SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
The PERFECT DAY TRIP along the GULF COAST p. 12
JIM HENDERSON
his life after the Saints p. 5
The Upside of
DOWNSIZING p. 7
The 610 Stompers’
GOLDEN DUDE p. 14
ONLINE DATING: Two NOLA Natives Tell It Like It Is p. 9
PASS A
GOOD TIME WITH YOUR
GRANDKIDS Fun things to do in NOLA p. 21
PREMIERE ISSUE!
2
www.nolaboomers.com
| september/october 2018
CONTENTS A FEW WORDS 3
letter from Laura
FEATURES 5
jim henderson the former voice of the new orleans saints enjoying quality time.
7
the upside of downsizing reducing your home’s footprint doesn’t have to be stressful.
9
online dating if you’re ‘out there’ – again – we can help.
14
stomping it the 610 stompers and their first ‘golden’ jacket member!
21
a grand time cool places to take the grandkids in nola.
IN EACH ISSUE 11
health the shingles vaccine is a must.
12
travel a full day along the gulf coast.
16
community local area farmers and arts markets.
19
fitness
24
freebies free and almost-free things to do!
26
out and about where, when and what to do around town.
ON THE COVER Jim Henderson by the New Canal Lighthouse. Photo by Twirl Photography.
When Nola Family publisher Ann Herren first came to me with the idea of publishing a new magazine, geared to the 55+ age group in New Orleans, I had two thoughts: it was pure genius and pure madness. It was genius because this city is considered “age friendly” and, if predictions are correct, more than 20 percent of our city will be 55+ by the year 2030. It was pure madness because of that old fear, ‘if we build it, will they come?’ But our fears were tempered by reality: niche magazines do well. And Nola Boomers is the ultimate niche publication: a targeted, engaged audience in one of the coolest cities in the country. But I’ve worked with Ann for the past 11 years as she gave birth to Nola Family (and one precious daughter, Livvy), and I’ve seen Nola Family go from an idea shared over a glass of wine to a publication that would earn more regional and national parenting magazine awards than we ever dreamed possible. Genius, pure genius. So here we are, initiating a publication for New Orleans seniors, written mostly by New Orleans seniors, with articles that are New Orleans-centric. You won’t find canned articles in Nola Boomers. Our topics will be what seniors talk about in local barber shops, cocktail parties and over a cup of café au lait. Want to know how a much-loved sports anchor and voice of the Saints spends his “retirement”? Jim Henderson will tell you in this issue. Are you thinking about getting the new shingles vaccine and want to know the risks and benefits? Ochsner’s infectious disease specialist Joe Dalovisio, M.D. will give you the skinny. Thinking about downsizing and don’t know where to begin? Read on and find out the best local resources to help you get the job done. Tempted to try online dating? Here’s how…and much more. Want to know someone crazy enough to take on a brand new job at age 60+? That would be me. I’m doing this because these are subjects that interest my friends and me. I’m a happy wife of 44 years, a grandmother of two, a committed volunteer and a die-hard New Orleanian. I’m also a very lucky senior citizen. And so are you if you are reading this today. A friend recently posted on Facebook a quote from Gloria Steinem: “Women grow radical with age. One day an army of gray-haired women (and men, I might add) may quietly take over the earth.” I say, bring it on. Enjoy Nola Boomers. Send us your thoughts, ideas, and yes, your concerns. Together, we will live fearlessly and enjoy every second.
Fearlessly Yours,
Laura Claverie
september/october 2018 | www.nolaboomers.com
daily yoga stretches that you seriously need to do.
FR OM L AU R A
3
SEPT/OCT 2018 CONTRIBUTORS
Valerie Andrews Valerie Andrews is a writer and communication strategist in the Greater New Orleans area. She has been published in the Journal for Minority Medical Students, the Nursing and Allied Health Journal, Ascension Parish magazine, and the Loyola Maroon, to name a few.
publisher ann bower herren ann@nolaboomers.com executive editor laura claverie claverip@gmail.com office manager jenny ziglin jenny@nolaboomers.com
Lee Cutrone Lee been a freelance writer for 26 years. She writes profiles of people, places, businesses and trends, as well as home and garden articles, fashion features, shopping guides, health and wellness pieces and more.
advertising sales catherine sewell catherine@nolaboomers.com designer cat landrum 2nd story creative copy editor emily berger ad production sara youngblood
Sarah Herndon is a local New Orleanian and freelance writer. She writes regularly for Nola Family magazine and The Edge magazine on the Northshore..
contributing photography twirl photography
www.nolaboomers.com
| september/october 2018
info@nolaboomers.com or 504.866.0555
4
Keith Marshall Keith began his writing career in 1973 as The Times-Picayune’s representative in Europe and later served as the newspaper’s classical music writer. He has written travel, art and architecture, and feature articles for major newspapers and magazines.
The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors and/or contributors and do not necessarily reflect those of the magazine or its advertisers. For reprint information, contact ann@nolaboomers.com Business office: 8131 Oak St., Ste. 100, New Orleans, La., 70118 504.866.0555 / 504.861.2229 fax
Geoffrey Roniger Geoffrey has been an avid practitioner of yoga for 23 years and an instructor for the past 15. The owner and primary teacher at Freret St. Yoga, he also provides online yoga instruction through MyYogaToGo.com.
A publication of
september/october 2018 volume 1, issue 1
THE VOICE OF THE
SAINTS
HAS GONE FISHING. JIM HENDERSON, AND WHAT HE’S DOING NOW By Ann Herren
Jim Henderson answered the phone for our interview from the edge of the Adirondacks. He and his family were enjoying a gorgeous summer day. Our conversation logically followed the change in his lifestyle, and priorities, after his long career as the Saints play-by-play commentator. The first thing we talked about was fishing. And then traveling. And his wife, their family, and how they enjoy hiking and being outdoors. “We’re not sedentary people,” he explained. “With our vacations there is usually physical exertion.” He explained that he is a dedicated fisherman. “I’ve fished largemouth bass in Mexico, northern pike in Saskatchewan, striped marlin in Cabo San Lucas, sailfish in Guatemala and salmon in Alaska. I love the adventure of fishing hard– that’s really my passion.” Jim Henderson sounded incredibly content.
Jim looks back fondly on his career in New Orleans and his time at WWL TV, WWL Radio, and finally, Channel 8– all of which he loved, especially the people. He started as the Sports Director at WWL TV in 1978; “When I look back at the all-stars that I had a chance to be a part of… I was extremely fortunate in what was the Golden Age of local broadcasting. And I have to say, getting to do the news at 5, 6 and 10 was the reward. It wasn’t a task.” Jim moved on to become the Saints voice on WWL Radio in 1986 and has been calling games ever since. The decision to retire wasn’t sudden. “It’s something I’ve been thinking about doing prior to last season, but I just didn’t have
Change is so difficult for New Orleans–we like things to stay the same. We love our culture, and Jim is undisputedly woven deeply into the fabric of our Saints culture. In fact, for many, watching the Saints play meant turning down the TV and turning up the radio. Jim is the one that told us that, “Pigs have flown. Hell has frozen over. The Saints are on their way to the Superbowl!” Jim is aware how New Orleans feels, saying, “Many people have asked, ‘Why did I leave something that I loved so much?’ Well, I’m going to be 72 years old at the end of July. Those things sneak up on you.” But he feels the timing was right when he retired, adding, “This was the best time to do it – I’ve worked football weekends for over 40 years. I’ve had the chance to be a part of a lot of firsts with the Saints. I’m very grateful.” “I remember riding home on the Saints charter this last year and dozing away, and in the midst of the flight, I woke up from somewhat of a dream,” he recalls. “I thought, you know, apart from one coach, I’m the oldest person on the plane. And I don’t know how it happened so quickly.” He laughs quietly, “I was the ingénue when I started, and now I’m the character actor at the end of the movies.” Sometimes you see how your career or job changes, other times it’s more gradual. There are those telling moments in life that take you by surprise and make you catch your breath. But what about Saints season, what will he be doing? Jim says he’ll go to a couple games, but not many, preferring to watch them on television. “I’ll just be a fan like everyone else.“
september/october 2018 | www.nolaboomers.com
But we also want to know the story of the voice of the Saints. Although it’s easy to imagine that Jim could call games in his sleep, the reality is calling games requires a lot of time and dedication. “To do it to the degree I wanted to required a great deal of discipline and studying on a weekly basis. It was about as close as you can come to playing or coaching (without playing or coaching), and no doubt I’ll miss those moments,” he says.
it [his job] entirely out of my system. Then, losing Hokie Gajan a couple years ago, and other good people along the way, and it makes you come to grips with your own mortality.” Jim adds that he wants to enjoy his family and his grandchildren while he’s in good health, still energetic, and while he still wants to do things. He is a realist: “We’re playing beat the clock– and nobody wins.”
5
www.nolaboomers.com
| september/october 2018
Our girls are
6
makers.
engage your Sacred Heart
“What if?” That’s the design thinking mindset our students apply to create impactful solutions to real-world issues.
Ages 1-Grade 4: Tuesday Tours Oct. 16, 23, 30, Nov. 6 & Jan 8. , 8:30-10am Grade 5-12: Open House ~ Wed., Oct. 17, 5--7pm Sacred Heart is open to qualified students regardless of race, color, religion, nationality or ethnic origin. 7x4.875 NolaBoomers SeptOct.indd 1
ashrosary.org 8/15/18 3:18 PM
MOVING TO A SMALLER HOME CAN BE FREEING AND INVIGORATING By Lee Cutrone
Julie and Monty Burlingame in their new Irish Channel home
Last year, when empty nesters Julie and Monty Burlingame traded in their 6,600 squarefoot center hall cottage in the Garden District for a 2,800 square-foot townhouse in the Irish Channel, they let go of a home that had been in Julie’s family for 94 years. But the couple, in their late fifties and early sixties respectively, says the benefits of a more compact, easy-to-maintain residence and of a new adventure outweighed the sentimental bond. “I have not looked back,” says Julie. “There is a huge weight that’s been lifted off my shoulders.”
Both Mary Hines of H&H Estate Sales and organizer Kay Morrison of The Occasional Wife say downsizing cuts across age groups these days because of the trend toward living with less clutter. As a result, more people are vying for the same houses. “Everyone wants a small cottage,” says Latter & Blum realtor Margaret Stewart. According to Stewart, the local demand for small houses in excellent condition exceeds the supply, making it a seller’s market with hefty price tags. To make the search easier, she offers these helpful hints: ready your home to sell while looking for your smaller replacement, cast a wider net by including up-and-coming neighborhoods, consider the ease and amenities of a condo rather than the architectural charm of a house, and if you can afford to buy before selling your existing home, don’t wait. She also recommends estate sales and professional organizers so downsizers can streamline their belongings. De-cluttering helps ready your home for sale and makes moving easier. “A lot of people in their late 40s and 50s seem to be downsizing,” says Hines of H&H, which regularly helps clients lighten their loads. “They don’t want the upkeep of a big house, and their children aren’t at home anymore. They want something smaller and more manageable.” Hines and her partner/sister Gail Bergin have several key tips. “Keep the best
september/october 2018 | www.nolaboomers.com
In fact, downsizing isn’t just for those moving into retirement communities and assisted care facilities. For many people, including empty nesters and suburbanites moving to urban areas, it’s a great way to begin a new phase of life.
7
of what you have and things that mean something and part with the things that don’t matter,” says Hines. H&H recommends using proceeds from estate sales for updating or modernizing pieces you have – reupholstering, for example. That way, you have the necessary and cherished along with something fresh for your new beginning. When pieces you love don’t transition well, the sisters suggest hiring a professional decorator for advice. They can repurpose a piece (an armoire might become a bar for instance) or find the right spot for a piece that’s out of scale. Professional organizers can help tackle the entire process from sorting, packing and estate sales to moving, unpacking and organizing. To prevent clients from being overwhelmed by a task that takes time and can be emotional, she advises, “Zero in on critical places, such as attics and basements, where the majority of the items can be purged, and that will make a big difference.” She directs downsizers to focus on taking the things they love and need, and make three categories – keep, sell and donate – and if having an estate sale, wait to donate remaining items until after the sale. She also emphasizes that downsizing is a great time to pass things on to your children. Morrison and Burlingame both advise allowing yourself enough time, too.
www.nolaboomers.com
| september/october 2018
“Realize it’s going to take a minute,” says Morrison. “And there are resources that can help.”
8
Start looking sooner rather than later – competition for smaller homes is stiff Get your home ready to sell while looking for your downsize opportunity Expand your search to include up-and-coming areas Opt for condo living’s minimal upkeep and amenities Have an estate sale to lighten your load Hire an organizer or decorator to help you make the most of your smaller space Downsizing takes time, don’t let the process become overwhelming
Surfing For Love
(on the Net)
(WHEN) LOVE IS JUST A CLICK AWAY by Sarah Herndon
Online dating has always been a popular trend for the more techsavvy Millennials, but recent studies have shown that the Baby Boomer generation is now catching up–one in ten online daters is a Boomer. A national survey published by the Pew Research Center stated that online dating by 55- to 64-year-olds has doubled since 2013. After several one-time dates and a few year-long relationships, Sue found her current partner of 11 years through eHarmony. Their first date began with an LSU football game and was still going strong into the early hours of the next morning. Thinking back, Sue feels she would have never crossed paths with her
partner without the resource of online dating. She has even called eHarmony to thank them and has no regrets telling friends where she and her partner met. Yet, Sue does feel there is still a stigma attached to dating via the internet, and there have been times when someone’s reaction has been one of disdain. Sue affirms she is not bothered by it though, and feels that ‘desperate’ is going to a bar on lady’s night and sitting there wondering, ‘Is anyone interested?’
Love ain’t easy Lisa is no stranger to online dating, as it’s been 25 years since her second divorce. The 58-year-old owner of a nanny agency in New Orleans began her online adventure when AOL first came out with a dating site. Since then, she has been a faithful user of eHarmony, Match.com and Zoosk. Lisa has even tried a free site called PlentyOfFish, but she does caution others that many married men use this to seek out one-night stands. All of these websites can be accessed through an app on her phone which makes dating a little more convenient. Lisa still admits that dating online is like a part-time job. She has to sort through emails, make phone calls, and determine who is worth a first date. She finds that dating in her late 50’s is much different from when she was in her 20’s. Thirty years ago, she might have determined a first date based on their physical appearance. Now, Lisa looks for similar values, interests, and even political views.
september/october 2018 | www.nolaboomers.com
After her 21-year marriage ended in a divorce, Sue decided to try her luck with dating online. She was curious about this novel, new-fashioned idea, and it seemed much more appealing than the alternative– speed dating. “I wasn’t going to throw myself out there to be accepted or rejected,” says Sue, 63, who lives in Metairie. She began online dating when she was in her 40’s and first tried the eHarmony site. Sue found that she liked the discreetness of it, viewing profiles in the comfort of her own home rather than going out and feeling like she was on display. “I wanted to meet someone that I enjoyed being with and that I enjoyed doing things with, and wasn’t necessarily looking for marriage. Been there, done that,” Sue says.
9
“My expectations are different in that I want to take things slowly–just because I am mature, and I have a big life with lots of things to do. I really want to get to know someone before I introduce them into all of that,” she says. During one particular first dinner date, Lisa met up with an older man whose spouse had passed away. She had not even finished eating her fajita when he asked for her hand in marriage. Lisa sensed his loneliness but has learned over the years that “nothing fast will last.”
Playing it safe Online dating is no different than going on a blind date or meeting someone for the first time in a bar. It’s always a good idea to have some discretion before getting back out there. Lisa always meets her date in a very public place and makes sure to tell her daughter the time and place of this initial meeting. She also heeds the warning of Bravo’s Millionaire Matchmaker to never drink more than two alcoholic beverages during that first date. Sure, have fun, but it is important to maintain a clear head in order to make smart decisions.
www.nolaboomers.com
| september/october 2018
Boomers aren't just hanging around waiting for something to do.
10
So advertise with us, and catch up to them.
info@nolaboomers.com 504.866.0555
magazine
When Sue was still dating online, she took careful consideration writing her profile and making sure to only give out information that was honest yet tactful. She noticed that some of the profiles seemed deceiving. “If something doesn’t seem right, it’s probably not,” Sue says.
I don’t know if marriage is in my future, but a partner definitely is. Although not deliberately trying to mislead, Lisa once created her profile using the name “Treehugger” in hopes to attract more liberal-minded men. Most dating apps recommend using a different name from your own. She quickly realized her mistake when she began receiving an overwhelming amount of requests from hunting fanatics. A friend pointed out that they most likely thought that she enjoyed sitting in a deer stand! While Sue and Lisa have had different outcomes with internet dating, they both agree one should keep an open mind and make the time to try it. Boomers are more likely to be divorced, widowed, or single, which makes them a prime population for dating online. Plus, the apps are easy to navigate, even for those who are technically impaired. Lisa is just coming off of a year-long break from online dating and is eager to get back out there. She is still hopeful. “I don’t know if marriage is in my future, but a partner definitely is,” she says.
SHUTTING THE DOOR ON SHINGLES WHY YOU NEED THE VACCINE By Valerie J. Andrews
“It started with a visit to my chiropractor, who said, ‘You have shingles.’ A follow-up visit to my primary care physician confirmed it. It was too late for a vaccine, so I couldn’t do anything but ride it out. “The rash ran along the nerves across my lower back, at the belt line. It was the middle of summer, and it was uncomfortable to wear clothes. It started with burning and itching sensations. When the pustules erupted on my skin, I just had to suffer through until they healed, leaving scars.” That’s how one shingles sufferer described his experience with the disease. Nearly 50 years after surviving an array of childhood diseases, one – chicken pox – came back to haunt him. Shingles looks a lot like chickenpox. In fact, the two diseases are linked.
Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is spread by a virus. You can’t get shingles by coming in contact with someone who has it. According to Dr. Dalovisio, because the infection is a reactivation of an internal latent infection, “[it] doesn’t correlate with exposure to others with shingles.” He says there are no lifestyles or diets that affect our ability to get or avoid it. Men and women are affected equally. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about a million people suffer from the disease each year, and Dr. Dalovisio notes that a third of all individuals who had chickenpox will get shingles in their lifetimes.
Can you prevent shingles? The CDC recommends healthy adults age 50 and over get a vaccine to protect against shingles and postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), a burning sensation resulting from shingles that may last months or years. Dr. Dalovisio and the CDC recommend Shingrix, approved by the FDA in 2017. Shingrix is a two-dose vaccine, taken over a period of 2-6 months. Dr. Dalovisio says, “The new vaccine can be given to those with weakened immune systems (such as patients on corticosteroids, immune suppressive treatments for illnesses, cancer chemotherapy patients, or HIV patients). The original shingles vaccine could not be given to these types of patients as it was a weakened live viral vaccine. The new vaccine (trade name Shingrix) has no live virus in it, thus [it’s] able to be used in this population.” The only people who shouldn’t get Shingrix, according to Dr. Dalovisio, are those allergic to the vaccine’s ingredients. If you have shingles, avoid touching or scratching the rash. Wash your hands – often. Avoid contact with people whose immune systems are compromised by chemotherapy, organ transplant or HIV. Also avoid pregnant women who have not had chickenpox or the chickenpox vaccine and premature or low-birth-weight babies. The good news is, once you’ve had shingles, odds are you won’t get it again. The Louisiana Department of Health reports, “ Most commonly, a person has only one episode of shingles in his/her lifetime. Although rare, a second or even third case of shingles can occur.”
september/october 2018 | www.nolaboomers.com
“Shingles is reactivation of the chicken pox virus, which is latent in your body’s nerve tissue life long after primary infection,” says Joseph Dalovisio, M.D., associate medical director for medical specialties at Ochsner Health System in New Orleans, where he specializes in infectious diseases.
People who suffer from shingles often get pain or itching symptoms 1-5 days before the rash appears. Rashes appear on the left or right side of the body but can occur on the face and may affect the eyes, causing vision problems. Other symptoms include fever, headache, chills and an upset stomach. According to the Louisiana Department of Health, “Very rarely, shingles can lead to pneumonia, hearing problems, blindness, brain inflammation (encephalitis) or death.”
11
When our grandparents were young, daily trains transported New Orleans families to the balmy breezes, breaking waves and entertainment venues on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
The Tour: 8:30 — Depart New Orleans (Roundtrip: 200-225 miles. Duration: 12 hours) Take I-10 East and exit to Bay St. Louis.
9:30 — Bay St. Louis
www.nolaboomers.com
| september/october 2018
This city has largely recovered from Katrina, with new houses in traditional style lining Beach Blvd. Visitors with memories of the area will be surprised to find two-story Flora-bama-like buildings, bustling with shops, restaurants and watering holes, blocking the view across the bay on North Beach Blvd. But visual relief is just a block away on the largely untouched streets of the town center.
12
The Mockingbird Cafe (110 S. Second St.) offers pastries, breakfast bites, coffee and tea in an historic cottage. (The Buttercup, 112 N. Second St., offers a full breakfast menu all day.) Stroll the compact town center for art galleries, antique stores and trendy clothing shops, such as Art Collectible & Antiques, Bay Books, Clay Creations, Social Chair and Twin Light Creations. Most shops offer copies of a brochure, “Old Town Bay St. Louis,” that have information on shops and activities to visit.
11:30 — Pass Christian Return to Hwy. 90 and cross the new Bay Bridge, which leads you to Scenic Drive in Pass Christian. Katrina destroyed many historic buildings, but sensitive infill has made the town seem pristine once again. If you arrive on Friday or Saturday between 11 and 1, stop by the Pass Christian Historical Society’s new building (201 E. Scenic Drive), with its library, displays, tourist information and, if volunteers like Jena Shepherd are on duty, complimentary coffee and doughnut holes.
Just down the street is the new Cat Island Coffeehouse & Pass Christian Books. This modernist interpretation of a wooden beachfront cottage is perched on a cliff overlooking the Gulf., with covered outdoor tables and armchairs offering the best view. Browse the extensive selection of books on artist Walter Anderson, whimsical views of dogs and cats, and fishing guides. The small second floor, mimicking the traditional coast lighthouses, features Mississippi authors. By now, it’s lunchtime. The Book Club sandwich (turkey, cucumber, lettuce and tomato, with cilantro-lime cream sauce on ciabatta), paired with Cat Island Cold Brew (coffee and chicory, brown sugar syrup and milk), will prepare you for the short walk to Sweet Magnolia Gelato Co. (116 Davis Ave.) for dessert. Steps away is Parkers, Inc., transplanted New Orleanian Mimi Parker Thomas’s fanciful gift shop that features children’s clothing adorned with local scenes, creations of area artisans and Parker’s “Silver Rabbit Jewelry,” inspired by her pet rabbits in Diamond Head. Leave Pass Christian on Scenic Drive, and admire the half-dozen historic houses that miraculously survived Katrina — as well as new mansions that rival New Orleans’s Garden District for splendor.
1:30 — Biloxi It’s time to make a choice, as Scenic Drive returns to Hwy. 90 along the water: Casino or Culture. Biloxi’s Beau Rivage still holds pride of place among elegant casinos, but the beachside extension of Biloxi’s Island View Casino offers a smoke-free environment and gambling-with-a-view through plate-glass windows overlooking the Gulf. A high-brow option is Biloxi’s Frank-Gehry-designed Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art (386 Beach Blvd.). The complex of five pavilions under
undulating roofs, designed “to dance among the live oaks,” features the ceramics of George E. Ohr (1857-1918), the self-proclaimed “Mad Potter of Biloxi.” Even if you don’t go inside, the view of this small masterpiece is worth a stop.
photo by Mille Ball
The curious can visit Confederate General Jefferson Davis’s home, Beauvoir, as well as a beachside historic marker commemorating three mid-20th-century “Civil Rights Wade-Ins” on Biloxi Beach.
3:00 —Ocean Springs
The name Realizations, John says, reflects his father’s belief that “in order to realize the beauty of man, we must realize our relationship to nature. He looked from nature, not at it, to help others realize that they are a part of nature, not apart from nature. “His love of nature,” John continued, “has been a unifying force in our community and encouraged a love of art.” The Ocean Springs Walking Map, available everywhere, lists more than 100 shops, restaurants and sites to visit, but musts are the Walter Anderson Museum of Art (510 Washington Ave.) and Shearwater Pottery (102 Shearwater Dr., just a five-minute drive from the museum), where Shearwater Pottery, still produced by the family, is for sale in the showroom. At Twisted Anchor Tattoo (1101 Government St.), Matt Stebly, Walter Anderson’s great grandson, can emblazon your back with
5:30 — Gautier Return to Hwy. 90 and continue for approximately 15 miles, turning right at the stoplight at Oak St. Aimee Gautier Dugger, a descendant of Fernando Upton Gautier, says that her ancestor “learned from earlier French settlers and natives of the area that houses must be built at least 300 feet from water and at an elevation of 30 feet above the shoreline.” Fernando’s 1867 impressive West Indies-style house, “The Old Place,” on the banks of the Singing River (2800 Oak St.), survives unscathed.
6:00 — Gautier/Vancleave Return to Hwy. 90 and backtrack, turning right at Hwy. 57 and continuing under I-10. The Shed, a ramshackle affair that burned to the ground and was rebuilt in the same haphazard manner, offers an array of BBQ and what could be the world’s best potato salad. Return to I-10 East around 7:00, satiated and happy, with a day’s worth of culture, history and cuisine under your belt.
photo by Mille Ball
8:30 —Arrive in New Orleans Keith Marshall began his writing career in 1973 as The TimesPicayune’s representative in Europe, and later served as its classical music writer. He has written travel art and architecture, and feature articles for major newspapers and magazines, penned a humor column for NolaVie, and contributed home and garden stories to The Times-Picayune’s InsideOut.
september/october 2018 | www.nolaboomers.com
The spirit of Walter Anderson, the early 20th-century artistic chronicler of Gulf Coast flora and fauna and founder of the iconic Shearwater Pottery, pervades the historic downtown of Ocean Springs. Just across the railroad tracks from Highway 90 is the historic L&N Railroad Depot, where Anderson’s son, John, often can be found in Realizations, the family store that features silkscreens of Walter Anderson blockprints, as well as textiles and clothing items with the artist’s designs.
one of the artist’s immediately recognizable images of coast flora and fauna – but there’s often a six-month wait.
13
By Deborah Burst
Octogenarian James Heneghan proves passion, determination and humor are golden.
Often it begins with dozens of men auditioning. They are taught a quick two-three minute routine with each contestant finishing with their own 30-60 second signature move, “This signature move is something that sets you apart from the others and shows your true personality,” says Jim Jr.
There on his gold jacket sleeve is the Jim Heneghan, Sr. Stomper name, DaNceR. Pay special attention to the capitalization – there’s a double meaning. Photo by Deborah Burst.
The elder Heneghan gave it a whirl; at 78 his first tryout was August 18, 2013. “I didn’t prepare at all, I thought I could learn by watching– that was a mistake,” Jim Sr. confessed, adding he did have some rhythm. “I did my own little jig, but mostly just bounced around.”
www.nolaboomers.com
| september/october 2018
And the crowd loved him; lots of cheers, hugs, and high-fives.
14
A favorite of locals, the 610 Stompers, known as Ordinary Men with Extraordinary Moves, began their male dance group in 2009. They put on quite a show along parade routes, with women begging for dances and men fantasizing about stomping their way into the 610 Stompers. But what does it take to become an ordinary man with extraordinary moves? It takes heart, but not necessarily talent; something Jim Heneghan, Sr learned first-hand as the one and only Golden Stomper. His son, Jim Jr., explained it’s more about personality than anything. They look for people that will mesh with the group, what they call a “We group, not a Me group.” Ready for the interview, in they strut; Jim Heneghan, Sr. with his son, Jim Jr., dressed in their parade gear and grinning ear to ear. White headband across his silver hair, Jim Sr. is proud as a peacock pimping his gold Stomper jacket, blue shorts, knee socks and gold tennis shoes. Heneghan admits it wasn’t as easy as he thought it would be to join the 610 Stompers, but he did get a lot of attention on his first tryout. Auditions are open to the public with two rounds a week apart, a couple of meet-and-greets, and then the final tryout.
Maybe it was all that love, or maybe it was all those years watching his son dancing, but Jim Sr. was determined to be a 610 Stomper. He didn’t make it on the first tryout, but he had another year to train. So he joined the Zumba class at East Jefferson Hospital Wellness Center. He began working out at the gym and jogging on the treadmill. After all, by then, he was a spry 79. “I walked more, trying to build up my endurance,” he said, explaining his sons helped him. “Just trying to get in better shape.” “I could tell he was really serious about it– I was a little surprised,” commented Jim Jr. “So I brought him to the gym and we worked out together.” His second tryout, in August 2014, was much better, and he even made it to the second week’s competition. “I was in much better shape and the audience loved me, which really helped,” he said with a smile. “But they only picked twelve members that year and I didn’t make the final cut.” Undeterred, Heneghan hit the gym again, lifting weights and jogging on the treadmill. His son showed him a couple of old dance moves, which helped in building stamina and confidence. August 15, 2015, rolled around and Heneghan was ready for his third Stompers audition.
“
I didn’t prepare at all, I thought I could learn by watching– that was a mistake… I did my own little jig, but mostly just bounced around.
“
Jim Heneghan, Sr’s signature superhero move. Photo by Deborah Burst.
He felt confident with his dance but knew he had to come up with something special for that signature ending, something that would blow away the entire room. Jim Sr. raised an eyebrow, looked at his son, then me, and began to share what was perhaps one of the most entertaining Stompers performances.
magazine SHARE US WITH YOUR FRIENDS, FOLLOW US ON
“Well, I wore an extra t-shirt over my tank top,” he explained. “And at the end of the dance, I tore off my top t-shirt, with just my tank top on, raised my fists and flexed my muscles–the crowd went wild!” The 610 Stompers board then called Jim Jr. expressing their admiration for his dad and their desire to make him part of the 610 Stompers family, but could Jim Sr. make it through the entire parade? Jim Jr. explained he didn’t think his dad could make it and would need a wheelchair. It was then that the 610 Stompers offered what they considered the perfect solution, making James Heneghan, Sr. the first ‘Golden Stomper.’
At the age of 80, Heneghan joined the 610 Stompers family and looked forward to hanging with the dancing club. He shared how the Board approached him, “We’re giving you this gold jacket but don’t know what to do with you,” they added, “Maybe put you in a wheelchair and strap you on the front of the sound truck, like a giant gold hood ornament.” A chorus of laughs erupted, and Jim Sr. was perhaps the loudest. Heneghan has marched or rolled with the 610 Stompers during the 2016, 2017 and 2018 Mardi Gras seasons, and looks forward to 2019. For more information about the 610 Stompers, their events, and their community work, visit www.610stompers.com.
september/october 2018 | www.nolaboomers.com
The Stompers’ Board asked Jim Jr. if he thought his dad would be interested in wearing a 610 Stomper gold jacket? He thought it was an excellent idea, and the Board admitted they were blown away by the fact that his dad never gave up.
15
Farmers & Arts Markets Here’s a guide to help you make a funfilled day of it as you navigate your way around the best NOLA has to offer - great, fresh, locally sourced food, and some pretty cool arts and crafts, too!
Covington Farmers Market Abita Springs Art and Farmers Market 22049 Main St., Abita Springs; Every Sunday, noon-4 pm 985.807.4447; townofabitasprings.com/farmers-market Locally grown produce, baked goods, meats, dairy, and more.
www.nolaboomers.com
| september/october 2018
Arts Market of New Orleans
16
Palmer Park, corner of S. Carrollton and S. Claiborne Avenues, New Orleans; 504.523.1465; artscouncilofneworleans.org Last Saturday of each month, 10 am-4 pm Featuring paintings, photography, jewelry, and more from the region’s best artisans. While you’re browsing, take a break and check out live music by Louisiana musicians and delicious food made by local vendors.
Camellia City Farmers Market Olde Towne Slidell, 1808 Front St., Highway 11, Slidell; 8 am-noon (every Saturday) 985.640.7112; camelliacitymarket.org Food, produce, art, and more!
Covington City Hall, 609 N. Columbia St., Covington; 8 am-noon (every Saturday) Covington Trailhead, 419 N. New Hampshire Ave., Covington; 10 am-2 pm (every Wednesday) 985.966.1786; covingtonfarmersmarket.org Fruit and vegetables from local producers, and locally produced eggs, milk, cheese, meat, poultry, and seafood. Prepared items include jam and jelly, juice and popsicles, Greek and Mediterranean food, authentic Mexican salsas and tamales, Italian food, bread, pastries, pies, candy, and more, all fresh and produced locally. The market offers a broad selection of live native, ornamental, and culinary plants.
Crescent City Farmers Market 200 Broadway St., New Orleans; 9 am-1 pm (every Tuesday) French Market, 1235 N. Peters St., New Orleans; 1-5 pm (every Wednesday) 3700 Orleans Ave. at Bayou St. John, New Orleans; (every Thursday) 750 Carondelet St., New Orleans; 8 am-noon (every Saturday) 504.861.4488; crescentcityfarmersmarket.org Year-round market featuring seasonal fruits, veggies, and seafood, as well as year-round offerings of baked goods, dairy, exotic meats, grass-fed beef, flowers and plants.
Farmers Arts Metairie Market Bayou Metairie Park, Metairie Road at Metairie Lawn Drive; Please see their website for dates and times. 504.913.4487; oldmetairiegardenclub.com Market’s vender’s offerings from vegan ice cream to produce, arts and crafts, exercise demos and much more.
Freret Market 4421 Freret St., New Orleans; First Saturday of the month, 11 am-4 pm freretmarket.org The market is split along three category lines: food, art, and flea. Besides all of the great shopping every week, the market also hosts local restaurants, live music, and a kids’ area.
Marketplace at Armstrong Park Armstrong Park, Bound by St. Philip St., Rampart St., Basin St., St. Peter St., and N. Villere St.; 3-7 pm (every Thursday) 504.286.2100; facebook.com/MarketplaceArmstrongPark Featuring fresh produce, seafood, goods, and prepared foods/beverages.
German Coast Farmers’ Market
Rivertown Farmers Market
Winnwood Shopping Center, 1313 Paul Maillard Road, Luling; 1-5 pm (every Wednesday) Ormond Plantation, 13786 River Road, Destrehan; 8 am-noon (every Saturday) 504.782.8517; germancoastfarmersmarket.org
LaSalle’s Landing, 2115 Rev. Richard Wilson Drive, Kenner; 8 am-1 pm (every Saturday) 504.468.7211; visitjeffersonparish.com/event/farmers-market-inkenners-rivertown/1/
Fresh fruit, vegetables, flowers, and other products.
Gretna Farmers’ Market
Featuring fresh produce, dry goods, plants, and crafts.
Sankofa Fresh Stop 5029 St. Claude Ave., New Orleans; 9 am-1 pm (every Saturday) Summer location: 5200 Dauphine St.; 9:30 am-4 pm (every Monday-Thursday) 504.872.9214; sankofanola.org
Fresh produce, baked goods, barbecue, prepared goods, gift items, and more.
Open-air fresh produce market with locally sourced produce, eggs, breads, and seafood.
Harrison Avenue Marketplace
Sankofa Mobile Market
801 Harrison Ave., New Orleans; Second Wednesday of every month, 5-8:30 pm (no market in July and August) 504.535.4486; harrisonavenuemarketplace.org
Villa St. Maurice, 500 St. Maurice Ave., New Orleans; 3-4 pm (second and fourth Tuesdays) Hollygrove Senior Center, 3300 Hamilton St., New Orleans; 1-2 pm (second and third Thursdays) L9 Senior Center, 1616 Caffin Ave., New Orleans; 11 amnoon (third Thursdays) Royal Castle Childhood Center, 3800 Eagle St., New Orleans; 4-5 pm (first Fridays) Broadmoor Arts and Wellness Center, 3900 General Taylor St., New Orleans; 3-4 pm (second Fridays) sankofanola.org/mobile-market
It’s more of a family-friendly “happening” than a farmers’ or art market, with music and entertainment in addition to the vendors offering food and handmade crafts.
Lafitte Street Market Across from Mandeville Trailhead, 698 Lafitte St., Mandeville; 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm Thursdays, 9:00 am to 1:00 pm Saturdays (985) 630-2990; facebook.com/LafitteStreetMarket Offerings include locally roasted small-batch coffee, salt-free spice blends and infused oils, natural skin care products, beef jerky, locally made wine, confectionery goodies such as fig cookies, pralines, and anything chocolate, kettle corn, nitro coffee, kombucha, local honey, marinara sauce, fresh-made bread and butter, fresh-grown produce, farm eggs, local soups, tamales, and the list goes on.
Works with the open-air market to strengthen the community-based food system by linking fresh food to the community of the 9th Ward.
Westwego Farmers & Fisheries Market 484 Sala Ave., Westwego 504.341.9083; cityofwestwego.com A permanent public market that will serve our diverse population, preserve our rich cultural & culinary heritage, enhance quality of life and provide vendors and farmers a convenient and economical venue to sell their products. Products include: prepared foods, seasonal vegetables and fruit, fresh yard eggs, candles, handmade soaps, jelly, plants, crafts, and handcrafted jewelry.
september/october 2018 | www.nolaboomers.com
300 block of Huey P. Long Avenue, Gretna, Every Saturday, 8:30 am-12:30 pm 504.361.1822; gretnafarmersmarket.com
17
18
www.nolaboomers.com
| september/october 2018
Geoffrey Roniger of Freret St. Yoga works with student Keith Werhan. Photo by Patrick Niddrie
DON’T LET GRAVITY GET YOU DOWN By Geoffrey Roniger
Three yoga moves to help you stay fit Yoga is universal. Anyone, regardless of age, race, gender or other myriad categories with which people define – and therefore limit– themselves, can benefit from practicing it. Imagine an easy, drug-free way to relieve stress, improve digestion, reduce pain, and improve sleep. Years of research shows that yoga can improve everything from lymph drainage and vagal tone to heart rate variability. Yet while the science is compelling, perhaps the reason it makes us feel better isn’t really all that complicated.
By contrast, when we are well-aligned, we feel a natural sense of buoyancy. The spine is supple yet strong, the joints move freely, breathing becomes rhythmic and effortless, and digestion improves. And perhaps the yogis’ most precious discovery is that bodily balance coincides with mental equilibrium. As we heal the body, the mind follows, and a positive outlook is restored. The following three postures, done daily, can greatly improve your alignment and sense of well-being. They are accessible to everyone and should be accompanied by free, fluid breathing. Never force; instead, remember to listen to your body and to honor its signals.
september/october 2018 | www.nolaboomers.com
Well before our sophisticated technology, the original yogis in India realized that the human body functions best when it is wellaligned with gravity. Think about it – gravity is the one force that we contend with all our lives. Because it is ubiquitous in nature, we tend to forget about it. But as we age, the effects of gravity are revealed. We become misaligned; our spines slump, our joints ache due to compression, our breathing becomes hampered as the diaphragm gets restricted, and our digestion becomes sluggish because the abdominal organs lack proper space.
19
1. Reclined Leg Stretch Lie on your back with your head on a towel or thin blanket so that your neck muscles can stay long and soft. Loop a strap or belt around the sole of your right foot and extend it up to the sky. Give yourself enough slack with the strap so your knee can be straight, but not locked. Think of reaching from your hip, along the back of your leg and out through your heel. Hold for one minute and then repeat on the other side. Benefits: Stretches the hamstring muscles and helps restore the natural curve to the lumbar spine. Relieves lower back pain.
2. Bent Knee Lunge Starting on all fours (hands below shoulders and knees below hips), step your right foot forward between your hands. Make sure your right shin is perpendicular to the ground. Slide your left knee back until you begin to feel a stretch along the front of your left hip. Gradually begin to lift your torso up to a vertical position, which should intensify the stretch along the front of your left hip. Avoid over-arching your lower back; instead, encourage the hip to release its grip. Hold for one minute and then repeat on the other side. Benefits: Stretches hip flexor muscles and helps balance the pelvis on top of the thigh bones. Relieves lower back pain and improves upright posture.
3. Arms Over Head Stand with your feet hip-width apart, making sure that the outer edges of your feet are parallel to each other. Balance your weight between both feet and put equal amounts of pressure on the heels and roots of the toes. As you inhale, sweep your arms out wide to the side and point your palms up to the sky. Then, leading with the pinky edges of your hands, begin to stretch your arms up over your head. Be careful not to thrust your lower front ribs forward as you do this. Keep the hands shoulder-width apart, palms facing each other. Slowly move your arms to be more and more in line with your ears. Lift your entire rib cage up along with your arms so that you begin to lengthen the sides of your waist. Hold for one minute, relaxing the inner walls of your throat, then slowly release your arms back down by your side.
www.nolaboomers.com
| september/october 2018
Benefits: Lifts and opens the chest, decompresses the lumbar spine, helps to re-balance the shoulder girdle on top of the rib cage. Relieves neck tension.
20
YOU HAVE THE POWER TO FIGHT CHILDHOOD CANCER.
NOT ALL HEROES WEAR CAPES. SOME WEAR CAPS. For nearly 25 years, Caps For Kids, founded in New Orleans, has been providing ball caps signed by their celebrity hero to children going through cancer treatment. Learn how your school or business can help send smiles to the 15,000 children diagnosed with cancer each year. Visit us at capsforkids.org.
Austin
A GRAND TIME HOW TO BOND WITH THE GRANDKIDS, NEW ORLEANS-STYLE. By Laura Claverie
Several years ago, one of the top travel magazines in the world named New Orleans the number one city in America for a family vacation. The selection raised eyebrows across the country, with many questioning how a city often marketed as a “party town” could also be a great place to entertain kids. But locals knew it all along.
It’s impossible to be bored in the Big Easy, whether you’re two or a senior citizen. And it’s a great place to entertain grandchildren, no matter what your budget is. Plus, spending time with the grandkids exploring the city has benefits that cross generations. “Doing fun activities with grandchildren is the best way to build a relationship,” says Dr. Andy Burka, a child psychologist at Ochsner and a grandfather of two youngsters. “The activities should be tailored to the child’s age and interest. These can start as simply as playing peekaboo with an infant and taking a toddler to the park to swing or feed the ducks.”
september/october 2018 | www.nolaboomers.com
Photo by Twirl Photography
21
So think about your grandchildren and what might be fun and go for it. Here’s how to start your special times and build a memory for your grandchildren, whether they dwell in New Orleans or visit from afar.
ACTIVE OUTDOORS New Orleans has two urban parks that consistently rank in the top 10 in America. City Park, a 1,300-acre urban oasis, offers families a world of fun. The park’s Big Lake has a path that’s perfect for walkers, joggers and skaters. Paddle boats are available for rent by the hour, as are bicycles and surreys big enough to fit the whole family. The Amusement Park boasts 15 rides for all ages, including the newest Ladybug Roller Coaster and the beloved antique carousel. Storyland introduces families to 25 great fairy tale characters and will be undergoing a major renovation to make the venue more exciting. City Putt has been
The New Orleans Museum of Art is a treasure trove of fine arts to interest and inspire all ages. Its Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden is a delightful place to introduce your grandchildren to some of the greatest works of the art world, and admission is free. Toddlers to teens love to explore these largerthan-life sculptures. The World War II Museum is inspiring and introduces visitors of all ages to the Greatest Generation. Some of the exhibits are heartbreaking and might be better suited for older grandchildren. Mardi Gras World, located on the Riverfront, is a fun way to teach any age grandchild the history and traditions of Mardi Gras. As visitors stroll through the enormous gallery, they can watch artists create the enormous figures that decorate floats each year. Each tour ends with King Cake, of course, capping off the Carnival experience year-round.
Building Relationships with Grandkids 1.
Don’t forget: you’re the grandparent, not the parent. Parents set rules; your job is to enjoy the child.
2.
The connection between the generations is more about having fun than doing specific things.
3.
Routines establish traditions and traditions build relationships.
4.
Have fun together doing simple things, like fixing a meal or talking about what’s important to the child.
5.
Ask yourself: Do we laugh together? Snuggle together? Do the grandchildren look forward to seeing me? If the answer is yes, then you’ve hit the bull’s eye. -From Dr. Andy Burka
www.nolaboomers.com
| september/october 2018
named the best miniature golf course in Louisiana and features two courses, one Louisiana themed and the other New Orleans themed. City Park is dotted with wonderful playgrounds, the world’s largest stand of live oak trees and acres to explore.
22
The Audubon Zoo is another treasure, with more than 2,000 exotic animals in their natural habitats. The new elephant habitat in “Asia” is sure to educate and entertain all ages. Explore the Swamp Exhibit or, for more agile grandparents, climb the challenging Kamba Kourse ropes. When your grandchild (or you!) tire out, ride the Safari train to the next stop or take a break at one of the playgrounds. To cool off, try the Cool Zoo and Gator Run lazy river ride. Both Audubon and City Park have family memberships that offer a myriad of benefits, including free admission to some of the venues and deep discounts throughout the year; they’re a good investment if you’re fortunate enough to have grandkids residing here.
CULTURE & INDOOR FUN With more than 40 museums and historic homes in this city, there’s one for every interest. Start with the Louisiana Children’s Museum on Julia Street. Here children and grandparents can experience hands-on learning. The Museum will relocate to a state-of-the-art venue in City Park sometime next year, making it a dazzling destination for families.
The Cabildo and Presbytere are the heartbeat of the French Quarter. Site of the signing of the Louisiana Purchase, the Cabildo is often called the second most historic building in the country. The Presbytere showcases a dramatic exhibition about Katrina and another exhibition on the history of Mardi Gras. The Audubon Aquarium of the Americas never ceases to awe. Here you and your grandchildren can explore sea life, watch the endangered penguins waddle by or hold a parakeet on stick.
RIDING & EXPLORING Ferry rides across the Mississippi River are fun and inexpensive. The short rides offer an amazing view of the city and the ships and tugboats that chug down the river. Board the ferry at the foot of Canal Street. If you are so inclined to spend a longer time on the Muddy Mississippi, ride the Steamboat Natchez for a lazy ride, complete with calliope music. For $1.25 each way, a ride on the streetcar is always fun. Your grandkids can see elegant mansions, some dating back to the mid-1800s, Tulane and Loyola Universities and Audubon Park. Along the way, stop off and enjoy lunch at a hip neighborhood restaurant or let the grandchildren play on the brightly colored climbing equipment at Danneel Park.
One of the city’s nicest picnic areas is at the Lakefront, overlooking Lake Pontchartrain. Watch sailboats glide by, play at one of the pristine playgrounds and visit the LPBF New Canal Lighthouse, a real working lighthouse and museum where grandchildren can learn about local ecology, water quality and habitats. Some of the most fun activities New Orleans offers its grandparents and their grandkids don’t involve big outings. A snowball at Hansen’s or Plum Street. A stick of Roman Candy bought from a 100-year-old carriage. Feeding the ducks at Audubon Park. Fishing in the lagoons of City Park. Visiting Jackson Square. All create memories that last a lifetime. “The important thing to remember is that all of these moments build connections and bonds between the child and the grandparent,” says Dr. Burka. “And if the grandparent is having fun, it’s likely the grandchildren are as well.” Laura Claverie is the Executive Editor of Nola Boomers and grandmother of two. She also writes the “Hip Grannie” column for Nola Family Magazine.
Staying connected when the grandkids live far away 1.
Facetime often, even with the smallest child. Make it silly and fun.
2.
Send small, thoughtful gifts that appeal to the child’s interest.
3.
Visit as often as you can.
4.
Record your voice reading the child’s favorite books.
5.
Bake cookies and mail to the child for no reason.
6.
Send photos of yourself for the child’s room.
7.
Make a special effort to attend Grandparents’ Days and special school performances whenever possible.
8.
When your grandchild visits New Orleans, make it memorable and fun.
september/october 2018 | www.nolaboomers.com
23
s e i b e e r F HAT T F F TU S L O O AND C
Museums and Exhibits
Tuesday Museum Highlights Tour New Orleans Museum of Art. Take an engaging and informative tour every Tuesday of the museum’s permanent collection and special exhibitions. Included with museum admission. For more information, call 504.658.4100. 1-2 pm. Free Wednesdays New Orleans Botanical Garden. Free admission for Louisiana residents, courtesy of The Helis Foundation. 10 am-5 pm. Free Wednesdays New Orleans Museum of Art. Free admission for Louisiana residents, courtesy of The Helis Foundation. 10 am-6 pm.
www.nolaboomers.com
| september/october 2018
Free Thursdays Ogden Museum of Southern Art. Free admission for Louisiana residents, courtesy of The Helis Foundation. 10 am-5 pm.
24
Ogden After Hours Ogden Museum of Southern Art. The weekly music series is held every Thursday night. For more information, call 504.539.9650. 5-8 pm. Free Sundays Contemporary Arts Center. Free admission to all Louisiana residents, courtesy of The Helis Foundation. 11 am-5 pm. Museum Partner Pass New Orleans Public Library. The Library has partnered with the Southern Food & Beverage Museum, The Ogden Museum of Southern Art, and Longue Vue House & Gardens to provide free admission for library cardholders who check out a Museum Partner Pass. Every library location has a pass for each of the participating museums. For more information, visit nolalibrary.org.
ING N E P HAP S P E KE
Learning and Resources
E-Resources Happy Hour Milton H. Latter Memorial Library. Learn about the many electronic resources, including e-books and audiobooks, available through the Library. Bring your laptop, smartphone, tablet, or e-reader with you, along with a valid library card. Available every Sunday, 1-2 pm. Ranger Talk French Quarter Visitor Center. Join a ranger Tuesdays through Saturdays in the visitor center courtyard to discover New Orleans’ history and culture. No talk on federal holidays or on Mardi Gras when visitor center is closed. 9:30 am.
Wetlands Walk Barataria Preserve. Every Wednesday through Sunday, join a ranger for a guided walk on a boardwalk trail through wild Louisiana swamp and marsh. Stop by the visitor center or call 504689-3690 ext. 10 after 9:30 am to find out which trail the day’s walk will explore. No walk on federal holidays when the visitor center is closed. 10 am. Battle of New Orleans Ranger Talk Chalmette Battlefield. Daily at 10:45 am and 2:45 pm. The visitor center is open and talks are given on Memorial Day and Veterans Day. On all other federal holidays and on Mardi Gras, the visitor center is closed and no talks are given.
Medical Drop-In Medicaid Assistance with Odyssey House Alvar Library, 913 Alvar Street. A representative from Odyssey House is available to assist with Medicaid applications and questions. 10 am-noon. Every Wednesday.
Fitness Fun Tuesdays Sunrise Yoga Coliseum Square Park, 1401 Camp St. A 55-minute yoga flow infused with all the sweetness and good energy and a mellow positivity. For more information, visit nolatribeyoga.com. Classes are donation based. Rental mats are available for $3. 6:30 am. Tuesday “It’s All About the Music” Bike Ride Congo Square in Armstrong Park. If music, casual cycling and cool people are your thing, then meet this group every Tuesday at 6 pm. Wednesdays Sunrise Yoga Popp’s Bandstand, New Orleans City Park. A 55-minute challenging, friendly, and fun, all-levels, donation-based flow every Wednesday morning. For more information, visit nolatribeyoga.com. Rental mats are available for $3. 6:30 am. Thursdays Sunrise Yoga Shelter 1, Lakeshore Drive. Join the tribe for a gorgeous 55-minute, all-levels, vinyasa-style flow to the sun rising over the Lakefront. For more information, visit nolatribeyoga.com. Classes are donation based. Rental mats are available for $3. 6:30 am. Thursday Happy Rides Join Nola Social Ride each week for a free, fun bike ride around town. Confirm the meeting location by visiting facebook.com/ groups/nolasocialride. 7 pm. Free Fridays at New Orleans Boulder Lounge 1746 Tchoupitoulas and 2360 St. Claude. On the first Friday of every month, enjoy free indoor rock climbing. Available at both locations from noon-10 pm. Free Zumba Class The Peristyle in New Orleans City Park. Come ready to dance away stress and have some fun. Wear appropriate workout attire, gym shoes, and bring H2O as you’ll work up a sweat! Class is free and no reservations are needed. 8-8:45 am. Every Saturday through Oct.
Senior Walking Cut-Off Rec Center. A program designed to offer seniors an easy, pleasant, social walking experience to improve their quality of life by encouraging active and healthy lifestyles. Weekdays from 10 am-noon. VSNO Sunrise Run Satsuma Cafe on Maple. An early morning run where the routes are runner, walker and stroller friendly. Every Saturday, 6-7 am. Open Canoeing & Open Fishing Joe W. Brown Rec Center. Enjoy free canoeing and fishing in the lagoon. All equipment is provided and no former knowledge is necessary; just bring yourself and be ready to have fun! Fishing instruction is offered to those who are new to fishing. Every Saturday, 10 am-noon.
september/october 2018 | www.nolaboomers.com
Jazz Yoga New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park. All levels welcome! This free yoga class features live piano. 10:00 am.
25
Courtesy of New Orleans City Park archives
N.O. City Park has been named the fourth best city park in the world!
o G e h T n O A L O IN N
SEPTEMBER
3 MON
Labor Day
1 SAT Freret Market Freret Street and Napoleon Avenue. The market consists of 90 vendors (art, wearables, crafts, food, produce and flea market items) as well as pet adoptions and live music. 11 am-4 pm.
www.nolaboomers.com
| september/october 2018
New Orleans 300: Female Enterprise Main Library, 219 Loyola Ave. This exhibit presents a selection of women who owned real estate or businesses in New Orleans during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Ranging from the wellknown, like the Baroness Pontalba, to the obscure, like midwife Susie A. Carter, each contributed in some way to the economy of the Crescent City. 10 am-5 pm. Free. Continues through October 31.
26
New Orleans Baby Cakes vs. Omaha Storm Chasers Shrine on Airline, 6000 Airline Dr. Join the fun as the Baby Cakes take on the Storm Chasers. Tickets are available at cakesbaseball. com. 6 pm. Continues on Sept. 2, 6 pm and Sept. 3, noon.
2 SUN Kenner Freedom Fest Freedom Fest at the Lake will include top-rated, national country music entertainers, great local eats, crafts and more. For more information, visit kennerfreedomfest.com. Ticket prices and event times TBA. Self-Care Sunday Yoga Grow On, 2358 Urquhart St. A weekly event featuring healing techniques and activities of all kinds. Come by early to check out the farm, meet your community and settle in. For more information, visit growonurbanfarms.com. Suggested donation $5-$15. 6 pm.
5 WED Paul Simon Smoothie King Center, 1501 Dave Dixon Dr. Paul Simon, who has delighted crowds across the world since the late ‘50s, has announced his “Homeward Bound - The Farewell Tour.” Tickets available at ticketmaster.com. 8 pm.
7 FRI Community Night at NOMA New Orleans Museum of Art, One Collins C. Diboll Circle. Free admission for all visitors featuring live music, food trucks, gallery tours, a discussion on the Instagram-based #EverydayNewOrleans project, and art-making activities. For more information, visit noma.org/event/community-night-atnoma. 5-8 pm. Gleason Gras + Saints Pep Rally Champions Square, 1500 Sugar Bowl Dr. The 8th annual event benefits the Gleason Initiative Foundation. For more information, visit gleasongras.org. $10 suggested donation. 5-10:30 pm.
8 SAT Plant Sale New Orleans City Park, Pelican Greenhouse. The New Orleans Botanical Garden hosts plant sales with a wide variety of plants including annuals, perennials, roses, gingers, edibles, succulents, and native plants for sale to the public. Free admission. 9 amnoon.
Community Yoga with STAR Yoga East New Orleans Regional Library, 5641 Read Boulevard. Enjoy a free yoga class with STAR Yoga. Bring your own yoga mat or towel. 11 am-noon. Pump Boys and Dinettes BB’s Stage Door Canteen, 945 Magazine St. The “Pump Boys” sell high octane on Highway 57 in Grand Ole Opry country. The “Dinettes” run the Double Cupp diner next door. Together they fashion an evening of country western songs. For more information, visit nationalww2museum.org. Tickets start at $24.68. Additional showings available through Sept. 6-9:10 pm.
9 SUN New Orleans Saints vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Be in that number when the Saints march in and take on the Buccaneers. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com. Noon.
10 MON Restaurant Week New Orleans For the eighth year, Restaurant Week New Orleans will showcase the city’s best restaurants at a competitive price point and embrace its diners who can expect to enjoy a memorable meal (or two, or three) during a special week. For more information, visit coolinaryneworleans.com/restaurantweek. Continues through Sept. 16.
11 TUES Sew Hip NOLA Milton H. Latter Memorial Library, 5120 St. Charles Ave. Sew Hip NOLA is a monthly gathering of intermediate sewists who meet to create various projects together. Upcoming projects and photos can be found on their Facebook group, Sew Hip NOLA. 6-7:30 pm.
12 WED
13 THURS Bookie Boomers Book Club Milton H. Latter Memorial Library, 5120 St. Charles Ave. Discuss a different book each month. Call Latter Library for this month’s book. 11 am-12:30 pm. Strikes for Sight 2018 Rock ‘n’ Bowl, 3016 S. Carrollton Ave. Join Southern Eye Bank for an evening of bowling, zydeco music, food/beverages, spirited competition and prizes. For more information, visit southerneyebank.org. $40/person, $25/non-bowlers. 7-9 pm.
Fun & Playful
Arts & Crafts Parties IN YOUR HOME! Birthday Parties • Baby Showers Family Reunions • Bridal Showers AND MORE!
artalacartebella.com 802.324.2648
@artalacartebella
september/october 2018 | www.nolaboomers.com
The Best of Sinatra BB’s Stage Door Canteen, 945 Magazine St. A salute to “Ol’ Blue Eyes” features the adorable and charming Spencer Racca backed by the Museum’s Victory Trio. For more information, visit nationalww2museum.org. Tickets start at $38.99. Additional showings are available. 11:45 am-2 pm.
27
14 FRI
22 SAT
The Music Man Rivertown Theater for the Performing Arts, 325 Minor St., Kenner. One of the most cherished musicals in American theatre marches onto the mainstage. For more information, visit rivertowntheaters. com. Showtimes each weekend through Sept. 30.
Museum Day Live Museum Day is an annual celebration hosted by Smithsonian magazine. Participating museums and cultural institutions provide free entry to anyone presenting a Museum Day ticket. Ticket provides free admission for two people.
15 SAT Irish Fest Kingsley House, 1600 Constance St. The fifth annual Irish Fest emphasizes Irish cultural traditions that enrich the lives of people in the region through a highly visible, vibrant, and modern-day celebration. For more information, visit irishfestneworleans.org. 9 am-7 pm. Doris Ulmann Gallery Talk Ogden Museum of Southern Art, 925 Camp St. Enjoy a gallery talk on the Doris Ulmann: From the Highlands to the Lowlands exhibition with Joshua Mann Pailet, Founder/President of A Gallery for Fine Photography in New Orleans and Richard McCabe, Curator of Photography. 2-3 pm.
16 SUN New Orleans Saints vs. Cleveland Browns Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Be in that number when the Saints march in and take on the Browns. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com. Noon.
17 MON The Victory Belles BB’s Stage Door Canteen, 945 Magazine St. A delightful vocal trio performing the music of the 1940s, serenading audiences at The National WWII Museum and across the globe. For more information, visit nationalww2museum.org. Tickets start at $24.89. Additional showings are available. 11:45 am-1:45 pm.
National Fried Chicken Festival Woldenberg Riverfront Park. This two-day festival brings food, music, family and festivities together in celebration of the classic Southern dish. Free admission. 11 am-9 pm. Continues on Sept. 23, 11 am-8 pm. Nola on Tap New Orleans City Park, Festival Grounds. The Louisiana SPCA presents the 9th annual festival, including live music, 400+ local, national & homebrewed beers, food, contests, art & merchandise vendors, non-beer drinks and games. $5 general admission. Dogfriendly. Noon-7 pm.
25 TUES Crafty Hands Milton H. Latter Memorial Library, 5120 St. Charles Ave. Monthly meets to knit, crochet, and share ideas. Plus, donate to local organizations for their use and enjoyment. 5-6:30 pm. Hook, Book & Needle Craft Group Cita Dennis Hubbell Library, 725 Pelican Ave. Join other neighborhood knitters, crocheters, and needleworkers for our drop-in needlework group.
28 FRI Gretna Heritage Festival Huey P. Long Avenue, Gretna. Encompassing 25 city blocks, this award-winning festival promotes and supports businesses and organizations in the City of Gretna. For more information, visit gretnafest.com. Time varies by day. Continues through Sept. 30.
www.nolaboomers.com
| september/october 2018
21 FRI
28
New Orleans 300: Louisiana Is Ours Nix Library, 1401 S. Carrollton Ave. Historian, author, and former director of The Historic New Orleans Collection Jon Kukla, PhD, explores the international crisis that led to the Louisiana Purchase and the establishment of New Orleans as one of the United States’ most spectacular cities. 5:30-7 pm. Shear Madness Westwego Performing Arts Theatre, 177 Sala Ave., Westwego. It’s a day like any other at the Shear Madness salon, when suddenly, the lady upstairs gets knocked off. WHOdunit? Join the fun as the audience matches wits with the suspects to catch the killer at this wildly popular comedy that has audiences laughing around the world. For more information, visit jpas.org. Ticket prices vary. Showtimes each weekend through Oct. 28. Martini Madness New Orleans City Park, Arbor Room at Popp Fountain. Taste over 25 specialty martinis from Republic National Distributing Company and enjoy delectable cuisine from over 35 of New Orleans’ best restaurants. The evening will include an exciting raffle, photobooth, DJ, beer garden, and more! $75/general admission, $65/Friends of City Park members. 8-11 pm.
Alligator Festival Westbank Bridge Park, 13825 River Road, Luling. The annual festival celebrates all things alligator. Ticket prices and times vary. For more information, visit alligatorfestival.org. $1/person admission. Continues through Sept. 30. LOVE in the Garden 2018 Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden at NOMA. NOMA’s annual fall soiree features a night of dining and dancing under the stars and oaks. For more information, visit noma.org/event/ love-garden-2018-presented-whitney-bank. 8 pm.
30 SUN 29th Annual Chevron Walk to End HIV Crescent Park, 30 N. Peters St. Come support our local programs. All money stays in New Orleans to support the 3,000 HIV patients served annually. For more information, visit noaidswalk.com. 8:30 am-2 pm.
OCTOBER 1 MON New Orleans 300: What Lies Underneath Main Library, 219 Loyola Ave. Staff from the Louisiana Division/ City Archives and Special Collections explains the history of the department, its extensive holdings, their efforts to ensure that this unique collection is accessible, and exactly why the archival collection is in a basement. A special selection of materials will be on display for attendees to view with accompanying staff explanations of their importance. 10 am-5 pm. Free. Continues through October 31.
3 WED “Keep Smiling” Comedy & Trivia Night Competition BB’s Stage Door Canteen, 945 Magazine St. A comedy/trivia night competition co-hosted by local comedy troop Funny Bones Improv. For more information, visit nationalww2museum.org. 5-8 pm.
4 THURS Que Pasa Fest Lafreniere Park, 3000 Downs Blvd., Metairie. A free, 4-day festival celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month and will feature live music, dancing, food booths, business booths, arts & crafts booths, community outreach and a children’s area. Continues through Oct. 7. Times vary by day.
5 FRI Grand Isle Ladies Fishing Rodeo Bridge Side Marina, 1618 LA-1, Grand Isle. This ladies-only fishing rodeo benefits cancer research, patient services and awareness. Tickets are $20 and include the rodeo hats/visors, door prizes, raffles, live auction, dinner and dance on Saturday night. For more information, visit grandisleevents.org. Continues through Oct. 6. Tremé Fall Fest St. Augustine Catholic Church, 1210 Governor Nicholls St. This 3-day event will include a Patron Party, Street Festival, and Gospel Mass and Concert. For more information, please visit tremefest.com. Continues through Oct. 7. september/october 2018 | www.nolaboomers.com
Scales & Ales Aquarium of the Americas, 1 Canal St. Help fight pollution and dive into the aquarium with Abita beer, wine from open bars, and delicious cuisine from local restaurants. Live entertainment and a unique aquatic atmosphere are highlights of the event as it flows throughout the Aquarium and onto the plaza overlooking the Mississippi River. $65/Member, $75/NM. 8-11 pm.
29
6 SAT
12 FRI Fall Garden Festival New Orleans Botanical Garden. This two-day event is an education experience for home gardeners and professionals. $10/adult, $5/ children ages 5 to 12. The October plant sale will take place inside this event. For more information, call 504.658.2900. 10 am-5 pm. Continues on Oct. 7, 10 am- 4 pm.
Beignet Fest New Orleans City Park, Festival Grounds. The 3rd annual event will feature more than 200 beignet dishes, live music, a Kid’s Village, artist market and VIP experience. Free admission. 10 am-6 pm. Newton Howard and New Southern Photography Opening Reception Ogden Museum of Southern Art, 925 Camp St. Celebrate the opening of the Ogden Museum’s latest exhibitions. Free for members, $13.50 for guests. 6-8 pm. Dine & Dance with the Victory Swing Orchestra BB’s Stage Door Canteen, 945 Magazine St. The National WWII Museum’s own Victory Swing Orchestra celebrates the great big bands of the WWII era. For more information, visit nationalww2museum.org. Tickets start at $24.89. Additional showings are available. 6-8:30 pm.
7 SUN Celebración Latina Audubon Zoo, 6500 Magazine St. Offering a true taste of the Latin American culture with live music and authentic Latin cuisine prepared and sold by local restaurants. Included with zoo admission. 10 am-5 pm.
8 MON
www.nolaboomers.com
| september/october 2018
Learn to Play Mah Jongg New Orleans JCC Uptown, 5342 St. Charles Ave. This six-lesson class is perfect for Mah Jongg beginners or those who need a refresher course. Learn the game using the National Mah Jongg League rules. Email judy@nojcc.org to register or for more information. Classes held Mon., Tues., and Fri. through Oct. 19. 10 am-noon.
30
New Orleans Saints vs. Washington Redskins Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Be in that number when the Saints march in and take on the Redskins. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com. 7:15 pm.
9 TUES Sew Hip NOLA Milton H. Latter Memorial Library, 5120 St. Charles Ave. Sew Hip NOLA is a monthly gathering of intermediate sewists who meet to create various projects together. Upcoming projects and photos can be found on their Facebook group, Sew Hip NOLA. 6-7:30 pm.
Bridge City Gumbo Festival Gumbo Festival Park, 1701 Bridge City Ave., Bridge City. The “world famous” Gumbo is cooked daily at the festival grounds and over 2,000 gallons of both seafood and chicken/sausage gumbo will be prepared for our visitors during the festival. For more information, visit bridgecitygumbofestival.org. Continues through Oct. 14. Times vary by day. Crescent City Blues and BBQ Festival Lafayette Square Park, 540 St. Charles Ave. An award-winning event, with two stages of music, a dozen of the best barbecue vendors in the region and a huge arts market. For more information, please visit jazzandheritage.org/blues-fest. Free admission. Times vary by day. Continues through Oct. 14. WWII Air, Sea & Land Festival New Orleans Lakefront Airport, 6001 Stars and Stripes Blvd #219. The 5th annual historic WWII aircraft show at New Orleans Lakefront Airport, honoring the legacy of the WWII generation and highlighting the mighty machines that contributed to Allied victory on air, sea, and land. For more information, visit nationalww2museum.org. $25/adult, $20/senior 65+, free for children under 12. Times vary by day. Continues through Oct. 14.
13 SAT Community Yoga with STAR Yoga East New Orleans Regional Library, 5641 Read Boulevard. Enjoy a free yoga class with STAR Yoga. Bring your own yoga mat or towel. 11 am-noon.
17 WED New Orleans 300: Ancestral Suits Main Library, 219 Loyola Ave. Delve into the life of Patrina, Wild Queen of the Red Hawk Hunters, the first woman to lead a Mardi Gras Indian tribe with author, restaurateur, and founding member of the Peauxdunque Writers Alliance Maurice Carlos Ruffin. 6-7:30 pm.
19 FRI Dames at Sea BB’s Stage Door Canteen, 945 Magazine St. This production is a tongue-in-cheek version of those large, flashy, 1930s Busby Berkeley-style musicals in which the naive chorus girl arrives in New York on the bus, steps into a role on Broadway, and becomes a star. For more information, visit nationalww2museum.org. Tickets start at $29.68. Additional showings are available. 6-9:30 pm. Peter Pan Jefferson Performing Arts Center, 6400 Airline Dr., Metairie. Peter and his mischievous fairy sidekick, Tinkerbell, visit the nursery of the Darling children late one night and, with a sprinkle of pixie dust, begin a magical journey across the stars that none of them will forget. For more information, visit jpas.org. Ticket prices vary. Showtimes each weekend through Oct. 28.
20 SAT Country Smooth Fest Nola Motorsports Park, 11075 Nicolle Blvd, Avondale. The first Country Smooth Fest will feature 2 days of live country music and more. For more information, visit countrysmoothfest.com. Continues through Oct. 21. Nola Mac n’ Cheese Festival Armstrong Park. This year’s festival will showcase even more restaurants than last year as well as another outstanding musical lineup, new vendors and attractions. For more information, visit nolamacncheesefest.com. 11 am-6:30 pm. Krewe of Boo French Quarter. New Orleans’ official Halloween Parade featuring primarily locally made throws. For more information, visit kreweofboo.com. The parade will begin at 6:30 pm. O What A Night! Gala Ogden Museum of Southern Art, 925 Camp St. Dubbed “the Met Ball of the South,” O What A Night! is an unparalleled celebration of Southern art, culture and cuisine. For more information, visit ogdenmuseum.org/o-what-a-night/. $600/person. 6-11 pm.
23 TUES Crafty Hands Milton H. Latter Memorial Library, 5120 St. Charles Ave. Monthly meets to knit, crochet, and share ideas. Plus, donate to local organizations for their use and enjoyment. 5-6:30 pm. Hook, Book & Needle Craft Group Cita Dennis Hubbell Library, 725 Pelican Ave. Join other neighborhood knitters, crocheters, and needleworkers for our drop-in needlework group. Finish that project that’s been gathering dust, visit and share tips and ideas, or just hang out with other crafty folks. 6-7:30 pm.
26 FRI Voodoo Music + Arts Experience New Orleans’ City Park, Festival Grounds. With more than 65 bands during the annual three-day event, Voodoo features music, art, community, cuisine, and more. For more information, visit voodoofestival.com. Ticket prices and times vary by day. Continues through Oct. 28.
29 MON
31 WED
Halloween
september/october 2018 | www.nolaboomers.com
Film Screening and Murder Mystery Party BB’s Stage Door Canteen, 945 Magazine St. Join for a night of spooky revelry! A special happy hour, followed by a murder mystery party and film screening of The Cat and the Canary. For more information, visit nationalww2museum.org. 5-9 pm.
31