Crescent City Picayune 11-05-2025

A joyful brew

Special coffee blend honors mother’s breast cancer

BY EVA JACOB BARKOFF Contributing writer

When you walk into Mae Belle

Maurin’s Metairie home, dozens of colorful sketches cover her bedroom walls, creating a gallery of sunsets, beaches, landscapes and flowers.

Along the edge of the ceiling, strings of tiny multicolored lights blink off and on.

“My favorite colors are pink and green,” said Maurin, the daughter of Chris and Mae Belle Seghers-Maurin. “Drawing makes

struggle and daughter’s artwork

me feel calm and relaxed.”

As part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October one of Maurin’s sketches, entitled “Swirls,” was featured on the cover of a limited-edition coffee — “Valentina” — produced by Orleans Coffee Company to recognize Seghers-Maurin, one of its employees and a two-time breast cancer survivor

“I was shocked,” Seghers-Maurin said of the coffee creation. “I am truly humbled and grateful for both of us.”

From the sales of each bag of

coffee, the company donated $1 to Ochsner’s Breast Cancer Surgery Recovery Fund that helps patients with nonmedical costs like transportation, groceries and utilities, as well as financial aid for basic needs and treatmentrelated expenses such as medication, wigs and prosthetics. More than 250 bags of coffee were sold.

The “Valentina” label was taken from a thank-you card SeghersMaurin wrote to her employer

November is National Adopt a Senior Pet Month, a time to shine a light on the oftenoverlooked older pets waiting in shelters and rescues Being in a shelter is hard for any animal, but for seniors — who may have spent a decade or more with a family the experience can be devastating. They don’t understand why they are suddenly in a shelter They are scared and confused, and some even shut down and lose hope. Sadly, many senior pets end up surrendered when their owners can no longer care for them or when agerelated health issues appear. But behind the gray muzzles and slower steps are loving, loyal companions with plenty of life and love left to give

Now at 15, he’s our affectionate lap dog who relishes every belly rub and treat. His eyesight and hearing may have gone, but his spirit hasn’t. He still lets me know how he feels after getting a bath and demands his chicken and apple treats Watching him enjoy his golden years reminds us daily how special it is to give an older animal a second chance

‘Senior’ is misleading

The word “senior” can make people think of frailty, but that’s far from the truth. Many older pets remain active and playful for years.

In 2020, my family adopted our dog, Romeo, when he was 10 years old. He had lived with the same family since puppyhood before landing in a shelter and eventually being rescued by ARNO. It took time for him to trust us, but patience and love worked their magic.

Dogs and cats are generally considered seniors around 7 to 9 years old, but that’s just a number Small dog breeds can live 16 to 20 years or longer, and cats often reach their late teens or even 20s.

Larger breeds may have shorter life spans, but with good nutrition, regular vet care and exercise, many now live well into their teens thanks to advancements in veterinary medicine. Older pets a perfect fit for a more relaxed lifestyle. Adopt one now.

Traci Howerton ANIMAL RESCUE ä See PET, page 2G

Fall in Treme

The 10th annual Treme Fall Festival, at the St. Augustine Catholic Church yard and surrounding neighborhood in New Orleans, featured food, arts and crafts and live music by Kermit Ruffins and Shamarr Allen, plus a secondline through the neighborhood.

PHOTO BY MORGAN WERTHER

This 7-year-old pup, technically a ‘senior,’ was still lively enough to go for a play day at a dog park

PET

Continued from page 1G

The perks of older pets

Yes, caring for a senior pet can come with challenges, but so does raising a puppy or kitten.

Puppies chew furniture, wake you up at all hours and require constant supervision and training. Senior pets, on the other hand, usually come housetrained, well-mannered and past the “chew everything” phase. They often just want a comfy bed, a nice walk and someone to love.

For older adults or retirees, adopting a senior pet can be especially rewarding. Mature pets tend to have calmer energy levels and fit more easily into a relaxed lifestyle. They don’t require marathon walks or hours of playtime, and they make perfect companions for quiet evenings at home.

Health benefits for humans

Pets don’t just make us happier They may even make us healthier Recent research from the American Heart Association and the National Institutes of Health shows that pet owners, especially dog owners, tend to get more exercise, experience lower blood pressure and report reduced feelings of loneliness.

Senior pets, with their mellow dispositions can bring an extra layer of calm and comfort to daily life A stroll with your dog

can spark conversations with neighbors, help you stay active and provide a sense of purpose that can be healing.

Rescue programs for senior pets

To help senior animals find homes, many shelters offer “fospice” (foster + hospice) programs. These special adoptions pair older pets with loving foster families while the organization covers medical expenses. It’s a great way to give a senior animal comfort, companionship and dignity in their final years. Every shelter has older dogs and cats patiently waiting for a family to see past their age. They may have a little gray around the muzzle, but they still have hearts full of love and gratitude. I know firsthand how rewarding it is to adopt a senior pet Romeo has brought more joy to our home than we could have imagined. It’s hard to believe he has only been with us for five years. Please consider adopting or fostering — a senior pet. You might just find that in giving them a second chance, you gain something priceless in return. After all, age is just a number

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.

PET OF THE WEEK

PROVIDED PHOTO

Harley is a Russian blue beauty, just shy of 13 years old. She would love to find a loving family to live out her golden years with. She still has lots of love to give so please don’t pass her by. To learn more, email adoptionteam@animalrescueneworleans.org

Harahan playground gets a makeover

The city of Harahan and local company Pelican Playgrounds recently held a volunteer build event at Royland Playground, replacing the current set up with new, inclusive equipment. Volunteers included businesses, residents and city leaders. The equipment was donated by several top playground equipment manufacturers in New Orleans for a national American Society of Landscape Architects conference. Rather than shipping the equipment back home, the manufacturers provided it to Harahan.

BREW

Continued from page 1G

and co-workers for their support during both of her recoveries. The cover of the card is the “Swirls” sketch.

“We wanted to use the sketch to honor both Mae Belle and her mother,” said Heather Rousseau, the company’s director of operations and the in-house graphic artist for Orleans Coffee.

Maurin, 24, has mosaic Down syndrome, a rare form of Down syndrome where a person has a mixture of two types of cells: some with the usual 46 chromosomes and some with an extra chromosome 21.

Those with mosaic Down syndrome often can express themselves in ways that include art and using bright colors and abstract styles.

“We went to a geneticist who told us

to just let Mae Belle show you what she can do,” Seghers-Maurin said.

“This was not her first drawing, but it was the first one with the best detail.

“She uses markers, and we noticed that she was able to color within the lines. Mae Belle just has a knack for this, and it’s been fun to watch her grow

“We have tried to provide Mae Belle with an environment where she can thrive,” added Chris Maurin. “She has had no formal training in art and has drawn hundreds of sketches by using her own imagination. I am very proud of my daughter.”

Since 2021, Maurin has been a participant at GiGi’s Playhouse, a nonprofit organization offering free educational and therapeutic programs for children and adults with Down syndrome.

Annie Watkins is the site manager

“We are so happy for Mae Belle,” Watkins said. “This was a great op-

portunity for her to share her talents with the community.”

“I hope when people saw my picture, they thought it was beautiful,” Maurin added.

Seghers-Maurin said she is grateful for the research that has been done to learn more about breast cancer and the best treatment options available.

“Years ago, when a woman received a breast cancer diagnosis, it was something no one talked about,” Seghers-Maurin said. “Today, women are more open about breast cancer and are realistic about what they are facing. I have built my own community where I can share my thoughts, feelings and ideas with others who have had or have breast cancer

“I’m the type of person who can handle whatever comes my way I knew I had to be strong and to keep going because a lot of people depend on me. I wanted to be here for my family.”

FESTIVALS

TREME CREOLE GUMBO FES-

TIVAL: The festival showcas-

ing the culinary and cultural heritage of the Tremé neighborhood will be celebrated Nov. 8-9, 11 a.m.-8 p.m., in Louis Armstrong Park, 701 N. Rampart St. in New Orleans. It also features local artisans, R&B, funk and brass bands and gumbo. www.jazzandheritage.org.

DESTREHAN PLANTATION

FALL FESTIVAL: The fest at Destrehan Plantation, 13034 River Road in Destrehan, will be held Nov. 8-9 with more than 180 arts and crafts booths, a bungee jump and a Model A car club, with music by Ryan Foret and Foret Tradition on Saturday and Peyton Falgoust Band on Sunday. $10 for adults, $5 for children 6-12. Guided tours of the home are $15. www.destrehanplantation.org.

2025 NOLA NITE MARKET: The after-hours shopping event that also supports a charity will take place Nov. 14-15 at the Westwego Farmer’s Market, 484 Sala Ave. in Westwego Hours are 5-10 p.m. Friday and noon-10 p.m. Saturday. The beneficiary is Pig Latin, a Hogs for the Cause food team that raises money for families battling pediatric brain cancer. nolanitemarket.com.

BEIGNET FEST: The festival will be held Nov. 15, 10 a.m.-

6 p.m., at the Festival Grounds in New Orleans City Park, 4 Friederichs Ave. Along with live music and an art market, there’s beignets in traditional, sweet and savory categories, plus, vegan, gluten-free and nonbeignet options. Admission starts at $25, children 10 and under free. beignetfest com.

KENNER FOOD TRUCK FESTI-

VAL: More than 30 local food trucks will be on hand Nov. 16, 11 a.m.-7 p.m., at Laketown by the Kenner Boat Launch 5051 Williams Blvd. Live music from Amber Drive, The Wise Guys, Rock Show Nola and Timothy Wayne, plus arts and crafts and a kids’ zone. Free. www.kenner.la.us.

OAK STREET PO-BOY FESTI-

VAL: The celebration of the city’s most iconic sandwich takes place Nov. 16, 10 a.m.6 p.m., in 8100-8700 blocks of Oak Street between South Carrollton Avenue and Eagle Street. It includes 40 food vendors, multiple stages of live music, arts market and more. Wristbands are $10, with fast-pass wristbands $25. www.poboyfest.com.

SOBER FEST: The festival will be held Nov. 22, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., at the Sugar Mill, 1021 Convention Center Blvd. in New Orleans. It’s family-friendly with a variety of food vendors and food trucks. Proceeds benefit Bridge House/Grace House. Tickets are $10 in advance; $20 at the gate. www. bridgehouse.org

COMMUNITY EVENTS

VETERANS DAY LUNCHEON: St. Charles Parish will honor veterans with a luncheon on Nov. 6 at 11:30 a.m., in the gymnasium at the Edward A. Dufresne Community Center, 274 Judge Edward Dufresne Parkway in Luling. A video tribute showcasing photos of local veterans. Guest speaker is St. Charles Parish native Rochelle Touchard, a U.S. Army veteran. Lunch will be served for all St. Charles Parish veterans and their spouses. www.stcharlesparish.gov.

OPERATION FUR-EVER HOME

EVENT: Metairie Humane, the Louisiana SPCA and Take Paws Rescue are teaming up with Scott Vicknair Personal Injury Lawyers for an adoption event on Nov. 8, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., at Lafayette Square, South Maestri Street in New Orleans. www.

scottvicknair.com/operationfureverhome/.

“THE DISTRICT: MUSIC AND MUSICIANS IN STORYVILLE”: The New Orleans Jazz Museum will open its newest exhibition, an exploration of the music, people and places that helped shape the early sound of jazz, on Nov. 13. The exhibition, which runs through February 2026, highlights figures such as Jelly Roll Morton, King Oliver, Tony Jackson, Kid Ory and Fess Manetta who performed in the district. The museum is at 400 Esplanade Ave. in New Orleans. louisianastatemuseum.org.

TOUCH-A-TRUCK: The Junior League of New Orleans will hold the fundraiser on Nov. 15, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Pontchartrain Convention and Civic Center, 4545 Williams Blvd. in Kenner. This event gives kids a chance to explore and climb aboard all kinds of trucks and equipment, from fire engines and bulldozers to police cars, first responder vehicles, a helicopter and more. There will be a sensoryfriendly quiet hour from 2 to 3 p.m. www.jlno.org.

EMBERS POP-UP: The New Orleans Culinary & Hospitality Institute’s Culinary Arts and Baking & Pastry fall 2025 cohort will host a pop-up cafe beginning Nov. 11, at NOCHI’s downtown campus, 725 Howard Ave. in New Orleans. Seatings are available 11:30 a.m.1 p.m. on Nov. 11-14 and 18-21, Dec. 2-5 and 9-12. www.nochi. org/embers.

QUARTER KALEIDOSCOPE: Celebrate the French Quarter with a community history storytelling on Nov. 19, 6 p.m., sponsored by the Historic BK House & Gardens and The Vieux Carre Property Owners, Residents, and Associates, at 1113 Chartres St. in New Orleans. Special guests will tell their personal stories of living, working and celebrating what makes New Orleans unique. Limited seating is available. Tickets are $10 for members; $15 nonmembers. www.bkhouse.org.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

MAKING MEANING FOR AGES

60-90: An interactive workshop on aging led by Chris Pomfret, founder of The Third Thirty, will be held at Algiers United Methodist Church,

637 Opelousas Ave., on Nov. 8 and 15, 10-11 a.m. The free sessions include topics such as dealing with retirement, loss of a loved one and loss of independence.

CULTURE & CONCERTS

GOSPEL CONCERT EXTRAVA-

GANZA: Xavier University of Louisiana will conclude its Centennial Homecoming celebration with an afternoon of faith, music and community featuring gospel music legend Yolanda Adams on Nov. 9, noon-4 p.m., in the Convocation Center, 7900 Stroelitz St. in New Orleans. The event begins with a brunch and features performances by alumni and student members of the Xavier Gospel Choir. Tickets start at $22. XULAHomecoming.com

FRIENDS OF THE CABILDO

CONCERT SERIES: Tickets are on sale for the 2025-2026 season of concerts, held at 7 p.m. on the third floor performance space venue at the New Orleans Jazz Museum, 400 Esplanade Ave. in New Orleans. Performances begin Nov. 21 with Paul Sanchez. Professor Longhair’s 107th birthday show with C.R. Gruver of the New Orleans Suspects will be held Dec. 19. Concert dates continue into 2026. Tickets start at $30. 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.

COMMUNITY THEATER

“FOOTLOOSE THE MUSICAL

YOUTH EDITION”: JPA Theatre Kids! will present the youth version of the movie musical Nov. 14-16 at the Westwego Performing Arts Theatre, 177 Sala Ave. in Westwego. Evening performances start at 7:30 p.m., with afternoon matinees at 2 p.m. Tickets start at $28.75. https://www jpas.org/season48/#wpat.

MOVIES

MOVIES IN THE PARK: New Orleans Recreation Development Commission concludes the fall free movie season of screenings at dusk on Nov. 7 with “Inside Out 2” at Stallings Recreation Center, 4300

St. Claude Ave. Rain site is Stallings St. Claude Rec Center. Bring picnics, lawn chairs and blankets. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. nordc.org.

PRODUCER’S CHOICE FILM SERIES: The film series at NOMA’s Lapis Center for the Arts, City Park, 1 Collins C. Diboll Circle in New Orleans, will present “Pollock” on Nov. 12, 7 p.m., followed by a conversation with producer Meryl Poster, and “Basquiat” on Nov. 14, 7 p.m., followed by a conversation with director Julian Schnaebel. Tickets are $10 for members, $15 for general admission. noma.org.

BOOKS

“AMITY”: Author Nathan Harris will talk about and sign her book on Nov. 5, 6-8 p.m., at Baldwin & Co., 1030 Elysian Fields Ave. in New Orleans. Free; admission plus a signed book and meet-and-greet are available through Eventbrite starting at $35.12. www.baldwinandcobooks.com.

MY FRENCH BOOK FEST:

French-speaking literary figures gather Nov. 7-8 at the Alliance Française de La Nouvelle-Orléans, 1519 Jackson Ave. in New Orleans. The event allows audiences to discover French children’s literature and engage with authors, illustrators and publishers from France, Louisiana, Quebec and Canada. Guests can take part in workshops, performances and book signings in schools and various venues and the Book Fair, which offers an extensive selection of Frenchlanguage titles. Free. www af-neworleans.org

“THE GREYHOUND DIARY”: Anna Mathias will discuss her mother Judy Montagu’s newly published travelogue on Nov. 8, 5 p.m., at Garden District Book, 2727 Prytania St. in New Orleans. Free; RSVP and reserve books on Eventbrite. www.gardendistrictbookshop.com.

FUNDRAISERS/GALAS

CELEBRATING NEW ORLEANS CULTURE: 20 YEARS OF REBUILDING TOGETHER AFTER HURRICANE KATRINA: St. Jude Outreach will host the gala on Nov. 6, 5:30-8 p.m., at the Pavilion of the Two Sisters, 3 Victory Ave. in New Orleans. Honorees are Anne Milling,

founder, Women of the Storm; Billy Nungesser, lieutenant governor, state of Louisiana; Derrick Tabb, founder/executive director, Roots of Music; and Doug Thornton, executive vice president, ASM Global. Tickets are $150. www.stjudeoutreach.org.

SCALES AND ALES: Audubon Aquarium celebrates marine conservation and rescue efforts at its fundraising event on Nov. 7 at Audubon Aquarium and Insectarium, 1 Canal St. in New Orleans, with food, live music and access to tours of the aquarium and insectarium. This is an adultonly (21+) event. Tickets start at $100. www.ScalesAndAles. org.

LOVE IN THE GARDEN: New Orleans Museum of Art’s fundraiser will be Nov. 7, 7-11 p.m., in the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden, 1 Collins Diboll Circle in New Orleans. It will include food, performances from Where Y’acht and the Javier Olondo Trio, cuisine from restaurants including Magasin Kitchen and Cafe Degas and the return of the annual LOVE Cocktail Challenge. Patron Party and Garden Party tickets are $150; $100 for members. noma.org.

RITMO & RAÎCES 2025: The celebration of culture and community by Puentes New Orleans will take place 6-9 p.m. Nov. 7 at Beanlandia, 3300 Royal St., New Orleans. The group serves area Latino youth to bridge the educational barriers and cultural gaps and build leadership. Five dancing couples who will share stories of identity, heritage, and resilience through movement, the live music of Damian CH and Colombian-inspired food by Waska. For tickets: www.puentesneworleans.org or email Angela Ramirez (angelaed@ puentesnola.org).

UTILITY BOX ART PROJECT: The 2025 Mini Box Auction for Community Visions Unlimited Utility Box Art Project will be held Nov. 8, 6-9 p.m., at the Schoen Mansion 3827 Canal St. in New Orleans. As part of CVU’s 15th anniversary, 390 art boxes were created in five parishes. The minimum bid starts at $50. All auction proceeds benefit the continuation of this community project. www.cvunola.org

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.

ALGIERS HISTORICAL SOCIETY: Lou Ritten, four-year president of the national Lewis and Clark Trail Alliance, will present an overview history of the peoples that have controlled various sections of the Mississippi River from just prior to European contact through the present day. It’s part of the Algiers Historical Society meeting to be held Nov. 15, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., in the first-floor meeting room at the Algiers Regional Library, 3014 Holiday Drive in Algiers. algiershistoricalsociety.org.

HOLIDAY CAMP UPTURN ARTS: Register now for the school holiday camps Nov. 24-26, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., at NOLA Spaces, 1719 Toledano St, New Orleans. Thanksgiving fall camp is available for ages 4-8, and the dedicated tween arts program is for ages 9-12 years. Cost is $85 per day with a 10% sibling discount. An early bird registration discount of 20% is available by Nov. 10 (code FALL20). upturnarts.org.

Bingle’s beginnings: Hear Mr. Bingle’s life story from daughters of his creator

The daughters of the man who created Mr Bingle will discuss the history of the iconic New Orleans snowman from the Maison Blanche department store on Nov 13.

Chris

Smith

Jerilyn Alline Faulstich and Denise Alline Gurtner will speak about the beloved Christmas tradition at 7 p.m. at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie.

LIBRARY

LAGNIAPPE

Mr Bingle was conceived in 1948 by Emile Alline Sr., the store’s display manager Initially named “Snow Doll,” he was renamed Mr Bingle to align with the store owner’s preference for the initials “MB.” Puppet shows and radio and television commercials made Mr Bingle, a little snowman with an icecream cone hat, holly-leaf wings and Christmas ornaments for eyes, became holiday staple.

Local puppeteer Oscar Istentrout was hired to bring Mr Bingle to life for passers-by on Canal Street through regular marionette shows in the store’s front window WWII DISCUSSION GROUP: John Curatola, author of a new book titled “Armies Afloat: How the Development of Amphibious Operation in Europe Helped Win World War II,” will speak at 7 p.m. Nov 6 at the East Bank Regional Library 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie.

American forces storming the beaches of Normandy on D-Day, June 6, 1944, is one of the most famous moments in U.S. military history But behind this iconic assault is the long-overlooked history of learning and innovation.

Significantly, the amphibious forces taken ashore that day were overwhelm-

ingly Army soldiers, with sailors and airmen in support Before the Army could launch such an endeavor however it had to learn how to conduct amphibious operations against a contested shore.

CONCERT: Pianist Richard Dowling and cellist Evan Drachman will perform at 2 p.m. Nov 16 at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie, as part of the Piatigorsky Series. Since 1990, the Piatigorsky Foundation has presented more than 4,000 performances, introducing the joy of live classical music in communities throughout the country Piatigorsky artists play for audiences including seniors, schoolchildren, the economically disadvantaged, and those living in geographically remote areas.

READ ALL ABOUT IT: Pat Bedenbaugh will present a brief history of the newsboys of New Orleans at 7 p.m. Nov 17 at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie.

The 1870s in New Orleans were a time of loss and suffering following the end of the Civil War Yellow fever epidemics and mass immigration of the poor filled New Orleans with orphans and half-orphans The newsboys were among those numbers. Many of those newsboys were family breadwinners. Bedenbaugh’s grandfather was among them. His obituary said he was cast “upon the streets” at age 4 and lived in the newsboys’ home until he married. That obituary started her search to learn about the home.

HOMESCHOOL SERIES: The Homeschool Series at Terrytown Library, 680

Heritage Ave., Terrytown, offers lessons for ages 6 and up, though younger students are allowed. Upcoming lessons:

n Native gardening: 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 10

n Indigo dyeing: 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Nov 17

n Heritage share: 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Nov 24

COFFEE AND CARS: Patrons with classic cars or motorcycles can bring them to the parking lot of the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 8, to hang out with people like them or those who are just curious. This event is part of the 75th anniversary of the Jefferson Parish Library system. A special blend of

Source material

A trio of national and local authors will talk with New Orleans readers

BY JANE LEGROS Contributing writer

Three authors will share their work with New Orleans library patrons this week.

On Nov 5, Indigenous journalist and author Joseph Lee will visit the New Orleans Public Library via Zoom at 1 p.m. to discuss his memoir “Nothing More of This Land.” Growing up Aqui nnah Wampanoag, Lee grappled with what it means to be an Indigenous person in the world today, especially as tribal land, culture and community face new threats. Starting with the story of his own tribe, which is from the iconic Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts, Lee tackles questions around Indigenous identity and the legacy of colonialism.

Visit nolalibrary.co/joseph-lee to register and submit questions for the author

On Nov 6, local author Boyce Upholt will speak about his book “The Great River: The Making and Unmaking of the Mississippi,” at 5:30 p.m. on Nov 6 at Norman Mayer Library 3001 Gentilly Blvd. In this landmark work of natural history, Upholt tells the epic story of the wild and unruly Mississippi River, and the centuries of human meddling that have transformed both the river and America.

On Nov 7, the New Orleans Public Library’s REACH Center team will host a conversation with award-winning author and storyteller Bernice McFadden at 6 p.m. at the Community Book Center, at 2523 Bayou Road. McFadden will discuss her first memoir, “Firstborn Girls,” a deeply personal exploration of generational trauma, maternal legacy and spiritual reckoning that traces her own story alongside the lives of the women who came before her McFadden is a national bestselling, award-winning author celebrated for her

richly layered novels hat center ancestry memory and the enduring strength of Black women. She is the author of “Sugar,” “The Book of Harlan,” “Praise Song for the Butterflies” and other works of fiction. Her writing has earned numerous honors, including the American Book Award and an NAACP Image Award.

FRENCH BOOK FEST:

Two free My French Book Fest programs are coming up in partnerships with the Alliance Française de La Nouvelle-Orléans. At 11 a.m. on Nov 8, illustrator Ilya Green will visit Hubbell Library, 725 Pelican Ave., for a bilingual creative paper workshop where kids and families craft fantastic characters inspired by the magic of cut-outs, transfers, and collages.

Open to children ages 6-12 and their families, this playful workshop sparks imagination and storytelling. Space is limited; visit events.nolalibrary.org to register On Nov 10, My French Book Fest will present a lively dance workshop with Canadian author and performer Micah, inspired by his book “Micah! Let’s Go on an Adventure.”

Attendees at the Milton H Latter Memorial, 5120 St. Charles Ave., will discover French-Canadian culture through traditional jig steps, songs, and partner dances in this fun, interactive workshop open to children ages 6-12 and their families. Space is limited; visit events.nolalibrary org to register For complete details about My French Book Fest, including the schedule of events, visit the website of Alliance Française de La Nouvelle-Orléans. Both programs will be presented in both English and French.

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

coffee will be served. Cars/ motorcycles for display should be parked in the lot to the left of the main entry drive while visitors should park on the right side

LEGAL HELP: The Legal Education and Assistance Program sponsored by the Louisiana Bar Association has offered a unique program to JPL that offers remote access to Westlaw, a premier legal research database. Westlaw provides access to primary and secondary sources of law, including annotated versions of statutes/code articles and case opinions, legal textbooks, and forms. However, this databases requires more skill to navigate. Because it is primarily a tool for attorneys, the reading level

is quite high and may not be appropriate for some patrons

But, for those patrons with slightly more obscure legal questions or who really want to do a deep dive on a legal topic, Westlaw is a good bet. The Westlaw program is available only through the JPL website. Once there, patrons should go to the light brown Digital Library box, click on it, scroll down to find “Westlaw.”

MUSEUM PASSES: Jefferson Parish Library has partnered with the State Library to expand the Experience Pass program with Check Out Louisiana Museums. Library cardholders can reserve a limited number of free admissions to an expanded array of

cultural institutions, including the Louisiana State Museum’s French Quarter properties such as the Cabildo, Presbytère, 1850 House and New Orleans Jazz Museum, along with the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame in Natchitoches, and the E.D. White Historic Site in Thibodaux, among other attractions. Admissions to the New Orleans Museum of Art, The National WWII Museum, The Historic New Orleans Collection and the Pontchartrain Foundation’s West End Lighthouse may also be reserved at the same website.

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

PUBLIC MEETINGNOTICE

NewOrleans Rail GatewayProgram StateProject No.H.005168 FederalAid ProjectNo. DE-9208 (500) JeffersonHighway Rail Crossing Relocation Project

TheLouisiana Department of Transportation andDevelopment (DOTD) andthe FederalRailroadAdministration, in coordination with theFederal HighwayAdministration, NewOrleans Regional Planning Commission and therailroads operatinginthe NewOrleans metropolitan area will host an open housepublicmeeting forthe JeffersonHighway Rail Crossing Relocation Project.

THURSDAY,NOVEMBER13, 2025

6:00 P.M. –7:30P.M.

OchsnerMedical Center Campus BrentHouse Hotel, 2ndFloor,Ballroom 1512 JeffersonHighway,New Orleans, LA 70121

Complimentaryparking:Ochsner MedicalCenterParking Garage,2nd Floorand above

This projectisevaluatingcombining thetwo at-grade highway-rail crossings on JeffersonHighway (US90) betweenthe OchsnerMedical Center and Monticello Avenue into asinglecrossing andgrade separating thecombined crossing with aroadway overpass.

Theopenhouse meetingwillconsist of arepeating recorded presentation of thealternativesdeveloped,exhibitsfor viewing, theopportunitytospeak with DOTD andStudy Team representatives, providecomments, andjointhe study distribution list to receivefuturenotices

Allinterestedparties areencouragedtoattendthe open house. Comments received at theopenhouse andwritten commentspost-marked by November 24,2025 will become part of themeeting record.Ifyou areunabletoattend themeeting,you maymailyourcommentstothe addresslistedbelow NewOrleans Rail GatewayProgram c/oThe HawthorneAgency, Inc. P.O. Box56845, NewOrleans,LA70156

Themeeting location is accessibletopersons with disabilities.Ifyou need specialaccommodations(e.g.,signlanguage) or requiretranslation services, please call 504-488-6196 at leastfivebusinessdays in advanceofthe meeting.

El lugardereunión es accesibleparapersonascon discapacidades.Sinecesitaadaptacionesespeciales (por ejemplo, lenguaje de señas) onecesitaservicios de traducción,llame al 504-488-6196 al menoscinco

días hábilesantes de la reunión.

Brother Martin Homecoming royalty

Staff report

Brother Martin High School celebrated Homecoming 2025 with festivities and a football game against John Curtis on Oct.17 at Tad Gormley Stadium. At halftime, the Brother Martin Crusader Band and the St Mary’s Dominican High School Debs and Color Guard performed a halftime routine Brother Martin NJRTOC officers formed a sword arch saluting members of this year’s Homecoming Court as they were formally escorted by the president of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart Alumni Association (BOSHAA). The 2024 homecoming queen, Gabriella Brent, a freshman at LSU, was escorted by Mark Zimmer, class of 1976. Members of the 2025 court were

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN HIGH: Bennaroo, an allages music festival, is set for Nov. 9, 4-8 p m. at The Broadside, 600 N Broad St. in New Orleans. The lineup includes Rich Collins of the Imagination Movers, Creole String Beans, The Iguanas, Sarah Quintana, Anais St. John and more. Tickets are $20 advance, $30 at the door for students age 13-20; $30 advance, $40 at the door for adults 21 and over. Under 13 is free. www.bfhsla.org/bennaroo.

ST. BERNARD SCHOOLS: Students of the Year for 2025-2026 have been announced by the school. Elementary: Bentley Hume Arabi Elementary; Xincheng Ruan, Arlene Meraux Elementary; Julia Magundayao, Chalmette Elementary; McKenzie Neumeyer, J. F. Gauthier Elementary School; Kali Serigne, Joseph Davies Elementary; Lenna Moynan Lacoste Elementary; and Sentell Aisola, Jr., W. Smith, Jr. Elementary Middle School: Grace Dewey, Andrew Jackson Middle; Jack McMullin N P. Trist Middle; and Abram Hill, St. Bernard Middle. High School: Jackson Nunez, Chalmette High.

ST. MARY’S DOMINICAN: A benefit tennis tournament will be held Nov. 14, 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m., at the Privateer Tennis Center at the University of New Orleans, 6801 Franklin Ave. Registration is open until Nov. 10, with entry fees at $90 per team, $45 per clinic entry and $30 per spectator. www.stmarysdominican org.

AUDUBON SCHOOL: Audubon Gentilly (K-8)

Homecoming royalty at Brother Martin High School included, from left, Corinne

Hannah Schwegmann, Gabriella Brent, Aubrie Duplantis, Makenna Garcia and Gianna Fortunato.

SCHOOL NOTES

will host an open house Nov. 6, 6 p.m., at 4720

Painters St. Audubon Uptown’s Lower Broadway campus (K-3) will host an open house Nov. 11, 6 p.m., at 428 Broadway St. Families must register in advance. auduboncharter org.

HYNES CHARTER SCHOOLS: Hynes Charter Schools will hold open house tours on Nov. 13 and 20 and Dec. 4 at 8 a.m. The tours will take place at the three Hynes New Orleans campuses: Hynes-Lakeview, PK3-8, 990 Harrison Ave.; Hynes-UNO, K-7, 1901 Leon C. Simon Drive; and Hynes-Parkview, K-8, 4617 Mirabeau Ave. Registration required. www hynesschool.com/admissions.

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF LOUISIANA: ISL will host open houses Nov. 15, 10 a.m. at both campuses. The St. Roch campus, 2518 Arts St. in New Orleans, is for kindergarten students both French and Spanish immersion. The West Bank campus, 502 Olivier St. in Algiers Point, offers K-5 Spanish immersion. ISL also offers campus tours during school hours. www.isledu.org/admissions.

GNOCCS: The Greater New Orleans Collaborative of Charter Schools will host an admissions fair on Nov. 12, 5:30-7:30 p.m., at Hynes Charter School, 990 Harrison Ave. in Lakeview It offers families a one-stop shop for school choice, bringing together more than 25 public charter schools from Orleans and Jefferson parishes, as well as Type II charter schools

DELGADO COMMUNITY COLLEGE: The Building Futures Scholarship luncheon benefiting Delgado’s Allied Health, Construction Management, Culinary Arts, Motor Vehicle Technology and Nursing programs will be held Nov. 12, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at Galerie de Galatoire, 211 Royal St. in New Orleans. Guest speaker is Tina Langlois, center

escorted by Brother Martin alumni and presented during the festivities Aubrie Duplantis, a senior at St Mary’s Dominican High School, was crowned the 2025 queen and escorted by James Casadaban, Jr., class of 2006. Gianna Fortunato, a senior at Mount Carmel Academy, was escorted by Michael Lizano, Sr., class of 1996 Makenna Garcia, a senior at Mount Carmel, was escorted by Arturo Garcia, class of 2021. Corinne Lannan, a senior at Dominican, was escorted by Russel Grillot, class of 1968. Jeanne Marie Savoie, a senior at Mount Carmel, was escorted by Justin Savoie, class of 2020. Hannah Schwegmann, a senior at Mount Carmel, was escorted by Brandon DuMontier, class of 1994. Howmuch

serving statewide and/or multi-parish jurisdictions. Participating schools include Audubon Charter Schools (Uptown, Gentilly and Baton Rouge), Benjamin Franklin Elementary/ Middle School, Discovery Schools (Kenner Discovery, Dr. John Ochsner Discovery, Baton Rouge Ochsner Discovery and Discovery Flex), Einstein Charter Schools (Einstein Charter Village de l’Est, Sherwood Forest Elementary, Einstein Charter Middle at Sarah T. Reed and Einstein Charter High at Sarah T. Reed), Hynes Charter Schools (Lakeview, UNO and Parkview), International School of Louisiana (St. Roch, Uptown and Westbank), L.B. Landry High School, Martin Behrman Charter School, Morris Jeff Community School, New Orleans Charter Science and Mathematics High School (Sci High), The Willow School, Warren Easton High School and Young Audiences Charter Schools (Westbank: Little YACS, Kate Middleton and Burmaster Campus and Uptown: Lawrence D. Crocker). www.gnocollaborative.com.

THE WILLOW SCHOOL: The Willow School will hold a series of open houses to explain more about arts-integrated, inquiry-based approach to education in K-12. Lower School open house for grades K-4 is Nov. 5, 6 p.m., at the Everett Williams Campus, 7315 Willow St. High School open house for grades 8-12 is Dec. 4, 5-7 p.m., at the Elijah Brimmer Campus, 5624 Freret St. Tours run every 15 minutes at

COLLEGES

director of Xavier’s Small Business Development Center Tickets start at $125. www.dcc.edu.

XAVIER UNIVERSITY: In celebration of Xavier’s centennial, the alumni and current students from the mass communication department will host “Wired for Impact: A Media

5 p.m. willowschoolnola.org.

ST. MARY’S DOMINICAN HIGH: Dominican’s Spend-A-Day registration is open to prospective students in grades 5-8. The remaining fall date is Nov. 11. Visits are 7:50 a.m. to 3:10 p.m., and guests will meet the students, faculty and staff. Registration is required. stmarysdominican.fsenrollment.com.

NEW ORLEANS MILITARY AND MARITIME

ACADEMY: Registration is open for open houses for grades 8-12 in the cafeteria, 425 O’Bannon St. in New Orleans. Dates are Nov. 6 and 18 and Jan. 8 and 22, 2026. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with presentations at 6 p.m. Attendance is required to apply for the 2026-27 school year. Parent(s) or legal guardian(s) must attend. ID is required at check-in. nomma.net/admissions.

JOHN F. KENNEDY HIGH REUNION: The 50th reunion of the graduating class of 1976 will be held April 10. The reunion committee is seeking contact information from class members. Details are available on the JFK Class of ’76 Facebook page. cbrylski@aol.com.

SCHOEFFNER SCHOLARSHIP: Applications are open through Dec. 1 for full-time college students who meet the criteria and are graduates of Destrehan High School or Hahnville High School. For details, go to www wearescpps.org/resources/ethel-schoeffnerscholarship.

Mixer & Scholarship Reception” on Nov. 6 at Propeller, 4035 Washington Ave. in New Orleans. The program will feature a panel discussion, music and networking opportunities. Proceeds will support a new scholarship for a current Mass Communication student. Reservations via Eventbrite. www.xula.edu.