Outside the box
At 70, science fair has seen a lot of changes, and a lot of successes
BY RACHEL MIPRO
Contributing writer
Seventy years of scientific exploration have led New Orleans youths to thousands of dollars in prizes, groundbreaking innovations, trips abroad, and in many cases, to their futures.
Just ask Britton Sanderford, who today holds more than 80 patents and started a string of companies. Or Dylan Bracey, now in his fourth year at Georgia Tech in Atlanta, who credits his winning fair project with getting him into the school.
Now in its 70th year the Greater New Orleans Science and Engineering Fair is gearing up for another round of STEM presentations. Over 300 middle- and high-school students will congregate at Tulane University’s Lavin-Bernick Center for the fair, with project setup to begin Feb. 23.
PROVIDED PHOTO
Britton Sanderford, who has more than 80 patents and has started several companies, said, ‘I maybe would have never had a chance to start a company or to be involved in things that I treasure here’ if not for the science fair
A little history
Annette Oertling, board president of the fair, first got involved with the organization in 2006, in the wake of Hurricane Katrina Previous board members had scattered after the storm, and local education leaders needed help in forming the group again
Oertling recalled school academics at the time as oriented on getting books back and power on in schools.
“Schools were focusing so much on recovery that it was difficult for them to think about extracurricular activities. A lot of schools had been totally flooded,” Oertling said. “The whole city was in a state of recovery And I think that’s the approach we took with the science fair.”
ANIMAL RESCUE
The happy sounds and vivid colors of Carnival are giving way to Lent, a season of deprivation and repentance. It’s a good moment to look back on some of the festivities.
Why a cat’s claws may matter more than you think: A case against declawing
For years, declawing was presented as a simple solution for protecting furniture, carpets and curtains from cats’ scratching. Today, we know much more, and this information has changed how veterinarians and animal welfare
experts view the procedure. Declawing is not a cosmetic fix or the feline equivalent of a nail trim. It is a major surgical procedure that permanently alters a cat’s anatomy and can have lifelong consequences for its physical and emotional
well-being. A cat’s claws are essential tools that it relies on every single day First and foremost, they are a means of defense. Even cats who live strictly indoors can slip outside unexpectedly Without claws, a cat has no effective way to protect itself, escape danger or climb to safety if threatened by another animal. Claws also play a critical role in balance and mobility When a cat is declawed, the last bone of each toe is removed. This
forces the cat to redistribute its weight and relearn how to walk without a key part of his natural structure. Over time, this altered gait can contribute to joint strain, muscle soreness
Traci Howerton
AP PHOTO BY AMY HARRIS
Marchers in the Krewe of Oshun parade Feb 6 in New Orleans combined lovely costumes with a touch of sass.
STAFF PHOTO BY CHRIS GRANGER
The Knights of Sparta parade in New Orleans Feb 7 included mule-drawn
STAFF PHOTO BY CHRIS GRANGER
STAFF PHOTO BY SOPHIA GERMER
The Krewe of Muses parades on Magazine Street in New Orleans Feb 12 was a high energy event.
Be happy: Carnival is over, but fish fry season has arrived
DIVINE MERCY PARISH: KC Council 14822 will sell drivethru dinners at the church 4337 Sal Lentini Parkway in Kenner, on Feb. 20, 27 and March 6, 13, 20 and 27, 3-7 p.m. or until sold out. Dinners are $15 a plate, which includes roasted Cajun potatoes and mixed vegetables. Men’s Club dinner Feb. 27 will feature fried fish or fried shrimp, each with fries and corn, for $15. Drinks are $1 divinemercyparish.org.
MARY HELP OF CHRISTIANS PARISH: The church at 600 1st Ave. in Harvey will host Friday dinners Feb. 20-March 27
4-8 p.m. Fish plates are $12, fish/shrimp combo plates are $13, and shrimp plates are $14. All plates come with fries, coleslaw, hush puppies and fries. Dine-in or take-out available. maryhelpofchristiansla.org.
OUR LADY OF DIVINE PROVI-
DENCE: Dinners will be served at the church, 8617 W. Metairie Ave. in Metairie, Feb. 20, 27 and March 6, 13, 20 and 27, 4-7 p.m. Fried fish plates are $10 and include boiled corn and potatoes. Crawfish pie plates are $12 include boiled corn and potatoes Crawfish étouffée is $8. oldp.org.
OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP: The church will host dinners Feb. 20 and 27, March 6, 13, 20 and 27, 3-6 p.m., at 1908 Short St. in Kenner. The meal is $13 and includes fried fish, potatoes, corn, other side dishes (as posted). Drive-thru pickup is available www.olphla.net.
ST. ANN CHURCH AND SHRINE: The KC Council 3465 will host dinners on Feb. 20, March 6 and 20, 5:30 p.m., at 4940
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and chronic discomfort.
Meadowdale St. in Metairie. Dine-in only. Plates are $12 and include fish, corn, potatoes. March 20 menu is TBD stannchurchandshrine.org.
ST. BENILDE CHURCH: The church, 1901 Division St. in Metairie, will host dinners on Feb. 20, March 6 and 20. Fish or shrimp plates and combo plates are $14, Thai shrimp taco plates are $15. Also, available for sale are seafood gumbo, cheese pizza, drinks and fries. All fried plates comes with boiled potatoes and corn. stbenilde.org.
ST. CHRISTOPHER THE MARTYR: The Men’s Club will host drive-thru dinners on Feb. 20 and 27, March 6, 20 and 27, 6 p.m., at the church, 3900 Derbigny St. in Metairie. Gates open at 5:15 p.m. Fish or shrimp dinners are $14, and combo plates are $15. All dinners are served with corn, Cajun potatoes, salad and bread. stchristophermensclub.org/order.
ST. CLETUS PARISH: The church will serve an Ash Wednesday dinner on Feb. 18 and Lenten dinners Feb. 20 and 27, March 6, 13, 20 and 27 at St. Cletus KC Hall, 3600 Claire Ave. in Gretna. Oyster, shrimp and fish dinners and poboys are available. stcletuschurch.com. ST. MATTHEW THE APOSTLE
Stretching is another oftenoverlooked function of claws. Cats extend their claws to anchor themselves during a full-body stretch, which helps maintain muscle tone and joint health. Declawed cats are unable to stretch properly and may be more prone to stiffness, muscle pain and arthritis as they get older
Scratching also serves an important emotional purpose. It’s a way for cats to relieve stress, release tension and mark their territory When this outlet is taken away, some cats struggle to cope, especially in moments of anxiety or frustration.
Behavioral changes are not uncommon following declawing. Some cats begin avoiding the litter box because digging in litter can be painful on sensitive paws Others may resort to biting, having lost their primary means of defense. These changes are often misunderstood as “bad behavior” when they are actually the result of pain or stress.
There are also surgical risks to consider If declawing is not performed correctly, bone fragments can be left behind, causing ongoing pain. Permanent nerve damage is another possible complication that can affect a cat long after the surgery is over
As awareness has grown, laws have begun to reflect these concerns. New York became the first state to ban declawing in 2019, followed by Maryland in 2022 and Washington, D.C., in 2023 Numerous cities have enacted similar bans, signaling a nationwide shift in how this procedure is viewed. Even in places where declawing remains legal, many veterinarians nationwide have stopped offering it for elective reasons because major veterinary associations strongly discourage the practice due to welfare concerns Scratching is a normal, healthy and necessary behavior for cats, so the question becomes how to manage it without causing harm. Fortunately, there are effective, humane alternatives: SCRATCHING POSTSAND PADS: Offering a variety of sturdy scratching surfaces gives cats appropriate outlets for their instincts.
The church, 3037 Dauphine St. in New Orleans, will service fried catfish plates Feb. 20 and 27 and March 6, 13, 20 and 27, 5-7 p.m. The plates are $15 and include coleslaw, veggie, bread, dessert and drink. https://05e8pa.sites. ecatholic.com/.
CENTER OF JESUS THE LORD:
PARISH: The Knights of Columbus will host a dinner Feb. 20, 5-7 p.m. at 10021 Jefferson Highway in River Ridge. Shrimp pasta is $15. stmatthewsumc.com.
ST. JOHN PAUL II CHURCH: The church at 6851 River Road in Waggaman will sell lunch, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., and dinner, 5-7 p.m., on Feb. 20 and 27, March 6, 13 and 27. Plates are $15 and are fried or blackened fish, shrimp and okra gumbo or shrimp and grits. jpiiwestbank.org.
VISITATION OF OUR LADY:
The church, 3520 Ames Blvd. in Marrero, will host Ash Wednesday dinner on Feb. 18 and dinners on all Fridays in Lenten. Po-boys are $11-$12. Dinners run $13-$17. Children’s plates are $7. Additional dishes include French fries, potato salad, baked potatoes and other sides and desserts. vol.org.
ORLEANS PARISH ALL SAINTS CATHOLIC: The church at 300 Ptolemy in Algiers will host dinners on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 18, and on Fridays during Lent starting Feb. 20 at 10 a.m. Plates include fried fish, macaroni and cheese, potato salad, vegetable, bread and dessert. allsaintschurchnola.org.
BLESSED FRANCIS SEELOS:
PET OF THE WEEK
PROVIDED PHOTO
Astrid is a shy little tabby, just 5 months old. She is gentle, observant, and she likes to take her time studying her surroundings. To learn more, email adoptionteam@ animalrescueneworleans.org
REGULAR NAILTRIMS: Trimming nails every few weeks significantly reduces damage. Veterinarians and groomers can help, or patient pet owners can learn to do it at home.
NAIL CAPS: Soft caps can be applied to the nails to prevent damage to belongings from scratching without causing pain or stress to the cat.
Before deciding to declaw, take the time to do the research and talk with your vet. Declawing can have lasting effects on a cat’s health, comfort and behavior
With the right tools and preparation, it’s possible to protect both your home and your cat without taking away something they truly need.
Events
FEB 22: Petsmart Adoption Event, 6851 Veterans Blvd., Metairie from noon to 4 p.m. Meet puppies and dogs from Animal Rescue New Orleans All approved adopters will receive a coupon book from Petsmart and a new 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, volunteer-based, no-kill shelter. For more information on ARNO, visit www.animalrescueneworleans. org.
The center at Our Lady of Good Counsel will hold dinners Feb. 20 and 27 and March 13, 20 and 27, 5-7:30 p.m., and March 6 at lunch. The plates are $15. Options include fried or blackened fish hush puppies, boiled corn and potatoes or shrimp and okra gumbo, potato salad and bread. The center is located at 1325 Louisiana Ave. in New Orleans. www.centerofjesusthelord-nola.org.
FIRST 72+ FRIDAY FISH FRY:
The First 72+, 2915 Perdido St. in New Orleans, will host a fish fry every Friday from Feb. 20 to April 3, 11 a.m.3 p.m. Each plate is $15 and includes fish, macaroni and cheese, sweet peas, potato salad, bread, cake and a cold drink. They accept pre-orders and walk-ups. Delivery is also available if five or more plates are purchased. www first72plus.org/events.
ST. JOSEPHINE BAKHITA: The church at 3501 N. Miro St. will hold dinners on Feb. 20 and 27 and March 6, 13 and 20, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Plates are $15 and are available for pick-up. Delivery is available on orders of 10 or more. Call orders in to the parish office at (504) 9453186. sjbnola.org.
ST. JOSEPH REBUILD CENTER/ LANTERN LIGHT: The center, 1803 Gravier St. in New Orleans, will hold a dinner Feb. 20, noon-6 p.m. The plates include fried or baked fish, coleslaw, vegetable, dessert. Each plate is $15. www lanternlight.org/center.
ST. MARIA GORETTI: The Knights of Columbus, will host dinners on Feb. 20 and March 6, 20 and 27, noon5 p.m., at the church, 7300
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Crowder Blvd. in New Orleans. Plates of fried or baked fish are $15 and include macaroni and cheese, potato salad, vegetable, roll, dessert. www smg-nola.com.
ST. MARTIN DE PORRES: The church at 2212 Prentiss Ave in New Orleans will hold dinners, 10:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. or until sold out, on Feb. 20 and 27 and March 6, 13, 20 and 27. Plates of fried or baked fish are $15 and include macaroni and cheese, vegetable, salad (green or potato), dessert and a beverage. smdpnola.com.
ST. PAUL THE APOSTLE: The church, 6828 Chef Menteur Highway in New Orleans, will hold dinners on Feb. 20 and March 27, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Plates are $12 and include fried fish, baked macaroni and cheese, potato salad, peas, dessert and a bottled beverage. www.stpaultheapostlechurch-nola.org.
ST. PETER CLAVER CHURCH: The Knights of Peter Claver Council 50 will sell fried fish dinners for parking lot pickup at the church, 1923 St. Philip St., on Feb. 20 and 27 and March 6, 13, 20 and 27, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Plates are $15 and drinks are $1. Dinners include potato salad, mac and cheese and green beans. Venmo and CashApp accepted.
PLAQUEMINES PARISH
OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP: The Knights of Columbus #6357 will sell fish or shrimp dinners at the church, 8968 LA-23 in Belle Chasse, on Feb. 20 and 27 and March 6, 13, 20 and 27, 5:30 – 8 p.m. Each plate is $15 and includes fries, coleslaw and bread. Baked goods will also be available. olphbc.org.
ST. BERNARD PARISH
ST. BERNARD: The church, 2805 Bayou Road in St. Bernard, will serve dinners on Feb. 20 and 27 and March 6, 13, 20 and 27. Dinners run
In 2007, the science fair returned, although with low numbers — Oertling estimated around 100 student participants. In succeeding years, as the fair has continued to recruit, numbers have swelled again. Twenty-one schools will be represented this year
A changing world
In her long tenure, Oertling has seen a variety of topics and projects. Many entries have centered on traditional science categories, such as chemistry, physics and plant sciences, with some engineering categories thrown in.
In the internet-driven age of technology, categories reflect new fields of learning. The science fair students of today can study machine intelligence, computational biology, biomechanics and games technology along with the more traditional topics.
Oertling estimated that about 60 projects from GNOSF are sent to the state science fair each year Four students and two teachers are selected each year for an all-expenses-paid trip to the International Science and Engineering Fair, where they compete with students from over 60 countries, regions and territories for over $5 million in prizes. Cause and effect
Bracey, at Georgia Tech, remembers his time at the fair fondly He and project partner Brett Steele — now his college roommate — were grand prize winners for their car alarm project
They went to ISEF in 2021 with the design, which used sensors to monitor conditions and movement inside of a car, sending reminders if the car temperature was too dangerous for humans and pets inside.
“We put a lot of time into it,” Bracey said.
He returned in 2022 with another partner and a project that used biometrics in multi-factor authentication. The project brought him to the ISEF again, where the pair took home an award.
“Brett and I would not have gotten into Georgia Tech if it weren’t for the science fair,” Bracey said. “Hot Car Life Alarm, without a doubt is what put us here and set us up for success in the future.”
Michelle Sanchez, fair director and associate dean for community engagement and academic partnerships at Tulane University, said student creativity drives the fair
“They think completely outside the box,” Sanchez said. “There’s no limits to what they try to do their projects on and come up with because they’re so young. That actually makes for a really cool experience.”
A lifetime of science successes
Sanderford has a similar story to tell. His second company, Axonn LLC, was the first U.S company to receive Federal Communications Commission approval for spread spectrum communications and had its patents licensed by 18 companies.
His current company, Focus Automated Equities, uses machine learning to conduct market investing.
$20-$28 with options including fried fish, fried shrimp, stuffed crab, seafood platter plates. Sides, drinks and poboys are also available. stbernard-stbla.com.
ST. CHARLES PARISH ASCENSION OF OUR LORD: The church at 1809 Greenwood Drive in LaPlace will hold fish dinners on Ash Wednesday, and on Feb. 20 and 27 and March 6, 13, 20 and 27, 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Plates are $13 and include two large pieces of fish, fried or grilled, with Cajun-boiled corn and potatoes. Children’s plates are $10. (504) 388-2452. SACRED HEART OF JESUS CHURCH:
PROVIDED PHOTO
Michelle Sanchez, fair director left, and Annette Oertling board president, right, with Harriet AguiarNetto, 2025 GNOSEF Volunteer of the Year
Before his multiple successes, he was a 14-yearold freshman in the early 1970s, at a time when computer resources were scarce. Enter the science fair He built a calculator for his first fair entry
“The books were either fantastically hard or like Mickey Mouse,” Sanderford said. “I decided I can’t figure any of this stuff out, but I’ll build a calculator So I did that. I entered the science fair, and the judge there could tell that I really wanted to understand these things, but I had no clue. And so he called me down.
“He said, ‘Well, here, I’ll talk to you about computers.’ That one teacher decided to open the door.”
The next year, following this mentorship, Sanderford built a computer for his entry In his senior year, his multiprocessor science fair entry ended up going to the international science fair, winning a number of awards and kicking off a lifetime of computer work.
“I always had a lot of curiosity about why things work, so I would have done something in science or engineering somehow, but my life would be totally different,” Sanderford said. “I maybe would have never had a chance to start a company or to be involved in things that I treasure here.”
His daughter also entered the science fair as a student, creating a machine geared toward helping people with Parkinson’s.
Every year, the Sanderford family sponsors the James de la Houssaye award at the fair, named after Sanderford’s mentor and a second award for neurobiology machine learning. Sanderford described the new generations of science fair projects as “mindblowing.”
“They’ll actually think of things that older minds with a lot of training wouldn’t even think to ask the question, because we already know that it’s not possible, right?” Sanderford said.
“The youngster doesn’t know that. They go ask a question and figure out a different way to answer it. That’s the hope of what the next generation can bring.”
STAFF PHOTO BY BRAD KEMP
A handful of fried fish
ASH WEDNESDAY
DRIVE-THRU ASHES: Christ the King
Lutheran Church, 1001 W. Esplanade Ave. in Kenner, will offer drive-thru ashes on Feb. 18, 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m. There will be an Ash Wednesday service at noon and another at 6 p.m. ctk-nola.org/.
DRIVE-THRU ASHES: Munholland Methodist Church will offer drivethru ashes Feb. 18, 7 a.m.-1 p.m., at LaSalle Park, 6600 Airline Drive in Metairie. There will be a sanctuary service at 6:30 p.m. at 1201 Metairie Road in Metairie. www.munhollandchurch.org.
ASHES TO GO: Gethsemane Lutheran Church, 2825 Paris Road in Chalmette, will offer drive-thru or walk-up services for people to receive ashes and Communion on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 18, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. www.gethsemane-lutheran.org.
COMMUNITY
SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING FAIR: The Greater New Orleans Science and Engineering Fair will celebrate 70 years Feb. 23-26 at Tulane’s LavinBernick Center, 20 McAlister Drive in New Orleans. The fair is affiliated with the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair. It is an inclusive platform for 300 students in grades 6-12 from Orleans, Jefferson, St. Bernard and Plaquemines parishes, nominated by their schools or home school associations. Information and registration are available online. www.gnosef. org.
TEEN TAKEOVER NIGHT: NOMA’s Teen Art Council takes over the museum for a night celebrating youth creativity and connection on Feb. 27, 6—9 p.m., at New Orleans Museum of Art, 1 Collins C. Diboll Circle in New Orleans. The event will include live music, art-making activities, exploration of museum exhibits and more. Free; advance registration is encouraged. noma.org.
MONSTER JAM: Tickets are available for the stadium Championship Series West, coming to New Orleans Feb. 28 at Caesars Superdome, 1500 Sugar Bowl Drive in New Orleans. Twelve drivers will vie for a title and a spot at the Monster Jam World Finals in Salt Lake City, Utah, on July 4. The main event starts at 7 p.m. A Pit Party will be open 2:30-5:30 p.m. for a separate fee. Tickets start at $33.45 via Ticketmaster. MonsterJam.com.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
AGING WISELY: Be Well-Come
Together will host a series of free seminars to help participants prepare thoughtfully for life in the “Third Thirty” (age 60 and up). The interactive seminars will be held monthly on Thursdays, beginning Feb. 19, 6 p.m., at Faith Presbyterian Church, 2525 Apollo Ave. in Harvey.
bewellcometogether@gmail.com, (504) 268-2525.
CARNIVAL
MARDI GRAS ART CAMP: The Ogden Museum of Southern Art will host a camp for grades 2-5 Feb. 18-20, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., at 925 Camp St. in New Orleans. Campers will explore the Mardi Gras culture through handson activities. Registration is $50 per day 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 multi-day options are available. Registration fees start at $70. longuevue.com.
CULTURE & CONCERTS
DINNER WITH A CURATOR: The National WWII Museum’s associate vice president for collections and exhibits, Erin Clancey, will discuss “Jazz, Modern Art, and the Fight for Creative Freedom in World War II,” on Feb. 24, 6:30 p.m., at BB’s Stage Door Canteen, 945 Magazine St. in New Orleans. The event includes a three-course dinner along with the presentation. Tickets start at $77 for members, $80 for nonmembers. www.nationalww2museum.org.
NEW ORLEANS JAZZ & HERITAGE FOUNDATION FRENCH STUDENT
CONCERT: The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation will showcase its international exchange program with a performance featuring a student group from Quimper, Brittany,
on Feb. 24, 6 p.m., at the Historic BK House & Gardens, 1113 Chartres St. in New Orleans. Tickets are $5 at www.bkhouse.org. THE NEW JAZZ STANDARD WITH STEPHANIE JORDAN: The Jazz & Heritage Concert Series continues Feb. 28, 8 p.m., with jazz singer Stephanie Jordan at the George and Joyce Wein Jazz & Heritage Center 1225 N. Rampart St. in New Orleans. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 via Eventbrite. www.jazzandheritage.org.
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.
“TWO ELIZAS”: The true story of Eliza Mercein Barry and her landmark 1847 U.S. Supreme Court case that established a woman’s right to retain custody of her child will be performed March 19-22, 6 p.m., at the Hermann-Grima Historic House, 820 St. Louis St. in New Orleans. The show, part of International Women’s Month, is a solo performance by Jenny Mercein. Tickets start at $38.18 via Eventbrite. Viewer discretion is advised at 15 and older hgghh.org.
MOVIES
“HOUSE PARTY”: Lakeshore Movie Night on Feb. 18 will feature the 2023 remix to the fan-favorite ‘90s classic, starting at 6:30 p.m., at the Lakeshore Library, 1000 West Esplanade Ave. in Metairie. calendar
Delivering a Secure Supply of Energy
jplibrary.net.
ROM COM CLASSICS: The Westwego Library, 635 Fourth St., will present the 1934 Clark Gable comedy, “It Happened One Night,” Feb. 18, 6-8 p.m. calendar.jplibrary.net.
HEALTH
SENIORS AWARE AND STANDING
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.
BOOKS
“WORSE THAN A LIE”: Author and civil rights attorney Ben Crump will discuss and sign copies of his new book on Feb. 19, 6 p.m., at Georges Auditorium at Dillard University, 2601 Gentilly Blvd. in New Orleans. Free, but tickets start at $35.64 for a signed copy of the book and attendance at the meet-and-greet via Eventbrite. www.baldwinandcobooks.com.
“THE ADVENTURES OF BOUDIN BOY”: Author Paul Schexnayder will participate in story time and sign copies of his book on Feb. 21, 11 a.m., at Barnes & Noble, 3721 Veterans Blvd. in Metairie. He will also appear at 2 p.m. at Barnes & Noble, Elmwood Shopping Center, 1200 S. Clearview Parkway, Suite 1155, in New Orleans. stores.barnesandnoble.com.
READING TO ROVER: Presented by the Visiting Pet Program, beginner or reluctant readers can read aloud to therapy dogs on Feb. 21, 1-2 p.m. at the children’s stage area of the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W Napoleon Ave. in Metairie. calendar. jplibrary.net.
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.
FUNDRAISERS/GALAS
COOK-OFF FOR THE COAST: The fundraiser will be held Feb. 28, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., at Docville Farm, 5124 E St. in Violet. Teams prepare dishes featuring seafood and wild game
and serve free samples. Judges will award prizes in the categories of swims, flies, crawls, crowd favorite and student. Benefits the Nunez Community College Coastal Studies Scholarship Endowment. coastcookoff.com.
STYLED FOR SUCCESS LUNCHEON: Tickets are on sale for the annual fundraising event benefiting Dress for Success New Orleans on March 6, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m., at the Hyatt Regency New Orleans, 601 Loyola Ave It includes a silent auction. Tickets start at $150. onecau.se/styledforsuccess. HARMONY AT HERMANN-GRIMA: Tickets are on sale for the gala, to be held March 13 in the HermannGrima Historic House courtyard, 820 St. Louis St. in New Orleans. The event will celebrate music, culture and the promotion and preservation of Hermann-Grima + Gallier Historic Houses. Patron party, 6-7:30 p.m., with the main party 7:30-10:30 p.m. featuring food and drinks, live music and a silent auction. Tickets start at $150. hgghh.org/.
MEETINGS
ALGIERS HISTORICAL SOCIETY: William Hyland will discuss the origins of Algiers Point street names on Feb. 21, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. The streets were primarily laid out in the 1820s and ‘30s when a series of plantations were subdivided into smaller lots. The initial street grid of Algiers Point was surveyed in 1821 by Gen. C.N. Bouchon. The meeting will be at the Algiers Regional Library, 3014 Holiday Drive. algiershistoricalsociety.org.
DUTCH OVEN SOCIETY: The Wego Cookers, part of the Louisiana Dutch Oven Society, will meet Feb. 21 at Pavilion 7 in Bayou Segnette State Park, 7777 Westbank Expressway in Westwego. All those interested in outdoor cooking in old-fashioned black iron pots are invited. Set up begins at 9 a.m., and sampling begins at 11:30 a.m. Free, but an entrance fee of $3 is required for those under 62. (504) 756-1853 jheiken209@ gmail.com.
SPORTS SUPERTOTS: Registration is open for spring SuperTots, which includes BaseballTots, SoccerTots and MultiSportTots through the St. Charles Parish Department of Parks and Recreation. SuperTots programs are progression-based to have participants “graduate” to the next level as they grow. Costs are $124-$128 per program. Registration and program details online at bit.ly/Spring1SuperTots.
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SCHOOLS
Mount Carmel dance team big winner in state competition
Staff report
The Mount Carmel Academy
Carmelettes dance team earned top honors at the American All Star state competition in January at the Cajundome in Lafayette, capturing overall state championships in Jazz and Open and a third-place overall state finish in Pom
The team also won Division III first-place titles in Pom, Jazz, GameDay and Open, with the Jazz routine receiving the Choreography Award.
In High School Division I solos for ninth and 10th grades, Kennedy Woodward placed second and Emily Shay placed fifth, followed by Top 10 finishes from Mia Cascio, Chloe O’Neil and Ava Koenig In the 11th and 12th grade solo division, Avery DeCastro placed fourth, followed by Top 10 finishes from Cate Milazzo and Nathy Hammer MCA No. 1 Lyrical placed third in the ensemble competition. In duets, Cate Milazzo and Emily Shay placed second; Avery DeCastro and Nathy Hammer placed third; and Madelyn and Katherine Tom placed fifth.
The Mount Carmel Academy officers team also earned a firstplace finish.
Carmelettes moderators are Amanda Pellegrin and Laine Rabalais.
The 2025-2026 Carmelettes are, front row from left, Nathy Hammer, Stella Salkeld, Hannah Schwegmann, Molly Melerine, Olivia Duran and Avery DeCastro; second row, Ashlyn Trahan, Sophia Eckhardt, Eden Spino, Ella Hutchins, Avery Hotstream, Cate Milazzo, Emri Gagnard, Katie Bertucci, Aubrey Elisar Cate Vekic, Laine Fairchild, Emma Hensley and Elizabeth Fitzpatrick; third row, Carson Pfister Jillian Surcouf, Emily Clouatre, Myah Discon, Rowan Rastanis, Gianna Santangelo, Madelyn Tom, Khloe Kramer Carly Favaloro, Ainsley Mulkey, Maya Hagadone, Chloe O Neill, Ryan Rodriguez, Alyse Boteler and Emily Shay; back row, Marie Brown, Madeline Molina, Savvy Bethay, Olivia Parson, Kenley Mirambel, Katherine Tom, Camille Crowson, Julie Bode, Kennedy Woodward Rowan Gennusa, Olivia Tardy, Aubrey Britsch, Margaret Duncan, Ava Koenig Olivia Smith and Mia Cascio.
Dominican students are winners at Scholastic Arts and Writing Competition
St. Mary’s Dominican High School students received awards in the 2026 Scholastic Arts and Writing competition for the Region-at-Large: South. Allyson Mai received a Gold Key for photography and her ‘Rhythms of Life’ will be considered for national-level recognition. Claire Judge received a Silver Key in mixed media for “Popped.” Eilyn Smith received a Silver Key for drawing for ‘Blocking Out the Noise.’ Receiving honorable mentions were Julia Henry in painting for ‘Overstimulated’ and Lillian Tucker in photography for ‘The Leopard’s Gaze.’ Angelle Caffrey is Dominican’s Fine Arts department chair. From left, are Claire Judge, Julia Henry, Eilyn Smith, Lillian Tucker and Allyson Mai.
NUNEZ COMMUNITY COL-
Mount Carmel robotics team competes in qualifier meet
Mount Carmel Academy’s Cubotics team competed in its second FIRST Tech Challenge Qualifier of the 2025–26 season, finishing second overall. Competing as part of an alliance with Dominican High School, the team advanced to the finals. Cubotics also earned the second place Inspire Award, which recognizes strong overall performance, teamwork and outreach. The results qualified the team for the Regional Championship on Feb. 28. Members are the team are, front row from left, Alyssa Romero and Ava Walker; and back row, Sloane Bennett-Borel, Emily Aleman, Annelise Cotaya, Daphne Dyle, Jolie Oubre, Zoe StanleyArana, Sophia Kirsch and Sophie Rodriguez. Team moderators are Brandon Petrie, Jacob DiMartino and Emile Casadaban.
COLLEGES
LEGE: Bayou Blast-Off Aerospace Discovery Day will be held Feb. 21, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., on the Nunez campus, 3710 Paris Road in Chalmette. The family-friendly day will preview what’s available in education and job opportunities. Guests can tour Nunez’s Aerospace Manufacturing shop, explore aviation through STEM activities, and learn about adjacent industries like engineering and robotics. Free, but tickets are required. Nunez.edu.
SAVANNAH COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN: SCAD student Madison Osborne, a member of the class of 2026 and a New Orleans native, has been named a recipient of the Fashion Scholarship Fund, selected from more than 500 students across 90 universities. The scholarship includes a $10,000 award UNIVERSITY OF HOLY CROSS: UHC will launch an online master of arts in teaching program in summer 2026. Approved by the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, the program expands access to teacher preparation for individuals who hold a bachelor’s degree in a field other than education. Applicants will be accepted beginning in March 2026. Registration for summer begins March 16.
PROVIDED PHOTO
PROVIDED PHOTO
Genealogy expo focuses on DNA — and the pope
A free Genealogy Expo will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Feb. 28, at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie
Michelle Bell Boissiere, Ph.D., associate professor of biology, Xavier University, and Jari Honora, family historian in the Williams Research Center of the Historic New Orleans Collection, will speak at the fair
At 9:30 a.m., Boissiere will talk about genetics for genealogists.
Genealogists will learn basic genetics concepts to provide them with a better understanding of consumer genetic testing, such as 23andMe and AncestryDNA (among others) Boissiere holds degrees in biology from Xavier University of Louisiana, and from Tulane University Her dissertation research focused on the function of human sperm membranes. She has been a faculty member at Xavier University since 1994.
At 11 a.m., Honora’s topic will be “Questions of Identity and Relationship in the Ancestry of Pope Leo XIV.”
On May 8, 2025, the world was surprised by the rapid election of Robert Francis Cardinal Prevost, an American, as the 267th supreme pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church.
Soon after, it was uncovered that the 69-year-old Chicago native had deep maternal roots in New Orleans dating back to the 1720s. His New Orleans roots include ties to France, Guadeloupe, Cuba, Prague, Italy, Acadie and colonial Saint-Domingue; and ancestors who were colonial officials, free people of color and enslaved people.
As with any genealogical adventure, defining and attempting to solve questions of identity and relationship helped to extend the lines of his family tree.
Honora, a certified genealogist, is a New Orleans native and proud Louisiana Creole with roots dating back more than two centu-
ries along Bayou Lafourche and the German-Acadian Coast. He is a graduate of St. Augustine High School and Tulane University
The fair will feature display tables staffed by various genealogical organizations, including the Genealogical Research Society of New Orleans, the Jefferson Genealogy Society, Williams Research Center of the Historic New Orleans Collection, City Archives and Special Collections of the New Orleans Public Library, St. Tammany Public Library, Algiers Historical Society and CreoleGen.
Also, the German Acadian Coast Historical and Genealogical Society The Descendants Project, Le Comite des Archives de la Louisiane, Midlo Center for New Orleans Studies, Plaquemines Historical Association, and the River Road African American Museum.
Also, many lineage groups will
be present, including various chapters of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
JIGSAW EXTRAVAGANZA: The Jigsaw Puzzle Extravaganza will occur from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 28, at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie. There are three elements to this event.
n Patrons may bring used puzzles to swap. Each puzzle should have all of its pieces. Puzzles that remain untraded can be donated to the Friends of the Jefferson Public Library
n The Jigsaw Puzzle Contest occurs at 2 p.m. and involves 25 teams of two people who will complete or come close to completion of a 500-piece puzzle by 4 p.m. The contest is limited to adults 18 years of age and older The first three teams to finish win gift certificates to the Friends’ Big Book Sale at Pontchartrain
Center n Members of the Friends of the Jefferson Public Library will be present to sell puzzles that have been donated by patrons. Puzzles will be sold for $2 to $6 each. Sales are cash only
WAREHOUSE SALE: In addition to the jigsaw contest, the Friends of the Jefferson Public Library will sponsor a warehouse sale beginning at 9 a.m. Feb. 28 in the hallway outside the meeting rooms at EBR
Customers are encouraged to come early to purchase the boxes of books, CDs and DVDs, since past sales have sold out in the first hour Boxes are labeled as to what category they contain and sell for $5 each. They cannot be opened prior to purchasing. They include CDs, children’s books (E and J, fiction and nonfiction), young adult, cookbooks, romance, and
regular fiction (paperback and hardback). DVDs will be sold for $10 per box.
AUTOMATIC RENEWALS: Effective immediately, the library will automatically renew most library materials that have been checked out by patrons. Items will now automatically renew up to three times, in keeping with our current renewal policy
After three automatic renewals, patrons can ask for extensions but it won’t be automatically done. Automatic renewals will not apply to: any item with a hold on it — those must still be returned on time to avoid a fine; interlibrary loan items; items from the Library of Things; music LPs; and hot spots
Chris Smith is manager of adult programming at the Jefferson Parish Public Library
Black History Month events include art contest, film screenings
BY JANE LEGROS
Contributing writer
The New Orleans Public Library is accepting entries for its Black History Month Art Contest. The theme is Building Tomorrow: Black Youth Shaping the Future.
Students in grades K-2 can enter the contest either online or by downloading the paper form and turning it in, along with their art, at any library location.
To enter, artists grades K-12 must live in or go to school in Orleans Parish. Entries will be judged by grade categories (K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12) and a first, second and third place winner will be determined in each category
All entrants will receive a free book, and the top winners in each grade category will receive a gift card. Winners in first through third place will also receive a framed poster of their winning artwork.
Artwork may be submitted in person to a library location, with a completed submission form paper-clipped to the artwork.
The New Orleans Library is celebrating Black History Month with an art contest and more. Shown here, a student performs during a recent Black History Month kickoff parade at Young Audiences Charter Schools at Lawrence D Crocker in New Orleans.
The deadline for entries is Feb. 28. Email contest@nolalibrary.org with questions or need assistance submitting work. Kids age 6-12 can work on their entries during the library’s Black History Month art contest hours,
where supplies and inspirational materials will be provided. Upcoming hours are Feb. 18 at 4 p.m. at Alvar Library 913 Alvar St.; Feb. 19 at 3:30 p.m. at Dr Martin Luther King Jr Library, 1611 Fats Domino Ave.; Feb. 19 at 4 p.m. at Mid-City Library, 4140 Canal St.; Feb. 21 at 2 p.m. at the Main Library, 219 Loyola Ave.; Feb. 24 at 4 p.m. at Nora Navra Library, 1902 St. Bernard Ave. Visit nolalibrary.co/blackhistory-month for contest details, reading recommendations, upcoming events and more.
FILM SCREENINGS: On Feb. 20, the Main Library, 219 Loyola Ave., will host a screening of the documentary “Lowndes County and the Road to Black Power,” starting at 2 p.m. In the mid-1960s, Lowndes County, Alabama, had zero registered Black voters despite an 80% Black population. Through first-person accounts and archival footage, the film chronicles the citizens’ movement and young Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee organizers led by Stokely Carmichael who risked their lives for Black voting rights. This film can also be screened
with your library card on Kanopy On Feb. 24, Nora Navra Library, 1902 St. Bernard Ave., will screen “Storming Ceaser’s Palace,” at 4 p.m. The documentary explores the life of Ruby Duncan. Duncan, along with Mary Wesley Alversa Beals, and lowincome mothers across the country, formed the National Welfare Rights Organization to fight for an adequate income, dignity and justice.
Together, they introduced a Guaranteed Income campaign in 1969, which, with feminist Gloria Steinem at their side, became part of the Democratic platform in 1972.
Based on a groundbreaking book and using lost archival material, “Storming Ceaser’s Palace” celebrates Duncan’s leadership, courage, tenacity and dreams.
Visit nolalibrary.co/blackhistory-month to explore reading and viewing recommendations, upcoming events and more.
Jane LeGros is the director of marketing and communications for the New Orleans Public Library
Ladies Leukemia League elects officers
The Ladies Leukemia League has elected its 2026 officers. Pictured from left are Lisa Baynham, president; Jeri Landry, parliamentarian; Cynthia Aucoin, treasurer; Anita Hymel, recording secretary; Colleen Tassin, corresponding secretary; Terri Kloor, third vice president; Lorraine Cucchiara, second vice president; Angel Riviere, first vice president; and Ronny Michel, president elect
STAFF
PHOTO BY BRETT DUKE
Jari Honora, family historian at The Historic New Orleans Collection, displays genealogy materials related to the grandparents of Pope Leo XIV in New Orleans on May 9.
STAFF PHOTO BY SOPHIA GERMER
