Stay Away and Be Ok

by

Here is a question you should ask yourself, your family and friends: Is okay to walk across your neighbor’s front yard without their permission? Most responsible adults are going to answer, “Of course not.”

As a follow-up question, ask if it’s okay, or if it’s “a problem” for uninvited guests to walk on or across railroad property without permission.

Unfortunately, most members of our society don’t see railroad trespassing as a problem even though railroad rights-of-way constitute privately-owned land and are – especially bridges, tunnels, mainlines and switch yards – among the most dangerous places non-railroaders could occupy.

warning-railroad1Trespassing on railroad property is illegal and foolish. Without question, a 10,000-ton train moving 50 mph is going to take a much bigger bite out of a trespasser than the dog in your neighbor’s front yard.

Indiana Rail Road recently made news across the world when our executive, legal and public relations staffs made the decision to release video of a near-fatal encounter between an Indianapolis-bound train and two trespassers on Shuffle Creek Trestle, near Bloomington, Indiana.


Two female subjects, both in their mid-30s, dove between the rails after attempts to run proved futile. The locomotives and several cars passed above them, but the subjects are fortunate for two reasons: there is a mere 10 inches of clearance between the crossties and bottom of a locomotive’s snowplow, and if one of the heavy air hoses connecting each locomotive and railcar had been hanging lower than normal, it would have struck and killed them.

The point is: the women should have never been on railroad property to begin with, for their act could have resulted not only in their death but that of the engineer, not to mention a catastrophic derailment. As with all North American railroads, trains can run on INRD at any time, any day, and we must be vigilant to protect our employees, asset and the public.

Shuffle Creek Trestle is 982 feet long and stands 80 feet over the swampy shallows of Lake Lemon. Photo by Chris Thompson
Shuffle Creek Trestle is 982 feet long and stands 80 feet over the swampy shallows of Lake Lemon. Photo by Chris Thompson
Protecting our employees is exactly why INRD chose to release the video. In this case, thankfully, an engineer did not kill two trespassers, and does not have to forever live with the memory of fatalities that were out of his control.

Such incidents are why railroad employees are encouraged to report trespassers, why railroads encourage law enforcement to prosecute trespassers, and why we partner with law enforcement and Operation Lifesaver to encourage trespass avoidance and grade-crossing safety.

Click here for the rest of the story in Indiana Railroad’s Milepost newsletter

Second Line

by

2009 second line for Maria LoVullo found by Henry Artigue.

In memoriam of the respected visual and performance artist Maria LoVullo. Join the marching band along the banks of historic Bayou St. John on Magnolia Bridge for the disbursement of her ashes. Her son is one of the trombone players in the marching band.

Maria R. Lovullo a resident of New Orleans, passed peacefully from this world Sunday, May 31, 2009. She was 48. Born in Buffalo NY on June 24, 1961 to Patrick R. and Rose T. Fiorella LoVullo.

Ms. LoVullo attended the State University of New York, College at Purchase, earning a BFA (Printmaking/Sculpture), before attending the School of the Art Institute of Chicago where she earned an MFA (Performance Art/ Film & Video). Always a conceptual artist, her performance pieces in San Francisco, New York City and Chicago during the ’80s were provocative and often used feminist themes and humor.

Having worked as a visual arts curator, gallery director and film set decorator, as well as an exhibiting artist, LoVullo brought with her a rich background when she moved to Louisiana in 1990.

A continually evolving creative force, inspiring teacher and a loyal friend, her biggest projects for the past 17 years have been her family, students, spiritual growth and service work. She recently placed a piece in The Southern Open, the Acadiana Center for the Arts juried art exhibition, and taught at schools in St. Charles and Lafayette Louisiana parishes. She continued to create art until her death and has a show coming up in December at The Front Gallery in New Orleans.

She was an enormous asset to whatever community she made her home, and will be sorely missed by the arts community, as well as the education community.

Always curious, ever helpful and caring, LoVullo was a lifelong learner who embraced the teachings of Tibetan Buddhism for the last years of her short, but full, life.

Among survivors is her husband, Jonathan “Jonno” Frishberg, recognized as one of the premier fiddle players recording today. His albums have included “South to Louisiana” and he has performed with Mitch Reed and others in the Acadiana area, most recently at a benefit held in January at the Blue Moon Saloon to help raise funds for his wife’s medical expenses.

Other survivors include her children Colin Firshberg (16), and Eva Frishberg (15); stepchildren Joshua and Tami Frishberg; and her brothers, Patrick, Micheal and Paul LoVullo.

A celebration of her life was held Saturday, June 6, at the New Orleans home of Jacob Schoen & Son. Following the service, a gathering at Dumaine Street and Bayou St. John evolved into a jazz funeral to the Cabrini Bridge.

Donations can be made directly to Jonno Frishberg in LoVullo’s memory and sent to his attention at 4468 Arts St., New Orleans, LA 70122.

MASQUERAID

by


Masqueraid / Re-Bridge’s 2nd Annual Fundraising Gala will be held Saturday, December 1, 2012 at the home of Eric Hess and Judge Frank Thaxton III, retired at 1001 Moss Street.

This year will be a masked cocktail affair! Guests will gather to support the rehabilitation of two historic bridges, while enjoying an open bar featuring two exclusive Re-Bridge drinks, gourmet bites from SoBou, and dancing to a master DJ set of tunes from the 70s to today.

Masqueraid is designed to raise awareness and funds for rehabilitating the Magnolia and Walter Parker Memorial (aka Dumaine) Bridges that cross Bayou St. John, a community effort led by the Faubourg St. John Neighborhood Association in collaboration with the Re‐Bridge organization. The Magnolia Bridge is considered the oldest in New Orleans and was recently named one of Louisiana Landmarks Society’s “New Orleans Nine.” The Sanctuary is a private residence, once Walter Parker’s home, who helped transform the squalid bayou and surrounds into the wonderful neighborhood it is today. Re-Bridge is continuing the vision that Mr. Parker initiated 80 years ago.

Masqueraid is open to the public (cocktail attire). All monies raised for Re-Bridge are under FSJNA’s charitable 501c3 status. The tickets are $100 each with all proceeds going to Re-Bridge to raise matching funds for city and state funding. SoBou has graciously donated the cuisine.

Masqueraid will also include five incredible raffle items for fans of the arts, fashion, dining, drinking, and sports. Get your tickets today!

Party for the Bridges

by

by Mary-jo Webster

REBRIDGE Fall Gala
December 1, 2012

What: The important fundraiser of the year for the REBRIDGE effort.
A lavish and exciting evening along the banks of Bayou St. John!

When: Saturday, December 1, 2012

Where: 1001 Moss Street in beautiful Faubourg St. John in New Orleans

Who: This year’s gala will be at the extraordinary home of Eric Hess and Judge Frank Thaxton III, ret.

Ti Martin is again graciously donating food for the event, so whether it is Commander’s Palace or the wonderful new SoBou, the food will be divine!

More details will be coming soon, but please hold the date and plan to attend the Second Annual REBRIDGE Gala on December 1st!

***

Dear neighbors and Re-Bridge enthusiasts,

What follows is a long-overdue update about our efforts to rehabilitate the Dumaine Street and Magnolia bridges. Although I have not sent out an email recently, much work has been going on, and our progress is on track!

As a preface, I want to emphasize my great appreciation for the amazing support that has been offered and maintained, and without which this project would have died a long time ago:

~ The core group of Re-Bridge worker-bees that stays the course and gets it all done!

~ The Regional Planning Commission, who welcomed our initial proposals, contributed money and expertise, and continues to guide the project through a seemingly bewildering landscape!

~ Councilmember Susan Guidry, who has supported this project from the very beginning and continues to facilitate necessary conversations and collaborations!

~ The Faubourg St. John Neighborhood Association, who encouraged the project to launch, provided initial seed money, and has been there to help, support, contribute, attend, participate, and advocate in whatever manner is needed!

Magnolia Bridge

Feasibility Study (completed) $10,000 Funded by the Regional Planning Commission (RPC)

Completed by Volkert, Inc in 2011. This study informed the application for Federal Transportation Enhancement Funds (TE), and in November, 2011 $844,400 was awarded for this project.

Environmental & Historical Analyses (current phase) $67,000 Funded by RPC, to which Re-Bridge has contributed $13,400 in matching funds.

Completed by Volkert and forwarded to State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) for review in July. SHPO considers the impact of proposed work from an historic and archeological perspective and their review and approval is required prior to being able to spend any federal money on a project. A response from SHPO is expected soon, after which all documents will be forwarded to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) for approval.

Engineering Design and Permitting (next phase) estimated at $200,000. TE funds cannot be used for this phase.

We have asked the City of New Orleans to provide funding for this phase, and we are awaiting final confirmation that money from an upcoming bond sale will be earmarked as such.

Construction (final phase) estimated at $888,750. The $844K in TE funds will be applied to this phase, leaving a match requirement estimated at $44,450.

The match dollars can be provided from any source: Re-Bridge, the City, or grant funding (as yet unidentified).

Dumaine Street Bridge

Re-Bridge contributed an engineering inspection (thanks to Jim Danner!) in 2011, which concluded that no structural damage exists.

The Department of Public Works inspects every bridge in the City every two years, and they have agreed to use the upcoming inspection of Dumaine to generate a scope of work and budget for beautification.

With a reliable estimate of cost, and once we understand what portions of the scope require professional v. volunteer services, Re-Bridge will pursue a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement (CEA) with the City of New Orleans. This CEA will allow Re-Bridge funding to fulfill a City-approved scope of work for cosmetic repairs and beautification.

Re-Bridge needs and welcomes community support! If you have some time, resources, money, or talent that you would like to contribute to the cause, please email me directly.

Many thanks to all of you,
Mary-jo Webster, Re-Bridge Chair
[email protected]

Big Party December 1st

by

by Mary-jo Webster

REBRIDGE Fall Gala
December 1, 2012

What: The important fundraiser of the year for the REBRIDGE effort.
A lavish and exciting evening along the banks of Bayou St. John!

When: Saturday, December 1, 2012

Where: 1001 Moss Street in beautiful Faubourg St. John in New Orleans

Who: This year’s gala will be at the extraordinary home of Eric Hess and Judge Frank Thaxton III, ret.

Ti Martin is again graciously donating food for the event, so whether it is Commander’s Palace or the wonderful new SoBou, the food will be divine!

More details will be coming soon, but please hold the date and plan to attend the Second Annual REBRIDGE Gala on December 1st!

***

Dear neighbors and Re-Bridge enthusiasts,

What follows is a long-overdue update about our efforts to rehabilitate the Dumaine Street and Magnolia bridges. Although I have not sent out an email recently, much work has been going on, and our progress is on track!

As a preface, I want to emphasize my great appreciation for the amazing support that has been offered and maintained, and without which this project would have died a long time ago:

~ The core group of Re-Bridge worker-bees that stays the course and gets it all done!

~ The Regional Planning Commission, who welcomed our initial proposals, contributed money and expertise, and continues to guide the project through a seemingly bewildering landscape!

~ Councilmember Susan Guidry, who has supported this project from the very beginning and continues to facilitate necessary conversations and collaborations!

~ The Faubourg St. John Neighborhood Association, who encouraged the project to launch, provided initial seed money, and has been there to help, support, contribute, attend, participate, and advocate in whatever manner is needed!

Magnolia Bridge

Feasibility Study (completed) $10,000 Funded by the Regional Planning Commission (RPC)

Completed by Volkert, Inc in 2011. This study informed the application for Federal Transportation Enhancement Funds (TE), and in November, 2011 $844,400 was awarded for this project.

Environmental & Historical Analyses (current phase) $67,000 Funded by RPC, to which Re-Bridge has contributed $13,400 in matching funds.

Completed by Volkert and forwarded to State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) for review in July. SHPO considers the impact of proposed work from an historic and archeological perspective and their review and approval is required prior to being able to spend any federal money on a project. A response from SHPO is expected soon, after which all documents will be forwarded to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) for approval.

Engineering Design and Permitting (next phase) estimated at $200,000. TE funds cannot be used for this phase.

We have asked the City of New Orleans to provide funding for this phase, and we are awaiting final confirmation that money from an upcoming bond sale will be earmarked as such.

Construction (final phase) estimated at $888,750. The $844K in TE funds will be applied to this phase, leaving a match requirement estimated at $44,450.

The match dollars can be provided from any source: Re-Bridge, the City, or grant funding (as yet unidentified).

Dumaine Street Bridge

Re-Bridge contributed an engineering inspection (thanks to Jim Danner!) in 2011, which concluded that no structural damage exists.

The Department of Public Works inspects every bridge in the City every two years, and they have agreed to use the upcoming inspection of Dumaine to generate a scope of work and budget for beautification.

With a reliable estimate of cost, and once we understand what portions of the scope require professional v. volunteer services, Re-Bridge will pursue a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement (CEA) with the City of New Orleans. This CEA will allow Re-Bridge funding to fulfill a City-approved scope of work for cosmetic repairs and beautification.

Re-Bridge needs and welcomes community support! If you have some time, resources, money, or talent that you would like to contribute to the cause, please email me directly.

Many thanks to all of you,
Mary-jo Webster, Re-Bridge Chair
[email protected]

City Council Accepts Federal Funds for the Magnolia Bridge

by

from http://neworleanscitycouncil.com

New Orleans, LA- January 19, 2012 – Today, the Council passed Resolution 12-6, authored by District “A” Councilmember Susan Guidry, accepting $1.8 Million in federal funds for the restoration of the historic Magnolia Bridge on Bayou St. John and for the enhancement of portions of the St. Charles Avenue Streetscape.

Councilmember Guidry said, “The Magnolia Bridge is an iconic structure in the Faubourg St. John and Parkview Neighborhoods. This neighborhood and Citywide symbol is in need of repair and restoration. These federal funds ensure that the bridge remains structurally sound for crossing pedestrians and continues as a historic and important touchstone along Bayou St. John. The enhancements planned along parts of St. Charles Avenue will complement the considerable private beautification projects that have been recently completed along this world famous New Orleans street.”

The Regional Planning Commission (RPC) has included both projects in the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and designated the projects of regional significance. TIP requires that the City provide 100% of the design, engineering, inspection and a local match of five percent for costs of construction.

The St. Charles Avenue Streetscape Improvements Phase I is designed to increase safety for pedestrians using the streetcar line. The scope of work includes replacement of lamps and updating of poles to create a more aesthetically pleasing environment for residents and tourists using the streetcar line.

The Magnolia Converted Pedestrian Bridge Rehabilitation Project will repair and upgrade the bridge to allow for a safe pedestrian crossing. The Magnolia Bridge, erected in 1850, was the first permanent bridge over Bayou St. John and was the Bayou’s only span until completion of the Esplanade Avenue Bridge. The bridge connected the City to Magnolia Garden, a German style beer garden. With restored iron work dating to the early 1900’s, the bridge originally swung on its center to allow boats waterway access. In 1936, Bayou St. John lost its status as a navigable waterway, and the swing mechanism on the Magnolia Bridge was stabilized. In 1989, the Faubourg St. John Neighborhood Association embarked on a three year project to repair the landmark structure.

Whatever Floats Your Boat

by

by Charlie London
Over in Central Florida they are having a boat parade. Click on the photo for photo credit and more information.

Who thinks we could have a Holiday Boat Parade on the bayou?
Who is willing to make that happen?

Would a circular parade of boats between the Magnolia and Dumaine bridges be a good route?

Would you be interested in this?
https://www.facebook.com/winterparkboatparade/

Maybe in Big Lake by the Museum or in Bayou St. John between the bridges?

Maybe a bridge fundraiser? People pay to have their decorated canoe or rowboat in the parade? Best decorated canoe or rowboat wins a prize? Beads would be slingshot from the boats to the shore in wrapped packages that would float (maybe a wine cork in the bag) if they missed the mark?

OR, Krewe of Bayou Festival? Maybe on twelfth night to kick off Mardi Gras with a variety of king cake tables along the shore?

“Floats” on platforms that would be sea worthy? (catamaran-like with large barrels on either side)
***
UPDATE: JULY, 2012

The very first Krewe of Kolossos boat parade
was held July 4, 2012 on Bayou St. John


***
UPDATE: February, 2013
https://fsjna.org/2013/01/krewe-dat-floats/

Join the inaugural Krewe dat Floats parade on Bayou St. John. Weather forced cancellation last year. All SUP’s, kayaks, and canoes are welcome. Route begins at Dumaine Street bridge and floats counter-clockwise towards the Esplanade Avenue bridge which is the turn around point. Costumes, masks, and vessel originality are highly encouraged. Please do not bring any type of throws for the Bayou’s sake.

*Meet location: Grass field on Moss Street between Orleans Avenue and Dumaine Street (Carrollton side of the bayou)
*Meeting time: 12:30pm.
*Float time: 1:00pm.

More Info: http://www.krewedatfloats.org/

https://fsjna.org/2013/01/krewe-dat-floats/
***

Magnolia Bridge Gets Grant

by

“New Orleans has been awarded $844,400 to rehabilitate and enhance the Magnolia Bridge.”

“About the grant program:
The Transportation Enhancement Program is a federally funded program administered through LaDOTD. The goal is to work toward building a more balanced transportation system that includes pedestrians and bicyclists as well as the motoring public. However, projects are not limited to sidewalks and bike paths. They can include safety and educational activities for pedestrians and bicyclists, landscaping and other scenic beautification, historic preservation, acquisition of scenic easements and scenic or historic sites, preservation of abandoned railway corridors, scenic or historic highway programs including the provision of tourist and welcome center facilities, archaeological planning and research, control and removal of outdoor advertising, environmental mitigation and establishment of transportation museums.”

This grant was announced in Washington, D.C. by Senator Mary Landrieu.
http://www.landrieu.senate.gov/mediacenter/pressreleases/11-3-2011-1.cfm

Celebrate this grant Friday, November 18th. Click the link below for more:
https://fsjna.org/links/bubbles-for-the-bridges/

REBRIDGE Fundraiser

by

JOIN THE FUN AGAIN IN 2012!
CLICK HERE TO PARTY ON!

photos and video by Charlie London

CLICK ON THE PHOTO TO THE LEFT TO SEE ALL THE PHOTOS FROM THE 1st ANNUAL REBRIDGE FUNDRAISER

The Creole String Beans put on quite a show for the 1st annual REBRIDGE Fundraiser held November 18, 2011. Click on the arrow above to see them in action.

Gala guests gathered to support the rehabilitation of two historic bridges while enjoying delicious cuisine from Commander’s Palace and dancing to the throw-down tunes of the Creole String Beans. Bubbles flowed — champagne and ice-cold beer — and wine.

For more information call Re-Bridge’s chair, Rachel Dangermond, 504.309.2116 within normal business hours.

Mignon Faget Joins the RE-BRIDGE Team

by


Mignon Faget and Re-Bridge have teamed up to raise matching funds to rehabilitate the Magnolia and Dumaine Street Bridges.

The Faubourg St. John Neighborhood Association has grave concerns about the structural integrity of the Magnolia (Cabrini) and the Dumaine Street Bridges that span Bayou St. John.

The Magnolia Bridge is an historic treasure and was recently named to the Louisiana Landmark Society’s coveted “New Orleans Nine” list. We believe it may be the oldest existing bridge in New Orleans, built in the late 1800s when Faubourg St. John was a thriving commercial
corridor. Today age and weather have taken a toll. The Magnolia Bridge suffers from significant deterioration in its under-girding that poses a potential safety threat.

The Dumaine Street Bridge was built in 1951 and needs concrete repair and beautification. In 2010 the Faubourg St. John Neighborhood Association established a committee to consider options for repairing and restoring these bridges; this committee later launched the Re-Bridge project.

Re-Bridge is now leading a collaborative effort that has garnered extensive public, private, and community support to address the structural and cosmetic deficiencies of the Magnolia and Dumaine Bridges. Although we love these historically significant bridges, we can’t put them in a museum. They to be strong, so that they may serve the community as originally conceived—as a solid path for everyone to walk. Re-Bridge’s mission is to support our bridges, so the bridges can continue supporting us.

In that spirit, Mignon Faget, a reknown jewelry designer based in her native New Orleans, Louisiana, has extended a generous offer of help. Faget’s family settled in the city in the 18th century, and she grew up along the banks of Bayou St. John.

Her jewelry, worked in gold, silver, precious, and semi-precious stones, often finds inspiration in New Orleans architecture and culture or forms in nature. Following Hurricane Katrina, Mignon Faget’s uptown gallery was one of the first businesses to re-open. She donated and continues to donate proceeds from the sale of her Gulf Coast designs to Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana.

Now, Mignon Faget has teamed up with Re-Bridge to help raise matching funds to rehabilitate these historic bridges that are so appreciated by neighbors, visitors, runners, cyclists and Jazz Festers from all over New Orleans and the world.

Mignon Faget is generously donating proceeds from the sale of her Magnolia Bridge AdornAment, which is available for purchase through rebridge.org or http://www.mignonfaget.com/shop/product/holiday/3238M.html.
For more information during business hours, call Rachel Dangermond, Chair of Re-Bridge at 504.309.2116 or visit mignonfaget.com.