Greetings and Happy New Year from the office of Councilmember Susan G. Guidry. The councilmember would like you to be aware of recent developments concerning a valuable community resource, Grace Episcopal Church, and also that a new Teen Council has been formed through the New Orleans Recreation Development Commission (NORDC).
Community Asked to Show Support for Grace Episcopal Church
Please join the Mid-City Neighborhood Organization (MCNO) tomorrow, Thursday, January 5 at 6:15 at Grace Episcopal Church, 3700 Canal, to show your support for this Mid-City treasure.
The Episcopal Diocese has announced they are suspending services at Grace Episcopal Church on January 5th. The future of this local landmark is uncertain due to its small number of parishioners.
The Diocese has announced it intends to keep the church available for community functions, but many members of the community have expressed a need to underscore to the Bishop that this church has become an important part of community life here since Katrina. It is a frequent location where the city, local non-profits, and other groups perform outreach to citizens – often from across the city.
On Thursday, January 5th, Bishop Thompson will be present for the last service and will make the announcement formally suspending services at Grace Episcopal. Ms. Betty Zachary, who has worked tirelessly as a volunteer coordinator for the church, has asked that the community join together in a show of support for Grace Episcopal beginning at 6:15.
The congregation dates from 1886. It moved into its current home, at the corner of Canal and South Telemachus streets, in 1954. The church contains two notable murals depicting the Last Supper and the Ascension of Jesus by John McCrady and Alan Flattmann. The church is a notable Modernist landmark, designed by famed architect August Perez. In 2010 the New Orleans Historic District Landmark Commission designated the building a local landmark.
For additional information please contact either: Jennifer Farwell MCNO Communications and Outreach Specialist at (504) 208-3055, or Mike Raborn, MCNO Director of Special Events and Fundraising at (504) 220-1865.
NORDC LAUNCHES TEEN COUNCIL – Applications Due January 27, 2012
The City and NORDC have announced that applications are now being accepted for NORDC’s Teen Council.
The mission of the Teen Council is to empower youth ages 12 through 17 through NORDC programming. Youth will have an opportunity to help plan NORDC teen programming and initiatives, attend developmental trainings and workshops, attend NORDC meetings, and participate in a leadership mentorship program. The Teen Council will be comprised of a diverse group of 12 individuals from across the City.
The Selection Committee will be comprised of a representative from the City’s Office of Neighborhood Engagement, two representatives from community organizations, and four representatives from NORDC staff.
All interested youth are encouraged to apply. The Teen Council is free and open to the public. Applications and criteria for selection can be found online at www.nola.gov/residents/nord/teen-programs or may be picked up at NORDC’s headquarters at 800 Race Street, New Orleans, LA 70130. Completed applications may be mailed to NORDC’s headquarters or emailed to cfpappion@nola.gov. Applications are due on Friday, January 27, 2012.
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NOLA City Council Meeting
Among the Agenda items scheduled to be addressed at the January 5, 2012 City Council meeting:
–Ordinance to modify current curfew hours for minors in the French Quarter and the Frenchman Street Area
–Presentation recognizing the contributions of former Mayor Sidney J. Barthelemy who served as Mayor of New Orleans 25 years ago, from 1986 to 1994
–Presentation by “Big Chief” Tootie Montana’s family, recognizing January 6, 2012, the first day of Carnival Season, as “Big Chief” Allison Tootie Montana Day in New Orleans
When: Thursday | January 5, 2012 | 10 a.m.
Where: City Council Chamber | City Hall | 1300 Perdido St.