Thursday, June 28, 2007
Photos from Chani
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
"You Changed My Life," - E. LUBARSKY
The title of this blog: "You Changed My Life,"reflects the words that my adopted father John W. Booth spoke to me this evening. After living in Violet, LA for eight weeks, and having the distinct honor of serving the residents of St. Bernard Parish; the journey initiated by One Brick, draws to an end for me tomorrow.
Articulating the impact of being in St. Bernard for two months is not an easy task. Thoughts of departing from a place that has literally become my home, conjures both appreciation for the experience and evokes profound sadness in the wake of knowing I am leaving.
In the past, I shared posts memorializing current events of the parish. However, this time, I wish to pay tribute to the residents and special volunteers that have left an indelible impression upon my life. Additonally, I wish to close with a few words for my fellow One Brick volunteers arriving in July.
John and Dagmar Booth: Truly, I am a better person for meeting you both. Indeed, it's been my distinct honor rebuilding your home. You entrusted me with your most treasured possession 8 weeks ago and I am so proud to be a small part of the efforts of bringing you back home. Initially, you embraced me as a volunteer and later adopted me as your daughter. You will never know how much that declaration means to me. I will treasure our crawfish Fridays, candid parish political conversations and the special bond that we created.
Dagmar, your essence personifies the proverbial Steel Magnolia. Just as proud as you are to tell everyone that I am your adopted daughter, never doubt the esteem I have in calling you mommy.
John, while you may assert that I changed your life -- know that you gave meaning to mine.
Carol Duchmann and Bob Buras: Literally, I feel blessed that our paths intersected. I have thoroughly enjoyed knowing the both of you. Words cannot convey how proud I am that you were the first residents of St. Bernard Parish to welcome me so intimately into your lives.
Bob, I can never thank you enough for the special conversations we shared about the parish and it's future redevelopment. Please do not be surprised, when another book is dedicated in your honor...
Carol, your compassion and sensitivity to others is simply beautiful. Thank you for your compassion, encouragement and unconditional love.
Until my return, cheers to our special place: The Mandarin House.
Steve Gonzales: You are remarkable. Your character and firm resolve, overwhelm me at times. You have always been a pillar of strength, despite the adversity life has presented you with. Clearly you are a leader and a force to reckon with. I pray that you and John are able to establish the community center that the parish so desperately needs. To that end, you have my word, that I will act in such capacity to help with the efforts.
By the way, I told you learning this "internet thing" would not be a waste of your time.
Paul Clark: You are the volunteer of all volunteers! Your dedication and interest in serving others is magnificent. After working 10 hours in the sweltering heat, you still found time to regularly volunteer at the local church.
My life has been enriched by your presence. I am most appreciative for your painstakingly efforts in converting this "California City Girl" into a functioning St. Bernard construction worker. Unequivocally, this transformation was confirmed in week 5, when you appointed me Site Supervisor of the Booth residence. I thank you for your confidence and love you dearly for our friendship.
Eric Eames: As one of the first crew members I had the privilege of being a Site Supervisor with, I thank you for your willingness to comply with my perfectionist demands. Your easy-going demeanor and kind-hearted ways, made the weeks together memorable. I will never forget the expression of happiness on Dagmar's face, when you advised her that you extended your stay from two to three weeks here. (But then again, she was partial to you. Since according to her, you resemble a Roman God)!
It's been a distinct honor working with and getting to know you.
Fellow One Brick Volunteers: Embark upon this journey with clarity of mind and purpose. The totality of your experience in St. Bernard Parish, may not not be immediately apparent. However, the impact your services will bring upon this devestated area is undeniable. I wish you the best and assure that bountiful love and appreciation awaits you here!
Articulating the impact of being in St. Bernard for two months is not an easy task. Thoughts of departing from a place that has literally become my home, conjures both appreciation for the experience and evokes profound sadness in the wake of knowing I am leaving.
In the past, I shared posts memorializing current events of the parish. However, this time, I wish to pay tribute to the residents and special volunteers that have left an indelible impression upon my life. Additonally, I wish to close with a few words for my fellow One Brick volunteers arriving in July.
John and Dagmar Booth: Truly, I am a better person for meeting you both. Indeed, it's been my distinct honor rebuilding your home. You entrusted me with your most treasured possession 8 weeks ago and I am so proud to be a small part of the efforts of bringing you back home. Initially, you embraced me as a volunteer and later adopted me as your daughter. You will never know how much that declaration means to me. I will treasure our crawfish Fridays, candid parish political conversations and the special bond that we created.
Dagmar, your essence personifies the proverbial Steel Magnolia. Just as proud as you are to tell everyone that I am your adopted daughter, never doubt the esteem I have in calling you mommy.
John, while you may assert that I changed your life -- know that you gave meaning to mine.
Carol Duchmann and Bob Buras: Literally, I feel blessed that our paths intersected. I have thoroughly enjoyed knowing the both of you. Words cannot convey how proud I am that you were the first residents of St. Bernard Parish to welcome me so intimately into your lives.
Bob, I can never thank you enough for the special conversations we shared about the parish and it's future redevelopment. Please do not be surprised, when another book is dedicated in your honor...
Carol, your compassion and sensitivity to others is simply beautiful. Thank you for your compassion, encouragement and unconditional love.
Until my return, cheers to our special place: The Mandarin House.
Steve Gonzales: You are remarkable. Your character and firm resolve, overwhelm me at times. You have always been a pillar of strength, despite the adversity life has presented you with. Clearly you are a leader and a force to reckon with. I pray that you and John are able to establish the community center that the parish so desperately needs. To that end, you have my word, that I will act in such capacity to help with the efforts.
By the way, I told you learning this "internet thing" would not be a waste of your time.
Paul Clark: You are the volunteer of all volunteers! Your dedication and interest in serving others is magnificent. After working 10 hours in the sweltering heat, you still found time to regularly volunteer at the local church.
My life has been enriched by your presence. I am most appreciative for your painstakingly efforts in converting this "California City Girl" into a functioning St. Bernard construction worker. Unequivocally, this transformation was confirmed in week 5, when you appointed me Site Supervisor of the Booth residence. I thank you for your confidence and love you dearly for our friendship.
Eric Eames: As one of the first crew members I had the privilege of being a Site Supervisor with, I thank you for your willingness to comply with my perfectionist demands. Your easy-going demeanor and kind-hearted ways, made the weeks together memorable. I will never forget the expression of happiness on Dagmar's face, when you advised her that you extended your stay from two to three weeks here. (But then again, she was partial to you. Since according to her, you resemble a Roman God)!
It's been a distinct honor working with and getting to know you.
Fellow One Brick Volunteers: Embark upon this journey with clarity of mind and purpose. The totality of your experience in St. Bernard Parish, may not not be immediately apparent. However, the impact your services will bring upon this devestated area is undeniable. I wish you the best and assure that bountiful love and appreciation awaits you here!
Thursday, June 7, 2007
The Road Home - E. Lubarsky
This post is a follow-up to Dave's message regarding the residents displaced by Katrina. Prior to August 29, 2005, the date of the hurricane, there were 67,000 residents in St. Bernard Parish. According to recent reports, only 17,000 currently reside in the area.
Many fled the parish before Katrina and have established residency in neighboring states. The demographic of St. Bernard Parish preceding the hurricane was 50% comprised of residents aged 65 and above. It is especially difficult for this population to justify returning to the parish when there is still no infrastructure, no permanent place for medical treatment and not a single hospital in St. Bernard Parish.
However, for others, St. Bernard Parish is the only place they've ever called home. For these people, there is but one option: work through the bureaucracy and red tape involved in rebuilding their homes.
Recently, there's been many developments pertaining to the housing issue. Just this week, residents of St. Bernard Parish currently residing in FEMA trailers, received correspondence delineating purchase information about their mobile homes. The purchase price on average for the FEMA trailers is approximately $700.00.
Rules and stipulations to the purchase are contingent upon: maintaining flood insurance for 3 consecutive years, residing or occupying the unit for five years and agreeing not to sell the unit in said time. If any of the above conditions are violated, purchasers of the FEMA trailers will not receive housing assistance in the event a future hurricane devastates the parish again.
Many of the residents feel compelled to purchase their FEMA trailers subsequent of their homes still being under construction and having no other viable living alternatives. Others are perplexed why FEMA is soliciting occupants to purchase the trailers when the federal agency has no use for the mobile units. Ultimately, the residents are under a strict deadline to execute their decisions.
June 1, 2007 marked the beginning of hurricane season. A panel of local officials discussed whether the parish is better prepared for another devastating hurricane. The consensus amongst officials is that St. Bernard Parish is better prepared for a Category 3 storm, which has the potential for heavy destruction, and when storm surge is predicted to be 13 feet.
In such case, a mandatory evacuation would be issued for approaching storms that are predicted as a Category 3 and residents should be ready to leave if a mandatory evacuation is ordered.
According to the St. Bernard News, "It's believed that a strong storm would see more residents heed evacuation warnings because of the experience of Katrina. But if they didn't, there wouldn't be any shelters of last resort opened in St. Bernard in a strong storm because they wouldn't be deemed safe. Also, at some point it would be unsafe to send out emergency personnel to help people who didn't leave."
After residing in St. Bernard Parish for five weeks, I've developed a strong connection with the residents. We speak candidly with one another regarding past and future hurricanes. In the event another devastating hurricane strikes, they will evacuate as ordered.
St. Bernard Parish lost 154 lives in Katrina. These deaths left an indelible impression upon the minds and hearts of the people of St. Bernard. Trust, no one here is complacent or ignorant of the unconscionable destruction of another hurricane. Many weathered the storm because there was simply no precedent. Hurricane Betsy in 1965 was the only barometer to gauge imminent destruction. Unequivocally, history has changed the tide of current and future behavior.
Many fled the parish before Katrina and have established residency in neighboring states. The demographic of St. Bernard Parish preceding the hurricane was 50% comprised of residents aged 65 and above. It is especially difficult for this population to justify returning to the parish when there is still no infrastructure, no permanent place for medical treatment and not a single hospital in St. Bernard Parish.
However, for others, St. Bernard Parish is the only place they've ever called home. For these people, there is but one option: work through the bureaucracy and red tape involved in rebuilding their homes.
Recently, there's been many developments pertaining to the housing issue. Just this week, residents of St. Bernard Parish currently residing in FEMA trailers, received correspondence delineating purchase information about their mobile homes. The purchase price on average for the FEMA trailers is approximately $700.00.
Rules and stipulations to the purchase are contingent upon: maintaining flood insurance for 3 consecutive years, residing or occupying the unit for five years and agreeing not to sell the unit in said time. If any of the above conditions are violated, purchasers of the FEMA trailers will not receive housing assistance in the event a future hurricane devastates the parish again.
Many of the residents feel compelled to purchase their FEMA trailers subsequent of their homes still being under construction and having no other viable living alternatives. Others are perplexed why FEMA is soliciting occupants to purchase the trailers when the federal agency has no use for the mobile units. Ultimately, the residents are under a strict deadline to execute their decisions.
June 1, 2007 marked the beginning of hurricane season. A panel of local officials discussed whether the parish is better prepared for another devastating hurricane. The consensus amongst officials is that St. Bernard Parish is better prepared for a Category 3 storm, which has the potential for heavy destruction, and when storm surge is predicted to be 13 feet.
In such case, a mandatory evacuation would be issued for approaching storms that are predicted as a Category 3 and residents should be ready to leave if a mandatory evacuation is ordered.
According to the St. Bernard News, "It's believed that a strong storm would see more residents heed evacuation warnings because of the experience of Katrina. But if they didn't, there wouldn't be any shelters of last resort opened in St. Bernard in a strong storm because they wouldn't be deemed safe. Also, at some point it would be unsafe to send out emergency personnel to help people who didn't leave."
After residing in St. Bernard Parish for five weeks, I've developed a strong connection with the residents. We speak candidly with one another regarding past and future hurricanes. In the event another devastating hurricane strikes, they will evacuate as ordered.
St. Bernard Parish lost 154 lives in Katrina. These deaths left an indelible impression upon the minds and hearts of the people of St. Bernard. Trust, no one here is complacent or ignorant of the unconscionable destruction of another hurricane. Many weathered the storm because there was simply no precedent. Hurricane Betsy in 1965 was the only barometer to gauge imminent destruction. Unequivocally, history has changed the tide of current and future behavior.
Saturday, June 2, 2007
7/23-27: One Brick National trip to New Orleans! Help Rebuild St. Bernard Parish!
Please pass this onto anyone who may be interested; thanks. For FAQs and more information, contact nola-rsvp@onebrick.org
Once again, volunteers from each of One Brick's four chapters will be convening in St. Bernard Parish from July 23 - 27. Join volunteers from around the country on our second trip to take part in this incredible volunteer effort to rebuild the Gulf Coast.
View your closest chapter calendar for event details:
- SF Bay Area calendar
http://www.onebrick.org/calendar.asp?month=7&year=2007&RegionID=1
- New York calendar
http://www.onebrick.org/calendar.asp?month=7&year=2007&RegionID=2
- Chicago calendar
http://www.onebrick.org/calendar.asp?month=7&year=2007&RegionID=3
- Washington DC calendar
http://www.onebrick.org/calendar.asp?month=7&year=2007&RegionID=4
Once again, volunteers from each of One Brick's four chapters will be convening in St. Bernard Parish from July 23 - 27. Join volunteers from around the country on our second trip to take part in this incredible volunteer effort to rebuild the Gulf Coast.
View your closest chapter calendar for event details:
- SF Bay Area calendar
http://www.onebrick.org/calendar.asp?month=7&year=2007&RegionID=1
- New York calendar
http://www.onebrick.org/calendar.asp?month=7&year=2007&RegionID=2
- Chicago calendar
http://www.onebrick.org/calendar.asp?month=7&year=2007&RegionID=3
- Washington DC calendar
http://www.onebrick.org/calendar.asp?month=7&year=2007&RegionID=4
Labels: bay area, chicago, dc, july, national, new orleans, new york city, one brick, parish, san francisco, st bernard, trip, washington
Friday, June 1, 2007
happy bday camp hope!
it was a year ago, or so we were told in orientation, that camp hope first opened its doors to volunteers... 1 year and over 20,000 volunteers later all i can say is:
happy birthday camp hope!!!!
we're so glad you came into the world, and i, for one, i'm thankful you welcomed me into your amazing universe last month, hope to see you again soon.
happy birthday camp hope!!!!
we're so glad you came into the world, and i, for one, i'm thankful you welcomed me into your amazing universe last month, hope to see you again soon.
So, where does everybody live now?
It dawned on me yeasterday as I was showing the blog to a collegue at work that none of what we documented here really captures where people are living now. There's plenty of photos of the homes the community once lived in.
But if they haven't left, and they're not in their homes, and they're not in trailers parked on the lawns on their homes, where is everybody?? Well, throughout St Bernard Parish, we passed make-shift trailer parks. Mobile home after mobile home planted one after another. At the local elementary school, the teachers live in trailers in the parking lot. So much for being able to get away from your job. (although, the commute can't be beat).
Here's just a sample of what life today looks like...
This is the school parking lot...or rather on-site faculty housing.
But if they haven't left, and they're not in their homes, and they're not in trailers parked on the lawns on their homes, where is everybody?? Well, throughout St Bernard Parish, we passed make-shift trailer parks. Mobile home after mobile home planted one after another. At the local elementary school, the teachers live in trailers in the parking lot. So much for being able to get away from your job. (although, the commute can't be beat).
Here's just a sample of what life today looks like...
This is the school parking lot...or rather on-site faculty housing.
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