Katrina Networking

Oil Spill Workers Information

2010-06-07T14:25:00.001-04:00

Here's some of the information on the page NIOSH has set up to track workers, to educate workers and to assist other agencies dealing with those cleaning up BP's Hell On Earth.

OIL SPILL RESPONSE RESOURCES
Overview
Oil spill response workers may be exposed to many different chemical, physical, biological, and psychological hazards. These hazards vary depending on the type and location of the oil spill, type and stage of response, degree of coordination between entities involved in response and recovery, and the workers’ specific tasks. Therefore, occupational and environmental hazards need to be identified, assessed, and monitored in each oil spill response.

Potential Hazards
Chemical exposures may include benzene and other volatile organic compounds, oil mist, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and diesel fumes. Physical hazards may include ergonomic hazards, excessive noise levels, sun exposure and heat stress. Injuries may occur due to slips, trips, and falls on slippery or uneven walking and working surfaces. Other safety hazards are associated with the use of tools, equipment, machinery, and vehicles. Biological hazards include possible exposure to biting or venomous insects or other animals. Psychological hazards may include witnessing traumatic injuries or death, inability to help affected wildlife, and fatigue. Fatigue may result from working in a fast-paced environment, working extended shifts, and doing heavy labor or demanding cognitive tasks such as problem-solving and decision-making.

Training and Protecting Responders
Employers should train oil spill response workers about their potential hazards and safe work practices to prevent and control these hazards. All workers should be provided with the appropriate tools, equipment, personal protective equipment (PPE) and protective clothing needed to perform their job tasks. Workers should be trained in the appropriate care and use of this equipment. PPE should be selected based on identification of the hazards, protective qualities (such as oil resistance) and suitability for the tasks performed. An occupational health and injury surveillance system should be put in place as soon as possible. The prompt reporting of injuries and illnesses should be emphasized.

How is NIOSH Responding in the Gulf of Mexico?
NIOSH is protecting workers and volunteers responding to the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico with the following efforts:

•Providing information to British Petroleum (BP), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the U.S. Coast Guard, and other federal and state partners about protecting workers and volunteers from potential safety and health hazards.
•Assisting OSHA and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) with information about tools for training workers including health hazard risk assessment and personal protective equipment selection
•Conducting a voluntary survey of workers to obtain a record of those who have participated and a mechanism to contact them about possible spill-related symptoms of illness or injury, as needed.

Death In My Family

2010-05-02T13:13:00.003-04:00

Hello to all.

I just wanted to say that my mother has died.

Her heart attack was 3 years ago 4/1. Life has been increasingly difficult since then.

She had significant artery disease (runs in the family), which caused renal failure in one kidney and renal disease in the other. It also made it impossible to replace her aortic valve, which was damaged as a child during illness.

This past October, she had an episode of what they call Flash Edema - it's where your lungs fill up within minutes, rather than days. It signaled that her aortic valve had completely failed. She went to Baltimore, MD to consult with a surgeon who felt she was a good candidate for what's called Apical Aortic Conduit surgery. They plug a piece of tubing from the bottom of your heart and attach it to your aorta, with a valve somewhere in the middle. This acts as the aortic valve without having to deal with the actual valve. Difficult and risky, this doc only performs about 6 a year. With such small #'s performed, it's assumed they take only the best risk of high risk candidates.

After many tests, she was determined to be a good candidate. 6 weeks after the flash edema, she had the surgery. They kept her fully sedated following the surgery, so the stroke she suffered immediately after the surgery wasn't discovered until 2 days after the fact. It's called an Embolic Shower acquired brain injury.

Rather than the stroke occuring in a single location within the brain, either because of an artery being closed off by too much junk, or by bleeding in the brain, the embolic shower means that many pieces of something - blood clot, arterial placque, fat globs - go throughout the brain and block off the arteries. The bad part about this style of stroke is that it catches the body completely unaware and is unable to build new arteries and veins around it quickly, like it can when the artery is slowly closed off. So, the picture to the left shows what an embolic shower can look like - many areas of dead white spots throughout the brain.

Mom fought incredibly hard to live - surviving ineptitude and infections, normal and extraordinary post-surgical complications. However, 6 months to the day following the flash edema, God finally convinced her it was time to die and go home.

While difficult for us, it's so much better for her.

Hope Haven Update

2010-04-06T11:50:00.001-04:00

Dear Leslie,

It almost seems like a dream. Five years...and I can clearly remember things that occured before the storm...but much of what occurred after...does not come in to focus well. All the contacts and faces of the people who responded and helped and rescued us....are a bit blurry. I would have thought that these things would be etched in our minds but others I have spoken with here are having the same trouble. I guess it is like being in a car accident and you know people helped...you just cant remember all of the details. Well maybe its better for us this way....but it makes us seem like we are ungrateful for the hands that did help...and for that I apologize for not contacting you.

We are well. We rebuilt our home in Waveland with the aid of the Navy CBs and used it for the County social services offices for three months...as it was the only building with water, ac and flushing toilets. We then hosted about 400 volunteers over a two year period...who stayed in the home and worked rebuilding the area....and then it was time to put it back in service for children. We hired live in houseparents and reopened as a community sponsored foster home with 6 kids. Social services wanted us to reopen as an emergency shelter....but they changed the regulations and we just couldn't do it with the money we had. After one year in Waveland...we had a chance to buy a country home inland with seven bedrooms and a guest house next door with four bedrooms. We stepped out in faith...and did it.

We now use our Waveland home as office space for HH and three other small non profits and that works well. We have the office home up for sale...but not much joy there.The children who come to us love the country setting...small pond...horses and goats next door....barn to play in.

On the down side...abuse and neglect cases have risen dramatically in the wake of Katrina. There are over 230 kids in custody in the county compared with about 100 prior to Katrina. Stress, no jobs, meth all have ripped this County back apart. The basic infrastructure has begun to recover...the people...thats a different story.

Our funding situation has suffered....local support is hard to come by and the economy has hurt the grants and foundations who supported us....but we are keeping our heads above water which is better than many.

Books On Katrina Recovery

2009-02-13T10:50:00.000-05:00

As I have time, I'll be posting more links to books regarding the rebuilding of Pearlington, Waveland, Bay St Louis, Kiln and the rest Hancock County. If you know of any, please let me know.

I've long held I wouldn't advertise anything that was a for-profit endeavor, but I think at this point, they need to be shown in an effort to prove rebuilding has yet to be complete.

The first is Pat Holt's Rebuilding Pearlington. She's a lady from basically all over the nation, having served in the military and after retiring, took up photography. I wish her memoir included many more of her photographs, but perhaps she is working on a separate book for those.

Note From Leslie

2008-12-10T14:35:00.002-05:00

Hey folks.

It's been forever. I keep thinking about writing an update, but am so sad that I am unable to do more for my families and for Hancock County that I just cry and procrastinate.

While everyone's health around here has stabilized, the monetary situation has not. I'm having to put all of my financial assets toward the house or mediations for all 3 of us.

I'm fortunate enough that this summer allowed me to garden, saving us about $1000 in food for the year, and more weather-proofing of the house, which is saving us another $1000 in reduced utilities, but I have so much more to do and am barely keeping my head above water.

I continue to help 2 families as I am able, but just can't do any more than that. I had to turn away clothes and toys because I can't afford shipping. I feel awful about that!

I continue to think about everyone, and pray they are ok, and ask forgiveness for not being able to do more. It's just been one of those lives. LOL I know it's only been about 20 months, but it certainly feels more like a life-time.

I do continue to get emails from folks, and will always answer them or direct them to the correct resource. So I know you're all out there!

Know I'm here and I'm still doing all that I can.

Love
L

HUD Being Sued

2008-12-10T14:31:00.001-05:00

Money Steered To Port Project over Housing

POSTED: 11:11 am CST December 10, 2008
UPDATED: 11:37 am CST December 10, 2008

JACKSON, Miss. -- A federal lawsuit accuses the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development of failing to properly review Mississippi's plan to divert half a billion dollars from a hurricane housing fund to a port expansion project.

HUD drew criticism from advocacy groups and congressional leaders when it approved the state's proposal to steer the money to the port despite a lingering housing crisis caused by Hurricane Katrina. At the time, then-HUD Secretary Alphonso Jackson said he was legally obligated to OK the project because of congressional language associated with the use of block grant funds.

The suit, filed Wednesday in federal court in Washington, names HUD as the only defendant. It is being brought by the Mississippi State Conference NAACP, Gulf Coast Fair Housing Center and individual residents.

Katrina Defrauder Caught

2008-11-17T17:38:00.000-05:00

Fugitive From FBI Wanted List Arrested In Park

Around 1 a.m. on November 9th, rangers received a report of an assault that had taken place near Government Wash.

Investigation revealed that the primary suspect was Mitchell Baria of Jackson, Mississippi, who was wanted by the FBI and listed as a "featured fugitive" on a web site run by its office in that city. Rangers searched the area but were unable to find him. Later on the next day, NPS special agents who were staking out the area received a report from the government Wash campground host that he thought he'd seen Baria walking into a nearby wash.

The park's search dog, "Onyx," and handler ranger Todd Austin, together with rangers Joel Hyzer and Stephen Dollinger, began tracking Baria from the point where he'd last been seen.

They soon found him and he surrendered without incident. He was later released to the FBI.
Baria was wanted by the FBI for his alleged involvement in a scam to defraud Gulf Coast homeowners, mostly elderly, out of more than $100,000 since 2005. The victims' homes
were damaged by Hurricane Katrina, and Baria was hired to repair them. He allegedly obtained money to repair the homes, but performed no work. Baria's search and capture was accomplished through a coordinated effort by rangers and NPS and FBI special agents. [Submitted by Eric Lisnik, District Ranger]

More Information...
http://www.fbi.gov/wanted/fugitives/wcc/baria_ml.htm

New Mold Abatement Tool

2008-11-16T20:04:00.003-05:00

Household mold. It’s not just a cleaning issue – it’s a health concern. And now there’s a new way to fight it. Concrobium Mold Control® is a ground-breaking technology that helps do-it-yourselfers and professionals fight harmful mold without resorting to harsh chemicals. It’s the only EPA-registered solution that eliminates mold and keeps it from coming back – without bleach, ammonia or VOCs. Finally a solution that wins the war on mold without nasty effects on people and planet. > click here to find out how Concrobium Mold Control works.It’s the cure for the common mold™.

Operation Blessing Completes Work

2008-09-24T19:40:00.001-04:00

NEW ORLEANS - Two and a half years after Hurricane Katrina first broke the levees of New Orleans, Operation Blessing has completed its relief efforts along the Gulf Coast.

Since April 3, 2006, Operation Blessing's medical and dental clinics in New Orleans East have been providing free health care and prescription medicine to thousands of needy residents.

OBI plans to hand over the clinic and pharmacy to a local partner to continue helping residents in need.

During the last five months, OBI partnered with the Mayo Clinic, who sent monthly teams of volunteer doctors to New Orleans. It was a fruitful partnership that began in January 2007, when 38 Mayo personnel participated in "The 2nd Annual Greater New Orleans Medical Recovery Week," which gave thousands of needy residents access to free care.

Such help has been badly-needed

According to a report published by the New Orleans Health Department last year, the city's death rate increased by 48 percent in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.

"Every level of our health care delivery system was affected," said New Orleans Mayor C. Ray Nagin in his August 2007 testimony before Congress. "Since Hurricane Katrina, the only public clinical services in New Orleans East have been provided at a temporary site staffed by Operation Blessing, a faith-based nonprofit.”

At OBI clinic's ribbon-cutting ceremony in April 2006, Chairman Donald Powell, White House Federal Coordinator for Gulf Coast Rebuilding, called Operation Blessing the "best of America."

"I promise you these people are going to meet the needs," Powell said.

Both medical and dental clinics combined have treated more than 36,000 patients and filled more than 88,000 prescriptions.

But OBI's efforts have gone far beyond medical attention.

Early on, it became apparent that Katrina's devastation would have a serious long-term impact on the infrastructure of New Orleans.

OBI workers and volunteers were one of the first organizations on the scene providing food, drinks and relief supplies as well as staging mass food distributions with The Salvation Army.

In addition, OBI purchased heavy equipment, including two 18-ton cranes, to remove trees and major debris so that tarps could be secured on rooftops during initial rebuilding efforts.

In the months that followed, reconstruction became a top priority for OBI, with workers and volunteer crews helping to rebuild dozens of homes as well as restore community centers and parks.

Longer-term recovery efforts featured such programs as OBI's Bugbusters, a mosquito control program, as well as Ratbusters, a rodent control initiative. OBI also distributed cash grants totaling more than $4.8 million to partnering organizations, which helped an estimated 1.5 million people.

"It's rewarding to see people get the help they need," said Rick, 62, a retired Security Systems worker who came from Tennessee to volunteer at an OBI-sponsored event. "Everyone who comes through has a great attitude and that is proof New Orleans has the foundation to keep rebuilding."

Resources VI - Volunteering

2008-09-24T16:30:00.000-04:00

Local Organizations
Governor's Commission Housing Center
601 Bienville
Bay St. Louis
To volunteer call Frances Graves at 228 216 9701.
Hancock County Food Pantry - always needs people to help with food distribution
PO Box 4313
BSL, MS 39521
228-467-2790
Boys and Girls Club - Lost 3 centers and needs help with the kids and rebuilding
Bay Waveland School District - still recovering and in need of volunteers to help rebuild
Calvary Chapel Kitchen 228-467-9629 Local org always in need of volunteers of all skills
Hancock County Animal Shelter - help with the animals.
P.O. Box 2274Bay St. Louis MS 39521-2274
(228) 216-PETS (7387)
Donations also accepted
Hancock County EOC - compiles lists of volunteers and needs volunteers to distribute
Hancock County Emergency Operation Center at the Annunciation School
5380 Kiln-Delisle Road
Bay St Louis
228-466-8250
HANCOCK COUNTY LONG-TERM RECOVERY ORGANIZATION (HLTRO)
The church no longer stands, but the grounds are in use. Doing case management and has rebuilt 40 homes so far. Help.
Christ Episcopal Church
P.O. Box 2189
Bay St. Louis, MS 39521-2189
Our Lady of The Gulf - houses volunteers to assist in rebuilding
Our Lady Academy - houses volunteers in summer to rebuild their buildings and homes
St Rose de Lima Church
Lagniappe Presbyterian - see below
Foundation Hope see below
Waveland Animal Shelter
Waveland Animal Shelter
322 Gulfside St
Waveland, MS 39576
228-467-0230
Volunteers to clean, walk the animals, be foster families, etc.
Donations also accepted

Organizations From Around the Nation
Adopt A Bedroom - No longer in "business".
BRICK Layers - if you're from Birmingham area of AL, you're welcome to join them in P-ton
BucksMont PA - Bucks/Montgomery counties, PA need volunteers to assist in Hancock County
Second Helpins - No Longer In "business"
Camp Victor - Group in Harrison and Hancock County assisting all in need
Charity In Action - in Montgomery County PA, needs volunteers to assist Hancock County
CitiImpact - from GA and is working throughout the region, needing volunteers
CityTeam - National org working in Bay St Louis until they aren't needed anymore.
Christian/Missionary Alliance - National org helping rebuild
Disaster Corps - Rebuilding with "green" materials with "green" technology
8 Days of Hope - 8 Days of Hope IV is coming up. 1500 volunteers went last time.
The Giving Circle
HANDS - Started by a MS legislator's wife - always in need of volunteers for rebulding
HandsOn - National org that is working throughout the region rebuilding
Karing - in IL and expanding rapidly! Working in Waveland to help rebuild
Katrina's Angels - "Virtual" volunteers working with families to help them recover individually
KenTenn Relief - No longer in "business"
Lagniappe Church -
Loving Neighbors - Activity Significantly Reduced
Manna Ministries - No longer in "business"
Mission From MN - No Longer in "business"
New Hope Construction - supplying low cost homes in a box
OHAAT - One House At A Time in Pearlington needs volunteers to build kit homes
Operation Blessing
Presby Disaster Assistance - National org assisting throughout the region
Port Townsend - Washington state adopted Bay St Louis to help rebuild. Teachers! You too
POD Church - Powerhouse of Deliverence - helping the HC Long Term recovery Org
Solving Poverty - Students
Think NOLA - One man needs a researcher to help him compile a "wiki" for NOLA.

Agency Of The Week

2008-09-23T12:58:00.000-04:00

The Giving Circle Work trip will take place: October 2008 - please read their page for more information.

Pearlington Update

2008-09-07T23:30:00.004-04:00

Here are some pictures taken during Gustav. The lady was looking for her father since he refused to leave his home. Fortunately, he only took a few inches of water.

Gustav Update

2008-09-02T13:42:00.004-04:00

I haven't bothered posting anything until now since evacuation was so orderly.

Now that the storm has passed and people are checking out what they need, there are some needs that are coming to light...

Hancock County lost its radio station - during Katrina, it was the only one that stayed running out of a few hundred and served the entire area. This time they weren't so lucky.
Hancock county eoc 228 466 8320
www.wqrz.org
I've put the word out to folks in my area of the need, and am going to start reaching out further, but if you know of anyone who has any of the components, please contact me at KatrinaCoalition@aol.com

Pearlington's Turtle Landing Bar was submerged. Unknown what it looks like now.

Homes in Pearlington have taken inches to feet of water.

Everything in Hancock County south of the tracks ended up under water.

Many of the dead trees standing are now down - but came down on power lines, houses, vehicles, etc. There have been many fires, and much collateral damage - the last gift from Katrina.

Will post more as I have it.

If you wish to help, I have access to many organizations other than the Red Cross that can use your help with much appreciation!

Leslie

Gardens Update

2008-08-04T17:47:00.002-04:00

Hey everyone.

Long time no see.

Got great news about some of my families...

Many got seeds sent to them to start veggies. If the garden produced more than what they could consume, it was asked they share with others in need. And they have.

1 family in particular - Carol with her 2 grandkids - is particularly touching.

Carol has never gardened in her life. But because she's newly disabled, has no income, and 2 very rapidly growing kids in her life, she was willing to try anything. For that reason, I bought her about $60 worth of seed.

That $60 has turned into the most fun the kids have ever had during the summer, as they have done much of the gardening work for Carol. They've learned to follow directions, that directions WORK, that plants grow almost regardless of what you do or don't do to them. That gardening feeds your soul as well as your body. They've learned how to make different recipes, are learning how to can and make pickles and freeze. That being poor doesn't mean you eat poorly.

They, as a family, have eaten better this summer than the last 3 summers. They've never been hungry, and hopefully won't be hungry through most of the winter either, since the growing season is so long for them.

Carol has been able to eat to her heart's content and still lose weight - weight that her badly damaged knees can't support anymore. It's making her sugar better, her cholesterol better, her blood pressure better. She has less stress, sounds better, has more hope and is enjoying the struggle we call life far more than since I've known her.

To watch that entire family grow with the garden has been pure joy for me. It's a hope garden. Pure and simple.

Please consider helping a family by giving them veggie seeds. Whether it's in your community for a fall crop, or for next year and is a family far away. I don't care. The food grown isn't the only thing that nourishes.

Katrina-Rita-Ville Express

2008-04-25T21:21:00.000-04:00

The Gulf Coast Housing Recovery Act (S.1668) is an important bill that would help low-income families return home by ensuring that adequate affordable housing is available. One of the bill’s co-sponsors, Senator Mary Landrieu (D-La.), recently offered several amendments that would directly benefit Alabama storm survivors. But the bill is languishing in the U.S. Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee, where Senator Richard Shelby (R-Ala.) is the ranking member. If Senator Shelby would allow this bill to come up for a vote, it would pass overwhelmingly – but he refuses to budge. Please let Senator Shelby know that you support this legislation and want action NOW!

On May 1 and 2, a FEMA trailer called The KatrinaRitaVille Express will be in Birmingham, Ala., to help rally support among Alabama residents and send a message to Senator Shelby about the urgent need for the Gulf Coast Housing Recovery Act to help hurricane survivors.

Please join us in Birmingham and see for yourself what life is like inside a FEMA trailer.

* * *

Thursday, May 1
Noon, Greater Birmingham Ministries Economic Justice Table
Speakers will include Mary Fontenot, executive director of All Congregations Together; Katrina Survivors living in Birmingham, Zack Carter, organizer, Alabama Arise; and representatives of UUSC and Greater Birmingham Ministries.

Greater Birmingham Ministries
12th Avenue and 23rd Street North
Birmingham, Ala.
Tel: (205) 326-6821

5p.m., Tour The KatrinaRitaVille Express, a FEMA trailer.
Thousands of people are still living in these toxic trailers, recently classified by the Centers for Disease Control as unsafe for habitation. For more information about The KatrinaRitaVille Express, please visit www.krvexpress.org.

7 p.m., Gulf Coast Update –The Struggle Continues
Music and program
Darryl Hunt, president, Unitarian Universalist Church of Birmingham will introduce speakers who include Mary Fontenot, executive director, All Congregations Together; Zack Carter, organizer, Alabama Arise; and Bev Hoffman, UUSC. Katrina survivors living in the Birmingham area will also be present. Singer Gigi Hines from Mississippi will perform. Admission free; donations to The KatrinaRitvaVille Express are encouraged.

Unitarian Universalist Church of Birmingham
4300 Hampton Heights Drive
Birmingham, Ala.
Tel: (205) 945-8109

Friday, May 2
9 a.m. – noon, Tour The KatrinaRitaVille Express

Join us in a show of Gulf Coast solidarity outside the Federal Building. Be part of the delegation that lobbies inside Senator Shelby’s office. If you are interested in taking part, please e-mail Jack Zylman (jzylman@bellsouth) or Helen Rivas (Helen @ helenrivas.com).

Federal Building
5th Avenue North and 18th Street
Birmingham, Ala.

Laura Katz ParenteauAdmin. Assist./Disaster Relief Coord.City Action Partnership1801 Third Ave. NorthBirmingham, AL 35203
www.CAPISDOWNTOWN.COM
Email: CAPbham@aol.com

Disaster Accountability Project

2008-03-12T22:05:00.000-04:00

Contact: Ben Smilowitz (314) 761-7631
Ben @ DisasterAccountability.org

3/12/08 Report criticizes DHS lack of diversity Posted by Linda on March 12th, 2008

The Department of Homeland Security’s disgraceful response to Hurricane Katrina may have been a reflection of the racial and gender makeup of its senior staff. A new GAO report shows that women and minorities are greatly under-represented in the senior ranks of DHS.

In March 2007, the department’s headquarters staff was one of the least diverse offices, with only one African American and one Hispanic among 46 members of the career SES, the report said. (Washington Post)

The problem was illustrated when Secretary Chertoff appeared at a Congressional hearing last week to discuss the report. One legislator noted that Chertoff had brought with him ten aides - all white and all male. Another legislator, Rep. Melvin Watt (D-NC) , asked the Secretary to assure him that the rest of his staff was more diverse.

“I think that is definitely the case,” Chertoff said.

“Okay,” Watt said, and appeared to begin moving to another question.

But Chertoff continued: “I wouldn’t assume that the ethnic background of everybody behind me is self-evident.”

Watt replied: “I wouldn’t assume the ethnic background of everybody behind you is self-evident, but I think I know an African American when I see one. . . If anyone wants to stand up and volunteer and tell me they are an African American, I hope they will do that right now.”

No one stood. Some in the audience began laughing. (Washington Post)

But, discrimination in emergency response is no laughing matter. The lack of diversity in the senior ranks at DHS almost certainly affected the department’s slow and callous response to the needs of minorities and women following Hurricane Katrina. Those and other examples described in “World Disasters Report: Focus on Discrimination” show that discrimination in disaster response is a worldwide problem.

In the United States, the emergency management profession is one of the last to integrate its ranks, permeated by a pernicious bias that perceives minorities and women as less capable of taking charge in emergencies. As a result, during my 13 years with the federal government, I found it necessary many times to remind FEMA and other agencies of the need to be more inclusive: to include tribal governments in emergency planning activities, to address the emergency needs of foreign-born migrant workers, and to respect the technical contributions of African-American emergency management specialists.

In 1999, federal agencies began requiring vast numbers of senior career positions to have security clearances, although many of the positions had no clear need for access to classified information. This, I warned members of Congress, would open the door to more discrimination because the process for approving (and revoking) clearances was vague and external oversight poor to non-existent. Agencies could therefore deny clearances for virtually any reason - even an illegal one like discrimination or whistleblower retaliation. Thus, it is not surprising that the executive ranks of DHS, which are most likely to require clearances, are the least diverse.

Dysfunctional hiring practices will remain a problem until new laws are passed providing meaningful oversight over the the security clearance approval process and providing stronger protections for discrimination complainants and whistleblowers. As Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.) stated,

“The makeup of the department’s senior leadership must be reflective of the face of America.”

2/4/08
Disaster Accountability Supporter:
I thought I'd let you know about a new blog post discussing this week's massive layoffs at the American Red Cross. We all know the economy is not doing so well but few organizations are giving pink slips to 1/3 of their Washington, DC employees. While I am a big critic of American Red Cross disaster relief capabilities, layoffs of this magnitude are reckless.
If our nation was dealt a major disaster today, would the American Red Cross be ready? Probably not... one week after announcing 1000 layoffs in their National Office. The ratio of Red Cross staff to volunteers would be larger than widely criticized post-Hurricane Katrina figures.
Please read the full blog entry here: http://blog.disasteraccountability.com//
Thanks,

11/29/07
Friends,I'm excited to announce the new Disaster Accountability Blog.
http://blog.disasteraccountability.org/

Over time, the Blog will prove itself as the leading source of news and views on Disaster Accountability issues. We welcome guest bloggers to participate, raise awareness about critical issues, write and comment on entries, and propose improvements to the U.S. disaster prevention, response, relief, and recovery systems.

Please send any suggestions for blog improvements or interest in guest blogging to Linda Lewis, our Policy Analyst, at LewisPlan @ yahoo.com

10/27
Friends,

There is much to report after our first two (full) months. This email will discuss two big items on our agenda this week (the CA wildfires and official comments we submitted Monday to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security), ways you can help, and a general update covering the past two months.

The fires in Southern California have already displaced over a quarter million people-- and will likely force the evacuations of many more. With the fires still out of control, the "Disaster Response/Relief" system is activated... and the public is at the mercy of the same organizations and Federal agencies that have yet to fix many of the problems that plagued the Katrina response/relief effort.

A) Yesterday, we announced the availability of our toll-free hotline for the reporting of disaster response/relief gaps in California's wildfire disaster. The press release is located on our website at:
http://www.disasteraccountability.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=45

The Katrina aftermath taught us that gaps in critical services are more likely to get addressed when they're realized. The hotline provides survivors, volunteers, and disaster workers with an "outside line" that will publicize any gaps in critical services. Please publicize our toll-free Disaster Accountability Hotline (866-9-TIP-DAP) to anyone you know in Southern California.

The hotline and reporting mechanism will only work if people know about it.

B) We also sent official comments on the newly proposed "National Response Framework" to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). While it's not completely clear, the National Response Framework is supposed to be the Federal government's "outline" or "structure" or "plan" for "disaster management." The Framework is riddled with holes, management conflicts, vagueness, and inaccuracies. It essentially replaces a "National Response Plan" without providing an actual plan, because it is a "Framework." Confused? You're not alone.
A summary of our comments:
http://www.disasteraccountability.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=44
A pdf document of our full comments:
http://www.disasteraccountability.com/images//nrf%20comments%20-%20disasteraccountabilityproject.pdf
An analysis of our comments:
http://www.orient-lodge.com/node/2560

C) We need your help. You can do these three things now.
1) Forward this email to TEN people you know and encourage them to visit our website and sign up for updates.
2) Visit the "Take Action" page on our website and view all of the ways you can help.
3) Donate now. We need your support to cover our website and hotline costs and achieve our goal of hiring a staff person. You can donate here:
http://www.disasteraccountability.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=13

D) Since launching the project just two months ago...

1) We were profiled in a short article in the New Orleans Times Picayune. The following day, I joined Jeff Crouere's morning radio show in New Orleans. The article and radio clip are posted on our website.

Other highlights/significant mentions include:
The Orient Lodge: http://www.orient-lodge.com/node/2560
• Content-wire.com: http://www.content-wire.com/accountability-project-public-emergency-response
• http://bravenewfilms.org/blog/16656-fema-national-response-framework-is-far-from-perfect
• The "Take Action" item in September's In These Times, the monthly magazine.

2) In our first two months, we filed nine press releases (all are posted on our website).

3) We've recruited 30 "Disaster Accountability Monitors" in: CA, DC, FL, LA, NY, IL, MD, CT, TX, MO, OR, UT, AL, KS, MI.... and the list is growing. Plans are to recruit at least a few hundred monitors across the US.

4) We now have 540 policy recommendations to improve the nation's disaster system organized on our website. The progress of each recommendation can be tracked by any website visitor through a Google or other web search. Only through tracking these recommendations will we know if the major problems discovered in the wake of Hurricane Katrina have been addressed or fixed.

5) Linda Lewis, a long-time expert in emergency preparedness and federal whistle-blower joined our staff as a policy analyst. She's volunteering her time for now -- but I'm hopeful that we'll be able to successfully fundraise to support a staff position soon. Linda is providing invaluable policy and programatic support.

In addition, our website was designed and programmed by amazing and dedicated individuals. Freelance programmers Gugulethu Ntombela and Ulrich Sossou provided hours and hours of dedicated work to this project. Steve Ofner of Liberal Art designed site template. Thank you.

6) The Connecticut Urban Legal Initiative, a nonprofit law clinic (and one of my classes this semester at UCONN Law), has taken us on as a pro-bono client this semester. We are now officially incorporated in Connecticut. Soon, we'll be filing the necessary documents to establish 501c3 nonprofit status.

7) Our advisory board is getting bigger, and more impressive... Our board of directors is also forming... and we're actively recruiting for both...

8) Our Facebook group has over 230 members. Join it!

9) In November, we will be included on a panel on "Disaster Accountability" at The Community College of Baltimore County.

10) A number of committed volunteers dedicated many hours this past summer, researching reports, adding recommendations to the website, and reaching out to stake-holders and interested groups and individuals.

... and that's just a quick summary. If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, please let me know.

Thanks again for your continued interest and support,
Ben

10/22/07
Disaster Oversight Group Details New DHS/FEMA National Response Framework Holes
Press Availabilities This Week To Review Multiple Problems With Framework

Disaster Accountability Project (DAP) staff are available to discuss comments it will submit Monday to the Department of Homeland Security on the recently proposed National Response Framework (NRF). The Framework's public comment period was briefly extended until Monday, October 22, 2007.

Linda Lewis, DAP Policy Analyst and long-time Federal emergency planner/whistle-blower and Ben Smilowitz, DAP Director and former manager of a Red Cross Client Service Center in Gulfport, MS immediately following Hurricane Katrina are available for comment on the group's NRF comments. A complete copy of the comments is available upon request.

Some comments include:

• "The NRF inadequately considers the needs of non-English speakers who may be foreign visitors or immigrants... Make the draft NRF readily available in Spanish and other languages spoken by a substantial portion of the population"

• "Make civil service positions less vulnerable to political pressures from above by embracing meaningful whistle-blower protections for all emergency managers, including those with security clearances; and provide an effective and supportive mechanism for receiving disclosures of inadequacies in emergency planning, exercising and response."

• " 'Framework' is indeed a more accurate name for this product ; but it is not entirely accurate. What is needed is a different product - a plan, not a name change."

• "The description of the FEMA Director and DHS Secretary's responsibilities conflicts with requirements of the Post Katrina Reform Act."

• "Shifting NRF implementation to the DHS Secretary is not consistent with the intent of Congress as described in the Post Katrina Reform Act...The head of FEMA and not the DHS Secretary should be in charge of coordinating federal emergency response."

• "Some ESF functions may be inappropriately combined, partitioned or privatized."

• "Not all 'lessons learned' are publicly reported or followed up with changes to plans. For example, as TOPOFF 4 prepares to being, the TOPOFF III after-action report still has not been issued."

• "Federal exercises frequently ignore recovery or give it lip service if addressed at all... Ensure that adequate exercise time is allowed to cover long-term recovery issues in reasonable detail."

• "Logic suggests that the FEMA Administrator would be the coordinator of the federal response, not the DHS Secretary's advisor... The roles of the FEMA Director and Director of Operations Coordination appear to conflict, calling to mind post-Katrina confusion."

The Disaster Accountability Project provides accountability and oversight to the nation's disaster prevention, response, relief, and recovery systems through monitoring and policy research.

10/12
WATCHDOG GROUP QUESTIONS NATIONAL EMERGENCY EXERCISE TIMING, POLITICS
Disaster Accountability Project Warns Exercise Effectiveness Compromised Without New Plan And Before Complete Framework

The timing of the upcoming TOPOFF4 Exercise is drawing criticism from the Disaster Accountability Project (DAP) because an updated National Response Plan is not yet in place. Originally, the Exercise was planned to follow the close of the comment period for the newly proposed and highly controversial National Response Framework (NRF). In a large-scale emergency, it would be critical for plans at all levels of government to be aligned with the national coordinating plan. But, state and local officials have not had time to align their plans with the NRF because it has not been finalized.

According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the TOPOFF4 Exercise scheduled for October 15-19, 2007 "will feature thousands of federal, state, territorial, and local officials. These officials will engage in various activities as part of a robust, full-scale simulated response to a multi-faceted threat." In addition, "The full-scale exercise offers agencies and jurisdictions a way to test their plans and skills in a real-time, realistic environment and to gain the in-depth knowledge that only experience can provide." See: http://www.dhs.gov/xprepresp/training/gc_1179350946764.shtm

"The purpose of a national exercise should be to test the adequacy of emergency plans and procedures," says Linda Lewis, who spent 16 years advising federal, state and local agencies on ways to improve preparedness. "But, the TOPOFF4 exercise, testing national preparedness for a dirty bomb attack is being held before the draft National Response Framework has been finalized, and early comments on the plan indicate that major revisions are needed." Lewis, a DAP policy analyst, points out that the Department of Homeland Security made a similar error in April 2005, when it held TOPOFF3 before the deadline by which state, local and other federal agencies were to have revised their own plans to reflect the National Response Plan (NRP) issued in December 2004 with little input from state officials. "Even if the exercise is declared an overall success, which is virtually a given in government exercises, the plan is unscripted and it is questionable whether successes could be repeated. Thus, the exercise may provide an opportunity for DHS officials to reject changes requested by state officials that DHS locked out of meetings to finish a draft NRF."

"DHS was counting on a lot of negative publicity culminating next week, when all the comments were initially expected. A large-scale exercise deflects that scrutiny and lends the appearance that everything is under control. With the National Response Plan in transition and a Framework under intense scrutiny, exactly what plan will guide the thousands of Federal, state, territorial and local officials? What is the point of spending $25 million to train around a plan that will soon experience a massive overhaul? The photo-ops from TOPOFF4 will provide Americans with a false sense of security. This nation is not ready to deal with a large-scale disaster and Americans need to see through this PR stunt and demand substance over looks," said Ben Smilowitz, Director, Disaster Accountability Project and former Red Cross Katrina relief site manager stationed in Gulfport, MS immediately following the storm.

Planned in the wake of Hurricane Katrina by a frustrated, former Red Cross site-manager in consultation with other key stake-holders, The Disaster Accountability Project provides accountability and oversight to the nation's disaster prevention, response, relief, and recovery systems through monitoring and policy research. A draft of the Disaster Accountability Project's comments on the proposed, controversial National Response Framework are available upon request and will soon be posted to the group's website.

9/6
DISASTER RESPONSE OVERSIGHT GROUP CALLS FOR INVESTIGATION INTO HOMELAND SECURITY LEADERSHIP FAILURES
Congressional Time Would Be Better Spent Listening To Whistleblowers In Homeland Security and FEMA About Agencies’ Disaster Preparedness Deficiencies
Today, the United States Government Accountability Office will release a 320 page report that will say: "DHS has made limited progress in the areas of emergency preparedness and response." Also today, the US Senate’s Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs will be hearing from The Honorable David M. Walker, Comptroller General, United States Government Accountability Office and The Honorable Paul A. Schneider, Under Secretary for Management, U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

“The latest report confirms that Homeland Security and FEMA are dysfunctional. There have been countless reports since Katrina and many make the same recommendations, over and over. Instead of hearing from Homeland Security’s top brass, Congress ought to hear from whistleblowers within the department,” says Ben Smilowitz, Director, Disaster Accountability Project. “We are in the middle of a hurricane season that produced two category five storms in as many weeks. Homeland Security’s leadership should be investigated.”

The recently formed, non-partisan Disaster Accountability Project is tracking recommendations to improve the nation’s disaster prevention, response, relief, and recovery systems via its website and a toll free hotline (866-9-TIP-DAP). Over 500 recommendations from 16 reports are now posted online. There have been thousands of recommendations for improvement since Katrina and many are collecting dust.

A toll-free hotline (866-9-TIP-DAP) is also available as a public service for disaster survivors, workers and volunteers to report critical service gaps that must be made public and addressed. The group is recruiting a network of Disaster Accountability Monitors and Bloggers to help report, verify, and raise awareness about gaps in disaster relief services.
The Disaster Accountability Project's website is http://www.disasteraccountability.org/

From the website:
Share Your Disaster Response/Relief Story
What went well and what needs to be fixed? Submit your own testimonial and recommendations to improve our nation's disaster response/relief systems.
http://www.disasteraccountability.com/index.php?option=com_facileforms&Itemid=46

Become a Disaster Accountability Monitor

Sign up to help verify gaps in disaster relief services so they can be made public and addressed. Ideal for concerned citizens, disaster relief volunteers, and bloggers. Sign Up Now

Update From Leslie

2008-03-12T16:35:00.001-04:00

3/12 - St. Patrick's Day is close at hand!
My life has been incredibly insane, and have done virtually nothing with the blogs since I last wrote. Sad, but true. I just haven't had the energy or time.
My mother's condition deteriorated significantly, and the first attempt to stent her kidneys failed. They discovered the right was was beyond hope, and while the left one was still functioning, it wasn't long for this world. The surgeon who did the angioplasty/gram stated she needed renal artery bypass and to go to Albany, NY.
My sister lives in Baltimore, MD, works at a hospital there and contacted a surgeon regarding Mom's case. He felt confident he could place the stents.
Yesterday he tried. He succeeded. WOW - total relief for us all!
And since my mom was gone for over a week with pre-op stuff and then the procedure, I was bustling about the house getting odd jobs completed that I've not had the energy to do up until now. It's been wonderful getting all of these things done in such short order. It will make life far more efficient for all of us.
I still have many to do, but she will be returning to Baltimore for work on her left carotid artery in a few weeks, so I will be able to accomplish more then.
The relief that her kidney returned virtually to normal function is more than anyone knows. Renal Artery Stenosis patients that must go on dialysis don't live longer than 27 months. And without RAS patients figured into the life average - dialysis patients live at least 10 years. Very frightening to have such a short expectancy.
I've continued to collect magazines and vegetable seeds. Have sent all seeds out that I have thus far, making it a very hopeful time for well over 100 people. Thank you to all!

Am in contact with a gentleman running an organization in CA that has allotted a significant sum to grant to female-run non-profits doing hurricane relief work. I've sent him a list of the ones I am in contact with, as well as names of others who can give him more names, should he choose. It's a very wonderful feeling to be able to help folks out in this way!

Please take care and I hope to write again soon.
Love
L

Updates are archived on http://www.katrinaadvocate.blogspot.com/

March 5 Think NOLA update

2008-03-05T14:10:00.000-05:00

Help Me Obtain Funding for Online Mapping of the Recovery
I’ve applied for a grant to fund the continued development of maps at Think New Orleans. I need your help.
The grant is through a nonprofit that focuses on the Internet. The nonprofit is called NetSquared. They have a submission process where you post your submission online. They award the grant based on votes.
I need you to please vote for my project.

How to Vote for the Project
It is not as easy as it could be, so here’s the run down.
Join the NetSquared website – You need to register before you vote. Go to the registration page and register.
Wait for Approval – A moderator ensures that you’re not an auto-voting robot.
Leave stars and comments – Leave a bunch of stars and comments on the project entitled City Of New Orleans: A Mashup For Citizen Monitoring Of The Recovery.
The voting hasn’t started yet, you see. But, I’d like you to get registered and I’d like to you leave comments.
The best thing that you could do now, is to leave a comment. Ask for more features. Tell me what you think of the issue. Give me feedback on the grant.
The more comments the proposal receives the better. Comments show an interest in the project, because it will encourage votes.

Grant Details
The grant is really a prize. You can read about it at N2Y3 Mashup Challenge. Ignore the jargon.
From what I can tell, they’ll give a prize at an awards seminar. I’ll be working on web enabled maps for the recovery regardless. A cash prize only makes life easier.

GIS Workshops at Trinity Christian Community: How to Create Your Own Maps for Presentations and Proposals
Through the Broadmoor Project, Think New Orleans has obtained three licenses for ArcGIS that I’ll be installing on the computers at the Trinity Christian Community.
What: GIS Coworking
Where: Trinity Christian Community Center at 3908 Joliet St, New Orleans, LA (map)
When: Please complete this schedule poll to help us choose the right time: GIS Coworking Schedule Poll.
What Is Coworking?
Coworking is a concept that comes out of Silicon Valley. Solo professionals got tired or working out their rec-rooms or else shlepping it all to the Starbucks. They created these offices where you could have a desk, and share a space with other independents and freelancers.
These spaces are called coworking spaces. They are offices for freelancers.
This gives people the benefits of office space. They get to separate work from home, have a place for work, and have office mates that they can tap for assistance on projects.
From these coworking spaces, new collaborations are formed.
Continue reading about GIS Workshops at Trinity Christian Community: How to Create Your Own Maps for Presentations and Proposals at Think New Orleans.

City Action Partnership

2008-02-28T20:23:00.000-05:00

Feb 28
http://www.capisdowntown.com/2007annualreport.html
CAP Hurricane Relief 2008 Annual Report

Thanks to our volunteers and donors from the community, Glenn Reado, HandsOn Birmingham, Americorps, Boy Scout Troops, SouthPak, Smerfit Stone, UAB, and Jeffcoat & Associates who make everything we do possible. Also, special thanks to Bayer Company, Direct Relief International and our anoynmous donors!

• Made up and distributed approximately 2,500 kits of diabetic testing supplies donated by Bayer Company. Each kit has enough supplies for the average diabetic to test for a month. Made up 4 pallets of non-returnable samples of baby formula collected from the Post Office. Again thanks to all the volunteers.

• Made up and distributed over 170 first aid kits to tornado areas as well as gulf coast area to support volunteer rebuilding.

• Distributed approx. 10 pallets of medical supplies donated through UAB Hospital

• Went through 10 pallets of out-dated FEMA lunch boxes picking out items that were still good. We culled enough to make 3 pallets of tuna fish with forks and napkin sets. Americorps volunteers did most of this work.

• Held fundraiser which raised $2,000 for Hurricane Relief and $2,000 for MBSH (Metropolitan Birmingham Services for the Homeless). We donated our share to Hancock Co. Fire Rescue.

• Distributed 6 pallets of medical supplies donated by the Niagara Medical Alliance in Chicago.

• Distributed 4 pallets of ortho supplies and adult diapers donated through Heart to Heart (an international medical relief organization).

• Sponsored (2) 18-wheeler loads of cat food donated by Delmonte in Decatur to the Gulf Coast. This was done through Free Haul.

• Made 2 trips to MS/NOLA to sort and deliver supplies. One trip we took down a large copy machine found by Butch Fadely to Kathleen’s group in Waveland.

• Paid dues for a struggling clinic in Angie, LA to join the National Assoc. of Free Clinics.

• On the anniversary of Katrina, Channel 33/40 did a piece on our efforts partnering with Mt. Top Community Church.

• We met Carolina of Tri-Coastal on the highway with ½ pallet of water and Gatorade donated by Cousins Properties and ½ pallet of adult diapers from Heart to Heart.

• We asked and the Birmingham community or Clinic Network responded.

1. We put out the word that Pearl River Fire Rescue needed an EKG/deliberator machine and Butch Fadely coordinated a donation from Bham Heart Clinic.

2. We joined a drive to “Blanket the Bayou” and Cousins Properties, Greater Bham Humane Shelter, and the AWARE Club of Vestavia High School collected 3 pallets of blankets, linens and towels that were distributed to Bayou LaBatre and Hancock Humane Society.

3. We put out the word that an insulin pump was desperately needed in Bay St. Louis and St. Paul DeVincent in Baton Rouge came to the rescue.

4. We put out the word that an extra large wheel chair was needed in Gulfport and the Niagara Medical Alliance responded.

5. We put out the word that money was needed for an elderly couple to put in a septic tank so they could finally get back into their home and Mt. Top Community Church responded with a check for the entire amount.

6. We put out the word that we needed money and $8,000 was anonymously donated.

7. We put out the word that medications were needed and the free and sliding scale clinics and pharmacies made lists of what they had extra to donate.

8. We continue to have a wonderful relationship with Direct Relief International who keeps us in the loop of what is being offered to domestic clinics.

January 23
November December Update:
http://www.capisdowntown.com/2008novemberdecember.html

I regret to inform you that one of our most faithful volunteers, Becky "Grandma" Davis has passed away. I'm sure that many of you who worked in the hurricane relief warehouse after Katrina remember her. She was the crusty old homeless lady who volunteered one day and then almost everyday after that for almost 2 years. She was featured on Channel 33/40 in a couple of pieces they did on CAP's relief work. In addition to her volunteer work with us, Becky always tried to help other homeless people, whether it was telling them where to get food or medical help or just give them encouragement to stay off drugs. She also sat on ONB's Homeless Committee to share her unique point of view regarding homeless issues in Birmingham. Becky made many friends in the Birmingham community and she will surely be missed.

Thankfully, she was able to spend her last few months with her family in Augusta. Becky refused to let her daughter know that she was homeless until after she got housing and disability so that she could contribute. As you might guess, she had no insurance policy to pay for funeral expenses. If you would like to contribute to a fund we are collecting, please make your check payable to Becky Davis Memorial Fund and send it to CAP, 1801 3rd Ave. North, Birmingham, AL 35203. We would like to get a donation to the family as soon as possible.

Laura

June 7 Update

Boy Scout and Cub Scout Troop 440

Thanks to Glynn and Bunny and Boy Scout Troop 440, sent to us from HandOn Birmingham, we have 2 pallets of diabetic kits and a pallet and 1/2 of baby formula ready to go. We are still looking for people to transport down to the coast. Please let me know if you or your church are still going down. We are trying to be very careful with our donation money. :-)

Speaking of volunteering- There is a small community in Angie,LA (just below Tylertown, MS) in desperate need of volunteer help. They are off the beaten trail and not right on the coast, but Katrina went right through there and did a lot of damage. It's the elderly who need the help in this community. I know that there is sooo many opportunities for church teams, but let me know if your interested in this one. My contact is with the clinic there, but she is very involved in the community as a whole and has been quick to share extra medical supplies when she has them.

Update on Woman in Desperate Need of Insulin Pump: Charlie Sides from St. Vincent De Paul Pharmacy in Baton Rouge donated a brand new pump with the capability to hook up to a computer (should save on some doctor visits). While in the doctors office her blood sugar bottomed out then went up to like 400 (normal is up to 180) and the doc said he doesn't know how she has gotten this far without help. Without your support, we would not still be doing this. Thank you for this opportunity.

Speaking of support. We got word today that an anonymous donor is sending $3,000 for our work! Thank you sooo much! This happened because someone kept sending emails out to their personal list about what we have been doing. So tell your friends to check us out!! :-)

We were also contacted by HandsOn Gulf Coast for an extra large wheelchair with a leg lift. This time a group from Chicago, Nicaraguan Medical Alliance, came through for us. Yahoo! Thanks Bob, Jack and Jeff!

We were featured in the CAP Corner in Synergy. A copy of the article, "Are We Done Yet" can be linked here.

Next trip to MS is in the works. 4 pallets of ortho med. supplies and depends will be shipped into Pearlington to the W. Hancock Fire Rescue Dept. where we will sort and deliver to clinics who have requested specific items. This donation is coming from Heart to Heart in Kansas. Thanks Shannon and Jeff!!

This week we are going through 7-10 pallets of old food boxes (from another warehouse) pulling out the one item (tunafish) that is not expired and re-boxing for shipment. Thanks to Americorps for providing volunteers!

Attention Doctors: Clinics in still in need of insulin, Tetanus injections and allergy meds. Please contact us if you have samples you can spare.

Got a sneak preview of changes to CAT Relief Database in the works. This really cool tool is about to get even better!!! I can't wait!!

NEW FLASH! RKM Primary Care Clinic in Clinton, Louisiana and St. Charles Community Health Center in NOLA just offered some insulin!! We recently sent RKM some syringes and needles from the storage at the Salvation Army warehouse. Way to go RKM and St. Charles!!!

5/17 http://www.capisdowntown.com/may2007.htm Although we had a successful fundraiser and have been able to at last ship kits out directly to the clinics, we still need to "hook up" with volunteers traveling to MS and New Orleans. The more free shipping we get the longer the money will last. Also, as summer approaches the temperature on the shipping trucks becomes a concern with the test strips. The pallet shipping deal fell through because of the temperature issue. :-(

What a great time we had at our Foolish Fundraiser Party!. Everyone really enjoyed the band and dancing, and the food was yummy and plentiful-- thanks to generous donations of food from the downtown business community and friends. Not only did we have a good time, but we raised over $4,000 dollars!!! That’s $2,000 to Hurricane Relief and $2,000 to Metropolitan Birmingham Services for the Homeless (MBSH@bellsouth.net).
An unsolicited generous donation from an anonymous angel (made specifically to CAP’s Hurricane Program) will make it possible for the whole $2,000 plus to go to the West Hancock County Fire Rescue! AND, we will send the donation through Charities in Action who will match the money, making our donation amount to the struggling Fire Rescue over $4,000. Our most heartfelt thanks to our community of friends who supported this effort. We are humbled by your generosity and faith in us. Check out the support at the bottom of this update, and see yourself at MagicCityMoments.com for more pictures from the party.

Because of your generosity, diabetic supplies are on the move again! We have shipped to the following clinics and as you can see from this note from the Lower Ninth Ward Free Clinic these supplies are still crucial:

"Very Busy!!! Seeing a lot of uncontrolled diabetics. Please, the need for diabetic kits remains urgent!!! Pat"

D'Iberville Free Clinic, MS - 20 kits
Capitol City Family Health Center, NOLA - 20 kits
Coastal Family Health Center, MS - 20 kits
Primary Health Services Center, NOLA - 20 kits
Common Ground Free Clinic, NOLA - 10 kits
Lower Ninth Ward Free Clinic, NOLA - 15 kits
Bethel Lutheran Free Clinic, MS - 30 kits
Ozanam Charitable Pharmacy, AL - 55 kits
Manna Ministry, MS - 30 kits
Longbeach Coastal Clinic - 15 kits
Volunteers of America Free Clinic - 30 kits
Ibernia Comprehensive Comm. HC Ctr., LA - 20 kits
Angie Free Clinic, LA - 20 kits
Calcasieu Community Clinic, LA - 30 kits
Haviland Family Clinic, KS - 10 kits

Feb 28 Think NOLA

2008-02-28T14:06:00.000-05:00

Neighborhood Coworking Saturday at Bayou Coffee House
Get ready for another Coworking session on Saturday, March 1st, 2008 at the Bayou Coffee House starting at 11:00 am. I’ll be available to help you with information oriented things, but that’s not the point. The point is to bring some work to get done, and get it done.
Read about Coworking in the Recovery of New Orleans at Think New Orleans.

EditGrid – full featured online spreadsheets.by Alan Gutierrez
Would you like to see the demolitions in your neighborhood? Read on, there’s a map for every zip code in Orleans Parish after the jump.
But, I want to tell you about why I like the Internet and with I like software people.
I like the Internet because it connects you with people as far away as Hong Kong and allows you to collaborate with them, or in this case, it allows them to collaborate with you.
I like software people, because they create incredibly useful tools and for the most part, they are happy if you’ll just use them. All you have to do is be alert enough to know that you’re on the receiving end of a good deed.
Unfortunately, no one can accuse me of being alert.
This a post about a cool contribution to the New Orleans recovery by P.K. Chan, a look at more of the cool things EditGrid can do, and a bleated thank you.
When Matt McBride first created a spreadsheet of the city’s targeted demolition list, I published his article at Think New Orleans, as I always do when Matt sends out his research emails. I put the data in an EditGrid spreadsheet and placed it online with his article.
Th article is Updated Version of the City’s 1,400 Property Demolition Target List and the most recent version of Matt’s spreadsheet is February Property Demolition Target List.
When FEMA created the list, the took GPS coordinates. The next day I generated a Google Map using Super Snert. Unfortunately, Google Maps was slow with the 1,400 data points. There was no quick and easy way to break up the spreadsheet into smaller chunks.
Or so I thought.
Continue reading A Map of Every City Demolition for Every Zip Code In Orleans Parish Thanks to EditGrid and P.K. Chan by Alan Gutierrez at Think New Orleans.

Rebuild by B E M.by Alan Gutierrez
Recently, Matt McBride showed his spreadsheet acumen by creating a spreadsheet of the city’s targeted demolition list. He cross-referenced the demolition list against the city’s permit database, to find which of these structures already had demolitions permits. He did so by punching in addresses at city’s online permits database.
For those of you who don’t know, I was once a computer programmer.
It would make Matt’s life easier, I figured, if Matt didn’t have to pick through the city website to obtain the demolition permits. It would be easier if he had them all in a spreadsheet, because he seems to like spreadsheets.
So, I went and gathered up all the permits issued in Orleans Parish since January 2005 and put them into spreadsheets. They are available for download at Think New Orleans.
Continue reading A Spreadsheet With Every Permit Issued in Orleans Parish Since January of 2005 at Think New Orleans.

Recovery School District S.O.S.

y Eli Ackerman
Some citizens have been monitoring the Recovery School District here in New Orleans and are raising serious and immediate concerns.
In a three part series, I examined the record of RSD Superintendent Paul Vallas at his previous position as head of the Philadelphia School District. There were some things there – no-bid contracts, budget shortfalls, and a less-than-transparent 1.5 billion dollar capital building program – that might call for immediate answers regarding an increasingly suspicious situation here in New Orleans.
Alan Gutierrez has already explained in an earlier thinknola post, that the Recovery School District is putting the community through a farce of an input process for the Master Plan. Given that the District has already received demolition permits for several schools, it appears to many that a Master Plan is already in place and that the public planning phase is just for the sake of vanity.
Continue reading Recovery School District S.O.S. at Think New Orleans.

Follow the Dollars – Corps Depleting Pump Station Funds?
by Matt McBride

The Corps announced its fiscal year 2009 budget request a couple of weeks back. In the main document linked off its press release, all of the Southeast Louisiana work was lumped into a single $5.7 billion line item. I was curious about the details behind that line item.
If one digs through the Corps’ website, one can find the dollar breakdown for those numbers. The Corps’ Program Integration Division develops the budget among other things. Its webpage is here: http://www.usace.army.mil/cw/cecwb/
And the detailed breakdown on the FY2009 budget request is here:
http://www.usace.army.mil/cw/cecwb/just_states/just_states.html
To find the section on the SE Louisiana stuff, go to pages 220 through 233. For those of you receiving this directly on email, I’ve attached just those pages.
Finding this information is hardly obvious to the normal citizen, who one would think would be interested in how 5.7 billion taxpayer dollars were to be spent.
I was particularly interested in the budgeting for the permanent pump stations. There’s been various hints in presentations the Corps has given over the last year that the cost would be somewhere between half a billion and a billion dollars. To find the particular numbers on the pump stations, go to pages 224 and 225. You’ll see that the Corps is asking for $704 million for the pump stations. You’ll also see a double asterisk after that number.
Continue reading Follow the Dollars – Corps Depleting Pump Station Funds? at Think New Orleans.

Season of Mitigation
by K.C. King

In the gallactic view, hurricane protection depends on three layers; robust wetlands, levees adequate to the threat, and strong, elevated homes to protect against things that the first two layers miss.
Against this, we have the reality that the political will, from either party, is apparently not there to make the first two layers strong enough to protect against historic (Katrina was a 394-year flood) hazards let alone globally warmed future hazards. Instead the Bush administration, Congress and, more importantly the US Army Corps of Engineers has signed up for 100-year protection – period.
The implied message is – Katrina will never happen again. Some of us living behind cosmetically repaired flood walls have different views. We are trying to take steps to ensure our homes are safe but many others are not and leadership is keeping its mouth shut when it comes to promoting a safe rebuilding vision. On top of that, the mediocracats at the State and FEMA have still, after 2.5 years, not released any of the funds we are entitled to receive to help us elevate.
Continue reading Season of Mitigation at Think New Orleans.

Feb 19 Think NOLA Update

2008-02-19T14:04:00.000-05:00

Think New Orleans
RSD Facilities Planning / BarCampNOLA / City Breaks Its Own Laws /
RSD Facilities Planning: The Latest Joke In Civic Participation
Slated for both discussion and demolition: Lockett Elementary by Karen Gadbois.In this inaugural Think New Orleans video cast, bobble-head Alan talks about the School Facilities Master Plan.
Why are we sitting in circles and sharing our feelings about public school facilities while the Recovery School District has their demolition permits in hand? Isn’t this yet another pointless diversion and flagrant waste of our time?
Read the article Have You Heard the Latest Joke In Civic Paricipation? Planning the Future of School Facilities as They Are Demolished and watch the vidcast at Think New Orleans.

BarCampNOLA Hack Day: The New Orleans Hackers Get Organized
Catered by Linda Green (504 891 4478) the crab meat and shrimp dressing was the main event at BarCampNOLA. Photo by Brian Oberkirch.Last weekend was the first BarCampNOLA held at the offices of Voodoo Ventures down on St Charles. The turn out was surprising. I didn’t know there were that many software folks in New Orleans. It was a fun confab and a productive one too.
BarCampNOLA is an technology unconference. You’ve heard me talk about unconferences before. Think New Orleans has hosted two civic unconferences, one on the Road Home Program and one on the New Orleans Redevelopment Authority.
BarCamp doesn’t really have to do with drinking. The first BarCamp was a response to an invitation only and pricey event called FooCamp. BarCamps are free and open. The words “foo” and “bar” are often used in programming examples. Too much to explain, probably.
The second day of BarCamp was Hack Day. A dozen people worked with me to update the website of the Bayou Boogaloo.
You can read more about BarCampNOLA at Think New Orleans under the posts BarCampNOLA Hack Day: Clever Hacks for the Neighborhoods New Orleans and BarCampNOLA Hack Day: The 3rd Annual Bayou Boogaloo Website.

How Many Ways Can a City Violate Its Own Laws? – Matt McBride

“Imminent Health Threat” demolitions along historic, oak lined Bienville Avenue by Karen Gadbios. (I think I see a pattern.)How many ways can a city violate its own laws? A small committee inside New Orleans’ city government appears to be trying to answer that question.
First some fundamentals. The Housing Conservation District Review Committee (HCDRC) is the body charged with reviewing demolition applications in historic neighborhoods outside the city’s local historic districts. That geographic area – called the Housing Conservation District – is roughly south of I-610 on the east bank and also includes a small area near Algiers Point on the west bank.

The agenda for the HCDRC’s bi-weekly meetings is compiled by the city’s Safety & Permits department, which accepts demolition permit applications. Safety & Permits also chairs the committee, which is made up of mostly mid-level city bureaucrats and has no staff. The Committee meets in the offices of Safety & Permits. In effect, the committee is a wing of Safety & Permits, and has historically done that agency’s will, which is tilted toward approval of demolition permits.

One can find the laws governing HCDRC’s operation online at municode.com. They are in sections 26-3 through 26-10. Those laws are not particularly long or complicated; they take up less than four pages. Yet the committee and Safety & Permits have somehow managed to display a stunning degree of ignorance of those rules (twice in the last two months it has been citizens informing city employees of the applicable laws), except where it was more advantageous to exploit them. In fact, it is difficult to find a law relating to HCDRC not ignored or exploited by Safety & Permits or the Committee over the past two years.
Continue reading How Many Ways Can a City Violate It’s Own Laws? at Think New Orleans.

Politics with a Punch
On Thursday night February 21 there will be another special edition of Politics with a Punch at the Cricket Club, 2040 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans the new location for the event. Many of you will remember it as the Eiffel Tower Restaurant or the Red Room, so you know it is an exquisite facility, one of the most unique in New Orleans.
For this show, they are opening the doors early, at 6 p.m. for a Punch Happy Hour and Dinner. The Cricket Club bar and kitchen will be open and a delicious menu will be offered for Punch patrons.
As usual, we are pleased to have an outstanding panel of celebrities:
Kevin Belton, N.O. School of Cooking, Comedian, Human Taxidermist
Brad Edelman, Famous Photographer, Artist & former N.O. Saint
Gio, Burlesque Queen of N.O., Star of “Stripper,” Marriage Counselor
Nick Lopez, Comedian, Actor, Improviser and Filmmaker
Rob Masson, News Reporter, Fox-8 WVUE-TV
Scott Ritter, Former U.N. Weapons Inspector, Author, National Speaker
Buddy Roemer, Former Gov. of LA, McCain Campaign Representative
Tickets are only $15.00 per person/$25.00 per couple.
If you would like to take advantage of this opportunity, please RSVP by sending an e-mail reply to Jeff Croure. You can also purchase tickets in advance on-line at the website: Ringside Politics with a Punch.

Blog Index

2008-02-14T23:45:00.001-05:00

"Freedom, in its purest sense, meant service, a heretofore untraveled road by which he might resume his long-stalled journey toward fulfillment. The experience of helping someone who so desperately needed help proved a heady and self-nourishing sensation, especially when his efforts met with far greater success than he had dared hope." Donald Olson, The Intricate Pattern
Items in RED are NEW
Items in GREEN are UPDATED
Items Written In Purple are my additions

Other Sites Related to Katrina Networking
Hancock County
Pearlington - updated 1/25/08
Waveland
BayStLouis
Gulf Coast Artist Relief - Updated 2/1/08
Gulf Coast Emergency Services Relief
Real People Relief Updated 2/1/08

Weekly Features
Letter Of The Week Updated 12/31
Family of The Week - Updated 11/26
Agency of The Week updated 2/13/08
Carnival of Hurricane Relief - Updated 2/1/08
News From Leslie - Updated 2/13/08

Volunteer Information
For Agencies and Organizations
Community Gardens Effort updated 2/13/08
2/13/08 MS Renaissance Garden Project - seed/bulb distribution
2/12/08 Disaster Accountability Project
2/1/08 Camp Katrina - Waveland MS
City Action Partnership - updated 1/30/08
1/6/08 New Site - Katrina Connection - For NOLA Residents
1/6/08 New Site - Color Of Change - NOLA Site
Think NOLA
Grants for Non-Profits
MS Development Authority Scam
Katrina's Angels
For Non-Profits and Municipalities
Assistance For Schools
Grants For Communities
Citizen Action Team
MS United Methodist Disaster Response
UMCOR Response
Safety Guidelines For Volunteers

For Individuals
Resource Pages
Grandfamily/Single Parent Resources
Family Resources updated 12/24/07
Medical Resources
LA Family Resources
Education Assistance
Businesses
Mortgage Resources
Furniture and More
Home/Utility
Elderly
Resources for Children/Childcare
Disabled
Grants for Individuals - does not include homeowner or repair grants
Dental

Articles, etc.
2/1/08 FEMA article - Candymaking
2/1/08 Fort Pike Threatened To Disappear
11/9 Information on Lead and Lead Poisoning
Ohr-O'Keefe Museum Information
Article Index
Pictures and Videos Collected
Blogs To Follow
FEMA Information

Helping Without Going Down
2/13/08 Boxtops For Education Update

Carnival of Hurricane Relief

2008-02-14T16:06:00.000-05:00

2/14/08 This week's Carnival of Hurricane Relief, the 125th, is a valentine to the Gulf Coast. It's hosted at Prosthetic Device:

http://www.cehwiedel.com/blogs/prostheticdevice/?p=382

Highlights:

- a crafty Gulf Coast mom inspires the illustration for this week's CoHR homepage

- the Gulf Coast makes an appearance on a short list of romantic getaways

- Norman Love Confections is a Gulf Coast mainstay for Valentine's Day

- a self-described "Girl Raised in the South" is passionate about Valentine's Day

- getting married in the French Quarter on Valentine's Day

Please post about this week's CoHR so that your readers will know. And, as always, thanks for your ongoing support.

Sincerely,

cehwiedel
"Carnival of Hurricane Relief"
http://www.cehwiedel.com/cohr/
"CoHR Squidoo Lens"
http://www.squidoo.com/cohr/

2/1/08 This week's edition of CoHR, the 123rd, is hosted at Kneadle Work:
http://www.cehwiedel.com/blogs/kneadlework/?p=277

Highlights:

- Ms. Delores loses her fight
- Miss Malaprop serves as travel guide
- Queen Barkus welcomes revelers
- The Masked Observer scoffs from Mobile
- The St. Charles trolley clanks and clangs back to life

1/24 This week's Carnival of Hurricane Relief, the 122nd, is hosted at Red County, California:
http://www.cehwiedel.com/blogs/redcountycalifornia/?p=1160
Highlights:
- an alternative to Mardi Gras
- Habitat for Humanity and the Salvation Army rock
- Biloxi's Old Brick House gets funds from FEMA
- a good day for a Gulf Coast volunteer

Please post about CoHR so that your readers will know. And, as always, thank you for your ongoing support.
Sincerely,
cehwiedel
"Carnival of Hurricane Relief"
http://www.cehwiedel.com/cohr/
"CoHR Squidoo Lens"
http://www.squidoo.com/cohr/

1/17 This week's CoHR, the 121st edition, is hosted by the indefatigable Leslie at Katrina Networking: http://katrinanetworking.blogspot.com/2008/01/january-17-cohr.html
Highlights:
- The American Farm Bureau meets at Bourbon Street
- more Gulf Coast insurance woes
- NOLA's lower 9th ward gets a health clinic
- journalism during disasters

Please post about CoHR so that your readers will know. And, as always, thanks for your ongoing support.

cehwiedel
"Carnival of Hurricane Relief"
http://www.cehwiedel.com/cohr/
"CoHR Squidoo Lens"
http://www.squidoo.com/cohr/

1/10 This week's Carnival of Hurricane Relief, the 120th, is hosted at Kicking Over My Traces:
http://www.cehwiedel.com/blogs/traces/?p=2874

Highlights:
- LSU gives the Gulf Coast something to crow about
- the SBA gets rebuilt
- a mausoleum gets renovated
- a museum gets saved
- blueberries replace tung oil

Please post about CoHR so that your readers will know. And, as always, thanks for your ongoing support.

cehwiedel
"Carnival of Hurricane Relief"
http://www.cehwiedel.com/cohr/
"CoHR Squidoo Lens"
http://www.squidoo.com/cohr/

1/3
This week's edition of the Carnival of Hurricane Relief, the 119th, is hosted at Dark Spark:
http://www.cehwiedel.com/blogs/darkspark/?p=493

Highlights:

- a mobile laundry service to wash disaster away

- the indefatigable Leslie gets a write-up

- an interview with Dr. Neil Frank, former head of the NHC

- This Old House does NOLA

- A teen volunteer dies

Please post about CoHR so that your readers will know. And, as always, thank you for your continuing support.

Special note: CoHR is looking for a new proprietor. Details on the CoHR home page:

http://www.cehwiedel.com/cohr/

Sincerely,

cehwiedel
"Carnival of Hurricane Relief"
http://www.cehwiedel.com/cohr/
"CoHR Squidoo Lens"
http://www.squidoo.com/cohr/

Community Garden

2008-02-13T18:50:00.000-05:00

12/24/07 - It's actually time to start thinking gardens down along the Gulf! No wonder we were so behind the curve this last year.
Anyway, here's a great planting guide I found for Zone 8 - which is just about the entire Gulf Coast:
http://members.aol.com/jyex2/garden_la_planting_guide.htm

2/13/08 Also - if you need seeds or bulbs

2/8/07 - Container Gardening Suggestions
2/13/08 - Garden Pest Control
2/11/07 - Look Like A Pro

3/5 - From Angie of The Green Project - will be looking into these organizations VERY soon!
Leslie,Thank you! That blog is a great resource for us all down here.
Here are the websites for the three organizations I mentioned...
http://www.parkwaypartners.com/
http://www.noffn.org/
http://www.crescentcityfarmersmarket.org/
Hope that helps!Angie

2/17 Found at www.TheGreenProject.org - in NOLA
Environmental Education Workshops
4th Saturday of each month
2 part series: Part 1: “Organic growing, from soil to planting system” 3/24, 10—12
Part 2: “Landscaping for form and function in our turbulent times” 4/28, 10 —12

The text in black is from CommunityGarden.org. Text in purple is mine

PLANNING COMMITTEE

It is essential that the group benefitting from garden be involved in all phases.
Organize a meeting of interested people.
Choose a well-organized garden coordinator.
Form committees to accomplish tasks: Funding, Youth; Construction; Communication. (not all will be needed at all gardens)
Approach a sponsor. A sponsor is an individual or organization that supports a community garden. Churches, schools, citizens groups, private businesses, local parks and recreation departments are all potential supporters. Community Development Block Grants are sometimes available through your municipality. (If people get back to us, we might be able to find sponsors - but we won't waste the energy unless interest is shown. KatrinaCoalition@aol.com)
Make a list of what needs to be done.
Find a garden site. (I'm suggesting go to the churches in the area)
Obtain lease or agreement from owner. (most churches don't have any landscaping and I'm sure they'll find it a good idea for their communities to help in this way)
Decide on a mailing address and central telephone number(s).
Try to have at least 3 people who are very familiar with all pertinent information.
Form a telephone tree.
Choose a name for the garden

CHOOSE A SITE

Identify the owner of the land.
Make sure the site gets at least 6 full hours of sunlight daily (for vegetables).
Consider availability of water.
Try and get an agreement which allows the space to be used at least for 3 years.
Consider past uses of the land. Is there any contamination?
Is insurance something you need to consider? (I'm going to say no for the first 3 years.)

PREPARE AND DEVELOP THE SITE

Clean the site. (most will be, but then you'll have to turn the soil for planting)
Gather your resources - free materials. (top soil, containers, mulch, seeds, etc)
Organize volunteers. (Can be coordinated with other recovery efforts)
Plan your work day. (a schedule of people working to prep the area)
Decide on plot sizes, mark plots clearly with gardeners names.
Include plans for a storage area as well as a compost area. (again, coordinate with church)
Have a rainproof bulletin board for announcements and messages.
Arrange for land preparation--plowing, etc--or let gardeners do their own prep.
Will the garden be organic?
Place flower/shrub beds around the visible perimeter - promote good will with community.

ORGANIZE THE GARDEN

Are there conditions for membership (residence, dues, agreement with rules)?
How will plots be assigned (family size, residency, need, youth, elderly, etc.)?
What size plots (or several sizes based on other factors)?
How should plots be laid out?
If the group charges dues, how will the money be used? (I'd refrain from charging for now)
Will the group do certain things cooperatively (turning in soil or composting)?
When someone leaves a plot, how will the next tenant be chosen?
How will the group deal with possible vandalism? (Unlikely to happen)
Will there be a children's plot?
Will the gardeners meet regularly? If so, how often and for what purposes?
Will gardeners share tools, hoses, and other such items?
How will minimum maintenance (especially weeding) be handled both inside plots and in common areas (such as along fences, in flower beds, and in sitting areas)? (addressed later)
Written rules gardeners are expected to uphold? How will they be enforced?
Should your group incorporate and consider eventually owning your garden site?

SETTING UP A NEW GARDENING ORGANIZATION

Many garden groups are organized very informally and operate successfully. Leaders "rise to the occasion" to propose ideas and carry out tasks. However, as the work load expands, many groups choose a more formal structure for their organization.

A structured program is a means to an end. It is a conscious, planned effort to create a system so that each person can participate fully and the group can perform effectively. It's vital that the leadership be responsive to the members. Structure will help an organization to last; it will promote trust; it will help your group grow and create new opportunities for leaders to develop.
Organizational Considerations:
What is your purpose? What are your short and long-term objectives?
How are decisions to be made? Who chooses leaders and how?
How will work be shared? Who does what?
How will you raise money? Membership dues, fund raising, grants, sponsors?
Are you open to change? Flexibility is important when goals and members change. Do you want to be incorporated or act as a club?

What goes into formal Bylaws:
Full official name of organization and legal address.
The purpose, goals and philosophy of the organization.
Membership categories and eligibility requirements.
Membership dues, how much and when paid.
Specify when and how often regular or special meetings of the membership are to be held, as well as regular and annual meetings of the board of directors.
State what officers are necessary, how they are chosen, length of term, their duties and how vacancies are filled.
State special committees, their purpose and how they operate.
Establish a system so that bylaws can be rescinded or amended, maybe by a simple majority. State any official policies or practices: e.g.. garden group will avoid the use of hazardous substances; group will agree to keep all adjacent sidewalks in good repair and free of ice and snow in season; group will make all repairs necessary to keep equipment, fences and furniture in good order and repair.
Include a Hold Harmless clause (sample):
"We the undersigned members of the (name) garden group hereby agree to hold harmless (name owner) from and against any damage, loss, liability, claim, demand, suit, cost and expense directly or indirectly resulting from, arising out of or in connection with the use of the (name) garden by the garden group, its successors, assigns, employees, agents and invites."

All of these things can be worked on in greater detail as the interest is shown. There are people on the ground in MS that are willing to work at establishing these gardens.
Also - there are many gardeners around the nation who've not assisted because they didn't know how. Now is their time to shine! If you are such a person, please contact Leslie at KatrinaCoalition@aol.com or Lynn at l.onufer@ zoominternet.net (spaced to avoid spam) for more information and opportunities.
Holding tool drives, seed drives, container drives, etc., will be of great use. Please consider it!

Box Tops For Education

2008-02-13T17:45:00.000-05:00

There is a program out there called - you guessed it - Boxtops For Education. The website - http://www.boxtops4education.com/. You can either check out the products to cut the label off of, or you can actually join up!

The process is simple - Cut the little logo out which looks like this the picture in the upper right corner. Save them up for a month, and then send them in a normal envelope to:

Hancock County Schools
7070 Stennis Airport Drive
Kiln, MS 39556

Tammy Raymond
Bay St. Louis-Waveland School District
201 Carroll Avenue
Bay St. Louis, MS 39520
228-304-0259

Gorenflo Elementary,
771 Elder Street,
Biloxi, MS 39530
228-436-5145

Popp's Ferry Elementary School,
364 Nelson Road,
Biloxi, MS 39531
228-436-5135

Sacred Heart Elementary
10482 Lemoyne Blvd
D'Iberville, MS 39540
Phone is 228-217-1392
she@sacredheartelementary.org

2/13/08
You can also do online support through the Boxtops website. I will try to keep this updated, but go to the index page http://www.boxtops4education.com/Promotions To look for current online support methods...

February 08
http://www.boxtops4education.com/love
http://www.boxtops4education.com/gametime/ - good until 3/31/08
http://www.boxtops4education.com/Promotions/Sweepstakes.aspx?sweepstakesId=BMNZGRFA

9/13
Start fundraising with Cinnabon®, and enjoy great profits, plus Box Tops for your school!

If you’re part of an organization that does fundraising—whether it’s a sports team, club or other group—you know how hard it can be. Selling magazines or chocolates, staging car washes, holding tag sales. Now, your local Cinnabon® is offering a fresh and easy new fundraising program to help your organization earn cash. And your school will earn Box Tops at the same time!

Here’s how it works: your group can buy Cinnabon® fundraising certificates for only $7.00* each, and sell them for a suggested price of $10.00. Purchasers can redeem the certificates at participating Cinnabon® stores for one 6-pack of Cinnabon Classic Rolls – a discount from the regular price – and they also receive one Box Top coupon to send in to your school.

Each certificate is customized with your group’s name and a list of the nearest Cinnabon® stores where the certificate can be redeemed.

Why choose Cinnabon® for fundraising?

Anyone who’s ever walked past a Cinnabon store knows the allure of warm, fragrant, freshly-baked cinnamon rolls! From sugar and cinnamon dusted CinnabonStix® to refreshing frozen Chillattas™ to those World Famous Cinnamon Rolls, these bakery treats enjoy tremendous popularity.

That name recognition makes it easy to get the word out. And school supporters who are tired of the same old promotions will appreciate the change of pace! Purchasers can enjoy their treats while shopping, traveling, and of course, take their 6-pack of Cinnamon Rolls home with them.

There are many other advantages to fundraising with Cinnabon®, too.

• You don’t need to handle any product, and the entire process is completed in one transaction. Present the certificate, collect the money, and you’re done – no need to return for delivery.

• High dollar donation per transaction. Your group makes a full $3.00* for every certificate you sell.

• Your school benefits too, since every sale includes a Box Tops for Education coupon.

• Higher earnings potential: For example, if your group has 20 members, and each sells 12 certificates, that’s 240 certificates sold, or $720.00 for your organization!

To learn more about how to get started with Cinnabon fundraising, visit http://www.cinnabon.com/.

*Program example based on suggested fundraising certificate rate of $7.00 each. Final pricing determined by individual franchise locations.

The Cinnabon® trademark is a registered trademark, used under license by General Mills.

MS Renaissance Garden Foundation

2008-02-13T17:42:00.003-05:00

The Mississippi Renaissance Garden Foundation, Inc. and the Harrison County Beautification Commission invites you to participate in “Horticulture For Humanity”

Help us Bring Back the Beauty of the MS Gulf Coast

We will provide the seeds and bulbs if you will plant “Gardens of Hope” around the coast. Gardens may be small or large, in your yard or in your neighborhood. They may be planted by individuals or groups. When the garden blooms, send in pictures and a short story about how the garden brought hope and beauty into your life, your family, neighborhood, organization, church, school or business. Your story may be selected to win a Mississippi Renaissance Garden of Hope Award and may be featured in local magazines and the media.

Flower and vegetable seed packets as well as daffodil, hyacinth and allium bulbs donated by recovery organizations to The Mississippi Renaissance Garden Foundation will be given away to residents, organizations, schools, churches and businesses agreeing to plant them where they can be seen and enjoyed. The bulbs must be planted as soon as possible. Watch for dates, times and places of distribution in the Sun Herald and on WLOX. There is no charge for the seeds and bulbs; however, donations to the MRG Foundation are appreciated and will go toward the building of a botanical garden and horticultural center in Hiller Park in Biloxi, MS. All donations are tax deductable and receipts will be given.

The Harrison County Beautification Commission, an affiliate of Keep America Beautiful, is working with the MRG Foundation to Bring Back the Beauty of the gulf coast and to make communities cleaner, greener, safer and more livable. The Mississippi Renaissance Garden Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit organization established by MS Gulf Coast residents as a response to the massive environmental destruction of Hurricane Katrina and the Governor’s Mississippi Renaissance Commission on Recovery, Rebuilding and Renewal. Its mission is to create a “Horticulture for Humanity” botanical garden and horticultural center on the Gulf Coast to act as a base for restoring the green spaces lost in Hurricane Katrina and provide environmental education and horticultural therapy for the residents and volunteers working to rebuild the MS Gulf Coast.

A major step toward the building of this premier botanical garden will be the building of a model botanical garden and horticultural center in Biloxi at Hiller Park. This MRG model will be a retreat for those seeking peace and serenity, and a resource center for environmental education and recovery. It will stand to honor all of the survivors, responders, volunteers and heroes involved in Katrina recovery. A Memorial rose garden will be created to remember those who were lost during Katrina. Organizations, businesses or individuals interested in helping to develop various themed gardens within the model garden are invited to submit ideas, materials, services and financial resources. The MRG Horticultural Center will host artistic, cultural, educational and horticultural events for the public. Local artists are invited to participate in the visuals to be used in educational materials.

Individuals and groups interested in participating as Garden Angel Sponsors and Garden Volunteers for Hiller Park may find further information on the web site: http://www.msrengarden.org/ or call: 228-388-2622.

In appreciation for your participation and contributions to this humanitarian and environmental endeavor, The MRG Foundation and the Harrison County Beautification Commission will recognize your generosity with a “Gardener of Hope Card “ which offers special benefits.

They were the recipients of a great grant:
http://katrinanetworking.blogspot.com/2007/12/encore-azalea-gulf-restoration-project.html

Garden Pest Control

2008-02-13T17:29:00.000-05:00

Community Gardens - what started all of this
Container Gardens - first installment
Looking Like A Pro - third installment

2/13/08 Diseases affecting vegetable plants - from MSU - more information at the bottom of the page

2/13/08 Insect pictures from MSU

Second Installment
Most 4-leggers aren't such a bad problem unless they've discovered the area to be GREAT for buffet eating. And you want to keep it that way.

Rule #1: Start controlling before you start planting.
Animals are creatures of habit. If they find a particular spot to always be smelly, bad-tasting, or hard to get to, they'll just not go to it or through it anymore. So if you start the habit of avoidance before you put tasty treats in there, it'll be far easier to maintain avoidance after your deer salad-bar is established.
BUT - they will tolerate just about anything if they know there's a good meal at the other side. So if you wait until they've found your growing stash, you've lost the war and the battle.

Rule #2: All animals hate something.
Deer hate the smell and taste of egg whites, the smell of canine urine or any blood, the taste of hot pepper and bananas.
Rabbits, wood chucks, moles, voles, and to a certain extent 'possums and raccoons all hate the smell of canine urine, garlic (not necessarily mixed, but it wouldn't hurt) or any blood, and hate the taste of hot pepper.
Dogs and cats hate the smell of citrus and the taste of hot. Sometimes the smell of vinegar (cats especially).
Slugs and snails die on egg shells.
All don't like dish soap.

I've personally never needed to use urine. You can get powdered at the hunting stores - but I don't bother. Blood sounds really icky, but you can get either bloodmeal or a fertilizer called Malorganite to use. Even just sprinkled lightly within the garden area is enough to keep them at bay.

The other stuff - you can mix together in water with just a little dish soap (helps it stick to plants and paws). Froth up a couple of egg whites, add a tablespoon powdered garlic, a tablespoo hot sauce, teaspoon white pepper or cayenne and just a little bit of dish soap - 1 teaspoon per gallon. mix this into a gallon of water. If you're going to protect a larger area, water spots in regular increments. Like a splash ever 18". The smell will go throughout the area. If it's a small area, saturate the area with it. None of this will hurt the grass or plants. Just don't get any in your eyes. LOL - I'm speaking from experience.

You can crush up your egg shells to use - I crush a dozen at a time in a morter and pestle, but you can also use a blender (my mom's way). Put a little moat of them around each plant stalk you want to protect. Bonus! - generally speaking, the ground is always in need of extra calcium, so this will aid your plants in two ways - protection and root growth.

If you eat a fair number of bananas, just take your peels out to the garden area, and throw them there. Chopping them and scattering is more effective, but not necessary. You can also just place them around the plants you want to protect if you don't want to risk stepping on one. Bonus! Soil can always use extra potassium (potash), so you get double duty again.

Citrus peels - chopped definitely works better. Bonus! Beneficial nematodes LOVE citrus peels. they help ward off BAD bugs - always a good thing.

Rule #3: Nothing lasts forever.
Rain rules. Rain cleanses. And so, the stuff you've just watered your ground with will slowly fade away and will need to be repeated. I generally start with once every 3 days. After 2 weeks, I drop back to once a week for a month, and then usually once a month works - or after a heavy rain - like more than a half inch.

Rule #4: Nothing is perfect.
If the animals find that you're hiding goodies behind a smelly curtain, they're going to find a way through it to eat. This means building a fence. Chicken wire and a couple of stakes works well. You want it to be 4' high and from the ground up - preferably a couple inches IN the ground. Place it about 3' away from your plants, but no more than that. This keeps things from crawling under, reaching over, or jumping in. If you want, you can place your used drier sheets on the fence as well. The smell and the flutter generally is distasteful to the critters - and the smell generally lasts through rainfalls.

Diseases (very pest like)
These are what I've found online to be the most common...
Damping-Off (seedling disease)—Seeds of many vegetables are susceptible to damping-off fungi when planted in infested soils. [This can be avoided by keeping the seedlings warmer rather than cooler.]

Root Rot of Beans and Southern Peas—Root rot is severe on green beans, lima beans, and southern peas. The disease first appears as reddish or reddish-brown areas on stems and roots.

Early Blight of Tomatoes—Early blight is a major disease of tomatoes in Mississippi
[This can be partially controlled with powdered milk of all things. Mulching also helps - keeps soil fromsplashing up on plant and infecting it]

Blossom-End Rot of Tomatoes—Blossom-end rot occurs on the tomato fruit. It begins as a small, water-soaked spot that develops into a dark brown, leathery spot that may involve half the fruit. [Calcium and even moisture - periods of drought and then very wet - are the best way to prevent this. Powdered milk, OR - ground up drywall!]

Spotted Wilt of Tomatoes and Peppers—This viral disease is transmitted by several species of thrips and may kill plants or drastically reduce fruit-set. Fruits from diseased plants are generally small and distorted. Tomatoes develop irregular yellowish blotches. [I've had this happen. Yuck! Pull the plants out as soon as you see they are infected. Don't plant tomatos there for a few years. Don't plant too close together. Mulch to keep soil from splashing up on plants during rain]

Southern Blight—Southern blight affects most garden vegetables. The fungus that causes southern blight attacks plant parts (roots, stems, leaves, or fruit) that are in contact with or just under the soil surface. [aluminum foil 2" and 2" above the soil surface wrapped around the stem]

Mosaic—This virus disease commonly infects beans, sweet corn, squash, melons, cucumbers, peas, peppers, and tomatoes.

Powdery Mildew—Powdery mildew is caused by a fungus that commonly occurs as a white, powdery growth on leaves of cucumbers, squash, melons, beans, and English peas. Benomyl and chlorothalonil effectively control powdery mildew on vine crops, and sulfur provides control on beans and peas [powdered milk, a pinch of baking soda mixed in water and spray until plant is dripping]

Nematode Diseases—Nematodes are slender, tiny, worm-like animals that feed on plant roots, stems, and leaves. Nematodes cannot ordinarily be seen with the naked eye and go unnoticed until plants become unthrifty and stunted [chop up orange peels and scratch into soil.]

Leaf Spots—Leaf spots, caused by fungi or bacteria, commonly occur on many vegetables. They appear on leaves and sometimes stems as distinct, dark-colored or tan spots one-sixteenth to 1 inch in diameter. [It's that powdered milk thing again]

Bacterial Wilt of Cucumbers---This destructive disease is caused by a bacterium that overwinters in the bodies of adult striped and spotted cucumber beetles. As these beetles feed on young plants in the spring, bacteria are introduced into the vascular system.

Camp Katrina - Waveland MS

2008-02-01T21:33:00.000-05:00

Christian Life Center
1807 Waveland Ave
Waveland, MS 39576
(228)466-3880
info @ clcgulfcoast.com

Welcome to Camp Katrina, AKA Christian Life Center, a ministry of Christian and Missionary Alliance Church! The primary site for Camp Katrina can be found at http://www.clcgulfcoast.com/. This site serves as a means for volunteers to update their personal information and skills assessments. If you're a trip leader/coordinator, you can register as a leader and use the site to set up volunteer trips. Also, once volunteers enroll with the site, they will be able to receive newsletters from Camp Katrina via email!
If you wish to set up a volunteer team for your church. Please contact Shannon Lenox at info @ clcgulfcoast.com or at 228-466-3880.
For documents to help you plan your trip click here.
Their January Update
KATRINA UPDATE: January 2008

GENESIS CHURCH

Dear Fellow Partners:

Happy and Blessed New Year to y’all. (Hey we are in the South) What a year we have just completed. It has been such a blessing to see how God has transformed the ministry in Waveland/Bay St. Louis. The Christian Life Center (CLC) continues to become a mission outpost for so many wonderful churches. We are humbled by your commitment to this community as we continue to “finish well”.

I am so encouraged and blessed as I have seen the CLC team come together. We have been praying for several months for David and Donna Cornelius, John and Chrissy Rohmayer, and Heather Lang(Shannon’s soon to be wife). John and Christy have moved down and are in their new home. Heather has moved as well and Dave and Donna are on their way. What a tremendous team God has brought together! This is certainly a team committed to our mission: “Fighting despair with Christ’s compassion and igniting hope with His love”.

Let me give you a quick review of what God allowed all of us to be a part of during this past year 2007. I say,” all of us”, because none of this would have been possible without your prayers and support.

We help remodel over 60 Homes
We held VBS for 75 kids
We had a Youth outreach with MAZE that impacted over 100 youth
We continued to host Friday evening “Coffee House” with 50 plus attending
We fed 1500 people by distributing over 200 turkeys to families in the area
We were able to bless 750 children through the distribution of nearly 3000 toys with Toys for Tots. We gave out over 50 beautiful bikes as well.
We went through a successful leadership transition with the installation of Pastor Mark Young as Director of CLC. Mark is an Associate Pastor for Outreach at Genesis Church. Melissa Young will care for the financial books and gift receipts.
The District placed Dave and Donna Cornelius as the Pastoral Couple for Waveland Community Church, thus freeing Mark for Relief Ministries.
We were able to see our Volunteer base come back with a passion to serve

PRAY with us as we look ahead in 2008:

We are building a Thrift Store that will provide needed clothes and furniture for the families in the area. ( a furniture store gave us the inventory of good used furniture valued at over $25,000 to help start the store)
The Thrift Store will be a much needed Community Connection Point.
We are starting a Family Training Center to meet specific family needs
We will help Pastor Dave build the Waveland Community Church as we continue to build bridges and relationships throughout the community.
We will continue to rebuild and remodel homes destroyed by Katrina. Our goal is to help complete 60 homes.
We intend to invest at least $40,000 in special needs reconstruction for the poor (those that have no insurance and continue to live in FEMA housing)

HERE ARE OUR IMMEDIATE PRAYER NEEDS:

Pastor Dave and Donna are moving down in a few weeks to lead the Waveland Community Church. They still need to sell their home in Toccoa, Georgia. This is an urgent request. Thanks to a generous gift from a friend of CLC, we have been able to help Dave with his mortgage payments so they could come down and help us, but the HOME NEEDS TO SELL. So keep that high in your prayer list, please!
We need a long term volunteer to help with camp cooking. We can provide room and board. Our current camp cook will return to the Midwest in April-May. This is a tremendous ministry both to the staff and volunteers. If you know of a retired person that would love to give us 6-8 months or longer, please let us know.
We also need a volunteer to help with the Thrift Store. We will also provide room and Board. It would be great if we were able to get a retired couple, one to cook the other to run the Thrift Store, that would be really helpful.
We need to begin a Building Fund for the Thrift Store. We have the $25,000 dollar inventory, and two make shift huts to house all of the stuff. We need however to begin to build a building that will better serve the long term need of the community.
PRAY for a continued flow of volunteers through out this year. As it now stands we are in good shape. You guys are talking up the ministry, sharing testimonies and experiences, and people are calling daily asking about opportunities. This is wonderful. KEEP IT UP! You guys are GREAT!

Again, Friends, we couldn’t do this without you and it is so great to partner with you! God is building an Army of Volunteers that are ready and willing to help the helpless in Jesus Name. We are seeing God build a community of Faith that extends from you the volunteers, through the long term staff, to the communities of Waveland/Bay St. Louis. What an opportunity to Follow our Lord to the Needy of this area and complete His Mission for these dear ones. We are part of something bigger than ourselves and something very special. Thanks for holding the ropes for us and thanks for allowing God to use YOU to FINISH WELL for His Glory!

Embracing His Mission Together,

Pastor Don Young, Genesis Church

Historic Site Threatened

2008-02-01T17:56:00.000-05:00

In case you are not familiar with Ft. Pike, it lies a few miles west of Pearlington on US 90. There isn’t a lot in between unless you count mosquitoes, alligators and snakes. WHFRS gave Fort Pike at least one fire engine.

They are considered part of New Orleans Fire Department. The fort is right next to the firehouse.

Historic Fort Pike Battles Back
By Kia Hall Hayes

ST. TAMMANY BUREAU - Standing in tall marsh grass and looking out at Fort Pike and the adjacent Rigolets, Joseph Yarbrough shuddered to think what would happen if the structure continues its steady decline, which was accelerated by Hurricane Katrina.

It would be like losing the French Quarter, offers Yarbrough, president of the Fort Pike Foundation.

"If these structures were to fall, there would be no replacing it," he said. "We need to preserve it."

State officials are doing just that, giving the historic site a much-needed facelift and developing plans for more significant renovations. Fort Pike is set to open next month for the first time since the storm.

The 19th century fortification at New Orleans' easternmost shore has been closed since the 14-foot-high structure was completely submerged more than two years ago. The waters left waist-high marsh grass, wild animals and significant structural damage to the 190-year-old site, which had already fallen into disrepair due to decades of neglect and erosion.

Fort on endangered list

Fork Pike -- along with Fort Jackson and Fort St. Philip, both in Plaquemines Parish -- was listed as among the 10 most endangered battlefields in the United States last year. The list was complied by the Civil War Preservation Trust, a nonprofit group in Washington, D.C.

Officials say a flurry of activity will take place in the coming weeks to get Fort Pike ready to open, and landscaping crews will come in and clear the marsh grass and mud and other remaining storm debris.

"This was just like the Gulf of Mexico," Yarbrough said of the once-flooded site along U.S. 90.

Support buildings surrounding the fort, which were washed away in the storm, have been replaced, and the walkway, bridge, picnic pavilion and restrooms have been rebuilt. The nearby boat launch, which sustained pre- and post-storm damage and is also owned by the state, reopened several months ago.

"Everybody's anxious to see it open and get people back to the area and try to revitalize the tourist trade," said Yarbrough, who hopes Fort Pike will eventually become one of the most popular tourist attractions in the New Orleans area.

Damage is visible

Signs of the more significant damage are still visible on the fort, which was held by Confederate soldiers until it was taken over by Union forces around 1862. Cracks in the citadel walls that were several feet wide before the storm have expanded enough to walk through. Pieces of old houses and boats, remnants of storm debris that covered the entire fort after the storm, still litter portions of the grounds.

The most heavily damaged areas will remain closed to the public, but visitors will still be able to walk on the grass-covered upper level and around several of the casemates where guns were housed, said Stuart Johnson with the state Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism.

"You'll still be able to get that experience to look out like a soldier in the fort," he said.

To correct decades of neglect, the state has hired John Miller & Associates to conduct a full evaluation of the fort and develop a five-year construction plan. The Federal Emergency Management Agency has given a verbal commitment to cover the projected $18 million cost of the project, which includes correcting structural damage and creating barriers to prevent further erosion, Johnson said.

Two other forts fare poorly

Other local forts damaged by Katrina aren't faring so well. Fort Jackson, along the Mississippi River south of Buras and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, held storm surge for weeks after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita because it is surrounded by levees that trapped the water, which had to be pumped out.

Fort Jackson, which was built in the 1820s and is owned by Plaquemines Parish, has remained closed since Katrina. The fort had cracks before the storms, but trees growing atop its bastion walls and over its casemates are the source of much of the structural damage, officials have said.

Stanley Mathes, the parish's tourism director, said there has been talk among parish officials about Fort Jackson becoming part of a national park, but "that is strictly in the talk stage," he said.

Mathes said he would like to see the park reopened so the parish's annual Orange Festival could return to the site.

"It's something that we'd like to get back because it was a great recreational area," he said.

Fort St. Philip, located just upstream from Fort Jackson on the east bank, was built in 1795 by the Spanish. Its cannons prevented the British from reaching New Orleans in 1815 in the Battle of New Orleans and fired on Union ships in 1862, but owner Frank Ashby Jr., a New Orleans oil broker, has no plans to restore it.

The 60-acre fort had fallen into disrepair years ago, but, thanks to Katrina, "whatever was left standing is probably not standing anymore," Ashby said.

Plaquemines Parish had expressed interest in acquiring the fort, which is accessible only by boat, but Ashby says he won't part with the land where he scattered his father's ashes decades ago.

"I have no plans to restore it and I never did have any plans to restore it," he said.

'It's just too much to lose'

Walking around Fort Pike while keeping an eye out for snakes, Yarbrough was a veritable encyclopedia of trivia.

"The history here is just phenomenal," he said.

Completed in 1827 on top of a cypress log foundation called "grillage," the structure was home to 400 Confederate troops during the Civil War. Pinkney Benton Stewart Pinchback served here as a second lieutenant before becoming the first African-American governor of Louisiana, Yarbrough said.

During the Civil War, Confederate soldiers held the fort until Union forces took New Orleans in 1862 and the structure was evacuated. Union soldiers reoccupied the building and used it as a training center for former slaves, who were taught to use heavy artillery before joining the U.S. Colored Troops.

The fort was officially abandoned in 1890 and in 1972 was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

"It's just too much to lose," Yarbrough said.

He plans to coordinate tours with local schools, make the site a bus tour destination and hold arts and crafts fairs on the property. An Open Air Art Festival, the last in May 2005, was held at the fort for four years before Katrina. Yarbrough wants Fort Pike to be even more popular than it was before the storm, when it attracted about an average of 14,000 visitors annually.

"It has the potential if we can get the support from the public and the funds to do it," he said.

FEMA Is In To Candy Making

2008-02-01T17:52:00.000-05:00

Probe: FEMA sugarcoated danger of hurricane trailers

Story Highlights

FEMA says it "did not suppress or inappropriately influence any report"

Democrats on congressional panel say FEMA "ignored, hid and manipulated" data

FEMA tests indicated trailers were safe if properly ventilated

Probe: Expert said not divulging research constituted "threat to public health"

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency manipulated scientific research to play down the danger posed by formaldehyde in trailers issued to hurricane victims, according to an investigation by congressional Democrats.

FEMA "ignored, hid and manipulated government research on the potential impact of long-term exposure to formaldehyde" on Katrina and Rita victims now living in FEMA trailers, said a letter written by Democrats on Monday.

Democrats on a House Science and Technology subcommittee wrote the letter to Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff. FEMA is part of the Homeland Security Department.

In a separate letter, lawmakers said the federal health agency that provided guidance to FEMA was "complicit in giving FEMA precisely what they wanted."

Victims living in FEMA trailers have complained of health problems related to formaldehyde, but initial FEMA tests revealed the air quality in the trailers was safe if those trailers were properly ventilated.

Formaldehyde is a common preservative found in building materials used in manufactured homes. It can cause respiratory problems and has been classified as a carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer and as a probable carcinogen by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

FEMA said the health agency's February 1, 2007, advice didn't address long-term health effects, but rather concerned ways to avoid toxic exposure to formaldehyde.

"FEMA did not suppress or inappropriately influence any report," said agency spokesman James McIntyre.

The lawmakers are questioning the integrity of research done by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, and said they don't trust FEMA to conduct an independent investigation into the toxicity of the formaldehyde in trailers.

The investigation, led by Rep. Brad Miller, D-North Carolina, found the health agency ignored research from one of its own experts, Christopher De Rosa.

Because the health opinion was completed without appropriate oversight, the results could be misleading, De Rosa wrote in a February 27, 2007, letter to a FEMA attorney that was obtained by the subcommittee.

"Any level of exposure to formaldehyde may pose a cancer risk, regardless of duration," De Rosa wrote. "Failure to communicate this issue is possibly misleading and a threat to public health."

In its initial round of testing, FEMA took samples from unoccupied trailers that had been aired out for days and compared them with federal standards for short-term exposure, according to the lawmakers. FEMA officials instructed scientists at the health agency to leave out details about long-term exposure in its consultation.

"Honest scientific studies don't start with the conclusion, and then work backwards from there," Miller said in a statement.

FEMA is currently testing 500 of the 40,000 trailers (1%), but the lawmakers said they have no confidence in the new testing and sampling procedures.

The test results are expected in February and FEMA plans to issue a final report in May.

January 17 CoHR

2008-01-17T20:47:00.000-05:00

The AFBF (American Farm Bureau Federation) is holding their convention in NOLA. The following blog is by a couple of guys reporting for Brownfield.

Hopefully they'll have more than this single post, so please go back to the site to keep an eye on it...

http://learfieldcreative.typepad.com/brownfield/2008/01/tom-and-pete-in.html

A Professor at Emory begins studying NOLA post-Katrina from a far different perspective:

Green’s work extends beyond the classroom to many areas of service and study including task forces on sexuality, violence, bioethics, and worker justice for the Boston Theological Institute and serving as faculty adviser for Hurricane Katrina Relief trips in 2006 and 2007. She has also been speaking and writing on ethics in the aftermath of Katrina.
“The topic is one that I, as a native New Orleanian, find especially compelling and a continuing concern in the recovery of New Orleans and the rest of the Gulf Coast,” she said.

http://www.law.emory.edu/home/news-article/article/green-to-explore-changed-religion-and-human-rights-horizon.html?tx_ttnews%5BbackPid%5D=288&cHash=6ba96c89a5

State Farm is at it again - They need PROOF you chose to rebuild or they'll cancel your policy...

http://aminthemorning.blogspot.com/2008/01/by-ana-maria-there-ought-to-be-national.html

So, let's get this straight. Hurricane Katrina battered homes with its 175 mile-per-hour winds ripping them apart as if made of straw and spit. Then insurance companies like State Farm deliberately and wrongly failed to pay American families for the wind related damages to those homes and the cost of living expenses while the home was being repaired, damages that the wind coverage under homeowner insurance policies cover.

A Health Clinic In A Home Set Up By Nurses - Lower 9th.

http://www.propeller.com/viewstory/2008/01/13/new-orleans-nurses-turn-home-into-clinic/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.breitbart.com%2Farticle.php%3Fid%3DD8U54RLG0%26show_article%3D1%26catnum%3D0&frame=true

The Lower 9th Ward Health Clinic is its official name now.
"A medical home," Patricia Berryhill calls the facility offering primary care.
Before Katrina, this was Berryhill's own home. The living room where her kids congregated after school serves as a waiting area now, its walls painted a peaceful powder blue. The bedrooms are exam cubicles, the kitchen a file room and office.

Intellectual Discussion About Journalism In Disasters

http://peoplemedia.blogspot.com/2008/01/media-and-power.html

The most memorable photographs of the London terrorist bombing last summer were taken by subway riders using cell phones, not by news photographers, who didn’t have time to get there. There were more ordinary people than paid reporters posting information when the tsunami first hit South Asia, in 2004, when Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast, in 2005, and when Israeli bombs hit Beirut this summer. I am in an especially good position to appreciate the benefits of citizen journalism at such moments, because it helped save my father and stepmother’s lives when they were stranded in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina.

FEMA Wins Appeal On Rent Aid

http://news.findlaw.com/ap/other/1110//01-07-2008/20080107183512_04.html"There is simply no indication that the regulations constrain FEMA's discretion to the point that it is bound to provide assistance to all eligible individuals," Judge Carolyn King wrote on behalf of a three-judge panel of the 5th Circuit.

Business Tax Assistance, Even 2 Years After

http://www.flixya.com/post/blockhead/94453/Hurricane_Katrina_-_Businesses_Can_Claim_Casualty

If your business suffered losses because of Hurricane Katrina, you can at least write-off much of the loss. In doing so, you may be able to get a refund of taxes paid earlier in the year.
Tax law allows businesses to write-off business property that is damaged or destroyed because of a storm.

With the federal governments delay in rescue operations, your business may have suffered losses related to theft. New Orleans, in particular, seems to have suffered an outbreak of theft problems. While I can understand a person taking water and food, I must admit I have little empathy for people stealing television sets.

Ads Showing How Little Has Changed

http://www.print.duncans.tv/2008/katrina-foundation-for-recovery/

The Katrina Foundation for Recovery campaign was developed at La Comunidad, Miami. “The whole point there is that the whole country is focused on something so far from here and there are problems in our backyard that no one is paying attention to,” said Jose Molla, co-founder of La Comunidad in Miami. “The idea is to show what the situation is like now. It’s amazing how badly it sill looks in the non-tourist areas.”

First Responders Out of TeleCom Loop Again

http://phoenixwoman.wordpress.com/2008/01/14/safety-last/

It has happened countless times, and will now apparently happen countless times again: first responders such as police and firemen will be unable to talk to one another because their communications equipment is not interoperable.

Video of a Katrina Diary

http://origin.www.spike.com/video/2929123

While residents along the Southeastern United States boarded their homes and evacuated for Hurricane Katrina, one Mississippi resident saw an opportunity to use his new filming gear not knowing how serious Hurricane Katrine would be and that it would be the last time he would ever see his house again.

Color of Change - NOLA

2008-01-06T17:53:00.001-05:00

I received this 12/19 - sorry it has taken so long to post. IT's just been one of those winters for me.

Anyway, here's their most current newsletter. It really is a good way to keep up on news of NOLA....

While New Orleans faces its worst housing crisis in over 100 years, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) insists on carrying out a plan to bulldoze 4,500 units of affordable public housing, much of which could be made available to residents.

If HUD is allowed to proceed, it will eliminate the majority of affordable public housing in the city1, shutting out thousands of low-income Katrina survivors who have been fighting for over two years to return home. It would be a shameful slap in the face.

Presidential candidates Barack Obama and John Edwards, and the leaders of both houses of Congress--Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi and Senator Harry Reid--have called on President Bush to issue a moratorium to stop the demolition. But HUD hasn't budged, even with HUD Secretary Alphonso Jackson and his staff under federal investigation for corruption in their handling of the contracting for the redevelopment plan.

It's time for everyday folks to take a stand. As early as Thursday, the New Orleans City Council will vote on whether to permit HUD to carry out its demolitions. You can let them know that you expect them to reject any plan that uses federal dollars to gentrify New Orleans. And you can add your voice to the public demand that Bush hold HUD accountable and block any action until problems with the plan are addressed and the investigation of Alphonso Jackson is complete. It takes only a moment:
http://www.colorofchange.org/hudhousing/?id=1793-142179

New Orleans Housing Crisis

With New Orleans in the middle of a serious housing emergency, it just doesn't make sense to destroy housing that's in good condition.2 Rents have gone up 45% since Katrina, the city has already lost 9,000 units of affordable housing, and half of the families that want to return home make less than $20,000 a year. In the last two years, New Orleans' homeless population has more than doubled--12,000 New Orleanians have no place to live.3

Many of the units HUD plans to destroy are in very well-constructed buildings that were barely damaged by Katrina, and would require a minimum of renovation to provide quality housing, even if only temporarily.4 Rather than addressing the pressing, immediate need for affordable housing, HUD's plan threatens to make the problem worse.

HUD's flawed redevelopment plan

Whatever your views are on public housing, HUD's redevelopment plan is ill-conceived and irresponsible. The plan calls for replacing New Orleans' current public housing with mixed-income housing, which many believe is a better model for public housing. But in making the switch, HUD refuses to rebuild the same number of affordable public housing units as it destroys. HUD's plan would destroy 4,600 affordable public housing units, while the new mixed-income housing would only include 744 units of affordable housing, and building those units will take several years.5 The inevitable result will be thousands of low-income residents--most of whom are Black--pushed out of the city.

Questions have also been raised about the motivations behind HUD's plan. The head of HUD, Alphonso Jackson, and his staff are under criminal investigation – by the FBI, Department of Justice, and HUD's inspector general -- for corruption in HUD/Housing Authority of New Orleans (HANO)'s process for handing out contracts related to the redevelopment plan. The contract for demolishing and rebuilding the St. Bernard housing project was given to a firm that owes Jackson at least $250,000 (and as much as $500,000). Scott Keller – Jackson's right hand man and point person for dealing with New Orleans public housing – pushed hard for that firm to receive the contract. Investigators are also focusing on the fact that HUD/HANO paid $485,000 to one of Jackson's golfing buddies for work as a construction manager over an 18-month period.6,7

No Demolition without a solution that makes sense

At best, HUD has a goal that many think is good (moving towards mixed-income housing), but a deeply flawed plan that will be disastrous to New Orleans residents who need the most help. At worst, HUD is pushing a plan that will help enrich its secretary and his cronies, while leaving working-class people out in the cold and dramatically reshaping the class makeup of New Orleans. Either way, it would be a huge mistake to let HUD push forward with demolitions until these issues are addressed and resolved.

Tomorrow, the New Orleans City Council will decide whether it's going to allow HUD to continue down this reckless path. Council members need to hear that people across the country disapprove of HUD's plan. Will you join us in calling on the city council to reject the plan, and on President Bush to stop HUD from proceeding?

http://www.colorofchange.org/hudhousing/?id=1793-142179

Thank You and Peace,

-- James, Van, Gabriel, Mervyn, Clarissa, and the rest of the ColorOfChange.org team
December 19th, 2007

References:

1. Fewer Homes for Katrina's Poorest Victims, PolicyLink, December 2007
http://www.policylink.org/documents/nola_fewerhomes.pdf

2. Condition of the Four New Orleans Housing Projects Slated for Demolition, Gulf Coast Fair Housing Network
http://fairhousingnetwork.org/node/10

3. Speaker Pelosi and Reid Urge President to Halt Demolition of Public Housing in New Orleans, The Gavel, December 15, 2007
http://www.speaker.gov/blog/?p=1001

4. See reference 2.

5. HUD Sends New Orleans Bulldozers and $400,000 Apartments for the Holidays, Common Dreams, December 3, 2007
http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/12/03/5568/

6. HUD Probe Heats Up, National Journal, December 14, 2007
http://news.nationaljournal.com/articles/071214nj1.htm

7. Questionable Contracts, National Journal, December 18, 2007
http://news.nationaljournal.com/articles/071004nj2.htm

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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This is a message from ColorOfChange.org. To change your email address or update your contact info, send an email to subscriptions @ colorofchange.org.

Katrina Connection - NOLA Site

2008-01-06T17:48:00.000-05:00

Because of the genuine concern you have displayed since 2005, I'd like you to visit katrinaconnection.com, which was created to offer a fresh new outlet of expression for survivors, rescue workers, and concerned citizens, and help change media perceptions and offer positve views.

This site is not soliciting funds, which is why it is not a non-profit. There is and never will be a membership fee. It is simply an all-new, social networking & current affairs site, offering a change from the usual media about the New Orleans & Gulf Coast areas.

Objectives include, among other things, offering the most comprehensive current online links to resources available for survivors; offering interactivity through forums & visitor participation; providing news & news features affecting survivors; offering updates on life in and around New Orleans; and to push for indefinite investigations into the many unsolved missing or dead cases involving the hurricanes of 2005.

Please take time now to visit katrinaconnection.com, join and participate in our forums, and/or send a comment and tell us what you think.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Wayne Filmore
Publisher/Editor

Think NOLA

2008-01-04T18:28:00.000-05:00

To join this list, send an email message to subscribe@thinknola.com. That's all. The sender's address will be added to the list.

1/4/08
The New Orleans Redevelopment Authority is facing political and procedural challenges. There are many organizations working to address these challenges. The New Orleans Redevelopment Authority Unconference will create an environment where these organizations can collaborate. They can share their experiences with and concerns about the New Orleans Redevelopment Authority and its mission.
Register Now - Please help us accommodate you by registering. Fill out this simple registration form.

We are hosting a participant driven conference which will strengthen relationships between grassroots organizations and will further the successful collaborations between grassroots organizations and government.

Where: Grace Episcopal Church, 3700 Canal St, New Orleans, LA

When: Saturday, January 12th, 2008 from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Contact: Alan Gutierrez, alan@thinknola.com, (504) 717-1428
Register Now - Please help us accommodate you by registering. Fill out this simple registration form.
Think New Orleans is partnering with Mid-City Neighborhood Organization, Downtown Neighborhood Improvement Association, Trinity Christian Community, CityWorks, Common Knowledge, Citizens’ Road Home, Phoenix New Orleans and CBNO/MAC to produce an unconference format forum to discuss the New Orleans Redevelopment Authority. The Trinity Christian Community has pledged financial support to produce the unconference.

The issues that surround the vast inventory of blighted, adjudicated and Road Home properties are of great concern to many of us involved in the recovery. We are in the midst of a critical public input phase of the future of the New Orleans Redevelopment Authority. We should get together and talk.

The Unconference Format
The unconference format is a real format that comes out of Silicon Valley, where technical people got tired of going to conferences to sit in audiences and get lectured by marketing types. Why are you telling me about the future of the industry when I’m the one who’s implementing it? Thus, they set out to create a format with more human interaction, less sitting still eyes forward. (And no, it’s not computerized or technical at all.)

The unconference is a structured format, but it allows the participants to set the agenda, not the conference organizers.

So often, we attend public hearings to try and inject our message or ask our questions in those three minutes before the microphone cuts off. As is always the case, the real information is exchanged in hallways before and after. We’re adapting the unconference format to create participant driven civic participation.

Questions and Comments
If you have any questions about the New Orleans Redevelopment Authority Unconference, please email alan @ thinknola.com or call Alan Gutierrez at (504) 717-1428.

Visit the unconference web forum to connect with other participants.
Special Thanks
The New Orleans Redevelopment Authority Unconference is produced with the financial support of the Trinity Christian Community.

Huli’s Louisiana Festivals and Events Calendar
Huli's 2008 Louisiana Festivals and Events Calendar lists every major festival in Louisiana. This is the best calendar to plan your year. You'll never miss another festival again. They are all listed. Not only New Orleans festivals, but all the festivals all over the state of Louisiana.

These beautiful calendars are full of photographs of the festivals. Each month the festivals and events are listed on the grid part of the calendar indicating the actual days in 2008 that the festival takes place. They are also listed on the same page alphabetically with the town name and a phone number.

You can support the efforts of Think New Orleans and get a great gift for yourself or your friends by purchasing Huli's Louisiana Events Calendar at Think New Orleans.

City Government Razing the Private Homes of New Orleans
If you thought Eminent Domain was bad, just wait until you hear about the Imminent Health Threat ordinance of the city of New Orleans. FEMA gave the city money to demolish thousands of homes and the city can’t wait to spend it.
If you live in New Orleans, your home may be next.
The City that Hates Houses
Here’s the experience of teacher and homewoner Kelly Voight formerly of Gentilly.
My house at 5537 Franklin Avenue was demolished without proper notification to me or the mortgage company. Out of 4 notification channels, the city only followed 2 of their 4 channels.

We had been waiting for the city to issue us a renovation permit for almost 18 months. I had called and traveled to the 5th floor of City Hall. I had taken pictures and filled out all correct forms for my permit. As of the day that they knocked my house down, the permit was still “pending.”

My house was a 1945 Gentilly bungalow with double parlor, original floors, the Gentilly tile, and deco molding. It was in no danger of falling down. My contractor drove by, called, and asked why there were bulldozers on the property the morning they tore it down. Before he could reach us, the house was gone.

I was a teacher who only taught at-risk children in New Orleans Public Schools. My husband was a criminal defense attorney. We never made a lot of money in the city, but we felt that we gave to the city whatever we had.

The city gave back to us by perpetrating this horrific crime. That house was a jewel. The 1970’s house next door to my house was zoned for section 8 housing. It has no windows and little chance for renovation. Yet my house is the one that is down.

I cannot return to the city now. I feel such pure fury when I think of my house being torn down. City bulldozers trespassed on my property and tore down my lovely Gentilly bungalow. New Orleans has nothing to do with America anymore. New Orleans is dead to me, and I will not lift a finger to help or give back to it again.

This is what the city calls progress.

Madness, Smackdown, Madness, Adjournment
Here’s how Monday’s Housing Conservation District Review Committee meeting went. They had an agenda of 130 properties that city wants to demolish under the new Imminent Health Threat ordinance. The meeting was overflowing the small room in which the meetings are usually held.

It stated at the the wrong time and stopped. It restated at the right time in a new larger room to accommodate the attendees.

Council At-Large Jackie Clarkson arrived, watched, and then spoke and asked that the committee explain it’s processes before city council on January 24th, 2008.

Continue reading City Government Razing the Private Homes of New Orleans. Concerned About Eminent Domain? You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet and leave comments at Think New Orleans.

Demolished Part 2 – A Further New Orleans Tale
Matt McBride
Demolition is not a plan. But the city of New Orleans wants to convince everyone, including its own bureaucrats, of the opposite.

Over the past few months, as I’ve studied the workings of demolitions in New Orleans, I’ve gotten more and more dispirited. There’s no leadership, no direction, just mixed up mountains of paper and growing numbers of confused, scared citizens getting victimized by their own city government. Homeowners discover their nearly restored house is targeted for demolition, and are forced through all nine circles of hell to prove to their own city that the city is wrong. And some only discover this after the home is bulldozed by the city. It’s horrible.

I and a few talented individuals have taken upon ourselves to do what the government should be doing: forcing the city to abide by its own laws regarding demolition. This has turned into a herculean struggle, as the degree of intransigence and incompetence in city government has gradually come to light. Against rather long odds, though, there has been progress.

About three weeks ago, I put out a rather voluminous email about demolitions. I detailed how New Orleans’ Safety & Permits department was likely avoiding public review of over 1200 demolitions through various sneaky means. Much has happened since then, so let me bring you up to speed. There has been progress in the administrative, legislative, and judicial arenas.

Continue reading Demolished Part 2 – A Further New Orleans Tale and leave comments at Think New Orleans.

Build a KaBOOM Playground at Stallings Playground
Charlie London
A History of Stallings Park by Charlie London.
Join the Faubourg St John Neighborhood Association and KaBOOM! as a new recreation area is created for Stallings Playground.
When: Saturday, January 19th, 2008 at 8:00 am.
Where: 1600 Gentilly Blvd, New Orleans, LA (map)
The fun starts at 8:00 am.
With the help of KaBOOM!, a national nonprofit devoted to creating a great place to play within walking distance of every child in America we are building a new playground at Olive A. Stallings Playground, Saturday, January 19th, 2008.
Email Charlie London at excelsior@mindspring.com or call Mcihael Nuwer at (504) 486 1575 if you can join us.
Watch a video history of Olive A. Stallings Playground at Build a KaBOOM Playground at Stallings Playground and leave comments at Think New Orleans.

Wrapping Up a Murderous Year
There are a number of citizens who track crime in New Orleans. There are two people come to mind when I think of community organizing on crime in the digital realm.

More As It Happens
I receive email from a fellow who goes by C. B. Forgotston, who sends an email for each murder that occurs. He writes with dark humor about the state of affairs of New Orleans criminal justice. For example in Striving to Comfort the Citizens of New Orleans he compares and contrasts quotes about crime, to determine whether the NOPD spokespeople expect us to feel more comfortable about targeted violence or random acts of violence.

The Parish Line
Mark Deane writes about crime as well. He is a professional journalist, who maintains M.D. Filter. Not only does he write about crime, he gathers data and performs analysis.
Mark has maintained the Care Forgot page of the New Orleans Wiki. In that vein, he wrote Goodbye, 2007, a farewell to the 206 murder victims as reported in the media in Orleans Parish.

Mark also wrote The Parish Line, a comparison of the violent crime in Orleans Parish and Jefferson Parish. He’s produced graphs that illustrate how the crime in Orleans rises when the crime in Jefferson falls and vice versa. He says that he needs to think about what it means, but you should think about it with him.

This is the sort of citizen oversight that we perform in New Orleans, filling in the gaps with our own reporting systems and analysis.
Leave comments on Wrapping Up a Murderous Year at Think New Orleans.

10/30/07
Day of the Dead Party for the 3rd Annual Bayou Boogaloo
Come celebrate the Day of the Dead to support the 3rd Annual Bayou Boogaloo. The 2nd Annual Bayou Boogaloo expanded to two stages. In it’s 3rd year the Bayou Boogaloo will expand to two days. We need to raise money to keep the Bayou Boogaloo a free admission concert. Show your support by attending our first fund raiser this Friday at Studio 3 right behind the American Can in Mid-City.
The Day of the Dead Fundrasier

When: Friday, November 2nd, 2007 from 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm
Where: Studio 3, 3610 Toulouse St, behind the American Can next to the Vespa dealership.
Music: The Desto St Band, Margie Perez.
Food: From Juan’s, Taqueria Guerrero Mexicana.
Drinks: Open bar featuring Mojito’s, Mai Tai’s and Cuba Libres.
Tickets are $40 a person or $75 for a couple. You can reserve your own table for $375.

Any questions? Respond to alan@thinknola.com or call (504) 7171-1428.

You can purchase tickets online, natch.
Purchase Tickets to the Day of the Dead Fundraiser Online.

So Much for Katrina Fatigue
Here’s a recent op-ed by a member of a Wisconsin Chamber ofCommerce leadership group that visited New Orleans a few weeks ago. The writergot some of the facts wrong but the conclusion is heartening. I think that “Katrina Fatigue” (a term invented by right-wing Bay Buchannan – Pat Buchanan’s sister – to prematurely head off the debate on Bush’s bungling of the recovery) is largely a disease of older white Americans. I sense just the opposite among young people, African Americans, and women. They comprise a growing social justice movement that views New Orleans as a symbol of our nation’s misplaced priorities and domestic failures. Over one million volunteers have come to the gulf coast in the last two years and their future plans are even more expansive.

Continue reading So Much for Katrina Fatigue at Think New Orleans.

Eddie Jordan: Is This Goodbye?
The New Orleans Agenda newsletter has announced that District Attorney Eddie Jordan will resign his post today. There walk of his resignation at NOLA.com in the article Sources: Talks underway for Jordan to step down.

I’ve been told that there is a press conference scheduled after a 1:30 pm staff meeting that is taking place now.
I’d like to know what you make of this news. Is this the end of District Attorney Eddie Jordan? Is it possible for the DA’s office to improve under a Eddie Jordan selected successor such as First Assistant District Attorney Keva Landrum?
Please help me understand what’s going by leaving a message in Eddie Jordan: Is This Goodbye? at Think New Orleans.

7/26
Road Home Unconference This Saturday: How Do I Get There?
The Road Home Unconference will be held this weekend at:

The New Orleans Yacht Club - 403 N Roadway St, New Orleans, LA (Map)
This is a change. A final change.

The New Orleans Yacht Club has Wifi with commercial broadband, so bring your laptop.

Road Home Unconference This Saturday: When Is It?
The Road Home Unconference will be held this weekend:
Saturday, July 28th, 2007 from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm.
We'll probably linger a bit afterwards. The Yacht Club won't be in a hurry to get rid of us.

Road Home Unconference This Saturday: Do I Have To Register?
Yes and no. Yes. It would help a lot of you registered. No we won't turn you away at the door. Please, register so we can better accommodate you.

Road Home Unconference Registration

Road Home Unconference: What Is On the Agenda?
The agenda will be set by the participants, but there is so much we have to cover. Please, read through the materials at the New Orleans Wiki, created by the Citizen's Road Home Action Team.. If you have suggestions for topics, you can leave them in the Road Home Unconference Discussion Forum.

Road Home Unconference This Saturday: Can I Become a Sponsor?
Yes. Sponsorships are still available. There is space to present your products. You'll be able to share your product with people who are dedicated to rebuilding their homes in Louisiana. Sponsorships run $200.00 to $500.00. Respond to this message with your interest.

Laura LeBon on The Road Home
Working with Mark Morris Productions, the Citizen's Road Home Action Team has produced a series of videos on the Road Home, telling the stories of applicants. You can watch the first video in the series, the story of Laura LeBon and her home in Lakeview, New Orleans, Louisiana.
Watch Laura LeBon on the Road Home at Think New Orleans.

David Vitter and the Erotic Masseuse
There are two people you'll want to follow for the trials and tribulations of Louisiana Senator David Vitter.

Vindication for Christopher Tidmore, who wrote about David Vitter and Wendy Cortez way back in 2002.

This vindication is good for his candidacy for State Representative of District 82. His biggest foe within his party is in no position to stand in his way. (David Vitter attacked Christopher Tidmore for his 2002 article.)

More importantly, people see his journalism as a sign of honesty and daring to challenge the rising star as a sign of courage. David Vitter is denying the New Orleans stories, which will only prolong the vindication.

He runs his campaign from a blog and communicates with his supporters and detractors in writing, in his own words. A social media candidate?

The Tragic Situation That Surrounds David Vitter at Christopher Tidmore's campaign website.
This Vitter thing opened up a family size can of happiness for Mark Mosely. He's got opinions of his own, with links to the opinion of anyone who has an opinion. The local clearing house for all things David Vitter. His bias is against Vitter, but he's still the best one stop shop, sending you in all directions.

The Vitter affair: as it stands now at Your Right Hand Thief.

Continue reading David Vitter and the Exotic Masseuse at Think New Orleans

7/18 The Road Home Unconference will be held on Saturday, July 28th, 2007 from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm at the Lindy C. Boggs International Convention Center.
Please, register for the Road Home Unconference.

Road Home Unconference Registration.

Road Home Unconference Registration.
The basic premise of an unconference is that there is more knowledge and experience in the audience than there ever could be on stage. These events are popular and successful among technology and media professionals, because they help create new relationships and they launch new collaborations. Ideas are not presented. They are socialized. We don't listen to a speaker, we talk amongst ourselves.

Unconferences are networking events. The Road Home Program effects so many of our communities. Attend the Road Home Unconference to connect with other Road Home applicants, to share your services with Road Home applicants if you are a nonprofit. We will collaboration on solutions to the delays and the shortfall. We will discuss the land use issues that all the Option 2 and 3 buyout present.

The issues of the Road Home Program are by no means resolved. We have a long way to go on this road, so please register and attend.

Soft News, Casual Slander, and The Tyranny of the One Newspaper Town

I'm still shocked that our local newspaper would cover a a contentious mass demolition by calling one of the neighborhood leaders a gadfly. That is what John Pope did in his article Xavier planning for 21 demolitions.

Karen Gadbois is a woman who lead her neighborhood when the tornado that struck Carrollton in February, who has been documenting demolitions throughout our city though an innovative application of social media the Squandered Heritage website, and who has been working to make the city enforce existing ordinances about notification of demolitions.

It helps me understand, however, why people are so cautious. It fits nicely into my new understanding of why people disdain the web as a means of communication about New Orleans and the issues of our recovery. You expose yourself to quick and easy slander.

Continue reading Soft News, Casual Slander, and The Tyranny of the One Newspaper Town. Eddie Jordan Calls for More Baby-Sitters: Are You Ready to Baby-Sit Eddie?

The solution to Eddie Jordan seems to be to assign him as many baby-sitters as our legal system can muster. This includes the Attorney General's office, the National District Attorney's Association, and at Arnie Fielkow's request, the Louisiana State Supreme Court. Our civic leaders seem to believe the more the merrier. Are there any other organizations available for District Attorney baby-sitting? Does Nancy Drew still have a fan club? That's a natch.

Unfortunately for Arnie and others, Eddie Jordan only has two hands. He is fast running out of hands for the holding.

Is Eddie prepared to hold hands? Last I checked, Eddie had a tendency to heap shame upon people who dared to question him, the way he did in his outrageous Nightline interview with Brian Ross.

Doesn't Play Well With Others
The problem with Eddie Jordan is that he won't try murderers. Which is why the solution might fall short. It's not that he isn't doing a good job. It's that he is not doing his job at all.

The case against Dinerral Shavers' suspected murderer, David Bonds was dropped as Bart Everson told us in Nolle Prosequi. You can read all about David Bonds in Docket Master, in Case Dismissed, Ken Foster tells us that ballistics were never run on the murder weapon.

The case against Michael Anderson for the systematic execution of five teenagers in Central City was dropped when the District Attorney could not locate the one witness in the case. The NOPD produced the witness at a press conference the following day.

Both of these murders produced an outcry from the citizens. The murders of Dinerral Shavers and Helen Hill, in a wave of murders over the New Year produced the march on City Hall.

We do not get the impression that we are being heard.

Continue reading Eddie Jordan Calls for More Baby-Sitters: Are You Ready to Baby-Sit Eddie?.

A few of the New Orleans bloggers are gearing up on the resignation of District Attorney Eddie Jordan. They feel that that 7% felony conviction rate, the murderers released because of the failure to press charges (701 releases), and the dismissal of two high-profile murder cases in as many weeks serve as indicators that Eddie Jordan is not fit to be District Attorney.
In the request to attend the protest at the Cabillo this morning, they made reference to an interview with investigative reporter Brian Ross that aired on ABC's Nightline. However, they linked to an edited version of the interview as it appeared in the Nightline episode. If you watch this clip, Eddie Jordan may come across as quick tempered, but not altogether infantile.

The unedited version completes the image.

Continue reading The Unedited Version of Eddie Jordan's Hissy Fit on ABC's Nightline at Think New Orleans.

6/22 Road Home Unconference
In This Issue
Road Home Unconference
New Orleans' Murder Clusters
New Orleans' Study Abroad Program - Learning from Harvard and Mexico City
The City In Links
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Road Home Unconference

Viewing the schedule of The Personal Democracy Forum's Unconference in New York by Jill.

The Road Home Unconference will be held Saturday, July 28th, 2007 at the Lindy C. Boggs International Convention Center at the University of New Orleans. We'll be getting together to talk about the Road Home Program.

Road Home Unconference.
The unconference is a new format that is shaking up the $122 billion dollar a year conference industry, because it is easy to convene, flexible and inexpensive. It is perfect for industries where the expertise lies in the audience, and is very popular among technology and media professionals. The premise is that there is "more expertise in the audience than there possibly could be on stage".

How many times do we attend a meeting, and sit patiently while someone reads us their latest press release? We deserve more than three minutes of public comment. And after these many months, who really knows what's going on in the city? It is us. We the citizens of New Orleans. We have become full-time, professional citizens. The 24/7 citizens.

We all know that the real knowledge is to be had in the hallway after the meeting. An unconference is all hallway.

This savvy and professionalism is exemplified by the Citizens' Road Home Action Team (CHAT). For eleven months, they have worked closely with Road Home Program officials to shape policy. Though their constructive accountability, they have asked questions, and brought about change.
At the Road Home Unconference, we will invite those of you effected by the Road Home Program, members of Core CHAT, Road Home Program and Office of Community Development officials, and FEMA and HUD officials. We'll invite people who can discuss media and legislative strategy. We'll chose topics for the first thirty minutes, and then work in groups to address the problems of policy, procedure and communications.

You're all more than welcome to register.
New Orleans Murder Clusters
Murder Cluster Map by Da' Po Boy.

Da Po' Boy at Da' Po Blog has broken out the Google Maps and painted a picture of the plague of murder that ravages our city. In his post NOLA Murder Clusters he shows how the murders are clustered, and provides some breakdown on locale.

Mid-City/Treme/7th Ward - 25 murders
Central City - 16 murders
Marigny/Bywater/9th Ward - 12 murders
Algiers/Behrman - 8 murders
Hollygrove/Leonidas - 6 murders
Little Woods - 5 murders
But, you have to click through and see the maps. Leave comments.

On Father's day, Da Po' Boy reminded us that Each One Had Father as he lists the slain for June 2007.

Another New Orleans blogger who's worth your time and attention.

New Orleans' Study Abroad Program - Learning from Harvard and Mexico City

Karen Gadbois in Mexico City by Laureen Lentz.

Bart Everson tells about his experience at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government's leadership Program. Bart was invited by Harvard to take part in this leadership program, because Harvard is a totally awesome, New Orleans loving institution.

Our crisis has created an unusual situation. We are longing for those in authority to help us with difficult changes. That's why neighborhood groups and citizen-led initiatives are intervening in places you'd normally expect to find government. We are exceeding our authority and intervening in our own destiny.

Karen Gadbois and Lauren Lentz go on a Mexico City Preservation Tour to answer the question asked by Becky Houtman Why Aren't We Looking At Mexico City?

Many of the buildings which suffered the worst devastation in Mexico City were ones that were constructed by the government. After the disaster, angry citizens began to demand that these buildings be built to stricter codes for sustaining earthquakes. Similar to the situation with New Orleans? flood control system, it has been a fight for bureaucratic accountability. Another similar result of the Earthquake has been a permanent active solidarity among the citizenry.

The City in Links
Ray in New Orleans reviews Breach of Faith and is not too terribly impressed, especially annoyed with the punctuation.

The American Zombie weaves a strange tale of Rove and Nagin conspiracy in Nagin (R - New Orleans). Is a politicized Justice Department skewering Jefferson and Morial, while offering Nagin a pass? That's what American Zombie posits. Adrastos echoes the wonder in Letten Nagin Off Easy?. Jeffery asks Will the Viel be LIFTed?

Oh, The Humidity! at The Chicory the coming of summer is related in a quick tale.

Adrastos gives you the Who's Who behind the Justice for Congressman Jefferson website. Louisiana Cold Cash Jefferson Assets Get Frozen so insert freezer joke here. The Jeffersons is recorded before a live grand jury. I Told You To Keep The Faith, Maitri says Dambala, as Brooks-Simms goes down.

Debrisville Gets an Inspector Generalnote Adrastos with some hope that the new IG has some determination but Jeffery says The Countdown is On for some token crackdown on petty offenders, like say, Nagin's "Crackdown" on Corruption - one more Dog & Pony Show.

Concordia's $3.8 million contract to rebuild the public schools? Nothing Fishy Here, Just More Red Dots for Bingler say Michael Homan. He also responds to the Assessment Released on State of New Orleans Schools.

New York Has a Website - Why would anyone build the largest securities market in the country in a flood zone?

Bart Everson finds that our plight might be an issue in 2008 according to Zogby on Katrina.

When the times comes to head for the hills, are you ready? NOLA-dishu gives you a tour of his Emergency Preparedness rig.

Ashley Morris gives a short one act (rated R) play, called You are from what country? New Orleans.

Are you wordy? Then you need a blog. Join the fray. Web publishing workshops are coming soon.

6/12
Think New Orleans Newsletter for June 8th, 2007
In This Issue
Parents Guide to Public Schools
New Orleans Public Schools at New Orleans Wiki
How Search Engines Shape the New Orleans Wiki
Road Homework
Mr. Jefferson Goes to Trial

Parents Guide to Public Schools
Right after the last newsletter, Aesha Rashad wrote to tell me about the Parents' Guide to Public Schools which is being released today. This is a printed guide to the New Orleans Public Schools, with a page for each school, in a standard format.

This is the product of Agenda for Children, New Orleans Network, New Schools for New Orleans, Operation Reach, Inc. and the Urban League of Greater New Orleans. These organizations worked closely with individual schools and with the Recovery School District and the New Orleans Public School system to collect information about schools.

This Parents' Guide to Public Schools needs help from New Orleans organizations to distribute the printed guide and to get them into the hands of parents who can use them. Please, if you have resources for distribution of the guide, please respond to this message with the name of your organization and the number of guides you'd like to distribute.

We'll forward it to the Parents' Guide to Public Schools organizers.

New Orleans Public Schools at New Orleans Wiki
This week, volunteers from UC Berkeley Magnolia Project worked to compile a New Orleans Public Schools Directory at the New Orleans Wiki.

The volunteers, being the Internet savvy sorts that they are, used the New Orleans Wiki to layout a page for each of the schools.

Each school page links to a discussion forum, where parents can ask questions. We'll do our best to forward your question to the right people at the school. You can also leave constructive feedback on the school for other parents to consider.

Already, we're getting questions, and we're hoping to get your help answering these questions.

New Orleans Public Schools Directory.

How Search Engines Shape the New Orleans Wiki
Most websites get the majority of their incoming traffic from search engines, like Google or Yahoo!. Think New Orleans is no different.

Looking at the website statistics, I found that the second most popular search term that brings people to Think New Orleans is "Recovery School District". When I do a Google search for "Recovery School District", I find that Think New Orleans is the third result listed. It is the first non-governmental result listed.

If people are coming to Think New Orleans looking for schools information, we'd better put some out there.

Now that the Parents' Guide to Public Schools has been released, we hope to collaborate to make sure that this information is available throughout New Orleans and beyond.

Road Homework
Thank you for your response to the Citizens' Road Home Action Team requests for letters to Senators Landrieu and Stevens. Your support gives CHAT the leverage they need to keep the government focused on the needs of the applicants.

CHAT can still use your support in writing your state legislator. We need to get the shortfall for the Road Home Program funded.

Citizens' Road Home Action Team.

Mr. Jefferson Goes to Trial
When you read New Orleans bloggers, make sure you stick around for the comments. The comments Oyster make in his own blog are to the point, as interesting as the original post; Dollar Bill Indicted. This is his theory on how we reelected Jefferson.

I think the story of the election is that Dollar Bill got 70% of the vote in Jefferson Parish.

Turnout was low and some of it was suppressed with bullshit side issues like the Harry Lee's "contempt" for Carter's comments about the CCC closure, and irrelevant social issues like gays and abortion. But the most idiotic side issues were the "strategic concerns" by conservatives and others who believed re-electing the crooked political pariah would best serve their parish or their party's long term interests.

And many of the people who think Jefferson and Carter are two interchangeable "crooks" with nary a dime's worth of difference between them - a monstrously unfair assessment, btw - are the same people who were holding out hope that Derrick Shepherd might win or make the runoff for District 2. These people are incredibly misinformed, or willfully delusional.

Adrastos and Schroder remark on the strength of the indictment. Schroder says in Oh, Happy Day!
The two newspaper articles I read failed to report how incredibly strong the 16-count indictment is. Following what I've heard attorney and Gambit editor Clancy Dubos say, and after reading the actual indictment, Bill Jefferson is going to spend several years or more in jail. The indictment has presented an array of evidence which doesn't rely upon the constitutionally-challenged FBI raid of his office. It's solid evidence.

The gist of the blogger reaction is that it is good that we are no longer waiting for the indictment. But it's not like we didn't see it coming. From Maitri's Day 644: William Jefferson Indicted - Big Whoop.

Despite my funny feeling that Jefferson will be convicted on at least half a dozen counts, this is not monumental news. So, please turn your attention back to our crime rate and preparedness (or lack thereof) for the current hurricane season. We had a nice get-on-Jordan-and-Riley momentum going let's not lose it. a nice get-on-Jordan-and-Riley momentum going

Letter of The Week

2007-12-31T13:04:00.000-05:00

I'm working on some new letters, but for now, I am writing directly to you - the reader.

Do you have magazines you read and either throw away or stuff in the recycle bin? Would you be willing to spend the little bit of postage every month to send them to a Katrina Survivor Family?

I have found 3 very important things by doing this for 1 of the families on the Real People Relief blog:
1) Having magazines come every month brings about a very important sense of normalcy for the family. Nothing makes you feel like life is returning than to just sit and read a magazine. But, since so many are still unable to afford such a luxury, it's something they don't get to realize.
2) The family has something to look forward to every month. Having one little bright spot is so important. So, while this takes some dedication on your part, the family will become so much more emotionally charged by it that it helps with every day life.
3) The childrens' grades go up! The one family I am sending ours to has seen the kids' grades go up a full letter. How else can you spend so little for such a substantial gain? Just from magazines being in the house on a regular basis, these kids are seeing a very real positive gain in their lives that will affect them for decades. All for about 2 bucks in postage every month and 4-5 magazines we've all read.

Plus, these families share the magazines. So you're not just affecting one family, but many.

If you live in the Binghamton area and would just like to drop off magazines to be shipped, please contact me at KatrinaCoalition @ aol.com. If you would like to send these directly to a family, please contact me and I will give you a list of suggested magazines (but certainly isn't limited to the list) and we can arrange for you to send them to a family directly.

And if nothing else - please seriously consider taking them to a local nursing home, library, the VA hospital/clinic or even the jail. All of these locations can find substantial use for your magazines.

Thank you!

Leslie

Family Resources

2007-12-24T22:51:00.000-05:00

Looking For Residence I didn't find any apartments in Hancock County, but did through Harrison County on this site...

12/24/07 http://www.cheapkidsclothes.com/ - I've bought from this lady and she's GREAT. The clothes are great and her prices are perfect! She takes all sorts of different payments, so anyone with internet access can use the site. It's a great alternative if you don't have any consignment shops or such around.

Reminder of Tax Deductions
MS Homestead Deduction

Tax Information - new dates! Updated in July with new deadline dates.

Car Deductions You can deduct:• 34 1/2 cents per mile if you use your car for business (IRS Publication 463, Travel Entertainment, Gift, and Car Expenses)• 14 cents per mile if you use your car during charity work (IRS Instructions for Schedule A, Itemized Deductions)• 12 cents per mile if you use your car for medical care (IRS Instructions for Schedule A, Itemized Deductions)• 12 cents per mile if you use your car to move to a new job (IRS Publication 521, Moving Expenses)
The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), also known as the Earned Income Credit (EIC) is a Federal income tax credit for low-income working individuals and families. The EITC reduces the amount of taxes owed. If the credit exceeds the amount of taxes owed, it is possible to get a refund check.
The child tax credit is a credit on your taxes up to $600 for each of your children. This will increase in stages up to $1,000 in 2010. To be able to take this credit you must meet certain requirements. The credit is limited to people with an income below a certain modified adjusted gross income level.
The Tax Counseling for the Elderly program was designed to provide free taxpayer assistance to those ages 60 and above. The staff usually consists of retired individuals associated with nonprofit organizations that receive grants from the IRS to perform this service. Often they provide counseling in retirement homes, neighborhood sites or private houses of the homebound.
These publications are free from your local IRS office, by calling 1-800-829-3676 or download from http://www.irs.gov/.

One Time Tax Credit from Phone Tax

Legal Assistance
Katrina Legal Aid (thank you Karen!)

NOVA National Organization Victims Assistance
Information and Referrals for Victims of Crime and Disaster: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week Call 1-800-TRY-NOVA (1-800-879-6682) or (703) 535-NOVA (6682)

FEMA has a new Recertification Form that applicants receiving rental assistance must fill out and return
If FEMA is trying to recoup (get back) money FEMA gave to you and FEMA sent you a bill, here's some information for you and a fill-in-the-blank appeal letter for you to use: Appeal Application Call your local Legal Aid office for help if you need it. Heather E. Godwin Staff Attorney, Louisiana License Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid, Inc. Austin, Texas

MS Center for Justice
Mississippi Center for Justice P. O. Box 1023 Jackson, MS 39215-1023 Phone: (601) 352-2269

LA Legal Assistance
The American Bar Association is offering its services for hurricane relief. In Louisiana, call 1-800-310-7029.

Capital Area Legal Service Corp (AL)
Since 1958, CALSC has expanded its service area tremendously. CALSC now serves twelve (12) parishes which include: Ascension, Assumption, East and West Baton Rouge,East and West Feliciana, Iberville, Lafourche, Pointe Coupee, St. James, St. John and Terrebonne. (Provide elderly services only in St. Charles).
200 Third Street Baton Rouge, LA
225-338-5264

General Assistance
12/24/07
http://www.cheapkidsclothes.com/ - I've bought from this lady and she's GREAT. The clothes are great and her prices are perfect! She takes all sorts of different payments, so anyone with internet access can use the site. It's a great alternative if you don't have any consignment shops or such around.

6/5/06 UHaul Helping - From Leslie T
UHAUL - Free 30 Day Storage For Disaster Survivors - ((PDT))FROM THE WEBSITE: Our charitable focus is on community relations through the endorsement of social programs, agencies and events that directly serve the most basic of human needs - food, clothing and shelter. U-Haul does not have a charitable foundation or formal grant, scholarship or sponsorship program. Requests for donations and sponsorship proposals must be submitted in writing at least three weeks prior to event or need, and are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Any requests received outside of the three week timeframe will be automatically denied.
E-mail: publicrelations@uhaul.com
Mail:U-Haul Public Relations
Attn: Donation or Sponsorship
2727 North Central Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85004
Disaster relief
CALL FOR AVAILABILITY. NOT ALL SITES ARE OPEN
U-Haul offers 30 days of free storage to people affected by natural disasters, such as hurricanes, tornados, floods, etc. at participating U-Haul self-storage facilities on an as-available basis. (Nationwide Plan)We believe in helping our neighbors who desperately need to evacuate or take items out of their homes while they put their lives back together. U-Haul is an integral part of each community we serve. We were built by the same people who are affected by natural disasters, and are proud to be able to give something back to the community during a time of need. For more information about our programs please contact us at 602-263-6194 or e-mail us at publicrelations@uhaul.com
http://www.uhaul.com/pr/

3/25 Red Cross Safe and Well Site - Let Others Know You're OK
3/25 Government Benefit Search Site
3/24 Scam Ed
3/23 Pet Assistance site
3/14 AARP Family Resources
2/23 Helping Each Other General Public Assistance $1,000 While You Wait For Gov’t Money - General Public Assistance or just Public Assistance is a welfare program offered in 42 states. This is a program of last resort for people either waiting to qualify for other government programs such as disability benefits, or who do not qualify for any programs, yet need money to live. The program eligibility and benefit levels vary within and across state lines. In some states, this benefit is only available in certain areas. There are strict income and asset levels that you must meet to qualify. Contact your local welfare office, your state Department of Social Service, or your state Temporary Assistance to Needy Families office to see what your state offers and the eligibility requirements.

Job Search

3/12 Debt Reduction Counceling To make an appointment with an Operation Hope financial advisor call 1-888-388 HOPE.
Story about their work: http://www.wlox.com/Global/story.asp?S=5953113

Debt Reduction Suggestions

Stretch Your Grocery Dollar (from Karen!)
Here is a great site I belong to that helps you stretch your grocery dollars. It may seem really frugal to some, but there is some good advice and recipes to be found along the way.

Pantry Challenge

Some Tips to Reduce Food Budget

6/12 www.LivingOnADime.com
6/12 Woman's Day Mag Quiz/article on smart spending
http://www.womansday.com/money/11672/are-you-doing-all-you-can-to-save.html

Camp Victor - MS Only
Camp Victor has a number of services to help those displaced or otherwise effected by Hurricane Katrina.
1515 Government Street
Ocean Springs, MS 39564-3825
phone: 228-872-5745

Shared Housing - a possible option to stay in your home...
New FEMA Call Center Open
1-866-877-6075
A new Mississippi Maintenance/Applicant Support Call Center has been opened by FEMA to handle FEMA trailer maintenance problems and other issues. Is exclusively for applicants residing in Mississippi. Staff is on hand 24 hours a day, seven days a week to take calls.

Junior Auxilliary of MS
Email us at: info@jagulfport.org
The Junior Auxiliary of Gulfport,
Inc PO Box 6452
Gulfport, MS 39506
Our phone is: (228) 860-4020
They Run:
The Smile Dental Health Program
The `Special Projects' portion of the program addresses acute needs of children and families that fall outside of traditional areas
The General Welfare project

Gulf Coast Women's Center
Sandra Morrison, Director
Post Office Box 333
Biloxi, MS 39533
228-374-4031

Another "Adopt a Family" Site to Register With Help Out A Family

Food Sources
2/3 Starting a Community Garden For You and Your Community
Free Emergency Food
The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) is a Federal program that helps supplement the diets of low-income needy people, including elderly people, by providing them with emergency food and nutrition assistance at no cost.
States provide the food to local agencies that they have selected, usually food banks, which in turn, distribute the food to soup kitchens and food pantries that directly serve the public. Contact Food and Nutrition Service – USDA, Food Distribution Division, 3101 Park Center Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302; 703-305-2888; Fax: 703-305-2420; www.fns.usda.gov/fdd/programs/tefap/.

Angel Food Ministries
Your cost - $25. Their cost - at least $75. Delivered monthly if in your area.
Second HarvestFind a food bank closest to you just select your state or zip code
Free Items - Freebie Empire
Just about everything has a free sample listed

Other Resource Pages
Businesses
Children/Childcare
Dental
Disabled
Education Assistance Elderly
Emotional Resources
Family Resources
Furniture and More
Grandfamily/Single Parent Resources Grants for Individuals - does not include homeowner or repair grants
Home/Utility LA Family Resources
Medical Resources Mortgage Resources

Track Santa!

2007-12-24T20:55:00.000-05:00

http://www.noradsanta.org/en/home.htm

421 PM est and he's in Libya!
855 PM est he's in Paraguay!

Interactive spot for the kids - games and such...
http://www.noradsanta.org/en/kids.htm

Christmas Help Being Delivered

2007-12-19T17:54:00.000-05:00

Well folks,
I'm not going to argue with our work.
It never seems like enough, but I won't argue one bit!
Because of family and friends, I know the following efforts to be true:

National Geographic For Kids sent to 10 homes for 27 kids
Reader's Digest sent to 9 homes for 25 kids and 18 adults
Clothes sent to 5 families with 14 kids
Stuffed animals sent to 5 families for 8 kids
Stuffed animals sent to 1 organization for 40 kids
Christmas Tree "kits" (ornaments, lights, tinsel, tree skirt, tree) to 3 families with 10 kids
3 families getting full Christmas
4 families getting more than just the magazines
12/14 - another family getting more than just magazines. I've not had the brain power to put them on the wish list yet, but they are getting some clothes, thanks to another family member.
1 woman getting pulmonary rehab for another 3 months

This has all happened in 21 boxes over the last 3 weeks. It's been a whirlwind of a time, but has been by FAR the best Christmas I've ever had.

There is still a real need for assistance. I have had 2 more families request assistance in the last 2 days. Plus there are the families that are only getting a few items, or just the magazines for their Christmas. (1 of these has had some stuff delivered)

The need for normalcy is beyond critical at this point. These folks are badly needing a ray of hope to continue the daily struggle for recovery. Please consider helping some of them out.

12/15 My deepest gratitude to the following people:

The pharmacy apps department at Greater Baltimore Medical Center
And:
Adrienne
Anonymous
Barbara
Dave
David
Gary
Judy
Kathy
Laurie
Shelly
Val

These are the people who have made this Christmas so special to me and every family listed above.

12/19 I sent out Thank You's to those I'm not near enough to thank personally and that I have addresses for. One thing I want to address here is how long-lasting affect something as simple as giving someone Christmas can be.

These people are not forgotten. They are not invisible. By helping them, you have made them human again. You have restored dignity. The most precious gift you have given wasn't wrapped with a box inside and bow outside. It is completely intangible, but the most profound. Restoring faith in a fellow human, a fellow American, that hope does exist, that something more than a hand out exists - a hand up.

1 day. These families have 1 day to say, we have survived for a reason. We have 1 day to be a normal family, with the chaos, excitement and mess that comes with Christmas. The relief of knowing the children will have at least one present to unwrap, to look forward to. 1 day to forget the tragedy they live every other day of the year.

Reduced stress. Their lingering problems are still there. Bills to pay, Dealing with FEMA, Dealing with insurance companies. But the stress of buying, wrapping, trying to figure out WHAT to buy, how to pay for it, how to get to the store, finding the time to get to the stores, it's stress we all dread. But try to do it under their circumstances. Last year was a pride issue - letting them get the items themselves with gift cards. Every family I heard from was just as happy to have someone else do the shopping - it was just too much to deal with.

Future. This families will have a better future. It sounds stupid. But this one simple act will help the children stay out of drugs and violence, will help the parents remain together, and depending on what was given, could be just the one hand up they need to restore their lives to a previous level of financial security. I've had 2 families last year achieve this, so I feel at least 1 more will this year.

Lessons Learned. The children learn how giving can be done with dignity and grace - and how important it is - no matter how small or large the act.

These are the gifts you've given. The boxes you shipped, the items you had ordered, they are the smallest portion of your Christmas giving.

For that I thank you from the depths of my heart.

At some point in the near future, I will list the names of the folks we have helped - so that it's far less impersonal and far more human.

Thank you!
L

Tod Davis

2007-12-12T22:13:00.000-05:00

12/13/07 I just confirmed what the comments on this page are saying. Tod isn't making good on his promise of repayment.
I'm not making excuses for him. I don't know him! I hadn't heard anything about the man until I heard he was dying, which obviously hasn't happened yet.
Many people have lost money to him, which is sad. It truly jades their views and makes them far less likely to help others in need.
All I can say is, there are some truly nasty and manipulative people out there. I don't know if it was his intent to swindle, or if he just figured he was entitled since he had his own disaster occur prior to Katrina. (from what I've heard, he's from a midwestern state and lost everything - flood? don't know)
There is no real recourse in a case like this. Small claims court decisions can't be enforced, although they may go on your credit history. I don't know what to do about putting leins on property, but might be possible for larger amounts.
And Diane is right - as I get the news about different pages on my blog, I need to do the updates. Unfortunately, I think all of the volunteers who have dealt with him are embarassed to say they were taken for a ride too, so are either not saying anything, or are defending him still. This is why I never heard anymore about him.
I do hope he has a moment of conscience and repays people - even if it's only a % on the dollar. To make a good faith effort to right a wrong goes a lot further than righting it with ill intent.
L

I've heard of Tod through a newsgroup I joined in the last 6 weeks.
He has spent countless hours in the gulf - may be FROM the gulf for all I know.
But he's been infected by a lung infection of unknown etiology - big word for what a mounts to glazed eyes and a shrug from the doctors. They don't know what's going on.

This was posted by Jenni Dodds to the group today:

After hurricane Katrina he went out and helped many other people. He was exposed to many different toxins. Because it was in his system so long and he has many allergies to medications the doctors have let him know that they feel nothing they can give him is going to work.
It has caused great strain on him financially but he's never begged and was always there for others.
A couple of days ago he spoke out in anger because to get through this you have to work as a team.
There are no Heroes there are no Angels. There are just human beings trying to survive.

He gave me these words directly. "Be kind to one another. And give the best gift of all "Love".

He has been instructed to make final plans.
From Jenni:
God Bless you Tod we love you ! And we will be there for your family.

Holiday Season In Need

2007-12-12T13:48:00.000-05:00

I know we all have people in our communities needing assistance with the holidays. But I want to highlight the needs that are still being unmet along the Gulf Coast since hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

So many people are still unable to celebrate the holidays in any fashion. Paying bills is proving too difficult, much less the luxuries of a big meal or gifts being within their budgets.

I have had 3 new families join the Real People Relief blog in the last month alone. All of these folks are just not able to keep up with life. Commutes are longer. Pay is less. Bills are 20%-100% higher. 2 income families are splitting, leaving 1 income to pay all the bills. 1 income families are losing their jobs. Even for a week, this proves catastrophic. 12/12/07 - 2 new families in as many days. Please consider helping!

And every family has but one wish - for Christmas for the children. The children! Not for themselves - the adults. But their children.

I have sent a note out to my family and friends, asking them to join me in assisting 3 families through Thanksgiving and Christmas. Last year, I helped 1 family. This year, it needs to be more. Why? Because hope is fading. Donations to organizations are dwindling (for the very reasons listed above). Those of us who can, even in the smallest of ways, must step up and help.

Very soon, I will be posting information on organizations needing assistance for their holiday plans. As I receive the information, the pages will be updated.
Here's the link for easier access

I ask YOU to do something.
- a sample is here:
Write a letter to the editor
Write a letter to your local churches

Make a poster (use or copy) post at local public gathering places (laundromats, restaurants, schools, colleges, etc.)

I'll be doing all of the above, as well as helping 3 of my families. What are you going to do? Let me know - write a comment or write to me directly and I'll post the general information.

12/8 Well, that 200 is still being spent. I went to Reader's Digest online ED.com - and ordered 9 subscriptions to the same families who are getting the National Geographic for Kids. This way, both adults and kids will have something to look forward to all year. AND - by paying when I ordered, I got 3 subscriptions for the price of 1. Which makes it so I can add a family (small one) to buy for. I hope to do that tomorrow. We'll see.
I've sent out close to 20 boxes so far - and that's just my collection of stuff. I do hope to get a call or two from local churches as well, but I'm not holding out hope. Life around here is very hard - not a lot of good work to be had.
I heard from my contact at the City of Waveland and found out at least 2 organizations are going to be helping with their Xmas assistance program because of the page I set up. Good! They had 2 dozen families signed up before they even announced they were doing this. So, it's scary how many people are still in need.
My sister sent my the list of items they have collected thus far for Thai and her family. It truly excites me that it will be such a good Xmas for them!
I have more fun doing Xmas this way than 'the normal way'. I don't need anything. I don't have ROOM for anything more. So why have people get stuff for me or I get anything for them?
I'd love to hear what others are doing this Christmas. Let me know and I'll make posts for each.
Leslie

12/3 WOW - a friend just dropped me a $200 check! I was thinking maybe 100. WOW. So, 3 families are getting everything for a tree. The tree itself (prelit), tree skirt, tinsel, tree topper, ornaments, and hooks.
The check has also just bought 2 more subscriptions to National Geographic for Kids - it will be read by 7 kids who get to look forward to it all year long. My kind of Christmas gift!
I still have money left, so will be checking my list again and seeing what I can come up with for folks. Ha! Life is good!
I've shipped clothes to the 9 girls, a tree kit to 1 family, have boxed up another tree kit for another family and have shipped the rest of the stuffed animals out to Waveland - about 40 left from the girls. I still have to go through the shoes I got, but that's what tomorrow is for.

12/2 Luck has remained with me for once! I called a guy who had an ad in the paper about stuffed animals. Not only those, but girls clothes as well. I got all of the stuff yesterday for about $.30 per piece, washed it, cleaned it, sorted it and packed it up for my dad to take to the post office tomorrow. 9 girls have at least one new outfit each - if the stuff all fits! I have NO clue how parents buy for their kids. There are 2 different sets of S,M,L and then the overlap between kids and adults. I glazed over after awhile. Crap! So, I truly hope the stuff fits. It's all great clothing - Old Navy, Ltd, etc.

Plus, some toys thrown in just because and the rest of the stuffed animals will be sent to Waveland's Xmas program. They have 23 families thus far and have no idea how they'll cover them all. http://katrinanetworking.blogspot.com/2007/11/waveland-ms-christmas-needs.html
And another friend from the CoHR is going to buy what she can for a family that has dealt with health issues and death ever since The Storm hit. So I have to recount, but this is 6 completely and 8 partially. Great compared to last year!

Thank you to everyone, and please, keep up the great work!

L

11/14 - Update. Well, between my friends and family, we are helping 7 families have Thanksgiving and at least 3 have a real Christmas (11/26 *5* completely and 7 partially). I am thrilled and blessed to know such generous people. THIS is what Thanksgiving is about.

11/26 A friend has purchased 3 trees and 3 sets of 50 ornaments to send down, so am waiting to find the right families who will have something to put under the trees to send them.

Another friend has purchased 7 subscriptions to National Geographic For Kids that will give 13 kids something to look forward to all year long!

A family member's work department has sponsored one of the larger families on Real People Relief for Christmas and are starting to collect the items on their collective list as well as gift cards from some of their vendors!

A new friend (through the relief effort) has adopted 2 of the single families to assist throughout the year as well as this Christmas.

A family friend is taking care of Christmas for a new family on the list. It's a larger family too, so this is wonderful!

My latest project is complete. I have made 6 Christmas stockings for 2 of the families. 1 is being taken care of by one of the above mentioned and the other is the family my mother and I are taking care of for Christmas. The picture is at the top....

11/27 - I just got done shopping for this week. I do NOT see what the allure is. I never have. However, I went to Kohl's and got 50% off all toys, and then my mother paid for them, getting another 15% off the total. Woo! Shopping in teams really makes it worth the effort.

I also was able to have 60 stuffed animals promised to me for $15 by a father of 3 girls who have grown up. I may get some of the clothes too, we'll see if the woman going Thursday takes them all, or just some. So I'll be able to send more Christmas to more families than I thought! That makes me very happy! Go through your classifieds!

Help Katrina Survivors This Christmas

2007-12-12T09:47:00.000-05:00

12/12 - 2 new families in as many days. Will post their information as I get it gleaned...
First - What friends, family and I are doing for some survivors Updated 11/26

Now - do you want to help a family? If you are from the Binghamton Area and would like to assist, please contact me at KatrinaCoalition@aol.com. I am more than willing to pay for shipping if you are willing to buy the gifts. I have them categorized by family below, with head of households listed first. ALL of the families want the children taken care of first! Items in Bold Red are Promised to be gotten. 11/23 - list is up only a few hours and someone has already started helping! Woo!

Or would you like to help an organization helping Katrina Survivors? I am compiling a list of local Gulf organizations in need as well as national agencies that are assisting. You can contact them directly from the information I list, or you can contact me for further information. Have posted this on another page

The following is a Wishing Tree of sorts. It is all of the items that are needed by the families that are still able to contact me. Many have lost internet service - they can't afford home phones anymore. But, those who have responded have sent me lists of needs and wishes for this Christmas.

The following was written by one of the mothers:
12/1/07 As I said before, I know that many people think that everyone who went through Katrina must be settled by now, but that is far from true. We struggle daily with the loss of our town, community of friends and just dealing with the fact that overnight our lives have been changed forever...but in the end through our own determination and the help and kindness of others, our lives will be repaired and hopefully we will be stronger human beings. We have learned that there are wonderful people in this world such as you, who can and will make a difference in many lives...and on behalf of myself and my family, I thank you for that.

For Dogs - Many of the families have pets:
Flea Collars
Regular Collars
Treats
Beds
Food

12/12 28 y.o. mother's children
http://realpeoplerelief.blogspot.com/2007/11/elizabeth-4.html
Caleb - 9 sizes – top: 14 ,bottom: 14 husky, shoes 6 youth
For Xmas Glasses, Anything Pokemon, video games (National Geographic For kids Promised; Reader's Digest Promised, 1 Book, Some Pokemon promised)

Celina -2 - sizes – clothes 3T, shoes 8 toddler, diapers size 5
For Xmas Clothes, Shoes, Diapers, anything Dora, anything Diego (Dora coloring book, Barbie coloring book, stuffed animal Promised)

Cristina -1 sizes – clothes 12 m, shoes 2 infant, diapers size 2
For Xmas - Hair accessories, Hello Kitty, Light up toys, Age Appropriate toys (baby blanket, stuffed animal, promised)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
12/12 39 y.o. mother's children
http://realpeoplerelief.blogspot.com/2006/12/tracie-p-camrie-blade-maycie-emai-l.html
camrie 13-size 4 pants,large shirt.Size 9 shoes
blade 11,wears 14 pants,14 shirt
maycie 1 2t{a }.
We would like computers, games, baby educational toys. Music cd's, cd players. Thank you very much

http://realpeoplerelief.blogspot.com/2006/10/ginger-et-al.html
69 y.o. Grandmother - Disabled with Bad Hips
Pinks, Blues & earth tones.
pants/jeans size 24
shirts (button ups or T-shirts).
Bra - 44D (no under wire please, white or beige)
Panties - Size 13 any color (she likes the silky fabric, rather than the cotton).
Shoes - 10 wide.
Socks - ankle socks size 10 women's (tennis & dress).
electrical drill with both forward and reverse, she would love an warm winter blanket - king size to wrap up in
Reader's Digest Promised
46 y.o. Mother - Disabled with traumatic arthritis
Purples & earth tones, frills
T-shirts - 3X-5X Long
Pants - 28 tall women's, 3X in stretch pants and shorts.
Bra - 44DD (no under wire please, any color) is allergic to fiberfill
Socks - Size ladies 9/10 anklets and crew cut (any color).
Shoes – 8 1/2 Wide/Extra wide
I do enjoy decoupage, crotchet, knitting, painting, drawing and other creative crafts.

32 y.o. Working Mother
Black (think subtle goth style)
Shirts/T's size S-M.
Skirts/pants/jeans size 0-4 women's. Some promised
Bra - 36A
Panties - Ladies size 6/7
Socks - Ladies size 9/9 1/2
Shoes - 9/10
Would love to have hair accessories and scrunchies. a warm ski suit, since she freezes even down here.

Their Children:
School Uniforms (all public schools in the south require uniforms)
Khaki, navy for pants, skirts and jumpers. Navy, light blue & Maroon for shirts. Socks - white, navy, maroon.
National Geographic For Kids Promised
15 y.o. girl
Camouflage, pinks, blues. Some promised
Shirts/T's size M-L ladies.
Skirts/pants/jeans size ladies 6/7
Bra - 36B
Panties - ladies 6/7 (any color)
Socks - ladies 9-91/2 anklet & crew
Shoes - women's size 9-10
Would love to have hair accessories and scrunchies.
Make up.
CD's - Country & Rap, DVD's - Comedy & Horror

14 y.o. Boy
Red, black, & green.
Shirts/T's - boys size L
Pants/shorts/jeans - size boys 18 regular
Boxers only - size 16/18
Socks - 9-91/2 crew
Shoes - men size 91/2 - 10 1/2
Model Cars & Airplanes Playstation-II Games DVD's - something 14 year old boys would like

13 y.o. Girl
Pinks, blues. Some promised
Shirts/T's size M-L ladies.
Skirts/pants/jeans size ladies 6/7
Bra - 36B - 36C (pastel)
Panties - ladies 6/7
Socks - ladies 9 - 91/2 anklet & crew Loves toe socks.
Shoes - women's size 9 - 9 1/2
Would love to have hair accessories and scrunchies, jewelry, stuffed animals. Something pretty to sit on her dresser, CD's Country (her favorites are Faith Hill, Carrie Underwood, Nelly and Kid's Pick), earrings, Make up and finger nail polish.

12 y.o. Boy
Yellow, blue & orange.
Shirts/T's - boys size L.
Pants/shorts/jeans - size boys 16 husky.
Boxers only - size 14/16
Socks - 9-9 1/2 crew
Shoes - size 8 1/2 - 9
X-Box Games, Playstation-II Games to play at a friend's house.

7 y.o Girl
Purples, reds/magenta, blues Some promised
Jumpers/dresses - size 12 -14 chubby.
Shirts/T's - child's size Large
Pants/shorts/jeans - size 12 - 14 chubby.
Socks - anklet & knee highs, Loves toe socks.
Shoes - 5 1/2
hair accessories and scrunchies. Children's DVD's (she loves watching these!), Mermaids, Brat dolls, Coloring Books.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
http://realpeoplerelief.blogspot.com/2007/09/keisha-1.html
28 y.o. Mother - unable to find consistent work
everyday/work environment attire , button down blouses, bottoms etc. I wear M/L in blouses it differs,sometimes L will be to big in blouses and tops sometimes not, ,bottoms size 12
washer/dryer
Toiletries - all
Paper products - all
Dental assistance
Gas for travel.
Laptop for College
Purse
Christmas Tree "Kit" Promised
10 y.o. Girl
couple of burgundy uniform tops for school, navy bottom, everyday tops/bottoms, undergarments.
She is growing up. I was in denial still trying to squeeze her into a 10/12 but she needs size 14 bottoms,and 14 tops to be safe.
bratz the moviez remote control corvette cruiser
bratz atm machine
bratz microphone
bratz styling head (mannequinn head)
bratz cyber style kids interactive laptop
camera
purse
kids watch
mp3 player
clothes or gift card to purchase
shoes or gift card to purchase
National Geographic For Kids Promised
Reader's Digest Promised
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
http://realpeoplerelief.blogspot.com/2007/11/carol-5.html
41 y.o. Mother/Grandmother
Clothes (shirts size large, pants 7, pajamas, socks, etc)
*Work clothes (blouses size large, dress pants size 7) 1 of each Promised
Purse - Promised
Pots or other kitchen items such as plastic storage containers, cooking utensils
Rice Cooker - Promised
Gift card for groceries would come in handy (Winn Dixie, Walmart, Sam's)
Reader's Digest Promised
21 y.o. woman
Clothes (Shirts size xlarge, jogging suit xl, paiamas, socks, etc)
Camera Promised
Photo album/scrapbooking items
Purse/Wallet
Bath and body products (body wash, lotion, etc)

19 y.o. son
Clothes (Shirts size Large or XLarge, jeans size 34 waist, underwear Large, socks, tee shirts) Shirt, T-shirt Promised
Wallet
Electric Razor
Any sports items (he loves Basketball and Football)
Blank CD's
Alarm Clock Promised

13 y.o. girl
Clothes - Either 14/16 or a small in juniors (tops, jeans, jogging set, socks, underwear, etc)
Pink Digital Camera - Promised
CD's - She loves country music (Kellie Pickler, Carrie Underwood, also Hannah Montana and Jonas Brothers) National Geographic For Kids Promised
Games - Twister (She has scattergories and clue...family games)
Items from Claires - Hair accessories, earrings, necklaces...any girly type things
She enjoys shopping so a gift card would be great - she loves Aeropostale, Target, Walmart

20 month old girl
Clothes - 24 months (preferably winter clothes.) A few Promised
Shoes - Size 6 or 7 in infants/children Promised
Toys - She likes baby dolls, toys that make music/sounds, toys that teach shapes/colors, books
Hair Accessories - Barrettes, hair ties, etc
Other - Diapers (size 4), baby wipes, sippy cups, powder, lotion, warm character blanket.

8 month old boy
Clothes - 9 to 12 months (preferably winter clothes...shirts, pants, socks, winter jacket, etc)
Toys - Anything with sound/lights, any baby toy trucks, books, etc
Other - Diapers (size 3 - he's a big boy :), baby wipes, etc)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
http://realpeoplerelief.blogspot.com/2007/11/christie-s-2.html

31 y.o. Disabled Mother
I am in serious need of electric assistance

45 y.o. Disabled Father
Food, cleaning supplies, blankets. Would like hunting interest stuff. 4X shirts, 5x pants

9 y.o. Boy with ADHD
shirts men's med., men's 9 1/2 shoes, pants men's 40x30's
needs some long sleeved white shirts no collar and royal blue polo shirts for school uniforms
he loves games and fishing, science and animals
he is ADHD and has several learning disabilities
National Geographic For Kids Promised
Reader's Digest Promised
12 y.o. Girl
Shirt women's med.'s Some Promised
shoes 9 1/2 pants 10 or 12
loves music
games
make up and girly stuff
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
http://realpeoplerelief.blogspot.com/2006/12/shannon-w.html

28 y.o. Mother
shirts - large
Pants size 9/10
Shoes size 7
Cookware
Bakeware
Plates
Silverware
Cleaning Supplies
Gas cards
Food

60 y.o. Grandmother (dying of ulcerative cholitis)
Shirts - large
Pants - 9/10
Shoes - 7
Pull-ups
Instant Carnation Breakfast Powder
CVS gift cards for medications

13 y.o. Boy
Shirts - sm mens
Pants - size18 boys
X-Box game - Halo 3 to play at friend's house
National Geographic For Kids Promised
Reader's Digest Promsied
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
http://realpeoplerelief.blogspot.com/2007/11/elizabeth-4.html

This family is brand new to the list and is currently dealing with a death in the family. No list yet, but I'm sure general "kid" stuff would be most appreciated.
33 y.o. Mother
32 y.o. Father
9 y.o Boy
2 y.o. Girl
1 y.o. Girl (8 weeks premature)
National Geographic For Kids Promised
Reader's Digest Promised
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
http://realpeoplerelief.blogspot.com/2006/11/jessica-l.html

30 y.o. Mother
housewares, towels, dishes (any solid color), glasses,
clothes jeans (size 16 can be bought in tall sizes), bedding, shirts (L or 16),shoes 11, a car (haha), anything for a house really
My mom has lost alot of weight so she would love some clothes that fit! Stress is a great diet sometimes. Jeans: 20Tall Shirts: 1x or 2x Shoes: 12
National Geographic For Kids Promised
11 y.o. Boy
any WWE action figures or anything to do with WWE or wrestling
Jeans: 34 x 29; Shirts - men's medium or boys XL
any transformers
Ladder Match (WWE)
Modern Warfare (video game for xbox)
Call of Duty (video game for xbox)
The NOLA Saints
Football
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
11/23 - 21:15
26 y.o. Mother - working
Bedding for twin mattresses
ink for HP Printer (#s 21,22)

8 y.o. Boy
Clothes - size 10/12
Books - Any for an 8 y.o. boy. Curious George, Goosebumps, etc.
National Geographic For Kids Promised
Reader's Digest Promised
6 y.o. Girl
Clothes - size 7/8
Books - Disney, coloring books, cartoon books, stuff for a 6 y.o.

Waveland MS Christmas Needs

2007-12-08T16:40:00.000-05:00

Right now use the public relations address and please make sure it is marked "Seniors Aid"
City of Waveland
Public Relation Dept
Coleman Ave
Waveland, MS 39576

What I have been getting is there are also needs for Seniors Shut-ins.
I have been speaking to a social worker for seniors and there are needs:
slide in slippers with grip on the bottoms so the seniors won't slip
dust robes
razors
pillows
dusting powder
deodorant

Also, I like to focused more on the early teenagers. These are the kids that can go one way or to the troubled side of life. You know what I mean.
Gift cards to
-Walmart
-Kmart
-Sears
-Belks
-JC Penny.
These are stores they can buy their clothes from and feel good about it.

Diapers! We always need diapers! If you know of anyone wishing to donate a bag or a crate full, send them our way!

I still don't have a good date but the Lagniappe church will be hosting it for us and also if you have any organizations that want to help with toys please pass the address along because we are not much of a response.

People have forgotten what life is around here.
There are so many people still in Fema trailers. So many who can't make ends meet. And even those who used their grant or insurance money wrong - but why make the children suffer for their stupidity? Help the children have Christmas.

12/1 - Update From Tina:
You know it's not even December yet and we have 23 families on our list and several people have called and asked if we were collecting names yet. We have started on a few things. I am asking our Rotary Club to bring a new toy in order to get in the Christmas Party. The Bay High School student council has called and wants to help by collecting toys and adopting 2 families. Caring is coming down and giving a Christmas carnival for the foster kids and their adopted families.

I am also a ambassador for the Hancock County Chamber of Commerce and in order to get in that party you need a present. That seems to be my new thing. please let me know if you need any further info.

12/8 From Tina:
This morning on the way to work I returned Joy's call .She was so worried about getting enough toys and stuff for the kids in the area. She asked how are we going to tell people there is no way we can help them. Well you know that is not going to happen.

Joy from City Hall in the Public Relation Dept received a call today from someone that had read your blog about the Christmas and seniors needs.

Today she received this call from a local man that had received help rebuilding his home from a group from up north that wanted to help with Christmas. So this guy got on the Internet and found you blog list Waveland city hall public relation dept and that is how a few more kids will have Christmas.

Hurricane Caring Hearts Wishing Tree

2007-12-06T21:25:00.000-05:00

The Latest From Jenni

I still have a List Of 55 Children on my Christmas Wishlist who have yet to be adopted. These children will see no Christmas without our help.
These children are victims of natural disasters.
If you can adopt a child yourself I completely understand but all I ask is that you help spread the word.

Family 1 - 3 Children

1. Childs name - Brittany dove Childs sex – Female Childs age - 6 childs sizes –5 contact info britkj55 @ yahoo.com wishlist – clothes size 5, baby doll any kind, diper bag for dolls, shoes size 12

2. Childs name - james dove Childs sex – Male Childs age - 13 childs sizes –14
Contact Info: brikj55 @ yahoo. com wishlist – clothes, game for xbox 360, soccer stuff

3. Childs name - kayla dove Childs sex – Female Childs age - 10 childs sizes –8
contact info britkj55 @ yahoo.com wishlist –Makeup,bike,dolls,Clothes, Shoes

Family2 - 2 Children

4. Childs name - Vada Chapoy Childs sex –Female Childs age -2 childs sizes – 2t clothing, 5 shoes
contact info achapoy @ cox.net wishlist – Clothes, Pillow, Toy Chest, Soft Cuddly Dolls

5. Childs name - Tyson Chapoy Childs sex –Male Childs age -5 childs sizes – boys 5/small
contact info achapoy @ cox.net wishlist – Transformer (Bumblebee, or Optimus Prime), Start Wars action figures

Family 3 - 2 Children

6. Childs name - Ashleigh Childs sex – Female Childs age - 4 childs sizes –6X
contact info stelamc @ yahoo.com wishlist – clothes, toys, dolls

7. Childs name - Janae Childs sex –Female Childs age - 7 childs sizes – 14
contact info stelamc@yahoo.com wishlist –Clothes, Toys, Bike

Family 4 - 2 Children

8. Childs name - Hunter Jackson Childs sex – Male Childs age - 10 childs sizes – pants: 32x30, shirts: x-large in boys, shoes: size 7 1/2 in mens
contact info mistydb1976 @ yahoo.com wishlist – Clothing, Football, Board Games, Coloring Books & Crayons, Wrestling Posters

9. Childs name - Tyler Jackson Childs sex –Male Childs age -13 childs sizes – Tyler Jackson contact info mistydb1976 @ yahoo.com wishlist – Clothing, Football, Board games, Deck Of Cards, Wrestling Posters

Family 5 - 4 Children

10. Childs name - Brandon Longfellow Childs sex – Male Childs age -8 childs sizes – 10 slim pants, 8 shirt
contact info dung_longfellow @ yahoo.com wishlist – star wars legos, new orleans saints jersey, wwe/wwf wrestling figures, dirt bike bicycle, nintendo ds games

11. Childs name - Greg Matlock Childs sex –Male Childs age - 14 childs sizes – 30/30 pants, 14/16 shirt
contact info dung_longfellow@yahoo.com wishlist – bike, mp3 player, new orleans saints jersey, nintendo ds games

12. Childs name- Ryan Longfellow Childs sex –Male Childs age - 7 childs sizes – 5r pants, 5 shirt
contact info dung_longfellow@yahoo.com wishlist – gameboy advance games, build a bear work shop, spongebob legos,bike, playstation 3 games

13. Childs name - Samantha Matlock Childs sex –Female Childs age -10 childs sizes – 10slim, 10/12 shirt
contact info dung_longfellow@yahoo.com wishlist – build a bear work shop gift card, brats barbie dolls, nintendo ds games, bike,girly things

Family 6 - 2 Children

14.Childs name - Tekia Keion Chess Childs sex –Female Childs age -13 childs sizes – 16plus in girls
contact info trece01us @ yahoo.com wishlist – JCPenny giftcard, catos giftcard, walmart giftcard, cingular phone card, Digital camera

15.Childs name - Tekita Chess Childs sex –Female Childs age -16 childs sizes – 11/12 in juniors contact info trece01us @ yahoo.com wishlist – Digital camera, cell phone, footlocker gift card, Purse, snow boots size 11

Family 7 - 2 Children

16.Childs name - Sean Slaughterham Childs sex –Male Childs age -13 childs sizes – 4x in men shirts and a 46 waist and 29 lenght in pants
contact info Slaughterham @ aol.com wishlist – remote control airplane, thankful for what ever he gets

17.Childs name - Steven Slaughterham Childs sex –Male Childs age -15 childs sizes – xl men shirt and a 34 waist and 30 length pants contact info Slaughterham @ aol.com wishlist - gift card for clothes, thankful for what ever he gets

Family 8 - 8 Children (This is several families living together)

18.Childs name -Misty Childs sex –Female Childs age -14 childs sizes – size small shirts, size 1 jeans contact info - bgvis115 @ yahoo.com wishlist – loves arts and craft ,size 7 shoes, needs jeans

19.Childs name - Amber Childs sex –Female Childs age -14 childs sizes – size large, 10 jeans contact info - bgvis115 @ yahoo.com wishlist – loves makeup and jewelry

20.Childs name - brianna Childs sex –Female Childs age -4 childs sizes – size 4t-5t contact info - bgvis115 @ yahoo.com wishlist – loves barbie, princesses

21.Childs name - Brooklyn Childs sex –Female Childs age - 1 childs sizes – size 12-18 months contact info - bgvis115 @ yahoo.com wishlist – needs warm clothes

22.Childs name - t.j. Childs sex – Male Childs age -5 childs sizes – size 5 pants and shirts, shoes size 11 contact info - bgvis115 @ yahoo.com wishlist – likes spiderman

23.Childs name - Hunter Childs sex – Male Childs age - 5 childs sizes – size 5/6 pants and shirts, shoes size 11 contact info - bgvis115 @ yahoo.com wishlist – likes spiderman and spongebob

24.Childs name - jesse Childs sex –Male Childs age -8 childs sizes – size 10pants, 10-12 shirts contact info - bgvis115 @ yahoo.com wishlist –Likes Sports

25.Childs name - jhan Childs sex – Male Childs age – 1 Month childs sizes – size 0-3 months contact info - bgvis115 @ yahoo.com wishlist – needs sleepers

Family 9 - 6 Children

26.Childs name - tara lewis Childs sex - Female Childs age - 10 childs sizes - 10/12 contact info refusalxx @ yahoo.com wishlist – bike, leap frog, clothes, computer, anything

27.Childs name - shayna lewis Childs sex -Female Childs age –2 childs sizes - 5T
contact info refusalxx @ yahoo.com
wishlist – doll, big wheel, play house, clothes

28.Childs name - jaylon lewis Childs sex - Male Childs age -7 childs sizes - 8
contact info refusalxx @ yahoo.com
wishlist – bike, clothes, car

29.Childs name - jamira lewis Childs sex –Female Childs age -6 childs sizes –6T
contact info refusalxx @ yahoo.com
wishlist – bike, clothes, doll, boots sz. 10

30.Childs name - jakyra lewis Childs sex –Female Childs age -6 childs sizes – 6T
contact info refusalxx @ yahoo.com
wishlist – bike, clothes, doll house, boots sz 10

31.Childs name - angel-love lewis Childs sex -Female Childs age –3 Months childs sizes –3 Months contact info refusalxx @ yahoo.com
wishlist – clothes, bottles, diapers sz.1

Family 10 - 3 Children

32.Childs name - CHRIS JACOBS Childs sex – Male Childs age -13 childs sizes – Men’s Large
contact info treasuremyson @ yahoo.com wishlist –Clothes for school, cd’s/dvd’s,Ps2 Games

33.Childs name - EVAN Childs sex – Female Childs age -3 childs sizes – 3T
contact info treasuremyson @ yahoo.com wishlist –Cars,Boats,Trains, Educational toys

34.Childs name - MAKAYLA JACOBS Childs sex –Female Childs age - 9 childs sizes – GIRLS 8 OR 10
contact info treasuremyson @ yahoo.com wishlist –cd player, cd’s,idog, cash register

Family 11 - 1 Child

35.Childs name - D'Artagag Childs sex –Male Childs age -5 childs sizes – 7/8
contact info meb4ddb @ yahoo.com wishlist – New Bike(No Training Wheels), X-box Games, Clothes,Books, Food

Family 12 - 1 Child

36.Childs name - Joel Childs sex –Male Childs age - childs sizes – shoes 5/1, pants 12 slim, shirts 10-12
contact info daffenien @ yahoo.com wishlist – Tennis Shoes , Bike

Family 13 - 2 Children

37.Childs name - Edward Childs sex –Male Childs age -8 childs sizes – 8 pants, 8 shirt
contact info- caramelkisses_74 @ yahoo.com wishlist –Clothing, Anything Spiderman, any type of toy

38.Childs name - miljeanee Childs sex –Female Childs age -10 childs sizes – 14 pants, 16 shirt
contact info - caramelkisses_74 @ yahoo.com wishlist – Clothing, Bratz Game, Doll, Board Games

Family 14 - 4 Children

39.Childs name -Ahmaud Lewis Childs sex -male Childs age - 6 childs sizes - 7-8 clothes-size 1 youth shoes
contact info yellasummer @ yahoo.com wishlist - Game boy, blue power rangers, dump truck, sponge bob movies, pajamas size 8

40. Childs name -Tylinn Lewis Child’s sex – Male Childs age –2 childs size -2t-3t c
ontact info yellasummer @ yahoo.com wishlist - spongebob toys, race cars, pants size 3t, power rangers, spongebob comforter set

41. Childs name - khalil lewis Childs sex - male Childs age - 4 childs sizes– 5T
contact info yellasummer @ yahoo.com wishlist – batman toys, superman toys, roller blades size 11, power rangers, sweaters size 5T

42. Childs name - london lewis Childs sex -Female Childs age - 1 childs sizes - size 18-24 mths
contact info yellasummer @ yahoo.com wishlist – barbie dolls, clothes 18-24mths, toddler bed, anything dora the explorer, hair accessories

Family 15 - 3 Children

43.Childs name - David Nicholas Childs sex –Male Childs age - 2 childs sizes – 4T
contact info bernadettejerry @ yahoo.com wishlist – spiderman any thing,Clothes

44. Childs name - Jarrell Nicholas Childs sex –Male Childs age –3 weeks childs sizes – 3-6 months
contact info bernadettejerry @ yahoo.com wishlist – Diapers, Bottles, Any type of clothing

45. Childs name - Ngozi Alia Childs sex –Female Childs age - 5 childs sizes –12
contact info bernadettejerry @ yahoo.com wishlist – Anything Dora, Pj’s

Family 16 - 1 Child

46.Childs name - Randi Childs sex –Female Childs age -11 childs sizes – WEARS ADULT SIZES: Horse boots size 9.5/10; Horse riding pants size 30/31 Long; Shirt size M or L
contact info valerie_catahoula @ yahoo.com wishlist – gift certificate from horse apparel store (i.e., HorseloverZ.com, PETSMART, etc.), Horse Movies VHS or DVD: My Friend Flicka movie (new version), More Horse Movies: Danny, King of the Wind, Blue Fire Lady, half chap (horse apparel), ticket to attend 2008 Washington International Horse Show

Family 17 - 3 Children

47.Childs name - Antonio Travis Childs sex –Male Childs age -14 childs sizes – men's large and pants 38
contact info – shantaletravis @ yahoo.com wishlist – game for xbox 360, Clothes, headphones, Saints Hat, Shoes Size 9

48.Childs name - Brandie Travis Childs sex –Female Childs age -10 childs sizes –10/12
contact info - shantaletravis @ yahoo.com wishlist – Baby dolls, Skates, Makeup set, Shoes Size 3, Clothes

49. Childs name - dejohn lafrance Childs sex –Male Childs age - 4 childs sizes – 5/6 contact info - shantaletravis @ yahoo.com wishlist –Toys, Clothes, Shoes Size 9, Coat, scooter

Family 18 - 3 Children

50. Childs name - Alyssa Childs sex –Female Childs age -19 childs sizes – med/8
contact info fourwallsnowindows @ juno.com
wishlist – anything to do with horses, books, bratz dolls

51.Childs name - Mason Childs sex –Male Childs age - 9 childs sizes – Large
contact info fourwallsnowindows @ juno.com wishlist – playstation 2 games, educational toys, anything superhero

52. Childs name - Seamus Childs sex –Male Childs age –3 Months childs sizes – 3-6 Months
contact info fourwallsnowindows @ juno.com wishlist – baby toys, clothes, highchair,
Books

Family 19 - 3 Children

53.Childs name - Celina Breaux Childs sex –Female Childs age -2 childs sizes – clothes 3T, shoes 8 toddler, diapers size 5
contact info eabroussard @ yahoo.com wishlist –Clothes, Shoes, Diapers, anything Dora, anything diego

54.Childs name - Cristina Breaux Childs sex –Female Childs age -1 childs sizes – clothes 12 m, shoes 2 infant, diapers size 2
contact info eabroussard @ yahoo.com wishlist –Diapers size 2, Hair accessories, Hello Kitty, Light up toys, Age Appropriate toys

55. Childs name - caleb broussard Childs sex – Male Childs age - 9 childs sizes – top: 14 ,bottom: 14 husky, shoes 6 youth
contact info eabroussard @ yahoo.com wishlist - Clothes, Shoes, Glasses, Anything Pokemon, video games

Holiday Help Needed For Gulf Agencies

2007-12-05T21:18:00.000-05:00

The Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse is asking for help with Adopt a Family program. 228-868-8686. They had 3 offices, I think they are still in just one in Biloxi.

The Mississippi Coast Interfaith Disaster Task Force provides building materials, furniture and appliances free of charge to individuals and families who qualify through area Diaster Relief Organizations (DRO) and social services. Steven Howard at 354-0969 http://www.msidtf.org/

Junior Auxilliary of Biloxi-Ocean Springs
317 Pine Drive, Ocean Springs, MS 39564
Good evening. I am Julie Scruggs and I am a member of the Biloxi-Ocean Springs Junior Auxiliary. Our president, Sharon Weeks, forwarded your e-mail to me.
Yes, there are three active Junior Auxiliaries on the Mississippi Gulf Coast - Biloxi-Ocean Springs, Gulfport, and Pascagoula.
I am the chairperson for Santa's Helpers which is our Christmas project. This is such a great project. With the help of school counselors, a family is chosen from each school we serve. We serve over 30 schools in the following cities on the Mississippi Gulf Coast - Biloxi, Ocean Springs, St. Martin, Vancleave, and D'Iberville.
Each family fills out a Christmas wish list for each child in the family. The chapter then shops in order to grant as many Christmas wishes as possible.
Donations are such a blessing. The one item we have received several request for this year is bikes.
Also, Wal-Mart gift cards are ideal since we do not have to pay tax on items purchased at Wal-Mart. Just a side note. Any gift cards donated to Junior Auxiliary are used by the members to purchase items for the families. We do not distribute gift cards or money to the individual families.

If you have any questions, feel free to e-mail me at Donjules @ aol.com
Thanks,
Julie Scruggs
Biloxi-Ocean Springs Junior Auxiliary

Hope Haven Children's Shelter - Hancock County
PO box 3777 Bay St. Louis, Ms. 39521
We are accepting donations of cash or Wal mart cards to hand out to children/families who missed signing up with any of the mainstream toy give aways. We also are contacted by local teachers who know that particular kids are in need. We try and help those children when the family is not getting help from any other source. The children in our foster home will be provided for...so we do not need help with them...
but if anyone wishes to help the other 100 to 125 children in foster care in Hancock County...
they can contact the Dept. of Human Services....at 228 467-4100.

Hope Haven 228 466-6395 mailing address PO box 3777 Bay St. Louis, Ms. 39521
thanks!
Terry Latham
Hope Haven

Biloxi Police Department Toy Drive
170 Porter Ave
Biloxi, MS
The Biloxi Police Department is now accepting donations of new and unopened toys to be given to needy children as part of the department's annual "Santa Wears a Badge" campaign.
Those interested can drop off toys at the Biloxi Police Department front desk, in the Lopez-Quave Public Safety Center, 170 Porter Ave., two blocks north of the Biloxi Lighthouse.
Toys should be dropped off before Dec. 15.
Those with questions about this program should contact Officer Tom Goldsworthy, #119, at 435-6133 or via e-mail at tgoldsworthy @ biloxi.ms.us.

Salvation Army of MS - Link to large list

Updated 12/3 City of Waveland, MS - Link to large list

Gulf Coast Woman's Center for Non-Violence - Link to large list

Added 12/5 Hurricane Caring Hearts Network - 55 kids - link to large list

CitiImpact Ministries - Adopt a Family Program Coming Soon

FEMA Air Quality Testing Issues

2007-12-05T13:08:00.000-05:00

http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=41629
11/7
FEMA is working with health and environmental experts at the Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to conduct air quality assessments of temporary housing units issued after hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
As part of that study, the Centers for Disease Control will oversee indoor air quality testing of randomly selected temporary housing units in Mississippi and Louisiana. Testing was to have begun the first week of November, but previously scheduled appointments have been postponed until health and environmental experts finalize the testing process and action levels for responding to the results of the testing are determined. The testing will begin once these matters have been resolved.
Meanwhile, FEMA continues to work actively with all residents to help them move them out of temporary housing units and into more permanent housing that fits their individual needs. More than one-quarter of the occupants who have asked to be relocated from travel trailer units have moved to long-term housing, and the remaining households are evaluating their housing options.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,312067,00.html
11/17
NEW ORLEANS — Lawyers for a group of hurricane victims living in government-issued trailers are asking a federal judge to order the Federal Emergency Management Agency to test the housing units for hazardous fumes.
Earlier this month, FEMA postponed plans to test the air quality in its travel trailers for levels of formaldehyde. The chemical, a common preservative found in materials used to build manufactured homes, can cause respiratory illnesses and is classified as a carcinogen.
FEMA says it needs more time to prepare before scientists from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta begin the formaldehyde tests, which were scheduled to start in Mississippi on Nov. 2.
However, attorneys for trailer occupants in Louisiana claim FEMA's delay in testing the trailers is jeopardizing the health of thousands of Gulf Coast residents displaced by hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005.
In court papers filed Friday, the trailer occupants' lawyers asked a federal judge in New Orleans to issue a preliminary injunction that would compel FEMA to begin the tests. The injunction also calls for FEMA to immediately comply with any trailer occupant's request to move out of a unit and into alternative housing.
U.S. District Judge Kurt Englehardt did not immediately rule on their requests.
"Without this Court's intervention," the storm victims' attorneys wrote, "FEMA will continue to delay and this national public health emergency will continue unabated."
FEMA spokesman Michael Widomski, who would not comment on the litigation, said a date to start the tests has not been set. "We're continuing to work with the CDC," he added.
Roy Rodney, Jr., a New Orleans-based attorney who filed the motion for an injunction, said the formaldehyde tests are a "matter of critical public health."
"It's important to understand what the level of exposure is, particularly in regard to children," he said. "Children are the most at risk, more so than adults."
In Louisiana and Mississippi, more than 48,000 FEMA trailers were occupied this month by victims of the 2005 hurricanes. Reacting to residents' health concerns, FEMA has moved hundreds of families in both states out of trailers and into apartments, hotel rooms or other temporary housing.
FEMA also has temporarily suspended the sale of its used trailers and says the units won't be used to shelter victims of future disasters until the safety concerns are resolved.
Hundreds of Gulf Coast residents are suing trailer manufacturers for allegedly providing FEMA with poorly constructed units contaminated by formaldehyde. Several of those federal lawsuits in Louisiana were consolidated on Oct. 24 and transferred to Englehardt, who scheduled a Jan. 18 initial hearing on the litigation.

YouTube Vidoe:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5SgirfFOQDU

8 a.m.: FEMA Ordered To Submit Air Quality Plan
December 4, 2007
NEW ORLEANS, La -- A federal judge in Louisiana has ordered the Federal Emergency Management Agency to submit a detailed plan for testing the air quality in government-issued trailers in Mississippi.
U.S. District Judge Kurt Engelhardt says FEMA and its top administrator, R. David Paulison, have until Dec. 17 to respond to court papers filed by a group of trailer occupants who want the air-quality tests to begin immediately.
On Nov. 2, federal scientists were scheduled to start testing FEMA trailers in Mississippi for levels of formaldehyde.
FEMA postponed those tests, however, saying it needed more time to prepare.
FEMA spokeswoman Mary Margaret Walker said Monday that the tests are expected to begin "soon," but she couldn't elaborate and wouldn't comment on the judge's order.

Encore Azalea Gulf Restoration Project

2007-12-02T20:08:00.000-05:00

CONTACT: Encore Azalea®
Brand Management
Corrina Stellitano
251-960-5439

OHR-O’KEEFE MUSEUM OF ART CHOSEN AS RECIPIENT IN ENCORE AZALEA® GULF COAST HURRICANE RESTORATION PROJECT

Biloxi, Miss. — November 30, 2007 — Encore Azalea®, the only patented brand of azaleas to bloom in spring, summer, and fall, has chosen the Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art as a recipient of its Encore Azalea® Gulf Coast Hurricane Restoration Project.

An initiative designed to aid those affected by hurricanes along the Gulf Coast, the Encore Azalea® Gulf Coast Hurricane Restoration Project offers planners the opportunity to include the 23 varieties of Encore Azalea in their landscape renovation plans.

On Saturday, area residents will have a chance to view the recently planted Encore Azaleas at the special event “Celebration of Rebuilding: The Dance Begins.” The ceremony at the new museum site, 386 Beach Boulevard, Biloxi, will be open to the public at 10 a.m. with free admission.

The awarded Encore Azaleas were grown by Loxley, Ala.-based Flowerwood Nursery — one of nine licensed Encore Azalea growers across the Southeast and Northwest.

Twenty other cities or public spaces have submitted applications for the Encore Azalea® Gulf Coast Hurricane Restoration Project: Atmore, Al; Orange Beach, Al; Pascagoula, Ms; Bogalousa, La; Franklinton, La; Ocean Springs, Ms; Long Beach, Ms; Biloxi, Ms; Dauphin Island, Al; Long Beach, Ms; the Louisiana Political And Science Museum And Hall Of Fame, Winnfield, La; the Harrison County Courthouse, Gulfport, Ms; Renaissance Public Gardens, Diamondhead, Ms; St. Tammany Parish Library, Covington, La; St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, Gulfport, Ms; Covington Tammany Trace, Covington, La; Gulf Hills Rebeautification, Ocean Springs, Ms; Lsu Agricultural Center/Burden Research Center, Baton Rouge, La; and the Humane Society, Gulfport, Ms.

The only patented brand of azalea that blooms three times a year, Encore Azaleas begin blooming each spring like a traditional azalea. Once this initial blooming concludes, new shoots begin to grow and set buds. Then blooms emerge again in mid-summer and continue in many areas until first frost; a feat no other azalea can consistently achieve.

Encore Azaleas were developed and invented by plant breeder Robert E. "Buddy" Lee of Independence, La. Plant Development Services Inc. assisted with the extensive 15-year testing and selection process. Currently, PDSI manages the Encore Azalea brand and the wholesale grower group responsible for growing and distributing Encore Azaleas to local garden centers throughout the United States. Encore Azaleas are also available via the web at www.plantsbymail.com.

For more information about Encore Azalea®, visit www.EncoreAzalea.com.

Ohr O'Keefe Museum Information

2007-11-29T18:41:00.000-05:00

11/29/07
YouTube Video:
http://www.youtube.com/user/OhrOKeefeMuseum

Museum hours are Monday-Friday 9-4:30, and a variety of exhibits are up throughout the year, including a grouping of George Ohr pottery. A gift shop is also open featuring regional potters and art books. Admission is free to visitors; a small fee is requested for larger group tours.

2/15
$98,000 in grants given to help rebuild historic places
11 get grants to help rebuild historic places
Grant recipients
Coast Main Street Organizations
Captain Colle House, Pascagoula
Saint Michael's Church, Biloxi
Allenbach House, Bay St. Louis
Historic Buelah Methodist Church Community Center, Lyman
Edwards House, Pearlington
Walter Anderson Cottage, Ocean Springs
Soria City Masonic Lodge, Gulfport
Old Waveland School, Waveland
Randolph School, Pass Christian
Ohr-O'Keefe Museum of Art, Creel House, Biloxi

Open Studio
July 18 OHR O'KEEFE INTRODUCES OPEN STUDIO
Beginning Aug. 1, the Ohr O'Keefe Museum of Art will offer an open pottery studio Monday - Saturday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. for the public as well as current students of the museum. Also, the museum, at 1596 Glenn Swetman Drive in Biloxi, will now be open for visitors on Saturdays from 10-2.

The studio has seven wheels available. Artists must call and reserve a spot one week in advance. The museum will charge a $20 fee for studio use which includes one 4 hour day (not to be split) and later visits to trim and glaze works. Current museum students may use the studio for free,but must reserve a space. The museum will need a 48-hour notice for cancellations or re-scheduling.

Potters must bring clay or purchase it from the studio which is $30 for 25 pounds. Potters can use all studio materials including wheels, tools, kiln, and low-fire glazes. However, high-fire glazes must be brought in by potters.

Firing charges will apply to all pieces of work. Charges will depend on size of pieces, number of pieces, and types of glaze.

If you would like more information please contact: Sara R.Miller, Educator, Ohr-O'Keefe Museum of Art, ohroutreach@yahoo.com, 228.374.5547.

Poster Contest
OHR FALL FESTIVAL POSTER CONTEST OPEN TO AREA ARTISTS
The 14th Annual George Ohr Fall Festival of Arts is sponsoring a poster contest with a prize of $300. The contest is open to all artists 18 and over. The deadline is August 10, 2007, and entries may be mailed or delivered to the transitional location of the Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art, 1596 Glenn Swetman Drive, Biloxi, MS 39530.

The work must be original and reference George Ohr in a creative fashion. Past posters for the fall festival sell rapidly in the museum gift shop, which still has an inventory of all but one or two posters.

Jurying will be done by members of the Fall Festival Committee. For more information, call 228.374.5547 or see www.georgeohr.org.

Schedule of Events
Exhibits
June 8-August 10: “Mississippi Clay Invitational". This exhibition will take a close look at some of the best clay workers in the state of Mississippi alive today. The works will include contemporary uses of clay to traditional pottery. All artists are currently residing in the state of Mississippi. Guest curator: Brian Nettles of Pass Christian.

July 26, at the museum, free of charge:
George E. Ohr Begs to Introduce himself as…Potter to the Push
Thursday, July 26, 2007 at 6PM
Glenn Swetman House, 1596 Glenn Swetman Dr., Biloxi. 228.374.5547. www.georgeohr.org
Anna Harris, curator, give a “re-introduction” to the life and work of George E. Ohr in a gallery talk and slide show. Guests will have a chance to tour the exhibition Potter to the Push, the current display of Ohr pottery, with Harris while hearing about the development of Ohr’s innovative ceramic style.

(added 3/30) August 24: Opening Reception, Diggin’ It, Ohr Rising Gulf States Juried Competiton (added 6/22) Sixty original works from artists of the five Gulf Coast states. Reception: 6 to 8 p.m.

August 24-September 28: Diggin’ It Gulf States Juried Competition. Sixty original works from artists of the five Gulf Coast states. Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art, 1596 Glenn Swetman Dr., Biloxi. 228.374.5547. www.georgeohr.org . Admission: free. Small fee for guided group tours. Gift shop featuring variety of local artists.
July 18 OHR O'KEEFE JURIED COMPETITION
The Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art is proud to announce the Mississippi Gulf Coast artists that have been accepted to be participants in the Diggin’ It 2007 Ohr Rising Gulf States Juried Competition;
Rebecca Dennis, Gulfport;
Yvonne Brown, Gulfport;
Susie Ranager, Ocean Springs;
Michelle Allee, Pass Christian;
Dena Ladner, Pass Christian;
Patrick Shannon, Gautier;
Rhonda Kinzer, Gautier;
Lori Gordon, Bay St. Louis.

Of the 150 entries, 60 original works were selected as participants and eight winners will be chosen. The competition was open to artists in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida. The winners will be revealed at the Diggin’ It opening reception on Aug. 24.

Scott Young a ceramist of San Juan Capistrano, CA, was elected as this year’s competition juror. “In my selection process, I looked at the presentation of each piece, the initial impression, the content or idea(s) present, the execution of skills and techniques used in fabrication and its spirit,” said Young.
The piece that receives the Mad Potter’s Award for Ceramics will be awarded $1000. Other awards include Ceramics Best in Show, All Media Best in Show, and five Juror’s Awards for all media.

September 29-30, Biloxi Town Green:
15th Annual George Ohr Fall Festival of Arts
Sponsored by the City of Biloxi and Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art
Call for details: 228.374.5547. http://www.georgeohr.org/
Art booths; great food; children’s activities; live music.
Mustache contest. Potters’ game. Raku booth.

On exhibit permanently: Varying selection of George Ohr pottery (Ohr 1857-1918). Includes Ohr’s 1892 Urn, inscribed “Mud Dauber”, and the Biloxi Lighthouse vase. Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art, 1596 Glenn Swetman Drive, Biloxi. 228.374.5547, info@georgeohr.org.

Movie Schedule
1596 Glenn Swetman Drive, Biloxi
All films begin at 6:30 pm and a discussion follows led by Ohr-O’Keefe docent Paul Dubaz.
Admission is free; donations are welcome.
info@georgeohr.org
http://www.georgeohr.org/

Underwritten by a Friend of the Museum

Thursday, August 16: The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (1964)
A very young and beautiful Catherine Deneuve falls in love with an auto mechanic against her widowed mother’s wishes. The entire story is told through music by Michel Le Grande and is colorfully directed by Jacques Demy.

Thursday, September 20: Like Water for Chocolate (1992)
Tita is the youngest of three sisters who live near the border of the United States in early 20th century Mexico with her widowed mother. An old family tradition forbids Tita to marry because she must care for her over protective and domineering mother in her old age.

Thursday, October 18: Beauty and the Beast (1946 version)
Jean Cocteau directed this live action version of the ancient fairy tale 45 years before Disney’s animated hit. This French cinema classic tells the same story but in a very surrealistic and adult presentation.

Misc.
Now located in a transitional home of the historic Glenn Swetman House in Biloxi, the Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art offers free meeting space for community clubs and organizations. It is recommended that meetings be booked at least six weeks in advance. Donations are welcome, of course! For more information, contact Trish Lawrence, 374.5574, or studio@georgeohr.org.

Volunteers are also being sought to join the still-active corps of volunteers and docents at the museum. In particular, volunteers who enjoy working with school groups are sought to assist museum educators with the very popular Great Tile Project, which has now served over 1,500 students in the three coast counties, with almost 2,000 more youth scheduled for projects in the coming months. The first group of volunteers will be needed by mid-February. For more information, contact Holly Zinner, holly@georgeohr.org; or Sara Miller, cjjpjd@yahoo.com

Classes
July 18 OHR-O'KEEFE MUSEUM INTRODUCES EDUCATION AND OUTREACH PROGRAM
The Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art’s Education and Outreach program will be traveling this school year visiting schools in Jackson, Harrison, and Hancock counties offering hands-on clay projects for students grades k-12. The Education and Outreach program, sponsored by the Foundation for the Mid-South, is designed to enhance children’s knowledge about the art history of the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
Since last year, the Outreach program has expanded the projects they offer.
For 2007, teachers will have the choice between fired or air-dried projects. The air dry clay projects will include pinch or coil pots, clay sculptures, imprinted tiles, or George Ohr masks. The fired clay projects will include pinch pots, press bowls, wind chimes, magnets, clay masks, or The Great Tile Project. The Great Tile Project has been an ongoing production at the
Ohr-O’Keefe Museum.

Due to costs, the museum will charge $2 per child for the fired projects; the air dry projects are free. Each project will be complete with an education piece about the history and pottery techniques of Biloxi potter, George Ohr.

Last year, the Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art’s Education and Outreach program reached over 6,000 students in the Mississippi Gulf Coast area. Sara Miller, Ohr-O’Keefe Educator, will be coordinating the program this year. Other representatives from the museum that will be visiting coast schools include Kathy Bristol, Morgan Hartman, and Chuck Comstock.

The Ohr-O’Keefe’s Museum of Art’s goal is to reach as many young people as possible with traditional art opportunities through the Education and Outreach program.

If you would like an information packet for your school or would like to schedule an outreach please contact: Sara Miller, Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art, Education and Outreach Coordinator, outreach@georgeohr.org or 228-374-5547

July 20-22: Beginning Watercolor Workshop. Instructor: major Southern painter Victoria Lenne of Tennessee. At Community Development building, Howard Ave., Biloxi. Limited enrollment; pre-registration required. $200; $180 for museum members. Sponsored by Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art, 228.374.5547, http://www.georgeohr.org/.

July 27-29: Advanced Watercolor Workshop. Instructor: Victoria Lenne. Limited enrollment; pre-registration required. $200; $180 for museum members. Sponsored by Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art 228.374.5547, http://www.georgeohr.org/.
July 18 A few spots remain in the advanced water color session. The fee is $200 for three days; $180 for museum members. For more information, call 228.374.5547 or email studio@georgeohr.org.

July 18 Weeklong Clay Workshop through Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art - October 1-5

The Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art will sponsor a five-day clay workshop Oct. 1-5 at the studio of Brian Nettles in Pass Christian. There is a limit of six students for the workshop, and spaces are filling fast. Trish Lawrence, 228.374.5547 or studio@georgeohr.org, is keeping a waiting list for the workshop.

In this five-day intensive clay workshop, students will learn to discover personal forms by learning to use the potter’s wheel as a tool. They will learn to take basic cylinders from the potter’s wheel to the work table and push, pull, cut and stretch into functional pots for food use, paying special attention to handles, spouts, feet and lids.

This class is open to all serious students at all levels. The instructor, Brian Nettles, a studio potter has been working in clay for over twenty years. He received his BFA from the University of Southern Mississippi and continued his education studying in Japan. He has taught numerous workshops around the country and his work can be found in private and public collections around the world including the Mobile Museum of Art, The Tokoname Cultural Center, in Tokoname Japan, Mississippi Museum of Art, Key West Community College, Lauren Rogers Museum of Art,

Fee: $475 - $450 for Ohr-O’Keefe museum members
(Class size will be limited to six for more personal attention.)
This includes 50 pounds of clay and the work will be bisque fired.
(Glazing may be a possibility through Nettles Studios at a later date).
Location: Nettles Studios, Pass Christian, MS Situated in the middle of 30 beautiful acres, students will learn and observe nature with Brian where he finds his inspiration.

Gulf Coast Women's Ctr for NonViolence

2007-11-29T16:28:00.000-05:00

Please only send new, unused, unwrapped items for Christmas gifts.
Stacey Myers, LMSW
Clinical Services Asst. Director
Gulf Coast Women's Center for Nonviolence, Inc.
P.O. Box 333 Biloxi, MS 39533
(228) 432-2358 office

Women
Watches
Alarm Clocks
CD Players (small boom box or head phone sets)
Journals
Wallets
Address Books
Purses
Jewelry
Bath items (lotions, body wash, etc)
Music CD’s – Country, Rock, Gospel
Movies – (Nonviolent & Nonsexual)
Gift Cards (Wal Mart, Mall, Restaurants, hair or nail salons, bookstores)
Reading Lamps
Disposable Cameras (for Christmas Morning)
Jackets/Coats (all sizes)
Housewares
Towels – Bath & Kitchen
Dishes
Pots & Pans
Glassware
Silverware
Bowls
Sheets (All sizes)
Pillows
Blankets
Comforter sets (full/queen)

Teens
Gift Certificates (Mall Stores, Walmart, Music stores)
CD Players
Music CD’s
Movie Gift Certificates
Wallets (Boys & Girls)
DVD Movies (Nonviolent, no Rated R)
Room décor (Bedding sets, mirrors…)
Curling Irons
Hair Straightening Irons
Teen watches
Jackets / Coats
Any other age appropriate, popular items for the season

Pre-Teens (ages 8-12)
Movies DVD’s
Gift Cards
Movie Passes
Roller Blades
Skate Boards
Balls (basketball, baseball, football)
Sports Equipment (bats, helmets, etc.)
Room Décor (age appropriate for either boys and girls)
Board Games
CD Players
Books
Jackets / Coats
pajamas (all sizes)
Any other age appropriate, popular items for the season

Children (birth – age 6/7)
Trucks
Dolls
Doll Strollers
Movies
Music
Building Blocks / Legos
Dress up clothes
Barbies
Games (age appropriate)
Tea sets
sporting equipment (age appropriate)
jackets/coats
pajamas
Any other age appropriate popular toys for the season

Salvation Army of MS

2007-11-29T16:18:00.000-05:00

The Salvation Army is seeking your assistance to support The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree and Red Kettle Holiday Fund-raising Campaign as we continue our efforts to help the Coast's six counties (George, Hancock, Harrison, Jackson, Pearl River and Stone) get "back to normal".

This is an important and special program that benefits many local needy individuals. Each year The Salvation Army provides food for the hungry, companionship to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter for the disabled, and many more services.

We invite you to attend our 2007 Christmas Cheer (Angel Tree and Kettle) Kickoff on Wednesday, November 21st, 5:00 p.m. at Edgewater Mall, between Traditional Jewelers and Auntie Anne's. We will have a short program with WLOX featuring Christmas Carols and music.

We are also working with Edgewater Mall to provide a gift wrapping service which will be located by our Angel Tree display. We would be happy to wrap gifts for your annual Christmas party as well!

STOCKINGS - Seniors
We are providing Christmas stocking for Senior Citizens this year. If you would like to help, I will be happy to drop some off for you. Suggestions items to include: Gift cards, socks, stamps, cards, stationery, lotion, disposable razors, shaving cream, etc.

KETTLE
We are very happy to announce that this year you can go to http://www.onlineredkettle.org/ to donate and/or sponsor you own business and/or personal Kettle!!!
We are still signing up and need bellringers as well. Would it be possible to put these in employee areas so they can sign up as a Volunteer to ring bells for us? We are ringing at
all the area Walmarts, Edgewater, Diamondhead and several other locations.

ANGEL TREE DISTRIBUTION
Our dates to prepare for distribution are December 13th and 14th and we will be distributing Angel Tree gifts from December 17th through December 20th. We are in need of lunches being provided for our, usually about 75, Volunteers. (We do have commitments for lunch on December 13th and 19th. ) Please consider providing lunch for any of these dates.

May we count on you for bell ringer volunteers, adopting Angels, or a donation?

Thank you for your help!

Brandi H. Clarke
Director of Financial Development & Community Relations
The Salvation Army
Phone: 228-326-4365

We are the Link between the Receiver and the Giver.
We anticipate exceeding the numbers over last year both Receivers and Givers.

ANGEL TREE REGISTRATION – GENERAL INFORMATION - For Families
-Registration started October 1st
-Intake forms taken until December 1st
-12 years or under
-Valid picture ID (Driver’s License, State ID, Military ID)
-Original Social Security card AND birth certificate for children (verify are indeed the parent), if Guardian, bring Guardianship documentation
-Current utility bill or lease (verify in correct service area)
-One toy wish
-Children’s clothing sizes written down

BAY ST LOUIS OFFICE (Hancock and Pearl River Counties and City of Pass Christian)
12077 Highway 603; Bay St Louis, MS 39520 (Hwy 603 Plaza)
-228-466-4921
-Walk-ins welcome, Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon and 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p. m.

BILOXI OFFICE (East Harrison)
575 Division Street; Biloxi, MS 39530
-228-435-4893
-Walk-ins welcome during, Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon and 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p. m.

GULFPORT (West Harrison & Stone Counties)
-1200 Pass Road; Gulfport, MS 39501
-228-822-2281
-Walk-ins welcome during, Monday through Friday, 8:30 – 11:45am and 1:00 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.

PASCAGOULA OFFICE (Jackson and George Counties)
3217 Nathan Hale Avenue; Pascagoula, MS 39568
-228-762-7222
-Appointments Only Monday through Friday, 8:00 – 12:00 Noon and 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

ANGEL TREES - ADOPTION - for Donors

We ask Gifts be returned by Friday, December 14th.

BAY ST LOUIS OFFICE (Hancock and Pearl River Counties and City of Pass Christian) 12077 Highway 603; Bay St Louis, MS 39520 (Hwy 603 Plaza)
-228-324-3963
-Monday through Friday, anytime after 8:00 a.m.

BILOXI OFFICE (East Harrison)
575 Division Street; Biloxi, MS 39530
-228-374-7008
-Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon and 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p. m.

GULFPORT (West Harrison & Stone Counties)
-1200 Pass Road; Gulfport, MS 39501
-228-822-2281
-Monday through Friday, 8:30 – 11:45am and 1:00 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.

PASCAGOULA OFFICE (Jackson and George Counties)
3217 Nathan Hale Avenue; Pascagoula, MS 39568
-Please call 228-762-7222, Monday through Friday, between 8:00 a. m. to 4:00 p.m. or
-Email: Michelle_Collette@uss.salvationarmy.org

Poster to Hang

2007-11-26T23:00:00.000-05:00

This is just a suggestion for you to hang at local restaurants, churches, universities. I used it last year and it made people look.

Family Of The Week

2007-11-26T21:46:00.000-05:00

11/26 All of the needs of all of the families will be taking center stage until after Christmas. Please follow this and add to the gifts being given.

First - What friends, family and I are doing for some survivors Updated 11/26

Now - do you want to help a family? If you are from the Binghamton Area and would like to assist, please contact me at KatrinaCoalition@aol.com. I am more than willing to pay for shipping if you are willing to buy the gifts. I have them categorized by family below, with head of households listed first. ALL of the families want the children taken care of first! Items in Bold Red are Promised to be gotten. 11/23 - list is up only a few hours and someone has already started helping! Woo!

Or would you like to help an organization helping Katrina Survivors? I am compiling a list of local Gulf organizations in need as well as national agencies that are assisting. You can contact them directly from the information I list, or you can contact me for further information. Have posted this on another page

The following is a Wishing Tree of sorts. It is all of the items that are needed by the families that are still able to contact me. Many have lost internet service - they can't afford home phones anymore. But, those who have responded have sent me lists of needs and wishes for this Christmas.

For Dogs - Many of the families have pets:
Flea Collars
Regular Collars
Treats
Beds
Food

http://realpeoplerelief.blogspot.com/2006/10/ginger-et-al.html
69 y.o. Grandmother - Disabled with Bad Hips
Pinks, Blues & earth tones.
pants/jeans size 24
shirts (button ups or T-shirts).
Bra - 44D (no under wire please, white or beige)
Panties - Size 13 any color (she likes the silky fabric, rather than the cotton).
Shoes - 10 wide.
Socks - ankle socks size 10 women's (tennis & dress).
electrical drill with both forward and reverse, she would love an warm winter blanket - king size to wrap up in

46 y.o. Mother - Disabled with traumatic arthritis
Purples & earth tones, frills
T-shirts - 3X-5X Long
Pants - 28 tall women's, 3X in stretch pants and shorts.
Bra - 44DD (no under wire please, any color) is allergic to fiberfill
Socks - Size ladies 9/10 anklets and crew cut (any color).
Shoes – 8 1/2 Wide/Extra wide
I do enjoy decoupage, crotchet, knitting, painting, drawing and other creative crafts.

32 y.o. Working Mother
Black (think subtle goth style)
Shirts/T's size S-M.
Skirts/pants/jeans size 0-4 women's.
Bra - 36A
Panties - Ladies size 6/7
Socks - Ladies size 9/9 1/2
Shoes - 9/10
Would love to have hair accessories and scrunchies. a warm ski suit, since she freezes even down here.

Their Children:
School Uniforms (all public schools in the south require uniforms)
Khaki, navy for pants, skirts and jumpers. Navy, light blue & Maroon for shirts. Socks - white, navy, maroon.

15 y.o. girl
Camouflage, pinks, blues.
Shirts/T's size M-L ladies.
Skirts/pants/jeans size ladies 6/7
Bra - 36B
Panties - ladies 6/7 (any color)
Socks - ladies 9-91/2 anklet & crew
Shoes - women's size 9-10
Would love to have hair accessories and scrunchies.
Make up.
CD's - Country & Rap, DVD's - Comedy & Horror

14 y.o. Boy
Red, black, & green.
Shirts/T's - boys size L
Pants/shorts/jeans - size boys 18 regular
Boxers only - size 16/18
Socks - 9-91/2 crew
Shoes - men size 91/2 - 10 1/2
Model Cars & Airplanes Playstation-II Games DVD's - something 14 year old boys would like

13 y.o. Girl
Pinks, blues.
Shirts/T's size M-L ladies.
Skirts/pants/jeans size ladies 6/7
Bra - 36B - 36C (pastel)
Panties - ladies 6/7
Socks - ladies 9 - 91/2 anklet & crew Loves toe socks.
Shoes - women's size 9 - 9 1/2
Would love to have hair accessories and scrunchies, jewelry, stuffed animals. Something pretty to sit on her dresser, CD's Country (her favorites are Faith Hill, Carrie Underwood, Nelly and Kid's Pick), earrings, Make up and finger nail polish.

12 y.o. Boy
Yellow, blue & orange.
Shirts/T's - boys size L.
Pants/shorts/jeans - size boys 16 husky.
Boxers only - size 14/16
Socks - 9-9 1/2 crew
Shoes - size 8 1/2 - 9
X-Box Games, Playstation-II Games to play at a friend's house.

7 y.o Girl
Purples, reds/magenta, blues
Jumpers/dresses - size 12 -14 chubby.
Shirts/T's - child's size Large
Pants/shorts/jeans - size 12 - 14 chubby.
Socks - anklet & knee highs, Loves toe socks.
Shoes - 5 1/2
hair accessories and scrunchies. Children's DVD's (she loves watching these!), Mermaids, Brat dolls, Coloring Books.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
http://realpeoplerelief.blogspot.com/2007/09/keisha-1.html
28 y.o. Mother - unable to find consistent work
everyday/work environment attire , button down blouses, bottoms etc. I wear M/L in blouses it differs,sometimes L will be to big in blouses and tops sometimes not, ,bottoms size 12
washer/dryer
Toiletries - all
Paper products - all
Dental assistance
Gas for travel.
Laptop for College
Purse

10 y.o. Girl
couple of burgundy uniform tops for school, navy bottom, everyday tops/bottoms, undergarments.
She is growing up. I was in denial still trying to squeeze her into a 10/12 but she needs size 14 bottoms,and 14 tops to be safe.
bratz the moviez remote control corvette cruiser
bratz atm machine
bratz microphone
bratz styling head (mannequinn head)
bratz cyber style kids interactive laptop
camera
purse
kids watch
mp3 player
clothes or gift card to purchase
shoes or gift card to purchase
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
http://realpeoplerelief.blogspot.com/2007/11/carol-5.html
41 y.o. Mother/Grandmother
Clothes (shirts size large, pants 7, pajamas, socks, etc)
*Work clothes (blouses size large, dress pants size 7) 1 of each Promised
Purse - Promised
Pots or other kitchen items such as plastic storage containers, cooking utensils
Rice Cooker - Promised
Gift card for groceries would come in handy (Winn Dixie, Walmart, Sam's)

21 y.o. woman
Clothes (Shirts size xlarge, jogging suit xl, paiamas, socks, etc)
Camera Promised
Photo album/scrapbooking items
Purse/Wallet
Bath and body products (body wash, lotion, etc)

19 y.o. son
Clothes (Shirts size Large or XLarge, jeans size 34 waist, underwear Large, socks, tee shirts) Shirt, T-shirt Promised
Wallet
Electric Razor
Any sports items (he loves Basketball and Football)
Blank CD's
Alarm Clock Promised

13 y.o. girl
Clothes - Either 14/16 or a small in juniors (tops, jeans, jogging set, socks, underwear, etc)
Pink Digital Camera - Promised
CD's - She loves country music (Kellie Pickler, Carrie Underwood, also Hannah Montana and Jonas Brothers)
Games - Twister (She has scattergories and clue...family games)
Items from Claires - Hair accessories, earrings, necklaces...any girly type things
She enjoys shopping so a gift card would be great - she loves Aeropostale, Target, Walmart

20 month old girl
Clothes - 24 months (preferably winter clothes.) A few Promised
Shoes - Size 6 or 7 in infants/children Promised
Toys - She likes baby dolls, toys that make music/sounds, toys that teach shapes/colors, books
Hair Accessories - Barrettes, hair ties, etc
Other - Diapers (size 4), baby wipes, sippy cups, powder, lotion, warm character blanket.

8 month old boy
Clothes - 9 to 12 months (preferably winter clothes...shirts, pants, socks, winter jacket, etc)
Toys - Anything with sound/lights, any baby toy trucks, books, etc
Other - Diapers (size 3 - he's a big boy :), baby wipes, etc)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
http://realpeoplerelief.blogspot.com/2007/11/christie-s-2.html

31 y.o. Disabled Mother
I am in serious need of electric assistance

45 y.o. Disabled Father
Food, cleaning supplies, blankets

9 y.o. Boy with ADHD
shirts men's med., men's 9 1/2 shoes, pants men's 40x30's
needs some long sleeved white shirts no collar and royal blue polo shirts for school uniforms
he loves games and fishing, science and animals
he is ADHD and has several learning disabilities

12 y.o. Girl
Shirt women's med.'s
shoes 9 1/2 pants 10 or 12
loves music
games
make up and girly stuff
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http://realpeoplerelief.blogspot.com/2006/12/shannon-w.html

28 y.o. Mother
shirts - large
Pants size 9/10
Shoes size 7
Cookware
Bakeware
Plates
Silverware
Cleaning Supplies
Gas cards
Food

60 y.o. Grandmother (dying of ulcerative cholitis)
Shirts - large
Pants - 9/10
Shoes - 7
Pull-ups
Instant Carnation Breakfast Powder
CVS gift cards for medications

13 y.o. Boy
Shirts - sm mens
Pants - size18 boys
X-Box game - Halo 3 to play at friend's house
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http://realpeoplerelief.blogspot.com/2007/11/elizabeth-4.html

This family is brand new to the list and is currently dealing with a death in the family. No list yet, but I'm sure general "kid" stuff would be most appreciated.
33 y.o. Mother
32 y.o. Father
9 y.o Boy
2 y.o. Girl
1 y.o. Girl (8 weeks premature)
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http://realpeoplerelief.blogspot.com/2006/11/jessica-l.html

30 y.o. Mother
housewares, towels, dishes (any solid color), glasses,
clothes jeans (size 16 can be bought in tall sizes), bedding, shirts (L or 16),shoes 11, a car (haha), anything for a house really
My mom has lost alot of weight so she would love some clothes that fit! Stress is a great diet sometimes. Jeans: 20Tall Shirts: 1x or 2x Shoes: 12

11 y.o. Boy
any WWE action figures or anything to do with WWE or wrestling
Jeans: 34 x 29; Shirts - men's medium or boys XL
any transformers
Ladder Match (WWE)
Modern Warfare (video game for xbox)
Call of Duty (video game for xbox)
The NOLA Saints
Football
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11/23 - 21:15
26 y.o. Mother - working
Bedding for twin mattresses
ink for HP Printer (#s 21,22)

8 y.o. Boy
Clothes - size 10/12
Books - Any for an 8 y.o. boy. Curious George, Goosebumps, etc.

6 y.o. Girl
Clothes - size 7/8
Books - Disney, coloring books, cartoon books, stuff for a 6 y.o.

Thanksgiving CoHR

2007-11-14T22:17:00.000-05:00

The only reason I see a need to push the seasons of Thanksgiving and Christmas is when people in need are involved. Last year, many organizations and people (myself included) got blind-sided by the holidays, scrambling to organize assistance.

So many of these survivors still don't have Christmas ornaments! No stockings, no money for presents for their children, nothing for Thanksgiving.

This year, many of us have been anticipating this and have begun our campaigns early. The following links are different examples of what people are doing, what some hope to have done, what some wish could be. If you are touched in anyway, please help. $10 buys a gift or 50 ornaments. $20 can buy a prelit Christmas tree. $50 buys Thanksgiving for at least a family of 4.

My Pop Art is doing its part to help

Buy a Calendar For Your Babe!

Boat People Reports On The Katrina Cash Crunch

Hurricane Katrina Relief's Efforts

TryNova's Holiday Coping For Survivors

CE's Post for Pickin' Up The Pieces

8 Days of Hope is Going for New Years

JudyB of Thanks, Katrina, posts about a volunteer memorial

NOLA Catholic Charities Event

Baton Rouge Catholic Charities

Leslie's Work for The Holidays

Lead Exposure

2007-11-02T08:54:00.000-04:00

The following is an exerpt from a gov't report (MMWR).

If you are a volunteer, please consider getting your lead levels checked. If you are a resident, PLEASE consider getting your lead levels checked. If you have children, do not hesitate in getting their lead levels checked. If you are a volunteer, please consider donating a lead blood test to a resident in need.

Katrina stirred a lot of chemicals that have been dormant in the soil for years up to the surface.

http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5608a1.htm?s_cid=rr5608a1_e

Recommendations for Testing

CDC (102) and AAP (3) have recommended that health-care providers conduct blood lead tests on children enrolled in Medicaid and those identified as being at risk on the basis of the state or local screening plan or the risk assessment process. Federal policy requires that all children enrolled in Medicaid receive screening blood lead tests at ages 12 and 24 months and that blood lead screening be performed for children aged 36--72 months who have not been screened previously (103). Despite this, blood lead screening rates for Medicaid children have been low (<20%) href="http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/grants/contacts/CLPPP%20Map.htm">http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/grants/contacts/CLPPP%20Map.htm.

Targeted screening strategies enable clinicians to assess risks for individual children and recommend blood lead testing for a subset of children in the jurisdiction thought to be at increased risk for lead exposure. CDC recommends that risk evaluations be conducted on the basis of such factors as residence in a geographic area, membership in a group at high risk, answers to a personal-risk assessment questionnaire (which might include local factors such as cultural practices or products, such as herbal remedies, traditional cosmetics or imported spices), or other risk factors relevant to the jurisdiction (102).

CDC recommends that locally developed targeted risk assessment and blood lead screening strategies be applied at ages 1 and 2 years (102). Children aged 36--72 months who have been identified as being at risk and who have not been screened previously also should receive a blood lead test (102). For clinicians in areas that lack a state or local screening plan, CDC recommends that a blood lead test be performed on all children at ages 1 and 2 years and on children aged 36--72 months who have not been screened previously (102).

Because lead exposures might change with a child's developmental progress (e.g., walking or reaching window sills) or as a result of external factors (e.g., family relocation or home remodeling), two routine screenings are recommended (at approximately ages 1 and 2 years). Among children in Chicago at high risk with BLLs <10>10 µg/dL when tested again at age >2 years (103). This report does not change current CDC recommendations in ages for routine blood lead testing. However, certain local health departments (e.g., those in Chicago, Illinois; New York, New York; and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) recommend blood lead screening at younger ages or more frequently (106--108). For example, these departments recommend BLL testing starting at ages 6--9 months in high risk areas, blood lead testing at more frequent intervals (e.g., every 6 months) for children aged <2 years, or the provision of additional education and more rapid follow-up blood lead testing for children aged <12 months with BLLs 6--9 µg/dL.

Resource Guide for help and information
Exerpts
Consumer Product Safety Commission - recalls, etc. www.cpsc.gov
Dept of Health and Human Services - FAQs www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead
The EPA - lead in drinking water - www.epa.gov/lead

Carnival of Hurricane Relief Oct 18

2007-10-17T22:09:00.000-04:00

Progress Seen From Southern Miss Alumni

Desert Bayou being shown in Iowa

Ana Marie's Reporting on Congressional Bill For Home Owners

A Book Review of Holding Out and Hanging On By Freshare

Facing South Shows The Continued Neglect of Washington Leaving Children Behind

Marine Environment News Highlights More Small Business Help

Beyond Katrina Publishes Report On Non Profits

CL&P discusses Foreclosure Rates and Katrina Connection

Brave New Films Highlights Kaiser Family Foundation Study on "Lazy Katrina Victims"

YA'LL Sponsoring Events

One Survivor's Ongoing Story....