Feb 6 in Metairie.
Carnival krewes get the parties started
Here’s a look at who’s hitting streets, and where, for the weekend.
KREWE OF CORK: The 400-member Royal Street walking parade dedicated to sipping while sharing custom-made beads and other throws will roll Feb. 6, 3 p.m., in the French Quarter. thekreweofcork.com.
KREWE OF OSHUN: The krewe, founded in 1996, was named for the Yoruba goddess of love and uses the peacock as its symbol. Its signature throw is the hand-decorated fan The parade rolls Feb. 6, 6 p.m., on the St. Charles route. www.kreweofoshun.com.
KREWE OF CLEOPATRA: The allfemale parade, which began rolling in 1972 on the West Bank, will ride Feb. 6, 6:30 p.m., on the St. Charles route starting at Jefferson Avenue. kreweofcleopatra.org.
KREWE OF EXCALIBUR: The co-ed, family-friendly krewe rolls in Metairie on Feb. 6, 7 p.m., following the traditional Veterans Boulevard route, starting at Clearview shopping center and ending at Martin Behrman. www.kreweofexcalibur.com.
KIDS KREWE DU MARKET: German Coast Farmers’ Market will host a parade Feb. 7, 10 a.m., at St. Charles Parish East Regional Library, 160 W Campus Drive in Destrehan. Children will ride in decorated wagons, pulled by parents. Wagon check-in is at the welcome booth at 9:30 a.m. (504) 782-8517.
KREWE OF PONTCHARTRAIN: The parade, Feb. 7, starts at 11:30 a.m. at the corner of Tchoupitoulas Street and Napoleon Avenue and runs the St. Charles Avenue route. www.kofp. com.
LEGION OF MARS: The krewe, named for the Roman god of war, was founded 10 years ago by combat veterans to honor people who have served in the military and civilian first responders. It will roll at noon Feb. 7 on the St. Charles Avenue route, starting at Napoleon Avenue. legionofmars.com.
KNIGHTS OF NEMESIS: The coed krewe, which dates from 2003, rolls Feb. 7, 1 p.m., on West Judge Perez Drive in Chalmette at St. Bernard Civic Center. www.knightsofnemesis.org.
Throw me something recycled!
Bead sales at the Arc pay for disability programs and help the environment
BY EVA JACOB BARKOFF
If you ask Eric Bertrand what he enjoys the most about participating in the programs at Arc of Greater New Orleans, he doesn’t hesitate.
“I like the parties, the balls and I also like sorting Mardi Gras beads,” said Bertrand, 35, who has been a participant at Arc since he was 17. “It takes patience to sort the beads, but it’s not too hard and I have confidence
Eric Bertrand holds some of the beads he’s sorted at Arc of Greater Orleans in its recycling bead center in Metairie.
in myself.” Bertrand is one of 500 children and adults who attend Arc, a nonprofit organization founded in 1953 that focuses on assisting those with intellectual and developmental disabilities including Down syndrome, cerebral palsy and autism.
With locations in Metairie, New Orleans, Chalmette, Westwego and Mandeville, Arc provides speech, occupational and physical therapy for young children; assists adults with day-to-day living skills to become more independent; and provides job placement, including working in Arc’s bead recycling center in Metairie.
“We collect donated beads and other throws throughout the year,” said
ä See RECYCLED, page 2G
KREWE OF CHOCTAW: The parade, which will roll
As Carnival season ramps up, it’s tempting to include the whole family in the fun — including the four-legged members. While Mardi Gras is a blast for people, parade routes are often not the safest or most comfortable place for pets. In most cases, the best choice is to leave dogs at home, where they are safe and comfortable, far from the noise and chaos that is Carnival season. But there’s one big exception.
Let’s go to the good news first. The Mystic Krewe of Barkus offers a more controlled, dogcentered Mardi Gras experience. Barkus is celebrating its 33rd anniversary on Sunday Feb. 8, with the theme “Wicked & Wagged: Barkus Believes in Change for Good.”
The festivities will be held at Armstrong Park beginning at 10:30 a.m., featuring pet-related vendors, adoptable dogs, food, music and more. The parade begins promptly at 1 p.m. and follows a 15-block route through the Vieux Carre, stopping at the VIP reviewing stand at Good Friends Bar at the corner of Dauphine and St. Ann streets, where VIPs will toast the Royal Court. Celebrity grand marshal will be New Orleans’ First Dog Nacho Moreno, beloved French bulldog of Mayor Helena Moreno. Pet-friendly parades like Barkus are typically lower key than traditional Mardi Gras parades. They generally don’t include loud marching bands or massive floats, making them a safer option for dogs that are comfortable around crowds.
Even so, good judgment is key Watch your dog closely for signs of stress such as shaking, excessive panting, tucked tails or attempts to flee. Always have an exit plan, and don’t hesitate to leave early if your pet seems anxious. Missing part of a parade is far better than pushing a dog past its comfort level.
Once the parades roll on, hazards can linger Be cautious when walking pets after festivities conclude. Chicken bones, broken glass, trash and discarded throws often remain hidden in grass and bushes, even after street sweepers have passed. A quick sniff can turn dangerous if pets ingest something harmful.
Other pet-friendly parades
STAFF PHOTO BY SCOTT THRELKELD
STAFF PHOTO BY BRETT DUKE
The Krewe of Excalibur rolls
STAFF PHOTO BY BRETT DUKE
The Krewe of Cork takes to streets of the Quarter on Feb 6.
Contributing writer
PROVIDED PHOTOS
Tina Brown, left, helps to sort beads at Arc of Greater New Orleans while Nyra Landry holds a bag of beads that are already sorted, separated and bagged. Landry is the Arc’s recycling center supervisor
RECYCLED
Continued from page 1G
Heather Matthews executive director of Arc. “The beads are sorted, banded together and then packaged in crawfish sacks for sale in bulk for krewes to buy, with about 72 dozen in each sack.
“Last year, we sold 127 tons of beads.”
But there’s a lot more to the Carnival-throw treasure trove, too
“People are surprised when they find Muses shoes are in the store. Sunglasses (decorated by the Krewe of Iris,) coconuts (Zulu) shrimp boots (Krewe of Carrollton.) We have it all.”
There are sections for specialized throws from Tucks, Iris, Zulu and more.
Specialty beads with unique charms, big-ball beads and long beads are flying out the door she said. Blinkie beads go quickly, too.
Savvy shoppers can also find swords, crowns, Krewe of Tucks plungers and more.
The clients who work in the recycling center are paid. “We want them to have a sense of pride in their hard work, a purpose in what they do and to feel included,” Matthews said Each has a job description to fit his skills Shifts are typically six to eight hours.
KREWES
Continued from page 1G
It rolls Feb. 7, 3:30 p.m., on the St. Charles Avenue route, starting at Napoleon Avenue. kreweoffreret.
org. KREWE OF MAD HATTERS: The parade rolls in Metairie on Feb. 7
5 p.m., following the traditional Veteran Boulevard route, starting at Clearview Shopping Center and ending at Martin Behrman. The 2026 Mad Hatter will be former Saints player Pierre Thomas, and grand marshal is Irma Thomas. madhattersparade.com.
SPARTAN SOCIETY: Formerly known as the Krewe of Sparta, the once all-male group now includes the female Mystical Order of the Phoenix. It rolls Feb. 7, 5:30 p.m., on the St.
PARADE
Continued from page 1G
Du Pooch, is a nonprofit dog parade and costume contest co-hosted by the city of Mandeville that takes place Feb. 28 at the Mandeville Lakefront. The Trailhead opens at 11 a.m., with the walking parade at noon. For details, see krewedupooch.org.
Also, due to the sheer volume of the throws that come in, it takes all year to get ready for the next Mardi Gras.
“When someone learns to use a cash register or to help train others, they start to see what’s possible. Those are skills they can take into the community, into other jobs, and their future. That’s what this work is really about.”
Arc is supported by grants and by local partner organizations, including the Oscar J. Tolmas and Goldring Foundations and Valero Meraux Refinery
Creative mashup
Workshops for Carnival and Valentine’s come to libraries
BY JANE LEGROS Contributing writer
When holidays collide, there’s something for everyone at New Orleans Public Libraries. Little ones can learn some sweet literacy skills while having Carnival fun, while adults can put their hearts into making their own Valentines. First up, families and caregivers with children age 2-5 are invited to Create & Play: King Cake Krewe at Latter Library, 5120 St. Charles Ave., from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Feb. 6.
Attendees will practice developing early literacy skills with Mardi Gras crafts, hands-on activities, and snacks. Visit nolalibrary.org/ early-lit for more information on how the library can help you raise your kids to be readers.
And then there’s a project adults will love: Valentine’s Day card workshops.
visit Algiers Regional Library via Zoom to talk about “getting married smart” at 5:30 p.m. on Feb. 4 The workshop will cover important factors to consider before getting married. There will be an opportunity to ask questions as time allows.
Two of the workers serve as team
leaders. One is trained to use the pallet jack; both teach community volunteers and new employees how the bead process works “We had 12,000 volunteers on top of the clients who work here, just last year,” she said. “It was an exceptional year for volunteer engagement.
“People don’t just come here to recycle they come because they want to be a part of something meaningful and to support people with disabilities in a real, hands-on way.”
The store routinely closes the Saturday before Mardi Gras and reopens the day after Ash Wednesday It’s open the rest of the year There are plenty of shoppers who come in for, say, a bachelorette party or an Easter parade as well, Matthews said. That lets the Arc clients continue working year-round.
The Krewe
ALLA hits the Uptown streets on Feb 7.
Charles route starting at Jefferson Avenue. knightsofsparta.com.
KREWE OF PYGMALION: Formed in 2000, the krewe reveres King Pygmalion from Greek mythology, a sculptor who fell in love with his own ivory statue of a nymph, which
When he’s not able to go to Arc, Bertrand said he misses his friends and one more thing.
“I also miss working and making money,” he said.
With the local market changing as krewes move away from beads and toward recyclables or perishable items, Matthew worries about the bead operation’s future. “But people all over the state want different things,” she noted.
Arc’s recycling store is located at 925 Labarre Road in Metairie and is open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Beads can be dropped off at several locations including local businesses and libraries throughout New Orleans. For a complete list of locations, go to the Arc website www.arcgno.org. Items can also be purchased online.
subsequently came to life. It rolls Feb. 7, 6:30 p.m., on the St. Charles route starting at Jefferson Avenue. www.kreweofpygmalion.org.
MYSTIC KREWE OF FEMME FATALE: The krewe was founded in 2013 and calls itself the first krewe founded by African American women for African American women, but all women are welcome. Riders toss collectible hand-decorated compact mirrors. It rolls Feb. 8, 11 a.m., on the St. Charles Avenue route, starting at Napoleon Avenue. www.mkfemmefatale.org.
KREWE OF CARROLLTON: The all-male krewe, founded in 1924, is known for its hand-decorated shrimp boots. Starting in 1950, it was the first krewe to employ tractors to pull floats instead of mules. In 2026, it rolls on Feb. 8, 12:30 p.m., on the St. Charles route starting at Jefferson Avenue. kreweofcarrollton.org.
In Covington, Mardi Paws rolls at 1 p.m. Feb. 22 at East Kirkland street and ends at the Covington Trailhead For details, go to mardipaws. com. Now contrast those with the more people-centric parades, and the reasons to leave pets at home are many: Parades are often overwhelming for animals. Large crowds, blaring sirens, loud marching bands and unfamiliar sights and smells can quickly turn stressful, maybe even frightening, for our pets. Add flying beads, Moon Pies and other throws landing on the ground, and the risks
multiply Excited paradegoers scrambling for throws may not notice a dog underfoot, increasing the chances of accidental injury Crowds also increase the likelihood of pets becom-
Attendees can learn cutting and folding techniques and then get creative to make a festive card for their Valentine or Palentine. The first workshop is at Latter Library, 5120 St. Charles Ave., from 11 a.m. to noon on Feb. 9. The second is at 5 p.m. Feb. 10 at Alvar Library, 913 Alvar St. ART CONTEST: Entries are being accepted for the library’s annual Black History Month Art Contest. The theme is “Building Tomorrow: Black Youth Shaping the Future.” Students in grades K-12 can enter either online or by downloading the paper form and turning it in, along with their art, at any library location. Visit nolalibrary.co/black-historymonth for details.
MARRYING SMART: Divorce lawyer Camille Patti will
KREWE OF BARKUS: The unique costumed-canine parade will hold its 32nd annual procession on Feb. 8, 1 p.m., in the French Quarter. All proceeds benefit animal organizations in New Orleans and the Gulf South. kreweofbarkus.org.
KREWE OF KING ARTHUR: Starting on the West Bank in 1977, the coed group moved Uptown in 2001. Its signature throw is a glittered Holy Grail. It rolls Feb. 8, 1:30 p.m., on the St. Charles route starting at Jefferson Avenue. kreweofkingarthur.com.
MYSTIC KREWE OF MUSIC: The coed krewe, founded in 2023 with a focus on social responsibility, parades in Marrero on Feb. 9, 6 p.m. www mkom.org.
AUTHOR TALK: Award-winning author Vanessa Riley will visit the library via Zoom at 6 p.m. on Feb. 5 to discuss swashbuckling heroines and high seas adventure through the lens of her latest novel, “Fire Sword and Sea.” The book is based on the folk story of pirate Jacquotte Delahaye, the mixedrace daughter of a wealthy tavern owner on the island of Tortuga in 1675. Instead of marriage, young Jacquotte dreams of joining the seafarers whose tall-masted ships cluster in the turquoise waters around Tortuga. She finds her way to the sea and for 20 years, she raids the Caribbean, making enemies and amassing a fortune in stolen gold. When her fellow pirates decide to increase their profits by entering the slave trade, Jacquotte has a change of heart and plots a war of liberation. Visit nolalibrary.co/vanessa-riley to register and to submit your questions for the author Jane LeGros is the director of marketing and communications for the New Orleans Public Library
KREWE OF SYMPHONY: The all-male social and pleasure club, which was reestablished in 2020, will ride in Metairie on Feb. 10, 6:30 p.m., on the traditional Veterans Boulevard route, starting at Clearview shopping center and ending at Martin Behrman.
ing lost. A startled dog may slip out of a collar or pull away in panic. Once loose on a parade route, finding a frightened animal can be incredibly difficult. Not everyone along the route is pet-friendly, and some may be intoxicated or accompanied by young children who are uneasy around animals. Even the most social, friendly dog can react unpredictably when overwhelmed, and fear-based bites are a real concern in these situations.
For those who live along parade routes or are hosting friends and family during the festivities, it’s a good idea to plan ahead Keeping pets secured in a quiet room with the door closed can prevent accidental escapes. Guests may not be as mindful about open doors as pet owners are, and it only takes
KREWE OF NANDI: The all-female organization, founded in 2022, will parade on the West Bank Feb. 11, 6 p.m., starting in Marrero. www kreweofnandi.org for route details.
KREWE OF ANCIENT DRUIDS: The all-male club was organized in 1998 and does not stage a ball or feature a queen and court. Its king is known as the Arch Druid and is accompanied on the king’s float by a jester. Members’ identities are never revealed. They ride Feb. 11, 6:15 p.m., on the St. Charles route starting at Jefferson Avenue.
KREWE OF ALLA: The krewe, named for the parade’s original location in Algiers, Louisiana, dates back to 1932. Riders toss hand-decorated genie lamps. They will roll Feb. 11, 7 p.m., on the St. Charles Avenue route, starting at Napoleon Avenue. kreweofalla.net.
a moment for a curious dog or cat to slip outside into the crowd.
Mardi Gras will always come and go, but your pet’s safety lasts year-round. When in doubt, the best parade plan for pets may simply be a quiet nap at home — no beads, ladders or marching bands required. All proceeds from Barkus benefit animal organizations in New Orleans and throughout the Gulf South. For more information, visit www kreweofbarkus.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.
PROVIDED PHOTO Zero is a sweet 6-month-old
He is smart and loves to play with the other dogs. He would love a home of his own.
is the typical puppy — full of energy with priorities: Play, eat, sleep. To learn more, email adopt@ animalrescueneworleans.org
STAFF PHOTO BY SOPHIA GERMER
An early Mardi Gras brings an overlap with Valentine’s events.
STAFF PHOTO BY CHRIS GRANGER
of
STAFF PHOTO BY SOPHIA GERMER
The Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office facility dog
Karissa Justice rides in a card during the Mystic Krewe of Barkus parade in the French Quarter in 2025
Tina Brown helps to sort donated Mardi Gras beads at Arc of Greater New Orleans.
PROVIDED PHOTO
Earline Pearl looks over the trinkets donated to Arc of Greater New Orleans.
Poetry before the parades
Brad Richard, a New Orleans poet and author of a new book titled “Turned Earth,” will host an evening of poets reading their work at 7 p.m. Feb. 5 at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie.
Richard also is the author of “Habitations,” “Motion Studies,” “Butcher’s Sugar,” and “Parasite Kingdom.” His 2022 chapbook, “In Place,” was chosen for the Robin Becker Series from Seven Kitchens Press. A second edition of “Motion Studies,” with additional poems and a foreword by Skye Jackson, was published last spring. He has taught creative writing at the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts, The Willow School (whose creative writing program he founded and directed), Louisiana State University, and Tulane University and for The Kenyon Review and New Orleans Writers Workshop. Richard received his B.A. in English from the University of Iowa and his M.F.A. in Poetry from Washington University in St. Louis.
Other poets include:
n Justin Lacour, who lives in New Orleans and edits “Trampoline: A Journal of Poetry.” He is the author of five chapbooks, including “Hulk Church,” “Counting the Seconds ’Til Dinner.” His debut full-length, “A Season in Heck & Other Poems,” is forthcoming. He was the featured author in issue fourteen of Fine Print.
n Andy Young, who teaches at New Orleans Center for Creative Arts. A graduate of the
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Warren Wilson’s Program for Writers, her second full-length collection is “Museum of the Soon to Depart.” She has also written four chapbooks, and has received the Patricia Spears Jones Award and the Nazim Hikmet Award.
CITY PARK HISTORY: Local author and historian Edward Branley will give a talk on the Allard Plantation, the land that became New Orleans City Park, at 7 p.m. Feb. 19, at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie. It originally was owned by Jean Louis Allard, who grew corn and sugar cane, until he lost it for unpaid taxes. John McDonough
bought it and eventually willed it back to the city, leading to the park’s creation and development with landmarks such as the Peristyle and Casino.
“The land was first cultivated in 1723 by Francisco Hery (Duplanty), who farmed the area near Bayou St. John,” says Branley “In the 1770s, Don Santiago Lorreins purchased the property from Hery’s estate. His grandson, Louis Allard (1777-1847), inherited it and developed it into a plantation.”
The plantation house fronted Bayou St. John near Bayou Metairie, on land that had once been a Native American village and later became the route of Bayou Road, connecting the bayou to
the French Quarter
“The estate was known for its oak trees, including the famous ‘Suicide Oak,’ later associated with dueling grounds and local lore.”
Branley has written five books for Arcadia Publishing, including “Legendary Locals of New Orleans” and “New Orleans: The Canal Streetcar Line.” He is a graduate of Brother Martin High School in New Orleans and the University of New Orleans.
FINANCES: Sheila Cao, a personal finances consultant based in New Orleans, will give two presentations on financial management at the Wagner Library, 6646 Riverside Drive, Metairie.
On Feb. 4, the topic will be fi-
nancial foundations — increasing cash flow debt management and more.
On Feb. 11, 4 p.m., the focus is understanding how money works — education funds; 529 college savings plan vs. indexed universal life and more.
Both sessions begin at 4 p.m.
ASTRONOMY: Jeff Best, a retired aerospace engineer and avid amateur astronomer, will discuss how digital technology and photography have changed our ability to view the wonders of the universe The talk takes place at 7 p.m. Feb. 4, at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie.
Best will show astronomy pictures he has taken with one of these digital devices, and explain how they work.
BLACK CIVIL WAR SOLDIERS: Cyril Lagvanec, Ph.D., will talk about the history of United States Colored Troops, Union Army regiments during the American Civil War, at 7 p.m. Feb. 10 at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W Napoleon Ave., Metairie. The troops were primarily Black but other ethnic groups served in the units as well.
GENEALOGY: Gwen Kelley, a librarian who specializes in genealogy, will lead a series of classes at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie
The first session will be at 2:30 p.m. Feb. 18, and cover ways to use the U.S. Census. Census records can offer a window into your ancestors’ stories as well as clues about new relatives to add to your family tree
SHOEBOX FLOATS: It’s a day of crafting, music and king cake for all ages — 2 to 4 p.m., Feb. 14, at the West Bank Regional Library, 2751 Manhattan, Harvey Create your own shoebox float, then join the parade that goes around the library Use library supplies, or bring your own. The library has a limited supply of shoe boxes.
Chris Smith is manager of adult programming at the Jefferson Parish Public Library
Poet Brad Richard with his new book.
Chris Smith LIBRARY
PROVIDED PHOTO
Abby Fisher is introduced by Dr Kyle Fulton, medical director of the Craniofacial Center at Manning Family Children’s
Patient honored at Manning Family Children’s
Abigail Fisher, a patient at Manning Family Children’s, has been named the newest Pint-Sized Hero by the Baskin-Robbins Joy in Childhood Foundation.
To celebrate, the foundation hosted an ice cream party for patients and staff at Manning Family Children’s and will supply her with a year’s worth of free ice cream. Abby has Treacher Collins Syndrome, a rare inherited group of conditions that affect the growth of the skull and facial bones. She was singled out for approaching life with strength, re-
silience and an infectious spirit that inspires those around her In Abby’s honor, the foundation has granted $31,000 to the hospital. The money will support Walker’s Imaginarium, a first-of-its-kind 15,000-square-foot child enrichment center that will open in the fall. The space will offer an innovative environment for patients and their families to enjoy time together while in the hospital and provide a healing and engaging space for children. It will offer a wide range of interactive child-friendly exhibits designed to appeal to different age groups.
River Ridge Young Marine is tops in five-state division
Young Marine Sgt. Major Valerie Huete, 16, of River Ridge, has been named Division 4 Young Marine of the Year
The Young Marines is a national nonprofit youth education and service program for boys and girls that promotes mental, moral and physical development.
A member of the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office Young Marines in Harvey for six years, she is a junior at Patrick F. Taylor Science and Technology Academy Huete will compete with Young Marines from five other divisions for the title of National Young Marine of the Year to be awarded in March. Division 4 encompasses 26 units across five states. Among Huete’s achievements within the Young Marines program are JPSO Unit Young Marine of the Year, 1st Louisiana Regiment Young Marine of the
Year and honor graduate at Senior Leadership School.
As Division 4 Young Marine of the Year, Huete will spend the next year traveling throughout the division to lead, motivate and serve as a role model for fellow Young Marines.
At Patrick F. Taylor Academy, Huete is a member of the National Honor Society, the National Art Honor Society, Key Club and the volleyball team
HYNES CHARTER: Hynes Charter School–Lakeview has been named the 2026 Dr. Robert Slavin Success for All Award recipient, a national honor recognizing schools that exemplify the outcomes Success for All was designed to achieve: aligned systems, strong leadership, exceptional instruction in every classroom and sustained literacy growth. Founded in 1952, Hynes began implementing the Success for All model in 2003. Michelle Douglas is CEO of Hynes Charter Schools.
LAKE FOREST CHARTER
SCHOOL: Lake Forest has been recognized as a statewide Bright Spot School. Researchers identified schools where third graders exceeding predicted reading outcomes by the largest margins. CEO at Lake Forest is Mardele Early 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 child care 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 located across the city can assist families in enrolling. 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 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Feb. 5, 12, 19 and 26 at the Old Metairie Library, 2350 Metairie Road in Metairie. Free, but space is limited. bit.ly/ Disease-Detectives.
NOCCA: The New Orleans Center for Creative Arts’ culinary arts students and faculty will offer king cakes for purchase through 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
gluten-free cin-
and satsuma almond
Staff report
Valerie Huete
Staff report
Kenner Police receive donations for bulletproof vests
The Republican Women’s Club of Jefferson Parish donated $5,200 to the Kenner Police Department to purchase four bulletproof vests. Pictured, from left on the front row, are Tina Payton, club president; Keith Conley, Kenner chief of police; and Debbie Albert, club treasurer; back row, Mike Glaser, Kenner mayor;
Hales.
COMMUNITY
HORSES,
3 p.m., at 925 Camp St. in
Orleans. Campers will
the Mardi Gras
through
Registration is $50
for members, $55 for nonmembers. ogdenmuseum.org SCHOOL’S OUT CAMP 2026: Registration is open for Mardi Gras break camp at Longue Vue House & Gardens, 7 Bamboo Road in New Orleans. The nature-based learning and guided exploration of eight acres of gardens will take place Feb. 19 and 20, 8 a.m.3 p.m. Individual or multiday options are available. Registration fees start at $70. longuevue.com.
SENIOR MARDI GRAS DANCE: The Krewe of G-Old Timers Mardi Gras Dance will be on Feb. 12 at the Edward A. Dufresne Community Center, 274 Judge Edward Dufresne Parkway in Luling from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.St. Charles Parish seniors 55 and older are encouraged to wear Mardi Gras attire. Entertainment will be provided by Ryan Foret & Foret Tradition. RSVP deadline is Feb. 9. (985) 783-5090.
CULTURE & CONCERTS
“CINEMATIC VISION”: Musaica Chamber Ensemble continues its 20th season with a performance of works by composers who wrote for the small and big screens on Feb. 5, 7 p.m., at St. Charles Avenue Baptist Church, 7100 St. Charles Ave. in New Orleans. Free; suggested donation of $20 for adults, $10 for students and seniors. musaica.org.
KIDS MUSIC PROGRAM: Musician and author Johnette Downing’s Louisiana Roots Music for Children is a culturally immersive presentation about the musical heritage of the region from jazz to zydeco with interactive songs. The program takes place Feb. 6, 11-11:45 a.m., at the Dutch Alley special event venue, 916 N. Peters St. in New Orleans. Free. www.nps. gov. FRIENDS OF THE CABILDO CONCERT SERIES: Tickets are on sale for the 2025-26 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. Featured March 13 will be Robin Barnes. Concert dates continue into 2026. Tickets start at $30. friendsofthecabildo.org.
MOVIES
BOOKS
“THE WAY LOVE GOES”: Bald-
”THE PHILADELPHIA STORY”: The Westwego Library, 635 Fourth St. in Westwego, will present the 1940 classic starring Cary Grant, Katherine Hepburn and James Stewart, on Feb. 4, 6-8 p.m. calendar. jplibrary.net. OPPORTUNITY, ACCESS & UPLIFT: THE EVOLVING LEGACY OF HBCUs”: Dillard alumna and PBS anchor Brandis Griffith Friedman will screen her new documentary on Feb. 5, 11.m.-1 p.m., on Dillard University’s campus, 2601 Gentilly Blvd. in New Orleans. The special will air nationwide on local PBS affiliates in Black History Month. Free; reservations through Eventbrite “BRIDGET JONES: MAD ABOUT THE BOY”: Lakeshore Movie Night on Feb. 11 will feature the 2025 Renee Zellweger film, starting at 6 p.m., at the Lakeshore Library, 1000 West Esplanade Ave. in Metairie calendar.jplibrary.net
ROM COM CLASSICS: The Westwego Library, 635 Fourth St., will present the 1940 newsroom classic “His Girl Friday” with Cary Grant and Rosalind Russell on Feb. 11, 6 p.m. calendar.jplibrary.net.
HEALTH
SENIORS AWARE AND STAND-
ING STRONG: Silence Broken, Inc. will host a six-part 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 long-term effects of childhood trauma.
Early registration encouraged. Admin@SilenceBrokenNow.org, (504) 261-5384.
”HEART EYES”: The Lakeshore Library, 1000 W. Esplanade Ave. in Metairie, will screen the Valentine’s horror film from 2025 on Feb. 4, 6:308:30 p.m., in the library commons. calendar.jplibrary.net.
win & Co. will host an author talk and meet-and-greet with Da Brat and Judy on Feb. 5, 6 p.m., at the bookstore, 1030 Elysian Fields in New Orleans. Free; tickets to the meetand-greet including a signed copy of the start at $31 via Eventbrite. www.baldwinandcobooks.com.
“BLACK CHEROKEE”: Antonio Michael Downing will discuss his debut novel on Feb. 10, 6 p.m., at Baldwin & Co., 1030 Elysian Fields in New Orleans. Free; tickets to the meet-andgreet including a signed copy of the book are start at $33.54 via Eventbrite. www.baldwinandcobooks.com.
“CHRONICLES OF ORI: AN AFRICAN EPIC”: Artist Harmonia Rosales will be in moderated conversation with actor and art collector CCH Pounder on Feb. 11, 5:30-8:30 p.m., at New Orleans Museum of Art’s Lapis Center for the Arts, 1 Collins C. Diboll Circle in New Orleans. Rosales will sign copies of her debut book before the discussion. Seating limited; advance registration suggested. my.noma.org.
“THE BATTLE OF MANILA: POISONED VICTORY IN THE PACIFIC WAR”: Author and historian Nicholas Evan Sarantakes will discuss his book Feb. 4, 4:30-6:30 p.m., at the National WWII Museum, 945 Magazine St. in New Orleans. A reception will be held at 4:30 p.m., with the presentation starting at 5:30 p.m. Free. www.nationalww2museum.org.
RAMON ALMONTE BOOK
SIGNING: The author of “Fogs of Time” and “Scratching the Cosmic Conscious” will sign books on Feb. 8, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., at Barnes & Noble, 3721 Veterans Blvd. in Metairie. stores.barnesandnoble.com.
FAITH
EVERYMAN CONFERENCE: First Baptist Church in Mandeville will host a conference
on Feb. 28, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., at 1895 U.S. 190 in Mandeville. Speakers will be Jeff Crook, lead pastor of Christ Place Church in Flower Branch, Georgia, and Ronny Cooksey, senior pastor of FBC Mandeville. Break-out sessions will include creationism, church security and “Image of God in an AI World.” Online registration is $50. fbcmandeville.org/ event/ec26.
JAZZ WORSHIP SERVICE: Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church will host its monthly jazz service on Feb. 7, 5-6:30 p.m., at 5818 Canal Blvd. in New Orleans. The service will also be live
streamed. www.gracenola. org.
MEETINGS
NARFE: The National Active and Retired Federal Employees Vernon L. Landry Chapter 1398 will meet Feb. 11, beginning at 11 a.m., in the Sicilian Room at Rocky and Carlo’s Restaurant & Bar, 613 W. St. Bernard Highway in Chalmette. Pamela.e.mark1953@ gmail.com.
SPORTS NORD SWIM LESSONS: Registration is open through Feb. 6 for session 2 of free swim lessons at NORD pools.
The session runs Feb. 9-28 and is open to add from age 6 months through adults. NORDC.org.
SUPERTOTS: Registration is open spring SuperTots, which includes BaseballTots, SoccerTots and MultiSportTots through
