Thank you from NOPD’s First District

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photos and info from Kristie Carr
1stDistrictBicycles

1stDistrictBicycles1Commander Otha Sandifer and the officers of the First District thank you for your contributions and moral support.
Without your generous donations, the Christmas Gift Giveaway would not have been possible.

Because of your donations, the 1st District was able to give bicycles to the pre-Kindergarten students of St. Peter Claver school.

1stDistrictBicycles2

Click on the letter from Commander Otha Sandifer below for a larger view.

1stDistrictBicycles3

nopjf
The New Orleans Police and Justice Foundation (NOPJF) is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization dedicated to making New Orleans a safer place to work, live and visit. Financial contributions to the NOPJF are fully tax-deductible, and the Foundation is registered with the charitable-giving information resource on GuideStar.org. Our organization’s financial statements are audited annually by an external accounting firm (Postlethwaite & Netterville). Our annual 990 IRS informatoin return is also prepared by Postlehwaite & Netterville, copies of which can be viewed on GuideStar’s website. We also undergo a “single audit” each year that examines compliance with all federal circulars, regulations and reporting requirements associated with federal grant funds awarded to our organization directly or as pass-through grants where the Foundation is the Fiscal Agent.

Recycle Your Holiday Tree

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recycle-christmas-treeOrleans Parish:

Place trees curbside on your regular collection day, starting Jan. 8 and ending Jan. 10.

The best way to avoid a mess removing your tree is to place a plastic tree bag (available at hardware stores) underneath the stand when you set the tree up. You can hide it with a tree skirt. Then, when the holidays are done, pull the bag up around the tree, stand and all, and carry it outside. Obviously, you will want to remove the stand before recycling the tree. If some needles do scatter inside, it is better to sweep them up; as needles can clog vacuum cleaners.

Real Christmas Trees are biodegradable, which means they can be easily reused or recycled for mulch and other purposes.

Orleans Parish:

Place trees curbside on your regular collection day, starting Jan. 8 and ending Jan. 10.

History of Christmas Trees

  • 1510 – The first written record of a decorated Christmas Tree comes from Riga, Latvia. Men of the local merchants’ guild decorated a tree with artificial roses, danced around it in the marketplace and then set fire to it. The rose was used for many year and is considered to be a symbol for the Virgin Mary.
  • 1530 – There is record from Alsace, France (then Germany territory) that trees were sold in the marketplace and brought home and set up undecorated. Laws limited the size to “8 shoe lengths” (slightly over 4 feet).
  • 1600s – By the 17th century, it was common in Germany to decorate Christmas Trees with apples. This practice was a holdover from the 14th and 15th centuries when evergreen boughs hung with apples were the only prop used in the “miracle plays” that were performed at the churches on December 24. December 24 was Adam & Eve’s Day in the early Christian calendar, and the plays were used as ways of teaching the Bible to a largely illiterate population.
  • 1700s – In parts of Austria and Germany, evergreen tips were brought into the home and hung top down from the ceiling. They were often decorated with apples, gilded nuts and red paper strips. Edible ornaments became so popular on Christmas Trees that they were often called “sugartrees.” The first accounts of using lighted candles as decorations on Christmas Trees come from France in the 18th century.
  • 1800s – The Christmas Tree was introduced in the United States by German settlers. It rapidly grew from tabletop size to floor-to-ceiling.
  • 1851 – Christmas Trees began to be sold commercially in the United States. They were taken at random from the forests.
  • 1853 – Franklin Pierce is credited with bringing the first Christmas Tree to the White House.
  • Late 1800s – The first glass ornaments were introduced into the United States, again from Germany. The first ones were mostly balls, but later chains of balls, toys and figures became more common.
  • Around 1883 – Sears, Roebuck & Company began offering the first artificial Christmas trees – 33 limbs for $.50 and 55 limbs for $1.00.
  • 1900s – Due to overharvesting, the natural supply of evergreens began to be decimated. Conservationists became alarmed, and many magazines began to encourage people to substitute an artificial “snow” covered tree, consisting of a branch of a deciduous tree wrapped in cotton.
  • 1901 – The first Christmas Tree farm was started in 1901 when W.V. McGalliard planted 25,000 Norway spruce on his farm in New Jersey. Also in 1901, Theodore Roosevelt tried to stop the practice of having Christmas Trees out of concern about the destruction of forests. His two sons didn’t agree and enlisted the help of conservationist Gifford Pinchot to persuade the president that, done properly, the practice was not harmful to the forests.
  • 1930s – President Franklin D. Roosevelt started a Christmas Tree farm on his estate in Hyde Park, New York.
  • 1966 – The National Christmas Tree Association began its time-honored tradition of having the Grand Champion grower present a Christmas Tree to the First Lady for display in the Blue Room of the White House. That year, Howard Pierce of Black River Falls, Wisconsin, presented a tree to President Lyndon Johnson and First Lady Lady Bird Johnson.
  • Today – Approximately 25-30 million Real Christmas Trees are sold each year in the United States. Almost all of these come from Christmas Tree plantations.

Looking for more Christmas facts and history?

Visit History.com’s Christmas Section

Timeline provided by The Rocks Christmas Tree Farm, Bethlehem, NH.

You’ll Do More than Shoot Your Eye Out Kid

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Courtesy…  http://travel.excite.co.uk/town-in-italy-starts-using-silent-fireworks-as-a-way-of-respecting-their-animals-N52632.html

Usually large celebrations involve dancing, food and drink and sometimes fireworks. While us humans enjoy the sounds and sights of these colourful explosions, animals feel very differently about it.

The explosion that happens when a firework is set off can cause animals to have heart problems, nausea, tremors, debilitating fears and lightheadedness. It can also lead to “acoustic stress” as most animals’ ears are much more sensitive than humans.

Animals are confused as to where the loud foreign noise is coming from making them start to run frantically away. Unfortunately this sometimes results in them being hit by a car or lost. Other animals may be too close to the explosion and receive burns or eye damage, or for the hens, they have a lower production in eggs.

The town of Collecchio in the province of Parma in Italy are doing something about it.The local government has introduced new legislation whereby people have to use silent fireworks as a way of respecting the animals and reducing the stress it causes them.

The company, Setti Fireworks makes these fireworks which include a spectacular light show but with no deafening sound to go with it. They design their fireworks to fit the venue and event that they will be used for.

http://travel.excite.co.uk/town-in-italy-starts-using-silent-fireworks-as-a-way-of-respecting-their-animals-N52632.html

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Howdy Neighbors!
Eileen Duke has reminded us for years about the problems fireworks cause.   I am excited about the recent information she has provided on the subject and have posted it in the link below:
https://fsjna.org/2014/08/youll-do-more-than-shoot-your-eye-out-kid/

Eileen’s recent note should be a “call to action” for those who want everyone to celebrate  our country or ring in the New Year.   Deep seated traditions are fiercely defended in New Orleans and that is ok.

But, there is nothing that says we can’t begin a campaign to celebrate safely.   CELEBRATE SAFELY could be the mantra of a neighborhood committee or a newly formed organization.

The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra has played in City Park.   What do you think about the LPO on the bayou?  Imagine the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra playing the 1812 Overture while silent fireworks or laser lights (that rivel any you’ve ever seen at the best rock concert you’ve been to) dance in the sky to celebrate the 4th of July safely.  The bell at Holy Rosary could be rung at the right time during the presentation.  Sounds farfetched?
Dream it, think it,  then make it happen.

Doubt there would be many folks shooting fireworks during a CELEBRATE SAFELY event like that.

Do you know the folks that run the Voodoo Experience?  Would they be interested in helping get someone to do the light show?  Do you know anyone that could bring the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra to the bayou?  Are there other non-profits and neighborhood organizations that could be encouraged to join the CELEBRATE SAFELY campaign?    Who wouldn’t want to be part of a fun, environmentally fun event with zero impact on the bayou and the participants?

How ’bout environmentally safe fireworks?

http://tinyurl.com/environmentally-safe-fireworks

How ’bout preventing blindness from fireworks?

http://www.preventblindness.org/celebrate-fourth-safely

How ’bout celebrating safely at your family gathering?

http://thecabin.net/news/local/2014-07-02/celebrate-safely-fourth#.U-YmYGMzKSo

Here’s some tips on celebrating safely from New Hampshire?

http://www.nh.gov/safety/divisions/firesafety/news/20120606-celebrate-safely.html

Here’s a Facebook page about the plastics in fireworks:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Environmentally-Friendly-Fireworks/152363834829149

 There is so much more that CELEBRATE SAFELY could do to educate folks.

Are you interested? email info@fsjna.org

Sincerely,

Charlie London

https://fsjna.org | http://katrinafilm.com

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Letter below by Eileen Duke

If someone finds Chinese drywall in their home, they take steps to remove it. These are not people wearing tinfoil hats,
and I don’t think their lawyers are wearing them either, or the judges involved.  Once Chinese drywall is removed from homes and businesses, there are special rules about disposal.  It’s not even allowed in most dump sites.  That’s because radioactive materials like radium and uranium can cause cancer, and the Chinese drywall appears to break down more easily than domestic drywall, sending small radioactive particles into the air in affected homes. This is what happens with fireworks. These are some of the ingredients used.

The utilization of “radiobarite” for pyrotechnic ingredients can cause atomospheric pollution with radium aerosols where fireworks are displayed, resulting in negative health effects upon inhalation of such aerosols.  There is a growing interest in some places for greener fireworks:   http://iopscience.iop.org/1748-9326/4/3/034006/pdf/erl9_3_034006.pdf

no-fireworksMy concern is that no one seems to know what is being used on the bayou and in our neighborhoods since it is all illegal.  I’m guessing that the contents of legal public displays are readily available public information.

Most of our fireworks come from China.  Every country has made its share of toxic products and can find a place in the toxic hall of shame.   I regularly purchase things from China, but let’s be realistic in considering that China has less regulations regarding safety.  And since most people are not aware about fireworks and get confused about effective ways to be patriotic, there are not many folks minding the store, so to speak.  China has been very thrifty in making new uses of all sorts of leftover stuff to put in children’s toys, dog food, and fireworks instead of putting it into hazardous disposal sites.  Some old news:
“The fiasco builds on U.S. fears of exposure to poisonous Chinese products, stoked by Thomas the Tank Engine toys tainted with lead paint, and the pet-slaying bags of dogfood that contained hazardous levels of melamine. Chinese government officials are investigating, and many U.S. homebuilders have stopped using Chinese drywall due to litigation fears. Of course, it’s too late for the tens of thousands of U.S. homemakers who bought dream houses, only to find themselves trapped in a toxic hell.”  Toxic Chinese drywall turns U.S. homes into smelly cancer traps – DailyFinance

A type of chemical believed to be found in the Chinese drywall is strontium sulfide. This is used in fireworks to give it a bright red flame when burnt and is dangerous especially to children because it is known to affect bone growth.”  http://enviornmentalhealth.wikispaces.com/Chinese+Drywall

But strontium sulfide and toxins do not tell of the personal grief caused by fireworks.  Two days I spoke to Emily who lost her dog, named “Chewy” due to 7/3/14 fireworks in City Park.  The fireworks caught them off guard — this can happen to anyone and their pet.  You probably have seen the signs.  She told me they found his body where the I-10 runs through City Park.  I feel like a memorial is needed for all the animals that have been terrorized and their owners who have suffered and grieved along with them.  Maybe one day an artist or sculptor can be part of getting this message across.

It’s a shame that some people just don’t get it when it comes to fireworks — that they lack the creativity to come up with a new form of entertainment for the 4th of July and December 31, or to celebrate when the Saint’s score, etc. etc. Sad little minds in adult-sized bodies, harming children and pets, polluting our bayou, our streets, our food gardens because their lives are lacking in the spark department.

no-fireworks-allowedInstead of trying to saddle our police with anything further to act upon, why don’t we, as a neighborhood organization or just a bunch of concerned parents and other good neighbors, speak out and spread the word about fireworks.  I think the police would be helped if they didn’t have to do their already extremely difficult work under the cover of chaos caused by fireworks.  Don’t complain about the police, and then tie their hands behind their backs by not speaking out about this idiotic practice that invites chaos.

Consider what you, as an individual, can do in this department.  I’m sure there are many ways to combat this problem.  The time has come for something that is better for all concerned (people, environment, animals) than fireworks.

The time has come to stop this.  I hope it rains all night in memory of Chewy.

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most-injured-partsFireworks are synonymous with our celebration of Independence Day. Yet, the thrill of fireworks can also bring pain. 200 people on average go to the emergency room every day with fireworks-related injuries in the month around the July 4th holiday. Remember, fireworks can be dangerous, causing serious burn and eye injuries. You can help prevent fireworks-related injuries and deaths. How? By working with a national, state or local organization where you live to promote fireworks safety in your community.
Fireworks-

Follow these safety tips when using fireworks:

· Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.
· Avoid buying fireworks that are packaged in brown paper because this is often a sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays and that they could pose a
danger to consumers.
· Always have an adult supervise fireworks activities. Parents don’t realize that young children suffer injuries from sparklers. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about
2,000 degrees – hot enough to melt some metals.
· Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.
· Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.
· Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
· Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.
· Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly.
· Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.
· After fireworks complete their burning, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding it to prevent a trash fire.
· Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them.

Timeless Message from Charlie Chaplin

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I’m sorry, but I don’t want to be an emperor. That’s not my business. I don’t want to rule or conquer anyone. I should like to help everyone – if possible – Jew, Gentile – black man – white. We all want to help one another. Human beings are like that. We want to live by each other’s happiness – not by each other’s misery. We don’t want to hate and despise one another. In this world there is room for everyone. And the good earth is rich and can provide for everyone. The way of life can be free and beautiful, but we have lost the way.

Greed has poisoned men’s souls, has barricaded the world with hate, has goose-stepped us into misery and bloodshed. We have developed speed, but we have shut ourselves in. Machinery that gives abundance has left us in want. Our knowledge has made us cynical. Our cleverness, hard and unkind. We think too much and feel too little. More than machinery we need humanity. More than cleverness we need kindness and gentleness. Without these qualities, life will be violent and all will be lost….

The aeroplane and the radio have brought us closer together. The very nature of these inventions cries out for the goodness in men – cries out for universal brotherhood – for the unity of us all. Even now my voice is reaching millions throughout the world – millions of despairing men, women, and little children – victims of a system that makes men torture and imprison innocent people.

To those who can hear me, I say – do not despair. The misery that is now upon us is but the passing of greed – the bitterness of men who fear the way of human progress. The hate of men will pass, and dictators die, and the power they took from the people will return to the people. And so long as men die, liberty will never perish. …..

Soldiers! don’t give yourselves to brutes – men who despise you – enslave you – who regiment your lives – tell you what to do – what to think and what to feel! Who drill you – diet you – treat you like cattle, use you as cannon fodder. Don’t give yourselves to these unnatural men – machine men with machine minds and machine hearts! You are not machines! You are not cattle! You are men! You have the love of humanity in your hearts! You don’t hate! Only the unloved hate – the unloved and the unnatural! Soldiers! Don’t fight for slavery! Fight for liberty!

In the 17th Chapter of St Luke it is written: “the Kingdom of God is within man” – not one man nor a group of men, but in all men! In you! You, the people have the power – the power to create machines. The power to create happiness! You, the people, have the power to make this life free and beautiful, to make this life a wonderful adventure.

Then – in the name of democracy – let us use that power – let us all unite. Let us fight for a new world – a decent world that will give men a chance to work – that will give youth a future and old age a security. By the promise of these things, brutes have risen to power. But they lie! They do not fulfill that promise. They never will!

Dictators free themselves but they enslave the people! Now let us fight to fulfil that promise! Let us fight to free the world – to do away with national barriers – to do away with greed, with hate and intolerance. Let us fight for a world of reason, a world where science and progress will lead to all men’s happiness. Soldiers! in the name of democracy, let us all unite!

Faubourg Photos

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photos courtesy Paul Broussard
xmas2012a-paul-broussard

If you haven’t driven by the 3200 block of Ursulines, make a point to do so. Neighbors there have put up a glorious display.

Paul Broussard sent in some great shots of the area around Ponce de Leon and Maurepas Streets. Enjoy!

click on any of the thumbnails below for a larger view

Whatever Floats Your Boat

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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)
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UPDATE: JULY, 2012

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


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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/
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