Books On Hurricane Recovery
As I have time, I'll be posting more links to books regarding the rebuilding of Pearlington, Waveland, Bay St Louis, Kiln and the rest Hancock County. If you know of any, please let me know.
I've long held I wouldn't advertise anything that was a for-profit endeavor, but I think at this point, they need to be shown in an effort to prove rebuilding has yet to be complete.
The first is Pat Holt's
Rebuilding Pearlington. She's a lady from basically all over the nation, having served in the military and after retiring, took up photography. I wish her memoir included many more of her photographs, but perhaps she is working on a separate book for those.
I do have a few others, which will be posted in the appropriate blog, and then all will be collected on the
KatrinaNetworking blogLabels: bay st louis, books, hancock county, hurricane, katrina, kiln, pearlington, waveland
To Contact - fill out formTo Purchase From Barnes and NobleIn the spring of 2006 Growing Field Books began donating books to a single elementary school in Colorado. Inside each book students were invited to write a pen pal letter to an elementary student in Mississippi. Today the project has grown to over $20,000 in donated books, includes dozens of schools, classrooms and grade levels from Colorado to California, includes thousands of students and has generated thousands of letters written between children.
Today, these heartwarming letters of hope, encouragement and friendship are being offered to you in the soon to be released book “Letters From Katrina.” 100% of the proceeds from this project will be donated to create the Katrina Endowment and will generate a lifetime of scholarship opportunities for every child in Hancock County.
Buy your copy of Letters From Katrina today and be inspired by the hearts and minds of our youngest and greatest generation.
Each letter reminds us all that we can truly change the world when we learn to ask not about gender, race, religion or socio-economic status- but instead ask one another the magical question that will truly change the world…”Would you be my friend?”
Letters From Katrina is not about looking back in fear or focusing on destruction. It is about hope, about inspiration and friendship and about the example set by the children of our country.
Make a difference today! Purchase your copy of Letters From Katrina and help every child in Mississippi understand that while the storm may have been able to wash away much of their past…it cannot touch their future!!!!
The Katrina Endowment was created for the children of South Mississippi who were directly affected by Hurricane Katrina. It is intended to
provide graduates of Hancock and Harrison County schools with the opportunity to attend post-secondary education with up to 100% tuition scholarship. You can review the Katrina Endowment program details by opening this
documentYou can also donate directly to the Katrina Endowment below. Please know that 100% of all donations go directly to the Endowment.The Endowment’s Tax ID is 37-1514239.If you prefer, you may send a check made out to:
Community Foundation of Northern Colorado
Please include on the memo line: The Katrina Endowment
Community Foundation of Northern Colorado
4745 Wheaton Drive, Suite 100
Fort Collins, CO 80525
Thank you so much for taking the time to write and inform me of your remarkable project, Letters from Katrina. This book sounds like an amazing collection of compassionate stories and a true testament of the human spirit. And it’s wonderful that the proceeds will directly benefit the children of Hancock County, Mississippi – you should be so proud of your dedicated efforts to make a difference.
Again, thank you for thinking of me and I wish you much success on the release of the book.Best,
Maria Shriver
First Lady of California
Mark Hoog’s book YOUR SONG was an incredible gift to the children of South Mississippi but the letters of love and encouragement inside made them real treasures. When Mark came to present the books he brought his wife and children and a dear friend/photographer Kim Lemaire and her children to share the gift.
Mark and Kim don’t just talk about friendship and hope; they have embedded themselves into our lives and our community. They have taken our stories to their own communities in Colorado and California and far beyond and from that this beautiful project LETTERS FROM KATRINA was born. What an amazing gift of hope and future to our children.
Thank you to our angels of hope and friendship.
Dian “De” Ross
Brain Food Literacy Founder
Gulf Coast First Book Volunteer
I fell in love with the book at first glance! The pictures, the letters, the tidbits of information touch on so many memories we all share from those days after the storm. Kids are so resilient and can frame our emotions in just a few actions or words. This book does an excellent job of capturing post-storm feelings. Job well done!Kim Stasny, Ph. D.
Superintendent
Bay St. Louis – Waveland School District
I'd like to personally thank you and the rest of your group for taking such an interest and making such a difference in the lives of these kids. Many individuals and groups have offered and given assistance in the aftermath of Katrina, but few have given long-term assistance as you have. Thanks again and God bless you for the important work you are undertaking.
Myron Labat, Sr.
Principal, Second Street Elementary
Upcoming Events:
January 15th. Loveland, ColoradoMark will be speaking at Monroe Elementary in Loveland, Colorado. All day plus parent night at 7:00 PM. []
February 21-23. San Diego, CaliforniaMark will be speaking with Olympic Gold Medalist Mike Eruzione at the Digital Solutions Cooperative Conference (DScoop) []
Labels: books, Children, donate, hancock county, hurricane, katrina
Blog Index
Items in Red are NEWItems in Green are UPDATEDWriting in Purple is my additionOther Sites Related to Hancock County Relief
Katrina Networking Site Pearlington Waveland BayStLouis Gulf Coast Artist Relief Gulf Coast Emergency Services Relief Real People Relief Volunteer Information
For Agencies and OrganizationsKatrina's AngelsFor Non-Profits and MunicipalitiesAssistance For SchoolsGrants for Non-ProfitsGrants For CommunitiesCitizen Action TeamCommunity Gardens EffortCity Action PartnershipGulf Coast Civic Works Project - please supportMS United Methodist Disaster ResponseUMCOR ResponseSafety Guidelines For VolunteersFor IndividualsResource Pages -Grandfamily/Single Parent ResourcesFamily ResourcesMedical ResourcesLA Family ResourcesEducation AssistanceBusinessesMortgage ResourcesFurniture and MoreHome/Utility ElderlyResources for Children/ChildcareDisabledGrants for Individuals - does not include homeowner or repair grantsDentalArticles, etc.Article Index Pictures and Videos Collected Blogs To Follow FEMA Information Children's InformationHelping Expectant MothersBoys and Girls ClubsCounty Information6/27 East Hancock Volunteer Fire Department Long Term Recovery Organization 6/5 - updated with lumber informationHancock County Arts Hancock County Event CalendarRadio Station (2/16 Article )
Green Spaces LandscapedWest Hancock Fire and RescueHope Haven Childrens ShelterSupport The Shelter - Buy an Afghan Friends of The Animal Shelters Hancock County Families in the Real People Relief Blog Emergency Operating Center Food Pantry Updated Library System InformationOrganizations Working For The CountyCC Here HopeVolunteer Index Of Many Organizations Working in Hancock County Calvary ChapelCharity in ActionCamp VictorManna MinistriesDisaster Corp MDA Office Opening in Hancock CountyPowerhouse of Deliverance ChurchKenTennGulf Coast Recovery Corp in KilnMedical Center AssistanceSheds of Hope - Through Lagniappe PresbyteryGovernors Commission Housing Center
Helping Without Going Down Labels: agencies, articles, bay st louis, disaster, donate, hancock county, index, katrina, pearlington, recovery, relief, volunteer, waveland
Auto Break Ins On Rise
Car burglars hit Hancock County
Many residents still leaving autos unlocked, police sayBy J.R. WELSH
baybureau@aol.com
HANCOCK COUNTY --
Law enforcement agencies countywide are investigating a rash of auto burglaries in which thieves are stealing cash, guns, cameras, jewelry and other valuables from vehicles that often have been left unlocked.
The burglars are indiscriminate about jurisdictional lines. Thefts have occurred in Waveland and Bay St. Louis, and an especially large number of cases has been reported in unincorporated Diamondhead.
"We've had 35 cases in Diamondhead in the last two weeks," Kenny Hurt, chief investigator for the Hancock County Sheriff's Department, said Monday. He said that 11 suspects - all under the age of 16 - have thus far been arrested, but burglaries continue.
In one Diamondhead case, thieves removed a digital camera from a car, took pornographic photos of themselves, then put the camera back in the car, Hurt said.
"There has been a rash of car burglaries all over the county and both cities," said Waveland Police Chief James Varnell. He said Waveland had seven car burglary reports recently, with five occurring in the past week.
In one Waveland case, he said, a man went outside about 1:35 a.m. after hearing his car's burglar alarm go off at his Sharon Street home. Thieves had smashed a rear window to enter the car and the owner found a front door standing open.
The burglars stole two guns - a two-shot Derringer and a .40-caliber Glock handgun - as well as $15,300 in cash. The burglars also stole a 14-carat gold bracelet with tiger stones from the same car, Varnell said.
Since Mississippi law treats someone's car as an extension of the home, it is not illegal for citizens to have guns in their cars.
The thefts are not being limited to auto contents, however. In another case, a Bay St. Louis resident reported seeing a four-wheeler being stolen from his house off Main Street. The man went outside just in time to see the four-wheeler being loaded into a white van with a ramp and being driven away.
Interim Bay St. Louis Police Chief Tom Burleson could not be reached for comment Monday.
In a Waveland neighborhood off Beach Boulevard, at least two other thefts occurred. One resident reported seeing a red pickup leave the area immediately after a car burglary.
Diamondhead resident Katie Breath, another burglary victim, said a purse containing identification, cash and a digital camera was stolen from her car after the lock had apparently been jimmied open. When she called Diamondhead security, she said, "They told me I was the seventh car burglary call that day."
Breath said such cases seem almost epidemic. "Every time I talk to someone, they have a similar story," she said Monday. "I talked with three others just last weekend."
Police are warning people to park their vehicles as close to their homes as possible in well-lighted spaces, and to make certain their cars are locked.
"They have been taking anything and everything," Hurt said. "And in 99 percent of all these burglaries, the vehicles were left unlocked."
Varnell also recommends that residents be watchful. "If you spot suspicious cars or persons in your neighborhood, call 911 immediately," he said.
Labels: Article, hancock county, katrina, ms, recovery, relief
Race To The Cape Where the Oak Tree Should Stand.Gulfport to Biloxi Yacht Race, Mississippi. 6/10/07
Kathleen Johnson
A thirty nine year tradition in these parts. Nine entries last year and thirteen this year. Despite the storm - progress. Although the finish port is not the same - this yacht club was close enough to Biloxi to be the "Cape".
It has been many a year since I was out racing - I am still a fish out of water in this game. I was a young teenager, in Western Australia, just out of high school when I started racing at home. Thought I knew it all then. Even a couple of rescues by the river police didn't daunt my
enthusiasm. At that time I was also racing Olympic kayaks and was in tip top shape. And here I am at 56 racing again - as a Volitourist.
As a region, the Gulf Coast is coming back from Katrina. I find myself not talking about the hardships down here - probably because I do not want to hear it again as it was painful enough the first, second, and third time. To relieve the pain they relay their hardship to recovery
over and over. And we listen trying to formulate a unique plan to their unique situation – not a socialized solution in a one size fits alls FEMA platform.
It's not all yacht clubs and limousines either (yes there was a limousine outside the yacht club picking up a patron from the race who didn't want to motor back the few miles to Gulfport). On the trip back from Biloxi to Gulfport on 90 - it's not hard to see the devastation as it's all gone excepting a couple of new Waffle Houses. They themselves are an enigma between the new grand land based casino at each end of the highway between Biloxi and Gulfport - both
business entities serve entirely two sets of demographics.
For me - it is an afternoon to escape from the misery I see and hear everyday in this recovery. It's not about recovery - but deferred maintenance on poverty. A far cry from the lifestyle out on the high seas on a sunny summer afternoon going from yacht club to yacht club.
This is not the chocolate city of New Orleans - not even close. In fact - I do not see any of my clients here sipping wine on the leeward side of the yacht club in the shade. What a shame that is - I miss their wonderful down to earth sense of humor and good manners. This is a far
different world than the world I work in every day - and that other world is just around the corner from here over the hill back a few miles from the sea. There they are just as proud, just as strong, just as determined to recover. It is just a different world with a different set
of tools to recover with. Not a lot of money - just resilience.
For an afternoon - the locals here on the beach relive their recent past as it was, as it will be again with hard work and perseverance. The new palms and newly planted oaks on 90 stand testament to optimism.
There will be recovery Gulf wide. Like in the classic novel, "Animal Farm", some will be more equal in the process than others. We still have far to go in this quest for equity. No one is planting new oak trees or palm trees in the Middletown of Waveland, Ms - even the local Martin Luther King Park has yet to acquire either. But the locals only talk about shortfalls in hushed whispers amongst themselves or are in denial that it is an issue at all - that way the problem will go away and all will be well in the world. Still there is a space where the Oak tree should stand.
Picture Slide ShowLabels: hancock county, katrina, Long Term Volunteer, update
Feb/07 The Mississippi State University Early Childhood Institute has completed installation of new fixed equipment for playgrounds at 43 child care facilities in the Hurricane Katrina region of Mississippi, thanks to federal funds allocated by the Office for Children and Youth of the Mississippi Department of Human Services. The funds are from the federal Social Services Block Grant (SSBG) to the State of Mississippi.
The institute will provide fixed equipment or outdoor play materials to a total of 137 child care facilities in 15 counties and 29 communities. The facilities have a maximum capacity of 8796 children. (See table.)
Facilities that lost entire playgrounds to the hurricane received new fixed playground equipment as well as outdoor learning materials such as easels, sandboxes, and puppet theaters. Facilities that had partial damages will receive the outdoor learning materials. The fixed equipment meets Mississippi Department of Health licensure standards for equipment.
Connie Clay of the MSU Early Childhood Institute is director of the institute’s Rebuilding After Katrina Initiative. Johnson, Bailey, Henderson, McNeel PA of Jackson, Miss., designed the installations of fixed equipment and Kenneth R. Thompson, Jr., Builder, Inc., of Greenwood, Miss., was the general contractor for the project. Both firms were low bidders in competitive bidding.
The Mississippi State University Extension Service also is helping child care providers in the Katrina region to resume offering safe, developmentally appropriate outdoor play opportunities to young children. The Nurturing Homes Initiative of the MSU Extension Service is providing technical assistance to license-exempt child care providers who care for children in their homes. The Extension Service received a separate contract from the Office for Children and Youth of the Mississippi Department of Human Services to assist family child care providers.
http://earlychildhood.msstate.edu/news/images/playground-table.pdfThis shows that Hancock County has only 4 registered child care facilities with a total capacity of 200 children.
In March, this was increased by 1 and 100 respectively with the opening of the facility by Bucks Mont Katrina Project.
Labels: Article, Children, hancock county, katrina, ms
Diamond Kids Project
This project is being headed up by a gentleman not living in Hancock County, but obviously someone who cares a great deal about what happens there. I made contact with him through the Mommy 101 project, currently taking place in Waveland.
The following are excerpts from our email conversation. If you wish to assist, please email or phone him. Note - the website for his business does not have information re: this project...
I have had some serious conversations with the ECI, (early childhook institute -
http://earlychildhood.msstate.edu/) out of Ms State concerning the need for a child care center in DH.
I have also had conversations with the inspector for Hancock County with the Health Dept. who is also supportive of the project.
The biggest problem at present is the need for a qualified child care director for the center. I am sending this out to your friends to see if ther might be some names in the DH
(diamond head) area interested in the position.
Let me know.
Thanks,
Bert A. Welch III, M.D.
President/Owner
Med One, LLC
397 Kingsbridge Road
Madison, MS 39110
601-853-1360
bwelch@themed1.comwww.themed1.comAfter the Buck Mont Child development center was opened for the 100 slots, a waiting list was started. I have heard that the waiting list has 125 kids on that list. There are only about 4-5 child care centers in Hancock County
(confirmed *4*). I recently finished building a 6000 sf office building that I designed and built to 2003 IBC code. This building is built to sustain 140 mph winds. Complete with 5 offices, showers in the handicap bathrooms, small kitchenettes, hardwired for cable, computer and a security system, this building is set up for a child care facility.
I am working with the administrator of the Buck Mont Child Care Center along with the regional director for the State Health Department and the exec director of the Early Childhood Institute from Miss State University. All of these women are working to see if this facility could be used for child care, after school care, and psycho social counseling.
The director for the Buck Mont Child care has told me today that a director for the facility in diamondhead could be achieved without much trouble. By the way, Diamondhead is north of I 10 and has been a quaint retirement center for many years. After the storm, many of the older residents left the area and the homes were filled with younger parents. Of all Hancock County, this area is considered to be the wealthiest.
By placing the facility in a 501(c)3 not for profit entity, I believe that there is some grant money available to help with start up costs,and furnish the facility with toys , books, and a playground.
I approach my projects with the three "E's". Envision, Engineer, and Excitement. The children have been left behind and hopefully, we all can contribute to help restore their lives.
Thank you for your interest, I am fast tracking this project and hopefully we can get this project going before summer break. I welcome any suggestions or comments.
Sincerely,
Bert
Labels: Children, day care, hancock county, katrina, ms
C.C. Here Hope
P.O. Box 3446
Bay St. Louis, MS 39521
(609) 892-3939 OR (609) 338-2253
ccherehope@yahoo.comIn August of 2005, as millions of Americans watched the devastation of Hurricane Katrina unfold, I was driving South from my home in Hammonton, New Jersey. My journey took me to Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. Then on September 17th, after only a little over a week in Mississippi, I returned to New Jersey and told my landlord "I'm moving out". I packed most of my worldly possessions in a U-Haul truck and drove back to Mississippi with my 21 year old son, Antonio. I gave everything I had to the hurricane victims and began my hurricane relief efforts.
C.C. Here Hope is at a temporary distribution center in the Bay St. Louis/Waveland area. Very soon, we will need another location (warehouse) to operate from. If you know of a location in the area, please contact us. We are also in need of a delivery truck and pickup trucks to get donations to the elderly and others in remote locations. Volunteer laborers, food, clothing and building materials are all desperately needed on the entire Mississippi Coast. PLEASE - If you can help me get donations transported to Mississippi, contact me below.
(609) 892-3939 OR (609) 338-2253
C.C. Here Hope
P.O. Box 3446
Bay St. Louis, MS 39521
ccherehope@yahoo.com~ Needs ~Donations of
gas cards or money for fuel.
Cash donations for the rental of U-Haul Trucks or possibly someone to volunteer a truck to transport the donations in.
Donations of Goods such as furnishings, linens, pet foods, gift cards, clothing, and anything that will help these families rebuild their lives.
Building Materials and manual labor towards rebulding.
Slide ShowLabels: donate, hancock county, katrina, Long Term Volunteer, recovery, volunteer
News From An Artist
From Artist Michelle Alleecottage living came and photographed our gallery........they said it may be a year before they use the photos, but we were all excited that they may include us in their magazine and bring focus to bay st louis............
southern living will be in bsl on march 10 for second saturday
Labels: Article, artists, bay st louis, katrina, update
Volunteer Update
3/19 Well this is a very slow time for what ever reason. Almost nothing going on. On the birght side, six firefighters from Sterling VFD in Virginia, are volunteering out of the school. They stopped by here first delivering toilet paper and to say hi.
There are four drivers in the group. The deputy chief is with them. Plans are to fix them up with a pager and radio for their duration. At least if the defication happens to hit the rotary oscillator help is available.
3/15
Pulled in last night. It's a little rainy off and on . Chief Jones is just about out of service due to his back acting up. The church camp next to the fire department has been moved off the water plant property one lot to the old Post office property. There is a new playground with equipment for kids.
In Waveland, Bucks/Montgomery Co. PA helped build $1.25M children's center that opened this week. There are numerous offers to bid on various projects for Waveland Schools.
Waveland had a St. Patricks Day parade and is having another St. Patricks Day Parade this coming Saturday. According to the paper 60 people were arrested for various violations and about 50 this past week.
A crew from Collins FD, Eire County NY (Buffalo area) is coming down in a week or so. The biggest need all around is cash. We kind of knew that but I just got anther request yesterday to donate turnout gear. Not much is really needed equipment wise as much as cash and operating expenses. I hope to get out to Moss Point today if not I'll try Monday.
Labels: katrina, march, update, volunteer
Trauma Counselors
Hi all. There will be a team of four trauma counselors (and two of us are art therapists too) from Canada visiting and doing workshops in schools in
Ocean Springs, Gulfport, Biloxi and Waveland starting March 9th for a week. If you are still struggling and want a chance to tell your story and have a pastoral visit, please leave me a message.
While we will be busy in schools, we always have time to meet with someone who would like a chance just to talk.
This will be my fourth trip to the area. We are sending only our best to our American friends in the south.
Barb email:
barbdorrington@gmail.comLabels: dated material, emotional assistance, hancock county, katrina, ms, volunteer
*
Calvary Chapel Kitchen228-467-9629
www.calvarychapelrelief.orgRecently we were able to purchase a 3800 square foot building on a one acre parcel on Reese Street in the heart of BSL. The building has been fully renovated and is now being used for many long term purposes.
Housing TeamsBeginning September 1, 2006, we will only be receiving teams on the
last week of each month. The new property can accommodate up to 50 at a time. For the next few months the primary focus of the teams will be to assist in the development of the new property, the establishing of the church and the assisting to the immediate needs of the locals who are now attending the church.
Youth CenterAlong with the cafe the new facility will offer an outside basket ball court, ping pong tables - foos ball tables / games and computors. Our goal is to give the youth of BSL a place to go and call their own.
CafeWe are looking to develop a Cafe environment that will provide the community with a place to drop in and get loved on through out each day of the week. We have put a commercial kitchen inside the facility and have poured a patio that will accommodate outside seating. We will be looking for couples / families to help host the property for 1 month at a time. They will basically be responsible for running the small café in the new building.
Community work day Saturday's 9 AM - 2 PMThis is for those who reside in BSL who want to be involved in assisting the ongoing work through CCR.
Worship services:As most of you know the relief camp on the baseball field drew many from the community with many different needs. One of the greatest needs was the spiritual need, a need to be prayed for and encouraged in God's word. That demand led to the development of regular worship services. On Sundays and Wednesdays a solid group of 30-40 locals now attend the worship services at the new location. Frank Griffin from Baton Rouge is faithfully showing up to shepherd the work. Here is a look at the weekly Bible studies at the camp:
Sunday 10am Frank Griffin - Book of Philippians
Tuesday 7pm Glenn Nelson - New Believers class
Outreach
The last Sunday of each month we will focus on outreach. We will use future teams to go out and get the word out. Our goal is to provide special music and food to follow on these Sundays.
Long term involvement:For you that feel called to this work for more of a long term commitment, we would love to hear from you. We are currently setting a schedule for host, worship leaders , grounds keepers, and Cafe workers for the next 6 months.
Support:Many churches have inquired about the opportunity of financially assisting this work in the future. It will take some time for this work to stand on its own financially. A large part of the community that make up the small congregation have lost most or all of their property. We have set up a special account for those church's and individuals who feel the burden to continue supporting BSL financially. You can contact Keri Whitely for more details at calvaryrt@aol.com.
Prayer:
We are encouraging everyone we know to keep this now established work in prayer.
"...praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints." Eph 6:18
Labels: bay st louis, donate, hancock county, katrina, kitchen, Long Term Volunteer, ms, recovery, relief, volunteer agency
The Mississippi Renaissance Garden Program DescriptionMartha S. BoyceFounder and Executive Director
The Mississippi Renaissance Garden Foundation, Inc.
(228) 388-2622 or e-mail me at
msbkt@aol.com(view a letter, along with a note from Martha, that you can send to local organizations to assist in this vital aspect of the recovery)MissionOur mission is to establish The Mississippi Renaissance Garden on the Mississippi Gulf Coast to not only provide places for people to reconnect with the beauty of their environment, commemorate the Renaissance of the state of Mississippi and continually renew the spirit of the Mississippi people, but also to. recognize the respect, compassion, generosity and love of the many volunteers from all cultures who are making the Renaissance possible. Through our “Horticulture for Humanity” mission, The MRG will become an example of a pathway to cultural understanding and respect for all countries around the world that come to the aid of others in their time of need.
Objectives:· To provide non-profit horticultural and therapeutic gardens for the survivors and volunteers of Hurricane Katrina consisting of various themed gardens such as a Memorial Garden, a Therapeutic Inspirational Garden, a Children’s Plant and Play Garden, a Sensory Garden, an Enabling Garden, a Cultural Garden and a Community Garden.
· To promote the spirit of the people of Mississippi in overcoming devastation by the planting and maintenance of these gardens as a symbol of their respect, strength, determination and love for their family, community, state, country and world.
· To develop a base garden and Horticultural Center with satellite gardens maintained by communities throughout the coastal area.
· To provide an area in the base Garden and Horticultural Center dedicated to the generosity and the recognition of individuals and groups from all over the world that are assisting in the recovery, rebuilding and the renewal of Mississippi as well as the development of The Mississippi Renaissance Gardens.
· To offer opportunities for the volunteers to continue their involvement with the gardens through the Garden Angel Sponsorship Program and assist in securing resources from their own local, national or international sources.
· To provide locals and tourists an opportunity to enjoy Mississippi’s beauty and educational opportunities as well as the Renaissance of its southern landscapes.
· To encourage business, civic, casino, school, church, club organizations and individuals to contribute their time, labor, expertise, materials, plants, and financial support to construct and maintain the Gardens and Horticultural Center.
· To allow accessible participation throughout the gardens and center for people of all ages and abilities.
· To educate local officials, residents and communities to work towards creating and preserving green spaces within our communities, and to encourage beautification of existing commercial, neighborhood and city green spaces by offering incentives such as award certificates, site plaques and recognition in local media and on the MRG web site.
· To encourage the transport of visitors to the Gardens and Horticultural Center utilizing public and casino buses and trolleys.
· To offer local educational programs such as horticultural therapy, garden planning as well as environmental conservation taught by experienced volunteers to school students, groups and individuals.
· To provide places for art, photography, plant and environmental exhibits, festivals, concerts, theater, and community celebrations with a commission of any sales going to maintenance of the gardens.
· To develop a resource library of volunteers and businesses to provide information, assistance and materials to individuals and groups wishing to develop neighborhood and home gardens.
Description:The Mississippi Renaissance Garden Foundation, Inc. is not only providing the people of Mississippi and its visitors places to reconnect with the beauty of coastal environments, but also places to celebrate the spirit of the people who are making the renewal possible. As a community outreach program, The MRG is working closely with public schools, colleges, civic and private organizations, businesses, local citizens and tourists to promote humanitarian and environmental respect, productivity and responsibility in safe, peaceful, therapeutic and beautiful coastal environments. It is a non-profit organization funded entirely from grants, trusts, sponsorships and visitor donations. All Mississippi Renaissance Gardens will be open and accessible to the public at no charge. The staff will consist of paid and volunteer personnel.
A Horticultural Center is being planned with classrooms available for community meetings, educational seminars and workshops. A gift shop will sell items such as gardening books, seeds, nature related items, photographs, artwork and plants grown in the Garden. An area will be provided for local artists to exhibit nature-related works with a commission of the sales going to the MRG.
Areas will be available for indoor and outdoor exhibits, art, photography, concerts, festivals, and theater with commissions going to the MRG. Sculptures, donated from throughout the country, will be displayed.
Mississippi is setting a precedent to allow future generations to observe and experience the true meaning of respect, resiliency, generosity, gratitude, hope, determination, southern hospitality and pride in the midst of devastation.
The Mississippi Renaissance Garden Foundation, Inc.is initiating the development of a “Horticulture for Humanity” movement to help return green spaces to areas of the world that are destroyed by natural disasters.
MRG Board Members:
The Mississippi Renaissance Garden will be under the guidance of:
Founder/Executive Director: Martha Sanderson Boyce
Board of Directors: Cassandra Griswold, Amy Nichols LeMein, Lynn McLean, Linda Saxon Nix, Wendy Barthe Peavy, Rose Russell, Cindy Simmons
Board of Advisors: Sherry Bell, Dr. Bob Brzuszek, Arlene Caanan, Dr. Christine Coker, Lucy Denton, Dr. John Guyton, Susan Hunt, Connie Rocko, Dannette Shaw
2/18 The following activities have begun or have been completed:· A site for a model garden has been approved at Hiller Park in Biloxi, MS
· The MRG has been asked to help develop the base garden or a satellite garden in D’Iberville and Diamondhead, Mississippi.
· The MRG has distributed seeds donated by America Responds With Love and soil and cups donated by Wal-Mart to the Biloxi Public Schools on May 15, 2006. Future joint projects are planned.
· Hands On Gulf Coast is helping with site preparation, recruiting, training and coordinating volunteers. Future joint projects are planned.
· The Mississippi Urban Forest Council donated over 300 trees to the MRG for planting in neighborhoods, parks and for individuals.
· COMVEST Prosperities donated $1000 toward the start-up expense of The MRG.
· The process of becoming a non-profit foundation has been initiated.
· Grant applications have been sent to prospective funding sources.
· A professional landscape architect is currently designing garden areas.
· A MRG Demonstration Garden has been planted in the John Henry Beck Park Community Garden in east Biloxi.
· The Tzu Chi Foundation of Atlanta GA planted the first 12 foot Live Oak tree dedicated as The Tzu Chi Recovery Oak Tree on the Playground of the Biloxi Margaret Sherry Library on July 29, 2006 and donated $1000, along with a donation of $196 from their students, to the Mississippi Renaissance Foundation. The tree was donated by Frasier’s Nursery.
· A MRG Bring Back the Beauty Program and a We Care Anti-litter Program are being developed and will be offered to coastal cities.
· The MRG, along with local arborists, Harrison County Beautification Department, Keep Mississippi Beautiful, Main Street Biloxi, Biloxi Parks and Recreation Department are collaborating to restore damaged live oaks on HWY 90 and enhance the entrances to the city of Biloxi.
· Local, state, national and international merchants, organizations, city and county governments have donated funds, items and services toward the development of The Mississippi Renaissance Gardens.
· Book containing information and excerpts from the many recovery workers will be published with proceeds going to The MRG Foundation.
· Community Educational Outreach Programs have begun and volunteer recruitment and training sessions are being conducted throughout the coastal areas.
Labels: green space gardens, katrina, master gardeners, ms
6/30 Bay to benefit with merger of city, volunteer fire departmentsBy J.R. WELSH
HANCOCK COUNTY --
Bay St. Louis is expected to inherit an additional firefighting operation to serve part of the city's newly annexed area under an agreement pending with the county.
Both governments agreed in principle to merge operations of the East Hancock Volunteer Fire District with the Bay St. Louis Fire Department. The East Hancock department is located near the intersection of Washington Street and Chapman Drive.
The deal would be a windfall for Bay St. Louis. Until now, the East Hancock department has collected a 4-mill tax from homeowners and businesses in the area, and reportedly has more than $400,000 in cash that would go to the city. The department's separate millage collection should cease once the department becomes part of the city, said Hancock County Assessor/Collector Jimmie Ladner Jr.
The department also has three fire trucks and property for a new station planned on Highway 603.
The East Hancock department has 23 firefighters, all volunteers. Although city councilmen and county supervisors apparently favor the merger, the district's top firefighter said the department was unaware of the agreement.
"This was a big surprise to us," East Hancock Fire Chief A.J. Arceneaux said Wednesday.
He said the fire district had considered using its cash surplus to operate the department another two or three years.
The department provides fire protection to an area running north to the Bayou La Croix bridge. Formerly under county jurisdiction, the area has since been annexed. The exact number of residents living there since Hurricane Katrina is not known.
Attorneys are now beginning work on a merger agreement. "We're just starting the process," said Hancock County Attorney Ronnie Artigues. "So far, all the communication has been between the fire department and the city of Bay St. Louis."
The merger comes at a time of top leadership dearth for the Bay St. Louis Fire Department.
Fire Chief Robert Gavagnie recently announced his retirement and no recommendation for a replacement has come before the City Council.
Details also remain sketchy on staffing the city's new operation once the merger occurs. It's unclear whether some of the volunteer department members will be rolled into the city department.
The county previously made a parcel of land available for the East Hancock department to build a new fire station on Highway 603, near the county Child Development Center. That property also would become part of the merger.
"There was a plan to put the station in," Arceneaux said. "All we're going to do now is give them the blueprints, I imagine."
6/27 A note from their Chief:Just a note to give you the bad news... The East Hancock FD will be shutting down operations on 01 September 2007, having served continously since 1978. All services are to be supplied by the City of Bay St. Louis from that point on.
Many of our members will continue to serve the communities with the Bayside, Clermont Harbor and West Hancock Departments.
I thank you for your support since the storm and for your heartfelt service and dedication to the people of Hancock County. Please know that you have made a major and lasting difference in many lives!
Thanks again,
Bob
Come by our temporary station at 10316 Chapman Road, Bay St. Louis, call 228-466-3932 or email
admin@east-hancock-fd.comEast Hancock Fire Department is a MS Insurance Comission Class "8" rated district, the highest rating an all volunteer department can attain.
Our personnel are constantly striving to further their knowledge and training as well as obtaining state of the art equipment to better serve our community and neighbors. Our people come from all walks of life and believe in "giving back to the community".
Our Department provides 1st out Mutual Aid to the Bayside, Cleremont Harbor and West Hancock Fire Departments, as well as the Cities of Bay St. Louis and Waveland.
3/6 New From Bob - A Plea For His County:
Now imagine going through your own town... and nothing is, as you knew it was yesterday. You have no grocery stores. They all closed overnight. IF you want groceries, get on the interstate and drive 20 miles. Restaurants? Yep they're out there. But they've had to raise their prices drastically. Remember your 250% insurance increase? Business' insurance rose almost 1500%! Not to mention that the labor pool has diminished. Oh ya, we have all kinds of people here now, but few actually lived here prior to the storm. There’s all kinds of panhandlers, fly by night contractors, drug dealers from the northern reaches that relocated to the land of opportunity... Can you imagine McDonald's paying a $500 sign on bonus and $200 per week bonus for staying with them? And they still have trouble hiring! All the local folk who can and want to work are. Many of the people in my town claiming "no jobs" aren't from here. That's another part that's eating people up... what little is left of the town that we knew is being scooped up by out-of-towners for condos, casinos and "high end" use. Locals are being priced out of what's left of their ancestral homes.
So yes, depression and despair is still a problem. People are tired of others trying to take advantage of their situation, and being screwed by the system. Quite a few have smoked gun barrels. Others have just given up and died. Others still have aged 20 years in less than a year and a half.
Fire companies from all over have done admirable work in Harrison County, to the point of helping members of full time Departments rebuild their homes. But this hasn't spread into the volunteer community. We've been pretty much left out of the loop for government and private assistance other than what HOO did (when it was really HOO) and the "Adopt a Firehouse Program". The full time departments in Hancock County (all 3) received cash grants from DuPont and a few other corporations. The 9 volunteer Departments did not.
I am not complaining, by any means. The kindness shown by the organizations that have helped us out is phenomenal and I am extremely grateful that they found a place in their hearts for us. The need is still there, and that's the point that needs to be made.
New Orleans ain't the only place hurting!
From Florida all the way through Texas, Katrina and Rita killed maimed and ruined people. Homes, Towns and Families will NEVER be the same again. Even in my own state, the attitude in the northern end, with the exception of those who came here and saw firsthand, is "get on with your life; it's been a year and a half". Sure.... glad to... show me how.
First, let me say that I personally am in good shape. I just need to be able to talk about things to keep my sanity levels on an even keel. As far as the Departments go, I can give a reasonable breakdown of the ones in the southern (below Interstate 10). In the Northern end, they’re in pretty good shape to the best of my knowledge, and their names are also listed in here. I can’t say enough about the offers your making, and what they mean to me.
SOUTHERN HANCOCK COUNTY:-
West Hancock Fire Protection District – Their station is unusable. They have a pole barn (a lean-to made from light poles and corrugated tin) to shelter the apparatus. Their Apparatus is in good shape, and I believe their main need is in general operating costs i.e. fuel etc.
- Claremont Harbor – They lost it all, with the exception of 1 engine. They have 2 donated engines, no station and are basically working out of the Chief’s house. Manning is the biggest problem in their area, and operating costs. Their station was washed out to sea.
- Bayside Volunteer Fire Dept. – They’re in good shape. Rockaway Beach FD (NY) has donated a pumper and tanker to them, and their station is rebuilt. Their biggest problem now is that they’re damn near broke.
- East Hancock Fire Protection District – We have our original engines, but they’re plagued with “Katrina-itis”. They took 4 feet of salt water and the electronic controls for the pumps and transmissions are temperamental at best. We did have a great pumper from CT that was our mainstay, but it was wrecked in a response. The insurance settlement went into replacing other gear we needed. On loan from West Hancock are our Snorkel and an ambulance that we’ve converted into a rescue/command/rehab unit. We could surely use a surplus pumper with at least 1000 gpm and 750 gal tank capacity that has some life left in it. Our station was washed away, and we’re working out of a Corps of Engineers trailer. (Pics are in my “Katrina” folder here)
- Bay St. Louis FD (Municipal) – They have 3 working pumpers, a rescue and are moving into a new house. Individual aid to the members can be used however. Chief Bobby Gavigne can give better details than I can.
- Waveland FD (Municipal) – Received 4 new pumpers and have 2 donated. No stations yet that I’ve heard of and are working out of temporary digs. Needs no known.
In the north end of the county, they lost no equipment that I’m aware of, and have received donations of equipment and supplies. Here they are;
- Diamondhead Fire Dept. (combination)
- Fenton Fire District
- Kiln Fire District
- Post 58 Fire District
- Leetown Fire District
If you can help, please contact the chiefs - they're listed below:
EHFD, Chief Alan Sekinger, Asst. Chief Zeke Hall, 228-466-3932
Bay St. Louis FD, Chief Bobby Gavigne, 228-467-4736
Bayside FD, Asst. Chief Billy Mooneyham, 228-467-5020
West Hancock Fire & Rescue, Chief Kim Jones, 228-533-7847
If any agency is willing to adopt a firehouse, please feel free to get hold of one that I’ve listed, I know they’d appreciate the support.
My main
fear this year is in the wildland areas. The timber that cmae down in the county has been curing for better than a year. Some areas are damn near impenetrable as it's stacked so deep. With the fire history of the last 18 months, it could get extremely interesting this spring and summer. We've had to use 90% of the assets in the southern end of this county on just ONE fire. I posted about that on the old site.
Don’t underestimate my appreciation for your support and concern. Being able to talk here has been a mainstay in my dealing with both the storm and its aftereffects. Seeing so much disappear, and so many deaths is less than a 12 hour span, as well as seeing all the lingering effects doing so much to my friends and neighbors is taking a toll. I had very little gray hair before the storm. It’s almost white now.
I’m going to make it. I’m too damn stubborn not to. I have, very probably, the finest available support group and corps of concerned friends and family that anyone can ask for. All of you.
Thank you for that.
Bob.
2/17 From Bob himself! He sounds like a very nice man...
Our main needs right now are for a decent pumper truck, with a 750 to 1000 gallon tank. Age is unimportant. We had a wonderful unit from CT that unfortunately was involved in an accident and was totaled out by the insurance people. The bucks from that went to our Board of Commissioners, and it's gone into other equipment. Our older units were nickel and dimeing us to death, and were taken over by a small Arkansas department that literally had nothing to work with. Kim Jones (Chief, West Hancock FD) has allowed us the use of
Tower 1, and another ambulance for use as a
rescue unit.
Fuel - 1000 gal/mo.Administrative items (you know the drill)Donations for a new "real" station house.Our people are getting back on their feet, and household items are in reasonably good supply. There's still many needy people that can use them, and the collection units that you've seen to date, as well as the Hancock County food pantry would welcome them.
I actually found your site by accident, while scanning through looking for pictures other than what I already had. I rode the storm out in my house, and was swimming in my living room (7 feet of water) trying to keep our 4 German Shepherds alive. We took the wind fine ( the house also made it through Camille) but never in our lives expected a 40 foot wall of water to smack our town. As far as the immediate aftermath, our people were doing whatever they could, to the point of giving away our own medications to those that needed the same meds and dosages. After 3 weeks, I finally evacuated with my wife and critters, only to take sick with over 20 staph infections, all antibiotic resistant. Fun, fun, fun...
I just got back into my house 2 days before Christmas. The workmanship was terrible, and we got shafted by our contractor as so many down here have been. But life goes on, and it's improving slowly but surely.
This well known photo shows a rescue that occured during the height of Hurricane KATRINA,
directly accross US Highway 90, from the Hancock County E.O.C. located at the courthouse annex.
Amoung the rescuers in this photo are, Former Asst. Chief Billy Mooneyham, then Captain Steve
LaRocque, and Firefighter Wade Hicks of the EHFD. Also amoung the rescuers were members of
the Bayside Fire District, Bay St. Louis Police Department, and the Hancock County Sheriff's Office
Labels: bay st louis, hancock county, katrina, ms, volunteer fire, waveland
Septic Woes
Damaged septic tanks stopping rebuildingCounty: Residents must wait for sewerage
By RYAN LaFONTAINE
rlafontaine@sunherald.comHANCOCK COUNTY - Rebuilding delayed due to faulty septic tanks
Thousands of property owners hoping to rebuild their homes here will soon find they are stuck between a rock and a smelly place.
At least 95 percent of private septic tanks south of Interstate 10 are no longer environmentally safe and most have been spewing waste into ditches and nearby streams for decades, according to the state Department of Health.
Aside from the stench and the environmental dangers, faulty septic tanks are illegal.
The state has placed a block on new building permits for virtually every property in rural Hancock with a septic tank, south of Interstate 10, preventing homeowners from rebuilding until they can connect to a county sewerage system.
But Hancock is awaiting its share of the $600 million available through the Gulf Regional Water Utility Authority before it can afford to expand the public treatment system to those areas.
Unlike the public sewerage systems found in most cities and contemporary towns, septic tanks are similar to having a miniature sewage-treatment plant on private properties, usually in rural areas not served by a public system.
The archaic tanks are designed to allow solid waste to settle at the bottom, while pipes suck liquids out to a series of trenches below the ground.
But many of the tanks in Hancock have dumped the waste into nearby ditches and streams and even if a homeowner pays for an upgrade - about $4,000 - the soil in much of the county is no longer suitable for septic tanks.
The Hancock Board of Supervisors this week wrestled with the thought of thousands of residents having to wait for a public sewerage system before they can rebuild.
It could take two more years before the county receives its $120 million from the GRWUA and expands its sewerage system, and some political leaders say that's too long a wait.
"They've been (using septic tanks) for 50 years," Supervisor David Yarborough said. "How much more damage can these people do in two more years? I think we need to let these people hook back up until we get sewerage."
Already at least 350 property owners have been denied a building permit to build a home south of the Interstate and reconnect to an outdated septic tank.
Supervisor Lisa Cowand was far less excited about the idea of raw sewage seeping into the ground and dripping into streams and bayous.
"I can't concur with allowing it for two years because you don't think it will do any further degradation," Cowand told Yarborough. "I can't go with that, and I won't go with that."
Before the county will give a building permit to a property owner planning to use a septic tank, the Department of Health must approve the tank. And that's unlikely to happen south of the Interstate, officials said.
Labels: Article, hancock county, katrina, rebuilding
Through the MS Master Gardener's AssociationNote to Operation Rejuvenation Contributors: Two projects have been approved and are now in progress:
1) Three schools in Hancock County are having their green spaces and breeze ways redone - $1500 approved for plant materials which will be planted by Master Gardener volunteers.
2) Harrison County Office Building to revitalize the flower beds, container beds and establish two herb beds for an outdoor demonstration laboratory. This highly visible area in downtown Gulfport will be done in two stages - $1500 approved for this project.
Pictures from these projects are posted on the Operation Rejuvenation Projects on the Photos link, showing what is being accomplished. Application for other projects are in the process of being approved and other work that will be part of the October, 2007 designated work period are being selected and prioritized for needed material, equipment, and workers needed to accomplish.
It is beginning to happen.....thanks to all for your help.
To apply with a planned project:Make Project Application Forms and requirements available (
Click here for Application form and requirement (PDF)). Will start accepting applications from August 14, 2006. A review committee will assess each project and approve funding, based on number of applications and available funds. As additional funds come in, additional approved projects will continue to be supported.
Each project must submit a report at one month and six months, including documentation of work, impact and cost.
Labels: green space gardens, katrina, master gardeners, schools
Community Gardens
Some history:Several of us "virtual volunteers" have had this idea of get some community gardens established in the Gulf Region. The soil should be far less toxic to work with and to grow edibles in, so we are working toward getting some established.Lynn, the program director of Katrina's Angels has stepped up to the plate and is working very hard to make this plan a reality. She has a lead on some financial assistance to bring in containers and soil, an expert in Southern horticulture to assist in teaching folks and assisting throughout the growing season.What we need now is the donation of land. If you or a civic organization has some land they would be willing to donate - and it needn't be a lot - please contact Lynn. Her email is in the msg below. Thanks!Hello: We have an expert from Mississippi State University willing to work with groups to help get a community garden started. I don't have all the details yet but I think there will be expert advice on how to get the highest yield for the least room.The people are willing to meet with locals in Jackson or Hancock counties to help get the project started and support until harvest.If anyone has land they can volunteer for a community garden or is a FEMA park and has some neighbors that would be interested as well, please let me know. This would be a great project for a community or individuals to supplement their food supplies, beautify their living space and meet some new friends.
Please email me at
ProgramDirector@ katrinasangels. org and we'll get started.
Lynn
Labels: community gardens, katrina
http://www.unitedrelieffoundation.comVolunteer847-345-2413
12 West Busse Avenue
Mount Prospect, IL 60056
mailto:volunteer@unitedrelieffoundation.comDonate United Relief Foundation
Post Office Box 9132
Mount Prospect, IL 60056
United Relief aids Mississippi townsBy Nadia MalikDaily Herald Staff Writer
On the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, two members of a Mount Prospect-based group are visiting towns in Mississippi that still haven’t recovered.
“It’s still horribly bad down there; I can’t even describe how bad it is,” said Frank Slove, executive director of the United Relief Foundation, which was started in February after it was apparent residents of the coast needed ongoing help.
Slove originally visited the hurricane-ravaged areas last September, just weeks after Katrina hit. This four-day trip, which started Monday, is his fourth to the area.
He and Frank Salato, president of United Relief, are meeting with the mayor of Pass Christian, Miss., and police officers and firefighters who are still homeless.
They also are meeting a school superintendent to assess just how much help is still needed in the schools.
“On the last trip down there, we were talking to a bunch of fire and police personnel,” Slove said. “We listened to their stories and decided we wanted to help the first responders.”
About 30 first responders in Pass Christian are still without homes, Slove said, so he approached firefighters back here in the Northwest suburbs to see if they would help.
Three Buffalo Grove firefighters — Lt. Phil Barry, Kevin Hauber and Jim Hauber — were willing to put in their time. They will be the leaders in raising money for that project.
However, when Buffalo Grove Fire Chief Tim Sashko heard about the project, he wanted the entire department to be involved, Slove said.
So when Slove returns with video footage and photographs, he and the Buffalo Grove Fire Department will sit down and determine the biggest needs, which will include building homes.
Slove said he’ll do the same with Bay High School and Waveland Elementary School, which needs a gymnasium, estimated to cost $100,000, and a biology and chemistry lab, at $150,000 each.
That fundraising initiative will be headed up by Mount Prospect resident Diane Frank.
Weekend collections to aid Katrina schoolsVolunteers from the Mount Prospect-based United Relief Foundation along with Firefighters from the Buffalo Grove Fire Department will be collecting donations to aid in the Foundation’s Hurricane Katrina humanitarian efforts.
Wearing Foundation logo shirts or Firefighter attire, volunteers will be collecting Friday and Oct. 27 from 7 to 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., and 9 to 5 p.m. Saturday and Oct. 28.
The intersection of Arlington Heights and Lake-Cook Roads will serve as the collections hub.
Donations collected on Friday and Saturday will go into the United Relief Foundation’s Adopt-a-School fund for Bay High and Waveland Elementary Schools, located in Bay St. Louis and Waveland Miss., respectively.
Oct. 27 and 28 donations will go toward the Foundation’s initial $320,000 goal to purchase material to rebuild Mississippi’s Pass Christian First-Responders homes destroyed by Hurricane Katrina.
United Relief Foundation has also scheduled additional rebuilding and renewal Lifeline Missions for November and December which will include the Foundation’s Katrina Kids Holiday Express delivering comfort goods to Hurricane Katrina’s youngest victims.
Founded in February 2006, the United Relief Foundation has provided Hope and Help to Hurricane Katrina victims in the Mississippi Gulf Coast cities of Bay St. Louis, Biloxi, Diamondhead, Gulfport, Pass Christian and Waveland.
United Relief Foundation is an Illinois chartered not-for-profit humanitarian aid organization and donations are tax deductible under IRS code 501 (c) (3).
Individuals, groups, businesses and organizations are welcome to participate in United Relief Foundation Hope and Help efforts and Lifeline missions.
To volunteer, make a donation or for additional information contact the United Relief Foundation at (847) 345-2413.
Girl Scouts want to help peers hurt by KatrinaBrownie Troop 414 of Mount Prospect took part in starting United Relief Foundation’s Project Katrina Kids.
Wanting to help children their own age, the Girls Scouts contacted the United Relief Foundation to find out how they could help kids hurt by Hurricane Katrina.
Through a Mississippi Hope and Help Partner, the United Relief Foundation received names of 40 girls Bay St. Louis and Waveland, Miss.
The United Relief Foundation gave the names to the Girl Scouts, which were then divided between three troops, with Brownie Troop 414 writing the first of many messages.
The Brownies didn’t stop at writing messages. They decided to collect donations of items they thought the kids would need.
The messages and collected items will be hand-delivered during the United Relief Foundation’s Relief transport to the Mississippi Gulf region this week.
United Relief Foundation volunteers will take photographs of the messages and items as they are given to the Katrina Kids in Mississippi so the Girls Scouts can see how their thoughtfulness brought some joy to children that lost some much.
For more information call Frank Slove, United Relief Foundation Executive Director, (847) 345-2413 or visit online at
www.UnitedReliefFoundation.comPlenty of Good Eggs at Saint Matthew“Are you a Good Egg?” was Saint Matthew Catholic Church, 1001 E. Schaumburg Road in Schaumburg, unique way to involve their entire parish, especially the children, in collecting much needed aid to help ease the suffering of Hurricane Katrina victims.
The Parish distributed plastic eggs which contained pieces' of paper that listed 2 or 3 inexpensive easily purchased items and the overwhelming response proved there are plenty of Good Eggs at Saint Matthew.
Monetary donations and relief items were collected at Saint Matthew on March 11th and 12th by United Relief Foundation volunteers and will be used to help ease the suffering of Katrina victims in the Hancock Country region of Mississippi.
“It’s very heartwarming to experience the genuine concern Saint Matthew parishioners still have for Hurricane Katrina victims,” comment United Relief Foundation Executive Director Frank Slove. “Their monetary and supplies contributions will greatly help ease the suffering of many people who lost everything.”
Hancock County, Mississippi was the hardest hit by Hurricane Katrina. In Katrina's wake of destruction, the lives of the County's residents in Bay St. Louis, Diamondhead and Waveland were devastated and forever changed.
Saint Matthew was canonically established on March 21, 1976 and has grown into a spiritual home of almost 3000 households or 9000 people and parishioners will be joining United Relief Foundation’s Hurricane Katrina rebuilding effort in late April
Labels: bay st louis, hancock county, katrina, united relief foundation, waveland
Gang Activity Increasing
From Jenni
Gang activity contributing to increased Hancock crime rateBy DWAYNE BREMER
You may have never heard of the Gangsta Disciples, Crips, Simon City Royals, or Latin Kings, but these and other street gangs have caught the attention of law enforcement officials in Hancock County.Over the past year, gang activity has been suspected in numerous crimes in the county, including drive-by-shootings, burglaries, armed robberies, and drug activity, officials said.
"The federal government says any group of more than three is a gang," Chief Investigator Kenny Hurt said Thursday. While most officials do not consider the gang problem in the county a major problem, it is becoming a growing epidemic among the area's youth.
"The Youth Court has had numerous referrals on juveniles who are involved in gangs," Youth Court Administrator Chere Hayward said Thursday. "I believe parents need to be aware that there are actual gangs in our county."
Hayward said there are several signs parents can look for to see if their child is possibly involved in gang activity. She said items such as adding or deleting a primary color in a youth wardrobe, drawing signs or symbols on books or in their room, signs of drug abuse, and increased amounts of money or material possessions without any explanation, could all point to possible gang activity.
Currently, there is a feud between rival gang members in the Lakeshore and Shoreline communities, officials said.
The Shoreline group goes by the nickname "The Shoreline Soldiers," and the Lakeshore group is known as "The Posse," one youth told the Echo.
Both of the group are affiliated with major street gangs such as the "Simon City Royals," (SCR), a gang formed in the streets of Chicago decades ago.
Members of the SCR wear blue, a similar color to the "Crips" a street gang formed in California.
"Monitoring gangs is difficult," Hurt said. "The gangs are the cause of a lot of fights, and trouble making. Most of it is small groups who want to do some dirt."
Hayward warned that even though some consider gang members here may be considered "wanta-bees" they are still capable of causing considerable problems."If someone says they are in a gang, then the gang is here," she said.Gang activity has also been suspected in jail violence. Officials at the Pearl River County Jail said this week that some accusations of officers assaulting inmates are really related to violence among inmates themselves.
"There is intimidation going on between the inmates," Pearl River Chief Deputy Julie Flowers said Thursday. "It is not necessarily gang-related, although some of the members are in gangs. Some of the stronger inmates try to take over the cell, and they have to be placed in lock down."
She said separating the inmates has caused a dramatic drop in the violence.
Officials said the same principal may be true among gangs on the street, as arrests may cut the leadership of the gangs.
Hurt believes the current conditions in the county may be causing more youths to turn towards the gangs.
Hayward urges parents to get more involved.
"There are a number of websites that can provide parents information," she said. "The most important thing a parent can do is get involved in your child's life, make them feel loved and give them a sense of belonging so they don't seek it elsewhere."
Labels: Article, gang violence, hancock county, katrina, ms
P. O. Box 455 Bryn Athyn, PA 19009-0455Charity In Action is a humanitarian and emergency services collaborative. It was founded as a grass-roots response to Hurricane Katrina. Conceived as a way to combine and leverage the commitment of many individual volunteers in coordination with established aid agencies as well as state and local governments, its goal has been to bring rapid relief to areas where there is unmet need, and to continue assistance into the recovery and rebuilding phases.
Charity In Action seeks to identify the greatest needs and to respond. We provide volunteer service work and necessary goods. We do not offer financial grants.
We try to maximize our effectiveness and conserve resources by:communicating needs to a broad base of supporters
organizing donation drives and packing and transporting donated goods
contacting potential partners to solicit direct donations of goods or services to our beneficiaries
raising funds, and seeking discounted rates through competitive bids on goods and services we must purchase
using volunteer labor whenever possible.
Charity In Action is run by an all-volunteer staff and board.Donate:By check or money order:
Donations may be mailed to:
Charity In Action
P. O. Box 455
Bryn Athyn, PA 19009-0455
Your donation is federal income tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. Please include your name and address if you would like a receipt. You may also donate (securely) through the website.
Joining Our List of Volunteers:If you are interested in doing volunteer work for Charity In Action, please send an email to
Volunteers and you will be contacted for further information.
Becoming a Partner:We welcome other businesses and non-profits that would like to work together and share in our mission. If your organization can donate goods or services directly to our beneficiaries, or offer special discounts to us when we purchase items for them, please contact the Director, Frank Vagnone, at
frank.vagnone.
Thank You!
1/30Charity In Action is sponsoring a service trip by Bryn Athyn College of the New Church to help with Hurricane Katrina recovery. 14 students and 4 adults will go to Pearlington, MS in late February 2007 to spend a week working on the rebuilding effort.While CiA is subsidizing a large portion of the cost per student, as well as paying for tools and supplies for the rebuilding projects, the students are working hard on raising additional funds themselves.
Their main fundraiser is a raffle. If you would like to support the students making this trip, and you live close enough to Bryn Athyn, PA to enjoy the prize, please consider
purchasing raffle tickets from them.
Prize: Dinner for four in the tower at Glencairn Museum (fully catered, five-course dinner), as well as a private behind-the-scenes tour of Glencairn with Museum Director Stephen Morley
Ticket Price: $10 Drawing: May 5, 2007 (at Bryn Athyn College Fun Fair)
Benefits: 85% of proceeds go to C.A.R.E., the Bryn Athyn College community service organization, to support service trips.
15% goes to the Glencairn Museum Fund to help subsidize the cost of educational trips to the museum.
To purchase tickets,
contact Hannah Simons at 267-502-2829 or email hannah.simons@brynathyn.edu.
To see more about Pearlington, MS, visit
http://www.prcvolunteers.blogspot.com/or read a recent Washington Post article at
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/27/AR2007012701154.htmlFor more information on Bryn Athyn College see
http://www.brynathyn.edu/To learn more about Glencairn Museum visit
http://www.glencairnmuseum.org/.
12/5
We have continued to supply needed items for the Hancock County Distribution Warehouse. In September we purchased a truckload of bottled water – a total of 36,480 ½-liter bottles! These are used both for volunteer workers and for residents whose well water is unfit to drink. In October we bought 400 sheets of drywall with jointing compound and tape, 37 doors, and 30 insulated windows. These are distributed to people trying to rebuild their homes. Case managers coordinate the process, examining the circumstances of individuals and deciding where the need is greatest.
Unfortunately the Warehouse has lost its government funding and has to close in December, which puts some of the people who worked there out of a job. Several of these people plan to transfer their center of operations to the PowerHouse of Deliverance Ministry in Bay St. Louis, so that they can keep up the good work.
Charity In Action’s newest project for the future is helping young people to get involved in service. For the next three years we plan to support Bryn Athyn College in sending student service trips to work in the hurricane-damaged area. The next trip will be in spring 2007, and Charity In Action has pledged to subsidize a large portion of the cost per student and to give additional funds for building materials.
Charity In Action remains an all-volunteer organization. In this way we minimize our operating costs although we must still cover legal, tax accounting, insurance, information technology, and miscellaneous expenses. By maintaining our structure we can be ready to mobilize and respond quickly in the event of another major disaster.
Our donors and our volunteers make this possible. Thank you!
Labels: charity in action, donate, hancock county, katrina, ms, recovery, relief, volunteer
