West Bank Living

Go Forth on the River

Algiers Point, July 4th

A fireworks extravaganza on the river and the best seats in the house are FREE.  Bring your lawn chair or blanket to the levee in Algiers Point or head over to Mardi Gras World, where admission is free after 5:30, a DJ will be spinning tunes and food and drinks will be available for purchase.  At 9:00 pm, the Bone Tone Brass Band will lead a second line parade to the levee.  Come on out and celebrate Independence Day the West Bank way.  For more information, visit Go 4th on the River.

If you are celebrating the 4th of July at home, please remember that fireworks can be dangerous.  The National Council on Fireworks Safety has some great tips to keep your holiday safe and fun.

West Bank Blood Drive

The Blood Center is hosting Christmas in July, a summer blood drive, along with free cholesterol checks, gifts and family coverage for all donors that will eliminate all processing fees for any donor or their immediate family that receives blood for the next year.  One donation takes less than an hour of your time and can help up to three different people.  Saturday 10am-8pm and Sunday noon-5pm at Oakwood Center Mall. 

ZOO Mobile in Algiers Point

Friday at 11am, the ZOOmobile from Audubon Zoo will be at the Algiers Courthouse, 225 Morgan Street in the Point with presentations and animals that the kids can touch and interact with.

Upcoming West Bank Events

Wednesdays at the Point

This weeks event will be held at Aunt Leni’s Cafe in Algiers Point from 5:30 to 7pm and features music from Westbank Mike, along with wine and other refreshments for sale.  This is a great break to take in the middle of the week, while you enjoy local artists and  meet up with friends and neighbors all while staying right here on the West Bank.

Summer Reading Program on the West Bank

Adella, Adella the Storyteller will be at the Carriage House (behind the Algiers Courthouse in the Point) on Tuesday at 11 am.  Get out of the hot sun and encourage those kids to read!

Terrytown Library 680 Heritage Ave in Terrytown, LA

Tuesday, July 8th at 4:00 pm - Family Night.  Stories, crafts for school aged kids and a movie.  What a great way to get out of the house for a family activity during the week.

Wednesday, July 9th at 3:00 pm - Teen Activity.  Make your own Hip Handbag.

Algiers Economic Development Foundation Annual Business Luncheon

This years luncheon will be held on Wednesday, July 16th at English Turn, with guest speaker Robert Cerasoli, the Inspector General for the City of New Orleans.  Tickets are $40 for AEDF members and $45 for non-members.  Reservations are required and can be booked by calling (504) 362-6436 or by emailing pcannon@aedf.biz.

Make it a great West Bank weekend!

When buying or selling a home on the West Bank of New Orleans or relocating to the New Orleans West Bank, you deserve local expertise and advice. Lisa Heindel provides full time, professional real estate services to buyers, sellers and military transferees in Algiers, Algiers Point, Belle Chasse, Gretna, Terrytown, Harvey, Marrero, Westwego and more.

Here’s the disclaimer part:  The opinions expressed here are strictly those of the author, but you are free to share yours in the comments.  All information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

Copyright 2008.  Lisa Heindel, All rights reserved.

While I’m celebrating my wedding anniversary this weekend, here are some fun things for you to do!

Gretna Farmer’s Market

Every Saturday from 8:30 am - 12:30 pm under the Market on Huey P. Long Avenue, between 3rd and 4th Streets.  Featuring local produce, art, music, crafts and more, it’s a great way to start your weekend!

Make-A-Wish Benefit

The Make-A-Wish foundation is the recipient of proceeds from a benefit being held at the West Bank Elks Lodge at 900 Monroe Street in Gretna.  The party will be rocking from 5 -10 pm on Saturday with food, live auctions, raffles and live music.

Don’t forget about children’s crafts every Saturday morning at 10:30 in the Children’s Wing of the West Bank Regional Library on Manhattan Blvd., a cool start to these hot summer days!  Or, you can cool off at the wave pool at Bayou Segnette State Park in Westwego.

Beyond the West Bank

With the 4th of July coming up, why not get in the swing of things at the World War II Museum in downtown New Orleans?  This Sunday the New Orleans Jazz Vipers will be performing from 1-4 pm during Sunday Swing.  Also on hand for this FREE event will be dance coaches from NOLA Swing.

Upcoming Events:

Wednesdays on the Point

A summer music series taking place in Algiers Point, the concerts pick up where Wednesdays in the Square left off.  This weeks performance features Amanda Shaw at the Rosetree Glass Studio, located at 446 Vallette Street.  The studio will have glass blowing demonstrations, showcasing the talents of our local Algiers artists.  Take the ferry, take a walk or drive on over the Point and join in the summer celebrations.

Algiers Reunion Dance

July 12th at Mardi Gras World from 7 pm to midnight.  Reconnect with all of your old Algiers friends while you dance the night away at this benefit for Holy Name of Mary sponsored by the Blue Knights of Holy Name Men’s Club.  The dance will have live music (of course), a silent auction, 50/50 raffle, photo opportunities and local memorabilia for sale.  This is absolutely the Algiers event to see and be seen at!  Call 450-7460 or 361-0937 for ticket information.

Make it a great West Bank weekend!

When buying or selling a home on the West Bank of New Orleans or relocating to the New Orleans West Bank, you deserve local expertise and advice. Lisa Heindel provides full time, professional real estate services to buyers, sellers and military transferees in Algiers, Algiers Point, Belle Chasse, Gretna, Terrytown, Harvey, Marrero, Westwego and more.

Here’s the disclaimer part:  The opinions expressed here are strictly those of the author, but you are free to share yours in the comments.  All information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

Copyright 2008.  Lisa Heindel, All rights reserved.

The weekend weather looks to be pretty typical for a New Orleans summer…hot with a chance of afternoon showers which makes it pretty steamy afterwards!  Here are a few suggestions for things to do on the West Bank this weekend:

Gretna Farmer’s Market

With all of the recent news about salmonella in tomatoes, there’s never been a better time to go to the local farmer’s market and pick up those Creoles that are not a part of the scare.  The market will be open on Saturday from 8:30 to 12:30 on Huey P. Long Avenue, between 4th and 5th Streets in Gretna.

Calling all actors!

Were you born to grace the stage?  Do you act, sing and love the roar of the crowd?  The Jefferson Parish Performing Arts Society will be holding auditions for the 2008-2009 season.  Adult auditions are by appointment only this Saturday, Tuesday and Wednesday. (Children’s auditions will be held on July 12th)  Visit the JPAS website for more details on auditions.  Don’t forget about June with Judy, a special tribute to Judy Garland that will be performed every Sunday evening at 7 pm at the Teatro Wego Theatre in Westwego.

Algiers Historical Society

Recordings of historic Algiers jazz musicians will be played and discussed at the Saturday morning meeting in the Algiers Museum (behind the Algiers Courthouse).  The public is welcome to attend the meeting at 10 am, 225 Morgan Street in Algiers Point.

Beyond the West Bank

Dog Days of Summer

You can treat your family dog to a day at the ballpark with the New Orleans Zephyrs for all of the remaining Sunday home games, where you and your furry friend can enjoy the game from the levee for only $6.  Visit Zephyrs Baseball for more information and a game schedule.

Upcoming Events:

Vacation Bible School is being held next week in Algiers.  If your children are looking for a fun way  to spend their mornings, check out the program at Aurora Methodist Church, 9 am to noon.  3300 Eton Street in Algiers.  Call 394-5483 for more information or to register.  If your high school student needs service hours, volunteering for VBS is a fun way to get them!

Author Night Continues

While the Hubbell Library in Algiers Point is closed for repairs, Author Night will be held at the Carriage House behind the Algiers Courthouse (225 Morgan Street in the Point).  Monday’s guest will be Frank Davis, author of "Frank Davis Makes Good Groceries!".  Starting at 6:30 pm,  this local favorite will be sharing stories and recipes, including the one for Frank’s Bananas Foster. 

When buying or selling a home on the West Bank of New Orleans or relocating to the New Orleans West Bank, you deserve local expertise and advice. Lisa Heindel provides full time, professional real estate services to buyers, sellers and military transferees in Algiers, Algiers Point, Belle Chasse, Gretna, Terrytown, Harvey, Marrero, Westwego and more.

Here’s the disclaimer part:  The opinions expressed here are strictly those of the author, but you are free to share yours in the comments.  All information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

Copyright 2008.  Lisa Heindel, All rights reserved.

Are you getting ready for the long Memorial Day weekend?  Planning that backyard BBQ?  Before you fire up the grill, be sure to check out these grilling safety tips from the Home Safety Council.

When you’re not hard at work cooking over open flames, here are some other great things to do on the West Bank of New Orleans:

Toy Train Show

My experience with trains is limited to Thomas the Train and the track my husband bought one year to go around the Christmas tree that scared the cat.  If, however, you are a train aficionado, check out the Toy Train Show this weekend at the KC Hall in Gretna, LA.  Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm.

Gretna Farmer’s Market

Every Saturday from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm, the farmer’s market gears up with local vendors selling produce, arts and crafts, music and more.  You might just find the perfect additions to your Memorial Day cookout right in Gretna, LA.  Under the Market, Huey P. Long Avenue between 3rd and 4th Streets.

Fun at the Library

Every Saturday morning at 10:30 the Jefferson Parish West Bank Regional Library offers fun crafts for children of all ages in the Children’s Wing of the library.  2751 Manhattan Blvd. in Harvey. 

Plaquemines Parish Seafood Festival

The festival kicks off on Friday evening at 7:30 and continues on Saturday and Sunday from 11 am to 11 pm.  Helicopter rides, games, arts and crafts, music and (of course) the best seafood in the world!  Some favorite local bands performing include The Chee-Weez, the Bucktown Allstars, Amanda Shaw and Bag of Donuts.  All for the low admission cost of $4 for adults and $2 for children under 12.  Taking place at Louisiana’s Medal of Honor Park in Belle Chasse.  Visit the fair website for more information, directions and a music schedule.

Upcoming West Bank Events

Wednesday, May 28th.  Oak Park Baptist Church in Algiers is having a community festival and block party from 4:30 to 7 pm.  Games, food, live music, face painting and more.  Open to the public, the event will be a welcoming party for a volunteer group coming from Chattanooga, TN to help in the continued recovery efforts of the city.  A big thank you to these great volunteers!

Saturday, May 31st.  The Confetti Kids will be holding a fundraiser to benefit both the Delcazel and Confetti Parks in Algiers Point.  Food, wine and local art.  Visit the Confetti Kids website for more information and tickets.

Make it a great West Bank weekend and have a safe and happy Memorial Day!

When buying or selling a home on the West Bank of New Orleans or relocating to the New Orleans West Bank, you deserve local expertise and advice. Lisa Heindel provides full time, professional real estate services to buyers, sellers and military transferees in Algiers, Algiers Point, Belle Chasse, Gretna, Terrytown, Harvey, Marrero, Westwego and more.

Here’s the disclaimer part:  The opinions expressed here are strictly those of the author, but you are free to share yours in the comments.  All information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

Copyright 2008.  Lisa Heindel, All rights reserved.

Don’t forget about the Gatsby Dog Second Line Parade in Algiers Point!  The fun starts this evening at 5:30 at the Algiers Ferry Landing, with a doggie and owner costumed second line parade through the Point.  A benefit for the Louisiana SPCA, there will be food, music, kids activities and more.

West Bank Theatre

Joey & Mary’s Irish Italian Wedding continues its run at the Teatro Wego Dinner Theatre.  Audience participation is encouraged during this comedic wedding and reception with a whole cast of characters.  Shows at 7:30 pm on Friday and Saturday and a matinee performance on Sunday at 2:00 pm.  Visit the Jefferson Performing Arts site for more information and tickets.

Gretna Farmer’s Market

Rain or shine, you can always count on the farmer’s market for your fresh, locally grown produce every Saturday from 8:30-12:30.  Under the covered market on Huey P. Long Avenue, between 3rd and 4th Streets.

Saturday Crafts at the West Bank Regional Library

Looking for something to keep the kids busy?  Visit the West Bank Regional Library on Manhattan Blvd. in Harvey for the weekly kids craft activities - every Saturday morning at 10:30 in the Children’s Wing of the library.

Make-A-Wish Foundation Benefit

Sunday at noon at the Impression Nightclub and Cafe in Gretna.  Sponsored by the Westbank Social and Marching Club and the Sassy Katz Social and Marching Club, the Make-A-Wish Foundation benefit will have music, karaoke, a water slide and kiddie pool, dunking for apples, drawings, raffles, auctions and more.  Head on out and help support these West Bank non-profits as they attempt to help others.

Mid-May Meatball Madness

I have to give credit to St. Martha’s Church for coming up with such a catchy theme for their spaghetti dinner this Sunday.  Starting at 10:30 am, dinners will be for sale at 2555 Apollo Drive in Harvey.  Adult plates are $8 and children plates are only $5. 

Upcoming Events:

Plaquemines Parish Heritage and Seafood Festival, May 23rd and 24th at the Medal of Honor Park on Barriere Road in Belle Chasse.  Live music, carnival rides, helicopter rides and more.  Visit the fair’s website for more information.

Make it a great West Bank weekend!

When buying or selling a home on the West Bank of New Orleans or relocating to the New Orleans West Bank, you deserve local expertise and advice. Lisa Heindel provides full time, professional real estate services to buyers, sellers and military transferees in Algiers, Algiers Point, Belle Chasse, Gretna, Terrytown, Harvey, Marrero, Westwego and more.

Here’s the disclaimer part:  The opinions expressed here are strictly those of the author, but you are free to share yours in the comments.  All information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed,

Copyright 2008.  Lisa Heindel, All rights reserved.