Wednesday, December 16, 2009
New Orleans Photographs by David Carl Grulke
I know I already posted my blog this week, but I wanted to share some amazing pictures from Photographer David Carl Grulke. You can check out his entire collection at www.davidcarlgrulke.com
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Passion and Life Purpose
Passion and Your Life Purpose
During the holiday season, I find myself thinking more about my friends and the impact they have had on my life journey. I have had the fortune of meeting some amazing people in this thing called life. Each person I meet has a passion and a purpose in life. Sometimes it’s a challenge to find that passion or purpose because obstacles are placed in our path, but we find a way to overcome and persevere and get back on track.
I’m reading a great book written by my friend, Captain Garland Shewmaker. We worked together for many years at the Delta Queen Steamboat Company. His book Once Upon A River, published by authorhouse is a journey through his passion and his life purpose. At age 16, he took a job on a towboat and never looked back. He is a respected river pilot and master and it is an honor to know him. “This is a story of growing up on the river boats, that is, starting from scratch, earning your keep, making a little money have a dab of fun along the way.” “First, I would like to explain the difference in a fairy tale and a river story: A fairy tale starts this way: “Once upon a time” A river story begigs with “this ain’t no lie” “The old saying goes, if you wear out one pair of shoes on the river, you’re there to say. I have worn out several pairs and it ain’t no lie.”
Another friend grew up in a home where her Irish Catholic mother and Mormon father both became disenchanted with religion and chose not to raise their daughter in an organized religion. My friend started attending a Presbyterian church with a neighbor. She found her passion and life purpose and is now working with an amazing ministry in Philadelphia and has touched more youth and adult lives than she will ever know. She is a joy in my life.
My brother-in-law grew up in a very strict household, focused on academics and not pursuing passions. When he married my sister, she encouraged his passion. His passion is photography and his life purpose now is to bring the life and joy of his photographs to the world.
I know that my life purpose is connected to New Orleans. I know it’s time to follow my dreams. Today when I was thinking about these amazing people in my life, I decided I must go to New Orleans this weekend and rejuvenate. I’ll be town over the weekend and hope to reconnect with my friends and rejoice in the city I love! Stay tuned!
Peace
During the holiday season, I find myself thinking more about my friends and the impact they have had on my life journey. I have had the fortune of meeting some amazing people in this thing called life. Each person I meet has a passion and a purpose in life. Sometimes it’s a challenge to find that passion or purpose because obstacles are placed in our path, but we find a way to overcome and persevere and get back on track.
I’m reading a great book written by my friend, Captain Garland Shewmaker. We worked together for many years at the Delta Queen Steamboat Company. His book Once Upon A River, published by authorhouse is a journey through his passion and his life purpose. At age 16, he took a job on a towboat and never looked back. He is a respected river pilot and master and it is an honor to know him. “This is a story of growing up on the river boats, that is, starting from scratch, earning your keep, making a little money have a dab of fun along the way.” “First, I would like to explain the difference in a fairy tale and a river story: A fairy tale starts this way: “Once upon a time” A river story begigs with “this ain’t no lie” “The old saying goes, if you wear out one pair of shoes on the river, you’re there to say. I have worn out several pairs and it ain’t no lie.”
Another friend grew up in a home where her Irish Catholic mother and Mormon father both became disenchanted with religion and chose not to raise their daughter in an organized religion. My friend started attending a Presbyterian church with a neighbor. She found her passion and life purpose and is now working with an amazing ministry in Philadelphia and has touched more youth and adult lives than she will ever know. She is a joy in my life.
My brother-in-law grew up in a very strict household, focused on academics and not pursuing passions. When he married my sister, she encouraged his passion. His passion is photography and his life purpose now is to bring the life and joy of his photographs to the world.
I know that my life purpose is connected to New Orleans. I know it’s time to follow my dreams. Today when I was thinking about these amazing people in my life, I decided I must go to New Orleans this weekend and rejuvenate. I’ll be town over the weekend and hope to reconnect with my friends and rejoice in the city I love! Stay tuned!
Peace
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Community and Passion in New Orleans
Geaux Saints! I hope everyone had a relaxing and fun Thanksgiving or shall I say Saintsgiving holiday. It’s hard to imagine that we are coming to the end of another year with 2010 on the horizon. I’m hoping the New Year brings changes for me and I find my way back to the city I love -- New Orleans. The city is so exciting and great things are happening all over the Crescent City. In my last blog, I shared the amazing group -- Reviving the Crescent dedicated to reinventing the riverfront from downtown to the Bywater area. The river is a crucial part of the city’s history, lore and legend. The communities outside the CBD, French Quarter and Faubourg Marigny are as vibrant and interesting and it’s time for the world to discover new and better things in the city.
My blog this week will focus on a community and passion that is coming back after Katrina and a part of the reviving the Crescent --the Bywater Community. I have a friend, Maurice Slaughter, who is investing in this community. He lives in Virginia, but is from Louisiana. He loves New Orleans and believes in the revitalization of the city. He is purchasing houses and rehabbing them for artists and galleries. He had gotten historic designation on the homes. Maurice has a passion and is doing something about it while giving back at the same time.
For those of you who have not heard of the Bywater, it is a community down river from the Faubourg Marigny. It is bounded by the Mississippi River to the South, St. Claude Avenue to the North, Press Street to the West and the Industrial Canal to the East. While you have all heard about the Lower Ninth Ward, you may not know that Bywater is considered the Upper Ninth Ward.
The Bywater is an artist community and quite bohemian. Following Katrina, many young professionals and new families moved into the area as well. According to Anthony Eschmann, Board member of the Bywater Neighborhood Association, “The Times-Picayune calls the Bywater community the Bohemian Bosom of NO.”
Many restaurants, art galleries and some famous New Orleans watering holes are in the area. I recently wrote to a few locations and asked if I could include them on my blog.
Bacchanal Wine sends a weekly update of what’s happening. This week end the email blast includes information about The Bywater Christmas Art Market.
This week Bacchanal has some great holiday shopping options for you, from the great New Orleans photography of Greg Rhoades and Lee Celano, to the local flavors of the Bywater Christmas Art Market, don’t miss this opportunity to grab some really unique gifts for your loved ones. And this Sunday we have the return of Chef Ryan Haigler of La Petit Grocery and Boucherie and a full six piece band courtesy of Martin Krusche and Magnetic ear 2010!!
This Saturday and Sunday: the Bywater Christmas Art Market from 1-5 pm. You can help support our local artists by putting the money directly into their pockets and at the same time get one of a kind gift for your friends and family. Don’t buy a bunch of mass-produced, plastic, meaningless trinkets, come to Bacchanal and find that perfect expression of love and good taste. Live music at Sunday’s Market courtesy of the Courtyard Kings!!The menu at Bacchanal is amazing and well worth a special trip to the Bywater.
Jeffrey Holmes of L’Art Noir New Orleans was kind enough to respond and send me the following on his gallery:
L’Art Noir New Orleans is an underground art project designed to give emerging and unknown artists a chance to break into the art world, often by pairing them in shows with nationally known artists to help as a springboard.
Master Jeffrey Holmes began the L’Art Noir project in Ft. Lauderdale in 1997 (as Galerie Macabre) and moved the project to the Bywater neighborhood in New Orleans in 2003.
Holmes and his then partner Andrea Garland purchased a run-down commercial/residential building on St. Claude Ave. five months before Katrina with the in4ent of moving the gallery to a permanent location. Five months late, the federal levee system failed and their new home was flooded. Working as first responder, they snuck back into the city two weeks after Katrina to bring food, water, generators and other supplies to residents remaining in the city, as well as to begin the long task of cleaning and rebuilding their home.
L’Art Noir’s ‘Toxic Art’ exhibit was born out of the need to dispose of Holmes’ and Garland’s flooded possessions, artwork, art supplies and equipment, and was the first post-Katrina art exhibit in New Orleans. The creation of various installations in the neutral ground (median) on St. Claude Avenue helped themselves and their neighbors deal with their losses in a creative way and provided an entertaining and thought provoking display for the many entities that passed down the otherwise vacant St. Claude Avenue on their way to the Lower 9th Ward.
The ‘Toxic Art’ exhibition garnered international attention and was considered by many as a beacon of hope. Others saw it as threat and a portion of the exhibit was censored by National Guardsmen who had Mater Jeffrey arrested.
The first formal (indoor) show was actually a book release and exhibition for the Press St. Intersections. After the success of that show Andy Antipas from Barristers Gallery decided to set up his gallery at his home on St. Claude. Holmes and Garland upon hearing that called Antipas with the intention of co-ordinating the gallery openings. Adam Farrington was in the process of setting up his gallery near Barristers and was invited out for drinks with Holmes, Garland and Antipas. Holmes and Garland would maintain and finance the website and the SCAD, St. Claude Arts District was born (November 2006).
Skip one year later (November 2007) and the NY times did a story on New Orleans and featured the SCAD, reviewing shows at all three galleries. Within one year after that the SCAD would boast over 15 galleries as well as performance, theater and music venues and is still growing at this time.
You will also find original New Orleans art at the Bywater Art Market which takes place every third Saturday of the month, at Markey Park. And check out Dr. Bob’s Art Gallery at 3027 Chartres Street.
Now when you visit the Bywater, you must sample the locale fare. Check out these eateries for some good New Orleans food.
Bywater Restaurant at 3162 Dauphine St. for some great bar-b-que, sandwiches and seafood for lunch and dinner.
Elizabeth’s at 601 Gallier St. for some Creole, Southern and po-boys, it’s a neighborhood favorite for breakfast and lunch.
Markey’s Bar at 640 Louisa St. for great pub food, burgers, salads and great wings!
We all know, when in New Orleans do as the locals do…enjoy some community at a local watering hole. So, when in the Bywater be sure to stop by these great places:
BJ’s Lounge 4301 Burgundy. Great dive, purely a beer and booze bar!
Vaughan’s Lounge 4226 Dauphine. This place is famous because of the amazing musician and trumpeter Kermit Ruffins and the BBQ swingers every Thursday night at 9:00 p.m. You do have to enter thru a locked door but well worth it, plus half way thru the show they serve some good N’Awlins cookin!
Saturn Bar 3067 St. Claude Avenue, great dive with really funky décor. Cheap beer and whiskey.
I encourage everyone who visits the city to support this community and get a true feeling for the amazing people who call New Orleans home. You will never meet nicer more sincere people who have a passion for their city, family and community. It can’t be found anywhere else and that’s why I have a passion and love for the city of New Orleans!
Peace
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Reviving the Crescent
Le Bon Ton Roule Y’all!
My blog this week is devoted to a cause I am so very passionate about -- the New Orleans Riverfront Development. After Katrina, a group of progressive people decided it was time to move the city forward in a positive motion so that the world could see the city overcome an unimaginable tragedy, revive its neighborhoods destroyed by the storm and give tourists and locals access to the muddy Mississippi and view her awesome beauty and power.
According to the Reinventing the Crescent group website, the vision is clear.
“New Orleans has long been a place with an intangible spirit, drawing in individuals seeking an environment ripe for innovation.
The 20th Century brought on a resource-based economy, where oil, gas, minerals, and tourism drove business, and the Superdome emerged as our architectural icon. As we move into the 21st. Century, New Orleans is reinventing itself as an entrepreneurial and artisan-based economy. Our riverfront property will emerge as a symbol of our reinvention-a beacon for New Orleans’ transformation into America’s boutique city.
Reinventing the Crescent, being spearheaded by the New Orleans Building Corporation, seeks to transform six miles of unused industrial and commercial space along the Mississippi River into a world-renowned example of design excellence, one that will increase tourism, create jobs and revenue for New Orleans, and foster a renewed quality of life among our local communities.”
This group is completely open to public participation. The Reinventing the Crescent website states:
“Public participation is an essential ingredient that enriches the development planning for the New Orleans Riverfront. Throughout the creation of the development plan, the design team engaged the community at several different levels.
The entire public was invited to more than a dozen forums where the design team presented and received comments including one meeting each for the Upriver, Downriver and Offriver neighborhood groups and citizens to present in various public meetings. Following the public presentation of the final draft, the design received a standing ovation. Since this forum, the team has implemented the suggestions of the public.”
So you may be wondering what parts of the New Orleans riverfront are in the plan. On October 28, 2009, the following press release was posted on the reinventingthecrescent.org website:
Department of public works paves the way for riverfront development.
By Abhi Bhansali on October 28 2009 at 6:23 PM
NEW ORLEANS, LA – OCTOBER 26, 2009 – This week, on October 26th, Robert Mendoza and the Department of Public Works will embark on a 6-week road work project in the French Quarter, Marigny and Bywater neighborhoods, one of many projects in the City’s quest to beautify local neighborhoods and encourage the safe, easy flow of traffic. From street repaving to new and wider sidewalks, the project is also intended to create pathways that reconnect New Orleans to its downriver waterfront.
“The Department of Public Works has been working tirelessly to restore our city’s streets one neighborhood at a time, and is continuing the City’s collaboration with the New Orleans Building Corporation to enhance the redevelopment of the riverfront,” said Mayor C. Ray Nagin. “As a part of this project, residents and visitors will enjoy new sidewalks and smoother streets, and will continue to see more rehabilitation projects as we undertake more than $700 million in repairs throughout the City.”
The road work includes:
• Street Repaving – North Peters Street, from St. Phillip Street to St. Ferdinand Street
• Sidewalk Widening – North Peters Street, from Ursulines Avenue to Esplanade Avenue
• New Sidewalks – North Peters, from Elysian Fields Avenue to St. Ferdinand Avenue, and Chartres Street, from Piety Street to Gallier Street and Alvar Street to Bartholomew Street
The $990,000 project, to be built by Boh Bros. Construction Co., is funded through the Community Development Block Grant program, as prescribed by the New Orleans Citywide Strategic Recovery and Redevelopment Plan. Set for completion in mid-December, this new streetscape will literally pave the way to the Crescent Park, Phase I of the New Orleans Building Corporation’s (NOBC) transformative Reinventing the Crescent project. It is slated to break ground in December as street work concludes.
“We are happy to do our part in supporting this exciting new investment in our community” said Robert Medoza, Director of Public Works. “These projects complement the three entrances to the new Crescent Park. The work on North Peters will enhance improvements made to the French Market and provide a critical tie-in point from the French Quarter and Marigny to this park. The work on Chartres, on the other hand, is designed to promote connectivity between the downriver neighborhoods and the park. By providing more pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, we are providing residents and visitors with an easier opportunity to enjoy our locations along the river.”
About The Crescent Park:
Spanning from Elysian Fields Avenue to Mazant Street along the riverfront, Crescent Park is a 1.4 mile long, $30 million public open space designed by an internationally recognized team of architects. It is a game-changing step forward, intended to created permanent economic growth by fundamentally boosting the quality of life in New Orleans. The design, media coverage, digital animation, economic impact, and minutes from all public meetings can be viewed at http://www.reinventingthecrescent.org
I want to close my blog this week with a letter from Sean Cummings, the entrepreneur behind many boutique hotels in the city such as the International House on Camp Street and also a leading force behind the riverfront development. This letter was posted on the reinventingthecrescent.org website following the unanimous vote to move forward with the project.
Power in Numbers/Unanimous Vote
By Abhi Bhansali on Nov 6 2009 at 3:41 PM
New Orleans:
I am 100% convinced that your immense support and letters to the City Council members over the past week proved decisive in causing the City Council to rezone the riverfront for the Crescent Park, the $30 Million first phase of Reinventing the Crescent. It was a unanimous 6-0 vote, and two Council-members showed me folders with a thick stack of your e-mails on one side and 10 naysayers on the other. They were a bit blow away, and I, frankly, am a bit wiped out. But let’s just say, with all good humor, that you properly motivated them!
As we look immediately ahead, I see the end from the beginning and it is as stunning as it is good. A lifetime opportunity. You have made possible perhaps the most transformative, most beneficial project in this city in decade. It will elevate the quality of life here in a major way. Locals will be reminded whey we choose to live here. Millions of tourist will enjoy a new, discreet reason to visit our city or stay one extra day. Tens of thousands of young entrepreneurs and artisans will be drawn to our new narrative. Ours is a joyful place. A creative culture of invention. With world class excellence, and the power of great design to uplift the human spirit.
Please continue to help us. I and our design team, though the best in the world will need help in the 60 days to come. You can follow the project at this new site, scope it out on Twitter and friend us on Facebook. We think you’ll agree that the site is almost as uncommonly beautiful and well architected, thanks to Trumpet and Bond PR, as the renderings of the riverfront themselves.
I promise you that we will deliver not only one of the most beautiful 1.5 miles of riverfront in the world within roughly 18 months but the resulting jobs, income, wealth and quality of life infrastructure that this city needs to flourish in a new time. It began today.
Thank you so much for your help.
Sean Cummings
I invite everyone to join the cause and support this amazing project. The tide is changing in New Orleans and the future is so bright, I gotta wear shades.
Peace.
My blog this week is devoted to a cause I am so very passionate about -- the New Orleans Riverfront Development. After Katrina, a group of progressive people decided it was time to move the city forward in a positive motion so that the world could see the city overcome an unimaginable tragedy, revive its neighborhoods destroyed by the storm and give tourists and locals access to the muddy Mississippi and view her awesome beauty and power.
According to the Reinventing the Crescent group website, the vision is clear.
“New Orleans has long been a place with an intangible spirit, drawing in individuals seeking an environment ripe for innovation.
The 20th Century brought on a resource-based economy, where oil, gas, minerals, and tourism drove business, and the Superdome emerged as our architectural icon. As we move into the 21st. Century, New Orleans is reinventing itself as an entrepreneurial and artisan-based economy. Our riverfront property will emerge as a symbol of our reinvention-a beacon for New Orleans’ transformation into America’s boutique city.
Reinventing the Crescent, being spearheaded by the New Orleans Building Corporation, seeks to transform six miles of unused industrial and commercial space along the Mississippi River into a world-renowned example of design excellence, one that will increase tourism, create jobs and revenue for New Orleans, and foster a renewed quality of life among our local communities.”
This group is completely open to public participation. The Reinventing the Crescent website states:
“Public participation is an essential ingredient that enriches the development planning for the New Orleans Riverfront. Throughout the creation of the development plan, the design team engaged the community at several different levels.
The entire public was invited to more than a dozen forums where the design team presented and received comments including one meeting each for the Upriver, Downriver and Offriver neighborhood groups and citizens to present in various public meetings. Following the public presentation of the final draft, the design received a standing ovation. Since this forum, the team has implemented the suggestions of the public.”
So you may be wondering what parts of the New Orleans riverfront are in the plan. On October 28, 2009, the following press release was posted on the reinventingthecrescent.org website:
Department of public works paves the way for riverfront development.
By Abhi Bhansali on October 28 2009 at 6:23 PM
NEW ORLEANS, LA – OCTOBER 26, 2009 – This week, on October 26th, Robert Mendoza and the Department of Public Works will embark on a 6-week road work project in the French Quarter, Marigny and Bywater neighborhoods, one of many projects in the City’s quest to beautify local neighborhoods and encourage the safe, easy flow of traffic. From street repaving to new and wider sidewalks, the project is also intended to create pathways that reconnect New Orleans to its downriver waterfront.
“The Department of Public Works has been working tirelessly to restore our city’s streets one neighborhood at a time, and is continuing the City’s collaboration with the New Orleans Building Corporation to enhance the redevelopment of the riverfront,” said Mayor C. Ray Nagin. “As a part of this project, residents and visitors will enjoy new sidewalks and smoother streets, and will continue to see more rehabilitation projects as we undertake more than $700 million in repairs throughout the City.”
The road work includes:
• Street Repaving – North Peters Street, from St. Phillip Street to St. Ferdinand Street
• Sidewalk Widening – North Peters Street, from Ursulines Avenue to Esplanade Avenue
• New Sidewalks – North Peters, from Elysian Fields Avenue to St. Ferdinand Avenue, and Chartres Street, from Piety Street to Gallier Street and Alvar Street to Bartholomew Street
The $990,000 project, to be built by Boh Bros. Construction Co., is funded through the Community Development Block Grant program, as prescribed by the New Orleans Citywide Strategic Recovery and Redevelopment Plan. Set for completion in mid-December, this new streetscape will literally pave the way to the Crescent Park, Phase I of the New Orleans Building Corporation’s (NOBC) transformative Reinventing the Crescent project. It is slated to break ground in December as street work concludes.
“We are happy to do our part in supporting this exciting new investment in our community” said Robert Medoza, Director of Public Works. “These projects complement the three entrances to the new Crescent Park. The work on North Peters will enhance improvements made to the French Market and provide a critical tie-in point from the French Quarter and Marigny to this park. The work on Chartres, on the other hand, is designed to promote connectivity between the downriver neighborhoods and the park. By providing more pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, we are providing residents and visitors with an easier opportunity to enjoy our locations along the river.”
About The Crescent Park:
Spanning from Elysian Fields Avenue to Mazant Street along the riverfront, Crescent Park is a 1.4 mile long, $30 million public open space designed by an internationally recognized team of architects. It is a game-changing step forward, intended to created permanent economic growth by fundamentally boosting the quality of life in New Orleans. The design, media coverage, digital animation, economic impact, and minutes from all public meetings can be viewed at http://www.reinventingthecrescent.org
I want to close my blog this week with a letter from Sean Cummings, the entrepreneur behind many boutique hotels in the city such as the International House on Camp Street and also a leading force behind the riverfront development. This letter was posted on the reinventingthecrescent.org website following the unanimous vote to move forward with the project.
Power in Numbers/Unanimous Vote
By Abhi Bhansali on Nov 6 2009 at 3:41 PM
New Orleans:
I am 100% convinced that your immense support and letters to the City Council members over the past week proved decisive in causing the City Council to rezone the riverfront for the Crescent Park, the $30 Million first phase of Reinventing the Crescent. It was a unanimous 6-0 vote, and two Council-members showed me folders with a thick stack of your e-mails on one side and 10 naysayers on the other. They were a bit blow away, and I, frankly, am a bit wiped out. But let’s just say, with all good humor, that you properly motivated them!
As we look immediately ahead, I see the end from the beginning and it is as stunning as it is good. A lifetime opportunity. You have made possible perhaps the most transformative, most beneficial project in this city in decade. It will elevate the quality of life here in a major way. Locals will be reminded whey we choose to live here. Millions of tourist will enjoy a new, discreet reason to visit our city or stay one extra day. Tens of thousands of young entrepreneurs and artisans will be drawn to our new narrative. Ours is a joyful place. A creative culture of invention. With world class excellence, and the power of great design to uplift the human spirit.
Please continue to help us. I and our design team, though the best in the world will need help in the 60 days to come. You can follow the project at this new site, scope it out on Twitter and friend us on Facebook. We think you’ll agree that the site is almost as uncommonly beautiful and well architected, thanks to Trumpet and Bond PR, as the renderings of the riverfront themselves.
I promise you that we will deliver not only one of the most beautiful 1.5 miles of riverfront in the world within roughly 18 months but the resulting jobs, income, wealth and quality of life infrastructure that this city needs to flourish in a new time. It began today.
Thank you so much for your help.
Sean Cummings
I invite everyone to join the cause and support this amazing project. The tide is changing in New Orleans and the future is so bright, I gotta wear shades.
Peace.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Great news tonight
So y'all I just received this update on the riverfront development:
RT @neworiverfront: Due 2 overwhelming public support, City Council voted 6-0 2 rezone the riverfront 4 Crescent Park!
Make sure you check out http://www.neworiverfront.com follow what is going on to move New Orleans forward, what an amazing time in the city I love!
life is good!
RT @neworiverfront: Due 2 overwhelming public support, City Council voted 6-0 2 rezone the riverfront 4 Crescent Park!
Make sure you check out http://www.neworiverfront.com follow what is going on to move New Orleans forward, what an amazing time in the city I love!
life is good!
What's happening this weekend in New Orleans
As I sit in the cold Midwest, my mind wanders back once again to the city I love -- New Orleans. It is a city that is vibrant, always has something going on and, most importantly, is a city that takes care of each other in times of need. One of my good friends in New Orleans, Mike Gowland. a city firefighter, lost his son-in-law recently after a battle with cancer. This Sunday, their friends are having a fundraiser to help the family.
I urge everyone in the city to go to support the cause and have some fun at the same time. Here are the details from the organizers:
Sunday, November 8, 2009
12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
The Old Fireman’s Hall – 307 4th. Street Westwego, LA 70094
Benefit for Live Oak Manor Volunteer Fire Department Captain Matthew Cervini's Family.
Captain Matthew Cervini, Sr., lost his two-year battle with Hodgkin's Lymphoma on September 25, 2009 at the young age of 34.
He has left behind a Wonderful & Loving Wife and Three Beautiful Children. Matthew has not only lost his battle with cancer, but in the process he's lost his small business (Rescue Signs), his home in Waggaman, and sadly, he has left his family in debt.
We are asking everyone to please join us for this benefit.
Come on out and have a Great Time!
Sunday November 8th from 12pm-6pm at the Old Fireman's Hall in Westwego, LA.
There will be a $20.00 cover at the door that includes delicious food donated by various local restaurants and live music by:
The Foret Tradition
Lindsay Mendez and The Back Seat Drivers
The Brandon Foret Band
There will also be various raffle and door prizes.
A Cash Bar will be provided by The Old Fireman's Hall.
Not just a great cause, but Fun for all!
Also this weekend, the Mirliton Festival happens in the ByWater community on Saturday November 7th in Markey Park.
Gates open at 11:00 am and live music will continue until 7:00 pm. Admission is $5, but is free for kids under 5 years of age.
This annual festival started in 1989 and was organized by the neighborhood association. This is a community that is revitalizing after Katrina. Homes are being restored and many have historic designation. Galleries, restaurants and coffee houses have invested in this community.
The musical lineup includes the Panorama Jazz Band, The Valparaiso Men’s Chorus featuring Alex McMurray, Happy Talk Band, Hurray For The Riff Raff, DJ Jubilee, Ratty Scurvics, King Louie One Man Band, Guitar Lightning Lee and R. Scully Rough 7.
Food vendors include Sally’s Country Gourmet Foods, The Country Club, Popsicles by Meltdown, Café Roux, Karma Kitchen,
Wine by Bacchanal, Fraday’s, Gelato by Sucre, Jack Dempsey’s.
And let us not forget the Saint’s Game on Sunday against the Carolina panthers. Kick off is 4:15 ET, 3:15 CT. Let’s all rally behind our boys for another victory. GEAUX SAINTS!!
Until next week, keep supporting the city of New Orleans. Check out the great website: http://www.savenolanow.com where you can purchase great clothing, household items, and so much more. 100% of the net profits to go organizations dedicated to building, re-building or “greening” homes in New Orleans. Habitat for Humanity is one organization benefitting from this organization. They have great items….think Christmas, Hannukah, Kwanza, my friends.
Y’all have a safe, fun weekend…turn on some Neville Brothers, Tom Hook, Johnny Vidacovich, Neslort, Mac Rebennack and some Tim Laughlin and bring New Orleans into your home!
Peace…
I urge everyone in the city to go to support the cause and have some fun at the same time. Here are the details from the organizers:
Sunday, November 8, 2009
12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
The Old Fireman’s Hall – 307 4th. Street Westwego, LA 70094
Benefit for Live Oak Manor Volunteer Fire Department Captain Matthew Cervini's Family.
Captain Matthew Cervini, Sr., lost his two-year battle with Hodgkin's Lymphoma on September 25, 2009 at the young age of 34.
He has left behind a Wonderful & Loving Wife and Three Beautiful Children. Matthew has not only lost his battle with cancer, but in the process he's lost his small business (Rescue Signs), his home in Waggaman, and sadly, he has left his family in debt.
We are asking everyone to please join us for this benefit.
Come on out and have a Great Time!
Sunday November 8th from 12pm-6pm at the Old Fireman's Hall in Westwego, LA.
There will be a $20.00 cover at the door that includes delicious food donated by various local restaurants and live music by:
The Foret Tradition
Lindsay Mendez and The Back Seat Drivers
The Brandon Foret Band
There will also be various raffle and door prizes.
A Cash Bar will be provided by The Old Fireman's Hall.
Not just a great cause, but Fun for all!
Also this weekend, the Mirliton Festival happens in the ByWater community on Saturday November 7th in Markey Park.
Gates open at 11:00 am and live music will continue until 7:00 pm. Admission is $5, but is free for kids under 5 years of age.
This annual festival started in 1989 and was organized by the neighborhood association. This is a community that is revitalizing after Katrina. Homes are being restored and many have historic designation. Galleries, restaurants and coffee houses have invested in this community.
The musical lineup includes the Panorama Jazz Band, The Valparaiso Men’s Chorus featuring Alex McMurray, Happy Talk Band, Hurray For The Riff Raff, DJ Jubilee, Ratty Scurvics, King Louie One Man Band, Guitar Lightning Lee and R. Scully Rough 7.
Food vendors include Sally’s Country Gourmet Foods, The Country Club, Popsicles by Meltdown, Café Roux, Karma Kitchen,
Wine by Bacchanal, Fraday’s, Gelato by Sucre, Jack Dempsey’s.
And let us not forget the Saint’s Game on Sunday against the Carolina panthers. Kick off is 4:15 ET, 3:15 CT. Let’s all rally behind our boys for another victory. GEAUX SAINTS!!
Until next week, keep supporting the city of New Orleans. Check out the great website: http://www.savenolanow.com where you can purchase great clothing, household items, and so much more. 100% of the net profits to go organizations dedicated to building, re-building or “greening” homes in New Orleans. Habitat for Humanity is one organization benefitting from this organization. They have great items….think Christmas, Hannukah, Kwanza, my friends.
Y’all have a safe, fun weekend…turn on some Neville Brothers, Tom Hook, Johnny Vidacovich, Neslort, Mac Rebennack and some Tim Laughlin and bring New Orleans into your home!
Peace…
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
My Journey and Exciting News about New Orleans!
To start my blog this week, I wanted to point out an amazing article that ran in Entrepreneur Magazine in August 2009 – “The New Orleans Saints: In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, a new entrepreneurial culture is taking hold in New Orleans.” Check out this article at http://www.entrepreneur.com/magazine/entrepreneur/2009/august/202586.thml
Anyone who has an interest in the city I love, will enjoy how vibrant and alive the city is because of fresh ideas and leadership.
As promised, this blog will also take everyone on a journey - a journey of my life and how life can go full circle when you have the passion and determination to soar. Who hasn't taken a chance in life to experience something new and exciting? If you haven't try it, you will love it! Even bumps along the journey will give you new insight and experience. Those of you who know my history, know how much I love the city!
Oh yeah, don't forget this weekend is Voodoo Fest in City Park...amazing line-up of music and food. Check out my friend and nolahotfirefighter.com Mike Gowland and his food booth...not only a firefighter doing an amazing job in the city, but also cooking up a storm at festivals...you can catch him at jazzfest too!
GEAUX SAINTS BABY!
My Journey Into River Life
I was in college studying to be a history major with a focus on Ohio history when a job opportunity became available on the Delta Queen. I decided that working on the boat would give me a greater first-hand experience of the history and legend of an American Icon than I could ever learn from a textbook in college.
The evolution of my career with the Delta Queen Steamboat Company took many twists and turns along the way. I have never regretted for one minute any of the choices I made as far as advancements and promotions during my career. Each position gave me more insight, more experience and more of a complete understanding overall of what it takes to make the Delta Queen successful.
When I was originally hired my position was Crew Purser. The Crew Purser position very quickly evolved into the position of Tour Purser. Within a short period of time, I was offered the relief Chief Purser position. Within a year, I was asked to become the relief Cruise Director.
The Delta Queen’s Future Changes as the Boat is Sold to a Private Investor
When Sam Zell, a private investor, purchased the company, he sent a representative on the boats to discuss jobs in the office. His intention was to move the corporate headquarters to New Orleans and combine it with Marine/Hotel division. He wanted people in the office who understood the boats, had a passion for them and would understand the living conditions that crew members endured. I was approached to revamp the shore tour operation and accepted the position to move off the boat. This gave me the opportunity I had dreamed of -- to live in New Orleans.
From Cincinnati to New Orleans, the Relocation and Restructuring of the Delta Queen Under New Ownership
Once the office was relocated, I was given the task to drive the entire river system and set up tours, guides and motor coaches. The revenue for shore tours was very low and I was given the task to increase sales and offer a variety of options. By the time I revamped the tour program, our sales increased 70% in one season. My next position was to Manager of Production. In this capacity, I worked directly with the VP of Production as the project coordinator and associate producer. I worked as the road manager for a promotional road show which included the coordination of the cast, crew and technical production staff
My Evolution into the Entertainment Industry
The next promotion was to Manager of Entertainment. In this capacity I worked directly with the Director of Entertainment with the hiring of the entertainment staff. I also implemented and developed operations manuals for all theme cruises on the boats. During this time, I was directly involved in the building and staffing of the American Queen and also the transition of the company to include the American Hawaiian Vessels. During my time in the office, I spent the majority of the time on the boats travelling and observing the programming. In 1992, I was offered the position of Director of Entertainment, reporting directly to the Vice-President of Entertainment.
Entrepreneurship in Florida
After leaving DQSC; I started my own business in Pensacola, FL. The Good Neighbor Coffee House was a full service coffee house, deli, and gift shop. One on one contact with the customer was my priority. A book called, “The Great Good Place,” by Dr. Ray Oldenberg, inspired the concept for the coffee house. He said that in life you have three places – your job, your home and you must have a third place to experience community. My coffee house had the honor of being selected as one of the “Third Place Success Stories” the second book published by Dr. Oldenberg. My coffee house definitely created community and was the first coffee house in the city. I also used my special event planning skills to host poetry readings and other programs with entertainment at the coffee house.
Focus on the Arts
My relocation to Cincinnati was based on having a daughter whose talents exceeded the opportunities available in Northwest Florida for a dancer. Special event work became my passion when I relocated to Cincinnati. With a daughter in a public performing arts school, it quickly came to my attention that money was needed to keep artistic staff. I immediately took the challenge of finding the funding to support the cause. While working my day job at Schiff, Kreidler-Shell Insurance, one part of my current job entails employee events. I decided that the best way to attract benefactors to the school was to feature students at each employee event I planned. I started with the dance department performing at our company wide Fine Arts Fund Event Day. Next came the service dinner where I featured the jazz department, followed by the harp department at the Holiday Luncheon. By the end of this, I had the President of company asking how he could help. In 2008, I organized “A Winter Wonderland of Talent and Sweets” where we raised over $56,000 to keep artistic staff. The event included every artistic department in the school and the overall net profit was $50,000. Through creative planning, I have increased employee contributions for the Fine Arts Fund Campaign and the United Way. I also was able to obtain a 100% employee participation in both campaigns.
As you can see from my experience I have covered a wide range of positions and over the years developed a deep devotion and dedication to my passions – the arts, the Mississippi River and the city of New Orleans.
Anyone who has an interest in the city I love, will enjoy how vibrant and alive the city is because of fresh ideas and leadership.
As promised, this blog will also take everyone on a journey - a journey of my life and how life can go full circle when you have the passion and determination to soar. Who hasn't taken a chance in life to experience something new and exciting? If you haven't try it, you will love it! Even bumps along the journey will give you new insight and experience. Those of you who know my history, know how much I love the city!
Oh yeah, don't forget this weekend is Voodoo Fest in City Park...amazing line-up of music and food. Check out my friend and nolahotfirefighter.com Mike Gowland and his food booth...not only a firefighter doing an amazing job in the city, but also cooking up a storm at festivals...you can catch him at jazzfest too!
GEAUX SAINTS BABY!
My Journey Into River Life
I was in college studying to be a history major with a focus on Ohio history when a job opportunity became available on the Delta Queen. I decided that working on the boat would give me a greater first-hand experience of the history and legend of an American Icon than I could ever learn from a textbook in college.
The evolution of my career with the Delta Queen Steamboat Company took many twists and turns along the way. I have never regretted for one minute any of the choices I made as far as advancements and promotions during my career. Each position gave me more insight, more experience and more of a complete understanding overall of what it takes to make the Delta Queen successful.
When I was originally hired my position was Crew Purser. The Crew Purser position very quickly evolved into the position of Tour Purser. Within a short period of time, I was offered the relief Chief Purser position. Within a year, I was asked to become the relief Cruise Director.
The Delta Queen’s Future Changes as the Boat is Sold to a Private Investor
When Sam Zell, a private investor, purchased the company, he sent a representative on the boats to discuss jobs in the office. His intention was to move the corporate headquarters to New Orleans and combine it with Marine/Hotel division. He wanted people in the office who understood the boats, had a passion for them and would understand the living conditions that crew members endured. I was approached to revamp the shore tour operation and accepted the position to move off the boat. This gave me the opportunity I had dreamed of -- to live in New Orleans.
From Cincinnati to New Orleans, the Relocation and Restructuring of the Delta Queen Under New Ownership
Once the office was relocated, I was given the task to drive the entire river system and set up tours, guides and motor coaches. The revenue for shore tours was very low and I was given the task to increase sales and offer a variety of options. By the time I revamped the tour program, our sales increased 70% in one season. My next position was to Manager of Production. In this capacity, I worked directly with the VP of Production as the project coordinator and associate producer. I worked as the road manager for a promotional road show which included the coordination of the cast, crew and technical production staff
My Evolution into the Entertainment Industry
The next promotion was to Manager of Entertainment. In this capacity I worked directly with the Director of Entertainment with the hiring of the entertainment staff. I also implemented and developed operations manuals for all theme cruises on the boats. During this time, I was directly involved in the building and staffing of the American Queen and also the transition of the company to include the American Hawaiian Vessels. During my time in the office, I spent the majority of the time on the boats travelling and observing the programming. In 1992, I was offered the position of Director of Entertainment, reporting directly to the Vice-President of Entertainment.
Entrepreneurship in Florida
After leaving DQSC; I started my own business in Pensacola, FL. The Good Neighbor Coffee House was a full service coffee house, deli, and gift shop. One on one contact with the customer was my priority. A book called, “The Great Good Place,” by Dr. Ray Oldenberg, inspired the concept for the coffee house. He said that in life you have three places – your job, your home and you must have a third place to experience community. My coffee house had the honor of being selected as one of the “Third Place Success Stories” the second book published by Dr. Oldenberg. My coffee house definitely created community and was the first coffee house in the city. I also used my special event planning skills to host poetry readings and other programs with entertainment at the coffee house.
Focus on the Arts
My relocation to Cincinnati was based on having a daughter whose talents exceeded the opportunities available in Northwest Florida for a dancer. Special event work became my passion when I relocated to Cincinnati. With a daughter in a public performing arts school, it quickly came to my attention that money was needed to keep artistic staff. I immediately took the challenge of finding the funding to support the cause. While working my day job at Schiff, Kreidler-Shell Insurance, one part of my current job entails employee events. I decided that the best way to attract benefactors to the school was to feature students at each employee event I planned. I started with the dance department performing at our company wide Fine Arts Fund Event Day. Next came the service dinner where I featured the jazz department, followed by the harp department at the Holiday Luncheon. By the end of this, I had the President of company asking how he could help. In 2008, I organized “A Winter Wonderland of Talent and Sweets” where we raised over $56,000 to keep artistic staff. The event included every artistic department in the school and the overall net profit was $50,000. Through creative planning, I have increased employee contributions for the Fine Arts Fund Campaign and the United Way. I also was able to obtain a 100% employee participation in both campaigns.
As you can see from my experience I have covered a wide range of positions and over the years developed a deep devotion and dedication to my passions – the arts, the Mississippi River and the city of New Orleans.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Why I created this blog....
New Orleans, Take Me Back To The City I Love!
Back in 1980, the Crescent City took my heart। I was a young single girl working for the Delta Queen Steamboat Company when I first saw the skyline of the city and it took my breath away. From the moment I stepped onto Canal Street I knew I had found my true home. This was a city of life, a city of vibrant people, happy people, people who lived each day to the fullest and appreciated every moment, these were people who loved the Saints no matter how bad the team (which we all know is not the case now WHO DAT!) And the music, my ears discovered WWOZ.ORG ( 90.7FM) a public radio station that brings the soul of the city to your ears!
By 1992, I had a daughter and decided to leave the city to raise her in Pensacola Florida. Later Hurricane Ivan in 2004 put a closure on our time in Florida and my daughter wanted to pursue a high school career at a performing arts school in the field of dance. She selected Cincinnati, Ohio another city on the river. In May of 2009, she graduated high school and I determined it is time to restart my life, living where I want live in the city I love and giving all I have to my passion.
What is my passion, the city of New Orleans! I want the world to know how amazing the city is and what we have to offer. Let us not be remembered because of Katrina, let us be remembered as the "city that care forgot, and we survived and thrived!"
Up next: My journey through life, it will come full circle when I return to New Orleans.
For anyone who is near the Covington, LA area visit the Courthouse Cafe at 415 N. Jefferson. Hours Mon-Fri 10:30 - 2:30, phone: 985-327-5303 or fax: 985-327-5305. Owners: Lindy and Janice Sanders. Recommended item: Fried Green Tomatoes w/Shrimp Remoulade Po-Boy.
Also check out some amazing photography from New Orleans, France, Washington State and Norfolk VA at www.davidcarlgrulke.com . Let me know if you are interested in any of his work.
For music in the Crescent City: Look for Tom Hook you can find his listing at Gambit.com or on WWOZ music update.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
