BY MADDIE SCOTT Staff writer
blast-off
or bar is a good one, the outing can quickly turn sour if the humans — yes, the humans — do not follow the rules. Here are some tips to make a dogfriendly outing a positive experience for all — pets and people alike: THE MAIN RULE: Dogs that are not dog-friendly do not belong at the dog park or bar As much as we may want our dog to run and play with other dogs, if he prefers to be a loner, bringing him to a dog friendly venue is not a good idea. Do not risk the safety of your pet, other dogs or people if your dog is not social. A walk on the levee or around the neighborhood on a leash may be a better alternative and still makes for great, outdoor quality time together PLAY WELL WITH OTHERS: If the family canine does not share well with others,
STAFF PHOTO BY BRETT DUKE
Chatoyer Mena, 4, stuffs a parachute into a model rocket before launch.
STAFF PHOTOS BY JOHN MCCUSKER
STEM NOLA staffers send a rocket into the air
SPELLING
(that’s h-e-m-a-t-o-m-a). It didn’t blunt his spelling superpowers because after multiple surgeries, he was discharged from the hospital and won a spelling bee two weeks later with two holes in his head and an active IV in his arm. The Times-Picayune captured the winning moment in a photo
His living room has a gallery wall. A framed sports T-shirt is a keepsake from his 30+ years of coaching children’s sports, and a blank spot sits next to an abstract painting he bought from Amazon There, he will hang a screenshot of his interview on WVUE about his spelling victories. He plans on framing the screenshot once he learns how to print it out
“The first time I (printed) it, it came out red,” Lipani said. “Next time it came out blue So, I turned it over to my tech support to see if they can get one that doesn’t turn out in a color But if it does, I have to use it.” His tech support is a team of his six grandchildren and three children, one of whom was also a spelling bee champion Maybe it runs in the family
Words he’ll never forget
The Jefferson Parish Library’s first adult spelling bee was in 2013, the same year Lipani retired from his 45-year career as vice president of Boh Bros. Construction Co. Ever since, his victories have earned him multiple gift cards to the annual Jefferson Parish book sale. He also won a set of kitchen pots one year, which he gave to his grandson.
PARK
Continued from page 1G
we get distracted by our mobile devices. When visiting a dog park, the devices should be put away so we can closely monitor our pets, especially in off-leash situations. Just like with children on the playground, altercations can quickly arise, and pet owners must always be alert to their pets, other pets and the surroundings in general.
PRACTICE GOOD MANNERS: Scoop the poop. It is a health hazard as lots of diseases and parasites can be found in dog poop. Make sure to have plenty of bags on hand and clean up after the pets. This is important at both dog parks and around the neighborhood on regular walks.
SPAYED AND NEUTERED PETS ONLY: This is a no brainer A female in heat and unneutered males should never be at a dog park ever All pets should be spayed/neutered, especially before visiting the park. Most dog venues have this requirement.
VACCINES REQUIRED: Puppies under 12 weeks of age and/or dogs that are not up-to-date on vaccinations should not visit a dog park. A dog park can be a breeding ground for disease, and new puppies are highly susceptible. If you have a new puppy, don’t put his health in jeopardy Wait until he is old enough and the vet gives the green light before venturing out to the park or dog-friendly bar
My dog, Romeo, recently got invited to a birthday party at a popular dog-friendly bar and restaurant for a colleague’s pup After thinking it over I decided that, although I love this concept, this is probably not a good idea for a 15-year-old, blind and deaf dog that is not used to being around unfamiliar dogs or people. He will send his well-wishes from
“The first prize was $100, and at the used book sale, you’d have to bring a truck to get $100 of books,” he said. “Now the award is only $30 because that’s a more reasonable amount of books if you want to go there.”
He remembers looking at the ScrippsHoward National Spelling Bee’s word lists in the newspaper every year, lists where you can look at a whole column and not recognize a single word, he said.
The Jefferson Parish Library’s word lists
OF THE WEEK
PROVIDED PHOTO Cena is an 8-month-old champion of playtime, the undisputed heavyweight snuggle champ and the master of zoomies. With his sleek gray-and-white fur, he’s a stylish feline. He loves getting pets and will gladly soak up all the love and attention you have to offer. To learn more, email adoptionteam@ animalrescueneworleans.org
the comforts of home.
Events
JULY 26: PetSmart Dog Days of Summer adoption event will take place from noon to 4 p.m. at 6851 Veterans Blvd., Metairie. 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 info, email info@ animalrescueneworleans.org.
Traci D. Howerton is the volunteer manager for Animal Rescue New Orleans (ARNO), a nonprofit, volunteer-based, no-kill shelter. For more information on ARNO, visit www.animalrescueneworleans. org.
usually include common words with tricky spellings, he said, and the bees usually run between 45 minutes to an hour with about 15-25 people. Contestants are allowed to ask for the word’s definition and its use in a sentence.
“Every now and then you come into (a word) you haven’t heard before, but most of the time you have heard, but you have to think a little bit to say them correctly out loud,” Lipani said. He’s noticed all kinds of reasons why
someone might misspell a word. Nerves, spelling too fast, not hearing the word or instead spelling its respective homonym.
“There’s no pressure to it,” he said. “Everybody claps whether you get it right or wrong.”
Three words have eliminated Lipani from bees, a small list he doesn’t reveal easily because it’s embarrassing, he said. But he eventually caved. The three words forever etched in his mind are:
1. Cynosure: A center of attraction or attention. Lipani said this word has popped up twice in his spelling bee career He got it right the second time.
2. Accommodate: To provide with something desired, needed or suited. Lots of double letters to keep track of.
3. Marshmallow: A sweet, white confection usually in the form of a spread or small spongy cylindrical pieces now usually made from corn syrup, sugar, albumen and gelatin. Most pronounce it as mellow not mallow, so this one is also tricky
A speller’s secret
So, what’s the secret?
R-e-a-d-i-n-g — an activity Lipani said he believes has been de-emphasized in recent years.
“If it’s not a chore to you, you’re going to get better at it,” he said. “You’re going to have a better vocabulary, you’re going to spell better You’re going to comprehend better You’re going to do everything better.”
Those who read will have an advantage in life, he said.
“It’s going to always matter,” Lipani said.
“I was lucky that my kids like to read as much as I like to read, and their kids like to read even more than that.”
There’s still time to get in on library’s reading challenge
BY JANE LEGROS Contributing writer
dinner provided; registration required.
July 24
PROVIDED PHOTO Summer reading challenge registration gifts include a library mug or cards for adults and a book for kids.
It’s not too late to participate in the New Orleans Public Library’s Summer Fun & Reading Challenge. Sign up before July 31 and help reach the community goal of 2 million minutes of reading citywide. Participants are tasked with reading 800 minutes, and are welcome to log any reading they did between June 1 and July 31, regardless of sign-up date. Everyone who registers gets a prize: Kids get to pick out a book, and adults can choose between a New Orleans Public Library mug or a deck of cards. After reading 800 minutes and completing four library-related activities from the list on summerfun.nolalibrary.org, participants win a limited-edition canvas tote, featuring illustrations by Sean Clark.
This year’s challenge is sponsored by the Friends of the New Orleans Public Library, the Jazz & Heritage Foundation, the New Orleans Tourism & Cultural Fund and Raising Cane’s
Every week, the library also hosts dozens of free events for all ages and interests. Please note that some events have limited space and require registration. Visit events.nolalibrary.org to sign up.
July 23
n Tai Chi foundations with New Orleans Shaolin, 11 a.m. to noon, East New Orleans Regional Library 5641 Read Blvd. Ages 18+
n Paint can planter upcycling with the Green Project, 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., Mid-City Library, 4140 Canal St. Ages 9-12.
n Math workouts for kids with Make It Count Math (third through sixth graders), 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Nora Navra Library, 1902 St. Bernard Ave. Light
n Story hour and book giveaway, 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., Central City Library, 2020 Jackson Ave. A community story hour led by students from Academy of the Sacred Heart. Following story hour, kids can select a book to keep from the Sacred Heart bus.
n Chalk About It, 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., Smith Library, 6301 Canal Blvd. An outdoor chalk adventure for ages 2-5.
July 25
n Story hour with Drag Queen Laveau Contraire, 11 a.m. to noon, Nix Library 1401 S. Carrollton Ave. For children and caregivers.
July 26
n From Storm to Strength: Preparing Our City, Empowering Our People, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., REACH Center, 2022 St. Bernard Ave. A disaster preparedness and recovery seminar presented by NOLA Ready n Krewe of Muses shoe decorating workshop 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., East New Orleans Regional Library, 5641 Read Blvd. For ages 9-18. Registration is required. n Bluey Pajama Party, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., Mid-City Library, 4140 Canal St. For young children and caregivers.
July 28
n House of Schlock — “House on Haunted Hill” (1959), 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Nora Navra Library, 1902 St Bernard Ave. Movie screening, trivia, and history in the style of the classic horror hosts.
July 29
n Circuit challenge for kids with the Louisiana Energy Office, 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., Norman Mayer Library, 3001 Gentilly Blvd. Ages 6-12; registration required. n Herbs for All the Senses, teen workshop With Grow Dat Youth Farm, 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., Nora Navra Library, 1902 St Bernard Ave. For ages 11-18; registration is required.
Jane LeGros is the director of marketing and communications for the New Orleans Public Library
Katrina anniversary events include tour of Flooded House Museum, Levee Exhibit Hall
Staff report
A series of events put on by Levees.Org, the national investigative and educational nonprofit dedicated to holding the federal government accountable for the safety and reliability of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers levee protection system, will mark the 20th anniversary of the levee failure following 2005’s Hurricane Katrina. Louisiana native and U.S. Army retired three-star Lt. Gen. Russel Honore will headline the Gala at the Cannery on Aug. 9, 7-10 p.m., at 3803 Toulouse St. in New Orleans. All proceeds benefit the ongoing
work of Levees.Org.
Tickets start at $25 via Eventbrite.
On Aug 23, Sandy Rosenthal will give a guided tour of the Levee Exhibit Hall and the Flooded House Museum at the London Avenue Canal levee breach, one of the worst levee failures during Hurricane Katrina The tour is 9-10:30 a.m., at 5000 Warrington Drive in New Orleans. The Flooded House Museum is a life-sized diorama that is visible only through its front windows. It replicates what homes in the neighborhood looked like after the flood when owners returned to their homes.
The Levee Exhibit Hall is a 100foot covered walkway housing six museum-quality exhibit pan-
els. The text and 40 photographs tell the story of the levee breaches. Rosenthal and her 15-year-old son founded Levees.Org, a worldwide organization that now has more than 25,000 members, while evacuated to Lafayette following Katrina.
On Aug. 27, Rosenthal will lead a discussion of her book, “Words Whispered in Water,” on Aug. 27, 6-8 p.m., at Octavia Books, 513 Octavia St. in New Orleans. The book covers how Rosenthal exposed the Army Corps of Engineers for the levee failure and how the agency spent millions of dollars covering up its mistakes. Information on the organization and Katrina anniversary events is available at levees.org.
STAFF PHOTO BY SOPHIA GERMER
Flooded House Museum, an installation created after Hurricane Katrina, photographed in New Orleans in April 2023. The exhibit can only be seen by peering through the windows.
PET
Music, haircuts, food and even laptops available at some events
BY MADDIE SCOTT Staff writer
It’s almost time for kids to go back to school, and New Orleans area businesses and community groups are helping out with giveaways of backpacks and school supplies. Some events also feature free laptops, haircuts, vaccinations, food and entertainment. We’ve compiled a list of back-toschool giveaways in the greater New Orleans area.
n Vicious Ryderz MC will give away backpacks and school supplies on July 19 at 11 a.m. at 15661 River Rd. in Hahnville. Children must have an adult present; one backpack per child while supplies last.
n The Back to School Boogaloo, hosted by Manning
Family Children’s hospital, will distribute over 2,000 free backpacks filled with school supplies from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on July 26. The free health, wellness and resource fair, which also features free vaccinations, children’s haircuts and sports physicals, takes place at the Joe W. Brown Park Recreation Center, 5601 Read Blvd. in New Orleans.
n Scott Vicknair Injury Lawyers’ Project Backpack will hand out backpacks filled with pencils, folders and more on July 26 from 9:30 a.m. to noon at the Volunteers of America Building, 4152 Canal Street in New Orleans.
n The Back to School Bash in Mandeville will distribute 300 backpacks filled with school supplies to the first
300 elementary schoolchildren from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on July 26 at Pelican Landing/the Grove in Pelican Park, 63550 Pelican Drive in Mandeville.
n NOLA Back to School, presented by Shell, will give away 4,000 backpacks filled with school supplies, including a notebook, pencil case, glue stick, folders, pencils and scissors. Students who are preregistered online can receive a backpack from 8 a.m. to noon on July 26 during a drive-through distribution at the Xavier University Center, 4955 Drexel Drive in New Orleans.
n Youth Empowerment Project and Ochsner Children’s Hospital will hand out free backpacks, food and drinks at their Back to School Fest
from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on July 26 at the New Orleans East Opportunity Center, 12000 Hayne Blvd in New Orleans. Vision and hearing screenings will also be available.
n InspireNola will give out free backpacks, Chromebooks, school supplies, belts, ties, gas cards, books, haircut vouchers and more at its annual back to school drive-through giveaway One backpack per child, one Chromebook per vehicle, while supplies last. The event is first-come firstserve at 10 a.m. on July 26 at McDonogh 35 High School, 4000 Cadillac St. in New Orleans.
n Verizon’s School Rocks Backpack Giveaway offers backpacks at 1 p.m. on July 27 at 2222 Clearview Park-
Staff report
way, Suite H-2 in Metairie Verizon also will give away backpacks in LaPlace at 901 W. Airline Highway, Suite F. Students must be present to receive a backpack.
n The All in-Treme Back to School Fair, hosted by the Neighborhood Cares Initiative, will give away backpacks filled with school supplies along with haircuts, laptops and food from 3 p.m to 5 p.m. on Aug. 1 at the Treme Recreation Community Center, 900 N. Villere St. in New Orleans. While supplies last; students must be present. The event is sponsored by the City of New Orleans Neighborhood Engagement Office in partnership with Councilmember Freddie King III, Starbucks and One Heart NOLA.
n N.O.E Satin Dolls Dance will hand out free backpacks and school supplies from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Aug. 9 at 9637 Chef Menteur Highway in New Orleans. Children must be present to receive a backpack.
n Energize NOLA Community Fair and Back-to-School Giveaway offers school supplies from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Aug. 9 at 3815 St. Bernard Ave. The event also features live music, sno-balls, food and vendors.
n School Supply Giveaway: Becnel’s Automotive, 1801 Newton St. in Algiers, will host a giveaway on July 26, 2-5 p.m.
Know of an event we didn’t list here? Contact Maddie Scott at madison.scott@ theadvocate.com.
Two members of the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office Young Marines in Harvey have been recognized by the Young Marines 2025 National Leadership Academy held in June. Young Marine Sgt. Mark Huete, of River Ridge, a rising seventh grade student at Patrick F. Taylor Science and Technology Academy, was named the Honor Graduate for the Young Marines 2025 National Leadership Academy-Senior Leadership School held at Camp Rilea, Warrenton, Oregon. Huete was recognized for his accomplishments and leadership qualities. After high school, he plans to study medicine and focus on orthopedics. His sister, Valerie Huete, a rising junior at Patrick F. Taylor, was named one of the top 10 graduates
for the Young Marines 2025 National Leadership Academy-Advanced Leadership Academy also held at Camp Rilea. She was named a 1st Louisiana Regiment Junior Young Marine of the Year in 2022 Young Marines from throughout the country were chosen to attend the academy based on their leadership, creative problem solving, selfdiscipline and the ability to coach other Young Marines in their units. The Young Marines is a national nonprofit youth leadership and development program for boys and girls, age 8 through high school graduation. The Young Marines promotes the mental, moral and physical development of its members. The program focuses on teaching the values of leadership, teamwork and self-discipline. Jefferson Parish Young Marines receive honors at national academy
SCHOOL NOTES
NEW SCHOOL YEAR’S EVE: STEM Library Lab will host its annual backto-school celebration designed to energize and equip educators on July 24, 4-7 p.m., at 3011 N. I-10 Service Road East in Metairie. Open to all educators, the event networking opportunities, and access to a wide range of educational resources provided by nonprofit partners, as well as access to STEM Library Lab’s Teacher Free-Store. Admission is free for all educators with RSVP via Eventbrite. www.stemlibrarylab.org.
BACK TO SCHOOL RESOURCE FAIR: Manning Family Children’s will host a back-to-school event for New Orleans kids and families on July 26, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., at Joe Brown Park, 5601 Read Blvd. in New Orleans. The fair will include health services and resources for kids ages 6 months-18 years, free enrollment with Manning Family Children’s ThriveKids Student Wellness Program free immunizations for qualifying families, sports physicals, plus primary care and dental resources, free haircuts, school supplies and more.
CHRISTMAS IN JULY SCHOOL DRIVE:
A back-to-school supply drive will be held July 25, 6-10 p.m., at Bargeboard Mercantile & Millshop, 530 Powder St. in New Orleans. All donated supplies will be given away at the Algiers Music and Artist Studio Social Club on July 26. bargeboardnola.com.
XAVIER PREP: Registration is open
for the 2025 Prep All Class alumni picnic, hosted by the class of 1992, on Sept. 6, noon-6 p.m., in Audubon Park. The family-friendly event will include live entertainment, with each class having its own tent. Details online. https://form.jotform. com/251597561173160.
JOHN F. KENNEDY HIGH REUNION: The 50th reunion of the graduating class of 1976 will be held April 10, 2026. The reunion committee is seeking contact information from class members. Details are available on the JFK Class of ’76 Facebook page. cbrylski@aol.com. NEW ORLEANS PUBLIC SCHOOLS: In-person open enrollment events for Early Learning & Child Care programs will include help for starting or completing a child’s application, exploring available learning centers, checking application status and addressing any enrollment questions. Applicants should bring photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, visa, passport); child’s birth certificate, visa or passport; proof of residence (current lease, Entergy bill, cable bill); proof of income (four recent check stubs and/or other documentation) and birth certificates for all
STAFF PHOTOS BY JOHN MCCUSKER
V. Huete
M. Huete
It’s ‘a joy to come to work each day.’
Jefferson Parish Library names employee of year
Sharon Villaronga, a member of the library technical services department at the East Bank Regional Library, has been selected as the library’s Employee of the Year for 2024-2025.
Villaronga, who has worked for the library for five years, has two main jobs
The first is linking periodicals, which means she receives magazines and journals, then registers them into the computer system with a bar code so they can be checked out by patrons. She also updates a computer program called WorkFlows for new and updated periodicals, and she files claims for both duplicates and missing items for all 17 Jefferson Parish libraries.
Her second job is to serve as the library system’s liaison for interlibrary loans. When other library systems request books they don’t have, she handles the paperwork so they can borrow the books and then return them. She also handles the books that Jefferson Parish Library borrows from other library systems.
“I get a feeling of accomplishment when I can find a book in our system that a patron in another state has been searching for and I can get it to them,” she says. “I enjoy problem-solving and discovering additional ways to do things better as the periodical list from publishers seem to be ever-changing.”
Very few people get to see her, since she works behind the scenes with people at other library systems, but she likes her coworkers here.
“I have plenty of contact with multiple co-workers,” she says. “All of my co-workers make it a joy to come to work each day From the friendly hello to the in-depth problem solving of an issue, my co-workers are friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable in their positions at Jefferson Parish Library
MUSIC!: The Clarinet Quacks, a group of seven or so clarinetists, performs a free concert at 1:30 p.m. July 27 at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie
The New Aurora Saxophone Ensemble, a group of seven or so saxophone players, performs a free concert at 7 p.m July 31 at the East Bank Regional Library
COOKING DEMO: Chef Neil “Nino” Thibodaux, native of Franklin and resident of Houma, will teach patrons how to make
a summertime salad with poppyseed dressing from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. July 31 at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave. in Metairie.
Chef Nino has a great love for Italy its culture and its people, and enjoys not only teaching the language, but also sharing his
SNAZZY CLOTHES COLLECTIVE: Sewing enthusiasts with a particular interest in creating ready-to-wear clothing are invited to the Snazzy Clothes Collective at 7 p.m. Aug. 5 at the River Ridge Library, 8825 Jefferson Highway No sewing will take place, but participants are invited to bring personal projects, questions, disasters and triumphs, and share the love of handmade apparel with like-minded individuals in this discussion and support group.
COLLECTING THE PAST: Help preserve Jefferson Parish Library’s history As it celebrates both its 75 years of service and Jefferson Parish’s Bicentennial throughout 2025, we are building a community archive featuring your library memories. Do you have vintage photos, past event flyers, or memorabilia from earlier years of JPL? Submit them to help tell the story of the library’s impact over time. Drop off items at any branch, visit the East Bank Region-
experiences from living there for 14 years.
EPILEPSY SEMINAR: Diane Hughes, community relations coordinator for the Epilepsy Alliance Louisiana, will give an educational presentation about epilepsy and seizures at 7 p.m. July 29, at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie.
PROVIDED
Sharon Villaronga, left, is honored as at the East Bank Regional Library employee of the year by library Director Jessica Styons.
East Jeff Hospital Auxiliary installs officers
The East Jefferson General Hospital Auxiliary installed its 2025-2026 officers at Chateau Country Club. They are Darlene McGarry, treasurer; Amy Carbonette-Cioli, recording secretary; Carrel Epling, second vice president; Dolores Hall, first vice president; Faith Peperone, president-elect; Debbie Schmitz, president Not pictured is Karen Villavaso, corresponding secretary Also, Schmitz presented a check for $10,262 to Ruby Brewer, CNO, and Greg Nielsen, CEO, to be used for the nursing education, certification and recertification programs at the hospital. Ruby Brewer led the installation of officers.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
LAGNIAPPE CLASSIC: The Louisiana Kennel Club and Metairie Kennel Club will host the Lagniappe Classic series of dog shows July 31- Aug. 2 at the Pontchartrain Convention & Center, 4545 Williams Blvd. in Kenner. Dog food can be donated for local shelters. www.onofio.com.
TALES OF THE COCKTAIL: The world’s largest cocktail convention will take place July 20-25 at restaurants, bars and venues across the city. Hosted by the Ritz Carlton in the French Quarter, the event’s highlight is presentation of the prestigious Spirited Awards honoring outstanding individuals, establishments, products, media and leaders. Tickets start at $10. talesofthecocktail.org.
LATE NITE LASERS: Kenner Planetarium and Megadome Cinema present laser shows on Fridays in July at 2020 Fourth St. in Rivertown in Kenner. Box office opens at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $5 per person per show. expressoticketing.com.
HUMANE SHELTER SPAGHETTI
DINNER: Metairie Humane Shelter is sponsoring a dinner on July 26, 4-8 p.m., at St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church, 6017 Camphor St. in Metairie. Each plate includes spaghetti, two homemade meatballs and a drink for $16. Take-outs and walk-ins are welcome. Jami (504) 458-0531 metairiehumane.org.
NOLA PICKLE FEST: Registration is open for the tournament, benefiting the Brees Dream Foundation, to be held Aug. 6-10 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, 900 Convention Center Blvd in New Orleans. The tournament and weekend festival blend fast-paced competition, live entertainment and vendors. Details at www nolapicklefest.com.
U.S. GYMNASTIC CHAMPIONSHIPS: Tickets are on sale for the 2025 Xfinity U.S. Gymnastics Championships Aug. 7-10 at the Smoothie King Center, 1501 Dave Dixon Drive in New Orleans. It will feature elite athletes including Brody Malone and Frederick Richard, returning Olympic medalists from the Paris 2024 men’s Olympic team, and women’s gold medalist Hezly Rivera. Tickets start at $30 via Ticketmaster. xfinitychampionships.com.
SIP+DIP DISCO NIGHT: Audubon Cool Zoo
Aug. 2.
kenner.la.us/219/Parks-Recreation-Department. PEPPA PIG & GEORGE: Tickets are on sale as the Audubon Aquarium, 6500 Magazine St. in New Orleans, hosts the stars of the British preschool animated TV series Aug. 1-3. Meet-and-greet free with zoo admission; professional photos available for a fee. Kids Tea Party, $7 kids, free for adults, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. audubonaquarium. com/peppa. GEORGE RAINEY NATATORIUM: NORD will offer extended daily swim times at the natatorium, 2529 Gen. Meyer Ave. in New Orleans, through August. The pool will be open until 8 p.m. Weekend pool hours are Saturday, 9 a.m.5 p.m., and Sunday, 1-5 p.m.
NORDC.org. CELL PHONE SATURDAY: At the Audubon Zoo’s recycling initiative on July 26, 10 a.m.1 p.m., cell phones, iPads, iPods, electronic accessories and more to support gorilla conservation efforts. Recycling bins are available at the front gate of Audubon Zoo and near the gorilla exhibit April-July. Tickets to the zoo start at $30. audubonnatureinstitute.org/tickets.
DOLLY DAYS: The Krewe of Dolly will hold free children’s book readings in the Jazz National Historical Park, 419 Decatur St. in New Orleans. Williams-Plum Street SnoBalls will provide treats 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., with the readings 11 a.m.-noon. Dolly Days will be held July 28-Aug 3. www.frenchmarket.org/. FRIED CHICKEN FESTIVAL: Advance tickets are on sale at special early-bird prices starting at $5 for a limited time only for the annual festival, to be held Oct. 4-5 at the New Orleans Lakefront. The festival has added a FCF 5K Run/Walk to take place Oct. 4. friedchickenfestival.com.
CULTURE & CONCERTS
PIANO PERFORMANCES:
The Piano Institute, a solo performance program for advanced and intermediate college, high school, and junior high school pianists, will be held July 19-27. The Concerto Competition takes place at 9 a.m. July 24 at Louis J. Roussel Performance Hall in the Communications/Music Complex at Loyola Univer-
sity, 6363 St. Charles Ave. All master classes, presentations and performances are free and open to the public. masno.org.
FRIENDS OF THE CABILDO LECTURES: Tickets are on sale for the 2025 series, which begins Aug. 5 and continues through Nov. 11, with seven presentations on Louisiana and New Orleans history Tickets start at $10. friendsofthecabildo.org.
NEW ORLEANS INDIGENOUS HISTORY: The Tour Guide Association of Greater New Orleans will sponsor a seminar on local indigenous history July 26, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., at the Williams Research Center, 410 Chartres St. Presenters include Frank Perez, Jeffrey Darensbourg, John DePriest and Joseph Darensbourg. Fees start at $35; registration required. www.tourguidesnola.org.
FAITH
SPIRITUAL RETREAT: St. Dominic Catholic Church will sponsor its biannual men’s Road Emmaus Retreat July 25-27 at the William J. Kelly Retreat Center, 510 N. 2nd St. in Bay St Louis, Mississippi. The retreat is open to men seeking a deeper understanding of Catholic faith and fellowship. Cost is $205, including transportation. Register online at stdominicparish.com/emmaus.
BOOKS CURATED CONVERSATION: To celebrate the book “Art, Literature and the Vietnam-
ese Diaspora” and Ogden Museum’s current exhibition Hoa Tay (Flower Hands), author E.M. Tran will be in conversation with Megan Holt, executive director of One Book One New Orleans, and Uyên Đinh, Hoa Tay co-curator. July 26, 2 p.m., at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art, 925 Camp St. in New Orleans. Registration is requested. https://ogdenmuseum.org/event/curatedconversation-11/.
MEETINGS
LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS: The League of Women Voters New Orleans will host its annual meeting and brunch on July 26, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., at Mulate’s, 201 Julia St. in New Orleans. The event will include a speaker and discussion of current and future projects. Non-members are welcome. Tickets start at $65. www.lwv.org.
CLASSES
THURSDAY THEATRE GAMES: Crescent City Stage will offer improv, scavenger hunts and more for ages 6-12 in a Sherlock Holmes-themed twist on fast-paced games that spark creativity and build confidence. The games will be offered 4:30-5:30 p.m. July 17, 24 and 31 at CCS Studio, 6063 Magazine St. in New Orleans.
FILE PHOTO BY SOPHIA GERMER
Grooming is important at the Lagniappe Classic Dog Show, coming up at the Pontchartrain Center in Kenner on July 31-
PROVIDED PHOTO FROM SPEED RACK Tales of the Cocktail takes place through July 25. See talesofthecocktail.org for details.
PROVIDED PHOTO
Pictured, from left are Darlene McGarry, Amy Carbonette-Cioli, Carrel Epling Dolores Hall Faith Peperone, Debbie Schmitz and Ruby Brewer. Not pictured: Karen Villavaso.
