2,500expectedfor Thanksgiving dinner
OrleansParish
Sheriff’s Office says volunteers needed
BY EVAJACOB BARKOFF Contributing writer
Thefirsttime that Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson walked into the Ernest M. MorialConvention Center during her office’s annual Thanksgivingholiday event she immediately jumped in to help.
“I brought platesoffood to the tables for our guests and then took time to talk to many of them,” Hutson recalled of her experience three years ago. “You could immediately feel it was holidays, and that is how it should be. It was truly an amazing, experience, and Iamexcited to celebrate its 50th anniversary.”
This year,more than 2,500 people are expected to attendthe
event planned for Thanksgiving Day,Nov.28, from 10 a.m. to 1p.m. atthe convention center.Those attending include parish residents whoare economically insecure, residing in assisted living facilities and homeless shelters.
In addition to atraditionalholidaymeal, there will be raffles,coat giveaways andlive music by wellknown performers IrmaThomas, Leo Nocentelli andother surprise guests Casey McGee, chief communications officer for theSheriff’s Office, said the event needs about 200 volunteers.
“Weask volunteerstoassist with distributingthe holiday meal, greetingguestsand ensuring guestshave an enjoyable time,” McGee said. “Wealsoneed help with settingand breaking down theevent.”
Transportationfor theevent is provided.
Timolynn Sams,the director of
continue to do so,” Sams said. “I see this celebrationasaplace of caring and an opportunity for others to give back to the community
“This is achancefor those who otherwise would be alone to have agood meal and spend time breaking bread with others.”
Sams saidfood is donated by Summit Correctional Services, the contractor that provides mealsfor the jail and the staffkitchen.
“And there are several other companies that donate things like rolls and drinks,” she added.
Hutson saidshe is excited for her office to again host the celebration, marking its 50th anniversary
“This department has atough job to do every dayand the event is our wayofgiving,” Hutson said. “Welove this community and want to support the city and its citizens in any waywecan.”
externalaffairs for theSheriff’s Office, volunteered for the Thanksgiving program when she was a student at Southern University “My sorority,Alpha Kappa Alpha, volunteered each year,and I
For more information about the eventortovolunteer,gotowww opso.gov
Mutuallybeneficial:
Studies show that pet ownership can have lotsofadvantages for older people, including health benefits.Owningapet offers increased opportunities for exercise, contributes to overall feelings of purpose,combats loneliness andprovides opportunities to socialize with others.
Senior pets are often great options for senior people because they are usually calm, quiet and usually require less maintenance. Itseems like ano-brainer,right?
Sohow do we connect senior people with seniors of the four-legged variety?
With the holidays approaching, City Park Conservancy is preparing for the holiday light show, Celebration in the Oaks. The event, which is City Park’s largest annual fundraiser,reportedly draws more than 135,000 visitors each year
Senior people paired with senior cats in animal welfaregroup’s program
New Orleans animal welfare organization SpayMart has just the program to make these connections happen. Its innovative Seniors for Seniors Program pairs senior cats (7 years andolder) with senior humans (65 andolder) for amatch thatbenefits both. As part of the program,adoption fees for seniors are waived, and SpayMartcovers necessary veterinarycare for the first 30 days as well as an annual wellness checkup. ASpayMart volun-
teer is also paired with each adopter to answer questions and providesupport, as needed.
“Owning apet reduces depression loneliness and stress,” saidSpayMart co-founder Lynn Chiche. “Itisa win-win program,providingasenior citizen withalifelong companion and asenior cat withaloving home.”
Mary Fiser, 77, adopted Maxfrom SpayMart last month. She wasdrawn to him because of his quiet nature, which was so different from an activekitten
“There wassomething abouthis calmness, his face, his demeanor that spoke to me,” Fiser said. “Something Iwas looking formyself, an animalwho wasquieter,not running around zoomingthrough thehouse every morningat6:15 a.m.” Maxliveduptoher hopes and more, being apeaceful companion while shereadsor watches TV andsleeping withher at night
The benefits of the Seniors for Seniors Program motivated Fiser to adopt Max.
STAFF FILE PHOTO BY SCOTT THRELKELD
SAVINGS EVENT MATTRESS
ABOVE: GeorgeHobson and Rusty VanVelsen work installing Mr.Bingle in itsholiday spot in New Orleans City Park.
Legion of Mars krewehonorsveterans
Staff report
The Legion of Mars Mardi Gras Krewe hosted its annual Veterans Day lunch recently at the VA Hospital in downtown New Orleans Krewe members served 400 veterans and hospital employees. During the event, the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health CareSystem hosted an exhibition wheelchair basketball gamefeaturing the New Orleans Saints Wheelchair Football Team versus theSLVHCS staff.
TheLegion of Mars and krewe caption Rico Alvendia, the king of Washington Mardi Gras 2025, alsosupport the Mars Hero Fund, a
nonprofitthat supports veterans, active and reserve military,aswell as first responders andtheir families.
The krewe raised more than $13,000 for the fund at a golf tournament earlier this month.
Alvendia hasnamed the Mars HeroFund as the King’s Charity for 2025.
Alvendiaco-founded the Legion of Mars alongside a group of combat veterans aiming to celebrate both past and present military members and first responders.It’sthe only Mardi Gras Parade with amembership composed of active duty and veteran military, first responders and patriotic civilian friends andsupporters.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY SPAYMART MaryFiser with her senior cat, Max
SENIOR
Continued from page1G
“Knowing they provided acat who had been vetted and cared for made abig difference,” Fiser said. “Also, that they would be there to provide support through the cat’slife, and mine. It eases any worries about adopting at this time of my life.”
November is Adopt aSenior Pet Month, the perfect time to bring asenior person and senior pet together Senior cats and dogs are often harder to place because most families are looking for ayounger pet to adopt. To learn more about the Seniors for Seniors Program or to see senior cats available for adoption at
SpayMart,visit Seniors for Seniors–SpayMart or email adoptions@spaymart.org
Events
NOV. 24: AYappy Hour for ARNO will takeplace at Port Orleans Brewing Company,4124 Tchoupitoulas St., New Orleans, from 1p.m. to 4p.m. Meet adoptable dogs, andaportion of sales will bedonated to ARNO. Applicationstofoster or adoptare available. For more info: adopt@animalrescueneworleans.org.
Traci D. Howerton is the volunteer manager for Animal Rescue New Orleans,a nonprofit, volunteer-based, no-kill shelter.For moreinfo on ARNO,visit www animalrescueneworleans. org.
PROVIDED PHOTO
Stevie is a7-year-old cuddle bug who’sablind Chihuahua andPomeranian mix. He is super smartand finds his way around his foster home easily.Heplays well withthe small foster puppyhecurrently lives with. For moreinfo, email adopt@animalrescueneworleans.org.
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Veterans mark Veterans Day at lunch with the Legion of Mars krewe
COMMUNITYEVENTS
BOOK SALE: TheFriends of theUniversity of New Orleans Library will hold athree-day used book sale Nov. 21-23 on thefourth floor of the UNO Earl K. Long Library on campus, 2000 LakeshoreDriveinNew Orleans. Thursdayhoursare 10 a.m.-6 p.m.Fridayhours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdayhours are10a.m.-
2p.m. The sale includes thousands of used books, puzzles, CDs, DVDs and vinyl. Free. libguides.uno.edu/friends/friends.
NOLA FOOD FEST: The festivalshowcasing morethan 40 local and national restaurants, eateries, cafes and food trucks will be held Nov. 23, 1-8 p.m.,atCongo SquareinLouis Armstrong Park,701 N. Rampart St. in New Orleans. Activitiesinclude live bands, games and interactiveexperiences. Ticketsstartat $6 via Eventbrite.Kids8and underare free www.TheNolaFoodFest.com.
WORDS &MUSICFESTIVAL: Theevent will be held Nov. 20-23 at the Andre Callioux Center for Performing Arts and CulturalJustice,2541 BayouRoad in New Orleans.Activitiesinclude the Patty Friedmann WritingCompetition,presentations by artists and scholars, acelebration of the literary lineageofthe Black Arts Movement and KalamuyaSalaam, theLate Night Littribute to the late FrankieBeverly and more. wordsandmusic.org.
CROATIAN BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION: The associationwill celebrate its150th anniversary on Nov. 24. An anniversary Mass will be held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, 8968 LA 23 in Belle Chasse at 12:30 p.m., with alunch following at the Croatian American Society House, 220 CroatianWay in Belle Chasse. Theevent will include an exhibit of artifacts brought by membersand theirfamilieswhen they immigrated, Croatian musicand dancing, and adiscussion of life in America. Tickets: $100 for adults, $50 for teens and free under 12. cbanola.com.
TURKEY DAYRACE: The New OrleansAthletic Club’s annualThanksgiving race starts and ends at TadGormley StadiuminNew Orleans City Park on Nov. 28. Registration opens at 7a.m., with the Kids Half Mile Race beginning at 8a.m. The five-mile run/walk beginsat 8:30 a.m. Registration startsat$25. Proceeds benefit SpinaBifida of Louisiana. runsignup. com
ARTS MARKET NEWORLEANS: The market showcasing 300 rotating vendors from the region will be held Nov. 30, 10 a.m.-4 p.m ,at Marsalis HarmonyPark, 8211 S. Claiborne Ave. in New Orleans. www.artsneworleans.org
CHRISTMAS TOYDRIVE: Adrivefor new, unwrapped toys takes place through Dec. 6, sponsoredbyNew OrleansRecreation Development Commission, Mobilization at Xavier andthe City of New Orleans. Donationscan be taken to all NORD reccenters, greenway, tennis centers, pools, City Hall lobby/foyer and Xavier University locations. nordc.org.
THANKSGIVING GIVEAWAYS
H.O.P.E. FEST: Helping Our People Eat Fest, a free community celebration to help put food on the tables of NewOrleaniansinneed this Thanksgiving, will be held Nov. 23,noon2p.m., at Bishop McManus Academy,13123 I-10 Service Road. The eventwill include a turkey giveaway,withone turkey peraddress on afirst-come, first-served basis;food, live musicand more.citychurchnola.life.
THANKSGIVING GIVEAWAY: Greater St.Stephen Ministries will give waynonperishable itemson Nov. 24, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.,at5600 Read Blvd. in NewOrleansEast. All itemswill be firstcome, first served. www.houseofgreater org.
THANKSGIVING GIVEAWAY: Queendom Aesthetics will host aturkeyand ham giveaway on Nov. 26,noon-5 p.m.,at1125 N. Rampart St. in New Orleans. One hundred hamsand turkeyswill be given away.Items will be available on afirst-come, first-servedbasis. queendomaesthetics.com.
MOVIES
COMMUNITY MOVIE NIGHTS: CenteredChurch will hostfreemovies at Samuel Square, 2100 Napoleon Ave. in New Orleans. “The Secret Life of Pets”will be the feature Nov. 22, 7-9:30 p.m.centeredchurchnola.com.
CULTUREAND CONCERTS
ARMY JAZZ AMBASSADORS: The Army’s touring bigband will be in twofreeconcerts. On Nov. 20, 7:30 p.m.,itwill be at the Jefferson Performing Arts Center, 6400 Airline Drivein Metairie. Spots can be reserved through Ticketmaster.The groupwill perform again Nov. 21, 7-9 p.m at L.B. Landry High School, 1200 L.B. Landry Ave. in New Orleans.
THURSDAYSONTHE RIVER: The free concert series continues at Spanish Plaza, 500 Port of New Orleans Place in New Orleans. Live performances for the month include Jazz and Blues Night on Nov. 21 with Treme BrassBand and AliciaRenee akaBlue Eyes. Performances are5-8 p.m. www.riverwalkneworleans.com.
BATTLE OF THE BANDS &GREEK SHOW: The annual band competition that is part of the BayouClassic showdownbetween Southern and Grambling universities will be held Nov. 29, 6p.m., in the CaesarsSuperdome. Tickets startat$43. www.caesarssuperdome.com.
BOOKS
“NEW ORLEANS,ALITERARYHISTORY”: Author and professor T.R. Johnson will shareinsights from his book on Nov. 20 at 6p.m. at Historic BK House &Gardens, 1113 Chartres St. in New Orleans. Admission is $10 for nonmembers and $5 for BK House members.www.bkhouse. org.
“ALLIGATOR STEW”: Author Jeanette Weiland will launch and sign her children’s book at Dickie Brennan’sAcorn Café in theLouisiana Children’s Museum, 15 Henry Thomas DriveinNew Orleans, on Nov. 20, 5-7 p.m.The free event includes adult and kids’ sips and snacks. Reservations arerequired through Eventbrite. Copies of the book are$19.95 and can be preordered through the museum. Book sales benefitthe Louisiana Children’s Museum and KIDsmART.lcm.org.
TWISTED RIVER POETRYSERIES: Old Arabi LighthouseRecords and Books will hosta Nov. 21 reading starting at 7p.m. by Kayla Min Andrews, Cid Galacia and Cate Root,followed by an open mic. The Old Arabi Lighthouseisat 234 Mehle St.inArabi.
“GARYAND HISLITTLE FRIEND JERRY”: Author Adam Dennis will read from his children’s picturebook on Nov. 23, 11 a.m., at theGarden District Book Shop, 2727 PrytaniaSt. in New Orleans. Glitter Up NOLAwill be in attendance, and kids areinvited to perusetheir glitter collectionand get theirface decorated. gardendistrictbookshop.com.
“WHATTOCOOK WHEN YOUDON’T FEEL LIKE COOKING”: Author Caroline Chambers will appear at Garden District Book Shop,2727 Prytania St.inNew Orleans, on Nov. 23, 1-3 p.m
Tickets start at $40 viaEventbrite and include asigned copy of her book. At 6p.m. Chambers will host aVIP dinner at Commander’sPalace, 1403 Washington Ave. in New Orleans, witha cocktail hour and aseated three-coursemeal along with signed copies of her book. Tickets for the evening start at $250 via Eventbrite. www.gardendistrictbookshop.com.
FUNDRAISERS/GALAS
FOUNDERS BALL: The Louisiana Museum Foundation will hold itsblack-tie eventatthe CabildoonJackson Square, 701 ChartresSt. in NewOrleans, on Nov. 22. Apatron partywill be held 6:30-8 p.m.withaspecial presentation recognizing 2024 FoundersBall Honoree Bill Goldring, followedbythe gala, 8-10 p.m withliveCajun music, local cuisine, and more. Tickets startat$150. www.thelmf.org. IMPROVISATIONSGALA: The fundraiser for theNew Orleans Jazz Museum, 400Esplanade Ave. in NewOrleans, will be Dec. 7, 7-11p.m., withthe theme, “Aquatic Gardens,” and will featureperformances, an online auction,and access to themuseum’s exhibitions.Tickets startat$150 via Eventbrite, withVIP packages available. nolajazzmuseum.org/gala.
YULE EVENTS
CELEBRATION IN THE OAKS PREVIEW: The annual previewisbeing combined withJingle Bells &Beer intoone eventonNov.23atNew Orleans Botanical Garden +Carousel Gardens Amusement Park, 7Victory Ave. Jingle Bells &Beer tickets includeunlimited beer,snacks and amusement park rides within theconfinesofCarousel Gardens. The Garden Party portion allows access to theBotanical Garden featuring afull bar, specialty cocktails and food. Admission to theGarden Partyis$100 and to Jingle Bells &Beer is
CELEBRATION
noon-4 p.m.Tickets can be purchased online or dayofatThe Cabildo, 701 ChartresSt. in NewOrleans. This is afundraiser by thePatio Planters of theVieux Carré in support of Caroling in Jackson Square. Tickets are$35. patioplanters.net.
• 11/2 lbsofcookedturkey
• WhiteorDarkmeatorBoth
• 1quart of heavy whipping cream 1/2stickofbutter
• 2TBSPofEVO
• Nutmeg alittlesprinkle
• Salt (may notneedmuch, butjustincase)
In asauce pan, melt thebutteradd flour to make ablonde roux andthe whiskinthe heavycream,thiswillbethe base of your béchamel saucethengradually add thegratedparmesan, add somesaltand blackpepperand nutmeg n, alltotaste al
• Frythe bacon, Idomineonasheet paninthe oven on 400degrees forabout 10-12mins. Keep an eyeonit, so it does heet ov notburn. Youcan also fryonthe stovetop,ifyou preferthatmethod. Then sitonpaper towels to absorb grease In agreased pan, lay thepiecesoftoasted breadonthe bottom.Drizzle with EVO, then alittlespoon of thebéchamel sauce,thenlayer theTurkey, then thebacon,morebéchamel, then more oliveoil,thenall of thecheese on top.
• 1-2TBSPOFFLOUR
• 8ozofgratedyourfavorite parmesan cheese 11/2-2 lbsofshreddedGouda
• About2ozofcreamed
Follow
spinachper breadslice
• 1lbofbacon Cooked to your desiredcrisp
• 1loafItalian breadcut into 1-inch-thick slices andtoasted
• White Pepper to taste
• BlackPeppertotaste
• Nutmeg alittlesprinkle Salt (may notneedmuch, butjustincase)
Willow School science teachers receive honors
Staff report
Cindy Ferrara, high school environmentalscience teacher at The Willow School won a $10,000 Shell Science Lab Regional Challenge grant, awarded by the National Science Teachers Association and Carolina Biological.She used herfunds to enhance environmental science classes with new laboratory equipment.
Middle school science teacher Jodi Sanchez has been named the 2024 Louisiana Science Teachers Association Outstanding Middle School Science Teacherofthe Year.Her award includes a$400 cash prize, aplaque andformal recognition at theLSTAawards ceremony
COLLEGES
LOYOLA UNIVERSITY: Loyola Presents in the SchoolofMusic &TheatreProfessions will perform the modern adaptation of the 15th-century morality play “Everybody” through Nov. 23 at theLowerDepths Experimental Theater in the Communications/ Music Complex at Loyola University,6363 St. Charles Ave. in New Orleans. Curtain is at 7:30 p.m. for evening performances,2p.m. for matinees. This playcontains strong language and themesof death and dying. Tickets start at $8. cmm.loyno.edu.
UNIVERSITY OF HOLYCROSS:
Cynthia A. Thomas will be the keynote speaker at the 28th annual prayer breakfast at 7:30 a.m on Nov. 22 at the Blessed Basil Moreau Center on theUHC campus in Algiers, 4123 Woodland DriveinNew Orleans. Thomas, a 1997 graduate of UHCwith amaster’s in education,servesas the president of St. Mary’s Dominican High School. Tickets startat$60. plopez@uhcno.edu.
BEN FRANKLIN MIDDLE: Benjamin Franklin Middle Mathematics & Science School is partnering with Southern University of New Orleans to introduce acybersecurity program for eighth grade students, preparing them forfutureeducationaland career opportunities. Students inSUNO’s cybersecurity program will assist BFMS teachers withclassroom instruction.
WARREN EASTON CHARTER HIGH:
The Warren Easton choir will host a concert on Nov. 22, 6:30 p.m.,inthe Arthur Hardy Auditorium on campus, 3019 Canal St.inNew Orleans. Other local school choirs, including McDonough 35,Kennedy,Booker T. Washington andFrederick Douglass, will join in. Proceedswill go for the Easton’schoir’s trip to New York Tickets start at $30.
THE WILLOW SCHOOL: Prospective students in gradesK-12 and their families can attendanopen house at one of the school’s New Orleans campusesin November and December.LowerSchool, 7315 WillowSt., will hold open houses forgrades K-4 at 6p.m. Nov. 20. Students entering grades 8-12 can attend tour the High School on the Elijah Brimmer campus, 5624 Freret St., at 5p.m.on Dec. 5. willowschoolnola.org
HYNES CHARTERSCHOOLS: Hynes will hold openhouse tours at its threeschools: the Hynes-Lakeview campus (PreK3-8), 990 Harrison Ave. in NewOrleans, Hynes-UNO campus (K-6, growing each year to K-8),1901 Leon C. Simon Drive,and the HynesParkview campus (K-8), 4617 Mirabeau Ave. Tours are8 a.m. on Nov. 21, andDec.5.Participants must register. ID is required.hynesschool com/admissions.
NOCCA: Applicationsare open now through Jan.17, 2025, for the New Orleans Center for CreativeArts. Students interested in pursuing training with the regional, professionalartstrainingcenter can receiveintensiveinstruction in a variety of fields. Admission is by audition only.Auditions areFeb. 15 and 22. app.getacceptd.com/nocca.
DISCOVERY SCHOOLS: Discovery Schools will hold open houses: KennerDiscovery’s lowerschool (grades PreK-4) will be 5:30-7 p.m. on Jan. 22, 2025, at its Maine Campus, 2504 Maine Ave, in Metairie.The open house for Dr. John Ochsner Discovery (grades PreK-8) will be held 5:30-7 p.m.onJan. 15,atDJOD 1108 Shrewsbury Road in Jefferson. www.discoveryhsf.org.
BROTHER MARTIN HIGH: AThanksgiving holiday baseball campfor boys 6-12 will be held9 a.m.-noon Nov. 25-27on E.A.Farley Field at the school, 4401 Elysian Fields Ave. in NewOrleans. Thethree-daycamp will emphasize fundamental skills withCoach Jeff Lupo and the varsity coaching staff and players. The cost is$135 percamper, withregistration
The Brother Martin High School Crusaders celebrated Homecoming 2024 with apresentation of its homecoming courtduring halftime of the Nov. 8footballgame with HolyCross. Escorts were members of the Brothers of the Sacred HeartAlumni Association. Homecoming courtmembers are, fromleft, SophiaBecnel, Mount Carmel; Emma Cruikshank,Mount Carmel; 2023 Homecoming Queen Lily Diaz,2024 Homecoming Queen Gabriella Brent, St. Mary’s Dominican; GabrielleCummiskey, Mount Carmel; RileyDanos, St. Mary’sDominican; and Seren Rodriguez, Mount Carmel
PROVIDED PHOTO
and payment due by Nov. 21. www brothermartin.com.
LAKEFOREST ELEMENTARYCHAR-
TER SCHOOL: The school has been named aNational ESEA Distinguished School by the state education agency.The program recognizes qualifying federally funded schools for the academic achievements of theirstudents. This is the thirdtimeLakeForest, founded in 2006, has received this awardfor Exceptional Student Performance and Academic Growth.
NOOCA: New Orleans Centerfor CreativeArts vocal musicstudents
received top awards at theannual National Association of Teachers of Singing Southern Regional Competition held recently at Mississippi College. In theHigh School Treble Category,SusiCuartas received first place, Clodomire Garsidesecond place, AcasiaHenry thirdplace and Malia Suggs fourthplace.Inthe High School Tenor Baritone Bass Category,Tyree Arso received secondplace, Jonathan Tran thirdplace and TimothyDavis fourth place.
YOUNG AUDIENCES CHARTER SCHOOLS: YACS arts-integrated school YoungAudiencesCharter SchoolsatLawrence D. Crocker
(PK4-8) will hold an open housefor prospective students and families Jan. 16, 5:30 p.m., at itscampus, 2301 Marengo St. in Uptown. www.yacs. org.
NOMMA: TheNew Orleans Military and Maritime Academywill hosta seriesofopen houses for prospective students and families in grades 8-11. Prospective cadets and their parent/guardian mustattendan open housefor eligibilitytoapply. The dates areDec. 12 and Jan. 14 and 23, 2025. Presentations begin at 6p.m. Register at nomma.net/ admissions.
BROOKS Sr.Technical Specialist, Healthand Safety SHELLGEISMAR
Louisiana is at the forefront of Shell’s energy evolution.
“For nearly acentury, theU.S. Gulf Coasthas been centraltoShell’s businessand theU.S. energy supply. By investinginour Louisiana assets,we arelowering emissions and supplying thenextgeneration of energy.”
EMMALEWIS
ShellSeniorVice President U.S. Chemicals&Products
MELISSA Environmental Engineer SHELL GEISMAR
ShellinLouisiana is shapingthe future of energy. With thousands of Shellmen andwomen across thestate,weare workingevery daytoreduce emissions,while increasing efficiency in our operations
Our tomorrowdepends on whatwedotoday. Together,weare powering progress fora brighterfuture. Louisiana is where we live and we’reproud to call it home.
Sanchez Ferrara
PROVIDED PHOTO
NOCCA students receiving awardsatthe National Association of Teachers of Singing SouthernRegional Competition were, from left, TimothyDavis, NOCCA Academic Studio; Tyree Arso, Eleanor McMainSecondary School; Jonathan Tran, Ben Franklin HighSchool;Susi Cuartas, NOCCA Academic Studio; Acasia Henry, Ben Franklin HighSchool; Clodomir Garside, NOCCA Academic Studio; and Malia Suggs,Patrick F. Taylor Science & TechnologyAcademy
Children’s Book Fest will featureNew Orleans-area authors
A Children’sBook Festival will take place at 9:30 a.m. Dec. 14 at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. NapoleonAve., Metairie, withlocal authors present to talk about their books.
n Consumer andhealth education
n Genealogy resources
n Local historical research using newspaper archives
n Other JPL digital content
n Using your digital device
Michelle Dumont, author of a new board book titled “Phoebe Cakes the Bulldog, AMardi Gras Tail,” will be the featured speaker Dumont will discuss topics such as crafting relatable characters, constructing stories that captivate young readers, and enhancing narratives with vibrant illustrations.
She will also provide insight into the publishing process, including the roles of agents, publishers, selfpublishing, and the query process.
“Phoebe Cakes The Bulldog” is asturdy,24-page board book that engages children with interactive search-and-find flaps on everyspread. The illustrations and rhyming verses guide readers todiscover the sights and sensations of Mardi Gras. Phoebe Cakes is aspecial needs bulldog on asearch for aparade just for dogs.
Many other children’s authorswill be present to talkabout and sell books to patrons who may be looking for holiday gifts. They
include: Gary Alipio, Karen Konnerth, Louis Duet, Laura Roach Dragon,M.H Herlong, Leah Eskine, Laura Michaud,Gideon Hodge andothers.
BOOK ALIBRARIAN: Do you needhelpfilling outajob application?Are you wonderinghow to get started on arésumé? Do you need help applying for Social Security?
JPL’sBook aLibrarian service allows patronsto reserve appointments with librarians for up to an hour of uninterrupted, personalized reference or technical assistance.
The help is available from 2p.m.to4p.m.Monday through Thursday atboth theEast BankRegional Library (4747 W. Napoleon Ave. in Metairie) and the West Bank Regional Library (2751 Manhattan Blvd. in Harvey). Librarians can help with all sorts of questions, including:
n Finding agood read
n Filling out an application
n Typing aletter or résumé
n Downloading e-books and/or audiobooks
n General library resources, including databases
n Aresearch project for school
Teens, tweens canjoin book parties, volunteerdays
BY JANE LEGROS
Contributing writer
There’slots going on for young people in the coming weeks at NewOrleans Public Libraries. Check out teenvolunteer days, aspecial interactive storytime, and abook party
VOLUNTEER DAYS: Youths ages 14 to 18 canearn service-learning hours at the New Orleans Public Library’steenvolunteer days, coming up at two branches
On Nov.20from 4p.m. to 6p.m., the event will be held at East New Orleans Regional Library, 5641 Read Blvd.
On Nov.23from 2to 4p.m., teens can gather at Algiers RegionalLibrary, 3014 Holiday Drive.
Participants will get the opportunity to serve their community,becreative, and socialize, all while earning volunteer hours. Registration and completion of teen volunteer applications are both required to participate. Visit nolalibrary.org/teens for more information.
STORYTIME: Thelibraryand Black Box NOLA are teaming up to present an interactive storytime on Nov 20 from 5p.m. to 6p.m. at Nora Navra Library,1902 St. Bernard Ave. It will be based on the life of Dr.Charles Drew,apioneering Black scientist and medical professional from the 20th century Black Box NOLA aims to bring engaging, educational Black historyprogramming into the classroom and other learning spaces. Alondra Eugene founded Black Box in 2021
This program is sponsored by the Friends of the New Orleans Public Library
BOOK PARTY: “Keepersof the Lost Cities” fans ages 6 to 12 are invited to abook party celebrating the popular series on Nov.23. Stop by the Children’s Resource Center at 913 Napoleon Ave. between 10:30 a.m. and noon for slime-making, geode-cracking and themed snacks. Haven’tread the series? No problem. The party is
n Using the internet and/ or creating an email address.
To schedule appointments:
For theMetairie library, call (504) 838-1111 or email your request to EBR-Reference@jplibrary.net.
For theHarvey library, call (504) 364-3720 or email your request to WBR-Ref-
erence@jplibrary.net.
Your call or email will be returned within two business days. Limit two sessions per person per week. Staff cannot offer legal, medical, or financial advice. Jefferson Parish Library observes astrict confidentiality policy
PICK IT UP: Jefferson Parish libraries are offering patrons free litter cleanup kits that consist of asafety vest, alitter grabber,two trash bags and an information sheet in atote bag. The kits are provided by Keep Louisiana Beautiful, theLouisiana State Library, and the Louisiana Public Library System to makelit-
ter cleanup supplies readily available for check out at local libraries across the state.
Patrons can use their library cards to check out a cleanup kit, which includes instructions on how to conduct your cleanup. This program provides an opportunity forstudents to get service hours forschool. It’s also agreat hands-on way for families, small home-school groups, youth groups and Scouts to care for their neighborhood.
STORYCORPS: Representatives from StoryCorps will be present to record conversations with patrons on Nov.22-23 at the West Bank
Regional Library,2751
Manhattan Blvd., Harvey
Patrons should contact Merrie Valliant at mvalliant@jplibrary@jplibrary net to set up an appointment.
They can discuss experiences with the library as it celebrates its 75th anniversary,orfocus on other events/issues in their lives.
StoryCorps is committed to the idea that everyone has an important story to tell and that everyone’s story matters.
ChrisSmith is manager of adultprogramming at the Jefferson Parish Public Library
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open to all. Registration is appreciated. Visit events. nolalibrary.org to sign up. The library holdsbook parties for kidsevery month at adifferent library location.Book parties are sponsored by the Friends of the New Orleans Public Library
STORYTIME: The library and Black Box NOLA are teaming up to present an interactive storytime on Nov 20 from 5p.m.to6 p.m. at Nora Navra Library,1902 St.Bernard Ave. Thesubjectwill be Dr. Charles Drew,apioneering Black scientist andmedical professional from the 20th century Black Box NOLA aims to bring engaging,educationalBlack history programming into the classroom andother learning spaces. Alondra Eugene founded Black Box in 2021. This program is sponsored by the Friends of the New Orleans Public Library
AUTHOR TALK: Award-winning authorMona Susan Power will discuss Native rights and culture in fiction via Zoom on Nov.20from 6p.m. to7p.m. Thetalk will also cover her newnovel, “A Council of Dolls,” her first book in almost 30 years. Power is amember of the Standing RockSioux Tribe and aPEN/Hemingway Prize-winner
Her talkwill highlight howher latest work uses an important symbol that anchors comfort and companionship in NativeAmerican life: dolls.
“A Council of Dolls” is the story of three women, told in part through the stories of the dolls they carried. Visit nolalibrary.coto register for this event and to submit questionsfor the author November is Native American HeritageMonth. Visit nolalibrary.org for programs, reading recommendations, and resources to celebrate.
Jane LeGros is the director of marketing and communications for the New Orleans Public Library
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