City Buzzards’ grand marshal at the Louisiana Irish-Italian Parade in Metairie.
Italian meets
Irish and Isleños
More parades coming up
Talk about a time of global celebrations parades still to come in this busy time include an Italian two Irish-Italians and one IrishItalian-Isleños.
ITALIAN ST. JOSEPH’S DAY PARADE: The Italian American St Joseph Society parade will include floats, bands and marching groups parading through the CBD and French Quarter on March 22, 6 p.m., starting and ending at the intersection of Convention Center Boulevard and Poydras Street in New Orleans. italianamericansociety.org.
IRISH-ITALIAN
IRISH-ITALIAN PARADE: The Louisiana IrishItalian Association parade will be held March 23, starting at noon, in Metairie The parade starts at Veterans Memorial Boulevard and Houma near Clearview Shopping Center and continues down Veterans, ending at Martin Behrman Drive. lairishitalian.org.
GRETNA IRISH-ITALIAN PARADE: The parade will roll March 30 at noon, starting at Burmaster and Franklin Streets and ending at 4th Street and Huey P. Long Avenue The afterparty, featuring live music, will be held at the Gretna Market, between 3rd and 4th streets along Huey P. Long Avenue, 5-8 p.m.
IRISH-ITALIAN-ISLEÑOS
ST. BERNARD IRISH ITALIAN ISLEÑOS PARADE: The parade starts at noon April 5 along the W Judge Perez Ave. route in Chalmette – from Meraux Drive down to Ventura and back.
After the harsh winter, I’m sure many folks have gardens just like mine that are in desperate need of some TLC With the official start of spring upon us, it’s time to get to work on those yards. For pet owners, though, it’s important to choose wisely because not all plant varieties are safe for pets. Selecting plants that will keep pets safe while also maintaining a certain level of curb appeal can be quite the task as some flowers and plants, albeit
that can be
Opening doors
‘Tupa tupa’ tradition kept alive at many St Joseph’s Altars
BY EVA JACOB BARKOFF Contributing writer
Ever noticed that some St. Joseph’s Altars listings include the words “tupa tupa?” Translated, the words mean “knock knock,” and the short ceremony tells the story of the search for food and shelter by the holy family — Jesus, Mary, Joseph, and angels. It’s an old tradition that celebrates St. Joseph.
The church members playing the family travel to three different doors, with St. Joseph knocking on each one. They are turned away at the first two doors, but after knocking on the third, they are welcomed inside. There, a meal is served to them first, and then others who are invited to eat.
St. Francis Xavier Church in Old Metairie has held its own tupa tupa ceremony for more than three decades.
After the 8 a.m. Mass on March 19, the children and adults who have been selected for the tupa tupa roles will lead a procession from the church to the auditorium where the St. Joseph’s Altar is located.
will be held March 19.
STAFF PHOTO BY MAX BECHERER
The altar will officially open, and those attending will be invited to eat, honoring the same event that happened centuries ago. Jack Siciliano came up with the idea to add the tupa tupa ceremony at St. Francis Xavier
“Growing up in Bogalusa, my mother and my aunt were participants in the tupa tupa,” Siciliano said. “I learned from my family especially from my grandmother the history of tupa tupa ceremony as well as the St. Joseph’s Altars.
Carousel Gardens Amusement Park at New Orleans City Park reopened recently for the spring, with hours of 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Its 17 attractions include one of the country’s oldest carousels as well as the Ladybug Roller Coaster and Ferris wheel. Children under 3 feet tall get in free; $25 for over 3 feet; and chaperones and seniors are $15.
The St. Joseph’s Altar at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Metairie
Children squeal with a mix of delight and fright as they take the plunge at the Monkey Jump attraction.
STAFF PHOTOS BY SCOTT THRELKELD
Lillie Chastant waves to friends while riding the carousel with her daughter Ruthie Chastant, 5 right, and husband Paul Chastant, at Carousel Gardens Amusement Park at City Park in New Orleans on Saturday
FILE PHOTO BY SCOTT THRELKELD
Joseph Halm served as the 2023 Jefferson
“I was about 7 or 8 years old when I watched my grandmother make fig cookies after fig cookies. All our relatives and friends would also come over to help prepare other items for the altar,” he added.
When Siciliano and his wife, Gail, have helped Jesuit High and St. Angela Merici Elementary schools set up their own St. Joseph’s Altars. Both schools have continued the tradition.
The tupa tupa ceremony is viewed as a special part of the St. Joseph’s Day observance, Siciliano said.
“We are honoring St. Joseph so the procession leading up to the opening of the altar is a very prayerful, special and meaningful event,” he said.
In 2017, Siciliano turned over the coordination of the altar to longtime volunteers Jeannie and Rick Redmann.
Preparations for the altar, with the help of more than 100 volunteers, begins a year in advance.
“We are already planning for 2026,” Jeannie Redmann said. “We take notes of things that worked, what didn’t work and
Volunteers at the St Francis Xavier Catholic Church altar start planning a year ahead of
what we will need to alter for next year.”
After their tupa tupa on March 19, lunch will be served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and the altar will remain open until 5 p.m.
“Last year we served 1,500 lunches, and we expect the same number this year,” Jeannie Red-
mann added. Siciliano said he and his wife have been helping their grandchildren learn about the tupa tupa as well as St. Joseph’s Altars, including showing them how to make fig cookies.
“I want them to carry on the tradition,” said Siciliano, who
with his wife and grandchildren have made hundreds of fig cookies to give to a neighbor sponsoring an altar “It’s important to me to keep the history of my family alive.” St. Francis Xavier Church is located at 444 Metairie Road in Metairie.
Women writers take spotlight at library talk
BY JANE LEGROS
Contributing writer
March is Women’s History Month, and the New Orleans Public Library is celebrating by spotlighting female writers in this month’s author events and book talks.
March 19: Three local authors, Marguerite Sheffer, Annell López, and Vanessa Saunders, will visit Milton H Latter Memorial Library, 5120 St Charles Ave., at 5:30 p.m. to discuss their work. All three will read excerpts from their debut books, which are, respectively the short story collections “The Man in the Banana Trees” and “I’ll Give You a Reason,” and the novel “The Flat Woman.”
served March 19, 11 a.m.2 p.m. Mary McAlister, (504) 6690120, www.olphla.net. OUR LADY OF PROMPT SUCCOR SCHOOL: In the cafeteria at 531 Avenue A in Westwego. March 19, After 8 a.m. Mass in the church, viewing with meals will be held 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m. or until food runs out. Grace Skinner (504) 583-2715, www.olpspanthers.org.
ST. ANGELA MERICI CHURCH: Kern Center, 901 Beverly Garden Drive in Metairie. March 18, 6-8 p.m., and March 19, 10 a.m.-7:30 p.m. A candlelight rosary will be held March 18, 7 p.m. Blessing and the tupa tupa will be held March 19 at 10:30 a.m. Meals will be served 11 a.m.-7 p.m. (504) 371-2101, stangela.org/.
ST. ANN CHURCH AND NATIONAL SHRINE: 3601 Transcontinental Drive in Metairie, in the Ministry Center on Loveland Street. March 19, 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Kay Boutte (504) 455-7071, stannchurchandshrine.org.
ST. BENILDE CHURCH: 1901 Division St. in Metairie. March 19, with a blessing at 9 a.m. and viewing 9 a.m.-5 p.m. stbenilde.org.
ST CATHERINE OF SIENA CHURCH: 105 Bonnabel Blvd. in Metairie March 19, with a blessing at 9:30 a.m. and viewing 10 a.m.6 p.m. (504) 835-9343, https://scschurch.com.
ST. CLEMENT OF ROME CHURCH: 4317 Richland Ave. in Metairie. A blessing with viewing will be held March 18 at 6:30 p.m. On March 19, viewing is 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Katie Fabian at kfabian@scrparish.org, www.scrparish.org.
ST. CLETUS CHURCH: St. Jerome Hall at the church, 3600 Claire Ave. in Gretna. Viewing will be held March 19, with food served 11:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. or until food runs out. Bill Landry (504) 909-1685, stcletuschurch.com.
ST. FRANCIS VILLA ASSISTED LIVING: 10411 Jefferson Highway in River Ridge. On March 19, a blessing will be given at 10:30 a.m., with viewing 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Pasta Milanese and artichoke casserole will be served to the public 2-5 p.m. (504) 738-1060, stfrancisvilla.com.
ST FRANCIS XAVIER PARISH: School auditorium at 215 Betz Place in Metairie. Viewing March 19, 9 a.m.5 p.m. , the tupa tupa will be after 8 a.m. Mass, with meals served 11 a.m.-2 p.m. church.stfrancisxavier.com.
ST. JOACHIM CHURCH: 5505 Barataria Blvd. in Marrero. Viewing March 19, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. www stjoachimmarrero.org.
ST. JOHN PAUL II CHURCH: Parish Hall at 6851 River Road in Waggaman. On March 19, viewing begins at 11:15 a.m. tupa tupa with viewing and meals noon-6 p.m. Ray Milligan (504) 722-9943, jpiiwestbank.org.
Sheffer is a professor of practice at Tulane University, where she teaches courses in design thinking and speculative fiction as tools for social change.
López, a Dominican immigrant, won the Louise Meriwether First Book Prize, from the Feminist Press. She is an assistant fiction editor for New Orleans Review and received her MFA at the University of New Orleans. Saunders teaches as a professor of practice at Loyola University New Orleans. Her book, “The Flat Woman,” is a humorous novel that explores climate change through the lens of feminism.
March 20: Award-winning journalist Clara Bingham will visit the library via Zoom to discuss her new book, “The Movement: How Women’s Liberation Transformed America, 1963-1973.”
In this engaging oral history, Bingham explores the decade that defined the feminist movement through interviews with living icons and unsung heroes.
ST. PHILIP NERI PARISH AND SCHOOL: Parishioners’ Center at 6500 Kawanee Ave. in Metairie. March 19, public viewing 10 a.m.7 p.m. and a blessing at 10 a.m. Children’s story time will be held at 4 p.m., living rosary at 4:30 p.m. and community dinner at 5-7 p.m. Crystal Vaccaro, (504) 450-6258; spnparish.net.
ST. RITA CHURCH: 7100 Jefferson Highway in Harahan. Viewing is open March 19, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., with a blessing at 9:15 a.m. and meals 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Alden Ross (504) 5774612, stritaharahan.com.
SPANO FAMILY ST. JOSEPH ALTAR: 1721 Robin Drive in Marrero. Mary Hennegan Spano, along with family and friends, will host a viewing for the general public March 19, noon to 6 p.m.
ORLEANS
ALL SAINTS CHURCH: 1441 Teche St. Altar viewings on March 15 are 5-7 p.m.; March 16, 8 a.m.-1 p.m.; March 17-18, 7 a.m.-1 p.m.; and March 19, 7 a.m. until 6:30 p.m. Mass, followed by meals in the Parish Hall, 7-8 p.m. (504) 361-8835, allsaintschurchnola.org.
BLESSED FRANCIS XAVIER SEELOS
PARISH: 3037 Dauphine St. Viewing is March 19, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. March 19, a noon blessing will be followed with to-go meals. seeloschurchno. org.
BROTHER MARTIN HIGH SCHOOL: James. B. Branton Chapel at the school, 4401 Elysian Fields Ave On March 19, the altar is open 8 a.m.-6 p.m. (504) 283-1561, www brothermartin.com.
DE LA SALLE HIGH SCHOOL: In the lobby at 5300 St. Charles Ave. on March 19. A blessing will be given at 7:50 a.m., with viewing 8 a.m.4 p.m. communications@DeLaSalleNola.com, delasallenola.com.
HISTORIC BK HOUSE & GARDENS: 1113 Chartres St. March 20-21, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Each visitor will be given a traditional prayer card, an Italian cookie, blessed bread and a lucky bean. www.bkhouse.org.
HOLY SPIRIT CHURCH: Allen Roy Life Center at 6201 Stratford Place
ST. JOSEPH CHURCH AND SHRINE ON THE WESTBANK: 610 Sixth St. (gym at corner of 7th and Newton streets) in Gretna. Blessing and the tupa tupa will be held March 19 after 10 a.m. Mass, with viewing and meals 12 noon-4 p.m. Debbie Swiler (504) 722-5958, stjosephgretna.com.
in Algiers. On March 19, St. Joseph Mass will be held at 2:15 p.m. in the church, followed by the tupa tupa in the center at 3 p.m. Viewing and meals will be 3:30-8 p.m. (504) 3945492, holyspiritchurchnola.org.
ISRAELITE D. SPIRITUAL CHURCH: 3000 Frenchmen St., 11 a.m.-5 p.m. March 19. Hosts Ministers Emma Brock and Bishop Brock. Pastor, Archbishop J. Wilson.
MOUNT CARMEL ACADEMY: 7027 Milne Blvd. in Cafe Campbell. A blessing will be given at 8 a.m. March 19, with viewing until 5 p.m. sburas@mcacubs.org, www.mcacubs.com.
OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE/SHRINE OF ST. JUDE: 411 N. Rampart St. March 19, a blessing will be held after 7 a.m. Mass with viewing until 5 p.m. judeshrine.com.
OUR LADY OF THE ROSARY
CHURCH: Vincent Hall at 1342 Moss St. March 15, the blessing with viewing will begin after 4 p.m. Vigil Mass. March 16 viewing is 9 a.m.1 p.m. and March 19, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Nick Scramuzza (504) 483-8168, www.olr-nola.org. ST. ALPHONSUS PARISH/ST. MARY’S ASSUMPTION CHURCH: 923 Josephine St. March 19-24. On March 19, the altar will be open 8 a.m.-2 p.m., with a blessing at 11 a.m. followed by 11:30 a.m. Mass. March 20-21, viewings through the Seelos Shrine of the church will be held 9 a.m.2 p.m. On March 22, Vigil Mass will be held at 4 p.m. On March 23, altar food will be dispersed for all to enjoy following the 12:30 p.m. Spanish Mass. (504) 522-6748, stalphonsusno.com.
ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI CHURCH: 631 State St. Viewing is 8 a.m.8 p.m. March 19, with blessing at 6 p.m. Caroline Toso (504) 891-4479, stfrancisuptown.com.
ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST CHURCH: Oretha Castle Haley Blvd. The blessing will be held March 19 at 9 a.m. with viewing until 5 p.m. Ann Moll (504) 392-8784, goldensteeple. com.
ST. JOSEPH CHURCH: 1802 Tulane Ave. March 19, with Mass at noon, followed by a blessing. Public viewing is 9 a.m.-noon and 1-5 p.m. (504) 522-3186, stjosephchurch-no. org.
ST. PAUL THE APOSTLE CHURCH: St. Paul’s Chapel, 6828 Chef Menteur Highway. March 19, blessing at 8 a.m. and viewing 8:30 a.m.5:30 p.m. www.stpaultheapostlechurch-nola.org.
ST. RITA CHURCH: 2729 Lowerline St. March 19, with a blessing after 7 a.m. Mass and viewing until 6 p.m. office@stritanola.com, www.stritanola.com.
ST. CHARLES OUR LADY OF THE HOLY ROSARY CHURCH: Friends of St. Joseph Food Pantry at the church, 1 Rectory Lane in Hahnville. On March 15, a blessing followed by the tupa tupa will be part of the viewing, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. On March 19, viewing is open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Janel Pizzolato (985) 783-1199, olhrhahnville.org.
ST. ANTHONY OF PADUA CHURCH: Community Activities Building, 234 Angus Drive in Luling. The blessing is March 16 at noon. Viewing March 19, 6 a.m.-6 p.m. Meals will be served at noon until food runs out. (985) 785-8885, stanthonyluling.org.
ST. CHARLES BORROMEO CHURCH: Old auditorium, 13396 River Road in Destrehan. Viewing on March 19 is 8:45 a.m.-6 p.m. Mary Engler, hscblittleredchurch.org.
ST. MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL CHURCH: Parish Hall, 15405 U.S. 90 in Paradis. The blessing is March 16, noon, followed by viewing and meals until 2 p.m. Sherryl Folse (504) 852-2866, stmichaelparadis. org.
ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST
ST. HUBERT CHURCH: 176 Anthony F. Monica St. in Garyville. March 19, 10:15 a.m. with a blessing and rosary. Spaghetti will be served 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Italian cookies will be sold. sthubertgaryville.org.
ST. JOAN OF ARC CHURCH: Family Life Center, 529 W. 5th St. in LaPlace. On March 19, viewing is 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Meals will be served noon-2 p.m. and 4-6 p.m. Bobby Bourgeois (504) 382-2866, sjachurch.com.
Bingham’s talk starts at 1 p.m. Visit nolalibrary.co/clara-bingham to register and submit your questions to the author
March 26: New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Weiner will join the library in a virtual lecture about her novels “Good In Bed,” “In Her Shoes,” “Big Summer,” “The Breakaway,” and many more. Weiner will also discuss her forthcoming book, “The Griffin Sisters’ Greatest Hits,” out on April 8.
Visit nolalibrary.co/jennifer-weiner to register and submit your questions for the author
BLACK LIVESAFTERTHE CIVILWAR: The New Orleans Public Library’s REACH Center 2022 St. Bernard Ave., is teaming up with the Historic New Orleans Collection to present “A New Door for My People,” a halfday workshop that will delve into the lives of African Americans during Reconstruction (1865-1877), a period of transformation and hope following the Civil War.
Moderated by Mark Roudané, whose great-great-grandfather cofounded The New Orleans Tribune, the event will feature insight from leading scholars including Justene Hill Edwards on the Freedman’s Bank, Tera Hunter on family reunification, and William D. Jones on the Freedman’s Bureau and Home Colonies.
Visit events.nolalibrary.org to register for this program, which starts at 8:30 a.m. and ends around 1 p.m. ‘FREE FORALL’: Filmmaker Dawn Logsdon will debut her new film, “Free For All,” at the Broad Theater, 636 N. Broad St., at 7 p.m. on March 24. Logsdon’s documentary is about the importance of public libraries and was filmed at library locations across the United States, including the New Orleans Public Library A discussion will follow the free screening.
Jane LeGros is the director of marketing and communications for the New Orleans Public Library
ST. JOSEPH’S ALTARS
FILE PHOTO BY DAVID GRUNFELD
The St Joseph’s Altar at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Gretna on March 19, 2024.
STAFF PHOTO BY BRETT DUKE
time.
López
Saunders
Sheffer
Dan Foley named Hibernian of the Year
Dan Foley has been named the Hibernian of the Year by the Archbishop Phillip M. Hannan Division of the Ancient Order of Hibernians in Louisiana. Foley has served as the division’s president and vice president and as a member of the Louisiana Hibernian Charity board of directors that was instrumental in completing the Hibernian Memorial Park at West End in 2023. He is the past president of the Louisiana Association for Justice, a member of the board of governors of the American Association for Justice. He is the chairman of the board of directors of the University Medical Center of New Orleans. Foley was honored at a reception following 11:30 a.m. Mass at St. Patrick’s Church, 724 Camp St. in New Orleans on March 14.
GREEN LIGHT
To research Irish ancestry, check out this library presentation
Irish genealogy will be the main topic when Sheila O’Haire Larmann speaks at 7 p.m. March 24 at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie, in a presentation sponsored by the Genealogical Research Society of New Orleans. Larmann says this presentation, “Armchair Genealogy: Basic Internet Family Research, Including Current Irish Records,” will be an informative guide to internet resources with a special dive into Irish genealogy resources.
“So, if you are a novice researcher or an experienced family historian,” says Stephen Stuart, GRSNO president, “you can benefit from Sheila Larmann’s insights on prominent and not-so-prominent online records and collections and her deep knowledge of Irish genealogy.”
Larmann has 44 years of selftaught experience in family research. She is a business graduate of Loyola University New Orleans and the University of New Orleans. She was a board member of The Friends of St. Alphonsus in the Irish Channel, and created The Roots Program, which had three Irish speakers and entertainment, highlighting New Orleans Irish history and culture.
Larmann has been a board member of the Genealogical Research Society of New Orleans for many years.
POP-PUNK POETRY: Christie Cognevich, Ph.D., a library staff member, will lead a session titled “Reading the Black Parade: Pop-Punk as Poetry,” at 6:30 p.m. March 26 at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W.
Living; 3. Prevention US; 2. The Atlantic; 1. New Yorker
Magzter is a cross-platform, global digital newsstand with thousands of magazines and newspapers from more than 5,000 publishers. To find it, go to the library’s website,
Magzter
COMPUTER
Napoleon Ave., Metairie.
She’ll discuss how to analyze and interpret lyrics of celebrated pop-punk bands such as Blink 182, Jimmy Eat World, Paramore, My Chemical Romance, Relient K and others.
WRITER’S GROUP: Vicki Salloum, a local author who has written four novels and numerous short stories, will lead an introduction to fiction writing workshop on Thursday afternoons at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie.
The next meeting will take place at 1 p.m. March 27. This event geared for beginning writers.
ADULT CHESS CLUB: Amateurs, novices and dabblers who want to know more about chess and who would like to play in a semicompetitive environment are welcome to a meeting March 28. No registration is required. Instructors are available occasionally The group meets at 2 p.m. on the second and fourth Fridays of each month at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie.
CHECK OUT THIS DOCUMENTARY:
“Free for All: Inside the Public Library,” a new documentary that focuses on the value of public libraries in daily American life, will be screened at 7 p.m. March 20, at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie This event is held in partnership with WYES-TV the local Public Broadcasting Station for New Orleans. “Free for All: Inside the Public Library” tells the story of the quiet revolutionaries who made the simple idea of free libraries a reality From the pioneering women behind the movement to today’s librarians who service the public despite working in a contentious age, meet those who created a civic institution where everything is free and the doors are open to all.
MAGZTER: It’s been only three months since the library acquired this digital service, but Magzter is already a hit. Patrons have checked out 1,453 magazines in that time. The most popular: 5. Bon Appetite; 4. Country
“Shell's RootsRun Deep in St.Charles Parish. To us,beingagood neighbor means morethan safely clocking in and out;itmeans actively supporting theplacesand communitiesthathavebeen thefoundation of our business fornearly acentury.”
TAMMYLITTLE | General Manager,ShellNorco
In honor of ShellNorco's 95thanniversary,ninety-fiveemployees partnered with thePontchartrain Conservancytoplant1,000 treesat Wetland Watchers Park in St.CharlesParish.
Thesetrees will help fortifythe Lake Pontchartrain shoreline,createnew wildlife habitat, and supportlocalair quality.Atthe event,Shell NorcoGeneral Manager Tammy Little announced a$175,000 donation to theSt. Charles Parish Parksand Recreation Department to helprebuild thepark’spier,which wasdamaged in Hurricane Ida.
Dan Foley
FILE PHOTO BY SCOTT THRELKELD
period supplies as part
Mount Carmel sophomores hold service day
Sophomores at Mount Carmel recently dedicated a service day to a series of projects. Students assembled period supply kits containing tampons, pads and liners to be stocked in Little Free Pantries across New Orleans. In addition, students wrote Valentines for first responders and prepared bags for the academy’s St. Joseph’s Altar
DELGADO COMMUNITY
Continued from page 1G
even if the animal eats only a single seed. Ingestion of any part or amount of this plant warrants immediate emergency veterinarian treatment.
Symptoms of consumption include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, loss of appetite, abnormal fluid accumulation in the abdomen, abdominal pain, jaundice and black-tarry stool. A dog may also experience weakness, seizures, tremors and severe liver failure. Even with aggressive treatment, the survival rate is about 50%.
Azalea: Ingesting even just a few leaves of an azalea can cause serious issues such as upset stomach, drooling, loss of appetite, weakness and leg paralysis, and in some cases, coma or death.
Bird of paradise: Toxic for both dogs and cats, these can be fatal for rabbits. They can cause intense burning and irritation of the mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty swallowing and lack of coordination.
Lily: While nontoxic for dogs, lilies are very toxic for cats and can cause serious kidney damage.
Daffodil: These contain poisonous alkaloids that can cause vomiting, excessive salivation, diarrhea, convulsions, tremors and heart problems in pets. The bulbs are the most dangerous part of the plant.
Hydrangea: They’re poisonous to cats, dogs and horses because all parts of the plant contain cyanogenic glycoside. Signs of ingestion include diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, confusion and depression.
Geranium: The leaves, stem, roots, and especially the flower of the scented geranium contain essential oils, linalool and geraniol, which are toxic to cats and dogs. Ingesting any part of the plant can cause vomiting, reduced appetite, depression. Just touching the plant can cause skin irritation and dermatitis.
Tulip: They’re toxic to dogs, cats and horses. The bulb contains toxins that can cause intense gastrointestinal irritation, drooling, loss of appetite, depression of the central nervous system, convulsions and cardiac irregularities.
Daisies: These are toxic to both dogs and cats and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, lack of coordination and dermatitis.
Aloe vera: Although it has medicinal benefits for humans, aloe vera can cause vomiting, lethargy and diarrhea in pets if ingested.
PROVIDED PHOTO Hannah is about 10 months old and has friends of all kinds. She’s great with other kitties — and humans, too. She’s a great candidate for a first-time cat owner or one with other animals. To learn more, email adoptionteam@ animalrescueneworleans. org
for pets. Check preferred growing conditions before planting.
Keep in mind that even if a plant is not toxic, consumption of any plant material can potentially cause an upset stomach or vomiting for pets.
If an animal is suspected of encountering or ingesting a poisonous plant, seek medical attention immediately For more information, contact your vet or call the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center 24-hour emergency poison hotline at 1-888-426-4435.
Events
MARCH 23: Petsmart will hold an adoption event for ARNO from noon to 4 p.m. at 6851 Veterans Blvd., Metairie. Meet adorable puppies and dogs. All approved adopters will receive a coupon book from Petsmart and a new bed from ARNO. For more information, email adopt@animalrescueneworleans.org.
COLLEGE: The Delgado Community College Foundation will host a Roast of the Town fundraiser March 28, 7 p.m., at the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel, 500 Canal St. in New Orleans. Proceeds provide scholarships, support services and other programs for students. This year’s roastee is Newell Normand, radio talk show host and former Jefferson Parish Sheriff. Tickets start at $250. www.dcc.edu.
NUNEZ COMMUNITY COLLEGE: The Sustainable Energy Career Academy at Nunez will host a free conference for wind industry students, experts and employers March 28, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., in the Student Testing and Career Counseling Center on the Nunez campus, 3710 Paris Road in Chalmette. Breakfast and lunch will be provided for all who register via Eventbrite, but walk-ins are welcome. www.nunez.edu.
LOYOLA UNIVERSITY: The musical “Alice by Heart,” set in WWII-era London and inspired by Lewis Carroll’s “Alice in Wonderland,” will be staged March 20-29 in the Lower Depths Experimental Theater in the Communications/Music Complex at Loyola University, 6363 St. Charles Ave. in New Orleans. Curtain is at 7:30 p.m. for evening performances and 2 p.m. for matinees. This show contains themes of violence and death and explicit language. Tickets start at $8. cmm.loyno.edu/loyola-presents/ buy-tickets.
This is just a sampling of plants that can be dangerous for pets. For a full list, complete with photos, visit www.aspca.org.
There are still tons of popular and attractive options for flowers and plants that are safe for the entire family
Here some varieties that are nontoxic and safe
MARCH 25: The Petsmart Charities National Adoption Week adoption event will take place from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at 6851 Veterans Blvd. Meet adorable puppies and dogs from ARNO. All approved adopters will receive a coupon book from Petsmart and a new bed from ARNO. For more information, email adopt@ animalrescueneworleans. org.
Traci D. Howerton is the volunteer manager for Animal Rescue New Orleans (ARNO), a nonprofit, volunteerbased, no-kill shelter For more information on ARNO, visit www animalrescueneworleans. org.
Sorting bags of period supplies for Little Free Pantries across New Orleans are, from left, MCA sophomores Audrey Johnson, Drew Mills, Elizabeth Labiche, Kimber Gros and Lilliam Goudeau.
PROVIDED PHOTOS
Organizing
of Mount Carmel’s Sophomore Day of Service are, from left Carmen Nuila, Leighton Roth, Brianna Velasquez and Ella Rivet
SCHOOL NOTES
A miniature passenger train rumbles down the tracks.
STAFF PHOTOS BY SCOTT THRELKELD
Friends Ronan Lathrop, 6, right, and Izabela DeCicco, 6, play at Storyland at City Park.
People walk near the carousel at Carousel Gardens Amusement Park at City Park.
Marian Ortiz, 2, slides down the dragon slide at Storyland in City Park
Lifelong friends Julian Stow-Serge, 5, left, and Ruthie Chastant, 5, born three days apart, climb aboard an alligator ride.
Conductor Randolph Odinet slows the train to a stop at the station in Carousel Gardens Amusement Park.
Thrill seekers take a ride on the Ladybug rollercoaster at Carousel Gardens Amusement Park at City Park in New Orleans on March 8.
CAROUSEL GARDENS IN CITY PARK
COMMUNITY EVENTS
LOUISIANA CRAWFISH FESTIVAL: The 50th anniversary festival will be held March 20-23 at the Frederick Sigur Civic Center in Chalmette. Hours are 5-10 p.m. Thursday, 5-11 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday. Admission is free on Thursday, $20 on Friday, $10 on Saturday and Sunday. This festival has a clear bag policy. louisianacrawfishfestival.com.
SUPER TAX DAY EVENTS: Entergy New Orleans will offer its customers free tax preparation at upcoming events throughout New Orleans. Qualified Entergy customers can walk in and receive assistance from IRS-certified volunteers. The events will be held at Algiers Regional Library, 3014 Holiday Drive, and at the University of Holy Cross, Saturdays through April 12 (except March 15). www.uhcno.edu or www.entergy com/freetaxhelp.
BAYOU BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL: The inaugural festival will be hosted by the Delta Hayride Association and held at the Deutsches Haus on Bayou St. John, 1700 Moss St. in New Orleans, on March 22, noon-9 p.m. Bluegrass musicians will be joined by the Krewe of Dolly. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Special Olympics Louisiana. Tickets start at $35, with children 12 and under free www.deltahayride.com.
ST. BALDRICK’S DAY AT FINN MCCOOL’S: The annual head-shaving fundraiser in support of St. Baldrick’s Foundation, working to Conquer Kids’ Cancer, will be held at Finn McCool’s Irish Pub, 3701 Banks St. in New Orleans, on March 22, 11:30-4:30 p.m. www.stbaldricks.org.
CHILDREN’S POP-UP BOOK SALE: The Symphony Book Fair is having a sale of children’s books on March 22, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., at Book Fair Warehouse, 623 Distributors Row, Suite F in Elmwood. Included in this sale are children’s books, young adult books, kid-themed CDs and DVDs and artwork. The sale is sponsored by the LPO Volunteers. lpomusic.com.
NEW ORLEANS SACRED MUSIC FESTI-
VAL: The free celebration of spiritual music, art and food from around the world will be held March 22-23 at the New Orleans Healing Center, 2372 St. Claude Ave. in New Orleans. It opens with a peace walk at 10 a.m., gathering at St. Roch Park, 1800 St. Roch Ave. in New Orleans, followed by the main event at the New Orleans Healing Center starting at noon. The festival will feature the Drepung Gomang Monks, who will create a world peace sand mandala March 22-23 in the Grand Hall. Opening ceremony will be at 9 a.m. Saturday, with the closing ceremony at 4 p.m. Sunday. neworleanshealingcenter.org.
TENNESSEE WILLIAMS & NEW
ORLEANS LITERARY FESTIVAL: The 39th celebration of contemporary literature, theater, New Orleans culture and Tennessee Williams will be held in the French Quarter March 26-30, with the Hotel Monteleone, 214 Royal St., as the host hotel. More than 60 events are planned, with 50 New Orleans writers, 100 speakers, the 10th anniversary of the Diana Pinckley Prizes for Crime Fiction and the Stella Shouting Contest. Tickets start at $10. tennesseewilliams.net.
SAINTS AND SINNERS LGBTQ+
LITERARY FESTIVAL: The celebration of book pitches, writer’s craft sessions, author readings, literary panels, book launches, and special events will be held in conjunction with the Tennessee Williams & New Orleans Literary Festival, March 28-30. Events include the Glitter with the Literati welcome reception at SASFest’s venue partner BK Historic House and Gardens, 1113 Chartres St. in New Orleans. Literary events take place at the Hotel Monteleone Tickets start at $40. sasfest.org.
NOLA SPEEDTOUR: The event returns to NOLA Motorsports Park, 11075 Nicolle Blvd. in Avondale, on March 28-30 with the Hagerty Cars & Caffeine Car Show, food trucks, games, autograph sessions and Throttle & Swing, featuring an 18-hole mini golf course, go karting and arcade. Tickets start at $30 for adults, with kids 12 and under free Active-duty service members, police officers and firefighters free with valid military or work ID. SpeedTour. net/NOLA.
FRERET STREET FESTIVAL: The annual free festival will be held on Freret Street from Napoleon to Valmont, with three stages, six food courts, 30 bands and more than 200 local vendors. Ittakes place March 29, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. freretstreetfestival.org. MAKE IT IN ALGIERS: Arts and crafts vendors, along with local musicians and food vendors, will celebrate creativity in the community on March 29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., at Harold Devore
Park, 1500 Teche St. in New Orleans.
The event is sponsored by the Old Algiers Main Street Corp. www oldalgiersmainstreet.org.
BIG BASS FISHING RODEO: Registration is open for the catch-andrelease bank-fishing tournament, to be held March 29, starting at 6:30 a.m. The event is open to anglers of all ages throughout City Park and along Bayou St. John. Kayakers can compete in the Boats on the Bayou event on Bayou St. John for nonmotorized watercraft. Also included is the free Fishtival featuring music, exhibits and hands-on activities for kids. Registration starts at $10. Maps and registration are available online. NewOrleansCityPark.org.
CRESCENT CITY COIN CLUB SHOW: The Crescent City Coin Club will host a show March 29, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., at The Landing Ballroom, 3310 Florida Ave. in Kenner. The show will feature buying, selling and appraisals of U.S., foreign and ancient coins, paper money, gold and silver bullion, Mardi Gras doubloons and coin supplies. crescentcitycoinclub.org.
CONGO SQUARE RHYTHMS FESTI-
VAL: The free festival will be held at Louis Armstrong Park and Congo Square, 701 N. Rampart St. in New Orleans, on March 29-30, with two performance stages and large local food and arts markets. Featured performers include Big Chief Monk Boudreaux and the Golden Eagles, Bo Dollis Jr. & the Wild Magnolias, Robin Barnes & the Fiya Birds, the Original Pinettes Brass Band and Erica Falls. www.jazzandheritage. org.
TRASH BASH: Registration is open through April 4 for St. Charles Parish’s annual cleanup effort, to be held April 12, 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Volunteers can choose their cleanup area or be assigned one. Necessary equipment, including pickup sticks, gloves and trash bags, will be distributed at the Edward A. Dufresne Community Center, 274 Judge Edward Dufresne Parkway in Luling, the week of Trash Bash. A post-event celebration will begin at 11:30 a.m. at the West Bank Bridge Park, 13825 River Road in Luling. www.stcharlesparish.gov/trashbash.
CULTURE AND CONCERTS
FRIENDS OF THE CABILDO CON-
CERTS: Tickets, $80-$175, are on sale for the three remaining shows of the 2024-25 season, held at the New Orleans Jazz Museum, 400 Esplanade Ave. in New Orleans. Performers are The Iguanas on April 4 and Sonny Landreth on April 17. www.friendsofthecabildo.org.
THURSDAYS AT TWILIGHT: The musical series returns from 6-8 p.m. to the Pavilion of the Two Sisters in the Botanical Garden, 1 Victory Ave. in City Park, New Orleans. March 20, the New Orleans Mystics and Creole Pasta will perform. On March 27, its Little Freddie King Blues Band and White Beans. Tickets are $15. NewOrleansCityPark.org.
RHYTHM & ROSES CONCERT SERIES: A weekly series of outdoor concerts will be held in the Parterre Garden at the Historic BK House & Gardens, 1113 Chartres St. in New Orleans, starting March 20. Grammy-nominated New Orleans funk band Cha
Wa will perform, beginning at 6 p.m.
Gates open at 5:30 p.m. Limited seating; bring small chairs. Tickets start at $25. www.bkhouse.org.
BLACK LIFE IN RECONSTRUCTIONERA LOUISIANA: The Historic New Orleans Collection will host the free program of speakers March 22, 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m., at the REACH Center, Corpus Christi Church Complex, 2022 St. Bernard Ave. in New Orleans. It will highlight the resilience and progress of African Americans in Louisiana during Reconstruction (1865-77). See hnoc.org for details.
PIANO ON A TRUCK: André Bohren will be playing Chopin, Rachmaninov, Beethoven and more on March 22, 1 p.m. Bring a chair, beverages, snacks and a friend or two to 1201 Constantinople St. in New Orleans. Free. www.andrebohren.com.
COURTYARD CONCERT: Bon Operatit! will perform a mix of operatic and classic Italian songs at the Historic BK House & Gardens, 1113 Chartres St. in New Orleans, on March 23, 6 p.m. Light refreshments, but guests are encouraged to bring beverages. Tickets start at $25. www.bkhouse.org.
EVENING IN THE ROUND: Tickets are on sale for the April 4 concert by three-time Grammy winner Linda Davis at the Gretna Cultural Center for the Arts, 740 Fourth St. in Gretna. The acoustic night of songs and stories will include special guest Lang Scott. The doors open at 7 p.m., and the concert begins at 7:30. Tickets start at $60 via Eventbrite. (504) 363-1552.
SHORTY FEST: Tickets are on sale for the event, with Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue headlining April 28, starting at 5 p.m., at Tipitina’s, 501 Napoleon Ave. in New Orleans. Special guests are Robert Randolph and Jake Clemons of the E Street Band Tour. The Cultural Block Party will offer free outdoor performances on the neutral ground with include brass bands, Mardi Gras Indians and the legendary Battle of the Bands featuring two local high school marching bands. Also: a kids’ area, food trucks, a silent auction, and the annual Tipitina’s Walk of Fame Induction Ceremony with this year’s inductee, drummer Shannon Powell. Tickets for the indoor concert, which starts at 8 p.m., start at $100. tipitinas.com.
BOOKS
GARDEN DISTRICT BOOK SHOP: March 19, Sloane Crosley, author of the best-selling memoir “Grief is for People,” will be in conversation with Nathaniel Rich, beginning at 6 p.m. March 19, Julie Frederick Vaucresson shares stories of the Vaucresson and Frederick families and their recipes in “Creole Made Easy with the Creole Sausage Queen,” which she will sign on 1-2 p.m. March 23, Jennifer Ledet will sign copies of “Live and Lead by Choice, Not by Chance,” 4-5 p.m. March 30, March 30, Emmy Award-winning television host Tamron Hall will sign copies of her new book, “Harlem Honey: The Adventures of a Curious Kid,” 11 a.m-12 noon. Early bird tickets starting at $19.99 are available via Eventbrite. The book store is in The Rink, 2727 Prytania St. in New Orleans. NEW ORLEANS WOMEN AUTHORS: Local fiction authors Marguerite
West Bank Art Guild names February artists of the month
The West Bank Art Guild named its winners of the February 2025 artist of the month competition. From left are Wayne Himel, ‘Kopi Fish,’ first place; Glinda Shafer, ‘Egret’s Home,’ second place; and Peggy Delery Pospisil, ‘Fishing at the Fairview Riverside,’ third place.
PROVIDED PHOTO
North Rampart Community Center, Covenant House and Hotel Hope. Tickets start at $100. ticketstripe. com/nolajackandjill-gardenexperience.
SHELL-A-BRATION: The fest, which will support the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana oyster shell recycling program, will be held at the Louisiana Swamp Exhibit at Audubon Zoo, 6500 Magazine St. in New Orleans, on March 27, 7-10 p.m. The event will include food, a silent auction and entertainment from T Marie and Bayou Juju. Tickets start at $15. VIP packages are available. www.crcl.org.
SHIMMY FOR A CAUSE: The Muffa-Lottas dance krewe is hosting a canned food drive on March 29, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., at Central City BBQ, 1201 S.
Sheffer, Annell Lopez and Vanessa Saunders will read from their debut books on March 19, 5:30 p.m., in the dining room at the Milton H. Latter Memorial Library, 5120 St. Charles Ave. in New Orleans.
“CREOLE MADE EASY”: Julie Frederick Vaucresson shares stories of the Vaucresson and Frederick families and their recipes in her book, which she will sign on March 22, 1-2 p.m., at Garden District Book Shop at The Rink, 2727 Prytania St. in New Orleans. www.gardendistrictbookshop.com.
“DEAR MANNY”: Author Nic Stone will be joined in conversation by Louisiana author Jumata Emill to discuss her latest book at the InspireNola Literacy Festival at Baldwin & Co., 1030 Elysian Fields Ave. in New Orleans, on March 22, 2-5 p.m. Signed copies can be reserved via Eventbrite. www.baldwinandcobooks.com.
“BY THE GRACE OF THE GAME”: Professional basketball player and author Dan Grunfeld will talk about his family’s stories of sports history and surviving the Holocaust on March 26, 6-7:30 p.m., at the Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience, 818 Howard Ave. in New Orleans. A book signing will follow. In-person tickets are $15, and virtual admission is $5. Museum members can attend free. https://msje.org.
“LIVE AND LEAD BY CHOICE”: For Self-Care Sunday on March 23, author Jennifer Ledet will sign copies of her book, 4-5 p.m., at Garden District Book Shop, at The Rink, 2727 Prytania St. in New Orleans. Books can be reserved on Eventbrite. www.gardendistrictbookshop.com.
“KWEYOL/CREOLE: RECIPES STORIES AND TINGS”: Chef Nina Compton will celebrate her first cookbook release on April 1 with a four-course launch dinner at Compère Lapin at The Old No. 77 Hotel, 535 Tchoupitoulas St. in New Orleans. Compton will be on site for brief Q&As throughout the evening. Signed copies of the book, $37.50, can be purchased with the reservation through Open Table. The pre-fixe dinner, $75 per person, is inspired by the book.
FUNDRAISERS/GALAS
COCKTAILS FOR KID SMART: The event, March 20 at The Cannery, 3803 Toulouse St. in New Orleans, will support the expansion of programming in KID smART’s Creative Schools. A patron party starts at 6:30 p.m. with entertainment by the Preservation Hall Brass Band and the International School of Louisiana’s Circus Arts. The cocktail party takes place 7:30-9:30 p.m. with auctions, food and entertainment. Tickets start at $125. kidsmart.org.
STYLED FOR SUCCESS LUNCHEON: Dress for Success New Orleans will host the luncheon at the Hyatt Regency New Orleans, 601 Loyola Ave. in New Orleans, on March 21, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Tickets start at $150. neworleans.dressforsuccess.org.
ENCHANTED GARDEN EXPERIENCE: The New Orleans Chapter of Jack and Jill of America Inc. will host its celebration of cultural heritage, cuisine and music on March 23, 4-7 p.m., at the Arbor Room at Popp Fountain in City Park, 12 Diagonal Drive in New Orleans. The fundraiser will support programs including
SCHOLARSHIPS SBVFC
four $1,000 scholarships for the fall 2025 school year. The criteria for this scholarship highly emphasizes the student’s volunteer activities. Any graduating senior attending a metro New Orleans high school who is a resident of St. Bernard Parish and a citizen of the United States is eligible. Deadline for application is March 31. heartsy1@aol.com.
MOVIES
HUMAN RIGHTS FILM FESTIVAL: Tickets are on sale for the PATOIS festival April 2-6 with screenings and panels at The Broad Theater, 636 N. Broad St. in New Orleans. The festival highlights filmmakers and artists along with community leaders and activists. The festival pass and PATOIS membership are $90. www.patoisfilmfest.org. SERVING UP HOPE PICKLEBALL TOURNAMENT: The tournament benefitting Boys Hope Girls Hope of New Orleans will be held March 22, 11 a.m., at the City Park Tennis Center, 5900 Marconi Drive in New Orleans. This doubles event offers matches on four courts. All equipment is provided. A player ticket includes access to
CLASSES INTRODUCTION
New Orleans Art Association recognizes top artists
The New Orleans Art Association named its February artists of the month. From left are Glinda Schafer, ‘A Walk in the Woods,’ pastel painting first place; Jan Wilken, ‘Ready for Takeoff,’ watercolor painting, second place; and Helen Valenti, ‘Summer Flowers,’ oil painting, third place.
