Thanksgiving treats
Foodsyou should,and shouldn’t, give pets
Thanksgiving is atime for giving and sharing —but maybe just not with the pets.
Traci
Howerton
ANIMAL RESCUE
While you may be tempted to let them indulge in the Thanksgiving feast, be aware that many foods we enjoy during the holiday season can be harmful to pets.
It’snot all doom and gloom for Fido, though. There are some foods that he can sample if given in small portions and that are free from seasonings and toppings OK to share
n Turkey:Plain, unseasoned white meat is the safestfor pets. Removeany excessskin or fatand make sure there are no bones.
n Mashed potatoes:Plain potatoes only,with no additional ingredients such as cheese, sour cream, butter,onions or gravy,asthese are not good for pets and may upset their stomachs.
n Sweet potato: Cooked, cubed or mashed without butter or seasoning.
n Green beans:Fresh or canned with no salt added. Be sure to rinse the canned green beans off before giving to pets.
n Carrots:Raw or cooked
n Squash and Zucchini
n Lettuce and Spinach
n Fresh and plain canned pumpkin: Pups love pumpkin and it is a good source of fiber and vitamin A.
n Blueberries and strawberries
n Apples:Without seeds or core. Apple seeds contain chemical compounds that are poisonous to animals. While applesare fine, apple pie, or any pie for that matter,isnot OK.
No-nos forpets
The following foodsare never a good idea to give to pets, no mat-
ter how small the portion. Stay away from sharing these, as they can be harmful, and someeven toxic,topets:
n Bones of anykind: Chicken bones, turkey bones, etc. Cooked bones becomedry and brittle and can easily crack and splinter in apet’s mouth, leading to painful cuts to themouth and gums, choking, internal injuries, punctured organs, and can even be fatal.
n Ham: While not toxic, ham is not ahealthy treat fordogs as it is highinsodium,fat and sugar.It can cause upset stomach, and in some cases, even pancreatitis.
n Mushrooms: Particularly wild mushrooms
n Garlic,onions,leeks and scallions: All have chemical properties thatcan be toxic, and even life-threatening,todogsand cats
n Chocolate:Ingestingeven a small amount can be hazardous to pets, especially dark and baking chocolate.
n Avocado:The leaves, fruit, seeds and bark of avocados contain persin, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs, and more serious signs in other animals such as birds, horses and rodents.
n Fruits with pits,such as peaches, cherries, and plums: In some cases, the pit can be toxic, or can simply present achoking hazard.
n Nuts:Particularly macadamia nuts, which are toxic to pets
n Grapes and raisins:Contain chemical compounds that are toxic to dogs
n Tomatoes:While they are nontoxic,tomatoes can cause an upset stomach as they are notoriously acidic.
n Artificial sweeteners:Anything made with Xylitol is ano-no for pets
n No alcohol of anykind: Even cooked in anything (fruitcake, etc.)
If you are unsure about acer-
ä See PETS, page 2G
FOOTBALL FESTIVITIES
High school footballgetssome extraélan fromthe cheer squads and band performances. Shownhere are scenes from arecentmatch between Brother Martin and John CurtisChristian in River Ridge.
In Thanksgivingnight football, you might want to tune in as Tulanetakes on Memphis at 6:30 p.m. on ESPN. It’s being played at YulmanStadium. And on Saturday,the BayouClassic pits Grambling against Southern in the Superdome.
There’smore: With theSuper Bowl coming here next year,some special local activities already are kicking off. Learn about oneofthem on Page 2G.
The holidayseason bringsablurofactivities
That’swhy you’ll want to getthese big events on yourcalendarnow:They’reworthplanningaround. Here’s our Top10don’t-miss-or-Christmas-won’tcome events, listed by date.
1. CELEBRATION IN THE OAKS: The holiday lights festival kicks off the 2024season with drivingand walking tours on Nov. 29, and continues through Jan. 3, starting weeknights at 6p.m. and Fridayand Saturdaynights at 5p.m. Dasher Passes allowthose on driving tours to skip the line, and combined ratesfor walking anddriving tours are available. Driving tours startat$7for bikes and $20for cars.Walking tours startat$20. CelebrationInTheOaks.com.
2. KENNER CHRISTMAS VILLAGE: Heritage Park will be lit for the holidaynightly Dec. 1-31, 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.Visitorstothe park,2015 Fourth St. in Kenner,can viewthe festival displays and shoplocal vendorson weekends; children can playinthe sudsy “snow” that willblanket the park.Aholiday-themed musical laser light showplays in the Kenner Planetarium &Megadome Cinema across the
FestivalsInc.will host aseries of free holiday concerts at St. Louis Cathedral, 615 Pere Antoine AlleyinNew Orleans.The first concert will feature NewOrleanian John Boutté on Dec. 4, 6p.m.to7 p.m.OnDec. 11, Beau Soleil’s Christmas BayouavecMichaelDoucet6 p.m. to 7p.m.; Dec. 18,Yusa &Mahmoud Chouki 6p.m.to7 p.m.; Dec. 22, the Cathedral Choir, 5:30 p.m.to6:30 p.m.fqfi.org/holidays
4. CHRISTMAS IN LAFRENIERE PARK: The light displaywill be open Dec.6-30 at thepark, 3000 Downs Blvd. in Metairie. Displays include as alighted60-foot sea serpent in the lagoon. SnowDay is Dec. 14.Admission pervehicle is $10 in advanceor$15 at the gate;credit and debit cards only. Hours are SundaytoThursday, 5:30 p.m.to9 p.m.; Fridayand Saturday, 5:30 p.m.to10p.m.lafrenierepark.org
street on Dec. 7, 14, 21 and 28 at 7p.m.www visitjeffersonparish.com
3. CATHEDRAL CONCERTS: French Quarter
5.TRAINRIDES WITH SANTA: The Louisiana Steam TrainAssociation will offer twochances to visit with Santa, tour the museum car includingthe iconicsteam locomotiveSP745, and seevendors offeringartsand crafts,food
and gifts.The event will be held at thetrain yard, 1501 Jefferson HighwayinNew Orleans. $3 perperson on Dec. 7, 9a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Dec. 8, 9a.m. to 4p.m., with add-ons fortrain rides, open-air gondola or thehistoric Southern Caboose.Childrenunder3enterand ride for free if theycan sit in aparent’slap. lasta.org/ santa/
6. CHILDREN’S HOSPITALHOLIDAY PARADE: Taking place in downtown NewOrleans on Dec. 7, starting at 11 a.m., the 30-float parade will include giant helium balloons, dozens of New Orleans marching groups and bands and Santa. Patients at Children’sHospital have decorated ornaments that will be given out as signature throws.The parade will begin at thecornerof Esplanade Avenue and NorthPetersStreet, travelthrough the French Marketand endatSt. Joseph Street.nolaholidayparade.com.
7. LIGHTSONTHE LAKE: The family-friendly holidaycelebration will take place on Dec. 14, 5p.m. to 8p.m., at the NewCanal Lighthouse
ä See HOLIDAYS, page 2G
The John CurtisChristian School band performs at halftime.
STAFF PHOTOSBYJOHN MCCUSKER
Brother Martin’scheerleaders performduring arecent game against John Curtis.
Holidaymagic:Wizards,witches,mugglesinvited to Metairie Yule Fest
Attention all wizards, witches, and muggles —grab your wands and broomsticks and get ready for a Magical Yule Fest from noon to 3p.m. Dec. 15 at the East Bank Regional Library,4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie
Chris Smith
LIBRARY LAGNIAPPE
This event will feature magical crafts, magical creatures from Nature on the Geaux, balloon art, face paintingand more. Registration is requested; it opens Dec. 1at9 a.m. Onlyone registration per family or group is needed.
ADULTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS: Acraft and art workshop for adults with special needs will take place from 10:15 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. each Wednesday at the Terrytown Library,680 Heritage Ave.
The class is held in conjunction with the Clear Head AdultDay Care Center.Caretakers must be present. For more information, contact the Terrytown Library at (504) 364-2717.
CHILDREN’S BOOK FEST: Michelle Dumont, author of anew children’sboard book titled “Phoebe Cakes the Bulldog, AMardi Gras Tail,” will be the featured speaker at the Jefferson Parish Children’s Book Festival, at 9:30 a.m. Dec. 14 at the East Bank Regional Library
Dumontwill discuss topics such as advanced techniques for crafting relatablecharacters, constructing stories that captivate young readers, andenhancing narratives withillustrations.
BY JANE LEGROS Contributing writer
Are you looking for your next good read? Want to find acommunity to talk with about it? The New Orleans Public Library has abook club for you. With seven clubs covering varying genres, at different times and locations, there’ssomething for everyone.
TUESDAY BOOK CLUB: Central City Library’sBook Salon begins Dec. 3and will meet on the first Tuesday of the month from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The group is perfect for those seeking good conversation with fellowreadersabout adifferent book each month.
Its book choices represent a diverse range of points of views, intriguing storylinesand characters, and stylish writing. December’sselection is Big Swiss” by Jen Beagin.
The library is at 2020 Jackson Ave.
WEDNESDAY BOOK CLUBS: At Algiers Regional Library from 4p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on the first
Wednesday of the month, the West BankBook Club is agreat way to connect with adiverse group of book-lovers.
It’snext meetingisDec. 4to discuss Octavia Butler’s“Parable of the Sower.” Thelibrary is at 3014 Holiday Drive
For thoselooking to flextheir curiosity,Mid-City Library’s Speculative Fiction Book Club meets on the fourth Wednesday of the month from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
The group will not meet in December,due to holidayclosures at the library at4140 Canal St. Its next meeting will be Jan.29 todiscuss“The Seep,” by Chana Porter
THURSDAY BOOK CLUB: Active for over adecade, Book Gumbo at RosaF.Keller Libraryand Community Centerisone of theNew Orleans Public Library’slongest running.
The group meets every third Thursday of the month, from 5p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at 4300 S. Broad St., to read and discuss literary fictionthat is “rich with
questionstoponder, ideas to discuss, andbeautifully written text to enjoy.”
Thegroup will notmeet in December
Recent Book Gumbo selections include “Fire Exit” by Morgan Talty,“TheIlium”byLea Carpenter, and“TheAnomaly” by Hervé Le Tellier
SATURDAY BOOK CLUBS: The library’sBywater Book Club gets together at the AlvarLibrary, 913 Alvar St., on thesecond Saturday of every month from 3p.m. to 4p.m. Its next meeting is Dec. 14 to discuss “The House of Eve” by Sadeqa Johnson. On the first Saturday of the month, African American Literature and TheUrbanExperience Book Club members meet at Norman MayerLibrary,3001 Gentilly Blvd., to discuss books written by BIPOC authors. Its next meeting is on Dec. 7at 11 a.m. to talkabout Jasmine Guillory’s“Royal Holiday.”
For readers who prefer short stories, Milton H. Latter Library’s Sci-FiShortsbook club meets on
She will also provide insight intothe publishing process, in-
cluding the roles of agents, publishers, self-publishing, and the query process.
HUMAN RIGHTS DAY: AUnited Nations Human Rights Day Observance will be held from 1p.m. to 3p.m. Dec. 14, at the Old Metairie Library,2350 Metairie Road, Metairie.
The theme is “Our Rights, Our Future,Right Now.”Serving as emcee will be Kyle Fulton, who will present an overview of the 30 Articleslisted in the Universal DeclarationofHuman Rights.
The keynote speaker is Blair Condoll, professor of political science at Dillard University
The UniversalDeclaration of HumanRights, adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1948, was the first legaldocument to setout the fundamental human rights to be universally protected
STORYCORPS: Representatives fromStoryCorps will be presenttorecordconversations with patrons on Dec. 11 and Dec. 13, at the East Bank Regional Library Contact Gwen Kelleyatgkelley@jplibrary@jplibrary.net to set up an appointment.
Patrons can discuss experiences with the library as it celebrates its 75thanniversary,orfocus on other events/issuesintheir lives.
StoryCorps is committed to the idea that everyone hasanimportant story to tell and that everyone’sstory matters.
ChrisSmith is manager of adult programming at theJefferson Parish Public Library
thefourth Saturday of the month from 3p.m. to 4p.m. at 5120 St. Charles Ave. The group will meet Dec. 28 to discuss “The Mortal Immortal” by Mary Shelley and“The Facts in the Case of M. Valdemar” by Edgar Allan Poe.
For more, including resources to start your own, visit nolalibrary.co/bookclubs.
Jane LeGros is thedirector of marketing and communications forthe NewOrleans Public Library
PHOTO BY KATY RECKDAHL
Wizards andwannabes are welcome at afamily friendly event
Dec.15atthe Metairie library.
STAFFPHOTO BY CHRIS GRANGER Sevenbook clubs are currently availablethrough the NewOrleans Public library.
COMMUNITYEVENTS
TURKEY DAYRACE: The New Orleans Athletic Club’s annual Thanksgiving race starts and ends at TadGormley Stadium in New Orleans City Park on Nov. 28. Registration opens at 7a.m., with the Kids Half Mile Race beginning at 8a.m. The five-milerun/walk begins at 8:30 a.m. Registration starts at $25. Proceeds benefit Spina Bifida of Louisiana. runsignup.com.
ARTS MARKET NEW ORLEANS: 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.
YULE EVENTS
CHRISTMAS TOY DRIVE: A drivefor new,unwrapped toys takes place through Dec. 6, sponsored by New Orleans Recreation Development Commission, Mobilization at Xavier and the City of New Orleans. Donations can be taken to all NORD reccenters, greenway,tennis centers, pools, City Hall lobby/foyer and Xavier University locations. nordc.org.
THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS: The family-friendly event and fundraiser benefiting the Greater New Orleans Therapeutic Riding Center will be held Nov. 29-Dec. 26 (except Christmas Day), 5:309:30 p.m., at Destrehan Plantation, 13034 River Road in Destrehan. Activities include games, Christmas caroling and aquarter-mile walking tour through fiveacres of oak trees with light displays Tickets are$5, with children4 and under free. gnotrc.org.
PLAQUEMINES CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL: The holiday event, on Nov. 30 at 333F EdwardHebert Blvd. in Belle Chasse, begins with afun run at 5p.m. and includes the Christmas parade with Santa. Crafts vendorsand food trucks will be on site plaqcdg.com.
HOLIDAY ARTMARKET: The Old Algiers Main Street Corp. will hold its market in Delcazal Park, 401 Verret St. in New Orleans, on Nov. 30, 11 a.m.4p.m. Thirteen local vendors will be on handwith products ranging from paintings to handmadehandbags to photography. The All Saints Gospel Choir will perform at noon, and the Confetti Kids’ Choir will perform at 2p.m. www oldalgiersmainstreet.org.
GRETNA CHRISTMAS PARADE: Santa will be on Huey P. Long Avenue in Gretna at the Dec. 1holidayparade, starting at Fifth and Fried streets and ending at Sixth Street and Huey P. Long Avenue. After the 5p.m. parade, Santa will light the holidaytree. www gretnala.com.
NORCO CHRISTMAS PARADE: The town of Norco will kick off the Christmas seasonin the River Parishes with its parade on Dec. 1, rolling at 1p.m. with the theme, “Norco Noel: Santa Goes to the Olympics.” The parade will begin and end at River Road and Apple Street in Norco. Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive by helicopter at the Mississippi River levee near Apple Street at 12:45 p.m. and will be available for photos. www. norconoel.org.
PHOTOSWITH SANTA: Metairie Humane will hostthree opportunities for children and pets to takepictures with Santa Claus: Dec. 1, 1-4 p.m., at St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church, 6017 Camphor St. in Metairie; Dec. 14, 1-4 p.m., at Ark Animal Hospital, 4211 Jefferson Highway;and Dec. 15, 1-4 p.m., at Chateau Veterinary Hospital, 704 W. Esplanade Ave. in Kenner. $20 for the sitting,a matted 4x6 photo and aUSB flash drivewith all photos metairiehumane.org
HARMONY FORTHE HOLI-
DAYS: Delgado will present holidaymusic, performed by Delgado Community College’s ceremonial ensemble ,onDec. 2, 6p.m., at Delgado Community College’s City Park Campus. Special guests include James Riversand the Crescent City Sound Chorus. Tickets are$10; $5 forseniors, children, students and Delgado staff. www.dcc.edu.
CATHEDRAL CONCERTS: French Quarter Festivals, Inc. willhost aseriesoffree holidayconcerts at St. Louis Cathedral, 615 Pere Antoine Alley in New Orleans. The first concert will featureNew Orleanian John BouttéonDec 4, 6-7p.m. Fordetails, go to fqfi.org/holidays
CHRISTMAS AT THE COM-
PLEX: The St. BernardParish parade and tree lighting celebration will takeplace Dec. 6, starting at 5:30 p.m. The parade begins at Dr. Meraux Driveand concludes in the Civic Center parking lot. Festivities at the Dufrene Building, 8201 W. Judge PerezDrive in Chalmette, will include train rides, snowflurries and music. Bring chairs and blankets. visitstbernard.com.
BREAKFAST WITH BABY
JESUS: St. Mary’s Dominican High Schoolwill celebrate the season on Dec. 7, 10 a.m.-
noon, 7701 WalmsleyAve.in NewOrleans, witha living nativity,craft stations, storytelling with Mrs.Santa, holiday songs with the Dominican choir andbirthdaycake.Participants areasked to bring anonperishable food item. Tickets are$35 per family of four, with additional tickets at $5 each.Registration is open online until Dec. 4. www. stmarysdominican.org.
CULTURE& CONCERTS
BATTLE OF THEBANDS & GREEK SHOW: Theannual band competition that is part of the BayouClassic showdown between Southern and Grambling universitieswill be held Nov. 29,6 p.m.,inthe Caesars Superdome.Tickets start at $43. www.caesarssuperdome.com.
“HEAVENLYROSE”: The Jefferson Chorale, an affiliate of JPAS,will present free concerts under the direction of Louise Labruyere on Dec. 8,4 p.m., at St. Agnes Church, 3310 Jefferson HighwayinJefferson and on Dec. 12,7:30p.m., at Good ShepherdChurch, 5122W Esplanade inNew Orleans BOOKS
“SATURDAY NIGHT,SUNDAY MORNING”: Grammywinner
P.J. Morton will be at Greater St. Stephen Ministries on Thanksgiving Daytosign copies of his new memoir. The event, Nov. 28,10a.m. will takeplace at Morton Hall on the church’s campusat5600 Read Blvd. in NewOrleans. www.houseofgreater.org.
“THE SECRET OF THE THREE FATES: ARUBYVAUGHN MYSTERY”: NewOrleans authorJessArmstrong willbe on hand for agothichistorical murder mysteryparty on Dec. 5, 6:30p.m., at Blue Cypress Books,8123 OakSt. in New Orleans.Costumes areencouraged. Tickets,$45, includeasigned copyofbook, refreshments andanescaperoom style murder mystery produced by Killer Theater New Orleans Murder Mystery Experiences.Tickets arelimited; available through Eventbrite.
FUNDRAISERS/GALAS
IMPROVISATIONS GALA: The fundraiser for theNew Orleans Jazz Museum,400 Esplanade Ave. in NewOrleans, will be Dec. 7, 7-11 p.m.,with thetheme,“AquaticGardens,” andwill featureperformances,an onlineauction, and access to themuseum’s exhibitions. Ticketsstart at $150via Eventbrite, with VIP packagesavailable. nolajazzmuseum.org/gala.
MEETINGS
EAST JEFFERSON GENERAL HOSPITAL AUXILIARY: Reservations arebeingaccepted for the Christmas luncheon, which will beheld Dec. 12, 11:30 a.m., at Chateau Golf and Country Club,3600 Chateau Blvd. in Kenner. Tickets are$45. RSVP deadlineis Dec. 4to Darlene McGarry, treasurer. Checksshouldbe payable to EJGH Auxiliary and mailed to 4417 St.Martin St., Metairie, LA 70006.
CLASSES
PEOPLE PROGRAM
NOLA: Registration opensDec.2, 9a.m., for classes for seniors. The spring semester runsJan. 21-May15ontwo campuses, 2240 LakeshoreDriveinNew Orleans and6201 Stratford Place in Algiers.The class fee is$200for unlimited inperson courseenrollment; online-only class feeis$150. peopleprogram.org.
AARP SMARTDRIVERCLASS: Registrations arebeing acceptedfor the four-hour class to bepresented Dec.18, 5-9 p.m., at theOchsner/Elmwood Fitness Center in the Elmwood Shopping Center, 1200 S. Clearview Parkway in Harahan. This class is open to alldrivers 50 and older. Completion will earn a certificate that mayqualify foracar insurance discount. $20 for AARP members; $25 for nonmembers.Registerby calling (504) 828-3962, 10 a.m.4p.m. weekdays
Runners go by during the 2023 New Orleans Athletic Club’s Turkey Day Race in City Park. Registration opens at 7a.m. this year
THE WILLOW SCHOOL: Students entering grades 8-12 and their parents can tour the high school on the Elijah Brimmer campus, 5624 Freret St., at 5p.m on Dec. 5. willowschoolnola.org.
NOMMA: The New Orleans Military and Maritime Academywill host aseries of open houses for prospective students and families in grades 8-11. Prospectivecadets and their parent/guardian must attend an open house for eligibility to apply The dates areDec. 12, Jan. 14 and Jan. 23. Presentations begin at 6p.m. Register at nomma.net/admissions.
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STAFF PHOTO BY SOPHIA GERMER
Afamily enjoys the bumper carsduring Swamp Fest.
