Friday, September 12, 2008
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Marilyn Update - Sept 9
Marilyn called today. She and Estelle got back from Mississippi Friday;
the house is ok, some tree limbs are scattered, but there's no other
damage. The electricity is on, the air conditioner is working - it
seems that it's always hotter after a hurricane.
the house is ok, some tree limbs are scattered, but there's no other
damage. The electricity is on, the air conditioner is working - it
seems that it's always hotter after a hurricane.
South Plaquemines got hit pretty hard, a levee broke and there's a lot
of flooding in the Myrtle Grove area. Buddy's been working cutting up
and removing fallen tree limbs at the Church of Christ. Belle Chasse
came through the storm with 'minor' damage, mostly from the wind. It's
returning to normal, and watching Ike.
Marilyn says hello and thank you to all for your thoughts and prayers.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Baton Rouge Update - 9/5
One week after Hurricane Gustav and my apartment is still without power. Traffic
signals are still down all over Baton Rouge and a curfew is in effect from 10pm
to 6am. Classes start up again tomorrow morning with the teachers being told to
"be sensitive" to the circumstances some students might be dealing with. Luckily
I'm able to stay at jason's parents vacation home with my roomates until power
is restored to our place. The basketball arena is still being used as a hospital
for evacuees and the game on Saturday is expected to move to New Orleans even
though the dome holds a lot less than Tiger Stadium. There are still many trees
down all over but the show must go on as they say.
signals are still down all over Baton Rouge and a curfew is in effect from 10pm
to 6am. Classes start up again tomorrow morning with the teachers being told to
"be sensitive" to the circumstances some students might be dealing with. Luckily
I'm able to stay at jason's parents vacation home with my roomates until power
is restored to our place. The basketball arena is still being used as a hospital
for evacuees and the game on Saturday is expected to move to New Orleans even
though the dome holds a lot less than Tiger Stadium. There are still many trees
down all over but the show must go on as they say.
Here's hoping Ike stays away!! And that my next update will say something about
having power again!
Love
Katie Kalota
St Bernard Update - 9/8
Talked to Charles' daughter –Arianna last night. She said that Charles
and Pam went back to work today at Chalmette and LSU started classes up
today as well. She said they had power to some of the area. Praying for
Ike to miss them at the end of the week.
and Pam went back to work today at Chalmette and LSU started classes up
today as well. She said they had power to some of the area. Praying for
Ike to miss them at the end of the week.
from Mark Miller
FEMA Assistance
from Alberta Lewis:
FEMA is accepting applications for assistance with evacuation costs. To
apply, go to
http://www.fema.gov/assistance/index.shtm
She said that someone who applied has already heard from FEMA by phone,
so this might be a live one.
Please spread the word.
Sept 8
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Pianos Make their way to St Bernards!
OSC has expended considerable effort to get the pianos to the Louisiana area where schools and community buildings will be getting them. This is a part of our rebuilding efforts and are proud to show you these photos of the volunteers who helped make this possible.
Gustav Update - 9/6
our sincerest thanks for your prayers...
we had few evidences of the hurricane...water got in one window and a
neighbor's roof was all over our yard...the hardest part was having no
electricity for 4 days....the kids and i slept at our house for 2 nights
with windows open and the sweat pouring...it was like the old days at my
grandmother's...they played in the driveway, painted, played ball and
read books...i loved having NO tv!
hope you all are well...stay in touch!
love you all,
polly, sophie & alex (Boudreaux)
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Rusty Update
Just a note to let you know that we sustained minimal damage to property from Gustav. I'm not aware of any local resident injuries or fatalities. Residents that evacuated are slowly returning to the area. Rhonda and I returned Wednesday night to total darkness. Power was out and was not restored until Friday afternoon. Over 244,000 residents throughout the state are still without power. Maria's house did not sustain any damage and we will begin work as soon as we can. Seenie's home does not appear to be damaged. Thanks to all our Operations Southern Comfort friends for your unwavering prayers and support. Please forward this note to all our OSC friends.
Sincerely,
Rusty & Rhonda Serpas
Sept 5
Friday, September 5, 2008
Baton Rouge Update
from my niece katie kalota in baton rouge 9-5-08:
"Just writing to let everybody know whats going on since the storm.
Baton Rouge sustained a lot of damage. trees and power lines are down
everywhere. Some streets will be closed off fo a while until huge trees
can be moved. The radio has told people to stay off of the roads because
of the power outage, but no one has listened. All intersections are
being treated as 4-way stops, but it's difficult when you're at an
intersection where two six-lane roads intersect. Gas pumps were turned
on yesterday and the lines started a half a mile from the gas station
out on the roads. After two days of limited power through a generator,
and after receiving the news that campus would be closed until Monday, I
decided it was time to get out of there! My roommate Janine and I took
the pups, Max and Ellie Sue, and we drove up to Shreveport to stay with
Jason's parents. i got in last night and i'm planning to stay until
Sunday morning. I'm not sure if the children's choir I direct on Sundays
will still take place or not. The rumor is that power won't be restored
for another 4 weeks. I would believe it after seeing all of the power
lines down all over the city. It's going to take them a long time to put
all of those poles back up. On our way out we saw a long line of Entergy
trucks on their way into the city, so that was promising. The radio is
comparing this storm to hurricane Andrew in '92, however after the 2nd
day of no power after Andrew, 67% of Baton Rouge had power restored and
the 2nd day of no power after Gustav, NO power has been restored."
Norm Andrzejewski
--
Norm Andrzejewski
Operation Southern Comfort
nandrzej@twcny.rr.com
315-559-9413
Life is in Session - R U Present?
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Thursday, September 4, 2008
St Bernard's Parish Responds - PS Editorial 9-2-08
Operation Comfort
Local group builds homes and hope for Katrina victims
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
By Charles R. Cassar
St. Bernard Parish Public Schools
As the third anniversary of Hurricane Katrina's landfall on the Louisiana coast passes, I feel compelled to share our story. As you may know, the devastation of our St. Bernard Parish community was overwhelming.
Every business, school, house of worship and government building was flooded and rendered unusable. In a community of 68,000 people, only five homes remained unflooded.
When I returned after the storm, the entire picture looked hopeless. There was not a green leaf on a single tree nor a blade of green grass to be found.
Every person I knew in our community had lost all their possessions; my father's house was lifted and carried off its foundation; my own house had sustained 9 feet of flood water; the school infrastructure was destroyed; my children could not return to their schools; and our jobs were non-existent. My life as it existed seemed over.
In this disaster, hope arrived from amazing places. Caring people throughout the nation began sending gifts and supplies to help sustain life in St. Bernard Parish.
For our community, the tide visibly began to turn when, against all odds, the school district, under the direction of Superintendent Doris Voitier, reopened a school on Nov. 14, 2005, a school quartered in a series of trailers and tents that welcomed 340 students in grades pre-K through 12. This was the start of community restoration.
In early 2006, Central New York's Operation Southern Comfort learned of our plight. The members of this group have organized volunteers from schools, community organizations and various churches.
They have joined together and given of their time and finances. To date, the group has sent over 750 volunteer workers to St. Bernard in 13 trips. While here, they have gutted homes, repaired residences and built two entire houses from the ground up, an astounding feat for members of a community 1,400 miles away.
In continuation of Operation Southern Comfort's commitment to the restoration of the community and school system, on the third anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, Operation Southern Comfort will be donating and delivering 14 pianos to St. Bernard Parish, a gift valued at $20,000.
All of the efforts and donations of Operation Southern Comfort are marvelous and appreciated. Even more significant than any of the sheetrock hung or electrical wiring run are the relationships that have been forged between those who have come to help and those whose lives have been touched by their efforts.
Through the continued efforts of Operation Southern Comfort, many of us in St. Bernard regard Syracuse as a place swiftly becoming a sister city. From my perspective, the greatest gift to our community has been the broadening of our students through the opportunity to connect and "hang out" with Central New York high school students.
Students from many schools in Central New York have visited Chalmette High School, and students from Chalmette High have traveled to Syracuse to assist with Operation Southern Comfort's annual fundraising efforts. Our students are again looking forward to visiting their friends this year when they return to perform at the second annual Mardi Gras event on Nov. 8 at the Museum of Science and Technology.
Now more than ever, it is so important that our students are able to see and connect with the world beyond the devastation of our community so that they can imagine a brighter future for the place we call home. This too has been made a possibility through the visionary efforts of organizations like Operation Southern Comfort, St. Bernard Parish businesses and the Joseph and Arlene Meraux Charitable Foundation.
These experiences have helped me to realize that the people of Operation Southern Comfort are not only in the business of rebuilding houses but rebuilding lives, and for this, we are changed for the better.
Charles R. Cassar is coordinator of cultural arts for St. Bernard Parish Public Schools in Arabi, La.
Local group builds homes and hope for Katrina victims
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
By Charles R. Cassar
St. Bernard Parish Public Schools
As the third anniversary of Hurricane Katrina's landfall on the Louisiana coast passes, I feel compelled to share our story. As you may know, the devastation of our St. Bernard Parish community was overwhelming.
Every business, school, house of worship and government building was flooded and rendered unusable. In a community of 68,000 people, only five homes remained unflooded.
When I returned after the storm, the entire picture looked hopeless. There was not a green leaf on a single tree nor a blade of green grass to be found.
Every person I knew in our community had lost all their possessions; my father's house was lifted and carried off its foundation; my own house had sustained 9 feet of flood water; the school infrastructure was destroyed; my children could not return to their schools; and our jobs were non-existent. My life as it existed seemed over.
In this disaster, hope arrived from amazing places. Caring people throughout the nation began sending gifts and supplies to help sustain life in St. Bernard Parish.
For our community, the tide visibly began to turn when, against all odds, the school district, under the direction of Superintendent Doris Voitier, reopened a school on Nov. 14, 2005, a school quartered in a series of trailers and tents that welcomed 340 students in grades pre-K through 12. This was the start of community restoration.
In early 2006, Central New York's Operation Southern Comfort learned of our plight. The members of this group have organized volunteers from schools, community organizations and various churches.
They have joined together and given of their time and finances. To date, the group has sent over 750 volunteer workers to St. Bernard in 13 trips. While here, they have gutted homes, repaired residences and built two entire houses from the ground up, an astounding feat for members of a community 1,400 miles away.
In continuation of Operation Southern Comfort's commitment to the restoration of the community and school system, on the third anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, Operation Southern Comfort will be donating and delivering 14 pianos to St. Bernard Parish, a gift valued at $20,000.
All of the efforts and donations of Operation Southern Comfort are marvelous and appreciated. Even more significant than any of the sheetrock hung or electrical wiring run are the relationships that have been forged between those who have come to help and those whose lives have been touched by their efforts.
Through the continued efforts of Operation Southern Comfort, many of us in St. Bernard regard Syracuse as a place swiftly becoming a sister city. From my perspective, the greatest gift to our community has been the broadening of our students through the opportunity to connect and "hang out" with Central New York high school students.
Students from many schools in Central New York have visited Chalmette High School, and students from Chalmette High have traveled to Syracuse to assist with Operation Southern Comfort's annual fundraising efforts. Our students are again looking forward to visiting their friends this year when they return to perform at the second annual Mardi Gras event on Nov. 8 at the Museum of Science and Technology.
Now more than ever, it is so important that our students are able to see and connect with the world beyond the devastation of our community so that they can imagine a brighter future for the place we call home. This too has been made a possibility through the visionary efforts of organizations like Operation Southern Comfort, St. Bernard Parish businesses and the Joseph and Arlene Meraux Charitable Foundation.
These experiences have helped me to realize that the people of Operation Southern Comfort are not only in the business of rebuilding houses but rebuilding lives, and for this, we are changed for the better.
Charles R. Cassar is coordinator of cultural arts for St. Bernard Parish Public Schools in Arabi, La.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Original Storm Watch for Gustov Posted 9-3-08
UPDATES to these blog entries to follow independently or as comments below. Thank you for your patience, caring and understanding.
Monday, September 1, 2008Keeping Track of OSC's Friends during the Storm !
Scroll Down for updates as they arrive and are posted!!OSC Communication Tree
*Joyce - Christie/Cisco Gonzales; Maria/Ricky Hernandez; Red Cross
*Mike D - Rusty/Rhonda Serpas; Hugh Craft
*Debby - Jerry/Carolyn McDonald
*Donna - Alberta Lewis; Polly Boudreaux
*Shelly - Dr. Warner; Barbara Manuel; Josh Punch; the Meiers
*Norm - Daryl Gonzales; Charles Cassar; Marilyn Paisley; Donlene Butler The Plan
*we're gonna share information; provide moral support and ask what's needed as the storm progresses, and especially afterward.
*let's pray*
we may want to send some people or stuff down in September, surely in October.
*we may wish to go elsewhere if we're needed - but, our first concerns are our family members in St. Bernard.
*we need to keep in mind the most vulnerableUpdates:
Last Update 2008-09-01 22:36:38
Barbara Manuel - Stayed in Baton Rouge...9/1 1130 Christy and family - mom /dad/sister Lisa and cousin Larry going to Butler, LA. son Corey will depart with girlfriend and her family last word. 8/30 Carolyn and Jerry are in Baton Rouge with one daughter....other daughter Amy (nurse) worked but will join them tonight 8/30Marilyn headed to Miss and Darlene on Alaskan cruise and secured the house before leaving...Norm to follow up....8/30
Alberta Lewis - staying in Abita Springs - "we have bouyed her sprits with our concerns and friendship" "we are a great blessing to her"
Maria and Family.....Maria, her mom and son settled into a motel in Bristol VA - Rick to arrive later other son evacuated also 8/31 Ricky made it back to their house and it is OK!! They are ecstatic!!! Concern over the status of Miss Seenie Surpass - let us know when you find out....8/31
The pianos were delivered this pasty week -14 of them and 3 organs with supplies thanks to Shelly Bob Albright and Dave Rice who droive to St Bernard Middle School.....8/31
Polly from St. B is leaving for Baton Rouge...children Sophie and Alex already evac8/31
Update 9/1 - Sophie called at 1800 from Alexander, LA - minimal flooding today no damage to home.....reiterated comments about how thankful they were for people of Syracuse and OSC for concerns and prayers.....TT Polly’s daughter, Sophie around 7pm tonight and they just had arrived at the government building in St. Bernard Parish. Sophie said they were going to get something to eat at the government building with Parish’s president -Craig P. Taffaro Jr. They were going to go to the house after dinner. She said that the Parish didn’t have any flood water but many power lines were still down along with many trees. The power was off in much of the area. They were glad to be back in the Parish to say the least. Sophie said that in Mannsville near Alexander,La. They had much more flooding and wind damage. I was not able to reach Charles tonight but he said he was hoping to get into St. Bernard on Wednesday. c/o Mark Miller 2008-09-03 13:05:592008-09-01 22:27:00
Charles Cassar heading for Austin Texas - father, wife and two daughters all together -
staying with Pams sister - Arrived ok - updated - Charles believes most of danger has passed - landlines out but cell contact possible - asked Charles to keep in contact with Alberta Lewis 9/1 1445
No shelter at Chalmette School - Curfew in effect
St Bernard Fire/Rescue leaving area save 10 remaining behind - returning after storm...8/31
Mary Mullins is in Miss with daughters....waiting for Sabrina to arrive....she had car problems enroute and no one has heard from her since.... 8/31
Pam and Keith Meyers going to Miss w/Shannon and David & dogs...no phone service but will call when everything passes.....8/30
Josh Punch will be staying with the firestation....update...most firemen are at Pontchatula in schools or fire stations ready to return in shifts...his roof doesn't leak either! 9/1 1300
Apparently the would be looters prefer not to be rounded up and sent to Angola Prison...so they are leaving - this time the government is prepared and ready to act.....the exodus of these folks by the Time Picayune News has been likened to roaches after a spraying... 8/31
Exodus of 2 million people looked like scene from Independence Day.....c/o Mark Miller
Monday, September 1, 2008Keeping Track of OSC's Friends during the Storm !
Scroll Down for updates as they arrive and are posted!!OSC Communication Tree
*Joyce - Christie/Cisco Gonzales; Maria/Ricky Hernandez; Red Cross
*Mike D - Rusty/Rhonda Serpas; Hugh Craft
*Debby - Jerry/Carolyn McDonald
*Donna - Alberta Lewis; Polly Boudreaux
*Shelly - Dr. Warner; Barbara Manuel; Josh Punch; the Meiers
*Norm - Daryl Gonzales; Charles Cassar; Marilyn Paisley; Donlene Butler The Plan
*we're gonna share information; provide moral support and ask what's needed as the storm progresses, and especially afterward.
*let's pray*
we may want to send some people or stuff down in September, surely in October.
*we may wish to go elsewhere if we're needed - but, our first concerns are our family members in St. Bernard.
*we need to keep in mind the most vulnerableUpdates:
Last Update 2008-09-01 22:36:38
Barbara Manuel - Stayed in Baton Rouge...9/1 1130 Christy and family - mom /dad/sister Lisa and cousin Larry going to Butler, LA. son Corey will depart with girlfriend and her family last word. 8/30 Carolyn and Jerry are in Baton Rouge with one daughter....other daughter Amy (nurse) worked but will join them tonight 8/30Marilyn headed to Miss and Darlene on Alaskan cruise and secured the house before leaving...Norm to follow up....8/30
Alberta Lewis - staying in Abita Springs - "we have bouyed her sprits with our concerns and friendship" "we are a great blessing to her"
Maria and Family.....Maria, her mom and son settled into a motel in Bristol VA - Rick to arrive later other son evacuated also 8/31 Ricky made it back to their house and it is OK!! They are ecstatic!!! Concern over the status of Miss Seenie Surpass - let us know when you find out....8/31
The pianos were delivered this pasty week -14 of them and 3 organs with supplies thanks to Shelly Bob Albright and Dave Rice who droive to St Bernard Middle School.....8/31
Polly from St. B is leaving for Baton Rouge...children Sophie and Alex already evac8/31
Update 9/1 - Sophie called at 1800 from Alexander, LA - minimal flooding today no damage to home.....reiterated comments about how thankful they were for people of Syracuse and OSC for concerns and prayers.....TT Polly’s daughter, Sophie around 7pm tonight and they just had arrived at the government building in St. Bernard Parish. Sophie said they were going to get something to eat at the government building with Parish’s president -Craig P. Taffaro Jr. They were going to go to the house after dinner. She said that the Parish didn’t have any flood water but many power lines were still down along with many trees. The power was off in much of the area. They were glad to be back in the Parish to say the least. Sophie said that in Mannsville near Alexander,La. They had much more flooding and wind damage. I was not able to reach Charles tonight but he said he was hoping to get into St. Bernard on Wednesday. c/o Mark Miller 2008-09-03 13:05:592008-09-01 22:27:00
Charles Cassar heading for Austin Texas - father, wife and two daughters all together -
staying with Pams sister - Arrived ok - updated - Charles believes most of danger has passed - landlines out but cell contact possible - asked Charles to keep in contact with Alberta Lewis 9/1 1445
No shelter at Chalmette School - Curfew in effect
St Bernard Fire/Rescue leaving area save 10 remaining behind - returning after storm...8/31
Mary Mullins is in Miss with daughters....waiting for Sabrina to arrive....she had car problems enroute and no one has heard from her since.... 8/31
Pam and Keith Meyers going to Miss w/Shannon and David & dogs...no phone service but will call when everything passes.....8/30
Josh Punch will be staying with the firestation....update...most firemen are at Pontchatula in schools or fire stations ready to return in shifts...his roof doesn't leak either! 9/1 1300
Apparently the would be looters prefer not to be rounded up and sent to Angola Prison...so they are leaving - this time the government is prepared and ready to act.....the exodus of these folks by the Time Picayune News has been likened to roaches after a spraying... 8/31
Exodus of 2 million people looked like scene from Independence Day.....c/o Mark Miller
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