The Super Bowl LIX logoisdisplayedat the Jan. 10 volunteer orientation.
SuperBowlLIX firesup fans with long list of events
Super Bowl LIX is bringing morethan just achampionship football game to New Orleans. Here areafew of the entertainment events taking the big experienceintoovertime overdrive,followedbylistings onsome smaller communityevents.
NFL EXPERIENCE: From Feb.5-8,3 p.m. to 10 p.m., an interactivefootball theme park willrev up fansatthe Morial Convention Center,900 Convention Center Blvd. Get autographs from current NFL players and legends, playnew interactivegames,attend youth football clinics and getpics taken withthe Vince Lombardi Trophy. For more information and acomplete schedule, visit SuperBowl.com and download the NFL OnePass app.Also at the SuperBowl Experience presented by Panini: n Free admission: Feb.5,3 p.m. to 10 p.m, the NFL will host Salute to Service Military Appreciation Day, offering free admission forservice members,veterans, and their families. Feb. 6, free admissionsalutes Historically Black Collegeand University undergrads with student IDs, and there is a battle of the bands.
n Feb.5,6 p.m. to 7p.m.,a PrideFlag Football Clinic will takeplace for youth, their families and allies from the New Orleans Pride Center
n Feb.5-8, 3p.m. to 10 p.m., Champions of Changewill takeparticipants on amultisensoryjourneytolearnabout the historic intersection of sports and social justice and hear firsthand accounts of the role race has playedinthe lives of star athletesand sports leaders.
n Feb.7,from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., local middle school athletes will takepartin abeginner-friendly football clinic. Breakout sessions will be led by NFL partners.
SOULFUL CELEBRATION: The NFLsanctioned Soulful Celebration unitesmusic, faith, and football Feb.5 at Mahalia Jackson
ä See EVENTS, page 2G
Petticoat junction
Bridal slip holds decadesofmemories fora Metairie family
BY EVAJACOB BARKOFF
Contributing writer
Thestory began in Metairie in 1987 when JuJu Babin’sdaughter,Jennifer Babin Collins Melancon, wanted aslip to wear under her formal dress for senior prom at St. Mary’sDominican High School.
“I went shopping for the slip and the one Ifound was $65,” Babin said. “When Igot home, Itold Jennifer that there was no way Iwas paying that much forsomething she would only wear one time.” Jump ahead one year,and something unexpected happened.
“I was coming back home after the grocery store and saw my neighbor having agarage sale,” Babin recalled. “I walked over with my groceries to see what she was selling, and before too long, Ispotted the same slip Ihad seen in 1987. Iasked
ä See PETTICOAT, page 2G
duringthe
Sgt. Sean Cursain holds the remains of K-9 Macho during the ceremonyfor theRainbow Bridge.
Macho, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office K-9 officer who recently died in the line of duty, washonoredduring the ribbon-cutting for the Rainbow Bridge, a new spot in Metairie’s Lafreniere Parkwhere owners canremember their lost pets.The collar of Macho, an 8-year-old Belgian Malinois, was the first to be attached to the bridge.Hecollapsed afterapprehending asuspect. He served for six years with the Sheriff’s Office,working with the SWAT team.
Each wearer’sname has been stitched on the slip by owner JuJuBabin, of Metairie. BYANNETTE SISCO
STAFFPHOTOSBYSOPHIA GERMER
NancyRichard attaches the collars of her pets Penny, whodied at 17, and Moxie, whodied at 14,
ribbon-cutting ceremonyfor the RainbowBridgeoutsidethe Lafreniere Dog Park in Metairie
Collars of pets whohavedied are attached to the RainbowBridgeoutside the Lafreniere Dog Park in Metairie.
STAFFPHOTO BY JOHN MCCUSKER
“What’s funnyisthe daughters of my friends,aswell the girls whoare friends of my family,haveasked to wear the slip years before they ever met someone and gotmarried.”
JUJU BABIN,
owner of amuch-loved, much-used formal petticoat FILE PHOTO BY BRETT DUKE
Trombone Shorty willbepartofthe showatthe Soulful Celebration on Feb.5
EVENTS
Continued from page1G
Theater of Performing Arts. Featured artists will include The IsleyBrothers,Yolanda Adams, Tori Kelly,and Muni Long.New Orleans legends Master P, Big Freedia, Lucky Daye,and Trombone Shorty will also takethe stage.The showwill be taped livetoair Feb.8 at 7p.m. on FOX, the broadcast home of Super Bowl LIX. www mahaliajacksontheater.com.
SUPER BOWL PARADE: The Host Committee Parade rolls in the French Quarter Feb.8 at 10 a.m. celebrating New Orleans hosting its record-tying 11th Super Bowl. See Super Bowl-themed floats from NFL partners, high school and collegemarching bands, and localmarching groups.Throws will include NFL-themed beads and plush footballs. It will be streamed online at Nola.com and broadcasted on WDSU NBC News Channel 6. www neworleans.com.
RELATEDLOCAL EVENTS
SUPER BOWL BOWLING CLASSIC: Bowl with football legends Feb.7 from 10 a.m. to 1p.m. at Bowlero, 3640 Williams Blvd. in Kenner.The event is sponsored by Pepsi and hosted by Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua. He and fellowNFL players and NFL Legends will go lane-to-lane to meet and bowl with fans.All proceeds will be donated to and NFL Foundation. PepsiBowlingClassic.com.
SHAQ’S FUN HOUSE: Join Shaq, John Summit, Ludacris, and manymore at Mardi Gras World, 1380 Port of New OrleansPlace from 9a.m. to 3a.m. for music, oversized carnival rides and games, tons of interactivecircus performers, and asix-hour open bar.Tickets are going fast. shaqsfunhouse.com.
NOLA EATS FEST: Taste classic NewOrleans flavors Feb.8 from noon to 5p.m. in Woldenberg Park, 1Canal St. at the Pepsi NOLA Eats Fest, with over20dishes from 10 local restaurants all in one
place for Super Bowlweekend. Music by Mannie Fresh and jazz bands. neworleans.com. THE BIG GAME WHISKEY EXPERIENCE: Get samples ofthe greatest whiskeys and spirits, craft coffees, culinary bites, jazz and more Feb.7 7-11 p.m. at M.S.Rau, 630 RoyalSt. www.eventbrite.com
NOTABLE IN THECOMMUNITY
Justsoyou know, it’snot all about big parties. Here’s apartial list of philanthropic events the NFLissponsoring alongwith communitypartners. These are not open to the generalpublic.
MAKIN’ GROCERIES: To address foodinsecurity in the Lower9th Ward,the NFL is collaborating with Second Harvest Food Bank and the New OrleansRecreation DepartmentCommission to funda newSecond Harvest Makin’Groceries Mobile Market. It launchesFeb.5,at SanchezMulti-Service Center, 1616FatsDomino Ave.The mobile market provides lowcost healthyfood andwill serve other communities that lack groceryoptionsgoing forward
GAME ON: FINANCIAL
FOOTBALL: Ahundred students atWarren Easton Charter High School, 3019 CanalSt., will geta chance to learnmoneymanagement skills in aMadden-style video game onFeb.6 from 9a.m. to 11 a.m.
SALUTE TO VETERANS: Area veterans and militaryfamilies willbetreatedtoanafternoon of food, fun and football Feb 8from noon to1:30 p.m. at the Bastion Community of Resilience, 1901 Mirabeau Ave. NFL PLAY60: The NFL will host 1,000 localstudents onFeb 5from9:30a.m.–12:30p.m. for aday of play at Pan American Stadium, 194 ZacharyTaylorDrive. Hands-on PLAY60-themed fitnesszone stations are the stars,with NFLplayers, cheerleaders, and teammascotsthere to meet and greetthe kids. NFL PLAY 60isthe league’snational youth health andwellness program encouragingyouth to getphysically activefor atleast
PETTICOAT
Continued from page 1G
her how much it was, and she said $10. Ibought on the spot.”
Four years later,in1991, the would-be prom slip became abridal slip and was worn for the first time by Jill Cabes, Melancon’shigh school classmate.
Fast forward to this Feb. 15, and the garment will be worn —for the 83rd time
—bybride Emily Braud, whose mother also wore the slip.
No mere undergarment, this formal petticoat is a wearable font of memories.
Family andfriends only
Babin has only let family members and their friends wear it.
“I would never loan it to astranger,” she said. “I was always too worried I would never get it back.
“What’sfunny is the daughters of my friends, as well the girls who are friends of my family,have asked to wear the slip years before they ever met someone and got married.”
Cabes remembers the first time she saw the slip.
“When Igot engaged, I was at Mrs. Babin’shouse and mentioned to her that Iwas shopping for awedding slip,” Cabes said. “The next thing Iknow, she went over to acloset, pulled out the slip and offered it to me for my wedding. Icouldn’tbelieve it.”
When Cabes’ daughter, Catherine, got married, she was bride number 82. And the family soon found out that Catherine’sfuture mother-in-law had been bride number 7.
“It’sacombination of nostalgia as well as an honor for me to be the first bride,” Cabes said. “It’s very meaningful that all our lives are interwoven because of the slip for this significant day in each of our lives.”
Stitches in time
Babin said she adds something special to the slip to commemorate each wedding.
“As aremembrance for
much-used formal slip that she bought at agarage
wearer’sname stitched on it.
each bride, Iembroider her name and the date of the wedding, adding asmall blue ribbon near their name,” Babin said.
“When the girls see the names of the brides who have worn the slip before then, Ithink it creates a special bond.”
Melancon, Babin’s daughter,finally got to wear the slip in 1993. She said she has seen how the slip has “brought my mother pure joy and happiness.”
“There is alot of history with that slip,” Melancon
said. “Its legacy will always be one of joy and hope. It’smymother who connectedusall with her creative thoughtfulness.
“And it’smymom’sjoy that gives me the greatest pleasure.”
Afamilytree, of sorts
Braud, the next bride to wear the slip, has known about it for along time.
“My mom, Shaune, was the second bride to wear it in 1992,”Braud said. “I knew one day if Iever got married, Iwould wear the slip, too.
“This is aunique tradition, andit’sespecially meaningful to me since my mom also wore it. One day when my little sister, Madeline,gets married, she too will wear it.” Eventually,Babin said, she will pass the slip on to her daughter or one of her granddaughters to care for “It’sreally hard to believe that all these brides have worn the slip,” Babin said. “It means so much to me and is so special. I truly feel this is apart of my legacy.”
Continued from page 1G
interested in photography,” said Gustavo’s dad, also named Gustavo. “Hewent through a certification test so he could fly the drone, and Santa brought him adrone for Christmas.”
The youngsterlikes naturephotography and art in general, and takes courses at the New Orleans Academy of Fine Arts, hisfather said Besides flying thedrone, the boy and his sister Carolina, 7, had snowball fights, made a massive snowball in their front yard and made their sno-balls with fresh snow and maple syrup, said their mom, Sarah.
The young aerial photographer is afifth grader at St. George’sEpiscopal School. Gustavo also loves reading, spending timeinnature and his cat, Mochi, his mother said.
Email Annette Siscoatasisco@ theadvocate.com.
STAFFPHOTO BY JOHN MCCUSKER
Metairie resident JuJu Babin holds the
sale in 1988. It was first worn in 1991. with each
Gustavo Godoy, 10, with sister Carolina, 7. PROVIDED PHOTO
PHOTO BY GUSTAVOGODOY
Gustavo Godoy, 10, took this photo over Audubon Park in NewOrleans from adrone after the record-setting snowfall.
SCHOOL NOTES
HYNES CHARTER SCHOOL-
LAKEVIEW: Thomas Wright, aHynes middle school math teacher, has been named a recipient of the Presidential Awards forExcellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, awarded by the National Science Foundation. PAEMST is thehighest national recognition for K-12 educators in the STEM fields.
Winners receiveacertificate signed by the president, $10,000 and atrip to Washington, D.C., for recognition events and professional development opportunities. Wright has been an educator in the Orleans Parish Public School system formorethan 15 years.
HYNES CHARTER SCHOOLS: Hynes Charter School-Lakeview and Hynes Charter School-UNO have been awarded with the LabelFrancÉducation seal by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the EmbassyofFrance in the United States for the 2024–2027 period. This international recognition celebrates the schools’ excellence in promoting French language and culturethrough their immersivedual language program.
ST.BERNARD PARISH: Katherine Karcher Lemoine has been unanimously elected as School Boardpresident. Diana Dysart waselected vice president. Lemoine is an educator with 20 years of experience in both K-12 and higher education. Dysart has served on the boardsince 1983.
Republican
Diana Dysart, left, and Katherine Lemoine will serve as vice president and president, respectively,of the St. Bernard Parish School Board for 2025. Wright
PROVIDED PHOTOS
St.Mary’sDominican High School’sDivision IState Champion swim team was honored withaproclamation presented by theNew Orleans City Council. On the front rowfrom leftare teammembers LilaMerchant, Kendall Jollands, GraceBordelon, Julia Henry, MaryPilié, Kayleigh Jollands, Sydney Ranson, Virginia Robinson, Haley Valdine and moderator Erin Baker with City Council member Lesli Harris; back row,New Orleans City Council members Helena N. Moreno,Jean Paul ‘JP’Morrell, Oliver Thomas and Eugene J. Green,with AmeliaHernandez, Blair Foss, Terese Vocke, Annalise Gagliano, EmbryPalmisano, Marta Giarrusso, CityCouncil memberJospeh I. Giarrusso III, Caroline Horsman, Coach Bret Hanemann, athletic director Paul Spitzfaden and City Council member Freddie King III. Notpictured is assistant coach Sarah Daigle
guest speaker. Members also collected more than100 toys for Toys for Tots, and $1,000 will bedonated to the Disabled Veterans of Harahan. Pictured fromleftonthe front roware Tina Payton, president; Katie CusimanoBlanchard, first vice president; second row,Barbara Lawler,second vice president; Connie Baer, third vice president;thirdrow,Dianne Breaux,fourth vice president; Anita Brite, photographic secretary; fourthrow,Faith Peperone,corresponding secretary; and Debbie Albert,treasurer.Not pictured is Debbie Polito, recordingsecretary.
The Harvey Golden AgeClub presented Lifetime MembershipCertificates to four members for their outstanding servicetothe club.Pictured, from left, are honorees June Olano, Jane Burkeand Inez McKneely. Not pictured is CindyRobichaux.
PROVIDED PHOTOS
RepublicanWomenofLouisiana recently installed its 2025 officers, whowere swornin by Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser.From left are NancyWolfe, treasurer;Sherry Patai, secretary; Tammy Prine, second vice president; Kim Toups, first vice president; Heidi Nungesser Landry, president.
Members of the Shady Oaks Garden Club in River Ridge traveled to Californiaand helped constructLouisiana’sfloat for the2025 Rose Bowl Parade. The float, titled “Louisiana Saturday Night Feed Your Soul,” won the Director’sAward given to the creation with the most outstanding artisticdesign and use of floral and nonfloral materials. Club members participating were front row,from left,Donna Clark, Tricia Ortalano and Kathy Maffei; second row,Kathy Pastorek, Pat Engel,Kay Johnston, Tricia France, Stephanie Abadieand Tina Messina; back row,Kathy Maynard, Judy Babin, Bonnie Hatrel, LillyJohnston, Mona Louviere, Louise Nash, MichelleNash Smith and Marietta Johnston.
ShadyOaksGardenClubhelps constructRoseBowl float
Writeaway
Writers at any level can learn more about the craft at aclinic onFeb. 8, where twolocal writerswill talk about makingrevisions to drafts and creating compellingcharacters. The event, which is freeand opentothe public, will be heldatthe East BankRegional Library,4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie. At 9:30 a.m.: Author ReineDugas willdiscuss revising acompleted rough draft.She says it’sakey step in making agood manuscript great, and it can be fun.
Scratching thesurface
Howtotellifyourcat needsarealbath
We know dogs need regular baths, but whatabout cats? Especially if they’reinside-only cats, are baths ever necessary?
Chris Smith LIBRARY LAGNIAPPE
Attendees will learn about the process of revision,how to focus on specific areas for improvement, the difference between revisingand editing,and how to create arevision checklist that can help take writing to thenext level. Dugas is from New Orleans and teaches English at Southeastern Louisiana University and Tulane University
At 11 a.m.: Annell Lopez willhelp would-be writers learn to create realistic characters.
That includes developingcharacters with believable flaws, clear motivations, complex inner conflicts, awell-defined backstory and the ability to evolve and surprise the reader,ensuring they feel like realpeople with desires, fears and vulnerabilities that drive their actions throughout the story Lopez, who teaches creativewriting at the New Orleans Center for Creative Art, is the winner of the Louise Meriwether First Book Prize and the author of the short story collection “I’llGive Youa Reason.”
ABOUT SICILY: Cyril Lagvanec, Ph.D., the curator of the American-Italian Research Library located on the second floor of the East Bank Regional Library, will give alecture on the “ManyPeoples of Sicily,” at 7p.m., Tuesday,Feb. 11, at thelibrary,4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie.
Sicilians are adiverse people, having had contact with avariety of ethnicities through the centuries. Despite the country’sposition at the crossroads of many Mediterranean civilizations, it retains many characteristics of more rural regions bred of its isolation and distance from mainlandItaly
APUZZLING EVENT: There are three elements to the Jigsaw Puzzle Extravaganza, being hosted by the East Bank Regional Library and taking place from 1p.m. to 4p.m. Feb. 8atthe East Bank Regional Library First, patrons canbringtheir usedpuzzles to swap withothers.Each puzzle should have allofits pieces. Puzzles that remain untraded can be donated to the Friends of the Jefferson Public Library At 2p.m., the Jigsaw Puzzle Contest begins,involving teams of two people whowill complete or come close to completionofa500-piece puzzle by 4p.m. The contest is limited to adults 18 years of age and older.The first three teams to finish or that makes the most headway winprizes. Also, members of the Friends of the Jefferson Public Library will be presenttosellpuzzles that havebeen donated by patrons. Sales are cash only WAREHOUSE SALE: The Friends of theJefferson Public Library will sponsor aWarehouse Sale on Saturday, Feb. 8, from 9a.m. to 2p.m. inthe hallwaydirectly offthe lobby at East Bank Regional Library
Boxes of bookswill be sold for $5 each Theywill include cookbooks, children’s books(Eand J, fiction andnonfiction)and regular fiction (paperback andhardback). Boxes are labeledastowhattheycontain andcannotbeopenedprior to purchasing. Payment by cashorcreditcard.
ENERGIZE YOUR DAY: ElisabetTrujillo, nutrition andcommunity health agentfor the LSU AgCenter,will discuss “The Importance of Proteininthe Diet” at 10 a.m. Feb 5atthe East Bank Regional Library For more information,callthe Friends of the Jefferson Public Library at (504) 455-2665 or emailfriendsjpl@yahoo.com.
DANCING TIME: Learn some Bollywood dancesteps from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday,Feb.8atthe Rosedale Library,4036 Jefferson Highway,Jefferson. Participants, ages 18 andup, must register to attendthrough the JPL website. The classwill be repeated for those who do notget in thefirst time around.
BOATING SAFETY: The Louisiana Department of Wildlifeand Fisheries will conduct aboating safety class beginning at 9a.m., Saturday,Feb.8,atthe East Bank Regional Library
The classlasts between six andeight hours. Preregistration is recommended by going to the DepartmentofWildlife andFisheries website.
COMPUTER SKILLS: Those interested in computer classes should go to the JPL website, andthento the classes, to register
The following classes will takeplace at the East Bank Regional Library
n Microsoft Excel 1: 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 8
n Microsoft Excel 2: 2p.m. to 4p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8
n Using Email: 10 a.m. to noon Tuesday, Feb. 11.
n Microsoft Word 1: 10 a.m. to noon Thursday, Feb. 13
n Microsoft Word 2: 2p.m. to 4p.m. Thursday, Feb. 13
n Computer Basics: 2p.m. to 4p.m. Thursday, Feb. 20
n Internet Basics: 2p.m. to 4p.m. Monday, Feb.
24
n MicrosoftExcel 3: 2p.m. to 4p.m. Tuesday, Feb.
25 n Microsoft PowerPoint1:10a.m. to noon Thursday, Feb. 27
n Microsoft PowerPoint2:2 p.m. to 4p.m. Thursday,Feb.27
The following classes will be held at the Jane O’Brien Chatelain West Bank Regional Library, 2751 Manhattan, Harvey
n Microsoft Excel 1: 10 a.m. to noon Friday, Feb. 7
n Microsoft Excel 2: 2p.m. to 4p.m. Friday, Feb. 7
n Basic Computer: 2p.m. to 4p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 12
n Microsoft Word 1: 10 a.m. to noon Friday, Feb.
21
21
n Microsoft Word 2: 2p.m. to 4p.m. Friday, Feb.
n Using Email: 10 a.m. to 4p.m. Wednesday, Feb.
26 n Microsoft PowerPoint1:2 p.m. to 4p.m. Friday, Feb. 28
Catsare known for theirexceptional personal hygiene habits. They are very meticulous withtheir grooming rituals, andtheydevote several hours each daytogrooming. Therefore, they shouldn’treally need baths, right?
I’ve never owned acat,soIwas curiousabout this Iknow cat owners don’tseem to send their felinestothe groomer for regular bathing andgrooming like we dog people do Idecided to poll somecat-owner colleagues. Their answers were across the spectrum.
One said shehas neverbathed her cat,Honeybun,who she has had for three years. She does use aspray that helps withthe dander and keeps human allergiesatbay She thinks that Honeybundoes agreat job of grooming allonher own. Anothercolleague hastwo cats, Poppy and Milo.She saidthat although bathing them is quitea challenge, she does it about once every six months if the cats start to smell or getintosomething they shouldn’thave.
Finally,there is AtticusFinch, who loves his warm bubble baths. He is quite calm and relaxed during bath time, andhis owner told me thatitseemed soothingfor him to lather up on avery regular basis. Are baths ever necessary for cats?
I’ve come to learn that theshort answer is yes, butthis depends on individual circumstances.
Most cats do notlike water,so giving one abath could be stressful for all involved. Nonetheless, there are somecircumstances when an actual soap andwater bath cannot be avoided —whether it takes
place at home, theveterinarian’s office or at agroomer
Whenshould youbath acat?
MUDAND MORE: If thefamily feline hasdecidedtoplayina mud puddle or rollaround in thedirt, getting all cleaned up may be hard foracat to handle on itsown.
If he gets something such as tree sap on his coat, or comes in sticky or really stinky,these situations callfor aproper bath
FLEAS: If acat gets fleas, medicationsorflea treatments usually can do the trick. However,depending on the severity of theinfestation, a medicated bath may be needed.
OBESITY: If thecat is overweight or obese, he may notbeable to reach his entire body forgrooming Abath every once in awhile will help to keep his coat shiny andskin healthy.
ARTHRITIS: Cats withjoint pains may notbeabletocomfortably groom themselves. The warm water andmassagingofthe skin during abath can actually be therapeutic forafelinewitharthritis. If youdecide to give your cat a bath,use ashampoothat is specifically made for cats —not human shampoo, as this may irritate a cat’sskin. Adog shampoo may not be cat approved,sobesuretobuy cat-specific products. Should you be bathing your cat? If you’re notsure, talktoyour vet aboutyourfeline’ssituation.
Traci D. Howerton is the volunteer manager forAnimal RescueNew Orleans (ARNO), anonprofit, volunteer-based, no-kill shelter.For more information on ARNO, visit www animalrescueneworleans.org.
PETOFTHE WEEK
Eventhough he’sall of 5pounds and just shyof6months old, Macho Man is gearing up for a legacy of bodyslams and gravitydefying jumps. Onlookers are constantlybewildered at the stunts he pulls off. But he has asoft side, too. He’ll melt likebutter at affection and purrlikeatiger.To learnmore, email adoptionteam@ animalrescueneworleans.org PROVIDED PHOTO
PROVIDED PHOTOS
PHOTO BY MORGAN WYNNE Kitty AtticusFinch gethis bath.
Traci Howerton ANIMAL RESCUE
Westbank Quarterback Club honors athletesatbanquet
The Westbank Quarterback Club kicked off its new season recently with the West Bank High School AthleticBanquet.
The guest speaker was Patrick Jenkins, COO of Jefferson Parish School Board.
Those honored but not pictured are Dakota Sylve, L.B. Landry,volleyball and cross country; Cecilia Veters, Patrick F. Taylor,volleyball; Madison Barth, Patrick F. Taylor,volleyball; Olivia Lillie, Patrick F. Taylor,swimming; Natalie Womack, Patrick F. Taylor,swimming; Kyla Allen, Jefferson Rise, volleyball; Jaliyah Hawkins, Belle Chasse, volleyball; Kayli Bates, Belle Chasse, volleyball
Outstanding male athletes include, front rowfrom left, Jasper Parker,Archbishop Shaw, football; Mason Wilson, Archbishop Shaw, football; Cline Matherne, Archbishop Shaw, swimming; Izek Robles, Archbishop Shaw, swimming; Hunter Eslick,Archbishop Shaw,cross-country. Back row: WBQBC President Jeff Wooton; MatthewBerthelot, Archbishop Shaw,cross country; Elias Varela, NOMMA, cross country;Hector Pablo, NOMMA, cross-country; Jose Saenz, SouthPlaquemines, cross-country; and guest speaker Patrick Jenkins.
Outstanding female athletes include Aalyah Ramos, Belle Chasse, cross country;ZhoeyJohnson, Thomas Jefferson, volleyball; Devyn Hubbard, Thomas Jefferson, volleyball; MadelayPerea, West Jefferson, cross-country; Ashyree Webster,West Jefferson, cross-country. Back row: WBQBC President Jeff Wooton; singer Sophia Parigi; Nguyen Dang West Jefferson, cross-country; guest speaker Patrick Jenkins.
PROVIDED PHOTOS
Outstanding female athletes include, first rowfrom left, EllaDenny, Academy of our Lady, swimming; HolleyHotard, Academy of our Lady, cross country; Jaci Camardelle, Academy of Our Lady, volleyball; Amber Jackson, Edna Karr, volleyball; Marisa Slade, NOMMA, volleyball. Back row: WBQBC President Jeff Wooton, Renee Streuwing,NOMMA, volleybal; Alyssa Saenz, South Plaquemines, cross-country; Ke’shawna Jackson, South Plaquemines, volleyball; KinsleyAlexie, Fisher,cross-country; Karen Isaac,L.W.Higgins, volleyball;and guest speakerPatrick Jenkins, COO of Jefferson Parish School Board.
Outstanding maleathletes include, front rowfrom left: Anaj Payton, John Ehret, football; Kurtis Milbourn, John Ehret, football; Calvin Gray, John Ehret, crosscountry; Eddie StevenPetty,L.W.Higgins, football; Kristopher Griffin, L.B.Landry, football. Second row: WBQBC President Jeff Wooton; Tyrin Mcginnins, L.B.Landry, football; Hunter Smith, Patrick F. Taylor, football;Logan Rogers, Patrick F. Taylor, football;guest speaker Patrick Jenkins.
MARDIGRAS
MARDI GRAS HOUSE FLOWERS: The Ogden Museum of SouthernArt, 925 Camp St. in New Orleans, will host aCraft HappyHour Feb. 12, 6-8 p.m., with Re Howse. Participants will learn makeMardi Gras houseflowers. Fees are$55 for members, $60 nonmembers; all materials included.Attendees must be 18 or older. Registration required at bit. ly/3D8UdnW
KICK-OFF TO CARNIVAL BICENTENNIAL: Jefferson Parish will kick off the Carnival season on the parish’s 200th birthdayonFeb. 11, 5-7 p.m., at Lakeside Shopping Center, 3301 Veterans Memorial Blvd.inMetairie. The event will featurelivemusic and apresentation recognizing manycaptains, kings, queensand grand marshals forthis year’s krewes. The2025 parade season starts with Little Rascals on Feb. 16. www.jeffparish.gov.
MARDI GRAS MURDER MYSTERY: River Ridge Library,8825 Jefferson Highway in River Ridge, will host aMardi Gras-themedmurder mystery night on Feb. 13, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Registration is required and limitedto20participants. calendar.jplibrary.net.
KREWE OF MAJESTIC MIRACLESBALL: The KreweofMajestic Miracles will hold its third annual MardiGrasBall forpeople with special needs, sponsoredbythe Kiwanis ClubofSt. Bernard-Arabi, on Feb. 8, 5-9 p.m.,atthe Val Reiss Sports Complex, 1101 Magistrate St. in Chalmette. Free via Eventbritereservations www.stbernardkiwanis.org.
FAMILYGRAS: The free, three-day concertcelebration will be Feb. 21-23 at Mardi GrasPlaza, 3300 block of Veterans Memorial Boulevard in Metairie, will featurelocal andnational artists including Zebra, Kansas, Amanda Shaw, and Gary LeVox, lead singer of Rascal Flatts. VIP Royal Passes available forpurchase. www visitjeffersonparish.com
KIDS KREWE DU MARKET PARADE: The German Coast FarmersMarketparade will be Feb. 22, 10 a.m., at Destrehan Library,160 W. Campus DriveinDestrehan.Registration opens at 9:30 a.m. at the welcome booth Children areinvited to be krewemembers riding in their decorated wagon floats. www. germancoastfarmersmarket.org.
MARDI GRAS DANCE: The Kreweof G-OldTimers Mardi Gras Dance will be held Feb. 27 at the Edward A. Dufresne Community Center, 274 Judge EdwardDufresneParkway in Luling. The event is for St. Charles Parishseniors 55 andolder, who areencouragedtowearMardi Gras attire. Doors open at 10a.m., with the event taking place 11 a.m.-2 p.m. RSVPsare due by Feb. 17. (985) 783-5090 or bit.ly/SeniorMardiGrasDance.
COMMUNITYEVENTS
METAIRIE HUMANE SHELTER: Aspaghetti dinner on Feb. 8, 4-8 p.m., at St.Matthew s United Methodist Church, 6017 Camphor St. in Metairie, will benefit the shelter. Dinners are $14, payable through VentoorPayPal. Orders should be placed for take-out or eat-in.(504) 458-0531 or www.metairiehumane org.
and receiveassistance from IRS-certified volunteers. The events will be held Feb. 8, 9a.m.-3 p.m., at University of Holy Cross, 4123 Woodland Drive; March 15, 9a.m.-4 p.m., at the East New Orleans Regional Library, 5641 Read Blvd., and March 22, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., at Algiers Regional Library,3014 HolidayDrive. www.entergy.com/freetaxhelp.
WAREHOUSE SALE: The Friends of the Jefferson Public Library will sponsor asale on Feb. 8, 9a.m.-2 p.m., in the hallway directly off the lobbyatEast Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave. in Metairie. Boxesofbooks, $5 each,will include cookbooks, children’sbooks (fiction andnonfiction) andregular fiction (paperback and hardback). Boxesare labeled by contents and cannotbeopened prior to purchase. friendsofjeffersonlibrary.org.
CULTUREAND CONCERTS
COMPOSERINRESIDENCE: Grammy-winning trumpeter and composer Steven Bernstein and JCC Music Director Brian RoyHaas will create a75-minute compositionoverthe courseoffive days,culminating in aconcert at 7p.m. Feb. 8atthe New Orleans Jewish Community Center, 5342 St. Charles Ave. in NewOrleans.Ticketsare $20 through Eventbrite. www.nojcc.org/music.
LOYOLA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: The symphony, under the direction of Jean Montes, will perform afreeconcert at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 8inthe Louis J. Roussel Performance Hall in the Communications/Music Complex at Loyola University,6363 St. Charles Ave. in New Orleans. cmm.loyno.edu.
BOOKS
“A LOVE SONG FORRICKI WILDE”: Author Tia Williams will discuss her newest book and sign copies on Feb. 6, 6-8 p.m., at Baldwin & Co., 1030 Elysian Fields Ave. in New Orleans. Free, but tickets for asigned book and ameet &greet start at $20 through Eventbrite. www baldwinandcobooks.com.
“THE MEETING OF AIR AND WATER”: Author Sharon LaCour will celebrate her debut novel on Feb. 6,6:30 p.m., at Blue Cypress Books, 8123 Oak St. in New Orleans. The discussion and reading will be followedbyanaudience Q&A and abook signing.www.bluecypress-
customers can walk in
Outstanding male athletes include, front rowfrom left, Brian Walker Jr., Jefferson Rise, football; Joshua Wilkins, Jefferson Rise, football; Trace Adams, Belle Chasse, football; Bryce Wilkerson, Thomas Jefferson, football; RudyHubbard, West Jefferson, cross-country. Second row: WBQBC President Jeff Wooton; guest speaker Patrick Jenkins.
MEETINGS NATIONAL ACTIVE AND RETIRED FEDERAL EMPLOYEES: The Vernon L. Landry Chapter 1398 of NARFE will hold aluncheon Feb. 12, beginning at 11 a.m., in the Sicilian Room
books.com.
“LIBRE”: Award-winning poet SkyeJackson will launch her debut full-length poetry collection at the MarignyOperaHouse, 725 St. Ferdinand St. in New Orleans, on Feb. 13, 7:30 p.m. The evening will include readings by Penda Smith and Alex Jennings and livepainting by Jason Rodriguez. RSVP through Eventbrite is required. www.bluecypressbooks.com.
POETRYATOLD METAIRIE LIBRARY: Poets Gina Ferrara, Nicole Eiden, Gina Ferrara, Valentine Pierce, Karisma Price and Andy Young will present areading on Feb. 15, 2p.m at the Old Metairie Library,2350 Metairie Road in Metairie. www.jplibrary.net.
“THE SINGING RIVER”: Author Benjamin Morris will celebrate the release of his debut poetry collection on Feb. 25, 7p.m at Vino Fine Wine and Spirits, 8314 Oak St. in New Orleans. The event will include readings by Benjamin Morris, SkyeJackson, Nikki Ummel and Rodrigo Toscano and will be followedbyanaudience Q&A and book signing.Tickets, required, start at $5 through Eventbrite. www.bluecypressbooks.com.
FUNDRAISERS/GALAS
STEVE GLEASON’SGAME CHANGER GALA:
The black tie-optional fundraiser, to be held Feb. 5atMardi Gras World Float Den Annex, 1560 Tchoupitoulas in New Orleans, will help raise funds for ALS research. The reception is 6-7 p.m., and the gala dinner is 7-11 p.m. Entertainment includes Keegan-Michael Key, the East Pointers, SammyMcFadden and others. www.gamechangergala.com.
GLEASON CELEBRITY GOLF CLASSIC: The fundraiser will be held Feb. 6atCity Park South Course, 1040 FilmoreAve.inNew Orleans Registration begins at 9:30 a.m., with tee time starting at 11 a.m. All proceeds support Team Gleason, improving life for people with ALS teamgleason.org.
JCDS ANNUAL CAMPAIGN: Jewish Community DaySchool will honorDr. Michael Wasserman at ajazz brunch supporting its 2024-2025 annual campaign on Feb. 16, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m., at the National World WarIIMuseum Higgins Hotel, 1000 Magazine St. in New Orleans. Tickets start at $180. www.jcdsnola.org.
REPUBLICAN WOMEN’SCLUB: The Republican Women’s Club of Jefferson Parish will meet Feb. 20 at the Chateau Golf and Country Club, 3600 Chateau Blvd. in Kenner. Registration opens at 11 a.m., with lunch and the program starting at 11:45 a.m. Guest speaker is John Fleming, Louisiana state treasurer. Cost is $40. RSVPsrequired. RWC.Jeffparish@gmail.com.
SPORTS SUPERTOTS REGISTRATION: Online registration is open for the spring season of SuperTots baseball and soccer through the St. Charles Parish Department of Parks and Recreation. BaseballTots classes areMondays at the West Bank Bridge Park, 13825 River Road in Luling, March 17-April 28 and Wednesdays at the West Bank Bridge Park March 19-April 30. SoccerTots classes areTuesdays at the West Bank Bridge Park, March 18-April 29. Registration is $104-$124 per program. https://bit.ly/scpparksandrecsupertots.
CLASSES
COASTAL EDUCATIONAL FORUM: Women of the Storm will host apresentation on “Critical Coastal Projects Our FutureatRisk,” adiscussion on the mid Barataria diversion moderated by MikeSmith on Feb. 5, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., at the Pavilion of the Two Sisters in City Park, 3Victory Ave. in New Orleans. womenofthestorm.com.
MARDI GRAS DOOR HANGER WORKSHOP: Community Workshop NOLA willpresent abasic woodworking workshop in which participants learn to use ajigsawand drills to make aMardi Gras door hanger or lawn art. The workshop is Feb. 9, 1-4 p.m., at 1201 Mazant St. in New Orleans. Fees start at $55. events. humanitix.com/mardi-gras-door-hanger. 3D PRINTING SEMINARS: Twofreeone-hour seminars on the library’s 3D printing program will takeplace at the East Bank Regional Library,4747 W. Napoleon Ave. in Metairie. The firstwill be held Feb. 11 at 7p.m., and the second will be held March 11 at 10 a.m. www jefferson.lib.la.us.
CANVAFOR BEGINNERS CLASS: Aclass for the design app Canva will be held Feb. 10, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., at the Jane O’Brien Chatelain West Bank Regional Library,2751 Manhattan Blvd. in Harvey.This interactiveworkshop is designed for anyone new to Canva or those looking to sharpen their design skills. Bring your ownlaptop. www.jefferson.lib.la.us.
LEARNING
NewOrleans students canenter theirartworksin
BlackHistory Monthcontest
Checkout events are NewOrleans libraries
BY JANE LEGROS Contributing writer
Students are being encouraged to create visual artworks to enter into the New Orleans Public Library’sannual Black History Monthart contest
Entries will be accepted through Feb. 20. The theme is African Americans’ contributions to the labor movement, so students are encouraged to consider art that speaks to the history of Black labor,worker’smovements, and how the labor of African Americansshaped history and culture in the U.S. and beyond.
All entrants will receive afree book. Topwinners in each grade category will receive agift card. First-through third-place winners in each grade category receive aprinted poster of their artwork.
To enter,artists must live in or go to school in Orleans Parish and be in gradesK-12. Visit nolalibrary.co/BHMAC-2025 for rules, details and to submit your work.
Throughout the month, the library will host hourlong opportunities for childrenages 6-12 to work on their poster submissions with provided supplies and inspirational materials:
n Nora Navra Library,1902 St. Bernard Ave., Feb.6,4 p.m. to 5p.m.
n Children’sResource Center Library,913 Napoleon Ave., Feb. 11, 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
n East New Orleans Regional Library, 5641 Read Blvd., Feb. 12, 3:30 p.m.to4:30 p.m.
n Central City Library,2020 Jackson Ave., Feb. 12, 4p.m. to 5p.m.
n Cita Dennis Hubbell Library,725 Pelican Ave., Feb 13., 4p.m. to 5p.m.
n Milton H. Latter Memorial Library,5120 St. Charles Ave., Feb. 13, 4p.m. to 5p.m.
n Main Library,219 LoyolaAve., Feb. 15, 2p.m. to 4p.m.
n Norman Mayer Library,3001 Gentilly Blvd., Feb.20, 4p.m. to 5p.m.
n Algiers Regional Library,3014 Holiday Drive, Feb.22, 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Visit nolalibrary.co/Black-HistoryMonth for recommendations of what to read, watch and listen to this February Plus, explore the library’sfeatured database, HistoryMakers, adigital archive of African American oral histories that enlighten, entertain and educate the public, helping to refashion amore inclusive record of American history
AUTHOREVENT: On Feb. 6, local author MattHaines will visit Latter Memorial Library,5120 St. Charles Ave., from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. to discuss “The Big Book of King Cake.” The book celebrates the thousandsyear-old story of New Orleans’ favoritetreat through lush photography of more than 150 unique king cakes and stories from the diverse and talented bakers who make them.
SENSORYSTORYTIME: EveryFriday in February,families looking for awelcoming andcomfortable space for neurodivergent children areinvited to Sensory Storytime at AlgiersRegional Library,3014 Holiday Drive.
These smaller,adaptive storytimes are inclusive and accessible to all, including children who are physically and developmentally challenged, ages 2-5 years old.
This program is designed to help children exploretheir senses and learn in away that is both fun and engaging, through stories, sensory bins and more.
It is sponsored by the Dollar General Literacy Foundation and supported by the Friends of the New Orleans Public Library.Space is limited and registration is required. Visit events. nolalibrary.co/sensory-storytime to sign up.
TAXHELP: The library and AARP are teaming up to provide free tax assistancesessions from 10 a.m. to 2p.m. at Algiers Regional Library,3014 Holiday Drive, and Latter Library,5120
St.Charles Ave., through mid-April. Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins are welcome if space is available. Algiers sessions are on Mondays and Wednesdays. Latter’sare on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Jane LeGros is thedirector of marketing and communications for the New Orleans Public Library
MountCarmel athletes recognized at awards ceremony
Mount Carmel Academy recognized students for their athletic andacademic achievements at therecentfall athletic awards ceremony
Emily Caracci was named the Outstanding Fall Athlete. Theaward is given to avarsityathletewho has displayed outstanding athletic ability while also serving as amodel for her teammates.
Fall MVPs are Emily Caracci, Stella Junius, Annabelle LaBure, Victoria Rice and Ana Rossi. TheMost Valuable Player Award is given to athleteswho consistently contributetothe team’s success and inspire teammates to perform at ahigher level.
Named as Outstanding Members were Josephine Balhoff, Marlie Belsome, Kassie Diaz, Bria Flynn, Sofia Meneses, Ali Offner,Lucy Quintana, Mary Quintana, Briley Ross, Julia Savois and Stella Schick. The Outstanding Member Pin is awarded to athletes whocontribute by their practice efforts, consistent sportsmanship andunwavering support for their teammates.
Emily Caracci, Giselle Estrada,
Giarrusso,Ellen Grenrood, Colby Pechon, Emma Richey,Shelby Salles, Julia Savois, Jade Thiel, Sadie Thienemanand Julia Zimmermann were given the LHSAA All-Academic Scholar Award, whichisearned by athletes who maintain a3.5 GPAorhigher
Sarah Clement, Veronica Dupuy, Lila Franovich, Sofia Giarusso, Ellen Grenrood, Gabrielle Locascio,Kristen Millet, Emma Richey,Jade Thiel and Julia Zimmermann werehonored with the Coaches’ Award, which is given to members of the team whoset an example, supporttheir teammates and seldomlack spirit or motivation.
Sofia
MCA’s LHSAAAllAcademic Scholar Award winners are, front rowfrom left, Giselle Estrada, ColbyPechon, Emma Richeyand ShelbySalles; second row, Emily Caracci, Julia Savois and Ellen Grenrood; and back row, Jade Thiel, Julia Zimmermann, Sadie Thieneman and Sofia Giarrusso.
PROVIDED PHOTOS
Mount Carmel’sathleticdirector,April Hagadone, at left, presents the Outstanding Fall Athlete Award to Emily Caracci.
