Grand Isle gains $2.7M grant for work at dock facilities
BY CHELSEA SHANNON Staff writer
Grand Isle is getting a $2.7 mil-
lion federal grant to repair two dock facilities at the port that were damaged in Hurricane Ida
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development granted funding to the Grand Isle Port Commission for critical improvements to two dock facilities that have been in disrepair since 2021.
The grant is intended to support economic development and strengthen infrastructure serving Louisiana’s commercial seafood industry operating out of the Oak Lane Dock and Shrimp Dock facilities. Ports Association of Louisiana President and Grand
Isle Port Commission Executive
Director Weldon Danos said the grant was the largest in the commission’s history
“This historic investment is a tremendous victory for Grand Isle and for the hardworking men and women who depend on our port every day,” Danos said.
The commission reports it has secured more than $9.3 million in federal, state and parish grant funding and cooperative agreements to aid in recovery Danos told The Times-Picayune in 2024 that the port’s damage was preventing about $12 million from entering the Grand Isle economy annually, with the bulk of the boat slips at the commercial fishing docks unusable. Port leaders
hoped to repair damage before any more major storms.
The new grant will continue efforts to replace the remaining damaged bulkhead, pilings and walkways at the Oak Lane Dock; dredge the west slip of the Oak Lane Dock to remove excess silt and storm debris; repair flooring and walls at the Shrimp Dock; install a pump station at the Oak Lane Dock area; and improve lighting and parking areas at the Oak Lane Dock. In the years since Ida, several projects have been completed, including repairs to the port’s kayak launch and recreational fishing pier Most recently, repairs to the
STAFF FILE PHOTO BY CHRIS GRANGER
Boats in the port of Grand Isle.
STAFF PHOTOS BY ENAN CHEDIAK
Kenzie Nikkel, 13, right, decorates a shoe with Rose Nikkel, left, at the Norman Mayer Library in New Orleans on July 11, well in advance of Mardi Grasm which is Feb 9, 2027.
Brittany Smith decorates a shoe with the Krewe of Muses at the Norman Mayer Library in New Orleans
Kenzie Nikkel, 13, decorates a shoe with glitter Zariah Smith, 8, decorates a shoe.
DOCK
Continued from page 1G
west slip of the commercial dock were completed with funding from FEMA Hurricane Ida Public Assistance Grant, the State of Louisiana Capital Outlay Program and Jefferson Parish. Those included the replacement of 377 feet of vinyl sheet bulkhead and upgrades to walkways and access areas. The HUD grant is part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, which provides $3.62 billion nationwide through the Economic Development Initiative’s Community Project Funding program. More than 2,200
projects aimed at stimulating economic growth and strengthening communities were selected in the nationwide effort.
“These investments strengthen local economies, create jobs and broaden opportunities for years to come,” Housing and Urban Development Assistant Secretary Ronald Kurtz said in a statement.
The Grand Isle Commission, created in 1996 and which regulates commerce and traffic to the port, thanked U.S. Rep. Steve Scalise, his staff and all partners who made the latest grant possible. Grand Isle is a hub for the petroleum industry commercial fisheries and tourism.
PET OF THE WEEK
PROVIDED PHOTO
At first glance, Lara may look perpetually exhausted because of her white coat beautiful calico patches, and her signature ‘I just woke up from a three-day nap’ expression. But don’t let her sleepy face fool you; she’s a 1-year-old with plenty of energy. To learn more, email adoptionteam@ animalrescueneworleans.org or submit an application at animalrescueneworleans.org/adoptfoster
COUGH
Continued from page 1G
kennel cough is a persistent, dry hacking cough. Other signs may include:
n Sneezing
n Nasal discharge
n Mild fever
n Loss of appetite
n Lethargy
n Difficulty breathing in more serious cases
Most healthy dogs recover within a couple of weeks with rest and supportive care. However, puppies, senior dogs and those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of more serious complications, including pneumonia. If a dog develops a persistent cough, keep him away from other dogs until the veterinarian determines the cause. That means skipping the dog park, daycare, grooming appointments and boarding until he’s no longer contagious. Even if the dog seems fine, exposing other dogs can spread the cough. Treatment options depend on the severity of the illness. Some dogs need only rest,
while others may require medications to control coughing or treat secondary bacterial infections. A veterinarian can determine the most appropriate treatment plan for the pet. One of the best ways to reduce a dog’s risk of catching kennel cough is through preventive care. No vaccine prevents every case of kennel cough, but keeping a dog’s vaccinations current, avoiding contact with sick animals, and seeking veterinary care promptly if a cough develops can go a long way toward protecting a pet.
Events
Aug 9: PetSmart Dog Days of Summer Adoption Event, 6851 Veterans Blvd., Metairie, from noon to 4 p.m. Meet adorable puppies and dogs from ARNO All approved adopters will receive a PetSmart coupon book and a new bed from ARNO. For more information, email info@animalrescueneworleans.org.
Traci D. Howerton is the volunteer manager for Animal Rescue New Orleans.
Saints celebrate 60th season and 20th anniversary of return to Dome
Staff report
This fall, the New Orleans Saints will celebrate 60 years of Who Dat football and the 20th anniversary of the return to the Dome with a series of activities and experiences for fans and team members, past and present.
Key dates include the Training Camp experience with open practices on Aug. 13 and Aug. 26 at Tulane; Black and Gold Week starting on Sept. 7, with Black and Gold Fridays throughout the season; a Saints watch party at Manning’s on Sept. 13; the annual Saints 5K and Kids Fun Run on Sept. 26; and a limited-edition 60th-season commemorative coin give-
away at the Sept. 27 home opener Anniversary events will include the 60th-season logo illuminated on the gold exterior lighting of the
Caesars Superdome leading into every home game; the debut of “Saints at 60,” a six-part documentary series highlighting the people who have helped shape the franchise over six decades; the debut of the club’s 60th-season retail capsule collection; and players and mascots wearing commemorative 60th-season uniform patches.
This year will also feature the Pro Football Hall of Fame induction and ring ceremony for Drew Brees on Aug. 8 in Canton, Ohio; the Saints Hall of Fame inductions of Mark Ingram II and Terron Armstead; and the NFL’s first-ever regular-season game in Paris on Oct. 25, featuring the Saints and the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Local author and historian Ed Branley will discuss the influential artist Boyd Cruise at 7 p.m. Aug. 20 at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie.
Cruise combined his artistic talents with a love of history to create an endearing portfolio of paintings that romanticized southern Louisiana’s built environment — particularly the French Quarter and plantations along River Road. The level of detail in his works, from building signs and period dress to architectural elements, faithfully reflects the reality of everyday life in Louisiana.
Many of his works were commissioned by the Depression-era federal Historic American Buildings Survey to document Louisiana’s architectural heritage.
Cruise was also the first director of The Historic New Orleans Collection, a renowned private archive of art and historic documents in the French Quarter
Born in Cains, Mississippi, on Oct. 20, 1909, Cruise was the son of Ethel Flowers and William Dal-
las Cruise. Shortly after Boyd’s birth, the family moved to Crowley, where he attended grammar school. In 1918, the family moved to Lake Charles, where he completed high school. By his junior year of high school, he knew he wanted to be an artist and began designing and painting stage sets for the Lake Charles Little Theater under the direction of Rosa Hart. With Hart’s encouragement, he applied for a scholarship to the New Orleans School of Art, operated by the Arts and Crafts Club of New Orleans.
Star gazing Barry Simon, president of the Pontchartrain Astronomy Society, will present an overview of what can be seen in the skies, from urban to rural, at what time of year, with what instruments, and from where, at 7 p.m. Aug. 5 at the East Bank Regional Library He will show many pictures of objects in the sky
Simon also will discuss the Deep South Star Gaze, officially the Deep South Regional Star Gaze and the oldest annual star party in the southeastern United States. It occurs Oct. 10-15 at the Feliciana Retreat and Conference Center in Norwood.
Simon is a longtime member of the Pontchartrain Astronomy Society
Storytelling workshop Writer, filmmaker and songwriter/producer Steve Scaffidi will present a creative storytelling workshop from 1 to 4 p.m. Aug. 9 at the East Bank Regional Library
During the seminar, Scaffidi will guide participants through their individual stories to create a song. By the end of the workshop, each participant will have written a full song inspired by a personal story Participants will have full control over the style, instrumentation, melody, and all other aspects of their song.
Following the workshop, Scaffidi will take each participant’s creative work back to his studio and produce a full song for each class member Songs created during the workshop will be showcased at another library event from 10:30 a.m. to noon on Saturday Aug. 29.
This second part of the event, titled the Song Showcase, is open to the public, and all participants will walk away with a professionally produced MP3 of their song!
During the workshop, participants will learn how to copyright their song and register it with a performance rights organization such as ASCAP and BMI. Every participant will own their individual songs outright and may choose to reproduce, perform, or promote their song in any
way they see fit. Food and cocktail demos Mixologist Elizabeth Pearce will create a Bourbon slush using frozen orange and lemonade concentrate and tea, and food historian Liz Williams will discuss an easy yet tasty rémoulade sauce at two different libraries — one on each bank of the river These events will occur on the following dates and times.
6:30 p.m. Aug 11: West Bank Regional Library 2751 Manhattan Blvd., Harvey 6:30 p.m.
STAFF FILE PHOTO BY SOPHIA GERMER
New Orleans Saints defensive end Carl Granderson poses with fans following the Saints open practice at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans on Aug. 23, 2024.
BACK-TO-SCHOOL EVENTS
REVYNGE SPORTS FOUNDATION
BACK-TO-SCHOOL DRIVE & YOUTH
SKILLS CAMP: The foundation, dedicated to empowering youth through sports, education, mentorship, and community impact, will host a free community event from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Aug. 16 at Milne Playground, 2500 Filmore Ave., New Orleans. Families will have access to free backpacks, school supplies, community resources, and a skills camp led by current and former collegiate and professional athletes. Backpacks and supplies will be distributed on a first-come first-served basis while supplies last. Registration through Eventbrite is encouraged. https://www eventbrite.com/e/the-pregame-byrevynge-sports-foundation-tickets-1994607565923.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
HEXFEST: A WEEKEND OF WITCHERY: Registration is open for the conference celebrating the magic of the Crescent City to be held Aug. 7-9 at The Bourbon Orleans, 717 Orleans St. in New Orleans. Activities include a Riverboat Ritual, workshops, drumming and presentations. Registration starts at $407.26. www. hexfest.com
NOLA COMIC CON 2026: The ninth family-friendly event runs 10 a.m.4 p.m. on Aug. 8-9 at the Pontchartrain Convention & Civic Center, 4545 Williams Blvd. in Kenner. Comic books, toys, collectibles, artists, and guests are on hand, with daily cosplay events. Tickets start at $15 via Eventbrite. https://mcconventions. com/nola-comic-con/. RED DRESS RUN: The New Orleans Hash House Harriers will host their 32nd annual charity “run” on Aug. 8 at Crescent Park, 100 Mandeville St. in New Orleans. Gates open at 9 a.m., when kegs will be tapped Red-clad runners will line up starting at 9:30 a.m. for a 10:15 start After the run, food and beverage, along with live entertainment, will continue until 4 p.m. This is a 21-and-older event. Registration is $89. www.noh3.com/RDR/RDRHome.
php.
DIRTY LINEN NIGHT: The Royal Street Arts District will sponsor its 23rd annual event, 6-9 p.m. on Aug. 8, as galleries and shops offer food and cocktails in the 200-1100 blocks of Royal Street and select Chartres Street shops. Wristbands are $20 https://dirtylinen.org/.
SENIOR SUMMER TOURS: The New Orleans Council on Aging will host tours highlighting Jackson Square, Jax Brewery and Cafe du Monde at 10 a.m. on Aug. 6 and Aug. 25, meeting at 1340 Poydras St. in New Orleans. The tours are led by Clerk Chelsey Richard Napoleon. RSVPs can be made by phone at (504) 4070106 or online. civilclerkresearchctr@orleanscivilclerk.com.
SUMMER NATIONALS: The American Bridge Association will host its summer tournament Aug. 6-15 at the Downtown New Orleans Marriott, 555 Canal St., New Orleans. https:// ababridge.org/. NEW ORLEANS ANTIQUE FORUM: The Historic New Orleans Collection will host “Material Belief: Objects of Faith, Spirit, and Tradition” Aug. 7-9 at the Williams Research Center 410 Chartres St., New Orleans. Forum sessions will cover a range of sacred items, including Catholic statuary, Judaica, prayer samplers, Afro-Caribbean ritual objects, and more. Registration is $225, with additional options available. Registration can be made at (504) 598-7146. https://hnoc.org/events/antiquesforum-2026.
PILATES AND PUPPIES ADOPTION
EVENT: Pilates in the Park NOLA and Trampled Rose Rescue will host an adoption event from 10-11 a.m. on Aug. 8 at Oak and Ale, 8118 Oak St., New Orleans. All fitness levels are welcome. A portion of profits will be donated to Trampled Rose Rescue. Tickets start at $31.37 via Eventbrite. www.trampledroserescue.org.
CONVERGENCE: The Handweavers Guild of America will host its annual international fiber art experience, featuring five days of art, fiber, education, and community, Aug. 12-16 at the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel, 500 Canal St., New Orleans. The event includes exhibits, a fashion show, a marketplace, speeches, and workshops and seminars. Tickets start at $15. www.handweavers.org/ convergence.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
THE BIG HEALTH EVENT: Registration is open for the Urban League of
Louisiana’s one-day celebration of health, wellness, and community 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Aug. 15, at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center Hall J, 900 Convention Center Blvd. New Orleans. Activities will include free health screenings, panels with health experts, sports and STEM activities, information booths, workforce and career opportunities, and a Youth & Family Zone featuring children’s activities and back-toschool giveaways. The event is free and open to the public. Free parking will be available in Lots F and G. Registration is available through Eventbrite. https://urbanleaguela. org/bighealth/.
FUNDRAISERS & GALAS
LSU HEALTH FOUNDATION SULLIVAN
GALA: The fundraiser supporting the LSU Health Department of Neurosurgery will be held from 7 to 11 p.m. on Aug. 7 at the Fillmore, 6 Canal St., New Orleans. Music will be provided by The Yat Pack, featuring Bobby Cure and others. Tickets start at $200 via onecause.com. https:// lsuhealthfoundation.org/who-weare/about-us/.
THEATER & CONCERTS
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 Aug. 7 with Flow Tribe + Zita. Doors open at 8 p.m., and the show begins at 9 p.m. for all series concerts. https://tipitinas.com/freefridays/.
SUMMER MUSIC SERIES: The New Orleans Jazz & Blues Market’s series brings together local musicians at 7 p.m. on Wednesdays at 1436 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd. in New Orleans. The Aug. 5 performance
features Deuce Brown. Tickets are $15 via Ticketmaster. https://jazzandbluesmarket.com/. PORCHSIDE PERFORMANCES: Free evening concerts every Thursday in August kick off at 5:30 p.m. on Aug. 6 with Big Sam’s Funky Nation on the porch of the Ernst N. Morial Convention Center, Hall D, 900 Convention Center Blvd. in New Orleans. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs. A cash bar will be available. http://mccno.com/concert-series.
CULINARY EXPERIENCES
SUMMER SABER FRIDAYS: Brennan’s Restaurant, 417 Royal St. in New Orleans, will host a Friday afternoon series in August, during which guests can learn the art of sabrage — slicing open a bottle of Champagne with style. Seatings are available in 30-minute increments between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. The experience ticket includes a pre-selected bottle of bubbly (Bisol “Crede” Brut Valdobbiadene prosecco Superiore 2022), the saber lesson, tax and gratuity. A spectator ticket can be added for additional guests to enjoy the show. Seating is first-come, first-served. Ticket price does not include a reserved table. Tickets are $75. www.brennansneworleans. com/events.
SUMMER SOMMELIER TOURS: Brennan’s Restaurant, 417 Royal St. in New Orleans, will host wine cellar tours with their sommeliers, Saturdays at 3:30 during August. The tour includes three wine tastings and light bites. Tickets are $65. www.exploretock.com/brennans/ event/612168/summer-sommeliercellar-tours.
BOOKS & LITERARY EVENTS
“HE HAS THE PEOPLE”: Author Jonathan Earle will discuss his newest book on Abraham Lincoln at 6 p.m. on Aug. 7 at Garden District Book Shop, 2727 Prytania St., New Orleans. RSVPs can be made via Eventbrite. www.gardendistrictbookshop.com/events.
“GHOST IN THE NIGHT”: Author Tiffany D. Jackson will discuss her new middle-grades thriller at 5 p.m. on Aug. 8 at Octavia Books, 513 Octavia St., New Orleans. https://octaviabooks.com/event/2026-08-08/ ghost-night-tiffany-d-jackson.
“SWAMP SORCERY”: Author Dylan Bauer will sign copies of his new book from 7-9 p.m. on Aug. 10 at Dark Matter Oddities & Artisan Collective, 822 Chartres St., New Orleans. At 8:30 p.m., Dylan will lead a bone-casting demonstration showing how bones, shells, curios, and other natural objects are cast and interpreted to reveal messages from the unseen.
“THE DESERVING”: Author Liz Vartkessian will be in conversation with Sister Helen Prejean & Rose Vines about her newest book at
6 p.m. on Aug. 11 at Garden District Book Shop, 2727 Prytania St., New Orleans. RSVPs can be made via Eventbrite. www.gardendistrictbookshop.com/events.
“BORN IN FIRE!”: Author K.F. Breene will celebrate the publication of her newest book at 6 p.m. on Aug. 12 at Garden District Book Shop, 2727 Prytania St., New Orleans. RSVPs can be made via Eventbrite. https:// www.gardendistrictbookshop.com/ events-1/liz-vartkessian-at-thegdbs-1-1.
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 Aug. 12, in the Sicilian Room at Rocky and Carlo’s Restaurant & Bar, 613 W. St. Bernard Highway in Chalmette. 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 are invited to attend. Pamela.e.mark1953@gmail.com.
CLASSES & LECTURES
ART STUDI-O: Marwan Pleasant, a Black Masking Indian artist, will lead an immersive, three-part, hands-on workshop, 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m., on Aug. 8, 15, and 22 at Ogden Museum of Southern Art, 925 Camp St., New Orleans. Participants of all levels will learn the foundations of hand beading and advanced techniques, culminating in a finished brooch pin. Registration is $150 for members and $165 for nonmembers. All materials are provided. https://ogdenmuseum.org/event/art-studi-o-3/. SCENE STUDY: Crescent City Stage will offer classes for adults of all levels, 6-8:30 p.m., on Aug. 10, 17, 24, and 31 at 6063 Magazine St., New Orleans. Registration is $200. Additional adult improv classes will be offered on the first Wednesday of each month, starting in August. Registration is $40 per session. www.crescentcitystage.com/adultclasses. LEARNING BEFORE LUNCH: The Aug. 13 presentation will be “A
InspiringThroughEducation
CornerstonehasbeenacommunitypartnerinWaggamanand JeffersonParishforover70years.AtCornerstoneEnergyPark, weinvestincollaborativecommunityprogramstochampion educationandempowerthelocalscience,technology,engineering, andmathematics(STEM)workforceofthefuture
We’recommittedtoourcommunity.Togetherwithourcommunity partners,wearehelpingbridgethegapbetweeneducationand opportunitytoinspirelearning,locally.
STAFF FILE PHOTO BY SOPHIA GERMER
Participants walk in the shade of umbrellas during the annual Red Dress Run in New Orleans on Aug. 10, 2024.
“The
future’s happening here in RichlandParish.”
Kaycie Coffee shop owner
$1.6billion forLouisianabusinesses. Catering for40 peopleused to be agood week.Now they hit400.And that’sjust thetacos From coffee shops tobus tours, Meta’s RichlandParish investment isalreadypayingoff for businesses across Louisiana.
Preston Tour bus operator
Lindsay Food truck owner
