West Bank community news

Passing in the night

17 hrs ago

The Creole Queen and the Natchez river boats pass one another during a New Year's Eve excursion on the Mississippi River in New Orleans just before midnight Dec. 31, 2023.

Survivors of domestic violence find hope and resources at this metro New Orleans shelter

BY EVA JACOB BARKOFF | Contributing writer
Jan 5, 2024

Christmas tree recycling and more community news

Staff reports
Jan 5, 2024

CHRISTMAS TREE RECYCLING: Residents of unincorporated Jefferson Parish and the Town of Jean Lafitte can recycle their Christmas trees curbside starting on Jan. 10 for collection on Jan. 11, 12…

Bestelling author Rebecca Serle will share secrets of her success with New Orleans writers

BY JANE LEGROS | Contributing writer
Jan 5, 2024

Novelist Rebecca Serle will discuss her upcoming book, in an evening Zoom call hosted by the New Orleans Public Library Jan. 10 at 7 p.m.

Resources

Remember pets in cold weather with warm beds, fresh water and other precautions

BY TRACI HOWERTON | Contributing writer
Jan 5, 2024

Living in south Louisiana, we all know how fast the weather can change this time of year. It is not uncommon to go from summer to winter temperatures in a matter of days.

Jewish war veterans host medal ceremony

Staff report
Jan 4, 2024

The Ben Katz Post 580 of the Jewish War Veterans recently hosted its Louisiana Honor Medal ceremony, recognizing several recipients in the New Orleans area for their service to the country.

Kidney donor saves this pastor in St. Bernard Parish — and forges new friendship

BY BARRY LEMOINE | Contributing writer
Updated Jan 5, 2024

Of all the holiday gifts shared this year, few were as important as the one given by St. Bernard resident Chris Stall. In an act of selflessness, Stall donated a kidney to David Gonzalez, a st…

Hear the story of a Christian Brother's escape from Vietnam

BY CHRIS SMITH | Contributing writer
Jan 2, 2024

Brother John Mai, FSC, author of a book titled "Escape from Vietnam," will discuss his experiences at 7 p.m. Jan. 9 at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie.

Classes for older adults teach art, history, music and dance, with fun on the side

BY EVA JACOB BARKOFF | Contributing writer
Jan 2, 2024

Battle of New Orleans reenactments and more community news

Staff reports
Dec 29, 2023

BATTLE OF NEW ORLEANS COMMEMORATION: The 209th anniversary of the Battle of New Orleans will be marked Jan. 5, 6 and 8 at Chalmette Battlefield, 8606 W. St. Bernard Highway in Chalmette. Frida…

Marriage gone wrong is the topic of this author's book, up for discussion on Jan. 4

BY JANE LEGROS | Contributing writer
Dec 29, 2023

Award-winning author Corie Adjmi will visit the Latter Branch Library on Jan. 4 to discuss her first novel “The Marriage Box.” The book tells the story of Casey Cohen, a 16-year-old Middle Eas…

6 essential tips for surviving a puppy's first year

BY TRACI HOWERTON | Contributing writer
Dec 29, 2023

Anyone who has adopted a puppy knows firsthand that, in the beginning, it can be challenging.

NOCCA vocal students shine, Mount Carmel honored and more area school news

Dec 26, 2023

NOCCA: Four New Orleans Center for Creative Arts students received top honors in a recent youth vocal competition. The Donald W. Wood Sr. Vocal Competition is a collaboration among the New Orl…

New Harry Potter exhibit at Metairie library stirs up some magic for fans of all ages

BY CHRIS SMITH | Contributing writer
Dec 26, 2023

A brand-new Harry Potter exhibition featuring more than 100 items is on display at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie.

Children's Museum New Year's Eve and more community news

Staff reports
Dec 22, 2023

NOON YEAR’S EVE: Louisiana Children’s Museum will host a celebration on Dec. 31, 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m., at 15 Henry Thomas Drive in New Orleans City Park, culminating with confetti and bubbles. Oth…

Check out these DIY storytimes that let families choose their own books, props and activities

BY JANE LEGROS | Contributing writer
Dec 22, 2023

Parents and caregivers can drop in at their neighborhood libraries for a DIY storytime through Jan. 4 to practice reading and playing together at their own pace.

6 ways to avoid losing pets during New Year's Eve hubbub

BY TRACI HOWERTON | Contributing writer
Dec 22, 2023

There are two times a year when we see an uptick in lost pets — New Year’s Eve and July Fourth. I cannot stress enough how important it is to have pets inside, safe and secure during the festi…

Despite his grief, Jesuit student helps grandmother get her holiday dream trip to New York

BY EVA JACOB BARKOFF | Contributing writer
Dec 15, 2023

The last months have been a time of unfathomable loss for the Hamrick family.

NOCCA student wins full scholarship to Rice, and more area school news

Dec 15, 2023

NOCCA: New Orleans Center for Creative Arts visual arts student Jeriel Severino De La Rosa has been selected as a recipient of the QuestBridge Scholarship. De La Rosa, selected from among 17,0…

Learn to manage your money at free personal finance series at Metairie Library

BY CHRIS SMITH | Contributing writer
Dec 15, 2023

PERSONAL FINANCE SERIES: Sheila Cao, a personal finances consultant based in New Orleans, will give a series of presentations on financial management at 7 p.m. on the first four Wednesdays in …

NOLA ChristmasFest is back for its 10th year. Here's what to know.

Dec 15, 2023

NOLA ChristmasFest celebrates its 10th anniversary Dec. 21-30 as it brings a winter wonderland to the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, 900 Convention Center Blvd., in New Orleans.

They may not know it's Christmastime, but pets can be stressed by season, too.

BY TRACI HOWERTON | Contributing writer
Dec 15, 2023

We are at the peak of holiday hustle and bustle, so things can get a little stressful, not only for people, but also for pets. Both dogs and cats are creatures of habit. Keeping the routine as…

STEM program offers after-school fun and learning for young students

BY JANE LEGROS | Contributing writer
Dec 15, 2023

Third- through fifth-graders can get free hands-on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) training in an after-school program set up by the New Orleans Public Library, the ci…

Photos: Repairs of 66 year old Harvey Tunnel will close it for two years; Then & Now

BY DAVID GRUNFELD | DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY
Dec 12, 2023

READ DETAILS HERE: Louisiana has only three highway tunnels. This one is closed for two years.

Holiday concerts at NOCCA, and more area school news

Dec 8, 2023

HOLIDAY EVENTS

See a puppet show and decorate cookies: Holiday party at Harvey library offers a full yuletide experience

BY CHRIS SMITH | Contributing writer
Dec 8, 2023

Check out the Bestbank Holiday Party from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Dec. 17 at the West Bank Regional Library, 2751 Manhattan Blvd., Harvey.

Destrehan church marks 300 years serving the community. It's the second-oldest in the archdiocese.

BY ROBERT S. WOLF Contributing writer
Dec 8, 2023

St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Destrehan recently marked 300 years of serving the community with a tricentennial Mass celebrated by Archbishop Gregory Aymond and the unveiling of a ne…

Holiday toy and coat drives for kids, and more community news

Staff reports
Dec 8, 2023

TOYS FOR TOTS DONATION DRIVE: Home Builders Association of Greater New Orleans will host its annual toy donation drive and breakfast on Dec. 13, 8:30 a.m., at the Lifestyle Appliances Showroom…