The East Jefferson Advocate 07-16-2025

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Youth orchestra in spotlight on famous stage

Contributing writer

It’s an old joke: “How do you get to Carnegie Hall?” Answer: “Practice, practice, practice.”

And that’s exactly how more than 60 members of the Greater New Orleans Youth Orchestra got there, performing June 29 at one of the most treasured national historic landmarks.

The performance also marked the 30th anniversary of the orchestra.

“We were selected by MidAmerica Productions, which specializes in organizing and producing concerts in New York City and worldwide,” explained Jean Montes, Ph.D., the orchestra’s director “Our orchestra was part of the organization’s ensemble spotlight series.”

Musician Melody Bogen has been playing cello for four years. This was her first trip to New York. “It was fantastic,” said Melody a freshman at Kenner Discovery Health Sciences Academy “When I walked on stage, I thought it was so cool I couldn’t stop smiling.

TALL ORDER

“And I wasn’t nervous at all because Dr Montes prepared us for the concert.”

Melody is the daughter of Lacie and Chris Bogen, of River Ridge.

“I (had seen) pictures of Carnegie Hall because I had never been to New York,” added Caleb Patterson, who plays the tuba and is a senior at Brother Martin High School in New Orleans. “It was a surreal moment for me.”

Caleb is the son of Matthew and Carmen Patterson, of Harahan.

“Everyone performed so well, and we are very grateful Caleb had this opportunity,” Matthew Patterson said. “He was

How to help dogs with sight problems navigate family life

As pets age, their hearing and vision are often some of the first things to decline.

Vision loss can happen for several reasons, and for most dogs, it is a gradual process. Some dogs may develop eye conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma or dry eye, and some of these conditions can lead to partial vision impairment or total blindness.

My dog, Romeo, is 15, and he is down to one eye and glaucoma in his remaining eye with a complete loss of eyesight. Signs a dog may be losing vision:

n Cloudiness and/or red blood vessels in the eyes n Noticeable eye pain n Increased clumsiness n Difficulty finding toys

n Startles easily n Lower energy levels If your dog starts to exhibit any of these signs, a visit to the veterinarian is recommended to get a proper diagnosis. Vision loss due to conditions like cataracts or glaucoma can sometimes be slowed or repaired

AP PHOTO BY MARY ALTAFFER
STAFF
PHOTO BY SOPHIA GERMER
Maverick receives lettuce from zoo visitors. ä World Giraffe Day at Audubon Zoo. PAGE 2G

Tweens can learn the nuts and bolts of robotics with help from Jesuit team

Contributing writer

The Jesuit Robotics team will lead a free workshop for tweens

from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m July 16

at the Alvar Library, 913 Alvar St

Attendees will design and program robots to create a new city. Space is limited; registration is required. Visit events.nolalibrary org to sign up.

PUPPET THEATER: The Ogden Museum’s teen interns will visit a variety of library locations to perform “Southern Puppet Theater,” an interactive puppet show for young audiences. The summer Ogden interns worked with local puppet artist Cori Jenkins to create puppets and write shows inspired by works of art at the Ogden Museum.

A puppet meet-and-greet will follow each performance; all start at 11 a.m.: n July 17, Alvar Library, 913 Alvar St. n July 18, Latter Library, 5120

St. Charles Ave.

n July 21 Main Library, 219 Loyola Ave.

n July 22, Central City Library, 2020 Jackson Ave.

AUTHOR TALK: Local author Constance Adler will visit Latter Library at 5:30 p.m. on July 17 to discuss her book “Sight Unseen.”

Opening in May 1995, on the night of a terrific flood that sets their home afloat, “Sight Unseen” follows a New Orleans couple as they delve into the wreckage literally and figuratively

The library is located at 5120 St. Charles Ave.

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 July 17.

This interactive game of trivia and scavenger hunts is presented in the style of classic game shows of the ’70s and ’80s. Space is limited. Visit events. nolalibrary org to sign up.

BUBBLE TIME: Hey Now Produc-

tions will visit Dr Martin Luther King Jr Library at 11 a.m. on July 19 to present “Bubbles for Everyone,” an interactive outdoor program for kids and families. Attendees can experiment with a variety of bubble tools and toys to make the biggest, prettiest, most fantastic bubbles. The library is at 1611 Fats Domino Ave.

POETRY WRITING: Award-winning poet Skye Jackson will lead “Poetry and Art,” a creative writing workshop that explores the world of ekphrastic poetry at 5:30 p.m. on July 21 at Latter Library 5120 St. Charles Ave. Ekphrastic poetry is the vivid description of a scene or work of art. Participants will look through a selection of art books for inspiration and experiment with writing their own poems inspired by visual art. Writers of all levels are welcome.

Jackson is an award-winning writer and editor from New Orleans whose poetry has appeared in The Southern Review, Rattle, Green Mountains Review and the Library of Congress Poetry 180

from

Project. WATER EVERYWHERE: Master Gardener Dov Block will lead “Learning to Live With and Love Water” on July 22 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Hubbell Library, 725 Pelican Ave.

Designing garden spaces to trap and use excess water is an important component in mitigating soil and land loss in southeast Louisiana. Block’s workshop will focus on water-friendly plants and how to install them. This is only a small sampling of the events happening at the New Orleans Public Library this week. Visit events.nolalibrary.org or download the NOLA Library app to explore the library’s full programming calendar

VISION

Continued from page 1G

with medication or surgery

Romeo’s glaucoma is being managed with two separate eye drops several times daily and this course of treatment seems to have the condition under control for now If vision loss cannot be fixed, don’t panic. Our pets are resilient and can easily learn to compensate by using their other senses like hearing, smell and touch. If the family pup is losing his vision, following are some tips to help him adjust:

TALK TO YOUR PET: Talking to a pet with vision loss is so important because it can help them figure out where they are. Speaking to get their attention is also good to avoid startling or scaring them.

In Romeo’s case, he is also deaf, but I still talk to him anyway I also pick him up a lot and help guide him to where he needs to be. He is talking to me, too — more than ever now — as he has become very vocal now that he is blind. He barks to let us know exactly what he wants and to make sure he is seen and heard and doesn’t miss a treat.

DOG-PROOF THE HOME: This may include putting up gates to areas that may be harmful, such as stairs, and putting corner protectors on sharp furniture.

Creating location cues is also important Rugs and changes in flooring from one room to the next will help a blind dog navigate the home. Keeping the floors clear and clutter-free is also a must to avoid tripping hazards.

We keep all the doors closed now so Romeo is limited to just the main areas of the home and doesn’t get stuck in a closet or bathroom.

CREATE A SAFE ZONE: This will be an area that is comfortable and easy to get to, like a nice comfy bed.

KEEP FOOD AND WATER IN THE SAME SPOT:

Once the dog has learned where the food and water bowls are located, it will be easy to find the spot again and it will become another location reminder Romeo travels with us, and I make sure he knows where his bowls are in the vacation home first thing.

FOLLOW A ROUTINE: All dogs like having a routine. Keeping things consistent will help a blind dog anticipate what’s coming each day

THINK TWICE BEFORE MOVING FURNITURE:

Once the furniture is arranged in a safe way for the pet that allows for easy movement and navigation of the space, try not to change it again. Pets can memorize the floor plan, and this will help them move about the home.

USE SQUEAKY TOYS: Any toys that squeak or makes noise will help make playtime easier and more enjoyable for a blind dog.

LEAVE THE TV ON: All pets enjoy background noise. Keeping the television on not only distinguishes the different rooms of the home for a blind pet, but it also reduces loneliness. Sometimes, the eye problem is not age-related. Many eye diseases are common among dogs and can lead to discomfort and vision im-

Jane LeGros is the director of marketing and communications for the New Orleans Public Library

PROVIDED PHOTO Agatha Christie is a delightful female dachshund mix with a nose for sniffing out clues and cuddles. The biggest mystery of all? Why you haven’t already filled out an application to adopt her? She’s sweet and just over a year old. To learn more, email adopt@ animalrescueneworleans.org

pairment or loss. Some breeds are also more prone to eye issues than others.

Dogs lead with their noses and those eyes can easily end up with a scratch to the cornea, pick up a bacterial infection such as pink eye, have a discharge due to allergies, and more. Some eye diseases are secondary as a result of some other condition such as high blood pressure, diabetes and certain cancers.

Most eye problems can be treated by a veterinarian; some dogs will require a visit to a specialist for their eye condition. Note that eye issues need to be addressed immediately

Take your pet to the vet as soon as possible if you notice any of the following:

n Squinting or holding their eyes closed

n If the eyes are red and/or swollen n Yellow green, or red discharge from the eyes n Swelling, crusting or hair loss on the eyelids

Events

JULY 18: Kendra Scott Gives Back adoption event from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the accessories store, 5757 Magazine St. in New Orleans. Shop in person and meet adoptable dogs on July 18 or online July 18-19 and Kendra Scott will donate 20%. Please use the code: GIVEBACKJOVCY online.

JULY 20: 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 coupon book from PetSmart and a new bed from ARNO. For more info, email info@animalrescue neworleans.org.

Traci D. Howerton is the volunteer manager for Animal Rescue New Orleans, a nonprofit, volunteer-based, no-kill shelter. For more information on ARNO, visit www animalrescueneworleans.org.

Fennessy, an almost 3-year-old giraffe at the Audubon Zoo, gets lots of attention on World Giraffe Day.
Zoo visitors crowd around to see giraffes Fennessy and Maverick.
STAFF PHOTOS BY SOPHIA GERMER
Maverick receives lettuce
Mac Jarvis, 2, in the arms of Meghan Jarvis, during the recent World Giraffe Day at Audubon Zoo in New Orleans. Jarvis said giraffes are Mac’s favorite animal.
STAFF PHOTO BY SCOTT THRELKELD Tweens can learn about robotics at the Alvar Library.
WORLD GIRAFFE DAY

so happy being on that stage. And after the performance, all of us went out to eat and we talked for two hours about the performance.”

Besides his work with the orchestra, Montes is also the director of orchestral studies and a professor of cello at Loyola University He teaches conducting and string pedagogy courses for music education majors. Montes explained the selection process for the orchestra

“We looked for those who took the time to present a well-prepared audition, who are motivated, talented and committed to reaching new heights,” said Montes. “The selection process started last September, and we had our first rehearsal in January.”

The group’s Carnegie Hall performance included Beethoven’s “Overture to Fidelio – op.72”; Robert Sheldon’s “Danzas Cubanas,” Occide Jeanty’s “Delaissee et ses Soupires.”

Also on the program was the world premiere of New Orleans composer Michael Rihner’s “Festive Overture.” The overture, written in honor of GNOYO’s 30th anniversary is based on some of New Orleans most popular musical styles and traditions. Next up was “International Dix-

ieland Jamboree” arranged by Bill Holcombe and a second-line to “When the Saints Go Marching In,” complete with hankies and beads.

The GNOYO received a standing ovation.

“This was the best I have ever played,” Caleb said. “It means so much to me to have been chosen. Playing at Carnegie Hall will look

good on my resume.”

After a 24-hour weather-related delay at LaGuardia Airport heading back to New Orleans, Melody said, the group second-lined through the airport.

“It was a lot of fun and a way to pass the time,” she said. “Young people my age may never have an opportunity to play at Carnegie Hall.

This shows you how working hard pays off.”

“I sat there just completely lost in the music,” said her father, Chris Bogen. “It was truly a great musical experience.”

Adi Mohare, a 2025 graduate from Kenner Discovery Health Sciences Academy plays percussion and will attend Loyola University on a music scholarship. He also has autism spectrum disorder

“I’ve been to New York before, and I was excited to go back,” Adi said. “I feel very proud of myself.” He is the son of Prad and Kuntal Mohare, of Kenner

“It was very emotional for us,” Kuntal Mohare said. “Adi has proven what he can do and that will shape his future.”

His father recalled a conversation he had with his wife on one of their family trips to New York.

“We were walking past Carnegie Hall, and I said to Kuntal, ‘Maybe one day Adi will play here,’” Prad Mohare said. “This was a once in a lifetime experience for Adi, a dream come true.”

Melody Bogen
Caleb Patterson
Adi Mohare
MICHAEL VIOLAGO / MIDAMERICA PRODUCTIONS
Violins, woodwinds, flute, French horn, trombones from the GNOYO on stage at Carnegie Hall.

Katherine Karcher Lemoine,

is

with LSBA Executive Director Janet Pope at Lemoine’s swearingin ceremony.

St. Bernard’s Lemoine sworn in as state school boards association president

Staff report

Katherine Karcher Lemoine, president of the St Bernard Parish School Board, was recently sworn in as the president of the Louisiana School Boards Association, an organization providing

service and support for the state’s school boards. Lemoine was also recognized at the recent commencement for the University of Holy Cross. In addition to earning her doctorate in executive leadership, she was named the winner of the school’s Leadership Award for her commitment and influence during her time in the executive leadership program. Her work was chosen as the Dissertation of the Year

She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education from UNO. Lemoine currently serves as the associate vice chancellor of advancement at Nunez Community College Lemoine is a board mem ber for the Voices Foun tion, the Old Arabi Neigh borhood Association, St. Bernard Chamber Commerce and as the edu cational liaison for Shin Productions.

SCHOOL NOTES

St. Bernard Parish schools win reading awards

Staff report

The St. Bernard Parish Public School System was recognized for the district’s ongoing commitment to literacy, leadership and communication at the Louisiana Reading Association’s state banquet, held recently in Marksville.

St. Bernard Parish was recognized as an LRA Honor Council, a distinction given to chapters that exemplify excellence in promoting reading and literacy through local initiatives and community engagement.

Tiffani Glapion, principal of Joseph Davies Elementary, was named State Principal of the Year for outstanding leadership and dedication to student success.

Sara Felt, communications specialist for St. Bernard Parish Public Schools, was awarded the State Media Award for excellence in promoting literacy and education through effective communication and storytelling.

Marcey Fradella, a teacher at Trist Middle School and president of the St Bernard Council, received the LRA Literacy Grant, which will support the purchase of native language and bilingual books for English Language Learner students. The Louisiana Reading

PROVIDED PHOTO
right,
shown
PROVIDED PHOTO
Shown at the Louisiana Reading Association’s state banquet are, from left, Gerri Settoon, Tiffani Glapion, Bernie Hambrice, Marcey Fradella, Yvonne Ben and Sara Felt.

PICKLE FEST: Registration is open for the tournament, benefiting the Brees Dream Foundation, to be held Aug. 6-10 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, 900 Convention Center Blvd. in New Orleans. The tournament and weekend festival blend fast-paced competition, live entertainment and vendors. Details at www.nolapicklefest.com.

U.S. GYMNASTIC CHAMPIONSHIPS: Tickets are on sale for the 2025 Xfinity U.S. Gymnastics Championships Aug. 7-10 at the Smoothie King Center, 1501 Dave Dixon Drive in New Orleans. It will feature elite athletes including Brody Malone and Frederick Richard, returning Olympic medalists from the Paris 2024 men’s Olympic team, and women’s gold medalist Hezly Rivera. Tickets start at $30 via Ticketmaster. xfinitychampionships.com.

NEIGHBORHOOD SUMMIT: Communities of Hope, in partnership with the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office, will host a summit on July 16, 6-8 p.m., at Stronger Hope Baptist Church, 2401 S. Galvez St. in New Orleans. Local congregations and city leaders will present strategies to address quality-of-life and public safety issues in Central City and the Hoffman Triangle neighborhood. www. communitiesofhopenola.com.

Need work on your

Nunez Community College.

HUMANE SHELTER SPAGHETTI

DINNER: Metairie Humane Shelter is sponsoring a dinner on July 26, 4 — 8 p.m., at St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church, 6017 Camphor St. in Metairie. Each plate includes spaghetti, two homemade meatballs and a drink for $16. Take-outs and walk-ins are welcome. Jami (504) 458-0531 metairiehumane.org.

SIP + DIP: Tickets for the Sip+Dip experience at Cool Zoo Waterpark at Audubon Zoo, 6500 Magazine St. in New Orleans, are on sale. Sip+Dip events take place almost every Friday through August, 6:30 p.m.-10 p.m. Each event has a different theme and gives grown-ups a chance to relax, enjoy live entertainment, and cruise down the lazy river at this 21+ takeover of the water park. Tickets start at $50. For details, see www.audubonzoo.com/sip.

SPRAY PARKS: The St. Charles Parish Department of Parks and Recreation has officially opened Ormond Spray Park and West Bank Spray Park. Summer operating hours will be 1-6 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday www.scpparksandrec.com.

SPLASH PARK: Kenner has opened its Splash Park at A.P. Clay Playground for the summer season. The park, located at 200 Decatur St will be open May 23-Aug. 31 on Fridays 2-7 p.m., Saturdays 11 a.m.-7 p.m., and Sundays 2-7 p.m. The new and improved splash park is available to residents and visitors of all ages. www.kenner. la.us/219/Parks-RecreationDepartment.

NOLA BACK 2 SCHOOL BACKPACK GIVEAWAY: The drivethrough giveaway will be held 8 a.m.-noon July 26 at the Xavier University Center, 4955 Drexel Drive in New Orleans. Preregistration required; backpacks and supplies are limited. www.nolabacktoschoolfest.org.

TALES OF THE COCKTAIL: The world’s largest cocktail con-

vention will take place July

20-25 at restaurants, bars and venues across the city. Hosted by the Ritz Carlton in the French Quarter, the event’s highlight is presentation of the prestigious Spirited Awards honoring outstanding individuals, establishments, products, media and leaders. Tickets start at $10. talesofthecocktail.org.

PEPPA PIG & GEORGE: Tickets are on sale as the Audubon Aquarium, 6500 Magazine St. in New Orleans, hosts the stars of the British preschool animated TV series Aug. 1-3. Meet-and-greet free with zoo admission; professional photos available for a fee. Kids Tea Party, $7 kids, free for adults, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. audubonaquarium. com/peppa

GEORGE RAINEY NATATORI-

UM: NORD will offer extended daily swim times at the natatorium, 2529 General Meyer Ave. in New Orleans, through August. The pool will be open until 8 p.m. Weekend pool hours are Saturday, 9 a.m.5 p.m., and Sunday, 1-5 p.m. NORDC.org.

CULTURE & CONCERTS

PIANO PERFORMANCES:

The Piano Institute, a solo performance program for advanced and intermediate college, high school, and junior high school pianists, will be held July 19-27. The Concerto Competition takes place at 9 a.m. July 24 at Louis J. Roussel Performance Hall in the Communications/Music Complex at Loyola University, 6363 St. Charles Ave. All master classes, presentations and performances are free and open to the public. masno.org.

FRIENDS OF THE CABILDO

LECTURES: Tickets are on sale for the 2025 series, which begins Aug. 5 and continues through Nov. 11, with seven presentations on Louisiana and New Orleans history

Elenian Club installs officers

The Elenian Club held its 2025-2026 installation luncheon at the New Orleans Country Club in June. Virginia Eckholdt was the installing officer Shown from left are Sylvia Mantia, vice president; Anne Caperino, recording secretary; Pat Sharpe, corresponding secretary; Gigi Boesch, financial secretary; Tricia Rome, president; June Kitchen, standing in for Andrea Palmer; and Tricia Lincoln, immediate past president Not pictured is Andrea Palmer, treasurer Lincoln chose as her Charity of Choice the New Orleans Women and Children’s Shelter, the only homeless shelter for intact families and the largest shelter for women and children in the metro area. A check was presented to the shelter for $6,100 At the event, Ova Barrere was presented with the Rose Award for exemplifying the mission of the club through outstanding service.

Tickets start at $10. friendsofthecabildo.org.

ALGIERS HISTORICAL SOCIETY: The AHS will meet July 19, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., for a presentation by John Scurich on the Marquis de Lafayette’s American tour, 1824-1825. Scurich, a Fellow of the Institute of Politics at Loyola University, will discuss Lafayette’s life before, during and after the American Revolutionary War. AHS meetings are held at the Algiers Regional Library, 3014 Holiday Dr. in Algiers. algiershistoricalsociety.org.

MOVIES

48 HOUR FILM PROJECT: Filmmaking teams draw random genres, a character name, a prop and a line of dialog and have 48 hours to write, shoot, edit and turn in a short film. The project, July 18-20, concludes at 6 p.m. Saturday with premier screenings at the UNO Recital Hall, 2000 Lakeshore Drive. The winning film goes to the national Filmapalooza festival March 26. Details at 48hourfilm.com/ neworleans.

FAITH

SPIRITUAL RETREAT: St. Domi-

nic Catholic Church will sponsor its biannual men’s Road Emmaus Retreat July 25-27 at the William J. Kelly Retreat Center, 510 N. 2nd St. in Bay St Louis, Mississippi. The retreat is open to men seeking a deeper understanding of Catholic faith and fellowship. Cost is $205, including transportation. Register online at stdominicparish.com/emmaus.

MISSIONARY BAPTIST

INSTALLATION: The Louisiana Freedmen Missionary Baptist General Association celebrated the installation of its 21st president, Rev. Keith Paul Stewman, on June 29 at the Rock of Ages Baptist Church in Marrero. Stewman was installed along with his

cabinet, board of directors and ministry leaders.

BOOKS

”THE DEVIL REACHED TOWARD THE SKY”: Garrett M. Graff will discuss his book, “The Devil Reached Toward the Sky: An Oral History of the Making and Unleashing of the Atomic Bomb,” 4:30-6:30 p.m. on July 16 at The National WWII Museum, 945 Magazine St. in New Orleans. A reception will begin at 4:30 p.m., with the event beginning at 5:30 p.m. Registration is available online for in-person attendance or virtual attendance via Vimeo. www nationalww2museum.org.

“THE OBITUARY COCKTAIL”: Author Sue Strachan will celebrate the release of her latest book at 6 p.m. July 18 at Garden District Book Shop, 2727 Prytania in New Orleans. The evening will kick off with music by singer-songwriter Tiago Guy. Bar Epilogue will serve Obituary cocktails. Reserve copies in advance via Eventbrite. www.gardendistrictbookshop.com.

“CRAZIEST CAJUN FOOTBALL

TALE”: Octavia Books, 513 Octavia St. in New Orleans, will host author Gary Alipio with Melina Alipio for a book launch tailgate 11 a.m.12:30 p.m. on July 19. www octaviabooks.com.

MEETINGS

ST. BERNARD COMMUNITY

VOLUNTEERS: The group formerly known as St. Bernard Volunteers for Family and Community will hold its monthly meeting 10:30 a.m. on July 17 at the Sicilian Room at Rocky and Carlo’s Restaurant and Bar, 613 W. St. Bernard Highway in Chalmette. Potential new members are welcome.

DUTCH OVEN SOCIETY:

The Wego Cookers, part of the Louisiana Dutch Oven Society, will meet July 19 at Bayou Segnette State Park, 7777 Westbank Expressway in Westwego. The meal will include hamburgers and hot dogs and sides. Food will be ready at 11 a.m. Free, but a park entrance fee of $3 is required for those under 62. (504) 756-1853 jheiken209@ gmail.com.

CLASSES

BASIC KNIFE SKILLS: Registration is open for a three-hour adult workshop on using knives in the kitchen, led by chef Ruth Varisco, 10 a.m. on July 19 at the Culinary Café on the Nunez Community College campus, 3710 Paris Road in Chalmette. Participants will learn proper knife grip to maintain control and common and classical cuts. Registration is $55. www nunez.edu.

THURSDAY THEATER GAMES: Crescent City Stage will offer improv, scavenger hunts and more for ages 6-12 in a Sherlock Holmes-themed twist on fast-paced games that spark creativity and build confi-

dence. The games will be offered 4:30-5:30 p.m. July 17, 24 and 31 at CCS Studio, 6063 Magazine St. in New Orleans. Registration for each session is $20. crescentcitystage. as.me.

“YES, AND…”: Liz Newcomer will lead a Crescent City Stage workshop on improv for nonactors noon-3 p.m. July 18 at CCS Studio, 6063 Magazine St. in New Orleans. This low-pressure workshop helps adults build confidence, laugh out loud and say “yes” to new experiences. Registration is $75. crescentcitystage. as.me.

HOLLYWOOD ACTING SECRETS WITH STEVE ZISSIS: Crescent City Stage will hold a confidence-building workshop for adults that will introduce actors to Michael Chekhov, focusing on the same techniques used by Marilyn Monroe, Anthony Hopkins, and others. The workshop is taught by actor, writer and producer Steve Zissis (HBO’s “Togetherness,” Netflix’s “Rebel

CAMPS

NUNEZ YOUTH SKILLS CAMPS: Nunez Pelican baseball players and coaches will host a series of youth skills camps for children ages 7-12 in July. Camps will emphasize teaching and improving each camper’s mechanics and awareness. All camps will take place in the Physical Activity Center on the Nunez campus, at the corner of West Liberaux and Lafontaine streets in Chalmette. Details on dates, times and fees, as well as registration, are available online. Nunez.edu.

SWAMP SCHOOL: Kids 8-12 can experience nature and outdoor adventures paired with science-backed activities, such as canoeing, field games, archery and tree planting at the Bonnet Carre Spillway in Norco. The weeklong sessions run 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday-Friday, beginning June 2 through July 25. Registration for each week is $200 per child. scpparksandrec.com.

ST. MARY’S DOMINICAN HIGH: Registration is open for Dominican’s summer camps. All camps, except soccer and softball camps, are at Dominican’s campus, 7701 Walmsley Ave. in New Orleans. Camps range from drama and cooking to cheerleading and sports. See details at www stmarysdominican.org.

STEAM SUMMER CAMPS: Nunez Community College will offer more than 10 multiday camps this summer for students in grades 1-12. Prices vary by camp. All camps will take place on the Nunez campus, 3710 Paris Road in Chalmette, and most will meet from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the designated dates. See Nunez.edu/STEAM for details.

PHOTO BY STEVE KLISE/AMERICA’S TEST KITCHEN
knife skills? Check out the July 19 workshop led by chef Ruth Varisco at

Authors Larry Bagneris, Robert Fieseler, and Frank Perez will discuss their new books on queer life and identity at 7 p.m. July 24 at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie.

”Call Me Larry,A Creole Man’s Triumph Over Racism and Homophobia”: Bagneris was raised in a large, loving Creole family, but New Orleans in the 1950s and early 1960s wasn’t an easy place to be out. In high school, he channeled his energies into the civil rights movement. It wasn’t until his 1969 move to Houston that the many facets of his Creole identity coalesced into a political force for gay rights.

”American Scare, Florida’s Hidden Cold War on Black and Queer Lives”: Fieseler’s book tells the riveting story of how the Florida government destroyed the lives of Black and queer citizens in the 20th century Using a secret trove of primary source documents that have been decoded and decensored for the first time, he describes what actually happened behind the closed doors of an inquisition that held ordinary citizens ransom to its extraordinary

powers. ”Rainbow Fleur de Lis: Essays on Queer New Orleans History”: Perez’s anthology of 85 short essays originally appeared in Ambush Magazine and French Quarter Journal. He has collected essays on a wide variety of topics in LGBTQ+ history and arranged them into multiple sections.

days from 10 to 11 a.m.

Each session features activities that encourage creativity, social interaction, and lifelong learning. Participants will explore a variety of hands-on experiences, including arts and crafts, music, physical exercise, storytelling, games, and sensory-friendly projects. This program fosters community, independence, and fun in a supportive environment. Caregivers are encouraged to participate

RÉSUMÉ WRITING: Jessica Rareshide, a career coach and owner of Rare Insight, has two more events in her series on résumé writing, taking place at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie.

n 6:30 p.m. July 14 — Your story and how to capture it in a resume

n 6:30 p.m. July 21 — Job Search Lagniappe: Interview questions including those about compensation, and questions for the interviewer

WETLAND WALKERS: Lafitte Library, 4917 City Park Drive, Lafitte, hosts Wetland Walkers every Monday at 6 p.m.

Participants combine nature and exercise with a group walk along the boardwalk of the Lafitte Trace. The group meets inside the library before the walk.

CREATIVE CONNECTIONS: Belle Terre Library, 5550 Belle Terre Road, Marrero, hosts

Creative Connections, a welcoming and inclusive program designed for adults with developmental disabilities, on Mon-

SUMMER READING PROGRAM: Below are the programs offered at the 16 JPL branches during the tail end of June and early July

Patrons can scan the bar code on the Color My World pamphlet for a complete list of activities. The pamphlet is available at all JPLibraries.

Frank and Tammy’s Magic Show: Frank and Tammy have been making children laugh for more than 25 years.

n 11 a.m. July 18, Westwego Library

Chatty the Mime: Join Chatty for 50 minutes of entertainment that includes miming, juggling and magic.

n 2 p.m. July 19, Terrytown Library

n 11 a.m. July 22, Harahan Library

n 2 p.m. July 22, Rosedale Library

n 11 a.m. July 23, Avondale Library

n 3 p.m. July 23, Belle Terre Library

n 11 a.m. July 25, Live Oak Library

n 2 p.m. July 25, Lafitte Library

n 11 a.m. July 28, West Bank Regional Library n 2 p.m. July 28, East Bank Regional Library Mama Saba:

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