Crescent City Picayune 09-10-2025

PAGE TURNER

9-year-old sets national record, reading 609 books in 9 months

BY EVA JACOB BARKOFF

Contributing writer

Imagine reading more than 600 books in just nine months.

While it may seem impossible, 9-year-old Catherine Robin was determined to meet the challenge. And she achieved her goal.

Last year, when she was a third grade student at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Elementary School in Chalmette, Catherine broke the national record in the Accelerated Reader program, earning 3,510.4 points and reading 609 books in a single school year

The previous record was 3,031 points and was held by Carter Ben-

Storm watch

Keep your pets ready with current tags and chips

As we navigate the height of hurricane season, we need to stay ready in case we need to activate our evacuation plans. This includes making sure pets are fitted with a collar and identification tags, and that they are microchipped.

nett who attends Meyersdale Area Elementary School in Meyersdale, Pennsylvania.

“I just love reading books,” Catherine said. “Mystery and historical books are my favorite. And when I begin a book, I can’t wait to see how it ends.”

Accelerated Reader is a computer program used in several area schools to monitor and manage a student’s independent reading, encouraging them to read more. Students choose books based on their reading level. They then take short quizzes and earn points based on the difficulty and length of each book.

Charol Armand is the principal at Our Lady of Prompt Succor

“AR is beneficial for promoting a strong culture of reading and improving literacy across the school,” Armand said. “It provides data that helps guide instruction and track progress. Overall, it’s student-centered and that drives academic success. This motivates students through personalized goals and feedback, and that boosts their confidence while encouraging a love for reading.”

Catherine is the daughter of Violet residents Samantha Perez and Joshua Robin. Perez said the AR program was a “massive challenge.”

ä See BOOKS, page 2G

the national record for points earned in the 2024-2025 school year in the Accelerated Reader program. She read 609 books. Shown are some of the books she read

Traci Howerton

ANIMAL

RESCUE

This isn’t our first rodeo. We know conditions can change from week to week or even day to day, and once a storm enters the Gulf, it may be too late to get pets chipped. Remember, 1.2 million dogs and 346,000 cats went missing in the U.S. last year, according to Pet911’s Lost Pets in America: The 2024 Report. Storm anxiety isn’t just for people. Pets are vulnerable in times of crisis. They get anxious and the stress of evacuating or sheltering in place for a storm may cause a dog to go into flight mode. The last thing anyone needs is the added stress of a missing pet before, during or after a storm. No matter how cautious or responsible we are, accidents can and do happen. In the event the family pet goes missing, having it chipped and wearing identification will give it the best chance of getting home safely

PROPER IDENTIFICATION: A secure, buckle collar with an identification tag that includes current contact information is critical This is the fastest way for someone who finds a lost dog to get in touch with the owner Check those tags yearly as the phone numbers tend to fade and can become hard to read

MICROCHIPPING: It only takes a few seconds and offers secure, reliable, unique and permanent identification. A vet will insert a little chip, the size of a grain of rice, under the animal’s skin, usually between the shoulder blades. This microchip has a

ä See PETS, page 2G

The Wiseguys had the music and the audience provided the moves at last week’s Thursdays at Twilight concert at The Pavilion of the Two Sisters in City Park The

New artists sought for library’s Crescent City Sounds streaming site

BY JANE LEGROS Contributing writer

The New Orleans Public Library is accepting music submissions for a new class of Crescent City Sounds artists through Oct. 7. The library-built music streaming service first launched with 30 New Orleans artists in October 2022, and this submission round marks the fourth time the platform will add new music.

Supported by software designed by Rabble, Crescent City Sounds aims to help up-and-coming musicians build a following on the local music scene, as well as establish a lasting record of what New Orleans music is today

This year’s curators include three members from the band LSD Clownsystem Toren Hardee, Brooke Paulus, and Rickt Ostry; local musicians Bennett Kirschner and Kevin the Persian; pop music scholar and author Kyle DeCoste, veteran event

Answer the call

promoter and former director of marketing at Live Nation New Orleans Mark Roberts; and Threadhead Cultural Foundation founding member Dan Ring.

A team of library staff will also assist in the curation process.

The library will add 75 albums to the platform, bringing the collection to a total

At 5 years old, Catherine Robin

BOOKS

Continued from page 1G

“My husband and I tried to talk her out of it because we knew this would be tough,” Perez said. “But it was Catherine’s idea and what she wanted to accomplish.” Library bound

From the beginning, Perez said her daughter would give her a list of books she wanted to read.

“I would go to the library and bring home tote bags full of books,” Perez said. “Catherine read between 12 to 16 books a week, and she never gave up. She loves learning just for the sake of learning.”

“Some books were harder and longer than others, so that took a little more time to read,” Catherine added.

Some of those on Catherine’s list included “Resistance” by Jennifer A. Nielsen; “Five Nights at Freddy’s,” a series by Scott Cawthon and Kira Breed-Wrisley; “What Once Was Mine: A Twisted Tale” by Liz Braswell; “Ender’s Game” by Orson Scott Card; and “Heroes of Olympus: House of Hades” by Rick Riordan Catherine’s love of reading began at an early age, her mother said “We would read words on signs, at the zoo and the grocery store,” she said “When she started kindergarten, Catherine was already reading short chapter books. And by the end of second grade, she started to read

the Harry Potter series.”

When she takes a break from reading, Catherine enjoys playing the piano. She is also a member of the robotics team, the Kids Kiwanis Club and the Cub Scouts.

Breaking the record

Catherine’s name was announced at a recent student assembly, informing the whole school she had broken the AR record.

“Everyone started cheering and clapping,” Catherine said. “My entire school was always encouraging me. I was so happy I was able to break the record.”

Armand said Catherine’s achievement was a joyful moment for the school.

“This was beyond anything we could have imagined,” Armand said. “We are so proud of Catherine and how hard she worked. At the start of just about every school day, I would see Catherine getting out of the car and reading a book. Nothing was too much for her, and her accomplishment is also a great honor for our school.”

Perez said her daughter is also a thoughtful person.

“She is always thinking about others,” she said. “I’ve seen Catherine on the playground, making sure everyone is included. My husband and I are so proud of her.”

Catherine is already mulling over career options, but there is one thing she is certain about.

“I might want to be a surgeon or maybe study epidemiology,” Catherine said “But I know for sure that I will always love to read.”

of 225 local albums. Each band that is selected will receive a $250 honorarium.

The library will host a number of “aska-curator” sessions throughout this year’s submission round Stop by to talk to a curator and ask all your questions about submitting music to Crescent City Sounds. Upcoming Ask-a-Curator sessions include: n Sept. 10, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Algiers Regional Library, 3014 Holiday Drive n Sept. 17, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Nix Library, 1401 S. Carrollton Ave. Visit crescentcitysounds.org for submission details and to stream local music for free.

‘EXPRESS YOURSELF!’: The monthly trans and queer teen hangout at the Main Library will take place Sept. 11 from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., with games, activities, pizza and more. This community event, at 219 Loyola Ave., is for ages 1118. Register at events.nolalibrary.org.

GET FIT: Be active this fall with at the REACH Center with ANEW Fitness every Saturday from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Each month has a new theme line dancing in September, hip-hop cardio in October, and chair yoga in November Classes are open to all fitness levels and run every Saturday from Sept. 13 to Nov

PETS

Continued from page 1G

unique number on it that can be picked up and read by a scanner Unlike a collar with tags, a pet’s microchip cannot fall off or be removed. The veterinarian can scan and locate the chip at annual visits to ensure it has not moved and detected.

REGISTER THE CHIP: Getting the chip is only the first step. Registering the chip is critical. The registration process gathers the owner’s contact information, as well as a good description of the pet. Provide as many contact phone numbers as possible, so that if the owner cannot be reached, a friend or family member is on the call list as well. Having an alternative number is important, as most shelters only hold animals for three to five days before making them available for adoption. Registered microchips give lost pets the best chance of returning home. Dogs with microchips are more than twice as likely to get home. Cats with microchips are 20 times more likely to be reunited with owners.

The most common reason microchipped pets don’t get returned is unregistered chips or outdated contact information in the registry Unfortunately, only about half of microchips are registered in a database with the owner’s contact information.

It’s a misconception that microchips are tracking devices. That’s not how they work. The location of an animal cannot be pinpointed from the microchip. Someone must first find the animal and then bring it to a vet or shelter to be scanned to see if it is chipped. Then, the owner can be contacted.

If your pet goes missing, contact the microchip company right away and confirm that all your information is current. You should also alert neighborhood social media networks, local shelters, vets groomers and neighbors so everyone can be on the lookout.

Events

SEPT 13: Animal Rescue New Orleans will be at the PetSmart adoption event, 6851 Veterans Blvd. in Metairie, from noon to 4 p.m. Meet dogs available for foster or adoption and get information on fostering, adopting, and volunteering. All approved adopters will receive a coupon book from PetSmart and a new dog bed from ARNO. For

15. The REACH Center is at 2022 St. Bernard Ave., Building C.

BILINGUAL PARTY: The library will kick off Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month on Sept. 13 with a Bilingual Family Celebration/ Celebración familiar bilingüe Stop by Central City Library between 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. for crafts, a book giveaway, and treats. On Nov. 17, families are invited back to Central City Library at 2020 Jackson Ave. for “Miercoles en Central City con la Familia ” a free monthly event for bilingual or Spanish-speaking families. Each date will feature a unique activity or game, snacks, and book giveaway door prizes. This program is planned for families with children ages 6-12 and their siblings. Visit events.nolalibrary.org to register to help us plan for supplies. Walk-ins are welcome.

The events are sponsored by the Friends of the New Orleans Public Library and the Stone Center for Latin American Studies at Tulane University

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

more info, contact adopt@ animalrescueneworleans. org.

Traci D. Howerton is the volunteer manager for Animal Rescue

New Orleans (ARNO), a nonprofit, volunteerbased, no-kill shelter For more information on ARNO, visit www animalrescueneworleans. org.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

CULTURE COLLISION 15: The free evening includes learning about and connecting with arts and culture organizations and is the kickoff to the cultural season, to be held at the New Orleans Museum of Art, One Collins C. Diboll Circle, City Park in New Orleans, 5-8 p.m. on Sept. 10 culturenola.org.

ART JAM: KID smART will host its annual Art Jam 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on Sept. 13 at the Andre Cailloux Center for Performing Arts and Cultural Justice, 2541 Bayou Road in New Orleans. The free festival features hands-on activities, live performances by the Preservation Hall Brass Band, arts-based workshops and more. www.kidsmart.org/artjam.

CRESCENT CITY CONNECTION

BRIDGE RUN: Registration is open for the Crescent City Classic’s bridge run at 6 p.m. Sept. 20. The 6K (3.7mile) 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.

SUN DAY IN NEW ORLEANS: “Rise Up for a Sun Powered Planet,” a celebration of renewable energy, will be held Sept. 20, noon-6 p.m., at Broadmoor Community Church, 2021 S. Dupre St. in New Orleans. It will feature food, a party for the sun, jazz performances, demonstrations on solar power, solar art projects, and expert presentations on building resilience and sustainability. (310) 346-4361, peterdigre@gmail. com.

SIPPIN’ ON SALA: A wine walk will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Westwego Museum on Sept 19, 6-9 p.m., 275 Sala Ave. in Westwego. The stroll will start at 435 Sala Ave., head to the Josh Wingerter Art Gallery at 401 Sala Ave., continue to the open field by the Mardi Gras warehouse, where Throw Dat at 200 Sala Ave. will have a set up on the street, and end at the Westwego Museum, with four wine stations along the route. There will be live music, food vendors and craft vendors. www. visitjeffersonparish.com.

NEW ORLEANS NIGHTMARE: The 2025 Halloween season opens Sept. 20 for the haunted house at 319 Butterworth St. in Jefferson, with two new themed attractions, the Harvest and the Blood Shed, running through Nov. 8. Add-on experiences include mini escape games, Phobia: Sensory Overload and the Respawn Pass available for purchase. Guests 21 and over can add access to two secret bars. Presale tickets start now at $19.99 on select nights. neworleansnightmare.com/.

HEALTH

BLOOD DRIVE: St. Pius X will host a blood drive Sept. 21, 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m., in the gym, 6666 Spanish Fort Blvd. in New Orleans. Donors will be given a mini physical, blood pressure, iron and cholesterol screens and will receive a ticket to the Mortuary Haunted House. Appointments recommended. www.tbcdonors.org.

KIDNEY SCREENING: A free kidney screening will be held on Sept. 20, 8:30 a.m.-noon, at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church, 455 Ames Blvd. in Marrero. All participants must be 18 years or older to get tested. The screening includes urine and blood tests to get an in-depth measure of kidney function, blood pressure reading for hypertension awareness and kidney health education. Appointments are request-

ST. MARY’S DOMINICAN HIGH: Dominican’s Spend-A-Day registration is open to prospective students in grades 5-8. The fall dates are Sept 10, 18 and 25; Oct. 3, 20, 28 and 31; and Nov. 4 and 11. Visits are 7:50 a.m. to 3:10 p.m. and guests will meet the students, faculty and staff and experience what it means to

ed. (504) 861-4500.

CULTURE & CONCERTS

TWILIGHT AT LONGUE VUE: The fall season starts Sept. 10 for Longue Vue House & Gardens’ musical series, with Electric Yat Quartet. Sept. 17 is Queta Cavalier, and Sept. 24 is Cristina Kaminis. Individual concert tickets are $15 and $7.50 for members. Season subscriptions are $100, $50 for members. All performances start at 5 p.m. at 7 Bamboo Road in New Orleans. longuevue.com.

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 the Boogie Men on Sept. 11, Wanda Rouzan on Sept. 18 and The Fleurtations on Sept. 25. bit.ly/ TwilightTix_25.

GALA CONCERT: Mezzo soprano Emily Treigle, a NOCCA graduate and a Grand Finals winner of the Laffont Competition in 2021, will be in concert on Sept. 13, 5-7 p.m., at Christ Church Cathedral, 2929 St. Charles Ave. in New Orleans. A champagne reception will follow. The concert is a benefit for the New Orleans District and Gulf Coast Region of the Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition. Tickets start at $65 via Eventbrite. amicisings.org.

FRIENDS OF THE CABILDO FILM SERIES: Tickets are available for the 2025-26 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.

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 6-9 p.m. on Sept. 17. Orlando Hernández Ying, NOMA’s curator

be a Dominican student. Registration is required. stmarysdominican.fsenrollment.com.

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

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.

LPO PRESENTS MUSIC OF JOHN

WILLIAMS: The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra will feature the music of one of the most celebrated composers in film history, including “Jurassic Park,” “Harry Potter” and “Star Wars,” in concert on Sept. 18, 7:30 p.m., at the Orpheum Theater, 129 Roosevelt Way in New Orleans. Tickets start at $35. lpomusic.com. The concert will be performed Sept. 19, 7:30 p.m., at the Lafon Performing Arts Center, 275 Judge Edward Dufresne Parkway in Luling. Tickets are $45. lafonartscenter.org.

UNION GEN. “BEAST” BUTLER IN NEW

ORLEANS: Mike Larkin, a retired lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Air Force, will address the Algiers Historical Society on Sept. 20, 10:30 a.m. — 12:30 p.m., at the Algiers Regional Library, 3014 Holiday Drive in Algiers. His talk will cover how Butler came to lead the Union Army that occupied New Orleans and his actions while in the city. https://algiershistoricalsociety.org/index.html.

BOOKS

“CHARLES WHITFIELD RICHARDS: THE ARTIST AND HIS CIRCLE”: Author J. Michael Warner will be in conversation with Ellis Anderson about his latest book, a biography of the artist and journalist whose career spanned Jazz Age Paris to modern New Orleans, at 6 p.m., on Sept. 10, at Garden District Book Shop, 2727 Prytania in New Orleans. www.gardendistrictbookshop.com.

”SING THE TRUTH”: Laura Pegram, editor of the short story collection

“Sing The Truth,” will be joined by journalist and fiction writer Josie Abugov to discuss the book and answer questions about writing skills, 6-8 p.m., on Sept. 11, at Baldwin & Co., 1030 Elysian Fields Ave. in New Orleans. www.baldwinandcobooks. com.

“GALAXY EXPLORATIONS”: Author Ki’Myra Victor celebrates the release of her first children’s book 1-3 p.m., on Sept. 13, at the Leroy D Williams Memorial Library, 1482 La.

SCHOOL NOTES

’76 Facebook page. cbrylski@ aol.com.

JOHN MCDONOUGH REUNION: The class of 1960 will host its 65th reunion Oct. 22, noon3 p.m., at the Elks Lodge, 2215 Cleary Ave. in Metairie. Contacts for information or registration are Patricia Schoendorf Meyer at meyer. patricia@att.net and Jeanette

44 in Reserve. stjohnlib.librarycalendar.com.

FUNDRAISERS/GALAS

COOKING FOR A CAUSE: The New Orleans Culinary & Hospitality Institute will host a fundraiser on Sept. 10 at 725 Howard Ave. in New Orleans, with live music, libations and cuisine crafted by NOCHI alumni chefs. The online auction, which runs two weeks, will offer dozens of one-of-a-kind experiences, including private cooking and mixology classes. Tickets start at $75. www nochicfac.org.

WWOZ GROOVE GALA: The fundraiser will be held 6:30-10:30 p.m. Sept. 11 at Le Petit Théâtre Du Vieux Carré and Tableau, 616 St. Peter St. in New Orleans. The casual evening includes three beverage bars, four stages, a live auction and entertainment by Irma Thomas, Cyril Neville, Doreen Ketchens, the New Orleans Catahoulas, the New Orleans Nightcrawlers, Al “Lil Fats” Jackson, James Andrews and DJ Neil Pellegrin. Tickets start at $250. wwoz.org.

WALK TO REMEMBER: The Greater New Orleans Chapter of The Compassionate Friends will sponsor a two-mile fundraising walk 10 a.m. Sept. 13 at the Children’s Memorial Garden in Lafreniere Park, 3000 Downs Blvd. in Metairie. Registration starts at 8:30 a.m. There will be a lunch afterward. Registration is $20. (504) 265-0581.

BRISKETS, BABKA & BEATS: The event hosted by the Jewish Community Day School and the Shaya Barnett Foundation will feature food, cocktails, live music and family-friendly activities 4-7 p.m. on Sept. 14 at NOLA Brewing & Pizza Co., 3033 Tchoupitoulas St. in New Orleans. Proceeds will be shared by Jewish Community Day School and Shaya Barnett Foundation. Tickets start at $55.20 via Eventbrite. www jcdsnola.org.

TREME FALL FESTIVAL PATRON PARTY: Tickets are on sale through Sept. 17 for the 2025 fundraiser in support of America’s oldest African American neighborhood, to be held 6-9 p.m. Oct. 17 at the George and Joyce Wein Jazz & Heritage Center, 1205 N. Rampart St. in New Orleans. The event features a live performance by Wanda Rouzan, a special honoree recognition of Big Chief Vic-

Daigle LeBlanc at (504) 4322115. NEW ORLEANS PUBLIC SCHOOLS: Open enrollment events will be held for Early Learning & Child Care during Fridays in August and September. These sessions offer personalized support for enrolling children birth to 4 years in Early Learning &

tor Harris, Spirt of Fi Yi Yi, cuisine, open bar and auction. Tickets start at $125. www.tremefest.org.

MEETINGS

NARFE: The National Active and Retired Federal Employees Vernon L. Landry Chapter 1398 will hold its monthly meeting and luncheon on Sept. 10, beginning 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.

FRIENDS OF THE JEFFERSON PUBLIC LIBRARY: A general meeting on Sept. 17 at 10 a.m. will feature Eve Lion, Humana Market Point licensed sales representative, speaking on how to stretch your grocery dollars. The site is the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave. in Metairie. (504) 455-2665 or friendsjpl@Yahoo.com.

REPUBLICAN WOMEN’S CLUB: The Republican Women’s Club of Jefferson Parish will meet Sept. 18 at the Chateau Golf and Country Club, 3600 Chateau Blvd. in Kenner. Registration opens at 11 a.m., with lunch and the program starting at 11:45 a.m. Guest speakers are Sammy Wyatt and Jennifer Van Vrancken. The LGLA scholarship winners will be presented. RSVPs are required. RWC.ofJeffparish@gmail.com.

CLASSES

LEARNING BEFORE LUNCH: The Sept. 11 meeting will be “Archiving Disasters: The Hurricane Digital Memory Bank” led by Mary Niall Mitchell, director of the UNO Midlo Center for New Orleans Studies. Mitchell will discuss the creation, content and legacy of the memory bank and its use in 20th anniversary commemorations. The program will be held at UNO’s Homer L. Hitt Alumni Center, 2000 Lakeshore Drive in New Orleans, beginning at 9:30 a.m. with coffee and pastry. The presentation begins at 10 a.m. Annual membership is $25 per person, $30 per couple/double or a $5 donation for an event. www.learningbeforelunch. com. BASIC VIDEO EDITING: A hands-on workshop for beginners 13 and older who want to learn the essentials of editing videos for personal projects, social media, school or work will be held 6-8 p.m. on Sept. 11 at the East Bank Regional Library 4747 W. Napoleon Ave. in Metairie. The class covers the basics of using Microsoft Clipchamp, a free tool available on Windows. Registration is required. calendar.jplibrary.net. GET TO KNOW YOUR JEWISH CEMETERY: This interactive workshop, to be held 6-7 p.m. Sept. 11 at the Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience, 818 Howard Ave. in New Orleans, covers cemetery preservation basics, including cleaning and documenting burial sites. It will be led by Emily Ford, a cemetery preservationist. Suggested donation is $18. msje.org.

THRILLER FLASHMOB WORKSHOP: Flash Mob New Orleans will hold an eight-week family-friendly dance workshop led by Kenneth “Kynt” Bryan and inspired by Michael Jackson’s “Thriller,” beginning Sept. 13 and running Saturdays through Oct. 25, 2-3:30 p.m., upstairs at the Anne Burr Dance Studio, 1128 Dublin St. in New Orleans. The workshop is for all ages and skill levels and culminates in a series of secret performances throughout New Orleans, leading up to the citywide celebration on Halloween. The cost is $100 or $10 per class. www.flashmobneworleans. com.

Child Care programs, starting or completing applications, exploring available learning centers, checking application status and answering enrollment questions. Event dates are Sept. 12, 19 and 26. See details at enrollnolaps.com.

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.

PROVIDED PHOTO

Nunez instructor Taylor Amalfitano leads her class through the archive during the open house for the Los Isleños Historical Archive.

Nunez Community College opens Los Isleños Historical Archive

Staff report

The Los Isleños Historical Archive, a collection of present-day interviews, artifacts, photos, video recordings and oral history, has opened at Nunez Community College.

The collection was donated by Frank M. Fernandez Jr., former St. Bernard Parish historian. Fernandez worked with Bill Hyland, the current historian, on the project.

Beginning in the 1980s, Fernandez began making

hundreds of video recordings of Isleño elders and community members. The interview topics from those tapes range from family genealogies to folklore to traditional Isleño cuisine.

The collection, which has been used in the past by visiting scholars, is now open to the public. The archive includes complete digitization and translation and online access.

Nunez was a subrecipient of U.S. Treasury Grant RE-

Republican Women’s Club of Jefferson honors Nungesser

Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser received the Lifetime Achievement Award during the Crystal Elephant Gala on Aug. 3, sponsored by the Republican Women’s Club of Jefferson Parish. Seated, from left, are members Faith Peperone, Katie Blanchard, President Tina Payton, Fundraising Chair Dianne Breaux Connie Baer and Debbie Albert; standing Linda Doyle, Jan Vincent, Kathy Bevis, Debbie Polito, Peggy Abadie, Anita Brite, Penny Baumer Sandy Stubbs, Barbara Lawler and Janet Schwary.

STORE Act funds made possible through partnership with St. Bernard Parish’s Coastal Department

An open house was held Aug. 27 on the Nunez Library’s second floor, which houses the archive. The event included traditional Isleño cuisine, such as caldo, gazpacho andaluz and torte de almendras, was prepared for the open house by Nunez’s culinary program Tina Tinney serves as Nunez’s chancellor

Trombone Shorty Foundation offers free music tech courses for teens

Staff report

The Trombone Shorty Foundation’s Fredman Music Business Institute will host three free programs for youth ages 14-24 to promote professional development and growth within the music industry

All are free, but advanced registration is required at www.tromboneshortyfoundation.org.

Classes meet at the New Orleans Career Center 1331 Kerelec St. in New Orleans

Intro to FL Studio is a hands-on, six-session course that introduces the fundamentals of music production using FL Studio Participants will learn how to navigate the interface and workflow create drum patterns, melodies and basslines, use virtual instruments and audio effects, arrange tracks into full songs, and export and share original music.

The class meets 5-7 p.m. on Sept. 23, 25, 30, Oct. 2, 7 and 9.

Intro to the Music Industry introduces students to the key players and pathways in today’s music business. Through a series of four interactive workshops and real-world examples, participants will explore the structure of the music industry: labels, managers, agents and more; music rights, royalties and how artists get paid; and career paths on and off stage: from performer to producer to promoter

Program dates are Oct 14, 16, 21 and 23, 5-6:30 p.m.

Intro to Ableton Live is a beginner-friendly, sixsession course designed for youth who want to explore beat-making, song arrangement and live performance techniques using one

of the most powerful digital audio workstations available. Participants will learn how to create and manipulate beats, loops and samples; use MIDI instruments and audio effects; build complete tracks from start to finish; and explore live performance tools within Ableton Students are strongly encouraged to bring their own laptops and/or hard drives. Program dates are Nov 4, 6, 11, 13, 18 and 20, with classes meeting 5-7 p.m.

The Trombone Shorty Foundation’s goal is to preserve New Orleans’s vibrant musical spirit through the next generation. Programs like the Trombone Shorty Academy, the Fredman Music Business Institute and the Shorty Foundation’s Cultural Experiences program were developed to give young musicians and aspiring music business professionals the tools to navigate a music career

Baptist Community Ministries grants go to 10 nonprofits

Staff report

Baptist Community Ministries commemorated the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina by announcing 11 nonprofit recipients of its K20 Fund, a grantmaking initiative that provides targeted support to nonprofits that are driving measurable impact in areas vital to community well-being.

The 2025 K20 Fund recipients of $40,000 grants are:

n Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana, which works to protect and restore coastal environments.

n Dancing Grounds, a community hub that uses dance and movement to foster healing, self-expression and connection.

n Ellis Marsalis Center for Music, which enriches the 9th Ward by providing youth with music education and resources.

n George Washington Carver High School, a pillar of the Upper 9th Ward that fosters academic excellence and community pride

n Girls Play Trumpets Too, which empowers young girls in the 9th Ward through music and mentorship.

n New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity, which strengthens the 9th Ward and St. Bernard Parish through affordable homeownership.

n Sankofa Community Development Corp., which advances health, sustainability and economic vitality in the Lower 9th Ward

n St. Bernard Project, which shortens the time between disaster and recovery by rebuilding homes, creating affordable housing and strengthening community resilience.

n St. Mary’s Academy a 157-year-old preK–12 institution that nurtures academic excellence and Christian values.

n Youth Run NOLA, which promotes wellness and community in the 9th Ward and St. Bernard Parish through free running programs.

The $10,000 Lagniappe recipient is Grow Dat Youth Farm, which cultivates leadership, learning and community health by engaging 9th Ward youth in growing fresh produce All organizations will receive general operating grants to support their existing work.

The grant recipients were announced during a commemorative gathering Aug. 22 at the Ellis Marsalis Center for Music in Musicians’ Village Since Hurricane Katrina, BCM has invested more than $250 million into the Greater New Orleans region through grants, direct services and community partnerships. Inman J Houston is CEO of Baptist Community Ministries

COLLEGE NEWS

RIVER PARISHES COMMUNITY COLLEGE: The school’s foundation has received a $250,000 grant from Marathon Petroleum’s Garyville Refinery to enhance the Methanol Unit at the Reserve Campus. The $250,000 grant will fund critical inspections, repairs, and upgrades to ensure the unit is fully operational and safe. When work is done, the unit will be integrated into multiple workforce training programs and is expected to benefit 40-60 students annually, while also serving as a valuable instructional resource for RPCC faculty. The Methanol Unit project is set to begin in October and is expected to be completed by September 2026.

Healthy curiosity

New Orleans has faced many epidemics. Hear how they helped shape the city.

Local historian Derby Gisclair will talk about “Epidemics That Shaped New Orleans” at 7 p.m. Sept. 18 at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie.

Gisclair says that the city is still feeling the effects of the COVID pandemic that took nearly 18,000 lives throughout the state. However, he says, during its 300-plus-year history, there have been many diseases that have ravaged New Orleans.

Smallpox: Between 1863 and 1882, smallpox killed about 6,450 New Orleanians.

Around a third of those with smallpox didn’t survive. At its worst, the disease brought a pox-covered demise to about 1 in 11 people, for a total of hundreds of millions of victims throughout its deadly history

Malaria: It killed as many as one in 556 people in the city during its peak, not surprising considering all the swamps and humidity in the area.

Malaria is caused by one of several parasites of the Plasmodium family that are carried by mosquitoes.

Yellow fever: Between 1796 and 1905, Louisiana was repeatedly ravaged by multiple yellow fever epidemics, taking more than 100,000 lives throughout the state and 40,000 within New Orleans. The New Orleans yellow fever epidemic of 1853 is considered the worst single disease epidemic to befall a major U.S. city An estimated 11,000 people died that morbid summer

Cholera: Questionable sanitation levels of 19th-century New Orleans made cholera a major concern. Several major cholera outbreaks occurred here in the 1800s, including perhaps the worst, in 1832, when 3,000 New Orleanians died in two months.

A lifelong resident of New Orleans, Gisclair is a member of the Society of American Baseball Research.

He is active with the Schott-Pelican Chapter of SABR in Louisiana and is on the nominating and selection committees for the Greater New Orleans Professional Baseball Hall of Fame

ARCHDIOCESE RECORDS: Sarah Waits, research archivist at the Archdiocese of New Orleans, will talk about the Archdiocesan Archives, focusing on its vast collection of sacramental records, at 7 p.m. Sept. 23 at the East Bank Regional Library 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie

The archives hold four centuries of records and are a vital resource for anyone researching their family’s ties to Louisiana. Waits will discuss research methods and share her experience working with sacramental records to create an extensive family tree for Pope Leo XIV, which is now available for viewing online

AUTHOR TALKS: Three inspirational authors will talk about their books at 7 p.m. Sept. 22 at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie.

Dawn Jackson-Duvernay, author of “Mom, Share Your Memories with Me,” says that “Every mother carries a lifetime of wisdom, stories, and cherished moments.” Her book is a guided journal designed to help mothers reflect, express, and preserve their journeys through life It contains thought-provoking questions, soulful poetry and personal reflection prompts, and it invites mothers to share their memories, greatest lessons and the love that shaped their journey

This screened ambulance was used to transport yellow fever cases to the hospital during the 1905 New Orleans epidemic, the last major outbreak of the disease in the city

HISTORIC NEW ORLEANS COLLECTION

Also speaking will be Velma Albert, author of the books “Grief, Girl to Woman” and “A Better You!” as well as Michall Willis, author of “Hidden Thoughts: Not Just a Preacher’s Kid.”

GENEALOGY: 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 The next session, “Researching Vital Records,” will take place at 7 p.m. Sept. 18 “Newspapers and Obituaries” is coming up at 7 p.m. Oct. 9 MUSIC EVENTS: Several options are coming up at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie

n The Jefferson Parish Community Band performs a free concert at 7 p.m. Sept. 11.

n The Trombone Choir performs a free concert at 7 p.m. Sept. 15

SNAZZY CLOTHES COLLECTIVE: For this sewing discussion group, patrons should bring projects and questions, disasters and triumphs, to share with those who love to create clothing. This group meets twice monthly on Tuesdays. The next meeting will be from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Sept. 16, at the River Ridge Library, 8825 Jefferson Highway.

Chris Smith is manager of adult programming at the Jefferson Parish Public Library

Cancer Crusaders luncheon to honor 12 cancer survivors

Staff report

Cancer Crusaders will honor 12 cancer survivors who are active in their community at a fundraiser Oct. 3 at the New Orleans Marriott, 555 Canal St. in New Orleans.

The 2025 honorees are Carol Capella Barbera, Barbara Ann Bellevue, Donald “Boysie” Bollinger Jessica Hof Cambre, Seanne N. Falconer, Taysha D. Gibbs, Diane Roussel McDonald, Brooke Lashouto Pritchard, Liz Reyes, Margaret A. Ruffin, Patricia M. Sharpe and Kathryn Davidson Weidner Carol Capella Barbera, of Metairie, who spent four decades as a nurse, has volunteered with St. Dominic, the Good Shepherd and Jesuit High schools, the local chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and the Ladies Guild of St. Michael Special School.

Barbara Ann Bellevue, of Metairie, who retired after 30 years with Longview House and Gardens gift shop, is a member of Ladies Leukemia League, the treasurer for St. Angela Young at Heart Seniors Ministry and chaired the St. Joseph Altar.

Donald “Boysie” Bollinger of New Orleans, is chair and CEO of Bollinger Enterprises LLC. He is chair of Nicholls State University Foundation and of the Audubon Nature Institute Foundation and co-chair of the Ace Scholarship National Advisory Board.

Dr Jessica Hof Cambre, of New Orleans, has worked in private practice in New Orleans as a child and adolescent psychiatrist for the past 20 years She has consulted with the Department of Justice to assist with the prosecution of health care crimes.

Seanne N. Falconer, of New Orleans, executive director of the Tulane Cancer Center, is a member of the Junior League of New Orleans and serves on the planning committee for Run, Walk, Give!, which supports the Crescent City Classic.

Taysha D. Gibbs, of Arabi, a retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel, is founder of Fight Like a Warrior, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting fellow cancer survivors She is also active in You Night and the Kiwanis Club of St Bernard.

Diane Roussel McDonald, of River Ridge, has

volunteered with the American Cancer Society, the Cancer Relay for Life and the Revlon Walk Run for Ovarian and Breast Cancer and has been named City Business Woman of the Year

Brooke Lashouto Pritchard, of Slidell, has become active on social media to help and inspire others affected by breast cancer and served as a social media ambassador for the Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation’s “Power of 3” campaign in March 2025.

Liz Reyes, of Kenner, an award-winning television news reporter and anchor at Fox 8 News known for her Hurricane Katrina coverage, has, since her diagnosis with thyroid cancer, educated others on the importance of regular checkups for early detection.

MargaretA.Ruffin, of Lafayette, a speech therapist primarily involved in rehabilitation in hospitals, clinics and medical centers, is a member of Junior League, served on the Acadiana Arts Council board and serves on the board of Friends of Music Acadiana.

Patricia M Sharpe, of Metairie, who earned “A Great 100 Nurse” award during her 50

years in nursing, is a past president of Overture of the Cultural Season and the Guild of Le Petite Theatre and works with the Elenian Club and the Metairie Woman’s Club. Kathryn Davidson Weidner, of River Ridge, whose career in social work began in 1978, has volunteered with Jesuit High School, Les Amies Garden Club, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society The New Orleans Museum of Art, the Ballet Resource and Volunteer Organization supporting the New Orleans Ballet Association, and the New Orleans Opera Association. Tickets for the luncheon, on sale now, start at $120 through Sept. 26 at onecau.se/ cancercrusaders. Doors open at 10 a.m. Cancer Crusaders is a nonprofit, all-volunteer organization established in 1976 to raise money for cancer research in the New Orleans area. All proceeds are divided equally between LSU Health Sciences Center and Tulane Cancer Center. To date Cancer Crusaders has donated more than $5 million to LSU and Tulane for cancer research.