The East Jefferson Advocate 02-11-2026

CROWNING MOMENT

At long last, teen will reign over Argus

BY EVA JACOB BARKOFF

Contributing writer

When Callie Langhetee was a child, her favorite Mardi Gras throws were stuffed animals and long beads with blinking lights. But she snagged one throw five years ago that she loves so much she wears it two or three times a week.

“It’s black T-shirt and has a ghost face printed on it,” Callie said with a laugh. “Also printed on it are the words ‘The Mortuary.’ I am pretty sure it’s from the Halloween Mortuary Haunted House on Canal Street. It’s so

Building trust

comfortable and I just love it.”

On Fat Tuesday, however, Callie will keep her prized T-shirt at home and instead wear something more fitting for Carnival royalty: a beaded gold gown and a custom-made crown with matching scepter She will reign as Queen of Argus.

Callie 17 is a senior at the Academy of Sacred Heart in New Orleans. She is co-editor of the school newspaper and a 2026 semifinalist for the National Merit Scholarship. The daughter of Dr Henry Langhetee and Wanda Theriot, Callie said her father has been a member of Argus

New cats may take a little time to settle into the household

for many years and her sister Allison, was queen in 2023. Before she was named queen, Callie was a princess in 2016, a junior maid in 2022 and a maid in 2024 in Argus royal courts.

“Because of my family’s connection to Argus and my own experiences, I had a good idea of what to expect,” she said. “I’ve known since I was in kindergarten that I would be queen. I have had to wait a long time for this day.”

When she told her friends and

Dogs may proudly wear the title of “man’s best friend,” but cats tend to make us work a little harder for their affection. For seasoned cat people, this comes as no surprise. Cats often arrive in a new home cautious, quiet and most interested in finding a good hiding spot. Compared to dogs, they can seem aloof or uninterested, which is one reason cats are so often misunderstood

Traci Howerton ANIMAL RESCUE

This initial reserve isn’t a rejection. Rather, it’s simply how some cats process change. Once a cat feels safe and settled, its true personality often begins to shine Many become deeply affectionate, loyal companions who form strong bonds with their people. They just do it on their own timeline.

Like dogs, cats have unique temperaments Some are classic lap cats who purr loudly and demand constant attention. Others prefer to show affection from a short distance, choosing to sit nearby rather than be held. This independence is part of what makes cats such wonderful companions, especially for people who appreciate a pet that enjoys both connection and independence If you’re welcoming a new cat into your home, a little patience goes a long way Here are some tips to help build a lasting, trusting relationship.

CONSIDER AGE: Kittens learn important social skills between 2 and 9 weeks of age

Adopting a kitten can make bonding and introductions easier since they’re still learning how to interact with people and other animals. That said, adult cats often settle into homes beautifully — they may just need more time.

LET MATURE CATS SET THE PACE: If you’re adopting an adult cat, allow it to explore the new surroundings on its own terms. Avoid forced interactions or rushing relationships with the other pets in the home. Slow, gradual introductions help reduce stress for everyone involved.

CREATE A SAFE STARTER SPACE: Consider setting up one quiet room where your new cat initially can stay Include food, water, a litter box, toys and a cozy hiding spot. Some cats adjust in a day or two, while others may hide for weeks. Both responses are normal. Having a secure space helps cats feel in control while they learn the sights, sounds and routines of their new home.

RESPECT PERSONAL PREFERENCES: Cats don’t always bond equally with every member of the household. Many choose a favorite person, while still coexisting peacefully

ä See PETS, page 2G

CARNIVAL OVERDRIVE

Here’s a look at who’s hitting the streets, and where, throughout Mardi Gras.

KREWE OF NANDI: The all-female organization, founded in 2022, will parade on the West Bank Feb. 11, 6 p.m., starting in Marrero. www.kreweofnandi.org for route details.

KREWE OF ANCIENT DRUIDS: The all-male club was organized in 1998 and does not stage a ball or feature a queen and court. Its king is known as the Arch Druid and is accompanied on the king’s float by a jester. Members’ identities are never revealed. They ride Feb. 11, 6:15 p.m., on the St. Charles route starting at Jefferson Avenue.

KREWE OF ALLA: The krewe, named for the parade’s original location in Algiers, Louisiana, dates to 1932. Riders toss hand-decorated genie lamps. They will roll Feb. 11, 7 p.m., on the St. Charles Avenue route, starting at Napoleon Avenue. kreweofalla.net.

KREWE OF CHAOS: The politically satirical all-male Knights of Chaos replaced the krewe of Momus, which ceased parading in 1991. They will ride at a new time, 4:30 p.m., on Feb. 12, on the St. Charles Avenue route, starting at Napoleon Avenue.

KREWE OF BABYLON: The krewe, founded in 1939, will ride at an earlier time than previously, following the Krewe of Chaos

parade, on Feb. 12, on the St. Charles Avenue route, starting at Napoleon Avenue. It adheres to old-time traditions including flambeaux lighting and floats with antique designs. knightsofbabylon.org

KREWE OF MUSES: Carnival’s most popular all-female krewe, which first paraded in 2001, will ride at a new time, following the Knights of Babylon, on Feb. 12, on the St. Charles Avenue route, starting at Napoleon Avenue. Members will throw their

signature hand-glittered shoes. kreweofmuses.org

KREWE OF BOSOM BUDDIES PARADE: The walking krewe, founded in 2013, will parade Feb. 13, starting with a pre-parade ceremony at 11:15 a.m. at St. Louis

Drive-thru ash distribution moves to Lasalle Park

BY KAREN TAYLOR GIST Staff writer

As Mardi Gras rolls closer, so does Lent.A nd as area Catholics (and almost everyone else) knows, Fat Tuesday festivities are directly followed by Ash Wednesday, its spiritual opposite when people of faith receive crosses on their foreheads as a symbol of repentance and humility

Just as with Carnival, crowds are growing for receiving ashes at Munholland Methodist Church in Metairie. Ministers and volunteers there have been distributing ashes in drivethru events for more than a decade.

This year, because of growing numbers and a respect for neighborhood traffic flow, the church is moving its operation to Lasalle

Park at 6600 Airline Drive. The hours are Feb. 18, 7 a.m. through 1 p.m.

“It’s unbelievable the numbers who come out,” said Ann Birdsong, church director of evangelism and engagement. “The backup on Metairie Road every year caused a lot of slowdowns.”

About four years ago, the site was moved from the church parking lot farther into the neighborhood,

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MYSTIC KREWE OF HERMES: Founded during the Great Depression, Hermes is New Orleans’ oldest nighttime parade. Named for the wingfooted messenger of the gods, the all-male krewe will roll Feb. 13, 5:30 p.m., on the St. Charles route starting at Jefferson Avenue. semrehclub.org

LE KREWE D’ETAT: The allmale krewe that’s skewered local and national politics since 1998, led by an anonymous dictator, will parade Feb. 13, 6:30 p.m., on the St. Charles route starting at Jefferson Avenue.

KREWE OF MORPHEUS: Established in 2000, the co-ed krewe is named for the Greek god of dreams. Members will parade Feb. 13, 7 p.m., on the St. Charles route starting at Jefferson Avenue. www kreweofmorpheus.org

KREWE OF NOMTOC: The krewe, whose name is an acronym for New Orleans Most Talked-Of Club, is Carnival’s only West Bank Carnival procession. It will roll Feb. 14, 10:45 a.m., in the Algiers neighborhood.

KREWE OF IRIS: The allfemale Iris parade is New Orleans’ largest with 3,500 riders. Named for the goddess of the rainbow, the krewe’s signature throw is hand-decorated sunglasses. Members ride Feb. 14, 11 a.m., on the St. Charles Avenue route, starting at Napoleon Avenue and Saratoga Street.kreweofiris.org

KREWE OF TUCKS: Founded by Loyola University fraternity brothers in the 1960s, the co-ed Tucks parade’s throws include toilet paper rolls and glittered plungers. The parade rolls Feb. 14, noon, on the St. Charles Avenue route, starting at Napoleon Avenue www.kreweoftucks.com

KREWE OF ROSETHORNE: The krewe will parade on Feb. 14 at noon in Jean Lafitte.

KREWE OF LUL: The Lulingbased krewe parades Feb. 14 beginning at noon.

KREWE OF TOHWAHPAHSAH: The krewe rolls through Reserve on Feb. 14, starting at noon.

KREWE OF ENDYMION: The krewe’s all-male, 3,200-rider procession, started in 1967, rolls from Mid-City to the Extravaganza at the Caesars Superdome with celebrity riders and this year’s cogrand marshal Arthur Hardy. The parade starts Feb. 14 at 4 p.m., starting at City Park endymion.org

KREWE OF DAGE: The krewe rolls Feb. 15 immediately after Krewe of Du Monde in LaPlace.

KREWE OF AGAPE: The krewe rolls Feb. 15 immediately after Krewe of Dage’ in LaPlace.

KREWE OF OKEANOS: The krewe, established in 1949 and named for the Greek

god of oceans, runs on the St. Charles route starting at Jefferson Avenue on Feb. 15, 11 a.m. Among their throws are doubloons and collectible crawfish trays. kreweofokeanos.org

KREWE OF MID-CITY: The krewe, which debuted in 1933, once rolled through the Mid-City neighborhood but moved onto the Uptown route in 2002. Its floats are uniquely decorated with colored aluminum foil. It will parade Feb. 15, 11:45 a.m., on the St. Charles route starting at Jefferson Avenue. www krewemidcity.com

KREWE OF THOTH: The allmale krewe, named for the ibis-headed Egyptian god of wisdom, begins several blocks farther Uptown than most parades, at State and Tchoupitoulas streets near Children’s Hospital, before joining the usual St. Charles Avenue route. It will roll Feb 15, noon, from Henry Clay Avenue. thothkrewe.com

KREWE OF DES ALLEMANDS: The parade featuring floats, boats and golf carts rolls through Des Allemands on Feb. 15 at 12:30 p.m.

KREWE OF GRAND ISLE: The krewe parades along the beach on Feb. 15 at 1 p.m. from Blueberry Lane to Oak Street in Grand Isle

KREWE OF BACCHUS: The all-male parade features specialty floats including the Kong family of gigantic gorillas, the Bacchasaurus, the segmented Bacchagator and the Bacchawhoppa. It will roll Feb. 15, 5:15 p.m., on the St. Charles Avenue route, starting at Napoleon Avenue. kreweofbacchus.org

KREWE OF ATHENA: The allfemale Mardi Gras Club rolls Feb. 15 in Metairie, starting at 5:30 p.m., and following the traditional Veteran Boulevard route, starting at Clearview shopping center and ending at Martin Behrman. Their signature throw is the fedora. www.kreweofathena.org

KREWE OF RED BEANS: The krewe, founded in 2009 and known for its homemade red bean mosaic costumes, will parade on Lundi Gras at 2 p.m., starting at Beanlandia, 3300 Royal St. in New Orleans. Membersy will march through the Bywater and Marigny. www.kreweofredbeans.org

KREWE OF PROTEUS: The krewe, founded in 1881, is named for the Greek god of rivers and seas. It is the second oldest parade in Carnival. The identity of the king is never revealed to the public. Proteus will ride Feb. 16, 5:15 p.m., on the St. Charles Avenue route, starting at Napoleon Avenue. www.kreweofproteus.com

KREWE OF ORPHEUS: Founded by native son Harry Connick Jr. in 1993, the co-ed krewe parades Feb. 16, 6 p.m., on the St. Charles Avenue route, starting at Napoleon Avenue The parade will feature the Leviathan, Trojan Horse and Smokey Mary floats, and riders toss oversized signature

down a three-block span of Brockenbrough Court. That helped, but the search for a better site continued.

The church worked with the traffic engineer for Jefferson Parish to find the new Airline location.

“It’s still a drive-thru, in and out of the parking lot. It can fit over 100 cars in four lanes, so the goal is to move in and out as fast as possible I suggest that people

ARGUS

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classmates at Sacred Heart she would be queen, Callie said they were shocked.

“They couldn’t believe it, and they all were excited for me,” she said. “Many of my friends have been able to come to some of the Argus events to support me.

“I have also enjoyed spending time with the eight maids in my court and having a chance to get to know each other.”

David Haydel, the owner of Haydel’s Bakery in Old Jefferson, is the king.

come down David Drive and hit the light at Airline.”

The park is right past David Drive.

There will still be a separate area to stop for prayer

“Someone can come to pray with you one-on-one if you choose,” she added. Anyone interested in helping out alongside the pastors and church volunteers are welcome. Contact the church at (504) 834-9910.

Drive-thru ashes are also being distributed at Christ the King Lutheran Church, 1001 W. Esplanade Ave. in Kenner, from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and at Gethsemane Lutheran Church, 2825 Paris Road in Chalmette. Call (504) 271-4254 for details.

Email Karen Taylor Gist at kataylor@theadvocate. com.

doubloons. www.kreweoforpheus.com

KREWE OF CENTURIONS: The coed krewe, established in 1979, will parade Feb. 16, 6 p.m., on the traditional Veteran Boulevard route, starting at Clearview shopping center and ending at Martin Behrman in Metairie. krewe-of-centurions. myshopify.com

KREWE OF KINGS: The coed, family-friendly krewe, established in 2019, follows the Krewe of Centurions on Lundi Gras down the traditional Veteran Boulevard route. www.kreweofkings.org

KREWE OF ATLAS: The coed krewe, founded in 1969, is named for the giant in Greek mythology doomed to hold up the heavens for eternity They will roll Feb. 16, 7 p.m., following the traditional Veteran Boulevard route in Metairie.

GRETNA CELEBRATES LUNDI

GRAS: The parish seat of Jefferson will celebrate the season with a Party on the Huey on Feb. 16, 6-10 p.m., at the Gretna Marketplace, Huey P. Long Avenue between 3rd and 4th streets. The familyfriendly event will include a free concert.

KREWE OF ZULU: The parade sponsored by the Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club, dating to 1909, features one of Carnival’s earliest and most sought-after signature throws: hand-decorated coconuts. Zulu rolls Fat Tuesday, 8 a.m., on a unique route from Jackson Avenue to St. Charles Avenue to Orleans Avenue. www kreweofzulu.com

CRYPTIQUE KREWE OF CEMETERY SHAMBLERS: The walking krewe and social club will roll Feb. 17, meeting up at 9 a.m. at Burgundy and Esplanade and parading through the French Quarter, ending at Jackson Square. www cryptiquekrewe.com

REX: The King of Carnival rides down the St. Charles Avenue route, starting on North Claiborne Avenue, at 10:30 a.m. on Mardi Gras day. Rex first paraded in 1872 and continues to throw doubloons. The 2026 theme is “Rebirth and Renewal.” www.rexorganization.com

KREWE OF ARGUS: The coed krewe, founded in 1972 and named for the all-seeing god with a hundred eyes, follows the traditional Veteran Boulevard route in Metairie on Feb. 17, starting at 11 a.m. www.kreweofargus.com

KREWE OF ELKS JEFFERSONIANS: The coed krewe, sponsored by the Benevolent Protective Order of the Elks, was founded in 1974. It parades Feb. 17 in Metairie, following the Krewe of Argus.

KREWE OF ELKS ORLEANIANS: The Elks Orleanians, the oldest of the truck parades, and Crescent City, second oldest, will include more than 100 units and follow the Rex parade along the St. Charles Avenue route, starting on N. Claiborne Avenue. www.crescentcitytruckparade.com

“We have had many conversations, and the king has always been very kind, sweet and supportive,” Callie said.

At the Galaxy Ball, held on Jan. 23, Langhetee was a little nervous about tripping.

“When I first walked out, I did have butterflies and my nerves certainly kicked in,” she said. “But once I saw my family and friends I was fine and no, I didn’t trip or fall.”

Playing an important role in preparing Callie for her reign are her parents.

“My mom and dad have helped me so much and I am grateful to them for this opportunity,” she said. “They have encouraged me to enjoy every moment because, as they told to me, the time goes by very fast.”

“We are so honored that both our daughters were chosen queens of Argus,” Wanda Theriot said. “In 2016, Allison and Callie were both princesses in the Argus court. I have a photo of them standing together, looking at one another and smiling. And this year, I want to recreate that photo It’s a capstone moment for our family.”

The king and queen of

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with others. This selective bonding is part of feline nature and shouldn’t be taken personally USE FOOD AS A BONDING TOOL: Mealtime is a great way to build trust. Instead of free feeding, try scheduled meals so your cat associates you with something positive. Sitting nearby during meals can help nervous cats grow more comfortable with your presence.

PLAY BUILDS CONFIDENCE: Interactive play with wand toys or laser pointers helps cats release energy, reduces stress and strengthens the human-animal bond. Short daily play sessions can make a big difference, especially for shy cats.

THINK LONG-TERM: Cats are a long-term commitment, often living well into their teen years. If your new cat isn’t immediately affectionate, don’t lose hope. Many cats take months to fully settle in, and the bond that develops over time is often well worth the wait. The start of a new year is a wonderful time to consider adding a pet to your family Local shelters and rescues are overflowing with cats of all ages, colors, and personality types.

Zulu, Dr Ronald Tassin and Sharell Monique Chatman, will meet the Argus king and queen for the annual Lundi Gras celebration at 10 a.m. in Kenner’s Rivertown.

“It will be a very special moment,” Callie said. “The crowds for Lundi Gras have grown over the years, and it will be great to celebrate with the Zulu king and queen.”

Callie will board her float, accompanied by her father and her two uncles, Ronald Burrough and David Leingang. She’s crossing her fingers that the weather will be beautiful and looking for-

ward to celebrating with the crowds along the route.

“I can’t wait to see my mom on the Argus reviewing stand, my sister other family members and my friends along the parade route, and the crowds,” Callie said. “This has been such a fulfilling experience for me and is something I will never forget I have had so much fun.”

The theme of the Argus parade is “Argus Gets Animated.” It will begin at 11 a.m. taking the traditional Metairie route. The Elks Krewe of Jeffersonians will follow Argus.

PET OF THE WEEK

There truly is a cat for everyone. Just remember, when it comes to cats, trust can’t be rushed. Sometimes a cat just needs a little time, space and understanding to feel right at home.

EVENTS

Saturday, Feb. 14 : PetSmart Adoption Event, 6851 Veterans Blvd., Metairie from noon to 4 p.m.. Meet puppies and dogs from Animal Rescue New Orleans (ARNO). All ap-

proved adopters will receive a coupon book from PetSmart and a new bed from ARNO. For more info, email 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.

URSULINE ACADEMY: Layla

LeBoeuf, eighth grade class president at Ursuline, has been named a 2026 Archdiocesan 8th Grade Student of the Year finalist. She is in consideration for the Louisiana Catholic Student of the Year. LeBoeuf, who has attended Ursuline since age 3, has maintained a 4.0 GPA for the last four years, is an active member of the Queen’s Players, the Academy Choir, Quiz Bowl, Key Club, Peer Ministry and the Sustainability Club.

OUR LADY OF PROMPT SUC-

COR: Emerson Fleetwood of Meraux, a fourth grader from OLPC in Chalmette, will take part in the National Youth Leadership Forum: Pathways to STEM in summer 2026 on the campus of Rice University in Houston. The academic and career-oriented experience lets students explore their interests and experience learning beyond the classroom. She was nominated by OLPS teacher Beth Chauff

NOLA PUBLIC SCHOOLS

EARLY LEARNING: Registration is open through Feb. 20 for Main Round applications, which allow eligible families the chance to enroll their children in free, high-quality early child care education programs. Applicants include expectant mothers, parents and guardians with children from birth to 4 years old and are residents of Orleans Parish. NOLA-PS Family Resource Centers located across the city can assist families in enrolling. EnrollNolaPS.com.

AFTER-SCHOOL SCIENCE PROGRAM: Middle school students and their families can participate in the Disease Discovery After-School Program, a free, hands-on STEM program designed for middle school students curious about problem-solving and how real outbreaks are investigated. The program will run 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Feb. 12, 19 and 26 at the Old Metairie Library 2350 Metairie Road in Metairie. Free, but space is limited bit.ly/Disease-Detectives.

NOCCA: The New Orleans Center for Creative Arts’ culinary arts students and faculty will offer king cakes for purchase through Feb. 16, including two new king cake collaborations: chef Emeril Lagasse’s Banana Cream Pie King Cake and chef Frank Brigtsen’s Strawberry Tres Leches King Cake. NOCCA will also feature “The Goddess,” in partnership with the Krewe of Muses, plus its signature gluten-free cinnamon and satsuma almond king cakes. Prices start at $27, with U.S. shipping available and local pickup at NOCCA 2800 Chartres St. and the King Cake Hub, 1464 S. Broad St. in New Orleans. www.NOCCAMarketplace.com.

JEFFERSON PARISH SCHOLARSHIPS: The Republican Women’s Club of Jefferson Parish is accepting applications through Feb. 13 for two scholarships for residents of Jefferson Parish, each worth $1,000. The main requirement is a 500- to 800-word, doublespaced essay on media literacy, civic awareness and real-world relevance on this topic: Analyze how platforms like TikTok, X and YouTube influence beliefs, misinformation and civic endangerment among young voters. Email doc1mla@gmail.com for details.

French students visit pen pals at Audubon Charter

Twenty-six eighth graders from le College International de l’Est Parisia, located in Noisy Le Grand, France, visited with their sister school pen pals at Audubon Charter School in February

As part of its accredited French immersion program, Audubon Charter School hosted the international exchange program visit

In addition to having the French students attend classes with Audubon students, the itinerary included a tour of Laura Plantation, a Bayou Jean Lafitte boat tour, a streetcar ride, a French Quarter treasure hunt, beignets at Café du Monde, visits to the Cabildo and Presbytère, a Preservation Hall performance and a ride on the Steamboat Natchez.

CIEP became Audubon’s new sister school this academic year. In October 2025, 41 Audubon eighth-grade French students attended CIEP and were hosted by families of students.

Audubon is accredited by the Agency for French Education Abroad (AEFE) and is a Louisiana Department of Education World Languages School. It is a French, Montessori and Bilingual Montessori School.

Morris Jeff names students of the year

Louisa Segraves, Lillie Rose and Kasha Moran, students from Morris Jeff Community School, have advanced to the regional level of the 2025-2026 statewide Students of the Year competition.

Segraves, fifth grade Student of the Year, is in the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme. She is an active member of the Student Council, the Gifted Arts Program and the MJCS Cross Country team Rose, eighth grade Student of the Year, is a straight-A student Moran, 12th grade Student of the Year is the

Hispanic representative on the high school student government.

The state department of education, along with the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, annually honors one fifth, eighth and 12th grade student for leadership, academic performance, achievements, citizenship and service to the school and community Regional honorees were selected through public, charter and nonpublic zone reviews in each BESE region.

NOCCA student wins national performing arts competition

Keita Kawahara a musical theater student at the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts and a senior at Haynes Academy for Advanced Studies, has won season 6 of BroadwayWorld’s Next On Stage. Kawahara performed “Losing My Mind” from Stephen Sondheim’s Tony Award-winning musical “Follies” at the season live finale at 54 Below in New York City in January

BroadwayWorld’s Next On Stage is one of the largest student musical theater competitions in the country, recognizing emerging talent through public voting and live performance.

The competition for high school and college students, created during the pandemic to showcase young talent sidelined by canceled shows, features online performances and culminates in the finale in New York City with industry judges.

Prizes for season 6 included the AMDA Emerging Artists Scholarship, the Atlantic Summer Teen Conservatory Scholarship, a vocal lesson with Matt Farnsworth, a work session with casting director Jimmy Larkin and more. Kawahara, who graduates in May, plans to attend a conservatory and begin booking theater work.

SCENT OF SUCCESS

The Camellia Club of New Orleans’ held its 86th annual show at the University of New Orleans, with sales, competitions and a site flush with lovely flowers.

Republican Women of Louisiana installs board members

COMMUNITY

SCIENCE AND ENGINEER-

ING FAIR: The Greater New Orleans Science and Engineering Fair will celebrate 70 years Feb. 23-26 at Tulane’s Lavin-Bernick Center, 20 McAlister Drive in New Orleans. The fair is affiliated with the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair. It is an inclusive platform for 300 students in grades 6-12 from Orleans, Jefferson, St. Bernard and Plaquemines parishes, nominated by their schools or home school associations. Information and registration are available online. www.gnosef.org

MONSTER JAM: Tickets are available for the stadium Championship Series West, coming to New Orleans Feb. 28, 2026, at Caesars Superdome, 1500 Sugar Bowl Drive in New Orleans. Twelve drivers will vie for a title and a spot at the Monster Jam World Finals in Salt Lake City, Utah, on July 4 weekend. The main event starts at 7 p.m. A Pit Party will be open 2:30-5:30 p.m. for a separate fee. Tickets start at $33.45 via Ticketmaster. MonsterJam.com.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

AGING WISELY: Be WellCome Together will host a series of free seminars to help participants prepare thoughtfully for life in the “Third Thirty” (age 60 and up). The interactive seminars will be held monthly on Thursdays, beginning Feb. 19, 6 p.m., at Faith Presbyterian Church, 2525 Apollo Ave in Harvey. bewellcometogether@gmail.com (504) 268-2525

CARNIVAL

MARDI GRAS ART CAMP: The Ogden Museum of Southern Art will host a camp for grades 2-5 Feb. 18-20, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., at 925 Camp St. in New Orleans. Campers will explore the Mardi Gras culture through hands-on activities. Registration is $50 per day for members, $55 for nonmembers. ogdenmuseum.org.

SCHOOL’S OUT CAMP 2026: Registration is open for Mardi Gras break camp at Longue Vue House & Gardens, 7 Bamboo Road in New Orleans. The nature-based learning and guided exploration of eight acres of gardens will take place Feb. 19 and 20, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Individual or multi-day options are available. Registration fees start at $70. longuevue.com.

SENIOR MARDI GRAS DANCE: The Krewe of G-Old Timers Mardi Gras Dance will be on Feb. 12 at the Edward A. Dufresne Community Center, 274 Judge Edward Dufresne Parkway in Luling from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.St. Charles Parish seniors 55 and older are encouraged to wear Mardi Gras attire. Entertainment will be provided by Ryan Foret & Foret Tradition. RSVP deadline is Feb. 9. (985) 783-5090.

CULTURE & CONCERTS

DINNER WITH A CURATOR: The National WWII Museum’s associate vice president for collections and exhibits, Erin Clancey, will discuss “Jazz, Modern Art, and the Fight for Creative Freedom in World War II,” on Feb. 24, 6:30 p.m., at BB’s Stage Door Canteen, 945 Magazine St. in New Orleans. The event includes a three-course dinner along with the presentation. Tickets start at $77 for members, $80 for nonmembers. www nationalww2museum.org

FRIENDS OF THE CABILDO CONCERT SERIES: Tickets are on sale for the 2025-26 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. Featured March 13 will be Robin Barnes. Concert dates continue into 2026. Tickets start at $30. friendsofthecabildo.org.

MOVIES

“BRIDGET JONES: MAD ABOUT THE BOY”: Lakeshore Movie Night on Feb. 11 will feature the 2025 Renee Zellweger film, starting at 6 p.m., at the Lakeshore Library, 1000 West Esplanade Ave. in Metairie. calendar. jplibrary.net.

ROM COM CLASSICS: The Westwego Library, 635 Fourth St., will present the 1940 newsroom classic “His Girl Friday” with Cary Grant and Rosalind Russell on Feb. 11, 6 p.m. calendar.jplibrary net. “THE TREASURE OF THE SIERRA MADRE”: Classic Movie Evening at the River Ridge Library for Feb. 12 will be the 1948 Humphrey Bogart film, starting at 6 p.m., 8825 Jefferson Highway in River Ridge. calendar. jplibrary.net

“HOUSE PARTY”: Lakeshore Movie Night on Feb. 18 will feature the 2023 remix to

the fan-favorite ‘90s classic, starting at 6:30 p.m., at the Lakeshore Library, 1000 West Esplanade Ave. in Metairie. calendar.jplibrary.net

ROM COM CLASSICS: The Westwego Library, 635 Fourth St., will present the 1934 Clark Gable comedy “It Happened One Night,” Feb. 18, 6-8 p.m. calendar. jplibrary.net

HEALTH

SENIORS AWARE AND STANDING STRONG: Silence Broken, Inc. will host a sixpart series designed to support those 60 and older who have lived through adverse childhood experiences. The first event will be on Feb. 26, 9:45 a.m.-2:45 p.m., at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 5875 Canal Blvd. in New Orleans. The day will focus on fellowship, learning and practical tools to help navigate the long-term effects of childhood trauma. Early registration encouraged. Admin@SilenceBrokenNow.org, (504) 261-5384.

BOOKS

“CHRONICLES OF ORI: AN AFRICAN

STAFF PHOTO BY SCOTT THRELKELD

Pieces of the action

Jigsaw Extravaganza brings puzzle swaps and contests to Metairie library

The Jigsaw Puzzle Extravaganza, hosted by the East Bank Regional Library, will take place Feb 28 at 4747 W. Napoleon, Metairie.

There are three elements to this event. All are free.

n Patrons can bring their used puzzles to swap with other beginning at 9 a.m. Each puzzle should have all of its pieces. Puzzles that remain untraded can be donated to the Friends of the Jefferson Public Library

n Members of the Friends of the Jefferson Public Library will be present to sell puzzles that have been donated by patrons beginning at 9 a.m. Puzzles will be sold for $2 to $6 each. Sales are cash only

n The Jigsaw Puzzle Contest occurs at 2 p.m. and involves 25 teams of two people who will complete, or come close to completing, a 500-piece puzzle by 4 p.m. The contest is limited to adults 18 years and older

The first three teams to finish win gift certificates to the Friends’ Big Book Sale at Pontchartrain Center

In addition to the jigsaw contest, the Friends of the Jefferson Public Library will sponsor a Warehouse Sale beginning at 9 a.m. Feb. 28. Customers are encouraged to come early to purchase the boxes of books, CDs and DVDs, since past sales have sold out in the first hour Boxes are labeled as to what category they contain, and each sells for $5. They cannot be opened prior to purchasing. They include CDs, children’s books (E and J, fiction and non-fiction), young adult,

cookbooks, romance, and regular fiction (paperback and hardback). DVDs will be sold for $10 per box

The sale occurs in the hallway outside the meeting rooms.

ALLARD PLANTATION: Local author and historian Edward Branley will talk about the Allard Plantation at 7 p.m. Feb. 19 at the East Bank Regional Library 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie.

Allard Plantation is the land in New Orleans that became City Park; originally owned by Jean Louis Allard, it grew corn and sugarcane until he lost it for unpaid taxes, after which John McDonough bought it and eventually willed it back to the city, leading to the park’s creation and development with landmarks like the Peristyle and Casino.

RESUMÉS FOR VETS: Jessica Rareshide, LLC, a career coach and owner of Rare Insight, will lead a seminar on resumé writing specifically geared for veterans at 6:30 p.m. Feb 26 at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie.

“Transitioning from a military career to a civilian one requires more than just translating military jargon into civilian language,” Rareshide says. “The structure and content of a military resumé differ significantly from that of a civilian resumé.”

POETRY EVENING: Brad Richard, a New Orleans poet and author, will host an evening of poets reading their works at 7 p m Feb 5 at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie.

Richard is the author of several books of poetry, the most recent being “Turned Earth” (Louisiana State University Press, 2025) He will host Justin Lacour and Andy Young. Lacour

is a New Orleans poet who edits Trampoline: A Journal of Poetry and is the author of five chapbooks Young recently completed her second full-length collection, “Museum of the Soon to Depart.” She has also written four chapbooks.

GENEALOGY: Gwen Kelley, a librarian who specializes in genealogy, will lead a series of classes at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie. The first will take place at 2:30 p.m. Feb. 18 and focus on using the U.S. Census data.

Census records can offer a window into your ancestors’ stories as well as clues about new relatives to add to your family tree. This lecture will focus on how to use records to reconstruct your family history

TRADING CARD GAME DAY: Do you like trading card games? Join fellow fans at a Trading Card Game Day from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Feb. 4 at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie. Hang out and play Magic the Gathering, Pokémon, Yu-Gi-Oh and other games.

ZEN: Zen meditation sessions take place from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturdays at the Gretna Library, 102 Willow, Gretna. These free sessions are designed as an introduction to sitting and walking Zen meditation. Participants should bring a cushion.

BOX PROJECTS: When you buy a new pair of shoes, what do you do with the box? Don’t throw it away Your library needs it for various craft projects. Take empty shoe boxes to any of the 17 Jefferson Parish Libraries.

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

Thirty-two Nunez Community College Practical Nursing graduates participated in the fall 2025 Pinning Ceremony at the Sigur Center in Chalmette in December Graduates included Suami Aguilar-Padilla, Kenner; Ashley Allen, New Orleans, winner of the Florence Nightingale Award, given to the student who most embodies the spirit of the mother of modern nursing; Bridget Bridges, Harvey; Jacquel Brown, Chalmette; Deriane Bush, Gretna; Brittany Cadogan, New Orleans, winner of the Spirit Award; Miyanna Clark, New Orleans; Keneisha Crain, Slidell; Keely Davis, New Orleans; Chunader Dawson, New Orleans; Sthara Elie, Gretna; Krissy Ellis, Marrero; Carla England, Picayune, Mississippi; Asia Fleming Laplace; Onitra Franklin, New Orleans; Rayven Hayes, Laplace; Shantelle Haynes, Slidell; Kai Henry, New Orleans; Amber Herring New Orleans; Sheline Hulbert, Slidell; Travera Johnson, Violet; MaQuesha McClinton Gretna; Jaliyah Merrick, Belle Chasse; Crystal Mitchell, Chalmette; Keyandra Montgomery New Orleans; Ayanna Omoruyi, New Orleans, featured student speaker; NaJaha Parker, Chalmette; Brittany Rodgers, Terrytown, winner of the Student Nursing Association Award, presented to the member with the

Oh, baby!

Library sessions help tots develop language skills

BY JANE LEGROS

Contributing writer

Literacy foundations can be laid at birth, and the New Orleans Public Library is here to help parents and caregivers encourage early literacy through free programming and resources.

Every Wednesday in February, Algiers Regional Library is hosting “Artsy Baby: Hands-On Fun.”

Designed for ages 0-2, this playtime program features sensory activities and crafts designed to engage all of your child’s senses to help them learn and grow

The library is at 3014 Holiday Drive.

The library also hosts three weekly baby storytimes designed for newborns to pre-walkers and their caregivers.

Storytimes encourage bonding through books, rhymes and songs in these events, which introduce early literacy skills and encourage language development.

Baby Storytimes are Mondays from 10:3011:30 a.m. at the Alvar Library,913 Alvar St.; the Nix Library, 1401 S. Carrollton Ave.; and the Smith, 6301 Canal Blvd. They are sponsored by the Friends of the New Orleans Public Library

Visit nolalibrary.org for more information about how the library can help you raise your little reader ‘BLACK WOMEN’S MAGIC:’ Feminist philosopher Dr Lindsey Stewart will visit the New Orleans Public Library via Zoom at 1 p.m. on Feb. 12 for a virtual author talk about her book, “The Conjuring of America: Mojos, Mermaids, Medicine, and 400 Years of Black Women’s Magic.”

The book tells the stories

of the mammies of slavery; the Voodoo queens and blues women of the Reconstruction Era; and the granny midwives and textile weavers of the Jim Crow era.

These women courageously continued their practices and worship for centuries and passed down their traditions.

Stewart uses as sources letters from the enslaved, dispatches from the lore of Oshun and other African mystics.

“The Conjuring of America” has been called a love letter to the magic Black women used, their herbs, food, textiles, song and dance, to offer freedom and hope. Visit nolalibrary.co/ conjuring to register and submit your questions for the author

INCOME TAX HELP: The library is teaming up with AARP to offer free tax assistance at the Algiers Regional Library, 3014 Holiday Drive, and the Milton H. Latter Memorial Library, 5120 St. Charles Ave.

Assistance will be offered in Algiers every Monday and Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

through April 1. Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins are welcome if space is available. Visit nolalibrary.co/taxhelp or call the AARP at (504) 408-2041 for appointments. Assistance at Latter Library will be offered every Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. through April 7. Help is given on a first-come, firstserved basis; no appointments are necessary Those seeking help should bring: n Previous year’s tax return n Photo ID for taxpayer and for spouse, as applicable n Social Security cards for every individual on tax return n IRS Personal Identification Number(s) required, if applicable n Paper copies of all your tax documents n Banking information for direct deposit or debit

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

U.S

Education;

the Academic Excellence Award; Gerry Ramos, winner of the Citizenship Award; Malayna Varnado, winner of the Leadership Award; and Cade Brumley, state education superintendent.

New Orleans Military & Maritime Academy cadets Heath J. Mouton Jr., Gerry F. Ramos and Malayna R. Varnado were honored with awards during a celebration of the country’s 250th birthday at the National WW II Museum. Mouton received the Academic Excellence Award for maintaining academics while balancing the demands of command and scholarship. He is the NOMMA MCJROTC Battalion Commander and highest-ranking cadet. He is also the Legion of Valor Award winner He is an active member of the color guard, armed drill team, track and field team, supply section and the

National Honor Society Ramos won the Citizenship Award for consistent volunteer service and active enrollment in school and civic organizations. He is Delta Company Commander vice president of the student council and vice president of the National Honor Society Varnado is the recipient of the Leadership Award. She is second in command of more than 1,000 Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps cadets and has won multiple JROTC and academic awards. Varnado has been a member of the NOMMA Band, academic team and cadet leadership team.