The East Jefferson Advocate 11-27-2025 by The Advocate

‘I wish we could do more’

Delivering donated turkeys teaches Camp SoulGrow kids about giving

BY RACHEL MIPRO Contributing writer

A small nonproﬁt is trying to instill a sense of community in New Orleans kids, and a recent distribution of Thanksgiving turkeys was part of the plan.

London Rosiere, founder of Camp SoulGrow, spearheaded the Nov 15 campaign to pass out 100 turkeys to community organiza-

Patrick F. Taylor Science and Technology Academy student Alexander Berthold,

for

tions around the city

The giveaway came in the wake of the federal government shutdown, which left food stamp beneﬁts in an uncertain state for weeks and strained the resources of families in need.

“We’re offering 100 turkeys, and we have the New Orleans East Hospital and Greater St. Stephen Baptist Church begging for more,” Rosiere said. “ I wish we could do more.” The nine-year tradition of food gifts to area community centers began so kids could experience “the gift of giving,” and to inspire more community awareness. The birds were donated by Robert Fresh Market. Rosiere started Camp SoulGrow in 2014 in New York. She returned

LIGHT BRIGADE

Students from a number of local schools and members of community groups gathered at New Orleans City Park recently to decorate their trees in time for Celebration in the Oaks, the park’s largest annual fundraiser, which starts Friday. The sponsored trees are displayed near the entrance of the Carousel Gardens Amusement Park.

If the turkey has been carved, it’s time to turn your sights to the next holiday season. Here are some highlights of the Yule events coming up in the next several weeks, along with a few big events that should be on your calendar

RECURRING EVENTS

CELEBRATION IN THE OAKS: Tickets are on sale for City Park’s largest fundraiser, running Nov. 28 to Jan. 1 2026.The two-mile driving tour starts at 4 Friederichs Ave. in New Orleans.The walking tour starts at 7 Victory Ave. and features unlimited Amusement Park rides as well as access to the Botanical Garden.Tickets start at $7. celebrationintheoaks.com

KENNER’S MAGICAL CHRISTMAS

VILLAGE: The free holiday experience, located at Heritage Park in Rivertown, 2015 Fourth St in Kenner, will run Nov. 30-Dec. 31, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Activities include lights, snow, music, food, arts and crafts, live entertainment and a special appearance from Santa Claus. www kenner.la.us

CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK: The light exhibit kicks off Dec. 1 with a ceremony at 5:30. Open Dec. 1-30 in Lafreniere Park, located closest to the West Napoleon Avenue entrance, at 3000 Downs Blvd. in Metairie. Event hours are 5:30-9 p.m. weeknights and 5:30-10 p.m. on weekends.With 40 new displays with more than 10 million LED lights, driving and walking tours are available.$20 per vehicle in advance; $25 at the gate. www LafrenierePark.org

UPCOMING

ALGIERS HOLIDAY BONFIRE & CONCERT: The holiday celebration will be Dec. 6, 4:30-8 p.m., at the Algiers Batture, 200 Morgan St. in New Orleans. Festivities include live entertainment, local food and crafts, and the only holiday bonfire in New Orleans. Free. Reservations accepted via Eventbrite. www.algierseconomic. com/calendar/2025-algiers-bonfire/

Holiday events kick off with dashes of sparkle and light ä See HOLIDAY, page 2G

Lionel Parker of St. Jude Community Center, accepts donated frozen turkeys from Mylo Brennan, 7, and Jacques Laboureur, 12, of Camp SoulGrow. STAFF PHOTO BY SOPHIA GERMER

STAFF PHOTOS BY BRETT DUKE

Kehoe-France School student Hannah Yim and classmates decorate a Christmas tree for Celebration in the Oaks.

RIGHT puts a bow on top of the school’s Christmas tree as students, FAR RIGHT, view the decorated Christmas trees that were being prepared

Celebration in the Oaks

FUR BABY FEAST

You can share these Thanksgiving foods with your pets

Traci Howerton ANIMAL RESCUE

Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, family and all the delicious dishes we look forward to each year While it’s tempting to let the pets join in on the feast, many of the foods we enjoy at the table can cause stomach upset or even be dangerous for our furry friends.

Last week, we talked about pancreatitis, and this week, we are diving deeper into which speciﬁc foods are OK to share in moderation and which should be avoided completely

The good news is that pets don’t have to sit out the holiday entirely. A few simple, unseasoned items from your meal can be shared safely in small portions:

n Turkey: Plain, cooked white meat only, with the skin and fat removed. Be certain there are no bones.

n Mashed potatoes: Plain only, no butter, cream, cheese, onions, garlic or gravy

n Sweet potatoes: Cooked and unseasoned; avoid candied dishes or toppings.

n Green beans: Fresh or no-salt canned. Rinse canned beans ﬁrst.

n Carrots: Raw or cooked

n Squash or zucchini

n Leafy greens: Such as lettuce or spinach, without dressing.

n Plain pumpkin: Canned or fresh pumpkin (not pie ﬁlling)

n Blueberries and strawberries

n Apples: Remove the seeds and core, which can be harmful. However, many holiday favorites are never safe for pets, even in very small amounts. Some can cause digestive trouble, and others can be toxic. Keep these items off limits:

n Bones of any kind: Cooked bones splinter easily and can cause choking or severe internal injuries.

n Ham: Very high in sodium and fat and can upset a pet’s stomach.

n Mushrooms: Especially wild mushrooms, which can be extremely dangerous.

n Garlic, onions, leeks, scallions: All can cause serious issues for dogs and cats, including damage to red blood cells.

n Chocolate: Especially dark or baking chocolate, which contains higher levels of toxic compounds

n Avocado: Contains persin, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs

and even more severe reactions in other species.

n Stone fruits with pits: The pits can be toxic and are also a choking hazard

n Macadamia nuts and some others: May cause weakness, tremors and more.

n Grapes and raisins: Can cause dangerous kidney problems in dogs.

n Tomatoes: Not toxic, but typically too acidic for sensitive stomachs.

n Xylitol: A sugar substitute found in many sugar-free desserts, gum and some baked goods, it’s extremely dangerous for pets.

n Alcohol: Even in foods cooked with it. If you’re ever unsure about whether a food is safe, it’s best to skip sharing and stick with treats made speciﬁcally for pets. Trust me — they won’t feel deprived Pets are happiest simply being near their people, no holiday menu required

As we celebrate this season of gratitude, I’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the volunteers and shelter staff in our community who dedicate their time and compassion to helping homeless animals each and every day You are making a difference! If you’re looking for a way to give back this Thanksgiving consider donating to a local animal shelter or rescue. Many organizations keep wish lists on their websites with items they need most such as food, toys, blankets, beds, cleaning supplies and more. And if you have an hour or two to spare, volunteers are always needed, especially during the busy holiday months.

Wishing you and your pets a safe, joyful and delicious Thanksgiving — even if the pets stick to their own menu.

Events

NOV. 29: PetSmart adoption event from noon to 4 p.m. at PetSmart, 6851 Veterans Blvd., Metairie. Meet adorable puppies and dogs from Animal Rescue New Orleans that are looking for a home for the holidays. Applications to foster and adopt will be available. All approved adopters will receive a coupon book from PetSmart and a new dog bed from ARNO. For more info, email adopt@animalrescueneworleans.org

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

PET OF THE WEEK

Sandy is a lovable terrier mix who was rescued with her puppies. Only a puppy herself at 1.5 years old, she would love a home of her own. She weighs 17 pounds. To learn more, email adopt@animalrescueneworleans.org

Volunteers needed as Manning Family Children’s kicks off toy drive

Staff report

Christmas is just a few weeks away and donations are needed for the 34th annual Manning Family Children’s Hospital Toy Drive. The drive is underway, with toy delivery planned for Dec. 13 at the hospital, 200 Henry Clay Ave., New Orleans. Organized by Alex Fisher Jr and Jack Dunphy, donations requested include board games, art supplies, puzzles, electronics, crayons, coloring and activity books, Lego building blocks and children’s books. Individuals, families, businesses, schools and houses of worship are asked to help.

TURKEYS

Continued from page 1G

home to New Orleans and it started here in 2018.

The idea is to enrich young people ages 7 to 12 by immersing them in different environments around the community and connecting them with business owners who share their expertise.

They’ve learned to cook at a local restaurant and worked out at a fitness center, hands-on experiences designed for personal growth.

Experiencing differences

The small group that showed up for the turkey handout included longtime friends.

Fallon Brennan, who brought her 7-year-old son Mylo, has been friends with Rosiere since high school. Brennan helps coordinate New Orleans events and joked that Mylo has been a part of Camp SoulGrow since before birth — she has a picture of herself pregnant, wearing a Camp SoulGrow T-shirt.

Mylo Brennan said he enjoyed the camp, and has learned “how to give people things.”

“It’s a way to give back,” Fallon Brennan added. “We’ve got a very lucky life and not everyone is as fortunate, so it’s nice to help out regardless of socioeconomic status.

“It brings all sorts of kids together and the kids don’t care, they’re having a good time, they’re playing, they’re doing all these activities.”

Where the help goes

At St. Jude Community Center, situated in a hightraffic area for unhoused people on North Rampart Street, worker Lionel Parker waited to receive a dozen turkeys.

The turkey drop-off will be the last for the center at its current location. It will be moving to Royal Street, and the nonproﬁt START Corp.

HOLIDAY

Continued from page 1G

HOLIDAY PARADE: The fourth annual Manning Family Children’s holiday parade will take place Dec. 6, 11 a.m. with local and national television coverage, 30 holiday-themed floats, high-flying helium balloons, and more than a dozen dancing groups and bands. nolaholidayparade.com

LOS ISLENOS CHRISTMAS AND BONFIRE: Los Isleños Fiesta will host an evening of holiday events on Dec. 6, 3:30-7:30 p.m., at St. Bernard Parish Government Museums, 1357 Bayou Road in St. Bernard. Local schools will perform Christmas songs, followed by a bonfire. www losislenos.org

KRAMPUS NOLAUF: Krewe of Krampus is returning with a walking parade on the streets

For more information, call Fisher at (504) 367-4743 or Dunphy at (504) 481-2486

Any individuals, businesses, schools or houses of worship that would like to donate, call Fisher at (504) 367-4743 or Dunphy at (504) 481-2486.

Donations will be collected by volunteers on Dec. 11, then sorted and boxed at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 475 Franklin St., Gretna. There, volunteers are needed from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. to help sort and box the toys, especially between 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Refreshments will be provided.

will take over the building.

START is set to open a drop-in center for homeless youth there, along with other community services.

Parker said the center has appreciated Camp SoulGrow’s yearly donations. He’s seen an increase in the unhoused population over the last few years.

“Not just because of the government shutdown, but because we’ve got so many homeless, we need more places to feed them,” Parker said. The SoulGrow group brought in boxes of turkeys before boarding the bus to

of New Orleans after two years as a stationary parade.The largest Krampus parade in America will be held Dec. 6, 7:30 p.m., in the Bywater The route starts at Parleaux Beer Lab, 634 Lesseps St., and continues to Brats Y’all, 617-B Piety The krewe will also accept new, unwrapped toys for the Marines’Toys for Tots drive kreweofkrampus.com

CHRISTMAS AT JACKSON

BARRACKS: The family-friendly celebration will be held Dec. 6-7, 5-9:30 p.m. at Jackson Barracks, 6541 St. Claude Ave. in New Orleans.Activities include holiday performances, a Christmas village with children’s activities and a Christmas marketplace. Guests can stroll down Beauregard Street under the lighted oaks with exterior views of Jackson Barracks’ antebellum homes. Tickets start at $10. Proceeds

head off to their next stop.

For Rosiere, the work is inspired by growing up in New Orleans and volunteering in community organizations.

Then, at age 19, Hurricane Katrina struck while she was on a trip to New York City With her home destroyed, she ended up living on the Eastern Seaboard.

The death of her mother in 2014 made her reﬂect on her own life.

“I just didn’t know what to do with myself,” Rosiere said. “I just couldn’t ﬁgure out what I wanted to do, who I was. And honestly, how to get back to that feeling of

benefit the Louisiana National Guard Foundation. jacksonbarracks-christmas-site LIGHTS ON THE LAKE: The Pontchartrain Conservancy’s holiday celebration will be Dec. 13, 5-8 p.m., 8001 Lakeshore Drive in New Orleans, promising the best view of the annual West End Boat Parade, a display of decorated boats lighting up the lake. Choirs and dance performances will take place at the New Canal Lighthouse.There will be hands-on STEM activities and sustainable crafts for the kids.Admission is $10; free for children 5 and under Tickets will be sold at the door and online. scienceforourcoast.org

NOLA CHRISTMASFEST: The New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center will host the 12th holiday wonderland Dec.

20-29, 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. and 4:30-9 p.m. (except for Dec.

me being in second grade at St. Angela Merici, where I thought of the person that I wanted to be. So I said, let me just pause and take some time off.”

In Montauk, New York, where the original chapter of Camp SoulGrow started, she saw a gap between wealthy children who came to vacation for the summer, and children who lived there year-round.

The imbalance of opportunity led her to begin a series of workshops for children. Rosiere was also inspired by her mother’s memory

“I thought it would be such a great way for people who aren’t teachers on paper, like myself, to still share their passion their skills, their love, their time, you know, with kids. So it became SoulGrow on both ends.” When her brother died in New Orleans in 2016, she decided to bring the project to the South as well, eventually working in South Plaquemines Parish and New Orleans.

The turkey event remains one of her favorite Camp SoulGrow events.

‘It’s been a labor of love, ﬁghting the good ﬁght,” Rosiere said.

24, 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m., and Dec. 25 1-5 p.m.).Activities include live music, visits with Santa and rides.The Big Freezy New Orleans’ only ice-skating rink with real ice, returns this year alongside ice bumper cars. Skating with Santa is Dec. 21, 9:30-11 a.m. Special tickets are required.Tickets are $25 weekdays; $30 Saturdays and Sundays.Tickets valid on a specific day for z 4.5-hour session.The convention center is located at 900 Convention Center Blvd. in New Orleans. Nolachristmasfest.com

CAROLING IN JACKSON SQUARE: The annual holiday sing-along will be Dec. 21, 7-8 p.m. Gates open at 6:30. Complimentary song books and candles will be provided. Local musicians Harry Mayronne, Chris Wecklein and Amy Alvarez will lead carols. patioplanters.net

STAFF PHOTO BY SOPHIA GERMER

Lionel Parker, of St. Jude Community Center, hugs London Rosiere, of Camp SoulGrow, after turkeys were delivered to the center

Fallon Brennan, Mylo Brennan, 7, and Jacques Laboureur, 12, of Camp SoulGrow, help deliver donated turkeys to St. Jude Community Center with the help of Lionel Parker

‘Scrim on the Run!’ is high school science teacher Madi Hannan’s first children’s book

LEARNING LA.-STYLE

8 local authors to talk about books

Eight local authors will discuss their children’s books at 7 p.m. Dec. 2 at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie.

Attendees will have the chance to purchase books directly from the authors, but the event is free.

Chris Smith LIBRARY LAGNIAPPE

Gary Alipio: “Craziest Cajun Football Tale.” Twelve-yearold Hatcher has big football dreams. He wants to be a play-calling star

Shannon Kelley Atwater: “Fais Do Do.” Atwater is the author-illustrator of “Goodnight Pothole” and illustrator of “Rainbow Rodney.” She has been a featured author at the Louisiana Book Festival and New Orleans Book Festival.

Adam Dennis: “Gary and the Tooth Fairy” and “The Boy from the Swamp.” Dennis has written for multiple online publications, satirizing the confusing world of parenting or over-analyzing the ﬁctional goings-on of superheroes.

Michelle Dumont: “Phoebe Cakes and Friends, An Alphabet Tail: Learn Your ABCs.” This board book is especially designed to stimulate and entertain little learners. As they learn the alphabet, they will be greeted by bright colors, lift-and-ﬁnd ﬂaps and easyto-turn pages.

Madi Hannan: “Scrim on the Run.” Known for his wiry fur and mischievous antics, Scrim has become a beloved ﬁgure in the city, darting through neighborhoods, dodging potholes, and leaving a trail of smiles wherever he goes.

Alicia Hoyt, M.D.: “Wally the Seafood Allergic Walrus.” The story emphasizes the importance of understanding food allergies, being prepared with necessary medications such as “EpiFriend,” and displaying empathy in emergency situations.

Anna Romano Johnson: ”Real River Rats.” Huey and his family of river rats live along the batture of the Mississippi River near New Orleans. He dreams of riding the bridge train atop the Huey P. Long Bridge and exploring the world beyond his family’s home on the levee.

Erin Rovin: “The Little Bead Tree.” In New Orleans, a little oak tree asks Grand Oak why it is so small in comparison. The Grand Oak replies that the young one is special and will one day everyone will see.

LIVE MUSIC: Cathy Gianfala Carriere, a guitarist and Nashville recording artist, will perform a range of music at 1 p.m. Dec. 7 at the East Bank Regional Library 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie. Carriere performs a blend of pop/folk/country, classical, sacred, Broadway, standards and jazz.

STAR GAZING: The Pontchartrain Astronomy Society meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Dec. 3, outside in the employee parking area at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie.

Patrons can watch the moon slowly glide across the face of the Pleiades star cluster One by one, the bright stars of the Ple-

iades will be hidden by the moon. In case of weather, there will be an indoor presentation: Barry Simon, president of the society will discuss “Deep Sky Wonders of Our Fall Skies.” He says, “the crisp, clear evenings of fall give amateur astronomers a chance to see some of the most beautiful objects in our universe.” These include the Great Orion Nebula, the Andromeda Galaxy, the Pleiades, and many others. He will explain where to ﬁnd them and how best to see them.

MAH-JONG LESSONS: Diane Schleifstein, the immediate past president of the Friends of the Jefferson Public Library, will lead a series of ﬁve classes on learning to play mah-jong at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie. The sessions, all from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., will occur in the Jefferson Room on Dec. 16, 23, 30 and Jan. 6 and 13. The classes cover different topics.

BOOK CLUBS: Most book clubs held at parish libraries will continue to meet in December Here they are:

n “Vera Wang’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers,” by Jesse Q. Sutano: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 3, Old Metairie Library 2350 Metairie Road.

n “What Counts Is That We Don’t Betray Each Other,” by George Orwell: 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 6, Rosedale Library, 4036 Jefferson Highway, Jefferson.

n “The Stranger,” by Albert Camus: 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 8, East Bank Regional Library, 447 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie. n Award Winners, be it Newberry, Hugo, Booker or Pulitzer Bring a book that’s won an award: 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 10, West Bank Regional Library, 2751 Manhattan Blvd., Harvey

n “The Frozen River,” by Ariel Lawhon: 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 20, River Ridge Library, 8825 Jefferson Highway, River Ridge.

n “The Screwtape Letters,” by C.S. Lewis: 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 16, East Bank Regional Library 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie.

Two events are geared for tweens (ages 8 to 11) and teens (ages 12 to 18).

n Cookbook Club: The next meeting occurs from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 16, at the Lakeshore Library, 1000 W. Esplanade Ave., Metairie.

n Comic Book Club: The next meeting occurs from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Dec. 11, at the West Bank Regional Library, 2751 Manhattan Blvd., Harvey WWII MEMORIES: Long-time member and WWII Museum volunteer Barry Simon will speak on “Entertainment and Inspiration in World War II” at 7 p.m. Dec. 4 at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie. He will focus on the Stage Door Canteen, Hollywood Canteen, big bands and singers, as well as heartthrobs and pin-ups.

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

Building brain power

From storytimes for babies to chess for tweens

BY JANE LEGROS Contributing writer

From babies to tweens, the New Orleans Public Library is offering programs to boost children’s brain power

The early literacy programming team hosts four weekly story times for newborns to pre-walking babies. Caregivers and babies can bond through books, bouncy rhymes and songs in this program that introduces early literacy skills and encourages language development.

Babies storytimes are held from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Mondays at these library locations: Alvar, 913 Alvar St.; Smith, 6301 Canal Blvd.; and Nix, S. Carrollton Ave.; and on Wednesdays at Hubbell Library, 725 Pelican Ave.

And kids ages 6-12 are invited to weekly sessions where they can practice problem-solving and develop critical thinking skills at the library’s three Chess Clubs.

Beginner and experienced players are welcome. Each session includes instruction as needed, but focuses on playing against other participants or library staff.

If numbers allow, we can play a tournament bracket Checker boards will also be available.

Chess Club is held from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesdays at Algiers Regional, 3014 Holiday Drive, and Nix Library, 1401 S. Carrollton Ave., and on Thursdays at Hubbell Library, 725 Pelican Ave.

AUTHOR TALK: Award-winning television producer Sue Hincenbergs will visit the New Orleans Public Library via Zoom to discuss her debut novel, “The Retirement Plan,” at 1 p.m. Dec. 2.

In the book, when the only thing standing between three best friends and a sunny beachfront retirement condo are their husbands, a diabolical plan to collect on their spouses’ life insurance policies ensues.

After 30 years of friendship, Pam dreams of her perfect retirement

Kids ages 6-12 are invited to weekly sessions where they can practice problem-solving and develop critical thinking skills at the library’s three Chess Clubs.

with Nancy, Shalisa, Marlene, and their husbands until their husbands pool their funds for an investment that goes terribly wrong, and their dreams of beachfront condos and a sunny, carefree retirement vanish.

But when one husband dies in a freak accident, the other three women are shocked to see his widow rebound with a huge life insurance payout and a new life in Florida. In the aftermath, the women discover that their husbands have identical, seven-ﬁgure life insurance policies. A new dream forms, and this time, it involves a hitman. Meanwhile, their husbands have a secret retirement plan of their own. Hicenbergs’ darkly humorous debut is ﬁlled with both laugh-out-loud and tense moments as our headstrong wives pursue their dream retirement at all costs.

Visit nolalibrary.co/hicenbergs to register and submit your questions for the author

YARN ARTS AND BEYOND: On the ﬁrst

Monday of every month, Latter Library will host a yarn arts circle from noon to 1 p.m.

Attendees can work on their own yarn arts projects while enjoying tea and cookies with other local knitters, crocheters, tatters and others.

Looking to level up your crafting game this holiday season? Your New Orleans Public Library card unlocks unlimited access to Creativebug, an online catalog of thousands of video tutorials, featuring seasonal crafting tips of all kinds — from festive treats to tying the perfect bow Expert instructors provide stepby-step guides, making it easy to learn new skills and get inspired. Perfect for crafters of all levels, Creativebug offers endless creative possibilities at no cost with your library card. Get started at nolalibrary.org.

Jane LeGros is the director of marketing and communications for the New Orleans Public Library

STAFF PHOTO BY SOPHIA GERMER

• 6cupsofcrumbledcornbread (I bake then letstale for 3or4daysbeforeuse)

• 3cupsofwhite bread stale

• 3/4of1cup vegetableorchicken stock 3eggsbeaten

• 11/2 cupsofchopped onion

• 11/2 cupschopped celery

• 1bellpepperchopped

• 1bunch of greenonion chopped

• 1bunch of parsley chopped

• 1lb. pork sausage 1lb. of bacon (I use JimmyDeanmaple or sage)

• Salt,black,and white pepper to taste

1. Frythe baconuntil crispy,removefrompan andcrumble.Fry thesausage,removefrom pan andcrumble

2. Fryall theseasonings in thebacon/sausage grease untilwiltedand caramelized. Addback in thecookedsausage andbacon

3. Mixall stalecrumbledcornbread andwhite breadinalarge bowl.Add in thebacon, sausage,and wilted ingredientswiththe crumbled breads

4. Gently mixinthe stockand eggsintothe bowl with therestofthe ingredients.

5 Put mixtureintoa large, greasedbakingdishand bake at 325degrees foranhour. Youcan add extrabreadcrumbsand afew pats of butter on topfor acrisp look

• 1large head of freshcauliﬂower

• 2/3cup of Monterey Jack cheese shredded 2/3cup of sharp cheddar cheese shredded 1/2cup of imported Parmesan-Reggiano cheese shredded

• 1/2cup heavycream

• 2tbsp oliveoil or butter

• 2or3clovesofgarlic

• Salt,black pepper andalittlewhite pepper to taste

1. Cutcauliﬂowerintoﬂoretsand arrangeitina greasedbakingdish. In adoubleboilerheat thecream,add sauteed garlic andlet simmer on lowfor no more than 10 minutes.

2. Next add half of theMontereyJackand Cheddarcheeseand stir abit,thenadd half of the Parmesan-Reggiano cheese

3. Simmer,constantlystirring with awhisk,until it meltsand is asmoothsauce (mediumto thickconsistency,not runny).Pourthe cheese sauceoverthe Cauliﬂower.

4. Then topwiththe remainingshreddedcheese mixtures andthentop with the ParmesanReggiano before puttingitinthe oven.Cover with foil,bakeat325 degreesfor 35-45minutes(untilcauliﬂoweristender).Thenremovefoiland bake at 350degrees for10 minutesorunitl cheese is melted andatasty brownontop

5. Foranaddedtwist youcan add an ounceoftriplesec in thecheese sauce, or even some

PHOTO

2026.

BROTHER MARTIN HIGH: Toby Alfonso and Zubin Dinshaw, juniors at Brother Martin and members of the Brother Martin Chorus, have been selected by audition to sing in the American Choral Directors Association Southern Region TTBB Honor Choir. The choir will perform during the ACDA Southern Region Conference in Memphis, Tennessee, in March 2026, conducted by Richard Schnipke of Bowling Green State University

ST. BERNARD PARISH PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM: Twelve educators have been honored by the St. Bernard Parish Public School System as Teachers of the Year for the 20252026 school year.

n The High School Teachers of the Year are Jani Wells-Johnson, C.F Rowley Alternative, and Kenneth Brown, Chalmette High.

n Middle School Teachers of the Year are Kayla Halstead, Andrew Jackson Middle; Casi Kieff, N. P Trist Middle; and Aerin Marrione, St. Bernard Middle.

n Elementary School Teachers of the Year are Halima Jaber, Arabi Elementary; Christina Crego, Arlene Meraux Elementary; Jonathan Palmer, Chalmette Elementary; Joelle Powell, J.F. Gauthier Elementary; Jodi Crifasi, Joseph J. Davies Elementary; Shana Powers, Lacoste Elementary; and Christine Perez, W. Smith Jr. Elementary

This recognition, chosen by their peers and awarded to one teacher at each school, highlights excellence in teaching and school leadership. These teachers will advance to the district level, where judges will conduct interviews to determine the district’s elementary middle and high school winners The three parish-wide winners will move on to compete for statewide recognition later this year

LOUISE S. MCGEHEE SCHOOL: McGehee senior Gianna Harris has signed a National Letter of Intent to continue her academic and athletic career at Saint Louis University in St. Louis, Missouri, an NCAA Division I soccer powerhouse. Harris was named to the 2025 NOLA.com

Gianna Harris, center signs

to play soccer at Saint Louis University, as her mother Nayelie Harris, and father, Bryan Harris, look on.

All-Metro Soccer team and District 8, Division IV Soccer Team. In 2023 and 2024, she was named to the Soccer Division 4, All-State Team. ROOTED SCHOOL NEW ORLEANS: Prospective families can visit Mondays through Thursdays 9 a.m.- noon, to meet students and teachers. Half- or full-day shadow days are also available through Spend-A-Day Experiences. Sign up for visits at www.rootedschoolneworleans.org.

HYNES CHARTER SCHOOLS: Hynes will hold an open house tour for parents and guardians of prospective students on Dec. 4 at 8 a.m. The tour will take place at each of its three campuses: Hynes-Lakeview, 990 Harrison Ave.; Hynes-UNO, 1901 Leon C. Simon Drive and HynesParkview, 4617 Mirabeau Ave Registration required. ID is required. www.hynesschool.com NOCCA: The New Orleans Center for Creative Arts will hold audition information sessions on Dec. 6, 10:30-11:45 a.m., at the school, 2800 Chartres St. in New Orleans. The session is a practicum for students planning to audition to NOCCA in order to help gain/practice skills needed to become a successful applicant. The number of students who may RSVP is limited . Registration is available via Eventbrite.

https://nocca.com/

YOUNG AUDIENCES CHARTER SCHOOLS: Registration is open for YACS December open houses for prospective students from Orleans and Jefferson parishes. YACS at Lawrence D. Crocker, PK 4-8, will hold an open house for Orleans residents on Dec. 9, 5 p.m., at its campus, 2301 Marengo St. For Jefferson residents, an open house for all campuses of YACS at Burmaster and Little YACS, PK 4-12, will be held Dec, 10, 5 p.m., at the Burmaster campus, 1000 Burmaster St. in Gretna. YACS Burmaster will open a newly renovated, expanded middle school campus for sixth graders for the 2026-27 school year. www yacs.org.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

CELEBRATING 250 YEARS OF JANE

AUSTEN: The WYES afternoon tea on Dec. 3 will feature Nell Nolan, Times-Picayune columnist, in a reading from Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice.” The event will take place at the WYES studios at 916 Navarre Ave. in New Orleans. A patron party will be held 2-3 p.m., with music, Champagne and passed bites. General admission entry is at 3 p.m., with the reading at 3:30, a “No Plain Janes” period attire presentation at 4 and a promenade at 4:40. Guests are encouraged to wear their ﬁnest Regency attire. Tickets start at $100 via Eventbrite. www.wyes.org/ events/

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

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. 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.

BOOKS

“GRADUATION TALES: THE TESTI-

MONY”: Author Keitris Bourgeois will celebrate the launch of her debut book and be joined in conversation with Kelli Saulny, managing partner and co-founder for Corridor Ventures, on Nov. 29, 5-7 p.m., at Baldwin & Co., 1030 Elysian Fields Blvd. in New Orleans. Reserve books through Eventbrite. www.baldwinandcobooks.com

“THE GREATEST SENTENCE EVER WRITTEN”: The Garden District Book Shop, 2727 Prytania St. in New Orleans, will welcome author Walter Isaacson to celebrate and discuss his latest book on Nov. 29, 5:30 p.m. Reserve books through Eventbrite. www.gardendistrictbookshop.com

EVENING WITH WALTER ISAA-

CSON: Octavia Books and the New Orleans JCC will present an evening with the author presenting and signing his new book, “The Greatest Sentence Ever Written.”

The event will take place Dec. 2, 7-9 p.m., at the JCC — Uptown, 5342 St. Charles Ave. in New Orleans. Tickets, starting at $24.19 via Eventbrite, are required for admission and include a copy of the book to be signed by Isaacson. octaviabooks.com

“MATISSE AT WAR”: Christopher C. Gorham, author of “Matisse at War: Art and Resistance in Nazi Occupied France,” will discuss his book on Dec. 3, 4:30-6:30 p.m., at the Louisiana Memorial Pavilion of the National WWII Museum, 945 Magazine St. in New Orleans. A reception will be held 4:30-5:30 p.m., with the event at 5:30-6:30 p.m. www.nationalww2museum.org

“HENRI BENDEL AND THE WORLDS HE FASHIONED”: Author Tim Allis will discuss his book about America’s ﬁrst great couture importer and women’s dress merchant on Dec. 4, 6-7:30 p.m., at the Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience, 818 Howard Ave. in New Orleans. Registration is available online. msje.org

FUNDRAISERS/GALAS

CALENDAR RELEASE FUNDRAISER: Metairie Humane will hold a fundraiser Dec. 4, 5-8 p.m., at Winston’s Pub & Patio, 531 Metairie Road in Metairie. Winston’s will donate 20% of all food and drink sales during the party to Metairie Humane. Calendars are available for a donation of at least $12. Calendars will also be available at The Swamp Room on Dec. 9 and at all of Metairie Humane’s Santa photo sessions. metairiehumane.org

“CELBRATING FATHER TOMPSON’S DREAM”: Good Shepherd School will celebrate its 25th year with a gala on Dec. 4 at The Cannery in Mid-City, 3803 Toulouse St. in New Orleans. A patron party begins at 6:30 p.m., and the main event starts at 7:30 p.m. Entertainment by After Party. Tickets start at $125. us.givergy.com/GSSGala

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP IMPACT

CELEBRATION: New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation, Inc. will celebrate community, culture and the creatives who make it all possible in an evening of appreciation and community connection on Dec. 5, 5:40-8 p.m., at the Jazz & Heritage Gallery, 1205 N. Rampart St. in New Orleans. The event includes live music, bites and spirits. RSVP is required. www.jazzandheritage.org

A TASTE OF OUR TRADITION: Congregation Gates of Prayer will celebrate its 175th anniversary with a gala on Dec. 6, 6-9 p.m., at 4000 W. Esplanade Ave. in Metairie. The evening is inspired by the

traditions of the Alsace-Lorraine region and includes a specially curated menu of French and German-inspired cuisine, an open bar featuring regional wines, craft brews and signature cocktails, and entertainment from Flow Tribe. All guests must be 21 or older. Cocktail attire requested with optional French or German ﬂair encouraged. Tickets start at $75. www gatesofprayer.org

HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR: Be WellCome Together will host a fundraiser on Dec. 6, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., at Faith Presbysterian Church, 2525 Apollo Ave. in Harvey. www.bewellcometogether.org.

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS: Tickets are on sale for the Dec. 6, 6:30 p.m., fundraiser at House of Blues New Orleans, 225 Decatur St. in New Orleans, hosted by NOCCA Foundation and the family of Daniel Price. The music lineup features Irma Thomas, Kermit Rufﬁns, The Soul Rebels, Big Freedia and emcee Gralen Banks. Proceeds support the NOCCA Foundation’s Daniel Price Memorial Fund for Aspiring Artists. Tickets start at $55. HomeForTheHolidaysNOLA.com.

IMPROVISATIONS GALA: The fundraiser will be held at the New Orleans Jazz 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.

HOLIDAY CAMP

WINTER HOLIDAY CAMP: Registration is open for the Ogden Museum of Southern Arts’s

House

House provides

to homeless

and their

children. Speciﬁc foods are requested: turkeys, hams,

lasagna, macaroni and

various

casseroles, jambalaya or

mashed or roasted potatoes, sweet potatoes, shrimp pasta, stufﬁng and fruit salad. Call (504) 382-0389 or (504) 382-7651

PROVIDED

Brother Martin juniors Zubin Dinshaw, left, and Toby Alfonso will participate in the ACDA Southern Region TTBB Honor Choir in

SWEET (AND SAVORY) FUN

Beignet Fest-goers in City Park got to pick from among traditional, sweet and savory confections, in addition to vegan and gluten-free nonbeignet options. The fest ticket also included live music and an art market.

St. Bernard schools name district

Students of the Year

Staff report

Three students, Bentley Hume, Grace Dewey and Jackson Nunez, have been named district Students of the Year for St. Bernard Parish public schools. Hume, a fifth grader at Arabi Elem ent a ry School, is an active member of Ac ad em i c Games, Drama, 4-H, K-Kids and Art Club. Hume helps organize the annual Carolyn Park Spooktacular. He is the district’s Elementary School Student of the Year

The district’s Middle School Student of the Year, Dewey is an eighth grader at

Andrew Jackson Middle School. She is a member of the volleyball and softball teams and active member of the Beta Club, Academic Games, chorus and 4-H.

This year’s high school winner, Nunez, is a football and tennis player He is an advocate for individuals with special needs and works to promote inclusion through programs like Special Olympics and Exceptional Athletes. The students were chosen by a panel of judges including community leaders and educators Nominees were scored based on formal assessments, a writing sample, a comprehensive portfolio, and an interview with the panelists.

Doris Voitier is superintendent of St. Bernard Parish public schools.

Staff report

Do you love New Orleans history? The Friends of the Cabildo Walking Tour Guide Training Program provides intensive and comprehensive training for those who wish to be tour guides.

The Louisiana State Museum is supported by the all-volunteer Friends of the Cabildo, which offers the once-a-year tour guide history class that begins March 2. Sign up has begun, with interviews being conducted starting in December

Classes are under the direction of Friends of the Cabildo Tour Guide Committee, who are assisted by volunteer FOC tour guides The program provides an overview of New Orleans’ history architecture and culture.

This intensive four-week class of Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays (with one Saturday thrown in) is almost 100 hours of class time in one month. In addition to the academic component, students are provided training in presentation techniques, procedures for conducting tours and other practical guidelines.

The training will be beneﬁcial in any tour-guiding capacity, but the purpose is to support FOC endeavors that beneﬁt the Louisiana State Museum. That’s why enrollment in the program is conditioned on making a commitment to the FOC to serve as a volunteer guide for two years. Guides are scheduled to give tours twice a month during this two-year period, but substitutes are available, if needed.

If you are interested in being considered, contact the FOC ofﬁce at (504) 523-3939.

Republican Women serve at Hope Lodge

The Republican Women’s Club of Jefferson Parish recently sponsored and served dinner to the patients and staff at the American Cancer Society Patrick F. Taylor Hope Lodge. Hope Lodge is a program that provides a free home away from home for cancer patients and their caregivers. The choir from Patrick F. Taylor Science and Technology Academy provided entertainment. Pictured from left on the front row are Debbie Albert, Linda

Peperone and Connie Nockton; second row, Susan

third row, Sharon

Schwary.