Nola Boomers Magazine - November/December 2019 by nola family magazine & nola boomers magazine

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019

THE GRANDPARENTS ISSUE CEO Grandma

Julia Bland p. 6

FIRST-TIME GRANDPARENTS What to Expect When Your Kids are Expecting p. 9

STAYING CONNECTED WHEN GRANDKIDS LIVE FAR AWAY p. 19

SKIP-GEN TRAVEL SKIPPING TOWN WITH THE GRANDKIDS p. 10

Happy Hours NOLA

THE HOLIDAYS JUST GOT MERRIER p. 2

Home for the Holidays

KNOWING WHEN YOUR PARENTS NEED HELP p. 15

r u o H y p p a H r o f s k n a h T g n i Giv the eather sets w r e b m e town, r Nov out on the The coole s g in n e v ne for e rathon perfect to oliday ma h g in til d n e p njoy — un but the im scary to e o to t p s p o lm l ha y makes it a list of loca a d e il p m g (or e co r an evenin now. We’v fo ll a c t a outs th on’t drain hour hang nds that w ie fr h it w evenings) er budget. iving dinn g s k n a h T your

SAKE CAFÉ

SNAKE AND JAKES

DOMENICA

Multiple locations, sakecafeonmagazine.com. Sake offers an impressive menu of spicy rolls, sashimi, edamame, and more from $3–$5. Cocktails, wines, and beer are half price. Happy Hour: 3–6 pm daily

7612 Oak St., snakeandjakes.com. Often called the “best dive bar in New Orleans,” Snake and Jakes offers well drinks, $2.50; Bud and Miller beer, $2; and wine, $3. Happy Hour: 7–10 pm daily

123 Baronne St. in the Waldorf/Roosevelt Hotel, domenicarestaurant.com. Feast on pizzas, half price, as well as a selection of well cocktails, wines, and beers, also at half price. Happy Hour: 2–6 pm daily

BARU

ELYSIAN BAR

3700 Magazine St., barutapasnola.com. Enjoy wines by the glass at half price and a selection of authentic tapas and Latin bar food. Check the Baru website for coupons for those over 55. Happy Hour: Tuesday–Friday, 5–7 pm

2317 Burgundy St. in the Hotel Peter & Paul, theelysianbar.com. New Orleans’ most dazzling new hotel offers a delightful selection of spritzers and tonics, $7, and a full menu of small plates and nibbles. Happy Hour: 3–6 pm daily

MEME’S 712 Judge Perez Dr., Chalmette, memesbarandgrille.com. All mixed drinks and wines are $5. Beer is half price. Meme’s has some of the best charbroiled oysters in town and raw oysters fresh off the boat at discounted prices. Happy Hour: Tuesday–Friday, 4:30–6:30 pm

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BAR FRANCES

From left: Bee Fitzpatrick, An n Ogden, Dabn share laughs an ey Jacob, and Sa d a wine slush lly O’Meallie y during Bordea ux’s happy ho ur.

4525 Freret St., barfrances.com. Order the mussels and hand-cut fries and enjoy the cool vibe of this place. Great selection of wines by the glass, $7, or draft beers, $4. Happy Hour: Monday–Thursday, 5–9 pm

HERMES BAR AT ANTOINE’S 725 St. Louis St., antoines.com. This chic bar has a nice selection of cocktails and wines for $6 a glass and domestic beers $3. Selection of bistro bites for $5 each. Happy Hour: Monday–Friday, 4–7 pm

DEANIE’S IN BUCKTOWN 1713 Lake Ave, Metairie, deanies.com. One of the area’s favorite seafood houses has a low-keyed happy hour. Look for wines, $4, and beer, $2. No food served at the bar — go figure. Happy Hour: Monday–Friday, 3–6 pm

ROSEDALE 801 Rosedale Dr., rosedalerestaurant.com. Chef Susan Spicer’s casual, down-home restaurant features cocktails, $4; draft beer, $5; and wine, $5. Order the cauliflower bites, $4; half a cochon de lait poboy, $5. Happy Hour: Wednesday–Sunday, 3–6 pm

BORDEAUX 4734 Magazine St., bordeauxnola.com. Happy Hour at Bordeaux can be enjoyed on the patio or indoors. We recommend the Frose, a crisp rose slushy, $5, and the whole wheat flatbread with prosciutto or beef tartar, $8. Happy Hour: Tuesday-Thursday, 4–6 pm, and Friday, 11 am–6 pm Let us know your favorite places in New Orleans for happy hour and why it’s a good Boomer destination. Send your recommendations to our managing editor, Tim Meyer, tim@nolaboomers.com. Laura Claverie is Nola Boomers’ executive editor. She is a local mother, grandmother, and writer.

publisher/editor ANN BOWER HERREN   ann@nolaboomers.com   managing editor TIM MEYER  tim@nolaboomers.com   executive editor   LAURA CLAVERIE claverip@gmail.com office  manager   JENNY ZIGLIN  jenny@nolaboomers.com advertising  sales   ANN BOWER HERREN   ann@nolaboomers.com   edit  interns THYME HAWKINS designer    CAT LANDRUM 2ND STORY CREATIVE ad production SARA YOUNGBLOOD  contributing photography   TWIRL PHOTOGRAPHY

For reprint information, contact ann@nolaboomers.com   Business Office:

8131 Oak St., Ste. 500, New Orleans, LA 70118

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november/december 2019 volume 2, issue 6  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.

Thirteen years ago, Philip and I became grandparents for the first time. It seems like yesterday when our son walked out of Touro’s delivery room with his son, Rylan, in his arms. Nearly three years later, our granddaughter, Amelia, arrived. We knew then, as we know now, that our world had been rocked forever. Being a grandparent is the most wonderful job in the world. So I am especially pleased to welcome some grandparents to this issue who do an exceptional job in this role. Julia Bland, CEO of the city’s newest showpiece, the Louisiana Children’s Museum in City Park, got firsthand experience and advice in the design and building process from her own grandsons, Wilton, 5, and Ford, 3. What a thrill it must be for those little guys to walk into that spectacular space and know that their “Gran” is the boss of it all. Julia shares her passion for early childhood education and family life in this issue. Former New Orleanian Annie Collins, a world traveler, is another grandmother to emulate. Annie owns a travel agency and through her world travels, she has brought each of her grandchildren on adventures of a lifetime. These grandparent/grandchild trips are called skip-gen travels as parents aren’t included. Philip and I traveled to Vietnam and Cambodia several years ago with Annie’s group, including her 14-yearold granddaughter, Emily. Our three weeks in Southeast Asia were lifechanging for all of us. Last, Boomers are often searching for economical ways to have fun and enjoy all that New Orleans has to offer. To that end, we are inaugurating our newest column on Happy Hours. Each restaurant or watering hole was recommended by a reader, just like you. The list runs the gamut from fancy to down-home and includes all parts of the metropolitan area. Feel free to recommend your favorite happy hour for an upcoming feature. Have a safe, happy holiday season from all of us at Nola Boomers. And if you are a grandparent, enjoy every second you have with those little guys. We know from experience, grandkids grow up at warp speed. Make every moment count.

Fearlessly Yours,

Laura Claverie

november/december 2019 | www.nolaboomers.com

A publication of

FROM LAURA

CONTENTS NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019

A FEW WORDS 3

From Laura

From the Editor

FEATURES 2

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Happy Hour Hangouts for the Holidays

What to Expect

When Expecting Your First Grandkid

Yoga for Life

Lessons From a 94-Year-Old Yogi

Memory Care When Being Forgetful Becomes Serious

REGULAR TOPICS 10

Travel

Skipping Town With the Grandkids

Aging In NOLA

Signs That Your Parents May Need Help

Freebies

Free and Cheap Things to Do in NOLA

Technology

Staying Connected With Out-of-Town Grandkids

On the Go

Where, When, and What to Do

ON THE COVER Julia Bland may be the big shot CEO of a New Orleans institution, but to her grandsons, Wilton, 5, and Ford, 3, sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just Gran. Photo by Twirl Photography.

CONTRIBUTORS

PAMELA MARQUIS, a freelance writer, has lived in New Orleans for more than 40 years.

FR OM THE EDITOR This issue celebrates grandparents. Our cover story on Juila Bland focuses on how her grandsons helped shape the new Louisiana Children’s Museum and two features highlight the dedication grandparents have for their grandchildren. This reminded me of my own grandparents. My maternal grandfather turned 93 in October. While on speakerphone, singing happy birthday to him, my 8-year-old son exclaims, “Hope you make it to 100!” There’s nothing like a kid reminding you of your mortality — but on the flip side, there’s nothing like a bond between grandparents and grandkids.

SARAH HERNDON is a freelance writer, mom, and a frequent contributor to our sister publication, Nola Family.

KATE STEVENS is a freelance writer and frequent contributor to our sister publication, Nola Family.

None of this has an affect on my son, however. He sees his great-grandpa as a big, bald teddy bear and his great-grandma’s “guilt look” is just a funny face that she sometimes uses to pretend she has any authority. My mother has this look too, which still gives me nightmares when I haven’t called her in a while — still, my son only sees Mimi making a weird face. My mother-in-law watched my son one night when he was around 5 and I asked if she could give him a bath before we pick him up (He hadn’t had one in two days; it was the summer.). Later, as I carried him to the car, I asked my mother-in-law if he had gotten a bath. She responded, “I asked him. He said he didn’t want one.” WHAT? That would have never flown when we were kids. My father-in-law is the same way. Regardless of this seemingly lost respect between the generations, my son doesn’t love his grandparents just because they sometimes give in; I’ve watched him fall in love with them, and vice versa, through bonding experiences that I, as a parent, could never give. Yes, they sometimes give him cheeseballs right before dinner, but they also give him that free-spirited kind of joy that grumpy old dad can’t. This is something that grandparents have earned.

Here’s To Grandparents,

Tim Meyer P.S. I am very proud to announce that Nola Boomers is now an award-winning magazine. In our first year competing against more established publications at the North American Mature Publishers Association Conference in October, we took home seven awards, including first place for travel and feature writing and second place for overall excellence. The award committee cites our “impressive variety” of content, “from features on accomplished community members to packages built with short bites for a quick read...It’s apparent that the staff gives careful attention to the needs of its readers.” We thank our awesome writers, designer, photographer, and especially, our readers. We can’t wait till next year.

november/december 2019 | www.nolaboomers.com

THYME HAWKINS is our amazing editorial intern.

I have to admit, until I was a teenager, I was terrified of my grandfather. He’s this big, hulky man with a big, deep voice, even at 93, that could shake the entire house like an earthquake. It didn’t help that he had a very crotchety cat when I was younger. And you never wanted to get on my grandmother’s bad side. She’s perfected the “guilt look” — that face only a maternal figure could give that sets a deep feeling of remorse in to her children and grandchildren.

Juila Bland and her grandsons, Wilton, 5, and Ford, 3, enjoy an afternoon outside the Louisiana Children’s Museum. Photos by Twirl Photography.

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From CEO to Gran

For Julia Bland, education and family go hand in hand.

Louisiana Children’s Museum CEO Julia Bland never had to look further than her own family for creative inspiration when it came to bringing the much-loved museum to life in City Park. Yes, there was copious research, focus groups, and community feedback. But Julia’s two grandsons— who call her Gran — Wilton, 5, and Ford, 3, influenced her personally when it came to building a new children’s museum from the ground up. “They’ve been great inspirations for me as we’ve planned these exhibits and it’s been fun to share plans with them,” she says.

Her grandsons live in New Orleans, for which Julia is very fortunate. “I’m really lucky that they live in the same city,” she says. “We do get together pretty much on a weekly basis.”

“When Ford was a less than a year old, I started a practice of taking him into the backyard to swing on the hammock and look for birds,” she says. “We would see them and identify their calls. Now he has an especially acute sight and ear for birds and is proud to identify doves, crows, and eagles (he thinks).” Julia oversaw the Louisiana Children’s Museum recent move from its home on Julia Street where it had resided for more than 30 years. The museum reopened Labor Day weekend in a brand-new $47.5 million, 8.5-acre campus in New Orleans City Park where it overlooks a lagoon. “We have had our doors open for a month and have been so positively received by the community,” Julia says. “It’s been very, very touching.”

Founded on Education

Julia comes from a family of educators. Her greatgrandfather founded the Webb School, which is celebrating its 150th anniversary in Bell Buckle, Tennessee. Her grandfather was president of the East Tennessee State University and the state commissioner of education. Her father founded and served as headmaster for the Webb School of Knoxville. While education is in her blood, “I’ve taken a slightly different path with a focus on early childhood,” Julia says. After graduating from the Webb School of Knoxville, Julia searched for a liberal arts school in the southeast. Her parents had honeymooned in New Orleans and Julia had visited an old camp friend here so when she was accepted at Newcomb College at Tulane University, she knew she had found a home away from home. Julia graduated in 1973 with a degree in art history and without any knowledge about the type of place she would spend a large part of her adult career — a children’s museum. Instead, Julia thought she would enter the field of museum art collection. Julia later met and married attorney Will Bland and together they raised three sons, Will, Webb, and John. Over the years, Julia experienced something many working women do. “I think my children changed my career path,” she says. She started off in the world of interior design and antiques but, “When I became a mother, my eyes were really opened to the kinds of experiences that mattered to them. And I was a very involved community volunteer in ways that impacted their lives.” Julia says she was inspired by her own children, who were all different learners and had very different strengths. As a parent, “You learn what your kids are good at,” she says.

She soon joined the museum’s board and when the museum director’s position became available, she was asked to serve as interim director while they found a new one. That was 21 years ago and Julia hasn’t looked back since. “I think we have looked at what this city and what this state needs with its children,” Julia says. “We have tried to respond accordingly.”

A New Louisiana Children’s Museum

She and others at the Louisiana Children’s Museum have been working to construct a new museum

As New Orleans recovered, the idea of a new and improved children’s museum lingered. The community’s needs were more important than ever. Julia says the board thought the concept of the museum expansion was a good one, but maybe it needed to be larger in scale.

“There’s a special kind of love that grandparents have for their grandchildren.”

Julia says she has been impacted by the continued low performance rankings of children in Louisiana. “Our children are consistently at the bottom of good lists and the top of bad lists,” she says. They sought to create a vastly different children’s museum than what is typically seen across the country. The museum would shift from looking only at the community’s children to their parents, their grandparents, teachers, and caregivers.

Hands-On Grandma

The museum is a good place for Wilton and Ford to see their grandmother combining her love for early childhood education and her love for her family. “There’s a special kind of love that grandparents have for their grandchildren,” Julia says. “Both my maternal and paternal grandmothers were loving matriarchs who established lasting traditions. The unconditional love that they modeled has been an inspiration for me. Whether the boys are helping to make cookies — and a big mess — or we are taking nature walks and listening to bird calls, or we gather with dozens of cousins — we are a family.”

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Then a friend asked her to help fundraise at the Louisiana Children’s Museum on Julia Street. “I gladly said I would because that was a place we enjoyed playing together as a family,” Julia says.

for the past 13 years. In the summer of 2005, they developed a plan on how it could better support families with shared resources. The board voted in August on an ambitious $2 million, three-year plan then promptly watched the plan wash away after Hurricane Katrina struck leaving the museum family scattered across the country.

Julia says Ford’s favorite exhibit is the 100-foot long water table representing the Mississippi River. Wilton’s favorite exhibit is the bean counter, a set of simple machines that moves coffee beans through a model Port of New Orleans. The exhibit, made in London, is the only one like it in the world, Julia says. Julia calls herself a pretty “hands-on” grandparent and loves to spend time reading with her grandsons. She loves to read the “Curious George” book series with Wilton who she says is quite curious himself. She also likes any Dr. Seuss book to help develop language and encourages rhyming games with them while driving in the car. “I have always tried to provide toys that have lasting and educational value, and have saved many of my children’s toys,

games, and books for future grandchildren,” she says. “Now that we have grandchildren, it is so fun to bring out the boxes of blocks or Legos or cars or puppets that my own children enjoyed. One thing that Julia has noticed is that she is much less rigid about reading a book from cover to cover with her grandchildren than she was with her own children. “Probably, my time as a mom was much more interrupted than my time as a grandmother,” she says. She says she now spends more time talking about what she and her grandsons see on a page than just reading the text. “It’s a lot more of an interactive experience in reading books that I’ve grown into now that I may not have done the same way when my boys were little.”

Kate Stevens is a freelance writer and frequent contributor to our sister publication, Nola Family.

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Debby Poitevent (standing) with daughter Evie Sanders and son-in-law Lem Sanders.

At just two days old, Amelia Laine Sander’s grandmother is already ahead of the grandparent curve.

FIRST-TIME GRANDPARENTING

Debby Poitevent, a first“The program that they time grandparent living in have for pregnant families Your kids are now having kids, but that the Uptown neighborhood, is pretty sophisticated and doesn’t mean everything you learned was more thrilled than comprehensive. I was really apprehensive about the impressed,” Poitevent says. 30 years ago still applies. birth of her granddaughter in early October. Yet when her Support System daughter suggested that she attend a The Parenting Center at Children’s grandparenting course at Ochsner Baptist Hospital in New Orleans offers a onein New Orleans to stay current on new trends hour “Grandparenting 101” class. Lisa Phillips, in child rearing, Poitevent thought it was a great a licensed social worker, helps to teach the class idea. and covers general topics such as breastfeeding and calming “People my age, soon to be grandparents, who say ‘I know all that’ — I can’t imagine what they already know because it was what I knew from almost 40 years ago and it’s so changed,” she says.

techniques, but also delves into how life has changed for this generation of parents. She discusses the growing expense of childcare, the role of technology (both bad and good), as well as less authoritarian discipline practices.

The “Grandparents” class is free and offered monthly “I love doing this grandparenting class. Everyone looks onsite at Ochsner Baptist. Jenifer Ducoing, a nurse so happy,” Phillips says. She adds that there is always and instructor at the medical center, designed the a lot of enthusiasm within the group because most class out of a need to update patients on the are first-time grandparents. latest in hospital protocols and child raising “These parents techniques. She overheard a conversation Phillips asks grandparents to think back to need to feel supported involving her sister telling her niece what when they were new parents. These parents and one should never would happen when she delivered her baby. need to feel supported and one should never She was taken aback by the answer so she assume that they assume that they know what is most helpful. For quickly interjected. know what is most instance, one mom or dad might need the baby

helpful.”

In addition to talking about changing practices with labor and delivery, Ducoing also covers the importance of skin-to-skin with newborns, breastfeeding, best sleep practices for baby, and new car seat laws. “If I teach grandparents, they are more understanding of how it works and why it’s a good thing,” she says. “They can be there to help and assist when they understand how it works and why things occur as they do.” Poitevent has learned about her role as a grandparent and the importance of being supportive without interfering. She says that Ducoing reminds them in the class that this is their grandchild and not their own child and to respect the parenting approach that their daughter or son has chosen to use.

held while they shower, but another might want to feed the baby while someone folds the laundry.

“It’s people telling you what a good job you are doing, empathizing with how hard it is, and asking what would be the most helpful thing that they can do for you,” Phillips says. While Poitevent and some of her grandparent-friends are concerned about how things have changed since they were raising their children, she feels that her daughter has adapted well to this new norm. “I am just so excited to see this little being. It’s our first grandchild. This is a real thrill,” she says.

Sarah Herndon is a freelance writer, mom, and frequent contributor to Nola Family.

november/december 2019 | www.nolaboomers.com

“Grandparents need to know how things have changed so we’re giving consistent information and a message to our patients,” Ducoing says.

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Adventures With Grandkids

Skip-generational travel is a bonding experience, but it may have more benefits for grandparents than grandkids.

Some grannies still spend time baking chocolate chip cookies with their grandchildren and some granddads still help them bait a hook to catch a few fish. But many more of today’s grandparents have an abounding sense of adventure. And a trend is catching on: skip-gen travel — grandparents taking fun-filled vacations with their grandkids without their parents hitching along. According to a new survey from the American Association of Retired Persons Research, about 40 percent of grandparents say they’ve traveled with their grandchildren. Annie Collins, owner and self-proclaimed travel architect of Freedom Travel in Alexandria, Louisiana, says the market for skip-gen travel is definitely growing. And she’s a part of the trend, taking all eight of her grandchildren on a variety of vacations from Cambodia to South Africa. Each grandchild getting a special trip. “I am passionate about this,” she says.“The grandchildren get to see some of the world. Not to mention, mom and dad will have a bit of time to themselves too. But it’s not just the kids who benefit from traveling. Who gets the most out of this? You might think it’s them but it’s you.” In fact, according to a recent study by the Cleveland Clinic, grandparents who help watch and spend time with their grandkids may actually live longer than their peers.

dmother, ent and gran As a travel ag has seen the benefits of Annie Collins el from both sides. skip-gen trav

“Kids away from their parents are different people, more open to ideas and willing to express themselves.” “I love time with my grands,” says Carol Lea LeBell of Metairie, who has also traveled extensively with her five grandchildren. “Kids away from their parents are different people, more open to ideas and willing to express themselves.” Ten years ago, LeBell took her first grandson, Andrew, on a trip to Disney World. She believes theme parks work very well because they have something for everyone. “Compromise is worked in because everyone, including me, gets to pick something they want to see or do with no complaints from the others,” she says. “He had so much fun, he decided I needed to do this with every grandchild. So the “10-year-old-to-Disney-vaca began.” For Richard, her third grandchild, it was his first time experiencing Disney World, Universal Studios, and his first time traveling by plane. It was also the longest he’d been away from his parents up to that point.

LeBell thinks trips can start as young as 6-years-old with short trips of two to three days. For the 10-year-old Disney trips, she suggests five to seven days.

A Bond Between Generations Veteran traveler Collins says the key to a successful skip-gen trip is to find what interests the grandchild. And that could be anything from riding horses to swimming with dolphins. She offers another hint: Her grandkids love taking cooking classes. By involving your grandchildren in the trip-planning process, you are giving them age-appropriate, decision-making power and teaching them how to plan meaningful travel experiences. “Bringing them into planning at an early stage is vital,” Collins says. “I’ll say, ‘We’re going to Paris and here’s the itinerary but you need to fill it in with things you want to do too.’ Get a map and a guidebook

grandchildren and discuss the options. Do make sure you schedule in some down time.”

As to the best destinations internationally, she recommends Paris and Rome. “Both of these have a WOW factor — definitely different — architecture, food, historic sites, and art,” she says. “Also, there’s fun things like bike tours through the streets of Paris and Vespa tours in Rome. These are things kids will remember forever.” To minimize travel difficulties, be sure to assemble all required travel documents for everyone in your group. Ask your grandchildren’s parents to give you your grandchildren’s health insurance cards and a notarized medical release form for each grandchild. If you are traveling out of the country, you will also need your grandchildren’s passports and a letter from their parents giving you permission to take your grandchildren across international borders. Have this letter notarized. Depending on your destination, you may also need to carry a copy of each grandchild’s immunization records. Both grandmothers agree: the most important thing that happens with these trips is the priceless, deepening bond between the generations. They suggest sharing with your grandchildren the stories of your youth. Tell them about the games you used to play, challenges you faced, or moments you were afraid or proud. Along the way, point out birds, flowers, or anything else you enjoy. Finally, of course, take lots of pictures. “This is a time of talking and sharing ideas,” Collins says. “How grandparents talk to the children is very different than how the parents talks to them. Actually, I feel on a more equal footing with the grandchildren than I do with my own children, whom I adore.” Ryan, Collins’ 13-year-old grandson, was anxious about his trip, and like most teenagers, he was taciturn and a bit testy during the flight to Rome. “I must say there was not much conversation on the plane,” Collins says. “However, on the drive to the hotel through Rome, I could hear him say underneath his breath, ‘Wow!’ That’s all I needed. I wept silently with joy because this was exactly what I wanted for him.”

Pamela Marquis, a freelance writer, has lived in New Orleans for more than 40 years.

november/december 2019 | www.nolaboomers.com

“Having my grandparents take me kept me from ever getting homesick and made the trip that much more enjoyable,” he says.

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A 94-year-old credits her good health to a lifelong passion for yoga. Practice What You Teach Hertha began teaching yoga in the ‘60s and was one of only two instructors in the city. But before she started teaching, like most New Orleanians, she knew very little about the practice. It was an accident that she became a yoga teacher at all. After Hertha’s first yoga class as a student, the instructor fell ill and asked her to take over the class. She knew very little about yoga, but Hertha took on the challenge. She studied and read everything she could about the practice. “Experience is the best teacher,” she says.

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At 94, Hertha Bart is still practicing yoga everyday.

At 94, Hertha Bart has seen the progression of yoga’s popularity in New Orleans over the years — perhaps even having a direct impact on the practice’s reception as one of the first to offer classes in the city. Today, she may no longer teach, but she says it’s a lifelong commitment that’s kept her in tip-top shape. “[Yoga] takes care of your entire body as well as your mind,” she says, attributing the practice to keeping her from suffering the usual ailments of aging, even at 94. “The only thing I couldn’t help is my hearing.” Hertha is limber and loose and has an obvious control over her body that most of us, at any age, do not — she still practices yoga everyday inside her Garden District condo.

Her class quickly gained popularity and attention from the larger community. Tulane University eventually called her one day and offered her a position to teach yoga to students. These classes became so popular that she outgrew her original space. Tulane had to find additional spaces around the city to accommodate the demand. She ended up driving all over the area to teach. Driving back from the Northshore one night after a class, Hertha had an epiphany. “Why was I working for someone else when I could work for myself?” she says. So she opened her own studio. After years of practicing and teaching, Hertha established a tough teaching style meant to challenge her students. “But I never pushed students to pain,” she says. “But discomfort, yes.” Students should only push their bodies as far as it could go, but never to the point of hurting themselves.

Nola Boomers’ managing editor, Tim Meyer, gets a bit of Hertha’s tough yoga instruction.

She would stand over her students to make sure they understood not only the poses but also remind them to relax and breathe. She says that remembering to exhale and inhale is just as important as the exercise itself. “When you hold in your breath, you tense up,” she says. “Not good for stretching.” If it weren’t for Hurricane Katrina, which wiped out her studio, Hertha confidently says that she’d still be teaching, “indefinitely.”

Swiss Export Yoga isn’t Hertha’s only firsts. She was one of the first European brides to move to the U.S. after WWII. In 1946, she emigrated from Switzerland after marrying Morris Bart, an American officer in the Army. “Europeans weren’t coming over to America then,” she says. “I was like a celebrity for a while. It was like I dropped from Mars.”

Orleans about 15 years later after Morris accepted a business opportunity in the city. “I can’t even picture him doing it,” Hertha says about whether or not her husband also enjoyed yoga.

Daily Dose While Hertha may chalk her yoga skills up to her natural disposition to physical activity, she recommends daily practice for anyone who feels comfortable enough to it, even those who have never tried it. “It’s never too late,” she says. However, to really reap its benefits, yoga must be practiced everyday, even if it’s only the basic poses, no matter the age. “Listen to your body,” Hertha says. “Only go as far as your body allows you.” An article from The New York Times chronicles Hertha’s move from Europe to the U.S.

The New York Times even wrote a profile about Hertha’s journey from her homeland to the U.S. Morris was in real estate development — not a career army man; he was out as soon as they arrived in the U.S. They first settled in Knoxville, Tennessee, then moved to New

Tim Meyer is Nola Boomer’s managing editor.

Thyme Hawkins is an editorial intern with Nola Boomers. She is a student at Loyola University, class of 2021.

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magazine

Home for the Holidays Recognizing the signs when your parents might need help.

About 70 percent of adults over the age of 65 will need longterm care at some point in their lives, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The most crucial part, however, is being able to identify when your parents have reached that point. One thing is certain: your parents probably won’t be the ones to tell you they need help, so being home for the holidays is a good opportunity to observe them further if you’ve noticed what looks like the beginnings of dementia, Parkinson’s disease, or even arthritis. Identifying the signs could give your parents more time to plan.

Memory Loss Everyone forgets a date or appointment every now and then, but will remember them later. However, forgetting events regularly and never realizing it is not an issue to ignore. This is an early sign of dementia, and these minor lapses in memory could start to reach further back in your parent’s mind.

Everyday Tasks Struggling with everyday tasks can vary from making a cup of coffee to changing television channels. They may also begin to struggle with speaking, writing, and communicating with others. Isolated events, like forgetting how to operate new technology, are not a cause for concern, but repeated struggles with common information and communication should be taken seriously.

wandering outside is an issue, especially if they become confused by their surroundings.

Driving If you ride with your parents and find yourself fearing for your life or theirs, let them know. They may not tell you they are having difficulty driving, focusing, or seeing, but if you notice a change in their driving, or random dents in their car, they may be experiencing some, or all, of those symptoms.

Cleanliness It is time to debunk the myth that people and their houses just begin to smell differently with age. A change in odor due to a decline in personal hygiene or cleanliness around the home could mean that your parents cannot take care of themselves regularly.

Bathroom Blues

Sight declines naturally with age, but difficulty understanding the difference between figures and distance is unrelated to mere aging. Spatial and visual image recognition can affect balance, reading, and driving. Related issues may be difficulty keeping track of the passage of time and being unable to figure out what time of day it is outside.

Depending on sex and lifestyle, it can become difficult to control when you need to go as you age. Menopause may affect a women’s ability to control her bladder. Some other related issues may make it more difficult to relieve yourself. Constipation and urinary incontinence may make it difficult for your parents to live on their own.

Wandering When you visit your parents, notice how often they wander. They may walk around a bit when you step away. If their environment is safe, this may not be an issue, but

It is hard to ask for help or talk about these problems, but it is important to remember that quality of life may be at stake. Note: Always consult a doctor if you think your parents might be a candidate for longterm care.

• Noticeable weight loss • Sloppy appearance/poor hygiene.

• Bruises on the body from falls. • Noticeable burns on the skin. • Difficulty completing regular tasks.

• Automobile dents and scratches.

• Urine odor in house (signs of incontinence).

• Pots and pans with noticeable burn marks.

• Unopened mail/unpaid bills. • Unfilled prescriptions. • Lack of drive or motivation. • Failure to return your phone calls. Source: Agingcare.com

Thyme Hawkins is an editorial intern with Nola Boomers and our sister publication, Nola Family. She is a student at Loyola University, class of 2021.

november/december 2019 | www.nolaboomers.com

Time

Determining if Your Aging Parents Need Help at Home: A Checklist

s e i b e e r F PENING P A H S P E E K UFF THAT AND COOL ST

Museums and Exhibits

Museum Highlights Tour New Orleans Museum of Art. NOMA docents guide visitors on hour-long tours of either the permanent collection or special exhibitions. Tours are free with NOMA admission. Meet in the Great Hall to join in. Every Tuesday–Sunday, 1–2 pm.

Free Wednesdays New Orleans Botanical Garden. Free admission for Louisiana residents, courtesy of the Helis Foundation. 10 am–5 pm.

Free Admission to the Interpretive Center

Audubon Louisiana Nature Center, Learn about the native environment of Louisiana. Wednesday–Sunday, 10 am–4:30 pm.

Newcomb Art Museum Woldenberg Art Center, Tulane University. Free and open to the public. Open Tuesday–Friday, 10 am–5 pm, and Saturday, 11 am–4 pm.

New Orleans Jazz Museum Old U.S. Mint. Open Tuesday–Sunday, 10 am–4:30 pm, $6 for senior citizens, 20 percent off with purchase of tickets for two or more museums.

Free Wednesdays New Orleans Museum of Art. Free admission for Louisiana residents, courtesy of The Helis Foundation. 10 am–6 pm.

Free Thursdays Ogden Museum of Southern Art. Free admission for Louisiana residents, courtesy of The Helis Foundation. 10 am–5 pm.

Cooking Demonstration and Tasting in the Kitchen in the Garden

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| november/december 2019

City Park. Chefs regularly visit the new kitchen in the garden to teach their special cooking styles. Visit citypark.com/botanicalgarden/kitchen-in-the-garden for more information.

Ogden After Hours Ogden Museum of Southern Art. The weekly entertainment series is held every Thursday night. For more information, call 504.539.9650. 6–8 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 Audubon Nature Institute, The National World War II Museum, New Orleans Museum of Art, and more 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.

Learning & Resources YES Adult Education Main Library. Enrolled students receive individualized teaching focused on academic skills, workforce development, and technological knowledge. Enrollment is required. Call 504.596.3842 or email yes@ymcaneworleans.org to enroll. Mondays–Thursdays, 10 am–6 pm.

Computer Class Nora Navra Library. Designed for those who are just beginning to learn about technology or who would like to grow their digital skills and utilize the many digital resources the library offers. Reservations required by calling 504.596.3118. Tuesdays & Thursdays, 9–10 am.

E-Resources Happy Hour Smith Library, Wednesdays, 10–11 am, and Latter Library, Sundays, 1–2 pm. Learn about the many electronic resources, including e-books and audiobooks, available through the Library. Bring your laptop, smart phone, tablet, or e-reader with you, along with a valid library card.

Ask About Medicare Rosa F. Keller Library & Community Center. Come in for a personalized one-on-one educational drop-in and get answers.

Book Clubs and Conversation Groups

Find out what Medicare covers, what it costs, how and when to enroll, and what your options are. Educational materials will also be available. Wednesdays, 5–7 pm.

Coffee & Coloring

Ranger Talk French Quarter Visitor Center. Join a ranger, Tuesdays–Saturdays, in the visitor center courtyard to discover New Orleans’ history and culture. 9:30 am.

Wetlands Walk Barataria Preserve. Every Wednesday–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 504.689.3690 ext. 10. 10 am.

Historic Thibodaux Walking Tour Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center. Join a National Park Service ranger for a free one-hour walking tour of historic Thibodaux. Every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday at 10:30 am.

Main Library. Spend the afternoon in a relaxing environment with coffee, coloring, and conversation. Coloring materials provided, but you are welcome to bring your own. Free. Repeats every month on the first Wednesday. 2–3:30 pm.

Discussing the New Yorker Rosa F. Keller Library & Community Center. Read and discuss The New Yorker using hard copies in the library or the online version on Flipster. Registration required by emailing j.henree14@gmail. com. Free. Repeats every Thursday. 1–2:30 pm.

Poetry Buffet Milton H. Latter Memorial Library. Local poets share their work in a monthly gathering. Free. Repeats each month on the first Saturday. 2–4 pm.

Southern Nights Book Club

Fitness Fun Water Aerobics Locations vary. Join one of NORD’s water aerobics classes for non-weight bearing exercise. No prerequisites. Visit nordc.org/ aquatics for more information.

Senior Dance Fitness St. Maria Goretti Church, 7300 Crowder Blvd. Stretching, cardio through dance, fun music, and healthy eating/lifestyle education for men and women ages 55 and older. Registration is free and ongoing. Visit nordc.org/activities/senior-activities for more information. Mondays, 10:30 am–12:30 pm.

Restorative Candlelight Yoga, City Park. A gentle moving class to help tune in to the mind and spirit, while providing the body support in deep restorative poses. $8/person. Mondays, 6–7:15 pm.

Nola Happy’s Running Club

Milton H. Latter Memorial Library. Discuss a new book about the south by a southern author each month. Free. Repeats every month on the second Thursday. 6–7 pm.

English Conversation Circle Rosa F. Keller Library & Community Center. A welcoming community looking to strengthen their English speaking skills. Geared towards the English-as-a-second-language community. Free. Repeats every Tuesday. 6–7:45 pm.

La Table Louisianaise Rosa F. Keller Library & Community Center. Join the Louisiana French conversation and discussion group to learn about the history of French in Louisiana, its presence today, and its future. All fluency levels welcome. Free. Repeats every Tuesday. 6–7 pm.

Spanish Conversation Circle Rosa F. Keller Library & Community Center. A comfortable environment to improve Spanish language fluency. Free. Repeats every Wednesday. 6–7 pm.

Manning’s. Happy’s is your weekly, fun and relaxed social run through Downtown, French Quarter, the CBD, or the Riverfront. Route specifics are announced on the Happy’s Facebook page. Wednesdays, 7:15–8 am.

Queer Book Club

Free Zumba Class

Toastmasters

Nature Center Walking Trails Audubon Louisiana Nature Center. Visit the restored Nature Center’s new walking trails. Free. Open daily. 8 am–4 pm.

Swan River Flow Swan River Yoga. Community class for $8 every Saturday at 9 am. Focus on breathing and physical poses to start the morning right.

Rosa F. Keller Library and Community Center. Whether you have a big speech coming up or just want to improve your confidence, come learn public speaking skills to be a more effective communicator. Free. Repeats every Monday. 6–7:30 pm.

Bookie Boomers Book Club Milton H. Latter Memorial Library. New members are always welcome to join this monthly book club. Free. Repeats every month on the second Thursday. 11 am–12:30 pm.

november/december 2019 | www.nolaboomers.com

Milne Rec Center. Free classes provided by NORD. Instructor Diobelkis is bringing the Latin flava & heat to the dance floor, NOLA style. Wednesdays, 6–7 pm.

Main Library. Meet with other LGBTQ+ community members and allies to discuss radical books and sip tea. Free. Repeats every month on the second Sunday. 2:30–3:30 pm.

www.nolaboomers.com

| november/december 2019

THE GRAND CONNECTION Technology can help with a lot of things, like teaching your granddaughter how to sew — even if she lives 1,000 miles away.

The holidays are meant to be a relaxing time spent with family, especially spoiling the grandchildren, but if they’re spread across the country, this time is anything but easy. The good news is that we live in the 21st century. “Naturally, we fly into town for big events, and they come to New Jersey for alternating Christmases and summer vacations,” says Maryann Wejnert. “However, when it comes to the daily events, we try to be engaged with those as well.” She and her husband, Lou, live in New Jersey, but have two grandchildren, Rylan, 12, and Amelia, 10, in New Orleans. They’ve used everything from Facetime to the postal service to stay connected. Here are five ways all grandparents who live far away from their grandchildren can stay in touch all year long.

FACETIME

SNAIL MAIL

For grandparents with an iPhone, FaceTiming is probably the easiest way to see the smiling faces of their grandchildren whenever you want or watch their latest recital or soccer game. While it isn’t the same as a warm hug, the interaction can still be meaningful. For grandparents with other smartphone models, apps like Tango, Google Hangouts, and Skype are all free.

Kids are used to receiving gifts instantly with digital gift cards sent through email, but their eyes still light up when a package with their name on it is waiting for them after school. Staying connected doesn’t have to be high high-tech. Grandparents can sign up for a subscription box to be sent to the grandchildren’s homes every month or their own personalized grandparent care package.

“FaceTime and videos have been our biggest assets,” Wejnert says. “Plus, it helps that our daughter takes photos and videos of their events and gives us a play-by-play in realtime.” Wejnert and her granddaughter love to sew. When Amelia needed help threading the bobbin on a new sewing machine, they FaceTimed and Wejnert walked her through the process.

Bedtime stories can be a precious time. Now, with tablets and other smart devices, out-of-town grandparents can record themselves reading a favorite bedtime story. Then the parents can show the video to their kids as they follow along with the same book.

GAMING SMORGASBORD The beauty of the internet is that it’s open 24/7 and is a smorgasbord of gaming. card games, crosswords, word games, chess, and more are all online and ready to play whenever the grandchildren are home from school and have finished their homework. Smartphone apps like Words With Friends allows users to invite other their “friends” to a Scrabble-like word game. One player makes a move, then waits for the other player to respond on their own time.

TIME ZONES APART Older kids may want to communicate with grandparents “their” way — via text, email, instant messages, or Facebook. Social media is an easy way to view photos and events, especially if grandparents and grandchildren are several time zones apart. A private group just for family on Facebook can also keep that special connection when it’s 4 am local time and 11 am their time. “While they are not driving distance away, they are with us every day,” Wejnert says. “We know their schedules, we cheer for them long distance, cherish the videos/photos, and love and miss them like crazy.”

november/december 2019 | www.nolaboomers.com

RECORDING A STORY

“It helps that we have no clothing tax in Jersey and Nannie and Grandpa love to shop for the active wear,” Wejnert says. “We love to send the UPS boxes to their dad’s office filled with treats and some surprises for each of them.”

www.nolaboomers.com

| november/december 2019

Finding Your Memory Care

Most nursing homes aren’t equipped for residents with dementia. That’s where memory care facilities come in. You’ve misplaced your car keys three times this month. Could this be a natural, but slow decline of memory from getting older, or a precursor to more serious issues like Alzheimer’s disease? Aging doesn’t always affect memory, but it could be a frightening experience when it does. What are your or your parent’s options if it is something serious? The traditional nursing home or retirement community isn’t equipped to support the needs of those suffering with memory-affecting disorders. However, a section of nursing home care is. One of the fastest-growing types of residential senior care is memory care, a distinct form of long-term care designed to

meet the specific needs of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, or other types of memory problems. It provides 24-hour supervised care, sometimes within a separate wing of a larger residential facility or a small center with a limited number of rooms or beds. Dementia encompases a range of disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease, that cause chronic memory loss. In order to be a candidate for memory care with dementia, a doctor must find that a patient has a decline in two or three areas out of four cognitive abilities: orientation, organization, language, and memory. To make that diagnosis, a doctor or neurologist typically administers several mental-skill challenges.

There is no definitive test for Alzheimer’s disease — doctors mostly rely on observation while ruling out other possibilities. Either way, a doctor’s referral is needed to enter a memory care facility. Memory care facilities have a lot of things in common with assisted living facilities and nursing homes: 24-hour staff, activities, housekeeping, on-call physicians, meal preparation, and more, but the key difference is built around keeping residents safe. Memory care facilities safety features include an emergency response system, alarmed doors so seniors can’t wander out of the community, and a handicap accessible environment. Many facilities have enclosed courtyards so residents can explore without getting lost. A good memory care facility also offers color-coded hallways to help with navigation, therapeutic programs that address memory impairment, outreach programs for families, and specialized social activities.

Below is list of memory facilities in the Greater New Orleans area. Sunrise of Metairie

Laketown Village

Woldenberg Village

(sunriseseniorliving.com, 504.273.4366)

(pegasusseniorliving.com, 504.467.1000)

3732 W. Esplanade Ave., Metairie 70002 Other Services: Assisted Living Total # of Beds/Semi-Private or Private: 72/Yes Payment: Private Pay

1600 Joe Yenni Blvd., Kenner 70065 Other Services: Assisted Living, Retirement Community Total # of Beds/Semi-Private or Private: 25/Yes Payment: Private Pay

(touro.com/woldenberg-village, 504.367.5640)

St. Anthony’s Healthcare & Rehab Center

Harvard House

(stanthonynh.com, 504.733.8448)

(504.884.1063)

6001 Airline Dr., Metairie 70003 Total # of Beds/Semi-Private or Private: 124/Yes Payment: Insurance, Private Pay, Medicaid, Medicare, V.A. Contacts

5304 Erlanger Rd., Kenner 70065 Total # of Beds/Semi-Private or Private: 8/Yes Payment: Private Pay

Academy House

(wynhoven.org, 504.347.0777)

(theacademyhouse.net, 504.884.1063)

Wynhoven Healthcare Center 1050 Medical Center Blvd., Marrero 70072 Other Services: Nursing Home Total # of Beds/Semi-Private or Private: 166/Yes Payment: Medicaid, Medicare

The Atrium Assisted Living

Marrero Healthcare Center

(504.454.6635)

(nexion-health.com/marrero-healthcare, 504.341.3658)

6555 Park Manor Dr., Metairie 70003 Other Services: Assisted Living Total # of Beds/Semi-Private or Private: 78/Yes Payment: Private Pay

Bayside Health Care (baysidehealthcare.net, 504.393.1515) 3201 Wall Blvd., Gretna 70056 Other Services: Nursing Home Total # of Beds/Semi-Private or Private: 150/Yes Payment: Medicaid, Medicare

5301 August Ave., Marrero 70072 Other Services: Nursing Home Total # of Beds/Semi-Private or Private: 105/Yes Payment: Insurance, Private Pay, Medicaid, Medicare

The Suites at Algiers Point (algierspointsuites.com, 504.362.7166) 813 Pelican Ave., N.O. 70114 Other Services: Assisted Living Total # of Beds/Semi-Private or Private: 53/Yes Payment: Private Pay

Poydras Home (poydrashome.com, 504.897.0535) 5354 Magazine St., N.O. 70115 Other Services: Adult Daycare, Continuum of Care Retirement Community Total # of Beds/Semi-Private or Private: 110/Yes Payment: Private Pay

HomeLife in the Gardens (homelifeinthegardens.com, 504.894.6100) 1101 Aline St., N.O. 70115 Other Services: Assisted Living Total # of Beds/Semi-Private or Private: 95/Yes Payment: Insurance, Private Pay, V.A. Contacts

St. Anna’s at Lambeth House (lambethhouse.com, 504.865.1960) 150 Broadway, N.O. 70118 Other Services: Continuum of Care Retirement Community Total # of Beds/Semi-Private or Private: 72/Yes Payment: Private Pay

november/december 2019 | www.nolaboomers.com

4324 Academy Dr., Metairie 70003 Total # of Beds/Semi-Private or Private: 6/Yes Payment: Private Pay

3701 Behrman Pl., N.O. 70114 Other Services: Continuum of Care Retirement Community Total # of Beds/Semi-Private or Private: 120/Yes Payment: Medicaid, Medicare, V.A. Contacts

Vista Shores

West Bank Lighthouse New Orleans

Heritage Manor of Mandeville

(vistashores.com, 504.288.3737)

(westbanklighthouse.com, 504.931.6048)

(heritagemanormandeville.com, 985.626.4798)

1712 Holiday Dr., N.O. 70131 Total # of Beds/Semi-Private or Private: 7/Yes Payment: Insurance, Private Pay

1820 Causeway Approach, Mandeville 70471 Other Services: Nursing Home Total # of Beds/Semi-Private or Private: 145/Yes Payment: Insurance, Private Pay, Medicaid, Medicare

5958 St. Bernard Ave., N.O. 70122 Other Services: Assisted Living Total # of Beds/Semi-Private or Private: 162/Yes Payment: Insurance, Private Pay, V.A. Contacts

St. Joseph Nursing & Rehab Center (stjosephofharahan.com, 504.738.7676)

100 Christwood Blvd., Covington 70433 Other Services: Assisted Living, Retirement Community Total # of Beds/Semi-Private or Private: 223/Yes Payment: Private Pay

Peristyle Residence Lakeview House

Avanti Senior Living at Covington

(peristyleresidences.com, 504.517.3273)

(covington.avanti-sl.com, 985.317.6110)

858 Mouton St., N.O. 70124 Total # of Beds/Semi-Private or Private: 7/Yes Payment: Insurance, Private Pay, V.A. Contacts

2234 Watercross Pkwy, Covington 70433 Other Services: Assisted Living, Retirement Community Total # of Beds/Semi-Private or Private: 98/Yes Payment: Private Pay

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St. Anthonyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Gardens

(lafonnursingfacility.com, 504.241.6285)

(stanthonysgardens.org, 985.288.1075)

6900 Chef Menteur Hwy, N.O. 70126 Other Services: Nursing Home Total # of Beds/Semi-Private or Private: 148/Yes Payment: Insurance, Private Pay, Medicaid, Medicare, V.A. Contacts

601 Holy Trinity Dr., Covington 70433 Other Services: Assisted Living, Retirement Community Total # of Beds/Semi-Private or Private: 99/Yes Payment: Insurance, Private Pay, V.A. Contacts

JoEllen Smith Living Center

www.nolaboomers.com

(christwoodrc.com, 985.898.0515)

405 Folse Dr., Harahan 70123 Other Services: Nursing Home Total # of Beds/Semi-Private or Private: 192/Yes Payment: Private Pay, Medicaid, Medicare

Lafon Nursing Facility of the Holy Family

Christwood Retirement Community

(jesliving.com, 504.361.7923)

The Trace

4502 General Meyer Dr., N.O. 70131 Other Services: Continuum of Care Retirement Community Total # of Beds/Semi-Private or Private: 176/Yes Payment: Insurance, Private Pay, Medicaid, Medicare, V.A. Contacts

(thetraceseniorliving.com, 985.241.4310)

Our Lady of Wisdom Healthcare Center (olwhealth.org, 504.394.5991) 5600 General de Gaulle Dr., N.O. 70131 Other Services: Nursing Home Total # of Beds/Semi-Private or Private: 138/Yes Payment: Private Pay, Medicaid, V.A. Contacts

19432 Crawford Rd., Covington 70433 Other Services: Assisted Living, Retirement Community Total # of Beds/Semi-Private or Private: 77/Yes Payment: Private Pay

Pontchartrain Healthcare Center (pontcare.com, 985.626.8581) 1401 Hwy 190, Mandeville 70448 Total # of Beds/Semi-Private or Private: 127/Yes Payment: Insurance, Private Pay, Medicaid, Medicare

Beau Provence (beauprovence.com, 985.778.0755) 100 Beau West Dr., Mandeville 70471, Other Services: Assisted Living Total # of Beds/Semi-Private or Private: 46/Yes Payment: Private Pay

Brookdale Mandeville (brookdale.com, 985.200.0203) 1414 N. Causeway Blvd., Mandeville 70471 Other Services: Assisted Living Total # of Beds/Semi-Private or Private: 107/Yes Payment: Private Pay, V.A. Contacts

The Windsor Senior Living Community (windsorseniorliving.com, 985.624.8040) 1770 N. Causeway Blvd., Mandeville 70471 Other Services: Assisted Living, Retirement Community Total # of Beds/Semi-Private or Private: 136/Yes Payment: Private Pay

Tim Meyer is Nola Boomerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s managing editor.

Enjoy a three-course meal by chef Susan Spicer on November 5. See Chef Susan Spicer at the Kitchen in the Garden Photo by Twirl Photography.

NOVEMBER FRI 1

Newcomb Pottery Tour

Big Easy Con

(continues all weekend) Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. New Orleans large popular culture festival with an artist alley, makers market, and more. Tickets start at $10/person. Time varies by day.

AKS Bead and Gem Show

(continues all weekend) Pontchartrain Convention and Civic Center. Browse wholesale beads, jewelry, supplies, gemstones, and more. $5/person. Time varies by day.

SAT 2

November

continues on weekends until November 10 Rivertown Theaters for the Performing Arts. Laugh about the main character of this play, a crooked politician, during early November. $35/person. 7:30 pm and 2 pm Sunday matinee.

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow

repeats on Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays until November 10 New Orleans Museum of Art. NOLA Project performs a new spin on the classic spooky tale in the sculpture garden for an outdoor, immersive experience. Bring your own seat. $30/person for nonmembers. $25/person for members. 7–9 pm.

Uncorked! A History of Wine in New Orleans

Williams Research Center. Participate in the Historic New Orleans Collection’s culinary series about the history of wine in New Orleans. $60/person for nonmembers. $50/person for members. 10 am–2:30 pm.

Freret Market Freret St. and Napoleon Ave. Listen to music, check out local food and art vendors, and spend some time outside with friends. 12–4 pm.

november/december 2019 | www.nolaboomers.com

Newcomb Art Museum. Learn about the history of the Newcomb enterprise and join a guided tour of the museum’s permanent collection. Noon–1 pm.

o G ThINeNOLA 23

Creating Bonsai from Garden Center Stock

City Park. Learn bonsai care basics and create your own bonsai tree. Bring your own apron, bonsai pot, scissors, and garden gloves. Soil, wire, and juniper will be provided. $35/person. 9 am–noon.

Lagniappe Lunch repeats every other week Hermann-Grima House. Bring your lunch and questions to this group that provides a break during the week. Water provided. Donations welcome. 11:30 am–1 pm.

Pelicans vs. Toronto Raptors

Smoothie King Center. Cheer on the Pels as they take on the 2019 NBA Finals Championship team the Toronto Raptors. Ticket prices vary. Tipoff at 7 pm.

Chef Mike Friedman and Dan Stein in the Kitchen in the Garden Mini Tree Decorating

Michael’s, 2900 S. Claiborne Ave. Buy the miniature tree in store, and the decorating supplies will be provided. 1–3 pm.

City Park. Drink beer and learn to make pizzas complete with proper dough tossing from Mike Friedman of Pizza Delicious and Dan Stein of Stein’s Deli. $40/person. 6–8 pm.

Green Wave vs. Tulsa Golden Hurricane

Yulman Stadium. Support Tulane Green Wave football as they take on the Golden Hurricanes at home. For more information, visit tulanegreenwave.com. Tickets start at $25/person.

TUES 5

Margaret Wilkerson Sexton Book Signing Octavia Books. National Book Award nominee visits in support of her new novel “The Revisioners.” 6 pm.

Chef Susan Spicer in the Kitchen in the Garden

City Park. Enjoy a fresh-cooked, threecourse meal from Chef Susan Spicer paired with wine. $95/person. 6–9 pm.

THURS 7

Exhibit Opening with Artist Talk Longue Vue House and Gardens. Learn about Longue Vue’s newest exhibition “Overgrowth” from artist in residence Hannah Chalew and guest artists. 5:30–7 pm.

FRI 8

Victory Ball

National World War II Museum. Experience an evening dedicated to the service of veterans and servicemembers. Cocktails, dinner, and music fill the evening. 1940s attire and uniforms are welcome. Discounts available for servicemembers and veterans. Ticket prices vary. 7–10 pm.

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| november/december 2019

Dear Evan Hansen

repeats daily until November 10 Saenger Theatre. One of Broadway’s newer and most successful plays is coming to New Orleans for a limited run. Ticket prices vary. Showtimes vary by day.

WED 6

Songs that Won the War

repeats every Wednesday National World War II Museum. Listen as the Victory Belles bring back the songs that inspired the troops during the war. Lunch included with ticket. $42.99/ person for nonmembers. $2 discount for members. 11:45 am–1:45 pm.

Gretna Green Fever

Timberlane Country Club, 1 Timberlane Drive, Gretna. Travel back to the 80’s during this golf tournament hosted at Timberlane. Registration costs vary. Registration begins at 8 am.

Creativity, Humor, and Altered States at Improv New Orleans Louis J. Roussel Performance Hall, Loyola University. Fill the evening with laughter at this improv event featuring environmentalist Michael Pollan and ethnobotanist Mark Plotkin. Book signing after the event. $15/person. 7:30–9:30 pm.

Super Plant Sale repeats on Saturday City Park. Browse and shop from Louisiana super plants provided by LSU’s Agricultural center. 10 am–4 pm.

SAT 9

Sketching in the Courtyard

Hermann-Grima House. Local artist Sarah Nelson leads drawing time in the courtyard for artists of all levels of experience. Materials and refreshments provided. Guests are welcome to bring their own tools. $25/person nonmembers. $20/person members. 10 am–noon.

Piety in Exile Market New Orleans Healing Center. Browse arts, crafts, and handmade goods from over 50 vendors. Live music and food also available. 11 am–4 pm.

Michael Tisserand at Improv New Orleans

Freeman Auditorium, Tulane University.. Share an evening with renowned cartoonist Jules Feiffer and local author Michael Tisserand. $15/person. 7–9 pm.

YMCA Corporate Cup 5K

YMCA of Greater New Orleans, Metairie. Support YMCA Education Services for adult literacy programs by participating in this race. Registration prices increase closer to race day. 7 am.

Veteran’s Keepsake Box

Home Depot, 1100 S. Claiborne Ave. Prepare for Veteran’s Day with this workshop to build a box to hold dog tags, military patches, challenge coins, and more. Buy your supplies to complete the craft in store with associate assistance. 10–11:30 am.

Pelicans vs. Houston Rockets

Smoothie King Center. Cheer on the Pels as they take on the Rockets. Ticket prices vary. Tipoff at 7 pm.

TUES 12

DIY Christmas Ornament

Michael’s, 2900 S. Claiborne Ave. Buy the small plastic ornament and decorating supplies will be provided. 1–3 pm.

Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Cheer on the Saints as they take on NFC South rival the Falcons. Ticket prices vary. Kickoff at noon.

Holiday Wreath Making Workshop City Park. Join Stephen Sonnier of Dunn and Sonnier Antiques in the kitchen in the garden to learn how to make a holiday wreath. $80/person. 6–8 pm.

MON 11

Knit-In at the Museum National World War II Museum. Knit scarves and other crafts for veterans while enjoying light refreshments and conversation with fellow knitters. Noon–3 pm.

Octavia Books. Learn about local history in Miki Pfeffer’s new book “A New Orleans Author in Mark Twain’s Court: Letters from Grace King’s New England Sojourns.” 6 pm.

Exploring the Diaspora: Benin Republic

SUN 10

Saints vs. Atlanta Falcons

Miki Pfeffer Book Signing

WED 13

Debauchery

Southern Rep Theatre Lagniappe Stage. Experience New Orleans’ only live soap opera about a local family. $10/person. 7:30 pm.

Ashe Cultural Arts Center. Learn about the culture, customs, and race in the Benin Republic from Tulane University Ph.D. student Sarah M. Reynolds. 4–6 pm.

German Influence on Louisiana Foodways Cita Dennis Hubbell Library. Director of the Food and Beverage Museum Jennie Merills traces the history of German influence on the development of Louisiana cuisine and beverages. 6:30–8 pm.

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Gallery Talk with Curatorial Fellow Brian Piper New Orleans Museum of Art. View and discuss a seven year photo documentary of the wetlands in the collection titled “Tina Freeman: Lamentations.” Free for Louisiana residents. Noon–1 pm.

Chef Jessie Gelini in the Kitchen in the Garden

City Park. Learn how to make fresh cranberry preserves with hibiscus from Chef Jessie Gelini just in time for Thanksgiving. $40/person. 6–8 pm.

Just Trust Elvis Costello and the Imposters

Saenger Theatre. English pop/rock musician Elvis Costello crosses the pond for an American tour. Ticket prices vary. Show starts at 8 pm.

THURS 14

FRI 15

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Crescent City Big Band

Jane O’Brien Chatelain West Bank Regional Library. Crescent City Big Band performs songs from the 1940s to the present. 7–8:30 pm.

Pelicans vs. L.A. Clippers

Smoothie King Center. Cheer on the Pels as they take on the Clippers. Ticket prices vary. Tipoff at 7 pm.

Tigerama

Saenger Theatre. Show your LSU pride at this event featuring the Golden Band, LSU Wind Ensemble, the Golden Girls and the Wind Ensemble. Tickets start at $20/person. 7 pm.

City Park. Experience a night of peaceful reflecting and beautiful lighted lanterns. Ticket prices increase closer to the day of the event. 4–11 pm.

Christmas Tree Stand Box The Music of David Bowie

Mahalia Jackson Theater. Relive the music of David Bowie as performed by the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra. Ticket prices vary. 7:30 pm.

The Comedy Zone

repeats on Saturday Teatro Wego, Westwego. Enjoy an evening of comedy from the nation’s largest comedy network. $20/person. 7:30 pm.

Odyssey Ball

New Orleans Museum of Art. Celebrate NOMA in a night of unparalleled elegance at its annual ball and fundraiser the Odyssey. Ticket prices vary. 7 pm.

SAT 16

Tiffany Window Tour Newcomb Art Museum. Take a guided tour of the Tiffany windows on Tulane University’s uptown campus. Limited to 20 people. Noon–1 pm.

Water Lantern Festival

Dine and Dance with the Victory Swing Orchestra

National World War II Museum. Celebrate the big bands of the World War II era with the music of the Victory Swing Orchestra. Dinner available for purchase with tickets. Ticket prices vary. 6–8:30 pm.

Cruise Night Brewster’s Restaurant and Lounge, Chalmette. Join the Antique Auto Club of St. Bernard at their final antique car and truck event of the year. 7–10 pm.

Mindful Eating: Integrate Presence into Every Bite

Wild Lotus Yoga Downtown, New Orleans Healing Center. Learn techniques to truly appreciate all the food you eat. Light snacks provided. $25/person. 10 percent discount for members. 2:30–4:30 pm.

An Evening of Mantra Music

Wild Lotus Yoga Downtown, New Orleans Healing Center. Join in ancient mantras performed in various styles by Sean Johnson and The Wild Lotus Band. 7–9:30 pm.

Home Depot, 1100 S. Claiborne Ave. Switch it up this year and make a box stand for your Christmas tree instead of a tree skirt. Purchase materials for your project in store and build it with the assistance of store associates. 10–11:30 am.

SUN 17

Pelicans vs. Golden State Warriors

Smoothie King Center. Cheer on the Pels as they take on the Warriors. Ticket prices vary. Tipoff at 6 pm.

For King and Country

UNO Lakefront Arena. Inspirational and theatrical duo For King and Country invites an audience to a unique night of music and stories. Ticket prices vary. Show starts at 7 pm.

TUES 19

Exhibition Tour of Newcomb Art Museum Newcomb Art Museum. Students, artists, and staff rotate leading a tour to museum visitors each month. Noon–1 pm.

SHUK Israeli Cookbook Signing New Orleans Jewish Community Center Uptown. Learn about Israeli cooking from cookbook author and chef Einat Admony and fellow chef Alon Shaya. Free for JCC members. 7 pm.

Pelicans vs. Portland Trail Blazers

Smoothie King Center. Cheer on the Pels as they take on the Trail Blazers. Ticket prices vary. Tipoff at 7 pm.

THURS 21

International Conference on World War II Chef Melvin Stovall in the Kitchen in the Garden

City Park. Learn about spicy plants from Dr. Joe Willis of the LSU Agricultural center. Chef Melvin Stovall will cook with the plants to make a vegan Chinese popup. A take home dish will be provided. $40/person. 6–8 pm.

WED 20

Shane Leif and John McCusker Book Signing Octavia Books, 513 Octavia St., New Orleans. Meet the authors of the new book “Jockomo: The Native Roots of Mardi Gras Indians.” 6 pm.

continues until November 23 National World War II Museum. Scholars from around the world will meet, present, and discuss the pivotal month of 1944 and its effects on the war. Ticket prices vary. Time varies by day.

solo performances and concluding with Mozart’s unfinished piece. Ticket prices vary. 7:30 pm.

Disney’s Frozen Jr.

continues throughout the weekend Westwego Performing Arts Theatre, Westwego. Based on the popular Disney film, Jefferson Performing Arts Society Kids perform Frozen Jr. $15/person. Time varies by day.

Light Up Christmas Sign

Home Depot, S. Claiborne Ave. Add some extra light-up Christmas spirit with your own light up Christmas tree sign. Purchase materials for your craft in store and build it with the assistance of store associates. 6:30–8 pm.

FRI 22

Mozart Requiem

Celebration in the Oaks Preview Party

City Park. Attend one of the most dazzling parties to kickoff the holiday season. Food, beverages, and live music will enchant the evening with a first glimpse at the lights, train route, and gardens. Holiday cocktail attire required. $100/ person in advance or $120/person at the door. 7:30–11 pm.

Orpheum Theater. Experience an emotional musical journey featuring

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Pilobolus in Shadowland: The New Adventure

Mahalia Jackson Theater. Experience a new choreographic and thematic story of a young girl coming of age. Tickets start at $35/person. 8 pm.

SAT 23

Garden Walk with Hannah and Amy

Longue Vue House and Gardens. Explore Longue Vue’s gardens with director Amy Graham and resident artist Hannah Chalew. $5 suggested donation. 10:30 am–12:30 pm.

Green Wave vs. UCF Knights of Pegasus

Yulman Stadium. Support Tulane Green Wave football as they take on the Knights of Pegasus at home. For more information, visit tulanegreenwave.com. Tickets start at $5/person.

MON 25

Lee Alexius Blue Heron Golf Tournament

Money Hill Golf and Country Clu, Abita Springs. Support growth and program expansion of the West St. Tammany Parish YMCA at this golf tournament. Individual registration starts at $150/ person. 8:30 am.

WED 27

Pelicans vs. L.A. Lakers

Smoothie King Center. Cheer on the Pels as they take on Anthony Davis and the Lakers. Ticket prices vary. Tipoff at 8:30 pm.

THURS 28

Zoo Lights

repeats on select dates throughout December Audubon Zoo. Stroll through the zoo decorated for the holidays. $13/person for members or $18/person for nonmembers. $3 discount for purchasing in advance online. 6–9 pm.

SAT 30

Art Market Palmer Park. Browse art and goods while enjoying live music at this monthly market.10 am–4 pm.

SUN 24

Indies First Small Business Saturday

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St. Catherine’s Day Hat Parade

St. Charles Ave. & Pleasant St. Grab your hat and join the 10th annual parade in honor of St. Catherine, the patron saint of milliners, seamstresses, and single women. March, dance, and celebrate the theme “Hats on a Hot Tin Roof.” The route is less than one mile and participation is free. Meet at 10 am on the neutral ground. Parade begins at 10:30 am.

Encore: Mozart Requiem

Orpheum Theater. Experience an emotional musical journey featuring solo performances and concluding with Mozart’s unfinished piece. Ticket prices vary. 7:30 pm.

Saints vs. Carolina Panthers

Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Cheer on the Saints as they take on NFC South rival the Panthers. Ticket prices vary. Kickoff at noon.

Happy Thanksgiving

Octavia Books. Get book suggestions and signatures from local authors working at Octavia in support of local bookstores on small business Saturday. 9 am–6 pm.

Turkey Day Race

City Park. Start Thanksgiving Day off with a healthy start by participating in this run to benefit Spina Bifida of Louisiana. Registration fees vary. 7 am.

FRI 29

Scrooge in Rouge

continues on weekends until December 15 Rivertown Theaters for the Performing Arts, Kenner. Local talents wrote a holiday play, which they will perform. Prepare for a show that takes a new spin on “A Christmas Carol.” Tickets start at $36/ person. 7:30 pm and 2 pm Sunday matinee.

Bayou Classic

Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Spend all week celebrating in anticipation for this year’s matchup between Grambling State University and Southern University. Tickets start at $16/person. Kickoff at 4 pm.

DECEMBER SUN 1

MON 2

Michael Scorsone Presents East Bank Regional Library. Musician and teacher michael Scorsone presents young musicians. 7â&#x20AC;&#x201C;8:30 pm.

Pelicans vs. Phoenix Suns

Smoothie King Center. Cheer on the Pels as they take on the Suns. Ticket prices vary. Tipoff at 7 pm.

FRI 6

TUES 3

A Merry Canteen Christmas

repeats on select dates throughout December National World War II Museum. The Victory Belles share the holiday spirit in song. Ticket prices vary. Discounts available for members. 11:30 amâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;2 pm.

Pelicans vs. Oklahoma City Thunder

Smoothie King Center. Cheer on the Pels as they take on the Thunder. Ticket prices vary. Tipoff at 4 pm.

Pelicans vs. Dallas Mavericks

Smoothie King Center. Cheer on the Pels as they take on the Mavericks. Ticket prices vary. Tipoff at 6:30 pm.

THURS 5

Yuletide Celebration

Pontchartrain Convention and Civic Center. Share the holiday spirit with Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra in their performance of holiday classics featuring local student choirs. Ticket prices vary. 7:30 pm.

Yuletide Celebration

Columbia Theatre, Hammond. Share the holiday spirit with Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra in their performance of holiday classics featuring local student choirs. Ticket prices vary. 7:30 pm.

A Cultural Celebration

continues all weekend Ashe Cultural Arts Center. Honor Ashe Cultural Arts Center co-founder Carol Bebelle with a weekend of activities to promote cultural literacy. Event prices vary. Times vary by day.

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Annie

continues on weekends until December 15 Jefferson Performing Arts Center, Metairie. Experience the heartwarming story of little orphan Annie as performed by the Jefferson Performing Arts Society. Tickets start at $20/person. Time varies by day.

SAT 7

SUN 8

Yuletide Celebration

Slidell Municipal Auditorium, Slidell. Share the holiday spirit with Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra in their performance of holiday classics featuring local student choirs. Ticket prices vary. 7:30 pm.

WED 11

East Bank Regional Library. The six musicians of the New Orleans Saxophone choir perform holiday tunes and popular music. 7–8:30 pm.

Freret St. and Napoleon Ave. Listen to music, check out local food and art vendors, and spend some time outside with friends. 12–4 pm.

Gretna Market, Gretna. Stroll through displays of over thirty art vendors, listen to live music, and enjoy refreshments to ring in the holidays. 5–9 pm.

Ogden Museum of Southern Art. Learn from different artist collective members in each installation of Ogden’s newest series “Curated Conversations.” This event speaks with Carl Joe Williams. 6–7 pm.

New Orleans Saxophone Choir

Freret Market

Ringing in the Arts

Curated Conversations with Carl Joe Williams

Saints vs. San Francisco 49ers Artist’s Perspective: Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Cheer on the Photographer Lily Brooks Saints as they take on the 49ers. Ticket prices vary. Kickoff at noon.

MON 9

New Orleans Museum of Art. View and discuss the seven year photo documentary “Tina Freeman: Lamentations” with photographer Lily Brooks. Free for Louisiana residents. Noon–1 pm.

Piatigorsky Concert

Celebration in the Oaks Run/Walk

City Park. Race in the holiday season with a 2-mile run followed with hot cocoa, pictures with Santa, holiday costume contest, and more. Registration prices increase closer to race day. 2–4:30 pm.

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Mystery Science Theater 3000 Live!

Mahalia Jackson Theater. The television show takes the stage in this touring play. Tickets start at $39/person. 8 pm.

East Bank Regional Library. Enjoy a tribute concert to the music of cellist Gregor Piatigorsky. Free. 7–8:30 pm.

Pelicans vs. Detroit Pistons

Smoothie King Center. Cheer on the Pels as they take on the Pistons. Ticket prices vary. Tipoff at 7 pm.

TUES 10

Author Night with John McCusker Cita Dennis Hubbell Library. Listen to John McCusker discuss his book “Jockomo: The Native Roots of the Mardi Gras Indians” and view photos related to the book’s content. 6:30–8 pm.

Morris Bart Sr. Lecture Series Krewe of Jingle Downtown New Orleans. Get in the holiday spirit with New Orleans annual Christmas parade. 1 pm.

New Orleans Jewish Community Center Uptown. Learn about the current state of the environment from Tulane Environmental Law Clinic supervising attorney Corinne VanDalen. Free for JCC members. $10/person for nonmembers. 11:45 am–1:30 pm.

THURS 12

Ken Veca Big Band East Bank Regional Library. Listen to songs from the golden age of big bands and contemporary songs as played by Ken Veca Big Band. 2–4 pm.

Luna Fete continues until December 15 Downtown, Lafayette Square to Fulton St. The 6th annual event is free and open to the public. The festival of light, art, and technology celebrates New Orleans creative industries and provides a memorable experience for diverse event attendees. For more information, visit lunafete.org. 6-10 pm nightly.

FRI 13

Cher: Here We Go Again Tour

Smoothie King Center. Cher tours with Nile Rodgers and CHIC in support of her recent album “ABBA.” Ticket prices vary. 8 pm.

SAT 14

WED 18

Trans-Siberian Orchestra

Smoothie King Center. Spread some holiday cheer with the multi-platinum progressive rock group during their winter tour. Ticket prices vary. Show starts at 7:30 pm.

Holiday Spectacular

Mahalia Jackson Theater. Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra pairs up with the 610 Stompers for a memorable night of holiday music. Ticket prices vary. 7:30 pm.

Lights on the Lake Holiday Bash New Canal Lighthouse. Celebrate the holidays and the beauty of Lake Pontchartrain during this event. Price and time TBD.

SUN 15

Pelicans vs. Orlando Magic

Smoothie King Center. Cheer on the Pels as they take on the Magic. Ticket prices vary. Tipoff at 2:30 pm.

Hats and Horses Gala

1751 Gentilly Blvd. Support the Autism Community of New Orleans at the races. Individual tickets start at $50/person. 1–4 pm.

MON 16

American Legion Post 350 Band

Saints vs. Indianapolis Colts

Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Cheer on the Saints as they take on the Colts. Ticket prices vary. Kickoff at 7:15 pm.

TUES 17

Pelicans vs. Brooklyn Nets

Smoothie King Center. Cheer on the Pels as they take on the Nets. Ticket prices vary. Tipoff at 7 pm.

Baroque Christmas

Orpheum Theatre. Enjoy holiday classics performed by the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra including Bach and Handel compositions. Ticket prices vary. 7:30 pm.

The Nutcracker

continues on December 22 Jefferson Performing Arts Center, Metairie. Attend the classic holiday ballet “The Nutcracker” as performed by Jefferson Performing Arts Society. Tickets start at $20/ person. 2 pm.

WED 25

FRI 20

NPS Arrowhead Band Presents Holiday Celebration New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park. Celebrate the holidays in New Orleans style with the NPS Arrowhead Jazz Band’s holiday performance. Noon–1 pm.

NOLA ChristmasFest

continues daily until the end of the month Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Experience a holiday winter wonderland complete with Kringle Carousel, Winter Whirl, Snowy Summit Climbing Wall, and more. $20/person weekdays or $25/ person weekends. Times vary by day.

SAT 21

Piety in Exile Holiday Market New Orleans Healing Center. Browse a special edition of the Piety in Exile market during the holiday season. Live music and food also available. 11 am–4 pm.

Great Southern Gun and Knife Show

continues on December 22 Pontchartrain Convention and Civic Center. Visit the gun and knife show when it comes to New Orleans for the weekend. $10/person. Time varies by day.

Happy Holidays SAT 28

Pelicans vs. Indiana Pacers

Smoothie King Center. Cheer on the Pels as they take on the Pacers. Ticket prices vary. Tipoff at 6 pm.

SUN 29

Pelicans vs. Houston Rockets

Smoothie King Center. Cheer on the Pels as they take on the Rockets. Ticket prices vary. Tipoff at 7 pm.

TUES 31

New Year’s Eve at BB’s Stage Door Canteen

National World War II Museum. Ring in the new year with live music, drinks, chocolate buffet, dancing, and a four-course dinner. Vintage glam attire preferred. No jeans allowed entry. $194.99/person. $10 discount for members. 9 pm–1 am.

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East Bank Regional Library. Listen to a variety of tunes performed by the American Legion Post 350 Band. Free. 7–8:30 pm.

THURS 19

R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl

Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Watch a college football bowl game live in the dome as the championship teams from the Sunbelt Conference and Conference USA play for the title. Ticket prices vary. Kickoff at 8 pm.