Crescent City Picayune 08-06-2025

Meeting needs

The annual Back to School giveaway was held recently at the New Orleans Women & Children’s Shelter in New Orleans. Now in its 19th year, the shelter is the only one for intact families (including fathers) and one of the largest shelters for women and children in the region. Supplies were given to families who are transitioning out, so kids are ready for success in the new school year

Denise Anderson, dressed as a blue crayon, serves cotton candy to kids during the event.

Brainstorming Parents get help with challenges of handling special-needs education

BY EVA JACOB BARKOFF Contributing writer

With a new school year beginning, parents metrowide are helping their children get back into the swing of education. For parents of students with disabilities, however, the challenge can be much greater Families Helping Families of Greater New Orleans is there to help them navigate a sometimes confusing school system, offering one-to-one advice as well as seminars on students’ rights and help with other classroom issues.

One student who has benefitted from FHF is Kevin Scallan, who was born with Down syndrome and a congenital heart defect. During his first 18 months, Kevin was in and out of the hospital, living through several surgeries.

“By the time Kevin was about 2 years old, I knew he would be in special education,” said his mother, Karen Scallan. “I reached out to Families Helping Families of Greater New Orleans for help in understanding the special education process and our rights, how to advocate for Kevin and helping him the to get the services he needed.”

Families who have children of any age with a disability can turn to Families Helping Families, located at 700 Hickory Ave. in Harahan. The independent, nonprofit family research center has nine additional centers throughout the state. Each center provides parents with resources and education information to help them address the specific needs of their child.

“Any good nonprofit will tell you diversification of funding is important,” said Laura Nata, executive director of FHF. “We receive federal grants along with several state regional and local contracts, individual and corporate donations.” There also are fundraisers, including a golf tournament planned for Oct. 27 at the Audubon Golf Course in New Orleans.

“When the centers originally began, there were only a few contracts with state agencies. And there were no brick-and-mortar locations for people to visit, no internet and no social media. We have come a long way since then. The first federal grant we received was from the

Remembering a ‘silent hero’

Marker celebrates Black pharmacy opening almost 80 year ago

BY JULIA GUILBEAU Staff writer

Nearly 80 years after the opening of a local pharmacy gave Black residents of New Orleans’ St. Bernard neighborhood better access to medicine and health care, officials honored the business and its founder by adding the site to the state’s Historic Marker Registry Bynum Pharmacy, opened in 1947 by pharmacist and civil rights leader Horace C. Bynum Sr., was formally rec-

ognized recently as community leaders and relatives unveiled the new marker at 3840 St. Bernard Ave.

“Mr. Bynum was a trailblazer, not only in healthcare but in creating economic opportunities for the Black community,” Liz Sherman, executive director of the Pharmacy Museum, said during the ceremony The event was attended by several members of the Bynum family — Adolph Bynum Sr., Adolph Bynum Jr., and Saran Bynum — along with city council members Eugene Green and Oliver Thomas and Judge Arthur Hunter

The pharmacy, which was in operation until Hurricane Katrina, served as a vital resource during segregation. The new recognition, which family mem-

bers worked for the last year to get through the governor’s office, stands as remembrance of the community sanctuary that once stood on the now empty lot.

For Saran Bynum, the monument is also a proud symbol of her grandfather’s impact as an activist.

“He was a silent hero to me. He never boasted about it,” she said.

Born in Monroe, Bynum spent most of his life in New Orleans, graduating from both McDonogh No. 35 High School and Xavier University, where he earned a degree in pharmacy in 1936 as one of the program’s earliest graduates. Back then, Black pharmacists weren’t

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allowed to work in white pharmacies, so Bynum was forced to take a job as a U.S. Postal Service worker that paid 65 cents an hour

When he finally opened his own shop years later, the drugstore joined part of the city’s first Black-owned strip shopping center in the St Bernard neighborhood.

“He didn’t let the oppression keep him from doing what he needed to do for his own people,” Saran Bynum said.

Bynum’s business endeavors didn’t stop there.

He would go on to open two other pharmacies, one Uptown and one in the Desire neighborhood, and joined his

sons to build over 50 homes in what is now Village de L’Est.

He also worked tirelessly as a civil rights leader, serving as the local NAACP chapter president and collaborating with trailblazers like Judge Thurgood Marshall, Rev Avery Alexander, A.P Tureaud, the Rev A.L. Davis, and Mayor Ernest “Dutch” Morial.

The pharmacy’s legacy

Throughout the decades, Bynum’s pharmacy grew to be more than just a stop for medicine. For neighbors, it was gathering ground a place to meet up with friends and get practical healthcare advice.

Saran Bynum, who worked at the pharmacy as a teen, fondly recalled the pre-school year rush of little girls crowding her grandfather’s shop to purchase ribbons for their hair Another

popular item, she said, was Bynum’s “goose grease and honey,” a homemade cold remedy

Bynum’s pharmacies were forced to closed in August 2005 after sustaining significant damage during Hurricane Katrina.

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Parent Training and Information Grant Center, which was recently renewed for another five years.”

PTI is a federally funded resource that provides free information, training and support to families of children with disabilities.

At the heart of FHF is assisting people who have learning disabilities, epilepsy and certain mental health conditions as well as complex medical needs.

“Our focus is helping families and the professionals who serve them by providing information and referrals, educational and training and peer-to-peer counseling,” Nata said. Scallan, the director of education and support for

Though they were never rebuilt, the drugstores’ impact on the Black community endures, now marked for years to come.

Email Julia Guilbeau at jguilbeau@ theadvocate.com.

FHF, said the office receives up to 5,000 calls a year “There are webinars held throughout the year and at various times to allow access for families who work,” Scallan said. “We also publish a statewide guide for individuals who are preparing to leave high school and move on to work or for those continuing their education. Information and updates are also available about summer activities throughout the New Orleans area.”

FHF also has a Facebook page and a website that are updated with news announcements and courses on a regular basis, Scallan added.

Both Nata and Scallan see the impact FHF has made for parents and their children.

“The volume of knowledge we have in our office and the staff we have now can help

with just about anything that comes up,” Nata said. “From foreign language access, Medicaid and Medicare waivers, special education or complex medical issues, our staff has navigated it all. Our goal is to pass this on to the next generation of individuals and families to empower them.”

“When you hear you or someone in your family has a disability, for the first time you are catapulted into an entire realm you didn’t realize existed,” Scallan added. “You have new things to learn, difficult things, to make the right decisions but don’t even know what you need or how to get it. We are the guiding light in that new world.”

For more information, to donate or register for the golf tournament, call FFH at (504) 888-9111 or go to fhfofgno.org.

Elenian Club honors

PROVIDED PHOTO

The Elenian Club recently held a luncheon at Pascal’s Manale during which 15 past residents who served terms between the years 1970-2025 were honored. The group also welcomed Tricia Rome, the 2026 president. Seated, from left, are Eileen Boudoin Lindquist, Faith Peperone, Carol Lama, Frances Salvaggio, Leatrice Siegel, Virginia Eckholdt, Jo-Ann Testa and Maria Mire; standing, Lisa Ingraham, Madely Gengo, Tricia Lincoln, Tricia Rome, Robin Hummel, Maria Mire and LeeAnne Leopold. The Elenian Club, the oldest Italian women’s club in the United States, is a philanthropic group of women who are of Italian descent or Italian-loving

AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOODS

KNIGHTS OF NEMESIS LUAU

The run features a marked trail through vibrant New Orleans streets with stops for refreshments and socializing. It starts at Armstrong Park 701 N. Rampart St. in New Orleans, at 9 a.m., with runners starting at 10 a.m. Registration is $79 and includes entry into Armstrong Park with kegs, food and live music. Runners must be 21 or older to participate. www.noh3. com/RDRHome. HEXFEST 2: The Weekend of Witchery in the heart of the French Quarter will be held Aug. 8-10 at the Bourbon Orleans Hotel, 717 Orleans St in New Orleans. It opens with a riverboat ritual and dinner aboard a steamboat on the Mississippi River, followed by two days of workshops, drumming and ritual, along with walking tours. HexFest is an 18-plus event with limited registration. Tickets start at $175.16 via Eventbrite. www.hexfest.com.

NOLA COMIC CON: The convention returns Aug. 9-10, at the Pontchartrain Convention & Civic Center, 4545 Williams Blvd. in Kenner, with comic book dealers, toy/TCG/collectible vendors, artists and guests. A cash prize cosplay contest will be held both days, starting at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday and 3 p.m. on Sunday. General admission starts at 10 a.m with show hours on Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Tickets start at $23.10 via Eventbrite.

DIRTY LINEN NIGHT: The Royal Street Arts District will host a celebration with galleries and shops playing host to those who want a dash of art, food and cocktails on Aug 9, 6-9 p.m., in the 300-1100 blocks of Royal Street in New Orleans. Wristbands for ages 21 and older are $20 and include specialty drinks, wine, beer and water. dirtylinen.org

BONSAI AUCTION & PLANT

SALE: The Greater New Orleans Bonsai Society hosts its annual event with bonsai, starter material, plants and pots for every budget on Aug 9 at the VFW Hall, 1133 Hickory Ave. in Harahan. Viewing of trees and plant sale begins at 4 p.m. Auction is 6-9 p.m. gnobs.org

COMMUNITY CLOTHING AND MEAL GIVEAWAY: Pilgrim Baptist Church’s Feed the Sheep Ministry and My Sister’s Closet Fellowship will host a community event on Aug. 9, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., at the Rev. Richard Wilson Fellowship Center, 1900 Lloyd Price Ave. in Kenner. A hot meal will be provided, and free new and used clothing and accessories will be available for men, women and children. admin@pilgrimbckenner.org (504) 468-7848.

COOLINARY NEW ORLEANS: The summer culinary experience, running through Aug. 31, features prix-fixe meals at many of the city’s top restaurants. More than 85 restaurants all over the city will be participating. neworleans.com/COOLinary NOLA PICKLE FEST: The tournament benefiting the Brees Dream Foundation will 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 CHAMPI-

ONSHIPS: 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.

DANCE: The Knights of Nemesis will celebrate their 20th anniversary with a dance and introduction of the club’s Royal Knight XX Kevin Hoffman and Goddess Nemesis XX Meghan Taffaro McMullin, who will lead the 2026 parade, scheduled for Feb. 7. The dance, open to the public, will be held in the Sigur Center Grand Ballroom, 8245 W. Judge Perez Drive, in Chalmette, Aug. 16, 8 p.m.midnight. Luau attire is encouraged. Tickets are $30. (504) 583-3998 billyshowalter@aol.com.

HURRICANE KATRINA REMEMBRANCES

KATRINA MEMORIAL: St. Bernard Parish will host a remembrance on the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina on Aug. 29, starting at 11 a.m. with a Mass at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Catholic Church, 2320 Paris Road in Chalmette The wreath-laying ceremony will be held at 1 p.m. at Shell Beach Katrina Memorial, 1320 Yscloskey Highway in St. Bernard. Limited bus service will be available from the church to Shell Beach by reservation. kthiel@sbpg.net (504) 278-4303.

CULTURE & CONCERTS

DINE & DANCE: SWINGIN’ IN THE TROPICS: The National WWII Museum’s Victory Swing Orchestra celebrates the great big bands of the WWII era on Aug. 9, 6:30 p.m., at BB’s Stage Door Canteen, 945 Magazine St. in New Orleans. Tickets are $77 for members, $80 for nonmembers. Show-only tickets are $30. www.nationalww2museum.org.

TIPITINA’S FREE FRIDAY: The free Friday concerts for ages 21+ run through Aug. 29, with shows starting at 8 p.m. Performers for Aug. 8, Raw Deal Presents: A Tribute to Rick James, plus The Next Level band. tipitinas.com/ freefridays FRIENDS OF THE CABILDO LECTURES: Tickets are on sale for the 2025 series, which continues through Nov. 11, with seven presentations on Louisiana and New Orleans history. Tickets start at $10. friendsofthecabildo. org.

NOMA AT NIGHT: The New Orleans Museum of Art marks the closing of the exhibition “New African Masquerades: Artistic Innovations and Collaborations” on Aug. 8, 6-9 p.m. Tours of the exhibit, music, art-making activities, small bites and drinks, and after-hours access to the museum are included in the ticket. Prices start at $15. noma.org.

BACK TO SCHOOL JAM: The event will be Aug. 9, 10 a.m.2 p.m., in the George and Joyce Wein Jazz & Heritage Center, 1225 N. Rampart St in New Orleans. Representatives from music education programs around the Crescent City will be on hand to share about educational resources, registration information, and special performances. Free, but registration is required. www. jazzandheritage.org

THURSDAYS AT TWILIGHT: The 2025 outdoor concert series at the New Orleans Botanical Garden will run Aug. 14-Oct. 23, with performances 6-8 p.m. at the Pavilion of the Two Sisters, 1 Victory Ave. in New Orleans. Doors open at 5 p.m.; $15 per person. The August schedule includes The Ladies of Soul on Aug. 14, John Boutté on Aug. 21 and Bon Operatit! On Aug. 28. bit.ly/TwilightTix_25.

TRIBUTE TO ELLIS MARSALIS JR.: Tickets are on sale for the Louisiana Philharmonic’s 2025 benefit concert, to be held Sept. 6, 8 p.m., at the Orpheum Theater, 129 Roosevelt Way in New Orleans. The concert, conducted by Matthew Kraemer, will feature Branford Marsalis on saxophone, Delfeayo Marsalis on trombone and Jason Marsalis on percussion Music will include pieces by Ellis Marsalis Jr. and Wynton

Marsalis. Tickets start at $54. lpomusic.com.

BOOKS

“THE BELL WITCHES”: Author

Lindsey Kelk will discuss her new book with fellow best-selling author Julie Soto on Aug. 7, 6 p.m., at Garden District Book Shop 2727 Prytania St. in New Orleans. Reserve books on Eventbrite. www.gardendistrictbookshop.com.

“JUMPING THROUGH HOOPS: PERFORMING GENDER IN THE 19th CENTURY CIRCUS”: Author Betsy Golden Kellem will sign copies of her book on Aug. 8, 3:15-4:30 p.m., at the Shop at the Collection at the Historic New Orleans Collection, 520 Royal St. in New Orleans. The book will be available for purchase. hnoc.org.

FUNDRAISERS/GALAS

CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT

BENEFIT: Harvey/Marrero Squad 222 of the Sons of the American Legion will host a benefit on Aug. 10, with registration starting at 12:30 p.m., at 4101 Patriot St. in Marrero. Fees are $40 per two-person team or $20 per individual, with free food and drinks for participants. (504) 352-5658, (504) 400-7984, (504) 347-0845.

MEETINGS

NATIONAL ACTIVE AND RETIRED FEDERAL EMPLOYEES: The Vernon L. Landry Chapter 1398 of NARFE will hold its monthly meeting and luncheon on Aug. 13 at 11 a.m. 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 are invited. Pamela.e.mark1953@ gmail.com.

CLASSES

LEARNING BEFORE LUNCH: The Aug. 14 meeting will discuss the Louisiana Wind Energy Hub at UNO, led by Rebecca Conwell, president and CEO of The Beach at UNO. The program will be held at UNO’s Earl K. Long Library, Dougie Hitt Memorial Conference Room, room 407, 2000 Lakeshore Drive in New Orleans, beginning at 9:30 a.m. with coffee and pastry. The presentation begins at 10 a.m. Membership is $25, $30 per couple/double or a $5 donation for an event. www.learningbeforelunch. com.

ADULT ART SUMMER CAMP: The Ogden Museum of Southern Art, 925 Camp St. in New Orleans, will host a five-day adult art program Aug. 18-22, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Students will focus on an array of artworks on view and work with visual artist and educator Myron Solomon. $270 for members, $300 for nonmembers. ogdenmuseum.org

BOATING SAFETY: The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries will conduct a boating safety class Aug. 9, starting at 9:15 a.m., at the Jane O’Brien Chatelain West Bank Regional Library, 2751 Manhattan Blvd. in Harvey The class lasts between six and eight hours. Preregistration is recommended by going to the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries website. calendar.jplibrary.net

DISASTER PREPAREDNESS WORKSHOP: United Way of Southeast Louisiana will sponsor a workshop teaching residents to protect their families, homes and finances ahead of storms and emergencies. The workshop will be held Aug. 7 and on Aug. 9, noon-1 p.m., at the Resiliency Center, 2831 St. Claude Ave in New Orleans. Other dates are Aug. 12 at 5 p.m. and Aug. 13 at 9 a.m. at United Way of Southeast Louisiana’s J. Wayne Leonard Prosperity Center, 2401 Canal St. in New Orleans, and again on Aug. 13, noon-1 p.m., at the UWSELA Prosperity Center –New Orleans East Campus, 8324 Morrison Road in New Orleans. Free, but RSVP via Eventbrite is required. www unitedwaysela.org.

BY JANE LEGROS Contributing writer

Children and families are invited to Cita Dennis Hubbell Library, 725 Pelican Ave., on Aug. 9 to learn how to make a memory box in honor of the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina.

The library’s City Archives and Special Collections staff will lead a workshop from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. to create small, personalized boxes that can be used to preserve important family memories.

Attendees will learn how to store and protect family records and photographs for future generations to enjoy and have the opportunity to write or draw a memory to add to the box before sealing it.

Writing prompts and supplies to craft and decorate boxes will be provided.

This program is sponsored by VIET and the Friends of the New Orleans Public Library and is a Katrina 20 Commemoration event. Space is limited. Visit events.nolalibrary.org to sign up.

AUTHOR TALK: Local author Michael Allen Zell will visit Milton H. Latter Library, 5120 St. Charles Ave., on Aug. 7 from 5:306:30 p.m. to discuss his new book, “Black Ice,” a crime drama set in modern-day New Orleans and born of the axiom that a warrior must be tested.

“Black Ice” is the follow-up to “The Last Shadow,” in which heroine Maya Gaines was forced to choose between two ways of life Now, she’s focused on family but finds that digging into her parents’ past leads to the reemergence of an adversary

The characters in “The Last Shadow” are people I’ve known from a distance Zell’s talent allows readers to have access to the hidden dreams and terrors of their lives.”

EARLY SKILLS: Children ages 2-5 and their families are invited to Central City Library, 1902 St. Bernard Ave., on Aug. 8 for Camp NOPL: An Early Literacy Adventure Attendees will practice developing early literary skills with crafts, hands-on activities, and snacks in this fun, campthemed program.

NO-STRESS ART: The New Orleans Public Library is partnering with Whole Village Art Therapy, Inc. to host a community artmaking session at Nora Navra Library 902 St. Bernard Ave., on Aug. 9. Drop in between noon and 4 p.m. to make art and enjoy community Children must be accompanied by an adult, but adults are welcome to come without children.

It includes martial arts, an underground fight ring, and major criminal enterprises, while exploring the themes of family, living for what you believe in despite the cost, and how good intentions may lead to bad results.

Local author Maurice Carlos Ruffin, a New York Times Editors’ Choice winner, a finalist for the Ernest J. Gaines Award for Literary Excellence, and long-listed for the Story Prize, had this to say about “Black Ice”: “With an incredible eye for the nuances of New Orleans, America’s most interesting city, Michael Allen Zell presents crime fiction with verve, grit, and tenderness.

Whole Village Art Therapy, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that provides highquality, community-based art therapy services to improve access and reduce systemic barriers to mental health services in New Orleans.

FINANCIAL

Or show your support for our journalists with our Times-Picayune coffee mugs and tote bags.

AUTHOR TALK: Local author Madelaine Brauner Landry

in a historical novel inspired by the World War II correspondence between Landry’s father a U.S. infantryman, and a woman living in Mussolini’s Italy This event is sponsored by the Friends of Hubbell Library Jane LeGros is the director of marketing and communications for the New Orleans Public Library

Not just bad cattitude

If Kitty is ignoring the litter box, use this checklist to figure out why

I’ve never owned a cat. But I’ve always admired them from afar, and I’ve been in the rescue community a long time, so I know a little bit about them. The one issue that my feline-loving friends will ask me about usually has something to do with litter box use — or lack thereof. A sudden dislike for the litter box is often a sign that something has changed in the environment, and this is the cat’s way of protesting. Or it could signal that there is a medical condition that should be addressed.

Litter box woes are a top reason cats are surrendered to shelters or put outdoors after living their entire lives inside. Reasons for this new, unwanted behavior can range from a common and very treatable bladder infection to switching to a new litter to introducing a new cat or other pet into the home.

To get to the bottom of not using the box, here are some things to consider:

IS THE LITTER BOX BIG ENOUGH?: The size of the litter box can sometimes be an issue. Make sure it is large enough to accommodate the number of cats in the home. Also, if the cat is on the fluffy side, he will likely require a larger litter box. Models with one lower side

where the cat will enter the box but with higher sides all around are recommended, as this type of box will help keep the litter from being thrown out. Hooded litter boxes can be frightening to some felines and may deter use. If you have this type of box, try removing the top and see if that helps. WHAT CHANGED?: Move to a new home? Welcome a new pet into the household? Stress of a new environment or interaction with new people or pets can often disturb a cat’s intestinal tract. When an animal has stomach pain, it automatically thinks it must immediately go to the bathroom, regardless of where they are. Probiotic supplements are available through a veterinarian to keep the stomach and intestinal tract calm and working properly Always consult a vet before trying a new supplement

NEW LITTER?: Was a new brand or type of litter introduced recently? If so, this could be a problem. Most cats are not fans of scented litter, as their sense of smell is much more sensitive than ours and perfumes or deodorizers are often a turnoff.

It is usually a case of trial and error to find a litter that the cat will like. Pellet or crystal litters are not recommended as they can be uncomfortable to step on. Use a clumping litter, unless the cat is a kitten Kittens have to get the hang of using the litter box and clumping litter may end up as clumps stuck to their little paws and between their toes.

Make sure to generously fill the litter box with the litter The lit-

ter should be at least 2 to 3 inches deep, completely covering the bottom of the box. ARE WE SCOOPING ENOUGH?: The frequency of changing out the litter is also an important factor Scooping the litter box twice a day is recommended. LOCATION MATTERS: Place the litter box in a quiet area so the cat has privacy

MEDICAL CONDITION: If the cat appears to be straining to urinate or poop, whether in the litter box or not, seek medical attention immediately Constipation or a urinary blockage has to be dealt with as soon as possible. Both can be fatal if not treated. A urinary tract infection causes a lot of pain for a cat and leads to trying to urinate outside of the litter box.

A sudden dislike of the litter box may signal more than just an attitude problem. If the family feline is suddenly not using the litter box and everything is status quo with the environment, litter, etc., then a trip to the vet is recommended to rule out any medical conditions.

Events

Aug 10: PetSmart dog days of summer adoption event takes place at 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@ animalrescueneworleans.org.

Step on up to foster or adopt beautiful brothers Branden (beige) and Benjamin (gray), brought to ARNO after their owner moved. Branden especially would benefit from a home environment, as the transition has been hard. To learn more, email adoptionteam@ animalrescueneworleans.org

RACE TO THE RESCUE: Discount registration is open for the NOLA Dogs Race to the Rescue 5K Run/ Walk on Oct. 12. Run through Lake Lawn Metairie Cemetery in New Orleans and raise money for animal rescue organizations including Animal Rescue New Orleans, Take Paws, Trampled Rose Rescue, Zeus’ Rescues and The Inner Pup — Education and Prevention Services. Learn more and register now at noladogsrace. com.

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

GIVEAWAY IN THE EAST: N.O.E. Satin Dolls Dance will hand out free backpacks and school supplies from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Aug. 9 at 9637 Chef Menteur Highway in New Orleans. Children must be present to receive a backpack. ENERGIZE NOLA FAIR: Energize NOLA Community Fair and Backto-School Giveaway offers school supplies from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Aug. 9 at 3815 St. Bernard Ave The event also features live music, sno-balls, food and vendors. XAVIER PREP REUNION: Registration is open for the 2025 Prep All Class alumni picnic, hosted by the class of 1992, on Sept. 6, noon-6 p.m., in Audubon Park. The family-friendly event will include live entertainment, with each class having its own tent. Details online. https://form.jotform.com/251597561173160. JOHN F. KENNEDY HIGH REUNION: The 50th reunion of the graduating class of 1976 will be held April 10, 2026. The reunion committee is seeking contact information from class members. Details are available on the JFK Class of ’76 Facebook page. cbrylski@aol. com.

Staff report

The Knights of Columbus Council 9623 Ascension of Our Lord in LaPlace, has earned the Star Council Award for 2024-2025. The award recognizes excellence in program activities, council membership growth, and more. Officers for 2024 included Grand Knight Mike Abbate, Deputy Grand Knight Lloyd Schexnayder, Advocate Larry Larousse and Chancellor Buddy Chavanel.

On July 26, the council inducted the officers for 2025-2026 at an installation ceremony at the church.

The installation was officiated by District Deputy Kevin Lisicki, Louisiana Knights of Columbus.

The new officers are Mike Abbate, Grand Knight; Lloyd Schexnayder, Deputy Grand Knight; Albert Chavanel, chancellor; Michael Layton, advocate; Frank Sipos, warden; Jerry Giangrosso, lecturer; Anthony Coniglio, finan-

cial secretary; James J. Poche Jr., recorder; Chris Caldarera, treasurer; Doug Hilbun, three-year trustee; Early Duhe, two-year trustee; Calvin Arceneaux, one-year trustee; Barry Terrio, inside guard; Vince Impastato Jr., outside guard; and the Rev Cyril Buyeera, chaplain.

The Knights of Columbus is the world’s largest Catholic fraternal service organization, founded in 1882. Council 9623 has been the top council in Louisiana for the past eight years.

GOAT IN THE SCHOOLS: A touring show of four plays presented by Goat in the Road Productions, written by fifth- and sixth-grade students from its Play/Write program, will be presented Aug. 15, 10:30 a.m., at the Blackbox Theater at the Lafon Performing Arts Center, 275 Judge Edward Dufresne Parkway in Luling. Following the show, there will be a free 30-minute playwriting workshop. www.ticketleap.events/ tickets/goatintheroadproductions/goat-in-the-road-s-youththeatre-show.