia “Paddy”Pittman Barattini, class of 1974,will be honoredasdistinguishedalumae, alongwithanniversary and jubileeclasses. Brunch tickets startat$40. www uanola.org
NOCCA: The New Orleans Center forCreativeArts TheatreArts Departmentwill perform the award-winning children’s play“TheBoy at theEdgeofEverything” Oct. 23-24 in Lupin Hall at NOCCA’s campus, 2800 ChartresSt. in NewOrleans. Curtainis7 p.m nightly.Tickets are$15, available on Eventbriteoratthe door. www.NOCCA.com.
BROTHER MARTIN HIGH: The Dionysians theater will present“The AddamsFamily”on Oct. 24-26and Nov. 1-2 at the auditorium on campus, 4401 Elysian FieldsAve.inNew Orleans. Curtain is 7p.m. for evening performances and 2p.m. formatinees. Reserved
American andDiasporaStudies director of women’sstudies, director of performance studies at Xavier,will lead the discussion. Robert Azzarello.,Ph.D., professor of English at Southern University of New Orleans,will lead the discussionon“Lose Your Mother: AJourney Along the AtlanticSlave Route,” Nov.15, 4p.m. to 6p.m., in the Arts, Humanities,and Social Science(AHSS) Buildingroom 111 at SUNO, 6400 Press Drive in New Orleans. Prior to themeeting, Erika Witt,
SCHOOL NOTES
seats $20; general admission $15. brothermartin.com/ drama.
MARY’SDOMINICAN HIGH: Dominican’s tennis and pickleball tournamentwill be held Oct. 25, 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m., at City Park Pepsi Tennis Center, 5900 Marconi DriveinNew Orleans. The tennis tournament starts at 8:30 a.m. The pickleball clinic will be 8-9:30 a.m., followedbythe pickleball tournament, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Entryfees are: $85 per team, $40 per beginner clinic with a local proand $25 per spectator. www.stmarysdominican. org
ST.MARY’SDOMINICAN: Dominican will host an open house Oct. 17, 3:30-6:30 p.m. on campus at 7701 Walmsley Ave. in New Orleans. Prospectivestudents in grades 4-8 can sign up for an on-campus tour. www.stmarysdominican.org
director andcuratorofthe SouthernUniversityinNew Orleans Museum of Art, will lead atour of theAfricanArt Collection. The Louisiana Endowmentfor the Humanitieswill sponsorthe discussionof“Scenes of Subjection: Terror,Slavery,and SelfMaking in Nineteenth-Century America” on Jan. 24, 2025, 6p.m. to 8p.m., at the LEH, 938 Lafayette St., in New Orleans. Discussion will be led by Casey Patterson, Ph.D., assistant professor,Department of English at LSU.
“Venus in TwoActs” is the group’s focusonFeb.19, 2025, 6p.m., in theProfessional SchoolsBuilding, Room 135 at Dillard University,601 Gentilly Blvd. in NewOrleans. Kim Vaz-Deville, Ph.D., scholar in residenceatXavier, will lead the discussion. The initiative aimstofoster intellectual engagement with Hartman’sideas, promoting critical thinking anddiscussions relevant to the lived experiences of the Black community,particularly in the South.
PROVIDED PHOTO
The 2025 WillowSchool National MeritSemifinalists are, from left, John T. Cajski, RobertB Carroll, MarignyK.Gill, Mia I. Montelibano, Cypress C. Hodgson, Conor A. Moore, Chloe A. Polin and Larissa L. Huilgol.
Becnel
Cruikshank
Danos Brent Cummiskey Rodriguez
