HOMETOWN PRIDE
St. Bernard Parish celebrates its first NBA championship winner Mitchell Robinson
BY CHELSEA SHANNON and ROD WALKER Staff writers
Maroon and white mixed with orange and blue along West Judge Perez Drive as what seemed like all of St. Bernard Parish showed up to celebrate Mitchell Robinson as he returned to the New Orleans area after the Knicks’ NBA Championship victory Outside of Robinson’s alma mater, Chalmette High School, people began lining the streets Thursday evening — students, alumni, teachers, neighbors and fans of the Knicks — to watch Robinson roll by “I just feel like he should be celebrated, you know, small parish boy who graduated from Chalmette High and went straight to the NBA,” Meraux resident Kristi Duplessis said. “I just wanted to show my support and show how proud I am of him.”
Duplessis knows Robinson’s mom and grandmother through her nephew Her son, Kayden, graduated from Chalmette High in 2026 and is already at Arkansas Baptist College with a band scholarship. He asked his mom to record the parade and his friends so he could watch from 435 miles away
Dogs have many ways to let us know when something isn’t quite right Sometimes it’s limping, scratching or refusing to eat. Other times, it’s something a little more awkward, like dragging their bottoms across the floor While the behavior may look amusing, scooting is almost always a sign that a dog is uncomfortable. It’s not something owners should ignore.
I’ve dealt with this more times than I can count with my dog, Romeo. I jokingly call it the “butt scoot boogie,” but for him, it’s anything but funny. When dogs scoot across the carp concrete or grass, they are usually trying to relieve irritation or pressure around their rear end. Most often, is more than a simple itch
One of the most common causes trouble with the anal glands, also ca anal sacs. These small sacs sit on eithe side of the anus and typically empty naturally during a bowel movement However when they do not empty properly, they can
become full, impacted or inflamed.
Scooting is often a dog’s way to relieve that discomfort.
If left untreated, the glands can become infected and, in more serious cases, may rupture. Thankfully, this is usually something a vet can treat fairly easily by expressing the glands and checking for signs of infection. Some groomers also offer this service, although a vet should see dogs with recurring episodes or signs of pain. Romeo must visit his vet about every eight weeks to have his anal glands expressed. His issue is chronic and tied to
UNO marks change to LSU New Orleans
The Soul Motion Brass Band leads LSU New Orleans students and faculty in a parade across the campus on the day that the University of New Orleans officially joined the LSU system on July 1
PHOTO BY CHRIS GRANGER
Mitchell Robinson, top right, greets the crowd during a parade honoring the New York Knicks center in Chalmette.
Mitchell Robinson greets the crowd.
STAFF PHOTOS BY BRETT DUKE
Regina Green cheers on Mitchell Robinson during a parade honoring the New York Knicks center in Chalmette on June 25.
Discussions of ‘Espionage During the Civil War’ set
Derby Gisclair will present “Espionage During the Civil War” as part of the Third Thursday History Lecture at 7 p.m. at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie
As the Confederacy’s largest city and a strategic gateway to the Mississippi River New Orleans became an ideal environment for spies, smugglers, diplomats, informants and covert operatives. The presentation traces the conflict from Confederate control through Union occupation under Gen. Benjamin Butler, whose extensive surveillance and informant network transformed the city into a counterintelligence state.
Key episodes include Confederate intelligence failures that enabled Adm. David Farragut’s capture of the city, clandestine smuggling routes via waterways and through foreign consulates, and dramatic incidents such as the seizure of contraband correspondence on Lake Pontchartrain
Special emphasis is placed on the crucial yet often overlooked role of formerly enslaved African
Americans, including Mary Elizabeth Bowser, William A. Jackson and Mary Louvestre, whose intelligence contributions influenced military operations and naval development. A lifelong resident of New Orleans, Gisclair is a member of the Society of American Baseball Research and its 19th Century, Minor Leagues, Deadball Era, Oral History and Pictorial History Committees. He heads the Schott-Pelican Chapter of SABR in Louisiana and serves on the Nominating and Selection committees for the Greater New Orleans Professional Baseball Hall of Fame.
Food cocktail demos
Mixologist Elizabeth Pearce will discuss the classic Sidecar, likely created in France in the 1920s, and Chef Nora Wetzel will focus on an easy chocolate mousse recipe at two different libraries one on each bank of the river
These events will occur at 6:30 p.m. at West Bank Regional Library, 2751 Manhattan Blvd., Harvey, July 14, and at East Bank Regional Library 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie, July 15.
These events are free of charge and open to the public. Patrons may sample the dishes prepared during the demonstration. How-
ever these demonstrations are not intended to serve as meals for those in the audience. Food will not be sold. Patrons younger than 21 will not be served alcohol.
Saturday morning writers clinic
Karen Essex, an award-winning novelist, journalist and screenwriter, will discuss screenwriting and working within the film industry at 9:30 a.m. July 11 at the Wagner Library, 6646 Riverside Drive, Metairie. She is the author of the national and international bestsellers “Leonardo’s Swans,” about the muses of Leonardo da Vinci; “Stealing Athena,” the story of the controversial Elgin marbles; and “Dracula in Love,” a retelling of the original vampire tale.
Essex adapted Anne Rice’s novel “The Mummy” into a screenplay for “Avatar” director James Cameron and 20th Century Fox and has written a script about the first king of Hawaii for Columbia/ TriStar and Dwayne Johnson. She wrote a dance movie for Jennifer Lopez Entertainment and Paramount Pictures, a pilot for Fox TV, and continues to develop a variety of film and television projects. Born and raised in New Orleans, Essex graduated from
Tulane University attended graduate school at Vanderbilt University and received a master’s degree from Goddard College. She divides her time between New Orleans, Los Angeles and Europe. Warehouse sale
The Friends of the Jefferson Public Library will sponsor a Warehouse and Puzzle Sale from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 25 at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie. Patrons are encouraged to come early to purchase the boxes of books, since past sales have sold out in less than one hour
Boxes will be sold for $5 each. They include CDs, children’s books (picture books, easy readers and juvenile books, fiction and nonfiction), cookbooks and regular fiction (paperback and hardback). They cannot be opened before purchasing.
DVDs will be sold for $10 per box. Boxes are labeled with the category they contain and cannot be opened before purchase.
Jigsaw puzzles will be sold for $2 to $6.
Payment can be made using cash or a credit card. For more information, contact the Friends at (504) 455-2665 or friendsjpl@ yahoo.com.
A parade honoring NBA champion and Chalmette High School
Perez Drive in Chalmette on June 25.
At Chalmette High summer school leading up to the parade, the mostasked question among students was, “Are you going to be at the parade?” said ninth grade teacher Michelle Abraham. She and her fellow teachers at the parade said the students had been buzzing with excitement that a former Chalmette High student was in the NBA Finals. And they’re glad Robinson is someone students can look up to.
“That could happen for anybody, and you know, you put in the work, you do what you need to do, and you go for your goal, and hey, that could be you one day You could get a parade,” school counselor Suzonne Morales said.
Both educators said it’s also been nice to see Mitchell’s overwhelming generosity and support for St Bernard Parish since he left for New York in 2018.
“Not everyone comes back, you know and I think that’s beautiful,” Abraham said. “He is overwhelmingly still a member of our community ” Before the parade, the 7-foot center was at his annual basketball camp with 175 kids at the Val Riess Athletic Complex. Robinson said the camp is essential to helping St. Bernard kids enjoy their childhoods.
“It’s very important. I’m just trying to give these kids hope to embrace who they are,” he said. “There isn’t much for kids to do these days. They are at home on the iPad, PlayStation and Xbox. They aren’t really enjoying being a kid. They only get one childhood. Make the most of it and enjoy it.”
Robinson is the first NBA player ever to wear a Chalmette Owl jersey, and parish leaders said they hope his example will encourage students to remain in the parish and support the local school system.
“They see Mitchell, and they see what can happen when you participate in sports in the school system and recreation system and see where they can go in life. We have 175 children in this building who are seeing where they can be in the next couple of years. That’s the most important thing,” Parish President Louis Pomes
said. Metairie native Caitlin Cherry was formerly a Pelicans fan but became a Knicks fan after she said her husband indoctrinated their 4-year-old, Margaret, into the Knicks fandom.
“I actually joked about it. I said, In no way if a Knicks player was in our 50-mile radius or close to our ZIP code would we miss it,” she said.
“You know we couldn’t get there for the games, because you know the prices were insane.” Cherry said the excitement in New York over the long-sought victory reminded her of how it felt when the Saints won the Super Bowl in 2010. Longtime Knicks fan and New Orleans resident Sam Yampolsky said the Chalmette parade was much easier to get to than the parade in New York City, which he also attended last week The blend of Knicks fans and Owls fans at the parade smiled and
for the
Fans cheer on Mitchell Robinson during the parade.
waved as Robinson rolled by on a Louisiana-themed float, holding a sign that read: “Thank you Chalmette.”
“That’s one thing about Mitchell Robinson. He doesn’t want to be in the limelight all the time. He wants people to feel appreciated. He gives back. It’s just an unbelievable feeling today,” longtime Chalmette basketball coach William “Butch” Stockton said.
“He has done something that I haven’t seen in a moment. People are really happy,” computer science teacher Dr Brucetta McClue said. “Our country is stressed, we’re celebrating 250 years, but there’s a lot going on, and people are not happy And just to have him, I was so excited after the game,” ninth-grade teacher Trazel Mack said in response to McClue. “Me too, because it was in the community,” McClue added.
‘The Gold Rush’
Pianist David Bradley will accompany the silent film “The Gold Rush” featuring Charlie Chaplin at 7 p.m. July 9, at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie. Bradley will perform on the library’s eight-foot Baldwin grand piano. He says that silent-film accompaniment adds emotion, masks the projector noise and guides the audience’s mood.
Music event
The American Legion Post 350 Band performs classical American music in honor of the 250th anniversary of the country at 7 p.m. July 13 at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie.
Lagvanec lecture
Cyril M. Lagvanec, Ph.D., the curator of the American-Italian Research Library located on the second floor of the East Bank Regional Library, will give a lecture on the Taiping Rebellion at 7 p.m. July 14 at the East Bank Regional Library 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie.
Chris Smith is manager of adult programming at the Jefferson Parish Public Library
SCOOTING
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his ongoing allergies, which also cause itchy feet and regular ear infections. My previous dogs rarely had this problem, a good reminder that not every dog will deal with the same issues.
Anal glands are the most common cause of scooting, but not the only one. Allergies, tapeworms, matted hair, dried stool around the rectum and general skin irritation can all cause a dog to drag their bottom across the ground.
Tapeworms are often visible and may look like small grains of rice around the dog’s rear end or in bedding They can be treated with medication prescribed by a vet.
Grooming also plays a role, especially for long-haired dogs. Matted fur or dried stool near the rectum can quickly become uncomfortable. Keeping this area clean and trimmed can help prevent irritation
Allergies are another common culprit. Dogs with environmental, seasonal or food allergies may experience itchy skin in several areas, including around the tail and rear end. In Romeo’s case, allergies seem to be part of the bigger picture.
For dogs with recurring anal gland issues, the vet may recommend changes such as adding fiber to the diet, managing allergies more closely or monitoring weight. Firmer stools can sometimes help the glands empty more naturally during bowel movements.
An occasional scoot may not be an emergency, but repeated scooting should not be ignored. If a dog is constantly licking under the tail, seems to be in pain or has swelling bleeding drainage or a strong odor, it is time for a vet visit.
The bottom line is that scooting is usually a symptom, not the problem itself.
So, while the “butt scoot
PET OF THE WEEK
PROVIDED PHOTO Jessi, 2 years old, is counting down the days until she can join a home. Found as a stray, she has acclimated well to indoor living Give her a couple of chin scratches, and you’ve immediately won her over. She also enjoys her share of treats. Jessi doesn’t mind other cats but would also be just as happy to soak up all the attention as the only pet in the home. To learn more, email adoptionteam@ animalrescueneworleans.
boogie” may look funny at first glance, your dog is likely trying to tell you something. Don’t ignore it.
Events
July 10-July 12: Meet adoptable puppies and dogs from ARNO at the GalaxyCon Adoption Event at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, 900 Convention Center Blvd. ARNO will be on site Friday 2-5 p.m., Saturday noon-4 p.m. and Sunday noon-4 p.m. Meet amazing rescue dogs looking for loving, forever homes, learn more about ARNO’s lifesaving mission and enter the GalaxyCon raffle to support animals in need. Donations will be gratefully accepted and will help ARNO continue rescuing, caring for and finding homes for homeless dogs and cats throughout our community
Traci D. Howerton is the volunteer manager for Animal Rescue New Orleans, a nonprofit, volunteer-based, no-kill shelter
STAFF PHOTOS BY BRETT DUKE
graduate Mitchell Robinson makes its way along Judge
Keilan Harris, 9, plays with his cousin Rilynn Leblanc, 3, while waiting
start of a parade.
Rhyming, Muses shoe decorating and more
BY JANE LEGROS Contributing writer
It’s not too late to sign up for the New Orleans Public Library’s Summer Fun & Reading Challenge. Participants have until Aug. 14 to read 800 minutes and complete four library-related activities. In addition to the reading challenge, summers at the New Orleans Public Library feature dozens of free events for people of all ages and interests at locations across the city
July 9
n Radical Freedom: Dream With Studio BE hosts an Art Workshop for Teens at Nora Navra, 1902 St. Bernard Ave., at 1 p.m. This creative session focuses on envisioning solutions for a brighter future, with teens (ages 11-18) creating their own artworks on the theme of a better world. Registration is required, and space is limited. The program will also take place at Mid-City Library the following day at 1 p.m. July 10.
July 10
n Storytime with drag performer Laveau Contraire at Cita Dennis Hubbell Library, 725 Pelican Ave., 10:30 a.m. Join local drag queen Laveau Contraire for a read-along and singalong at this special, familyfriendly event for kids and their caregivers
July 11
n Local writers will share stories at the East New Orleans Regional Library, 5641 Read Blvd., at 10:30 a.m. Meet authors of children’s and young adult books, buy their titles and take part in book-themed crafts and author readings.
n Bubbles for Everyone with Hey Now Productions brings giant bubbles to the Central City Library, 2020 Jackson Ave., at 11 a.m. Try a range of bubble tools and toys to create the biggest most beautiful and most spectacular bubbles Recommended for children ages 6 and up.
n Krewe of Muses Shoe Decorating Workshop for tweens and teens at Norman Mayer Library 3001 Gentilly Blvd., 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Decorate shoes with glitter and pick up tips from experienced instructors. For ages 9-18. Space is limited; registration is required.
July 14
n Rhyme Writing Workshop led by local hip-hop artist Alfred Banks at the Norman Mayer Library 3001 Gentilly Blvd., 2 p.m. Discover Banks’ songwriting methods and pick up practical tips to apply to your own music.
Jane LeGros is the director of marketing and communications for the New Orleans Public Library.
FAIRS & FESTIVALS
GALAXYCON NEW ORLEANS: The three-day festival of fandom, featuring celebrities, artists, writers, voice actors, cosplayers, entertainers, creators, wrestlers, fan groups, and panelists, will be held July
gaming, exhibitions, Q&A sessions, autographs, photo ops, panels, workshops, and celebrity encounters. Tickets start at $40. https://galaxycon. com/pages/galaxycon-new-orleans.
STRONG MUSIC FEST: The fifth annual music festival will be held July 16-18 at Tarpon Rodeo Pavilion, 4500 Tarpon Rodeo Drive in Grand Isle. Hours are 4:30-11 p.m. Thursday, 11 a.m.-11:30 p.m. Friday, and 11 a.m.-12 midnight Saturday. The festival features live music, local food, arts-and-crafts vendors and community spirit. Admission is $10 on Thursday, $20 on Friday and Saturday, and $45 for a weekend bracelet. Children 12 and under are admitted free. www.islandstrongmusicfest.com{span}.
WORTH THE DRIVE WASHINGTON PARISH WATERMELON FESTIVAL: The annual free festival celebrating one of Louisiana’s favorite fruit crops will be held July 10-11 at the Washington Parish Fairgrounds, 100 Main St., Franklinton. The family-friendly event features live bands, watermelon contests, a rodeo, a car show, food, and the festival’s largest vendor lineup to date. https://wpwatermelonfestival.org/
BASTILLE DAY EVENTS
BASTILLE DAY FÊTE 2026: The Alliance Française de La Nouvelle-Orléans will host the annual tribute to freedom, the Revolutionary spirit, and the French language, 6-10 p.m. on July 10, at 1519 Jackson Ave., New Orleans. Guests can enjoy a curated selection of local food vendors, live music and DJs, a French/ Bastille Day costume contest, and family-friendly activities for all ages. Admission starts at $10. www.af-neworleans.org/bastille-day-fete/.
BASTILLE DAY CELEBRATION: Louisiana Landmarks Society will hold a celebration, 6-8 p.m. on July 9, at Pitot House, 1440 Moss St. in New Orleans. Activities will include live music by Pardon My French, fare from Café Degas, opportunities to practice French, learn Kouri-Vini, and mingle with local French and Creole organizations. Tickets are $10.
www.louisianalandmarks.org/eventtickets.
BASTILLE DAY FÊTE 2026: The Alliance Française de La Nouvelle-Orléans
PROVIDED PHOTO Alfred Banks will host a rhyme-writing workshop at New Orleans Public Libraries.
participant will receive an HB one-liter stein for use in the competition, a hat, and a pin. Heat winners will receive a medal and advance to the finals on July 25. Registration is available online. https:// deutscheshaus.org/events/ hofbrau-masskrugstemmencontest-6/. GLOW IN THE OAKS: City Park Conservancy will host a family-friendly event, 7-10 p.m. on July 11, at the Carousel Gardens Amusement Park in City Park, 1 Palm Drive in New Orleans. Guests will have unlimited rides, a silent disco, glow item giveaways, a TikTok photo booth, a glitter bar and face paint, the Reptile Krewe, and free, unlimited lemonade in color-changing cups. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. Guests are encouraged to dress to shine. Tickets are $35. Children under 2 are admitted free of charge. NewOrleansCityPark org/GlowintheOaks.
JELL-O MOLD NIGHT: Pete’s Irish Channel Bar, 701 6th St in New Orleans, will host a vintage Jell-O mold competition at 8 p.m. on July 11. Molds can be sweet or savory and may contain alcohol. (504) 895-8993. 504 TRUCK MADNESS: Louisiana Car Shows will present a show featuring classic trucks and modern builds, noon5 p.m. on July 12, at 484 Sala Ave. in Westwego. Entry is $25. (504) 452-1173. MAHJONG & MIMOSAS: Stained Glass Wine House 201 Huey P. Long Ave., Suite A, in Gretna, will host an afternoon event, 12 noon-3 p.m. on July 12. The event includes Mahjong tiles and racks, a gourmet boxed brunch, bottomless sparkling wine mimosas, bellinis, rosé and bloody marys. Tickets are $75. https://stainedglasswinehouse.com/gretna-historicold-gretna-stained-glasswine-house-events.
ROAD TO EMMAUS RETREAT:
St. Dominic Parish is accepting registrations for its men’s retreat, July 24-26, at W.J. Kelly Retreat Center in Bay Saint Louis, Miss. The retreat is based on the Scripture passage that includes Jesus’ appearance on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35). The retreat begins at 4 p.m. Friday and ends after the 5:30 p.m. Mass on Sunday. Round-trip transportation is provided from St. Dominic Church, 775 Harrison Ave. in New Orleans. The registration fee is $205. https://stdominicparish.com/ emmaus.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
ST. PIUS X CATHOLIC CHURCH
BLOOD DRIVE: Appointments are being accepted for the next blood drive, scheduled for 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on July 19 in the church gym at 6666 Spanish Fort Blvd. in New Orleans. Donors will receive a coupon for a free pint of ice cream and a Blood Center polo shirt celebrating America’s 250th birthday. Donors will receive a mini-physical to check blood pressure, iron and cholesterol levels. Walkins are welcome, but appointments are preferred. https:// www.tbcdonors.org/donor/ schedules/drive_schedule/55518.
SPORTS & RECREATION
SPILLWAY CLASSIC TRAIL
RUN: {span}The New Orleans Track Club will host the 39th annual run, “The Gauntlet,” a 3-mile course through the natural trails and ecosystem of the Bonnet Carre Spillway, at 8 a.m. on July 12 at the Bonnet Carre Spillway Boat Launch Pavilion, Lower Guide Levee Road at Airline Highway in Norco. Registration starts at $40. https://runsignup.com/Race/LA/NORCO/ SpillwayClassicTrailRun.
FUNDRAISERS & GALAS
WYES SEASON OF GOOD
TASTES: The wine-pairing dinner series returns for its 33rd year, running from May through July Each of the nine dinners is crafted by the host chef, with every course designed to complement the wines served that evening Dinner prices range from $135 to $200 and include tax and gratuity. All dinners begin at 6:30 p.m. and benefit WYES Reservations are available online. www.wyes.org/tv/ wyes-originals/season-ofgood-tastes.
BOWLING FOR THE CAUSE:
‘Sgt. Pepper’ with the Topcats
kling Across Europe summer wine series, 5:30-6:30 p.m. on three Wednesdays, starting July 15 and running through Sept. 16. It will explore wines from Italy, France and Spain. Each class features a guided tasting of three pours, paired with curated light bites. July 15 will feature prosecco and Italian sparklers. Aug. 19 will focus on Champagne and French sparklers. Sept. 16 will feature cava and Spanish sparklers. Tickets start at
Second Line Swine will host a bowling tournament benefiting Hogs for the Cause, starting at 10 a.m. on July 11 at Westside Bowling Lanes, 3715 Westbank Expressway in Harvey. The entry fee is $300 per team of six.
THEATER & CONCERTS
“MACBETH”: Shakespeare’s famous “Scottish play” runs through July 12 as part of the New Orleans Shakespeare Festival at Tulane. Performances will be held at the Lupin Theatre on the campus of Tulane University, 69 Newcomb Circle, New Orleans. Evening performances begin at 7:30 p.m., with matinees at 1:30 p.m. Tickets start at $25. https://neworleansshakespeare.org/.
“LA CAGE AUX FOLLES”: Summer Lyric Theatre will present the 1983 Tony Award-winning musical by Jerry Herman and Harvey Fierstein July 9-12 at 104 Dixon Hall on the campus of Tulane University, 6823 St. Charles Ave. in New Orleans. Curtain is at 7:30 p.m. for evening performances and 2 p.m. for the matinee. Tickets start at $57. https://liberalarts. tulane.edu/summer-lyrictheatre/tickets/la-cage-auxfolles.
“LEGALLY BLONDE”: The Tony Award-nominated musical following Elle Woods to Harvard Law School will be presented by Rivertown Theaters for the Performing Arts, 325 Minor St. in Kenner. The show runs July 9-19, with evening performances at 7:30 p.m. and matinees at varying times. Tickets start at $52.19. www.rivertowntheaters.com/ event/legally-blonde TIPITINA’S FREE FRIDAYS: Tipitina’s, 501 Napoleon Ave. in New Orleans, will continue its free summer concert series for ages 21 and older on July 10 with Honey Island Swamp Band + Deltaphonic. Doors open at 8 p.m., and the show begins at 9 p.m. for all series concerts. https://tipitinas. com/freefridays/.
DRUM CIRCLE: The French Quarter Visitor Center at 419 Decatur St. in New Orleans will host an interactive drum-and-dance circle from 10:30-11:30 a.m. on July 11. Admission is free and open to the public. Seating is limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis. This drum circle is open to all ages. No experience is required. The New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park sponsors this. www.nps.gov/jazz/planyourvisit/calendar.html
STAGE DOOR IDOL: The National WWII Museum will begin the annual summer musical competition at 6 p.m. on July 11, with weekly rounds through Aug. 11, to name the 2026 winner. The Idol winner receives a $2,000 prize and the opportunity to perform with the Victory Swing Orchestra. The competition takes place in BB’s Stage Door Canteen. Tickets are $15. www.nationalww2museum.org/programs/ stage-door-idol.
OLIVER JR.”: JPA Theatre Kids will present an adaptation of the Tony and Olivier Award-winning musical based on the Charles Dickens novel “Oliver Twist” July 17-19 at the Westwego Performing Arts Theatre, 177 A-Sala Ave. in Westwego. Curtain is at 7:30 p.m. for evening performances and 2 p.m. for the matinee. Tickets start at $28.75 via Ticketmaster. www jpas.org/.
“MARY POPPINS”: Tickets are on sale for the River Region Drama Guild’s production of the Walt Disney musical classic, to be performed July 17-
19 in the Shell Theatre at the Dr. Rodney R. Lafon Performing Arts Center, 275 Judge E. Dufresne Parkway in Luling. Evening performances start at 7 p.m., with the matinee at 2 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets start at $15 https://sites. google.com/view/rrdginc/upcoming-events/mary-poppin
BOOKS & LITERARY
EVENT
STORYLAND STORYTIME:
City Park Conservancy will host story time in Storyland through July, 10:30-11:30 a.m. on Thursdays at City Park, 1 Palm Drive in New Orleans. CPC team members will read the story of the day at the Storyland Castle, followed by activities such as crafting, freeze dances, scavenger hunts, and more. Storytime is included with admission to Storyland. The story for July 2 is “Tortoise and the Hare,” and for July 9 is “Walt Disney’s Alice in Wonderland.” Friends of City Park members are free. Children under 36” are free. Admission for those 36” and over is $8. NewOrleansCityPark.org/Storyland.
“THE HANDS THAT TREAT”: Kristen Casey will celebrate the release of her book at 6 p.m. on July 10 at Garden District Book Shop, 2727 Prytania St., New Orleans. General admission is free. Reserved books start at $18.83 on Eventbrite. www gardendistrictbookshop.com/ upcomingevents.
REALLY BIG USED BOOK SALE:
The Library Foundation of New Orleans (formerly the Friends of NOPL) will host a book sale July 10-11 at East New Orleans Regional Library 5641 Read Blvd., New Orleans. Hours are 12 noon-5 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday. Inventory includes children’s books, home and garden, local interest, history arts and music, and romance. https://supportlfno.org/.
“WHERE Y’AT, JOCKAMO?”: Author Madi Hannan will lead Saturday Storytime with a reading for little ones at 11 a.m. at Garden District Book Shop, 2727 Prytania, New Orleans. www.gardendistrictbookshop.com.
STORYLAND STORYTIME: City Park Conservancy will host story time in Storyland through July, 10:30-11:30 a.m. on Thursdays at City Park, 1 Palm Drive, New Orleans. CPC team members will read the story of the day at the Storyland Castle, followed by activities such as crafting, freeze dances, scavenger hunts, and more. Storytime is included with admission to Storyland. The story for July 16 is “Petite Rouge” by Mike Artell. Friends of City Park members are free. Children under 36” are free. Admission for those 36” and over is $8. NewOrleansCityPark.org/ Storyland.
MEETINGS
NATIONAL ACTIVE AND RETIRED FEDERAL EMPLOYEES:
The Vernon L. Landry Chapter 1398 of NARFE will hold its monthly meeting and luncheon, beginning at 11 a.m. on July 8, in the Sicilian Room at Rocky and Carlo’s Restaurant & Bar, 613 W. St. Bernard Highway in Chalmette. It will celebrate the chapter’s 15th anniversary of reforming after Hurricane Katrina with cake and ice cream. All active and retired federal and postal employees interested in learning more about how NARFE advocates for legislation and regulations that benefit federal civilian employees and annuitants under any
federal civilian retirement program are invited to attend. Attendees are encouraged to wear red, white, and blue in honor of America 250. Pamela.e.mark1953@gmail. com.
CULINARY EXPERIENCES DOOK CHASE: A CHEF’S JOURNEY TASTING & LAUNCH
PARTY: WYES will host a party to celebrate the launch of its new cooking series. The event begins at 11 a.m. on July 11 at the WYES-TV studios, 916 Navarre Ave., New Orleans. Activities include tastings of dishes featured in the 26-part cooking series, a live cooking demonstration by Chef Chase, and conversations about the program and the companion cookbook. Tickets are $45. Proceeds from the event support WYES’ future local cooking series and documentary program-
ming. www.wyes.org/dookchase. SALON SUPPER CLUB: The New Orleans Museum of Art, 1 Collins Diboll Circle in New Orleans, will host a food- and art-focused event inspired by works on view at NOMA, 6-9 p.m. on July 16. The “Surreal Summer” will draw inspiration from Surrealist works in NOMA’s collection, with a menu crafted by chef Wiley Wilkinson Lewis of Delacroix Restaurant and additional support from Ralph Brennan Catering Events at Café NOMA. Activities also include live music, DJ sets from Brice Nice, aura photography, and art-inspired activations throughout the museum. Tickets start at $150. https:// noma.org/event/summersupper-club-2026/. SUMMER ABROAD WINE CAMP: Ralph’s on the Park, 900 City Park Ave. in New Orleans, will host the Spar-
beginning at 9:30 a.m. with coffee and pastry The presentation begins at 10 a.m. Annual membership is $20 per person, or a $5 donation for an event. www learningbeforelunch.com
SUCCULENT ARRANGEMENT WORKSHOP: It’s
Algiers Lions Club installs offi
InspiringThroughEducation
The Algiers Lions Club recently installed new officers. From left are Jay Schmitt, Ashley Ridgley and Kevin Williams, membership cochairs; Rodney Batiste, Lion teamer; Joyce Schmitt, secretary; the Rev. Dave Munn, chaplain; Traci Miller, president; Robin Parks, district governor; Angelena Jones, vice president; Jerry Underwood, treasurer; and Louise Punch, Louisiana Lions Camp chair
PROVIDED PHOTO
