The Crescent City Advocate

LE MARCHÉ DES FÊTES CELEBRATES THE HOLIDAYS AT THE HISTORIC PITOT HOUSE ä Page 2G

THE C ESCENT CITY

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THURSDAY DECEMBER 11, 2014 H

JEFFERSON • NEW ORLEANS • PLAQUEMINES • RIVER PARISHES • ST. BERNARD THENEWORLEANSADVOCATE.COM

Docville Plantation hosts ChristmasTour

BY KIM GRITTER

Special to The Advocate

For the second year in a row, the St. Bernard Parish Volunteers for Family and Community will use the historic grounds of Docville Plantation in Violet as a backdrop for its annual Christmas Tour. This year’s tour also will showcase the historical significance of two of the parish’s well-known landmarks, the historic St. Bernard Parish Courthouse and the Los Islenos Museum Complex.

“What’s special about this year’s event is that we’re highlighting how the old St. Bernard Courthouse and the Islenos Museum are both such integral

Eva Jacob Barkoff AROUND JEFFERSON

Youth orchestras in concert Sunday The Greater New Orleans Youth Orchestras will present its Sinfonia Outreach Concert at 3 p.m. Sunday at Congregation Beth Israel Synagogue and Community Center, 4004 W. Esplanade Ave., Metairie.

The event is free and open to the public. A reception will follow the concert.

Now in its 20th season, GNOYO provides young musicians the opportunity to participate in a full orchestra program.

For more information about Sunday’s event, visit www.gnoyo.org/orchestras.

parts of St. Bernard’s history,” said Shirley Pechon, who is cochairing the event with Kathy Nunez. “We are, as they say, New Orleans’ most historical neighbor and we want to showcase that this year.”

The 22nd annual Christmas Tour will take place from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at Docville, with free shuttle bus service running to and from the courthouse and the Islenos Museum until 8 p.m.

At Docville, 5124 E. St. Bernard Highway in Violet, Nunez said guests can browse the gift boutique with local artisans and crafters, feast on delicious cuisine from local food vendors, enjoy holiday sounds

presented by St. Bernard Parish Public School’s “Community Christmas” featuring entertainment by local schoolchildren and take chances on a parade of prizes.

Under the direction of Charles Cassar, cultural arts director for the St. Bernard Parish school system, members of Chalmette High School’s Ambassadors Club will take guests on guided speaking tours of the historic grounds. There will be an area designated as Santa’s workshop, where Santa will be, along with an antique sleigh perfect for picture taking. The Grinch also will make an appearance and be available for photos, Cassar said.

Food vendors providing sustenance for the evening will include Today’s Ketch, Gerald’s Donuts and Restaurant, Crave, Par 3, Arabi Food Store, The Blue Porch, MeMe’s Bar and Grille, and Armond’s Eatery.

According to St. Bernard Parish historian Bill Hyland, the 700-acre Docville Farm, off St. Bernard Highway, stretches from the Mississippi River levee all the way to Lake Borgne.

The property is the former estate of legendary St. Bernard Parish Sheriff Louis A. “Doc” Advocate staff photo by MATTHEW HINTON Meraux, the father of Joseph The St. Bernard Drug Prevention Program & Cultural Arts Meraux, a banker, prominent landowner and the namesake of Coordinator Charles Cassar helps set up for the St. Bernard Volunteers for Family and Community’s 2013 Christmas Tour äSee TOUR, page 2G of Homes.

Christmas on the levee Advocate staff photos by SHERRI MILLER

People line up on the levee in anticipation of the Algiers Bonfire in Algiers Point on Saturday. BOTTOM LEFT: Romy Kaye and the Mercy Buckets performed at the Algiers Bonfire.

Algiers residents enjoyed a live musical performance by Romy Kaye and the Mercy Buckets and clear skies while waiting for the Riverfront Holiday Celebration at the Algiers Point Ferry Landing in New Orleans.

Children played in inflatables, and families lined the levee for the free family event presented by the Algiers Economic Development Foundation.

Nativity exhibit planned

The fourth annual St. Clement of Rome Church and School’s “O Holy Night” nativity exhibit will be the weekend of Dec. 20

Kathleen Wright and Merlin Wille dance and enjoy live music at the Riverfront Holiday Celebration.

äSee JEFFERSON, page 2G

Lynne Jensen

THROW ME SOMETHIN’

Candlelit caroling in Jackson Square Thousands of candle-carrying carolers will gather joyfully at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21, at Jackson Square, in the heart of the French Quarter.

Caroling begins at 7 p.m., and the annual event is hosted

by Patio Planters, the garden club of the Vieux Carre.

A bouquet of thanks goes to all garden clubs of the New Orleans area for bringing beauty to our surroundings during holidays and all year round.

Federated Council of New Orleans Garden Clubs Inc. includes Aurora Plantation Gardeners, Belle Chasse Garden Club, Colonial Garden Club, Country Club Home äSee THROW ME, page 3G

4-H recruiters say organization about more than agriculture

BY KIMBERLEY SINGLETARY

any particular area.”

It is true that 4-H began in the early 1900s in the Midwest with When Rachel Wulff goes out a focus on vocational agriculat the beginning of each school ture, but the organization has year to recruit young people for since grown to become the larg4-H, she is inevitably greeted est youth development organiover and over with the same zation in the United States. 4-H currently serves more than 6 look of surprise.

“We have 4-H here?” they ask. million youths in all 3,007 coun“People are always surprised, ties of the country and boasts because they think of 4-H as more than 60 million alumni, farm animals and agriculture,” including Wulff. She spent 12 Wulff said. “In reality, it’s an years in the organization in organization that is tailored to her youth and continues her inmeet the needs of the youth in volvement now as Orleans Par-

Special to The Advocate

Advocate photo by KIMBERLEY SINGLETARY

Shown at a recent open house to showcase the 4H program in New Orleans are, from left, Shane Smith, Devi Fuller, Raymond Hebrard, Emori Wright, Jared Gray, Anthony Franklin, Troy Ray, Tori Ray, Dariana Bernard, Demi Howard and Cione Ray.

ish 4-H board president.

“There are actually 32 4-H clubs here in Orleans Parish, serving more than 300 youth ages 9 to 18,” Wulff said at the first annual 4-H Open House, held Nov. 20 at KIPP Central City Academy.

During a short presentation, 4-H Youth Development Agent Kyla Muse explained the benefits of club membership.

“4-H is great because the programs that we do have been chosen by the youth that äSee 4-H, page 4G

2G F Thursday, December 11, 2014 F theneworleansadvocate.com F The Advocate

Advocate photos by ROBERTA GROVE

The Crêpe Cart was a popular stop during Le Marché des Fêtes at the Pitot House.

Le Marché des Fêtes

Shopping locally during the The Pitot House holiday holidays is easy when you live market is timed perfectly to in New Orleans. From the Mis- coincide with the property’s sissippi River to Lake abundant citrus harvest. The Pontchartain, chances aroma of crêpes made are, on any given weekto order on-site beckend, there is a local oned and sustained marketplace near you. holiday shoppers, myOne of my favorite self included. places to shop is Le “As an artist, I’ve Marché des Fêtes, the noticed an increased annual holiday event demand from both that takes place at the locals and visitors for historic Pitot House. handcrafted local art,” LA VIE For the fifth consecuDE VILLE explained Huck, the tive year, the former potter. For most artists ROBERTA GROVE home of New Orleans’ I chatted with at the first mayor, James Pitot House this past Pitot, is transformed weekend, sales have into an open-air marketplace been steady and brisk since to showcase dozens of local the big Thanksgiving holiday artists for a one-stop unique shopping weekend. shopping experience.

More than 500 shoppers As shoppers strolled passed through the gates of through the house and the Pitot House to enjoy Le grounds along the banks of Marché des Fêtes this past Bayou St. John, live music weekend. Proceeds from the filled the air thanks to The celebration help to enhance Courtyard Kings, the 101 the mission of the Louisiana Runners and guitarist John Landmarks Society and to Rankin. Local authors such as support the historic home and Bonnie Warren, Ryan Adam, gardens. To learn more about Poppy Tooker and Kid Chef other events held at the Pitot Eilana were all on hand to House, visit www.louisiana showcase their latest books. landmarks.org.

There was pottery by MiLa Vie de Ville captures city chele Benson Huck, ethical life New Orleans style every fashions by Passion Lillie, Thursday in The New Orleans jewelry by Mignon Faget, Advocate’s Crescent City cityscapes by painter Adam news section. For coverage of Hall, hats by designer Tracy your community event in Vie, Thomson and just about please submit request with everything local you would details in advance to want to share with family and robertagrove@hotmail.com. friends as gifts.

TOUR

Continued from page 1G the Joseph and Arlene Meraux Charitable Foundation, which owns the property and has donated its use for the event.

“Constructed in the 1930s, Docville consists of a fascinating collection of agrarian buildings,” Hyland said. “The barn was constructed using trusses and cast-iron columns from the 19th-century French Market in the New Orleans French Quarter.”

Hyland said the farmhouse, resurrected after Hurricane Katrina in 2005, now houses many of the Meraux family artifacts, and its surrounding 130 acres has been designated as an educational learning center, which has become a popular venue for an array of community events.

Nunez said visitors to the courthouse, 1201 Bayou Road in St. Bernard community, will get to take in the building’s unique architecture decorated as an “ice palace.” There also will be a Christmas village on display and entertainment by Lynn Oaks School students and the Chalmette High School Jazz Esemble and Voices choir.

The original St. Bernard Courthouse was built in 1915 and was in use until 1939 when the parish seat was moved to

Chalmette. For the next six decades, Hyland said, the structure served as home to several schools — St. Bernard School, St. Bernard High School, Beauregard High School and Beauregard Middle School. Hurricane Katrina closed the doors of the courthouse until fall 2013, when renovations were completed and several new occupants moved in, including the St. Bernard Parish Library, St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office and Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries.

Visitors who stop by the Los Islenos Museum Complex, 1357 Bayou Road in St. Bernard community, can peruse several remarkable structures, including the Coconut Island Barroom, Estopinal House and Kitchen, and the Esteves and CresapCaserta houses.

The Islenos, which means “islanders” in Spanish, are descendants of Canary Island immigrants to St. Bernard Parish, as well as places like Cuba, Venezuela, Puerto Rico and other parts of the Americas.

The Isleno people migrated to St. Bernard between 1778 and 1783, and are still a very active community of people today, Hyland said.

Lucy Ruffino, St. Bernard VFC publicity chairperson, said last year’s event raised more than $36,750 that has benefited more than 20 local nonprofit charities, including funding

Guitarist John Rankin entertains during the annual Le Marché des Fêtes at the Pitot House. The popular holiday event took place this past weekend.

Shopping locally for the holidays were Sean Maher, mom Erica Edenfield, of Passion Mimi and little Tess. The famLillie, shows off some jewelry ily drove into town from River during Le Marché des Fêtes at Ridge for the event.

Pitot House.

Clay artist Michele Benson Huck works her pottery wheel at the Pitot House during Le Marché des Fêtes. Dozens of artisans were on hand for the popular holiday marketplace.

three $1,000 scholarships given to graduating seniors from St. Bernard Parish.

Admission and parking at Docville is free. After taking part in the festivities at Docville, patrons can board shuttle buses for stops at the courthouse and the Islenos Museum where they will be charged a one-time admission fee of $15 per person at one of those sites. Visitors also can park for free at the courthouse and museum sites, but will have to pay the admission fee at one of those sites which will include shuttle bus service to the other two sites and back to where they parked.

Tickets to tour the courthouse and the Islenos Museum can be purchased in advance for $12 per person by calling Shelia Schulz at (504) 388-7625 or at the following locations: Aycock Barn, 409 Aycock St., Old Arabi; Arabi Food Store, 650 Friscoville Ave., Old Arabi; Armond’s Eatery, 808 E. Judge Perez Drive, Chalmette; Local Flair, 812 E. Judge Perez Drive, Chalmette; Hamilton Enterprises, 2200 E. Judge Perez Drive, Chalmette; Jeanfreau’s Meat Market, 2324 Paris Road, Chalmette; and the LSU AgCenter, 8201 W. Judge Perez Drive, Chalmette.

For information, call Nunez at (504) 913-5255 or Pechon at (504) 250-3641.

JEFFERSON Continued from page 1G

and Dec. 21 in St. Clement’s Vosbein Hall, 4312 Richland Ave., Metairie.

Organizers are looking for people who would like to display their nativity set as well as those interested in helping to set up and decorate.

If you are interested, contact Greg Livaudais at (504) 232-0131 or email glivaudais@hotmail.com.

Holiday musical in Kenner

“A Christmas Carol, the Musical” is onstage now until Dec. 21 at the Rivertown Theaters for the Performing Arts, 325 Minor St., Kenner.

Directed by Scott Sauber, performances are at 8 p.m. on Friday, Saturday, Dec. 19 and Dec. 20 at 8 p.m., and at 2 p.m. Sunday and Dec. 21.

Tickets are $37 for adults, $35 for seniors and $32 for students and active military.

To purchase tickets, call the box office at (504) 4619475 or (504) 468-7221 or visit www.RivertownTheaters. com.

Civil war group to meet

The New Orleans Civil War Roundtable will meet at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at Smilie’s Restaurant, 5125 Jefferson

Showing off some of his lo- Liz Blaz models a piece from cally grown blood oranges is her collection of artistically crafted leather masks.

Tomio Thomann.

Highway, Harahan.

Guest speaker will be Ted Alexander, a National Park Service historian. His topic will be “Americans All — Hispanics in the Civil War.” The event is free and open to the public. If you want to stay for dinner, the cost is $25 per person.

For more information, call (504) 456-1420.

NOBA program in Kenner

The New Orleans Ballet Association will host a holiday open house and performance at 6 p.m. Dec. 18 at St. Lawrence the Martyr Church, 2525 Maine St., Metairie.

The event will mark the culmination of 11 weeks of ballet instruction that was held at Kenner Discovery Health Sciences Academy, 2504 Maine St., Kenner. Approximately 45 students ages 6-14 will perform dances learned throughout the semester, as well as excerpts from “The Nutcracker.”

An awards presentation and reception for the participants will follow.

Also, registration is open now through Dec. 18 and again from Jan. 5-16 for youngsters ages 9-14 for the spring semester of free dance classes at the Kenner Discovery Health Sciences Academy.

NOBA’s after-school program offers 5,500 tuition-free classes, performances and workshops for young people throughout the New Orleans area.

For more information and to register, call (504) 5220996, ext. 207.

SPCA events

The Louisiana SPCA will have a couple of upcoming events this month that may be of interest to many of you.

First, a pet adoption is planned for 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Dec. 20 at Clearview Shopping Center, 4436 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie.

Adoption counselors and volunteers will be on hand to help you select the right pet for your family.

Also from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Dec. 20-24, SPCA volunteers will be at Clearview wrapping gifts for donations to its heartworm fund.

For more information on the pet adoption or the giftwrapping program, call (504) 368-5191 or visit www.laspca.org.

Eva Jacob Barkoff writes about the people and events on the east bank of Jefferson Parish. She can be reached by calling (504) 430-8053 or by email at ejbarkoff@gmail. com.

The Advocate F theneworleansadvocate.com F Thursday, December 11, 2014 F 3G

community Supercar experiences can fulfill dreams NOLA Motorsports Park, 11075 Nicolle Blvd., Avondale, will be the site of Xtreme Xperience events the weekends of Dec. 13-14 and Dec. 20-21, then on Saturdays and Tuesdays, Jan. 3-13, and for a four-day finishing stretch, Thursday, Jan. 15, WEST BANK through Sunday, SPOTLIGHT Jan. 18.

YETORIA Everyday fans DESHAZIER will have an opportunity to drive exotic supercars from Ferrari, Lamborghini, Audi, Nissan and McLaren on real racetracks.

For information on Xtreme Xperience events, which are presented at 17 tracks across the country, visit www.xxspeed. com. For information on NOLA Motorsports Park, visit www. nolamotor.com or call (504) 2645216.

Imagine Christmas

Hosanna Church, 2215 Barataria Blvd., Marrero presents its 10th annual Imagine Christmas from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, and from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13.

There will be a bazaar and craft show, door prizes and giveaways, a Cajun Christmas show (limited seating), pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus, sleigh ride, roasted marshmallows, Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen (concession stand), face painting and balloon-twisting art. Admission is free.

For information, contact Elinor Ray at (504) 340-7036 or visit www.hosannachurch.us.

‘Frozen’ camp

The Awesome Ladies of Distinction mentoring program will sponsor a “Frozen� camp at Terrytown Golden Age Center, 535 Holmes Blvd., Terrytown.

The camp will offer boys and girls ages 6-10 singing, dancing, acting and arts and crafts from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 22, 23, 26, 29 and 30. Breakfast is provided. The cost is $60 per child. To register, call (504) 419-7786.

Jean Lafitte Park

n Rangers guide walks through the wetlands at 10 a.m.

Wednesdays through Sundays at the Barataria Preserve of the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, 6588 Barataria Blvd., Marrero. The walks are free, but there will be no walk Christmas Day. For information, call (504) 689-3690, ext.

10, or visit www.nps.gov/jela. n Rangers give free, short talks on topics such as nature, human history, fascinating critters or emerging ecological challenges at 2 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday at the Barataria Preserve of the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, 6588 Barataria Blvd., Marrero. n A beginners’ bird walk will be from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at the Barataria Preserve of the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, 6588 Barataria Blvd., Marrero. Participants ages 10 and up will learn to find and identify wetlands birds by sight and by sound, then join the worldwide birding community with a lesson in how to use the park’s eBird kiosk to report sightings. The bird walk is free, but space is limited; call for reservations. For information, call (504) 689-3690, ext. 10, or visit www.nps.gov/jela.

Health insurance workshop

Affordable Care Act enrollment is open. Navigators from the South East Louisiana Area Education Center will be available to help patrons enroll and to answer any questions on Dec. 16 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the West Bank Regional Library. Free of charge and open to the public. This event will be conducted mostly in Spanish. For information, call (504) 889-8143.

Yetoria Lumpkin DeShazier writes about the people and events in Algiers and the West Bank. Contact her at ydeshazier@gmail.com or call (504) 3670905.

For the tipsy or toasted, safe holiday rides home are free in St. Bernard For the 31st consecutive year, the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office will offer its free Holiday Ride Home program to prevent drinking and driving.

The program, which runs through Jan. 2, allows residents who have too much to drink during the holiPARISH day season the LINES opportunity to KIM call the Sheriff’s GRITTER Office at (504) 271-2501 to receive a free ride home from a deputy, no questions asked. “It is a no-brainer,’’ Sheriff James Pohlmann said. “Why should you risk killing or injuring yourself or someone else or being arrested for DWI when we will bring you home in St. Bernard?’’ A sheriff’s deputy will pick you up and take you to your home in St. Bernard or, if you live out of the parish, you can be taken to a sheriff’s substation where you can make arrangements to be picked up.

Battlefield Yuletide celebration

History buffs are invited to let their imaginations wander this weekend at Chalmette Battlefield’s Yuletide Celebration as re-enactors depict how life was in the 19th century during the holidays along the mighty Mississippi River.

Set for Saturday, Dec. 13, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the event will center on the Malus-Beauregard House, a beautiful example of FrenchLouisiana architecture built in 1833, 18 years after the Battle of New Orleans.

The house, with its high ceilings and large doors that

‘A Knight’s Gift’ toy giveaway

Photos provided by the ROBBY SHOWALTER/Knights of Columbus

A toy giveaway is set for Sunday at the Frederick J. Sigur Civic Center in Chalmette. The event is financed by the Knights of Columbus Archbishop Rummel Council 5747 and Operation Merry Christmas. From left, are Robby Showalter, Knights of Columbus; Judy Hoffmeister, Operation Merry Christmas; Cisco Gonzales Sr., Knights of Columbus; and Tim Doody, Ronnie Lehrmann and Danny Bourgeois, Operation Merry Christmas. usher in cooling breezes from the Mississippi River, will be furnished and decorated as it might have been by the families who lived there in the 1800s.

Living-history volunteers in period clothing will be in character, discussing their plans for the holidays and telling stories about their lives.

Visitors also will be able to make old-fashioned decorations for the house Christmas tree and for their own homes.

Admission is free. The Chalmette Battlefield is at 8606 W. St. Bernard Highway in Chalmette. For information, call (504) 281-0510 or visit nps. gov/jela.

Santa on the Bayou

The 15th annual Santa on the Bayou will be held Saturday, Dec. 13, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at St. Bernard Catholic Church, 2805 Bayou Road in St. Bernard community.

Santa Claus will hand out presents to children, food will be served and entertainment will be provided by St. Bernard Parish schoolchildren.

For information, email stbamigo@aol.com or call (504) 279-4260.

Wreaths Across America The 2014 Wreaths Across America wreath-laying will take place Saturday, Dec. 13, at 10 a.m. at Chalmette National Historical Cemetery, 8606 W. St. Bernard Highway in Chalmette.

Founded in 2007, this national nonprofit organization is continuing the work of Morrill Worcester who, in 1997, began laying the extra wreaths his business had on the graves at Arlington National Cemetery.

The effort has now expanded to all 50 states. “This year’s local ceremony continues the WAA mission — Remember, Honor, Teach — and members of the community can purchase a wreath to place on the graves in Chalmette National Historic Cemetery,� said Bonnie Cook, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution Francois deLery Chapter organizing regent and vice president general and Chalmette National Historical Cemetery coordinator.

Wreaths cost $15 and can be ordered at WreathsAcrossAmerica.org.

The sponsoring group ID code for the local event is LA0004P. The location ID is LACMNC.

Photo provided by STEVE CANNIZARO /St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office

The St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office will again offer its free Holiday Ride Home program to prevent drinking and driving. With one of the many signs posted around the parish promoting the program are Lt. Brent Bourgeois of the traffic division, left, and Sheriff James Pohlmann, right.

Volunteers are needed to place the wreaths on gravesites at the cemetery. For information, contact Cook at bbpcook@aol.com or (504) 7228823. Comfortable clothes are suggested and gloves should be worn. Groups will be recognized on the program, and participants should arrive at the cemetery at 9:30 a.m. Volunteers also will be needed to remove the wreaths between Christmas and New Year’s Eve.

Cruise Night

The St. Bernard Rod Knockers’ monthly cruise night will be held Saturday, Dec. 13, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the parking lot of The Palms Casino, 8001 W. St. Bernard Highway in Arabi.

Cruise nights are held on the second Saturday of every month. Participation is open to all makes and models of antique, muscle and modified cars.

For information, call (504) 975-2371 or (504) 508-1599.

Information about the club is available at stbrk.com.

St. Bernard Parish children ages 12 and under are invited to select a free toy when the Knights of Columbus Archbishop Rummel Council 5747 and Operation Merry Christmas hold their annual Christmas gift giveaway, “A Knight’s Gift,� on Sunday, Dec. 14, at noon in the Frederick J. Sigur Civic Center grand ballroom, 8245 W. Judge Perez Drive in Chalmette.

A food distribution also will be held at 10 a.m. Needy families should contact their church to secure a voucher to obtain a turkey and food basket.

Event Chairman Cisco Gonzales Sr. said the program is made possible with proceeds from the council’s annual Louisiana Crawfish Festival and an $8,750 contribution from Operation Merry Christmas. “It’s that Christmas season that ignites the Knights of Columbus 5747 to gear up rapidly for this year’s Christmas gift giveaway known as ‘A Knight’s Gift’,� Gonzales said. “With the support of Operation Merry Christmas, this year’s event will be bigger than ever.�

Church dinner fundraiser

Covenant United Methodist Church will hold its weekly dinner fundraiser Monday, Dec. 15, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the church, 115 E. D’Amour St. in Chalmette.

This week’s menu will include chicken Parmesan with green beans. Dinners cost $8. Dine-in or take-out orders will be accepted while supplies last.

For information, call the church at (504) 271-3763.

Kim Gritter writes about people, places and events in St. Bernard Parish. She can be reached at parishlines@ gmail.com.

Lafayette Square Buddy Breaks will benefit workers, dogs Office workers often feel sluggish at some point in the day and need to get up, step away from the computer and just stretch for a moment.

Studies show that office personnel who take breaks from the daily grind have increased productivity, creativity and problem-solving abilities. Add to that break some exercise, fresh air and the provANIMAL en stress relief RESCUE of interacting TRACI with a friendly HOWERTON dog and you’ve got a winning formula for success.

Shelter dogs also benefit from getting out of the mundane and enjoying an afternoon walk. Shelter dogs that are walked regularly have fewer social and behavioral problems, making them more likely to be adopted.

Office workers in the CBD will experience what a nice break can do for them, and enjoy the companionship of a great dog at the same time, as the Jefferson SPCA launches

THROW ME

Continued from page 1G Gardeners, Fleur de Lis Garden Club, Green Thumb Garden Club, Lake Forest Garden Club, Lakeview Botany Guild, Lake Terrace Garden Club, Metairie Ridge Garden Club, Tall Timbers Garden Club and Terrytown Garden Club.

Jefferson Parish Council of Garden Clubs Inc. includes Acres of Green Garden Club, Chateau Estates Garden Club, Colonial Garden Club, Creative Planters Garden Club, Metairie Garden Club, Metairie Ridge Garden Club, Petals of North Bridgedale, Rambling Rose Gardeners, River Ridge Garden Club, Shady Oaks Garden Club, Terrytown Garden Club and Twilight Gardeners.

Photo provided by ARNO

Princess Leia is round and fluffy, has personality galore, is super-smart and wants to curl up by your side and purr all day. The adoption fee is $100 and includes spay, deworming, vaccines, combo test and chip.

For information, send email to arnokitty@yahoo.com. the first Buddy Break at Lafayette Square this week.

The Buddy Break, presented

by Camp Bow Wow, will take place Friday, Dec. 12, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is a Jefferson SPCA program pairing 9-to-5ers with shelter dogs for lunchtime strolls. Everyone gets the fresh air, camaraderie, exercise and tail-wagging

Washington Square caroling

A more intimate neighborhood setting for caroling will be created from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, at historic Washington Square, 700 Elysian Fields Ave. in Faubourg Marigny.

Sing along and sip hot chocolate with the Pfister Sisters and enjoy being with people of good cheer.

Holidays sorrowful for some

Founded in 1994 and organized by Dr. Shiva Akula, the nonprofit Akula Foundation is offering free grief support meetings for those who spend the holiday season dealing with significant loss, such as the death of a loved one.

Remaining group meetings include: ORLEANS PARISH: 5:30 p.m.

they need.

No commitment. No strings.

No pressure. All you need is a willingness to hang out with a dog that needs the walk as much as you do.

This week’s Buddy Break in Lafayette Square will feature: n Dozens of adoptable shelter dogs n Puppy Party, offering both kids and adults unlimited play with adorable shelter pups n Photo booth n Kissing booth n Lint Roll After Your Stroll (volunteers will help tidy you up).

The Jefferson SPCA supports the Jefferson Parish Animal Shelter. For information, call (504) 931-4777, send email to info@jeffersonspca.org or visit www.jeffersonspca.org.

Events

PET ADOPTION EVENT: Animal Rescue New Orleans will have adoptable dogs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at the Palmer Park Arts Market, at the corner of South Carrollton and South Claiborne avenues in New Orleans. For information, send email to adoptfromarno@ yahoo.com.

Thursday, Dec. 18, at the McFarland Medical Plaza Harmony Room, third floor of Ochsner Baptist Hospital, 2700 Napoleon Ave.; and at 7:15 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18, at Touro Infirmary, 1401 Foucher St. WEST BANK: 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 17, at West Jefferson Medical Center, 1101 Medical Center Blvd.

EAST BANK OF JEFFERSON: 6:15 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 16, and 11 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 20, at Canon Hospice,1221 S. Clearview Parkway, Building A, fourth floor.

The free meetings are for adults and will be facilitated by a licensed therapist who can help people find relief by telling their stories. For information, call (504) 247-7818 or visit www.akulafamily

PET ADOPTION EVENT: LA/SPCA counselors and volunteers will have adoptable pets on hand from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 13 and 14, during the Winter Wonderfest at Christmas in the District at the Morial Convention Center, 900 Convention Center Blvd., New Orleans. For information, call (504) 368-5191 or visit la-spca.org. For information on Christmas in the District, visit christmasinthedistrict.com.

CRITTER CINEMA: Animal-loving, pizza-eating, movie-watching kids ages 5-10 will gather for Critter Cinema from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at the Louisiana SPCA, 1700 Mardi Gras Blvd., New Orleans. Participants are welcome to bring a sleeping bag, pillow and PJs. Preregistration is required, and the cost is $30 per child. To reserve a spot, call (504) 368-5191, ext. 207, or send email to erica@la-spca.org. For information, visit la-spca.org/ crittercinema.

SANTA PAWS NOLA: A holidaythemed pet costume contest and second-line parade will take place as part of Christmas in the District, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec.

foundation.com.

Art and education celebrated

Young Audiences of Louisiana will celebrate more than 50 years of art and education for children with food, cocktails and music from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11, at Martine Chiassion Gallery, 727 Camp St. Tickets for the holiday party are $100 and include entry into a raffle for round-trip airline flights anywhere in the United States and Canada.

Enjoy music by Julio y Cesar.

For information call (504) 5233525.

Lynne Jensen writes about New Orleans community events and people. Contact her at jensencolumn@gmail. com.

14, at Heritage Park, 1100 Convention Center Blvd., New Orleans. To register, visit santapawsnola2014.eventbrite. com.

For information, send email to info@SantaPawsNOLA.com or call (504) 524-1227.

PET FIRST AID AND CPR: A course in pet first aid and CPR will be from 9 a.m. to noon Sunday, Dec. 14, at the Louisiana SPCA, 1700 Mardi Gras Blvd., New Orleans. The course fee is $65.

To register, visit la-spca.org.

LOST OR FOUND PETS: In Orleans Parish, you can send a photo, description of your pet, date lost/found and your contact information to lost andfound@ la-spca.org. In Jefferson Parish, email molsen@jeffparish. net and bbourgeois @jeffparish. net, and in St. Bernard Parish, email cluna@sbpg.net.

Traci D. Howerton is social media editor of Animal Rescue New Orleans, a nonprofit, volunteer-based, no-kill shelter. Contact ARNO at animal rescuecolumn@gmail.com, www.animalrescuenew orleans.org or call its recorded information line at (504) 571-1900.

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community Libraries to host several holiday celebrations

St. Bernard ballet registration open Advocate staff report St. Bernard After-School Ballet Program recently announced its spring registration is open for new participants. Spring semester dance classes will be held Jan. 26 through May 20.

The New Orleans Ballet Association in partnership with the St. Bernard Parish School Board recently culminated the fall semester of tuition-free dance classes. About 60 students learned dances throughout the semester. Performances are held and awards presented each spring and fall.

Registration for new students ages 6-18 for the spring semester of dance classes can be made through Dec. 18 and Jan. 5-30 by calling (504) 522-0996, ext. 207.

Photo provided by JEFF STOUT

Students in the St. Bernard Parish After-School Ballet Program perform during a recent open house.

Limited spaces are available, and classes are filled on a firstcome, first-served basis.

Created in 1995, the afterschool ballet program has been supported since its inception by Chalmette Refining LLC and ExxonMobil, with additional

support from the Louisiana Division of the Arts.

Through multiple partnerships in three parishes, NOBA annually offers over 5,500 tuition-free classes, performances and workshops to participants of all ages.

Jefferson Parish property tax notices are going out demptions or other questions regarding property tax collecDelivery of 2014 Jefferson tion to the Property Tax DiviParish property tax notices be- sion at (504) 363-5710. Quesgan Nov. 24. Residents and busi- tions concerning the amount of ness owners not receiving a tax the assessment, changes in the notice by Dec. 10 should contact mailing address or homestead the office of Sheriff Newell Nor- exemption must be directed to mand, the ex-officio tax collec- the Assessor’s Office at (504) 362-4100. tor, for assistance.

Property taxes for 2014 beDirect questions concerning payment dates, amounts paid, come due upon receipt of the tax refunds, copies of a notice, re- notice and become delinquent if Advocate staff report

not paid by Dec. 31. Payments postmarked by Dec. 31 will not incur interest charges.

Payments may be made online through the e-services link at www.jpso.com. E-check payments are free, but a 2.49 percent convenience fee is assessed on credit card payments.

The mailing address for tax payments is: Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, P.O. Box 130, Gretna, LA 70054-0130.

4-H

Continued from page 1G are participating in them,” Muse said, noting that while Plaquemines Parish has the more traditional, agricultural focus, Orleans Parish has placed a strong focus on food.

“The kids learn all about healthy eating, including things like the salt and sugar levels in different foods,” she said.

The real draw to the organization, however, seems to be the wide variety of experiences it offers to urban youth, including the popular 4-H summer camp for fourth- through sixth-graders held each year in Pollock.

“A lot of our kids have never been out of Orleans Parish,” Muse said. “Suddenly, they’re out in nature canoeing, kayaking, doing archery.”

On-hand at the Open House were about a dozen current 4-H students ready to extol the virtues of 4-H life, including 13-year-old Devi Fuller, who’s been a 4-H member for three years.

“For me, my favorite thing is camp,” she says. “Last year I cried when I had to leave. I still have friends I made there.”

For others, like 18-year-old Troy Ray, the biggest benefit

Advocate photos by KIMBERLEY SINGLETARY

4-H Youth Development Agent Kyla Muse, left, with Rachel Wulff, 4-H Orleans Parish board president. was found closer to home.

“The best thing has been getting the chance to help local families,” said Ray, who joined 4-H in Broadmoor seven years ago. His two sisters followed him the next year. “For instance, this year we’ll be providing needy families with turkeys and lots of food.”

Ray credits his participation in 4-H with helping him become a better public speaker. “I could never have spoken like this in front of a group before,” he told the open house gathering.” He said he feels the need to speak up, though, in an effort to give other kids the same great experience he has had.

4-H member Devi Fuller, 13, tries out a fitness bike at the first annual 4-H Open House, at KIPP Central City Academy.

“My club is small,” he said.

“The thing is, people just don’t know about us.”

Although 4-H is inexpensive — just $10 annual dues — and provides a wide range of experiences from tours of the State Capitol building, to learning about the coastal wetlands, membership remains low.

“Our funding levels are down; we don’t have the grants we used to,” Muse said. “Which means we have to be even better stewards of our money, and we have to recruit. We’re definitely in a growth zone right now.”

For more information on 4-H Orleans Parish, contact Kyla Muse at kmuse@agcenter.lsu. edu or (504) 658-2900.

The Keller Library and Community Center will kick off the holidays with a Sugarplum Celebration from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 13. This fun children’s event will feature festive crafts, holiday cookies, a jolly @ THE storytime and a LIBRARY special surprise CHARLES visitor.

BROWN Join the staff of the Smith Library to create the perfect Christmas list to send to Santa and enjoy fun holiday stories and music from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13.

The Main Library will host

its second annual Holiday Extravaganza from 1 to 4 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 13. This event offers entertainment, crafts, food and much more.

Create 3-D Christmas ornaments at the Mid-City Library from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, using our 3-D pens.

3-D pens are available for use by those ages 14 and up.

Adult guardians can use the 3-D pens to make an ornament base for children to decorate.

PEACE CORPS PRESENTATION: Anyone interested in gaining global skills and making a difference for others is invited to attend an informative program about joining the Peace Corps from noon to 2 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 16, at the Main Library.

Peace Corps representatives will discuss living, learning and working with a community overseas.

All New Orleans Public Library programs and events are free and open to the public.

To stay informed about upcoming library events, sign up for weekly events and program event listing emails at neworleanspubliclibrary. org, or “like” the Facebook page, facebook.com/new orleanspubliclibrary, and follow on Twitter at twitter.com/ nolalibrary.

Charles Brown is the executive director of the New Orleans Public Library.

For more information, visit neworleanspubliclibrary.org.

Crescent City Stamp Club offers insights into diverse people and places Are you one of those people who thinks stamp collecting is geeky and unhip?

Though it’s not as popular as it was in its heyday of 30 to 40 years ago, stamp collecting is probably the most popular hobby in the world. Stamp collecting is JP LIBRARY alive and well LAGNIAPPE at the Jefferson CHRIS Parish Library, SMITH which hosts the Crescent City Stamp Club the second Tuesday of each month.

Why stamps? Aren’t stamps just pictures on little pieces of paper?

Scientifically speaking, yes, that’s correct. However, there is so much more to stamps that people of any age, any income and any interest can find some aspect of stamp collecting appealing and very satisfying.

Stamps are history. They represent historical events, people and places, and can be a stepping stone to learning as much about history as you want. With the aid of a good stamp catalog, the world is at your fingertips.

There are many ways to collect stamps. Collectors may be generalists or they may specialize in a particular area. Some are generalists with a number of specialized areas. Some collect stamps

from a specific country or region, or a particular kind of stamp from an area. The possibilities are endless.

Stamp collectors spend as little or as much money as they want, though most areas of collecting cost very little.

Stamp collectors can engage in their hobby alone, spending as much time or as little time as desired. They can take time away from the hobby and, when ready, jump back in. It’s a passive hobby that can help reduce stress and easily gives a feeling of accomplishment.

Collectors may be solitary, but they are never alone with this hobby. There are libraries of information on every stamp topic, and research is continuously uncovering more information. Also, new stamps are always being issued, creating even more items to be learned from and researched.

The Crescent City Stamp Club has about 25 members who are looking for opportunities to share their knowledge with others, including novices and high school students. Its meetings are free of charge and open to the public.

The club’s next meeting will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 13, at the Jefferson Parish Public Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie.

AFFORDABLE CARE ACT WORKSHOP: Enrollment is open under the Affordable Care Act.

Navigators from the South East Louisiana Area Education Center will be available to help patrons enroll and to answer questions during workshops at 6 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, Dec. 15 and 16.

Both workshops will be free and open to the public.

The workshop on Monday will be conducted primarily in Spanish at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie. The workshop on Tuesday will be conducted in English at the West Bank Regional Library, 2751 Manhattan Blvd., Harvey.

GREAT BOOKS DISCUSSION GROUP: “The Importance of Being Earnest” by Oscar Wilde will be the topic when the Great Books Discussion Group meets at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 16, at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie.

HOLIDAY CONCERT: The 30-plus members of the Jefferson Parish Community Band will present a holiday concert at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 18, at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie. The concert is free of charge and open to the public.

going to help service members’ families.

Community stages will feature Christmas entertainment, cooking demonstrations, puppet shows and choirs. Special events will include a children’s lantern parade on Fulton Street at 4:30 p.m. Dec. 12 and a dog costume contest and parade Dec. 14.

NOLA Christmas Fest hours are from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Dec. 12 and Dec. 15-19; from noon to 9 p.m. Dec. 13-14 and Dec. 20-23; and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Dec. 24. The event website is christmasinthedistrict.com.

FREE PET MICROCHIPS: Orleans Parish residents who schedule an appointment for their pets to be spayed or neutered at the Louisiana SPCA Community Clinic through Dec. 15 will receive a free microchip at the time of surgery. The Louisiana SPCA Community Clinic is at 1700 Mardi Gras Blvd., New Orleans.

To make an appointment, call the Louisiana SPCA Community Clinic at (504) 363-1333.

This promotion is available through grant funding and is available only to residents of Orleans Parish. For information visit www.la-spca.org/ communityclinic.

ALGIERS KIWANIS: Bethany Paulson, executive director of the Tipitina’s Foundation, will be the guest speaker when the Kiwanis Club of Algiers meets at 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18, at

the Aurora Tennis and Swim Club, 5244 Gen. Meyer. Guests are welcome at the Kiwanis meeting. For information, call (504) 391-0667.

HOLIDAY TOY DRIVE: Hardee’s restaurants in Chalmette, Marrero and Mandeville are among those participating in the Hardee’s Heroes holiday toy drive. Through Dec. 19, the restaurants will be collecting donations of unwrapped children’s toys for distribution to the families of Louisiana service members and veterans through the Louisiana Heroes Project.

HOLIDAY HOME TOUR: Patio Planters of the Vieux Carré is presenting a French Quarter holiday home tour from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21.

Tickets for the self-guided tour are $20, with children under 12 admitted free. Tickets are will be available prior to the tour at Creole Delicacies, 533 St. Ann Street (cash or check); and at French Quarter Gem & Lapidary, 527 St. Philip Street, (888) 756-6250 (cash, check or credit card).

FRENCH QUARTER BUSINESS ASSOCIATION: The French Quarter Business Association will hold its installation and awards dinner from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Wednesday, Jan. 28, in the grand ball room of the Royal Sonesta Hotel, 300 Bourbon St., New Orleans. Tickets are $75.

For information, visit www. fqba.org.

For information about programs at the 15 branches of the Jefferson Parish Library, go to www.jplibrary.net or “like” the library’s Facebook page for daily programming updates.

NEIGHBORHOOD BRIEFS JAZZ & HERITAGE CENTER: Saxophonist Edward “Kidd” Jordan will be one of the performers in a gala concert when the new Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation celebrates the grand opening of the George and Joyce Wein Jazz & Heritage Center from 8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, at the center, 1225 N. Rampart St. The center will be used for the Jazz & Heritage Foundation’s Don “Moose” Jamison Heritage School of Music, which has operated on local university campuses since Jordan founded the school in 1990. The center also will serve as the location for many programs and events produced by the Jazz & Heritage Foundation. It will be available for other community arts organizations for classes and events.

The building has seven classrooms (including dedicated labs for piano and drums) and a 200-seat performance hall.

Joining Jordan on stage at the grand opening will be four of his musical children: Kent, Marlon, Stephanie and Rachel Jordan. Tickets to the grand opening concert are free, but seating is limited, so reservations are required. For tickets, visit www.eventbrite.com.

MARINE CORP BAND: The Marine Corps Band performs a free concert 2014 Holiday Concert at 6 p.m. Friday Dec. 12 at St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans.

Photo provided by Nola ChristmasFest

The Imagination Movers will perform a Christmas-themed show at NOLA ChristmasFest on Dec. 13.

The 41st annual Tuba Christmas “Heavy Artillery” concert will be held at 2 p.m. Dec. 14 at Washington Artillery Park.

The Tuba and Euphonium Marines and the Enlisted Conductor of the Marine Corps Band New Orleans with support from community musicians will present this year’s Tuba Christmas.

For information, contact Michael Maschmeier at crashmasch@gmail.com or call (757) 773-5477 or Matthew Hedrick at (504) 390-9152.

COASTAL FOREST RESTORATION: Volunteers will join to plant 300 native trees in the Caernarvon Diversion outfall in Braithwaite from 9 a.m. to 4

p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, as part of a coastal forest restoration project sponsored by the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana and the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation.

The trees planted in this area of new land will help increase soil retention and promote more land growth Volunteers will be transported to the planting site via air boat. Directions and additional details will be provided to registered volunteers via email prior to the event. The minimum age for volunteers is 10, and all minors must be accompanied by an adult. To register, visit www.crcl.org.

For information, contact vol-

unteer coordinator Jenny Byrd at Jennyb@crcl.org.

LIGHTS AT THE LAKE: The Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation will hold a Lights at the Lake party and location for viewing of the Christmas boat parade from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 13, at the New Canal Lighthouse, 8001 Lakeshore Drive, New Orleans.

Choirs from local schools will carol until the Christmas boat parade passes by. Santa will pay a visit, and there will be hot chocolate and cookies to enjoy. Admission to the event is free, and there will be a discounted tour of the museum.

For information, call (504) 836-2205 or visit www.saveour lake.org.

NOLA CHRISTMAS FEST: A gingerbread house competition benefiting Operation Homefront will be a highlight of NOLA Christmas Fest, which will take place in the Great Hall of the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center from Friday, Dec. 12, through Wednesday, Dec. 24.

The convention center is presenting the event as part of its New Orleans Christmas in the District program, which is part of its mission to bring visitors to town.

The Louisiana Restaurant Association is organizing the gingerbread house competition. Visitors will drop money in the voting box for their favorite house, with all proceeds

The Advocate F theneworleansadvocate.com F Thursday, December 11, 2014 F 5G

community Groups unite advocates for people with disabilities From left are September Hargrove, of PowerFrom left are JC Celestin, of First NBC Bank, Moves.NOLA; Lauren Buggs, of Chevron; and and Leslie Jacobs and Henry Coaxum, of the Leslie Jacobs, of the New Orleans Startup New Orleans Business Alliance.

Fund.

PowerMoves.NOLA chooses fellows Advocate staff report Seven leaders of high-growth, minority-led startups have been selected for the 2014 class of PowerMoves.NOLA fellows sponsored by Chevron.

The six companies they represent will receive investments of $25,000 to $50,000, strategic guidance and institutional support.

During their fellowship year, the fellows work with the PowerMoves.NOLA team to refine their business models, market test their products and services, and secure additional funding. The headquarters for PowerMoves.NOLA is at 1525 Religious St., New Orleans. Its president is Earl Robinson.

The 2014 fellows are: n Lorenzo Castillo, founder of Education Everytime, which uses the power of songs to maximize student learning time n Crystal McDonald, president and CEO of GoToInterview.com, a Web-based employment service that streamlines the hiring process by quickly

Photos by JUSTON JACKSON

From left are September Hargrove, Damon Burns, Ras Asan, Earl Robinson, Glenda English, Lorenzo Castillo, Patrick Burtchaell, Derrius Quarles and Lauren Buggs. connecting employers with a pool of qualified applicants via two- to three-minute prerecorded video interviews n Derrius Quarles and Ras Asan, founders of Million Dollar Scholar, a scalable Web platform that can deliver educational content and services to student users remotely and on demand n Damon Burns, founder and CEO of Munivestor, a Webbased financial data platform for the municipal bond industry n Glenda English, founder of

MySelfieLive, an event-based software application that will allow submitters to upload approved selfies in large public areas. The selfies are displayed using designated Twitter hashtags and can be tweeted with sponsor-supported messages for maximum viral impressions n Luke Cooper, founder of PeachMe, a warranty analytics app providing information on coverage options to fuel educated decisions on electronics purchases.

Parents and family members of people with disabilities and special needs can make an important difference by serving as active advocates for their loved ones’ growth, learning and acceptance in the community.

Numerous organizations offer help and guidance for parents and family members working their way through the maze of caring for people with special needs.

Several are coordinated through ABILITIES the Louisiana DeJANE velopmental DisPIC ADAMS abilities Council.

Louisiana Citizens for Action Now is a statewide grass-roots network that promotes service systems that support people with disabilities who are living in their own homes. LaCAN has specifically advocated for implementation of Louisiana’s Community and Family Support System Plan Louisiana Together Educat-

ing All Children is a statewide grass-roots network promoting appropriate, inclusive education for all students. The organization strives to keep parents, educators, the general public and state leadership informed and supportive of research-based and effective practices that should be used appropriately for each student.

Partners in Policymaking is a national leadership training program for people with developmental disabilities and parents of young children with developmental disabilities.

Attendees agree to attend six monthly training sessions, held in Baton Rouge, beginning in January each year.

Disaster volunteers are an integral part of any disaster emergency relief program after disaster strikes. Volunteers work in emergency shelters helping to coordinate services for the elderly and people with disabilities.

The LADDC was established in 1971 following the passage of the federal Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act. Members are

appointed by the governor to develop and implement a fiveyear plan to address needs of residents of Louisiana with disabilities and special needs.

For information about applying to serve on the LADDC or any of the above-mentioned groups, visit www.laddc.org or call (800) 450-8108, or Families Helping Families of Southeast Louisiana at (504) 943-0343, or Families Helping Families of Jefferson at (504) 888-9111.

Applications are accepted year-round.

The Jefferson Parish Regional Advisory Committee for Developmental Disabilities has a vacancy for a parent of a child with a developmental disability or a person with a developmental disability. To learn more about the Jefferson Parish RAC, contact Mary Jacob at (504) 888-9111 or mjacob@ fhfjefferson.org.

Jane Pic Adams is the mother of an adult daughter with Down syndrome and writes about disability issues. Email her at jpa.article @gmail. com.

VFW Auxiliary members gather for tribute to state president

Westbank Quarterback Club honors young athletes Photo provided by VFW Auxiliary

Photos provided by Westbank Quarterback Club

Female athletes honored by the Westbank Quarterback Club during its recent awards banquet included, front row from left, Danille Sullen and Dajone Bake, of Thomas Jefferson High School; Toni Corso, Emily Morgan and Hayley Barbazon, of Belle Chasse High School; and Kaylee Dufrene, Katie LeBoeuf, Sheylli Pantoja, Adde Balldwin, Hailee Richard and Jill Chaisson, of Academy of Our Lady High School. In the second row are John Morehiser, Emily Cormier, Arthur Grundmeyer, Richie Smith, Ann Marie Reynolds, Wayne Ory, Sophia Parigi, Terri Verret, Don Wattgny, Lawrence Sinatra and David Mouton.

Male athletes honored by the Westbank Quarterback Club during its recent awards banquet included, front row from left, Matt Keller, Trey Ragas and Bryan White, of Archbishop Shaw High School; Andrew Hicks, of Belle Chasse High School; Dion Ray, of Helen Cox High School; Caron Haham and Michael Divinity, of John Ehret High School; Keyton Thompson, of LandryWalker High School; Donte Sincere, of Thomas Jefferson High School; and Raul Aranda, of West Jefferson High School. In the second row are Wayne Ory, Lawrence Sinatra, Arthur Grundmeyer, John Morehiser, Scott Bainsfater, Richie Smith, Lane Pace, Willie Brooks, Don Wattigny, Clint Harrison, John Johnson, Joshua Brumfield, Kevin Fox, David Mouton and J. Berengher Brechtel.

Members of the Louisiana Ladies Auxiliary of the Veterans of Foreign Wars gathered in Thibodaux recently to pay tribute to the state group’s president Linda Nail. They performed a skit that included a cheer and two of her favorite songs, ‘Wings of a Dove’ and ‘We are Family.’ Shown is Nail, seated, and back from left, Lynette Chaisson, Jacqueline Olinde, Audrey Rodemann, Wanda Farbe, Joan Raymond, Frances Roberts, Lydia Webre, Kolleen Herndon, Crystal Fontenot, Ora Bordelon, Claudette Arcement, Cyleria Gerrets, Patricia Wesley, Rayette Dickman, Kate Guidry, Angela McCoy, Susanne Wastlund and Elizabeth Rice.

Jefferson Art Guild members honored

Photos provided by Jefferson Art Guild

Joan Michelli was selected as artist of the month at the November meeting of the Jefferson Art Guild. Her winning acrylic painting is titled ‘Big Cock.’

FAITH NOTES PRAYER FOR THE HOMELESS: An interfaith prayer service to remember the homeless people who died on the streets of New Orleans in 2014 will be at 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1802 Tulane Ave., New Orleans.

This prayer service also will honor the ongoing collaborative efforts of the many community organizations serving the homeless, including UNITY of Greater New Orleans and Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans, and the commitment of our spiritual leaders to the continued work that must be done to ensure that no one is without shelter in our city.

Participating faith leaders include the Most Rev. Gregory Aymond, archbishop of New Orleans; the Rev. Buddy Noel, Archdiocese of New Orleans Office of Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs; Deacon Ronald Guidry, St. Louis Cathedral; Rabbi Robert Loewy, Congregation Gates of Prayer, Metairie; Imam Refeeq Nu’man, Masjidur Rahim, New Orleans; the Rev. Dr. Walter Baer, Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, New Orleans;

Jan Wilken is featured with some of her artwork that won the Viewers’ Choice award during a recent exhibit hosted by members of the Jefferson Art Guild at Lakeside Shopping Center in Metairie. Viewers were asked to vote for the painting they liked best, and 177 ballots were cast. The group meets on the last Wednesday of the month at the Jefferson Senior Center, 4518 Jefferson Highway, Old Jefferson. For information, visit jeffersonartguild.com.

4537 Magazine Street , New Orleans, LA 70115 Deacon Maggie Dawson, St. Martin Episcopal Church, Metairie; the Rev. Jerry Bass, Parkview Baptist Church, Metairie; the Rev. Ronald Unger, Christ the King Lutheran Church, Kenner; Parviz Mojgani, Baha’i Community of New Orleans; and the Rev. Jim VanderWeele, Community Unitarian Universalist Church.

OUR LADY OF DIVINE PROVIDENCE 50TH ANNIVERSARY: Our Lady of Divine Providence Parish, celebrating its 50th year, will have a Festival of Lights at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 12 starting in the church at 1000 N. Starrett Road, Metairie. The festival begins with the choir singing, then departs to the parking lot in small groups on a Bethlehem walk around four stations, ending with the choir singing Christmas carols in the church.

Events planned for next year include a 50th Anniversary Dance from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 23.

There are also 50th Anniversary Christmas Ornaments and Car Bumper stickers. The Anniversary Committee is also in the process of collecting recipes

for the 50th Anniversary cookbook, as well as taking orders for the books. For information, call Bonnie McGuinness at (504) 469-4213.

CHRISTMAS AT ST. STEPHEN’S: Familiar and unfamiliar sacred music of the season will be presented during “Christmas at St. Stephen’s” at 4 p.m. on Gaudete Sunday, Dec. 14, at St. Stephen Church (Good Shepherd Parish), 1025 Napoleon Ave., New Orleans.

The program will include compositions by Adolph Adam, Johann Sebastian Bach, Carson P. Cooman, Calvin Hampton, Jan Kern, Franz Liszt, Nicola A. Montani, John Francis Wade and Pietro A. Yon, as well as Gregorian chant.

Performers will include sopranos Phyllis Treigle and Melissa Brocato; mezzo-soprano Elizabeth Evans; tenors Kevin Rouchell and Bart Folse; the Good Shepherd Choir; and organist Brian Morgan.

Admission is free, but donations will be accepted. For information, call the rectory at (504) 899-1378.

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6G F Thursday, December 11, 2014 F theneworleansadvocate.com F The Advocate

community Jefferson Parish Republican women mark group’s 50th anniversary

Stella Walsh, Annette Bojer Nylev and Jackie Clarkson Heidi Molbak and John Fay, honorary consul of Denmark

RIGHT: Henriette Sofie Larsen, manager of the Copenhagen Urban Network, and Warren Stewart, of Ben C. Gerwick, Inc./ COWI

International ties between N.O. and Copenhagen gain strength at dinner gathering Advocate staff report A group of 50 engineers, architects and urban planning professionals from the Copenhagen Urban Network met with New Orleans professionals and city leaders last month during a dinner at the Garden District home of the honorary consul of Denmark, John F. Fay Jr., and his wife, Christina.

Ben C. Gerwick, Inc./COWI, a

civil and structural consulting firm, was a co-host of the event.

The Danish delegation was in New Orleans for a study tour.

The cities of Copenhagen and New Orleans share many urban planning and city sustainability issues, and the group studied firsthand how New Orleans is handling those issues in the wake of the devastation of Hurricane Katrina.

Photos provided by Republican Women’s Club of Jefferson Parish

The Republican Women’s Club of Jefferson Parish is celebrating the 50th anniversary of its 1964 affiliation with the Louisiana Federation of Republican Women. In the front row, from left, are Anita Brite; Faith Peperone, president; Jean Rice, president-elect; and Peggy Gehbauer. Behind them are Debbie Albert, Beverly Murphy, Barbara Lawler, Carol Ryan, Barbara Beck and Janet Swary, past president.

Jefferson Parish Republican women welcome new members Photos by CHRISTINA and JOHN FAY

Dennis Lambert, of Ben C. Gerwick, Inc./COWI, Cedric Grant and Nadine Ramsey

At 100-year mark, New Orleans law firm looks to the past and the future

Five people have joined the Republican Women’s Club of Jefferson Parish. From left, they are Sue McNabb, Grace Hagen, Monique Lafontaine, Dana Brignac and Bilbo Foldes.

Community service recognized by Moisant Kiwanis

Photos by JEFF STROUT

Attorneys, staff and clients of Baldwin Haspel Burke & Mayer Law Offices were free to roam the New Orleans Museum of Art during the gala. From left are Matthew Treuting, Jerome Reso Jr., Monica Surprenant and Stephen Schott.

Throughout its anniversary year, Baldwin Haspel Burke & Mayer Law Offices has focused on giving back to the community that has fostered its success. From left are Matt Miller, Katie DeVries Kelly and Scott Sternberg.

Photo provided by Moisant Kiwanis

The 2014-15 Kiwanian of the Year for the Moisant Kiwanis is Usha DiSilva, who created the food calendar program for the Metropolitan Center for Women and Children and has revived the club’s weekly donations to the Eliminate Project. DiSilva also received the Lawrence ‘Larry’ Witherspoon Rookie of the Year Award and the Walter Zeller Award at the group’s recent installation banquet.

New Orleans Elks Lodge initiates two The gala for the Baldwin Haspel Burke & Mayer Law Offices featured dancing to the sounds of the Jimmy Maxwell Orchestra and fare by Ralph Brennan. From left are Jedd Malish, Beverly Klundt Baudouin and David Carrigee.

Among those at the New Orleans Museum of Art for the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Baldwin Haspel Burke & Mayer Law Offices were, from left, Bill Schwartz, Tom Cortazzo, John Rouchell and Bill Provensal.

Women’s Guild of the New Orleans Opera plan Flights of Fancy Opera Ball Photo provided by New Orleans Elks Lodge 30

Robert White, left, and Jim Monk, right, recently joined New Orleans Elks Lodge 30. They were initiated by Lincoln Brennan, center, exalted ruler of the lodge.

Algiers Kiwanis Club hears from deacon From left, Opera Ball organizers Carol Hall and Ann Duffy are seen with Betsy Dowling, president of the Women’s Guild of the New Orleans Opera. For information on the Opera Ball, or how to join the Women’s Guild of the New Orleans Opera, contact Gina Klein at (504) 2679527 or gklein@theneworleansopera. org.

Plans for the Jan. 17 Opera Ball are taking shape through the efforts of members of the Women’s Guild of the New Orleans Opera who met recently at the home of Bill Coe, center, on St. Charles Avenue. With Coe are meeting hostesses Joan Eckholdt, left, and Pam Rogers.

Bill Jerrell, a deacon at Christ the King Catholic Church in Terrytown, left, was the guest speaker at a recent meeting of the Kiwanis Club of Algiers. He is seen with club President Dave Lichtenstein, who holds a book that will be presented to the New Orleans Public Library in Jerrell’s name as a token of appreciation.

Photo provided by Women’s Guild of the New Orleans Opera

Vincent Caire, center, discussed the history of Louisiana aviation at the planning meeting for the Flights of Fancy Opera Ball, which will take place Jan. 17 at the refurbished New Orleans Lakefront Airport. With him are Jackie Elliott, left, and Constance Cowart.

New Orleans soccer team takes championship in regional tournament Photo provided by Kiwanis Club of Algiers

Terrytown Golden Agers celebrate birthdays

Photo provided by GEORGE CANO

The 00G Reds from the Louisiana Fire Juniors Soccer Club in New Orleans won the 2014 Houston Labor Day Soccer Cup Championship in the U15 Girls Gold Division in Houston. This prestigious regional tournament involves teams from across the Gulf Coast and the Southwest. The girls swept through the competition with a 3-0-1 record, scoring 18 goals while conceding only 1. In the front row, from left, are Anna Katherine Aluise, Sydney Blue, Victoria Cano, Maddy Murret, Stefanie Pappas, Esther Lagos, Taylor Stansberry and Abigail Roevens. In the back row are Ava Maraldo, Isabel Lane, Madelyne Evans, Coach Jose Ferrand, Kyler Fisk, Catherine Cabes, Kathleen Kelleher, Carra Hymel, Yume Jensen, Jala Lafleur and Catherine Lulich.

Yvonne Lafon is another member who celebrated a birthday in November.

Elizabeth Cusimano, seated, celebrated her 102nd birthday recently with other members of the Terrytown Golden Age Club. Standing behind her are Shirley Alwert and club President Pammay Worth, who also celebrated birthdays in November. The Terrytown Golden Agers meet every Thursday at 12:30 p.m. at the Terrytown Photos provided Golden Age Center, 604 Heritage Ave., Gretna.

The Advocate F theneworleansadvocate.com F Thursday, December 11, 2014 F 7G

schools

Photo provided by Dillard University

These learners from Mexico are at Dillard University for a month of intensive study of English as a second language. From left are Mariela Rodriguez, Beatriz Cortes, Leili López, Paula Hernandez, Berenice Jimenez, Gabriela Rubio, Gresia Gutierrez, Dalia Hernandez, Diana Bravo, Veronica Corpus, Daniela Hernandez and Juliana Rodriguez.

COLLEGE BRIEFS LANGUAGE STUDIES: Dillard University is one of 157 organizations participating in the Mexican Proyecta 100,000 program, which aims to send 100,000 college students and teachers to the United States for intensive study of English as a second language.

Dillard’s Center for Intensive Language is working with 20 Mexican participants through Dec. 13. “We hope this group is the first of many others who will come to Dillard throughout next year,” said Aurea Diab, interim director of the CIEL program.

Over the past two years, Dillard has trained 106 learners in its CIEL program: 48 teachers and 55 students from Brazil and three students from Pakistan.

DELGADO REGISTRATION: Registration is open for the spring 2015 semester at Delgado Community College. Spring classes begin Saturday, Jan. 17.

The college has an open admission policy and offers instruction at a variety of levels, enabling students to progress toward their goals from any beginning point. Adults without a high school diploma can earn the equivalent at Delgado.

High school students can get an early start in their careers through dual enrollment at Delgado. Educational programs at Delgado are fully accredited and industry-certified.

Delgado offers instruction online and at nine convenient locations, including the City Park, West Bank (Algiers) and Charity School of Nursing cam-

Photo provided by Haynes Academy

Metairie volleyball team wins league championship

The junior volleyball team from Haynes Academy in Metairie recently won the Metro Middle School League championship during a tournament at Immaculate Conception School in Marrero. It was the third consecutive championship for the junior team. In the front row, from left, are Gracie Monteforte, Delaney Mathis, Steffi Jones, Emily Howard and Seanna Hernandez.

In the back row are coach Chris Totaro, Emma Mathis, Cora Hardy, Lindsay Magaw, Gracee Reeves and Megan Lauland.

Photo provided by Delgado Community College

The switch to solar lighting in parking lots on the City Park Campus of Delgado Community College is expected to save the school $30,000 in electricity a year. puses and locations in Slidell and Metairie.

Delgado Sidney Collier opened in August on Louisa Street in the Desire-Gentilly area.

DCC was founded in 1921 by businessman and philanthropist Isaac Delgado, who also founded the New Orleans Museum of Art. Students marked his 175th birthday recently by placing a wreath at his tomb in Metairie Cemetery, about half a mile from the college’s City Park Campus.

Students must be admitted to Delgado in order to register for classes. For information, call (504) 671-5012 or visit www. dcc.edu.

GREENER CAMPUS: The state-ofthe-art lighting system recently installed on five parking lots on the City Park Campus of Delgado Community College features the latest in LED lighting technology. The low-wattage, highly

John Curtis alumni group hosts teacher-appreciation event

efficient system functions completely by solar power.

ProLumin, of Metairie, designed and installed the system, in which 4-by-8-foot solar panels on top of poles in the campus parking lots capture energy from the sun’s rays. The energy is stored in a battery pack that stores enough energy for multiple days of power in the event of inclement or overcast weather. The bulbs are lowwattage LED lights with a long life expectancy.

By switching to a solar system, there was no need to excavate the parking lots to install new electrical wiring and erect new poles. The new system required no below-ground work, which saved a tremendous amount of time and money.

The solar lighting system removes parking lot lighting from the college’s utility grid, which is projected to save Delgado approximately $30,000 per year.

Sacred Heart students take leadership roles

Photo provided by the Academy of the Sacred Heart

Members of the executive board of the Student Council at the Academy of the Sacred Heart in New Orleans are, from left, Megan Jackson, treasurer; Sarah McKendrick, member at large; Bond Bordelon, vice president; Helen Marsh, president; and Alana Garvey, artist.

Marrero high school’s Mission Club chooses officers The newly elected officers of the Mission Club at the Academy of Our Lady in Marrero are, from left, Craiana Cleveland, of Marrero, vice president; Jennifer Alwell, of Marrero, president; Katrina Thaibinh, of Marrero, treasurer; and Rikki Perkins, of Harvey, secretary.

Photo provided by Academy of Our Lady

St. Mary Magdalen Parents Club hosts Trunk or Treat

ABOVE: Olivia Sumrall practices her pitch at the Frankenstein game at the St. Mary Magdalen Parents Club Trunk or Treat.

Photo provided by John Curtis Christian School

A teacher-appreciation dinner and tailgate party brought together supporters of John Curtis Christian School during its football game against East St. John at Muss Bertolino Stadium in Kenner. The hosts of the dinner were the members of the Patriot Nation Men’s Club. From left are teacher Lauren Young, club member Frank Massicot, teacher Sarah Moncivais and her son Juan Moncivais Jr., teacher Juan Moncivais, club President Michael O’Brien, board members Johnny Comeaux and Jeff Arcemont, and teachers Jessica Kimball and Kelsey Eutsler.

LEFT: Parents and students enjoy a hayride when the St. Mary Magdalen Parents Club hosted a Trunk or Treat.

Photos provided by St. Mary Magdalen

Harahan parish welcomes Advent family-style

Christ the King holds food drive in Kenner

LEFT: Tyler Gleeson and Kailyn Parker bask in the glow of the St. Rita Parish Christmas tree after it was lighted and blessed by Father Kyle Sanders.

Photos provided by St. Rita School

Father John Arnone was on hand for the lighting of the Christmas tree at St. Rita Parish in Harahan on Nov. 30. The festivities included Christmas carols, cookies and milk, and face time with Santa Claus.

SCHOOL BRIEFS Photo provided by Christ the King School

More than 700 pounds of food collected by the teachers and students at Christ the King preschool were donated to the Kenner food bank. Shown are, from left, Kristen Diaz, Dedica Bauer, Dina Paloma and school director Maritsa Sprague.

Christ the King has supplied food for the Kenner food bank for four years as one of its outreach missions.

BREAKFAST WITH BABY JESUS: Family and friends of St. Mary’s Dominican High School will gather for Breakfast With Baby Jesus from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 13, in Alumnae Hall at the school, 7701 Walmsley Ave., New Orleans.

Featured activities will include storytelling, a craft ses-

sion for children of all ages, photos with Santa, holiday songs with the Dominican High School Choir and a living Nativity presented by the Dominican High School Drama Club. Dominican President Dr. Cynthia Thomas will lead all in song before the cutting of the birthday cake.

Registration is $20 per family.

Participants are asked to bring a gift offering of a nonperishable food item for distribution to a local food bank.

LITTER-CLEANUP GRANT: Keep Louisiana Beautiful has awarded a Healthy Communities Grant to Benjamin Franklin High School to support its littercleanup and waste-reduction

activities throughout the campus and the neighborhood.

The $9,013 grant will go toward installation of litter and recycling receptacles on campus, a recycling program for old textbooks and installation of energy-efficient and environmentally friendly light bulbs.

8G F Thursday, December 11, 2014 F theneworleansadvocate.com F The Advocate

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