kids

GIVE 50 DOLLARS AND A KID GETS A BICYCLE FOR CHRISTMAS

October 24, 2017 by Charlie London

The New Orleans Police Department’s First District is asking for donations of $50 to purchase bicycles for the Pre-K, Kindergarten and 1st grade students at Phyllis Wheatley Community School.

This is the 5th year N.O.P.D.’s First District is giving bikes to school kids. A different school is chosen each year. This year, the bikes will go to students at Phyllis Wheatley Community School at 2300 Dumaine Street.

Most of the students at Phyllis Wheatley are very needy (but not all). The School Resource Officer got a head count of the Pre-K, Kindergarten and First Graders; approximately 200 students need bicycles.

Blank check with false numbers in a blue tone.

If you have any questions or would like to donate a check for 50 dollars, please do not hesitate to call Detective Kenneth Gill at (504) 658-6398 or email Detective Gill at kgill@nola.gov

Thank you from NOPD’s First District

December 26, 2015 by Charlie London

photos and info from Kristie Carr

Commander 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.

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

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.

MAKE YOUR TAX DEDUCTIBLE GIFT WORK FOR YOU

December 18, 2015 by Charlie London

The Faubourg St. John Neighborhood Association is a 501c3 non-profit. Tax i.d. number… 74-2633439

So, money donated to FSJNA is tax deductible. FSJNA is raising funds to make Desmare Playground a better place for children and adults.

Make your money work for you and your neighborhood. Donate today!

FSJNA has $35,000 raised for Desmare Playground as of January 1, 2016

Let’s work together to make Desmare Playground a better place for everyone. Donate today!

RAISING FUNDS FOR DESMARE PLAYGROUND

The people of Faubourg St. John are always thinking of the neighborhood’s open spaces. From the Bayou to the bridges to the beautiful small parks that connect us, we proudly take a pro-active response to ownership and maintenance of these spaces. The people of Faubourg St. John want to be responsive to the needs of the neighborhood and our growing population of young families; refurbishing Desmare Playground at 3456 Esplanade is the current goal. It can’t be done without your generous support.

The goal of the Faubourg St. John Neighborhood Association (FSJNA) is to revamp the currently worn down playground and make it a more welcoming place for children with the addition of a swing-set (who ever heard of a playground with out swings?) along with a complete replacement of the playground equipment for children, refocusing the basketball court to be “little kid” friendly and re-purposing the space outside of the play equipment and ball field for family wellness as well as “kid-centric” neighborhood events. Bottom line, we want this playground to be a special place for children.

Working with Landscape Architect Dana Brown & Associates (DBA) on the master plan, the Faubourg St. John Neighborhood Association involved the community in the playground planning process. On January 26, 2013 Desmare Playground held a kid’s charrette where neighborhood residents were invited out, with their children to have a chance to draw and express what they would like to see in the new playground redesign.

The event was a success with a number of families showing up and showcasing their creativity. With white boxes and sidewalk chalk the kids drew their playground ideas. These ideas ranged from swing sets to duck ponds. Especially swings!

The new master plan was developed from the charrette input and keeps it simple providing a maximum play experience for the kids but with an eye towards easy maintenance, sustainability in design and solves the storm water management issues with a rain garden. The new features are extraordinary: Swings, new play structures for different age groups, a new exercise station for adults, more integrated circulation, overhead canopy, a new entry with benches and plantings, a tricycle track for younger kids to cycle around, a water fountain that is dog friendly, waste receptacles and a new bleacher area for the adjacent school softball fields. All new design features in the park are ADA accessible, including the aggregate paths.

The phases of development for the new Desmare Playground are designed to be implemented as the Faubourg St. John Neighborhood Association raises funds. Each phase of development can be constructed in pieces or as a whole.

Fund raising is the hard part; we have already raised funds and paid for the design work. Our plans are approved by the City of New Orleans. The thermometer below shows where we are so far. The first goal is to get those swings in!
Phase

$75,000 –> swing set | bike rack | second entry for handicap access
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Phase

$65,000 –> Exercise station | rain garden | tree bosque

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Phase

$125,000 –> entry plaza | seat wall | play equipment for 2 to 5 year olds

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Phase

$93,000 –> tricycle track | play equipment for 5 to 12 year olds
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Dana Brown – Desmare Playground
Click HERE for the Full Scope
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Join or donate at —> https://fsjna.org/links/#account/join

Prefer snail-mail? Please send your check made out to the Faubourg St. John Neighborhood Association to: P.O. Box 19101 New Orleans, LA 70179

LAFITTE GREENWAY IS OFFICIALLY OPEN

November 6, 2015 by Charlie London

CITY CELEBRATES OPENING OF
LAFITTE GREENWAY BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN PATH

2.6 mile Linear Park Stretches from French Quarter to Mid-City

NEW ORLEANS – Today, Mayor Mitch Landrieu joined City Councilmembers, City Officials, and community stakeholders to celebrate the opening of the $9.1 million Lafitte Greenway Bicycle and Pedestrian Path. Stretching 2.6 miles, the Lafitte Greenway Bicycle and Pedestrian Path is a multi-use trail and linear park connecting six historic neighborhoods from the French Quarter to Bayou St. John and Mid-City. The Lafitte Greenway corridor is bounded by Basin Street, Lafitte Street, St. Louis Street and North Alexander Street. Before being converted to a railroad right-of-way, the corridor was the site of the Carondelet Canal that brought ships from Lake Pontchartrain and Bayou St. John to the historic French Quarter.

“The Lafitte Greenway is a truly transformational project that will spur community revitalization in the heart of New Orleans,” Mayor Mitch Landrieu said. “By converting this former industrial railway into a recreational green space, we are promoting not only healthy lifestyles, but also connecting neighborhoods in an entirely new way. As one of my administration’s committed capital projects, the Lafitte Greenway is another sign of the city we are working every day to build.”

The Lafitte Greenway lighting became operational this week. Photo courtesy Jennifer Ruley. — Lafitte Greenway lighting. Photo courtesy Jennifer Ruley.

The Lafitte Greenway Bicycle and Pedestrian Path includes a 12-foot wide asphalt path for bicyclists and pedestrians, new recreation fields and green space, landscaping improvements with over 500 trees, native meadows, rain gardens, trail lighting, storm water retention features, curb extensions, signal-enhanced high visibility crosswalks, ADA-compliant curb ramps at sidewalk corners, environmental remediation and a crushed stone walking path. A bicycle/pedestrian roundabout links the Lafitte Greenway with the Jefferson Davis Parkway and Wisner Bike Trails. At this time, the Lafitte Greenway Bicycle and Pedestrian Path is managed by the City of New Orleans. The City is working with The Trust for Public Land, a national nonprofit dedicated to conservation, on a long-range management structure to ensure the Lafitte Greenway’s operation and security. The Trust for Public Land was also a partner in the development of the Lafitte Greenway by acquiring and donating property for the project. With assistance from the Urban Waters Federal Partnership, an innovative federal union comprised of 14 agencies, the City is receiving technical support to promote the Lafitte Greenway’s long term viability.

Because of heavy rains in the spring and summer of this year, the recreation fields and greenspace adjacent to the Lafitte Greenway Bicycle and Pedestrian Path remain closed to the public as grass and meadow plantings continue to establish. Because of the growing season in New Orleans, these areas may not be fully established until late spring 2016. The City is monitoring its contractor, Durr Construction, as it maintains the fields and landscaping during this period. The City requests that the public stay on the multi-use trail and avoid walking on the grassy areas during this period. Until the City fully opens the Lafitte Greenway’s recreation fields and green space, no official activities or events will be permitted.

District A Councilmember Susan G. Guidry said , “Proposed in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the Lafitte Greenway is truly a transformative development for New Orleans. Connecting historic neighborhoods through four Council districts, the Greenway establishes a new corridor for transportation, health, neighborhood business, and community development in the heart of our city. Coming into office, I identified the Greenway as my top priority project, and I have been proud to work with the community leaders, particularly the Friends of Lafitte Greenway, whose tireless advocacy, planning, and community building efforts have made this day a reality. The Greenway’s potential is immense, and today’s grand opening is only the beginning. I look forward to continuing to work to make the Greenway the best it can be as amenities, programming and community partnerships are established in the months and years to come.”

District B Councilmember LaToya Cantrell said, “The opening of the Lafitte Greenway signifies another milestone for the city’s transportation infrastructure. As we move forward, we must also encourage our residents to actively learn and understand vehicle, bicycle and pedestrian safety.”

With the completion of the Lafitte Greenway Bicycle and Pedestrian Path, New Orleans now has 100 miles of designated bikeways. The Lafitte Greenway Bicycle and Pedestrian Path connects to bikeways in the French Quarter and Central Business District via the Basin Street/ Loyola Avenue bikeway. It also crosses existing and future bikeways on North Galvez Street, North Broad Street, and North Jefferson Davis Parkway. Before Hurricane Katrina, there were only five miles.

Click here to learn more about bicycling in New Orleans

The Lafitte Greenway Bicycle and Pedestrian Path is part of the Lafitte Corridor Revitalization Plan which was developed by the New Orleans City Planning Commission in conjunction with the City’s Department of Public Works. The Lafitte Greenway Bicycle and Pedestrian Path was designed by Design Workshop and constructed by Durr Heavy Construction. Diedonne Enterprises, A&A Enterprises, Metro Service Group, Traffic Solutions, Balthazar Electrik, Contractor’s Source, RLH Investments LLC and Twin Shores served as DBEs on the project. Funding for this $9.1 million project comes from Disaster Community Development Block Grants and Louisiana Recreational Trails Grants.

Cedric Grant, Executive Director of the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans, said , “The Lafitte Greenway has been highly anticipated for many years and today’s ribbon cutting is validation of the extensive input from neighborhood and civic groups. This is more than just a green space; it is another important multi-modal transportation option that will serve as a gathering place for the entire city. This public investment will encourage further redevelopment from Bayou St. John to the French Quarter.”

Pat Forbes, Executive Director of the State of Louisiana Office of Community Development, said , “The City’s decision to invest disaster recovery funds in the Lafitte Greenway is already paying off in so many ways, and will continue to do so for many years. It has transformed a once-blighted industrial corridor into an amenity for residents and businesses in the Treme and Mid-City neighborhoods, it’s already spurring commercial projects, and it holds rainwater during storms, reducing run-off and flooding. Recreation, economic stimulus and resilience: it perfectly fits our mission to recover safer, stronger and smarter than before.”

Patron Party | 6 PM

Soirée | 7 PM

HONORING THE VISIONARIES WHO CATALYZED THE LAFITTE GREENWAY’S CREATION

Erin Baker, Edgar Chase, Lake Douglas, Bart Everson, Billy Fields, Dubravka Gilic, Larry Lagarde, Wendy Laker, Linda Landesberg, Janet Ward Pease, Jennifer Ruley, Daniel Samuels, Leonetta Terrell, Jacob Wagner, Daniel Winkert

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Dance to music by Smoking Time Jazz Club & DJ Pompeii

Swing with sensational swing dancers

Mingle with Friends of Lafitte Greenway supporters

Enjoy wine, New Belgium beer, and specialty cocktails

Sample cuisine served by Liberty’s Kitchen, a Lafitte Corridor social enterprise

Peruse the silent auction, featuring Lafitte Corridor businesses

Dress your best in cocktail attire

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Tickets will be available at the door.

Already purchased tickets?

Your tickets will be available at will-call at the door under your name or the name of your business.

WHEN
November 06, 2015 at 6pm – 10pm

WHERE
Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club – Roy E. Glapion Reception Hall
730 N Broad St
New Orleans, LA 70119

Soirée | 7PM – 10PM
$95 Standard
$75 Members

Patron Party & Soirée | 6PM – 10PM
$145 Standard
$125 Members

Grow Dat Farm Shares

January 3, 2015 by Charlie London

2015 Grow Dat Farm Shares

Become a Grow Dat Farm Share Member Today!

What are Grow Dat Farm Shares?
In its second year, the Grow Dat Farm Share program is an opportunity for customers to enjoy chemical-free, fresh produce while investing in our farm and youth leadership program. Farm Shares are a form of Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), a way for the community to become “member-investors” who receive a weekly portion of the farm’s harvest during the growing season. For decades, CSAs have supported small-scale farmers and strengthened local food systems. Members experience the seasonal fluctuations of the farm’s produce, a process that teaches consumers more about the natural cycles of food production. Farms benefit by receiving upfront, steady income from members, minimizing some of the risks that come with small-scale farming. At Grow Dat, all Farm Share proceeds support our youth program, which nurtures the leadership skills of teenagers employed in the meaningful work of growing healthy food.

How Does It Work?
Farm Shares run for 20 weeks, from January 21 – June 20. Members are responsible for picking up their weekly produce box at our farm site in City Park on Wednesday evenings (4-6pm) or Saturday mornings (9am-12pm); members may choose pickup day while availability lasts. (Note: Farm Shares will be suspended during the two weeks of Mardi Gras, Feb 11 – 21 and resume Feb. 25). If you or a friend can’t pick-up your box for a given week, you have the option of donating that week’s share to Grow Dat youth and their families.

Your share will consist of a variety of vegetables and herbs sustainably grown on our farm and will change on a weekly basis. One box will generally supply a family of five for a week. Each week share members receive a box of produce that will regularly include what we like to call “the base of the box:” 1) a ¼ lb. bag of our signature salad mix, 2) a ¼ lb. bag of arugula, 3) one bunch of kale, 3) one bunch of chard OR collards (farmer’s choice based on availability) and 4) fresh herbs. In addition to the weekly “base,” you will receive seasonal herbs and vegetables including basil, beets, broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, celery, cucumber, eggplant, beans, leek, mustards, green onions, hot peppers, potatoes, radishes, sugar snap peas, squash, cherry tomatoes, tat soi, turnips and zucchini and more!

Membership and Payment:
The cost of a 2015 Farm Share is $500 ($25 per box value). Shares and pickup-dates are allotted on a first-come, first-serve basis. To learn more about becoming a member-investor in our farm, click below a more detailed description of pickup procedures, crop availability timeline, payment procedures and farmer/member commitments. Once you have thoroughly read through this information, you may register, pay, and become a member! We’re thrilled to share our harvest with you in 2015!

CLICK to Learn More and Purchase your Farm Share today!

Fair Grounds Family Day December 20th

December 1, 2014 by Charlie London

COCA-COLA HOLIDAY FAMILY DAY SET FOR DECEMBER 20

On December 20th, the Fair Grounds will host a Coca-Cola Holiday Family Day from noon until 4 p.m. in the Starlight tent on the track apron.

A merry and bright day of celebration with entertainment options for the entire family coincides with a pair of $50,000 stakes races.

Admission to the Coca-Cola Holiday Family Day Experience is $5 and children 12 and under are admitted free. General admission to the racetrack is free on December 20.

Once inside the Coca-Cola Holiday Family Day Experience, families can partake in face painting, crafts, and coloring. Cookies can be purchased and custom decorated for $1, and photo print-outs with Santa are available for $5. Food and beverage specials will be available and will include Coca-Cola beverages and Coca-Cola branded signature holiday ornaments.

On the racetrack, two stakes races for two-year olds will be offered – the $50,000 Letellier Memorial Stakes for two-year old fillies, and the $50,000 Sugar Bowl Stakes for two-year old colts and geldings. Last year’s Sugar Bowl winner, Albano, went on to place in a pair of graded stakes on the Road to the Louisiana Derby, finishing second in both the Grade III Lecomte Stakes and the Grade II Risen Star Stakes.

Coca-Coca Holiday Family Day will have a special first post of 12 p.m.

About Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots

Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots, the nation’s third-oldest racetrack, has been in operation since 1872. Located in New Orleans, Fair Grounds is owned by Churchill Downs Incorporated (NASDAQ Global Select Market: CHDN); it also operates a slot-machine gaming facility and 11 off-track betting parlors throughout southeast Louisiana. The 143^rd Thoroughbred Racing Season – highlighted by the 102^nd running of the Louisiana Derby – will run from November 2014 through March 2015. More information can be found online at www.FairGroundsRaceCourse.com.

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SUNBEAN SHINES IN LOUISIANA CHAMPIONS DAY CLASSIC, BECOMES SIXTH LOUISIANA-BRED MILLIONAIRE

NEW ORLEANS (Saturday, December 13, 2014) – Brittlyn Stable’s Sunbean turned on the heat down the Fair Grounds stretch to win his second consecutive $150,000 Louisiana Champions Day Classic and become racing’s newest and Louisiana’s sixth millionaire. On a sunny Saturday afternoon at the historic New Orleans oval, the Pelican State-bred son of Brahms won his 13^th race in 20 career starts and defeated four others, despite breaking a couple lengths behind the field. After settling into stride in last, the bay gelding methodically made his way into contention and approached the leaders at the top of the stretch. In the end, he overpowered stablemate Watch My Smoke, who was later disqualified for hindering One King’s Man and placed third behind that rival. The win was his third stakes in six weeks’ time.

Ridden by Corey Lanerie, who was substituting for the injured Richard Eramia, for trainer Ron Faucheux, Sunbean traveled the 1 1/8-miles distance in 1:51.81 over a fast track after Watch My Smoke set fractions of :24.55, :49.16, 1:14.21 and 1:38.64. Sent off at as the 3-10 favorite, the 12-time stakes winner returned $2.60, $2.10 and $2.10 and earned $90,000 to boost his career bankroll to $1,000,150.

“He got off about two or three steps behind the field,” Lanerie said. “After that I just got him to relax and get back into the race and then he proved he was the best.”

“Usually we would like him to be in more of a stalking spot right off the pace,” added Faucheux. “But it is what it is – he’s a good horse and good horses overcome. We’re just so excited to win this race and move on to the next one.”

Brittlyn Stable principal Evelyn Benoit, who also owned Louisiana millionaire Star Guitar, echoed Faucheux’s enthusiasm. “Sunbean just proved that the impossible dream is possible,” she said. “I was dreaming about this for a week. You really can’t dream anything like this – first Star Guitar and now Sunbean. When I saw the break, I really started praying. Thank God Corey made it and things worked out. We keep thinking he’s a mile or a mile and a sixteenth kind of horse, but he has proved us wrong. Give him a horse to run at and he likes to run them down at a longer distance.”

One King’s Man returned $2.60 and $2.20 and Watch My Smoke paid $3.20 in his first race since July 2013.

Louisiana Flyboy and Request a Puck completed the order of finish.

TURF – Charles C. Smith’s String King was a popular winner of the $100,000 Louisiana Champions Day Turf in front of an appreciative Fair Grounds crowd who backed the son of Crowned King to odds of 1-2. Under the guidance of leading rider James Graham, the 6-year-old bay gelding sat mid-pack before launching a strong stretch run that would carry him to a 1½-length victory over Tiger Run and Stormdriver. The victory was his 14^th in 33 career starts and comes one year after finishing second in the Classic to Sunbean by a heartbreaking nose.

String King completed the 1 1/16-miles turf distance in a new track record time of 1:41.84 – breaking a standard set by Dixie Poker Ace in 1994 – after Tiger Run set fractions of :23.31, :47.19 and 1:11.09. String King paid $3, $2.60 and $2.40 and the $60,000 boosted his career bankroll to $743,552.

“I was a little bit (worried) down the backside, but he was rating well,” Graham said. “He’s a good horse and does it on his own – that’s the way he is.”

Trainer, owner and breeder Smith was taken aback by his horse’s performance. “There’s nothing left to say – just look at what he does for yourself,” he said. “He has shown it on the racetrack, like always.”

Longshot runner-up Tiger Run returned $18 and $11, while equally disregarded Stormdriver paid $8.20.

The field was completed by McGeehee’s Mercy, Benwill, Skipberry Wine, Sweet Baby Gaines, Valse and Well’s Gold.

LADIES – The $100,000 Louisiana Champions Day Ladies produced a stellar wire-to-wire victory for Eugenia Thompson and Hickory Stables’ Our Quista who outlasted closing favorite I Dazzle down the stretch to a 2½-length victory under Corey Lanerie. The lightly raced daughter of Half Ours won for the fourth time in seven starts for trainer Al Cates and won her second consecutive stakes following August’s $150,000 Elge Rasberry Stakes at Louisiana Downs. The sophomore filly covered the 1 1/16 miles on the main track in 1:46.40 and returned $10.60, $6 and $4.80. Blading Wild Cat was 1½ lengths astern I Dazzle in third.

“She beat the gate and broke really well,” Lanerie said. “I felt a little pressure down the backside, but she did enough to stay in front and when I called on her she did her thing.”

Two-for-two now going a distance of ground on dirt, the dark bay charge has impressed her conditioner. “When we stretched her out she improved tremendously,” Cates remarked. “She gets out on the lead and relaxes and she’s been training so well. We thought we would stretch her out here again and it worked out pretty good.”

SPRINT – The $100,000 Louisiana Champions Day Sprint featured one of the most thrilling finishes of the day when William Deckwa, Jr.’s Too Dim overcame an impossible start – spotting the field over six lengths – and ran down favored defending champion Heitai in the final yards to win by a neck under Miguel Mena for trainer Eddie Johnston. The victory was Too Dim’s second consecutive over Heitai after a Nov. 23 half-length decision in a muddy optional claimer. The 5-year-old gelded son of Mutakddim completed the six furlongs in 1:10.08 while winning his 10^th race in 23 lifetime starts and paying $11.20, $4 and $2.60. All Owls finished third 1½ lengths behind Heitai.

“This is a nice horse, but he got left in the gate,” Mena said. “They told me to make an eighth of a mile run on the rail and that’s what we did and it worked out.”

Johnston was elated with his horse’s performance, especially considering the dreadful start. “I really didn’t expect this after the break,” he said. “I was hoping he could just finish with him and get something out of the race. Once he got on the rail and started picking it up, he just kept on coming. It worked out.”

LADIES SPRINT – The $100,000 Louisiana Champions Day Ladies Sprint proved a formful event as the two favorites – Afternoon Tango (2.70-1) and Blessed Immaculata (2.60-1) – finished one-two. Big Aut Farms’ Afternoon Tango proved the better of the duo as the daughter of Afternoon Deelites powered home a two-length victor over her rival, improving off her runner-up finish in last year’s event. Ridden by Diego Saenz for Patrick Devereux, the 4-year-old dark bay filly was ridden with credence as she swooped past the leading bunch and coasted to victory over her aforementioned rival and eventual third-place finisher Wire Me Bessie, despite being on the wrong lead.

“I was surprised to be that far back, but I was happy with her,” Saenz said. “She really responded, even though she didn’t switch leads.”

The win was Afternoon Tango’s seventh in 14 races and her second stakes win of the year after taking the $50,000 Louisiana Cup Filly & Mare Sprint at Louisiana Downs in August. She completed the six panels in 1:11.81 on a fast track while returning $7.40, $4 and $2.80.

JUVENILE – The $100,000 Louisiana Champions Day Juvenile saw a promising and undefeated gelding stay that way in Phyllis Hodges’ Mr. L. S. Shoe, who circled the leaders en route to a three-length victory over Jazzy Rebel and Grande Basin. Trained by James ‘Sweet’ Hodges and ridden by James Graham, the son of Forefathers was ridden confidently throughout, despite breaking from the outside 14-post. The gray charge ran the six-furlong distance in 1:11.68 and improved his record to three-for-three while paying $4.80, $3 and $2.60.

“I was able to tuck in a little bit around the turn and he came home and finished it up,” Graham said. “I think he’s an improving 2-year-old and he feels like there’s plenty left. He’s so happy with himself and he rates and lets you do whatever you want with him.”

“It’s easy to train a good horse,” Hodges added. “We’ve wondered about him because he acts up like he did today in the paddock, but my wife bred him and raised him and we’ve always thought he was special.”

LASSIE – The $100,000 Louisiana Champions Day Lassie was an exciting display of class and closing speed as Gary Scherer and Bill Ulwelling’s Wind Chill Factor asserted herself by 4¾ lengths over a competitive field of ten other fillies to win her second consecutive stakes after taking the $150,000 Louisiana Jewel on Nov. 22 at Delta. Ridden by Willie Martinez, the daughter of Successful Appeal won for the third time in four starts while completing the six furlongs in 1:11.67. She paid $8.40, $4.80 and $3. Longshot Lady Emily Sage was second and odds-on favorite Vivian Da Bling finished third.

“It set up perfectly,” Martinez reflected. “On paper it looked like (the pace) would set up quickly, so right away I got a good position. She broke perfectly and we got good momentum going to the three-eighths pole. From there she was her own pilot. She has started figuring out what it’s all about. She’s really good.”

Scherer, who also trains the charge, confirmed that the filly will be pointed toward the filly division of the $100,000 Louisiana Futurity on New Years’ Eve.

STARTER – In the $50,000 Louisiana Champions Day Starter Stakes, Maggie Camejo and Antonia Noonan’s The Louisiana Kid continued his improvement since joining the Jose Camejo barn, cruising wire-to-wire under Miguel Mena and completing the mile and 70-yard event in 1:44.06 over five others by two comfortable lengths. Sent off at 8-5, the son of Afleet Alex improved his record to seven wins in 31 starts and returned $5.40, $3.20 and $2.40.

QUARTER HORSE – In the day’s opener, the Grade II $100,000 Louisiana Champions Day Quarter Horse Classic, Douglas O. Traylor’s Dashin Gage was sent to post as the public’s 4-5 wagering choice and did not disappoint, registering a head victory over Jls Mr Bigtime. Trained by Kenny Roberts and ridden by Jose Vega, Dashin Gage covered the 440-yard distance in 21.841 seconds and returned $3.80. The $46,391 winner’s share boosted his career earnings to $332,423 as he won for the seventh time in 21 lifetime starts. Blue Louisiana Jolla was third.

By running second and earning $17,525 for his efforts, Jls Mr Bigtime became only the second Louisiana-bred quarter horse to surpass the $1 million mark in career earnings, boosting his bankroll to $1,017,472. Jls Mr Bigtime was honored with a special presentation in the winner’s circle after the race for his achievement.

Ana Alvidrez’s Scooter Prize captured the seventh race of her career in winning the $100,000 Grade II Louisiana Champions Day Quarter Horse Derby. Ridden by Raul Ramirez, Jr. for trainer Martin Trejo, Scooter Prize returned $13.60 and completed the 400-yard trip in 19.925 seconds. Scooter Prize earned $45,454 for the victory and is now a career earner of $219,845. Hesablackmagic was second and The Game Cartel finished third.

Roderick L. Carter and Mykelia Carter’s Louisiana Jambalaya kept his perfect local record intact with his third win from as many Fair Grounds starts when annexing the $100,000 Grade II Louisiana Champions Day Quarter Horse Juvenile. With his fourth win in six lifetime starts, Louisiana Jambalaya boosted his career bankroll to $178,262 with the winning prize of $45,000. Trained by Justin Dehart and ridden by regular rider Lucas Constantin, he returned $6.80 as the post-time favorite and traveled the 350-yard distance in 17.408 second. Game was second and Zoomin For Bugs was third.

About Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots

Saturday Book Fest for Kids

November 15, 2013 by Charlie London

Click on the image above for more.

Twinkle, Twinkle | A Night of Music Inspired by Children’s Literature

Friday, November 15, 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Twinkle, Twinkle is a special performance by the Greater New Orleans Youth Orchestras in celebration of the 4th Annual Children’s Book Festival. On the evening of Friday, November 15th, the Youth Orchestra will perform music inspired by children’s literature. Bring picnic blankets and baskets for a night of music and magic under the stars!

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Come out Saturday for a day full of fun, including free books, face painting, free food, storytelling, book signing, art activities, Molly the Pony, Clifford the Big Red Dog, and much much more!

Saturday, November 16, 2013

10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Latter Branch Library at 5120 St. Charles.

Join us for the 4th Annual New Orleans Children’s Book Festival on November 15 & 16, 2013. This year, we’re kicking off the year of imagination in partnership with City Year! City Year will help keep the spirit of the New Orleans Children’s Book Festival alive all year long. The free festival features storytelling, live music, food, and fun activities for kids of all ages!

First Lady Cheryl Landrieu and Ruby Bridges both believe strongly in literacy and in the power of education. They also believe in the powerful effect that learning can have in bringing children together. This event affords children from all backgrounds the opportunity to get to know one another through the love of books and learning.

The festival offers unique opportunities for children and parents to interact with exceptional writers and storytellers and to enjoy an inspiring variety of book-related activities, exhibitions and demonstrations.

The food, fun, books, and stories are FREE!

For more information, please contact info@rubybridgesfoundation.org.

Bastille Day Celebration

June 30, 2013 by Charlie London

Allen Toussaint at the 2013 Bastille Day Celebration in Faubourg St. John. photo by Tory Taylor.

Bastille Day Celebration
in Faubourg St. John.
photos below by Laura London

click on any thumbnail for a better view

Norbert Slama and Raphael Bas (Manouche Musette) will perform from 5 – 7 and Johnny J and the Hitmen from 7 – 9. Cynthia Scott will sing the Marseillaise at 5:30. Ukulele Jake will perform at the Bastille Day Celebration too!

Come on out from 5 pm to 9 pm on Saturday, July 13th and enjoy the Bastille Day Celebration in Faubourg St. John. Generously brought to you by the Faubourg St. John Merchants Association.

(3100 block of Ponce de Leon just off Esplanade)

Please join us for the annual Faubourg St. John Merchants Association Block Party on Ponce de Leon Street between Esplanade and North Lopez.

Saturday, July 13, 2013 | 5 PM – 9 PM | Le Marseillaise will be sung by Cynthia Scott

Come dance in the street at our annual Bal Populaire! | Local merchants will sell food and beverages on the street. | Art market with local artists | Children’s activities and fun for the whole family! | This event is sponsored by the Faubourg St John Merchants:

In addition to a cool art market and great kids’ table there will be plenty of food, drink and dancing in the street at the Bastille Day Celebration in the 3100 block of Ponce de Leon on Saturday, July 13th from 5 pm until 9 pm. Plan to join the fun! It’s free!

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Norbert Slama and Raphael Bas will perform at the Bastille Day Celebration in Faubourg St. John on Saturday, July 13, 2013. More soon!

Johnny J will perform at the Bastille Day Celebration in Faubourg St. John on Saturday, July 13, 2013.

Volleyball is Fun

May 31, 2013 by Charlie London

Hello volleyball friends,

We’ll be playing volleyball as usual along Bayou St John this Saturday assuming the weather holds. I think there will be about a 50% chance of rain Saturday, but most of you know the routine… if we get nets set up before it’s raining then we’ll most likely play through any isolated showers. Our schedule is as follows:

9:30am-11:30am Junior League (help us get more kids!)
11:30am-2:00pm Adult “speed” tournament ($5.00/player)
2:00pm-until… Free pick-up games

Don’t forget that we’re also now playing on Tuesday evenings starting at 5pm and going until sundown. Frank is running a doubles tournament Tuesdays ($5.00/player) starting at 6pm, and we may be adding a net of quads tourney action too if there’s demand.

FYI our volleyball group has submitted a proposal to the Sewerage and Water Board to develop sand volleyball courts on vacant land across the street from where we usually set up. A handful of nearby neighbors have raised some concerns about our proposal which has caused the S&WB to consider withdrawing their lease offer. MCVG in the next three weeks will be doing everything it can to convince the S&WB that there is great community benefit to our proposal. We may need you to be present at a meeting or two to show the S&WB that there is in fact great demand for a sand volleyball venue. I will keep you posted when we hear which meetings to attend, but I can say that all S&WB meetings take place at 9am at their headquarters at 625 St Joseph Street (2nd floor conference room). Just to give you a heads up, the Finance Committee will meet June 4, the Executive Committee will meet June 7 and the full board will meet June 19 (see http://www.swbno.org/news_boardmeetings.asp).

On a sad note I must deliver some tragic news. Long-time volleyball player John Martinez passed away yesterday morning at the age of forty-six after a sudden bout with lung cancer. He has inspired a group of nineteen of us to visit his home town of La Ceiba on the Caribbean coast of Honduras, and we will miss him dearly on our trip next week. I will pass along information about funeral services as soon as I hear anything.

See y’all Saturday,

Peter Hickman
Volleyball Soldier
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Details on Proposed Volleyball Courts

1) The proposed site for sand volleyball courts is more than 200 feet from the edge of Bayou St John on vacant land that runs along side Armstrong’s Supply Company. We would initially build just two courts near Toulouse Street on the side of the property that tends to flood and become muddy. By adding drainage underneath the sand we would be adding value to the property by making it useful for recreation. I’d like to point out that we are not building any permanent structures on the property but instead are converting frequently unusable green space into usable tan space.

2) We recently had a lighting expert give us a quote for lighting two courts. Lights will be focused on the courts from poles on either side of the pair of courts. Lights will be used only when necessary meaning they will only be turned on at sundown and they will immediately be turned off after the conclusion of league play. Leagues will be run Monday through Friday from 6:30pm to 10:30pm for three or four seasons a year but probably not over the dead of winter. Weekend activities hopefully will be concluded during daylight hours so no lights would be necessary Saturday or Sunday. If lights were required on weekends, again they would be used only when absolutely necessary.

3) We have permission to use the parking lots of Armstrong’s Supply Company and Bayou Bicycles after hours. The Mid-City Theatre and post office parking lots may also be available. There is street parking available on both Toulouse Street and Orleans Avenue, and we will designate a portion of the S&WB property for overflow parking. We will have numerous bicycle racks and will offer discounts to players who arrive by nonmotorized vehicle as an incentive to lower the automobile parking burden.

4) We probably will not have a PA system initially as that would require a permanent structure to house the equipment. Eventually, however, we would like to mount speakers on each light pole and, as with the lights themselves, focus sound onto the court. We are well aware of being good neighbors and would keep the volume low. Furthermore, volleyball players need to communicate with each on the court all the time, so for that reason the volume of music would be kept particularly low. The “surround sound” approach to mounting speakers will actually help keep volumes low instead of a single speaker having to blast across the entire space. As for whistles, we do expect to have referees for most of the league play, but I point out that scale matters. For those who thought Coconut Beach was a cacophony, with only two courts there will be much less racket. For the nights and weekends when matches are self-reffed there will be no whistles at all.

5) We have an excellent relationship with Jared Zeller as MCVG was once a part of The MotherShip Foundation. We would only be using a small fraction of the S&WB property, and the Orleans Ave side would be left open for parking or other uses during the Bayou Boogaloo. MotherShip Foundation is actually contemplating making a parking arrangement with Delgado Community College or St Margaret’s Nursing Home in the future and offering free shuttle service to the festival. In other words, the MotherShip Foundation is also cognizant of the parking burden that automobiles exert on the bayou.

6) The Mid-City Volleyball Group was the first to approach City Park in 2007 regarding the development of a sand volleyball facility within the park. Coconut Beach approached City Park in 2011, and a couple of entrepreneurs that call themselves NOLA Beach Volleyball approached City Park in 2012. As far as I know, all three of our groups have been turned down by the City Park leaders who have a MasterPlan that simply doesn’t include volleyball.

There’s one last point I’d like to make. For many years MCVG advocated for a space along the Lafitte Greenway, and there seemed to be a great deal of public support for this. Unfortunately, the space most likely to be dedicated to sand volleyball courts is currently occupied by city facilities such as the sign and signal shop, and the city has no intention of re-locating those businesses any time soon.

Design Workshop suggested that MCVG approach the S&WB about developing land 1-2 blocks from the Greenway that is essentially an extension of the Greenway, and that sounded good to us as it could fulfill our immediate need (we are already an active group, and our numbers are growing each week). We have a dozen letters of support from community organizations, local businesses and national volleyball associations, and we have 443 petition signatures including over 100 from residents in the immediate vicinity of the S&WB land.

Unfortunately, a few vocal critics have caused the S&WB to hesitate with the proceedings, but I truly feel we will be providing a community service [our mission is to create a safe public space in Mid-City where residents can enjoy outdoor activity, reduce stress and build community through the shared experience of playing volleyball]. No matter what happens in the next few weeks with MCVG‘s proposal to the S&WB, there is no doubt that active recreation will be coming to the Lafitte Greenway and people within the corridor will have to adjust to increased activity and parking within their neighborhood.

MCVG has always tried to build coalitions, and we welcome comments from our neighbors.

Yours truly,
Peter Hickman
President of The Mid-City Volleyball Group, www.midcityvolleyball.org
President of Mid-City Youth Volleyball, www.midcityyouthvolleyball.org
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Hello MCVG volleyball players,
Here’s a message from the younger brother of John Martinez, Glenn, who himself is a volleyball player and coach.
hello and thank you for being such a nice human being…i can just know john said the same about you..his funeral services will be at the Gardens of Memories in airline drive from 10am-1pm this saturday the 1st of june prayers in chapel and then his burial…everyone is welcome..thank you and thanks to everyone in midcity volleybal..i know John will be watching your volleyball game in la ceiba from heaven…Godbless

MCVG will still hold it’s normal activities tomorrow, but I personally may head to John’s funeral to represent our group. I’ve attached a photo of John (orange shirt) and his Honduran buddy, Jesus (red shirt), taken during the summer of 2010 during a MCVG pick-up game. It’s how I will remember him. -Peter

Summer Art Camp at NOMA

February 27, 2013 by Charlie London

Summer Art Camp at NOMA

Explore NOMA’s permanent collection and special exhibitions! Professional teaching artists in a variety of disciplines encourage creativity and imagination as campers create projects in an array of different media.

To register for camp, contact Elise Solomon at education@noma.org or 504-658-4128.

REGISTRATION FEES

Per each Monday-Friday session. Materials are included.

Before May 17

Full day:               | ½ day:
Members/$240          | Members/$120
Nonmembers/$300          | Nonmembers/$150

After May 17

Full day:              | ½ day:
Members/$260          | Members/$140
Nonmembers/$320          | Nonmembers/$170

Payment is due the Monday before camp begins.

CAMP INFORMATION

IN THE STUDIO: 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
ON THE STAGE: 1:00 – 4:00 pm

Please note campers registered for the full-day must bring a sack lunch.
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Ages 5-8

June 3-7
◾IN THE STUDIO: See the Future
Discover innovations presented at the World’s Fairs of the past century then create drawings, paintings and sculpture that envision life in the future.
◾ON THE STAGE: What’s the Story?
Learn the fundamentals of telling a good story! Explore museum galleries and the sculpture garden to discover heroes for your stories then learn how to “spin a good yarn” using character development and story progression.

June 17-21
◾IN THE STUDIO: Prints Galore
Explore the art of printmaking! Monoprints, screen prints and spontaneous printing with everyday objects will be explored in this celebration of the multiple.
◾ON THE STAGE: You Make the Rules!
Take your imagination as far as it can go during the Improvisation Camp! Build a universe and make it dance! Improvise like you’re a wizard.

July 8-12
◾IN THE STUDIO: Trash to Treasure
Learn creative ways to recycle by making fun functional objects and art from found objects and cast offs.
◾ON THE STAGE: Make a Scene!
Visit NOMA’s galleries to discover people and stories in the works of art, then develop characters and short scenes based on what you have seen.

July 22-26
◾IN THE STUDIO: Pack Your Suitcase
Embark on a global adventure! Chart your course on a map and design your own passport to track your travels as you travel the world in NOMA’s galleries.
◾ON THE STAGE: Puppets
Explore different styles of puppetry from around the world and then build puppets inspired by works of art in NOMA’s collection.

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Ages 9-12

June 10-14
◾IN THE STUDIO: Magic Machines
What kind of machine would you like to invent? Transform found objects into a sculpture of an imaginary machine and create a poster to advertise your invention.
◾ON THE STAGE: The Art of Storytelling
Master the art of storytelling as campers write and recount their own tales based on works of art in NOMA’s collection.

June 24-28
◾IN THE STUDIO: Inspired by Nature
Discover how artists have represented nature throughout time in this printmaking camp that explores multiple ways to create prints.
◾ON THE STAGE: Assemble Your Team
Build a scene, a city, an entire world with your scene mates. Learn agreement and trust as you work with your partners to take whatever is thrown at you and turn it into a peg-legged sailor on a high-wire. Comedy is our ship, teamwork is our fuel.

July 15-19
◾IN THE STUDIO: Recycled Couture
Get ready for the runway by creating your own wearable works of eco-ware, art and fashion.
◾ON THE STAGE: Play Practice
Interpret museum works in a one act play created and produced by NOMA campers!

July 29-August 2
◾IN THE STUDIO: Around the World
Go on a weeklong adventure around the world without leaving NOMA! Create paintings, prints and mixed media works of art about the unique places you discover.
◾ON THE STAGE: Puppets
Design puppets and set the stage for a puppet show. Puppet traditions from around the world will be taught as students get into the act.

Kids Design Playground January 26

January 23, 2013 by Charlie London

photos by Brenda London

Calling all Faubourg St. John Kids!

Please come help us plan upgrades to the Desmare Playground and participate in the first Kids Planning Charrette this Saturday from 9:30 to 11 am. Dress warm and bring your parents!

We will be visioning the space with your drawings, have fun,
drink hot chocolate and enjoy the park! (There will even be a big preliminary plan for Mom and Dad to draw on)

Date: Saturday, January 26th Location: Desmare Park

Time: 10:00 —11:30 am 3456 Esplanade Avenue

“Desmare Family Park” is a project of the Faubourg St. John Neighborhood Association (FSJNA) a 501(C)(3) organization.

FSJNA will be working to plan and design the space this year and begin fundraising late 2013 thru grants and events.

Need more information? Want to help? Go to www.fsjna.org or email: info@fsjna.org or call Linda 504.609-9670

Get the Lead Out

November 10, 2012 by Charlie London

In 1991, Faubourg St. John neighbor Dr. Howard Mielke was interviewed about lead levels in the soil around residential homes. The City of New Orleans is testing public playgrounds and found high lead levels in Desmare Playground. The area is being remediated.

Mielke_H — Dr. Howard Mielke is a professor of toxicology in the Department of Pharmacology, Tulane University School of Medicine.

Dr. Howard Mielke says, ” Young children are amazingly sensitive to lead exposure. Compared to yards and play areas around houses, parks are generally much safer places to play. Unsafe soil lead has been identified in 13 parks and most recently Desmare. Our city only has limited funds to do the interventions and given that limitation, identifying and intervening on Desmare is a major step forward. Intervention is being done on the area nearest Esplanade. The contaminated soil is probably a legacy from the use of lead additives in gasoline because the lead deposition is largest near the road and decreases rapidly with increasing distance from the road. This is a national problem that has not been vetted in the same way that air and water quality have been vetted (clean water and air acts). Desmare will be safer for children after the project is done. Acknowledging the problem is a major advancement for New Orleans and it puts our city on track for improving prospects for future citizens.”

According to the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, “Exposure to lead can have a wide range of effects on a child’s development and behavior. Even when exposed to small amounts of lead levels, children may appear inattentive, hyperactive and irritable. Children with greater lead levels may also have problems with learning and reading, delayed growth and hearing loss. At high levels, lead can cause permanent brain damage and even death.” Please visit the links below for more information:

http://www.agiweb.org/geotimes/may05/feature_leadlegacy.html

http://www.aacap.org/cs/root/facts_for_families/lead_exposure_in_children_affects_brain_and_behavior