Crescent City Picayune 01-21-2026 by The Advocate

A dose of Carnival

Mitzvah Makers parade will take music and more to patients at Touro

BY EVA JACOB BARKOFF Contributing writer

The rehabilitation ﬂoors of Touro Inﬁrmary are always busy with physical therapists and other medical professionals helping patients recover from various injuries.

Even though the Uptown parades roll just two blocks away from the hospital, many patients are unable to attend in person. That’s why, on one weekend during Carnival, costumed members of the B’nai B’rith Mardi Gras Mitzvah Makers parade from ﬂoor to ﬂoor playing traditional music and passing out beads to share the spirit of the season.

The 45th annual event begins at 10 a.m., Jan. 25 at Touro, 1401

Foucher St. The members will also bring their Mardi Gras merriment at 1 p.m. to the residents at nearby Laurel Senior Living Center, 1101 Aline St.

“Our ﬁrst year we played at Charity Hospital’s pediatric unit, and over the years, we have also played at other hospitals including Children’s and Ochsner,” Hilton Title, chair of the organization, said. “We average more than 20 musicians, and some have participated for many years. And there is someone who comes from Houston on a regular basis to play.”

Title, who plays the trumpet, said the parade will include musicians playing percussion, saxophone, clarinet, tuba and accordion. A second-line will follow the musicians.

Left behind

Plan for who will take care of your pets if you no longer can

In the animal rescue world, there is a heartbreaking scenario that plays out far too often: A beloved pet suddenly loses its owner, and there is no plan in place for what happens next. With no clear caregiver available, the pet is surrendered to a shelter — grieving, confused and suddenly without the one person it trusted most.

It’s a painful situation, and one that is often preventable.

Planning for a pet’s future in the event of an owner’s death or incapacity is not something most people enjoy thinking about. However, it is one of the most important responsibilities that comes with pet ownership. Pets depend on us completely, and that dependence doesn’t end just because our circumstances change.

One of the biggest mistakes pet owners make is assuming that a family member or close friend will automatically step in. While intentions may be good, pet ownership is a long-term commitment that not everyone is able or willing — to take on. Changes in health, ﬁnances, housing, family dynamics or work schedules can all affect a person’s ability to care for an animal, even if they once agreed to do so.

That’s why having a plan, a backup plan and revisiting those plans regularly is essential.

Just as careful thought goes into choosing guardians for children, selecting a future caregiver for pets deserves the same consideration. The person you choose will have full responsibility for the animal’s daily care and medical decisions. It’s important to choose someone whose lifestyle values and expectations align with your pet’s needs — and to have an honest conversation with them about what that responsibility entails.

In addition to long-term planning, every pet owner should also have an emergency care plan. Accidents, unexpected hospitalizations or sudden travel can happen at any time. Identify a trusted friend, family member or neighbor who can access your home, if needed Make sure they know where supplies

“Our ﬁrst song is ‘Down by the Riverside,’ followed by ‘When the Saints Go Marching In,’” he said. “We play many more songs including ‘You Are My Sunshine’ and ‘Mardi Gras Mambo.’ The patients get to experience Mardi Gras in a most unique and accommodating way.”

The rehabilitation program occupies Touro’s fourth, sixth and ninth ﬂoors, providing inpatient rehab for neurological disorders including stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injuries and amputations.

Dr Yvette Folse is the program’s medical director

“The parade brings so much joy and laughter to the patients,

STAFF PHOTO BY SCOTT THRELKELD Hilton Title, left, plays for Riley Waxman, 2, and dad Michael Waxman.

Young Lego lovers can click with others in Jefferson Parish clubs

blocks are a beloved element of playtime for kids as well as adults who

Chris

member the toys from their

childhoods. That’s why multiple Lego Clubs meet at Jefferson Parish Library branches. The blocks were created as wooden toys in 1932 by Danish carpenter Ole Kirk Kristiansenin. They were named in 1934 based on the Danish phrase “leg godt,” which means play well. The company introduced its ﬁrst plastic bricks, called automatic binding bricks, in 1949, and Ole’s son, Godtfred Kirk Christiansen, patented the interlocking brick design we know today in 1958. Here are the times and place to ﬁnd Lego club meetings:

n 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., the ﬁrst Thursday of each month – West Bank Regional Library, 2751 Manhattan Blvd., Harvey Also 2 to 3 p.m., the second Saturday of each month.

n 6 to 7 p.m., the ﬁrst Thursday of each month – Lakeshore Library 1000 W. Esplanade Ave., Metairie.

n 10:30 to 11:30 p.m., ﬁrst and third Saturdays of each month – Old Metairie Library, 2350 Metairie Road.

n 2 to 3 p.m., ﬁrst Saturday of each month – River Ridge Library 8825 Jefferson Highway Jefferson.

n 10 to 11 a.m., second Saturday of each month – East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie

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are kept and have written instructions for feeding, medications and veterinary care. Keep your veterinarian’s contact information easily accessible. Temporary caregivers can be invaluable in short-term situations, but long-term care requires more formal planning. If an owner becomes permanently incapacitated or passes away, pets need stability, not uncertainty

To ensure pets are cared for according to your wishes, a legal plan can even be put in place. This may include a pet trust, special provisions in a will, or another legally binding document that clearly states who will assume ownership, how decisions should be made and how expenses will be covered These arrangements should outline funding for food, veterinary care, grooming and emergency medical needs.

A verbal agreement is often not enough. Without legal documentation, pets are considered property and decisions may be made without regard to what the owner would have wanted Consulting with a legal professional can help determine the best option based on individual circumstances

Consider leaving written instructions about your pet’s

n 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., the second Saturday of each month – Harahan Library, 219 Soniat Ave., Harahan n 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., the third Saturday of each month – North Kenner Library,630 W Esplanade Ave., Kenner BUSINESS WORKSHOP FOR WRITERS: The New Orleans Chapter of the Women’s National Book Association, in cooperation with the Jefferson Parish Library, will present a panel discussion titled “Business Issues for Writers” at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 21 at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie. Panels include Banking for Writers with James Schoen, senior VP at FB Bancorp; Intellectual Property for Writers with attorney Marie Breaux; and Advocacy for Writers with Gene Menerary, co-founder of the ELLA Project. The Ella Project is an acronym for Entertainment

routine, personality, medical history, behavioral quirks and preferences. Information about favorite foods, fears, medications, allergies and daily habits can help ease the transition for both the pet and the new caregiver It’s also important to revisit plans over time because life changes for both people and pets. What made sense ﬁve years ago may no longer be realistic today Reviewing and updating plans ensures they remain practical and relevant. Planning ahead for our pets provides peace of mind. Knowing that your pet will be loved, protected and cared for — no matter what is one of the most meaningful acts of responsibility a pet owner can take.

Events

JAN. 25: A PetSmart adoption event will be held from noon to 4 p m. at 6851 Veterans Memorial Blvd Metairie. Meet adoptable dogs and puppies from Animal Rescue New Orleans. All approved adopters will receive a coupon book from PetSmart and a new bed from ARNO. For more info: adopt@animalrescueneworleans.org.

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

PET OF THE WEEK

Viola is an 11-month-old, 38-pound darling of a boxer/Lab mix. She is timid but oh-so-sweet and is good with other dogs. She has suffered mistreatment and needs a home where she will be loved. To learn more, email adopt@ animalrescue neworleans.org

PROVIDED PHOTO

rial cartoons for nearly 30 years. Many other Louisiana newspapers and magazines also have run his work, and so have national publications. While serving as secretary of state, Fox McKeithen gave Mulhearn the unofﬁcial title of “Louisiana’s Own Cartoonist.”

Mulhearn has published three cartoon books “Life in Looziana: Cartoons and Commentary,” “Looziana Political Cartoons: The Best of Fred Mulhearn,” and “More Life in Looziana: Cartoons and Commentary.”

Law Legal Assistance. The organization provides pro bono legal work for low- to moderate-income artists, musicians and related non-proﬁts.

CARTOONS: Fred Mulhearn, a cartoonist who lives in Denham Springs, will discuss his new book, “More Life in Looziana, Cartoons and Commentary,” at 7 p.m. Feb. 3 at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie.

Mulhearn says that he’s been drawing cartoons as long as he can remember His third grade teacher wrote on his report card, “Often Fred doesn’t pay attention in class. He spends much of his time daydreaming and drawing silly pictures.”

He was cartoonist for his high school newspaper, for the Tech Talk when he attended Louisiana Tech, and later for the Morning Paper in Ruston. Then The (Baton Rouge) Advocate ran his edito-

MARRIAGE PRIMER: Jessica Rareshide, a regular speaker at Jefferson Parish Libraries on the topics of résumés and ﬁnding the right job, will discuss “Eight Things to Know Before Getting Married” at 7 p.m. Jan. 22 at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie. She will discuss: core values, ﬁnances, intimacy, religion, family and friends, children, pets, and addictions.

CELEBRATING JANE AUSTEN: The Jefferson Parish Library continues to celebrate Jane Austen’s 250th birthday with a series of events at numerous libraries this January East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie n Cyanotype painting, 2 p.m. Jan. 24: The photographic printing process produces a cyan-blue print. It uses a light-sensitive solution of ferric ammonium citrate and potassium ferricyanide. Objects or negatives are placed on treated paper and exposed to sunlight. The areas exposed to light turn blue, while covered areas remain white. After exposure, the print is rinsed in water to develop the image. This technique is known

for its simplicity and distinctive blue color n 3D wax seals, 6 p.m. Jan. 24: 3D wax seals are decorative stamps used to create raised impressions in wax. They are often used for sealing letters, invitations and gifts to add a personal touch.

n ”Pride and Prejudice” movie screening, 6 p.m. Jan. 28 Lakeshore Library, 1000 W. Esplanade Ave., Metairie n Quilling workshop, 2 p.m. Jan. 27 West Bank Regional Library, 2751 Manhattan Blvd., Harvey n Tea tasting party, 6 p.m. Jan. 21 n “Pride and Prejudice” movie screening, 6 p.m. Jan 28 Westwego Library, 635 Fourth St., Westwego n Austen-tacious Movie Club, Every Wednesday at 6 p.m. n Jane Austen Paint & Sip, 6 p.m. Jan. 22

Revelers bring beads and good cheer to patients

Makers Hospital Parade at Touro

MITZVAH

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and the rehab staff enjoys it as well,” Folse said. “Many patients are from here, so they know all about Mardi Gras and the parade brings back many good memories for them. We also have patients who don’t live here and have never experienced Mardi Gras. They love the music and getting all the throws.

“Because of their injuries, many of our patients experience depression, which is something the staff addresses on the units every day The parade improves their mood and that certainly helps in their recovery.”

If you would like to participate in the event email Title at dentrump1@aol.com

The group, originally part of the B’nai B’rith international Jewish service organization, welcomes all faiths to participate. Mitzvah — a Hebrew word refers to a good deed.

STAFF PHOTO BY JAVIER GALLEGOS

clubs meet at Jefferson Parish libraries.

STAFF PHOTOS BY SCOTT THRELKELD

during the 42nd annual B’nai B’rith Mardi Gras Mitzvah

Infirmary in 2023.

Mark Herrington, right, watches as the B’nai B’rith Mardi Gras Mitzvah Makers parade through Touro Infirmary in New Orleans in 2024.

HelpingSmall Businesses Thrive

Sherri Utleyand MaryAlvarez,two longtime friends, put together asmall church fundraiser in Ascension Parish, Louisiana. On thetable were candles, handpoured, carefullycrafted, and scented to sparkmemories. Theevent conﬁrmed whattheysuspected: People loved theplayful designs and nostalgic scents. It wasthe beginning of Blessed BayouCandles, acompanyrooted in faith, friendship, and thesimple desiretobring joy. Theircandleswould eventuallytravelfar beyond Louisianato Oregon, NewJersey, Denmark, Mexico, and even Scotland, after thetwo women applied to theShell LiveWire program, a businessaccelerator forentrepreneurs. Theprogram gavethem morethan training;itoffered community, coaching,and practical lessons on ﬁnance,marketing,and contingencyplanning.

“Wedidn’t even have ducks yet, but theShell LiveWire Programtaughtushow to line them up.”

SHERRI UTLEY | BLESSED BAYOUCANDLES

STAFF PHOTOS BY SOPHIA GERMER

Jill Mobley Maloy is front and center with her butterfly headdress.

Bridget Coverick takes part in the Krewe des Fleurs 2026 costume debut.

Kelly WilliamsMorantine wears a hummingbird headband.

Local artist Amanda ‘Tili’ Intili holds a drawing she made to design the Krewe des Fleurs 2026 costumes.

Mystical Order of the Phoenix awards scholarships

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HIGH: Chalmette High’s 2025 student of the year, Jackson Nunez, has been awarded a four-year Posse scholarship to Villanova University in Pennsylvania. With the scholarship, valued at $250,000, Nunez plans to study global affairs as part of a prelaw track. Nunez participates in multiple sports, clubs and organizations, serves on student council and has earned numerous leadership titles, including Mr. Chalmette. The Posse Foundation identiﬁes, recruits and trains student leaders from public high schools.

NOLA PUBLIC SCHOOLS EARLY LEARNING: Registration is open through Feb. 20 for Main Round applications, which allow eligible families the chance to enroll their children in free, high-quality early childcare education programs. Applicants include expectant mothers, parents and guardians with children from birth to 4 years old and are residents of Orleans Parish. NOLA-PS Family Resource Centers can assist families in enrolling. Centers are located across the city and open for walk-in support Monday-Thursday and virtual meetings on Fridays. EnrollNolaPS.com

AFTER-SCHOOL SCIENCE PROGRAM: Middle school students and their families can participate in the Disease Discovery After-School Program, a free, hands-on STEM program designed for middle school students curious about problem-solving and how real outbreaks are investigated. The program will run Jan. 8, 15, 22 and Feb. 5, 12, 19 and 26, 4-6 p.m., at the Old Metairie Library, 2350 Metairie Road in Metairie. Free, but space is limited. bit.ly/ Disease-Detectives.

The Goddess is a king cake made in partnership with Muses and the New Orleans

for Creative Arts. It contains goat cheese, fig, candied

and

and is topped with a silver-dusted icing

NOCCA: The New Orleans Center for Creative Arts’ culinary arts students and faculty will offer king cakes for purchase Jan. 6 to Feb. 16, including two new king cake collaborations, chef Emeril Lagasse’s Banana Cream Pie King Cake and chef Frank Brigtsen’s Strawberry Tres Leches King Cake. NOCCA will also feature “The Goddess,” in partnership with the Krewe of Muses, plus its signature gluten-free cinnamon and satsuma almond king cakes. Prices start at $27, with U.S. shipping available

and local pickup at NOCCA, 2800 Chartres St., and the King Cake Hub, 1464 S. Broad St. in New Orleans. www.NOCCAMarketplace.com.

JEFFERSON PARISH SCHOLARSHIPS: The Republican Women’s Club of Jefferson Parish is accepting applications through Feb. 13 for two scholarships for residents of Jefferson Parish, each worth $1,000. The main requirement is a 500- to 800-word, double-spaced essay on media literacy, civic awareness and real-world relevance on this topic: Analyze how plat-

The Mystical Order of the Phoenix, sister krewe to the Knights of Sparta, has announced the winners of its 2026 scholarships. The recipients received $1,000 scholarships and will ride in the Spartan Society Parade on Feb. 7. The seniors, chosen as Flames of the Future, are Mackenzie Venable, Frederick Douglass High School, planning to attend Delgado or McNeese to study radiology; Sophia Dusang, Northshore High School, planning to major in biology; and Beija Lopes-Morgan, Mandeville High School, who will attend Washington and Lee to study public policy

forms like TikTok, X and YouTube inﬂuence beliefs, misinformation and civic endangerment among young voters. Email doc1mla@gmail. com for details.

ROOTED SCHOOL NEW ORLEANS: Prospective families can visit Mondays through Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 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.

NEW ORLEANS PUBLIC SCHOOLS: NOLA Public Schools is accepting applications for the 202627 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 through Jan. 23. Some schools have extra admissions requirements. enrollnolaps.com.

DISCOVERY SCHOOLS: Kenner Discovery Health Sciences Academy and Dr. John Ochsner Discovery Health Sciences Academy will hold open houses for prospective students and families. The open house for Kenner lower grades PK-4 will be 5:30 p.m. Jan. 21 at the Maine campus, 2504 Maine Ave. in Metairie. All Jefferson Parish residents are eligible to apply. Admission is open-enrollment and does not require testing. www.apply.avela.org.

NEW ORLEANS MILITARY AND MARITIME ACADEMY: Registration is open for an open house for grades 8-12 in the cafeteria, 425 O’Bannon St. in New Orleans. Date is Jan. 22. 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.

BY JANE LEGROS Contributing writer

Aspiring writers can learn about the transition from traditional to indie publishing at a New Orleans Public Library workshop, presented by the Indie Author Project on Jan. 22 at 2 p.m. Award-winning author Cynthia Swanson will discuss the pros and cons of independent publishing. Swanson, a Denver-based author, will lead this workshop via Zoom. Visit nolalibrary.co/indie-publishing for more information and to register for this webinar MUSIC AND LANGUAGE: The library teams up with Blue House Music every month to connect music and early literacy in a fun, energetic program for families with children up to age 5. Attendees will explore natural connections between language and music through singing and storytelling at East New Orleans Regional Library, 5641 Read Blvd., on Jan 24 at 10:30 a.m. Visit nolalibrary.org/early-lit to learn more about how library programs, resources and services can help you raise your lifelong reader FREE VACCINES: The New

Orleans Public Library is partnering with the Greater New Orleans Immunization Network at Manning Family Children’s Hospital to provide free vaccines to children up to age 18. No appointment is necessary To prepare for your visit, plan to bring required documents for the child: birth certiﬁcate or passport, immunization record (if applicable). If the child is new to the state of Louisiana, all required documents must be submitted at manningchildrens.org/immunization before being seen. Vaccines will be distrib-

uted between 1:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Jan. 27 at Algiers Regional Library, 3014 Holiday Drive, and on Jan. 28 at East New Orleans Regional Library, 5641 Read Blvd.

AUTHOR TALK: Awardwinning author Liz Moore will visit the library via Zoom on Jan. 28 at 6 p.m. to discuss secrets and second chances through the lens of her latest novel, “The God of the Woods.” The bestseller takes place in August 1975 when a camp counselor discovers an empty bunk. Its occupant, Barbara Van Laar, has gone missing. Barbara isn’t

just any 13 year old; she’s the daughter of the family that owns the summer camp and employs most of the region’s residents. And this isn’t the ﬁrst time a Van Laar child has disappeared. Visit nolalibrary.co/lizmoore to register and submit your questions for the author

The library’s REACH Center will host a Black QTGNC Writers’ Circle at 6 p.m. on Jan. 28. Facilitated by Black the Creator — a queer Afro-Indigenous artist, creative coach and therapeutic arts facilitator — this 90-minute writing circle is a space for

inspiration, connection and creative accountability designed for Black queer, trans and gender nonconforming writers. Masks are required. The center is located inside the Corpus Christi Epiphany Church Community Center, 2022 St. Bernard Ave., and also offers a free co-working space. Visit reach.nolalibrary.org to learn more about the center

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

The Mystical Order of the Phoenix presented their scholarships for 2026. Pictured from left are Gemelle Linzy, Phoenix I; Shelby Saak, Phoenix III; Beija Lopes-Morgan, McKenzie Venable and Sophia Dusang scholarship winners; Thea Narkiewicz, Phoenix VI; and Carmelitta Favorite, Phoenix IV

CHALMETTE

SCHOOL NOTES

STAFF PHOTO BY IAN MCNULTY

Center

orange

toasted walnuts

Nunez

Sharp decor

Handmade king cake knives also serve as Carnival decoration

BY KADEE KRIEGER Contributing writer

Philadelphia native Victoria

Ikeda got her ﬁrst taste of king cake while a student at Tulane University While it was love at ﬁrst bite, this iconic Carnival tradition ultimately also fed Ikeda’s creative side.

“I had never heard of king cake before, and people would have to explain that you leave the knife in the box for slicing the next piece,” she said. “Every now and then, someone would disagree, and I just thought it was such a curious debate.”

After receiving a sociology degree from Tulane, she moved to Florida for graduate school, receiving a master’s degree in education.

Then, her husband’s career in the military took them to several states before returning to Louisiana 13 years ago.

Two years ago, the Mandeville mom of three boys had an idea to give the king cake knife the honor it deserves And what she created also makes clear where she thinks the knife belongs during the Mardi Gras season.

Ikeda tapped into her passion for crafting and created a handfashioned knife with epoxy and glitter She also carefully placed beads on every knife handle to spell “Stays in Box.”

“The idea is that it can be used

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Carnival krewes, personalizing the message on the knife handle.

“I love the custom orders; they bring me joy because they are so personal,” she said.

Ikeda said she has always loved making crafts, and even held her ﬁrst craft booth at age 12 in a street fair in Philadelphia As a teacher, she said she loved creating artistic elements for her classroom.

The king cake knife was a natural extension of that creativity she said.

Her initial intention was simply to create something fun and authentic to celebrate local Louisiana traditions. But the product has also become a way for her to help support her family while continuing her other passion volunteering in the Mandeville community

She volunteers for Mandeville High School, Lake Harbor Middle School, St. Timothy on the Northshore church missions and individually, with her family, to help provide relief after hurricanes, tropical storms and other disasters.

the whole season, and then afterward it can serve as a decorative piece,” she said. She posted her creation on social media, and before she knew it, Ideka was getting requests for orders.

“I’ve been working to keep up ever since,” she said. The king cake knife can be found through her trademarked website — kingcakeknives.com as well as in boutiques and outlets throughout the region

from Houma to Covington. She said she personally crafts each knife and still places each bead by hand. She has also branched out to create custom knives for birthdays, brides and queens of

She still loves king cake — her favorite is from Berrytown Produce in Hammond — but regardless of who bakes them, Ikeda said that for all the king cakes that come into her house this Carnival season, the knife will stay in the box where she thinks it belongs.

Mandeville mom Victoria Ikeda created a handcrafted knife designed for king cakes that states on the handle, ‘Stays in box.’

Victoria Ikeda’s king cake knife tells the user what to do with it.

The Historic BK House & Gardens held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Jan. 12 to kick off its BK bicentennial year. From left are Joey DiFatta, bicentennial committee; Robert Cangelosi, bicentennial committee; Hank Bart, BK House & Gardens trustee and bicentennial committee chair; Wendy Lodrig Bart, bicentennial committee chair; Jen Gick, executive director, BK House & Gardens; Sandra Dartus, BK House & Gardens board president; Hal Williamson, BK House & Gardens trustee; Jenny Cole, BK House & Gardens trustee; Gina Giacona, bicentennial committee; Glen Hogh, bicentennial committee; and Chris Wiseman, bicentennial committee.

BK Historic House and Gardens kicks off bicentennial year

Friends and guests, bicentennial committee members, trustees, Chamber of Commerce leadership, ambassadors and executives of BK House & Gardens enjoy king cake and refreshments following the ribbon-cutting

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CARNIVAL

LES FOUS DU CARNAVAL PARADE: The communityled walking parade will hold its ﬁfth parade, themed “Once Upon A Fou,” on Jan 23, starting at 8 p.m. The parade features live brass bands, handcrafted throws and eight inner krewes.

CHEWBACCHUS PARADE:

The Intergalactic Krewe of Chewbacchus, the nerdfriendly, science ﬁctionoriented foot parade will roll Jan. 24, 7 p.m., in the Marigny-French Quarter. Started in 2011, the assorted aliens, space heroes, robots, monsters and cosmic musicians may be Carnival’s largest marching club, with 2,000-plus members. chewbacchus.org.

KREWE BOHEME PARADE:

The krewe inspired by absinthe ﬁrst rolled in 2019 and will roll Jan. 30, 7 p.m., in the Marigny-French Quarter. The procession is led by a symbol of the bohemian spirit, a green absinthe fairy. www.kreweboheme. com.

KREWE DU VIEUX PARADE:

One of Carnival’s most satirical and humorous krewes will roll Jan. 31, 6:30 p.m., in the Marigny-French Quarter with costumed marchers, mule-drawn mini ﬂoats, and spirited brass bands. www.kreweduvieux

org.

G-REDI KING CAKE SOCIAL:

The city of Gretna will host a social Jan. 21, 5-7 p.m., at the Gretna Marketplace, Huey P. Long Avenue between 3rd and 4th streets. Attendees can sample king cakes from area bakeries and vote for favorites. Admission is $10. Advance ticket sales are available at the Gretna Welcome Center, 1035 Huey P. Long Ave in Gretna. www.gretnala. com.

SCHOOL’S

FILM SERIES: The Jan. 21 screening is of “Member of the Club,” a documentary on the Black aristocracy through the eyes of an African American debutante and her matriarchal family The event starts at 6 p.m. at the New Orleans Jazz Museum, 400 Esplanade Ave in New Orleans. Admission is $10-$20. friendsofthecabildo.org.

“EMMA”: The Austentatious Movie Club will celebrate Jane Austen with a screening of the 2020 ﬁlm starring Anya Taylor-Joy at the Westwego Library, 635 Fourth St. in Westwego, on Jan. 21, 6-8 p.m. calendar. jplibrary.net.

HEALTH

SENIORS AWARE AND STANDING STRONG: Silence Broken, Inc. will host a sixpart series designed to support those 60 and older who have lived through Adverse Childhood Experiences. The ﬁrst event will be on Feb 26, 9:45 a.m.-2:45 p.m., at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 5875 Canal Blvd in New Orleans. The day will focus on fellowship, learning and practical tools to help navigate the longterm effects of childhood trauma. Early registration encouraged. Admin@SilenceBrokenNow.org, (504) 261-5384.

BOOKS

“I DON’T WISH YOU WELL”: Author Jumata Emil will be joined in conversation by author Farrah Rochon on Jan. 23, 6 p.m., at The Garden District Book Shop, 2727 Prytania St. in New Orleans. A book signing will follow. RSVP and advance book purchase on Eventbrite encouraged. www. gardendistrictbookshop com.

“THE CORONER’S SILENCE”: Author Terrence Keel will be in conversation with professor Andrea Armstrong Jan. 27, 6 p.m., at Baldwin & Co., 1030 Elysian Fields in New Orleans. Reserve book and admission to a meetand-greet on Eventbrite. www.baldwinandcobooks. com.

“FIRST LADY OF THE NEW WORLD”: Author Richard Robbins celebrates the launch of his new novel on Jan. 29, 6–7:30 p.m., at Octavia Books, 513 Octavia St. in New Orleans. octaviabooks. com.

“STILL GROWING STILL LEARNING STILL ME”:

Author and former Saints player Kenny Stills will discuss his book on Jan 29, 6 p.m., at Baldwin & Co., 1030 Elysian Fields in New Orleans. Reserve book and admission to a meet-andgreet on Eventbrite. www. baldwinandcobooks.com.

“THE SEVEN DAUGHTERS OF DUPREE”: Author Nikesha Williams will be joined in conversation by author Jami Attenberg on Jan 30, 6 p.m., at The Garden District Book Shop, 2727 Prytania St. in New Orleans. A book signing will follow. RSVP and purchase a book in advance on Eventbrite www.gardendistrictbookshop.com.

FAITH

ST. DOMINIC EMMAUS MEN’S RETREAT: Registration is open for the men’s Emmaus retreat the weekend of Jan. 30-Feb 1 at W. J. Kelly Retreat Center, 510 N. 2nd St, in Bay St Louis, Mississippi. The retreat begins at 4 p.m. Friday and ends after the 5:30 p.m. Mass on Sunday Round-trip transportation is provided from St. Dominic Church, 775 Harrison Ave in New Orleans. For more, call Rick Valadie (504) 6558932, Norm Madere (504) 481-0411 or Steve Schulkens (504) 401-6990. stdominicparish.com/emmaus.

FUNDRAISERS/GALAS

AMERICAN ITALIAN SPORTS HALL OF FAME GALA: Tickets are on sale for the American Italian Cultural Center’s 40th annual event at 5:30 p.m. Jan. 31 at the JW Marriott, 614 Canal St. in New Orleans It raises funds for AICC cultural programming and scholarships that support the Italian American community. Tickets start at $225. aiccnola.org.

SPORTS SPRING SPORTS: Registration runs Jan. 1-25 for baseball, softball, T-ball and spring tennis through the St. Charles Parish Department of Parks and Recreation. All registrations must occur with the individual’s afﬁliated booster club, except for spring tennis. Details at www.scpparksandrec.com.

Baby Dolls’ blessings

About 12 Baby Doll groups gathered at the New Orleans Jazz Museum for the sixth annual Baby Doll Blessing of the Streets. Baby dolls celebrated ancestors, the Carnival season and incoming Baby Dolls.

‘Today is about praying for the continuous safety during the Carnival season,’ said Baby Doll Pooh-Nah-Nay. The event was moved from the Esplanade entrance of the New Orleans Jazz Museum to the third ﬂoor of the museum due to weather