‘A special bond’
Brother Martin volunteer brings joy to Padua House friend
BY EVA JACOB BARKOFF
Contributing writer
Jacob Gustin was amazed when he walked through the doors of Padua House.
“I was shocked by how happy all the residents were who lived there,” said Gustin 17, a senior at Brother Martin High School in New Orleans. “I feel I made the right choice.”
Jacob is one of hundreds of Catholic high school seniors who are required to complete a specific number of community service hours to graduate, choosing from dozens of nonprofit organizations to give of their time Padua House, at 200 Beta St., Belle Chasse, is a residential program for people of any age with intellectual disabilities. The pro-
gram provides individualized care including weekly doctor visits, physical, occupational, and speech therapy as well as psychological services based on the person’s specific needs.
Jacob has also volunteered at Belle Chasse Elementary School, the West Bank ARC and LCMC Health.
“Right now, my main focus is on Padua House,” said Gustin, who lives in Belle Chasse. “I spend time helping other residents, too but the person I spend the most time with is Jeremiah.”
Jeremiah, 23, suffered a traumatic brain injury several years ago. He has been a resident at Pauda House since he was 4 years old
“When Jeremiah first came to us, he was
nonverbal,” said Tanna Barthelemy, director of Padua House. “Now he talks continuously and gets his point across.
“Jeremiah loves the one-on-one time when Jacob visits, and Jacob lets Jeremiah lead the course of the time they spend together They have a special bond.”
Justin said Jeremiah has “a loving and amazing personality.”
“I see the way Jeremiah responds to me when I come to visit,” Justin said. “His face lights up and he has this beautiful smile.
Jeremiah loves to dance when I play music, sing songs, watch shows like ‘Barney’ and he tells me about his week.
“When it’s time for me to leave, Jeremiah
Supporters of those struggling with mental health will step up for awareness in Audubon Park
BY DARREN COOPER
Contributing writer
Lisa Burlingame walks for her late husband, she walks for her family, and she walks for you
“I felt so alone my entire life, and I don’t want anybody else to ever feel like that,” she said. “If it means I have to relive and rehash my own story, then I will, because that could help someone recognize they don’t have to live alone, because that’s when the (bad) thoughts take
“If I can pull people out, I will pull them out,” the Covington resident said.
Burlingame and her family have signed up to do the NAMI Southeast Louisiana Mental Health Awareness Walk in Audubon Park Oct. 4. The walk helps provide funds to the National
NOLA River Fest celebrated the Mississippi River and the culture of the city recently with a second-line from Jackson Square to the New Orleans Jazz Museum in the Old U.S. Mint in New Orleans. ä More photos. PAGE 2G
PHOTO PROVIDED BY CATHOLIC CHARITIES ARCHDIOCESE OF NEW ORLEANS Padua House resident Jeremiah, left, visits with Brother Martin senior Jacob Gustin, who volunteers there.
PHOTO BY GRANT THERKILDSEN
Lisa Burlingame will walk
NOLA RIVER FEST
VOLUNTEER HOUR POLICIES AROUND THE AREA
Here’s a sampling of what’s expected from students at area Catholic high schools.
BROTHER MARTIN: Eighth graders and freshmen must complete 10 hours each year; sophomores, 20 hours; juniors, 60 hours; and seniors, 20 hours.
“Students are also asked to serve at least half of their hours with a nonprofit that cares for a particular need including caring for the elderly, people with special needs or disabilities and those who are unhoused,” Gallagher added.
MOUNT CARMEL ACADEMY: The school requires eighth-grade students to complete 25 community service hours, while freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors must complete 45 hours per year
ST MARY’S DOMINICAN HIGH SCHOOL: Students must have 100 service hours by the spring of their junior year “Some students continue volunteering after that and in some cases, giving 300 hours or more,” said Sandra Cordray, executive director for strategic communications.
CABRINI HIGH SCHOOL: New students must complete 10 hours of community service, while returning students must complete at least 20 hours each year
HOLY CROSS HIGH SCHOOL: Sophomores, juniors and seniors are required to complete 25 hours per academic year
BOND
Continued from page 1G
gets upset. And then when I return and he sees me, he tells everyone ‘Look at my best friend.’” Brother Martin Principal Ryan Gallagher described Jacob, the son of Tara and John Gustin, as “caring and compassionate.”
“The way Jacob interacts with teachers and students, and because of his varied involvement in the life of our school, I am not surprised that he selected
Padua House as his place of service,” Gallagher said. “Nor am I surprised that he continues to volunteer there well beyond what is required of him.” Jacob said he will continue to visit Jeremiah as often as possible while attending college, deciding between LSU, the University of Alabama or the University of Tampa. “This experience is how I want to shape my life bringing joy to people who need it the most or support people in the worse situations,” Jacob said. “And I didn’t expect this before volunteering at Padua House.”
WALK
Continued from page 1G
Alliance on Mental Illness, commonly called NAMI, to run programming that helps people with mental health needs.
“Too many people in our community are struggling without the help they need,” said Nick Richard, executive director of NAMI Southeast Louisiana said in a release promoting the walk. “This event is more than just a walk — it’s a powerful statement that no one has to face mental health challenges alone.”
Blindsided by tragedy
Burlingame’s life was impacted by mental illness from a young age. Growing up in Colorado, her mother was addicted to drugs, and Burlingame was often left alone to fend for herself. She eventually got out of that environment and moved to Virginia for school. After high school graduation, Burlingame fell head-over-heels in love with Ryan Ottino, who was serving in the military The couple married in 2005, and Burlingame became pregnant with their daughter Julia.
Burlingame was blindsided when Ottino tragically took his own life in June of 2006, just months before Julia was born.
“He was 19. He had had some struggles with his home life, like we all do, but he never really dealt with it. He made a permanent solution to a temporary problem,” she said. The story took a kinder twist when Burlingame met now-husband Billy in Colorado. They have three kids together and relocated to the northshore just before Hurricane Ida in 2021.
“We all stuck it out for three weeks,” Burlingame said with a laugh. “It definitely ripped off our hurricane bandaid.”
Stepping up to help
After life settled down, Burlingame was intrigued by an ad she saw from NAMI looking for support specialists. Burlingame remembers how the job specified a major qualification was someone who had been exposed to mental health issues during their life She knew she fit the bill.
Burlingame applied and was hired almost immedi-
ately She now works at Northlake Behavioral as a certified peer specialist, helping teenagers going through a variety of issues.
She says the work is fulfilling, hard, rewarding, wonderful and terrible all at the same time.
“When the kids realize that an adult sees them and validates their feelings, it’s so rewarding because you can just see this relief come over them, because it’s not just an adult talking at them,” Burlingame said “I just try to be a good listener and counselor A peer support specialist is a counselor and therapist all in one.”
After all she has been through, one certainly couldn’t blame Burlingame if she opted just to stay inside and hide from the world, but she will be out there on Oct. 4, carrying a tremendous burden with each step, but knowing that every step forward is a step out of darkness
“I feel like there is power in numbers,” Burlingame said. “I have done these walks before, not just the NAMI walks. Julia and I would do the race against suicide (events), and you see people with special shirts on honoring their loved ones, and it just made you feel like there was a sense of belonging that someone out there understood. You can get help.”
NAMI Walks in Audubon Park begins at 9 a.m. Oct. 4. So far, 60 teams totaling 459 walkers have signed up. For more information, go to namiwalks.org/selasouthshore.
If you are struggling with mental health, text or call 988, the national suicide and crisis hotline.
Marchers follow a path through the French Market.
STAFF PHOTOS BY JOHN MCCUSKER
The second-line passes in front of the Mississippi.
Baby Doll marchers celebrate the river and their friendship
Several Baby Doll marching groups were part of the parade.
PROVIDED PHOTO
Members of the Pussyfooters marching club lead the way at the NAMI walk in Audubon Park in 2019.
Alligator Fest leads the lineup
27 at the Pontchartrain Convention and Civic Center, 4545 Williams Blvd. in Kenner. Event highlights include sales of vintage clothing and accessories, free-play vintage arcade with iconic games, and more. Admission starts at $8.78. www.visitjeffersonparish.com.
BLACK AMERICANA FEST: Celebrate the musical heritage, legacy and contributions of Black artists Sept. 26-27 at The Broadside, 600 N. Broad St. in New Orleans. The event includes live music, storytelling and a cultural celebration, with three stages featuring A.J. Haynes, the Wild Magnolias, Sunpie and the Louisiana Sunspots, Dr. Michael White & Liberty Jazz Band and more Tickets start at $37.24 via Eventbrite www.blackamericanafest.com.
NEW ORLEANS YOGA FESTIVAL: The festival will be held Sept. 25-28, presented by the New Orleans Yoga Club in partnership with NOLA x NOLA. The event includes classes of all styles, guided meditation, sound healing experience, dance and live performance and more. Tickets start at $70.41 via Eventbrite. www. neworleansyogaclub.com.
NOLA COFFEE FESTIVAL: The festival to celebrate all things coffee will be held Oct. 3-4 at the Pontchartrain
A boy holds a muzzled baby alligator as the Rotary Cub of St. Charles Parish hosts the annual Alligator Festival, celebrating all things related to Southern Louisiana’s largest reptile. The fest runs
Convention & Civic Center, 4545 Williams Blvd. in Kenner. Tickets are $20; VIP packages available. nolacoffeefestival.com.
GRETNA FEST: The festival of music and food will be held Oct. 3-5 at 740 Second St. in Gretna. Times are 4-10 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday.
BY JANE LEGROS
Contributing writer
If you’re looking for new ways to exercise your creative muscles, check out these two opportunities coming up at New Orleans libraries.
First, anyone can learn the basics of drawing portraits at a workshop at Nora Navra Library, 1902 St Bernard Ave., at 11 a.m. Sept. 24.
Local artist Sean G. Clark will lead the two-hour session for adults, in which participants will learn portrait-making using charcoal and graphic pencils. No drawing experience is required. All supplies will be provided. Registration is recommended. Walk-ins are welcome for any remaining space. Visit events.nolalibrary.org to sign up.
On Sept. 25, adults can learn to bind a simple, elegant notebook or sketchbook using a historical Japanese bookbinding method.
Live music includes local, national and international acts, with food, arts and crafts and more. Entertainment includes Better Than Ezra, Amanda Shaw, Bonerama, Rockin Dopsie Jr. & The Zydeco Twisters, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue. Tickets start at $45, children 12 and under free. gretnafest.com.
NATIONAL FRIED CHICKEN FESTIVAL: The two-day outdoor festival will be held 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Oct. 4-5 at the New Orleans lakefront, Lakeshore Drive and Franklin Avenue. Food offerings include vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options from more than 40 restaurants and music across three stages. A Fried Chicken Festival 5K Run/Walk will take place on Oct. 4, on the
The 11/2-hour workshop with all supplies provided will be held at 5p.m. at Smith Library, 6301 Canal Blvd. The workshop will cover four stitches for this historical Japanese bookbinding structure: four-hole, noble, hemp leaf and tortoise shell Single sheets are stacked and bound to create this simple and elegant binding.
These are great books to use for sketchbooks, journals, photo albums and artists’ books.
AROUND THE WORLD IN TWO DAYS: The New Orleans Public Library is celebrating International Literacy Day with “Around the World in 80 Books,” an early literacy
program designed for children ages 2-5 and their families.
Stop by Norman Mayer Library, 3001 Gentilly Blvd., from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sept. 26 to explore different countries and cultures through stories, music, and activities.
On Sept. 27, families with children ages 6-12 are invited to Latter Library, 5120 St. Charles Ave., to learn about Tet Trung Thu, a Vietnamese autumn holiday, with chef Bích Trâm Teeng. From 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., families will learn how to make mooncakes and decorate a paper lantern to take home.
T t Trung Thu is celebrated on the first full moon of the eighth month of the lunar calendar It is known as the Mid-Autumn Festival, the Moon Festival, the Harvest Festival, the Lantern Festival and sometimes even the Mooncake Festival.
Traditionally, T t Trung Thu marks the end of the harvest season and celebrates abundance, prosperity and future fulfillments. This holiday is centered on family especially children. Young ones are gifted with mooncakes, lanterns, toys and foods. The jubilance and familial bonding of T t Trung Thu can be equated to American Thanksgiving. Space is limited; regis-
tration is required. Visit events.nolalibrary.org to sign up. This event is presented in partnership with VIET and is sponsored by the Friends of the New Orleans Public Library
COMPOSTING: At 1 p.m. Sept. 27, Master Gardener Angela Theresa Henderson will present “The Art and Science of Composting” at the Latter Library, 5120 St. Charles Ave. During this hourlong workshop, attendees will learn about composting and view a demonstration of how to start composting in your yard. Please bring vegetable scraps from your kitchen to this event. Creating your own garden humus not only helps the environment by reducing kitchen waste, but it also enhances even the worst soil and gives veggies and ornamentals the nutrients they need to grow Jane LeGros is the director of marketing and communications for the New Orleans Public Library
PHOTO BY SHAWN FINK
SCHOOL NOTES
With performances by the Hot 8 Brass Band and others,
backpacks,
screenings and
crafts and games, families enjoyed a full afternoon of fun at the recent Dinerral Shavers Educational Fund’s Back to School Extravaganza at the Ashe Cultural Arts Center in New Orleans.
SCIENCE FAIR WORKSHOP
FOR TEACHERS: A workshop on Oct. 4, 9-11 a.m., will be held at the STEM Library Lab, 3011 N. I-10 Service Road East in Metairie, to help teachers prepare for the Greater New Orleans Science and Engineering Fair, which takes place Feb. 23-26, 2026, at Tulane. The workshop will details on over $60,000 in available awards, prizes and grants for students, teachers and schools. A $20 deposit fee is required. Teachers will receive a $50 stipend upon completion of the training session. gnosef. tulane.edu. KENNER
DISCOVERY
HEALTH SCIENCES ACADEMY: Senior and founding student Jaden Newman has been named a National Merit Scholarship Program semifinalist. She will continue in the competition for National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $26 million, to be awarded next spring. Newman serves as historian for the National Honor Society is a founding member and captain of the girls wrestling program, a Pathway Ambassador, president of the National Art Honor Society, member of Student Council and Key Club.
ARCHBISHOP CHAPELLE HIGH
SCHOOL: Chapelle’s annual craft fair will be held Sept. 27, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., on campus at 8800 Veterans Memorial
UNIVERSITY OF ST. ANDREWS: Samantha Isabelle Brungardt, a 2025 University of Wisconsin-Madison honors graduate, will be pursuing a master’s degree in evolutionary and
Blvd. in Metairie. There will be more than 268 booths with gifts and crafts. www archbishopchapelle.org.
NEW ORLEANS CENTER FOR CREATIVE ARTS: The Experience NOCCA Workshop Series for aspiring artists in grades 8-12 will be held biweekly Oct. 20-Dec. 11. Last day to sign up is Sept. 29. Classes take place 4-5:30 p.m. at NOCCA, 2800 Chartres St. in New Orleans. Students can sign up for one class per session at $75 per workshop. Details and registration online. https:// experiencenocca.my.canva site/experience-nocca25-26.
ST. MARY’S DOMINICAN HIGH: Dominican’s SpendA-Day registration is open to prospective students in grades 5-8. The fall dates are Sept. 25; Oct. 3, 20, 28 and 31; and Nov. 4 and 11. Visits are 7:50 a.m. to 3:10 p.m., and guests will meet the students, faculty and staff and experience what it means to be a Dominican student. Registration is required. stmarysdominican.fsenrollment.com.
ST. MARY’S DOMINICAN HIGH: Registration is open for Dominican Cheer Mini-Camp for girls in grades K-7, to be held Oct. 11, 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m., at the school, 7701 Walmsley Ave. in New Orleans. Groups will be divided by grade level, with each group instructed by the Dominican Cheerleaders and monitored by adult chaperones. Fee is $50 when registered online by 5 p.m. Oct. 9. Walk-up registration is $60. www.stmarysdominican. org. 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.
JOHN MCDONOUGH REUNION: The class of 1960 will host its 65th reunion Oct. 22, noon3 p.m., at the Elks Lodge, 2215 Cleary Ave. in Metairie. Contacts for information or registration are Patricia Schoendorf Meyer at meyer. patricia@att.net and Jeanette Daigle LeBlanc at (504) 4322115.
NEW ORLEANS PUBLIC SCHOOLS: Open enrollment events will be held for Early Learning & Child Care during Fridays in August and September. These sessions offer personalized support for enrolling children birth to 4 years in Early Learning & Child Care programs, starting or completing applications, exploring available learning centers, checking application status and answering enrollment questions. Event date is Sept. 26. See details at enrollnolaps.com.
are available online. ccano.org/head-startprogram.
developmental
and Mariangela Brungardt, both of New Orleans.
María F. Brungardt. She is the granddaughter of Dr. Maurice P. Brungardt, retired Loyola University history professor,
Nakita A. Shavers poses with participants of Girls NOLA Youth Program.
STAFF PHOTOS BY SOPHIA GERMER
From left, Kingston, 13, and Markeith Cyres, 5, get their hair cut by Fred Daniels and Travis Edwards.
Kingston Cyres, 13, gets a new backpack.
The LSU School of Dentistry checks the teeth of families during the event.
NOMMA cadets show up for the community
Quiet distress
As our pets age, they may start to lose their hearing. My dog, Romeo, is 15 years old and completely deaf, and I’ve learned firsthand through having two previous deaf dogs how to help him live comfortably in this stage of his life.
The most common form of deafness in dogs is known as age-related hearing loss. Most dogs experience some degree of agerelated hearing loss in their golden years. It often begins by affecting middle to high frequencies but impacts the entire range of sounds as it progresses. While hearing loss caused by aging can’t be reversed, there are many ways we can support our pets and make life easier for them and for us.
GET AN EAR EXAM: The first step is making sure the hearing loss is truly age-related. A veterinarian can rule out other causes, such as ear infections, blockages or growths, some of which may be treatable
USE HAND SIGNALS: Dogs are excellent observers of body language and adapt quickly to visual cues. Establishing a set of hand signals helps maintain communication and routine.
he is also completely blind as well.
AVOID STARTLING: A hearing-impaired dog may be easily startled if touched unexpectedly Always approach from the front or within your dog’s line of sight. If you need to wake a sleeping dog, do so gently and consistently Tap the bed or lightly touch a shoulder so they know what to expect. With Romeo, I always tap the bed near him, which avoids any surprises.
When my dog, Bailee, lost his hearing, we created a system of signals for basic commands, and he knew just what I was trying to communicate to him. This tip doesn’t apply to Romeo, since
ENSURE SAFETY: Because you can’t rely on calling your dog back if he wanders off, a secure environment is essential. A fenced yard is safest, and walks should always be on a leash. Keep in mind that deaf dogs can’t hear approaching cars, joggers or cyclists. Alert caregivers — groomers, pet sitters, boarding staff — that your dog is deaf, and consider adding a collar tag or harness patch that says, “I am deaf.” If your dog ever gets lost, this helps others understand why he may seem unresponsive.
KEEP PREDICTABLE
ROUTINES: Deaf dogs thrive on consistency Feeding, walks and bedtime rituals should follow the same schedule each day, which helps them feel secure even if they can’t hear cues around the house. Above all, patience is crucial when navigating your pet’s senior years. Hear-
ing loss may seem daunting at first, but it doesn’t diminish a dog’s ability to enjoy life. With a little creativity and compassion, our hearing-impaired companions can continue to live happily, safely and fully Romeo is proof of that.
Events
SEPT: 27: Animal Rescue New Orleans will be at the PetSmart adoption event, 6851 Veterans Blvd. in Metairie, from noon to 4 p.m. Meet dogs available for foster or adoption and get information on fostering, adopting, and volunteering. All approved adopters will receive
Krewe de Jeanne d’Arc conference spotlights French culture, medieval life
The Krewe de Jeanne d’Arc, producers of the annual Joan of Arc Parade, will host a free conference about Joan of Arc, medieval history, and local French culture from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., Oct. 4 at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie. Scott Tilton, reigning King Charles VII of the Krewe de Jeanne d’Arc, founder and executive director of the New Orleans Foundation for Francophone Cultures, will speak about his work in building and expanding the local Francophone landscape. His talk, “Le Vent Se Lève: Advocating for French in Louisiana in 2025,” will feature a variety of French teachers and community leaders engaged in French language initiatives statewide.
The salon will also include a theatrical presentation of Joan of Arc’s life story including slides and medieval music, a talk about the One Hundred Years War, and a panel discussion entitled “Yat Catholics,” moderated by Chris Wiseman, executive director of the Catholic Cultural Center of New Orleans, about “New Orleans’ Contributions to the Global Catholic Dialogue.”
Throughout the day, informa-
COMMUNITY EVENTS
NEW ORLEANS NIGHTMARE:
The 2025 Halloween season opens Sept. 20 for the haunted house at 319 Butterworth St. in Jefferson, with two new themed attractions, the Harvest and the Blood Shed, running through Nov. 8. Add-on experiences include mini escape games, Phobia: Sensory Overload and the Respawn Pass available for purchase. Guests 21 and over can add access to two secret bars. Presale tickets start now at $19.99 on select nights. neworleansnightmare. com/. GARDEN TO GLASS: Attendees can sample garden-fresh drinks, learn how to make them at home and vote for their favorites as area distillers and bars compete to create the best cocktails using local ingredients. The event will be at The National WWII Museum Sept. 24, 5:308:30 p.m. Tickets start at $15. www.nationalww2museum.
org. SALON DE JEANNE D’ARC: The Krewe de Jeanne d’Arc will host a conference about Joan of Arc, medieval history, local French culture and Catholic culture on Sept. 27, 1:305 p.m., at the Old Ursulines Convent Museum, 1112 Chartres St. in New Orleans. The Salon will also include a theatrical presentation of Joan of Arc’s life story a panel discussion entitled “Yat Catholics.” Free. joanofarcparade.org.
NATIONAL PUBLIC LANDS DAY: A volunteer workday will be held Sept. 27, 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m., at the Bonnet Carré Spillway, 101 Lower Guide Levee Road in Norco. Volunteers should bring sunscreen, water, gloves and closed-toed shoes and meet at the recreation area at the Bonnet Carré Spillway Lower Guide Levee Side to be assigned cleaning locations. For details, call Austin Leray, U.S Army Corps of Engineers. (985) 764-7484.
GHOST HUNTING: Registration is open for the St. John Theatre’s workshop on Oct. 25, 9 p.m.-midnight, at 115 W. 5th St. in Reserve. Shane Brooks and Amy Wombles will guide participants through the theater’s nearly 100-year history and its haunted reputation, with firsthand ghost stories from special guests who have worked on productions and experienced eerie events. Brooks and Wombles demonstrate how to use ghosthunting equipment before leading a guided investigation. Tickets are $25; advance registration recommended www.stjohntheatre.com.
CULTURE & CONCERTS
TWILIGHT AT LONGUE VUE: The fall season has started for Longue Vue House & Gardens’ musical series, with Electric Yat Quartet. Sept. 24 is Cristina Kaminis. Individual concert tickets are $15 and $7.50 for members. All performances start at 5 p.m. at 7 Bamboo Road in New Orleans. longuevue.com.
THURSDAYS AT TWILIGHT: The outdoor concert series at the New Orleans Botanical Garden continues through Oct. 23, with performances 6-8 p.m. at the Pavilion of the Two Sisters, 1 Victory Ave. in New Orleans. Doors open at 5 p.m., and admission is $15 per person, with
tion tables will be available about the krewe and how to sign up as a walking member or volunteer, as well as upcoming books for the Joan of Arc Book Club, and more.
RAIN BARRELS AND RAPTORS: Rain barrel expert Christian Nicole Ryan and bird rehabber Sally Farrell will present two programs beginning at 6 p.m. Sept. 30 at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie.
6 p.m. – Rain barrels, Christian Nicole
Ryan, Ph.D. executive director Green Light
New Orleans
Rain barrels capture and store some of the rainwater that travels through your home’s downspout. Rainwater is the ideal choice for watering plants because it’s free of chemicals. In addition to having a fresh water
source for gardens and landscaping, the benefits of installing rain barrels include: n lower monthly water bill n reduced subsidence n less water in New Orleans’ storm water system during heavy rain storms n art in the yard or garden when the rain barrel is decorated.
Green Light New Orleans’ mission is to empower residents with sustainable solutions to local environmental challenges and create community impact one home at a time. It provides accessible resources and education for household-level climate adaptation to every person who wants to make a difference.
7 p.m., Sally Farrell, Wind in My Feathers Farrell received her training at
the Wildbird Rehabilitation Center of the New Orleans Audubon Zoo. She is a raptor rehabilitator and educator with state and federal permits for New Orleans and the surrounding area. This program consists of a presentation of live, non-releasable raptors with an accompanying talk that includes audio and visual aids such as photography, taped bird calls, owl castings, feather displays, skulls and owl feet. A question and answer period follows.
CARL SAGAN LECTURE: John Martinez, NASA Solar System Ambassador, will give a presentation titled “The Legacy of Carl Sagan: Tireless Promotion of Science and Critical Thinking,” at 7 p.m. Oct. 1 at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie.
It’s the regularly scheduled meeting of the Pontchartrain Astronomy Society Sagan was an American astronomer and science communicator He wrote many popular science books, such as “Broca’s Brain” and “Pale Blue Dot,” and hosted the award-winning television series “Cosmos: A personal Voyage.” Sagan was an advocate of skeptical scientific inquiry and the scientific method.
GENEALOGY: Gwen Kelley, a librarian who specializes in genealogy, will lead a series of classes at the Jane O’Brien Chatelain West Bank Regional Library,
2751 Manhattan Blvd Harvey All begin at 7 p.m.
n Oct. 9 — Newspapers and obituaries
n Oct. 16 — Researching cemetery records n Nov 13 — Researching military records n Nov 20 Researching immigration records n Dec. 4 Using Ancestry.Com n Dec. 18 Using FamilySearch.org. UP, UP AND AWAY: Ready to throw a party? Make the setting more festive with balloons, and don’t waste any breath blowing them up Three JPL libraries loan out electric balloon pumps through the Library of Things.
These portable pumps are powered with a plug-in cord and come with built-in nozzles for a quick and easy inflation process (non-helium). They are ideal for making balloon arches or decorating for graduations, proms, weddings, carnivals, church events, birthdays and more. Dual-nozzle pumps (balloons not included) are at the Avondale Library 558 Avondale Garden Road, Avondale, and the West Bank Regional Library, 2751 Manhattan Blvd, Harvey A single-nozzle pump is available at the Terrytown Library 680 Heritage Ave., Terrytown
Chris Smith is manager of adult programming at the Jefferson Parish Public Library
Freedia will collaborate with
energy on Sept 26, 8 p.m., at
food and beverages available for purchase. The upcoming schedule includes The Fleurtations on Sept. 25. bit. ly/TwilightTix_25.
FRIENDS OF THE CABILDO FILM SERIES: Tickets are available for the 2025-26 series, which begins Sept. 24 with “Big Charity: Death of America’s Oldest Hospital.” All films start at 6 p.m. at the New Orleans Jazz Museum, 400 Esplanade Ave. in New Orleans. Tickets start at $10. friendsofthecabildo.org.
FRIENDS OF THE CABILDO LECTURES: Tickets are on sale for the 2025 series, which continues through Nov. 11, with seven presentations on Louisiana and New Orleans history. Tickets start at $10. friendsofthecabildo.org.
BIG FREEDIA + LPO: The Queen Diva collaborates with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra in a mashup of symphonic sound and bounce energy on Sept. 26, 8 p.m., at the Orpheum Theater, 129 Roosevelt Way in New Orleans. Tickets start at $50. lpomusic.com.
ONE COUNTRY NIGHT: Westwego Farmers Market, 484 Sala Ave. in Westwego, will host live music from Clifton Brown and the Rusty Buckets Band on Sept. 26, 6-10 p.m. The event will include food vendors and craft vendors, with all proceeds going to the Westwego Booster Club. www.visitwestwego.com.
VERDI’S REQUIEM: The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra opens the 2025-2026 season in collaboration with the New Orleans Opera on Sept. 27, 7:30 p.m., at the Mahalia Jackson Theater, 1419 Basin St. in New Orleans. Under conductors Matthew Kraemer and Meg Frazier, the performers include Felicia Moore soprano; Emily Treigle, mezzo soprano; Joshua Stewart, tenor; and Edwin Jhamaal Davis, bass. A pre-concert talk will take place at 6:30 p.m. Tickets start at $35. lpomusic.com. HAVANA NIGHT: CELEBRATING
AFRO-CUBAN JAZZ: Cubanborn percussionist, composer and bandleader Alexey Marti, along with Jose Colon on bass, Julian Addison on drums, Oscar Rossignoli on the piano, David Navarro on trumpet and Scoot Johnson on saxophone will perform a concert of Afro-Cuban Latin Jazz on Sept. 26, 8 p.m., at the George and Joyce Wein Jazz & Heritage Center, 1225 N. Rampart St. in New Orleans. Tickets are $10 via Eventbrtie. Doors open at 7 p.m. events. jazzandheritage.org.
LOYOLA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: The group, under the direction of Jean Montes, director of orchestral studies at Loyola, will perform concert on Sept. 27, 7:30 p.m., in Louis J. Roussel Performance Hall in the Communications/Music Complex at Loyola University, 6363 St. Charles Ave. in New Orleans. Free. cmm.loyno.edu.
AMERICAN HARP SOCIETY: Guest harpist Margaret Anne Altagen will lead a master class for members of the New Orleans and North Shore AHS chapters on Sept. 26, 4:30-6:30 p.m., in Nunemaker Auditorium at Loyola University, 6363 St. Charles Ave. in New Orleans. Registration is required at carthharp@aol. com. On Sept. 28, 3:30 p.m., Altagen will present a solo harp concert in Nunemaker Auditorium. Free.
TWILIGHT AT LONGUE VUE: The fall musical series at Longue Vue House & Gardens continues with Valerie Sassyfras performing Oct. 1, with concerts ongoing through the month. Tickets are $15; $7.50 for members. All performances start at 5 p.m. at 7 Bamboo Road in New Orleans. longuevue. com/twilight-series.
MOVIES
MOVIES IN THE PARK: New Orleans Recreation Development (NORD) Commission sponsors the free fall 2025 movie season through November with screenings at dusk. The Sept. 26 feature is
“A Minecraft Movie” at Pratt Park, 5733 Chatham Drive in New Orleans. Rain site is Milne Rec Center, 5420 Franklin Ave. in New Orleans. Under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. nordc.org.
SING-ALONG MOVIE NIGHT: St. John Theatre’s sing-along screening of “Wicked” will take place Oct. 4 at 115 W. 5th St. in Reserve. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., trivia starts at 6:30, and the movie begins at 7 p.m. Costumes are encouraged. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for kids. stjohntheatre.com.
BOOKS
“THE DRAGON FROM CHICAGO”: Historian and author Pamela D. Toler, Ph.D., will discuss her book on Sept. 25, 4:30-6:30 p.m., at the National WWII Museum, 945 Magazine St. in New Orleans. It tells the story of Sigrid Schultz, a journalist who served as the Chicago Tribune’s Berlin bureau chief and primary foreign correspondent for Central Europe from 1925 to 1941. A reception will begin at 4:30, with the presentation at 5:30. Free; registration requested. www.nationalww2museum.org.
“WILL THERE EVER BE ANOTHER YOU”: Author Patricia Lockwood will discuss her latest book with Jami Attenberg on Sept. 27, 5-7 p.m.
The event, sponsored by Blue Cypress Books, will be held at a location in the Bywater, to be disclosed to ticket holders before the event. Tickets are $32. bluecypressbooks. indielite.org.
READING TO RABBITS: JSPCA small animal adoption coordinator Hannah will present information about rabbits, followed by the opportunity to read to a rabbit. This event, to be held Sept. 27, 2-3 p.m., in the meeting room at Old Metairie Library, 2350 Metairie Road in Metairie, is for ages 5 and up with an adult present. This is not an adoption event. calendar.jplibrary.net.
“THE HAUNTED GUIDE TO
NEW ORLEANS”: Authors Rory O’Neill Schmitt and Rosary O’Neill will talk about their latest book on Sept. 30, 6 p.m., at Garden District Book Shop, 2727 Prytania in New Orleans. There also will be a performance by Rachelle O’Brien and Eric Laws featuring original music inspired by the book. Free; reservations requested. www.gardendistrictbookshop.com.
FUNDRAISERS/GALAS
FORE!KIDS GOLF TOURNA-
MENT: Louisiana Hooters locations will host the tournament to benefit the Fore!Kids Foundation on Sept. 29 at TPC Louisiana, 11001 Lapalco Blvd. in Avondale. The event starts with registration and lunch at noon, with a 1 p.m. shotgun start. An awards party will follow. Registration is $1,000 per foursome. (504) 342-3000. NEW ORLEANS JAZZ MUSEUM IMPROVISATIONS
GALA: Early bird tickets are on sale through Sept. 30 for the fundraiser, to be held at the museum, 400 Esplanade Ave. in New Orleans, on Dec. 6, 7-11 p.m. The event will feature auctions, exhibitions, cuisine, craft cocktails and more. Live entertainment includes Kermit Ruffins and James Andrews & the Crescent City All-Stars. Advance tickets start at $125; patron tickets available via Eventbrite. nolajazzmuseum.org/ gala.
CANCER SURVIVORS’ LUN-
CHEON: Tickets are on sale for the Benjamin & Yancy Foundation fundraiser, to be held Sept. 25, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., at Messina’s at the Terminal Runway Café, 6001 Stars and Stripes Blvd. in New Orleans. This event celebrates the strength and resilience of local breast and prostate cancer survivors, while raising funds to provide free cancer care kits, transportation to treatment and health education workshops across the Greater New Orleans area. Tickets start at $92.55 via Eventbrite. www.benjaminan-
dyancyfoundation.org. ART SHOW AND AUCTION: The fundraiser for
Marriott, 555 Canal St. in New Orleans. Doors open at 10 a.m. Tickets, on sale now, start at $120 through Sept. 26. Proceeds are divided equally between LSU Health Sciences Center and Tulane Cancer Center. Details at onecau.se/cancercrusaders. RECONCILE NEW ORLEANS: The Sunday Social will celebrate the group’s 25 years at 1631 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd. in New Orleans, on Sept. 28, with the VIP party running 4-5 p.m. and the main event 5-8 p.m. Chef Martha Wiggins, Reconcile alumni and workforce partner chefs will offer signature cocktails and bites. Entertainment will be provided by DJ Duggie and Sunpie & the Louisiana Sunspots. Tickets start at $150; $300 for VIPs. Proceeds benefit
STAFF PHOTO BY CHRIS GRANGER
Big
the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra in a mashup of symphonic sound and bounce
the Orpheum Theater
STAFF PHOTO BY CHRIS GRANGER
Members of Krewe de Jeanne d’Arc walk in the Krewe of Hermes parade in New Orleans.
