Boy’s family eager for accessible ball field

Advocate staff photo by SCOTT THRELKELD -- Clayton Burke, 7, smacks a baseball off the tee Wednesday, June 5, 2013, at his home in Madisonville.

For three seasons, Clayton Burke played T-ball at the Coquille Sports Complex north of Madisonville. And for three seasons, he played as vigorously as any other little boy. In fact, his mother, Susan, said he was known to throw himself on the baseball when it approached him in the field. But this summer, Clayton’s watching … Continue reading →

Filmmaker weathers storms, heads to Cannes

Photo provided by Amanda Pennington -- Lillian, played by Tony nominee Kathleen Chalfant, receives news that causes her to remember the summer of 1918 where she meets and falls in love with Frances, played by Toni Robison-May, right, a French painter.

Sometimes just 12 minutes — if it’s a really special 12 minutes — can be enough to change a life. That was certainly the case for New Orleans filmmaker Amanda Pennington. Twelve minutes is the length of the first film she ever wrote or directed. Born of a passion to get out and “just shoot something,” … Continue reading →

Only in New Orleans: Undead on the loose in City Park’s Zombie Run Sunday

Advocate staff photo by DERICK HINGLE -- Mike Gadonneix of New Orleans, a member of the Krewe of the Living Dead Zombie Marching Organization, is seen at Wizard World Comic-Con at the Ernest M. Morial Convention Center Dec. 1, 2012, in New Orleans.

Zombies are in style everywhere these days, but they never went out of fashion in New Orleans. That might explain why the Zombie Run this Sunday in City Park had 400 people signed up to play the role of the undead, ready to lurch along a 5K course to give “human” runners a little extra jolt of motivation. Continue reading →

Animal Rescue of New Orleans: Fostering pets is a lifesaver

Photo provided by Animal Rescue of New Orleans -- Vinnie is a bassador, a lab/bassett mix, about 60 pounds and three or four years old. He was rescued by an ARNO volunteer from a busy street. He was behavior tested, is good with other dogs and loves to snuggle with people. Contact  adoptfromarno@yahoo.com. The adoption fee is $150 and includes neuter, shots, a chip and heartworm treatment. Purina will sponsor the adoption fee for approved applicants 55 and older. See http://www.purina.com/petsfor55plus for details.

At Animal Rescue New Orleans, foster homes are vital to our existence. Animals in foster homes get to experience life in a home environment, making them more adoptable. Foster homes socialize pets so they are ready for life in a permanent home. Animal shelters and rescue organizations are always in need of foster homes. The benefits are … Continue reading →

Neighbors sit, sip for Porch Crawl fundraiser

Advocate photo by ROBERTA GROVE -- Faubourg St. John friends and neighbors partied on a front porch to support one of the city's most historic neighborhoods. Standing in rear, from left, are Lucy Tramuta, Bob Heaps and Catherine Cardona. Seated in middle row from left are Frances Linker, Felicie Cornman, Catherine Tramuta and homeowner Carolyn Bauduc. Seated in front on the porch are, from left, Jennifer Arceneaux holding daughter Zoey on her lap, Lu Bauduc and Jane Cooper, who is holding her pug, Deuce.

The Faubourg St. John Neighborhood Association recently hosted its third annual Porch Crawl fundraiser. Broad Street, Orleans Avenue, Carrollton Avenue and Onzaga Street at the Fair Grounds are the boundaries for the historic neighborhood, which was established in 1708. The area’s lush tree-lined streets are home to more than 4,000 residents who are accustomed to hosting … Continue reading →

New Orleans neighborhood news, June 20, 2013

GOLDEN COMMUNITY LUNCHEON: The Lakeview Shepherd Center hosts its monthly Golden Community Luncheon from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday at 6690 Fleur de Lis Drive in Lakeview, at Community Church Unitarian Church. Mount Carmel is cooking up a culinary surprise for the luncheon. Peoples Health will provide a birthday cake and presents for … Continue reading →

Girls gather at leadership event

Photo provided by Faith Peperone -- Attending the Louisiana Girls Leadership Academy at Nicholls State University were, front row, from left: Demetric Mercadel, Shannon Chiasson, Katie LaCour, Madison Scioneaux, Chandler Harris, Faith Peperone, Dr. Laura Badeaux, Donnell Zeringue and Bill Peperone. Back row, from left: Brandie Toups, Kayla Lafhameyer, Marlee Jackson and Rebecca Grantham.

The Louisiana Girls Leadership Academy was held at Nicholls State University June 9-12. The theme was “Light the Torch and Lead.” LGLA endeavors to develop leadership and responsible citizenship among high school girls. Forty-seven girls from 13 parishes attended LGLA. They were broken up into eight groups. On the last day each group presented a … Continue reading →

Foundation holds gala to benefit hospice

Photo by Elizabeth Reguiera -- From left, Leo Marsh of AT&T; Danielle Griggs, ISB Foundation president; Dr. Eric Griggs, ISB Board chair; and LaToya Cantrell, New Orleans councilwoman, attended the benefit.

The Ida Steib Breaux Foundation held a gala recently to benefit hospice patients and families. The Hyatt Regency New Orleans hosted the event, which featured a gourmet dinner, signature cocktail and a live and silent auction. Entertainment was provided by the James Andrews Band with a special appearance by Michael Batiste, and a there was a … Continue reading →

Mount Carmel students try engineering

Photo provided by Mount Carmel Academy --  Mount Carmel students honored as part of engineering teams are, from left, Baylee Robertso, Kellie Kampen, Paige Laborde, Allee Lamy and Ashley Code.

Several Mount Carmel Academy eighth-graders participated in “A Day in the Life of an Engineer,” hosted by the Society of Women Engineers at the University of New Orleans. The girls were split into teams, each led by a different engineering group. They were given a structure to build at the zoo, for example, a bridge for … Continue reading →

New Orleans area school news, June 20, 2013

Kathleen Fahery, a social studies gifted teacher at Gretna No. 2 Academy, has been named the Louisiana History Teacher of the Year by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, a nonprofit organization devoted to the improvement of history education. Fahery was chosen as … Continue reading →

Graduates: Covington High School

Faith Conlin

Covington High School held commencement ceremonies Wednesday, May 8, 2013, at Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond. The top six honor graduates, the college they plan to attend and their intended careers are: Faith Conlin, Brigham Young University, Idaho; piano performance. Continue reading →

Graduates: International High School of New Orleans

International High School 2013 valedictorian Dani Edwards

The International High School of New Orleans celebrated its first commencement ceremony Monday, June 10, 2013, graduating 99 seniors. New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu was the keynote speaker. Valedictorian: Dani Edwards. She will attend Loyola University, where she will study criminal justice. Continue reading →

Graduates: Mandeville High School

Evann Cookmeyer

Mandeville High School held its commencement ceremonies on Tuesday, May 7, 2013, at Southeastern Louisiana University, Hammond. Honor graduates, the colleges they plan to attend and their intended majors are: Evann Michelle Cookmeyer, Louisiana State University, mass communications. Continue reading →

Graduates: Slidell High School

Samuel Bilica

Slidell High School held its commencement ceremony Thursday, May 9, 2013, at the school’s stadium. Nine students are ranked first in the class. Their names, the colleges they will attend and their planned majors are: Samuel Nicholas Bilica, Louisiana State University, petroleum … Continue reading →

New Orleans program preps youths with business skills

Photo provided by Gretchen Hirt -- From left are Trafigura Work and Learn participants Sean Taylor, Damien Wise and Ron Laugard; Nadiyah Coleman, director of the Mayor’s Office of Workforce Development; councilmember-at-large Stacy Head; Melissa Sawyer, co-founder and executive director of YEP; Vincent Faber, executive director of Trafigura Foundation; Judge Calvin Johnson, board president of YEP; Robert S. Boh, president and CEO of Boh Bros.; participants Michael Jones, Aaron Harris and Kalston Magee; and instructor Darrin McCall.

On an open grassy lot in central city, 20-year-old Ron Laugard received a standing ovation for his candid speech at the opening of Youth Empowerment Projects’ latest program, the Trafigura Work and Learn Center. As one of the eight participants in the program, Laugard was nominated by his peers and teachers to talk at the grand … Continue reading →

Designers stitch up Audubon-inspired frocks

Advocate staff photo by ANDREA MABRY -- Michelle O'Reagan sews a dress inspired by the Insectarium during the Wild House Fashion event at the House of Blues.

The lights were dim and the music was thumping as New Orleans’ young and beautiful gathered on a recent Saturday night at the House of Blues Foundation Room. There were drinks, a dizzying array of short skirts and high heels, lively conversations punctuated with boisterous laughter — and sewing machines. The occasion: WildHouse, … Continue reading →

Vintage blackboards, books and desks for sale at former orphanage

Photo by Karen Baker -- Hope Haven in Marrero, once an orphanage, has accumulated decades of school supplies, furniture, and odds and ends.

Memories will be for sale Saturday when Catholic Charities holds a Treasure Sale on the campus of Hope Haven in Marrero. Hope Haven was founded in 1925 by Monsignor Peter Wynhoven as an orphanage; the campus includes the St. John Bosco chapel and the school building, last used in 2008 as a residential facility for children. Continue reading →

Around Jefferson: Volunteer raises awareness of neurological disorder

Congratulations to Harvey resident Tommy Santora, who received the volunteer of the year award at the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America National Conference last month in Miami. The award recognizes one member of MGFA who displays outstanding service to the organization by raising awareness and funds for research of myasthenia gravis, a neurological disorder. Santora founded … Continue reading →

Families ride together at Grena BMX Raceway

Liz Mavromatis and her family passed the Gretna BMX Raceway dozens of times before they stopped. And it was a bike-riding experience of a similar sort that led them to the facility on Gretna Boulevard. “The kids were riding bikes down a hill near the house and were having a great time doing it,” she said. “I … Continue reading →

New Orleans neighborhood news for June 13-19, 2013

FRENCH QUARTER BUSINESS ASSOCIATION: The French Quarter Business Association’s June lunch forum will be at 11:3 a.m. June 20 at Dickie Brennan’s Steakhouse, 716 Iberville St. Featured speaker will be Bob Johnson, general manager of the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, and there will also be a presentation by Alan Rafael, marketing … Continue reading →

Slice of St. Tammany: Longtime St. Scholastica leader retires

Photo by Karen Baker -- Marguerite Celestin greets St. Paul’s teacher Merle Dooley after the Mass on June 2. Dooley and Celestin taught together at Redemptorist High in Baton Rouge.

As Covington celebrates its bicentennial, you can’t help but notice that one of landmarks in the heart of town is St. Scholastica Academy, a girls Catholic high school founded in 1903. And if you know anything about SSA, you know that Marguerite Celestin has been the heart of the school since 1979. Celestin, the school’s president and … Continue reading →

Metro New Orleans health briefs, June 13-19, 2013

Valerie Burton, R.N., a certified diabetes educator, will lead a free diabetes support group meeting Tuesday, June 18, at 10 a.m. at in Suite C309, third floor of Touro Infirmary, 1401 Foucher St., New Orleans. Participants will learn tips to keep their diabetes in control, including diet, … Continue reading →

Elenians install officers

Photo provided by the Elenian Club -- Vince Vanc is seated in front with Barbara Chifici, 2013-2014 Elenian president. Behind them, from left, are club treasurer Carol Schiro; Marita Romano, vice president; Maria Villafranco, recording secretary; Eileen Capritto, corresponding secretary; LeeAnne Leopold-Savoie, financial secretary; installer Virginia Eckholdt; and Faith Peperone, immediate past president.

The Elenian Club held its installation luncheon recently at Chateau Golf and Country Club. President Faith Peperone welcomed the members and guests. LeeAnne Leopold-Savoie said the Elenian prayer, and Marita Romano lead the Pledge of Allegiance. Vince Vance entertained the Elenians with Italian songs, then ended the afternoon with “God Bless America.” The Rose Award … Continue reading →

N.O. foundation names officers

Photo provided by GNOF -- Ludovico Feoli, Ph.D., has been elected chairman of the Greater New Orleans Foundation.

The Board of Trustees of the Greater New Orleans Foundation announced that Ludovico Feoli, Ph.D., has been elected chairman; Cheryl R. Teamer, vice chairman; Robert A. Bories, treasurer; and Leann O. Moses, secretary. Anthony Recasner, Ph.D. is past chairman. The following individuals have been invited to join the Board of Trustees: Mark Blanchard, president … Continue reading →

Kingsley House hosts mother-daughter tea

Photo provided by Kingsley House -- Mom Hazel, left, and Sophia Parker relax at tea.

Kingsley House hosted a tea for mothers and daughters at Columbia Parc recently in the Columbia Parc Community Room. More than 40 people attended the event. Nurse educator Debbie Regan gave a presentation, titled “Growing Up for Girls,” discussing how mothers and daughters can learn to communicate effectively with each other through the emotional and physical … Continue reading →

Pet therapy program recruiting new helpers

The Visiting Pet Program, New Orleans’ oldest and largest animal assisted therapy program, will offer its volunteer orientation from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday at the Harahan Senior Center, 100 Elodie, Harahan. This is a people-only orientation; no pets. Pre-registration is required and there is a $10 fee to attend. To … Continue reading →

Dominican students honored at literary rally

Photo provided by Dominican High School -- Dominican students gather after returning from the state literary rally. First row, from left, are Elizabeth Champagne, Allison Breaux, Sage Ducoing, Victoria Donze, Chloe Dusang, Christina Recto and Catherine Cerise. Second row, from left, are Zoe Dickerson, Kaelen Delaune, Elizabeth Dao, Mallory Grefer, Margaret Webb and Madison Weber. Third row, from left, are Lily Ryan, Logan Peters, Roen Garretson, Kansas Guidry, Madeline Priest, Sydney Wentzell, Jennifer Parent, Anna Mermilliod, Kris Plunkett, Monserrate Cabrera and Noelle Fresneda. Fourth row, from left, are Kelsey Blosser, Rebecca Greenfield, Stephanie Reuter, Gabriela Madrid, Margaret Giler, Emily Champagne and Yarina Novick.

Dominican High School students received honors at this year’s Louisiana State Literary Rally. Winners were: First place: Elizabeth Champagne, Latin I; Christina Recto, Physical Science overall winner. Second place: Victoria Donze, Biology II; Noelle Fresneda, Civics; Roen Garretson, Journalism; Stephanie Reuter, English IV. Third place: Yarina Novick, French I; Jennifer Parent, Psychology; Lily … Continue reading →

De La Salle students join English Honor Society

Photo provided by De La Salle High School -- Members of the De La Salle chapter of the National English Honor Society include, first row, from left, Melanie Long, Jesslyn Woodman, Ashlyn Ecklund, Margaret Fraizer, Stephani Vidrine and Storie Cook. Second row, from left, are adviser Kathleen Calder, Nicholas Fraizer, Phillip Clark, Gabrielle Gonzalez, Taylor Tebbe, Tiffany Joseph, Alexes Aiken, Marisa Thomassie and Alec Bivona.

Fifteen De La Salle High School students were honored by the National English Honor Society at a recent induction. Four returning members received Certificates of Merit for their work during the past year. They are Margaret Fraizer and Taylor Tebbe, three years; and Alexes Aikena and Marisa Thomassie, two years. New … Continue reading →

New Orleans area school news for June 13-19, 2013

Donald Jackson, new assistant principal of Ben Franklin High School

Benjamin Franklin High School has appointed Donald Jackson as new assistant principal. “Mr. Jackson has distinguished himself as a superb educator. As such, he has won the respect and admiration of students, teachers and parents,” said Benjamin Franklin High School Principal Dr. Timothy Rusnak. Continue reading →

Graduates: John Ehret High School

John Ehret High School 2013 valedictorian Hevinkumar Patel

Diplomas were awarded to 320 graduating seniors at John Ehret High School’s 38th commencement exercises on Sunday, May 19 at the Pontchartrain Center in Kenner. Valedictorian: Hevinkumar Patel. He will attend Louisiana State University, majoring in biology/pre-med. Salutatorian: Anthony Huynh. He … Continue reading →

Cabrini High School releases spring honor roll

Cabrini High School has released its principal’s, alpha and beta honor rolls for the spring semester. Ninety-one students were named to the principal’s honor roll, earning a scholastic average of 4.0. Twenty-three seniors: Emily Anne Arceneaux, Alyssa Maria Bienes, Chelsea Lynn Brossette, Heather Marie Cochran, Amber Teresa Domingue, Katherine Elizabeth Dornan, Alexis … Continue reading →

‘Ladies in Red’ honor jazz musicians, aid preservation

Photo provided by Preservation Resource Center -- Linda Ogden Stewart poses in front of the plaque on her home Uptown, commemorating her father, jazz drummer Dave 'Bob' Ogden, and his contributions to the musical heritage of New Orleans.

“Ladies in Red” — and in scarlet, crimson, vermilion, carmine, cerise, magenta, claret, cherry and maroon — will gather June 14 to honor New Orleans jazz musicians and institutions while raising money for preservation. The event raises money for the African American Heritage Preservation Program at the Preservation Resource Center. “Ladies in Red” … Continue reading →