The hunt was on for eggs filled with treats during the 13th annual Easter Eggstravaganza, held last month on the Lafitte Greenway. In addition to egg hunts, there were games and more family fun


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The hunt was on for eggs filled with treats during the 13th annual Easter Eggstravaganza, held last month on the Lafitte Greenway. In addition to egg hunts, there were games and more family fun





It is often when brushing or petting a furry friend that a new or suspicious lump or bump is discovered. Other times, a veterinarian may find something during a routine examination. I’ve even had my groomer point out a lump I hadn’t detected before on one of my dogs. In most cases, these growths are harmless. In fact, less than half of the lumps and bumps found on the skin are something serious or cancerous. However, it is important to have a vet examine any new lumps, as it is hard to
tell what a bump could be just by looking at it. It is common for older pets to develop skin growths. My dog Romeo is 16 years old this year, and we are investigating a new growth near his mouth.
I discovered it while grooming his face. So far, we have done a round of steroids and antibiotics, and we will go back for a followup this week to see what the next steps should be, given his age and whether the growth has occurred or not since our last visit. He is acting totally fine, and it doesn’t seem to bother him at all, so we are hopeful it is nothing serious. When a suspicious bump appears, it needs to be examined. If it has fast growth, redness, swell-

ing, pus, an opening, or if the pet appears to be in pain, he will need to be seen by a vet right away A vet will need some information to determine the best course of action regarding the growth, such as:
n Did the lump appear suddenly?
n Has its size, shape or color changed since it was first spotted?
n Is the pet acting differently?
n Has there been a change in appetite or energy level?
The vet will usually remove some cells from the lump using a fine needle to examine them under a microscope. Sometimes, this process can rule out cancerous cells, but if not, further testing, such as a tissue biopsy, may

Love the Boot Week challenging Louisianans to pick up 250 pieces of litter
BY CHELSEA SHANNON Staff writer
Love the Boot Week is coming up, and the state program under Lt. Gov Billy Nungesser and the Department of Culture, Recreation & Tourism has a challenge for the people of Louisiana pick up 250 pieces of litter
Love the Boot Week, April 18-26, offers hundreds of volunteer and educational events across the state, and this year Keep Louisiana Beautiful has decided to dedicate the week to America’s 250th birthday “From the state’s top leaders to a small Girl Scout troop, Love the Boot Week gives people the opportunity to roll up their sleeves and do something to help improve where they live,” Keep Louisiana Beautiful Executive Director Susan Russell said. Russell and the Keep Louisiana Beautiful team launched the Love the Boot Week in 2022, with 250 registered beautification events across Louisiana. In 2025, there were 1,408 registered events.
“Love the Boot Week has grown into a true statewide movement,” Nungesser said. “This kind of momentum and energy doesn’t happen by accident, and we’re not letting up. We’re keeping our foot on the gas and calling on even more Louisianans to step up, sign up, and help us make a visible difference in every parish. Across Orleans and Jefferson parishes, there are more than 90 events where people can volunteer and more can still be added But one of the larger cleanup events in the
ä See LITTER, page 2G

be needed. There are several types of growths. Some are under the skin, and you have to feel for them, while others are raised and visible.
Fatty tumors: These appear most often in middle-aged or older dogs, especially around the ribs, but they can pop up anywhere. They are considered a natural part of the aging process. Any breed can have them, but larger dogs and those who are overweight are more prone to developing fatty tumors. Often, no treatment is needed. Romeo has a couple of these in his neck area.
Warts: These are caused by a virus and can be found around the mouth in younger dogs. They will
go away by themselves. Older dogs might have them anywhere on the body, and they can be removed if they are inflamed or bothersome. Note that removal doesn’t mean they won’t come back.
Sebaceous cyst: This is a blocked oil gland that looks like a pimple. When it bursts, a pasty, white substance comes out.
Abscess: A buildup of pus under the skin. It can be caused by an infection or an insect bite.
Mast cell tumor: This is the most common skin cancer found in dogs. It can also affect other areas of the body, including the spleen, liver, gastrointestinal
ä See PET, page 2G










TV news anchor Sally-Ann Roberts will be honored with the Inspired Cross Award from the Ascension DePaul Foundation New Orleans at its 12th annual Keeping Our Promi ses Gala on April 11 Roberts, who co-anchored the Eyewitness Morning News on WWL-TV, retired in 2018. She is an ADFNO board member She is also
Continued from page 1G
New Orleans area is volunteering at French Quarter Fest, from April 16-19 at Woldenberg Park, with activities extending into the surrounding area.
The festival announced it would be “Geauxing Green” by introducing new recycling and compost programs, and Love the Boot volunteers now help sustain the festival’s overall 30% diversion rate of waste from landfills.
The Keep Louisiana Beautiful team reports that last year’s beautification efforts led to the removal of 514 tons of litter Volunteers also focused on community beautification, planting 1,204 trees and 3,672 plants, and refurbishing 477 gardens.
Going beyond this week
Continuing efforts for Keep Louisiana Beautiful
Continued from page 1G
tract and bone marrow The grade of the tumor will need to be determined to decide on the best course of treatment and prognosis.
My dog, Ponyboy, years ago had a mast cell tumor on his chest, and we were able to have it fully removed, and no further treatment was needed. If a lump, bump or suspicious growth appears, even if it turns out to be of no concern, always monitor and check for new growths and have those tested as well Each new instance should be treated individually, so just because one spot may have been ruled a noncancerous, fatty tumor doesn’t mean any new growths will automatically be the same thing, even if they look or feel similar A vet will chart the lumps and bumps and measure to see if there are any size changes from one visit to the next. This is why those semiannual and annual vet exams are important for detecting new growths. If a lump, bump or other growth is detected, don’t
co-founder of Each One Save One, a mentorship nonprofit that recruits, screens, trains and places hundreds of mentors in schools and organizations across the metro area She is the author of several books. The gala, which supports DePaul Community Health Centers’ Mission of providing high-quality, comprehensive health care to individuals and families across the region, regardless of their ability to pay will be held at the Hyatt Regency New Orleans, 601 Loyola Ave. in New Orleans. A patron party
don’t stop with Love the Boot week.
“It’s also more than just picking up litter While removal is important, it’s even more crucial to prevent litter in the first place.
Love the Boot spurs important dialogue around the issue, educates people and shifts mindsets,” Russell said.
Local chapters — Keep New Orleans Beautiful, Keep Jefferson Beautiful, Keep Algiers Beautiful, Keep St Bernard Beautiful, and Keep Plaquemines Beautiful — hold local cleanup efforts and educational events throughout the year to further the efforts Beautification programs In addition to the state’s program, other organizations in the area offer year-round beautification, tree-planting and conservation opportunities for those looking to continue volunteering.
n Pontchartrain Conservancy: tree planting opportunities
panic, but do get it checked out right away ARNO events
April 10 Animal Rescue New Orleans will have a booth and adoptable dogs at the Frühlingsfest (formerly known as Volksfest) a traditional German celebration of spring and outdoor activities after a long winter at the Deutsches Haus, 1700 Moss St. along Bayou St. John, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m The free event will feature live German music throughout the weekend. April 11 Join WYES for the Celebration of the Young Child! A free family event for kids ages 1 to 8 from 10 a.m. to noon at WYES, 916 Navarre Ave. in Lakeview Animal Rescue New Orleans will have adoptable dogs and puppies on site.
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.
will begin at 6 p.m., with the gala from 7-11 p.m. It will include live entertainment, cuisine, specialty cocktails and a silent auction.
Additional Inspired Cross Award honorees this year include Peter Quirk, Leon Reymond Jr and Howard L. Rodgers III, who will also be recognized for their leadership and dedication to promoting healthy communities.
Tickets start at $150 and are available online at https:// events.readysetauction.com/ ascensiondepaulservices/ keepingourpromises26.
https://scienceforourcoast. org/get-involved
n The Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana: nursery care, oyster recycling and marsh grass planting to restore the coast opportunities https:// secure.qgiv.com/event/crcl/
n City Park Conservancy: restoration and beautification opportunities https://neworleanscitypark.org/supportyour-park/volunteer/
n Common Ground Relief: tree and marsh grass planting to restore the coast opportunities https://www.commongroundrelief.org/blank-7
n Barateria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program: growing plants to restore the coast and bayou cleanup opportunities https://btnep.org/ news-and-events/upcomingevents/
n Master Gardeners New Orleans: community gardening opportunities https://mggno. com/projects/
n Sustain Our Urban Landscape (SOUL NOLA): tree planting opportunities from October to March https://soulnola.org/ volunteer-opportunities.

Pursey is a beautiful little lady dressed in white, orange and black — basically nature’s way of giving her the perfect outfit. But the real showstoppers? Her gorgeous orange-gold eyes. People always notice them right away, and who can blame them? They’re pretty magical, and she knows it. Pursey has a sweet, gentle spirit and a quiet kind of charm. She’s just under 3 years old. To learn more, email adoptionteam@ animalrescueneworleans. org
BY JANE LEGROS Contributing writer
Caregivers and children up to 2 years old are invited to a free mini Jazz Fest at Algiers Regional Library, 3014 Holiday Drive, on April 8. Stop by at 10:30 a.m. to read, play and groove. Attendees will enjoy stories, musical activities and a craft. Festival wear is encouraged.
Poetry Month
April is National Poetry Month, and the New Orleans Public Library is kicking things off on April 8 with a poetry reading at Milton H. Latter Memorial, 5120 St. Charles Ave. Local writers featured in the library’s anthology, “RENEWED,” will read selections of their work from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Former Louisiana Poet
Laureate Alison Pelegrin will give a talk and lead a writing workshop at Algiers Regional Library, 3014 Holiday Drive, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 11, in partnership with One Book, One New Orleans. Attendees will reflect on and write about the Loui-
siana landscape in all its forms, with discussions inspired by the collection “You Are Here: Poetry in the Natural World,” edited by Ada Limon. Free copies of “You Are Here” will be distributed, while supplies last.
On April 13, the Nora Navra Library, 1902 St. Bernard Ave., will host current Louisiana Poet Laureate Gina Ferrara, who will lead a poetry workshop from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. focused on odes. Attendees will examine famous odes and write ones of their own.
GenFest 2026
Presented by the library’s City Archives & Special Collections at the Milne Rec Center, 5420 Franklin Ave., the third annual GenFest will be from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. April 11 with the theme “All in the Family.”
This year, GenFest is getting back to basics with programs designed to help residents get started with genealogy research and pass their work along to the next generation. The program will feature four great speakers,
including City Archives & Special Collections staff who will walk attendees through how to navigate genealogy resources. This year’s panel will focus on how to preserve legacy Additionally, there will be over 40 organizations from the areas of genealogy museums, cultural heritage and preservation to talk to and learn from.
Visit nolacityarchives. org for details.
Dewey Decimal Dash: A Library Game Show
Test your popular literature and library knowledge at Dewey Decimal Dash: A Library Game Show at Mid-City Library, 4140 Canal St., from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. April 14. This interactive trivia and scavenger hunt game is presented in the style of classic game shows from the ’70s and ’80s. Space is limited. Visit events.nolalibrary.org to sign up.
Jane LeGros is the director of marketing and communications for the New Orleans Public Library
crescentcity@theadvocate.com










































































































































































Cyril Lagvanec, the curator of the American-Italian Research Library on the second floor of the East Bank Regional Library, will give a lecture on the siege of La Rochelle at 7 p.m. April 13 at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie.

The 1627-28 siege of La Rochelle saw King Louis XIII’s royal forces defeat the Huguenot defenders, marking the climax of CatholicProtestant conflict in France and a decisive Catholic victory.
The siege of La Rochelle is a major event in French history and appears in artwork and literature, including as a major plot device in Alexandre Dumas’ “The Three Musketeers.”
Lagvanec earned his undergraduate degree in history from Baylor University his master’s degree in British and European History from Tulane University, and his doctoral degree in American History from Texas A&M University Cars and Coffee
The third Cars and Coffee Spectacular is from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. April 11 in the parking lot facing the children’s wing of the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie. Patrons with “cool cars or motorcycles” hang out with other vehicular enthusiasts while enjoying some exclusive Library Blend Coffee Riverboat gambling
Derby Gisclair will discuss steamboat gambling as part of the Third Thursday History Lecture at 7 p.m.
FAIRS & FESTIVALS
HOGS FOR THE CAUSE: The annual all-things-pork festival, competition and fundraiser will take place April 10-11 at UNO Lakefront Arena, 6801 Franklin Ave. in New Orleans. More than 90 teams will compete for the title of Grand Champion. Food and music will be part of the festivities. In its 18th year, this event is the premier funding source for pediatric brain cancer outreach services in the U.S. General admission tickets start at $59.74. HogsFest.org
HONDO RODEO FEST: The three-day festival of music, rodeo and culture takes place April 10-12 at the Caesars Superdome, 1500 Sugar Bowl Drive in New Orleans. The street fest in Champions Square opens at noon each day, followed by the Angola Prison Rodeo at 5 p.m. and the Million Dollar Rodeo an all-star, invitation-only professional-level competition, at 6 p.m. Concerts start nightly at 8:30 p.m. Friday is Lynyrd Skynyrd opening for Jason Aldean. Saturday night is Old Dominion opening for Cody Johnson. Sunday night Bailey Zimmerman opens for Creed. Tickets start at $60.50 via Ticketmaster. www. thehondorodeofest.com/neworleans FRULINGSFEST GERMAN SPRING FESTIVAL: Deutsches Haus, 1700 Moss St. in New Orleans, will host a three-day family-friendly festival with garden and craft vendors, food, music, Maypole dances and dachshund races April 10-12. Hours are 4-8 p.m. Friday, 1-8 p.m. Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is free. Parking is $5 Schedules and details are available online. https://deutscheshaus. org/fruhlingsfest/ THAI FOOD AND SONGKRAN
FESTIVAL: Wat Wimuttayaram Buddhist Temple of Louisiana, Inc. will celebrate Songkran, Thai New Year 2026, 9:30 a.m.4 p.m. April 12 at 1601 Stanton Road in New Orleans. The family-friendly festival will feature authentic cuisine, cultural traditions and community fun. Admission is free. watwimutnola@gmail.com
OVERLOOK FILM FESTIVAL: The 10th annual celebration of all things horror will be held April 9-12 at the Prytania Theatres. The event includes 47 films from seven countries, immersive experiences, live presentations and horror-themed celebrations, including a second-line through the French Quarter. Rick Baker will receive the Master of Horror Award, and the presentation will include a 45th anniversary screening of “An American Werewolf in London.” “A Page of Madness,” the classic horror film by Teinosuke Kinugasa, considered the first Japanese horror movie, will have a 100th anniversary screening. Tickets start at $18, with various packages available. overlookfilmfest.com.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
AGING
April 16 at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie. The presentation will trace gambling in the city, from the clandestine casinos hidden in every corner to the hundreds of steamboats, where there was greater anonymity and less legal enforcement in a floating world of fortune and fraud.
History of enslavement
Members of the Descendants of Jesuit Enslavement Historical and Genealogical Society will discuss how the organization documents, preserves and interprets the history of Jesuit enslavement at 2:30 p.m. April 18. This event occurs as part of the regularly scheduled meeting of the New Orleans Secular Humanist Association. From the 16th to 18th centuries, the Jesuits and the Catholic Church were major slaveholders in the Americas, using plantation profits to help finance prominent American higher-education institutions In 1838, the Jesuits sold over 272 enslaved people from five Maryland plantations to rescue Georgetown University from bankruptcy Many women, men, children and infants were separated from families and sent to Louisiana plantations, where Citizens Bank of New Orleans held some as collateral from 1838 to 1865.
The New Orleans Secular Humanist Association was formed to provide an opportunity for like-minded people to meet and exchange ideas and to promote awareness of secular humanist viewpoints in the community.
NOSHA’s programs take place on the third Saturday of each month.
Axis & Allies
Join the staff on April 18 at the
Presbyterian Church, 2525 Apollo Ave., Harvey. Info: bewellcometogether@gmail. com. (504) 268-2525.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
GARDEN DISTRICT TOURS: The Friends of the Cabildo hold walking tours of the Garden District each Saturday starting at 10 a.m. outside of the Chicory House, 2727 Prytania St., New Orleans. City-licensed volunteer guides lead the two-hour tours and cover key historical figures, political events, and local geography Tickets start at $20. friendsofthecabildo.org/.
PAINT YOUR PET: Painting with a Twist will host a painting event from 3-6 p.m. April 11 at 4931 W. Esplanade Ave Suite D, in Metairie. The cost is $59-$69 per person. Registration and pre-event details are available online. www. paintingwithatwist.com/studio/metairie/event/4256651
SECRET GARDENS TOUR: Patio Planters of the Vieux Carre will present its annual Secret Gardens Tour from noon to 4 p.m. April 12. A minimum of five gardens and one refreshment courtyard will be open for viewing. Locations will be
East Bank Regional Library 4747 W. Napoleon, for a day of Axis & Allies strategy and history Two tournamentrule gaming sessions run at 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., with games lasting up to four hours.
Between sessions, there’s a lecture on U.S. naval strategy in the Pacific Theater Axis & Allies is a World War II board game, first published in 1981, in which players control Germany, Japan, the Soviet Union, the U.K. or the U.S. on a spring 1942 political map.
Music
The New Aurora Saxophone Ensemble will perform at 2 p.m. April 19 at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie.
Big Book Sale
The Friends of the Jefferson Public Library will conduct its semiannual Big Book Sale from April 17-19 at the Pontchartrain Center, 4545 Williams Blvd. at the Lake, Kenner Hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. April 17-18 and noon to 5 p.m. April 19. More than 65,000 used books, puzzles, DVDs, CDs, videotapes, music tapes and vinyl records are available. The sale includes fiction and nonfiction books, as well as collectibles, art, travel, history, military and Civil War books. Cash, debit cards and major credit cards are accepted; checks are not Admission is free; parking is plentiful. All proceeds from the sale benefit the Jefferson Parish Library For more information, contact the Friends of the Jefferson Public Library at (504) 455-2665 or email friendsjpl@yahoo.com.
Chris Smith is manager of adult programming at the Jefferson Parish Public Library
specified on a map given to participants when tickets are picked up. The self-guided walking tour generates funds for the annual Caroling in Jackson Square each December. Advance tickets are strongly encouraged and may be purchased online for $35. Day-of tickets are $40. Children under 12 are free. patioplanters.net
HISTORIC TOUR OF HOMES:
The Gretna Historical Society will host a tour of recently updated museums and several other sites from 1-5 p.m. April 12, starting at the White House, 209 Lafayette St. in Gretna. Tickets start at $25. www.gretnahistoricalsociety
org ST. BERNARD BUSINESS EXPO & JOB FAIR: The St. Bernard Chamber of Commerce will host a job fair from 5-7 p.m. April 15 in the Val Reiss Complex, 1201 Magistrate St. in Chalmette. The event will feature businesses of all sizes and industries, highlighting their products, services and career openings. The job fair is free and open to the public. www.stbernardchamber.org/ spotlightstbernard
BTNEP BAYOU CLEANUP: Reg-
THURSDAY | APRIL 16TH | 10AM St Bernard Parish Gov’t 120 W Agriculture St | Chalmette, LA 70043
Preview: Wed 4/15 from 9A-3P | Chevy 1500, Chevy 2500, Chevy Express Van Chevy Cobalt Dodge Kennel Truck Ford F150 s Ford F250 s Ford F350 s Ford Vans Ford Buses Int l Bucket Trucks, Jeep Liberty, Various Trailers, Various Zero Turn Mowers, Rotary Cutters, Air Compressor, Bobcat E80 Excavator, Kobelco 210 Excavator, Kubota M4800 Tractor, Kubota M9540 Tractor, Cushman Turf Trucksters Smithco Grader Katolight Generator JD Gators Kubota Trackhoe Kubota MX5100 Tractor Kohler Generators, Case Drum Roller, Madvac LR50 Litter Collectors, Nissan Forklift, Terex Light Plant, Various Audio Equipment & More!
THURSDAY | APRIL 30TH | 9AM Cities of Slidell & Mandeville, Towns of Madisonville & Pearl River, STP Sheriff, Tourist Commission, School Board & Clerk of Court & Others 101 Magnolia St | Slidell LA 70460
Preview: Wed 4/29 from 9AM to 3PM | Ford Snowball Van Ford
Fusions Chevy Tahoes Ford F150 s Ford F250 s Ford F350
Crane Truck, Ford F350 Dump Truck, Ford E350, Ford F450, Ford F550, Ford LCFL55 Pipehunter Sewer Cleaner, Int’l 4300 Dump Truck Freightliner Vac-Con Basin Cleaner 30T 6 000-Gal Jet A Fuel Truck Various Trailers & Other Vehicles 40 Shipping Containers CAT 416 Backhoe JD 80C Excavator Int’l Sewer Truck, JD 6415 Tractor, JD 5425 Tractors, Case 590 Series Backhoes, Gradall XL3100, Target Concrete Saws, Orenco Fiberglass Tanks EZ-Go Golf Carts Pressure Washers Lawn Equipment Various Pumps Commercial Kitchen Equip Hafco Industrial Vacuum, Motorola Radios, Computers, Battery Backups,

BY DAVID GRUNFELD Director of photography
Jason Seither was recently honored as one of the newest additions to the Jefferson Parish Oyster Trail during an unveiling at Seither’s Seafood 279 Hickory Ave., where an oyster statue created by his cousin, Tuna Seither, now stands near the front door of the restaurant.
The unveiling was originally planned for the peak of oyster season, but after a delay, it instead took place during the height of crawfish season, a timing twist that still felt fitting in south Louisiana.
Charlene Hale, Visit Jefferson Parish’s director of
leisure and partner sales, helped with the unveiling, which marked Seither’s addition to the trail and recognized his connection to the parish’s oyster heritage. With the honor, Seither joins a growing list of Jefferson Parish restaurants and venues on the Oyster Trail, including Acme Oyster House, Drago’s Seafood Restaurant, Deanie’s Seafood Restaurant, R&O’s Restaurant, Restaurant des Familles and the Town of Jean Lafitte Tourist Information Center
The Jefferson Parish Oyster Trail highlights the restaurants and people helping carry forward one of the region’s most enduring seafood traditions.
istration is open until April 15 for the Barataria-Terrebonne
National Estuary Program’s 15th annual cleanup day, to be held 8:30-11:30 a.m. April 18. The event, formerly known as BTNEP’s Bayou Lafourche Cleanup, will extend beyond Bayou Lafourche to include Bayous Terrebonne, Petit Caillou, and Grand Caillou in Terrebonne Parish. Following the cleanup, volunteers are invited to attend the Bayou Cleanup Afterparty, 1-3 p.m., in Downtown Thibodaux, featuring live music. The
cleanup is free and open to the public, but prior registration is required. https:// btnep.org/2026/01/20/btnepbayou-cleanup/ THEATER & CONCERTS
TWILIGHT AT LONGUE VUE: Longue Vue House and Gardens, 7 Bamboo Road in New Orleans, will continue the spring season concerts with jazz musician Carmela Rappazzo as the performer on April 8. Paul Sanchez, a singer-songwriter, will perform on April 15. Concerts are 5:30-6:45 p.m. Tickets are $17 for each concert. https:// longuevue.com/twilightseries/. “ZOMBIE PROM”: Brother Martin High School Dionysians (drama club) will present the 1950s-set rock-androll musical on April 16, 18, 23, 24 and 25 at the auditorium on campus, 4401 Elysian Fields Ave., New Orleans. Curtain is at 7 p.m. for evening shows and 2 p.m. for the matinee. Reserved tickets are $20. General admission is $15. brothermartin.com/drama




































































































































