H & W Opens Medical Marijuana Dispensary
After serving the Greater New Orleans area for more than 50 years, African-American owned H & W Drugstore has expanded, opening a third location that dispenses medical marijuana to patients with prescriptions to treat conditions such as autism, cancer, chronic pain, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
The state legislature approved medical marijuana dispensaries in 2016. The Board of Pharmacy narrowed the selection list to the top five pharmacies in each region, and in what has been called a surprise vote, H&W Drug Store ranked third but beat out the first and second ranked pharmacies. In April 2018, the Louisiana Board of Pharmacy selected H&W Drug Store to receive one of ten permits to dispense medical marijuana.
“We are excited to release this product to assist many patients and improve their quality of life,” says H & W Dispensary owner Ruston Henry.
H & W Dispensary opened to the public on Aug. 12 for qualifying patients and can dispense marijuana in pills, oils, liquids or as an inhaler, but not in smokable form.
The pharmacy first opened more than 50 years ago by Wesley J. Watkins and Sterling Henry, Sr., the father of current owner, who took over the business in 1999. H & W operates two standard pharmacies on Crowder Boulevard in New Orleans East and on Barataria Boulevard inside Budget Saver in Marrero.
Located at 4718 Paris Ave., in the Oak Park Shopping Center, H & W Dispensary is the first and only authorized marijuana dispensary in the region, serving residents Orleans, Jefferson, St. Bernard and Plaquemines parishes.
Although marijuana is banned at the federal level, states have the right to create medical marijuana programs which cannot be interfered with by the Justice Department.
The H & W Medical Marijuana Dispensary is open from 9 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday.
Mayor’s Neighborhood Engagement Office Resumes Community Office Hours
The Mayor’s Neighborhood Engagement Office (NEO) recently announced the return of Community Office Hours (COH). Residents are invited and encouraged to visit one of the seven COH locations and to meet their Neighborhood Liaison.
The offices are open from 10:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays. For specific days of operation, check the locations as follows:
District A: Community Commitment Education Center (8540 Spruce St.)
August 5-7; 12-14; 19-21; 26-28
September 3, 4, 9-11, 16-18; 23-25; & 30
October 1, 2; 7-9; 14-16; 21-23; 28, 29 and 30
November 4, 6, 12,13; 18-20
District B: Rosa F. Keller Library & Community Center (4300 S. Broad Ave.)
August 5-7; 12-14; 19-21; 26-28
September 3, 4, 9-11, 16-18; 23-25; & 30
October 1, 2; 7-9; 14-16; 21-23; 28, 29 and 30
November 4, 6, 12,13; 18-20
District C: Eastbank: Treme Coffeehouse (1501 St. Phillip St.)
August 6, 12, 14, 20, 26 and 28
September 3, 9, 11, 17, 23 and 25
October 1, 7, 9, 15, 21, 23 and 29
November 4, 6, 12, 18 and 20
District C: Westbank: Arthur Monday Multi-Service Center (1111 Newton St.)
August 5, 7, 13, 19, 21 and 27
September 4, 10, 16, 18, 24 and 30
October 2, 8, 14, 16, 22, 28 and 30
November 13 and 19
District D: Pontilly Coffee (4000 Chef Menteur Hwy.)
August 5-7; 12-14; 19-21; 26-28
September 3, 4, 9-11, 16-18; 23-25; & 30
October 1, 2; 7-9; 14-16; 21-23; 28, 29 and 30
November 4, 6, 12,13; 18-20
District E: New Orleans East: East New Orleans Regional Library (5641 Read Blvd.)
August 6, 12, 14, 20, 26 & 28
September 3, 9, 11, 17, 23 & 25
October 1, 7, 9, 15, 21, 23 & 29
November 4, 6, 12, 18 & 20
District E: Lower Ninth Ward: Sanchez Multi-Service Center (1616 Caffin Ave.)
August 5, 7, 13, 19, 21 & 27
September 4, 10, 16, 18, 24 & 30
October 2, 8, 14, 16, 22, 28 & 30
November 13 and 19
Annual DSEF Essay Contest Open for Entries
The Dinerral Shavers Educational Fund is accepting entries for its annual essay. This year’s essay topic is: “A role model is someone who inspires others to imitate his or her good behavior. Who is someone that inspires you to be the best version of yourself?”
The contest deadline is Sept. 20; and all completed essays should be mailed to P.O. Box 6832 New Orleans, La 70174 or emailed to dseducationalfund@gmail.com.
Entrants must be residents of New Orleans or any of the surrounding areas. This essay contest is opened to all students in 7th through 12th grades. All essays must be typed and 250 to 500 words in length.
Three winners will be chosen to receive a laptop computer (first place); a Samsung Galaxy tablet (second place) and $100 (third place). The winners will be announced during DSEF’s annual Back to School Extravaganza, which will be held Saturday, Sept. 28, 2019 at the Ashe Cultural Arts Center.
The Dinerral Shavers Educational Fund is a non- profit 501(c)3 organization founded in March of 2007. This organization was created in memory of Dinerral Shavers, an educator, musician, entrepreneur, and New Orleans Civil Sheriff. In addition to its annual esaay contest and back-to-school event, DSEF’s programs and initiatives includes Operation Giveback, the Music and Cultural Education Program, and GIRLS NOLA (Girls Initiative for Reproducing Leaders in Society).
Ogden Museum and New Orleans Chapter of The Links, Inc. Present HBCU Art Show
The annual Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Art Showcase, presented in collaboration with the New Orleans Chapter of The Links, Incorporated is on view now through mid-October at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art.
This year’s exhibition showcases 34 works by 23 student artists attending Dillard University and Xavier University of Louisiana.
The 2019 artists are Kennedi Andrus, Mariia Borodii, Elexie Bryant, Nurye Carter, Tyler Comeaux, Derek Dixon, Quinsi Dominguez, Taylor Fields, Barriane Franks, Amani Gaddy, Esaba Hebert, Darien Henderson, Lindsey Hines, Michah Holness, Patricia Pham, Asia Rachal, Jermaine Robinson, Myron Solomon, Kotey Thomas, Gabrielle Tolliver, Keonna Tucker, Makeda Wells and Cammy White.
“We are so excited to partner with the New Orleans (LA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated again this year to present the HBCU Art Showcase,” says Ellen Balkin, Ogden Museum Director of Education. “I am continually impressed by the talented work of these students and the Ogden Museum is proud to host this exhibition each year.”
The 2019 HBCU Art Showcase marks the sixth year of collaboration between the Ogden Museum and the New Orleans (LA) Chapter of The Links, Inc.
The showcase is held annually in the Museum’s Education Gallery, a designated space, which highlights and exhibits student artwork.
IBPOEW Makes Impact in New Orleans
It didn’t take long for members of the Improved Benevolent & Protective Order of the Elks of the World to make their presence felt in New Orleans during the recent convention here.
The IBPOEW held its 120th Grand Lodge and 116th Grand Temple International Convention at the Hilton Riverside Hotel.
IBPOEW, one of the largest African-American fraternal organizations in the world, was started in 1898 by two African Americans from Ohio.
The group of more than 2000, led by Grand Exalted Ruler Leonard J. Polk Jr., Esq. and Grand Daughter Ruler Margaret D. Scott, gave back to the Crescent City during their annual convention.
The organization was in town Aug. 2-8. While in town they got straight to the work of making a difference.
During the grand opening ceremonies, Mayor Latoya Cantrell received the “Grand Exalted Ruler’s Award of Prominence” for her contributions to the city. Also, state Rep. Joseph Bouie (District 97) was honored with Elijah P. Lovejoy Award during the Civil Liberties luncheon.
Bouie said, “I offer my humble appreciation to this historic organization for this honor.”
In addition to giving local leaders special recognition, the IBPOEW visited the Central City Senior Center for a great lunch, bingo and hours of fellowship. About 100 members spent the afternoon enjoying the local seniors and making new friends.
Also while in town, members of the organization contributed to cancer organizations, the Light house for the Blind, provided financial assistance to a family crisis organization, and worked with local agencies to help feed the homeless.
The IBPOEW also awarded a $10,000 scholarship to the winner of its oratorical contest.
This year’s convention was chaired by Louisiana State President Rev. Ellsworth Harris, Jr., and co-chaired by former state senator Diana Bajoie.
