Litter Education for Grades K-5 Receives Unanimous Support

July 7, 2017 by Charlie London

photo courtesy keeplouisianabeautiful.org

LITTER EDUCATION RECEIVES UNANIMOUS SUPPORT

By Susan Russell / Executive Director, Keep Louisiana Beautiful

At a time when our national and state politics are fraught with partisan discord, it’s significant to note that there are some policies that find favor on both sides of the aisle. Such a case occurred last month, when House Bill 111, which calls for the incorporation of litter education into the K-5 curriculum, received unanimous support from the House and Senate — to a round of applause. The bill was signed into law earlier this month as Louisiana Act 72, and Governor Edwards gave it his executive approval surrounded by Keep Louisiana Beautiful representatives, Representative Stuart Bishop (R-Lafayette, author of HB111), First Lady Donna Edwards and Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser, all of whom have been ardent supporters of anti-litter initiatives in our state.

Much has been said about Louisiana’s dirty habit: we have a crippling litter problem that seems to be getting worse. Much time and resources have been spent bemoaning the problem, pointing well-intentioned fingers in different directions, all trying to find out exactly what the problem is here that you don’t see in many of our neighboring states. As in most complicated social problems, there is no magic bullet to apply to this issue and a multi-pronged approach from all aspects of our society will be required. While parents assume a huge responsibly to teach their children not to litter, we cannot put this squarely on the back of those that are oftentimes the biggest offenders. The problem will only be resolved when all of Louisiana embraces three core initiatives: improving infrastructure and policy to make it easier to reduce littering and increase recycling; increasing enforcement of the litter laws; and influencing behavior change through environmental education. Louisiana Act 72 will go a long way to address the latter.

Teaching environmental stewardship and litter education is the first step we can make towards changing our prevailing cultural attitude from one of environmental disregard to one of true stewardship. Litter education goes beyond simply not throwing trash on the ground– it includes full understanding of the impact of litter on the health of our wildlife, waterways, and economy. Most importantly, it focuses on prevention rather than spotty-at- best treatment.

Keep Louisiana Beautiful, its statewide network of 40 affiliates that boast a combined force of 35,000 volunteers, and all of its many partners and supporters extend a sincere thanks to Representative Stuart Bishop and the state’s top leadership body for supporting legislature that teaches our children environmental responsibility. We hope that this measure will spark a new level of commitment and care for our state and its natural resources.

FORTIN STREET DESERVES BETTER

September 5, 2016 by Charlie London

fortin-across-from-2952-standingwater-mud2016sept8

fortin-2962-owner-installed-pipe-at-driveway2016sept8

fortin-corner-of-crete-owner-installed-drainage2016sept8

The Fair Grounds Recovery Roads program will include multiple construction repair projects with an estimated value for roadway improvements that is approximately 3.8 million dollars. Design of the future road repairs is currently underway and is being closely coordinated with the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans. The project timeline is under development. Road resurfacing work will be limited in some areas of Fair Grounds.
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Stay Connected to Program News
Contact the Department of Public Works at (504) 658.8046, visit recoveryroads.nola.gov or
e-mail recoveryroads@nola.gov
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Design Engineer: Urban Systems, Inc.
Project No: 2013-FEMA-4ABE
Project Limits: N. Broad St., St. Louis St., Bayou St. John, Florida Ave., Dugue St., Treasure St., Republic St., and Abundance St.
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PROJECT MAP

FORTIN STREET DESERVES BETTER

Every so often when I send around info on cleaning the front of storm drains, I get an angry response from a Fortin Street resident exclaiming that there are no storm drains on Fortin Street by their home.

Every so often I write the Councilmember asking that Fortin Street get storm drains, repaving and a makeover.

Fortin Street is the entrance to Jazz Fest, runs along the Fair Grounds and should be a welcoming entrance to Faubourg St. John.

It would be awesome if there was an arch on Fortin by WBOK (like you see at Desmare and Stallings Playgrounds) that said “Welcome to Faubourg St. John”.

Fortin Street gets run-off from the Fair Grounds’ sea of cement but does not have enough storm drains.

The owner at 1641 Crete installed his own drainage system rather than wait for the City... 10 years ago. Click on the photo for a larger view. — The owner at 1641 Crete (at the corner of Fortin and Crete) installed his own drainage system rather than wait for the City… 10 years ago. Click on the photo for a larger view.

A year or so after “the storm”, a man that lives on Fortin on the corner that is one block off of Gentilly, paved the ditch by his house and installed his own pipe to funnel away water run off. It looks nice but the City should have done this.

Fortin street should have storm drains on both sides of the street all the way from Gentilly to beyond Mystery Street.

Fortin street should be repaved and have curbs installed all the way to the end where the Fair Grounds’ property ends beyond Mystery Street.

Fortin Street should have trees that provide shade like Ursulines Avenue.

Fortin Street should have permeable pavement and permeable sidewalks to reduce flooding from run-off.

Currently, this is a pipe dream, (pun intended) but, it doesn’t have to be.

I think a coalition that includes the Fair Grounds, Jazz Fest, City Officials, WBOK, and passionate Faubourg St. John neighbors could make Fortin Street a show-place.

Can you help make Fortin Street all it can be?

Please call 311 from a local phone or 504-658-2299 from an out of area phone with an address or hundred block and cross street. You can email 311@nola.gov with the information as well. If you email 311@nola.gov, please include a photo along with the specific location of the problem.

Charlie London
info@fsjna.org

A rising tide raises all ships

RC Cola and a Moon Pie

January 23, 2016 by Charlie London

YEAH OUR IDEA OF HIGH CLASS LIVIN’
IS SITTIN’ ON THE PORCH ON A COOL NIGHT
OUR CHAMPAGNE AND CAVIAR
IS AN RC COLA AND A MOON PIE
~Tracy Byrd

Pal’s Lounge is once again parading in style
on Mardi Gras day

They’ll have Moon Pies available which prompted me to remember a childhood favorite combination of an RC Cola and a Moon Pie. Below is some fun info about the product. Millions are sold annually. Click on the moon pie costume on the left for a larger view. Click on Pal’s Lounge above for more info about their Mardi Gras Day revelry. ~Charlie London

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From Wikipedia… The Moon Pie became a traditional “throw” of Mardi Gras “krewes” in Mobile, Alabama during 1956,followed by other communities along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The westernmost outpost of the Moon Pie as an important Carnival throw is Slidell, Louisiana, which has a parade by “The Krewe of Mona Lisa and Moon Pie.” Also, in the town of Oneonta, Alabama, there is a moon pie eating contest started by Wal-Mart employee John Love when he inadvertently ordered too many. This anecdote was featured in Sam Walton’s autobiography, Made in America.

Moon Pies have been made at the Chattanooga Bakery since 1917. Earl Mitchell Junior said his father came up with the idea for Moon Pies when he asked a Kentucky coal miner what kind of snack he would like to eat, and the miner requested something with graham cracker and marshmallow.

There is a custom for eating moon pies with RC Cola, although the origin of this is unknown. It is likely that their inexpensive prices, combined with their larger serving sizes, contributed to establishing this combination as the “working man’s lunch”. The popularity of this combination was celebrated in a popular song of the 1950s, by Big Bill Lister, “Gimmee an RC Cola and a Moon Pie.”

Big Bill Lister, who toured with Hank Williams and was billed as “Radio’s Tallest Singing Cowboy”. He was born Weldon E. Lister in 1923, and earned his radio nickname because he stood 6-foot-7 without his cowboy boots and hat. Texan Big Bill Lister is best known for his early 1950s stint as Hank Williams’ opening act and rhythm guitarist. In the video below he sings “Gimme and RC Cola and a Moon Pie”.

History of Moon Pies

Chattanooga Bakery was founded in 1902 in Chattanooga,Tennessee. There is an interesting story behind how the moon pies became their best known product. Coal miners were wanting something solid and filling, since they didn’t always have time for a real lunch break.

Mr. Earl Mitchell Sr. returned to the store after talking to the miners and noticed employees dipping graham crackers into marshmallow and leaving them in window to dry. They then came up with the idea of adding another cookie on top of the graham crackers and adding chocolate covering to the cookies. The first moon pie was sold in 1917 and went on to become one of the most popular products for the Chattanooga Baking Company.

Hundreds of thousands of moon pies were sent to soldiers serving overseas during World War II. Racegoers to NASCAR races in the 50’s were known to carry moon pies with them to the races.

The first Double Decker Moon Pie was manufactured in 1964. It has three cookies and two layers of marshmallow in each Double Decker Moon Pie.

Moon pies started being thrown in Mardi Gras parades in the 1970’s, since they were softer, than the Cracker Jack boxes that had been thrown in previous parades.

Courtesy https://nostalgia049.wordpress.com/2013/05/29/blast-from-the-past-rc-cola-and-moon-pie/

Yeah our idea of high class livin’
Is sittin’ on the porch on a cool night
Our Champagne and Caviar
Is an RC cola and a moon pie

You can hear the lyrics above in the video below:

Flag Day is June 14th

June 13, 2015 by Charlie London

Flag Day in the United States

People across the United States celebrate Flag Day on June 14 each year to honor the United States flag and to commemorate the flag’s adoption. On the same day, the United States Army celebrates its birthday.

What do people do?

Flag Day falls within National Flag Week, a time when Americans reflect on the foundations of the nation’s freedom. The flag of the United States represents freedom and has been an enduring symbol of the country’s ideals since its early days. During both events, Americans also remember their loyalty to the nation, reaffirm their belief in liberty and justice, and observe the nation’s unity.

Many people in the United States honor this day by displaying the American flag at homes and public buildings. Other popular ways of observing this holiday include: flag-raising ceremonies; Flag Day services; school quizzes and essay competitions about the American flag; musical salutes; street parades; and awards for special recognition.

Organizations such as The National Flag Day Foundation are actively involved in coordinating activities centered on the event and keeping the flag’s traditions alive. Following Flag Day is Honor America Days, a 21-day period through to Independence Day (July 4) to honor America. During this period, people hold public gatherings and activities to celebrate and honor the nation.

Public life

Although Flag Day is a nationwide observance, it is not a public holiday in many parts of the United States. It is a legal holiday in a few areas in the USA, such as Montour County in Pennsylvania.

Background

On June 14, 1777, the Continental Congress replaced the British symbols of the Grand Union flag with a new design featuring 13 white stars in a circle on a field of blue and 13 red and white stripes – one for each state. Although it is not certain, this flag may have been made by the Philadelphia seamstress Betsy Ross, who was an official flag maker for the Pennsylvania Navy. The number of stars increased as the new states entered the Union, but the number of stripes stopped at 15 and was later returned to 13.

In June 1886 Bernard Cigrand made his first public proposal for the annual observance of the birth of the flag when he wrote an article titled “The Fourteenth of June” in the old Chicago Argus newspaper. Cigrand’s effort to ensure national observance of Flag Day finally came when President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation calling for a nationwide observance of the event on June 14, 1916. However, Flag Day did not become official until August 1949, when President Harry Truman signed the legislation and proclaimed June 14 as Flag Day. In 1966, Congress also requested that the President issue annually a proclamation designating the week in which June 14 occurs as National Flag Week.

The President is requested to issue each year a proclamation to: call on government officials in the USA to display the flag of the United States on all government buildings on Flag Day; and to urge US residents to observe Flag Day as the anniversary of the adoption on June 14, 1777, by the Continental Congress of the Stars and Stripes as the official flag of the United States.

Symbols

The American flag, also nicknamed as “Old Glory” or “star-spangled banner”, has changed designs over the centuries. It consists of 13 equal horizontal stripes of red (top and bottom) alternating with white, with a blue rectangle in the canton bearing 50 small, white, five-pointed stars. Each of the 50 stars represents one of the 50 states in the United States and the 13 stripes represent the original 13 colonies that became the first states in the Union.

The information above was obtained from: http://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/us/flag-day

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The idea of an annual day specifically celebrating the Flag is believed to have first originated in 1885. BJ Cigrand, a schoolteacher, arranged for the pupils in the Fredonia, Wisconsin Public School, District 6, to observe June 14 (the 108th anniversary of the official adoption of The Stars and Stripes) as ‘Flag Birthday’. In numerous magazines and newspaper articles and public addresses over the following years, Cigrand continued to enthusiastically advocate the observance of June 14 as ‘Flag Birthday’, or ‘Flag Day’.

On June 14, 1889, George Balch, a kindergarten teacher in New York City, planned appropriate ceremonies for the children of his school, and his idea of observing Flag Day was later adopted by the State Board of Education of New York. On June 14, 1891, the Betsy Ross House in Philadelphia held a Flag Day celebration, and on June 14 of the following year, the New York Society of the Sons of the Revolution, celebrated Flag Day.

Following the suggestion of Colonel J Granville Leach (at the time historian of the Pennsylvania Society of the Sons of the Revolution), the Pennsylvania Society of Colonial Dames of America on April 25, 1893 adopted a resolution requesting the mayor of Philadelphia and all others in authority and all private citizens to display the Flag on June 14th. Leach went on to recommend that thereafter the day be known as ‘Flag Day’, and on that day, school children be assembled for appropriate exercises, with each child being given a small Flag.

Two weeks later on May 8th, the Board of Managers of the Pennsylvania Society of Sons of the Revolution unanimously endorsed the action of the Pennsylvania Society of Colonial Dames. As a result of the resolution, Dr. Edward Brooks, then Superintendent of Public Schools of Philadelphia, directed that Flag Day exercises be held on June 14, 1893 in Independence Square. School children were assembled, each carrying a small Flag, and patriotic songs were sung and addresses delivered.

In 1894, the governor of New York directed that on June 14 the Flag be displayed on all public buildings. With BJ Cigrand and Leroy Van Horn as the moving spirits, the Illinois organization, known as the American Flag Day Association, was organized for the purpose of promoting the holding of Flag Day exercises. On June 14th, 1894, under the auspices of this association, the first general public school children’s celebration of Flag Day in Chicago was held in Douglas, Garfield, Humboldt, Lincoln, and Washington Parks, with more than 300,000 children participating.

Adults, too, participated in patriotic programs. Franklin K. Lane, Secretary of the Interior, delivered a 1914 Flag Day address in which he repeated words he said the flag had spoken to him that morning: “I am what you make me; nothing more. I swing before your eyes as a bright gleam of color, a symbol of yourself.”

Inspired by these three decades of state and local celebrations, Flag Day – the anniversary of the Flag Resolution of 1777 – was officially established by the Proclamation of President Woodrow Wilson on May 30th, 1916. While Flag Day was celebrated in various communities for years after Wilson’s proclamation, it was not until August 3rd, 1949, that President Truman signed an Act of Congress designating June 14th of each year as National Flag Day.

Information above obtained from: http://www.usflag.org/history/flagday.html

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11 a.m. by City Park’s Big Lake

March 22, 2015 by Charlie London

Dog Day at City Park’s Big Lake Lawn, 11:00 am – 4:00 pm today March 22nd.

Louisiana SPCA’s Dog Day is Louisiana’s first walk-a-thon and festival celebrating our furry friends! It provides the perfect festive setting to celebrate our canine companions and make them feel like royalty. The day’s highlight is the Gatsby Strut, a dog-friendly walk-a-thon around New Orleans City Park’s Big Lake. Enjoy live local music, services and treats from animal vendors and artists, dog obedience demos, dog contests and great prizes! Dog Day is attended by over 2,000 family and canine members! Special prizes and incentives added for fundraising at every level. The more money you raise, the more you can win! Go to www.la-spca.org/dogday for more information or to register.

March 22nd Neighborhood Pet Adoption & Bake Sale, sponsored by the LA/SPCA will be held at Dog Day at City Park, from 11:00am-3:00pm. LA/SPCA adoption counselors and volunteers will be on hand to help you select the right pet for your family. A variety of shapes, colors and sizes of four-legged friends eager to find a new home will be available for adoption. Call 368-5191 or visit la-spca.org for more information.

200th Anniversary of the Battle of New Orleans

January 5, 2015 by Charlie London

courtesy COUNTRY ROADS MAGAZINE

Tuesday, January 06, 2015 – Sunday, January 11, 2015

Details

It’s a bicentennial in St. Bernard! Each year on January 8, over 150 re-enactors gather to commemorate the Battle of New Orleans, in which American troops landed a victory over the British opposition in the final major conflict of the War of 1812. 2015 marks two hundred years since the battle took place, and Chalmette Battlefield National Park and the Louisiana Living History Foundation (LLHF) aren’t skimping on living-history exhibits, cannon-fire demonstrations, children’s activities, lectures, and the largest re-enactment ever put on for the War of 1812. Activities include:

January 6: General Pakenham’s Final Supper, presented by LLHF and the Bourbon Orleans Hotel, adopts the finery and fashion of a British Mess as the enemy troops dined in high style before the big skirmish. Raise a glass to King George! Cocktails start at 6:30 pm; the five-course dinner at 7:30 pm. 717 Orleans Street. $149; tax and gratuity included. Reservations at (504) 571-4672. Costumes welcome.

January 7: Memorial Service at the grave of Jordon Noble in St. Louis Cemetery #1 presented by LLHF. Jordon Noble was an African-American enlisted soldier and drummer of the 7^th U.S. Infantry. After the Battle of New Orleans, Noble stayed in New Orleans and is a legend in the Treme neighborhood in which he lived. Visit lalivinghistory.org for more information.

January 8: Commemoration Day, presented by the park, will be marked with a morning ceremony reflecting the importance of the bicentennial as well as the many people and groups involved in the battle. 8606 West Saint Bernard Highway.

January 9: LLHF kicks off the re-enactments this evening with a staging of the December 23, 1814 night battle at their reenactment site, 8207 Patricia Street. Earlier in the day, a second line parade of Jackson’s troops will wind through the French Quarter. Both events are free. More details at lalivinghistory.org.

January 10: The LLHF battlefield at 8207 Patricia Street is the setting for re-enactments of the second, third, and fourth skirmishes in the overall conflict. It starts with The Reconnaissance in Force (December 28, 1914), followed by The Artillery Duel (January 1, 1815) and The British Victory on the West Bank (January 8, 1815). $10; free for children under 12. Out of the elements, the Friends of Cabildo hosts a symposium at the Old U.S. Mint with presentations and panel discussions. 10 am–4 pm at 400 Esplanade Avenue.

January 11: Andrew Jackson’s great victory comes to life as the Battle of New Orleans is re-enacted on the LLHF battlefield. $10; free for children under 12. Following the battle, Antoine’s Restaurant in the French Quarter (itself a historic setting) will host a Victory Dinner and Ball to celebrate the big win. 713 Saint Louis Street. Details and ticketing information to follow.

For up-to-date information on all the events, visit lalivinghistory.org or nps.gov/jela.

Battle of New Orleans written and produced by Jeffery Pipes Guice

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Article below courtesy COUNTRY ROADS MAGAZINE

January 8, 2015, marks the two-hundredth anniversary of the big Battle of New Orleans. (There was a little Battle of New Orleans during the Civil War, but it’s less interesting.) As with any battle, there were a lot of crucial “ifs.” If General Andrew Jackson hadn’t made a bilingual speech to New Orleans’ assembled (and significantly polyglot and international) residents in Jackson Square, addressing each racial and ethnic group separately to explain why each should want to defend New Orleans against the British; if Jackson hadn’t also broken the law, declaring martial law in New Orleans before the battle; and if a surprise attack hadn’t delayed the British so that only four thousand American troops could defend New Orleans against twice as many British troops on January 8, 1814, then New Orleans—and more importantly, control of the Mississippi River and the entire Louisiana Purchase, which were then in U.S. hands—might have been lost.

Historians long considered the Battle of New Orleans an afterthought to the War of 1812, fought after the United States and Great Britain had already negotiated terms to end the war. The war itself was also frequently swept under the historical rug, dismissed as a “spot of bother” between the still-young United States and a Britain distracted by Napoleon. Sure, Washington burned, and sure, we got The Star-Spangled Banner out of it; but by and large, the war was muscled out of the lineup of memorable American wars.

This view has recently been reevaluated, especially with respect to the significance of the Battle of New Orleans. Historians now point out that while the treaty ending the war, signed in Ghent in what eventually became Belgium, was signed and ratified by Britain before the battle, Congress had yet to see it due to the several weeks’ travel time across the Atlantic. The battle is now placed in its larger context, as part of a longer British campaign against the relatively short American Gulf Coast (the portion that was part of the United States before Florida and Texas came into the Union) and which could conceivably have resulted in New Orleans, with the rest of Louisiana, being torn off the United States and thrown back to Spain, in order to strengthen Spain against a bellicose France. Seen in this light, the War of 1812, and the Battle of New Orleans, deserve a much bigger place in history than they’ve been given so far; and St. Bernard Parish, site of the battlefield, is ready to celebrate the bicentennial with thrilling reenactments, cutting-edge research, and all the flash and excitement this anniversary deserves.

For years after the Battle of New Orleans, January 8 was celebrated as a day of national celebration, much like the Fourth of July. Do your part to revive this tradition by going out and sampling some of the wonderful living history that will play out all across St. Bernard Parish the week of the anniversary, having some fun, and remembering the good luck, great generalship, and even greater fighting Americans of all creeds, tongues, and colors that made this huge victory possible for our young country.

200th Anniversary of the Battle of New Orleans

By Mary Ann Wegmann, Louisiana State Museum, and the University of New Orleans History Department; Associate Editor & Media Editor: Jessica Anne Dauterive; military history research assistance: Rhett Breerwood

A tour of French Quarter sites and buildings connected to the Battle of New Orleans through fact as well as legend.

Locations for Tour

1. Battle of New Orleans: Introduction

Almost 200 years ago, on January 8, 1815, Major General Andrew Jackson and his outnumbered American defenders overwhelmed veteran British troops at the Battle of New Orleans. The battle took place five miles downriver from New Orleans in Chalmette,…

2. Battle of New Orleans: Jackson Square

Formerly the Place d’Armes around which New Orleans was built, Jackson Square, a National Historical Landmark, is now the most prominent location in the “Vieux Carre” or Old Quarter. On December 18, 1814, Jackson reviewed his troops on…

3. Battle of New Orleans: St. Louis Cathedral

Facing Jackson Square and the Mississippi River, the Cathedral-Basilica of St. Louis, King of France, is the oldest Catholic cathedral in continual use in the United States. With its three steeples, St. Louis Cathedral, as it is commonly known, is…

4. Battle of New Orleans: Cabildo and Presbytere

Viewed from Jackson Square, the Cabildo appears to the left of St. Louis Cathedral. The Cabildo, built under Spanish rule in 1795-1799, is the site of the Louisiana Purchase Transfer ceremonies in 1803 and Louisiana’s most important historical…

5. Battle of New Orleans: Pirate’s Alley, The Arsenal, Creole House & Jackson House

Walking out of Jackson Square toward St. Louis Cathedral, Pirate’s Alley appears on the left, between the Cathedral and the Cabildo. Formerly known as “Orleans Alley,” the passage is one block long, extending from Chartres Street at Jackson…

6. Battle of New Orleans: Maspero’s Coffee House

Maspero’s Exchange, also known as Maspero’s Coffee House and now called the “Original Pierre Maspero’s,” is located at 440 Chartres Street, on the corner of St. Louis and Chartres Streets, nearest the river and Canal Street. The original…

7. Battle of New Orleans: Old Absinthe House

The Old Absinthe House bar is located at 240 Bourbon Street. This stucco building at the corner of Bourbon and Bienville Streets, one of the oldest in New Orleans, dates to approximately 1806. In the nineteenth century, the Old Absinthe House…

8. The Old Federal Courthouse, Now the Andrew Jackson Hotel

The Andrew Jackson French Quarter Hotel, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is located at 919 Royal Street, the former site of the old United States courthouse where Major General Andrew Jackson was indicted for contempt of court and…

9. Former Home of Presiding Judge Francois-Xavier Martin

Judge Francois-Xavier Martin, a Louisiana Supreme Court judge for thirty-one years, from 1815 until his death in 1846, first acquired 915 Royal Street in 1818 for $7,500. At that time, a two-story brick house with a tile roof was situated on the…

10. Battle of New Orleans: Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop

For many years, a bar called “Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop” has occupied this building at the corner of Bourbon Street and St. Philip Street. Designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1970, Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop was built between 1772…

11. Battle of New Orleans: Old Ursuline Convent

Almost 300 years ago, in 1727, the Ursuline nuns arrived in New Orleans at the invitation of Governor Bienville. While awaiting the completion of their convent in 1734, the Ursuline nuns established a school and an orphanage. The Ursuline Order…

12. Battle of New Orleans: Fort St. Charles/U.S. Mint

The United States Mint was once the site of Fort St. Charles, one of the defenses built in 1792 during the Spanish period. Fort St. Charles was the largest of five fortifications surrounding the city. Spanish Governor Baron Hector de Carondelet noted…

NOLA FOR LIFE DAY January 10th

January 4, 2015 by Charlie London

Join Mayor Mitch Landrieu, City departments and agencies, and citizens of New Orleans for a day of service to the community.

On 10 January 2015, the ninth NOLA FOR LIFE Day will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

in and around Sampson Playground at 3101 Louisa Street.

NOLA Trash Mob will be cleaning up in and around the Playground during the event.

Please bring gloves. White or clear bags are used for recyclables and black bags for trash.

RSVP here (and please put NOLA Trash Mob as your organization):

http://www.nolaforlife.org/events/nola-for-life-day-sampson-playground/

NOLA FOR LIFE DAY

January 10, 2015 10:00 AM through January 10, 2015 2:00 PM

Sampson Playground-3101 Louisa Street New Orleans, LA 70126

Mayor Mitch Landrieu will host the ninth NOLA FOR LIFE Day on Saturday, January 10, 2015.

All residents are invited to get involved and help rebuild our neighborhoods.

Activities will take place in and around Sampson Playground at 3101 Louisa Street from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

About NOLA FOR LIFE

Launched in May 2012, NOLA FOR LIFE is New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu’s comprehensive murder reduction strategy to tackle the city’s historically high murder rate. Recognizing that law enforcement alone cannot solve the murder problem, NOLA FOR LIFE takes a holistic approach to get to the root of the problem, and implements initiatives in five main categories: Stop the Shooting, Invest in Prevention, Promote Jobs and Opportunity, Strengthen the NOPD and Get Involved and Rebuild Neighborhoods. For more information, visit www.nolaforlife.org and tune in to NOLA FOR LIFE original programming 24/7 on Cox Cable Channel 99.

2552 St. Philip to Get an Inn with Neighbors

November 4, 2014 by Charlie London

Nearly everyone who spoke before the City Planning Commission this week about the proposal to convert the century-old New Orleans Police station at 2552 St. Philip Street into a bed-and-breakfast was in favor of it — including the neighbors, the commissioners and even the city staffers who said it was impossible.

Only the language of the city’s land use bureaucracy stood in the way, an obstacle that proved insurmountable Oct. 28. After the City Planning Commission voted to postpone a decision on the project, District D City Councilman Jared Brossett said he is preparing to amend city law to make it possible.

Please click here for the rest of the Mid-City Messenger’s story.

2552 St. Philip auction

A “Police Jail and Patrol Station” built in the turn of the 20th century in the Esplanade Ridge neighborhood was auctioned off for $175,000 Friday(December 13, 2013), according to city officials.

The 6,291-square foot Queen Anne and French Renaissance Revival-style building, located at 2552 St. Philip Street, was given a market value of $175,000 in September 2012. It is “in very poor condition,” with “substantial flooding and roof damage,” according to an appraisal done by Stegall, Benson and Associates, LLC for the city of New Orleans.

According to Tyler Gamble, the city’s press secretary, Liz and Raul Canache purchased the property.

December 16, 2013
http://midcitymessenger.com/2013/12/16/st-philip-street-police-station-from-1902-auctioned-for-175000/

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by Charlie London
Property Disposition 12/12: Consideration of the sale of 2552 Saint Philip Street, Lots 99 and 100, Square 322, in the Second Municipal District, bounded by Saint Philip, Dumaine, North Rocheblave and North Dorgenois Streets. (ZBM C-13, PD-4)

You may remember that I have been passionate about the restoration of 2552 St. Philip for many years now. I happened upon the property while surveying the area after moving to Faubourg St. John after my previous house was destroyed by the Federal Flood. I literally gasped when I first saw the property. It is a stunning architectural gem of serious historical significance.

I am happy to announce today that dream of getting the property restored may indeed become a reality… with your help. You see, the city wants to auction 2552 St. Philip off to the highest bidder. I hear you saying, “so what, I can’t afford that!” Maybe not, but you may know someone who can. Let’s work together to find someone who will provide the care and restoration this property so desperately needs.

There are many people who helped bring this city property up for auction. Michelle Kimball of the Preservation Resource Center has been a stalwart fan of 2552 St. Philip and deserves much of the credit for keeping the pressure on the city to do something with it. The Louisiana Landmarks Society was also instrumental in bringing attention to 2552 St. Philip when it listed it as one of its “New Orleans 9 Most Endangered Properties”.

Former Councilperson Shelley Midura and present Councilperson Susan Guidry both of New Orleans Council District A and their staffs were also extremely helpful.

2552 St Philip Street was included in a presentation given to the Council Housing and Human Services Committee yesterday. It is among the City’s first list of surplus properties to be auctioned.

2552 St. Philip is just one of the historic city-owned properties being demolished by neglect…

Restoring City-owned historic properties would create anchors of positive development throughout New Orleans and give a big boost to our restoration efforts. My previous blog posts about 2552 St. Philip are in the links below:

PHOTO and DESCRIPTION of 2552 St. Philip
http://katrinafilm.wordpress.com/2009/04/28/2552-st-philip-street/

DONATION OF CITY PROPERTY
http://katrinafilm.wordpress.com/2009/05/29/donation-of-city-property/

CITY DEMOLISHES PROPERTY BY NEGLECT
http://katrinafilm.wordpress.com/2009/05/28/581/

PHOTO and DESCRIPTION of 2552 St. Philip
http://katrinafilm.wordpress.com/2009/04/28/2552-st-philip-street/

LOCAL FOODS LOCAL PLACES

June 17, 2014 by Charlie London

Communities are invited to apply for assistance from Local Foods, Local Places, a new program supported by EPA, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), and the Delta Regional Authority (DRA) to help create more livable places by promoting local foods. Together, the agencies are investing $650,000 in the Local Foods, Local Places program, which aims to:

Boost economic opportunities for local farmers and businesses, and foster entrepreneurship;
· Improve access to healthy local food, particularly among disadvantaged groups with limited access to fresh fruits and vegetables; and
· Revitalize downtowns, main street districts, and traditional neighborhoods by supporting farmers’ markets, food hubs, community gardens, community kitchens, and other kinds of local food enterprises, and by providing people with affordable choices for accessing those amenities, such as walking, biking, or taking transit.

Local Foods, Local Places will provide direct technical support to selected communities to help them develop and implement action plans promoting local food and downtown revitalization. Special consideration will be given to communities that are in the early stages of developing or restoring local food enterprises and creating economically vibrant communities. Selected communities in Appalachia and the Delta region will be eligible to receive financial assistance to help them implement those plans.

Local Foods, Local Places builds on the ARC-EPA-USDA Livable Communities in Appalachia partnership, which works to promote economic development, preserve rural lands, and increase access to locally grown food in Appalachian towns and rural communities.

Eligibility

Communities anywhere in the United States are eligible to apply. Particular consideration will be given to communities in the following places:
· Areas served by the Appalachian Regional Commission in Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.

Areas served by the Delta Regional Authority in Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee.
Federally designated Promise Zones in the Choctaw Nation region of Southeast Oklahoma; Los Angeles, California; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; San Antonio, Texas; and Southeastern Kentucky.
USDA-designated StrikeForce counties in Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and West Virginia.

How to Apply

Communities are invited to submit a letter of interest of no more than two pages that describes the community’s needs and goals related to local food and the revitalization of downtowns and traditional neighborhoods. The letter should indicate a primary point of contact and other members of the community or organizations that would participate in the technical assistance process. Communities are strongly encouraged to seek the support of their local development district or regional development organization, or, alternatively, a local community college or university, and to indicate this partner organization in their letter of interest. Letters of interest may be submitted by any community representative, including representatives of local government and nongovernmental organizations.

Applicants will be evaluated on their commitment to USDA’s Seven Strategies for Economic Development and the HUD-DOT-EPA Partnership for Sustainable Communities’ Livability Principles, as well as their potential for success in:

Producing and distributing healthy local food;
· Creating economic opportunities for local farmers and businesses;
· Expanding access to healthy foods among disadvantaged members of the community;
· Revitalizing existing downtowns, main streets, and neighborhoods; and
· Partnering with local agricultural producers, business, government, transportation, education, and other relevant organizations.

Submit letters of interest by email to Ed Fendley at lflp@epa.gov by July 15, 2014. Please include “Local Foods, Local Places” and the name of the community in the subject line of the email.

***

Washington, D.C., June 9, 2014 — Today, on behalf of the White House Rural Council, USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack announced Local Food, Local Places, a federal initiative that will provide direct technical support to rural communities to help them build strong local food systems as part of their community’s economic action plans. Under this effort, a team of agricultural, transportation, environmental, and regional economic experts will work directly with local communities to develop comprehensive strategies that use local food systems to meet a variety of needs.

The announcement, made during the White House Rural Council’s first live-streamed meeting, included Vilsack, U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx, Environmental Protection Agency Deputy Administrator Bob Perciasepe, Appalachian Regional Commission Federal Co-Chairman Earl Gohl; and Delta Regional Authority Federal Co-Chairman Chris Masingill.

“Buying locally is one of the best things a community can do to grow its economy. Partnerships like Local Food, Local Places help rural leaders develop strategies for promoting farm products grown by people right in their own communities,” said Secretary Vilsack. “The demand for local food is growing rapidly nationwide, creating more opportunities for American farmers and ranchers and growing the entire country’s rural economy.”

“The Department of Transportation recognizes that freight is a concern for rural regions, which is why though our Partnership for Sustainable Communities and TIGER grant program we support freight movement in farm communities,” said Secretary Foxx. “DOT is proud to take part in the Local Food, Local Places initiative and to support community food enterprises and make it easier for people to access those amenities with affordable, multimodal transportation options.”

“EPA is excited to work with USDA, the Department of Transportation, the Appalachian Regional Commission, and the Delta Regional Authority on the new Local Foods Local Places program, which will help communities-especially rural ones-focus development on main streets to boost local economies, preserve rural lands, and give residents better access to healthy food,” said EPA Deputy Administrator Bob Perciasepe.

“Across Appalachia, communities are discovering the valuable role that vibrant local food systems can play in diversifying their economies,” stated ARC Federal Co-Chairman Earl F. Gohl.” Investments in local food systems can pay big dividends in creating a stronger economy and a healthier population, and the Local Food, Local Places initiative will help rural Appalachian communities devise the strategies that energize local economic development and create the jobs that go with it.”

“As a region with a rich economic and cultural history centered on agriculture, we recognize nutrition, local food systems, and value chains as a critical driver towards our goals of creating a healthier workforce, strengthening our local economies, and building sustainable communities. We are proud to be a partner in this effort to grow capacity for food systems in the Delta region and across the country,” Chairman Masingill said.

During the White House Rural Council event, Secretary Vilsack also announced updated results from the USDA Farm to School Census, illustrating the indicating continued economic impact of local food procurement around the country. According to the updated Farm to School Census, U.S. school districts around the country purchased more than $386 million from local farmers, ranchers, fishermen, and food processors and manufacturers during the 2011-2012 school year. More than half of participating school districts report that they will buy even more local foods in future school years, and an additional 13% have plans to implement local food purchasing in the future. Results from the Farm to School Census are available at the national, state, and school district level data and in a visually rich and easy to navigate format. In keeping with the Administration’s emphasis on transparency and access to data, all farm to school data is available on www.data.gov and on the Farm to School Census website.

These efforts are part of USDA’s commitment to support local and regional food systems. USDA’s Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food Initiative coordinates the Department’s policy, resources, and outreach efforts related to local and regional food systems. The Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food Compass maps nearly 3,000 local and regional food projects supported by USDA and eleven other federal agencies. Secretary Vilsack has identified strengthening local food systems as one of the four pillars of USDA’s commitment to rural economic development, along with production agriculture (including expanding export markets and improving research), promoting conservation and outdoor recreation opportunities, and growing the biobased economy.

About the White House Rural Council

To address challenges in Rural America, build on the Administration’s rural economic strategy, and improve the implementation of that strategy, the President signed an Executive Order establishing the White House Rural Council. The Council coordinates the Administration’s efforts in rural America by streamlining and improving the effectiveness of federal programs serving rural America; engage stakeholders, including farmers, ranchers, and local citizens, on issues and solutions in rural communities; and promoting and coordinating private-sector partnerships. The work of the White House Rural Council and USDA to bring investment to rural America is an example of how the Administration is creating smart partnerships with the private sector to better support Americans in all parts of the country.

Bodacious Boogaloo

May 18, 2014 by Charlie London

photos by Charlie London
The 2014 Bayou Boogaloo is one of the best ever. Perfect weather and great fun… The 2014 Bayou Boogaloo is bodacious!

http://thebayouboogaloo.com/

by Charlie London | https://fsjna.org | http://katrinafilm.com

Since the beginning, the Bayou Boogaloo, held on the banks of Bayou St. John in New Orleans during May, has had a mission to give back to the community. The first Bayou Boogaloo in 2006 was a healing effort for the community. Many folks were still rebuilding their lives and their houses after “the storm”. The Bayou Boogaloo was a welcome respite from the daily grind. It provided much needed fun for both adults and children.

One of the often forgotten aspects of the Bayou Boogaloo is its emphasis on zero impact on the environment. I’ve personally witnessed the meticulous cleanup after the event. One would never know the music festival ever took place because the area is left as clean or cleaner than it was before the event.

The Bayou Boogaloo has promoted solar energy, recycling and encouraged folks to consider the environment. The Bayou Boogaloo has led by example. Several huge oak trees have been planted along the banks of Bayou St. John leaving a lasting positive impact on the environment and the community.

The Bayou Boogaloo gives back in other ways too! The event helps neighborhood organizations raise funds for their operations, has helped build playgrounds, has supported community sports initiatives, helped plant native habitat-building and erosion-preventing marsh grasses, and replaced trees lost during hurricanes.

The City even recognized the Bayou Boogaloo’s founder, Jared Zeller, with a proclamation for promoting an economically and environmentally sustainable event.

Join the Bayou Boogaloo this Friday, Saturday and Sunday May 16-18. The Bayou Boogaloo is more than just a music festival, it’s a community building coalition!

BAYOU BOOGALOO Art Market:
https://fsjna.org/2014/03/bayou-boogaloo-art-market/

BAYOU BOOGALOO Music:
https://fsjna.org/2014/03/bayou-boogaloo-music-lineup-released/

BAYOU BOOGALOO Poster:
https://fsjna.org/2014/05/2014-bayou-boogaloo-poster/

Historic Preservation Excellence

November 30, 2013 by Charlie London

Louisiana Landmarks Society
Awards for Excellence in Historic Preservation

LLS announces the inaugural Louisiana Landmarks Society Awards for Excellence in Historic Preservation. These awards will honor projects completed in Orleans Parish (outside of the French Quarter) in 2012 or 2013 that represent outstanding examples of restoration or rehabilitation of historic buildings, as well as new construction in a historic district.Nominations for the 2014 Awards may be submitted from individuals, companies, or organizations. Nominations should be submitted via a nomination form on the LLS website starting today. The deadline for nominations is January 15, 2014. Of particular interest are projects which:

Demonstrate that historic preservation can be a tool to revitalize older neighborhoods
Show that historic preservation is “green” and sustainable
Support the cultural and ethnic diversity of the preservation movement
Are creative examples of saving a historic building
Involve properties that utilized various federal or state tax incentive programs
Represent new design that is appropriate to historic neighborhoods

“It is important to recognize the extraordinary investment of time, money, effort, and attention to detail that is required to create projects that stand out in a city known for historic preservation,” said Elliott Perkins, executive director of the Historic District Landmarks Commission.The Selection Committee includes representatives from Louisiana’s State Historic Preservation Office, New Orleans and CBD Historic District Landmarks Commissions, Tulane School of Architecture and the Louisiana Landmarks Society.

“We are excited to be able to continue this important awards program, and to inaugurate it in 2014, marking fifty years since Louisiana Landmarks Society saved the Pitot House,” said Walter Gallas, LLS Executive Director.

The 2014 Louisiana Landmarks Society Awards for Excellence in Historic Preservation winners will be presented at a luncheon on April 9, 2014.

We encourage you to nominate projects you may know, and to spread the word. Questions can be sent to info@louisianalandmarks.org or by calling 504.482.0312.

NOMINATE A PROJECT

If you have a project to nominate for the 2014 Awards, please submit your project before January 15, 2014.

NOMINATE A PROJECT

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WITHOUT WETLANDS, THERE IS NO PORT

November 8, 2013 by Charlie London

WITHOUT WETLANDS, THERE IS NO PORT

Guest Commentary by H.E. Bethune, III

NEW ORLEANS, LA – It is timely that President Barack Obama is visiting the Port of New Orleans this week. If current trends continue, it won’t be long before there is no port here to visit.

Putting it like that may sound alarmist. But make no mistake. Either we can have a port or we can allow coastal erosion to continue at its current rate. We can not have both.

No doubt, you’ve heard the statistics. The U.S. Geological Survey reports that Louisiana has lost enough coastal land over the past 80 years to cover the state of Delaware. According to fixthecoast.org, Louisiana is losing 25 to 35 square miles of wetlands per year. At the current rate of loss, we will lose an area of land roughly equivalent to the size of Rhode Island between now and 2050.

In reality, we don’t have until 2050. The wetlands we are losing are our crucial, first line of defense against hurricanes. In normal times, as storms pass through the wetlands they get weaker so by the time they hit the inland population centers they are less of a threat. Coastal erosion means stronger storms, more destructive and deadly storm surge flooding, and the eventual destruction of towns, villages and cities.

The federal government has invested a lot of money in improving our levees and flood walls since the federal levees failed in 2005, flooding metro New Orleans and southeast Louisiana. You might think we could place our faith in technology. We used to do that. We realize now that, even our new bigger, better levees only withstand so much pressure.

Stronger storms weaken them more quickly. A series of strong storms will bring us back to those frightening hours during Hurricane Katrina when our federal levees were weakened to the point of failure.

President Obama is here to talk about expanding the national economy by increasing exports through the port of New Orleans. We ship more than $25 billion worth of goods through the port every year. That shipping is crucial to farming and manufacturing jobs in places as far from here as Minnesota and Ohio.

You may recall that the Port of New Orleans sustained at least $100 million in damage after Katrina, and, according to the port’s president, Gary LaGrange, port-dependent businesses had roughly triple that amount of damage and portions of the port were virtually wiped out by flooding.

The President is here to talk about exports, but imports through the port of New Orleans are a crucial part of the daily life of most Americans. Commenting in 2005 on the temporary shutdown of the port after Hurricane Katrina, Mark M. Zandi, chief executive of the research firm Economy.com, told the Washington Post, “The longer they (lower Mississippi River ports) remained closed, the greater the risk that we’d all be paying higher prices for coffee, cocoa, lumber, steel, zinc, aluminum and any number of other things.”

The President’s presence here is testimony to the importance of our port. But unless the people of Louisiana can hold accountable the parties responsible for destroying our wetlands, and get these parties to pay to fix what they damaged, future presidents will have no port to visit.

Experts estimate canal dredging by the oil and gas industry has caused at least 40 percent of coastal land loss, and that it will take as much as $100 billion to stem the tide of coastal erosion and repair the damage that has already been done to the coast from all the causes of coastal erosion. The fact that the President has come to visit the port gives us hope that the President understands how important and urgent it is to hold industry accountable to restore the wetlands it has damaged and save the Port of New Orleans and all of coastal Louisiana from dissolving into the sea.