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PROVIDED PHOTO

‘A

lot of life left’

Staying fit earns New Orleans woman a national award

BY EVA JACOB BARKOFF Contributing writer

There was one more challenge 79-yearold Anne Thibodeaux was determined to complete walking up the 72 steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the location of the well-known scene in the movie “Rocky” where the ﬁctional boxer, played by Sylvester Stallone, runs up the steps as part of his training.

And Thibodeaux did it

“When I got up those stairs, I imitated the same scene when ‘Rocky’ raised his arms in victory,” Thibodeaux said. “I felt great.” Even years before, though, Thibodeaux, who lives in New Orleans, was already living an active life, taking more than 11 online ﬁtness classes over six days a week since 2014 through the nationwide SilverSneakers program

Because of her dedication to fitness as well as her ability to motivate older adults and serve as a role model, she recently received the 2025 SilverSneakers Member of the Year Activity Award.

“When I found out I was chosen, I was speechless,” said Thibodeaux, who was selected for the award from more than 800 nominees nationwide. “People who know me know that I have never been speechless my entire life. It was a very emotional moment for me.” SilverSneakers, managed by Tivity Health Inc., partners with several health care companies including Humana Aetna and UnitedHealthcare. These providers work with SilverSneakers to offer a network of gyms, community centers and ﬁtness classes at low or no cost. The program is open to anyone 65 and older enrolled in a Medicare Advantage or Medigap plan.

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MAKING MOVES

The Historic New Orleans Collection’s Chess Club hosted its fourth annual Chess Fest recently at the Tate Etienne and Prevost Center. Participants at all playing levels competed, along with taking part in crafting DIY chessboards, playing chess puzzle games, moving as human chess pieces on a giant chessboard and joining a fast-chess tournament and more.

It’s time to get the holiday shopping game plan together and buy the turkey While we are making our lists and checking them twice, here’s a way to make every purchase count while helping homeless cats in our community The newly relocated SpayMart Thrift Store and Adoption Center in River Ridge is offering a treasure trove of holiday ﬁnds that directly support animal rescue efforts across the Greater New Orleans area. SpayMart, a nonproﬁt that has been improving the lives of local animals for more than 25 years, recently celebrated the grand opening and ribbon-cutting of

new store at 8911 Jefferson Highway The celebration marked a fresh start after the organization lost its longtime Veterans Boulevard location earlier this year Thanks to

Anne Thibodeaux holds her Silver Sneakers award.

Louisiana state chess champion Nick Matta plays during the fest.

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Jesuit High School chess player Austin Janusa thinks about his move

STAFF PHOTOS BY SOPHIA GERMER

Bobby Alvares, 10, reacts after winning a round of fast chess.

Free ﬂu shots coming up at these New Orleans libraries

BY JANE LEGROS

Contributing writer

Three opportunities to get free flu shots are coming up at New Orleans libraries.

Walgreens pharmacists will administer the vaccines at the Main Library, 219 Loyola Ave., from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Nov 13. Vaccine recipients should bring I.D. and any insurance card/information, but a limited number of vouchers are available on a ﬁrstcome, ﬁrst-served basis for those who are uninsured.

Shots are available to adults and children 7 and older, with parental consent, as supplies last

In other vaccine events, the library is also partnering with the Greater New Orleans Immunization Network at Manning Fam-

ily Children’s Hospital to provide free shots for children up to age 18 at two locations.

Vaccines will be distributed between 1:30 and 4:30 p.m. Nov 18 at Algiers Regional Library 3014 Holiday Drive, and Nov 19 at East New Orleans Regional Library, 5641 Read Blvd. No appointment is necessary Bring required documents for the child: birth certiﬁcate or passport and immunization record (if applicable). If the child is new to Louisiana, all required documents must be submitted at manningchildrens. org/immunization before being seen.

EXPRESS YOURSELF: The library is teaming up with the New Orleans Pride Center to host “Express Yourself!” a monthly trans and

queer teen hangout at the Main Library, 219 Loyola Ave. Stop by on Nov 13 from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. for games, activities, pizza and more at this community event for ages 11-18.

November’s theme is “Abundance: Finding Joy in the Little Things,” and this month’s activity is all about sharing the love. Register to help us plan supplies at events.nolalibrary.org.

AUTHOR TALK: Celebrated author Amanda Peters will visit the library via Zoom on Nov 13 at 6 p.m. to discuss her bestselling novel “The Berry Pickers.” Inﬂuenced by her own Mi’kmaq heritage, “The Berry Pickers” is a riveting exploration of family, grief and the bonds we share. Peters will also discuss “Waiting for the Long Night Moon: Stories,”

her short ﬁction collection. Visit nolalibrary.co/amanda-peters to register and submit your questions.

PHOTO WALK: Local photographer Natasha Sanchez will host a neighborhood photo walk at Mid-City Library, 4140 Canal St., on Nov 15 from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Attendees will take a photo walk around the neighborhood that highlights photography and composition basics, and explore different ways to photograph and see the world around us. Spots are limited, register at events.nolalibrary.com.

AUTHOR TALK: Author Charles Duhigg will visit the New Orleans Public Library via Zoom on Nov 18 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Duhigg will discuss his new book “Supercommunicators: How to Unlock the Secret Language of Connection,” his ultimate guide on how to communicate and connect with anyone at work, home and in life. Charles Duhigg is a Pulitzer Prize–winning investigative journalist. Visit nolalibrary.co/duhigg to register and submit your questions. Jane LeGros is the director of marketing and communications for the New Orleans Public Library

TOYS FOR PUPS: Louisiana SPCA dogs and puppies are headed to Nora Navra Library on Nov. 15 from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Kids and families can meet these furry visitors and craft dog toys to go back with them to Louisiana SPCA. Please note that this is not an adoption event. The library is at 1902 St. Bernard Ave.

“Thanks to our generous donors and supporters, we were able to secure this wonderful new space,” said Lynn Chiche, SpayMart president. “It’s a big step forward in our mission to save more lives and help the animals of Greater New Orleans.” For those who love ani-

mals, or simply love a good bargain, the SpayMart Thrift Store is a perfect stop for holiday gifts with heart. You might ﬁnd that perfect vintage piece or home decor item while also helping provide food, medical care and shelter for cats in need. The on-site Adoption Center adds another reason to visit. Shoppers can meet the adorable cats and kittens looking for forever homes,

many of whom owe their second chance to the generosity of donors and volunteers who keep SpayMart’s mission alive.

So, as you make your shopping list this year consider visiting SpayMart’s new location. Your purchases don’t just ﬁll stockings; they help ﬁll food bowls, too. The Thrift Store and Adoption Center is open TuesdaySaturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is located at 8911

Jefferson Highway, River Ridge. The store also accepts donations, but there are restrictions on the items that can be accepted. Learn more at www.spaymart.org or call (504) 454-8200.

Events

NOV. 15: Join Animal Rescue New Orleans for a Yappy Hour beneﬁting the rescue organization at Pirogue’s Whiskey Bayou (6940 St. Claude Ave.,

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Arabi) from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. featuring adoptable dogs and puppies, giveaways, beer and more! NOV. 16: Animal Rescue New Orleans will be at the PetSmart adoption event, 6851 Veterans Blvd., 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 a coupon book from

Thibodeaux said the people she works out with are a close-knit family

“We not only take exercise classes but spend time together,” Thibodeaux said.

“We go out for lunch, play Bunco, have a book club and take tours of local interests. We are like an extended family, looking after each other and supporting each other.” Thibodeaux is a retired elementary school teacher

“My job now is to prepare myself to keep living my best life,” Thibodeaux said, “and a big portion of that is exercise.” Deana Palmisano-Lejarza is Thibodeaux’s instructor

PetSmart and a new dog bed from ARNO. For more info, contact adopt@animalrescueneworleans.org.

Traci D. Howerton is the volunteer manager for Animal Rescue New Orleans (ARNO), a nonproﬁt, volunteerbased, no-kill shelter For more information on ARNO, visit www animalrescueneworleans. org.

“Anne has so much stamina,” PalmisanoLejarza said. “I am certain she can do just about anything. “Anne is also a very caring and loving person who brings so much positivity to the groups she exercises with and is a role model to many people.” In the 1930 American folktale “The Little Engine That Could” by Arnold Munk, a familiar line reads “I think I can, I think can,” a metaphor for reaching new challenges. And that is exactly what Thibodeaux intends to do.

“I realize that at 79, there are things I can’t do anymore,” Thibodeaux said. “But I feel like I still have a lot of life left in me. I have places to go, and I want to experience new things.

“I am someone who never gives up. And as I go along, I am writing my own story.”

STAFF PHOTOS BY SOPHIA GERMER

Chess players watch as James Arneson plays against Bobby Alvares, 10.

Participants take part in the fast chess tournament.

Koen Gerkin, 10, shows his Chess Fest medal.

CHESS FEST

“THE DROWSY CHAPERONE”: New Orleans Center for Creative Arts Theatre Arts students will present the Tony Award-winning musical on Nov. 19-20, 6:30 p.m., at Lupin Theatre, 2800 Chartres St. in New Orleans. Tickets start at $25.31. nocca.com.

CABRINI HIGH SCHOOL: Eric L. DesOrmeaux has been named president-elect of Cabrini by the Cabrini High School Board of Trustees, with the support of the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. He brings more than two decades of experience in Catholic education, having served in nearly every aspect of school leadership at Holy Cross School in New Orleans. DesOrmeaux will begin his transition into the role in January, with a formal handoff of leadership expected in late spring 2026.

NOMMA: New Orleans Military and Maritime Academy has been recognized as a Top 50 CLEP High School, a distinction awarded to the top national CLEP institutions whose students earned the highest number of college credits through CLEP exams during the 202425 academic year. Alexis Long is principal of NOMMA. EAST JEFFERSON HIGH: East Jefferson High School has been recognized as a Top 50 CLEP High School, a distinction awarded to the top national CLEP institutions whose students earned the highest number of college credits through CLEP exams during the 2024-25 academic year. Credits are awarded based on ACE-recommended guidelines. Benjamin Moscona is principal of East Jefferson BROTHER MARTIN HIGH: Registration is open for the 2025 Holiday Baseball Camp at Brother Martin, to be held Nov. 24-26, 9 a.m.-noon, on E.A. Farley Field at the school, 4401 Elysian Fields Ave. in New Orleans. The three-day camp is for boys 5-12, and will be conducted by Coach Jeff Lupo and the varsity coaching staff and players. The cost is $135 per camper. Registration and payments are due by Nov. 20 www.brothermartin.com.

NEW ORLEANS PUBLIC SCHOOLS: NOLA Public Schools is accepting applications for the 2026-2027 school year through the NOLA Common Application Process. New kindergarteners, eighth graders entering high school or families needing a school for next year can apply today through Jan. 23, 2026. The NCAP includes all 66 NOLA-PS schools, plus four public schools authorized by the Louisiana State Board of Education. Some schools have extra admissions requirements. enrollnolaps. com.

ST. MARY’S DOMINICAN: A beneﬁt tennis tournament will be held Nov. 14, 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m., at the Privateer Tennis Center at the University of New Orleans, 6801 Franklin Ave. Registration is open until Nov. 10, with entry fees at $90 per team, $45 per clinic entry and $30 per spectator. www.stmarysdominican.org.

HYNES CHARTER SCHOOLS: Hynes Charter Schools will hold open house tours on Nov 13 and 20 and Dec. 4 at 8 a.m. The tours will take place at the three Hynes New Orleans campuses: Hynes-Lakeview, PK3-8, 990 Harrison Ave.; Hynes-UNO, K-7, 1901 Leon C. Simon Drive; and Hynes-Parkview, K-8, 4617 Mirabeau Ave. Registration required. www. hynesschool.com/admissions.

INTERNATIONAL

SCHOOL OF LOUISIANA: ISL will host open houses Nov. 15, 10 a.m., at both campuses. The St. Roch campus, 2518 Arts St. in New Orleans, is for kindergarten students both French and Spanish immersion. The West Bank campus, 502 Olivier St. in Algiers Point, offers K-5 Spanish immersion. ISL also offers campus tours during school hours. www.isledu.org/admissions.

GNOCCS: The Greater New Orleans Collaborative of Charter Schools will host an admissions fair on Nov. 12, 5:30-7:30 p.m., at Hynes Charter School, 990 Harrison Ave. in Lakeview It offers families a one-stop shop for school choice, bringing together more than 25 public charter schools from Orleans and Jefferson parishes, as well as Type II charter schools serving statewide and/or multi-parish jurisdictions. Participating schools include Audubon Charter Schools (Uptown, Gentilly and Baton Rouge), Benjamin Franklin Elementary/ Middle School, Discovery Schools (Kenner Discovery, Dr. John Ochsner Discovery, Baton Rouge Ochsner Discovery and Discovery Flex) Einstein Charter Schools (Einstein Charter Village de l’Est, Sherwood Forest Elementary, Einstein Charter Middle at Sarah T. Reed and Einstein Charter High at Sarah T. Reed) Hynes Charter Schools (Lakeview, UNO and Parkview), International School of Louisiana (St. Roch, Uptown and Westbank), L.B Landry High School, Martin Behrman Charter School, Morris Jeff Community School, New Orleans Charter Science and Mathematics High School (Sci High), The Willow School, Warren Easton High School and Young Audiences Charter Schools (Westbank: Little YACS, Kate Middleton and Burmaster Campus and Uptown: Lawrence D. Crocker). www.gnocollaborative.com.

THE WILLOW SCHOOL: The Willow School will hold an open house to explain more about its arts-integrated, inquiry-based approach to education in K-12. High School open house for grades 8-12 is Dec. 4, 5-7 p.m., at the Elijah Brimmer Campus, 5624 Freret St. Tours run every 15 minutes at 5 p.m. willowschoolnola.org.

ST. MARY’S DOMINICAN HIGH: Dominican’s

Spend-A-Day registration is open to prospective students in grades 5-8. The remaining fall date is Nov. 11. Visits are 7:50 a.m. to 3:10 p.m., and guests will meet the students, faculty and staff. Registration is required. stmarysdominican.fsenrollment.com.

NEW ORLEANS MILITARY AND MARITIME

ACADEMY: Registration is open for open houses for grades 8-12 in the cafeteria, 425 O’Bannon St. in New Orleans. Dates are Nov. 18 and Jan. 8 and 22, 2026. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with presentations at 6 p.m. Attendance is required to apply for the 2026-27 school year. Parent(s) or legal guardian(s) must attend. ID is required at check-in. nomma.net/admissions.

JOHN F. KENNEDY HIGH REUNION: The 50th reunion of the graduating class of 1976 will be held April 10. The reunion committee is seeking contact information from class members. Details are available on the JFK Class of ’76 Facebook page. cbrylski@aol.com.

SCHOEFFNER SCHOLARSHIP: Applications are open through Dec. 1 for full-time college students who meet the criteria and are graduates of Destrehan High School or Hahnville High School. For details, go to www wearescpps.org/resources/ethel-schoeffnerscholarship.

The 2026 alumnus of the year Brother Ronald Hingle, S.C., class of 1978, from left, is with New Orleans Archbishop Gregory Aymond, C.J., class of 1967 and 2001 alumnus of the year; and David Gallo, class of 1977, 2010 alumnus of the year and chair of the Brother Martin board of directors.

Brother Martin High School names alumnus of the year

Brother Ronald J. Hingle, S.C., class of 1978, was named the 2026 recipient of the Brother Martin High School announced the Alumnus of the Year Award at an event on Oct. 18. Hingle is the Brothers of the Sacred Heart Provincial for the Province of the United States.

class

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Celebrating

ThePower of Partnership

Southern U transforma expand in the Co in

Universityand A&M Collegehas receiveda ative$5millioninvestment from Shellto itiativesinthe CollegeofBusiness and ollegeofSciencesand Engineering. This nvestment directlysupports theSouthern UniversitySystem’sStrategic Pillars, includingStudent Success and Academic Excellence

“Withthis investmentinengineering education and studentsuccess,weare further strengthening Shell’spartnership with SouthernUniversityand empowering thenextgeneration of innovators and leaders. We can’t wait to see howtheywill shapethe future of energy and technologyfor our industryand theworld.”

EMMALEWIS ExecutiveVice President,Shell Chemicals

DesOrmeaux

From

M. Glaviano, class of

alumnus of the year; Joseph S Exnicios, class of 1973 and 2014 alumnus of the year; and Brian M Barkemeyer, class of 1979 and 2008 alumnus of the year

PROVIDED PHOTOS

From left are Kurt D. Engelhardt, class of 1978 and 2023 alumnus of the year with his wife, Ann Engelhardt; Kraig S de Lanzac, class of 1986 and 2022 alumnus of the year

Lawrence C. Gibbs,

of 1965 and 2021 alumnus of the year is with his wife, Marian Gibbs.

Shelland SouthernUniversityrepresentatives celebrateShell’s$5,000,000 donation to theSouthernUniversity Foundationonthe ﬁeld during theHomecoming game on October18, 2025.

FESTIVALS

2025 NOLA NITE MARKET: The afterhours shopping event that also supports a charity will take place Nov. 14-15 at the Westwego Farmer’s Market, 484 Sala Ave. in Westwego.

Hours are 5-10 p.m. Friday and noon10 p.m. Saturday. The beneﬁciary is Pig Latin, a Hogs for the Cause food team that raises money for families battling pediatric brain cancer. nolanitemarket.com.

BEIGNET FEST: The festival will be held Nov. 15, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., at the Festival Grounds in New Orleans City Park, 4 Friederichs Ave. Along with live music and an art market, there’s beignets in traditional sweet and savory categories, plus, vegan, gluten-free and nonbeignet options. Admission starts at $25, children 10 and under free beignetfest.com.

KENNER FOOD TRUCK FESTIVAL: More than 30 local food trucks will be on hand Nov. 16, 11 a.m.-7 p.m., at Laketown by the Kenner Boat Launch, 5051 Williams Blvd. Live music from Amber Drive, The Wise Guys, Rock Show Nola and Timothy Wayne, plus arts and crafts and a kids’ zone. Free. www.kenner.la.us.

OAK STREET PO-BOY FESTIVAL: The celebration of the city’s most iconic sandwich takes place Nov. 16, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., in 8100-8700 blocks of Oak Street between South Carrollton Avenue and Eagle Street. It includes 40 food vendors, multiple stages of live music, arts market and more. Wristbands are $10, with fast-pass wristbands $25. www. poboyfest.com.

SOBER FEST: The festival will be held Nov. 22, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., at the Sugar Mill, 1021 Convention Center Blvd in New Orleans. It’s family-friendly, with a variety of food vendors and food trucks. Proceeds beneﬁt Bridge House/Grace House Tickets are $10 in advance; $20 at the gate. www. bridgehouse.org

COMMUNITY EVENTS

“THE DISTRICT: MUSIC AND MUSICIANS IN STORYVILLE”: The New Orleans Jazz Museum will open its newest exhibition, an exploration of the music, people and places that helped shape the early sound of jazz, on Nov. 13. The exhibition, which runs through February 2026, highlights ﬁgures such as Jelly Roll Morton, King Oliver, Tony Jackson, Kid Ory and Fess Manetta who performed in the district. The museum is at 400 Esplanade Ave. in New Orleans. louisianastatemuseum.org.

TOUCH-A-TRUCK: The Junior League of New Orleans will hold the fundraiser on Nov. 15, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Pontchartrain Convention and Civic Center, 4545 Williams Blvd in Kenner. This event gives kids a chance to explore and climb aboard all kinds of trucks and equipment, from ﬁre engines and bulldozers to police cars, ﬁrst responder vehicles, a helicopter and more. There will be a sensory-friendly quiet hour from 2 to 3 p.m. www.jlno.org.

QUARTER KALEIDOSCOPE: Celebrate the French Quarter with a community history storytelling on Nov. 19, 6 p.m., sponsored by the Historic BK House & Gardens and The Vieux Carre Property Owners, Residents, and Associates, at 1113 Chartres St. in New Orleans. Special guests will tell their personal stories of living, working and celebrating what makes New Orleans unique. Limited seating is available. Tickets are $10 for members; $15 nonmembers. www.bkhouse.org.

FOOD AND BLOOD DRIVE: The Dames de Perlage event will be held Nov. 22, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., at Port Orleans Brewing, 4124 Tchoupitoulas St. in New Orleans. The event with fight food insecurity, help raise mental health awareness and to ensure local blood banks stay strong. Also included will be live music, a 50/50 raffle to benefit the Brett Thomas Doussan Foundation’s work raising mental health awareness and a nonperishable food drive to stock 16 community fridges around New Orleans twice a month. Information is available on the Dames de Perlage Facebook page. Register to give blood online through The Blood Center. www.tbcdonors.org.

ALICE BROWN THANKSGIVING DINNER: Orders are being taken for the dinner, which will be held Nov. 27, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., at OJ Dunn, 1100 Cook St. in Gretna. Delivery is available to

a limited area. Contacts for orders are Mrs. Davillier (504) 210-7014 or (504) 367-6146 and Mrs. Hall (504) 367-8464.

CULTURE & CONCERTS

HARMONY & HOPE: THE MUSIC OF SOCIAL JUSTICE: The Ignatian Volunteer Corps New Orleans, a Jesuit organization that connects experienced adults with nonproﬁts serving the poor, will host their inaugural beneﬁt concert Nov. 16, 3 p.m., in Nunemaker Hall, at Loyola University, 6363 St. Charles Ave in New Orleans. This lineup will include John Boutte, Paul Sanchez, Jim McCormick and others. ivcusa. org/news-events/harmonyandhope/. MUSIC IN THE GARDEN: The New Orleans Museum of Art hosts its next concert in the Besthoff Sculpture Garden on Nov. 26, 2-4 p.m., in City Park at 1 Collins Diboll Circle in New Orleans. The concert will feature live acoustic sets from artists Kr3wcial and Khiry Bey. Free. noma.org.

FRIENDS OF THE CABILDO CONCERT

SERIES: Tickets are on sale for the 2025-2026 season of concerts, held at 7 p.m. on the third-ﬂoor performance space venue at the New Orleans Jazz Museum, 400 Esplanade Ave. in New Orleans. Performances begin Nov. 21 with Paul Sanchez. Professor Longhair’s 107th birthday show with C.R. Gruver of the New Orleans Suspects will be held Dec. 19. Concert dates continue into 2026. Tickets start at $30. friendsofthecabildo.org..

MANNIE FRESH & THE LPO: A RETRO-

SPECTIVE: Rapper, record producer and DJ Mannie Fresh will join the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Evan Roider, for a concert on Nov. 21, 8 p.m., at the Orpheum Theater, 129 Roosevelt Way in New Orleans. Tickets start at $50. lpomusic.com.

BUTTERFLY MUSIC SERIES: Henrietta Alves will perform on piano in the next installment of the music series at the Lapis Center for the Arts in City Park at the New Orleans Museum of Art, 1 Collins C. Diboll Circle in New Orleans. The concert will be held Nov. 16, 2 p.m., and is free with museum admission. Seating is limited. noma.org.

BAREFOOT BOYS: NEWSBOYS OF NEW ORLEANS: Local historian and researcher Pat Bedenbaugh will talk about her grandfather and others who lived in the newsboys’ home in the city during the 1800s. The talk

will take place Nov. 17, 7 p.m., at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W Napoleon in Metairie. It’s part of the monthly meeting of the Genealogical Research Society of New Orleans. jplibrary.net.

JAZZ & HERITAGE AND THE PRESS:

Ann D. Summerall-Jabro will talk about the ﬁrst decade of Jazz Fest’s press coverage and how PR and marketing shaped its early identity and legacy. The lecture will take place Nov. 19, 6:30 p.m., at the George and Joyce Wein Jazz & Heritage Center, 1225 N. Rampart St. in New Orleans. Registration is free via Eventbrite. www.jazzandheritage. org.

COMMUNITY THEATER

“FOOTLOOSE THE MUSICAL YOUTH

EDITION”: JPA Theatre Kids! will present the youth version of the movie musical Nov. 14-16 at the Westwego Performing Arts Theatre, 177 Sala Ave. in Westwego. Evening performances start at 7:30 p.m., with afternoon matinees at 2 p.m. Tickets start at $28.75. www.jpas. org.

MOVIES

PRODUCER’S CHOICE FILM SERIES:

The ﬁlm series at NOMA’s Lapis Center for the Arts, City Park, 1 Collins C. Diboll Circle in New Orleans, will present “Pollock” on Nov. 12, 7 p.m., followed by a conversation with producer Meryl Poster, and “Basquiat” on Nov. 14, 7 p.m., followed by a conversation with director Julian Schnaebel. Tickets are $10 for members, $15 for general admission. noma.org.

“HOME AGAIN FOR CHRISTMAS”: City Church of New Orleans will hold a red carpet premiere of its latest full-length holiday feature on Nov. 16, 6 p.m., at 13123 I-10 Service Road in New Orleans East. Written by Brandi Flint and executive produced by Owen McManus Jr., this Christmas-themed Hallmark-style ﬁlm is the church’s ninth cinematic release. Tickets are $15. www.wybrproductions.com

“THE PROBLEM WE ALL LIVE WITH”: On the 65th anniversary of school desegregation in New Orleans, the Historic New Orleans Collection will host the Norman Rockwell Museum’s ﬁlm screening and panel discussion focused on Rockwell’s 1963 painting, “The Problem We All Live With,” based on events that took place in New Orleans on Nov. 14, 1960. The screening and discus-

sion takes place Nov. 15, 11 a.m., at HNOC’s Williams Research Center. Free, but registration is required. hnoc.org.

BOOKS

“SCRIM MY TAIL”: Author Margaret Orr and illustrator Matt Rinard will be on hand to talk about her new book on Nov. 13 at noon at Garden District Book, 2727 Prytania St. in New Orleans. Rinard will create a live drawing of Scrim, and Orr will sign copies of her book. RSVP and reserving books on Eventbrite recommended. www.gardendistrictbookshop.com.

STORYTIME & POETRY RHYMES: In a tribute to libraries and librarians sponsored by One Book One New Orleans, artists reﬂect on the role the library has played in their lives and in our communities. The event will be held Nov. 21, 8-9:30 p.m., at the André Cailloux Center for Performing Arts and Cultural Justice, 541 Bayou Road in New Orleans. onebookonenola.org.

SATURDAY SCRABBLE: The event will be held at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave. in Metairie, on Nov. 22, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. It is a fully rated seven-game North American Scrabble Players Association tournament. Players must bring boards, tiles, clocks and score sheets and be a member of NASPA in order to play. There will also be a School Scrabble tournament for children 8-13 competing in pairs and a three-game newcomer event for library patrons from 9 a.m. to noon. Check-in begins at 9 a.m. Clocks in all events start at 9:30 a.m. calendar.jplibrary.net/event/scrabbletournament-14895.

FUNDRAISERS/GALAS

APPETITE FOR ART GALA: Upturn Arts celebrates 15 years as a local arts organization with a fundraiser on Nov. 13 at Capulet, 3014 Dauphine St. in New Orleans. A patron party will begin at 5:30 p.m., with the gala running 6:30-9:30 p.m. The event will feature student performances with Cha Wa, a seated dinner catered by Capulet and more. Tickets start at $125. upturnarts.org.

JAMAICA HURRICANE RELIEF BENEFIT: A beneﬁt dinner for Jamaica Hurricane Relief during the Nov. 18 Concert Series night at Paradigm Gardens. There will be seatings at 6:30 and 7 p.m. The event will include Jamaican themed food and music, with 100% of the proceeds

going to relief efforts. Tickets are $100. paradigmgardensnola.com/ concertseries.

TENNESSEE WILLIAMS GALA: The Tennessee Williams and New Orleans Literary Festival will host a gala on Nov. 20, 7 p.m., at the Hotel Peter and Paul, 2317 Burgundy St. in New Orleans. A VIP experience begins at 6:30 p.m. The evening includes a bar, hors d’oeuvres and music, tarot readings and a silent auctionmore. Tickets start at $250. tennesseewilliams.net.

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD: Find your local drop-off locations and hours for Samaritan’s Purse project National Collection Week, Nov. 17-24 at samaritanspurse.org.

overview history of the peoples that have controlled various sections of the Mississippi River from just prior to European contact through the present day. It’s part of the Algiers Historical Society meeting to be held Nov. 15, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., in the ﬁrstﬂoor meeting room at the Algiers Regional Library, 3014 Holiday Drive in Algiers. algiershistoricalsociety org.

DUTCH OVEN SOCIETY: The Wego Cookers, part of the Louisiana Dutch Oven Society, will cook Thanksgiving food on Nov. 15 at Pavilion 7 in Bayou Segnette State Park, 7777 Westbank Expressway in Westwego. All those interested in outdoor cooking in old-fashioned black iron pots are invited. Set up begins at 9 a.m., and sampling begins at 11:30 a.m. Free, but an entrance fee of $3 is required for those under 62. (504) 756-1853 jheiken209@gmail.com.

REPUBLICAN WOMEN’S CLUB: The Republican Women’s Club will meet Nov. 20 at Chateau Golf & Country Club, 3600 Chateau Blvd. in Kenner. Registration opens at 11 a.m., with lunch and the program starting at 11:45 a.m. Guest speaker is Charlton Meginley, Louisiana Secretary of Veterans Affairs. RSVPs are required. RWC.ofJeffparish@gmail. com.

HOLIDAY CAMP UPTURN ARTS: Register now for the school holiday camps Nov. 24-26, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., at NOLA Spaces, 1719 Toledano St, New Orleans. Thanksgiving fall camp is available for ages 4-8, and the dedicated tween arts program is for ages 9-12 years. Cost is $85 per day with a 10% sibling discount. An early bird registration discount of 20% is available by Nov. 10 (code FALL20). upturnarts.org.

STAFF PHOTO BY SCOTT THRELKELD

Ashley Fruge Millet shows off her Moe’s Original BBQ po-boy with smoked brisket, pickled vegetables mustard seed caviar cotija and pho gravy on a Leidenheimer French bread during last year’s Oak Street Po-Boy Festival in New Orleans. Check out this year’s fest on Nov. 16.

Playing through

Ex-prosecutor’s novel looks at Italian immigrants in late 1800s New Orleans

Sal Perricone, a former federal prosecutor for New Orleans, will discuss his newest novel, “Cobblestones: A New Orleans Tragedy,” at 7 p.m. Nov 18 at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie.

The novel follows Antonio, a young man ﬂeeing Sicily after avenging his father’s murder He embarks on a harrowing journey to New Orleans with the help of Jesuit priests, but the promise of a fresh start sours as he becomes entangled in a clash of cultures, corruption and crime.

Perricone notes that in the late 19th century, Italian immigrants in New Orleans faced hostility, exploitation, and a brutal system of indentured servitude. Antonio becomes a witness to history as a bitter feud over the docks spirals into violence, culminating in the assassination of Irish police chief David C. Hennessy The ensuing trial of nine Italians and the shocking lynching of 11 innocent men ignited international outrage, threatening to sever ties between the United States and Italy

Caught in the crossﬁre of prejudice and power struggles, Antonio ﬁghts to survive while grappling with his own past and future. His journey weaves a gripping tale of resilience, betrayal, and the enduring hope for justice.

n The story of Mel Ott HOLIDAY COOKIE SWAP: Getting ready for the holidays and need some sweet inspiration? Bring a tray of your favorite, go-to homemade cookies and the recipe to share and discover a new sensational snack brought in by another library patron. Participants must provide the complete recipe and bring at least two dozen bite-sized cookies per family/group to share. First, second and third place will be voted on by participants. Registration is required for this event, which can be completed online. After registering, please email your recipe to Brigid Castro at blaborie@jplibrary.net by Nov 16.

BIG BANG THEORY: John Patrick Lestrade, Ph.D., professor emeritus in the department of Physics and Astronomy at Mississippi State University, Starkville, will discuss black holes, the Big Bang Theory, dark matter, dark energy, exploding stars and planets being created, at 3 p.m., Saturday Nov 15, at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie.

Perricone served in law enforcement for almost 40 years. He was a deputy sheriff, a police detective, an FBI agent and, for 21 years, a federal prosecutor He was the Chief of the Organized Crime Strike Force. Before his retirement in 2012, Perricone served as the Senior Litigation Counsel for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in New Orleans. He was an attorney for 38 years. His first novel “Blue Steel Crucifix” was published on December 2014.

TAKE ME OUT : Derby Gisclair and Ed Branley, two local historians, will give a joint presentation titled “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” at 7 p.m. Nov 20 at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie.

The pair will cover numerous topics relating to local baseball, including:

n The beginning of baseball in 1870, when a team from Cincinnati journeyed to New Orleans to play against local amateur clubs

n New Orleans as a hotbed of baseball activity in the 1880s and 1890s

n MClubs that played early baseball and their unique rules

n Spring training and the teams that participated in it

n Baseball at Tulane University

DON’T FORGET: Mr Bingle: Jerilyn Alline Faulstich and Denise Alline Gurtner, daughters of the creator of Mr Bingle, will discuss “The History of Mr Bingle” at 7 p.m. Nov 13 at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie.

Mr Bingle is a snowman character created for the Maison Blanche department store. He was conceived in 1948 by Emile Alline Sr., the store’s display manager Initially named “Snow Doll,” he was renamed Mr Bingle to align with the store owner’s preference for the initials “MB.”

Piatigorsky Concert: Pianist Richard Dowling and cellist Evan Drachman will perform at 2 p.m., Sunday, Nov 16, at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie The concert occurs as part of the Piatigorsky Series. Since 1990, the Piatigorsky Foundation has presented more than 4,000 performances, introducing the joy of live classical music in communities throughout the country Newsboys: Pat Bedenbaugh will present a brief history of the newsboys of New Orleans at 7 p.m., Monday, Nov 17, at the East Bank Regional Library 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie. 1870s in New Orleans was a time of loss and suffering following the end of the Civil War. Yellow fever epidemics and mass immigration of the poor ﬁlled New Orleans with orphans and halforphans. The newsboys were among those numbers.

Chris Smith is manager of adult programming at the Jefferson Parish Public Library

CornerstoneEnergyPark spreads fall funacross JeffersonParish

CornerstoneChemicalCompany,LLCis reinforcingitsroleasacommunitypartner in JeffersonParishthrough aseriesof localoutreachinitiatives andlong-term site investmentsaimed at supporting communities,strengtheningrelationships andensuringregionalsustainability

Thatcommitmentwasespeciallyvisible throughout OctoberwhenCornerstone alongsidetwositecompanies—Ecoservices andUBE C1 ChemicalsAmerica (UCCA) participated in multiple neighborhood HalloweencelebrationsacrossJefferson Parish.Together, thecompanies provided 800Halloween-inspiredgoodiebagsﬁlled with funactivitieslikestickers, Play Doh, mini-paddleball, andofcourse, a little candy. Recipients included theMt. Hermon Baptist Church’s Community HalloweenCelebration,LiveOak Estates neighborhoodHalloweenparty,OldKenner

Senior Center’s HalloweenCelebration, andWaggamanCommunityFoundation’s Trunk-or-Treat

“Ecoservices wasproud to participate in thesecommunity events andhelp bringalittleextra Halloweenfun to our neighbors,”saidPeterBilotta,Ecoservices site director.“We look forward to ﬁnding more ways to connectwithand support ourlocalcommunity as we deepen our rootsinJeffersonParish.”

Formorethan70years,Cornerstone hasoperatedinWaggamanasanengaged corporatecitizencontributingtime,talent andresources to charitable initiatives, sponsoring localevents, andhosting informationalprogramsfor nearby residents.Companyleaderssayresponsible industry meanslistening to community needsand actively workingtostrengthen qualityoflife.

Aspartofitslong-termvision,Cornerstone Energy Park continuestomodernize its facilitieswithafocusonsafety,healthand environmentalstewardship.Collaboration

withsitecompanies,includingEcoservices andUCCA, ensuresthese values are prioritizedacrossoperations.

“CornerstoneEnergyParkishonoredto invest in thecommunity we call home,” saidAinslieBlanke,seniormarketingand communications advisoratCornerstone “Wevalue everyopportunity to connect with ourneighbors,local leadersand organizations across JeffersonParish as we work together toward astronger, brighter future forall.”

Companyofficialsnotethatlocaloutreach isnotseasonal.It’sayear-roundphilosophy supportedbycontractors andemployees acrossthepark.Volunteerism,educational supportand donationsare integrated into howthe site operates

Lookingahead,Cornerstone andits partners arefocused on building lasting relationships,supportingregionalgrowth andmaintaining community-ﬁrstvalues Thegoal,companyleaderssay,istoensure CornerstoneEnergyParkremainsapositive forceintheparishforgenerationstocome To learnmoreabout Cornerstone’s communityprograms, visitwww. cornerstonechemco.com/community

STAFF PHOTO BY DAVID GRUNFELD

Golfers walk up to the third green as the early morning fog slowly lifts recently at the Audubon Golf Course in New Orleans

This article is broughttoyou by CornerstoneChemicalCo.

Keys to the city

Pianist Henrietta Alvez was celebrated by friends and family at Holy Diver bar on St Bernard Avenue in New Orleans on her 82nd birthday, Oct. 21. Alvez was the pianist at Pat O’Brien’s on Bourbon Street in the French Quarter for 40 years, until the pandemic.