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the basics of severe weather identification and how to report severe weather. No preregistration is necessary. If you are interested in becoming a severe storm spotter and want to receive SkyWarn training, call the parish’s Emergency Management office at (504) 349-5360 or call (985) 6490357, extension 223.
Prekindergarten registration
The Jefferson Parish Public School System will accept applications for its 2015-16 prekindergarten Tuesday through Feb. 27. Students whose last name begins with A to M may apply Tuesday or Feb. 26, and those whose last name begins with N to Z may apply on Wednesday or Feb. 27. Parents and families will be able to submit applications at three different sites — Bonnabel Magnet Academy, 2801 Bruin Drive, Kenner; the JPPSS Administration Building, 501 Manhattan Blvd., Harvey; and Harry S. Truman Middle School, 5417 Ehret Road, Marrero. Sites will be open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day except for Feb. 26, when the hours will be extended to 6 p.m. to allow all families to register. To be eligible, students must be 4 years old on or before Sept. 30. Parents must also bring a copy of the child’s birth certificate, two proofs of residency, copy of income, a photo ID and the child’s immunization record. For more information, visit www.jpschools.org/department/ kindergarten/ or call (504) 3497600. Eva Jacob Barkoff writes about the people and events on the East Bank of Jefferson Parish. She can be reached at ejbarkoff@gmail.com or by calling (504) 430-8053.
THROW ME
NOPJF holds event in honor of police
The New Orleans Police and Justice Foundation recently hosted a day of appreciation and support for the men and women of the New Orleans Police Department at Federal City in Algiers. The common theme was “We Back the Blue.” The community was asked to wear light blue clothing and to make a sign showing their support. Advocate photos by YETORIA DESHAZIER Melanie Talia, Chief Executive Officer of the New Orleans PoWEST BANK The NOPJF Front from left, Sgt. R.B. Franklin Sr. and Kenneth Lewis duke lice and Justice Foundation; Commander Shaun Ferguson, SPOTLIGHT event started it out on a Microsoft game station; as back, Microsoft repre- 5th District NOPD; and Bob Brown, New Orleans Police and YETORIA with a persentative Demetrius Bradley and Walter Miles watch. Justice Foundation chairman. DESHAZIER formance by The Pin Stripe case, but it certainly could Brass Band, who performed facilities. not be done without all parts throughout the day. SuperThe calendar of activities of government to make intendent Michael Harrison, includes: things work. Police departMayor Mitch Landrieu and GIRL SCOUT GEOCACHER BADGE ments across America are some of the City Council PROGRAM: March 1, 9:30 a.m. facing greater challenges members also came out to to noon, $25 per Scout (inshow their support. Food was than ever before. Our NOPD cludes snack). Activities will officers work extremely hard provided by Kenny’s Cajun include learning to use a GPS to provide us with a safe city and Creole Food Truck and receiver, making a trade item for every business, every Food 4 Da Soul. and experiencing a geocachThe kids activities included neighborhood, every houseing adventure. hold, every citizen,” said Bob an obstacle course, face NATURE CLUB MEETING: March Brown, chairman of New painting and jewelry making 14, 9:30 a.m. - 11 a.m. Orleans Peace and Justice by the YMCA staff and Xbox BOY SCOUT BADGE PROGRAM Foundation. One interactive games proMAMMAL STUDY: April 18, 9 a.m. Barbara Potter, of Marrero, vided by Microsoft. to noon, $30 per Scout (inHarrison thanked the group brought her children to the cludes snack) event. She also made a sign: for coming out in support of BOY SCOUT BADGE PROGRAM — The Guillory family, residents of Algiers Point, came out in “Thank You NOPD — Live in support of the New Orleans Police Department. From left are NATURE BADGE: May 16, 9 a.m. the Police Department. Jefferson, Work, Learn and “For you to come out and to noon, $30 per Scout (inHeather, Julien and Landry Guillory. Play in New Orleans.” show your support, and tell cludes snack) “My children, David and us ‘thank you,’ it means the BUG DAY: May 17, 8:30 a.m. this by promoting excellence opportunities and Nature Malissa, are cadets at New world to us,” Harrison said. to 10 a.m., $10 per person in policing, efficiency in Orleans Military and Mari“ I think it is a great morale Club meetings. Groups are in- includes bug catcher suptime Academy at Federal City criminal justice and positive booster to know that people vited to experience weekend, plies and snack. Families can community engagement. really do support the New Or- and I work in New Orleans,” register for a family bug hunt fee-based educational proPotter said. “These men and leans Police Department.” grams such as Badge Clinics, and create an insect catcher New education programs at Geocaching, Insect Identifi- to learn how to identify variwomen are our family memHarrison also mentioned bers, friends and neighbors. the “Get behind the Badge” ous bugs. cation and more. Audubon Wilderness Park They deserve our enthusiasrecruitment campaign. He Learn more at www. Located in Lower Coast Audubon Wilderness Park said the police force is aiming tic support for what is often a will be open to the general Algiers, on the campus of the audubonInstitute.org/ highly dangerous and thankfor 1600 police officers, and wilderness-park. Freeport-McMoRan Audupublic free of charge from 97 former officers expressed less job,” she said. 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday bon Species Survival Center, The mission of the New interest in joining the force. Yetoria Lumpkin DeShazier Audubon Wilderness Park is through Friday through May Orleans Police and Justice The NOPJF handed out writes about the people and a natural and secluded green 31. Mardi Gras beads with a New Foundation is to make New events in Algiers and the space with basic amenities. Beginning this spring, Orleans a safer place in Orleans Police Department West Bank. Contact her at It houses the NALCO VisiAudubon will offer new eduwhich to live, work and visit. emblem on them. ydeshazier@gmail.com or call cational programs and activi- tor Center, a short loop trail, The foundation accomplishes ties, including Scout badge “This job is tough in any (504) 367-0905. picnic shelters and restroom
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tival Grounds. Native tree species are being planted along a 1-mile path used for walking, running and biking. Ten students from Brother Martin High School volunteered to help plant 25 cypress and 50 live oaks, which will provide shade for visitors. The park’s mission includes preserving and improving spaces for recreation, education, culture and beautification purposes. If you would like to provide a grant to help with these efforts, call Bridget Rabun, grant manager, at (504) 985-226-3500.
Back to Nature Walk
The fifth annual Back to Nature Walk sponsored by Friends of W. Brown Memorial Park will take place from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 21, beginning at the park, 5601 Read Blvd., and ending at New Orleans East Hospital, 5620 Read Blvd. Refreshments, free health screenings and door prizes will be offered after the walk, and cardiologist Dr. Keith C. Ferdinand will present a talk about heart health. For information, call Friends executive director Tangee Wall at (504) 427-2596.
Golden community luncheon
Break out your dancing shoes for the Lakeview Golden Community Luncheon from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 20, at the Community Unitarian Church, 6690 Fleur de Lis Drive, corner of 38th St. Arthur Johnson and the Chosen Few will entertain, thanks to a grant from the New Orleans Musicians Assistance Foundation. A gourmet lunch will be provided by Forstall Interiors, and People’s Health will offer cake to those celebrating February birthdays. A donation of $5 is suggested and reservations are available by calling (504) 484-0885. The luncheon is provided by Lakeview Shepherd Center, a nonprofit dedicated to helping older adults remain vital and independent. Lynne Jensen writes about New Orleans community events and people. Contact her at jensencolumn@gmail. com.
Fundraiser to highlight issues of mental illness and substance abuse on college campuses Advocate staff report A fundraising event will be held at The Howlin’ Wolf to raise public awareness of the serious problems of mental illness and substance abuse on campus. The Feb. 26 concert for the Colin McCuaig Wheeler Sober Living Project begins at 8 p.m. and features Joe Krown with Walter Wolfman Washington and Russell Baptiste Jr.; John “Papa” Gros Band; and Bonerama at 907 S. Peters St. The benefit will fund community outreach about the dangerous, growing trend. Tickets are $15, purchased from the Howlin’ Wolf website in advance at www.thehowlinwolf.com, or $20 at the door. New Orleans therapist and
addictions counselor Meredith Harris, who has counseled college students struggling with drugs and alcohol, hopes to open a sober-living dormitory accessible to students who need distance from the intense social pressures on campus. Her brother, Colin McCuaig Wheeler, died from an overdose. Deaths on New Orleans college campuses have occurred this year and include suicides and accidental fatalities related to alcohol and drug use. A national study conducted in 2002 by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism reported that four out of five college students drink alcohol, and half of those binge. Nationally, 1,825 college students ages 18-24 died in 2002
from unintended injuries while drinking. Since 2001, campus alcohol-related deaths have increased 6 percent. Yet even as the risks of substance abuse rise, local colleges are failing to provide sober-living residences for students who are “mandated,” i.e., those already identified as needing intervention or treatment. Ironically, freshman are often required to live in campus dormitories, which can be epicenters for partying and drug use. The temptations of communal living often lure at-risk students into the addictive behavior they hope to avoid. Harris is advocating for an independent living facility to be used by several colleges where healthy, clean lifestyles
are supported in a controlled, healthy environment offering professional oversight and therapeutic options. “I have lost several clients to overdoses and suicide over the course of my career, yet the problem is only escalating,” Harris said. Eight universities across the country have developed sober-living residences to help students at risk of failing academically or psychologically. Rutgers University was one of the first to start a housing program for students in recovery. Hazelden created the first therapeutically supported college residence for students attending school in New York. “Tribeca Twelve is New York City’s first attempt at answering a question raised
Mad Hatter’s Luncheon, party tickets available Advocate staff report The Women’s Guild of the New Orleans Opera Association will present its Mad Hatter’s Luncheon at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 10, at the New Orleans Hilton Riverside, 2 Poydras St., New Orleans. The event will have the theme “Uniquely New Orleans” and will feature a fashion show, a hat contest and auction, a silent auction and a raffle. Tickets are $75 and can be purchased at Eventbrite.com. Patron tickets are $100 and include a pre-luncheon patron party at the Hilton. Special patron tickets are $125 and include a party at the Guild home, 2504 Prytania St., from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, March 8. For information, call Gina Klein at (504) 267-9527.
Photos provided by JACKIE ELLIOTT
Admiring the hat to be auctioned at the Mad Hatter’s Luncheon are, from left, Anita Crump; Jean Rice; Constance Cowart, who designed the hat; Betsy Dowling, guild president; and Faith Peperone.
From left are Irene Klinger, Jackie Elliott and From left are Melissa Gordon, patron party Mad Hatter’s Luncheon co-chairwomen Jane organizer Tony Lala and Joan Eckholdt. Miller and Karen Villavaso.
by leaders in the emerging field of collegiate recovery,” the Village Voice wrote on Jan. 2, 2013. “Where should college students with substance-abuse problems live if the worst possible place anyone in recovery could live is a college dorm?” The model that Harris and her supporters prescribe is a residential living facility some distance from campus where 12-step programs, individual and group therapy would be available on a daily basis. A nutritionally balanced meal plan would accompany a homelike environment where students would find emotional support and be able to study in peace and privacy. For information, email meredith@ meredithharris.net.
Jazzin’ on Jackson to benefit senior center Advocate staff report The Mercy Endeavors Senior Center will be the beneficiary of the Jazzin’ on Jackson fundraiser to be held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday, March 18, at the St. Alphonsus Art and Cultural Center, 2045 Constance St., New Orleans. Mercy Endeavors Senior Center provides low-income seniors with daily recreational activities, two daily meals, transportation to medical appointments, case manager services and more. It is raising money to build a facility at Jackson Avenue and Rousseau Street, on a parcel donated by the Jamie Coleman family in 2009. Phillip Manuel will be the featured performer at Jazzin’ on Jackson, and there will be a silent auction along with food and drink. In 2014, $55,000 was raised toward the new and larger senior center. Tickets for this year’s event are $50 per person and can be purchased at eventbrite.com.