La Fete Newsletter February 27, 2007
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LaFete Newsletter February 27th, 2007
Good News 02/27/07
If you’d like to add events, openings etc. please email Jean LaFete at lafetenews@bellsouth.net
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Forever New Orleans
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Mardi Gras was a big success; The Road Home contractor is under fire again; Britney goes bonkers; The Democrats look to dump Blanco for Breaux; Al Gore and the Oscars; Obama and Hillary mix it up; The Anna Nicole saga continues; N.O. Criminal Justice System is a mess; Saints stars get injured in exhibition games and another LA politician goes on trial for bribery.
These topics and plenty more will be discussed Wednesday night February 28 at Le Chat Noir for another special edition of Politics with a Punch.
Our panel features an outstanding group of celebrities:
- Lawrence Chehardy, Jefferson Parish Assessor
- Bobby Hebert, Former Saints QB and WWL 870 Talk Show Host
- Charmaine Neville, New Orleans Singer, Entertainer and Personality
- Hon. Julie Quinn, Louisiana State Senator
- Eric Paulsen, Morning and Mid-Day News Anchor, WWL TV Ch. 4
- Mackie Shilstone Fitness Expert
- Mike Smith, Comedian
***What a great program we are preparing for Wednesday night! It is our second show of 2007, an extremely important year in Louisiana. There will be statewide elections, more controversy about the pace of recovery and a full discussion about the future of Louisiana. This All-Star panel will kick-off the debate in style, addressing all of these topics and much more.
Punch is held at Le Chat Noir, an awesome cabaret style theater at 715 St. Charles Avenue in New Orleans. Before and after the show, patrons are invited to mingle with our panelists and enjoy a cocktail at the beautiful bar noir, where the drink specialties are the Cosmopolitan and the Black Cat.
With so much serious discussion, it is helpful once a month to be able to poke fun at some of the hilarious, insane and unpredictable events which occur in this state.
Since 2002, along with Steve Sabludowsky of Bayoubuzz.com, I have been a part of one political tradition that has grown into quite a success story. Of course I’m referring to Politics with a Punch, which is held monthly on stage before a live audience. It is our own local version of “Politically Incorrect.” It is a fast-paced, free-wheeling, no-holds barred discussion of what is happening in our city, state and nation.
In our five years of existence, we have featured some of the top political, business, comedic, media and entertainment talent in Louisiana. I am honored to host Politics with a Punch, an event which has attracted sell-out crowds for the past year.
We are expecting another exceptional performance this Wednesday night February 28. As usual, the doors open at 7 p.m. and the event begins at 8 p.m.
The event features a fitness guru, a skilled comedian, a powerful political leader, an up and coming star in the Louisiana Senate, a legendary New Orleans entertainer, a popular quarterback and radio personality and one of the most respected news anchors on local television. It doesn’t get much better than this panel!
Tickets are usually $15.00 per person/$25.00 per couple; however, I am pleased to offer a limited number of discount tickets at the price of $10.00 per person.
If you would like to take advantage of this opportunity, please RSVP by sending me an e-mail reply. In addition, I need to know the number of people in your party as the tickets will be distributed on a first come, first serve basis.
Thanks again for your support of Politics with a Punch. Without you and other friends, we could not have such successful events each and every month.
Hope to see you Wednesday night.
Jeff Crouere jcrouere@yahoo.com
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This came from a friend to the people of New Orleans.
If we take just one or two of these, New Orleans would be a better place.
THINGS TO REMEMBER
Faith is the ability to not panic.
Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be bent out of shape.
Do the math. Count your blessings.
Silence is often misinterpreted, but never misquoted.
Laugh every day -- it's like inner jogging.
The most important things in your home are the people.
Growing old is inevitable, growing up is optional.
There is no key to happiness. The door is always open. Come on in.
A grudge is a heavy thing to carry.
He who dies with the most toys is still dead.
We do not remember days, but moments. Life moves too fast, so enjoy your precious moments.
Nothing is real to you until you experience it; otherwise it's just hearsay.
Its all right to sit on your pity pot every now and again. Just be sure to flush when you are done.
Surviving and living your life successfully requires courage. The goals and dreams you're seeking require courage and risk-taking. Learn from the turtle, it only makes progress when it sticks out it's neck.
Be more concerned with your character than your reputation. Your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.
I don't want to get to the end of my life and find that I lived just the length of it. I want to have lived the width of it as well.
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TRIBUTE TO THE CLASSICAL ARTS
2007 Classical Arts Awards Nominees Announced
Luncheon is February 27, 2007 at the Monteleone Hotel
The Big Easy Entertainment Awards' Tribute to the Classical Arts committees have announced this year's awards nominees in Classical Music, Opera and Dance. The complete list of nominees appears in the January 16, 2007 edition of Gambit Weekly.
Fifteen awards will be presented
- six in classical music and opera, five in dance.
And four special awards which are announced in advance.
This year they are:
The Lifetime Achievement Award for 2007
Prof. Faina Lushtak of Tulane's Newcomb College of Music
Classical Arts Patron Award - Betty Brooks Doss,
Board Member of the New Orleans Opera Association
Arts Education Award - New Orleans Ballet Association
Jenny Hamilton, Executive Director.
Special Recognition Award - Babs Mollere,
Managing Director of the LPO
The 2007 awards are for accomplishments in calendar year 2006 with some special exceptions for achievements in 2005 that went unacknowledged due to the cancellation of last year's event. Angela Hill of WWL TV will serve as the Master of Ceremonies this year. Awards are presented by local arts supporters and celebrities The event features live
performances by classical musicians and excerpts from modern, ethnic and ballet dance productions. Tickets are $40.00. Seating is at tables for 10. Reservations may be made by calling Gloria Powers 504-483-3129.
(limited seating)
Contact: Gloria Powers 483-3130
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Trauma center returns to New Orleans
The highly regarded trauma center that was part of the charity hospital in New Orleans until Hurricane Katrina hit is returning to the city.
Run by the LSU Medical Center of Louisiana, the trauma center had made its temporary home in Jefferson Parish in the Elmwood neighborhood. On Thursday, it opened in the recently re-opened University Hospital, also called LSU Interim Hospital, near the site of the abandoned charity hospital building, LSU officials said in a news release.
The trauma center services a five-parish region including Orleans, Jefferson, St. Bernard, Plaquemines and St. Charles parishes.
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Update From Silence is Violence Board
Just a brief update this week:
First of all, as you are all painfully aware, the killing continues in New Orleans. The tenor of the city's response to this situation continues to be unsatisfactory. It was a hopeful sign when Mayor Nagin visited the crime scene of the murder of Damon and Ivan Brooks on Kentucky Street in the Bywater just before Mardi Gras: Neighbors were grateful that he was there, the Times Picayune made a positive note of the Mayor's presence, and the newspaper covered the story admirably, reflecting the Mayor's lead in personalizing and establishing the unacceptable nature of this tragedy.
However, when five murders took place in 24 hours this week, the mayor did not respond directly. It is clear that our primary leader's tone in addressing violent crime directs the tone of the entire city and the media as well. We need to let Mayor Nagin know that his voice is needed speaking out against every tragic murder in this city, and for him to be present for neighbors and loved ones whenever that is possible. SilenceIsViolence stands by our offer of our Public Access TV program for the Mayor's use, so that he can speak to his citizens once a week specifically on the topic of violent crime. Meanwhile, if you would like to hear and see more of the Mayor when a violent crime occurs, please let him know! Call or email his office, or deliver a message by mail or in person to City Hall. Mayor Nagin's assistant's name is Pat Smith, and her phone number and email address are:
psmith@mayorofno.com
phone: 504-658-4000
His communication director's name is Ceeon Quiett; her contact information is:
cquiett@cityofno.com (not verified, as her contact info is not readily available);
phone 504-799-5246
The District Attorney's office similarly continues to lack the sense of urgency we require when it comes to violent crime. Two weeks ago, while the DA was sitting in front of the City Council and trying to explain how his office works, someone in that office was signing a refusal of murder charges against Treg Eugene, against whom the NOPD felt they had an exceptionally strong case. Once again, an indication that we are not being protected by our criminal justice system. SilenceIsViolence continues to meet with individual Assistant District Attorneys but will seek a meeting with Eddie Jordan immediately to discuss the failure to keep murderers off our streets.
We hope to write with better news next week. For now, let the Mayor know how much it meant to us to see his personal response to the Kentucky Street murders, and that we need to keep hearing from him, every day if need be, that we need to see how affected our Mayor is by every violent loss of one of his citizen's lives, that his indignance and refusal to let the criminals have the last word carries power through the fiber of our city.
Peace,
Ken, Helen, and Baty,
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2007 Classical Arts Awards Nominees Announced!
Faina Lushtak, Babs Mollere, Robert Lyall, Betty Brooks Doss to get special awards
Luncheon is February 27, 2007 at the Monteleone Hotel
The Big Easy Entertainment Awards' Tribute to the Classical Arts committees have announced this year's awards nominees in Classical Music, Opera and Dance. The complete list of nominees appears in the January 16, 2007 edition of Gambit Weekly.
Fifteen awards will be presented — six in classical music and opera, five in dance. And four special awards which are announced in advance. This year they are:
The Lifetime Achievement Award for 2007 - Prof. Faina Lushtak of Tulane’s Newcomb College of Music
Classical Arts Patron Award - Betty Brooks Doss, Board Member of the New Orleans Opera Association
Arts Education Award - New Orleans Ballet Association Jenny Hamilton, Executive Director.
Special Recognition Award - Babs Mollere, Managing Director of the LPO
Hall Piano Company comes aboard as the newest sponsor of the event which is made possible through the generous support of Gambit Weekly, Coleman E. Adler & Sons, WWNO 89.9 FM Radio and Uptown Costume & Dancewear.
The 2007 awards are for accomplishments in calendar year 2006 with some special exceptions for achievements in 2005 that went unacknowledged due to the cancellation of last year’s event. Angela Hill of WWL TV will serve as the Master of Ceremonies this year. Awards are presented by local arts supporters and celebrities The event features live performances by classical musicians and excerpts from modern, ethnic and ballet dance productions. Tickets are $40.00. Seating is at tables for 10. Major Credit Cards accepted.
Reservations may be made by calling Gloria Powers 504-483-3129. (limited seating)
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Tsunami Dance Company is opening up their company class to the New Orleans professional dance community.
Please join us on Saturday’s from 11:30-12:45 at Anne Burr’s Dance Studio
1128 Dublin St., second floor
Taught by Tsunami Dance company members, primarily Jeffery Gunshol
LEVEL: Intermiediate/ Advanced
TECHNIQUE: Exploration of how the body moves and how physicality relates to weight, momentum, strength, individuality and classical ballet lines.
COST: honorarium
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WWNO's Super Saturday at City Park
WWNO invites you to join us Saturday morning, March 3rd to help clean up New Orleans City Park. Volunteers are needed for a short work session between 9:00 a.m. and Noon. We'll be cleaning up green debris (yard work) along Harrison Avenue between Marconi Drive east bound towards Wisner. Depending upon the amount of volunteers, we may work
along Diagonal Drive and the shore line of Scout Island. The volunteer work site(s) depend upon how many are willing to join us. We'll begin to gather around 8:30 a.m. at shelter 7 on the north side of Harrison Avenue a few blocks east of Marconi Drive. If you're coming from
Wisner Blvd, go west on Harrison and through the traffic circle at Diagonal Drive then across the second bridge.
Thanks to our generous co-sponsor's, Pot-O-Gold Rentals will supply facilities, the Laurel Street Bakery will offer breakfast treats, and PJ's River Ridge offers our volunteers hot coffee to help us get the day of to a great start. Volunteers are asked to bring work gloves, a
sturdy pair of boots, bottled water or soft drinks, yard tools and spade shovels (if you have them), and be prepared to work in drizzle conditions if necessary. City Park will have plenty of tools for us to use.
City Park is a treasure that everyone can enjoy and our co-sponsors agree. Please consider joining us on March 3rd. Bring friends, family, and co-workers to help WWNO give a little something back to our community. Register by sending a note to info@wwno.org
<mailto:info@wwno.org?subject=Register to Volunteer at City Park>
with your name, contact information, company information (if you would
like) and the number of volunteers you are bringing. We hope for a
minimum of 150 pubic radio fans that are willing to make a difference.
We're looking forward to seeing you at City Park. Thanks
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Sen. David Vitter, R-Metairie, said the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has reversed an earlier decision and agreed to begin planning, engineering and designing a closure structure on the Mississippi River Gulf Outlet. Vitter has been pushing the Army Corps of Engineers to use funds already secured to starting closing MRGO.
“When I met with key officials at the Corps in January, I explained the intent of my provision to advance the closure of the MRGO. After reviews by Gen. Don Riley and the command’s top attorneys, the Corps now agrees that they will move forward on a closure structure,” said Vitter. “Today they assured me that they will reallocate the $75 million I secured to engineer and design a closure structure, wetlands protection and restoration.”
Vitter specifically added provisions in the fourth emergency supplemental appropriations bill to enable the Corps to begin work on closure structures immediately.
Vitter met with Maj. Gen. Don Riley, director of civil works; Steve Stockton, deputy director of civil works; and New Orleans District Engineer Col. Richard Wagenaar to a Corps misinterpretation of the provision. The Corps' first MRGO plan did little to solve the threat of storm surge flooding or the long-term environmental destruction caused by the channel.
“These closure structures are a critical step in protecting Louisiana residents from this hurricane highway,” said Vitter. “I appreciate Gen. Riley’s efforts to recognize the critical need for this work.”•
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Who: Ralph’s on the Park
What: NOW OPEN (7) NIGHTS FOR DINNER
When: Nightly, 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Where: 900 City Park Ave. FREE VALET PARKING.
Why: 7 nights to enjoy 3 appetizers and a glass of wine for $25
Beginning Monday, February 26th, Ralph’s on the Park will be open (7) seven nights for dinner. That’s seven nights to relax and enjoy a meal of 3 appetizers and a glass of wine for $25. Nightly, dinner hours are from 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM.
Ralph’s on the Park 3 appetizers and glass of wine special features (13) starters, soups and salads, all of which can be combined in the special offer (a nominal, published upcharge may be associated with certain menu items). The traditional a la carte dinner menu including starters, soups and salads, entrees and dinner specials will also be available.
Promotional appetizer offerings include Bacon Wrapped Gulf Shrimp, Andouille Crusted Oysters, Flash Fried Calamari, Shrimp Remoulade with Fried Green Tomato, Sesame Crusted Yellowfin Tuna, Escargot Orleans, Chef Gus’ Turtle Soup, Country Gumbo, Jumbo Lump Crabmeat Salad, City Park Salad, and more…
Featured Wines include McWilliam’s Chardonnay Hanwood Estate South South Eastern Australia 2004 and McWilliam’s Cabernet Sauvignon Hanwood Estate South Eastern Australia 2005.
Located across from the entrance to City Park, Ralph’s on the Park is open for Dinner Nightly from 5:30 – 9:30 PM, Friday Lunch 11:30am – 2pm, Sunday Brunch 11am – 2pm and available for Private Parties. FREE VALET PARKING is available. Visit www.ralphsonthepark.com for complete lunch, dinner and Sunday Brunch menus.
Call (504) 488-1000 for reservations.
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Pyramid Hotel Group will open the 220-room New Orleans Marriott Metairie at Lakeway in the spring at 3838 Causeway Blvd.
The hotel offers 33 suites, a wireless concierge level, 6,500 square feet of meeting space and a new concept restaurant run by Chef Dominique Macquet, Bistro 38 by Dominique. The hotel will be the largest full-service property in Jefferson Parish.
“Jefferson Parish has quickly rebounded over the last year and is an area ripe for growth and development, said Robert “Tico” Bevier, vice president and managing director of Pyramid Hotel Group. “By launching this hotel in the heart of Metairie’s business district, we are addressing a growing segment of business travelers who use Jefferson as their base of operations. Our location near the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway and Interstate 10 makes it easily accessible for corporate guests and meeting attendees, whether flying or driving.”
“The opening marks our continued investment in the New Orleans market,” said Larry Vitagliano, PHG senior vice president of operations.
Guest rooms feature 32-inch plasma screen televisions that can interface with laptop computers and offer a split screen to display high definition television and a computer screen simultaneously. Additional electrical outlets have been added and a connectivity panel provides multimedia usage such as PDAs, portable DVDs and IPods.
Bistro 38 by Dominique will feature classic country French cuisine in a casual bistro setting and Perks a Starbucks,
The Marriott has already begun taking reservations for meetings and it will begin accepting individual guest reservations in mid-April.•
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Spring Cleaning in St. Tammany
On Saturday, March 24th, from 9:00 AM-Noon the Sierra Club – Honey Island Chapter and the St. Tammany Parish Department of Environmental Services are co-hosting the parish’s second Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day. The drop off location will be at the parking lot of Koop Drive Administrative Offices in Covington, off LA 59. About 60 volunteers 18 years or older are needed to help make the event a success. To sign up, email Diane. 999Diane@charter.net Find out more here. http://louisiana.sierraclub.org/honeyisland/
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WHAT: Fête Française 2007 “Honoring Our Creole Heritage”
Ecole Bilingue’s Annual Celebration of French Language, Culture, Food and Fun
WHERE: 938 Calhoun Street (next to Audubon Park)
WHEN: Saturday, March 10th 11am– 6 pm
FREE TO THE PUBLIC
Showcasing amazing food by John Besh’s La Province, Herbsaint, Cochon, Galatoire’s, Café Degas, La Crepe Nanou, Uptown Cajun, Les Deux Papas Mussels & Frites, Martinique, The Savvy Gourmet, Alberta, Louisiana Pizza Kitchen, Dante’s Kitchen, St. James Cheese Company, and Sophie’s Gelato.
Impeccable drinks including beer from Abita Brewery, wine from Elio’s and Rubicon Estate , New Orleans “Cool Brew” coffee and Carvajal OJ and Popsicles.
Incredible music and entertainment featuring children’s magician Joe Harrison and Lisa (featured on Disney channel), Rebirth Brass Band, C.C. Adcock & Creole Amis and The Wild Magnolias.
And for the kids, traditional French games, Creole craft activities, including making your own ice cream, magicians, jugglers, face painting and more.
There will be T-shirts and posters designed by local artist Tim Trapolin for sale and a silent auction and raffle.
Please visit our web site for more information - www.ebnola.com.
Contact: Erika Racherbaumer, Co-Chair Fête Française 2007.
PHONE: 504-231-1347 FAX: 504-896-9610 (fax), tendervoid@sbcglobal.net
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The Neighborhood Gallery
Few people contribute to the upliftment and healing of our lives like artists. Envisioning, designing, and producing beautiful artwork and performances many times reminds us of the joys of life, our purpose, and motivates us to move or speak up for what we want.
Our community needs a business that supports our creative people and maintains a network of artists, community leaders, and investors of the arts; one that develops projects tailored just for our professional and community needs. Since the beginning, The Neighborhood Gallery has been there, as the family that nurtures and encourages the greatness in us all.
This is a COMMUNITY Arts Gallery...YOU are the Key!
With our substantial list of achievements and partnerships, and our nineteen year history; you may have the impression that our funding is secure.
Not so.
THE NEIGHBORHOOD GALLERY is actively seeking new members! Everything we do—professional development for our artists, traveling exhibitions and showcases– all happens because of your support.
If you've never joined The Neighborhood Gallery, we need you. If you've let your membership lapse, we need you. If you are one of our loyal members who renew every year, we need you and we thank you.
Please email Avery Brewton, Gallery Coordinator @ avery_brewton@yahoo.com, for membership and sponsorship opportunites!
Visit Our Website - http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=sdew78bab.0.orcbl8bab.r8unpxbab.1614&ts=S0223&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theneighborhoodgallery.com
Peace and Blessings,
Sandra Berry
The Neighborhood Gallery
email: ngallery@webdsi.com
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Get Ready for the SAT and ACT!
Free SAT and ACT Practice Tests and Strategy Sessions
Register now!
In March, Jefferson Parish's East Bank Regional Library and Westwego Library will host Princeton Review's free practice test programs that give students the opportunity to attend free events to help them begin to prepare for the SAT and ACT tests. These programs are for all high school students graduating in 2007 and 2008 and are not restricted to Jefferson Parish residents.
By taking a free, full-length practice SAT or ACT in real time, simulating the actual experience, students learn what an actual college entrance test is like and learn what taking an SAT or ACT is really like. The practice test is timed and proctored, just like the real
thing. Students get a detailed score report so they can identify their strengths and weaknesses and create an effective study plan.
Then students who have taken a practice test will be able to attend a follow-up strategy session, which their parents are welcome to attend, where they will be able to meet an expert Princeton Review instructor who will walk them through some difficult questions. Participants will learn more about the structure of the test, types of questions to expect, and proven techniques.
The practice tests and strategy sessions will be held at East Bank Regional Library,
4747 West Napoleon Ave., Metairie, and at Westwego Library, 635 Fourth St., Westwego, as follows:
SAT Practice Test:
Saturday, March 10, 9:30 AM - 1:30 PM at East Bank Regional Library
SAT Follow-Up Strategy Session:
Thursday, March 15, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM at East Bank Regional Library
ACT Practice Test:
Saturday, March 3, 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM at Westwego Library
ACT Follow-Up Strategy Session:
Thursday, March 8, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM, Westwego Library
Space is limited. Those wishing to take the local practice test are required to register in advance DIRECTLY with Princeton Review by calling 1-800-2REVIEW toll free or by registering online at www.princetonreview.com <http://www.princetonreview.com/ > . The
libraries do not handle registration.
Confirmation will be sent via email.
ADA Accessibility: Jefferson Parish Library is generally accessible to individuals with disabilities. If disability related accommodations including alternate print format and sign language interpretation are needed, please call the Information Specialist at least seven working days prior to an event by calling 838-1100.
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DANCE N STRETCH CLASS
TAUGHT BY ALICIA MORTON
Wednesdays, 7:30pm - 8:30pm
Crescent Lotus Dance Studio
3143 Calhoun Street
(Uptown, near Tulane University, two blocks lakeside of Claiborne Ave)
More Info About The Class:
Alicia Morton has more than 30 years experience teaching dance and exercise classes. She has developed the class "Dance N Stretch" as a unique combination of her fields of expertise and enabling participants to enjoy simple dance movements followed by gentle stretching and relaxation all to a diverse selection of music from around the world.
Classes are FREE, in tribute to New Orleans' vital tradition of community aid and togetherness.
Classes will be 7:30 - 8:30pm, Wednesdays, for only three more weeks,through March 7. (February 21, February 28, and March 7)
A Modern dancer by training, Alicia Morton is the founder of Aurora Dance, a dance studio in Amherst, Massachusetts. Her dance performances have been widely praised and she has been regularly profiled in Massachusetts newspapers for both her dancing and her teaching.
For more information, please call 917 346 3623.
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A benefit performance by Up With People, an international touring group of youth performing community service and multicultural, peace and unity-themed stage shows in each city they visit.
When:
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Doors open: 3 pm
Performance: 4 pm
Where:
McAlister Auditorium
Tulane University
Why:
Sponsors, including Cox Communications New Orleans and A1 Appliance, brought in Up With People to New Orleans to launch a volunteer initiative, which will include a week of community projects leading up to the benefit performance on Sunday, March 11.
Tickets:
Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for students (12 and under) and seniors (55 and older). Tickets can be purchased at all Cox Communication Service Centers:
* New Orleans – 3131 Elysian Fields Blvd.
* Westbank – 555 Lapalco Blvd.
* Harahan/Elmwood – 338 Edwards Ave.
* Destrehan/St. Charles – 4 Storehouse Lane
* St. Bernard – 7509 E. St. Bernard Hwy.
100 percent of the proceeds from the performance to benefit New Orleans area Habitat for Humanity, New Orleans City Park and Volunteers of America.
# # #
Contacts:
Kevin Abernathy; Up With People; 504-401-1686; kabernathy@upwithpeople.org
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“Rebuilding Blues & All That Jazz”
themes
Chef Soirée 2007
The Youth Service Bureau will present “Rebuilding Blues & All That Jazz” at Chef Soirée 2007 to be held on Sunday, March 18, from 5-9pm at Bogue Falaya Park in Covington. Presented by CHASE, Chef Soirée is the Northshore’s premiere fundraising gala.
Taste specialties from 85+ restaurants and beverage purveyors. Dance to music by Flite, Louisiana Spice, Ellen Rogers, and The Wagners. Follow the Kilts of Many Colours as they pipe “When the Saints Go Marching In” and lead the traditional gate opening parade. Look to the skies for exciting Air Effects, Dynamic Inflatables, Confetti Cannons, Sky-Trackers, Air Stars, Helium Light Balloons and Skyrotecnic Fireworks Lights…PLUS A GRAND FIREWORKS FINALE!
Take a chance to win a 2007 Mazda 3 generously donated by Brian Harris Autoplex in Slidell. Only 2,500 tickets will be sold at $25 each. The drawing will be held at 8:00 pm at Chef Soirée. (Winner need not be present to win.) Visit www.casacarraffle.org for more exciting prizes!
Chef Soirée 2007 will honor the unifying and healing spirit of the New Orleans Saints organization which has truly eased rebuilding blues in our community. Poster Artist Bobbie Calandro captures this year’s theme in her colorful art which depicts three chefs taking a break from rebuilding to play all that jazz.
Chef Soirée 2007 is the annual fundraising gala for the YSB. Founded by Judge John W. Greene in 1981, the mission of the Youth Service Bureau is to provide troubled or high-risk youth to choose a new direction and become responsible community members. The Youth Service Bureau also fosters quality advocacy efforts to ensure that all children in our community have safe and permanent homes.
The Youth Service Bureau has seen a dramatic increase in the need for all of our programs and services since Katrina,” says Phyllis Nowak, Vice President of Administration. “To serve these needs we must increase our revenues.” Funds from Chef Soirée are 18% of the YSB operating budget.
Sponsor and patron ticket packages are available from $360 and higher. General admission tickets are $110 per person, and are available on a limited, first-come, first-served basis. Last year’s gala was an early sell-out, and tickets may not be available at ticket outlets. Purchase tickets now! Call the Youth Service Bureau at
(985) 893-2570. Visa and MasterCard are accepted.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL
(985) 893-2570 (Office)
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JAZZ & HERITAGE FOUNDATION PARTNERS WITH GOOD WORKS NETWORK FOR ENTERPRENEURSHIP TRAINING
The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and Foundation, Inc., is partnering with the Good Work Network to provide an intensive course in entrepreneurship training for professionals in the arts.
The course, which will take place Saturday mornings from Feb. 24 through April 21, will include instruction in:
* Marketing Plans
* Market Research
* Imaging
* Pricing
* Promotions
* Business Structure
* Financial Management
* Investment and Fundraising
The cost for taking the course is $50. However, the Jazz & Heritage Foundation will reimburse that cost to the first 10 people who register for the course via the Foundation's office.
To register for the course with the Foundation, professionals in the arts and arts-related fields should call the Foundation office, (504) 558-6100.
Classes will be held at the Good Work Network office, 1824 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70113. The phone number is: (504) 309-2073.
The Good Work Network (www.goodwork.org <http://www.goodwork.org/> ) is
a nonprofit that connects small businesses with essential services and resources, such as markets, capital, business services and training.Established in 2001, the network has initiated several programs in the New Orleans region. The network provided entrepreneurship training in the former St. Thomas Housing Development. It collaborated with the University of New Orleans Small Business Development Center to open an Office of Women's Services Micro Enterprise Development. It has received funding from the Louisiana Disaster Recovery Foundation to provide technical assistance, grants and loans in New Orleans after Hurricane
Katrina. Most recently, it received funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to create 65 home-based child care facilities operated by low-income individuals.
The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation is the nonprofit organization that owns the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, proceeds from which support the foundation's various community development activities. Programs of the foundation include: radio station WWOZ 90.7-FM; the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation Archive; the Don Jamison Heritage
School of Music; the Tom Dent Congo Square Lecture Series; the Jazz Journey concert series; the Community Partnership Grants program; the Raisin' the Roof low-interest loan program for first-time home buyers; and the S.E.E.D. micro-loan program for entrepreneurs.
For more information, please call the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation at
(504) 558-6100.
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Dear Friends,
After 29 years of leadership, struggle and persistence the historic day has arrived. We are breaking ground on our new home, the New Jefferson Performing Arts Center! Please come and share this most joyous occasion for our community.
Tuesday February 27, 3 pm LaSalle Park just west of the parking lot (which you can utilize) of Zephyr Stadium on Airline Drive
Sincerely
Dennis G. Assaf
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NOCCA SUMMER PROGRAMS
Arts Instruction High school students are invited to apply for the 2007 Summer Session, held June 4-15.
Courses offered include screenwriting, playwriting, dance, jazz, chamber music, voice, acting, theater design and computer graphics. Tuition free for Louisiana students who complete the application and audition process. Applications are due March 2.
Call (800) 201-4836, download an application at www.NOCCA.com
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Sheraton New Orleans Hotel and New Orleans Museum of Art partner
New Orleans, Louisiana - The Sheraton New Orleans Hotel and the New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA) today announced that The Sheraton New Orleans Hotel has been named the Official Hotel Sponsor of Femme, Femme, Femme: Paintings of Women in French Society from Daumier to Picasso from the Museums of France, a chronology of the emerging roles of women throughout the 19th century. With this sponsorship, the hotel continues to demonstrate its dedication to reviving the arts community in New Orleans as an important economic stimulant.
Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, the parent company of The Sheraton New Orleans Hotel, is not new to New Orleans' philanthropic community. As a leading contributor to the ongoing rebuilding efforts in New Orleans and a major sponsor of the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival for the past ten years, The Sheraton New Orleans Hotel previously was the Official Hotel of NOMA blockbuster exhibitions such as Degas, Jefferson's America and Napoleon's France, and The Quest for Immortality: Treasures from Ancient Egypt.
According to Tommy Morel, CHME, Area Director of Sales and Marketing, Starwood Hotels and Resorts, "We are reaffirming our commitment to the city and supporting those integral causes that culturally connect us to the community-and connect New Orleans to the world."
As it has done with other NOMA exhibitions, The Sheraton New Orleans Hotel will support the marketing of Femme, Femme, Femme: Paintings of Women in French Society from Daumier to Picasso from the Museums of France with a compelling visual of one of the collection's cornerstone pieces, Renoir's Excursionist (1896). Sized at approximately two stories high, the image will be displayed at the Canal Street entrance of the Hotel.
E. John Bullard, executive director of NOMA, says, "Throughout the years, The Sheraton New Orleans Hotel has generously supported NOMA and the visual arts. Starwood recognizes that the arts are a vital ingredient to the economic survival of New Orleans, and that this unique exhibition, which will bring countless visitors to the City, is an economic boon, as well as gesture of French friendship, post-Katrina New Orleans will embrace."
Femme, Femme, Femme: Paintings of Women in French Society from Daumier to Picasso from the Museums of France will be on display at the New Orleans Museum of Art from March 4 - June 3, 2007. This significant art exhibition is a fulfillment of a promise made to New Orleans from the French Minister of Culture and Communication and the President/Director of the Louvre on a visit to the city just two months after Hurricane Katrina. The exhibition will showcase 83 works from the Louvre, Muse d'Orsay and 43 other museums throughout France; it is scheduled to be on exhibit ONLY in New Orleans. The collection of paintings has never before been assembled.
-------------------------------------
SHARP DONATES SOLAR SYSTEMS TO NEW ORLEANS HOMEOWNERS
Sharp Corp., a Japan-headquartered manufacturer of solar panels, is donating solar systems to select New Orleans homeowners.
Sharp worked with several local organizations and businesses, including the Holy Cross Neighborhood Association, Alliance for Affordable Energy, Williams Architects and the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources, to choose 10 local residents who will have a donated solar system installed on their house. According to the company, the solar systems will be installed on February 28 and March 1 by Sharp's dealers.
-------------------------------------
LSU groundskeeper wins Toma award
Todd Jeansonne, assistant director of facilities at LSU and the Tigers’ sports turf manager, has been given the George Toma Golden Rake Award by the Sports Turf Managers Association.
The award, given each year by the STMA for dedication and performance by an outstanding young groundskeeper, was presented to Jeansonne at the annual STMA Conference in San Antonio, Texas.
Jeansonne was recognized for his work ethic and job performance and he was especially praised for his work and leadership in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, handling the challenging assignment of preparing the Tiger Stadium field for four additional games for the New Orleans Saints during the 2005 LSU season.
Since coming to LSU, Jeansonne has managed over 55 acres of practice and competition turfgrass and manicured grounds. His most notable accomplishment is the newly renovated Tiger Stadium game field.
As assistant director of athletic facilities, Jeansonne manages the LSU Athletic Department Sports Turf program and directs the day to day operations of the athletic facilities department. He also had administrative oversight of small capital facility improvements and renovations.
---------------------------------
Tulane Offering Swimming and Lifeguard Classes
Water Safety Instructors' (WSI) Classes and Lifeguard Classes will be offered at Tulane University. Please consider taking one of these classes and volunteer for LPBF as we offer the Ashley Marie Kelly Swim Safety Program this summer. The LPBF program offers a week of free Red Cross swimming lessons to anyone over the age of 5.
DATES OF CLASSES:
WaterSafety Instructor Class: March 1-4
LifeGuard Instruction: Class II: March 29 – April 1
LifeGuard Instruction: Class III: April 12 – 15
LifeGuard Instruction: Class IV: May 24 - 27
TIMES:
Thursday, 5:00 – 10:00 pm
Friday, 5:00 – 10:00 pm
Saturday, 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
Sunday, 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
Call the Reily Center at Tulane for costs and details: 504-865-5170.
----------------------
Invitation to Change Louisiana
http://www.mitchlandrieu.com/content/mail/eblastimage.asp
http://www.volunteerlouisiana.gov/1800Vol/PublicContent.do?title=ChangingLouisiana
---------------------------------
"ChangING Louisiana" SEMinar to give citizeNs tools to make a difference
New Orleans, LA - More than 500,000 people have volunteered in the rebuilding effort along the Gulf Coast. Across Louisiana, so-called citizen activists have risen up to call for government reforms, neighborhood planning and an end to violent crime. To harness this
desire to make our state a better place to live, Lt. Governor Mitch Landrieu's office will host a series of educational seminars across the state entitled, "Changing Louisiana: Through Volunteerism and Social Entrepreneurship." This seminar is part of a statewide
initiative to promote service.
"With this initiative, we hope to act as facilitators - connecting citizens that want to make a difference in their communities with the tools they need," said Landrieu. "Today as we rebuild, we are shaping the future of Louisiana, and our cities are filled with pioneers who
want to lead the way."
The first seminar will be held at the New Orleans Convention Center on Monday, March 5, 2007 from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm. It will feature presentations from national experts, including Jeff Swartz, President and CEO of Timberland, as well as Louisianans who have launched
successful programs, including Craig Cuccia of Café Reconcile.
Landrieu said, "Café Reconcile serves great food for $8 a plate, but it also provides at-risk youth with an opportunity to get training for entry into the hospitality and restaurant industries. They took a dilapidated building in Central City, and turned it an anchor for the
neighborhood. We'll hear from Craig on how he turned his desire to improve his community into action. Our goal is to make it possible for people to get involved by volunteering or turning their ideas into action."
The seminar is free and open to the public, and reservations are required. To make a reservation, call (504) 568-3601 or log onto
www.VolunteerLouisiana.gov <http://www.volunteerlouisiana.gov/> and
click on "Changing Louisiana Seminar." The Louisiana Serve Commission
and the Lt. Govenror's Office of Social Entrepreneurship sponsor this event.
WHAT:
Educational Seminar for Citizens Who Want To Make A Difference
WHEN:
Monday, March 5th from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
WHERE:
New Orleans Convention Center, Hall E, La Nouvelle Orleans Ballroom
Contact:
Maria Mercedes Tio, 225.342.8153, mtio@crt.state.la.us
Scott Hutcheson
Executive Director
Louisiana Cultural Economy Foundation
201 St. Charles Ave., Ste. 2541
New Orleans, LA 70170
504-599-5916
------------------------------
To report littering:
Call the state's toll-free hotline, 1(888)LITRBUG.
If caught and convicted, litterers face a minimum $75 fine.
Graffiti Hotline 914-406-0077
------------------------------------------------
Emergency
911
Non-emergency
821-2222
NOLA DEA
840-1100
Sex Crimes Unit
(504) 658-5523
Crimestoppers
504-822-1111 or
Toll Free: 877-903-7867
US District Attorney for LA
Jim Letten
500 Poydras Street
Room B210
New Orleans, LA 70130
Tel: 680-3000
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Keep up the pressure:
Oliver M. Thomas, Jr. (President and Council Member At-Large)
(504) 658-1070
Fax: (504) 658-1077
OMThomas@cityofno.com
Arnie Fielkow (Vice-President and Council Member At-Large)
Phone: (504) 658-1060
Fax: (504) 658-1068
AFielkow@cityofno.com
Shelley Midura (District A)
Phone: (504) 658-1010
Fax: (504) 658-1016
SMidura@cityofno.com
Stacy S. Head (District B)
Phone: (504) 658 -1020
Fax: (504) 658-1025
SHead@cityofno.com
James Carter (District C)
Phone: (504) 658-1030
Fax: (504) 658-1037
JCarter@cityofno.com
Cynthia Hedge-Morrell (District D)
Phone: (504) 658-1040
Fax: (504) 658-1048
CHMorrell@cityofno.com
Cynthia Willard-Lewis (District E)
Phone: (504) 658-1050
Fax: (504) 658-1058
CWLewis@cityofno.com
www.silenceisviolence.org
---------------------------------------
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