Spring Fling
Easter baskets on the way to being filled.
The Easter Bunny himself turned out recently to pose with kids from Morris Jeff Community School, where pre-K through second graders also got Easter baskets and treats from Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity alumni Fraternity members share their time and attention with the students to carry on the legacy of Morris F.X. Jeff Sr., who was a member
BY EVA JACOB BARKOFF Contributing writer
When the members of the New Orleans Council on Aging Community Choir learned they would be performing once again at the New Orleans and Heritage Festival presented by Shell, their reaction could be described in one word ecstatic.
“All I could say was ‘wow,’” said Rhea Doles, 79. “All of us are so excited to perform again. It’s important for the audience to see what we can do in our seasoned years, our senior years.” The choir will perform at 11:15 a.m. Friday, May 2, in the Gospel Tent presented by Morris Bart
The group’s first performance at Jazz Fest was in 2019, with subsequent appearances in 2022, 2023 and 2024, said executive director Howard Rodgers III. (The festival was canceled in 2020 and 2021 because of COVID-19.)
“We have over 70 members ranging in age from 60 to 98 years old,” Rodgers said. “To prepare for this year’s performance, we have been practicing for 90 minutes every Monday morning since February.” Choir members represent New Orleans senior centers, including the 12th Ward Save Our Community,
Choir from New Orleans Council on Aging to take the stage at Jazz Fest AT THE FEST WHEN: May 2, 11:15 a.m. WHERE: Jazz Fest Gospel Tent MORE: nojazzfest.com ä See
My dogs are both well into their golden years, and their walks these days are shorter and closer to home. Despite spending less time outside and mostly sticking to our own yard, there are still threats lurking. For instance, I noticed that an ant mound literally popped up overnight in our yard in a spot my dogs frequent. My dogs are blind, nearly deaf and slow-moving, so this could have quickly turned into a bad situation had I not noticed it. When pets are outside, it’s not enough to just make sure they are in a secure yard or on a leash. We also need to be sure that there is nothing in the grass that can cause them harm.
Insect bites can produce reactions ranging from mild irritation to life-threatening shock. What should you do if the family dog or cat gets bitten by a bee or a wasp, or sticks his nose in a pile of ants?
What if we don’t know exactly what bit our pet? How do we know how to properly treat the wound or manage the reaction if we are unsure of the culprit? Here are some guidelines. BE OBSERVANT: If the dog comes inside and starts chewing at his paws or rubbing his face with his paws, he may have had an encounter with something outdoors. If swelling occurs on any area of the body, this may be an even more
definitive sign that he has been bitten and is having a reaction.
IDENTIFY THE CULPRIT: It may be difficult to find the cause, but it is worth investigating. Check outside to see if there are any bees, wasps, spiders, ants, etc. in the area. Look for snakes, too!
TREAT THE WOUND: Check the area of the wound or swelling to see if any evidence, such as a bee stinger or an ant, is present. Next, give pain relief. Make a thick paste of baking soda and water and apply it to the area of the sting or bite. An ice pack can also be used to minimize swelling. CALL THE VETERINARIAN: Some bites are worse than others, and animals each
STAFF PHOTOS BY SOPHIA GERMER
The Easter Bunny shows up to greet young students at Morris Jeff Community School in New Orleans.
STAFF PHOTO BY MICHAEL JOHNSON
St. Elizabeth’s Guild to honor 11 community activists
Staff report
St. Elizabeth’s Guild will honor 11 community activists at its 53rd annual Volunteer Activists Awards Luncheon on May 2 in the Grand Ballroom of the Hilton New Orleans Riverside Hotel, 2 Poydras St. in New Orleans. The guild supports the children’s programs serviced by Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans. Proceeds from the 2025 luncheon will go to support Padua House, Therapeutic Family Services and Homeless Services of CCANO.
The honorees are Jose Juan Bautista, Jill and Scott Cabes, Colleen Keller Cloninger, Ronald H. Dawson Jr., Robin Ockman Dykes, John E. Hevron, Sueann Hanemann North, Judy Vicknair Quinilty, Shelia Meyers Schulz and Jessica Gordon Waguespack.
The Hall of Fame honoree, previously honored by the guild 25 years ago, is Maria E. Winn.
Jose Juan Bautista, Ph.D., is a faculty member of Xavier University and winner of the Norman C Francis Outstanding Faculty Award for Service He reigned as Endymion
LIV in 2020. He is an officer and past board member of the Philippine-Louisiana Historical Society Jill and Scott Cabes have served on the Archdiocese Family Life Board and Dumb Ox/ECHO Board of Directors. They created the ABC Family Support Fund for families of children with disabilities. Jill Cabes serves on Notre Dame Seminary Board of Trustees and has been a board member for St. Mary’s Dominican High School Scott Cabes served as chair of Holy Cross High School board.
Colleen Keller Cloninger is a member of St. Vincent’s Guild and St. Michael Special School Guild She is an active member of Cancer Crusaders and the Cocktails in the Courtyard committee at Archbishop Chapelle High School. Ronald H. Dawson Jr has served as managing partner at Ericksen Krentel CPAs, treasurer of Asso-
ciated Builders and Contractors and president of Dorignac’s Food Center He is a board member for Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans.
Robin Ockman Dykes, a retired program analyst at the Corps of Engineers, has served as president of both St. Elizabeth’s Guild and St. Vincent Guild. She was one of the planners of the St. Mary Magdalen Early Childhood Center
Dr John E. Hevron has served on the faculties of both Tulane University and LSU medical schools He has worked with Jefferson Parish Rape Crisis Program and as a volunteer physician at the St Thomas Housing Project Health Clinic. Sueann Hanemann North is a cardiac rehab educator at East Jefferson General Hospital/LCMC Hospital. She has been a volunteer at Good Shepherd School and at St. Michael Special School, where she has
worked in the Joy Center
Judy Vicknair Quinilty a lifelong volunteer, was awarded the 2002 Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux Bishop’s Medal for outstanding service and in 2007 was named a “Louisiana Heroine” by the Louisiana Association of Nonprofit Organizations.
Shelia Meyers Schulz has taught business classes at Junior Achievement was a Women of the Storm neighborhood captain following Hurricane Katrina, is a long-term volunteer at WYES and was an ambassador for the 2025 Super Bowl Host Committee. Jessica Gordon Waguespack is a member of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre and has served as
the
CHOIR
Carrollton Hollygrove, Kinship, Lower 9th Ward, Mercy Endeavors, Pontchartrain Park Community Center and Treme Community Education Program.
LaQuan Fields, director of senior services at NOCOA, said she receives feedback regularly from center directors about the choir’s impact on its members.
“There is a spiritual connection they all share,” Fields said. “And it is also an opportunity for them to share their life experiences with one another.” Choir member J. Pagues is a Jazz Fest veteran, having attended for more than two decades.
Continued from page 1G NUNEZ COMMUNITY COLLEGE: The Nunez Community College Foundation Board will hold its annual Pelicans and Pearls Fundraiser Gala on May 9, 6 p.m.-9 p.m., in the newly renovated Physical Activity Center on the Nunez campus, 3710 Paris Road in Chalmette. Festivities will include a tasting from area restaurants, cuisine prepared by Nunez’s Culinary Arts students, music and more Tickets are $60. Attire is business or cocktail. Nunez.edu.
Wendell Bloodworth, center, leans into the sound as he leads the choir
“I’ve sat in the gospel tent for many years and got to know other audience members,” said Pagues, 70, who performed with the choir for the first time last year But when “you are
performing on stage, and there you see your family and friends rather than sitting in the audience.
Performing with the choir is very exciting.”
The choir’s performance
at Jazz Fest
will include eight to 10 songs, mostly gospel, including “Leap for Joy,” “I Will Bless the Lord,” and “God Never Fails.”
Fields and Rodgers agree it’s important for seniors to share common interests and bond with one another
“They are excited to have a place of belonging, a place in the community and a sense they are valued,” Fields said.
“People sometimes put seniors aside because they think they have nothing more to contribute to society, but that’s not true,” Rodgers added. “This choir showcases the talent and dedication of our city’s elder artists.”
And Pagues said he is confident of one thing when the choir performs.
“We are going to get up there, lift our voices and give it all we got.”
SCHOOL NOTES
TULANE UNIVERSITY: Awardwinning actress Sheryl Lee Ralph will be the keynote speaker at Tulane’s 2025 commencement, to be held May 17 at Caesars Superdome. Ralph is known for her Emmy Award-winning role on “Abbott Elementary,” and her theater work includes “Dreamgirls” and “Wicked.” She founded The DIVA Foundation in 1990, committed to achieving better health outcomes for all people using the transformative power of the arts. UNIVERSITY OF HOLY CROSS: Award-winning journalist, producer and WWL-TV news anchor Charisse Gibson will be the commencement speaker for the UHC class of 2025 on May 18 at noon at the Alario Center in Westwego. Gibson is a national Edward R. Murrow and Emmy Award winner, president of the New Orleans Association of Black Journalists and a Dori J. Maynard Fellow for the Society of Professional Journalists
INTERNATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL OF NEW ORLEANS: IHSNO, 2733 Esplanade Ave. in New Orleans, will offer parking during Jazz Fest for $50 per vehicle. The school, a 10-minute walk from the Fairgrounds, will offer monitored parking 9 a.m.-8 p.m. on April 24-27 and May 1-4. Multiday passes are available at a discounted price. The gated lot is on Lepage Street between Crete and N. White streets (enter from North Broad Street). Parking is limited and can be prepaid and reserved online. ihsnola.org.
recipient of the Joan Frischhertz Mascaro Endowed Scholarship and has served on Dominican’s student council. She has also represented Dominican at district literary rally. She is the daughter of Leslie and Charles Carriere IV, of Metairie.
NOCCA: The Musical Theatre students of the Theatre Arts Department at New Orleans Center for Creative Arts will present William Shakespeare’s classic story of love and mistaken identity in “Twelfth Night, the Musical.” Show times are May 8 and 9 at 6:30 p.m. in the Lupin Hall at NOCCA, 2800 Chartres St. in New Orleans. Tickets start at $20 via Eventbrite. nocca.com.
ST. MARY’S DOMINICAN HIGH: Dominican junior Therese Carriere has earned the highest possible composite score of 36 on the ACT. Carriere is a former
ST. BERNARD SCHOOLS: Registration is open for the free 2025-2026 preschool program for 4-yearolds. Children age 4 by Sept. 30, and those with disabilities, experiencing homelessness or in foster care and are residents of St. Bernard Parish are eligible. www.sbpsb.org. (504) 267-3310 or (504) 301-2000. NEW ORLEANS MILITARY AND MARITIME ACADEMY: Open house events for students entering grades 8-12 during the 202526 school year are scheduled for May 8, May 19 and June 3 at the NOMMA cafeteria, 425 O’Bannon St. in New Orleans. Presentations will begin promptly at 6 p.m. Parent/guardian identification is required. To be eligible to apply prospective students must attend an open house with at least one parent or legal guardian. nomma.net/admissions.
Winn
president of the Ladies Leukemia League. She has been honored with East Jefferson General Hospital Auxiliary’s Great Lady Award. Doors open at 10:45 a.m. with the luncheon beginning promptly at 11:30 a.m. There will be a patron party will be held 10-10:45 a.m. outside the ballroom. The event will
Continued from page 1G
react differently Some can have a mild reaction, while others may be severely allergic to insect bites.
Allergic reactions are usually apparent within 20 minutes of the bite, but they also may not appear for hours, so close monitoring of the pet after a bite or sting is critical. WHEN IS IT AN EMERGENCY?: While most bites and stings will cause temporary discomfort or pain, some can become life-threatening. If the pet exhibits any of the following symptoms, regardless of whether a bite or sting is suspected, seek medical attention immediately:
n Disorientation, dizziness, lethargy n Difficulty breathing or wheezing
n Significant swelling around the head or neck, as this can compromise
breathing
n Hives on the body these will itch like crazy and the pet will need medication to alleviate the itching and combat the allergic reaction.
n Excessive drooling, as this could be a sign of swelling in the throat passage.
n Vomiting and/or diarrhea n Seizures. Pets are unaware of their surroundings. We need to pay attention for them. If your pet gets stung or bitten by an insect, call a veterinarian immediately, just to make sure you know the signs and symptoms to look for should an allergic reaction occur
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.
PET OF THE WEEK
time to play Then, her silly side comes out. Queen adores people and gets along wonderfully with other dogs. For more info, email adoptionteam@animalrescueneworleans.org
Carriere
Ralph Gibson
Waguespack Schulz
Quinilty
North Hevron
Dykes Dawson Cloninger Scott and Jill Cabes Bautista
STAFF PHOTOS BY CHRIS GRANGER
Members of
New Orleans Council on Aging Community Choir rehearse for their performance
FESTIVALS
NEW ORLEANS JAZZ & HERI-
TAGE FESTIVAL: May 1-4; Fair Grounds Race Course, 1751 Gentilly Blvd. in New Orleans. Fourteen stages with more than 5,000 performers. The 2025 festival will showcase Mexico’s music and culture. Vendors will offer crowdfavorite foods and crafts in three marketplaces. Advance tickets through April 8 start at $89. Multiday and VIP passes are available. www.nojazzfest. com.
NOLA CRAWFISH FESTIVAL: The 10th anniversary festival will be held April 28-30, 3-10 p.m. daily, at The Broadside, 600 N. Broad St. in New Orleans. In addition to fresh boiled seafood, there will be live entertainment each day. Tickets start at $64.95. Multiday, VIP and Super VIP packages are available. www nolacrawfishfest.com.
CINCO DE MAYO FEST: May 5, 4 p.m. until; Lafreniere Park, 3000 Downs Blvd. in Metairie. The largest celebration of Mexican food and culture in the New Orleans area offers music on two stages, food, lucha libre wrestling, bull riding and a taco-eating contest. Tickets start at $25. VIP packages available. www cincodemayofest.com.
BAYOU BOOGALOO: May 1618; Bayou St. John at Orleans Avenue. Gates open Friday at 4:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday at 11:30 a.m. Entertainment includes comedy, drag bingo, crawfish-eating contest and live music, including
Freedia’s Gospel Revival and Honey Island Swamp Band. Tickets start at $39.50. Children under 12 are free with an adult. More details at thebayouboogaloo.com.
GREEK FESTIVAL NEW ORLEANS: May 23-25; Holy Trinity Cathedral, 1200 Allen Toussaint Blvd. in New Orleans. Hours are 5-11 p.m.
on June 6 or 13 at 7 p.m. Five
will be chosen to perform live on July 4. First prize is $3,000, second prize is $2,000, and third prize is $1,000. www.feed-the-multitudes. com/talent-search.
CULTURE & CONCERTS
EVENINGS WITH ENRIQUE: The free concert series at The Helis Foundation Enrique Alferez Sculpture Garden at New Orleans Botanical Garden City Park, 5 Victory Ave. in New Orleans, will continue April 30 with Javier Olondo and Asheson. neworleanscitypark.org.
THURSDAYS AT TWILIGHT: City Park Conservancy hosts the musical series at the Pavilion of the Two Sisters in the Botanical Garden, 1 Victory Ave. in City Park, New Orleans. Concerts are held indoors on Thursday nights, 6-8 p.m. On May 1, entertainment will be provided by Patrice Fisher & Arpa and Chicken & Sausage Jambalaya. Admission is $15. NewOrleansCityPark.org
RHYTHM & ROSES CONCERT
SERIES: The series of outdoor concerts, held in the Parterre Garden at the Historic BK House & Gardens, 1113 Chartres St. in New Orleans, concludes May 1 with Kristin Diable & Radio Bird String Quartet. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. Concerts start at 6 p.m. Attendees may bring small chairs as space allows. Tickets start at $25. www bkhouse.org.
JUDITH OWENS COMES ALIVE: The Historic BK House & Gardens, 1113 Chartres St. in New Orleans, will present a live concert by Judith Owens on May 4, 7 p.m. Tickets start at $25. www.bkhouse.org.
BOOKS
“BOMBING HITLER’S HOME-
TOWN”: Author Mike Croissant will discuss his book at the Louisiana Memorial Pavilion at the National WWII Museum, 945 Magazine St. in New Orleans, on May 7. A reception from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. will precede the event. The presentation is 5:30-6:30 p.m. Registration is required. www nationalww2museum.org
“ZEAL”: Author Morgan Jerkins will sign copies of her latest book at Baldwin & Co., 1030 Elysian Fields Ave. in New Orleans, on May 9, 4-6 p.m. Tickets for a signed book and admission to the meet-andgreet start at $33 via Eventbrite. www.baldwinandcobooks.com.
COOL ZOO OPENS AT AUDUBON
Audubon Zoo will open its water park for the season on May 3 for weekends only until May 30, when it will be open daily The park features the alligator water slide, the spider monkey soaker, the Gator Run lazy river, a 750-foot-long course that is three feet deep and 10 feet wide, and lots more. Cool Zoo tickets can be purchased online and at the Zoo front gate. New this summer is a combination ticket that includes admission to both Audubon Zoo and the Cool Zoo Waterpark for $38. Audubon members can add Cool Zoo tickets to their visit for $13 https://audubonnatureinstitute. org/tickets
feature Mark Kulp, UNO
geology professor and chair of the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, speaking on restoration of the Louisiana Coastal Zone.. The presentation will be held at Earl K. Long Library’s Dougie Hitt Memorial Conference Room, room 407, on the University of New Orleans campus, 2000 Lakeshore Drive in New Orleans. Coffee and pastry at 9:30 a.m., with the presentation at 10 a.m. Annual membership is $25 per person, $30 per couple/ double or a $5 donation for an event. www.learningbeforelunch.com.
SPORTS SWIMMING LESSONS: The NORD Commission will offer free swimming lessons May 5-23 for ages 6 months
through adults. Registration is April 28-May 3. nordc.org/ activities/aquatics/. GIRLS FLAG FOOTBALL: Registration is open May 1-25 for the new St. Charles Parish Department of Parks and Recreation girls’ program. The season will run during July and August. All registrations must occur with the individual participant’s affiliated booster club. scpparksandrec.com/ flag-football.
FISH DAT RODEO: The St. Charles Parish Department of Parks and Recreation’s family-friendly event will take place May 10 at the Bonnet Carre Spillway Lower Guide Levee Boat Launch, Lower Guide Levee Road at Airline Highway in Norco. The rodeo is open to all St. Charles Parish residents. A Louisiana
fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older. All Louisiana fishing regulations apply. The categories are bass, bream, catfish, sac-a-lait and miscellaneous. Competition begins at safe-light, with weigh-in at 1 p.m. Registration for anglers 12 years old and under is $10, and $15 for those 13 and older or boat captains. Online registration is open through May 9.
CLASSES
SCENIC DESIGNER’S TOOLBOX: A two-day workshop for ages 11 and up will be held May 3-4, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., at Le Petit
Théâtre Du Vieux Carré, 616
St. Peter St. in New Orleans. Students will learn how to use a laser cutter and work with wood, cardboard, acrylic and more to design and build a layered mini set. Tuition is $150. www.lepetittheatre. com.
BUILDING A COHESIVE SHORT STORY COLLECTION: NOCCA Foundation will sponsor a fiction writing workshop May 10, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m., at the Foundation, 2831 Royal St. in New Orleans. Taught by Annell Lopez, writers will learn ways to curate and organize their stories. Registration through May 1 is $65, with an optional consultation add-on for $140. neworleanswriters.
org.
SATURDAY WRITER’S CLINIC: David Armand and C.W. Cannon, two local authors, will be the featured speakers at the Saturday Writer’s Clinic for May 10, at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W Napoleon Ave. in Metairie. Armand, 2022 recipient of the Louisiana Writer Award, will host a session entitled, “Realistic Dialog vs. Perfect Dialog.” It begins at 9:30 a.m. Cannon, who teaches New Orleans literature and writing at Loyola University, will lead a session on “Creative Nonfiction.” It begins at 11 a.m. www.jplibrary.net.
CAMPS MAKING HISTORY: Registration is open for an immersive historical arts and crafts camp for kids June 9-13, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at the Historic BK House & Gardens,
1113 Chartres St. in New Orleans. Activities include guided tours of sites around New Orleans, followed by creative sessions at BK House where they will use their experiences as inspiration for crafting historically relevant mementos. Cost is $275 per child. www.bkhouse.org/ programs. SWAMP SCHOOL: Registration is open for the first of four-week-long camp sessions sponsored by St. Charles Parish Department of Parks and Recreation. Kids 8-12 can experience nature and outdoor adventures paired with science-backed activities, such as canoeing, field games, archery and tree planting at the Bonnet Carre’ Spillway in Norco. The weeklong sessions run Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. beginning June 2 through July 25. Registration for each week is $200 per child. scpparksandrec.com.
ST. MARY’S DOMINICAN HIGH: Registration is open for Dominican’s summer camps. All camps, except soccer and softball camps, are at Dominican’s campus, 7701 Walmsley Ave. in New Orleans. Camps range from drama and cooking to cheerleading and sports. See details at www stmarysdominican.org.
STEAM SUMMER CAMP: Registration is open through May 2 for summer camp for rising first-fifth graders at the Maumus Center and Planetarium, 721 Friscoville Ave. in Arabi. Weekly sessions run from June 2 through June 27, with each day’s activities running 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Campers will learn about science and art, including trips
COMMUNITY EVENTS JUMPIN’ JAZZ HISTORIC HOME AND COURTYARD TOUR: The
Orleans
Fiesta Association will host the tour on
30, 2-5 p.m., starting at 826 St. Ann St. in New Orleans. The tour includes visits to private homes in the Vieux Carré, a jazz scavenger hunt, and music. Tickets start at $50 via Eventbrite. www.springfiestanola.com.
BLOOD DRIVE: The Harvey Marrero American Legion Post 222 will host a blood drive at the post home, 4101 Patriot St. in Marrero, on May 4, noon4 p.m. Lunch will be served to all donors. (504) 347-0845 BLK INK BOOK FESTIVAL: The book expo will be held May 3, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., at the Pavilion of the Two Sisters in the City Park Botanical Gardens, 5 Victory Ave. in New Orleans. The event features more than 90 authors in every genre, music, storytelling in the garden and local author VIP exhibits. Free, but preregistration via Eventbrite is requested. The inaugural BLK INK Short Film Premiere will showcase short films by emerging Black filmmakers, with a particular interest in films by artists from Louisiana and the Gulf Coast Region. The premieres take place at the Lath House in City Park, 1-3 p.m. Tickets to the film premiere start at $20 via Eventbrite. www.blackwritersworkspace.com NEW ORLEANS WASABICON: The pop culture convention designed to connect fans
FUNDRAISERS/GALAS
HEART OF THE PARK HAT LUN-
CHEON: City Park Conservancy and the New Orleans Town Gardeners, a member of the Garden Club of America, will host the luncheon on April 30, noon-2 p.m., at the Pavilion of Two Sisters, 1 Victory Ave. in New Orleans, with an 11 a.m. patron party in the New Orleans Botanical Garden. The fundraiser benefits the care of City Park’s urban forest and the community programs supported by the NOTG. NewOrleansCityPark.org.
SPRINGMOOR: The Broadmoor Improvement Association will present a neighborhood celebration of community and connection at its signature neighborhood festival and fundraiser on May 6, 5-7:30 p.m., on the lawn of the Rosa F. Keller Library, 4300 Broad St. in New Orleans. Rain date is May 7. This free event features local food trucks, movement and mental health sessions, access to social ser vice resources, a communit art project and spring-themed games. www.broadmoorimprovement.com.
ZOO-TO-DO: The annual fun draiser at Audubon Zoo, 6500 Magazine St. in New Orleans, to be held May 2, with the p tron’s party starting at 7 p.m. and the gala running 8-11 p.m. Live music, cocktails, cuisine from local restaurants, and more. Attire is black tie or white linen suit for men, cock tail attire for women. Ticket start at $195. audubonnatur institute.org.
MOVIES
games. Hours are Saturday 10 a.m.-7 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tickets start at $30. nola.wasabicon.com/ SENIOR FEST 2025: Tickets are on sale through May 1 for the vendor fair and celebration of Older Americans Month on May 16 at UNO Lakefront Arena, 6801 Franklin Ave. in New Orleans. The event, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., will be a sneaker/sock hop. Tickets are $5 per person and can be picked up
“BRINGING UP BABY”: The 1938 comedy hit starring Katherine Hepburn and Cary Grant — and a leopard — will be shown on Lakeshore Classic Movie Night, April 30, 6 p.m., at Lakeshore Library 1000 W. Esplanade Ave. in Metairie.
”THIS IS NEW ORLEANS FILM”: The Violence Prevention Institute at Tulane will host the screening on May 1, 5-7 p.m., at 3014 Holiday Drive in New Orleans. The documentary, created by local youth, looks at the root causes of violence in New Orleans and the need for more resources to support young people. A panel of young filmmakers will discuss the documentary’s key themes.
MEETINGS
LEARNING BEFORE LUNCH: The May 8 meeting will
Fooling the Nazis
Learn about the Allies’ program of deception that helped made D-Day a success
Chris Smith
LIBRARY
LAGNIAPPE
Learn all about Operation Fortitude, the plan to deceive and divide the Nazis during the buildup to D-Day, when National WWII Museum volunteer Walter Wolf speaks at 7 p.m. May 1 at the East Bank Regional Library 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie. The operation was designed to divert Axis attention away from Normandy, the site of the D-Day landing, and after the invasion, to delay reinforcement by convincing the Germans that the landings had been a diversionary attack.
Operation Fortitude’s spies were an oddball mix of operatives working for Britain that included a convicted safecracker a Spanish chicken farmer, and a French woman who was so obsessed with her dog that she almost derailed the 1944 invasion. Added to that was a ghost army created to mislead the Germans about Allied troop movements.
Operation Fortitude’s spies had a few equally unlikely handlers at British intelligence agency M15 as well, including Thomas Argyll “Tar” Robertson. He was head of B1A, the spy section that ran the BritishGerman double agents He also helped set up the Twenty Committee in 1941 known as Double Cross — an inter-agency group to coordinate spies working both for the British secret services and the Abwehr, the German military intelligence service. Wolf has a degree in Modern European History and
Crowds
of Sainte-Mère-Église, France, on June 8, 2024, to
the
anniversary of the Allied forces’ landing in France.
practiced law for several decades.
This talk is part of the regularly scheduled meeting of the World War II Discussion Group that has met at EBR since the late 1990s SAFE DRIVING: An AARP Smart Driver course will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. April 30 at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie. The free course covers research-based driving strategies to help older drivers become safer, more confident drivers, and includes information on the effects of medication on driving.
ASTRONOMY: The Pontchartrain Astronomy Society will meet at 7 p.m. May 7, and on the first Wednesday of each month, at the East Bank Regional Library,
4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie.
The group was founded in 1959 and currently has a roster of nearly 150 members from south Louisiana and south Mississippi. Society members come from many walks of life and have diverse interests in amateur astronomy The goal of the society is to enhance the study and enjoyment of astronomy among its members and to promote an understanding and appreciation of astronomy in the community New members are welcome.
GENEALOGY: A genealogy class on researching cemetery records, led by special collections librarian Gwen Kelley will take place at 7 p.m. April 30, at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave.,
Metairie.
The next lecture, on researching military records, will be at 7 p.m. May 14 at EBR.
BIG BOOK SALE: The Friends of the Jefferson Public Library holds its free semiannual Big Book Sale from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. May 2 and 3, and noon to 5 p.m. May 4, at the Pontchartrain Center, Williams Boulevard,
Kenner
It’s one of the largest book sales in the New Orleans area, with more than 65,000 items for sale, including gently used adult and children’s books, puzzles, DVDs, CDs, and records, most priced from 50 cents to $3. Cash and credit/debit cards are accepted; check are not. Parking is free CREATIVE CONNECTIONS: This inclusive program designed for adults with developmental disabilities, takes place from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. May 5 at the Belle Terre Library, 5550 Belle Terre Road, Marrero
Each session features activities that encourage creativity, social interaction, and lifelong learning. Participants will explore a variety of hands-on experiences, including arts and crafts, music, movement, storytelling, games, and sensory-friendly projects. This program fosters community, independence, and fun in a supportive environment. Caregivers are encouraged to participate No registration required.
ADULT CARE: The Clear Head Adult Day Care Program features a craft or art project each week. The next session will be 10:15 to 11:30 a.m. May 7 at the Terrytown Library, 680 Heritage Ave., Terrytown. Caretakers must be pres-
ent.
CAMELLIAS: The Camellia Club of New Orleans meets from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. May 7 at the Old Metairie Library, 2350 Metairie Road. Members discuss soil, pests, water, sun, pots, hybridization, and other camellia-focused issues. It’s always looking for new members.
ACT PRACTICE: Teens can register in advance for an ACT Practice Test being given from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 10 at both the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie, and the West Bank Regional Library 2751 Manhattan Blvd., Harvey The test is provided by Princeton Review Students take it in an environment that mimics the computerized version of the test. All registrants must have a valid library card to participate, and are encouraged to bring a pencil, scratch paper, and a calculator for the math portion of the test.
Scores will be furnished immediately upon completion. This program is open only to high school students, who must register online.
Chris Smith is manager of adult programming at the Jefferson Parish Public Library
CornerstoneEnergyPark prioritizesemployee wellness with innovative programs andon-site resources
This articleisbrought to youby Cornerstone Chemical Company, LLC.
CornerstoneEnergyParkiscommitted to sustainability in manufacturingand acrosssite resources andprograms. Throughits comprehensivewellnessinitiatives anddedicationto clean, efficientoperations, Cornerstoneisnot only fosteringagreener future but also ahealthier andmoreproductiveworkforce
As part of itssustainabilitymission,Cornerstone actively seekstocollaborate with co-locating companiesthatshare itscommitmenttocleaner andmoreefficientmanufacturingprocesses. But sustainability at Cornerstoneextends beyond production.It’saholisticapproachthatincludes employeewell-being, communityhealthand workplacesatisfaction.
Establishedin2020, theCornerstone Wellness Programisatestament to thecompany’s commitment to thelong-termhealthofits employees Theprogram emphasizesawareness,prevention, education, andbehaviorchangeasthe pillarsfor helpingemployees achievetheir personal health goals. Throughvarious initiatives,the program encourages abalancedlifestyle,increasedfitness, andmentalwell-being, allwhile contributing to lowerhealthcarecosts andimprovedjob performance. Employeesare givenaccesstoawide rangeofmentaland physical health resources reinforcingaculture of care andsupport
“We’re thrilled to have so many employees whofrequentour FitnessCenter,”saidNatalie Naquin,Cornerstone’s full-timeOccupational Health Nurse, whobringsover18years of experience in both hospital andindustrial settings “Bysupportingemployeehealthand wellness and offeringaconvenientand funway to getactive, we arecontributing to asustainable workplace andahealthier community.
At theheart of theprogram is theWellworks WellnessPortal, auser-friendlydigital hubthat motivates employeestotakechargeoftheir health.Employees earn points throughvoluntary participationinwellnessactivities, andthose points canbeexchanged forrewards
“I usethe WellworksWellnessPortaland reached225 points last year,” said Matthew Steel, acrane operator at Cornerstone. “The gym
is superconvenientfor us to have on-site. The advice Iwould give is to make sure youenjoy your workout, andyou’llhavebetteroutcomes.”
Thecompany’s on-siteFitness Center,which opened in 2003,servesasthe epicenterofphysical health activity at CornerstoneEnergyPark. With free weights, cablemachines, treadmills andmore, thegym is tailored to accommodate employeesatall fitnesslevels. ForMichael Naquin,amaintenance mechanic,the gymhas made alife-changingimpact.
“BeforeIstarted workingatCornerstone I was300 pounds.Today,I’m at 214pounds,”he said.“Theon-site gymhas helped me maintain andfurther that progress. Youjusthavetokeep showingup. Jonathan Folse, amaintenance mechanic appreciatesthe convenience of thegym during hisworkday.“As mechanics, we stay very active on-siteinspectingequipment,climbingstructuresand conducting maintenancethroughout thefacility. By coming to thegym on my lunch break, Ican spendmoretimewithmyfamily during theevenings.”
Thewellnessculture isn’tconfined to theworkplace. Employees areencouragedtoparticipate in at-homewellnessactivitieslikethe Walking Club Programand theWeightLossChallenge whichfostercamaraderie andhealthy competition.These programs have becomestaples of theemployeeexperienceand arepopular for theirmeasurablebenefits andcommunity feel Cornerstone’semphasis on wellness is employee driven.The company continuestoinvestinnew offerings andresources basedonfeedbackfrom itsworkforce.Educationalcomponentslike lunchtimenutrition seminars,health screenings, andchronic diseasepreventionsessionsare routinelyadded to keep theprogram dynamic andimpactful
“Whether they work at adesk or in thefield from mechanicsand craneoperators to maintenancetechnicians andoperators—Cornerstone’s on-sitegym andlargerWellnessProgram offer employeesoptions to achievetheir fitness goals andincorporate regularexerciseintothe workday,”Natalie Naquin explained. Andit’snot just thegym-goers whobenefit. The broadercommunity feelsthe positive effects as employees bringhealthier habits home to their families.Improvedmorale, increasedjob satisfaction, andacollectivecommitmenttowellness ripple outward, creatinga positive feedback loop that benefits thecompany,its people,and the neighborhoodstheylivein.
As BriceBrasington, anothercrane operator putit, “Ifyou want to feel better allaround, start goingtothe gym. Forthose at Cornerstone, you’re alreadyon-site,somakethe most of your time anduse thegym.” By prioritizing employeewellnessaspart of its overarchingsustainability strategy,Cornerstone Energy Park is provingthatlong-term business success is builtona foundation of health,balance, andsharedvalues. To learnmoreabout Cornerstoneand their commitment to sustainability andwellness, visitwww.cornerstonechemco.com
STAFF FILE PHOTO BY CHRIS GRANGER
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D-Day Memorial Parade commemorating the 80th
Cornerstone Occupational Health Nurse NatalieNaquin
