E E FR
Community Voices Orchestrating Change November/December 2009
Issue #4 Volume 3
Health and Wellness for a Holistic Neighborhood
IN THIS ISSUE: Neighborhood Spotlight: Gentilly Directory of Free Clinics Green Orleans Ask a Doctor Schools Get Healthy
Neighborhoods Partnership Network’s (NPN) mission is to improve our quality of life by engaging New Orleanians in neighborhood revitalization and civic process. 4902 Canal Street, Room 301, New Orleans, LA 70119 • Office (504)940-2207, Fax (504)940-2208 • thetrumpet@npnnola.com
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NPN’s THE TRUMPET
Letter from the Executive Director:
Charity is more than just a Hospital Like many babies born to the New Orleans working class I was a Charity Hospital baby. However, while my parents awaited my arrival they were also agonizing and experiencing the pain of watching their 9 year old son die to a rare cancerous disease. Growing up I would regularly hear my mom talk about the days and nights she would spend in the halls of Charity Hospital. How the foundation and the very essences of its existence was “charitable.” She would often express that the doctors and nurses were more than just professionals who poked at her and baby boy but were members of her extended family. My brother died in the hospital and 36 days later I was born. Years later I gave birth to my son at another local hospital and following his birth a doctor entered my birthing room to check on me. “Good morning mother.” he said. My mother who was sitting in a chair next to my bedside looked up. “Dr. Bedrock?” Questioning his identity. “Yes.” he replied. “I’m not sure if you remember...” before she could complete her sentence he finished it “Mrs. Sams, Frank Sams’ mother.” Like old friends reunited my mother and the doctor that cared for her son made eye contact and without reservation that it had been more than 25 years began to reflect on the time that had passed. Dr. Bedrock was a resident at Charity when Frankie was sick. His experience and learning environment at the unique teaching hospital engulfed him to become a member of the community of New Orleans. Throughout their conversation he consistently expressed how many of the families he met during his residence helped to shape his continued growth in the practice of medicine. The last I knew Dr. Bedrock pediatric office was in the Seabrook neighborhood on the corner of Franklin & Robert E. Lee. It’s no longer there. It like many of the other medical offices is blighted memories of our past. Four years later, as the multi-layered conversations around the rebuilding of the BIG Charity hospital system continues to take shape I am led to believe that if we were to unveil the various stories of need verses the conflict of the dollar or politics we will arrive at the heart of our search. Within the multiple conversations between the 75 neighborhood groups all having their individual reasoning for the fight to keep the hospital open have collectively joined forces and identified the common thread to argue for the reopening of Charity. They all collectively said this is about the health of the city…no the PEOPLE in the neighborhoods. Currently the city of New Orleans is in a health crisis. Our governor has cut mental health programs and beds to being practically unseen. Our city government has not created a quality of life that produces healthy options such as safe walk and bike paths, playgrounds that are safe and clean, or eliminating environmental hazards or pollutants that endanger their present or future health or well-being which produces multiple unhealthy environments. Our schools many have eliminated physical education from the curriculum and if at all offered its not being identified as a critical component to total well being of a developing child. In this issue of the Trumpet we want to engage you into what the neighborhoods of New Orleans are doing to regain their health holistically. Despite the challenges, of not having a public hospital in the city, neighborhoods are ripe for the challenge. Like many examples since Katrina the residents of the city realize that we can no longer idly stand by and wait for the government to respond to our request, but as we fight and lobby we must work and build for the benefits of our neighborhoods.. With their network of vibrant community-based organizations, much work is being done in the areas of health, education, job training and community organizing. This issue of the Trumpet does not focus on just the prescription of health care but the producers of healthy environment. Enjoy and good health to us all.
Timolynn Sams, Executive Director Neighborhoods Partnership Network
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November/December 2009
Table of Contents 2............... 3............... 4............... 5............... 6............... 7............... 8............... 9............... 10............ 11............ 12............ 15............ 16............ 18............ 20............ 21............ 22............ 23............ 24............ 25............ 26............ 27............ 28............ 30............ 31............
Letter from the Executive Director of NPN Table of Contents/NPN Board Write, Submit, Share What is a Healthy Neighborhood? Preparing Your Family for Flu Season Tobacco Free Living Let’s Get Moving, New Orleans! Keep the Beat Strong: Musician’s Clinic Adolescent Hospital Closes Kids ReThink New Orleans Schools Neighborhood Spotlight: Gentilly Green Orleans Support your Local Markets Schools Get Healthy Guerrilla Garden in Lower Nine Greening Your Office St. Roch Takes a Holistic Approach Soccer in the Streets Photos of You at Voodoo Ask a Doctor What is a Raingarden? NPN Members Free Health Clinics Community Events Neighborhood Meetings
*Cover Photo of Jogger on St. Charles by: Christopher Raissi www.flickr.com/photos/ls1z28chris/
The Trumpet Editorial Board:
Megan Hargroder, River Garden Neighborhood Barbara Blackwell, Gentilly Sugar-Hill Neighborhood John Koeferl, Holy Cross Neighborhood Jeff Kugler, American Red Cross Liaison Jermaine Smith, Uptown Neighborhood
NPN provides an inclusive and collaborative city-wide framework to empower neighborhood groups in New Orleans. Find out more at NPNnola.com NPN is proud to announce our new 2010 board members: Leslie Ellison, Tunisburg Square Civic Homeowners Improvement Association Vaughn Fauria, Downtown Neighborhoods Improvement Association Davida Finger, Carrollton Riverbend Association Felicia Kahn, Baronne St. Neighbor Association Robert Desmarais Sullivan, Central Carrollton Association Sylvia Scineaux-Richard, New Orleans East, ENONAC STANDING BOARD MEMBERS Julius Lee, Board Chair, River Timbers Victor Gordon, Vice President, Pontilly Neighborhood Association Benjamin Diggins, Melia Subdivision Tilman Hardy, Leonidas/Pensiontown Neighborhood Association Sylvia McKenzie, Rosedale Subdivision Katherine Prevost, Upper Ninth Ward Bunny Friend Neighborhood Association Wendy Laker, Mid-City Neighborhood Organization Board Third Party Submission Issues Physical submissions on paper, CD, etc. cannot be returned unless an arrangement is made. Submissions may be edited and may be published or otherwise reused in any medium. By submitting any notes, information or material, or otherwise providing any material for publication in the newspaper, you are representing that you are the owner of the material, or are making your submission with the consent of the owner of the material, all information you provide is true, accurate, current and complete. Non-Liability Disclaimers The Trumpet may contain facts, views, opinions, statements and recommendations of third party individuals and organizations. The Trumpet does not represent or endorse the accuracy or reliability of any advice, opinion, statement or other information in the publication and use of or reliance on such advice, opinion, statement or other information is at your own risk. Copyright Copyright 2008/2009 Neighborhoods Partnership Network. All Rights Reserved. Any copying, redistribution or retransmission of any of the contents of this service without the express written consent of Neighborhoods Partnership Network is expressly prohibited.
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NPN’s THE TRUMPET
ALLIED WASTE OF NEW ORLEANS WILL BE HOSTING A MONTHLY RECYCLING DROP OFF OPEN TO THE PUBLIC EVERY 1ST SATURDAY OF THE MONTH
Items Accepted: Paper, Cardboard, Newspaper, Magazines, Junk Mail, Aluminum Cans, Plastic Soda & Water Bottles, Liquid Detergent and Bleach Bottles, Milk Jugs, Tin, Steel & Metal Cans No Glass Accepted WHEN: The first Saturday of every month WHERE: 804 L & A RD., Metairie, LA 70001 TIME: 8:00AM-1:00PM DIRECTIONS: Take Airline Drive to LaBarre Road, turn towards the Mississippi River, then turn left on L & A Road, go approximately 1.8 miles. We are on the right side of L & A Road. Please call us for any Commercial & Industrial needs at 504.837.8950 ext 245
Photo courtesy of Ray Devlin
Write, Submit, Share YOUR Story!
Events, Poems, Neighborhood Updates, Opinions or Photos Contact us with submissions or comments: Email: thetrumpet@npnnola.com Call: 504-940-2207
Submission Guidelines: Please include the author’s full name and neighborhood. If you submit photos, include all credits of photographer. Submissions can be made in any format and any word count.
2010 Deadlines
Snail Mail: The Trumpet Magazine 4902 Canal St., Room 301 New Orleans, La 70119
For January issue: December 20th For March issue: February 25th For May issue: April 25th For July issue: June 25th For September issue: August 25th For November issue: October 25th
Do sit-ups, push-ups or jumping jacks while watching TV.
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November/December 2009
YOU SAID IT: What is a “Healthy Neighborhood?” Trumpet Tidbits, NPN’s weekly newsletter recently asked New Orleans readers what they thought about healthy living and healthy neighborhoods. Here is what they said...
More bike lanes and publicity to warn motorists to stay out of them. Community bike rides. Walking clubs with scheduled walks at different times of day to accommodate different work schedules. Mother and baby scheduled fitness walks (with strollers). Regular Saturday yoga sessions outdoors in every neighborhood. Volunteers could lead the asanas if funding can’t be found to pay teachers.
A positive change for me and or my immediate community would be to begin some type of “Walk For Life” experience. Walking is the most cost effective and heart healthy exercise that can be experienced. It’s benefits can be extensive both physical and emotional. It can also allow you to achieve social possibilities when done in a group setting. The more people you meet, the more social you become. All this can be done in the name of “Good Healthy Support”. Sharon Fletcher
-Cynthia Scott
What is a sure sign of a healthy community? People look for opportunities to make eye contact, wave “Hello”, and smile “widely” at each other, even in passing on foot, one a bike, or in the car. Folks sitting on their front porches or stoops should look to greet passers-by, too. Another sign? If you do have a chance to say a few more words of greeting, be sure to ask, “How are you doing?” The answer does not have to be a complete run-down on your physical condition; a simply “Okay” or “not bad” is sufficient. Then go on your separate ways. I learned this while in a FEMA trailer park, 2005-2007. People in my neighborhood never used to call “Good morning” to each other, either. That’s changing, too. (At meetings of the neighborhood improvement group, a year ago a speaker would say “Good morning”, and be met with total silence. Then some of us who knew what to do, called out, “Good morning!” The greeting has been improving and expanding ever since. That is what it means to me to have a healthy community. -- Judy Martin
One of the things New Orleanians notice when they visit other places is that it’s clean. No trash and debris strewn over the streets and neutral grounds. There is a need for a change in the way we do things in New Orleans. No longer do we measure the success of Mardi Gras by the amount trash collected. Yet there is still a mindless tendency on the part of the average citizen to toss their beer cans out of the windows of their cars. I watch school kids who leave the corner store tearing away the wrapping from their snacks to release them carelessly onto the sideways and streets. With so many blighted properties and neglected overgrown lots in our neighborhoods it would make significant difference if we could reduce the unsightly trash all around us. There have been numerous efforts to encourage litter free neighborhoods dating back to the 1980’s. None of these campaigns had any lasting success. What if we launched a city wide campaign through neighborhood organizations? What if we could get prominent citizens and local media outlets to join forces? If we could raise funds have contest on the RTA buses, billboard and public service announcement on radio and TV. We would have to find creative ways to involve kids in all the schools. It would have to be a city wide effort that focused on a new way of thinking about ourselves and our city. Evelyn Turner
Walk around Lafayette or Armstrong Park during your lunch break.
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NPN’s THE TRUMPET
Preparing Your Family and Your Neighborhood For the Flu By: Mary Bordelon American Red Cross Southeast Louisiana Chapter
The flu, also known as influenza, is a contagious respiratory disease caused by a virus. It can cause mild to severe illness and at times lead to death. A person infected with the flu may be contagious 1-2 days before symptoms develop and/or 4-5 days after symptoms start. Droplet spread
is transmission of the virus in small droplets of moisture sent through the air by coughing or sneezing. Contact spread occurs when a person touches a surface which is contaminated by the virus and then transmits the virus to himself and/ or to others with the contaminated body parts (usually hands). Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, and muscle pain. The young, elderly and those with preexisting health conditions are at risk. In the United States, the flu is an
event that begins in December and ends in March. This type of
flu is called the seasonal flu. Rarely, a new type of flu virus may appear that people have not been exposed to before, so they have no natural resistance to it. This type of virus can cause a flu that is more serious than a seasonal flu. The virus spreads quickly and with relative ease from person-to-person, worldwide. This flu is called the pandemic flu. It is important to remember that there are some things families, businesses, and neighborhood leaders can do prepare for a pandemic flu as well as practices they can adopt to prevent the spread of the virus. Every family should develop a preparedness plan taking into
consideration the needs of the individual family members, medical or personal, what supplies they will need if there is a disruption in their daily routine, and who will be available to care for them if they become ill. Consider what steps need to be taken if you are not able to work, if schools, day cares, or public suppliers are closed, or if your primary health care provider is unavailable. Make an emergency kit with a two week supply of food, water, and medicines that may be needed. Include in your kit soap, tissues, alcohol-based hand sanitizers, cleaning products, and personal protective equipment, such as gloves and masks.
avoid contact with common objects such as telephones, door handles, keyboards, pens, etc. Regularly disinfect frequently touched surfaces in common areas. Finally, practice healthy habits to stay well. Eat a healthy diet, exercise and get plenty of rest to avoid getting sick. And, of course, get your flu shot!
If you would like to host a session in your neighborhood for the American Red Cross to conduct a presentation on flu prevention, please contact Jeff Kugler at 504-620-3175. If you are a business owner and are interested in learning more about the American Red Cross “Preparing Small Business Workplaces for Pandemic Flu” program, please contact Mary Bordelon at 504-620-3181.
HISTORY OF THE FLU Three pandemics occurred in the 20th century. The Spanish Flu in 1918 was the most severe, followed by the Asian flu in 1957 and the Hong Kong Flu in 1968. Current concerns of today include the Avian (Bird) Flu (H5N1) and the Swine Flu A (H1N1). Avian H5N1 remains under close surveillance by the World Health Organization. In March 2009, a novel strain of influenza A (H1N1) was first associated with illness in Mexico. In June 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) raised the Pandemic Alert Level to Phase 6, calling the current 2009 A(H1N1) situation a pandemic. The WHO has warned that this moderate first wave may be followed by a severe second wave.
Businesses should also have a preparedness plan in place as well as a business continuity plan to ensure that their operations can continue. Having a stockpile of supplies and products necessary for the continued operation of business will be an asset in the event that there is a disruption of their supply and delivery chain. Consider any change that could affect the daily operations Probably everyone has had or knows someone who has had the seasonal of the business and plan accordingly. flu. So, we all have some experience with the flu. But there are some significant differences between the seasonal flu and the pandemic flu. A Neighborhood leaders can work vaccine for the seasonal flu (the flu shot) already exists and can minimize to ensure that their neighborhood someone’s risk of getting the flu. Comparatively speaking, seasonal flu has access to the seasonal flu causes a relatively modest impact on society. However, the seasonal flu is and H1N1 vaccines. Additionally, not an insignificant public event. Many people become ill from seasonal ensuring that the neighborhood flu every year. Though most recover, significant numbers develop severe is informed about the basics of complications and/or die. how to prevent the spread of the virus and the importance of having an emergency kit for families and The pandemic flu is unpredictable. At present, there is no vaccine for the continuity plans for businesses is key. pandemic flu. If a vaccine existed, it would be hard to have a pandemic. Pandemic flu symptoms may be similar to those of the seasonal flu – Common sense practices can help though pandemic flu symptoms may be more severe. Unlike seasonal flu, prevent the spread of the virus. It healthy adults may also be at increased risk for complications. If there is is important to wash your hands a pandemic that is even marginally worse than the seasonal flu, it stands more frequently and cover your to reason that medical services will be heavily burdened – perhaps overmouth when you cough or sneeze. whelmed. Access to basic services and supplies may be limited. Public Stay away from people who are gatherings and travel may be limited. Patterns of daily life will change. sick and, whenever possible,
Seasonal vs. Pandemic Flu
Photos from the 1918 Flu Outbreak - Courtesy of The American Red Cross
Walk instead of driving whenever you can.
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November/December 2009
The Louisiana Campaign for Tobacco-Free Living By: Cassandra Contreras The Louisiana Campaign for Tobacco-Free Living
The Louisiana Smoke Free Air Act (Act 815), passed by the Louisiana Legislature and signed into law in 2007, has provided healthier, smokeNew Orleans is known for its music, free working environments for food and good times. It’s all part of most Louisiana workers, including the city’s rich culture that many work the chefs and restaurant staffs that tirelessly to preserve and promote. are so important to New Orleans. Thanks to the dedication and Unfortunately, Act 815 does not persistence of our numerous and cover bars and casinos and this strong neighborhood associations, leaves many, including performers historic preservation groups, and who must frequently play in these culture and arts organizations, establishments, unprotected. much has been done to ensure that the things that make New Orleans The facts speak for themselves: Bar exciting and unique will be around and casino workers involuntarily for future generations to enjoy. inhale enough secondhand smoke every day to suffer the same However, while a great deal of negative health effects of packeffort has gone into preserving the a-day smokers, and prolonged built environment and maintaining exposure to secondhand smoke the character of our historic can damage performers’ vocal neighborhoods, it seems we’ve chords or shut them down entirely. overlooked protecting the most important element: our people. In Leaving these workers exposed is New Orleans, the people who make wrong, but we need help to bring our “bon temps” happen – musicians, about change. We are asking anyone singers, bar tenders and bar staff and with an interest in preserving our casino workers must risk their health culture and heritage to join the each day in order to earn a living. movement to provide safe working environments for our performers
and ALL of our hospitality workers. Many local venues are already on board and often present smokefree music shows. Many of these smoke-free shows are presented by the Backbeat Foundation, in conjunction with The Louisiana Campaign for Tobacco-Free Living, and they have proven very popular with audiences and with musicians. Donna Santiago, Executive Director of the Backbeat Foundation, says that her organization has been very pleased with the support the shows have received from audiences, venues and musicians. She adds that tourists (so critical to our economy) have also expressed appreciation for the smoke-free shows, because many come from places with stronger smoke-free laws and they are not accustomed to indoor smoking.
free because we are not only blowing out but we are sucking in a lot of air to play as hard as we do.”
In order to Be Totally Clear in New Orleans, we need to show our elected officials that the nonsmoking majority is ready to stand up and speak out for smokefree policies. We invite you to visit www.LetsBeTotallyClear. org to follow the frequently updated list of smoke-free bars, venues and concerts in New Orleans and to be a part of the smoke-free air movement by uploading your thoughts about secondhand smoke.
Help us protect those who play such an important role in our culture and our economy, because no one should have to endanger their health for a paycheck. L e t s B e To t a l l y C l e a r. o r g , www.letsbetotallyclear.org, Sam Williams of New Orleans- is a project supported by The based band Big Sam’s Funky Nation, Louisiana Campaign for Tobaccoexplains why the smoke-free shows Free Living (TFL) and the Louisiana are so important for musicians: “As Department of Health and Hospitals a horn player, you really notice a Tobacco Control Program (LTCP). difference when the club is smoke-
Federal grant program and new service help New Orleanians find affordable, high quality community healthcare centers and services By: Jason Melancon Louisiana Public Health Institute
high quality primary and behavioral healthcare services for adults and children. Services help prevent and/ Local, state and federal leaders are or manage chronic illnesses such applauding the work of a network as asthma, diabetes, high-blood of community-based healthcare pressure, obesity and depression. clinics that are participating in Referrals for specialty and diagnostic the federal Primary Care Access services are also coordinated and Stabilization Grant (PCASG), a by the primary care providers. $100 million federal grant program designed to meet the increasing To help get the word out to area demand for healthcare services in residents and assist them in finding the Greater New Orleans area. The a community healthcare center that federal program, administered by meets there needs, the Louisiana the Louisiana Public Health Institute Public Health Institute recently (LPHI) on behalf of the Louisiana launched a website and local Department of Health and Hospitals, telephone number to help link area was created after Hurricane Katrina residents with these healthcare to support and develop high services. The website and phone quality primary and behavioral number were made possible through healthcare at the community funding support from the PCASG and level in an effort to decrease Baptist Community Ministries (BCM). reliance on emergency rooms for conditions more appropriately To find a healthcare center in treated in an outpatient setting. Orleans, Jefferson, St. Bernard and Plaquemines parishes, residents Two years after local community- can call 504-872-0750 or visit www. based healthcare centers began gnocommunity.org to search for clinic participating in the grant program, 91 locations by zip code, parish, and healthcare center locations now offer healthcare service types. Payment
options, healthcare center hours of operation, direct phone numbers and addresses of participating centers are also provided through both the phone line and website. People who call the phone line or visit the website will be given options based on their preferences and will then be able to make appointments themselves by contacting health centers directly. Phone line hours of operation are Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Callers may leave a message outside of these hours and someone will return their call during operating hours.
Assurance (NCQA). Having a Patient Centered Medical Home signifies more than just a visit to the doctor’s office; it is a comprehensive approach that emphasizes personalized and coordinated care by a healthcare team, and incorporates evidence-based practices and new technologies to ensure the highest quality of care available.
“This network has grown tremendously over the past couple of years and many people are simply not aware of the many locations that have been opened or expanded recently by the healthcare organizations that people have Most centers have appointments come to know and trust,” says available within two weeks, some Clayton Williams, Director of Health offer expanded evening and Systems Development at LPHI. weekend hours. Many accept “This will hopefully put to rest the private and public insurance and/ myth that New Orleans is without or offer services according to an options for affordable, high quality income-based sliding fee scale. 36 primary healthcare close to home.” of the 91 participating communitybased health centers have achieved recognition for quality as Patient Centered Medical Homes by the National Committee for Quality
Avoid food portions larger than your fist.
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NPN’s THE TRUMPET
Let’s Get Moving New Orleans! Robin Barber NPN Neighborhood Liaison One of my favorite shows on t.v. for the last two seasons is the NBC hit show “The Biggest Loser.” Why? Because it’s inspirational! In my opinion, it’s motivating, not only physically but emotionally. The show also serves as a wake-up call to America and the rest of the world that in order to be healthy “ you gotta get moving!”
areas in close proximity to residential areas. In many other areas, such Spend time “outside” playing with your children and grandchildren Take the stairs instead of the elevator When you need to run an errand walk instead of driving
Obesity is crippling Americans both young and old. The number of obese Americans is increasing everyday and has become a major health issue in this country. According to the Centers For Disease Control (Atlanta, Georgia), obesity is also associated with several common diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, asthma, heart disease and some cancers. Stress can also be a major factor as well. That is the bad news. The good news, however, is that WE have the power to reverse this epidemic simply by making better, smarter and healthier lifestyle choices.
Encourage others (family and friends) to take a daily walk with you
A sensible diet (eating more fruits and vegetables), identifying and eliminating stressors in your life and being physically active everyday, will not only make you feel good but help you to stay healthy. It’s a recipe for success! Are you up to the challenge?
tto o the New New Orleans Ne Neighborhood Network
Regular physical activity is important for maintaining good health. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services report on Physical Activity Fundamental to Preventing Disease, “Encouraging more activity can be as simple as establishing walking programs at schools, worksites and in the community. Some communities have an existing infrastructure that supports physical activity such as sidewalks and bicycle trails and worksites, schools, and shopping
community amenities need to be developed to foster walking, cycling and other types of exercise as a regular part of daily activity.”
Post news & events for your organization online
TURN OFF THE T.V! GET OFF THAT COUCH! Watching t.v. and playing computer games are the worst kinds of sedentary activity!
The “culture” in Louisiana (particularly New Orleans) is infectious! No doubt. The music, the weather, the history, and oh yeah, the FOOD too! But for too many, that same “culture” is reaking havoc on their health. The answer is simple folks, “we gotta get moving.”
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Snack on beans, nuts and other foods high in protein
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November/December 2009
Helping to keep the beat strong and healthy:
New Orleans Musicians Clinic
By Kalen Wright French Quarter Neighborhood As 2009 draws to a close, the debate about health care reform in the United States has become a cacophony - with the voices of
New Orleans and St. Anna’s Mission to Musicians and Medical Mission. The mission of the New Orleans Musicians Assistance Foundation (NOMAF) is to “keep music alive by sustaining New Orleans musicians and tradition bearers in body, mind
NOMC serves one of New Orleans most precious and valuable resources by providing health services for more than 1,800 musicians and their families.
Bethany Ewald Bultman, the Director of the NOMC, has stated
“...keep music alive by Orleans musicians and tradition bearers in body, mind and spirit.” her strong belief that the key to saving the services provided by NOMC lies in increased and sustainable local support. Besides
politicians and pundits ultimately drowning out those of the uninsured, including musicians. The discussions and town hall meetings are primarily focused on employer/ employee dynamics and musicians, artists and those who work on a freelance basis are rarely heard. It is estimated that a staggering 95% of those who make their living making music do not have health insurance benefits, and those who do have coverage are most commonly symphony or orchestra members. As the controversy and discord continues on the national stage, the New Orleans Musicians Clinic is doing its best to continue to serve our community’s musicians Photo By: Syndey Byrd, courtesy of the New Orleans Musicians Clinic Website while facing shortfalls and the medical services provided and spirit... by providing access to service cutbacks as private funding by Louisiana State and Tulane health and social services through and federal support fade. universities, donations from the New Orleans Musicians’ Clinic, the private sector and local regardless of musicians’ ability Founded in 1998, the New Orleans organizations have historically been to pay, and by fostering cultural Musicians Clinic (NOMC) serves one virtually nonexistent. Bultman has opportunities that advocate for and of New Orleans most precious and commented that “A small Rotary support this effort.” In addition to valuable resources by providing Club in northern Germany donates providing direct care and wellness health services for more than 1,800 $9,000 once or twice a year and services, the NOMC also encourages musicians and their families. The
It is estimated that a staggering 95% of those who make their living making music do not have health insurance benefits, and those who do have coverage are most commonly symphony or orchestra members.
NOMC is a program of the New Orleans Musicians Assistance Foundation, in collaboration with the LSU Healthcare Network, Daughters of Charity Services of
those musicians receiving services to become advocates for early detection, prevention, and treatment of health conditions for others facing the same risks.
April 2009, the New Orleans Jazz Society of Tokyo, Japan, made a donation of $15,000 to the New Orleans sustaining New
does everything they can to make sure we survive. And that’s more than all of the private donations from New Orleans combined.” To further emphasize this point: In
Get off the streetcar or bus a stop early & walk.
Musicians Clinic. In order to best protect this cornerstone of our unique culture, it’s our turn to step up and support the health and well-being of our musical community. Thanks to recent benefits staged by the Land of Nod Experiment at the French Market/Dutch Alley and the House of Blues New Orleans during October 2009, local support is becoming more prevalent as the three-year $3 million grant funding received from the U.S. Department of Health and Hospitals in 2007 draws to a close. To learn more about the New Orleans Musicians Clinic or to make a donation, please visit their web site at http://www. neworleansmusiciansclinic. org/ . The “Get You a Healin’” compilation CD (with all proceeds benefiting the NOMC) featuring Dr. John, the Funky Meters, Irma Thomas, Allen Toussaint and many more can also be purchased via iTunes at http:// www.neworleansmusiciansclinic. org/getyouahealin.html . For those who shop at Winn-Dixie, you can support the NOMC as a “Pals Program” participating organization each time you’re “making groceries” using a special coupon also available at the New Orleans Musicians Website: http://www. neworleansmusiciansclinic.org/pdf/ Making_Groceries.pdf . Also please keep your eyes and ears open for upcoming benefit events!
www.musiciansclinic.org
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NPN’s THE TRUMPET
Closing of New Orleans Adolescent Hospital - a major blow to New Orleans mental health care
By: Jermaine Smith Uptown
former drug addicts and patients with mild cases of mental illness – with current mental health clinic patients City of New Orleans mental health with similar problems in an effort care advocates and state of Louisiana to ease the transition for patients politicians continue to struggle over back into the community. These funding for mental health care in volunteers complete a Peer Specialist New Orleans – and residents of program through the Department New Orleans with mental health of Health and Hospitals; the first care needs are coming up the losers. class graduated in February 2009. This past summer, the state legislature created a bill to provide the New Orleans Adolescent Hospital (NOAH) – the only public hospital providing inpatient services for the mentally ill in the city of New Orleans – with over $14 million to keep the hospital operational. However, citing state budget concerns and placing an emphasis on outpatient services, Governor Bobby Jindal vetoed the funding – triggering a September 1 close date for NOAH – which immediately placed the future of mental health care in New Orleans in jeopardy. The crux of the funding debate hinges on inpatient care versus outpatient care in New Orleans. Gov. Jindal has argued that the Department of Health and Hospitals plan he supports will not result in a reduction of outpatient or inpatient services for the region while still providing community-based outpatient mental services in New Orleans proper. Moreover, his office has placed emphasis on moving away from inpatient services and increasing outpatient services in New Orleans. Alan Levine, secretary of the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals, agrees with Gov. Jindal, pointing to the success of outpatient services in other states versus the more old-fashioned approach of NOAH. “You don’t prevent people from committing more crimes by building more jails,” said Mr. Levine. “Similarly, you don’t prevent people from having mental problems by building more beds; all it is doing is cycling people in and out of beds. What solves the problem is expanding more resources in the community.” One of the more innovative outpatient mental health programs currently operates out of the Metropolitan Human Services District (MHSD). The peer-to-peer program matches volunteers –
twice the national average. According to the World Health Organization, the number of residents in Katrina-affected areas in Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi with serious mental health problems grew However, not everyone in from 6.1 percent Louisiana is sold on this alternative. to 11.3 percent in the six months Representative Neil Abramson following Katrina; of the Louisiana House of residents with Representatives – whose district mild to moderate includes New Orleans – has pushed problems jumped for more funding to strengthen New from 9.7 percent Orleans mental health services, to 19.9 percent. including inpatient services. Before Hurricane “Everyone is concerned about Katrina, the city of consequences you can’t quantify,” New Orleans had Abramson said. “Safety of law 10 public and private hospitals enforcement personnel, more between 400-500 inpatient beds psychotic patients out on the available for mentally ill patients. street, and more killings instead of Since the storm, the city of New people getting the treatment they Orleans has operated with fewer need.” Rep. Abramson considers than half of the inpatient care beds the mental health care of New it boasted before the storm, despite Orleans’ residents a city safety a marked increase in mental health issue, and with good reason. patients. After the close of NOAH, the city has 6 hospitals with fewer In January 2008, Officer Nicola than 140 beds available for mental Cotton of the New Orleans Police health inpatient care – the city Department was shot and killed jail accounts for 60 of those beds. while attempting to arrest a rape suspect, 44 year-old Bernel Johnson, For now, mental health care in in a parking lot off of Earhart New Orleans remains strained, Boulevard. During her attempt to though a few community-based handcuff him, a struggle ensued mental health facilities still exist. and Johnson overpowered the 8-week pregnant officer, struck her Louisiana’s Office of Mental Health with her own baton and shot her currently has a caseload of over 15 times. When responding units 43,000 adults with serious and arrived, Johnson was still on the persistent mental illness and children scene, holding the officer’s weapon. and youth with serious emotional disturbances receiving outpatient It was later discovered that Johnson mental health services through the was a sufferer of psychosis due to operation of licensed community schizophrenia, and was neither under mental health centers (CMHC) psychiatric care nor taking prescribed and their satellite outreach clinics. medication to control his condition. Through January to August 2009, The CMHC facilities provide an the New Orleans Police Department array of services: screening and has transported 200 mental health assessment; emergency crisis care; patients on average each month individual evaluation and treatment; to hospital emergency rooms. medication administration and management; clinical casework Since 2006, reports from MHSD and services; specialized services other health services show there have for children and adolescents; been 101 suicides and 726 suicide specialized services for criminal attempts in New Orleans. Through justice; specialized services for the May 2009, New Orleans reported elderly; and pharmacy services. 24 suicides and 82 attempts – about Inability to pay does not have an
impact on the receipt of services. For more information on these services, or to find mental health facilities in your area, please visit: The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals’ Office of Mental Health at h t t p : / / w w w. d h h . l o u i s i a n a . g o v /o f f i c e s / ? I D = 6 2 or
call
(225)
342-2540.
Below is a confirmed list of the open and operating communitybased mental health clinics in New Orleans.
Chartres-Pontchartrain Mental Health Center 719 Elysian Fields New Orleans, LA 70117 Phone: (504) 942-8101 Fax: (504) 942-8242
Central City Mental Health Center 2221 Philip Street New Orleans, LA 70113 Phone: (504) 568-6650
New Orleans Mental Health Center 3100 General DeGaulle Drive New Orleans, LA 70114-6699 Phone: (504) 361-6211 Fax: (504) 361-6451
Wear a hat and sunglasses and use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15
November/December 2009
11
KIDS RETHINK N E W
O R L E A N S
An Interview with the John Dibert Elementary Rethinkers Interview transcribed by: Mallory Falk Uptown Neighborhood The student authors (representing all New Orleans Neighborhoods) are: Amaria Stewart Terrell Jackson Keiyatta Crockett Jashon Butler Tyronesha King Katrina Jackson
This fall, Rethink launched clubs in seven public schools, inviting almost one hundred students to envision their dream schools. Recently, students at John Dibert Elementary discussed why they come to Rethink. They talked about creating a safe, comfortable space to share their feelings and relieve their stress. Amaria: How do you feel about Rethink? Terrell: I feel good about Rethink because when I come here it’s a real stress reliever and I get to talk about things that I don’t normally talk about with people because I feel comfortable. Keiyatta: I like that it lets us express our feelings and get bad stuff of our minds. Jashon: It’s like a stress reliever every time you come. When you’re not coming you’ll be like man, I wish I had Rethink. I want to come every day. Tyronesha: I like Rethink because it helps me a lot. It helps me get through a lot in life, discuss things with my friends, and get good reasoning and ideas. Katrina: I come to Rethink to get a lot of stress off my chest. If I’m going through something I come here and they’ll ask the usual questions and everybody gets to say what they gotta say and I really say something and get the anger off my chest. It makes me feel better after I tell everybody how I feel. Some people give you suggestions. Amaria: What do you really like about Rethink? Terrell: Discussing and gathering information with our peers and around other people. Just telling how you feel and saying what you could do to make your days better in school on the days we don’t have Rethink. Tyronesha: When you’re in Rethink do you like to share what you’re going through in life? Katrina: Yes I do because sometimes people around you give good advice. They might tell you a different thing you could do than the way you’re handling a situation. Terrell: I feel comfortable saying what I need to get out in Rethink because other people share their feelings also. Katrina: Does Rethink make you feel comfortable and happy at the end of the day?
Tyronesha: Yes because when I come up in here mad and get all my stress off, I go home happy and enjoy my day. Keiyatta: Do you think Rethink can change your community and your school? Jashon: Yes I do because they have a positive attitude and they’re always trying to help you. When we’re going through a rough day they’ll ask us a question like “What was your day about and how was it?” You’ll say such and such and then they’ll try to help you. Jashon: Would you think about being a Rethink teacher? Keiyatta: Yes because you deal with a lot of children and they express their feelings a lot. Jashon: Okay thank you! I’ll interview you next time.
Cook with vegetable oils instead of solid fats
12
NPN’s THE TRUMPET
Neighborhood Spotlight:
Gentilly What is Gentilly?
Gentilly is a large area with great diversity and many neighborhoods with their own history. In addition we have a large amount of independent thinkers and we often find the neighborhoods pulling in their own direction, developing their own ideas about what makes them unique. After the storms most of the neighborhoods saw an advantage to collaborating for a united rebuilding effort and the Gentilly Civic Improvement Association was formed to discuss and implement programs to improve quality of life in the entire area. David Welch Vice President, GCIA
A post-Katrina moment: By: Beverly Guidry Jimenez Gentilly Neighborhood
June 25, 2008 : Passing by an abandoned house in our neighborhood, I was dazzled by a profusion of beautiful purple flowers, and amazing cypress trees in full greenery (which I have been in love with since I moved in the neighborhood), plants and a variety of flowers just bursting in their beauty. I was tempted to take a few, but something inside me just couldn’t take any, something like desecrating a holy place ...most probably in respect for the owners, an elderly couple who have moved for good to Missisippi with their children. I found out that his son brings him back every so often “just to be there.” I saw him once, and my heart wept. Every morning when I used to walk my dog, there he was, the old man just waiting to carry on a conversation. It wasn’t about much, but that much I miss terribly...a small but important part of my everyday life shot to hell! I felt a deep kind of post-Katrina melancholy, an underlying common thread in all our lives. These small incidents are those that grab your soul at a much deeper level, and there are thousands of similar, untold, small, aching realizations that things will never be the same. AND YET, the human spirit soars to places not known pre-Katrina! Be aware that we are stronger.
Walking through Gentilly:
The Forgotten Neighborhood By: Roberta Jacobs and Kristi B. Jacobs Gentilly Neighborhood
old place. As we walk our dogs along St. Roch Avenue we notice many things that weren’t there just two years ago. The biggest thing is the Walking in our Gentilly people, Gentilly residents that is – neighborhood isn’t quite the same residents in their own yards, working as it was when we first moved on their houses, washing their cars, here in 1985. Back then, the and putting up decorations. Two neighborhood was filled with lots sisters who once lived on our street, of people, mostly elderly. We were but now live several streets away, a young family making a fresh start. have planted a huge flower garden It was comforting knowing that we on their lot. Every morning we see had so many neighbors, most of them walking down the street with them retired and at home all day, jugs of water in their hands, heading baking goodies, sweeping the street, to their garden. Even though they scuffling about in their yards, feeding have decided not to rebuild a the birds, trimming hedges, putting house on their lot, we are thankful up holiday decorations and the to these ladies for taking steps to like. Today, as we walk through our help beautify our neighborhood. Of neighborhood, we are still reminded course Gentilly isn’t as populated as it of those elderly neighbors, but not once was, but it is amazing to see it’s by the sight of crumbled bread on growth. There are many new homes the ground for the birds or by the being built, most of them high above aroma of baked goods, but by the the ground on pilings. There are “For empty lots and boarded up houses Sale” signs as well as “For Rent” with escape holes cut in the top of signs, all indicators that people have roofs. decided to either rebuild or repair their homes. These are good signs Our neighborhood is different because to us that means that the now. The faces we meet on our owners of those properties believe walks are mostly strangers, new in the revitalization of the area. And neighbors making a new start in an it is that faith that will help bring Gentilly back.
Here’s a photo of the family in front of our house on Odin Street. Kristi Jacobs, Roberta Jacobs, Richard Jacobs, Mary Jacobs and Zachary Jacobs (down in front).
Gentilly is one of those forgotten neighborhoods. When people talk about the effects of Hurricane Katrina and the failed levees, the Ninth Ward and Lakeview are always mentioned, but rarely do you hear of Gentilly and the fact that our houses had over nine feet of water in them for over three weeks. It has been one of the slowest areas to recover, mostly because of the age of its prior citizens and of course, the slow response received from FEMA and insurance companies. There is still a lot of blight, high grass, pot holes the size of elephants, water leaks, clogged drains, and lots and lots of misquotes. But, we believe in time our neighborhood will make a full recovery. And then, we can look forward to becoming one of those retired elderly neighbors who stays at home all day feeding the birds and baking cakes.
For more Vitamin A, substitute sweet potatoes for baked potatoes or fries
November/December 2009
Gentilly Pride: A Growing Commodity the Master Plan for Planning District 6 contains conflicting designs for land use and transportation. This divergence reveals some tough decisions about population density ahead for area residents who would Gentilly is thriving, not merely like to see a streetcar route along rebuilding, but setting a course Elysian Fields, the path of New toward making the area an Orlean’s first railroad. By: David Welch Gentilly Neighborhood Photos courtesy of StayLocal.org and David Welch
example of a family-friendly, education-oriented, wealthbuilding and civic-minded community that shrugs off adversity and knows how to have fun. That is not easy considering that the diversity of Gentilly includes 22 neighborhoods led by strong willed individuals who often have differing opinions about how future development should unfold. After
an initial “revolutionary” period during which the Gentilly Civic Improvement Association assisted in reviving many of the neighborhood associations, the presidents of the smaller groups landed on the GCIA board to become the true voice of the community and a sounding board for independent committees focusing on various projects and aspects of development. While some residents bemoaned the lack of national press that focused on the Lower Ninth Ward and Lakeview for the last three years, most are justifiably proud of the relative lack of crime and racial troubles that have plagued the rest of the city. The neighborhood organizations realize that these troubles do not respect artificial borders and continue to come together on initiatives that will strengthen all aspects of the community and help to market the common quality of life features that make Gentilly a wonderful place to raise a family. Some aspects of Gentilly development will not be easy. The GCIA has recently pointed out to the City Planning Commission that
Several groups have formed to help market NORA Phase 2 properties, Road Home lots throughout Gentilly that are being offered to prospective In addition the GCIA is planning h o m e o w n e r s to serve notice during the coming rather than political season that area voters developers. GCIA will demand transparency in all members are public transactions and hold our becoming aware elected representatives and the of the Gentilly city’s administration accountable D e v e l o p m e n t for decisions that affect the area’s District, the development. Current issues include G e n t i l l y / outrageous permitting of poorly P o n t c h a r t r a i n designed, high-density housing and Park Cultural placement of toxic material storage District and near a residential area. Don’t multiple Gentilly even think about placing a Enterprise Zones, big-box outlet in Gentilly all designed to Woods rather than a multi- spur development use complex with community and community amenities which serves as an wealth. anchor for further innovative development along Gentilly As we prepare Boulevard. ourselves for a new decade there There are other minor is no escaping distractions such as a small but one fact: Gentilly divisive group that believes the Pride is a growing name Gentilly on the new high c o m m o d i t y . school will adversely affect property H u n d r e d s values along Bayou St. John. Their of residents efforts include trying to organize and friends rival neighborhood groups and can be seen persuading school officials that they wearing t-shirts represent the average homeowner. p r o c l a i m i n g Their attitude does not reflect the “Chilly Gentilly-a true spirit that permeates the 6th Cool Place”, Planning District. Gentilly – a Gentle Pace in and The goals of quality education, Urban Space” or consensus and raising standards “Firmly Planted throughout Gentilly will prevail. in Gentilly”. New Other challenges are being met businesses are and discussed. Gentilly has recently being welcomed staged its second annual GentillyFest to replace old and the same committee has hosted ones. Houses for 4 monthly Festival MarketPlace young families are days, all which benefit first filling empty lots. responders. Additional events are planned and the strategies of social There is an entrepreneurship are being applied abundance of hard to plans for a community center work ahead but with partners as diverse as the the foundation Crescent City Little Theater, green of a Gentilly technologies, day care, after school Renaissance is activities, rebuilding activities and clearly in place. community technology facilities. We have only begun to prosper! Committees are being formed to respond to government opportunities and initiatives.
Stretch before bed to give you more energy when you wake
13
14
NPN’s THE TRUMPET
Preserving Our Past, Shaping Our Future A Letter By: David T. Baker Gentilly Neighborhood Four years later, houses wait gutted and vacant falling from their foundations onto ashen brown lawns overgrown by weeds and dying trees. A once thriving mall sits empty with smudged glasses, boarded doors and broken locks. In the middle of a field where I once played little league stands the bones of a schoolhouse and some time home of wayward boys. No one walks its halls, now. Four years later, I can still see possibility. I was born in Gentilly; it’s where I spent holidays, weekends and summers. It has always been the closest community I’ve ever known and very selfsustaining. A place where neat shotguns and cottages line the banks of the street while children play baseball as dads fire up barbeque grills. Between Pontchartrain Park, Milne and the Gentilly Woods Mall, three of the neighborhood’s major landmarks, there was always something to occupy our time. Now, two lie in ruin and we are faced with the decision of what they will become. As one of the next generation of Gentilly residents, if the question were posed to me of what it is I want, I’d have to say ‘I want it all.’ I want my neighborhood to thrive, with amenities actually capable of supporting a high quality of life -- that includes community centers, safe streets and diverse retail. I want retail. By the time the floodwaters rose in 2005, the Gentilly Woods Mall was already a disaster; it was marked by a rusted sign, an outdated, unkempt façade and poor retail options. We rarely shopped there. It had very little we needed. If not for the presence of a few key retail anchors and the Community Supermarket, I doubt anyone else would have shopped there either. I want a healthy mix of businesses. I want to be able to go to the mall and buy oranges from one store and sports equipment from another. I’d like a town center where people can gather for updates about the neighborhood or even to watch a movie. I want opportunity. I want learning. Milne Boys Home – the place which hosted my little league games, which makes a lot of sense considering I played for the team, now, sits vacant with holes in the roof while a cooperative of “interested parties” decide what to do with it. My suggestion is a multipurpose library where we can send our kids and know that they are safe and learning. That serves our elders and hosts our cultural events. Now, we have the opportunity to build something better, and hopefully, this will be one part of the recovery that is done properly. Let’s work to build something that will last and will have an impact on our homes, and our communities as they are today, and that will shape what they will become.
The JuJu Bag Cafe, located at 5363 Franklin Avenue in Gentilly The JuJu Bag Cafe supports and hosts lots of different event in the community including a weekly poetry night, book signings, Sunday brunch, and even meetings and receptions. The deck out back makes it an ideal place to hang out, meet in a relaxing environment, or just play hooky
The Gentilly Neighborhood Spotlight is proudly sponsored by L & R Security - Award Winning Security and Special Event Services since 1979
www.lrsecurity.com
If someone is asking me what I want for my neighborhood, again I say, I want it all.
Gentilly Homecoming Services 1509 Filmore New Orleans, LA 70122 504-644-4125
Monday – Thursday 9:00 till 4:30 Friday 9:00 till 3:30
o Case Manager’s on site to assist homeowners o Free internet and computer use o Free use of copy and fax machine o Free coffee o Free resources and referrals o Volunteers to help with landscaping, painting and non-skilled rebuild projects o Free Notary on Wednesday 9 till 11:00
Next Month’s Featured Neighborhood:
Carrollton
Send your stories, opinions, letters and photos to: thetrumpet@npnnola.com or snail mail to: 4902 Canal St., Room 301. New Orleans, La 70119 by December 20th for a chance to be featured in our January/February Birthday issue!
Take stairs instead of the escalator or elevator
15
November/December 2009
Green
Orleans
Preserving a Sense of Place:
The Importance of Reused Materials in Creating Civic and Environmental Engagement By: Beth Stelson The Green Project No other city in the United States has such a sense of place as New Orleans. I write this not to evoke notions of nostalgia, but rather because a sense of place is what ties us to our communities and defines our interactions with them. It influences the responsibility that we feel towards our neighbors, our environment, and our level of civic engagement.
But what happens when our sense of place is disrupted or destroyed? I do not need to go into the details of the destruction wreaked by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita—if we did not experience it firsthand, our minds are forever imprinted with the images. However, the process of physically rebuilding poses another threat to our sense of space: if we cannot recreate this sense of space, even if we replace it with something bigger, better, or more “environmentally friendly,” we lose our understanding and responsibility to it. Environmental ethicist, Freya Mathews writes:
“When our world is allowed to grow old… then it is possible to truly inhabit places… The setting itself infiltrates our identity. This irreplaceable significance in our own place or places for us binds us to them.”[1] New Orleans has become the center of the “building green” movement, with a host of organizations all committed to different practices aimed at sustainability. At The Green Project where I work, our concept of sustainability revolves around the appreciation of reused materials. The Green Project is a non-profit retail store located in the St. Roch neighborhood, and we sell salvaged building material back to the community at an affordable price to help New Orleanians rebuild and maintain their homes. While part of our mission is to prevent the wanton dumping of these materials into the surrounding landfills, we also aim to create a culture of creative reuse. While the latter may appear separate from our environmental mission, I see it as inextricably linked. Cypress flooring, wrought-iron doors, and stained glass all find their way to The Green Project and then travel on to new homes. By reselling these materials, we not only keep them out of the landfills and preserve our city’s architectural heritage, but we also reestablish our physical links with
our surroundings. Having this “sense of place” is essential to encouraging civic awareness and engagement because it reminds us of what we value in our communities and our duty to them. Only with this awareness and engagement can we continue to move New Orleans into the new environmental
Top your favorite cereal with apples or bananas
frontier. It is not enough to just “build green.” We must “think green,” as well, by preserving our sense of place through the appreciation of the materials that we already have. [1] Mathews, Freya, “Letting the World Do the Doing,”
16
NPN’s THE TRUMPET
know your
Darlene Wolnik marketumbrella.org (Photos courtesy of marketumbrella.org) Under the French, market activity began on the levee, where ships would dock at the riverbank and sell produce, meat and other provisions in the open air. In 1779, soon after Spain assumed control of New Orleans, officials constructed the city’s first market building on the site of the present-day French Market. By the First World War, there were thirty-two markets scattered throughout the city, with at least one in every neighborhood. With names like Memory, Suburban, Le Breton, Lautenschlaeger, Prytania and Treme, the markets not only served as economic engines in their neighborhoods but also reflected the cultural dynamics of the neighborhoods and the metropolitan area, according to Mary Cable’s Lost New Orleans and Robert A. Sauder’s essay “The Origin and Spread of the Public Market System in New Orleans.” By the end of the 20th century, the city-run French Market and privately managed St. Roch were all that was left of this venerable system. However in 1995, local citizens selected the corner of Magazine and Girod (the site of an artichoke plantation) to begin the Crescent City Farmers Market. Its mission was to connect local farmers and fishers to the citizens of the city so that all could enjoy their region’s bounty once again. Between 1995 and 2005, the organization started three other weekly farmers markets, a fair
trade/handmade holiday market called Festivus and offered a seasonal shrimper road show called the White Boot Brigade. Starting in 2002, other city organizers added successful monthly art markets (Bywater Art Market starting first at its initial location at Chartres and Piety) and occasional flea markets and seasonal costume markets springing up throughout the year. After Hurricane Katrina, many local neighborhoods, individual entrepreneurs and non-profit organizations joined the open-air market movement and in 2009 the city has a network of farmers markets, flea markets, art markets, festival markets and storefront produce stands. This trend closely follows the national spike; at last count over 5000 farmers markets alone existed throughout the U.S. There is growing awareness among policymakers and market partisans that the capacity of these markets to stay relevant and sustainable depends on staff skills and the organization’s ability to attract and maintain partners, including investors. A few national organizations offer some level of training and resource sharing for markets; New Orleans based marketumbrella.org is emerging as one of those voices with its Marketshare program. It offers free downloadable tools to measure success and check best practices for all types of public markets on issues such as managing risk, recruiting vendors and accepting SNAP (food stamps). These can be found on their website at www.marketumbrella.org
Add spinach to your salad, sandwich tacos or burger for a boost of Vitamin C and iron
November/December 2009
17
local markets DIRECTORY: Arts Market of New Orleans
Palmer Park, S. Carrollton and S. Claiborne Ave. Fourth Saturday of each month 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Broad St Bazaar
Robert’s Parking lot, Broad St. at Bienville. Second Saturday each month 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Bywater Art Market
Royal St at Piety. Third Saturday each month 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 504.944.7900
Crescent City Farmers Market
Every Saturday 8-12 magazine and Girod, Every Tuesday 9-1 p.m. at Tulane University Square at 200 Broadway 504.861.4488
Elysian Flea
November 21 and December 19. Hours are 11 am to 5 pm. (expected to be at least monthly).
French Market
1008 North Peters Street (At Urseline and N. Peters). Open 7 days a week 504.522.2621
Freret Market
4400 Freret Street, New Orleans. First Saturday of the month, 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. 504.638.2589
Harrison Avenue Marketplace Second Wednesdays of the Month, 5:00 to 8:00 PM The Harrison Avenue Marketplace was started by the Beacon of Hope in August 2007. As residents returned to Lakeview there was a need for supporting commercial services to return as well. The site of the market was chosen in the Harrison Avenue commercial corridor as a way of stimulating its revitalization. It has been wildly successful attracting nearly 3,000 patrons for each marketplace who come for the food from great local restaurants, live entertainment, hand-made arts and crafts, fresh produce, interactive children’s activities, and a variety of non-profit enterprises. It provides a way for neighbors to re-connect as in an old town square.
Gentilly Fest Market
Oak Park Shopping Center (Corner of Paris and Mirabeau Avenues). First Friday of the month from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Harrison Avenue Marketplace
801 Harrison Avenue, New Orleans. Every second Wednesday of the month, 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Mid-City Green Market
3700 Orleans Avenue at the American Can Company. Thursday 3 pm to 7 pm rain or shine. 504.483.6314
Renaissance Marketplace of Eastern New Orleans
5700 Read Blvd. adjacent Lowe’s Home Improvement at the I-10 & Read Blvd. Service Rd. Every fourth Saturday 4 to 7 p.m. 504.261.5067
Sankofa Marketplace Every market has a theme and our December 9th “Joy to the World’ will feature the performances of our neighborhood school choirs and a visit from Santa Claus hosting the great toy giveaway.
At the corner of Caffin St. and Claude Avenue in the historic Lower Ninth Ward. Every second Saturday.
Upper Ninth Ward Market
Frederick Douglass High School, 3820 St. Claude Avenue Saturday, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. 504.482.5722
Vietnamese Farmers Market
14401 Alcee Fortier Boulevard. Saturday, 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.
Buy fresh produce at a local Farmer’s Markets
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NPN’s THE TRUMPET
schools get Broadmoor’s Wilson Charter School Cultivates Environmental Stewardship within Community By: Eileen Zander Broadmoor With their joint dedication to civic engagement and education, the Broadmoor Neighborhood and Andrew H. Wilson Charter School are planting seeds of environmental awareness within the community. Wilson Charter is the only school within Broadmoor, and therefore the anchor of the neighborhood’s developing Education Corridor. This 8-block radius will serve as the cornerstone of education, community and economic advancement in order to maximize the capacity, capability and opportunity of both Wilson students and Broadmoor residents. After operating at a temporary site for over two years, Wilson Charter is preparing to move back to Broadmoor. In January 2010 Wilson students, families and faculty will return to their original location at 3615 General Pershing Avenue: they will be greeted by a new campus that they will hardly recognize. With the help of the Recovery School District and Global Green Initiative, the new Wilson school will house state-of-the-art technology and facilities to promote the arts, create a culture of lifelong learning and increase the vitality of the neighborhood. These new facilities are one of two model Global Green Schools in New Orleans. Wilson Charter is also LEED Platinum Certified, utilizing more than 40 specific green measures that will minimize electricity and energy usage, including:
o One 12,000-gallon cistern system underneath the redesigned courtyard that will collect and store rainwater for irrigation purposes. o Web-based technology that will illustrate energy and water usage. The school will be able to use the data for education purposes and to monitor carbon offset. o Wetland habitat with 90% native species to serve as an outdoor educational classroom. o Raingardens to reduce the quantity and improve the quality of stormwater leaving the site. o Interpretive signage to be posted in and around the school to identify and provide information about the school’s green technology. The creative design of Wilson Charter also provides for the new gymnasium and renovated library as space for Broadmoor community programming, thereby fully utilizing available space for the school and neighborhood.
o Large windows to enhance natural light. Sensors installed on these windows will also control the temperature inside and allow for In addition to these physical improvements, Wilson Charter has also made efficient heating and cooling strategies. a concerted effort to educate their students and faculty on promoting sustainable resources and acting as responsible stewards of the environment. o Bamboo flooring—a renewable resource—to replace hardwood For example, environmental superhero Global Green Girl visited Wilson floors. students and teachers on October 20th and 23rd. Global Green Girl creatively introducing them to concepts such as climate change and carbon footprint, o 12-15 Solar Domestic Hot Water panels that will be installed educating them on energy conservation, and encouraging them to be models above the kitchen to serve 90% of the hot water demand for the of sustainability in the community. kitchen.
New entrance under construction on Miro St. Bike to and through Audubon or City Park
3-D rendition of new school
November/December 2009
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healthy Focus on School Health and Wellness at Warren Easton Charter High School By Cassondra Ferrand and Tracey Patterson Warren Easton Charter High School prides itself on its mission to provide a rigorous academic environment that allows all students to reach their full potential. After reopening as a charter high school one year after Katrina, Warren Easton has expanded its effort to include a renewed focus on the health of all its students. Warren Easton recognizes that schools have more influence on the lives of young people than any other social setting except for family, and thus have a responsibility to shape the health, education and wellbeing of children and youth. Numerous studies have shown that healthier students have improved attendance, better grades, higher graduation rates, lower dropout rates, more participation in school activities, and higher aspirations for postsecondary education.
Connection was launched in 2006 insurance. provide additional health promotion, by a group of local agencies and physical activity and health education organizations who provide school- Warren Easton has continued the opportunities, as well as improved based and school-linked health collaborative partnership with school food and nutrition, increased services with generous support from School Health Connection to support family and community involvement, the W. K. Kellogg F o u n d a t i o n . Numerous studies have shown that healthier students have The aim of improved attendance, better grades, higher graduation rates, School Health lower dropout rates, more participation in school activities, Connection was to redevelop and higher aspirations for post-secondary education. and expand school-based health student health and well-being beyond and better access to comprehensive centers in the New Orleans metro the construction of the health clinic. health and social services. area, and to focus on school-based With additional funding from the behavioral health services. Warren W. K. Kellogg Foundation, Warren Warren Easton’s school-based health Easton has received additional Easton Charter High School is now clinic is scheduled to open in early support to build the school-based working towards integrating a variety 2010. With medical staffing from Tulane University School of Medicine, this school-based health clinic will provide medical exam services, dental services, and behavioral health services. The clinic will be staffed with a nurse practitioner, a social worker, public health educators, and a parttime pediatrician. These comprehensive services will be provided to students at no out-of-pocket cost. The school hopes to expand these types of medical services to the larger community in the future. In the meantime, Warren Easton is expanding partnerships with other communitybased organizations that support health and youth development during school and after-school hours.
Immediately after reopening in 2006, Warren Easton brought in many community partnerships to provide additional health education and support student health. Student health needs have been more of a priority as students cope with the disruption that the storm had on their lives. Programs such as “The Eyes Have It” came to Warren Easton to provide free vision testing Ninth grade science students hard at work in Warren Easton’s new school vegetable garden, The future looks bright for the students at Warren and glasses for students created with support from LSU AgCenter. Easton. Warren Easton who needed them. In March 2007, Warren Easton formed health clinic from the W.K. Kellogg of mechanisms aimed at supporting Charter High School and School a collaborative partnership with Foundation, Warren Easton Charter student and family health by using a Health Connection will continue School Health Connection, a program Foundation, Sandra Bullock, and the coordinated school health approach. to work together to foster a school of the Louisiana Public Health San Francisco 49ers Foundation. In A new school wellness committee, culture that promotes the health and Institute, to plan for the restoration March 2008 the high school began comprised of staff, students, and wellness of its students and their and redevelopment of the school’s an annual festival held in Mid-City parents, is currently conducting families, improve access to health two-story custodial cottage , built that raises additional funds for the a school health assessment and services, and produce healthy and in 1913, into a 21st century school- health clinic that support the costs developing a plan for a coordinated successful youth and families. based health clinic. School Health of necessary prescriptions that are school health at Warren Easton. The not covered by Medicaid or private coordinated school health plan will
Go dancing at a local Jazz club
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NPN’s THE TRUMPET
The Lower Ninth Ward takes on Guerrilla Garden Project Jenga Mwendo Holy Cross Neighborhood
hook-up. Thus, the Guerrilla Garden was born.
It all started with Mr. Aloyd Edinburgh. An avid gardener, Mr. Aloyd had been growing vegetables out of containers (he has no land on his property) in his driveway on Chartres Street for over 20 years. He would throw seeds on the vacant lot at Chartres and Charbonnet Sts before Hurricane Katrina. According to Mr. Aloyd, no one ever tended that lot; no one ever cut the grass or cleaned it up; he didn’t know who owned it. So it became his garden away from home. It became his contribution to the neighborhood. He planted for all who wanted to harvest, and took pleasure in witnessing neighbors come by to pick what he grew. He called himself a “Guerrilla Gardener,” someone who assumes stewardship over land she/he doesn’t own or have legal rights to.
The Lower Ninth Ward Village became an integral member of the Guerrilla Garden Community Planning Team. The team, along with volunteers from organizations such as NY2NO and Louisiana Green Corps and even the Urban Bush Women Summer Leadership Institute cleared the entire lot and continuously maintained it. Eventually, the BGN identified the property owner – New Orleans Redevelopment Authority (NORA)– and signed a short-term lease for legal access to the property.
After Katrina, the vacant lot had become overgrown and wild. In April 2009, the Backyard Gardener’s Network began working directly with Mr. Aloyd to do something with the lot. The idea that this abandoned lot could develop into a flourishing garden emerged. The BGN assembled other members of the Lower Ninth Ward Urban Farming Coalition to clear the weeds. Inspired by the show of support, Mr. Aloyd immediately began his work. Using a tiller loaned by another gardenerresident Ms. Patsy Story, he turned the soil and created a few garden beds. In these beds, he planted okra, corn and beans. Since these plants don’t require much water, they were perfect for a garden with no water
Above: A computer graphic rendering of the future Guerilla Garden
and Genesis Construction, donated their services to further the project’s success. Landscape architect Neotha Meirath volunteered to design the space to the team’s specifications. By October 18th, the team had raised $3500 plus in total, solely The project garnered the support from individual donations. Although of Parkway Partners, who agreed to short of its fundraising goal, the donate 25 trees to the garden, and Guerrilla Garden project moves ever New Orleans Food and Farm Network, forward, hopeful that it will reach its who promised 20 cubic yards of goal. soil. [New Orleans Food and Farm Network has since partnered with Regular garden work days are the Backyard Gardener’s Network.] scheduled on Sunday mornings. The only challenge was that these The Parkway Partners’ trees are entities would not give such large scheduled for planting on November garden donations on unsecured land. 7th. The planting will commence at They required either ownership or a 9am and will be followed by a tree long-term lease. NORA would not care workshop at noon. Beginning agree to a long-term lease or donate November 9th, In Good Company the property, so the team decided to (volunteers sponsored by various buy it. corporations around the country) will spend a week working at the An intense fundraising effort garden. All are welcome to help; ensued. The team organized several Lower Ninth Ward residents are overlapping fundraisers – an ongoing strongly encouraged. Grasscutting Fundraiser, an online campaign, a Creative Container The Guerrilla Garden is a project Gardening Workshop Fundraiser at conceived, developed and the October Sankofa Marketplace implemented by Lower Ninth Ward led by Mr. Aloyd himself, and a residents committed to community successful Seafood Boil at the Village revitalization. Since April 2009, which raised over $2000. Local neighbors have worked together businesses, such as Jeff Of All Trades clearing this lot, planning the space,
Try brown rice or whole-wheat pasta
securing resources and even planting a few beds of okra in the meantime. Once an overgrown dumping ground, this space is now clear, maintained, and ready to be developed. The Guerrilla Garden is about community building and community ownership, eliminating blight and providing food access. It will feature a small tree grove, a shade structure with a rainwater catchment system, inground vegetable patches as well as raised garden beds, and ample seating. It will be a place for folks of all ages to get together and learn from each other. The Backyard Gardener’s Network is a Lower Ninth Ward based not-forprofit organization whose mission is to sustain and strengthen the Lower Ninth Ward Community and revitalize its neighborhood through urban agriculture. For more information about the Guerrilla Garden and the Backyard Gardener’s Network, contact Jenga Mwendo (504) 994-7745 or email backyardgardeners@gmail.com. To support the Guerrilla Garden project with a donation, visit www. backyardgardenersnetwork.org.
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November/December 2009
Greening your Office By: Sheri’ Mora Irish Channel Neighborhood
Conserve Energy:
• Turn lights off in empty rooms and We all know that going green is storage closets when not in use. about improving the environment, our health and our future, and we’ve • Enable the energy saving all heard about the things we can setting on computers and do at home to “go green,” but not other equipment (check the nearly as much has been said about manufacturer manuals). the need to carry these initiatives • into the workplace. Fully power down all equipment at the end of each day and In an office setting, we consume use powerstrips with on/off more which translates to excessive switches for each workstation*. waste in resources such as electricity and water, and also consumables that • When it’s time to replace your could easily be recycled and almost light bulbs, replace them with always reused. Unless brought to energy saving light bulbs for their attention, most employees about $30 in energy savings over do not have the same interest in a lifetime, per bulb. conserving at the workplace as they would at home because the *If you have inkjet printers connected money used to fund the utilities to a powerstrip, be sure to fully and purchase supplies is not coming power them down before turning off directly from their bank account. the powerstrip so the ink cartridges But going green isn’t just about the can seal properly. money; it’s about becoming socially and environmentally responsible. Recycle: It’s about adapting new habits that follow us through our day that will Consumables: There are several create a positive effect on our planet companies offering drop off and in the years to come. pickup recycling services for a wide variety of materials. Some also offer Below are just some of the basic waste stream audits and resource things you can do at your office to consulting to their commercial work towards the “Goal of Green:” clients. For a directory, go to www. businessfinder.nola.com and search “recycling.”
and low income families. They also properly dispose of what cannot be recycled. Go to www.cacrc.com for more information about their program.
Tip: Add a statement to the bottom of your email signature to spread awareness: “Please consider the environment The Green Project holds drop-off before printing this mail.”
· events at the Whole Foods Market Arabella Station on the first Saturday of every month and at the Broad Flea (the old Roberts market on N. Broad and Bienville) on second Saturdays. These are “computers only” drop offs, but year round inside each Whole Foods Market are collection boxes for old batteries. Visit http:// www.thegreenproject.org for details.
Go
Digital
Note: Remember, when purchasing paper and other items, look for recycled products. Also be sure to save boxes and packing materials from items you receive to reuse at a later date.
Marketing Tip:
It’s also a good idea to start listing out your Green initiatives on your company’s web site, blog or in your newsletter to let your audience know your company cares about the community.
Keep your files saved on your computer, backed up of course, not in file cabinets and stacks around your office. Bookmark the online items you want to keep instead of printing them out and create and Equipment: In addition to vendors organize the favorites folders in using recycled and sustainable your browser’s tool bar for easy materials in the making of new reference. USB removable storage products, many offer rebates when drives are a great way to reduce you turn in your old equipment, paper during transit and can hold as toners and ink cartridges for much as an entire computer’s hard recycling. Just search online for your drive on something the size of a key. vendor’s name, along with the word This will also save your back! Learn how to collaborate with your clients “recycle” to view the offers. and team online by using tools like google docs. You can also look at the On a local level: features readily available within your · Capital Area Corporate Recycling email client for places to keep notes, Council recycles computers, printers, articles and calendar items, making monitors and servers for a small them accessible anywhere, anytime fee and uses the materials to build via your office, home or even mobile useable equipment for schools phone.
Drink at least eight glasses of water every day
Commuting: Regardless of your specific situation, there is likely something you can do to minimize pollution, gas and time wasted during your commute. Consider telecommuting, public transportation, carpooling or the various alternative transportation options such as hybrids, electric cars, motorcycles, scooters or bicycles. If these are not an option, consider slowing down your speed and avoiding any abrupt stop and go driving to save a great deal on gas (and stress). Hold meetings via video conferencing with clients and your team to minimize travel and save time. Also, avoid the headache of lunchtime traffic by bringing your lunch to work in a reusable containers. This saves money, gas, stress and calories. If you do choose go out for lunch, consider walking, biking or commuting with others. Also, bring any unused cups, utensil and dishes from home to keep in the break room for yourself or others, to minimize the waste of disposal items. There are many more things you can do to help green your office. For more information and “greenIT” tips, subscribe to our newsletter at www. coesolutions.com/subscribe. You will also receive a link to online posters you can print and post in your office to help create awareness.
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NPN’s THE TRUMPET
The Holistic Approach: Different Prescriptions for St. Roch Nathan Tempey St. Roch Neighborhood
integrate them into a whole,” to achieve what the Project’s website calls a “holistic revitalization.”
The St. Roch neighborhood is a microcosm of the post-Katrina redevelopment in New Orleans. St. Roch, like the city, needs fixing; a need dramatized by but far predating Hurricane Katrina. The question then becomes: how best to repair it? It depends on who you ask. A farming community of freed blacks for most of the 19th century, the neighborhood saw an influx of French and German immigrants in the early 20th century, becoming by the 1960s it an exclusive white enclave. The economic ravages of white flight compounded by the oil bust left it by the late ‘90s a predominately black neighborhood with an above median rate of homeownership despite being almost 40% below the poverty line. Then Katrina hit. The majority of St. Roch flooded and, four years later, recovery is sluggish. Less than half of its home-owners are back, poverty levels are exacerbated, and few businesses operate in the neighborhood. Moreover, cornerstones of the neighborhood like the historic St. Roch Market and Independence Square Park have yet to be fully revived, though it is not for lack of hopeful voices. New York-based architect and Uptown native Drew Lang founded the St. Roch Project in the dark weeks following the storm. Katrina sparked the Project, but he explains, “it’s based on observations of conditions that have been present for a long time in St. Roch, which is one of many long-neglected neighborhoods.” The Project has chosen to hone in on what they see as the core of the neighborhood, a nine-block stretch of St. Roch Ave., book-ended by the Market and Park. They are targeting it for housing renovation assistance in partnership with the national non-profit Rebuilding Together, the planned construction of two model energy efficient buildings, and an Art Walk which will bring public art to the newly paved path along the neutral ground, projects that Lang hopes will “build on existing strengths and
fear of change. She emphasizes that the harried staff is all volunteer, including Kabacoff, that the Center’s programs are based on response Named for the saint of good health, to extensive surveys conducted in the need for a holistic approach to the Marigny, Bywater and St. Roch, restore St. Roch is not lost on Bywater and that board members are all resident, artist and voodoo priestess residents of those neighborhoods. Sally Glassman. In the months after To illustrate the Center’s stewardship the storm Glassman convened she imagines the hypothetical WIC weekly informal “salon” meetings mother being able to not only buy of gallery owners, intellectuals nutritious food, but then learn skills, and scientists brainstorming how take out a micro-loan, start her own to meet the needs of downtown crafts business. “We’ve got all these communities. Their brainchild is gifts of intellect and history, and it’s the New Orleans Healing Center, an not good enough to leave people ambitious collection of programs living in squalor. So we’re trying including art space, a yoga studio, to make this as welcoming and as a food co-op, a permaculture safe for everyone, including very garden, “street university” free poor people, and including very rich school, health food cafe/juice bar, people. We want us all to meet one art bazaar, community radio and TV another.” broadcasting stations, WIC office, micro-loan office and entrepreneur If St. Roch were a shotgun the St. training center, interfaith Roch Market at St. Claude would meditation space and preventative be its front steps, something not medicine center all meant to work lost on Ed Blakely who declared ynergistically to promote spiritual the intersection one of the City’s and physical well-being in the district Target Recovery Zones, and the broadly defined as “downtown”, and planners with Goody Clancy, the to prompt economic revitalization in firm behind the city’s mandated the adjacent neighborhoods. Master Plan. The plan lauds the projects underway, including the Art To be housed in the under- Walk, the Healing Center, and the renovation Universal Furniture proposed renovation of the St. Roch Building at St. Roch and St. Claude, Market for restaurant use (which the Healing Center is an ambitious the City has secured funding for), as project being bankrolled and well as the in-the-works streetcar counseled by Glassman’s boyfriend extension which would run a line developer Pres Kabacoff renowned down Rampart and St. Claude from for the controversial redevelopment Canal to Press St. (by 2012 if federal of the St. Thomas public housing funding comes through) Still, Lang projects into the quasi-suburban sees the Plan as largely a summary River Gardens development of extant initiatives, saying, “It’s up anchored by Wal-Mart. Kabacoff to us to stay ahead of politicians and is “working God knows how many planners and do it ourselves.” He hours, “ says Glassman, “and he’s appreciates what he calls “the Katrina not going to make a dime, not a phenomenon” bringing people dime” beyond recouping the start- into a room together who never up costs, estimated at $10 million, would have been engaged before, through a combination of tax credits, a sentiment echoed by Glassman, grants and donations after which though Kabacoff has been closely rent collected from the forty odd involved with the proceedings. Lang businesses in the building will be and Glassman also point to a common just enough to cover utilities, taxes obstacle: overcoming issues of trust and the extra necessary to offer all which the Healing Center website services on a sliding scale. says are, “always present in those living in economically distressed Glassman reports outside cynicism neighborhoods.” about the project, “We’re very aware that people are concerned that we’re Reggie Lawson is a former real going to gentrify the neighborhood,” estate agent and director of the but sees it as an evidence of people’s Faubourg St. Roch Improvement
Association, founded in 1995 to improve quality of life in St. Roch. The Katrina phenomenon has made him a zealous guard of that trust. He opted out of the planning process early on, calling it “nothing but an attempt to further gentrification, to make the city generic. It is not a New Orleans plan and there’s very little in it to take into consideration historic neighborhoods that aren’t wealthy. The face of New Orleans before the storm was poor and female and that voice is not in the plan.” He points to the lack of initiatives to return poor residents, saying, “You can’t improve the city when the people you’re supposed to serve are not there in the first place.” If St. Claude is the front door of St. Roch, Florida is the back of its back yard, and there Lawson sees neglect. The Housing Opportunity Zone stops at Rocheblave and Samaritans Purse program at Almonaster, not to mention money confined to St. Claude, facts he laments, though he supports the programs themselves. “I’ve got this lady over at Port and Tonti,” he says, “And she sees absolutely nothing happening in her neighborhood. And that’s part of the plan. It’s being left to die.” Still, Lawson works diligently to make the community attractive to upwardly mobile African Americans, focusing his efforts on procuring funding for an aquatic center, gym and outdoor theater to be housed in Independence Square Park, for which he has turned to Rep. Joseph Cao. It’s slow going, though, the park’s pool remains empty, asked if there is any word from the New Orleans Recreation Department about next summer’s prospects he writes, “None.” For more information about the St. Roch Project visit http://www. strochproject.com The New Orleans Healing Center is hosting their 2nd annual Anba Dlo event Friday October 30th http:// www.neworleanshealingcenter.org For more information about the Faubourg St. Roch Improvement Association see http://www.fsria.org
Add spinach to your salad, sandwich tacos or burger for a boost of Vitamin C and iron
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November/December 2009
Soccer in the Streets Eric Kugler FC NOLA is my dream. It doesn’t pay much, I don’t get tickets to the big games, and I don’t get enough help from “the big agencies” either in this city or up in the District of Columbia. That’s not why I do it though, its to prove to myself this kind of thing can work here. Its to prove to myself that for all the talk about culture, music, art, creativity, roux and gumbo, Confederate Jasmine and Sweet Olive, and the rumble of the street car down St. Charles, that New Orleans actually amounts to something; that there is a new future here, not just some fading nova’s discharge of light, sounds, and smells…
players in the world. They share my love for Messi but are more attracted to the darker skinned players like Thierry Henry, Ronaldhino or Ronaldo. I tell them just enough about Maradona as it seems his new life with Argentina Our mission is simple, give kids a might still give us hope for the once chance to get fit, express themselves fallen star. We watch highlights from and have fun through soccer; a game the games against Mexico and remind that unlocks a tremendous amount them of the upcoming WC qualifiers. of potential within individuals and It seems they all have cable, when I opens up a new world that many of my tell them I don’t even have a TV they students would never see otherwise. begin to wonder what my life must We talk about positive choices, both be like outside of school. “Really? in the classroom and on the field. You don’t have even TV? Not even We talk about non-violence, fair play, one?” physical health, and teamwork. We talk about playing in high school and We need a lot of help, not only at getting college scholarships. We FC NOLA but in New Orleans, and talk about gratitude and little kids in soccer is a great way to get together Africa, using string, plastic bags and and share thoughts, resources and old T-shirts tied together like a bundle smiles. We need a release, a way to of dreams, tight, tight, tight, so they get out of “the office,” get our heart don’t unravel on the long country rate up high enough so the very roads or the bombed out city streets. sound of it blocks all the other noise: the worries of the day, the feelings of We never have enough space and doubt and anger…when that sound, when it rains the bark floats across the familiar ancient thump-thump the pitch and gets lodged against plays inside your head like samba, the chain link fence on Trafalgar there is an opportunity for clarity. Street. The field floods behind You can help FC NOLA is a thousand the wood chip levee and makes it ways, even by just getting out there unplayable. On days like this we try and sharing your love (or learning to and find a quiet corner to sit in and love) the beautiful game. talk soccer. It’s hard when there is no point of reference and so I usually To find out more, please contact show students all the beautiful goals Soccerinthestreetsnola@gmail.com and the faces and moves of the best
Capacity College Do you need to prepare new board chairs and committee leaders? Does your neighborhood have a project it wants to implement? Do you want to learn successful organizing and management strategies? The Capacity College is your training ground. Starting in December, NPN is inviting neighborhood associations, health ministries and civic groups to enroll in the Winter 2010 Capacity College Semester. Neighborhood group participants are offered: o 5 Core Classes taught by New Orleans neighborhood/CDC leaders. o 10+ small forums on a variety of issues from code enforcement to zoning to philanthropy with experts and practitioners. o Nonprofit partners and liaison support to assist your group from project creation to implementation. Talk With Your Residents About Enrollment at Your Next Neighborhood Meeting. Enrollment Date Will Be Announced Soon! Who Can Enroll: 3-4 residents from a neighborhood group, civic group or faith based ministry. For More Information: Email capacitycollege@npnnola.com to be added to our Capacity College contact list. Or call 504-940-2207 and ask to be added to the Capacity College contact list.
Soccer in the Streets: FC Nola has partnered with New Orleans Outreach to bring the World’s Game to the scholar-athletes at Langston Hughes Academy. During their training sessions, scholars learn about different countries, work on team-building and perfect their soccer skills!
The health tips featured in this issue along with many more can be found at: http://stepsla.org/home/get_active/100_steps/
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NPN’s THE TRUMPET
photos Shots from Voodoo Fest 2009
By: Ray Nichols, Photography Intern for The Trumpet
November/December 2009
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Ask a doctor Trumpet Tidbits, our weekly e-newsletter asked for your questions; Neil U. Lall, M.D., Resident Physician at the Department of Medicine and Radiology at Ochsner Clinic Foundation answers: I am a 40 yr old woman who wants to stop smoking. Tried going “cold turkey”, but it didn’t work. What should I do now? First of all, congratulations on making the decision to quit! Your first try may not have been successful, but it may be of some comfort to know that most people require multiple attempts before permanently quitting. And it is even harder to do it cold turkey. At the one year mark, only about 1 out of 20 people are successful at quitting cold turkey, but with “optimal treatment”, the odds can improve to 1 out of 4. So what is “optimal treatment”? Generally, the best recommendation is to have a combination of counseling and medications. Your doctor should be a good place to start; she can start the counseling efforts with you and figure out which medications are best for you. In terms of counseling, I would highly recommend taking advantage of the toll-free Tobacco Quitline (1-800-QUIT-NOW). It offers free 24 hour confidential medical advice and support in English and Spanish. They can also send you more information on quitting, set you up with free local group therapy classes, and even set up call-backs to check in on your progress. As for the medications, there are three main options: Nicotine (long acting patches or short acting lozenges/inhalers/gum), Zyban, and Chantix. Alone, each of these options can double or triple your chances of quitting, and your doctor can help you figure out which is the best choice for you. Nobody will pretend that it will be easy, but it will be worth it. (For example, quitting smoking before age 50 will cut in half your risk of dying over the next 15 years.)
I sometimes experience numbness and “tingling” in my fingers throughout the course of a day (not just when it’s chilly outside). What could be causing this? This is a hard one to answer, because frankly there are a lot possibilities. It really depends on the specifics of your situation, so I will have to recommend you ask your doctor. Some important things include the distribution of the tingling, whether there is any associated pain/weakness, and the general time course and history of it (when did it start, how long does it happpen, how often does it happen). Some common causes of such sensations can range from diabetic nerve damage to physical nerve trauma (including carpal tunnel) to low levels of calcium in your blood (which can itself has a number of causes such as a hormone imbalance or Vitamin D deficiency).
Are there certain types of foods that I can eat to help reduce the risk of me getting certain types of cancer in my lifetime? Wow. There are a lot of different types of cancer, and unfortunately there is no one magic food that will cure them all, so here is a brief overview of some of the few relationships that we have managed to observe so far. BAD: Tobacco - Okay, not a food, but it will cause cancer. Smoke it, chew it, whatever; there is a matching cancer to go with any way you like your tobacco. Fat - Higher fat intake is arguably associated with increased breast cancer risk, higher animal fat is more convincingly associated with prostate cancer, and obesity is definitely associated with multiple cancers (breast, uterus, colon, kidney, and esophagus). Red Meat - Associated with higher risk of colon cancer. Alcohol - Moderate alcohol use has been associated with decreased cardiovascular risk but is also associate with increased risk of many cancers (mouth, throat, esophagus, rectum, liver, and breast). GOOD: Fruits and Vegetables - Fruits/vegetables may intake decreases risk of colon cancer, tomatoes possibly decrease the risk of prostate cancer, and soy (in really high amounts) can decrease the risk of breast cancer (as can flavonoids found in tomatoes, green peppers, berries, and citrus fruits). Milk/Calcium - High dairy diets can decrease cancers of the digestive tract (esophagus, stomach, colon), and for women only high calcium intake can decrease overall cancer risk. Fiber - Opinion keeps changing on whether fiber can decrease colon cancer risk, but it definitely reduces heart disease and diabetes. VITAMINS: Vitamin D, Calcium, Selenium, and Folate have pretty decent data for prevention of different cancers. Excessive amounts of Iron can be associated with increased cancer risks (but too little is a very bad thing as well). This is a constantly evolving section of research so these recommendations will become much more definitive with time. A lot of these foods have other good/bad health aspects as well (except tobacco) so the overall health benefits still need to be determined.
I am a 55 year old Black man and I sometimes see “blood” in my stool. What could be causing this? Should I be concerned? Yes. There are a lot of things we take into consideration when thinking about causes of blood in stool: How much? How often? Have you noticed any chest pain, weakness, or shortness of breath? (These are all things that can happen when you lose a significant amount of blood.) But one of the most important is: When was your last colonoscopy and what did it show? There are relatively innocent things that can cause blood in stool such as hemorrhoids or anal fissures, but you need to rule out colon cancer. EVERYONE OVER THE AGE OF 50 SHOULD HAVE A COLONSCOPY (and you should get one even younger if someone in your immediate family has had colon cancer). Talk to your doctor. If this is something less serious, you will have had to put up with some discomfort, but if this is colon cancer, then finding it early gives us a much better chance of curing it.
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NPN’s THE TRUMPET
What is a Raingarden? Submission by: Zachary Youngerman Central City Neighborhood When rain falls on an impervious surfaces (areas like roofs, sidewalks, and roads) it cannot soak into the ground and rushes toward the lowest point, hopefully a storm drain. The rain picks up dirt and debris, oil and gas leaked from automobiles, lawn fertilizers and pesticides, and chemicals from industrial and commercial activities. These pollutants are pumped out into Lake Pontchartrain. A raingarden is designed to collect and infiltrate this storm water runoff before it can enter a drain. A raingarden is a shallow landscaped depression created by excavating existing soil and replacing some of it with porous material, like sand and gravel, and nutrient-rich material like compost. The area is then restored with many kinds of plants. Adopt a Raingarden Groundwork New Orleans Raingarden program is designed for community adoption of the raingardens prior to, during, or following installation. The direct beneficiary of a raingarden’s ecosystem services are encouraged to adopt it; however anyone is welcome to adopt a raingarden! Raingarden adopters become a “Green Blocks” partner, and appropriate signage is provided for the garden. Adopting a raingarden means being trained by Groundwork New Orleans staff in sustainable maintenance and agreeing to perform maintenance regularly throughout the course of a contract, supported by volunteer days organized by Groundwork New Orleans. The adopting party will be provided with a list of appropriate planting alternatives, and thereby will have control over the appearance of the garden they have adopted. As an alternative, adopters can help pay a Groundwork intern hired from the community, providing a job training opportunity. What Raingardens Do In New Orleans, our pumping stations account for 40% of our municipal greenhouse gas emissions and are expensive to operate. Raingardens reduce the use of costly and greenhouse-gas producing pumping stations. * Deep plant roots and a porous soil mix store and absorb water, 30% more than a conventional lawn. * Many pollutants are removed through physical, chemical, and biological processes like settling, accumulation by plants, and most importantly activity of soil micro-organisms. * Plant species native to the region or from a wetland are accustomed to heavy and fluctuating rainfall, decreasing maintenance needs. * Raingardens support a greater variety of wildlife than typical landscaping while preventing the stagnant street ponding that breeds mosquitoes. * Water and the water cycle become visible and beautiful aspects of the landscape. * Improved aesthetics increases the quality of life in and fosters pride of an area.
For more information, please visit www.groundworknola.org
November/December 2009
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Members Alliance for Affordable Energy NGO Beacon of Hope NGO Build Now NGO Committee For a Better New Orleans/Metropolitan Area Committee (CBNO/MAC ) NGO Common Ground Relief NGO Consumer Credit Counseling Services of Greater New Orleans NGO Excelth, Inc. NGO Global Green NGO Greater New Orleans Fair Housing Action Center NGO Gulf South Photography Project NGO Hands On New Orleans NGO Hike for KaTREEna NGO Juvenile Justice Project of Louisiana NGO Kids Rethink New Orleans Schools NGO Latino Farmers Cooperative of Louisiana NGO Longue Vue House and Gardens NGO Metro Bicycle Coalition NGO New Orleans Food and Farm Network NGO New Orleans Women’s Shelter NGO New Orleans Young Urban Rebuilding Professionals Initiative (NOLA YURP) NGO Phoenix of New Orleans (PNOLA) NGO Project Home Again Foundation NGO Rebirth Volunteer Center NGO Rebuilding Together NGO Save Our Schools (SOS NOLA)
NGO Social Entrepreneurs of New Orleans (SENO) NGO Southeast Louisiana Chapter of the American Red Cross NGO The Louisiana Campaign for Tobacco Free Living NGO Trinity Christian Community NGO University of New Orleans’ Classic Upward Bound NGO Youth Empowerment Project NGO Safe Streets Strong Communities NGO Benroe Housing Initiative PC NGO National Collegiate Volunteers NGO Urban League of New Orleans NGO A Shared Initiative, Inc. NGO Sojourner Truth Community Center NGO Dreamzone 365 NGO National Wildlife Federation NGO S.M.C.L. Foundation and Associates NGO Lower 9th Ward Acorn NGO Upper 9th Ward Acorn NGO UNO Dept. of Planning and Urban Studies NGO Community Mediation Services NGO Make It Right Foundation NGO Groundwork Nola NGO Transport for NOLA NGO New Orleans Vacant Properties Initative NGO Tulane Prevention Research Center NGO
Lakeshore Property Owners Association NA East New Orleans Neighborhood Advisory Committee (ENONAC) NA Baronne Street Neighborhood Association NA Bunny Friends Neighborhood Association NA Bywater Neighborhood Association NA Carrollton Riverbend Neighborhood Association NA Central City Partnership NA Central City Renaissance Alliance (CCRA) NA DeSaix Neighborhood Association NA Faubourg St. Roch Impovement Association NA Garden District Association NA Gentilly Sugar Hill Neighborhood Association NA Gentilly Terrace and Gardens Improvement Association NA Holy Cross Neighborhood Association NA Lake Catherine Civic Association, Inc. NA Lakewood East Homeowners’ Association NA Lower Ninth Ward Neighborhood Empowerment Network Association (NENA) NA Lower Ninth Ward Homeownership Association NA Mary Queen of Vietnam Community Development Corporation NA Melia Subdivision NA Mid-City Neighborhood Organization NA
Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard Main Street NA Pontilly Association NA Real Timbers Property Owners Association NA Rosedale Subdivision NA Tunisburg Square Homeowners Civic Association, Inc. NA Upper Ninth Ward Evergreen Community Association NA Upper Ninth Ward Florida Area Community Association NA Faubourg Delachaise Neighborhood Association NA Gert Town Community Develpoment Center NA Gentilly Heights East Neighborhood Association NA Pines Village Association NA Oak Park Civic Association NA Faubourg St. John Neighborhood Association NA Central Carrollton Neighborhood Association NA Tall Timbers NA West Barrington Association NA Parkview Neighborhood Association NA Downtown Neighborhood Improvement Association NA Hoffman Triangle Neighborhood Association NA Market Umbrella NA The Historic Lower 9th Ward NA
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NPN’s THE TRUMPET
New Orleans Free Health Clinic Directory Tulane University Community Health Centers $10 for urgent care, $5 for primary care, will not turn patients away based on ability to pay * All medical services are by appointment only. If you have urgent needs, please call or walk-in to make an urgent care appointment for the same or the next day * each patient can be assigned a primary physician to lead their medical home team * on-site mental health counseling * behavioral health services * geriatrics care * reproductive health services
Covenant House Clinic * 611 N. Rampart St. * 504-988-3000 * Mon & Thurs: 8 am – 7 pm * Tues, Wed & Fri: 8 am – 5 pm
New Orleans East * 4642 Alcee Fortier Blvd., Suite D * 504-255-8665 * Mon-Fri: 8:30 am – 4:00 pm
Tulane Drop-In Clinic @ Covenant House This is a low/no cost primary care clinic for clients under the age of 24. Appointments are encouraged but walk-ins are welcome. * The Pediatric Clinic provides primary care, urgent care and psychiatric services for infants, children and adolescents until age 12. * The Teen Clinic provides primary care and urgent care for adolescents and young adults until age 24. * The Reproductive Health Clinic is for young women and men until age 24 specifically for STD screening and treatment and family planning services.
* 611 N. Rampart St. 504-584-1112 Pediatric Clinic (infants, children, and adolescents until age 12) * Mon – Fri: 9 am – 12 pm Drop-In Clinic (teens and young adults until age 24) * Mon – Fri: 1 pm – 5 pm Reproductive Health Clinic (young men and women until age 24) * Mon & Wed: 5 pm – 9 pm * Sat: 9 pm – 1 pm
Tulane Drop-In Center Free mental health care, behavioral health care and supportive services for homeless youth and youth at-risk for homelessness * Services include but are not limited to group activities, case management, job search assistance, substance abuse services and psychiatric services.
* 1428 N. Rampart St.504-948-6701 * Mon: 9:30 am – 11 am & 2 pm – 6 pm * Tues: 3 pm – 7 pm * Wed: 9:30 am – 12 pm * Thurs & Fri: 9:30 am – 1 pm
Fleur de Vie Clinic at Covenant House This is a free clinic run by Tulane Medical Students. Every patient is seen by medical students and then by the doctor * Please call to make an appointment * Mental Health Visits * Social Workers Available * Health Education * Prescriptions * Servicios en Español
* 611 N. Rampart St. 504-988-3000 * Dates: 8-8, 8-22, 9-12, 9-26, 10-10, 10-24, 11-14, 12-12. o For 2010: 1-9, 1-23, 2-27, 3-13, 3-27, 4-10, 4-24, 5-8, 5-22, 6-12, 7-24. * Sat: 9 am – 2 pm (last patient seen at 1 pm) * 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month
Tulane Community Health Mobile Health Unit On the Road The clinic provides services to children and adults * accept all insurance plans including Medicaid and Medicare * if you have insurance you will be billed and
will be responsible for your co-pay * patients without health insurance will be seen for free * each patient can be assigned a primary physician * same day or next day appointments based on need * Thursday location is for Nazareth Inn clients and families only* Primary Care: pediatric, adult, and geriatric primary care * Chronic disease management * reproductive health * health education and coaching * health screenings * Behavioral Health: counseling * stress management * relationship and family therapy * Social Services: case management * Medicaid enrollment * health navigation.
* Mon: 4600 Chef Menteur Hwy. (Winn-Dixie), Gentilly – [Prevention] * Tues: 3059 Higgins Blvd. (Carver Elementary & High School), Gentilly – [Prevention] * Wed: 3710 Garden Oaks Dr. (Forest Park Apartments), Algiers – [Medical Home] * Thurs: 1300 Tanglewood Dr. (Tanglewood Apartments), Westwego – [Medical Home] * Fri: 2100 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd. (Israelite Baptist Church), Central City – [Prevention] * 504-994-0054 * Hours: TBA
Tulane University’s New Orleans Children’s Health Project Free if no insurance or unable to pay * same day appointments are available * Direct medical care for people ages 0 – 24 years: Primary pediatric care (well child), acute care (sick child), immunizations, blood work, lead testing, female exams, family planning services, patient education, School / Sports physicals, an on-call pediatrician 24/7 * Family directed mental health care: counseling, play therapy and art therapy, behavioral modification, group and/or family therapy, mental health screenings and assessments, psychiatric evaluations and medication management, parenting skills workshops, consultations with school officials * Social services: Assistance with WIC, food stamps, Medicaid enrollment, transportation, and subspecialty referrals * All services offered in Spanish: a direct Spanish line to book appointments, a Spanish interpreter for medical services, and a Spanish speaking licensed counselor for mental health services * The mobile medical units are a partnership between The Children’s Health Fund and Tulane’s Department of Pediatrics and School of Medicine to create a medical home for children and families in New Orleans.
* Mon: 1617 Caffin Ave, (MLK Charter School), Lower 9th Ward * Tues: 4407 S. Carrollton Ave, (Esperanza Charter School), Mid-City * Wed: 201 8th St, (Andrew Jackson Elementary), Chalmette * Thurs: 3821 Franklin Ave, (P.A. Capdau School), Gentilly * Phone Numbers o Medical / Main: 504-988-0545 o Family Support / Mental Health: 504-460-1001 o Spanish Line: 504-858-0155 * Hours: Monday - Thursday o By Appointment: 9 am – 5 pm o Business Hours / Appointment Lines: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Healthcare for the Homeless Program: Edna Pilsbury Health Clinic FREE * need to come with a letter from a homeless service provider * physical exams, medical diagnosis, and treatment * Flu vaccines * limited medications * referrals for x-rays * lab tests * dental care * mental health (appointment only) * provides referrals for substance abuse treatment
* 2222 Simon Bolivar Ave. 504-658-2825 * Mon-Fri: 8 am – 4 pm
Common Ground Health Clinic FREE * walk-in health care * no appointments necessary * prescriptions * prescription assistance * counseling * health education * herbal medicine (Mon. & Wed.) * HIV testing (Wed.) * vaccinations * servicios en Español
Medical Care
* Mon: 2 pm – 4 pm * Tues: 9 am – 12 noon * Wed: 10 am – 3 pm * Sat: 12 noon – 3 pm
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November/December 2009
- this directory is courtesy of Tulane School of Medicine and can also be found at: www.nolafreehealthcare.com
* 1400 Teche St. (on the corner of Socrates), Algiers 504-361-9800 Nutrition for diabetics class * Sat: 9:30 am – 10:30 am
For all there is a $10 minimum for a nurse visit or a $25 minimum for a physician visit * Cost off appointment varies based on income and family size * Will not turn patients away based on ability to pay * Accept all insurance * Medicare and Medicaid enrollment site * Primary and Preventative Care: Prenatal, Pediatric, Adolescent, Adult, Geriatric * Chronic Illness Care: Asthma, Cardiovascular, Diabetes, Depression * Behavioral Health / Mental Health Services * Pharmacy Services
Odyssey House Health Clinic
Carrollton Medical Center * 3201 S. Carrollton Ave. * 504-207-3060 Offers free primary health care * behavioral health * vaccinations * limited women’s * Mon - Fri: 8 am – 5 pm health exams (no mammograms) * only the first 15 patients are seen. * Sat: 8 am – 2 pm * 1125 N. Tonti St. 504-821-9211 St. Cecilia Medical Center * Mon, Wed, Fri: 1 pm – 5 pm * 4201 N. Rampart St. * 504-941-6041 Luke’s House * Mon-Fri: 8 am – 5 pm Free * basic primary care for adults and children * pastoral counseling * mental health counseling * referrals * Childhood immunizations for low-income families.
* 2722 Louisiana Ave. 504-444-7879Tues: 5:30 pm – 8 pm
St. Thomas Community Health Center Comprehensive Primary Care * Eye Clinic * Cardiology (Heart) * ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) * Cancer Screening NOTE: They accept Medicaid and Medicare. Cancer screening programs, optometry (eye), and ENT programs are FREE to eligible patients. For primary care there is a $20 minimum for each visit. Eligible for up to 90% discount for services provided, based on income and family size.
* 1020 Saint Andrew St. 504-529-5558 Mon – Fri: 8 am – 5 pm
Tulane Ozanam Inn TB and Flu Clinic Free TB testing for homeless men staying at Ozanam Inn * Come back to get results read, even if you are not spending the night * Run by Tulane medical students. Free Flu Shots & Hepatitis A/B vaccines for homeless men or women (even if not staying at Ozanam Inn) every Thursday every evening.
* 843 Camp St. 504-523-1184 TB Clinic * Mon – Fri: 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm Vaccine Clinic (Seasonal flu shots, Hep A/B Vaccine) * Thursdays 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Harry Tompson Center Free * general medical care * prescriptions written * when available medicine dispensed * Psychiatry on Monday and Wednesday * a homeless outreach center.
* 1803 Gravier St. (Rebuild Center at St. Joseph Church) * 504-273-5547 (x1) Mon, Wed, Fri: 10 am – 1 pm
St. Anna’s Medical Mission Free * blood pressure and diabetes screenings * health education* walk-in health care * prescriptions * flu shots * mental health counseling, stress relief Drum Circles and Victims of Violence Healing circle by appointment.
* 1313 Esplanade St. * 504-947-2121 * Wed: 4 pm – 6 pm
Daughters of Charity Health Centers:
Metairie Medical Center * 111 N. Causeway Blvd. * 504-482-0084 * Mon-Fri: 8 am – 5 pm Ozanam Inn * 843 Camp St. * 504-523-1184 * Mon. & Tues.: 9 am – 1 pm
Lower 9th Ward Health Clinic A flat co-pay of $25 * currently does not accept insurance * will not turn patients away based on ability to pay * All ages welcome * Doctors available (Mon – Wed) * HIV Testing (Tuesday) * Please make appointment prior to coming.
* 5228 Saint Claude Ave. * 504-309-0918 * Clinic Hours o Mon, Wed - Fri: 8 am - 4:30 pm o Tues: 10 am - 6 pm * HIV Testing o Tuesday: 11 am - 2 pm
Delgado Personal Health Center Free * STD Testing * STD Screening * STD Treatment * HIV Tests (Results available Same-Day)
* 517 N. Rampart St., 4th Floor 504-658-2540 * Mon - Fri: 7:30 am – 10:30 am & 12 noon – 3:00 pm NO AIDS Taskforce *Free HIV testing and counseling * anonymous * get your results in less than an hour. * 504-821-2601 French Quarter Location (Mon, Tues, Thurs and Sat.) * 507 Frenchmen St. Mon, Sat: 1 pm – 3 pm * Tues, Thurs: 4:30 pm – 7:30 pm Downtown Location (Wed & Fri) * 2601 Tulane Ave., 5th Floor Wed: 5 pm – 7 pm ; Fri: 1 pm – 3 pm
Ozanam Inn (Fourth Friday of the Month)
* 843 Camp St., Van outside; Fourth Friday of each Month 6 pm – 8 pm
For more locations call the statewide HIV/AIDS hotline toll free at (800)-99AIDS9 or (800)-992-4379.
LSU Mobile Dental Van Comprehensive oral health care to HIV positive persons * Must have a referral from a HIV service organization or may make their own appointment WITH documented lab results showing positive HIV status * Fax referrals to 504-903-5313
* Across the street from the NO AIDS Taskforce: 2601 Tulane Ave. * Appointments: 504-292-2519 * Referral Info: 504-270-4082 * Mon – Thurs: 8:30 am – 3:30 pm
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NPN’s THE TRUMPET
Community Events Dreams Come True Self-Guided Tour Wednesday, November 25, 6 p.m.
New Orleans Museum of Modern Art Self-guided tours of the exhibition are available with Museum admission.
TUBA, TUBA, TURKEY!
French Market’s 3rd Annual Tribute to Tuba Fats
NOVEMBER 27TH All Day! 1 P.M. TO 8 P.M.
Over sixty sousaphone players play throughout the French Market, from Washington Artillery Park to the Flea Market! Turkey food demos and raffles and “early bird” retail specials at French Market shops.
Fulfilling Our Mission--New Orleans
Ask City Hall District A
Shelley Midura City Hall, Room 2W80 1300 Perdido Street New Orleans, LA 70112 Phone: (504) 658-1010 Fax: (504) 658-1016 Email:smidura@cityofno.com
District B
Stacy Head City Hall, Room 2W10 1300 Perdido Street Phone: (504) 658 -1020 Fax: (504) 658-1025 Email:shead@cityofno.com
Tue, December 1, 6:00pm – 7:30pm
District C
Find Your Inner King, Queen, Prince, or Princess at NOMA!
District D
Where2640 Canal St. New Orleans, LA 70119 (map) DescriptionNote: This course is the prerequisite to most disaster training courses. Current volunteers are strongly encouraged to take this course. New volunteers are required to take this course prior to completing additional training. The course will enable individual volunteers to translate their care and compassion for their community into action and provide information to other community agencies on Red Cross work and possible partnership in preparation for and response to a disaster. Prerequisites: None If you have questions about this training or would like to register please contact Judith at: jjenkins@arcno.org or 504-620-3109.
Wednesday, December 2, 6 p.m.
New Orleans Museum of Modern Art Come tour the exciting new exhibition Dreams Come True: Art of the Classic Fairy Tales from the Walt Disney Studio and stay afterwards to create your very own tiara or crown...whichever fits your personality best! All materials will be provided. Free with Museum admission.
Music Inspired by the Walt Disney Studio Wednesday, December 9, 6 p.m.
New Orleans Museum of Modern Art Come hear pianist “Uncle” Wayne Daigrepont perform Disney hits in the Great Hall. Light hors d’oeuvres will be served.
URBAN CHICKENS EDUCATIONAL SERIES Saturday, December 12th - 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
O.C. Haley Community Garden/Micro Farm 1410 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd.(Central City) Each workshop costs $5 to attend. The chicken coop is built and the chickens are in. We are ready to go! In partnership with LSU AgCenter - School of Animal Sciences, and sponsored by Heifer International, the Farmers Incubator Project of the Latino Farmers Cooperative will lunch a series of workshops every two months. LSU’s Associate Professor of Poultry, Theresia Lavergne will provide in-dept knowledge on how to raise laying chickens in urban settings. If you need to build a chicken coop in your back-yard. No a problem! LFCL’s Board member and expert carpenter will be on site taking orders. We will have adult laying chickens for sale as well. You must register at info@LatinoFarmersCoop.org. Seats are limited.
James Carter City Hall, Room 2W70 1300 Perdido Street Phone: (504) 658-1030 Fax: (504) 658-1037 Email: jcarter@cityofno.com Cynthia Hedge-Morrell City Hall, Room 2W20 1300 Perdido Street Phone: (504) 658-1040 Fax: (504) 658-1048 E-mail: chmorrell@cityofno.com
District E
Cynthia Willard-Lewis City Hall, Room 2W60 1300 Perdido Street Phone: (504) 658-1050 Fax: (504) 658-1058 E-mail: cwlewis@cityofno.com
Council Member-At-Large
Arnie Fielkow City Hall, Room 2W40 1300 Perdido Street Phone: (504) 658-1060 Fax: (504) 658-1068 Email: afielkow@cityofno.com
Council Member-At-Large
Jacquelyn Clarkson City Hall, Room 2W50 1300 Perdido Street New Orleans, LA 70112 Phone: (504) 658-1070 Fax: (504) 658-1077 E-mail: jbclarkson@cityofno.com
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November/December 2009
Neighborhood Meetings Algiers Point Association Every 1st Thursday of the month @ 7pm Holy Name of Mary School Cafeteria Baronne Street Neighborhood Association Meetings held when needed, TBA Broadmoor Improvement Association 3rd Monday of every other moth @ 7pm St. Matthias Church 4320 S. Broad Street
(entrance through parking lot on Bayou Road and Rocheblave Street) DeSaix Neighborhood Association Every 2nd Saturday of the month @10a.m. St. Leo Church 2916 Paris Ave. East New Orleans Neighborhood Advisory Committee (ENONAC) Every 2rd Tuesday of each month @ 6 p.m. St. Maria Goretti
4720 Painters St. Hoffman Triangle Neighborhood Association Every 2nd Tuesday of the month @ 5:30pm Pleasant Zion Missionary Baptist Church 3327 Toledano Street Hollygrove Neighbors Quarterly- Thursdays @ 5:30pm St. Peters Church (trailer on corner) Eage St and Edinburgh St
Bunny Friends Neighborhood Association Every second Saturday of the month Mt. Carmel Baptist Church 3721 N Claiborne Ave
Edgewood Park Neighborhood Association Every 1st saturday of each month @ 10 a.m. Gentilly Presbyterian Church corner of Gentilly and Franklin Ave.
Holy Cross Neighborhood Association Every Thursday @ 5:30 Center for Sustainability, Greater Little Zion Missionary Baptist Church 5130 Chartres, Lizardi and Chartres
Bywater Neighborhood Association Every 2nd Tuesday of the month Holy Angels Cafeteria 3500 St. Claude Ave.
Faubourg Delachaise Neighborhood Association Quarterly meetings, time/date/ location TBA
Carrollton Riverbend Neighborhood Association Every 2nd Thursday of the month Parish Hall of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church Corner of Carrollton and Zimple
Faubourg Marengo Neighborhood Association Meetings TBA, no regular dates Austerlitz Baptist Church 817 Austerlitz Street
Lake Bullard Homeowners Association Every Saturday @ 3p.m. Cornerstone United Methodist Church 5276 Bullard Ave.
Carrollton United 1st Monday of every other month @ 7 pm St. Johns Missionary Baptist Church Leonidas and Hickory Carrollton-University Neighborhood Association Quarterly meetings, exact dates/ times TBA Jewish Community Center 5342 St. Charles Avenue Central City Partnership Every last Friday of the month @ 1p.m. Allie Mae Williams Center 2020 Jackson Ave. Central City Renaissance Alliance (CCRA) Saturday, September 19 @ 2p.m. 1809 O. C. Haley Blvd. Claiborne-University Neighborhood Association Quarterly Meetings, time and date TBA Jewish Community Center 5342 St. Charles Ave Country Club Gardens Association March and August meetings, details TBA Downtown Neighborhood Improvement Association (DNIA) Every 3rd monday of the month @ 7p.m. Musicians’ Union Hall 2401 Esplanade Ave
Lake Catherine Civic Association Every 2nd Tuesday of the month @ 7 p.m.
Faubourg St. John Neighborhood Association Every 2nd Monday @ 7p.m. 3201 Orleans Avenue
Lake Willow Neighborhood Every 2nd Saturday of the month @ 10a.m. St. Maria Goretti Church
Faubourg St. Roch Improvement Association Every 2nd Thursday of the month @ 6:00p.m. True Vine Baptist Church 2008 Marigny St
Lakeview Civic Improvement Association Dates TBA (next November 14th, January 9th) @ 9:00 am St. Dominic
French Quarter Citizens, Inc. Quarterly Meetings, time/date/ 1 annual meeting per year, time/ date/location TBA Gentilly Civic Improvement Association (GCIA) General Membership- Every 3rd Saturday of the month @ 10am Edgewater Baptist Church 5900 Paris Ave. Gentilly Heights East Neighborhood Association Every 3rd Monday of the month @ 6p.m. Dillard University Dent Hall - Room 104 Gentilly Sugar Hill Neighborhood Association Every 3rd Monday of the month @ 6:30 p.m . VOA - 2929 St. Anthony Ave. Gentilly Terrace and Gardens Improvement Association Every 2nd Wednesday of the month @ 7pm Gentilly Terrace School
Lakewood Property Owners Association Biannual meetings in April and October, date/time/location TBA
@ 10 a.m. Ashe Cultural Arts Center Palmyra Area Partners no regular meetings Paris Oaks/Bayou Vista Neighborhood Association Last Saturday of every month @ 4p.m. Third District Police Station 4650 Paris Avenue Pensiontown of Carrollton Neighborhood Association Every 1st Saturday of the month @ 2p.m. Leonidas House Community Center (under renovation) 1407 Leonidas St Temporarily housed at St. Paul AME Church 8540 Cohn St (corner of Leonidas and Cohn) Pontilly Neighborhood Association Pontilly Disaster Collaborative Every 3rd Wednesday of the month General Meeting - every 2nd Saturday of the month N.O. Baptist Theological Seminary Harding Building, 2nd floor Rosedale Subdivision 2nd Friday of Every Month Tall Timbers Owners Association Semi-annual meetings: 2nd Wednesday of October & April @ 7p.m. Board meetings: 2nd Wednesday of every other month @ 7.p.m Tunisburg Square Homeowners Civic Association, Inc. Every 2nd Monday of the month @ 6:30 p.m.
Lower Ninth Ward Neighborhood Empowerment Network Association (NENA) Every 2nd Saturday @ 12 noon NENA - 1120 Lamanche St.
Vista Park Civic and Improvement Association Every 2nd Thursday of the month @ 7p.m. Edgewater Baptist Church 5900 Paris Avenue
Melia Subdivision Every 2rd Saturday of the month @ 5 p.m. Anchoren in Christ Church 4334 Stemway Drive
West Barrington Neighborhood Association 1st Tuesday of every month @ 6 p.m. Holiday Inn Express 70219 Bullard Avenue
Mid-City Neighborhood Organization General Meeting - Every 1st Monday of the month@ 6:30 p.m. Grace Episcopal Church 3700 Canal Street Oak Park Civic Association Every 3rd or last Tuesday of the month Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard Mainstreet Every 3rd Wednesday of the month
SUBMIT YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD MEETINGS TO: THETRUMPET @NPNNOLA.COM
32
NPN’s THE TRUMPET
Want to show your business or organizations support for The Trumpet Magazine and “Community Voices Orchestrating Change?” E-mail megan@npnnola.com to find out how your logo could appear right here on our back page for the entire year! Deadline: January 1st