Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Vendor/Organizational Spots Still Available For the Crescent City Celebration
Vendor/Organizational spots are still available for the Crescent City Celebration on November 7th. Tables spaces are only $30 for the event. Please download the two files below for more information.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Global Green Presents Green Career Fair to help New Orleanians Pursue Opportunities in the Growing Green Economy
WHAT:
On Saturday October 24 Global Green is hosting a GREEN CAREERS/JOB Fair at the Walter Cohen High School at 2523 Dryades St with seminars hosted by over 40 professionals in careers ranging from environmental law and policy to solar panel installation.
The event will inform attendees of opportunities with employers such as Siemens Technologies, The Sierra Club, Future Proof Architecture, ResCom Energy Savers and Green Coast Enterprises construction. For a complete list of speakers please visit http://globalgreen.org/events/90 .
Jerome Ringo, President of the Apollo Alliance--a coalition of labor, business, environmental, and community leaders working to catalyze a clean energy revolution that will put millions of Americans to work in a new generation of high-quality, green-collar jobs-will be giving a keynote speech after breakfast in distributed to participants.
WHEN:
Saturday, October 24, 2009
8:30 am - 3:45 pm
WHERE:
Walter Cohen High School
3520 Dryades
New Orleans, LA
WHO:
Global Green USA www.globalgreenusa.org
Jerome Ringo, Apollo Alliance
40 experts in various green professions
WHY:
According to recent surveys the "Green Economy" and the jobs that come along with it are of major interest to the citizens of New Orleans and the Gulf South Region.
Global Green USA is committed to helping New Orleanians rebuild a sustainable city by providing green building information for homeowners, residents, builders and architects in New Orleans, mirroring Global Green's national and regional initiatives of "fostering a global value shift toward a sustainable and secure future." Visit Global Green USA's Green Building Resource Center at 841 Carondolet Street, New Orleans, LA 70130.
Global Green USA is a national environmental organization that merges innovative research, cutting-edge community-based projects and targeted advocacy to create a sustainable future. Global Green USA has helped green nearly $20 billion in affordable housing, school, college and municipal building construction through technical assistance, partnerships, advocacy, and education. The organization has written, and implemented green building, energy efficiency, and solar power guidelines in addition to legislation and incentives at the local, state, and federal level. It has also pioneered partnerships with countless non-profits and government agencies. Please visit www.globalgreen.org for more information.
For Further Background on Global Green's green initiatives in New Orleans you may also visit the Global Green New Orleans Green Building Resource Center at 841 Carondolet Street, New Orleans, LA 70130.
On Saturday October 24 Global Green is hosting a GREEN CAREERS/JOB Fair at the Walter Cohen High School at 2523 Dryades St with seminars hosted by over 40 professionals in careers ranging from environmental law and policy to solar panel installation.
The event will inform attendees of opportunities with employers such as Siemens Technologies, The Sierra Club, Future Proof Architecture, ResCom Energy Savers and Green Coast Enterprises construction. For a complete list of speakers please visit http://globalgreen.org/events/90 .Jerome Ringo, President of the Apollo Alliance--a coalition of labor, business, environmental, and community leaders working to catalyze a clean energy revolution that will put millions of Americans to work in a new generation of high-quality, green-collar jobs-will be giving a keynote speech after breakfast in distributed to participants.
WHEN:
Saturday, October 24, 2009
8:30 am - 3:45 pm
WHERE:
Walter Cohen High School
3520 Dryades
New Orleans, LA
WHO:
Global Green USA www.globalgreenusa.org
Jerome Ringo, Apollo Alliance
40 experts in various green professions
WHY:
According to recent surveys the "Green Economy" and the jobs that come along with it are of major interest to the citizens of New Orleans and the Gulf South Region.
Global Green USA is committed to helping New Orleanians rebuild a sustainable city by providing green building information for homeowners, residents, builders and architects in New Orleans, mirroring Global Green's national and regional initiatives of "fostering a global value shift toward a sustainable and secure future." Visit Global Green USA's Green Building Resource Center at 841 Carondolet Street, New Orleans, LA 70130.
Global Green USA is a national environmental organization that merges innovative research, cutting-edge community-based projects and targeted advocacy to create a sustainable future. Global Green USA has helped green nearly $20 billion in affordable housing, school, college and municipal building construction through technical assistance, partnerships, advocacy, and education. The organization has written, and implemented green building, energy efficiency, and solar power guidelines in addition to legislation and incentives at the local, state, and federal level. It has also pioneered partnerships with countless non-profits and government agencies. Please visit www.globalgreen.org for more information.
For Further Background on Global Green's green initiatives in New Orleans you may also visit the Global Green New Orleans Green Building Resource Center at 841 Carondolet Street, New Orleans, LA 70130.
Seminar this Saturday: Cultivating Public Markets
I simply love farmers markets. Not only do they give us access to all kinds of local goods, they allow us to get out into the community and meet our neighbors, engage our communities and support local businesses. I am thrilled to see all of the new markets flourishing around New Orleans. To aid in these developments, the Latino Farmers' Cooperative of Louisiana has partnered with the Institute of Community Development, the Louisiana Association of Cooperatives and the National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service to bring us a seminar entitles "Cultivating Public Markets: Golden Rules of Marketing" this Saturday October 24th, from 2 pm to 4 pm at the Masonic Hall (1614 Basin St.) For more information read on:
Cultivating Public Markets: Golden Rules of Marketing
A Seminar for Shoppers, Vendors, Market Managers, Neighborhood Activists, Sponsors, Producers, Growers, Entrepreneurs
Saturday, October 24th - 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Masonic Hall: - 1614 Basin Street New Orleans, LA (Back Entrance)
Donation: $3
(Helpful, but not required)
The Latino Farmers Cooperative of Louisiana in partnership with the Institute of Community Development, the Louisiana Association of Cooperatives and the National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service are pleased to present a seminar on "how to sell at farmers markets", selling to consumers, how to make a market sustainable, how to keep customers coming back. You will be able to participate by asking questions and network during a 15-minutes break with fellow "locavores" interested in providing a place for small farmers, local urban growers, producers and crafters while supporting local economies.
About Our Speaker:
Michael McNair is the sustainable agriculture marketing specialist for the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) for the Southern Region, a diverse organization that help farmers, small urban growers, governmental agencies, small businesses, other nonprofits and communities to adopt technologies that save energy and resources through trainings, publications, websites, personalized technical assistance, and telephone help lines. A native of Brookhaven, Mississippi, he worked for 17 years as an agriculture business specialist. He operated a farmers market in Mississippi and provided food business consultant services to a number of entrepreneurs. Although, he does not consider himself a farmer, Mr. McNair became a vegetable producer while helping to structure a farmer's market in Hattiesburn, MS.
R.S.V.P
Harvey Reed at Lcooperatives@gmail.com or via phone (504) 319-1085
Refreshmen/wine/coffee and snacks provided
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Monday, October 19, 2009
Militarism in Schools
By: Seth Kershner
A Pentagon stretched to the limit by more than eight years of war is finally enjoying an improved military recruitment climate, helped in part by the current recession. All branches of the military, active and reserve, exceeded their recruiting goals for the 2008 fiscal year. According to a recent article in the Baton Rouge Advocate, the recruiting command of the Louisiana National Guard, second in the nation in the number of Guardsmen sent to serve in Iraq-Afghanistan, hasn't had it this easy since the surge of patriotism following September 11. Aside from demonstrating the twisted way military recruitment preys upon a poor economy, the Pentagon's success in attracting (mostly) young people to enlist also signals a solid endorsement of their sophisticated and often deceptive recruiting strategy.
Ever since the end of the draft in 1973, the Pentagon has viewed military recruiters' presence in schools as a key element in their recruiting strategy. That the U.S. Army School Recruiting Handbook goes so far as to instruct recruiters to “own the school” reflects one of the unspoken assumptions of military recruitment policy: schools are seen as factories for producing soldiers. Overly protective of their turf, the Pentagon has in the past tried to repress efforts to end its monopoly on school access. So it was that in the 1980s a group of peace activists sued to win access to Atlanta public schools. The U.S. Justice Department intervened and charged that military recruiters should have “preferred access” to schools for what they called “compelling” reasons of national defense. The Justice Department lost that case, supporting a legal precedent – known as “equal access” - for peace activists to counter the military viewpoint in schools.
Contemporary counter recruitment activists certainly have their work cut out for them. Annual Pentagon spending on military recruitment regularly exceeds $1 billion. While much of that money bankrolls a constant military recruiter presence in schools, a good deal also goes to building and buying access to databases of student information that recruiters can use to develop leads, make calls, and secure enlistments. In 2005, controversy erupted over the revelation that the Pentagon had been secretly collecting information on kids as young as 15. One expert on electronic privacy recently told Mother Jones magazine that the Pentagon likely violated the Privacy Act by keeping the program under wraps until advocacy groups finally forced its disclosure.
The sources of data on these young adults were state and federal government agencies, as well as data brokers, or businesses which collect information on certain demographic groups in order to sell the data to a third party. Despite their controversial past use of data brokers, the Pentagon continues to rely on their services. Journalist David Goodman, in the same Mother Jones article as cited above, notes that the Pentagon spends $600,000 a year to support its habit with data brokers like Student Marketing Group. Does anyone at the Pentagon care that SMG has been sued for using deceptive practices to collect information on high school students? Perhaps not, considering that military recruiters are themselves regularly accused of using deceptive practices in order to boost enlistment numbers. Just four years ago the Pentagon ordered all the nation's military recruiters to observe a one-day “stand down” amidst national news coverage of recruiting fraud.
With so many reasons to be cautious concerning young people's interactions with the military, it is worth noting that for many youth the decision to join the armed forces is informed and conscientious. Thus, for young people growing up in under-resourced communities, the motivation to become involved with the military springs not just from the economic benefits to be had by signing up, but also from the desire to make a positive contribution to society. Gina Perez, a cultural anthropologist at Oberlin College, Ohio, spoke on this topic at a summer convention in Chicago of the National Network Opposing the Militarization of Youth. According to Dr. Perez, whose research focuses on high schoolers enrolled in the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC), youth of color are often motivated to join JROTC out of a desire to shed the negative stereotypes surrounding them and their communities. For these young people, many of whom must deal with a persistent police presence in their schools or neighborhoods, what makes joining JROTC so attractive is the respect that comes from wearing the uniform, from feeling as though they are contributing in a positive way to their communities.
What Dr. Perez's research shows is that for neighborhood activists concerned about the military in our schools, there needs to be more of a focused effort on providing real alternatives to enlistment. Jobs that pay as much as the military, opportunities to travel or learn a trade – these are markers of real alternatives, and this is where we need to focus our attention. Fortunately, some of that work has already begun right here in New Orleans.
On a Saturday in mid-September, the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC), Southeastern Office, was the lead sponsor in organizing an “Alternative Jobs and Resources” fair on Bayou Road, between North Dorgenois and Broad Streets. About one hundred people came out that day, braving the rain to talk with representatives from JOB 1 Business & Career Solutions, Operation Reach, Delgado Community College, and others. In an email, Alice Lovelace, the AFSC Associate Regional Director, wrote: “We do plan to do more events like this ... taking the job fair into the communities that are most affected by unemployment and working hard to connect with high schools that will support a fair on their premises.”
During the planning stages of this event, Lovelace and her co-sponsors drew on the experiences of an earlier alternatives fair in Greensboro, NC. In a phone interview, Ann Lennon, AFSC Area Coordinator for the Carolinas, spoke of how the fairs are “not only about alternatives to the military, but alternative ways to think about strengthening our communities, and building a more sustainable community-centered future for all of us.”
It is heartening to know that while the Pentagon may spend billions to propagandize our youth, the activists have the power of organizing on their side.
A Pentagon stretched to the limit by more than eight years of war is finally enjoying an improved military recruitment climate, helped in part by the current recession. All branches of the military, active and reserve, exceeded their recruiting goals for the 2008 fiscal year. According to a recent article in the Baton Rouge Advocate, the recruiting command of the Louisiana National Guard, second in the nation in the number of Guardsmen sent to serve in Iraq-Afghanistan, hasn't had it this easy since the surge of patriotism following September 11. Aside from demonstrating the twisted way military recruitment preys upon a poor economy, the Pentagon's success in attracting (mostly) young people to enlist also signals a solid endorsement of their sophisticated and often deceptive recruiting strategy.
Ever since the end of the draft in 1973, the Pentagon has viewed military recruiters' presence in schools as a key element in their recruiting strategy. That the U.S. Army School Recruiting Handbook goes so far as to instruct recruiters to “own the school” reflects one of the unspoken assumptions of military recruitment policy: schools are seen as factories for producing soldiers. Overly protective of their turf, the Pentagon has in the past tried to repress efforts to end its monopoly on school access. So it was that in the 1980s a group of peace activists sued to win access to Atlanta public schools. The U.S. Justice Department intervened and charged that military recruiters should have “preferred access” to schools for what they called “compelling” reasons of national defense. The Justice Department lost that case, supporting a legal precedent – known as “equal access” - for peace activists to counter the military viewpoint in schools.
Contemporary counter recruitment activists certainly have their work cut out for them. Annual Pentagon spending on military recruitment regularly exceeds $1 billion. While much of that money bankrolls a constant military recruiter presence in schools, a good deal also goes to building and buying access to databases of student information that recruiters can use to develop leads, make calls, and secure enlistments. In 2005, controversy erupted over the revelation that the Pentagon had been secretly collecting information on kids as young as 15. One expert on electronic privacy recently told Mother Jones magazine that the Pentagon likely violated the Privacy Act by keeping the program under wraps until advocacy groups finally forced its disclosure.
The sources of data on these young adults were state and federal government agencies, as well as data brokers, or businesses which collect information on certain demographic groups in order to sell the data to a third party. Despite their controversial past use of data brokers, the Pentagon continues to rely on their services. Journalist David Goodman, in the same Mother Jones article as cited above, notes that the Pentagon spends $600,000 a year to support its habit with data brokers like Student Marketing Group. Does anyone at the Pentagon care that SMG has been sued for using deceptive practices to collect information on high school students? Perhaps not, considering that military recruiters are themselves regularly accused of using deceptive practices in order to boost enlistment numbers. Just four years ago the Pentagon ordered all the nation's military recruiters to observe a one-day “stand down” amidst national news coverage of recruiting fraud.
With so many reasons to be cautious concerning young people's interactions with the military, it is worth noting that for many youth the decision to join the armed forces is informed and conscientious. Thus, for young people growing up in under-resourced communities, the motivation to become involved with the military springs not just from the economic benefits to be had by signing up, but also from the desire to make a positive contribution to society. Gina Perez, a cultural anthropologist at Oberlin College, Ohio, spoke on this topic at a summer convention in Chicago of the National Network Opposing the Militarization of Youth. According to Dr. Perez, whose research focuses on high schoolers enrolled in the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC), youth of color are often motivated to join JROTC out of a desire to shed the negative stereotypes surrounding them and their communities. For these young people, many of whom must deal with a persistent police presence in their schools or neighborhoods, what makes joining JROTC so attractive is the respect that comes from wearing the uniform, from feeling as though they are contributing in a positive way to their communities.
What Dr. Perez's research shows is that for neighborhood activists concerned about the military in our schools, there needs to be more of a focused effort on providing real alternatives to enlistment. Jobs that pay as much as the military, opportunities to travel or learn a trade – these are markers of real alternatives, and this is where we need to focus our attention. Fortunately, some of that work has already begun right here in New Orleans.
On a Saturday in mid-September, the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC), Southeastern Office, was the lead sponsor in organizing an “Alternative Jobs and Resources” fair on Bayou Road, between North Dorgenois and Broad Streets. About one hundred people came out that day, braving the rain to talk with representatives from JOB 1 Business & Career Solutions, Operation Reach, Delgado Community College, and others. In an email, Alice Lovelace, the AFSC Associate Regional Director, wrote: “We do plan to do more events like this ... taking the job fair into the communities that are most affected by unemployment and working hard to connect with high schools that will support a fair on their premises.”
During the planning stages of this event, Lovelace and her co-sponsors drew on the experiences of an earlier alternatives fair in Greensboro, NC. In a phone interview, Ann Lennon, AFSC Area Coordinator for the Carolinas, spoke of how the fairs are “not only about alternatives to the military, but alternative ways to think about strengthening our communities, and building a more sustainable community-centered future for all of us.”
It is heartening to know that while the Pentagon may spend billions to propagandize our youth, the activists have the power of organizing on their side.
Stress and Its Repercussions
by Chris Woolston
www.ahealthyme.com
The Lowdown on Stress
You can't get far in life without a little stress. The shaky feeling you get before a job interview? That's stress. Those jangly nerves that make you stammer when asking for a date? That's stress talking. And the feeling of elation you get when you actually land that job or that date despite yourself? Welcome to Stress City.
Any shift away from ordinary, everyday life -- whether the change is positive or negative -- may cause stress. When there's a break in your routine, your brain often sounds an alarm by releasing "stress hormones" such as adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones are more than just alarm bells; they're potent chemicals that have a striking impact on the entire body. They make your heart pound faster and speed up your breathing, a one-two combination that primes your muscles for action. (In a real emergency, your blood flow can increase up to 400 percent.) The hormones also slow down the digestive system and parts of the immune system. In a crisis, the body has more important things to do than digest lunch or fight a few germs.
Click link above to read more of this article.
www.ahealthyme.com
The Lowdown on Stress
You can't get far in life without a little stress. The shaky feeling you get before a job interview? That's stress. Those jangly nerves that make you stammer when asking for a date? That's stress talking. And the feeling of elation you get when you actually land that job or that date despite yourself? Welcome to Stress City.
Any shift away from ordinary, everyday life -- whether the change is positive or negative -- may cause stress. When there's a break in your routine, your brain often sounds an alarm by releasing "stress hormones" such as adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones are more than just alarm bells; they're potent chemicals that have a striking impact on the entire body. They make your heart pound faster and speed up your breathing, a one-two combination that primes your muscles for action. (In a real emergency, your blood flow can increase up to 400 percent.) The hormones also slow down the digestive system and parts of the immune system. In a crisis, the body has more important things to do than digest lunch or fight a few germs.
Click link above to read more of this article.
Friday, October 16, 2009
"New Orleans under Reconstruction, the Crisis of Planning"
WHEN:
Friday, October 23rd, 5 pm - 8 pm
Saturday, October 24th, 9 am - 7 pm
WHERE:
Tulane University, Lavin-Bernick Center, Kendall Cram Room
Free and open to the public; a public reception follows Friday's session. Forty urban planners, architects, landscape architects, scientists, academics, and activists who work locally and nationally will consider current work and advance debate about action toward the resurgence of the city. The timing of these debates is all the more crucial as the city moves rapidly toward a mayoral race.
Issues concerning environmental ethics and sustainability, master planning, water management, housing equity, contemporary design and green building, cultural landscapes, citizen activism, and the right to the city will all be prominently addressed.
For additional information visit http://www.project-neworleans.org
Carol McMichael Reese
Mary Louise Mossy Christovich Professor, Associate Professor
Tulane School of Architecture
Email: creese1@tulane.edu
Tel/office: 504.314.2328
Friday, October 23rd, 5 pm - 8 pm
Saturday, October 24th, 9 am - 7 pm
WHERE:
Tulane University, Lavin-Bernick Center, Kendall Cram Room
Free and open to the public; a public reception follows Friday's session. Forty urban planners, architects, landscape architects, scientists, academics, and activists who work locally and nationally will consider current work and advance debate about action toward the resurgence of the city. The timing of these debates is all the more crucial as the city moves rapidly toward a mayoral race.
Issues concerning environmental ethics and sustainability, master planning, water management, housing equity, contemporary design and green building, cultural landscapes, citizen activism, and the right to the city will all be prominently addressed.
For additional information visit http://www.project-neworleans.org
Carol McMichael Reese
Mary Louise Mossy Christovich Professor, Associate Professor
Tulane School of Architecture
Email: creese1@tulane.edu
Tel/office: 504.314.2328
The New Orleans Botanical Garden presents:
this year's Fall Garden show and Scarecrow Trail as part of citywide festival arts+gardens+new orleans
WHAT:
The New Orleans Botanical Garden's Fall Garden show will feature plant sales and exhibits from over 60 vendors, exciting demonstrations, educational programs, a plant health clinic, kids activities, discovery area, and the Garden's Scarecrow Trail. This years vendors include the Plant Gallery, Greenhouse Manor, Stokes Tropicals, and the Sunrise Trading Company offering everything from plants, flowers, fruit, and herbs to homemade crafts, yard art, jams, concoctions, and other goodies. The Fall Garden show is sponsored by the LSUAgCenter in cooperation with the Metro Area Horticulture Foundation and the New Orleans Botanical Garden.
The Scarecrow Trail will include dozens of handmade scarecrows made by elementary schools, children's groups, and local artists. Scarecrows will be available for purchase with proceeds going to the New Orleans Botanical Garden foundation.
The Fall Garden Show will also offer educational resources for homeowners and garden enthusiasts. Educational talks include "Vegetable Gardening" and "The Green Economy-How Gardeners Can Change the World." Information booths offering advice on termites, green building, and family nutrition will also be at the show.
This year's Fall Garden Show is part of the citywide Arts+Gardens+New Orleans fall festival which calls attention to public art and gardens, events, and programs around the city. To learn more about arts+gardens+new orleans, visit www.findartnola.com or check out the arts+gardens+new orleans Gambit insert available at the New Orleans Botanical Garden Gift Shop.
"We're looking forward to a great weekend with beautiful weather, so get out of the house and come enjoy the Garden. We have plenty of new plants for your Fall planting" says Botanical Garden Director Paul Soniat.
Admission: $6 for adults, $3 for children ages 5-12, free for children under 5 and Friends of City Park
WHEN:
Saturday, October 17th and Sunday October 18th
10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. both days
WHERE:
The New Orleans Botanical Garden
1 Palm Drive
New Orleans, LA 70124
WHY:
The Heart of the Gardens campaign seeks to establish New Orleans as an international gardening destination with extensive public gardens such as the Botanical Garden, Longue Vue House and Gardens, Audubon Park as well as our live-oak lined streets, plentiful green neutral grounds and lovely private gardens in every neighborhood.
www.neworleanscitypark.com
WHAT:
The New Orleans Botanical Garden's Fall Garden show will feature plant sales and exhibits from over 60 vendors, exciting demonstrations, educational programs, a plant health clinic, kids activities, discovery area, and the Garden's Scarecrow Trail. This years vendors include the Plant Gallery, Greenhouse Manor, Stokes Tropicals, and the Sunrise Trading Company offering everything from plants, flowers, fruit, and herbs to homemade crafts, yard art, jams, concoctions, and other goodies. The Fall Garden show is sponsored by the LSUAgCenter in cooperation with the Metro Area Horticulture Foundation and the New Orleans Botanical Garden.The Scarecrow Trail will include dozens of handmade scarecrows made by elementary schools, children's groups, and local artists. Scarecrows will be available for purchase with proceeds going to the New Orleans Botanical Garden foundation.
The Fall Garden Show will also offer educational resources for homeowners and garden enthusiasts. Educational talks include "Vegetable Gardening" and "The Green Economy-How Gardeners Can Change the World." Information booths offering advice on termites, green building, and family nutrition will also be at the show.
This year's Fall Garden Show is part of the citywide Arts+Gardens+New Orleans fall festival which calls attention to public art and gardens, events, and programs around the city. To learn more about arts+gardens+new orleans, visit www.findartnola.com or check out the arts+gardens+new orleans Gambit insert available at the New Orleans Botanical Garden Gift Shop.
"We're looking forward to a great weekend with beautiful weather, so get out of the house and come enjoy the Garden. We have plenty of new plants for your Fall planting" says Botanical Garden Director Paul Soniat.
Admission: $6 for adults, $3 for children ages 5-12, free for children under 5 and Friends of City Park
WHEN:
Saturday, October 17th and Sunday October 18th
10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. both days
WHERE:
The New Orleans Botanical Garden
1 Palm Drive
New Orleans, LA 70124
WHY:
The Heart of the Gardens campaign seeks to establish New Orleans as an international gardening destination with extensive public gardens such as the Botanical Garden, Longue Vue House and Gardens, Audubon Park as well as our live-oak lined streets, plentiful green neutral grounds and lovely private gardens in every neighborhood.
www.neworleanscitypark.com
Taping Our Mouths Shut to Scream Our Dissent:
Ehud Olmert's Visit to New Orleans Brings Pain, Hostility, and New Allies to the Local Palestine Solidarity Movement
by Emily Ratner
On October 13, Tulane University, a bastion of privilege in the South, hosted war criminal Ehud Olmert as a featured speaker. In response, more than 70 demonstrators engaged in protests and direct actions both inside and outside the event, and were interviewed by local media. Despite much hostility, they also found a lot of support, and have found their organizing now has even more momentum. Below is one person's perspective on the event.
***
We were students, teachers, activists, and community members. We were Muslims, Jews, Christians, Palestinians, and allies. We were many, many more than the war criminal and his Mossad protectors. And we were powerful, more powerful than his security checkpoints and his electronically amplified lies. We strapped red tape to our bodies and stashed fake-bloodied clothes in our packs. Those of us who had the required documents, who had student IDs from New Orleans’ universities, passed through the checkpoints while our barred friends and allies gathered outside, armed with truths painted on posterboard and voices amplified by our growing numbers. With less than two weeks’ notice, we had formed a broad coalition that planned a multi-phased action to reclaim the same campus that is home to TIPAC (the Tulane-Israel Public Affairs Committee), that hosted Ann Coulter for “Islamo-Fascism Awareness Week” in 2007, and that was now inviting Ehud Olmert for a brief respite during his flight from international and Israeli courts. As Tulane University constructed a safe-haven and solicited interviews and meetings on behalf of its delinquent guest, dozens of our neighbors began to organize. And scores more responded to the call for action.
Tulane has long been an unwelcoming environment to our broader community, as well as to Muslim and Arab students. The culture of the white Northeastern American upper class dominates the campus, creating a space that vehemently reinforces a racist and elitist status quo and virulently quells dissent. Olmert’s strategists and local friends had chosen the city’s most Zionist and “secure” nonreligious institution for his visit, and many activists questioned the wisdom of challenging a hostile student body and a sometimes even more hostile private police force. Tulane voices have been almost entirely absent in a great many community dialogues and meetings about Palestine solidarity work, and the prospect of initiating a campaign for boycott, divestment, and sanctions on Tulane’s campus has always seemed laughable. But New Orleans is a city where so many feel linked to the Palestinian struggle through shared themes like the experience of diaspora, the right of return, and near-daily racist violence and oppression by police and military authorities. There is no space in our city where Israeli war criminals will not be challenged.
Tulane was as hostile an environment as we expected. Hundreds of Tulane students showed up to hear Olmert speak, and many laughed and applauded when he made jokes about the comments of overwhelmed Palestinians who threw up their hands in exasperation at his lies and walked out of the building. Many of our own group were only kept silent by the red tape we’d hidden on our bodies and then used to cover our mouths when Olmert first walked onto the stage. Scrawled on the tape were words that enumerated some of Olmert’s administration’s crimes, such as “human shields,” “illegal settlements,” “white phosphorous,” and “occupation.” We breathed deep and sat through an onslaught of racist lies about our Palestinian friends and family, until Olmert began to talk about the mistake Israel had made in “withdrawing” from Gaza. Then, one by one, our jaws aching from biting down on our testimonials of what we have seen with our own eyes and what our families and friends continue to suffer, we rose from our seats throughout the auditorium, slowly made our way to the aisle, and walked out.
Olmert’s audience, which for a moment became our own, gasped and whispered as more than twenty people stood, staring daggers at Olmert and his Mossad agents speaking into their sleeves, and then trailed down the aisles to the auditorium’s exit. Some of us cried, others shook with rage, but we all celebrated our action, small but fluid, and impenetrable by Olmert’s snide remarks and Mossad’s hidden weapons.
As we left the auditorium we heard the chants of our friends, and breathed freely for what felt like the first time in over an hour. The hostility had been palpable inside the auditorium, but our friends cried out to us and embraced us, and their numbers had easily tripled since we’d last seen them. They’d been shouting for two hours now, competing with calls of “Heil Hitler” and “Palestinians are Nazis” from students passing by. A Muslim woman in hijab had been hit with plates of food thrown from an adjacent third floor balcony while campus police looked on. Within twenty minutes we’d set up the next phase of our action: Four people dressed in bloodied clothes laid down on the ground in front of the auditorium, and we placed cardboard grave markers with the numbers of massacred Palestinians and Lebanese around them. As students began to flow out of the auditorium, we handed out fliers detailing Olmert’s war crimes and tried to prevent passers by from spitting on our friends on the ground. We were mostly successful, and managed to keep a student from urinating on one of the participants.
We were not at all surprised by the hostility we faced, but we were surprised by the positive responses of far more Tulane students than we expected. Members of Tulane Amnesty International, Tulane American Socialist Students United, and individual undergraduate and graduate students printed fliers, spread the word, and were an unmistakable presence in every phase of the actions. A day that we had dreaded and actions we had hated having to plan had resulted in a broadening of our local Palestine solidarity network into a community we had dismissed for too long. Our new friends and allies at Tulane know first-hand how much they are up against in an institution that is between one-quarter and one-third Jewish and regularly equates Zionism with Judaism, but they are aching to take up the challenge. They are Muslims, Palestinians, Jews, and allies. They are freshman, upperclassmen, and graduate students. On October 13th, they joined students from the General Union of Palestine Students and Amnesty International of University of New Orleans, as well as students from Loyola University, in standing up to hundreds of aggressive classmates, taping their mouths shut to announce their presence and their intentions. Suddenly the challenges we face in our local solidarity work seem more surmountable. The despicable war criminal inadvertently gave one gift to New Orleans during his visit: He gave the beginnings of Tulane’s Palestine solidarity movement an unforgettable debut.
Emily Ratner is an organizer and mediamaker based in New Orleans. She is a member of the International Jewish Anti-Zionist Network, and a graduate of Tulane University (class of 2007). In June, she joined a New Orleans delegation to Gaza. She can be reached at emily@nolahumanrights.org.
by Emily Ratner
On October 13, Tulane University, a bastion of privilege in the South, hosted war criminal Ehud Olmert as a featured speaker. In response, more than 70 demonstrators engaged in protests and direct actions both inside and outside the event, and were interviewed by local media. Despite much hostility, they also found a lot of support, and have found their organizing now has even more momentum. Below is one person's perspective on the event.
***
We were students, teachers, activists, and community members. We were Muslims, Jews, Christians, Palestinians, and allies. We were many, many more than the war criminal and his Mossad protectors. And we were powerful, more powerful than his security checkpoints and his electronically amplified lies. We strapped red tape to our bodies and stashed fake-bloodied clothes in our packs. Those of us who had the required documents, who had student IDs from New Orleans’ universities, passed through the checkpoints while our barred friends and allies gathered outside, armed with truths painted on posterboard and voices amplified by our growing numbers. With less than two weeks’ notice, we had formed a broad coalition that planned a multi-phased action to reclaim the same campus that is home to TIPAC (the Tulane-Israel Public Affairs Committee), that hosted Ann Coulter for “Islamo-Fascism Awareness Week” in 2007, and that was now inviting Ehud Olmert for a brief respite during his flight from international and Israeli courts. As Tulane University constructed a safe-haven and solicited interviews and meetings on behalf of its delinquent guest, dozens of our neighbors began to organize. And scores more responded to the call for action.
Tulane has long been an unwelcoming environment to our broader community, as well as to Muslim and Arab students. The culture of the white Northeastern American upper class dominates the campus, creating a space that vehemently reinforces a racist and elitist status quo and virulently quells dissent. Olmert’s strategists and local friends had chosen the city’s most Zionist and “secure” nonreligious institution for his visit, and many activists questioned the wisdom of challenging a hostile student body and a sometimes even more hostile private police force. Tulane voices have been almost entirely absent in a great many community dialogues and meetings about Palestine solidarity work, and the prospect of initiating a campaign for boycott, divestment, and sanctions on Tulane’s campus has always seemed laughable. But New Orleans is a city where so many feel linked to the Palestinian struggle through shared themes like the experience of diaspora, the right of return, and near-daily racist violence and oppression by police and military authorities. There is no space in our city where Israeli war criminals will not be challenged.
Tulane was as hostile an environment as we expected. Hundreds of Tulane students showed up to hear Olmert speak, and many laughed and applauded when he made jokes about the comments of overwhelmed Palestinians who threw up their hands in exasperation at his lies and walked out of the building. Many of our own group were only kept silent by the red tape we’d hidden on our bodies and then used to cover our mouths when Olmert first walked onto the stage. Scrawled on the tape were words that enumerated some of Olmert’s administration’s crimes, such as “human shields,” “illegal settlements,” “white phosphorous,” and “occupation.” We breathed deep and sat through an onslaught of racist lies about our Palestinian friends and family, until Olmert began to talk about the mistake Israel had made in “withdrawing” from Gaza. Then, one by one, our jaws aching from biting down on our testimonials of what we have seen with our own eyes and what our families and friends continue to suffer, we rose from our seats throughout the auditorium, slowly made our way to the aisle, and walked out.
Olmert’s audience, which for a moment became our own, gasped and whispered as more than twenty people stood, staring daggers at Olmert and his Mossad agents speaking into their sleeves, and then trailed down the aisles to the auditorium’s exit. Some of us cried, others shook with rage, but we all celebrated our action, small but fluid, and impenetrable by Olmert’s snide remarks and Mossad’s hidden weapons.
As we left the auditorium we heard the chants of our friends, and breathed freely for what felt like the first time in over an hour. The hostility had been palpable inside the auditorium, but our friends cried out to us and embraced us, and their numbers had easily tripled since we’d last seen them. They’d been shouting for two hours now, competing with calls of “Heil Hitler” and “Palestinians are Nazis” from students passing by. A Muslim woman in hijab had been hit with plates of food thrown from an adjacent third floor balcony while campus police looked on. Within twenty minutes we’d set up the next phase of our action: Four people dressed in bloodied clothes laid down on the ground in front of the auditorium, and we placed cardboard grave markers with the numbers of massacred Palestinians and Lebanese around them. As students began to flow out of the auditorium, we handed out fliers detailing Olmert’s war crimes and tried to prevent passers by from spitting on our friends on the ground. We were mostly successful, and managed to keep a student from urinating on one of the participants.
We were not at all surprised by the hostility we faced, but we were surprised by the positive responses of far more Tulane students than we expected. Members of Tulane Amnesty International, Tulane American Socialist Students United, and individual undergraduate and graduate students printed fliers, spread the word, and were an unmistakable presence in every phase of the actions. A day that we had dreaded and actions we had hated having to plan had resulted in a broadening of our local Palestine solidarity network into a community we had dismissed for too long. Our new friends and allies at Tulane know first-hand how much they are up against in an institution that is between one-quarter and one-third Jewish and regularly equates Zionism with Judaism, but they are aching to take up the challenge. They are Muslims, Palestinians, Jews, and allies. They are freshman, upperclassmen, and graduate students. On October 13th, they joined students from the General Union of Palestine Students and Amnesty International of University of New Orleans, as well as students from Loyola University, in standing up to hundreds of aggressive classmates, taping their mouths shut to announce their presence and their intentions. Suddenly the challenges we face in our local solidarity work seem more surmountable. The despicable war criminal inadvertently gave one gift to New Orleans during his visit: He gave the beginnings of Tulane’s Palestine solidarity movement an unforgettable debut.
Emily Ratner is an organizer and mediamaker based in New Orleans. She is a member of the International Jewish Anti-Zionist Network, and a graduate of Tulane University (class of 2007). In June, she joined a New Orleans delegation to Gaza. She can be reached at emily@nolahumanrights.org.
NPN's New Board of Directors
Voting for Neighborhoods Partnership Network's New 2010 Board of Directors took place on October 14th at The Urban League of New Orleans. Below are the new additions to NPN's Board:
Leslie Ellison
Tunisburg Square Civic Homeowners Improvement Association
Vaughn Fauria
Downtown Neighborhoods Improvement Association
Davida Finger
Carrollton Riverbend Association
Felicia Kahn
Baronne St. Neighbor Association
Robert Desmarais Sullivan
Central Carrollton Association
Sylvia Scineaux-Richard
New Orleans East, ENONAC
Standing Board Members:
Julius Lee (Real Timbers), Board Chair
Victor Gordon (Pontilly), Board Vice Chair
Sylvia McKenzie (Rosedale Subdivision)
Bill Waiters (Holy Cross)
Benjamin Diggins (Melia Subdivision)
Tilman Hardy (Pensiontown & Carrollton United)
Katherine Prevost (Bunny Friends NA)
Wendy Laker (MCNO)
Leslie Ellison
Tunisburg Square Civic Homeowners Improvement Association
Vaughn Fauria
Downtown Neighborhoods Improvement Association
Davida Finger
Carrollton Riverbend Association
Felicia Kahn
Baronne St. Neighbor Association
Robert Desmarais Sullivan
Central Carrollton Association
Sylvia Scineaux-Richard
New Orleans East, ENONAC
Standing Board Members:
Julius Lee (Real Timbers), Board Chair
Victor Gordon (Pontilly), Board Vice Chair
Sylvia McKenzie (Rosedale Subdivision)
Bill Waiters (Holy Cross)
Benjamin Diggins (Melia Subdivision)
Tilman Hardy (Pensiontown & Carrollton United)
Katherine Prevost (Bunny Friends NA)
Wendy Laker (MCNO)
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Living Rooftops: Green Roofs In Louisiana and Our Coastal Communities
Green, vegetated rooftops create a variety of environmental benefits, including lowered energy costs, pollution and storm water runoff as well as the reduction of the urban heat island effect. Join Global Green as we host leading local architects, installers, landscapers and homeowners in this discussion of the booming, blooming green roof industry - the impacts on our environment, politics, finances, and the beauty of our coastal communities.
Featured speakers to include Mike Schultz, New Orleans roofing consultant with Juneau Odenwald, and John Anderson, Architect and Bay St Louis homeowner with green roof.
Wednesday, October 21st
5:30pm to 7:30pm
Green Building Resource Center
841 Carondelet Street
New Orleans, LA
Light refreshments will be served starting at 5:30pm, presentation begins promptly at 6pm. AIA Continuing Education Credits apply.
For more information, please contact Heidi Jensen at our Green Building Resource Center: hjensen@globalgreen.org, and for information on this and past panels, please see the Global Green website: http://globalgreen.org/events/13
Featured speakers to include Mike Schultz, New Orleans roofing consultant with Juneau Odenwald, and John Anderson, Architect and Bay St Louis homeowner with green roof.
Wednesday, October 21st
5:30pm to 7:30pm
Green Building Resource Center
841 Carondelet Street
New Orleans, LA
Light refreshments will be served starting at 5:30pm, presentation begins promptly at 6pm. AIA Continuing Education Credits apply.
For more information, please contact Heidi Jensen at our Green Building Resource Center: hjensen@globalgreen.org, and for information on this and past panels, please see the Global Green website: http://globalgreen.org/events/13
Monday, October 12, 2009
NPN Seeks Interns
Communications Intern
Individual should be internet saavy and capable in assisting with the updating of NPN Blog, Website and other communications vehicles. Other duties include collecting content for The Trumpet Magazine, helping out in NPN's resource library and assisting with planning and organizing of Trumpet Release Parties. This is a 10hr./week unpaid internship. Contact megan@npnnola.com for more information.
Community Relations Intern
Individual is ideally a student with a flexible schedule, interested in learning more about New Orleans neighborhoods and the people who live there. Duties include attending neighborhood meetings, creating surveys and organizing/analyzing data as directed, and assisting the Programs Manager on NPN Programs such as Capacity College. This is a 10 hr./week unpaid internship. Contact gill@npnnola.com for more information.
Individual should be internet saavy and capable in assisting with the updating of NPN Blog, Website and other communications vehicles. Other duties include collecting content for The Trumpet Magazine, helping out in NPN's resource library and assisting with planning and organizing of Trumpet Release Parties. This is a 10hr./week unpaid internship. Contact megan@npnnola.com for more information.
Community Relations Intern
Individual is ideally a student with a flexible schedule, interested in learning more about New Orleans neighborhoods and the people who live there. Duties include attending neighborhood meetings, creating surveys and organizing/analyzing data as directed, and assisting the Programs Manager on NPN Programs such as Capacity College. This is a 10 hr./week unpaid internship. Contact gill@npnnola.com for more information.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Obama Wins Nobel Peace Prize
President Barack Obama won the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize on Friday for "his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacyand cooperation between peoples," the Norwegian Nobel Committee said, citinghis outreach to the Muslim world and attempts to curb nuclear proliferation.
The stunning choice made Obama the third sitting U.S. president to win the Nobel Peace Prize and shocked Nobel observers because Obama took office less than two weeks before the Feb. 1 nomination deadline. Obama's name had been mentioned in speculation before the award but many Nobel watchers believedit was too early to award the president.
Speculation had focused on Zimbabwe's Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, a Colombian senator and a Chinese dissident, along with an Afghan woman's rights activist.
The Nobel committee praised Obama's creation of "a new climate ininternational politics" and said he had returned multilateral diplomacy andinstitutions like the U.N. to the center of the world stage. The plaudit appeared to be a slap at President George W. Bush from a committee that harshly criticized Obama's predecessor for resorting to largely unilateralmilitary action in the wake of the Sept. 11 terror attacks.
Rather than recognizing concrete achievement, the 2009 prize appearedintended to support initiatives that have yet to bear fruit: reducing the world stock of nuclear arms, easing American conflicts with Muslim nationsand strengthening the U.S. role in combating climate change.
"Only very rarely has a person to the same extent as Obama captured theworld's attention and given its people hope for a better future," Thorbjoern Jagland, chairman of the Nobel Committee said. "In the past year Obama hasbeen a key person for important initiatives in the U.N. for nuclear disarmament and to set a completely new agenda for the Muslim world and East-West relations."
He added that the committee endorsed "Obama's appeal that 'Now is the time for all of us to take our share of responsibility for a global response toglobal challenges.'" President Theodore Roosevelt won the award in 1906 and President Woodrow Wilson won in 1919.
The committee chairman said after awarding the 2002 prize to former Democratic President Jimmy Carter, for his mediation in international conflicts, that it should be seen as a "kick in the leg" to the Bush administration's hard line in the buildup to the Iraq war. Five years later, the committee honored Bush's adversary in the 2000 presidential election, Al Gore, for his campaign to raise awareness aboutglobal warming.
The Nobel committee received a record 205 nominations for this year's prize though it was not immediately apparent who nominated Obama. "The exciting and important thing about this prize is that it's given toosomeone ... who has the power to contribute to peace," Norwegian PrimeMinister Jens Stoltenberg said.
The stunning choice made Obama the third sitting U.S. president to win the Nobel Peace Prize and shocked Nobel observers because Obama took office less than two weeks before the Feb. 1 nomination deadline. Obama's name had been mentioned in speculation before the award but many Nobel watchers believedit was too early to award the president.
Speculation had focused on Zimbabwe's Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, a Colombian senator and a Chinese dissident, along with an Afghan woman's rights activist.
The Nobel committee praised Obama's creation of "a new climate ininternational politics" and said he had returned multilateral diplomacy andinstitutions like the U.N. to the center of the world stage. The plaudit appeared to be a slap at President George W. Bush from a committee that harshly criticized Obama's predecessor for resorting to largely unilateralmilitary action in the wake of the Sept. 11 terror attacks.
Rather than recognizing concrete achievement, the 2009 prize appearedintended to support initiatives that have yet to bear fruit: reducing the world stock of nuclear arms, easing American conflicts with Muslim nationsand strengthening the U.S. role in combating climate change.
"Only very rarely has a person to the same extent as Obama captured theworld's attention and given its people hope for a better future," Thorbjoern Jagland, chairman of the Nobel Committee said. "In the past year Obama hasbeen a key person for important initiatives in the U.N. for nuclear disarmament and to set a completely new agenda for the Muslim world and East-West relations."
He added that the committee endorsed "Obama's appeal that 'Now is the time for all of us to take our share of responsibility for a global response toglobal challenges.'" President Theodore Roosevelt won the award in 1906 and President Woodrow Wilson won in 1919.
The committee chairman said after awarding the 2002 prize to former Democratic President Jimmy Carter, for his mediation in international conflicts, that it should be seen as a "kick in the leg" to the Bush administration's hard line in the buildup to the Iraq war. Five years later, the committee honored Bush's adversary in the 2000 presidential election, Al Gore, for his campaign to raise awareness aboutglobal warming.
The Nobel committee received a record 205 nominations for this year's prize though it was not immediately apparent who nominated Obama. "The exciting and important thing about this prize is that it's given toosomeone ... who has the power to contribute to peace," Norwegian PrimeMinister Jens Stoltenberg said.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
City Planning Commission Special Public Hearings on the Plan for the 21st Century (Master Plan)
What: SPECIAL PUBLIC HEARINGS ON THE MASTER PLAN
When: Tuesday, Oct. 13, 4:30 – 9pm
Friday, Oct. 16, 4:30 – 9pm
Tuesday, OCT. 27, 3:30 – 5:30pm
Where: New Orleans City Council Chambers, 1300 Perdido Street
On October 13, 16, and 27, the City Planning Commission will hold public hearings to take comments on the September 14, 2009 draft of the “Plan for the 21st Century,” commonly referred to as the Master Plan. Information obtained from these hearings will be used for the final version of the Plan, as directed by the City Planning Commission. The Oct. 13 and Oct. 16 public hearings shall begin at 4:30pm and conclude by 9:00pm. The Oct. 27 public hearing will commence at 3:30pm and conclude by 5:30pm. The hearings will be held in the City Council Chambers, 1300 Perdido Street. Speakers will be limited to four minutes. The consultants will present a summary of the Master Plan at the beginning of the Oct. 13 and Oct. 16 hearings and respond to comments and questions at the end.
Written comments may be submitted to the CPC via mail at 1340 Poydras Street, #900, New Orleans 70112 – Attn: Master Plan. Comments may also be faxed to 658-7032 or e-mailed to nola.masterplan@goodyclancy.com. Written comments must be received by Wednesday, Oct. 28, at 5pm. The Commission is expect to take action at its Nov. 10 meeting.
The Plan can be reviewed on the project website www.nolamasterplan.org. A list of locations throughout the city where a hard copy of the plan may be reviewed can be found on the website. For further information on the agenda or to request assistance to participate, contact the City Planning Commission Office at 504-658-7033 or TTY/Voice 568-4475. The meeting site is generally accessible to persons with disabilities. Upon request a sign language interpreter will be available to persons with hearing impairments.
When: Tuesday, Oct. 13, 4:30 – 9pm
Friday, Oct. 16, 4:30 – 9pm
Tuesday, OCT. 27, 3:30 – 5:30pm
Where: New Orleans City Council Chambers, 1300 Perdido Street
On October 13, 16, and 27, the City Planning Commission will hold public hearings to take comments on the September 14, 2009 draft of the “Plan for the 21st Century,” commonly referred to as the Master Plan. Information obtained from these hearings will be used for the final version of the Plan, as directed by the City Planning Commission. The Oct. 13 and Oct. 16 public hearings shall begin at 4:30pm and conclude by 9:00pm. The Oct. 27 public hearing will commence at 3:30pm and conclude by 5:30pm. The hearings will be held in the City Council Chambers, 1300 Perdido Street. Speakers will be limited to four minutes. The consultants will present a summary of the Master Plan at the beginning of the Oct. 13 and Oct. 16 hearings and respond to comments and questions at the end.
Written comments may be submitted to the CPC via mail at 1340 Poydras Street, #900, New Orleans 70112 – Attn: Master Plan. Comments may also be faxed to 658-7032 or e-mailed to nola.masterplan@goodyclancy.com. Written comments must be received by Wednesday, Oct. 28, at 5pm. The Commission is expect to take action at its Nov. 10 meeting.
The Plan can be reviewed on the project website www.nolamasterplan.org. A list of locations throughout the city where a hard copy of the plan may be reviewed can be found on the website. For further information on the agenda or to request assistance to participate, contact the City Planning Commission Office at 504-658-7033 or TTY/Voice 568-4475. The meeting site is generally accessible to persons with disabilities. Upon request a sign language interpreter will be available to persons with hearing impairments.
Board Candidates Bios for NPN Board Elections on October 14th
Neighborhoods Partnership Network will hold Board Member elections at our General Membership Meeting on Wednesday October 14, 2009 at the Urban League of New Orleans. The meeting will commence at 5:30 pm The Urban League is located at 2322 Canal Blvd. Below are the bios for the board candidates.
Paul Barricos
Central Carrollton Association, Planning District 3
Paul Baricos is a resident of New Orleans and Executive Director of the Carrollton-Hollygrove Community Development Corporation. Prior to Hurricane Katrina, Paul served as the Technical and Financial Support Manager of New Orleans Neighborhood Development Collaborative and was responsible for managing NONDC’s multi-tiered grants and technical assistance programs for neighborhood-based community development corporations. He is a founding member and currently serves on the board of the Central Carrollton (Resident’s) Association.
Leslie Ellison
Tunisburg Square Civic Homeowners Improvement Association, Planning District 12
Leslie A. Ellison is currently the Administrator of Gideon Christian Fellowship International, a multicultural inner-city church in New Orleans. Leslie is also a member of Tunisburg Square Homeowners Civic Association, Algiers Economic Development Foundation Board of Advisory and the Black Alliance for Educational Options. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Southern University at New Orleans
Vaughn Fauria
Downtown Neighborhoods Improvement Association, Planning District 4
Vaughm Fauria is CEO of NewCorps, which works with minority businesses and community nonprofits. She has been a dynamic driver of small business and minority business opportunities
Davida Finger
Carrollton Riverbend Association, Planning District 3
Davida Finger is an attorney at Loyola Law Clinic in New Orleans where she teaches the Community Justice clinic and Law and Poverty course and was a fellow with NPN's inaugural Capacity College program.
Felicia Kahn
Baronne St. Neighbor Association, Planning District 3
Felicia serves on the Orleans Parish Democratic Executive Committee. Last year, she was an elected delegate to the National Democratic Convention and served on the CBD Historic District Landmarks Commission, and on the Voters Service committee of the League of Women Voters.
Robert Desmarais Sullivan
Central Carrollton Association, Planning District 3
Robert is the board-secretary of the Central Carrollton Association among other things, and will serve as CCA representative to NPN meetings.
Sylvia Scineaux-Richard
New Orleans East, ENONAC, Planning District 9
Sylvia has been President of ENONAC from 2008 to the present. Sylvia was also Assistant Professor, Medical Technology at Southern University at New Orleans, and retired in May 2009 after 30 years. She has been a Real Estate Associate Broker for over 30 years, and is a member of Neighborhood Partnership Network (NPN).
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Global Green Invites New Orleanians to See the Future of Smart Building at an Open House Event
Two New Houses Finished and Up for Sale
WHAT:
On Saturday October 10th from 1:00-3:00 pm, an Open House Event on Andry Street will unveil Global Green's newest additions to their green village in Holy Cross. Hoping to bring back former residents of Holy Cross, the two houses are affordably listed at $175,000 and feature green technology to virtually eliminate utility bills and environmental impact. The real estate agency Urban Visions Properties will be handling the sale of the houses.
"The best part about these homes is the owners may end up not owing Entergy a penny," says Beth Galante, director of Global Green New Orleans. Galante says that at the end of the year she actually had a credit from Entergy on the first completed home which has been used as a visitor center where over 7,500 visitors have come to see what they can do to retrofit their homes."
Low-income homeowners may live in some of the least efficient houses with the most expensive bills plus a mortgage. When costs such as electricity can be eliminated it becomes clear why these houses are so affordable," said Galante. Aside from the absence of utility bills, features such as solar paneling and dual flush toilets gain residents tax credits both at the state and federal level, adding to the overall affordability and practicality of going green, buying green and weatherizing homes. The homes, in fact, are designed to meet LEED Platinum Standards, the highest certification given by the U.S. Green Build Council.Real estate agents Jennifer Pearl and Lisa Fury from Urban Vision Properties previously gave a presentation to the residents of Holy Cross at their neighborhood association meeting to engage those displaced from the neighborhood by Hurricane Katrina. The general public is now encouraged to join Holy Cross residents for information on increasing the efficiency of their homes at Saturday's event.
WHEN:
Saturday, October 10, 20091:00 - 3:00 pm
WHERE:
Holy Cross Development409 Andry St. (adjacent to the levee, 7 blocks downriver from the Industrial Canal)New Orleans, LA
WHO:
Global Green USA www.globalgreenusa.org
Urban Vision PropertiesAgents: Jennifer Pearl 504-258-5724 Lisa Fury 504-957-2422
WHY:
Global Green USA is committed to helping New Orleanians rebuild a sustainable city by providing green building information for homeowners, residents, builders and architects in New Orleans, mirroring Global Green's national and regional initiatives of "fostering a global value shift toward a sustainable and secure future." Visit Global Green USA's Green Building Resource Center at 841 Carondolet Street, New Orleans, LA 70130.
Global Green USA is a national environmental organization that merges innovative research, cutting-edge community-based projects and targeted advocacy to create a sustainable future. Global Green USA has helped green nearly $20 billion in affordable housing, school, college and municipal building construction through technical assistance, partnerships, advocacy, and education. The organization has written, and implemented green building, energy efficiency, and solar power guidelines in addition to legislation and incentives at the local, state, and federal level. It has also pioneered partnerships with countless non-profits and government agencies.
Please visit www.globalgreen.org for more information.
For Further Background on Global Green's green initiatives in New Orleans you may also visit the Global Green New Orleans Green Building Resource Center at 841 Carondolet Street, New Orleans, LA 70130.
WHAT:
On Saturday October 10th from 1:00-3:00 pm, an Open House Event on Andry Street will unveil Global Green's newest additions to their green village in Holy Cross. Hoping to bring back former residents of Holy Cross, the two houses are affordably listed at $175,000 and feature green technology to virtually eliminate utility bills and environmental impact. The real estate agency Urban Visions Properties will be handling the sale of the houses.
"The best part about these homes is the owners may end up not owing Entergy a penny," says Beth Galante, director of Global Green New Orleans. Galante says that at the end of the year she actually had a credit from Entergy on the first completed home which has been used as a visitor center where over 7,500 visitors have come to see what they can do to retrofit their homes."
Low-income homeowners may live in some of the least efficient houses with the most expensive bills plus a mortgage. When costs such as electricity can be eliminated it becomes clear why these houses are so affordable," said Galante. Aside from the absence of utility bills, features such as solar paneling and dual flush toilets gain residents tax credits both at the state and federal level, adding to the overall affordability and practicality of going green, buying green and weatherizing homes. The homes, in fact, are designed to meet LEED Platinum Standards, the highest certification given by the U.S. Green Build Council.Real estate agents Jennifer Pearl and Lisa Fury from Urban Vision Properties previously gave a presentation to the residents of Holy Cross at their neighborhood association meeting to engage those displaced from the neighborhood by Hurricane Katrina. The general public is now encouraged to join Holy Cross residents for information on increasing the efficiency of their homes at Saturday's event.
WHEN:
Saturday, October 10, 20091:00 - 3:00 pm
WHERE:
Holy Cross Development409 Andry St. (adjacent to the levee, 7 blocks downriver from the Industrial Canal)New Orleans, LA
WHO:
Global Green USA www.globalgreenusa.org
Urban Vision PropertiesAgents: Jennifer Pearl 504-258-5724 Lisa Fury 504-957-2422
WHY:
Global Green USA is committed to helping New Orleanians rebuild a sustainable city by providing green building information for homeowners, residents, builders and architects in New Orleans, mirroring Global Green's national and regional initiatives of "fostering a global value shift toward a sustainable and secure future." Visit Global Green USA's Green Building Resource Center at 841 Carondolet Street, New Orleans, LA 70130.
Global Green USA is a national environmental organization that merges innovative research, cutting-edge community-based projects and targeted advocacy to create a sustainable future. Global Green USA has helped green nearly $20 billion in affordable housing, school, college and municipal building construction through technical assistance, partnerships, advocacy, and education. The organization has written, and implemented green building, energy efficiency, and solar power guidelines in addition to legislation and incentives at the local, state, and federal level. It has also pioneered partnerships with countless non-profits and government agencies.
Please visit www.globalgreen.org for more information.
For Further Background on Global Green's green initiatives in New Orleans you may also visit the Global Green New Orleans Green Building Resource Center at 841 Carondolet Street, New Orleans, LA 70130.
Letting go in order to move on: The therapeutic value of forgiveness
featuring Dr. Itzhak Lander and Roi Tal
Date: Thursday October 8, 2009
Time: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Building: Lavin-Bernick Center (LBC) in Room 203
Location: Tulane University, Uptown campus
Other Location Information: Stibbs Conference Room on the second floor of the LBC
Drs. Itzhak Lander and Roi Tal, social work professors at Sapir College in Israel which participates in a faculty exchange program with the Tulane University School of Social Work, will talk about forgiveness Thursday night at Tulane. Drs. Lander and Tal will present an hour lecture followed by a 30-minute Q & A and discussion period.
The lecture will focus on the topic of “Letting go in order to move on: The therapeutic value of forgiveness.” Although Israel and New Orleans are thousands of miles apart, the cities share a common bond as both have suffered severe trauma. Sapir College’s campus is less than five miles from the Gaza Strip and is under constant threat of missile attacks while New Orleanians continue to recover from the mental and physical trauma Hurricane Katrina inflicted on the city. The event is free and open to all Tulane students, alumni and the general public. This inaugural lecture has been made possible through the generosity of the Holley Pavy and John Deblois Supporting Foundation of the Jewish Endowment Foundation of Louisiana.
A wine and cheese reception will follow in the adjoining room and balcony area beginning at 8:30 p.m. Drs. Lander and Tal will be available for further discussion and conversation at the reception. For more information, visit tulane.edu/socialwork or call 1-800-631-8234.
Sponsored by: School of Social Work
Admission: Free
Attendance: Open to the public
For more information contact Joseph Halm via email to jhalm@tulane.edu or by phone at 504-862-3483
Date: Thursday October 8, 2009
Time: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Building: Lavin-Bernick Center (LBC) in Room 203
Location: Tulane University, Uptown campus
Other Location Information: Stibbs Conference Room on the second floor of the LBC
Drs. Itzhak Lander and Roi Tal, social work professors at Sapir College in Israel which participates in a faculty exchange program with the Tulane University School of Social Work, will talk about forgiveness Thursday night at Tulane. Drs. Lander and Tal will present an hour lecture followed by a 30-minute Q & A and discussion period.
The lecture will focus on the topic of “Letting go in order to move on: The therapeutic value of forgiveness.” Although Israel and New Orleans are thousands of miles apart, the cities share a common bond as both have suffered severe trauma. Sapir College’s campus is less than five miles from the Gaza Strip and is under constant threat of missile attacks while New Orleanians continue to recover from the mental and physical trauma Hurricane Katrina inflicted on the city. The event is free and open to all Tulane students, alumni and the general public. This inaugural lecture has been made possible through the generosity of the Holley Pavy and John Deblois Supporting Foundation of the Jewish Endowment Foundation of Louisiana.
A wine and cheese reception will follow in the adjoining room and balcony area beginning at 8:30 p.m. Drs. Lander and Tal will be available for further discussion and conversation at the reception. For more information, visit tulane.edu/socialwork or call 1-800-631-8234.
Sponsored by: School of Social Work
Admission: Free
Attendance: Open to the public
For more information contact Joseph Halm via email to jhalm@tulane.edu or by phone at 504-862-3483
Scalise: More than $4 Million in Katrina Recovery Funding for Southeast Louisiana
Congressman Steve Scalise today announced that the Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA) is awarding $4,616,532 in Project Worksheet (PW) funding for East Jefferson General Hospital, the Jefferson Parish School System, and Jackson Barracks.
“We have been working hard to get FEMA to approve these projects and distribute the funds so our communities can recover,” Scalise said. “Our delegation will continue to stay focused on the many projects that remain stuck in bureaucratic red-tape.”
These funds will be used for costs incurred by the following organizations as a result of property damage during Hurricane Katrina. The breakdown of funding is below.
· East Jefferson General Hospital – $1,283,024 for the cost of interim housing sites used immediately in the aftermath of the storm.
· Jefferson Parish School System – $2,324,658 to restore Thomas Jefferson Public School.
· Jackson Barracks – $1,008,849 to repair building 38 on the Jackson Barracks Campus.
PW’s are used to document the scope and cost estimates for a project so FEMA has the necessary information to approve funding for the project. Each project is documented on a separate PW.
“We have been working hard to get FEMA to approve these projects and distribute the funds so our communities can recover,” Scalise said. “Our delegation will continue to stay focused on the many projects that remain stuck in bureaucratic red-tape.”
These funds will be used for costs incurred by the following organizations as a result of property damage during Hurricane Katrina. The breakdown of funding is below.
· East Jefferson General Hospital – $1,283,024 for the cost of interim housing sites used immediately in the aftermath of the storm.
· Jefferson Parish School System – $2,324,658 to restore Thomas Jefferson Public School.
· Jackson Barracks – $1,008,849 to repair building 38 on the Jackson Barracks Campus.
PW’s are used to document the scope and cost estimates for a project so FEMA has the necessary information to approve funding for the project. Each project is documented on a separate PW.
Container Gardening at Sankofa Marketplace
Come learn about Container Gardening this Saturday at Sankofa Marketplace! Saturday, October 10
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
@ corner of Caffin & St. Claude
@ corner of Caffin & St. Claude
No land? No problem!
Bad soil? No problem!
Come to the Sankofa Marketplace this Saturday to learn how to grow flowers and vegetables from Mr. Aloyd Edinburgh, a lifelong Lower Ninth Ward resident and avid container gardener.
The Backyard Gardener's Network will host a container gardening workshop at the Sankofa Marketplace. Come learn about gardening and pick up some free seeds while you're here! (courtesy of New Orleans Food and Farm Network)
The Ujamaa Project will have fun activities for children about fresh fruits and vegetables, in addition to painting, coloring, games, and more.
The Sankofa Marketplace of the Lower 9th Ward features fresh produce, wild caught Louisiana shrimp, community rebuilding resources, crafts, art workshops, and more!
Sankofa Marketplace
Every 2nd Saturday at
5500 St. Claude Avenue
New Orleans, LA 70117
Upcomining Marketplace Dates:
October 10
November 14
December 12
Monday, October 5, 2009
Gustav/Ike Public Meeting - October 8
Public Meeting Notice
Thursday, October 8, 2009
5:30-7:00 pm
City Council Chamber, City Hall
1300 Perdido Street
New Orleans, LA 70112
The City of New Orleans has received notice that Orleans Parish will receive $1,982,628.00 from the State's $1,058,690,549.00 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding to assist in recovery and rebuilding activities within the parish as a result of the impact of Hurricane Gustav and Ike.
This meeting is designed to obtain input from citizens on potential recovery projects.
The State Action Plan delineates housing, economic development, and infrastructure as the general categories eligible for funding. These will be described in more detail at the meeting. The CDBG funding is intended for certain uses, and each project must meet at least one CDBG national objective. The national objectives are:
- Eliminating Slum and Blight
- Benefit to Low and Moderate Income Persons, or
- Urgent Need
Those who want a copy of the State framework that outlines the types of projects that are eligible for funding can download the plan from the City's website at www.cityofno.com, or come to the Office of Community Development, 1340 Poydras Street, Room 917, New Orleans, LA 70112.
City of New Orleans encourages the participation of minorities, the disabled, low income persons, the elderly, residents of public housing developments, community-based organizations, and all others. This meeting is accessible to people with disabilities. Requests for additional accommodations or any assistance to participate may be directed to the Office of Public Advocacy at 504-658-4015 (voice), 504-658-4002 (facsimile), or the City's TTY 504-586-4475.
If you have any further questions about this meeting please call Dubravka Gilic at (504)658-7019 or email her at dgilic@cityofno.com. Citizens wishing to participate that are unable to attend the hearing may submit written correspondence via email or mail to the above listed address.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
5:30-7:00 pm
City Council Chamber, City Hall
1300 Perdido Street
New Orleans, LA 70112
The City of New Orleans has received notice that Orleans Parish will receive $1,982,628.00 from the State's $1,058,690,549.00 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding to assist in recovery and rebuilding activities within the parish as a result of the impact of Hurricane Gustav and Ike.
This meeting is designed to obtain input from citizens on potential recovery projects.
The State Action Plan delineates housing, economic development, and infrastructure as the general categories eligible for funding. These will be described in more detail at the meeting. The CDBG funding is intended for certain uses, and each project must meet at least one CDBG national objective. The national objectives are:
- Eliminating Slum and Blight
- Benefit to Low and Moderate Income Persons, or
- Urgent Need
Those who want a copy of the State framework that outlines the types of projects that are eligible for funding can download the plan from the City's website at www.cityofno.com, or come to the Office of Community Development, 1340 Poydras Street, Room 917, New Orleans, LA 70112.
City of New Orleans encourages the participation of minorities, the disabled, low income persons, the elderly, residents of public housing developments, community-based organizations, and all others. This meeting is accessible to people with disabilities. Requests for additional accommodations or any assistance to participate may be directed to the Office of Public Advocacy at 504-658-4015 (voice), 504-658-4002 (facsimile), or the City's TTY 504-586-4475.
If you have any further questions about this meeting please call Dubravka Gilic at (504)658-7019 or email her at dgilic@cityofno.com. Citizens wishing to participate that are unable to attend the hearing may submit written correspondence via email or mail to the above listed address.
Walk the Beat 2009
Join us on October 17, 2009 at Lafayette Square for the 13th annual Walk the Beat sponsored by AT&T and the New Orleans Police and Justice Foundation (NOPJF). Walk the Beat raises essential funds for training, technical equipment and crime fighting supplies for our police officers.
The need for these crucial supplies has only increased as most were either destroyed or washed away in Katrina’s flood waters. Effective crime fighting requires 21st century equipment. We need your help to insure that our police are using the most up to date and state of the art supplies to help deter and stop criminal activity in our city.
After the 5k run, keep your feet moving at Lafayette Square as we kick off the 4th annual Crescent City Blues and Barbecue Festival sponsored by the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation. After the run, 1000’s of people participate in the Blues Festival which celebrates the heritage of New Orleans through Blues music and down-home foods associated with the New Orleans region.
Walk the Beat and the Crescent City Blues and Barbecue Festival are designed to encourage appreciation for local music and culture while bringing attention to the needs of our police officers.
For additional information to participate in the race contact Elodia Blanco at (504) 558-9944 or by email elodia.nopjf.org. To learn how you can become a sponsor contact Melanie Talia (504)558-9944 melanie@nopjf.org or Carole Berke at (504) 232- 0890 carole@nopjf.org. We’ll see you there!!!
http://www.nopjf.org/resources/walk-the-beat.asp
The need for these crucial supplies has only increased as most were either destroyed or washed away in Katrina’s flood waters. Effective crime fighting requires 21st century equipment. We need your help to insure that our police are using the most up to date and state of the art supplies to help deter and stop criminal activity in our city.
After the 5k run, keep your feet moving at Lafayette Square as we kick off the 4th annual Crescent City Blues and Barbecue Festival sponsored by the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation. After the run, 1000’s of people participate in the Blues Festival which celebrates the heritage of New Orleans through Blues music and down-home foods associated with the New Orleans region.
Walk the Beat and the Crescent City Blues and Barbecue Festival are designed to encourage appreciation for local music and culture while bringing attention to the needs of our police officers.
For additional information to participate in the race contact Elodia Blanco at (504) 558-9944 or by email elodia.nopjf.org. To learn how you can become a sponsor contact Melanie Talia (504)558-9944 melanie@nopjf.org or Carole Berke at (504) 232- 0890 carole@nopjf.org. We’ll see you there!!!
http://www.nopjf.org/resources/walk-the-beat.asp
Forum on Michoud/Aerospace Economic Development - David Vitter
Monday, October 5th from 1:30 to 2:30 pm
You are invited to a forum to discuss Senator Vitter's work on the U.S. Senate Space Subcommittee - developing the Stennis-Michoud Aerospace Corridor Alliance, minimizing the production gap for next-generation NASA activity, and other job-creation initiatives.
Michoud Assembly Facility
13800 Old Gentilly Road
You are invited to a forum to discuss Senator Vitter's work on the U.S. Senate Space Subcommittee - developing the Stennis-Michoud Aerospace Corridor Alliance, minimizing the production gap for next-generation NASA activity, and other job-creation initiatives.
Michoud Assembly Facility
13800 Old Gentilly Road
Bicycle Commuter Workshop
The Regional Planning Commission will soon belaunching a new Bicycle Commuter Workshop aimed at people interestedin using their bicycles for transportation or people wanting toincrease their use of bicycles for transportation.
The first step in bringing this workshop to the New Orleans area is to train instructors. The first step of this process would be to submit an application for the October 24-25 round of training. Please see www.norpc.org for more details.
If you have any questions, please call or e-mail Dan Jatres of theRegional Planning Commission's Pedestrian and Bicycle Programs:504.568.6608 (Fax: 504.568.6643) or djatres@norpc.org
The first step in bringing this workshop to the New Orleans area is to train instructors. The first step of this process would be to submit an application for the October 24-25 round of training. Please see www.norpc.org for more details.
If you have any questions, please call or e-mail Dan Jatres of theRegional Planning Commission's Pedestrian and Bicycle Programs:504.568.6608 (Fax: 504.568.6643) or djatres@norpc.org
Friday, October 2, 2009
Samsung's Four Seasons of Hope Offers Technology Donation Competition for U.S. Schools
Students, parents, and teachers across the United States are invited to help improve technology in classrooms by submitting a brief essay for the opportunity to receive a portion of over $1 million in technology from Samsung Electronics America’s Four Seasons of Hope campaign. The philanthropic initiative will reward winning writers with a Samsung Go Netbook and their local schools with Samsung products, Microsoft software, DIRECTV educational television programming, and cash grants as well as special @15 gift cards supplied by Best Buy.
Competition participants are invited to submit hundred-word essays on how the consumer electronics, computer equipment and software awarded through Samsung’s Four Seasons of Hope could benefit their school. Participants should nominate a public or state-accredited private school for grades K-12 in their community. Home schools, colleges, universities, and vocational/trade schools are not eligible for nomination.
Posted on October 2, 2009
Deadline: November 1, 2009
http://npnnola.com/all_news/filter/category/44/grants for more info
Competition participants are invited to submit hundred-word essays on how the consumer electronics, computer equipment and software awarded through Samsung’s Four Seasons of Hope could benefit their school. Participants should nominate a public or state-accredited private school for grades K-12 in their community. Home schools, colleges, universities, and vocational/trade schools are not eligible for nomination.
Posted on October 2, 2009
Deadline: November 1, 2009
http://npnnola.com/all_news/filter/category/44/grants for more info
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Community Gardens
This is a critical moment in the history of New Orleans’ food production. As citizens continue their work in revitalizing our city they should consider creating a resource for fresh, healthy food in their own neighborhoods. Establishing a community garden provides a sustainable and economical opportunity for the community to connect with one another while providing each other with fresh, locally grown produce.There are a total of 26 gardens now managed by Parkway Partners throughout New Orleans. Parkway Partners provides a horticulturist who partners with community residents to transform blighted, vacant lots into productive vegetable gardens and green spaces. We also provide seeds and cuttings, as well as ongoing support and educational workshops for community gardeners. Once gardens are established, our horticulturist will provide support that emphasizes sustainable methods.Our horticulturist makes regular visits to the gardens to assure they meet our standards. Each garden has a lead gardener who stays in regular contact with all of the gardeners in a particular community garden as well as our horticulturist. The horticulturist gives advice to the lead gardener on desirable plants for the season and provides sets as grown in our Greenhouse or seeds for direct seeding into the soil.Workshops are available to orient new gardeners and for special topics of interest. Information is distributed electronically or given by the lead gardener.
Created By: Parkway Partners
For more information about Parkway Partners visit their website:http://www.parkwaypartnersnola.org/For more information about gardens, including gardening tips, please visit:New Orleans Food and Farm Network:http://www.noffn.org/Louisiana State University Agricultural Center:http://www.lsuagcenter.com/en/lawn_garden/
Created By: Parkway Partners
For more information about Parkway Partners visit their website:http://www.parkwaypartnersnola.org/For more information about gardens, including gardening tips, please visit:New Orleans Food and Farm Network:http://www.noffn.org/Louisiana State University Agricultural Center:http://www.lsuagcenter.com/en/lawn_garden/
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Free Live Music @ Freret Market this weekend
October 3, 2009
Noon - 5p.m.
5030 S Liberty Street, New Orleans, LA 70115
FREE LIVE MUSIC
Fredy Omar at Noon
Billy Iuso at 1:45
New Orleans Moonshiners at 3:30
The Freret Market is held the first Saturday of the month, except July and August, at the intersection of Freret Street and Napoleon Avenue.
The market is split up along three category lines: food, art, and flea. Besides all of the great shopping every week, the market also hosts local restaurants serving up their unique cuisine, live music, and a kids area.
It is a place for neighbors to meet, a place to relax and find a unique item, and an important part of the renaissance on Freret Street.
Come sell your stuff. Come shop. Most importantly, come enjoy yourself!
http://freretmarket.org/
Monday, September 28, 2009
Free Immunizations - October 7th
Greater New Orleans Immunization Network presents free immunizations for children up to 18 years of age.
Wednesday, October 7th. 2 pm to 6 pm
New Orleans East Walgreens at Lake Forest and Bullard. Bring child's immunization record.
For more information call 504-733-3268 or go to:
http://www.gnoshots4kids.com/index2.html
Wednesday, October 7th. 2 pm to 6 pm
New Orleans East Walgreens at Lake Forest and Bullard. Bring child's immunization record.
For more information call 504-733-3268 or go to:
http://www.gnoshots4kids.com/index2.html
NORBP presents free seminar on financial strategies
New Orleans Regional Business Park (NORBP) presents free seminar on financial strategies for business owners.
NORBP Business Assistance Center
13801 Old Gentilly Road
New Orleans East
To register, call 504-254-4603 or email ssumas@norbp.net
NORBP Business Assistance Center
13801 Old Gentilly Road
New Orleans East
To register, call 504-254-4603 or email ssumas@norbp.net
Volunteer Opportunity: free Hornets tickets!
The New Orleans Hornets and United Way for the Greater New Orleans Area believe in our community's revitalization. With passion and pride, we are committed to this purpose.
We encourage you to participate in our Volunteerism Day on Saturday, October 3rd. See the website (link below) for a detailed list of volunteer opportunities throughout the greater New Orleans area and for more information on making a donation.
To thank you for your commitment to our community, the New Orleans Hornets will provide each volunteer with two free tickets to the October 10th pre-season game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. We will collect your contact information at each volunteer site and send your tickets soon after our Volunteerism Day!
http://www.unitedwaynola.org/hornets/
We encourage you to participate in our Volunteerism Day on Saturday, October 3rd. See the website (link below) for a detailed list of volunteer opportunities throughout the greater New Orleans area and for more information on making a donation.
To thank you for your commitment to our community, the New Orleans Hornets will provide each volunteer with two free tickets to the October 10th pre-season game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. We will collect your contact information at each volunteer site and send your tickets soon after our Volunteerism Day!
http://www.unitedwaynola.org/hornets/
Crescent City Celebration: A Taste of New Orleans Neighborhoods
The cook-off is open to the first fifteen neighborhood associations to register (although registration officially closes on November 2nd). Teams may enter any or all of the following categories: entrees, side dishes or desserts. Prizes will be awarded in each category. The grand prize will be awarded to the best dish of the entire cook-off. There are even rumblings of an article featuring the winning recipe/neighborhood in the January issue of the Trumpet.
Additionally, the Trumpet Awards will happen at this event. Please click on the following link to nominate your favorites for The Trumpet Awards: http://tinyurl.com/y8pot72 . Some of these year’s categories are as follows: Good Neighbor of Neighborhoods, Neighborhood Phoenix, Best City/Neighborhood Partnership, and Model Citizen. Click the link to see the rest and make your voice heard
For more information, or if you have interest in performing at, vending at or sponsoring the Crescent City Celebration: A Taste of
October 14th, Fall Membership Meeting
On Wednesday, October 14th, NPN will hold its fall membership meeting at the Urban League of New Orleans, 2322 Canal St. (map: http://tinyurl.com/ybvr4ou). The meeting will start at 5:30 pm. We will hold Board Elections, each NPN committee will give a report and kick off registration for the “Taste of New Orleans Neighborhoods” (to happen at the upcoming Crescent City Celebration) cook-off at this meeting. Refreshments will be served, and there will be an opportunity to network with other members of NPN while the votes are being counted.
If you are not a member and would like to be, there will be membership applications at the door on October 14th (or you can download it from our website: http://npnnola.com/about/view/220/membership ). Remember, only Neighborhood Associations are allowed to vote in board elections, but we welcome all members to the membership meeting.
See you there!
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Rebuild Seeks Volunteer Team:
Rebuilding Together New Orleans’ Annual October Build Project is a volunteer opportunity exclusively for local organizations, corporations, families and friends to, join hands, pick up a hammer or a paint brush, and make a difference in the lives low income elderly or disabled homeowners.
When: Friday and Saturday, October 2nd, 3rd and 9th, and 10th (with rain dates on the 16th and 17th)
Teams of 10 people or more are encouraged to sign up to participate. Volunteers are asked to provide their own lunch and transportation and must be at least 15 years or older. Each team will self appoint a House Captain, who will take ownership of the project, creating supply lists, overseeing the workscope, and working directly with RTNO House Captains and Construction Managers.
To sign up, contact Rebecca at:
Rebecca Crenshaw
Special Projects Officer
Rebuilding Together New Orleans
923 Tchoupitoulas Street
New Orleans, LA 70130
rcrenshaw@prcno.org
Fax: 504-636-3072
Please call 504-636-3383 for questions.
*To be included as a project sponsor in media outlets and t-shirts, please sign up by July 31st, 2009
When: Friday and Saturday, October 2nd, 3rd and 9th, and 10th (with rain dates on the 16th and 17th)
Teams of 10 people or more are encouraged to sign up to participate. Volunteers are asked to provide their own lunch and transportation and must be at least 15 years or older. Each team will self appoint a House Captain, who will take ownership of the project, creating supply lists, overseeing the workscope, and working directly with RTNO House Captains and Construction Managers.
To sign up, contact Rebecca at:
Rebecca Crenshaw
Special Projects Officer
Rebuilding Together New Orleans
923 Tchoupitoulas Street
New Orleans, LA 70130
rcrenshaw@prcno.org
Fax: 504-636-3072
Please call 504-636-3383 for questions.
*To be included as a project sponsor in media outlets and t-shirts, please sign up by July 31st, 2009
Monday, September 21, 2009
Contractor Fraud Forum, Wednesday September 23rd
On Wednesday, September 23rd NPN and Galante & Bivalacqua, LLC present an informational round table entitled "Preventing and Recovering from Contractor Fraud".
The event will be held at The Urban League of New Orleans, 2322 Canal St at 6:30 pm.
Please email Kelly@npnnola.com for more information.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Re-Enforcing Code Enforcement:
Re-Enforcing Code Enforcement:
NPN Advocacy Task Force Meets
NPN Advocacy Task Force Meets
September 17th 2009
In order to coordinate a strong neighborhood message about the need for a world-class Code Enforcement initiative, nine (9) members of the Advocacy Task Force met to plan an October strategy forum.
"How can we hold the City Council, Administration and mayoral candidates accountable to ensure that we have an effective and transparent Code Enforcement system?" asked Jennifer Farwell, Mid-City Neighborhood Organization.
Want to make sure our elected officials get the message? Join the NPN Advocacy Task Force or submit your suggestions by emailing advocacy@npnnola.com or calling 504-940-2207.
When the neighborhoods speak, people listen.
Friday, September 11, 2009
NPN Newsletter Survey
Oprah Winfrey and President Obama pulled into battle over Discriminatory Housing Laws in New Orleans area
By Jordan Flaherty
www.leftturn.org
Rebuilding efforts in St. Bernard Parish, a small community just outside New Orleans, have recently gotten a major boost. One nonprofit focused on rebuilding in the area has received the endorsement of CNN, Alice Walker, the touring production of the play The Color Purple, and even President Obama. But an alliance of Gulf Coast and national organizations are now raising questions about the cause these high profile names are supporting.
The dispute focuses on the responsibility of relief organizations to speak out against injustice in the communities in which they work. Since September of 2006, St. Bernard Parish has been aggressive in passing racially discriminatory laws and ordinances. Although these laws have faced condemnation in Federal court and in the media, rebuilding organizations active in the parish have so far refused to take a public position.
Racial discrimination has a long history in St. Bernard politics. Judge Leander Perez, a fiery leader who dominated the parish for almost 50 years, was known nationally as a spokesman for racial segregation. The main road through the Parish was named after Perez, and his legacy still has a hold on the political scene there. Lynn Dean, a member of the St Bernard parish council told reporter Lizzy Ratner, "They don't want the blacks back… What they'd like to do now with Katrina is say, we'll wipe out all of them. They're not gonna say that out in the open, but how do you say? Actions speak louder than words. There's their action."
The action Lynn was referencing is a “blood relative” ordinance the council passed in 2006. The law made it illegal for Parish homeowners to rent to anyone not directly related to the renter. In St Bernard, which was 85% white before Katrina hit, this effectively kept African Americans, many of whom were still displaced from New Orleans and looking for nearby housing, from moving in. The Greater New Orleans Fair Housing Action Center sued the Parish, saying the ordinance violated the 1968 Fair Housing Act. A judge agreed, saying it was racially discriminatory in intent and impact.
The story doesn’t end there. St. Bernard’s government agreed to a settlement, but the illegal ordinance was followed by another, blocking multi-family construction in the Parish. Last month, U.S. District Judge Ginger Berrigan found the Parish to be in contempt of court, saying, “The Parish Council's intent…is and was racially discriminatory." An editorial in the New Orleans Times-Picayune agreed, saying, “This ruling strips off the camouflage and reveals St. Bernard's actions for what they really are: an effort to keep lower-income people and African-Americans from moving into the mostly white parish.”
www.leftturn.org
Rebuilding efforts in St. Bernard Parish, a small community just outside New Orleans, have recently gotten a major boost. One nonprofit focused on rebuilding in the area has received the endorsement of CNN, Alice Walker, the touring production of the play The Color Purple, and even President Obama. But an alliance of Gulf Coast and national organizations are now raising questions about the cause these high profile names are supporting.
The dispute focuses on the responsibility of relief organizations to speak out against injustice in the communities in which they work. Since September of 2006, St. Bernard Parish has been aggressive in passing racially discriminatory laws and ordinances. Although these laws have faced condemnation in Federal court and in the media, rebuilding organizations active in the parish have so far refused to take a public position.
Racial discrimination has a long history in St. Bernard politics. Judge Leander Perez, a fiery leader who dominated the parish for almost 50 years, was known nationally as a spokesman for racial segregation. The main road through the Parish was named after Perez, and his legacy still has a hold on the political scene there. Lynn Dean, a member of the St Bernard parish council told reporter Lizzy Ratner, "They don't want the blacks back… What they'd like to do now with Katrina is say, we'll wipe out all of them. They're not gonna say that out in the open, but how do you say? Actions speak louder than words. There's their action."
The action Lynn was referencing is a “blood relative” ordinance the council passed in 2006. The law made it illegal for Parish homeowners to rent to anyone not directly related to the renter. In St Bernard, which was 85% white before Katrina hit, this effectively kept African Americans, many of whom were still displaced from New Orleans and looking for nearby housing, from moving in. The Greater New Orleans Fair Housing Action Center sued the Parish, saying the ordinance violated the 1968 Fair Housing Act. A judge agreed, saying it was racially discriminatory in intent and impact.
The story doesn’t end there. St. Bernard’s government agreed to a settlement, but the illegal ordinance was followed by another, blocking multi-family construction in the Parish. Last month, U.S. District Judge Ginger Berrigan found the Parish to be in contempt of court, saying, “The Parish Council's intent…is and was racially discriminatory." An editorial in the New Orleans Times-Picayune agreed, saying, “This ruling strips off the camouflage and reveals St. Bernard's actions for what they really are: an effort to keep lower-income people and African-Americans from moving into the mostly white parish.”
13 Nonprofit Organizations in St. Bernard Parish and Algiers
New Orleans – The Greater New Orleans Foundation (GNOF) announced today that it has distributed $61,000 in grants on behalf of Exxon Mobil. The Exxon Mobil Fund aims to improve the quality of life for people in Algiers and St. Bernard Parish.
The 2009 Algiers recipients of grants are the following nonprofit organizations: Nattie’s Creative Arts Therapy, Inc.; Parkway Partners Program, Inc.; Project Grad; and Start the Adventure in Reading.
The 2009 St. Bernard recipients of grants are the following nonprofit organizations: Canary Islands Descendants Association of St. Bernard; Chalmette Vista Neighborhood Association; Louisiana Institute of Higher Education; St. Bernard Battered Women’s Program, Inc.; St. Bernard Kiwanis Foundation, Inc.; St. Bernard Parish Library; St. Bernard Parish School Board; St. Bernard Wetlands Foundation, Inc.; and Voices Foundation.
The Greater New Orleans Foundation is the community foundation serving the 13-parish Greater New Orleans metropolitan area. We design and lead initiatives that improve the region, connect donors to community needs, identify and support great nonprofits, and strengthen civil society.
The 2009 Algiers recipients of grants are the following nonprofit organizations: Nattie’s Creative Arts Therapy, Inc.; Parkway Partners Program, Inc.; Project Grad; and Start the Adventure in Reading.
The 2009 St. Bernard recipients of grants are the following nonprofit organizations: Canary Islands Descendants Association of St. Bernard; Chalmette Vista Neighborhood Association; Louisiana Institute of Higher Education; St. Bernard Battered Women’s Program, Inc.; St. Bernard Kiwanis Foundation, Inc.; St. Bernard Parish Library; St. Bernard Parish School Board; St. Bernard Wetlands Foundation, Inc.; and Voices Foundation.
The Greater New Orleans Foundation is the community foundation serving the 13-parish Greater New Orleans metropolitan area. We design and lead initiatives that improve the region, connect donors to community needs, identify and support great nonprofits, and strengthen civil society.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Mid-City and Bayou St. John Want Their School
Morris Jeff School has sat abandoned and boarded up since its last use as a shelter during Hurricane Katrina. In 2007, the Recovery School District determined under the School Facilities Master Plan that the damaged elementary school would be rebuilt, at the earliest, in 2012. In response, parents and neighbors galvanized, formed a planning group, and persuaded the RSD to allow them to open a community school at a temporary location until the larger RSD defined facility could be built in the area. The group plans for Morris Jeff Community School to be open access (it hasn't yet been determined if it will be a charter) and governed by a community board and a steering committee of neighbors and parents who live in the Mid-City and Bayou St. John area. The school is expected to open in Fall 2010. Stayed tuned to SOSNOLA for future updates.
Save Our Schools New Orleans
http://www.sosnola.org/
Save Our Schools New Orleans
http://www.sosnola.org/
How to be a member of The Trumpet Editorial Board
Do you read The Trumpet?
Do you or someone in your organization enjoy writing?
Do you ever find yourself thinking "this issue needs attention - someone needs to write/talk about this?"
Do you have an open two-hour time block every two months?
Are you a member of NPN (and if not, would you like to be)?
If you answered yes to all of the above questions, then you might be an excellent candidate for the Trumpet Editorial Board. This emerging publication is quickly gaining momentum, and YOU can be a part of it!
How to apply:
Send you name, phone number and e-mail address to: thetrumpet@npnnola.com
Include the name of your neighborhood association or non-profit organization, and tell us why you'd like to be a part of The Trumpet. Feel free to ask us questions as well!
Do you or someone in your organization enjoy writing?
Do you ever find yourself thinking "this issue needs attention - someone needs to write/talk about this?"
Do you have an open two-hour time block every two months?
Are you a member of NPN (and if not, would you like to be)?
If you answered yes to all of the above questions, then you might be an excellent candidate for the Trumpet Editorial Board. This emerging publication is quickly gaining momentum, and YOU can be a part of it!
How to apply:
Send you name, phone number and e-mail address to: thetrumpet@npnnola.com
Include the name of your neighborhood association or non-profit organization, and tell us why you'd like to be a part of The Trumpet. Feel free to ask us questions as well!
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
FAIR HOUSING CENTER VOICES GRAVE CONCERNS ABOUT HANO'S SECTION 8 VOUCHER WAIT LIST; URGES HANO TO AMEND PROCESS
The Greater New Orleans Fair Housing Action Center (GNOFHAC) has grave concerns about the process by which the Housing Authority of New Orleans (HANO) is opening its Housing Choice Voucher ("Section 8") wait list. The wait list is available for application from September 6 to 12, 2009. This is the first time the application process has been opened in six years. HANO is using its website, the Times Picayune and the Louisiana Weekly as its sole means for marketing the opening of the wait list.
Because many low-income residents don't subscribe to the Times Picayune and don't have internet access, GNOFHAC is urging HANO to conduct TV and radio advertising to give the public adequate notice that the wait list will be open. Additionally HANO should keep the wait list open for a minimum of 30 days rather than a mere six days. Finally, HANO should accept voucher applications that it received as early as August 23rd, because its public notice regarding the waitlist opening has been confusing and misleading.
GNOFHAC Executive Director James Perry remarks, "Despite the intense need for affordable housing in Orleans Parish, the Section 8 wait list is opening up for the first time in six years. HANO is doing so in a manner that fails to properly notify New Orleans low-income residents. HANO must do a better job of tending to the needs of those of it serves."
Because many low-income residents don't subscribe to the Times Picayune and don't have internet access, GNOFHAC is urging HANO to conduct TV and radio advertising to give the public adequate notice that the wait list will be open. Additionally HANO should keep the wait list open for a minimum of 30 days rather than a mere six days. Finally, HANO should accept voucher applications that it received as early as August 23rd, because its public notice regarding the waitlist opening has been confusing and misleading.
GNOFHAC Executive Director James Perry remarks, "Despite the intense need for affordable housing in Orleans Parish, the Section 8 wait list is opening up for the first time in six years. HANO is doing so in a manner that fails to properly notify New Orleans low-income residents. HANO must do a better job of tending to the needs of those of it serves."
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Local Foundation is Pathbreaker in Use of New Social Media
NEW ORLEANS – The Greater New Orleans Foundation (GNOF) announced today that it is breaking new ground by using social media tools to listen to and interact with communities across the Greater New Orleans region. Its recently retooled website invites New Orleanians and others to engage conversation-style with the Foundation about community issues.
“As far as we know, we are the first community foundation to interact in this way with the community we serve. We are sharing information about the work we’re doing and encouraging community members to leave their comments and opinions. We want to know if our work is actually having an impact, and there is no better way to find out than to invite feedback,” said Dr. Ruesga, president & CEO of the Greater New Orleans Foundation.
“The Second Line” is the name of the Foundation’s new blog. Led by Dr. Ruesga, who is a nationally recognized blogger on nonprofit issues, the Second Line will feature contributions from community leaders involved in regional issues. Dr. Ruesga’s first blog post is titled “Are there too many charities in New Orleans?”
Another unique feature is that several pages will have Vietnamese and Spanish translations on grantmaking opportunities offered by the Foundation. “We feel it is very important to reach out to all members of our community and make sure they have the chance to access precious community resources,” said Martha Landrum, the Foundation’s vice president for communications.
Another interactive feature geared specifically for the nonprofit audience is the Bulletin Board. Nonprofits can use this online tool to share news about goods and services available.
For more information, please visit the redesigned website at http://www.gnof.org.
The Greater New Orleans Foundation is the community foundation serving the 13-parish Greater New Orleans metropolitan area. We design and lead initiatives that improve the region, connect donors to community needs, identify and support great nonprofits, and strengthen civil society.
“As far as we know, we are the first community foundation to interact in this way with the community we serve. We are sharing information about the work we’re doing and encouraging community members to leave their comments and opinions. We want to know if our work is actually having an impact, and there is no better way to find out than to invite feedback,” said Dr. Ruesga, president & CEO of the Greater New Orleans Foundation.
“The Second Line” is the name of the Foundation’s new blog. Led by Dr. Ruesga, who is a nationally recognized blogger on nonprofit issues, the Second Line will feature contributions from community leaders involved in regional issues. Dr. Ruesga’s first blog post is titled “Are there too many charities in New Orleans?”
Another unique feature is that several pages will have Vietnamese and Spanish translations on grantmaking opportunities offered by the Foundation. “We feel it is very important to reach out to all members of our community and make sure they have the chance to access precious community resources,” said Martha Landrum, the Foundation’s vice president for communications.
Another interactive feature geared specifically for the nonprofit audience is the Bulletin Board. Nonprofits can use this online tool to share news about goods and services available.
For more information, please visit the redesigned website at http://www.gnof.org.
The Greater New Orleans Foundation is the community foundation serving the 13-parish Greater New Orleans metropolitan area. We design and lead initiatives that improve the region, connect donors to community needs, identify and support great nonprofits, and strengthen civil society.
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