Volunteers Work With City to Improve Park

September 24, 2018 by Charlie London

Helpful neighbors will be in Fortier Park between 8 a.m. and noon tomorrow (this Sat, Sep 29). Parks and Parkways will be there too!
Fortier Park is in the 3100 block of Esplanade.

Come on out, meet some neighbors, help if you can, and thank the fine folks at Parks & Parkways for the great work they do!

Parks and Parkways arrived in full force in Fortier Park at 7:30 a.m. on September 24, 2018 with 11 people and lots of equipment. They trimmed the large oaks and palm trees. They also removed one large palm tree that was dead.

Parks and Parkways did their part, now it is time to do ours!

This Saturday September 29, volunteers will do a major cleanup of Fortier Park (3100 block of Esplanade)

Volunteers will be cleaning up some of the underbrush to bring more visibility to the park. The hot/wet summer has facilitated much unwanted growth and it is time to remove it!

Volunteers will build small flagstone walking paths through the corners of Esplanade and Mystery as well as Grand Route and Mystery.

This is a great opportunity to meet neighbors and keep your community beautiful!

Bring gloves, shovels, gardening tools, and a winning attitude!

Thank you for all you do to move New Orleans forward!

NEIGHBORS TO REMOVE INVASIVE SPECIES FROM BAYOU ST. JOHN ON JUNE 20 and JUNE 24

June 10, 2017 by Charlie London

by Sara Beth Howard

NEIGHBORS TO REMOVE INVASIVE SPECIES FROM BAYOU ST. JOHN ON JUNE 20 and JUNE 24

Kayakityat ( http://kayakitiyat.com/ ) is hosting two events on June 20th and June 24th to remove the invasive water hyacinths from the north end of Bayou St John.

Please join your neighbors for some fun and help make a difference on June 20 and June 24

Tuesday, June 20th 12PM to 2PM
https://www.facebook.com/events/487442778269543

Saturday, June 24th 9AM to 11AM
https://www.facebook.com/events/1790765734586521

For more information, please visit the facebook pages above or contact Sara at
[email protected] , or call 985-778-5034 or 512-964-9499

WATER HYACINTHS ARE SPREADING RAPIDLY IN BAYOU ST. JOHN AND NEED TO BE REMOVED IMMEDIATELY

CLICK ON THE MAP FOR A LARGER VIEW OF THE SPREAD OF WATER HYACINTHS IN BAYOU ST. JOHN

Late last Fall, water hyacinths were introduced into the north end of Bayou St. John.
In just six months, it has multiplied many times. It now lines the west bank of Bayou St John from Robert E Lee Blvd to Filmore Ave.
It moves with the wind, so parts have broken off and made their way to other parts of the bayou, likely even beyond the Filmore Avenue bridge.

According to the University of Florida, one plant can grow to cover an acre in one growing season!

This is a very prolific and dangerous invasive aquatic plant that is now threatening the health of Bayou St John. We must carefully manually remove every piece. If one tiny portion of a plant is left, it’ll will become a whole new reproducing plant. We must dispose of it in a place where it dies completely and cannot re-enter any waterways including storm drains that lead back out to Lake Pontchartrain.

This does not only threaten the recreational use of Bayou St. John but, the ecological health we’ve worked so hard to improve.

Kayakityat is coordinating two removal days within a week to in order to ensure the most thorough removal, ideally eradication. It will be up to all of us individually to remove plants as we see them pop up through-out the future.

DAY 1: 12PM to 2PM Tuesday, June 20th. The Barman’s Fund has graciously offered their services.
It is specially scheduled to accommodate service industry folks. Anyone is welcome to join! This will be the bulk of the removal; we’ll get the big obvious patches.

DAY 2: 9AM to 11AM Saturday, June 24th. This removal will be a bit more meticulous.
We’ll have to spread out and look for hidden patches and individual plants along the banks.

Each event will be followed by a swim in Lake Pontchartrain and a bit of lakefront chillin’!

We need the following supplies; any donations are welcome!

2 Pick-Up Trucks that can handle some weight. We need to transport the plants to a composting sight; it may take multiple trips.

Canoes. If you have one, bring it with you. They can hold more plants than a kayak.

Pitch Forks. 3 to 6 at minimum for removal from banks.
Nets with short handles for removal from boats.

Dump Site. Ideally, all this vegetation should be composted. If anyone knows of a business that will take it, let us know.

Anyone with experience removing water hyacinth or taking on similar projects, please share suggestions and/or equipment.

Those interested can contact Sara at 512-964-9499 or [email protected])

Keeping Neighborhood Parks Beautiful

January 25, 2017 by Charlie London

City Beautiful Club Friends:

Veteran volunteers and a new friend tackled the first step in recovering a lost pocket park at Bayou Road and N Dorgenois. A giant mulch pile courtesy of Park and Parkways personnel appeared and challenged the small but determined City Beautifer crew to spread it. Earlier, Phillip Mollere brought two truckloads of mulch and started the project.

Sally Gaden and Annie LaRock (with super-pup Fang) led the effort, cleaning gutters, picking up litter and spreading the mulch.

Passerby, and new member, Josh Lewis pitched in, lent a hand and taught us something about “microbial diversity”! (He teaches Ecology at Tulane!)

Much appreciated praise and approval came from onlookers Josh Barbee (Ursulines Triangle CBC Guy), Ben the welder, and Robert Tannen whose art piece occupies the other end of the park.

I think all agree the place is looking more like a park than a parking lot!

Thanks to all involved in getting this park back on track.

Robert Thompson
City Beautiful Clubs
www.facebook.com/CityBeautifulClubs

***

The city of Baltimore’s high crime rate inspired a gritty TV drama. But a new study (Tinyurl.com/TreeCrimeReport) by the University of Vermont’s Transportation Research Center, in Burlington, found that a 10 percent increase in trees in a given area led to a 12 percent decrease in crime. “It’s really pretty striking how strong this relationship is,” says Austin Troy, lead author of the study, published in the journal Landscape and Urban Planning.

Researchers examined the correlation in and around Baltimore using aggregated crime data and combining it with high-resolution satellite images to conduct the analysis. The working hypothesis is that because people enjoy spending time in pleasant outdoor spaces, there are more observers present to hinder criminal activity. Also, a well-maintained landscape seems to send a message that someone may be watching.

To avoid culture bias, the study considered many socioeconomic factors, including housing, age, income and race of residents, as well as variables such as rural versus city setting and population density. The findings should prove helpful to urban planners.

Fringetrees are excellent anywhere that a very small tree is needed, such as near a patio, in small yards, or under power lines. Like many white-flowered plants, they look especially nice planted in front of a dark backdrop. They can be used as individual specimens, in groups, in mixed shrub borders or in natural gardens. They are well suited to urban plantings due to pollution tolerance and adaptability to varied soils. Fringetrees are not salt tolerant.

Although fringetrees are adaptable and will grow in most soil types, they prefer moist, deep, well-drained, acidic soils. They grow well in full sun to partial shade. Leaf appearance is best in some shade, but flowering is heaviest in full sun. The ideal compromise would be sun through most of the day, but shade during hot afternoon hours. Fringetrees have low maintenance needs once established.

Plant it Low, It Won’t Grow | Plant it High, It Won’t Die

The most important consideration in planting trees and shrubs is the planting depth. Don’t plant too deep!
Plant all trees and shrubs about one inch above the surface of the existing soil. No dirt should be placed on top of the existing roots and nursery soil so as to not smother the root system. Mulch well, leaving a two inch gap around the caliper(s) of the plant.

For the most efficient use of water, construct an earthen berm two to three inches high around the drip zone area of the plant after planting. Water in well after planting!

TREES TO PLANT IN NEW ORLEANS

Click here for the original article.

Keeping Faubourg St. John Clean and Green

November 29, 2016 by Charlie London

Neighbors Making A Difference

by Craig Kraemer

Robert Thompson is a neighborhood volunteer organizer. Thompson’s primary interest is in small public green spaces, an interest that many of his friends and neighbors share with the Faubourg St. John resident.

Through social media, Thompson helps to facilitate neighborhood projects by spreading the word about neighbor activities and interests, and encouraging people who live in the area to volunteer their help. Thompson also coordinates with NOLA Parks For All, a non-profit support organization that encourages neighbors to take care of their parks and green spaces. The organization often supplies neighborhood volunteers with trash bags and other needed materials as well as helpful tips and information on maintain safe and beautiful green spaces. For practical advice on how to maintain your neighborhood green spaces, contact NOLA Parks For All, or just pick up a rake to get started.

Listen to the podcast here.

Article above courtesy Craig Kraemer

Cynthia Sylvain-Lear, Director of City Sanitation, made sure all debris and trash from each of the clean ups was picked up promptly. Thank you!

Paul Capdevielle (1842-1922)

Paul Capdevielle, the forty-second Mayor was of French descent. He was born in New Orleans, January 15, 1842. His father, Augustin Capdevielle, was born in France, but settled in New Orleans in 1825, becoming a prominent merchant in the commission business and active in politics. It was from his father’s interest in politics that young Paul inherited his interest in governmental affairs. His mother, Virginia Bertrand, was born in New Orleans in 1816.Paul Capdevielle was educated at the Jesuit’s College in New Orleans from which he was graduated in 1861. He served with credit in the War between the States, enlisting in the New Orleans Guard Regiment of Infantry, but in 1862 joined Boone’s Louisiana Artillery, and was wounded at Port Hudson.

After the close of the war he returned to civil life, taking up the first employment that offered itself, studied law in April 1868 was graduated from Louisiana State University. In 1892, he gave up law to accept the presidency of the Merchant’s Insurance Company. He served as its President for sixteen years, until it was liquidated and sold.His political history began in 1877 when he was appointed to the School Board. Later he was a member of the Orleans Levee Board, a Commissioner of Prisons and Asylums and Chairman of the Finance Committee of the drainage commission. Mr. Capdevielle was an outstanding figure in Louisiana politics from the time of his election as Mayor of New Orleans in 1899. He was appointed auditor of Public Accounts in 1904, and re-elected three times, and held this office up to the time of his death. He survived the political storms attending the fall of the state administrations, the last in 1920, when Governor Parker was swept into office.The Flower administration was a turning point in the history of New Orleans. It closed one epoch and opened another. With it began the period of commercial prosperity which extends into the present time.

Mayor Capdevielle’s administration was noted for two events, both inseparably connected with the beginning of New Orleans’ industrial development; the installation of the modern sewerage system and the organization of the Public Belt Railroad. The Board of Port Commissioners also began to function actively during this period.City Park stands as a monument to his energy and civic spirit. The upbuilding of the park was his constant care, and he served continuously as President of the City Park Improvement Association for more than two decades, holding the office at the time of his death.The new administration went into office May 9, 1900, at the beginning of the twentieth century when a wave of prosperity passed over the country and was felt in New Orleans. Mayor Capdevielle in his inaugural address spoke of the drainage system about to be constructed and stated if the city desired to have its own electric light plant it could do so without great additional cost by using the power house of the drainage system.The contract to erect a modern jail, to be called the House of Detention, was awarded for $112,800 and the site of the old Marine Hospital, on Tulane Avenue and Broad Street, was selected.

The Clay statue, being in the way of safe operations of the street cars, was removed from Canal Street to the Lafayette Square on January 12, 1901. The consolidation of various street railways into one corporation under the name of the New Orleans Railways Company was an important factor of the years 1901-1902.On May 1, 1901, New Orleans was honored by the visit of the President of the United States, William McKinley, accompanied by Mrs. McKinley and Secretaries John Hay, Charles Emory Smith, and E. A. Hitchcock. He was received in the Cabildo by the Governor of Louisiana, attended by his staff in full uniform. The bells of the Cathedral of St. Louis announced the arrival of the President and his cabinet, escorted by Mayor Paul Capdevielle, and a committee of distinguished citizens. As the cortege entered the Supreme Court Hall, Chairman Zacharie announced in a loud voice “The President,” and the assembly arose and remained standing while the Chief Justice conducted the President to a seat of honor at his right on the Supreme Court Bench. The Governor of Louisiana took a seat on the left of the Chief Justice, and the Mayor of New Orleans the one on the right of the President, the Justices occupying seats immediately in the rear of the bench. Chairman Zacharie then conducted the members of the cabinet and their wives to places on the left of the dais, where a seat, filled with roses, had been reserved for Mrs. William McKinley, who, at the last moment, was too ill to attend.In 1873, Paul Capdevielle married in New Orleans, Miss Emma Larue, who died several years ago. Three sons and two daughters blessed this union; the sons are Christian, Auguste and Paul, Jr., and the daughters are the Misses Edith and Yvonne Capdevielle.Paul Capdevielle was found dead at his home in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, August 13, 1922, following a long illness, at the age of eighty years and six months and is buried in St. Louis Cemetery No. 2. Besides his children, a sister, Mrs. Virginia Buddecke and five grandchildren also survived.

A little garden in which to walk and immensity in which to dream

November 7, 2016 by Charlie London

by Robert Thompson

On Saturday, November 19, 2016, neighbors turned out in numbers to make the City Beautiful Club’s Capdevielle Green and Clean Day a real success. Litter pickup, leaf raking, weeding and trimming, and gutter clean outs were just some things done.

An impressive project managed and executed by neighbor Pushpa has also resulted in planting the next installment of the Esplanade liriope border. Another great achievement was the conversion of the center bed “crater” into a presentable mound ready for a spring planting. 10 yards of soil, bales of pine straw, and 20-30 garbage bags were among things used that were purchased with donated funds from neighbors. Beverages and snacks were in part provided by our new neighborhood restaurant on Gentilly Blvd, TOAST. It was the people power that made the real magic.

About 25-30 people came by and helped or supported the action in some way. My joy was that the collection of individuals included folks from all walks of life, all age groups, and all economic classes. It is important to note participation by staff and residents of our neighbors at Odyssey House. Sharing a love of the public space as a commonality was especially uplifting. NOLA Parks for All had a couple of board members down in the dirt with us as part of their support and encouragement of our grass root efforts.

I wish I could enumerate all and thank them here but I would miss some simply because I wasn’t organized enough to document who came and went. I have a few photos which tell the story better and urge you to check them out in the link below:

https://www.facebook.com/pg/CityBeautifulClubs/photos/?tab=album&album_id=934998696632213

On the horizon – can we reach a consensus on what the important center circle bed should be?
Can we convince Park and Parkways to let us do it?

Stay tuned…

Robert Thompson
2653 DeSoto

Here’s a shot of the flurry of activity from young and old as Pushpa harnesses the raw power of our volunteers!

Rickie Lee Jones was working with other Faubourg St. John neighbors to help beautify the neighborhood on Saturday, November 19, 2016. In the video above, learn why she lives in New Orleans.
***

On October 18, 2016, Capdevielle Park received attention from the crews at Parks & Parkways. Diseased trees were removed, others trimmed and thanks to a large backhoe, a large step toward rehabbing the center mound for new plantings took place.

All this support from the City means we need to double down on our commitment to restore the central circular bed in Capdevielle Park. On Saturday, November 19th, please bring shovels and rakes, gloves, and muscles so that we can clean up the soil and prepare this bed for greater things to come.

Friends,

Headed toward our second Capdevielle Place (or Park) improvement action. Your help in the past has qualified you to receive more begging appeals from me!

Lucky!

Seriously, I and others have appreciated the commitments you have made to improve our little neglected park at Crete and Esplanade. I think we are slowly making a difference and are on the way to a much improved public space, one we can proudly claim for our special community.

At the moment we only have a couple of hundred dollars collected. I would like to continue plantings on the periphery begun by Pushpa last meet. Additionally, we have a special gift from Tammany Baumgarten (http://www.baumgardens.com/) of a garden plan for the bed closest to N Broad. More dollars will mean more plants to execute these goals. Large donors seeking tax deduction should contact NOLA Parks For All (a 501c3 http://www.nolaparksforall.org/contact-us.html) who is partnering with us at this time to support citizen actions related to park improvements.

The bulk of the work however is good ole fashioned labor. Litter removal, gutter cleaning, trimming and weeding, bed preparations – all driven by personpower. I have stockpiled pine straw for bed dressing. So please distribute this information in the notice below to interested parties, and respond if you can think auxiliary activities, provide refreshments or have appropriate plant material to donate.

Hope to see you that Saturday, Nov 19 (10a-2p).

Thanks

Robert Thompson

2653 DeSoto

504 292-1065

***

Paul Capdevielle (1842-1922)

His political history began in 1877 when he was appointed to the School Board. Later he was a member of the Orleans Levee Board, a Commissioner of Prisons and Asylums and Chairman of the Finance Committee of the drainage commission. Mr. Capdevielle was an outstanding figure in Louisiana politics from the time of his election as Mayor of New Orleans in 1899. He was appointed auditor of Public Accounts in 1904, and re-elected three times, and held this office up to the time of his death. He survived the political storms attending the fall of the state administrations, the last in 1920, when Governor Parker was swept into office.

The Flower administration was a turning point in the history of New Orleans. It closed one epoch and opened another. With it began the period of commercial prosperity which extends into the present time.

City Park stands as a monument to his energy and civic spirit. The upbuilding of the park was his constant care, and he served continuously as President of the City Park Improvement Association for more than two decades, holding the office at the time of his death.

The new administration went into office May 9, 1900, at the beginning of the twentieth century when a wave of prosperity passed over the country and was felt in New Orleans. Mayor Capdevielle in his inaugural address spoke of the drainage system about to be constructed and stated if the city desired to have its own electric light plant it could do so without great additional cost by using the power house of the drainage system.

The contract to erect a modern jail, to be called the House of Detention, was awarded for $112,800 and the site of the old Marine Hospital, on Tulane Avenue and Broad Street, was selected.

On May 1, 1901, New Orleans was honored by the visit of the President of the United States, William McKinley, accompanied by Mrs. McKinley and Secretaries John Hay, Charles Emory Smith, and E. A. Hitchcock. He was received in the Cabildo by the Governor of Louisiana, attended by his staff in full uniform. The bells of the Cathedral of St. Louis announced the arrival of the President and his cabinet, escorted by Mayor Paul Capdevielle, and a committee of distinguished citizens. As the cortege entered the Supreme Court Hall, Chairman Zacharie announced in a loud voice “The President,” and the assembly arose and remained standing while the Chief Justice conducted the President to a seat of honor at his right on the Supreme Court Bench. The Governor of Louisiana took a seat on the left of the Chief Justice, and the Mayor of New Orleans the one on the right of the President, the Justices occupying seats immediately in the rear of the bench. Chairman Zacharie then conducted the members of the cabinet and their wives to places on the left of the dais, where a seat, filled with roses, had been reserved for Mrs. William McKinley, who, at the last moment, was too ill to attend.

In 1873, Paul Capdevielle married in New Orleans, Miss Emma Larue, who died several years ago. Three sons and two daughters blessed this union; the sons are Christian, Auguste and Paul, Jr., and the daughters are the Misses Edith and Yvonne Capdevielle.

Paul Capdevielle was found dead at his home in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, August 13, 1922.

50 TREES PLANTED IN MID-CITY

September 23, 2016 by Charlie London

photos by Brenda London

Susannah Burley orchestrated a collaborative effort that resulted in 50 trees being planted in Mid-City on November 5, 2016

Lots of enthusiastic volunteers planted trees along Dumaine Street in Faubourg St. John

Volunteers planting trees on Dumaine on November 5, 2016

Homeowner Brian Lebaron provides support as Charlie London plants trees in front of Brian's home on Dumaine — Homeowner Brian Lebaron provides support as Charlie London plants trees in front of Brian’s home on Dumaine

SOUL and partners planted 50 trees on November 5 thanks to the generosity of Parkway Bakery & Tavern and other local sponsors. Many volunteers came out to help plant trees from 9am-noon on Saturday, November 5.

More at:

http://www.soulnola.org/

Susannah Burley speaks to the many volunteers who met at Parkway Bakery and Tavern at 538 Hagan to plant 50 trees all over Mid-City

If you are interested in contributing to our next Mid-City tree planting, please donate at https://soulnola.org.

Thanks to the Mid-City, Faubourg St. John and Parkview Neighborhood Associations for coming together to make this happen!

Warmest regards,

Susannah Burley, Founder & Director

SOUL | Sustaining Our Urban Landscape

504 616 6888

[email protected]

***
Click here for the original article.

Due to a naturally strong branch structure fringetrees rarely need pruning. Pruning while young may be desirable if a single stem tree form is preferred. Fringetrees do not transplant well so take care to choose an appropriate permanent location and use proper planting methods. Plant it high, it won’t die!
Plant it Low, It Won’t Grow | Plant it High, It Won’t Die
The most important consideration in planting trees and shrubs is the planting depth. Don’t plant too deep!
Plant all trees and shrubs about one inch above the surface of the existing soil. No dirt should be placed on top of the existing roots and nursery soil so as to not smother the root system. Mulch well, leaving a two inch gap around the caliper(s) of the plant.

For the most efficient use of water, construct an earthen berm two to three inches high around the drip zone area of the plant after planting. Water in well after planting!
TREES TO PLANT IN NEW ORLEANS

***

MISSION | Sustaining Our Urban Landscape, SOUL, is dedicated to driving a resilient and equitable New Orleans through improving its water and food systems.

WATER SYSTEMS | SOUL is dedicated to mitigating New Orleans’ stormwater problems through replanting our urban forest and implementing green infrastructure. Just as grey infrastructure, such as canals and bridges, only function well when implemented as a large scale system, green infrastructure, including trees, only works properly when executed as a large scale system.

In working toward this goal, SOUL is partnering closely with community based organizations in outfitting neighborhoods with urban forests and green infrastructure.

Stay tuned for updates! Exciting progress is in the works.

FOOD SYSTEMS | Improving our local food system means that more people will have access to fresh healthy food, more jobs will be created, and more urban greenspace will be populated by beautiful and productive urban farms.

***

YOU TOO CAN BOOGALOO AS A VOLUNTEER

May 17, 2016 by Charlie London

Help the Bayou Boogaloo to remain FREE

You too can Boogaloo as a volunteer

Bayou Boogaloo Volunteers! – http://www.thebayouboogaloo.com/info-directions/volunteer/

Are you interested in volunteering with The Bayou Boogaloo on the banks of beautiful Bayou St. John on May 20, 21, and 22?

You can visit the sign up page by visiting https://www.volunteerspot.com/login/entry/987188364026

If you are unable to volunteer this year but would like to join The Bayou Boogaloo’s
volunteer mailing list for future events, please, sign up on The Bayou Boogaloo’s website.

For any questions or concerns, please email
[email protected]

Interested in Volunteering with The Bayou Boogaloo?

See all of the 2016 volunteer opportunities and sign up for a spot here.

On top of becoming part of the Boogaloo Family and being one of the key players that help keep the festival free, Volunteers also receive a free t-shirt that is not available for sale to the public.

***

Bodacious Boogaloo
by Charlie London

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 20, 21, and 22. The Bayou Boogaloo is more than just a music festival, it’s a community building coalition!

More info at: http://thebayouboogaloo.com/

***
THE BEAT GOES ON AT THE BAYOU BOOGALOO
By Geraldine Wyckoff
Contributing Writer

It’s been less than three weeks since the last notes rang out at the Fair Grounds to close the 2016 edition of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. Not far away, bands will strike up again at the 11th Annual Mid-City Bayou Boogaloo. The free event is presented from Friday, May 20 to Sunday, May 22, 2016 along the banks of Bayou St. John between Dumaine Street and N. Jefferson Davis Parkway. It features three main music stages at Dumaine Street, Orleans Avenue and Lafitte Street plus a Kids Stage that has both music and other activities to please the youngsters.

There are some excellent local and national headliners at the festival that didn’t perform at this year’s Jazz Fest including Nolatet (Sunday, 6 p.m.), The Lowrider Band (Saturday, 7:45 p.m.) and the Wailers (Friday, 7:45 p.m.).

Let’s start with Nolatet, a band of all-star jazz masters – drummer Johnny Vidacovich, bassist James Singleton, vibraphonist/percussionist Mike Dillon and pianist Brian Haas. This performance marks the first time many local people will have the opportunity to experience this group as they’ve only performed in New Orleans several times. Formed spontaneously in 2014 and quickly releasing its exciting debut album, Dogs (The Royal Potato Family) just this year, Nolatet has been out on tour promoting the CD and, according to Vidacovich, has been very well-received. “They liked it a lot – a lot more than I imagined,” he is quoted in OffBeat magazine. “I thought the music would be a little too orchestral. There’s a lot of things that we’re doing that are just out of the norm.”

“I can tell you what it sounds like to me sometimes when I’m involved with the music and my head is spinning,” he continued. “It reminds me of a circus and a Christmas tree with a lot of lights.”

Because pianist Haas, unlike the other members, doesn’t live in New Orleans, Nolatet is a get-it-while-you can band though all concerned express their hope and intent to do much more in the future.

Just an aside – it’s great to have Dillon, who absolutely floored the crowd at last year’s performance of his New Orleans Punk Rock Percussion Consortium – back at Bayou Boogaloo. Hopefully, the Consortium, an amazing collection of rhythm masters will return next year or be booked somewhere else soon.

The Lowrider Band, which partly due to the presence of one-time Crescent City resident, drummer Harold Brown, feels almost like its from New Orleans. It’s also got that funk and street band attitude that music lovers here can really relate to. The last time the Lowriders performed in New Orleans was in 2009 at a benefit for the Save Charity Hospital organization. Now that’s awhile ago…

The band is, of course, made up of original members of the group War, including Brown, the great harmonica player Lee Oskar, guitarist Howard Scott and bassist B.B. Dickerson, who, because of health issues will be unable to perform with his fellow Lowriders. Due to a court order, nobody in the group is allowed to mention their participation in War in any promotional material or advertisements. Fortunately, these talents have been able to retain their rights to their compositions and receive royalties.

“Here’s how we say it,” Brown explained. “We are the original composers of and performers on ‘Why Can’t We Be Friends?,’ ‘The Cisco Kid,’ ‘The World is a Ghetto,’ and ‘All Day Music.’ All our friends know the Lowriders. Everybody knows exactly who we are.”

“When we come to play in New Orleans it’s like playing at home in our living room,” Brown once proclaimed. “You can drop all of your big shot attitudes. In New Orleans they want to know about your soul – your spirit. I tell people when they come into the city, to turn off the radio and roll down the windows.”

The socially conscious messages of tunes like Bob Marley’s “One Love” are much needed in today’s world. The Wailers keep that warmth, the much-loved classic songs and laid-back reggae riddims alive. Bassist Aston “Family Man” Barrett is the only member of the touring band that performed and recorded with the group that backed the late, legendary Bob Marley who influenced the world with the magic of his music and his pen. Barrett was the heartbeat of the rock steady beat, the sound that could be felt to one’s core. Reggae by the Bayou seems so right.

Our local stars like bassist George Porter & the Runnin’ Pardners (Sunday, 4 p.m.), the Queen of New Orleans Soul, Irma Thomas (Saturday, 5 p.m.) and zydeco go-getter, accordionist/vocalist Dwayne Dopsie (Friday, 6:15 p.m.) also bolster the impressive schedule.

Parents might want to bring their children to the Kids Stage on Saturday at 1:30 p.m. where Daria Dzurik, the leader/steel pan player/vocalist of Daria & The Hip Drops fame will hold a percussion workshop. With her talent, lively personality and big smile, Dzurik has the qualities to educate and entertain the whole family. She and the Hip Drops certainly caught the crowd at this year’s French Quarter Festival.

On Friday, the music schedule is abbreviated and begins in the evening on two stages starting at 5 p.m. The Wailers, which hit the stage at 7:45 p.m. close it down. On Saturday and Sunday the music gets going at 11 a.m. Naturally there are food and beverage vendors aplenty and arts and crafts booths from one end of the fest to the other.

One of the beauties of the festival remains its wonderful setting and just being able to sit along Bayou St. John and relax.

This article originally published in the May 16, 2016 print edition of The Louisiana Weekly newspaper.

Faubourg St. John FEEDS THE FIRST During Mardi Gras

February 5, 2016 by Charlie London

Hans Ganthier, the new Commander of NOPD’s First District, is all smiles during the FEED THE FIRST event. photo by Brenda London — Hans Ganthier is the new Commander of NOPD’s First District. photo by Brenda London

Faubourg St. John and Deutsches Haus once again joined forces to “FEED THE FIRST” during Mardi Gras weekend. Our First District Officers work 12 hour shifts during this time and are very appreciative of the fresh breakfast and lunches we provide.

Can’t donate your time?

Faubourg St. John

is a 501c3 non-profit
Donations are tax deductible

Donations are always welcome in any amount.
Please mail checks made out to the Faubourg St. John Neighborhood Association to:

Faubourg St. John Neighborhood Association
P.O. Box 19101
New Orleans, LA 70179

Thank you!

The officers of NOPD’s 1st District are very grateful for the support from neighborhood organizationsand the Deutsches Haus.

Faubourg St. John and Deutsches Haus teamed up once again to provide meals for 1st District NOPD officers during Mardi Gras.Heartfelt thanks to all those who donate each year

FEED THE FIRST is not possible without your support!

Linda Landesberg, Brenda London, Charlotte Pipes, Ronnie and Ayse Brink, Mona McMahon, Diane Angelico, Charlie London along with Joe & Doranel Stephany and Deutsches Haus have worked hard each year to make the annual Feed the First program work! Your support is much appreciated.

article below by Alicia Serrano of the Mid-City Messenger

The Faubourg St. John Neighborhood Association is hosted its annual “Feed the First” event Mardi Gras weekend.

At left, Brenda London, Leslie Capo and Ayse Brink prepare fresh fruit salad for the officers. photo by Diane Angelico

Faubourg St. John provides a hot breakfast and lunch to the First District NOPD officers working during the Mardi Gras weekend, with shifts that can last up to 12 hours.

“You can’t believe how satisfying it is to see these poor officers come in from their shifts and we feed them and everybody’s in a much better mood,” Linda Landesberg, head of Faubourg St. John Neighborhood Association events, said at last month’s meeting. According to Landesberg, the association will provide breakfast and lunch for about 80 officers for four days at the First District station. Bagged lunches are also provided for officers along the parade route as well.

“There is a group of us that go and we actually bring a hot breakfast and serve our First District NOPD on Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday and we also do two hot lunches for them on Saturday afternoon and on Monday afternoon,” Landesberg said.

This year, Faubourg St. John will partner with Deutches Haus, Parkway Bakery, Terrenova’s, The Ruby Slipper and the Fair Grounds Racecourse and Slots for breakfast and lunch food items.

Landesberg said the event normally costs the association about $1500 to get, prepare and serve the food. At the meeting, she described the hard work that goes into making the officers’ healthy breakfasts and snacks, with association members starting preparation at 4 a.m.

“We have a great time doing it, but we’re pretty exhausted afterwards,” she said. “It’s a really nice community event and the officers are happy.”

To read about one of the previous Feed the First events click here and to donate or find out how to volunteer for the event email [email protected].

photos below by Diane Angelico:

Joe Stephany and Charlotte Pipes working hard in the kitchen at Deutsches Haus.

Ronnie Brink serving up coffee to the volunteers in the kitchen at Deutsches Haus.

Saturday in the Park

July 18, 2015 by Charlie London

Just a few of the many wonderful Faubourg St. John neighbors who came out to keep Fortier Park the best pocket park in the city.

Many neighbors came out on Saturday, July 18 to get Fortier Park back in shape.

Neighbors cut back plants, pulled weeds, spread pine straw mulch, planted new things and evaluated the lighting system previously installed by neighbors. Mostly, neighbors took care of general maintenance in Fortier Park.

Refreshments and some supplies were provided. It was a great opportunity for neighbors to get together.

FAUBOURG ST. JOHN
“Where Big Dreams Grow”

Greenway Clean Way

June 5, 2015 by Charlie London

Friends of Lafitte Corridor and NOLA Trash Mob are joining forces for a third time!

On Sunday 14 June, we will meet on the Mid-City Market Patio (401 N Carrollton Ave) at 9:30am, then work on sprucing up the area around the intersection of the nearly-complete Lafitte Greenway and Carrollton Ave. The clean-up will last about two hours.

***IMPORTANT: Please also RSVP with FOLC by following this link

—> http://goo.gl/O4nsK0

NOLA Trash Mob will be able to provide trash and recycling bags, gloves, and a limited number of grabbers and orange vests. Keep your eyes on the skies–in the event of inclement weather, we may have to postpone, so keep checking at this link…. https://www.facebook.com/events/592016204234228/ leading up to the event.

NOLA Trash Mob is proud to partner with FOLC, an organization aiming to revitalize the Lafitte Corridor by working to build, program and promote the Lafitte Greenway as a great public space. See you out there!

Keeping the Greenway Clean

April 11, 2015 by Charlie London

With the opening of the Lafitte Greenway fast approaching (end of Summer 2015), NOLA Trash Mob teamed up with Friends of Lafitte Corridor and volunteers from the LSU School of Public Health to clean up the Lafitte Greenway around the 2200 block of Lafitte Street on Saturday, April 11, 2015.

Friends of Lafitte Corridor, ladies from the LSU School of Public Health and the Trash Mob cleaned the Lafitte Greenway on April 11, 2015.

A few of the ladies from the LSU School of Public Health who helped clean the Lafitte Greenway on April 11, 2015.

Volunteers enjoyed treats provided by the ladies from the LSU School of Public Health.

Children enjoying the playground at 2200 Lafitte Street in New Orleans.

The Lafitte Greenway is projected to be complete at the end of Summer, 2015.

The Lafitte Greenway as of April 11, 2015.

The Lafitte Greenway as of April 11, 2015.

Lafitte Greeway progress as of April 11, 2015.

Work continues on the Lafitte Greenway which should be complete at the end of Summer, 2015.

Progress on the Lafitte Greenway as of April 11, 2015

Lafitte Greenway progress as of April 11, 2015

The Friends of Lafitte Corridor distributed the flyer below at the Faubourg St. John Neighborhood Association meeting on April 7, 2015.
Click on any of the pages below for a larger view.

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.

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Listen to the podcast here.

Help the Bayou Boogaloo to remain FREE

Faubourg St. John

is a 501c3 non-profit Donations are tax deductible

NOLA FOR LIFE DAY

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

is a 501c3 non-profit
Donations are tax deductible