The West Bank Advocate 02-12-2025 by The Advocate

HITTING THE STREETS

borhood with my large family,” said Dupre, president of the board of the Driftwood Park Civic Association, which organizes the event.

BY EVA JACOB BARKOFF Contributing writer

When they were children, Matthew Dupre and Christine Hurlbut participated in the Krewe of Driftwood parade in Kenner, in different ways. As adults, both have moments from past parades that have stayed with them for many years.

“I moved to Houston at one point, and when I came back, I jumped in to lend a hand in the community And my family has always participated in the parade,” he said.

“I have deep roots and many fond memories of the parade since I grew up in the neigh-

“A friend of mine from high school invited me to the parade,” added Hurlbut, association board secretary. “At the time, I didn’t think it would be much of a parade, just a bunch of people walking around the neighborhood in costumes I was completely wrong.” The 55th annual parade will be held Saturday at 1 p.m. The 2 1/2 mile procession begins at Gelpi and Madrid avenues winding its way throughout the neighborhood and ending back at Gelpi. Reigning as king and queen of the parade will be Charles Freel and Robin Schlosser The theme is “Driftwood Rocks the House,” and the parade will feature dozens of decorated boats and trailers reﬂecting the theme. “It is not uncommon to see

Krewe of Driftwood marks 55 years ä See DRIFTWOOD, page 2G

BETTER NATURE

In the week leading up to Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans, NFL Green and the New Orleans Super Bowl Host Committee pitched in to have trees planted at the historic Hardin Park in New Orleans’ 7th Ward. On Feb 1, shade trees were planted around the playground and park benches were installed. Volunteers also fanned out to clean up the neighborhood. On hand to help were Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu, members of the St. Augustine High School Marching 100, Mardi Gras Indians, the New Orleans Departments of Parks and Parkways and NORDC.

My dog, Romeo, will be 15 this year, and he still loves his walks. He barks to demand one when we get home each evening. These daily walks are an opportunity for him to get out and experience the smells and sounds of the world outside of our home environment and to get some fresh air after being cooped up all day Giving our dogs walks is important for overall pet health. But it’s also important to make sure we are mindful of our neighbors and surroundings. By following some basic walk etiquette, we can maintain positive relationships with our neighbors and keep the walk experience safe and enjoyable for our pets and those we encounter along the way RULE #1: Leashes are not optional. Always keep your dog on a leash unless you’re in a designated off-leash area, such as a dog park. Some people ignore this rule in some places it’s a law — believing that their dog is well-trained and has enough self-control to stay by their side.

This could be dangerous. Having the pet on a leash protects him, you and anyone you encounter along the route. We never know what we might come across that can trigger a dog. We also need to be mindful of other people’s personal space, as not everyone is looking to be approached by a dog. Even pets with excellent recall can be spooked or become upset by another animal or person. At the end of the day dogs are animals, and their behavior is not always predictable. A sturdy 4- to 6-foot tradi-

Traci Howerton ANIMAL RESCUE

Photographer Tyler Kaufman captures the action as volunteers plant a tree.

STAFF PHOTOS BY SCOTT THRELKELD

Connie Uddo, director of NOLA Tree Planting Project, shows volunteers how to spread mulch away from the base of a freshly planted bald cypress tree during a Super Bowl Week tree-planting event at historic Hardin Park in New Orleans’ 7th Ward on Feb 1.

The St. Augustine Marching 100 Band performs during the Hardin Park event.

New Orleans Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu, with New Orleans Saints mascot Sir Saint, addresses volunteers during a treeplanting event.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY JULIA OUBRE PHOTOGRAPHY

Carey Raynaud, queen of the 2024 of the Krewe of Driftwood Parade, stands with her family The theme of the parade was ‘Once Upon a Time in Driftwood.’ Each trailer or boat was decorated to reflect the theme.

INKED WITH LOVE

Downtown Tattoos and Piercing in New Orleans donated all proceeds from work on Jan. 17 to help cover medical expenses for 23-yearold Emile ‘Luui’ Graham, who was injured in the Bourbon Street attack on New Year’s Day. The community rallied around victims and survivors after a truck plowed through a crowd early Jan. 1, killing 14 and injuring 35 others.

Terry Brown concentrates on creating a tattoo.

Tattoo artist Terry Brown, right, tattoos Sam Labue at Downtown Tattoos and Piercing in New Orleans to help raise money for medical expenses for a friend injured in the Jan. 1 Bourbon Street attack.

Morris Jeff senior earns prestigious scholarship

Staff report

Morris Jeff Community School senior Hope MacDonald has been awarded a full scholarship to Grinnell College through the QuestBridge National College Match Program, Morris Jeff administrators announced. Hope was selected as a ﬁnalist from 25,000 applicants nationwide.

The scholarship includes a comprehensive financial

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN ELEMEN-

TARY/MIDDLE MATHEMATICS & SCIENCE SCHOOL: BFE will host open houses Feb. 12 and 19, 9-11 a.m., for prospective students and their families. The Lower School (pre-K–ﬁfth grade) open house will be held on Feb. 12 at 1116 Jefferson Ave. in New Orleans. The Middle School (sixth to eighth grade) open house will be held Feb. 19 at 3649 Laurel St BFE, an open-enrollment K-8 school, serves 735 students across the two Uptown campuses. www.babyben.org

GREATER NEW ORLEANS

COLLABORATIVE OF CHARTER SCHOOLS: Online registra-

XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUI-

SIANA: Rowing will become an ofﬁcial university sport in fall 2025. This is the ﬁrst varsity level co-ed rowing program at a historically Black college and university. The New Orleans Rowing Club and Xavier partnered to launch the Xavier Rowing Club program in 2023. NORC members Elizabeth Manley, professor of history and chair of the history department at Xavier, and Chloé Jobin, the club’s head of community outreach, lead the sport at Xavier. TULANE UNIVERSITY: “Prick,” the play by Laurie FlaniganHegge based on the Scottish witch hunts from the mid16th to the early 18th centuries, will be performed Feb. 18-23, at the Lupin Theatre, 150 Dixon Hall Annex on the Tulane University campus, 6823 St. Charles Ave. in New Orleans. Evening performances start at 7:30 p.m., and matinees begin at 2 p.m. Tickets start at $10. liberalarts tulane.edu. UNIVERSITY OF HOLY CROSS:

DRIFTWOOD

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aid package covering tuition, living expenses, books, and travel, ensuring Hope can focus fully on her studies.

This year’s QuestBridge Match Scholarship recipients boast an impressive average unweighted GPA of 3.94, with 92% ranking in the top 10% of their graduating class. Most recipients, including

Hope, are among the first generation in their families to attend a four-year college in the United States.

“Hope’s academic journey is nothing short of inspiring,” said Morris Jeff Head of School Patricia Perkins.

“Despite challenges, Hope has consistently demonstrated perseverance and excellence. She embodies the spirit

SCHOOL NOTES

tion is now open for the 19th annual free Charter School Teacher Fair presented by the Greater New Orleans Collaborative of Charter Schools (GNOCCS). It will be held March 15, 9 a.m.-noon, at Hynes Charter School, 990 Harrison Ave. in Lakeview Those seeking employment in a Louisiana public charter school — certiﬁed teachers, degreed professionals working on certiﬁcation and instructional support professionals, as well as other degreed school professionals including nurses, counselors, coaches and administrators — are invited to attend the

event. More than 30 schools in the Greater New Orleans Collaborative of Charter Schools and its partners will be represented. Full and parttime positions are available for all subjects and grade levels. www.gnocollaborative. com

JEFFERSON PARISH SCHOOLS: The application window for magnet schools for the 20252026 school year is open now through Feb. 28, 5 p.m. Jefferson Parish magnet schools specialize in STEM, arts integration, international baccalaureate and dual language immersion. Enrollment is application-based, and seats

COLLEGE REPORT

Registration is open for UHC’s fourth annual Crawfish Boil Cookoff on the campus at 4123 Woodland Drive in Algiers on March 15, 11 a.m.5 p.m. The contest is open to any teams who wish to participate. Team registration is $150 and includes five entry wristbands for the team. Teams are required to purchase and boil a minimum of six sacks of crawfish from the onsite vendor. Winners will be announced in the categories of best crawfish, best corn, best potatoes and best sausage. Admission to the event is $25 prepaid and $40 at the gate, including all-youcan-eat crawfish. Children 10 and under receive free entry www.uhcno.edu/crawfish UNIVERSITY OF HOLY CROSS: As part of Entergy’s Super Tax Day events UHC will host free tax assistance days for New Orleans area Entergy customers every Saturday through April 12 (except March 1 and March 15) on campus at 4123 Woodland Drive in New Orleans. Taxpayers can receive assistance from Entergy

groups of families working together decorating trailers and boats in their driveways the week leading up to the parade,” Dupre said “I think Blaine Kern would be jealous.”

Additionally Dupre said, 62 groups will be participating, ranging from local dance studios and elementary schools to businesses and civic leaders.

“This includes hundreds of parade participants with their families and friends, and hundreds more watching the parade throughout

volunteers and UHC students and volunteers. Taxpayers should bring ID, Social Security cards for themselves and dependents, wage and earning statements, interest and dividend statements, a copy of last year’s federal and state returns, bank routing numbers and account numbers for direct deposit and any other tax forms they have received. www.uhcno.edu

DEAN’S LIST HONORS

UNIVERSITY OF IOWA: William Bellott of Harahan, a 2024 summa cum laude graduate of Jesuit High School, was among the more than 8,700 undergraduate students at the University of Iowa named to the dean’s list for the 2024 fall semester. While at Jesuit, Bellott was a state literary rally winner, a member of the Mu Alpha Theta clinched a state championship team and a National Merit semiﬁnalist.

GEORGIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY: Four New Orleans area students attending Georgia Tech have earned the distinction of dean’s list for

the neighborhood,” he said. Dupre and Hurlbut agree the parade provides a family atmosphere and sense of community

“The event gives kids and young families a taste of Mardi Gras,” Dupre said “It has generational roots, and that adds a sense of connection and community.”

“The parade also brings a

of a high-achieving student through her relentless effort and unwavering commitment to growth and learning.”

Beyond her academic accomplishments, Hope is also a dancer with the New Orleans Ballet Association. Her ability to balance rigorous academic responsibilities, family commitments, and her love for dance highlights her remarkable character, resilience, and determination, the school said.

are granted on a ﬁrst-come, ﬁrst-served basis. jpschools. org/magnet

JOHN EHRET HIGH SCHOOL: Willie Brooks Jr. has been named head coach of the Patriots football program. Brooks previously coached at Edna Karr, St. Augustine, Helen Cox, De La Salle, Riverdale and West Jefferson high schools. He is a three-time Jefferson Parish All-Star Head Coach and has coached the Louisiana Bayou Bowl Team. He also served as an honorary assistant coach for the HBCU Heritage Bowl in 2024.

fall 2024. This designation is awarded to undergraduate students who have earned a 3.0 or higher academic average for the semester. The students are Samantha Dugan of Mandeville, a graduate of Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts; Emma Gele of New Orleans, a graduate of Academy of the Sacred Heart; Henri Miller of New Orleans, a graduate of De La Salle High School; and Aaron Zhang of Luling, a graduate of Hahnville High School.

GEORGIA STATE UNIVERSITY: Two Georgia State students from New Orleans, Zion Brown of St. Augustine High School and Nola Thompson of NOCCA, have been named to the fall 2024 dean’s list. To be eligible, degree-seeking students must have earned a GPA of at least 3.5 for a minimum of nine semester hours of academic credit taken at Georgia State during the fall term with no incompletes for the semester. Eligible students must have a minimum GPA of 2.0 for all classes taken at Georgia State.

certain energy to the area,” Hurlbut added. “And that feeling resonates throughout the subdivision.”

The Driftwood Park Civic Association sponsors other events throughout the year including movie nights for kids, a fall fest, Christmas caroling around the neighborhood and a fun run, which will be held April 5.

Emma Batson, a member of Scouting America Troop 117G, recently celebrated becoming an Eagle Scout at a Court of Honor For Emma’s Eagle Scout project, she painted a map of the United States at her middle school, St. Edward the Confessor, so young students can

PROVIDED PHOTO

Tiki, a 7-year-old foxhound mix, is a lanky dork on the search for someone to scoop him up. He’s good with other animals, but thrives on plenty of couch cuddles. He’ll do best in a chill home where owners understand his desire for tranquility when it’s time to rest. To learn more, email adopt@animalrescueneworleans.org

PET

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for the dog to have some freedom, but short enough to maintain control. Avoid using retractable leashes, as they offer less control and can pose a serious risk of injury to people and pets.

PICK UP THE POOP: This should be a no brainer but surprisingly, it’s not. Nobody wants to walk across their own lawn and step in dog poop. As much as I love dogs, it is extremely frustrating when others do not respect my yard and do not pick up after their pets. We should be considerate of both personal and public spaces, so cleaning up applies to community areas like parks, sidewalks and streets, too. Make sure to bring plenty of plastic bags on every walk and pick up the poop every single time. My leashes are each equipped with a bag dispenser but even grocery plastic bags will do.

RESPECT PROPERTY: Allowing the dog to walk through other people’s yards, disrupt gardens, terrorize ﬂowers or pee all over lawn decorations is just bad etiquette. Treat other people’s property the way you would want yours to be treated.

RESPECT PEOPLE: If your dog is a barker, jumper or lunger it is important to

discourage this behavior and keep a safe distance from people you encounter along the walk. Your dog may be harmless, but he could potentially be frightening to those unfamiliar with him.

PUT THE PHONE AWAY: The phone is a distraction, and it is important to stay vigilant, aware of surroundings and present during dog walks. You are responsible for your dog’s actions and will want to be alert to trafﬁc, other roaming animals, people along the route, etc. Always be prepared to change course, if necessary Walks are a great way to spend quality time with our dogs, meet new people and get some exercise for both people and pets. Let’s all do our part to keep these outings enjoyable and safe for everyone.

Events

FEB 15: Petco adoption event from noon to 4 p.m., 3520 Veterans Blvd., Metairie. Meet puppies and dogs from ARNO. Applications to foster or adopt will be available. For more info email adopt@animalrescueneworleans.org.

Traci D. Howerton is the volunteer manager for Animal Rescue New Orleans (ARNO), a nonproﬁt, volunteerbased, no-kill shelter For more information on ARNO, visit www animalrescue neworleans.org.

PET OF THE WEEK

STAFF PHOTOS BY BRETT DUKE

WELL-VERSED

Poetry Buffet host Gina Ferrara hosts Metairie reading

Poet Gina Ferrara will host colleagues from the poetry world on Feb. 15 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at 2350 Metairie Road, Metairie. Poets will have available for sale copies of their latest works for those who would like to purchase them.

Gina Ferrara lives and writes in New Orleans The author of ﬁve collections, her work has appeared in numerous journals including Callaloo, Poetry Ireland Review and Tar River Poetry, and was selected for publication in the SixtyFour Best Poets of 2019 by Black Mountain Press.

Since 2007 she has curated the Poetry Buffet, a monthly reading series that takes place the ﬁrst Saturday of each month. She teaches English and writing at Delgado Community College and is the editor of the New Orleans Poetry Journal Press.

Nicole Eiden is the 2023 LMNL Poetry Broadside Contest winner for her poem, “The Bridge.” Her poem “Embodiment” was the 2021 Words and Music Writing Contest co-runnerup. Her poem “Mortgage” appeared in New Poetry from the Midwest in 2019 and won third place in the 2016 Women’s National Book Association Writing Contest

Valentine Pierce is a poet, writer, photographer and graphic designer who is very active in the New Orleans art scene. She has been writing for more than 30 years and her creative and journalistic work has been published throughout the United States.

Karisma Price is an assistant professor of English at Tulane University A poet, screenwriter, and media artist, she is also the author of “I’m Always So Serious.” Price’s work has appeared in publications including Poetry, Indiana Review, Four Way Review, wildness and Adroit Journal.

Andy Young teaches at the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts. A graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Warren Wilson’s Program for Writers, her second fulllength collection, “Museum of the Soon to Depart,” was published in October 2024. She has won the Patricia Spears Jones Award, the Nazim Hikmet Award, and has been granted residencies in Virginia, Louisiana, Vermont and Barcelona.

Old Metairie mysteries

The Mystery Book Club that meets at the Old Metairie Library has announced the books its members will read in upcoming months.

Anyone can join the book club which meets the third

Tuesday of each month, at the Old Metairie Library, 2350 Metairie Road, Metairie. Members read the books in advance, and then show up on the appointed day to discuss. There are no fees and books almost always can be found on the shelves of the Old Metairie Library There is no registration.

The group meets at 2 p.m. on the following days to discuss these books: Feb. 18: “The Stranger” by Harlen Coben March 18: “Death of a Traitor” by M.C. Beaton.

Science Book Club

Jerry Villere leads the newest book library book club, which meets at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon, Metairie. The group will discuss “Minerals: A Very Short Introduction” by David Vaughn at 1 p.m. Feb. 16, and “The Song of the Cell,” by Siddhartha Mukherjee, at 1 p.m. March 16.

Digital content

“Exploring the JPL Digital Content” is a two-hour seminar at 2 p.m Feb 18 at the East Bank Regional Library 4747 W. Napoleon, Metairie. Patrons who want to get the most from their library card are urged to attend in order to ﬁnd out about the library’s digital offerings and resources. They are vast courses such as 3D design, business writing, and more through LinkedIn Learning or watch favorite movies and TV shows on Hoopla and more. Smartphones for seniors

Seniors with limited smartphone experience are invited to “Android Phones 101 for Seniors” from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m on Wednesday mornings at the Jane O’Brien Chatelain West Bank Regional Library, 2751 Manhattan Blvd., Harvey This class covers smartphone vocabulary, security and safety tips; and 2-1 sessions with a guide.

Patrons will learn how to:

n Master the basics of Android: Turn on/off, navigate interfaces and understand device settings.

n Communicate effectively: Make calls, send texts and use email and messaging apps to stay connected.

n Utilize the internet: Browse the web, understand

Wi-Fi connections, and use search engines conﬁdently

n Solve common problems: Troubleshoot basic issues, understand notiﬁcations and customize accessibility settings.

n Confidently manage apps: Install, update and organize applications for personal or entertainment needs.

n Safeguard your device: Set up security features like screen lock, ﬁnd my phone and understand data backup.

n Capture and share moments: Use your smartphone’s camera for photos and videos, and share them with family and friends.

Patrons should go to the Jefferson Parish Library website, click on the red tab titled “events.” The go to the West Bank Regional Library and ﬁnd the course, “Android Phones 101 for Seniors.”

COMPUTER SKILLS: Those interested in computer classes should go to the JPL website, and then to the classes, to register

The following classes will take place at the East Bank Regional Library:

n Microsoft Word: 10 a.m. to noon Thursday, Feb. 13

n Microsoft Word 2:

2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday Feb. 13

n Computer Basics:

2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 20

n Internet Basics: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Feb. 24

n Microsoft Excel 3: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday Feb. 25

n Microsoft PowerPoint

10 a.m. to noon Thursday, Feb. 27

n Microsoft PowerPoint 2: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 27

The following classes will be held at the Jane O’Brien Chatelain West Bank Regional Library, 2751 Manhattan, Harvey:

n Basic Computer: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 12

n Microsoft Word: 10 a.m. to noon Friday, Feb. 21

n Microsoft Word 2:

2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Feb. 21

n Using Email: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 26

n Microsoft PowerPoint 1: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Feb. 28.

Chris Smith is manager of adult programming at the Jefferson Parish Public Library

Black History Month art contest to focus on the labor movement

BY JANE LEGROS Contributing writer

The New Orleans Public Library is accepting submissions for their annual Black History Month Art Contest through Feb. 20. The theme is African Americans’ Contributions to the Labor Movement Students are encouraged to consider and create visual art that speaks to the history of Black labor, worker’s movements, and how the labor of African Americans have shaped history and culture in the U.S. and beyond.

All entrants will receive a free book. First place winners in each grade category will receive a gift card. First and third place winners in each grade category receive a printed poster of their winning artwork. To enter, artists must live in or go to school in Orleans Parish and be in grades K-12.

Visit nolalibrary.co/ BHMAC-2025 for rules, details, and to submit your work.

Throughout the month, the library will host hourlong opportunities for children ages 6-12 to work on their poster submissions with provided supplies and inspirational materials: East New Orleans Regional Library, 3:30 p.m. to

4:30 p.m., Feb. 12

Central City Library, 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., Feb. 12

Cita Dennis Hubbell Library, 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., Feb. 13

Milton H. Latter Memorial Library, 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., Feb. 13

Main Library, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., Feb. 15

Norman Mayer Library

4 p.m. to 5 p.m., Feb. 20

Algiers Regional Library, 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Feb. 22.

Visit nolalibrary.co/ Black-History-Month for recommendations of what to read, watch, and listen to this February Plus, explore the Library’s featured database, HistoryMakers, a digital archive of African American oral histories that enlightens, entertains, and educates the public.

Other Black History Month programs at the library this week include a NOLA Heroes Story Hour for kids at Mid-City Library from 11 a.m. to noon on Feb. 15; Stories of Black Women’s Labor Organizing in New Orleans discussion at Algiers Regional Library from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Feb. 15; and a Virtual Author Talk with Lee Hawkins from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Feb. 18.

See below for details: NOLA Heros: A story hour celebrating the achieve-

ments of Black New Orleanians at Mid-City Library on Feb. 15 for children and families For children and families.

Stories of Black Women’s Labor Organizing in New Orleans: A lively conversation with Denise Augustine and Dr Shennette Garrett-Scott on the history of Black women’s labor organizing in New Orleans. Moving from the Civil War era to our contemporary city, panelists will share stories of successful campaigns and the unique challenges of Black women’s organizing here in the South drawing from historical research and direct experience. Virtual Author Talk with Lee Hawkins: Journalist and author Lee Hawkins will visit the library via Zoom to discuss the examination of his family’s legacy of postenslavement trauma and resilience in his riveting memoir, “I Am Nobody’s Slave: How Uncovering My Family’s History Set Me Free.” Visit nolalibrary.co/lee-

STAFF FILE PHOTO

The newly renovated Old Metairie Branch of the Jefferson Parish Library includes access to a park, which showcases the Glendale Oak

Elenian Club members meet and greet members

Pictured at the Fair Grounds during a recent Elenian Club Meet & Greet are, from left, Tricia Lincoln, Helen Barnett, Jo-Ann Testa, Faith Peperone, Jeanette Zuppardo, Rosemary Zuppardo, Tricia Rome, Ova Barrere, Sandra Pacaccio and Pat Sharpe. Proceeds from the event will be donated to New Orleans Women and Children’s Shelter

Thibault will close out the series with “12 Days of Mardi Gras,” a new take on the familiar holiday song. The events are free. gardendistrictbookshop.com CUB SCOUT PACK 117 PARADE: The 65th annual parade is scheduled for Feb. 15, at 10 a.m. The theme is “Calling All Superheroes.” The parade starts and ends at St. Christopher School, 3900 Derbigny St in Metairie, and features Scouting America Scouts and Girl Scouts, dance and cheer groups from local schools.

KREWE DU VIEUX-DOO: The afterparty following the Krewe du Vieux parade will be Feb. 15, 10 p.m., at the Sugar Mill, 1021 Convention Center Blvd. in New Orleans. The event features two stages with live music. Tickets start at $60 via Eventbrite kreweduvieux.org

COMMUNITY EVENTS

“A TRIBUTE TO HAROLD BAQUET:

PICTURING BLACKNESS”: An exhibition on Black imagery and culture that includes the work of 10 photographers from the Black and Brown communities in New Orleans will be on display through April 1 at the Diboll Design Center, Loyola University’s Monroe Library, 6363 St. Charles Ave. L. Kasimu Harris, a New Orleans-based photographer and writer, is curating the exhibition, which honors the legacy of Baquet, who spent 30 years photographing the city, including mayoral administrations and later spent 25 years as the Loyola photographer. The exhibition is free Monday-Fridays, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. www.loyno. edu/events/oct-24-2024_tribute-harold-baquet-picturing-blackness

EXHIBITION WALKTHROUGH: In

celebration of the opening of “Keith Duncan: Battle of the Bands,” the Ogden Museum of Southern Art will host a walkthrough with Duncan Feb. 15, 2-3 p.m., 925 Camp St. in New Orleans. The tour will cover his inspiration for the series, creative process and innovative techniques. This event is free. https://bit. ly/40mr0hu PET ADOPTION EVENTS: Take Paws Rescue will hold a series of adoption events in February. The first, a Galentine’s adoption and fundraiser with Kendra Scott, will be held Feb. 13 6-8 p.m., at Wrong Iron, 3532 Toulouse St. in New Orleans. A Valentine’s Day adoption event and kissing booth will be Feb. 14, 6-8 p.m., at the Dog House, 2736 Banks St. in New Orleans. A Yappy Hour Mardi Gras Madness adoption event will be Feb. 19, 6-8 p.m., at Take Paws Rescue, 2039 Magazine St. in New Orleans. www.takepawsrescue.org/ AUDUBON COASTAL BIRD SURVEYS IN LOUISIANA: Chloe St. GermainVermillion, Audubon Delta’s coastal bird technician, will discuss monitoring coastal populations of breeding least terns, common nighthawks and Wilson’s plovers at Community Church Unitarian Universalist, 6690 Fleur de Lis in New Orleans Feb. 18, 6:30 p.m. The talk, sponsored by the Orleans Audubon Society, will include coastal bird survey information, shorebird ID tips and ways to volunteer. https://jjaudubon.net/ SUPER TAX DAY EVENTS: Entergy New Orleans will offer its customers free tax preparation at upcoming events throughout New Orleans. Qualified Entergy customers can walk in and receive assistance from IRS-certified volunteers. The events will be held March 15, 9 a.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 Holiday Drive. www entergy.com/freetaxhelp.

BOOKS

“LIBRE”: Award-winning poet Skye Jackson will launch her debut full-length poetry collection at the Marigny Opera House, 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 live painting by Jason Rodriguez. RSVP through Eventbrite is required. www.bluecypressbooks. com.

POETRY AT OLD METAIRIE LIBRARY: Poets Gina Ferrara, Nicole Eiden, Gina Ferrara, Valentine Pierce, Karisma Price and Andy Young will present a reading on Feb. 15, 2 p.m., at the Old Metairie Library, 2350 Metairie Road in Metairie. www jplibrary.net.

“NAKED LADIES”: Poet Julie Kane will celebrate the publication of her collection of poems Feb. 18, 6 p.m., at Garden District Book Shop, 2727 Prytania St. The reading will be followed by a book signing. The event is open to the public. Interested parties are encouraged to reserve a copy via Eventbrite. www gardendistrictbookshop.com/event/ julie-kane-garden-district-bookshop

FUNDRAISERS/GALAS

JCDS ANNUAL CAMPAIGN: Jewish Community Day School will honor Dr. Michael Wasserman at a jazz brunch supporting its 20242025 annual campaign on Feb. 16, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m., at the National WWII Museum Higgins Hotel, 1000 Magazine St. in New Orleans. Tickets start at $180. www.jcdsnola.org.

GUMBOCOOLIO BRAND LAUNCH

PARTY: A fundraiser beneﬁting the LA/SPCA will be held Feb. 16, 2-6 p.m., at Forever New Orleans, 311 Chartres St. in New Orleans. The event includes specials, a rafﬂe and live entertainment. https://gumbocoolio.com/

CONCERTS AND MUSIC

PIANO ON A TRUCK VALENTINE EDI-

TION: André Bohren will perform an outdoor set of romantic piano music in a free concert for Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, 6-7 p.m., at Coliseum Square Park, 1700 Coliseum Place in New Orleans. pianoonatruck.com

THE SONATA SERIES: Peter Collins performs season II, recital 4 of the piano sonata repertoire of the First Viennese School on Feb. 16, 3 p.m., in Nunemaker Auditorium, third ﬂoor of the Monroe Science Complex on the Loyola University campus, 6363 St. Charles Ave. in New Orleans. The concert includes Haydn’s “Sonata in B-ﬂat Major, Hob. XVI/41,” Beethoven’s “Sonata in E Minor, Op. 90” and Schubert’s “Sonata in G Major, Op. 78 (D. 894).”

The event is free and open to the public. https://cmm.loyno.edu/ events/feb-16-2025_guest-recitalpeter-collins-piano VOCES8 LIVE: The Grammy-nominated British vocal ensemble, hosted by Loyola University College of Music and Media and the School of Music and Theatre Professions, will perform Feb. 17, 7:30 p.m., at Holy Family of Jesus Catholic Church on campus, 6367 St. Charles Ave. in New Orleans. Tickets start at $35. https://cmm.loyno.edu/events/feb17-2025_voces8-loyola-university FRENCH CONNECTIONS: Musaica Chamber Ensemble will perform Feb. 17, 7:30 p.m., at Metairie Ridge Presbyterian Church, 215 Phosphor Ave. in Metairie, and Feb. 18, 7:30 p.m., at St. Charles Avenue Baptist Church, 7100 St. Charles Ave. in New Orleans. The program includes Maurice Ravel, Johann Quantz, João Guilherme Ripper and Camille SaintSaëns. Recommended donation of $20 for adults and $10 for students and seniors. https://musaica.org/ our-2024-25-season

MEETINGS

NATIONAL ACTIVE AND RETIRED

FEDERAL EMPLOYEES: The Vernon L. Landry Chapter 1398 of NARFE will hold a luncheon Feb. 12, beginning at 11 a.m., in the Sicilian Room at Rocky and Carlo’s Restaurant & Bar, 613 W. St. Bernard Highway in Chalmette. All active and retired federal and postal employees are invited. Pamela.e.mark1953@gmail.com.

EAST JEFFERSON GENERAL HOSPITAL AUXILIARY: The group will meet Feb. 13, 2 p.m., at the hospital’s Esplanade Room 2, 4200 Houma Blvd. in Metairie. RSVPs are requested. alcarbonette@msn.com.

DUTCH OVEN SOCIETY: The Wego Cookers, part of the Louisiana Dutch Oven Society, will demonstrate the art of Dutch oven cooking Feb. 15 at Bayou Segnette State Park, 7777 Westbank Expressway in Westwego. Set up begins at 9 a.m., and

sampling at 11:30 a.m. The event is free; a $3 entrance fee is required for those under 62. (504) 756-1853 jheiken209@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 are Mondays at the West Bank Bridge Park, 13825 River Road in Luling,