Crescent City Picayune 08-13-2025

‘It

takes a lot off my shoulders’

Families with health crises get help from Angels’ Place

BY EVA JACOB BARKOFF

Contributing writer

Kayla Disotell has not had an easy life. Yet the single mother of three children — Brianna, 10 years old; Amari, 8; and Cianna, 2 — still calls it a blessing. Her biggest challenge has been Cianna being born with Heterotaxy syndrome, a rare birth defect that involves the heart and other organs. At Angels’ Place in Old Jefferson, she’s gotten help not only with Cianna, but with Brianna and Amari as well.

“Without Angels’ Place, I don’t know how I could afford the school supplies my kids need. It takes a lot off my shoulders,” Disotell said.

“It’s been a lot, taking care of my older children while trying to find the best medical care for Cianna, all while working,” said Disotell, who works full time at the Bridge Center of Hope in Baton Rouge, an organization that helps those experiencing a mental health or substance abuse crisis.

Cianna has already had four surgeries, including heart surgery, and she will soon have second another one.

“I am not rich, and I am doing all I can, but I know my life has been a blessing.”

Disotell was one of dozens of families who attended the annual

back-to-school supply drive sponsored by Angels’ Place in Old Jefferson. Each family received a school bag filled with supplies.

The nonprofit Angels’ Place provides support services for families who have a child diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. It was established in 1996 by the late Anita Gilford, who started the supply drive.

Mark Firmin has been the executive director for 10 years.

“We currently have 80 families, helping the needs of the whole family, including the child, siblings, parents and caregivers,” Firmin said. “That totals to over 300 individuals.

“We are one of the few organizations that provide respite care,

ä See

Fannie C. Williams

Charter School welcomes new and returning students for the first day of the 2025-2026 school year on Aug 4. Similar scenes are taking place all across the metro area as public, charter and private school students make their way back into classrooms.

The Adopt-A-Family Program has launched its 2025 school uniform drive to help needy students in the New Orleans area.

Last year, the program raised $34,473, helping 689 students buy school uniforms.

Kevin Buckel, the program coordinator, works with school counselors who identify students without a uniform. Working with Logo Express, a local uniform shop vendor, the program spends $50 per student to buy two shirts and one pair of pants.

The program is in its 32nd year and has raised more than $1 million, 100% of which has been spent on school uniforms. Donors who sponsor a child get a thank-you note from their student and the original copy of the $50 cash register receipt. Donations can be made to Adopt-A-Family in

ANGELS

gift cards for unexpected needs and mental health resources In this way, we can anticipate all their needs, and that makes the care provided by Angels’ Place significant.”

Firmin added that the organization reaches families not only in the New Orleans area but in Baton Rouge, Shreveport and the Mississippi Gulf Coast as well.

Donations to Angels’ Place come from individuals as well as partner organizations including the Kiwanis Club of the Third District, churches, and Epsilon Sigma Alpha, an international community service organization.

“The biggest challenge is funding, so we depend on the kindness of the community to support us with monetary donations for these families during this challenging time,” Firmin said. “Social workers at area hospitals know about our services and then refer the families to us.”

Other events sponsored during the year include Party with the Angels fundraising gala, and parties at Halloween and Christmas.

For 17 years, Mary Kantlehner has been the children’s program director for Angels’ Place. She oversees the respite program and coordinates, with volunteer Penny Warriner, the school supply drive and the Christmas gift program.

“I meet with families to identify their needs,” Kantlehner said. “Having a seriously ill child changes everything for families. We walk by their side, getting to know them over the years and provide whatever we can.”

The work offered by Angels’ Place, Firmin said, is both difficult and rewarding

“The hardest thing is hearing about a child we have helped who has died,” Firmin said.

Kayla Disotell picks up essential items for her children Brianna, 10, and Amari, 8, as they head back to school. Her 2-year-old, Cianna, has a rare disease.

“I don’t even have my own children, but you feel you are losing a child of your own. This also affects the staff and volunteers as well.

“What is the most rewarding is knowing we can help with the help of volunteers, partners and donors. The support we offer really make a difference for families and they appreciate everything that we do.”

For more information about Angels’ Place, go to angelsplacenola.org or call (504) 4552620.

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL

SALE

Continued from page 1G

The nonprofit is offering a wide selection, including picture books for new readers and chapter books and young adult titles for older kids, said Executive Director Shannan Cvitanovic. “This sale is a perfect opportunity to fill up your bookshelves for your kids and grandkids, or any child who you want to introduce to the joys of reading.” Numerous studies show a link between the number of books in a home and educational achievement. The pub-

lishing company Scholastic has reported that four decades of research with children of all ages, in varied socioeconomic and cultural groups, reveal that access to books in the home is one of the strongest predictors of educational achievement.

Since 1957, the Friends have helped fund library services, programs, and resources like the Summer Fun & Reading Challenge. All proceeds from the sale will benefit this work.

“Bring your children and let them explore what books are on the sale tables,” Cvitanovic said. “We love seeing what grabs kids’ attention, from joke books to craft books to novels We had a 5-year-old

at a book sale last year who was obsessed with learning about Egyptian culture, and of course, there are always kids who are into dinosaurs and animals. We can’t wait to see what books they decide to take home.”

Other upcoming Friends books sales:

Carriage House Book Sale n 5120 St. Charles Ave. (behind Latter Library) n Open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday Algiers Regional Book Sale n 3014 Holiday Drive (inside Algiers Regional Branch) n Open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Saturday

ABOVE: Older students at Fannie C. Williams Charter School had reason for excitement, too. Eighth grader Rayne Conley makes her way for the first time to a stairwell that only eighth graders can use.

LEFT: NOLA Public Schools Superintendent Dr Fateama Fulmore, center, talks with Fannie C. Williams students as they get settled at their desks.

STAFF PHOTO BY CHRIS GRANGER

SCHOOLS

St.

Coulon

MOUNT CARMEL: Mount Carmel student Lillian Coulon, of St. Bernard, was one of 102 high school seniors selected to attend American Legion Auxiliary Girls Nation in Washington, D.C., in July Coulon, a rising senior at Mount Carmel Academy, participates in National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta and Holy Cross School cheerleading. The weeklong program teaches students about how the federal government works.

TROMBONE SHORTY ACADEMY: Registration is open through Aug. 22 for the 20252026 school year for the afterschool program through the Trombone Shorty Foundation The free academy offers New Orleans youth ages 12-18 the chance to learn how to play in a musical ensemble and to develop an appreciation for New Orleans music and history. Auditions are to be held Aug. 25. Details at www. tromboneshortyfoundation org. CATHOLIC CHARITIES HEAD START: Catholic Charities is accepting applications for its Head Start preschool program, available to children in Orleans Parish who will turn 3 or 4 years old by Sept 30. Head Start is free for families who meet income guidelines. Applications for the four participating Orleans Parish schools are available online. ccano.org/head-startprogram. XAVIER PREP REUNION: Registration is open for the 2025 Prep All Class alumni picnic, hosted by the class of 1992, on Sept. 6, noon to 6 p.m., in Audubon Park The family-friendly

Budding gardeners can learn more about fall planting

BY JANE LEGROS

Contributing writer

Gardeners can get help planning out their autumn plantings on Aug. 14 at

5:30 p.m. at Nora Navra Library, 1902 St. Bernard Ave.

The Master Gardeners of Greater New Orleans

will hold a free hourlong class highlighting the best things to plant for the season. Attendees will learn about:

n LSU-recommended varieties tailored to the current growing season

n Planting and fertilization rates

n Common diseases and pests to watch out for during each growing season.

MASKING INDIANS: An allages workshop at the New Orleans Public Library’s REACH Center will feature a Black Masking Indian song class led by Spy Boy Walter, who will teach attendees the words and meanings of the Indian songs and help provide a deeper understanding of the Masking Indian Culture. Presented by The Black School, “Collective Power: Community Control through Creative Activism,” will take place from 10 a.m. to noon on Aug. 16 at 2022 St. Bernard Ave.

Inspired by the strategy, art, and collective resistance of Indian culture, the workshop will also center around a process card game to help brainstorm, organize and engage in a creative activism project

CATURDAY: Louisiana SPCA cats and kittens are headed to Central City Library 2020 Jackson Ave., on Aug. 16 for Caturday, a familyfriendly meet-and-greet with themed crafts Kids and families can meet these fluffy visitors and craft toys for them at the shelter. Stop by between 2 p.m. and 3:30 p.m for an adorable afternoon at the library BOOKS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE: Meet and purchase books by local children’s and teens’ book authors at Latter Library, 5120 St. Charles Ave., on Aug. 16. Stop by between 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. for

PROVIDED PHOTO

Learn more on growing plants at the Latter Memorial Library, 5120 St. Charles Ave.

a local author showcase, featuring book-related crafts and author readings. Authors interested in requesting a table can sign up at events.nolalibrary org. Space is limited ON FINANCE: Learn to “Take Control of Your Money” at a series of three financial wellness events at Norman Mayer Library, 3001 Gentilly Blvd., from 5:30 p.m to 6:30 p.m. Aug 19. The program by Regions Bank will focus on staying aware of potential fraud schemes. Space is limited; registration is recommended Visit events.nolalibrary.og to sign up.

AUTHOR TALK: New York Times bestseller Casey McQuiston will visit the library via Zoom on Aug. 20 from 6 p.m to 7 p.m. for an author talk titled “Returning to Romance Through Food and Flirty Fun in Fiction.”

McQuiston’s latest romantic comedy, “The Pairing,” follows two bisexual exes who accidentally book the same European food and wine tour. Along the way, they challenge each other to a hookup competition to prove they’re over each other — except they’re definitely not. Visit nolalibrary.co/ McQuiston to register and submit your questions for the author

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

Palm Vista Garden Club gathers for high tea

for high

The Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience in

Watch out for kennel cough

Illness can spread quickly if dogs are boarded or sent to day care

Traci Howerton ANIMAL RESCUE

As we soak up the last few days of summer before returning to our fall routines, many folks will be traveling and some may be boarding their pets. Pet owners need to be aware that this is a heightened time for pets to be exposed to kennel cough. Kennel cough, also known as Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex, is a highly contagious infection of the respiratory tract. It is an infectious bronchitis in dogs, and a variety of different bacteria and viruses can cause the illness. Summer brings an increase in socializing and travel, leading to more opportunities for exposure. Kennel cough is airborne, which is why it can spread quickly It is commonly found in places where dogs are in close contact, such as boarding facilities, dog day cares, dog parks and even at the groomer

When an infected dog coughs, droplets travel through the air and can infect other dogs close by It can also be spread through direct contact with contaminated objects such as food and water bowls, toys, bedding and other shared objects.

Symptoms can appear anywhere from two to 14 days after exposure. The most prominent symptom is a forceful, hacking cough Other symptoms may include:

n Nasal discharge

n Sneezing

n Fever

n Decreased appetite

n Lethargy

n Difficulty breathing

Unvaccinated dogs, puppies or immune-compromised canines that contract kennel cough are at risk of developing more severe infections, such as pneumonia. Cats can also catch kennel cough, although they are less susceptible to the illness than dogs.

There is no single treatment for kennel cough, but some medications may be prescribed to keep the dog comfortable. Most dogs recover on their own without treatment within 10 to 20 days. During this time, the dog should be kept calm to avoid getting excited and provoking a coughing episode. All items the dog has come in contact with should also be disinfected using a solution of bleach diluted in water

One way to minimize the risk of contracting kennel cough is to make sure pets are up to date on vaccinations before boarding them. Day cares and boarding facilities should require proof of vaccinations. The bordetella vaccine, often referred to as the kennel cough vaccine, is part of the yearly vaccinations my dog receives.

If your pet develops kennel cough, it’s important to keep him isolated from other pets to avoid spreading the infection. Avoid the sharing of food and water bowls, bedding and toys until the infection is cleared. Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly when handling an exposed pet before touching other pets or their belongings.

Ask your boarding facility dog day care and groomer what policies and procedures they have in place to keep all pets healthy during their stay

If your dog has a loud hacking cough, a visit to the vet for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan is recommended right away

Events

Aug 16: A PetSmart dog days of summer adoption event will be held from noon to 4 p.m. at 6851 Veterans Blvd., Metairie. 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.

Race to the rescue: 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,

Gatherings can be fun for people and their dogs, but places where dogs get together, illnesses can be spread.

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, a nonprofit, volunteer-based,

Charlotte is a spunky female terrier mix pup — just 6 months old and currently 19 pounds — with a lovable personality and a playful spirit. She loves zooming around the yard, chasing toys and curling up for cozy snuggles. She’s great with kids, full of happy energy and would make the perfect addition to a loving family To learn more, email adopt@ animalrescueneworleans.org

PROVIDED PHOTO

no-kill shelter. For more information on ARNO, visit www.animalrescueneworleans. org.

VINYL REVIVAL

Vintage and contemporary records for loan as Harvey library keeps up with trend

Chris Smith

LIBRARY

LAGNIAPPE

Vinyl albums have made a resurgence in this digital age, and the West Bank Regional Library, 2751 Manhattan Blvd., Harvey, has debuted a collection of recordings for loan Patrons will find both vintage and contemporary records, including “The Queen is Dead” by The Smiths, “Revolver” by The Beatles, and “Anatomy of Angels: Live at the Village Vanguard” by Jon Batiste. Borrow records and portable turntables to take home, or enjoy the branch library’s turntable and headphones in-house.

LEARN TO WRITE GRANTS: Katie Mitchell, founder and president of CCC Firm and Business Source II, will lead a grant writing seminar from 2:30 p m to 4:30 p.m. Aug. 25 at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie.

During this presentation, patrons will gain knowledge of the following

n How to write a winning grant proposal.

n How to find grants

n How to find the best grants that fit you

n Grant writing best practices

n Acquiring public grants

n Acquiring federal grants

n Acquiring private foundation grants Mitchell has more than 30 years of financial experience in stimulating bottom-line growth and reducing costs from a midsize to a multi-million-dollar organization.

FOOD AND COCKTAILS: Two free food and cocktail demonstrations at the Jefferson Parish Library one on each bank of the river — will take place during August.

Liz Williams, host of a podcast titled “Tip of the Tongue,” will show patrons how to make parsley quinoa with golden raisins and peanuts. Elizabeth Pearce, a local mixologist and owner of the educational company Drink and Learn, will demonstrate how to make hurricanes. These sessions will be held:

n 6:30 p.m. Aug. 13: River Ridge Library, 8825 Jefferson Highway, River Ridge

n 6:30 p.m. Aug. 20: West Bank Regional Library 2751 Manhattan Blvd Harvey. Patrons will be allowed to sample the dishes that are prepared during the demonstration. Those under 21 will not be served alcohol.

STREETCAR LINE: Ed Branley a former high school history teacher, will discuss the Royal Blue Line, a streetcar that traveled

COMMUNITY EVENTS

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

FREE FAMILY DAY: Ogden Museum of Southern Art will celebrate Vietnamese-American culture and their exhibit “Hoa Tay (Flower Hands)” with free admission and special activities on Aug. 16, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Activities include a museum-wide scavenger hunt, art activities, community partner tables, artist talks and kids karaoke. The Ogden is lat 925 Camp St. in New Orleans. ogdenmuseum.org.

CIVIC LEADERSHIP ACADEMY: Applications are open through Aug. 25, 5 p.m., for the next cohort of the Civic Leadership Academy, an eight-week education program that give New Orleans residents with an in-depth look at city government. The course runs Sept. 4-Oct. 23, 6-8 p.m. on Thursdays at City Hall, 1300 Perdido St. Eligible participants must be city residents, at least 18 and active in a neighborhood or business association. nola.gov.

TOWN HALL MEETING: A West Bank residents and business town hall meeting will be held Aug. 14, 6:30 p.m., at the Marrero Lions Club 2334 Barataria Blvd in Marrero. The agenda includes reviewing quality of life issues, an update on the Jefferson Parish Homeless Task force, Keep Westbank Beautiful Litter efforts and more. (504) 340-8715.

SENIOR BOOTS ON THE GROUND: NORD will celebrate National Senior Day Aug. 21, 11 a.m.1 p.m., at Joe W Brown Recreation Center, 5601 Read Blvd. in New Orleans. Wear cowboy hats and boots. (504) 658-3052, nordc.org.

GEN Z FEST: A free event for ages 13-18 will be held on Aug. 23, 2-5 p.m., at Xavier University Convocation Center, 7900 Stroelitz St in New Orleans. The festival features battle performances between high school marching bands and live performances by BJ So Cole, Subtweet Shawn and Top Notch. Free, but tickets via Eventbrite are required. 504-658-3052.

SAINTS KICKOFF RUN: The race, scheduled for Sept. 6 beginning at 7:30 a.m., is a familyfriendly event that includes a 5K run/walk, beginning at Champions Square and ending in the Caesars Superdome, and a Kids Fun Run. which also finishes within the Caesars Superdome. All participants get access to the post-race celebration in Champions Square featuring music and more to kick off the 2025 NFL season. Registration starts at $55 for adults and $25 for kids 15 and under, with early bird discounts. saints5k.com.

KNIGHTS OF NEMESIS LUAU DANCE: The Knights of Nemesis will celebrate their 20th anniversary Aug 16, 8 p.m.-midnight, 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 Luau attire is encouraged. Tickets are $30. (504) 583-3998 billyshowalter@aol.com.

up and down part of Metairie Road in Old Metairie from 1915 to 1934. The talk will be held at 7 p.m. on Aug. 19, at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie. The line’s name comes from the destination signs that were made of bright royal blue glass with white letters. The line was an extension of the Napoleon Avenue Street Line, which had been in operation since 1903.

SPECIAL DELIVERY: Jefferson Parish Library offers a free service that delivers library materials to Jefferson Parish residents who cannot reliably and consistently visit a library branch. All one needs is a Jefferson

Parish address to apply

For those who don’t already have a library card, staff will make one and send it in the first delivery Available materials include regular print books, large print books, graphic novels, Manga, audiobooks on CD, magazines, music CDs and DVDs.

SMARTPHONES EXPLAINED: iPhone 101 for Seniors is a two-hour session that will take place from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. every Wednesday in August at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie. Android Phones 101 for Seniors is a two-hour session that occurs from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. every Wednesday in August at the Jane O’Brien Chatelain West Bank

AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOODS

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

PRALINES, MADAME? EMANCIPATION, FREE ENTERPRISE, AND THE PRALINE SELLER: Author and New Orleans native Anthony J. Stanonis will discuss the exodus of African Americans from Louisiana’s sugar plantations during the Civil War, which brought the praline to New Orleans, on Aug. 13, 6-7:30 p.m., at Gallier House shop, 1126 Royal St. in New Orleans Tickets start at $17.79 via Eventbrite. hgghh.org.

TIPITINA’S FREE FRIDAY: The free Friday concerts for ages 21+ run through Aug. 29, with shows starting at 8 p.m. tipitinas.com/ freefridays

FRIENDS OF THE CABILDO FILM SERIES: Tickets are available for the 2025-2026 series, which begins Sept. 24 with “Big Charity: Death of America’s Oldest Hospital.” All films start at 6 p.m. at the New Orleans Jazz Museum, 400 Esplanade Ave. in New Orleans. Tickets start at $10. friendsofthecabildo.org.

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

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 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.: 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, will be conducted by Matthew Kraemer. Featured will be 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.

MOVIES

“BIG CHARITY” SCREENING: The Tour Guide Association of New Orleans will host a screening of the documentary about the demise of Charity Hospital following Hurricane Katrina on Aug. 21, 6:30 p.m., at the Broad Theatre, 636 N. Broad St. in New Orleans. Free for TGAGNO members, $10 for non-members. www.tourguidesnola.org.

BOOKS

AUTHOR TALK: The Friends of the UNO Library will host Warren M. Billings, professor emeritus of history, discussing his recently published history of the Louisiana Bar Association on Aug. 14, 5:30 p.m., in the UNO Library, 2000 Lakeshore Drive in New Orleans. libguides.uno.edu/friends.

FUNDRAISERS/GALAS

Regional Library, 2751 Manhattan, Harvey

Participants will learn smartphone terminology and engage in hands-on lessons in making better use of the technology A small class size and a small teacher-toparticipant ratio ensures individualized attention in a nonintimidating environment. Go to the Jefferson Parish Library website to register NO LONGER A MYSTERY: The members of the Old Metairie Mystery Book Club have announced their choices for the rest of the year Meetings are at 2 p.m. on the following Tuesdays: n Aug. 19: “Beautiful Ugly” by Alice Feeney n Sept. 16: “Saltwater” by Katy Hays n

NUNEZ COMMUNITY COLLEGE: Nunez’s Summer Baseball Bash

ets start at $50 via Eventbrite. Nunez.edu. 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.

DUTCH OVEN SOCIETY: The Wego Cookers, part of the Louisiana Dutch Oven Society, will host their next meeting on Aug. 16 at Bayou Segnette State Park, 7777 Westbank Expressway in Westwego. The theme for the month is “TailGating” in preparation for football season. All those interested in outdoor cooking in old-fashioned black iron pots are invited. Set up begins at 9 a.m., and sampling begins at 11:30 a.m. Free, but a park entrance feeof $3 is required for those under 62. (504) 756-1853 or jheiken209@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, 2000 Lakeshore Drive in New Orleans. Coffee at 9:30 a.m.; 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.

DISASTER

their families, homes and finances ahead of storms and emergencies. The workshop will be held 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,

COOKOFF FUNDRAISER: Teams from the Home Builders Association of Greater New Orleans will prepare dishes for celebrity judging at this family-friendly event to be held Aug. 16, 1-4 p.m., at Deutsches Haus, 1700 Moss St. in New Orleans. Ticketed guests can sample everything, with unlimited beverages, a DJ, and a live auction. Tickets are $60, with kids 6-12 $15 and kids 5 and under free. VIP packages are available. members.hbagno.org.