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HAPPY THANKSGIVING
from our Family to Yours! Frozen Turkey USDA Prime Breast Boneless Limit Two per Ribeye Customer Steaks
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W e d n e s d ay, N ov e m b e r 19, 2025
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A Happier Birthday
Metairie woman bakes cakes for children of families hit by government shutdown BY EVA JACOB BARKOFF Contributing writer
During the government shutdown, Elise Elraies wanted to find a way to help people who were having a difficult time paying bills and mortgages and getting enough food — especially those with children. She came up with a sweet idea. PROVIDED PHOTO BY SABRINA TAQUINO “I never imagined a child going without a cake to celebrate a birthday because a fam- With a steady hand, Elise Elraies wields a ily depended on SNAP, or a parent, as a gov- piping bag containing butter cream icing. ernment employee, didn’t receive a salary,” Elraies, a baker and cake decorator, took said Elraies, who lives in Metairie. “I knew I had to do something because a birthday is matters into her own hands and decided to bake cakes free of charge for anyone afa special occasion.”
Just don’t share
Rich foods from holiday table can cause problems for pets The holidays are all about food, family, and fun — and for many of us, that includes our pets, who tend to hover nearby hoping for a bite. While it may be hard to resist those pleading eyes, a few “harmless” leftovers can Traci cause more than Howerton just an upset ANIMAL stomach. RESCUE Veterinarians say one of the most common holiday emergencies they see is pancreatitis, a painful and sometimes serious inflammation of the pancreas. (Although it can happen any time, the holidays are a prime season.) The pancreas is a small organ tucked near the stomach that plays a big role in digestion and blood sugar control. When it’s working normally, it releases enzymes that help break down food. But sometimes those enzymes get activated too early, inside the pancreas itself, and begin digesting the organ from the inside out. That’s pancreatitis, and it is painful for pets. The condition can come on suddenly after a pet eats something rich or fatty, or it can develop slowly over time. Dogs that raid the garbage can or are treated to fatty foods like turkey skin, gravy or bacon are especially at risk. Certain breeds, such as miniature Schnauzers, and pets that are overweight or diabetic are more likely to develop it. Cats can also suffer from pancreatitis, though their symptoms tend to be quieter and
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fected by the government closure. In October, she created a Facebook group called Cakes for Kindness, and the idea took off. “People immediately responded on the Facebook page and the demand for cakes is growing,” Elraies said. When Terri Ridgley saw Elraies’ post, she knew right away that she wanted to help. “Besides donating to the food bank at St. Angela Merici Church, I wondered how else I could help families in need,” Ridgley said. “Children are certainly feeling the stress of this crazy economic situation, and this is my small way of making a child’s life a bit happier.” Elraies, 28, said she doesn’t plan to ask those requesting a cake to show proof they are a SNAP recipient or government employee. “I am not worried about that at all,” she said. “I would like to think people are honest and sincere. I know how families feel. I was 8 years old when Katrina hit, and my family
PHOTOS BY CHRIS GRANGER
Shadon Green serves a bowl of gumbo made by Ms. Linda, also known as the ‘Yakamein Lady.’
The Tremé Creole Gumbo Festival returned to Armstrong Park in New Orleans recently with live music to move the feet from the Rebirth Brass Band, Hot 8 Brass Band, James Andrews and others, along with steaming bowls of gumbo, chef-led cooking demos and more.
The Treme Brass Band performs during the festival. ä More photos. PAGE 2G
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Gumbo, anyone?
SAVE $ 00 1
When you purchase a Hormel Cure 81 Ham.
briefly relied on SNAP benefits. “Several of my friends, at a formative age, were encouraged to look for steady jobs, and many of those jobs are in government. Now they can’t believe what is happening and are finding themselves without any income. It’s a very heavy burden.” There is a request form on the Cakes of Kindness Facebook page which outlines the ordering process, including that cake orders should be submitted five days in advance. Also, the cakes are two layers and measure 81/ 2 inches with a choice of chocolate, yellow butter or funfetti cake flavors. Each with a butter cream filling and icing. Decorative items include unicorns, butterflies, dinosaurs, Hello Kitty, princesses or superheroes. Elraies said many people have offered to volunteer and contribute money to help defray costs. “I don’t plan to accept any monetary dona-
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