The state produces 12- to 14-million pounds of oysters annually — 30% to 40% of the United States’ supply, the Louisiana Oyster Task Force says. Find out more about the public-private partnerships that makes the process work on Oct. 21 in a conversation at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave. Metairie.
Cyril Lagvanec, Ph.D., will talk about the commercial oyster business at 7 p.m., along with Al Sunseri, president and owner of P&J Oysters, who will speak and answer questions.
The oyster industry generates significant economic impact, estimated at $317 million annually, and employs over 3,500 people.
Louisiana oysters are a significant part of the state’s culture, economy, and environment, and are known for their unique flavor and the important role they play in coastal ecosystems.
Louisiana oystermen fish public oyster grounds for seed oysters (less than 3 inches) and transplant them to private leases for cultivation and future harvest. They also harvest market-size oysters (3 inches or larger) from public grounds.
Most of Louisiana’s total oyster harvest comes from private leases, but many of these oysters began their lives as seed oysters on public grounds. In fact, a boatload of seed oysters cultivated on a lease produces an estimated two to three boatloads of marketable oysters. This successful public-private partnership helps Louisiana continue to lead the nation in oyster production year after year.
GRANT WORKSHOP: Katie Mitchell, founder and president of CCC Firm and Business Source II, will lead a grant-writing seminar from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Oct. 16 at the Rosedale Library, 4036 Jefferson Highway, Jefferson.
Topics will include how to find grants and write a winning proposal; best practices; getting public federal and private grants and more.
Mitchell has more than 30 years of financial experience.
POISON IN LITERATURE: Amber Jurgensen, a doctoral candidate in English at Louisiana State University, will discuss the use of poison in classic and young adult literature at two presentations — one on each side of the river. The presentations are at 7 p.m.
- Oct. 14, at the West Bank Regional Library, 2751 Manhattan Blvd., Harvey.
- Oct. 28, at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie.
Both free events are tea parties, and light refreshments will be served.
GENEALOGY: Gwen Kelley, a librarian who specializes in genealogy will lead a series of classes at the Jane O’Brien Chatelain West Bank Regional Library, 2751 Manhattan Blvd., Harvey. The classes take place at 7 p.m. on the following Thursdays:
- Oct. 9: Newspapers and Obituaries
- Oct. 16: Researching Cemetery Records
- Nov. 13: Researching Military Records
- Nov. 20: Researching Immigration Records
- Dec. 4: Using ancestry.com
- Dec. 18: Using familysearch.org
WOMEN OF KATRINA: A new documentary from Royd Anderson titled “Leading Ladies of Hurricane Katrina” will be aired at 7 p.m. Oct. 8 at the River Ridge Library, 8825 Jefferson Highway, River Ridge.
The documentary features interviews with women who have helped better their community, city, state and region since the hurricane.
ABOUT LAFAYETTE: John Scurich, a local political consultant, will give a talk on the Marquis de Lafayette at 7 p.m. Oct. 9 at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie.
Marie-Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette, born in 1757, was a young, wealthy French aristocrat. He defied his own king to enter the American Revolution against Great Britain.
QUILTING: An event coming up Oct. 18 called “Binding Us Together: Quilts and Stories” is geared for patrons who want to explore the art, history and community awareness of quilting. This special event will feature meet-and-greets with local quilt guilds, tabletop show-and-tell demonstrations, and four speakers, including Laura Fenner, owner of Chateau Sew in New Orleans, on the business of running a quilt shop; Jackie Crovetto on the history of quilting; and April Bergeron with a lecture on collage quilting.
It will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 18 at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie. Patrons can enjoy quilts on display, door prizes, and a table of free quilting materials (while supplies last).
READING TO ROVER: This innovative program pairs young and reluctant readers with dogs from the Visiting Pet Program. Children read a book to a friendly canine from 1 to 2 p.m. Oct. 18 at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie. Patrons should not bring their own pets.
COOKBOOK CLUB: The group meets from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 18 at the Lakeshore Library, 1000 W. Esplanade Ave., Metairie. Patrons are encouraged to bring a favorite dish inspired by a cookbook and share it with fellow foodies.
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting out, this is the perfect opportunity to try new recipes, exchange cooking tips, and make new friends. Don’t forget to bring a copy of the cookbook for reference and be ready to discuss your cooking experience.
DUNGEONS AND DRAGONS AND MORE: Join a new campaign of Dungeons and Dragons, led by an experienced Dungeon Master, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. every other Saturday at the Terrytown Library, 680 Heritage Ave. The next session happens Oct. 11 and is for adults only.
An adult tabletop roleplaying group meets from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. every Wednesday at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie. This group allows players — experienced and new — to join adventures across different platforms.
Teens can join a Dungeons and Dragons campaign every Thursday from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the East Bank Regional Library. All materials are provided.
