The East Jefferson Advocate 08-27-2025

STORM TROUPERS

Palm trees bend and banners rip on Canal Street as Hurricane Katrina blows through

The

stories

of two people who made big impacts after Hurricane Katrina

Lessons learned by Laura Maloney, SPCA, changed animal rescue in disasters

BY EVA JACOB BARKOFF

Contributing writer

Rescuing animals and reuniting them with their owners in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina was an arduous mission for the Louisiana SPCA staff and its volunteers, but a lot of good came from a terrible situation.

“Katrina caught everyone off guard,” recalled Laura Maloney, CEO of the shelter at the time the storm hit on Aug. 29, 2005 “The storm wasn’t supposed to hit New Orleans, and when it turned only days before, there was very little time for anyone to prepare. At that time, no one in the country truly had that kind of experience.”

The trials and tribulations of

PROVIDED PHOTO

Laura Maloney, seen in the days after Katrina while she was the head of the Louisiana SPCA.

those days, however, have brought changes to state evacuation policies

ä See MALONEY, page 2G

Junior Rodriguez left the hospital to help with Katrina recovery. His daughter tells his story.

BY EVA JACOB BARKOFF Contributing writer

Like most people who lived in St. Bernard Parish in late August 2005, Rhonda Hannan has a story to tell: an evacuation, a return three weeks after Hurricane Katrina to a rented home in Arabi that had taken on 10 feet of water, rebuilding in Meraux. But she has another, unique story to share as well.

It’s about the dedication of her father, Henry “Junior” Rodriguez, who was elected St. Bernard Parish president only a year before

Shortly before the hurricane, which blew through on Aug 29, 2005, Rodriguez had taken a leave of absence as parish president to have gall bladder surgery While he was recovering, Rodriguez took an unexpected turn for the worse.

“My mother, Evelyn, and I took a break from the hospital to get something to eat and suddenly, the hospital called,” Hannan

ä See RODRIGUEZ, page 2G

The events of Aug. 29, 2005, and their aftereffects are seared into our collective memory. To mark the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, events both unusual and traditional are continuing into September. From screenings and concerts to book readings and second lines, metro-area residents will gather to remember and reflect.

For city of New Orleans events, see katrina20.nola.gov. AUG. 27

TURNING THE TIDE: WEATHERING

KATRINA: Journalists from The Times-Picayune who stayed in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina

will talk about what it was like at a panel discussion on Aug. 27, 5:307:30 p.m., at the Tidewater Building Auditorium, 1440 Canal St. in New Orleans. The Times-Picayune won two Pulitzer Prizes in 2006 for its coverage of the hurricane and its aftermath, including a gold medal for meritorious public service. Also, the exhibit, “Operation Dream: A Future-

spective for New Orleans, Another 20 Years Post-Katrina,” is on display through Nov. 7 in the Diboll Gallery adjacent to the auditorium.

DISCUSSION WITH SANDY ROSEN-

THAL: Sandy Rosenthal, founder of Levees.Org, will share how she exposed the Army Corps of Engineers’ role in the levee failures after Katrina, an experience she details in her book, “Words Whispered in Water,” on Aug. 27, 6-8 p.m.,

that have served as models for other areas. In 2005, many residents refused to evacuate because they didn’t want to leave beloved pets behind.

Other animals were left to fend for themselves.

“Pets are now part of all emergency activation in the city of New Orleans,” said Ana Zorrilla, the current CEO at the SPCA. (See ready.nola.gov for details.)

“Humane societies and SPCAs are better equipped to address disaster work,” Maloney added. “And Katrina played a major role in shaping that progress.”

Following Katrina, the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness made changes to emergency management policies. The state now works with local agencies to coordinate animal evacuation, transportation and sheltering Each parish must submit a pet plan with detailed strategies for dealing with the needs of pets. There’s also a public information program to help pet owners create evacuation plans and understand available resources.

Storm on the way

The night before the hurricane, Maloney and 15 staff members evacuated 263 animals and headed to Houston’s SPCA facility

“When we saw the levees had been breached, we knew we would not be able to access Japonica Street (the local shelter),” recalled Maloney “We called the state of Louisiana to propose a large-scale rescue center for the animals coming out of the city.”

Soon, the SPCA was set up at the LamarDixon Expo Center multipurpose facility in Gonzales.

“That facility became the hub for centralized rescue operations,” Maloney explained.

“Lamar-Dixon capped us at 2,000 animals a day, and we had trucks lined up daily to bring in animals.”

Maloney with the help of several military officers, returned to see the damage to the shelter

“I’ll never forget the overwhelming stench, the cracked and crunchy ground from the dry mud,” she said. “The shelter itself was underwater and was unusable.

I was relieved that we had evacuated the animals because they would not have survived.”

With no hotels available in the Gonzales area, the team stayed at the Baton Rouge home of Maloney’s father for a few weeks.

“In those early days, we would head out from my dad’s house by 6 a.m. and get back around 2 a.m.,” Maloney said. “The work became 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Rescue response was our entire focus.”

Eventually, owners came to reclaim their pets.

“Thousands of pets were reunited,” Maloney said, “while others had to be rehomed.”

By the end of September, the facility could no longer house a shelter

A coffee warehouse became available on Thayer Street in Algiers. The SPCA staff remained in Gonzales for about a year in a house purchased by SPCA board chair

Stephanie Purty, driving back and forth Trailers eventually were placed on the Thayer Street property “They lived in those trailers for a long time until they were able to find their own places to live,”

KATRINA

Continued from page 1G

chronicles the efforts of a group of New Orleans women who mobilized after Katrina to advocate for the city’s recovery A panel discussion with Q&A follows. Tickets free via Eventbrite.

AUG. 28

KATRINA INTERFAITH SER-

VICE: A service marking the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina will be held Aug. 28, 6:30-8 p.m., at St. Louis Cathedral, 615 Pere Antoine Alley in New Orleans. THE STATE OF NEW ORLEANS

CULTURE: 20 YEARS AFTER KATRINA: The Ella Project will present a public panel discussion Aug. 28 at the New Orleans Jazz Museum, 400 Esplanade Ave. in New Orleans, moderated by journalist and documentarian Lolis Eric Elie.

Reception at 5 p.m.; discussion at 6 p.m. in the museum’s third-floor performance space. Free. nolajazzmuseum. org.

AUG. 29

K20: BROADMOOR RISES: A day of remembrance, reflection and renewal till be held on Aug. 29, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., at Broadmoor Arts & Wellness Center, 3900 Gen. Taylor St in New Orleans. The day will begin with a healing ceremo-

Maloney said.

“Tarps had to be draped over the roof (of the warehouse) to keep the animals dry when it rained,” Maloney added. “We worked out of tents for a couple of years, preparing food and washing dishes

“While working out of Thayer Street the large rescue effort was curtailed in November 2005, but the SPCA and our out-ofstate partners continued field work seven days a week.”

As a result of Katrina, about 15,000 animals were rescued, but thousands died, Maloney added.

Moving toward the future

Fundraising to build a new shelter in Algiers was soon launched.

“In 2006, actress Patricia Clarkson helped us set up a fundraising dinner in New York to jump-start the capital campaign,” Maloney said.

The shelter’s grand opening was May 18, 2007.

Ana Zorrilla was named CEO in fall 2007 after Maloney went on to the private sector

“I was so impressed by Laura and the team who were providing amazing care at the temporary shelter on Thayer Street,” Zorrilla said. “Laura brought attention to the critical needs of pet families during and after Katrina.

“She kept the organization and the board leadership on their mission and was the driving force behind the construction of a new shelter.”

From her Katrina experience, Maloney’s memories are both painful and heartfelt

“The municipal response was chaos,” Maloney said. “The city was not prepared to manage an event of this magnitude. And at that time, the SPCA was seen simply as an organization rather than a vital part of community service.

“The goodness and generosity of people was inspiring. I’m forever indebted to the animal welfare professionals, organizations and the community who had been there for everything. Their love was immense, and we won’t forget their caring and support.”

ny at 10 a.m. and close with a healing ritual at 4:45 p.m. Activities include a keynote address, panel discussion and memorial second line parade. www.broadmoorimprovement.com/k20.

“LIVING WITH HURRICANES: KATRINA AND BEYOND”: The technologically enhanced exhibit opens Aug. 29 at the Presbytère Museum in Jackson Square, 751 Chartres St. in New Orleans, featuring immersive visuals, enhanced recovery storytelling and new artifacts deepening the narrative of survival and adaptation of the Gulf Coast. Free. louisianastatemuseum.org.

“DO YOU KNOW WHAT IT MEANS: KATRINA @ 20”: An exhibit exploring the storm’s impact and enduring legacy will open Aug. 29 at the UNO library, 2000 Lakeshore Drive, and will be on display throughout the fall. libcal. uno.edu

20 YEARS BEYOND KATRINA: MEMORY, LEADERSHIP, AND RESILIENCE: The panel discussion will be held Aug. 29, 10 a.m., at Le Petit Théâtre du Vieux Carré, 616 St. Peter in New Orleans, featuring Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser, author and historian Walter Isaacson, former Jefferson Parish President Aaron Broussard and former journalist Norman Robinson, reflecting on lessons learned, the rebuilding pr in Louisiana. Free.

RODRIGUEZ

Continued from page 1G

recalled. “They told my mother there was a problem with my dad’s surgery He was having an unforeseen bleed, became septic and then he had a heart attack.”

After that, Hannan said her dad realized how devastating Hurricane Katrina would be for the parish. He wanted out of the hospital. He had been there for weeks.

“My dad was very weak at the time, but the doctors could not stop him for leaving,” Hannan said. “When he did leave, he took all his medications with him. His doctor, Paul Verette, also left to continue taking care of him.”

Eventually, Rodriguez went out to survey the damage.

He went on to be frequently quoted in newspaper stories and appeared on local and national newscasts, explaining the enormous amount of destruction and the lack of response by the government.

Hannan had a front-row seat to her father’s work. “I remember my dad on the phone trying to obtain at least 30 trailers to help some of the residents get temporary housing,” Hannan said. “He was adamant, not at all soft-spoken in calling attention to about what happened in St. Bernard.

“My dad kicked and screamed to get what he wanted and what the residents needed. He persevered and nothing would stop him because his heart was always with the people of St. Bernard.”

Rodriguez died May 3, 2018.

Louis Pomes is currently St. Bernard’s parish president.

“Junior Rodriguez was truly one of a kind,” said Pomes, who was working in the parish’s public works department at the time of the hurricane. “He was one of us. Everybody knew Junior and he knew everybody That mattered. People trusted Junior and he helped keep this community together when everything around us had fallen apart

“Junior’s leadership was vital, and his legacy still guides us and how we face challenges today.”

Hannan and her husband, Eddie Hannan, decided to move to Meraux.

“Eddie was told the owners of the house were elderly and had decided not to come back,” Hannan said. “The inside was a mess just like everyone else’s home. But the structure of the house was sound, so we decided to renovate.

“But buying this house has been a good thing. We had family who were returning and so we knew that at least this neighborhood was coming back. It was an added plus that it was close to where Eddie’s job.” Two decades later, Rhonda Hannan still finds it difficult to consider the impact Katrina had on her family, her community and other parishes.

“I don’t like to think about what happened on Aug. 29,” Hannan said “But sometimes when I do, I am thankful we survived.”

St. Bernard Parish will sponsor a day of remembrance marking the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina on Friday beginning with Mass at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Catholic Church, 2320 Paris Road, Chalmette. Following the Mass, a wreathlaying ceremony will be held at the Shell Beach Katrina Memorial 1320 Yscloskey Highway, St. Bernard. For more information, call (504) 278-4303.

Henry

personal physician, Dr Paul

KATRINA MARCH AND SECOND-LINE: A second line and other events on Aug. 29, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., at North Galvez Street and Jourdan Avenue, will honor those impacted by Katrina and call attention to ongoing issues. The event will start the morning in the Lower 9th Ward where the levees broke, with a healing ceremony and a reading of the names of those who died. It ends with a rally with speakers and performers. Free; RSVP requested. katrina20.com.

KATRINA MEMORIAL MASS: A solemn remembrance on Aug. 29, starting at 11 a.m. includes a Mass at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Catholic Church, 2320 Paris Road in Chalmette. The Rev. Gregory M. Aymond, archbishop of New Orleans, will be the principal celebrant. A wreathlaying ceremony will be held at 1 p.m. at Shell Beach Katrina Memorial, 1320 Yscloskey Highway in St. Bernard. Limited bus service available from the church to Shell Beach by reservation. kthiel@ sbpg.net (504) 278-4303.

“A REASON TO STAY”: A documentary screening will be held at the Broad Theater, 636 N. Broad St. in New Orleans, on Aug. 29, 7-9 p.m. The documentary by Peter Becnel captures life in a MidCity neighborhood just after Hurricane Katrina. Tickets start at $8.

WAVES OF GRACE: REMEM-

BERING KATRINA: A concert

uses a stethoscope pretending

assess

a longtime local medical provider in St. Bernard Verrete accompanied Rodriguez when was released from the hospital’s ICU after a long stay due to complications from surgery. Verette stayed with him, and it was a decision that ultimately saved Rodriguez life as he did require some level of medical care.

by Louisiana performing artists, survivors’ testimonies and the inaugural Waves of Grace Service Award, honoring first responders and relief heroes, will be held Aug. 29, 7 p.m., at the Orpheum Theater, 129 Roosevelt Way in New Orleans. Tickets start at $59.80 via Ticketmaster. orpheumnola.

20 YEARS LATE – REMEMBERING HURRICANE KATRINA: A ceremony and reception marking the 20th anniversary of Katrina will be on Aug. 29, 9 p.m., at Fort Jackson Museum and Welcome Center, 38039 LA 23, Buras-Triumph, 1/2 mile north of Fort Jackson. The museum also features a Katrina photo exhibition. www.plaqueminesparishtourism.com.

KATRINA STORIES OPEN MIC: T Marie & Bayou JuJu will perform classics, sung in both Louisiana French and English, on Aug. 29, 8:15-11:45 p.m., at Carrollton Station, 8140 Willow St. in New Orleans. T Marie and musician Cranston Clements will talk about their storm experience, and there will be an open mic for audience members’ stories. Tickets are $10. www.carrolltonstationnola.com.

AUG. 30

DAY OF SERVICE: Lakeview Presbyterian Church, 5914 Canal Blvd. in New Orleans, in partnership with the Ask Wonder Explore microschool, will commemorate the an-

niversary on Aug. 30, 8 a.m.2 p.m. There will also be a donation drive to assemble emergency preparedness kits. www.lpcno.org.

MAYOR’S K20 SUMMIT: The mayor’s Hurricane Katrina 20th Anniversary Commemorative Summit, to be held Aug. 30, 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., at Gallier Hall, 545 St. Charles Ave. in New Orleans, will be a day of reflection featuring speakers, panel discussions and opportunities to connect with others impacted by the storm. Free; reserve tickets at Eventbrite. katrina20.nola. gov.

“504: A YOUTH HIP-HOP MUSICAL ABOUT HURRICANE

KATRINA”: The premiere of Anthony Bean’s drama about the aftermath of the storm’s devastation will be performed Aug. 30, 7 p.m., at the Orpheum Theater, 129 Roosevelt Way in New Orleans. The cast features more than 50 young actors, dancers and singers from the New Orleans area. Tickets start at $25 through Ticketmaster. orpheumnola.net.

LOWER 9TH WARD HOUS-

ING SUMMIT & COMMUNITY RESOURCE FAIR: A community fair will be held on Aug. 30, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., at the Andrew P. Sanchez & Copelin-Byrd Multi-Service Center, 1616 Fats Domino Ave. in New Orleans. There will be discussions on the future of the neighborhood, a resource fair, cultural activities, along with a keynote speaker and

two panel discussions. “HURRICANE KATRINA: RACE AGAINST TIME”: A free screening of episodes 3 and 5 of “Hurricane Katrina: Race Against Time” by Traci A. Curry will take place on Aug. 30, 1-4 p.m., at 1602 Louisa St. in New Orleans. Free, reservations via Eventbrite.

AUG. 31

DEEPLY ROOTED: 20 YEARS AND BEYOND: A block party highlighting the progress made in

COMMUNITY EVENTS

JURASSIC QUEST: The realistic traveling dinosaur experience will be at the Pontchartrain Convention & Civic Center, 4545 Williams Blvd. in Kenner, Aug. 29-31. The exhibit features true-to-detail dinosaurs, an interactive raptor training experience, walking and stationary dinosaur rides, fossil digs and more Tickets, on sale now, start at $21.70. www.jurassicquest com.

SOUTHERN DECADENCE: One of the largest LGBTQ+ celebrations in the United States returns Aug. 29-Sept. 1 with events throughout the city including street parties, concerts, club events, a parade and more. www.southerndecadence.com.

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

BIG EASY ROLLER DERBY: The Big Easy Second Line take on Sugar Sands Roller Derby on Aug. 30, 4 p.m., at the Big Easy Roller Derby, 3632 Desire Parkway in New Orleans. Suggested donation is $10. www bigeasyrollerderby.com/ schedule/.

BOUCHERCON NEW ORLEANS: The annual world mystery fiction convention for writers, publishers, editors, agents, booksellers and other lovers of crime fiction gather for education and entertainment will be held Sept. 3-7 at the New Orleans Marriott, 555 Canal St. in New Orleans. Those honored will include Michael Connelley Steph Cha, Craig Johnson, Lisa Jewell, Brad Thor, Charles Todd, Jonathan Maberry Alex Segura and Ali Karim and dozens of other writers in events ranging from panels, book signings, library events, and interviews to a murder mystery dinner theater. Registration is $250. www.bouchercon2025.com.

SALA STREET FEST: The festival on historic Sala Street in Westwego will take place Sept. 6, 1-6 p.m., down the 100-400 blocks. It includes food trucks, craft vendors, kids’ activities, a car show and entertainment. www visitjeffersonparish.com.

SAINTS KICKOFF RUN: The race, scheduled for Sept. 6 beginning at 7:30 a.m., is a family-friendly 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. NATIONAL HISPANIC AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH: An evening of gallery talks will celebrate the coming opening an exhibit of Peruvian Vice-Regal paintings in the New Orleans Museum of Art. On Sept. 17, 6-9 p.m., Orlando Hernández Ying, NOMA’s curator of Art of the Americas, will lead a talk on “Our Lady of Loreto” in the second-floor mezzanine gallery. A live performance by Marc Armitano Domingo, salterio (psaltery) player and researcher, will be included, along with a lecture on “The Hispanic Psaltery in the Americas.” Admission is free for Louisiana residents every Wednesday. Advanced registration is recommended. noma.org.

CRESCENT CITY CONNECTION BRIDGE RUN: Registration is open for the Crescent City Classic’s bridge run Sept. 20 at 6 p.m. The 6k (3.7-mile) race spans the bridge from the West Bank to the Central Business District, starting near Oakwood Center and ending on Fulton Street, where there will be a free post-race party with drinks, food and live music. Registration and is $40 for runners and walkers who sign up by midnight Sept. 13; $45 after that date. www.ccc10k.com.

CULTURE & CONCERTS

NINA GORGORA: Colombian musician and Grammy nominee Nidia Góngora will be in concert Sept. 1, 2 p.m., at Algiers Music & Artists Studio, 935 Teche St. in New Orleans.

Tickets are $20. algiersmastudio.com.

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

THE SURRENDER OF JAPAN: The National WWII Museum will commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan (V-J) Day with a presentation by Col. Mike Bell, Ph.D on Sept. 2, 11 a.m.-noon, at the museum, 945 Magazine St. in New Orleans. Free, but registration is requested. www.nationalww2museum. org.

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 outdoor concert series at the New Orleans Botanical Garden continues through 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., and admission is $15 per person, with food and beverages available for purchase. The upcoming

schedule includes Bon Operatit! on Aug. 28, the Wiseguys on Sept. 4, the Boogie Men on Sept. 11, Wanda Rouzan on Sept. 18 and The Fleurtations on Sept. 25. 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.

NATIONAL HISPANIC AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH: Gallery talks and music will celebrate the opening an exhibit of Peruvian Vice-Regal paintings at the New Orleans Museum of Art on Sept. 17, 6-9 p.m. Orlando Hernández Ying, NOMA’s curator of Art of the Americas, will lead a talk on “Our Lady of Loreto”; a live performance by Marc Armitano Domingo, salterio (psaltery) player and researcher, will be included, along with a lecture on “The Hispanic Psaltery in the Americas.” Free; registration is recommended. noma.org.

BOOKS

“CALL ME LARRY: A CREOLE

MAN’S TRIUMPH OVER RACISM AND HOMOPHOBIA”: Author and gay activist Larry Bagneris will sign copies of his book Aug. 30, 1-3 p.m., at

The Shop at the Collection, the Historic New Orleans Collection, 520 Royal St. in New Orleans. hnoc.org.

“BEHIND THE WATER LINE”: Author Kionna Walker LeMalle, winner of the Lee Smith Novel Prize, will discuss and sign her novel about life on the eve of Hurricane Katrina on Aug. 28, 6-8 p.m., at Baldwin & Co., 1030 Elysian Fields Ave. in New Orleans. Tickets for a signed book and admission to the meet-and-greet start at $33.54 via Eventbrite. www.baldwinandcobooks. com.

“LIVING IN THE PRESENT WITH JOHN PRINE”: Author and New Orleans resident Tom Piazza will launch his latest book, a memoir on the singer-songwriter, on Sept. 3, 6-7:30 p.m., at Octavia Books, 513 Octavia St. in New Orleans. www.octaviabooks. com.

FUNDRAISERS/GALAS

STAKE OUT FOR JUSTICE LUN-

CHEON: Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser will serve as the keynote speaker at the 2025 Stake Out for Justice luncheon, to be held on Sept. 4, 11:30 a.m., at the Sheraton-New Orleans Hotel, 500 Canal St. in New Orleans. Tickets start at $150. Proceeds will support New Orleans Police and Justice Foundation efforts promoting public safety through law enforcement training, technology and tactics. nopjf.org.

Local Beatles expert Spizer to talk about his latest book

Internationally recognized Beatles expert and New Orleans lawyer Bruce Spizer has a new book out on the iconic band and its music, and he’ll discuss what’s expected to be the last in his ninevolume series at 7 p.m. Sept. 2 at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie.

This latest book, “Beatles For Sale to Help!,” is 272 pages and contains 275 color and 11 original black-and-white images. The publication of the book coincides with the 60th anniversary of the American release of the Beatles second film, “Help!”

From November 1964 through summer 1965, the Beatles issued two albums (“Beatles For Sale” and “Help!”), three singles (“I Feel Fine,” “Ticket To Ride” and “Help!”) and a movie (“Help!”) in Great Britain. In the U.S., Capitol Records reconfigured the two albums into three: “Beatles ’65,” “Beatles VI” and the “Help!” Original Motion Picture Soundtrack. The label also released a two-record documentary album titled “The Beatles’ Story” and added the singles “Eight Days A Week” and “Yesterday.”

Spizer’s book covers these releases from the British, American and Canadian perspectives. It also contains detailed chapters on the EMI recording sessions for the albums and singles, and the album covers. Like the other books in the Beatles Album Series, the book contains chapters on the news, music and films of the era (plus a special chapter on the Beatles and James Bond) to place these records and the Beatles second film into context. Also included are fan recollections of the film “Help!” and the other Beatles records issued during the time frame covered by the book.

REMEMBERING KATRINA: Members of the New Orleans Chapter of the National Women’s Book Association will remember the 20th anniversary by reading work they have written at 10 a.m. at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W Napoleon Ave., Metairie.

Participants need not have a published book in order to participate The poem or essay simply needs to be based upon the

author’s Hurricane Katrina experience.

JIGSAW CONTEST RESULTS: Brandi Clement and Christina Anderson, a mother-daughter team, won the fall 2025 Jigsaw Puzzle Extravaganza Competition, completing their puzzle in 49 minutes. This is the second time the pair has won the competition. The second-place team, completing the puzzle in 55 minutes, was Slim Le and Amanda Pratt. Third place when to Debbie Wendell and Erika Knott, who completed their puzzle in 63 minutes. All 24 teams of two completed the puzzle, the brightly colored “Popsicles” by Galison of New York, within three hours.

WOMEN ASTRONOMERS: Clariza Kern, secretary of the Pontchartrain Astronomy Society, will present “Women Astronomers: How They Changed the Universe,” at 7 p.m. Sept. 3 at the East Bank Regional

Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie. Kern contends that women have reshaped our understanding of the universe. They figured out how to determine the composition of stars, measure cosmic distances, and uncover the secrets of black holes. These and many other groundbreaking achievements continue to inspire modern astronomers.

WWII DISCUSSIONS: Jack Gross, a docent at the National WWII Museum, will discuss “Myths of World War II,” at 7 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 4, at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon, Metairie.

GENEALOGY CLASSES: Gwen Kelley, a librarian who specializes in genealogy and who has led genealogy classes at the Jefferson Parish Library for years, will lead a series of classes at the Jane O’Brien Chatelain West Bank Regional

Library 2751 Manhattan Blvd., Harvey They all take place on Thursday evenings at 7 p.m.

n Sept. 4 — Using the Census n Sept. 18 — Researching Vital Records n Oct. 9 Newspapers and Obituaries n Oct. 16 — Researching Cemetery Records n Nov 13 Researching Military Records n Nov 20 — Researching Immigration Records n Dec. 4 — Using Ancestry.com n Dec. 18 Using FamilySearch.org GRANT WRITING: Katie Mitchell, founder and president of CCC Firm and Business Source II, will lead a grant writing seminar from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Aug. 25 at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave.,

Finding the fun

Tweens can multiply their skills using games, cards and more

BY JANE LEGROS Contributing writer

MULTIPLYING MATH SKILLS: Students in third through sixth grade are invited to up their math skills and learn some fun games at Dr Martin Luther King Jr Library’s Math Workouts program on Aug. 27.

Presented in partnership with Make It Count Math, this interactive program allows kids to flex their math skills in a fun and educational way, making use of dice, a deck of cards or board games. The hourlong program starts at 4:30 p.m. at 1611 Fats Domino Ave., and a light dinner will be provided. Visit events.nolalibrary org for details and registration.

KATRINA STORIES: The library and Tulane University are commemorating the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina with “Turning the Tide: Weathering Katrina, Setting the Record Straight, and Changing History” at the Tidewater Building, 1440 Canal St., from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Aug. 27. Hear from The TimesPicayune journalists who refused to leave New Orleans when the storm hit. They will share what they experienced, and then wrote about, after the storm.

“Turning the Tide” is a panel conversation facilitated by Terri Troncale and Norman Robinson and will feature award-winning journalists Trymaine Lee, Doug MacCash, John McCusker, David Meeks and Michael Perlstein. The event is in partnership with Tulane’s Celia Scott Weatherhead School of Public Health & Tropical Medicine

ELEGANT NOTEBOOKS: Learn to bind a simple, elegant notebook or sketchbook using a historical Japanese bookbinding method at a 30-minute workshop at the Nix Library at 5 p.m. on Aug. 27. The workshop, at 1401 S Carrollton Ave., will cover four stitches for this historical Japanese bookbinding structure: Four-hole, noble, hemp leaf and tortoise

shell. Single sheets are stacked and bound to create books that are great to use for sketchbooks, journals, photo albums, and artists’ books. All supplies provided will be provided TEEN VOLUNTEERS: Teens can serve their community, be creative, socialize, and earn service-learning hours at the East New Orleans Regional Library from 4 to 6 p.m on Sept. 2. Registration is required. Teen Volunteer Day is open to teens ages 14 to 18. The library is located at 5641 Read Blvd Visit nolalibrary.org/teens to learn more about volunteering at the library AUTHOR ZOOM: Bestseller Dr Tasha Eurich will visit the New Orleans Public Library via Zoom on Aug. 28 for a virtual author talk about her book “Shatterproof: How to Thrive in a World of Constant Chaos,” from 1 p.m to 2 p.m Eurich is an organizational psychologist, researcher, and New York Times bestselling author “on a mission to help people and organizations thrive in an ever-changing world.” She’s spent over two decades teaching people practical strategies to supercharge their self-awareness, sanity and success. To register and submit questions for the author, visit nolalibrary.co/eurich.

WRITING WORKSHOP: On Sept. 3, author Hannah Nicole Maehrer will visit the library for a webinar about writing darkly charming villainous love stories. Her Zoom talk will start at 6 p.m and last an hour, during which she will discuss the latest book in her “Assistant to the Villain” series, “Accomplice to the Villain.” Maehrer is a fantasy romance author and BookToker with a propensity for villains. Visit nolalibrary.co/maehrer to register and submit your questions for the author