Are You Hurricane-Rready?

Click aqui para español- >¿Está preparado para huracanes?

The State of Louisiana is urging its residents to have a hurricane plan that is updated to deal with the pandemic. This information can be found in more detail in getagameplan.org and in ready.nola.gov.

Give yourself more time than usual to prepare your emergency food, water, and medicine supplies. Home delivery is the safest choice for buying disaster supplies; however, that may not be an option for everyone. If in-person shopping is your only choice, take steps to protect your and others’ health when running essential errands.

Protect yourself and others when filling prescriptions by limiting in-person visits to the pharmacy. Sign up for mail order delivery or call in your prescription ahead of time and use drive-through windows or curbside pickup, if available.

Pay attention to local guidance about updated plans for evacuations and shelters, including potential shelters for your pets.

If you need to evacuate, prepare a “go kit” with personal items you cannot do without during an emergency. Include items that can help protect you and others from COVID-19, such as hand sanitizer, or bar or liquid soap if not available, and two cloth face coverings for each person. Face covers should not be used by children under the age of 2. They also should not be used by people having trouble breathing, or who are unconscious, incapacitated, or unable to remove the mask without assistance.

When you check on neighbors and friends, be sure to follow social distancing recommendations (staying at least 6 feet, about 2 arms’ length, from others) and other CDC recommendations to protect yourself and others.

If you need to go to a disaster shelter, follow CDC recommendations for staying safe and healthy in a public disaster shelter during the COVID-19 pandemic.

PREPARE FOR AN EMERGENCY

• Know what emergencies or disasters are most likely to occur in your area and have an emergency kit pre-assembled.

• Inquire about emergency plans at places where your family spends time: work, daycare and school, faith organizations, sports events and commuting.
• Refill prescriptions so that you always have a seven (7) day supply.
• Identify responsibilities for each member of your household and plan to work together as a team.
• Know the difference between different weather alerts such as watches and warnings and what actions to take for each.
• Learn about your community’s warning signals and frequently monitor television, NOAA radio, Internet and mobile apps.

 >> Don’t wait until the storm approaches to download your apps.

• If there is a chance you will have to evacuate, turn the refrigerator and freezer to the coldest setting and keep them closed as much as possible so that food will last longer if the power goes out.

• Listen to local officials and be ready to evacuate. Know your evacuation routes and emergency shelters and checkpoints. Notify someone outside the disaster area of your plans.

Online Education Challenges for ELL students

By Cody Downey

Click aqui para español- >Obstáculos en educación en línea para aprendices de inglés

Since the closure of schools on March 16, education has moved online. The closure has posed a real change of pace for students, especially to those with limited English proficiency, commonly referred to as English Language Learners (ELL).

According to the most recent statistics from the Louisiana Department of Education, 4.08% of students have been identified as having limited English proficiency. Out of all the school districts, Jefferson Parish Public Schools and New Orleans Public Schools have some of the highest English Learner populations with 17.99% and 6.61%, respectively.

With the move to online education, schools had to work harder to keep these students learning and engaged. New Orleans Public Schools advised their schools to connect with their students and families and work with them to change their instruction plans as needed. “NOLA Public Schools continues to work with and support schools as they implement their continuous learning plans,” NOLA-PS said. “Schools have planned to address the needs of all their students, including their ELL populations.”

With approximately 3,000 English Learners in their district, schools have had to reach out more than ever before to ensure the continuation of education.

At Sophie B. Wright Charter School, Charter Director Sharon Clark said her school has been constantly reaching out to their 40 ESL students. They have provided meals and sent numerous messages to provide equipment.

“We made sure that our students had computers and internet hot spots. If the students could not come and get the needed items, we brought the items to them,” Clark said. “We are a family at Wright, and every student counts.”

According to Clark, all students that were in the ESL program graduated, and were able to pick up their diplomas. “We are proud of all of our students and will do anything we must to make sure that they are successful,” she said.

In Jefferson Parish, the school district had to make similar arrangements to provide education and accommodations to their 9,025 English Learners.

According to Executive Director of Language Equity and Acquisition Karina Castillo, the school district transitioned into online learning for these students by assigning ESL staff to online classrooms and reaching out to individual students.

“Providing individualized accommodations for each student is our goal,” Castillo said.

However, the transition has not been completely easy for English Learners. Kathy Hall, an ESL teacher at Marrero Middle School, said that the biggest struggle for these students is access to technology and to the internet. According to Hall, the extent of some English Learners’ access to technology is their smartphones.

“Google Classroom and many of the programs being used are not compatible with proper functioning on a cellphone,” Hall said. “Even those who do have access to computers or Chromebooks still were not trained in how to access and use the Google Classroom features and tools.”

Along with this, Hall said that for English Learners, learning can be even harder when they need a more face-to-face or hands-on type of instruction. “They are already limited in English, so trying to communicate online in English [and assess] what it is that they do not understand in order to receive the help they need, sometimes seems or feels insurmountable,” she said.

Castillo echoed the same problems by saying that access to technology was the biggest challenge. However, she said that there has been a lot of good work done on the district’s part in trying to help these and other students.

“Since our buildings have closed, we’ve served around half a million grab & go meals to children, provided online learning resources to families, distributed over 70,000 printed learning packets, and have loaned over 5,000 Chromebooks to families,” she said.

With the end of the school year, Castillo said that the district will be looking to students and their families to help them move forward.

“As we plan for next school year, we are seeking input from families on how the pandemic has impacted them, how we have helped and where we can improve,” she said.

**Attention State Farm Customers**

**Due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic, we are taking the following temporary safety measures to ensure the health of our customers and team.   Please call our office 504-366-1155 we are here to assist you by phone or email**

State Farm is committed to the health and safety of our customers & associates and minimizing interruptions to our customers while continuing to provide the personalized service you expect.  With so much uncertainty about COVID-19 Coronavirus, we are working hard to do our part to slow the spread of this virus by maintaining social distance and limit contact. Our goal is to keep you safe, as well as keep our employees healthy so we can continue to serve our customers.

Our office is open and we are here to serve you on the phone or via email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

We are happy to assist you over the phone and can come to your car to assist you with your needed transaction.

***We continue to serve our customers in multiple ways during this time:

If you are sick, please call us.  Please do not come into the office.       

***We appreciate your patience and understanding under these uncertain times for our community, country and world***

Thank you for your business & the trust you have placed in our office!  Thelma Ceballos Meyers, Agent

CORONAVIRUS COVID-19 INFORMATION AND RESOURCES

SYMPTOMS AND TESTING

If you think you may have the coronavirus and want to get tested, figuring out where to go can be confusing and challenging. Medical facilities and doctors offices ask that everyone call ahead so they can make arrangements to protect others when people come in for testing.

Call your primary care physician if you are concerned and showing symptoms. If you do not have a primary care physician, contact the Louisiana 211 Network by dialing 2-1-1 to be connected to the nearest community clinic. The Louisiana Department of Health recommends testing for any patient with fever, respiratory symptoms and a negative flu test. Testing is not recommended for asymptomatic patients. Any physician can order testing based on their clinical judgement. Testing is being conducted by the state public health laboratory and some commercial labs. The state lab tests samples of high-priority patients, which include:

•       Hospitalized patients with a severe respiratory illness with no other known cause
•       Patients with recent onset of similar fever and lower respiratory symptoms who are associated with others with a suspected outbreak of COVID-19
•       Health care workers with direct contact to a laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 case with recent fever and lower respiratory symptoms
•       Homeless patients with suspected COVID-19
•       Patients with suspected COVID-19 who are associated with a high-risk exposure setting such as a long-term care facility or a correctional facility

State lab results are typically available within the same day. Results times may vary at commercial labs. For more information, contact the Louisiana 211 Network by dialing 211 or by texting LACOVID to 898-211, or visit the Louisiana Department of Health's coronavirus website.

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Department of Labor -Employee Rights

DOL’s Wage and Hour Division remains available to assist employers and employees alike with questions they may have regarding employer obligations and employee rights, particularly as they relate to the FLSA and FMLA.   If you have questions, feel free to contact the Wage and Hour Division at 1-866-4US-WAGE (1-866-487-9243) or 504.589.6171.  We also established recently a virtual call center (VCC) to increase the number of staff available to answer calls live, so callers may reach a representative outside of Louisiana. Regardless, those staff members are equally trained and available to offer assistance to the public.

In addition, you may find the following resources helpful as you navigate the COVID-19 situation. https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic

 Disaster Relief Lending Small Business Administration Assistance 

Process for Accessing SBA’s Coronavirus (COVID-19) Disaster Relief Lending

• The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering designated states and territories low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Upon a request received from a state’s or territory’s Governor, SBA will issue under its own authority, as provided by the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act that was recently signed by the President, an Economic Injury Disaster Loan declaration.

• Any such Economic Injury Disaster Loan assistance declaration issued by the SBA makes loans available to small businesses and private, non-profit organizations in designated areas of a state or territory to help alleviate economic injury caused by the Coronavirus (COVID-19).

• SBA’s Office of Disaster Assistance will coordinate with the state’s or territory’s Governor to submit the request for Economic Injury Disaster Loan assistance.

• Once a declaration is made for designated areas within a state, the information on the application process for Economic Injury Disaster Loan assistance will be made available to all affected communities.

• These loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that can’t be paid because of the disaster’s impact. The interest rate is 3.75% for small businesses without credit available elsewhere; businesses with credit available elsewhere are not eligible. The interest rate for non-profits is 2.75%.

• SBA offers loans with long-term repayments in order to keep payments affordable, up to a maximum of 30 years. Terms are determined on a case-by-case basis, based upon each borrower’s ability to repay.

• SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans are just one piece of the expanded focus of the federal government’s coordinated response, and the SBA is strongly committed to providing the most effective and customer-focused response possible.

For additional information, please contact the SBA disaster assistance customer service center. Call 1-800-659-2955 (TTY: 1-800-877-8339) or e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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Stress, Anxiety, and Emotional Support During Emergencies

http://www.dss.state.la.us/page/coronavirus

Feeling stressed, anxious or depressed is common among human service clients, staff, and children during emergencies. The Disaster Distress Helpline is a 24/7, 365-day-a-year national hotline that provides immediate crisis counseling for people who are experiencing emotional distress related to any emergency. This toll-free, multilingual, and confidential crisis support service is available to all residents in the U.S. and its territories.

•       Call(800) 985-5990
•       TextTalkWithUs to 66746
•       Visithttp://disasterdistress.samhsa.gov
•       LikeDisaster Distress Helpline on Facebook
•       FollowDisaster Distress on Twitter

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Unemployment Benefits

Workers can apply for financial assistance and SNAP benefits (food stamps) through the Louisiana Workforce Commission, which has loosened eligibility requirements to help workers affected by COVID-19.

For more information, visit laworks.net.

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Gig Economy Fund New Orleans Business Alliance

https://www.nolaba.org/relief-fund/

• The New Orleans Business Alliance is awarding between $500 and $1,000 to musicians, drivers, and other gig workers affected by COVID-19. Must be an Orleans Parish resident.

MusicCares COVID-19 Relief Fund

The Recording Academy is giving financial assistance to musicians whose livelihoods have been jeopardized by the pandemic.

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Jefferson Parish Schools Grab and Go Meals

Meals will be provided weekdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Grand Isle School), beginning March 18. Families can pick up the first round of printed learning packets in the grab and go meal line March 18-20. New packets will be available March 30 through April 2.

Families can go to any of the 14 locations to pick up a free Grab and Go meal and at-home learning packet, even if the site is not their home school.

The grab and go locations are:

• Bissonet Plaza Elementary: 6818 Kawanee Drive in Metairie
• Emmett Gilbert School: 435 S. Jamie Blvd. in Westwego
• Fisher: 2529 Jean Lafitte Blvd. in Lafitte
• Grand Isle School: 149 Ludwig Ln. in Grand Isle (11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at this location)
• Gretna Middle: 910 Gretna Blvd. in Gretna
• Hazel Park Elementary: 8809 Jefferson Hwy. in River Ridge
• Marie Riviere Elementary: 1564 Lake Ave. in Metairie
• Marrero Middle: 4100 7th Street in Marrero
• Meisler Middle: 3700 Cleary Ave. in Metairie
• Riverdale High: 240 Riverdale Drive in Jefferson
• Terrytown Elementary: 550 E. Forest Lawn Drive in Terrytown
• Truman School: 5417 Ehret Road in Marrero
• Woods Elementary: 1037 31st Street in Kenner
• Worley Middle: 801 Spartans Drive in Westwego

Meals will be offered to any child age 18 and under (21 and under for special education students) regardless of whether they are a Jefferson Parish Schools student. Printed learning packets will be available for students in grades pre-K to 8th. Children must be present with an adult to receive a meal and learning packet. Meals will include lunch for that day and breakfast for the following morning. The printed learning packets are intended for families who do not have internet access to the resources available on the district website. High school students are encouraged to use the digital coursework linked at jpschools.org. 

The grab and go service will include pick-up lines outside the school for families to drive through or walk up. In order to avoid creating a large crowd, it is important that families immediately leave campus after receiving their meal and packet. 

ORLEANS PARISH SCHOOL NUTRITION PROGRAMS

COVID-19 Child Nutrition Programs Available for Families

•       Beginning Wednesday, March 18, NOLA-PS, in collaboration with many charter school leaders, the New Orleans Recreation Development Commission (NORD), local non-profit organizations, faith-based partners and private businesses, will launch a full-scale Citywide Feeding Program.

•       This program will consist of 43 Community Feeding Distribution sites across New Orleans that ensure families can easily access breakfast and lunch during this prolonged school closure. The 43 sites consist of schools, NORD facilities and local business locations

•       Students do not need to be present to receive meals. Parents or caregivers may pick up meals on behalf of the students within their household. 

•       Child nutrition resources are available to those under 18 years of age* and those who currently attend a public school. 

•       Students over 18 that are enrolled in public K-12 schools, including students with disabilities through age 22, are also eligible for free meals at open sites. 

•       Eligible families who are unable to access food resources this week should call United Way’s 211 information system which has the latest information about finding the Second Harvest food pantry nearest you.

If you’re in Orleans Parish, dial 211 for assistance

Homer Plessy 721 St. Philip St., New Orleans, LA 70116 9:00am –12:00pm

Beacon LightInternational Baptist 1937 Mirabeau Ave, New Orleans, LA 70122 9:00am –12:00pm

Ben Franklin HS 2001 Leon C Simon Dr, New Orleans, LA 70122 9:00am –12:00pm

Bethune 2401 Humanity St, New Orleans, LA 70122 9:00am –12:00pm

Coghill 4617 Mirabeau Ave., New Orleans, LA 70126 9:00am –11:00am

Foundation Prep 3121 St Bernard Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119 9:00am –12:00pm

John F. Kennedy 6026 Paris Ave, New Orleans, LA 70122 9:00am –12:00pm

Living Faith Church 4339 Eastern St, New Orleans, LA 70122 9:00am –12:00pm

NORD Commission (Milne Playground) 5420 Franklin Ave, New Orleans, LA 70122 9:00am –12:00pm

Pierre A. Capdau 5800 St. Roch Ave, New Orleans, LA 70112 8:30am –1:00pm

USPS Parking Lot (Old Prep Space) 2067 Caton St, New Orleans 9:00am –12:00pm

Save-A-Lot Parking 4726 Paris Ave, New Orleans, LA 70122 9:00am –12:00pm

ReNEW Sci Tech820 Jackson Ave, New Orleans, LA 701309:00am –12:00pm

Martin Luther King ES* Starting Monday, March 23rd*1617 Caffin Ave, New Orleans, LA 70117 9:00am –12:00pm

Abramson Sci Academy 5552 Read Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70127 9:00am –12:00pm

IDEA Oscar Dunn 12000 Hayne Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70128 9:00am –12:00pm

KIPP Morial 7701 Grant St, New Orleans, LA 70126 9:00am –12:00pm

Livingston 7301 Dwyer Rd., New Orleans, LA 70126 9:00am –12:00pm

Mildred Osborne 6701 Curran Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70126 9:00am –12:00pm

ReNEW Dolores T. Aaron 10200 Curran Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70127 9:00am –12:00pm

ReNEW Schaumburg 9501 Grant St, New Orleans, LA 70127 9:00am –12:00pm

Sarah T. Reed HS 5316 Michoud Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70129 9:30am –12:00pm

NORD After School Meals

NORD, in partnership with Share Our Strength /No Kid Hungry Louisiana will offer hot meals starting Tuesday, March 17, 2020 from 4-6 PM at all of our rec centers except Annunciation Rec Center to youth ages 18 years old and under.  In addition, New Orleans Public Schools will also offer meals.  Please visit https://nolapublicschools.com/covid19/nutrition for locations and times

Behrman Rec Center 2529 General Meyer Avenue 4-6 PM

Cut-Off Rec Center 6600 Belgrade Street 4-6 PM

Gernon Brown Rec Center 1001 Harrison Avenue 4-6 PM

Joe W. Brown Rec Center 5601 Read Blvd.4-6 PM

Lyons Rec Center 624 Louisiana Avenue4-6 PM 

Milne Rec Center 5420 Franklin Avenue 4-6 PM

Rosenwald Rec Center 1120 S. Broad Street 4-6 PM

Sanchez Multi-Service Center 1616 Caffin Avenue 4-6 PM

Stallings St. Claude Rec Center 4300 St. Claude Avenue 4-6 PM

St. Bernard Rec Center 1500 Lafreniere Street 4-6 PM

Treme Rec Center 900 N. Villere Street 4-6 PM

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INTERNET ACCESS

Both Comcast and Spectrum recently put out press releases announcing their offers, and the details of each are slightly different.

Spectrum is offering free Wi-Fi and broadband access up to 100 MBPS to any household with K-12 and/or college students that doesn’t already have Spectrum. Installation fees will be waived for these households, and anyone wishing to enroll will need to call 1-844-488-8395.

Comcast is expanding a service they already offer for low-income families called Internet Essentials. The service, which is normally $9.95 a month, will be free for new customers for 60 days and is 25 MBPS. People hoping to sign up for the services can call 1-855-846-8376 for English and 1-855-765-6995 for Spanish.

Both internet service providers are also offering free access to their Wi-Fi hotspots across the country. 

Cox isn’t providing free internet, but they are offering service at a discount for 60 days. New customers to their “Starter” package will pay $19.99 for 50 MBPS for 60 days. Their offer is valid through May 15.

DIAPER BANK. Hispanic Resource Center. City of Kenner

The Diaper Bank of the Hispanic Resource Center from the City of Kenner will be open to the public, CALL before you come to find out if we have the size your baby needs and what appointment is available. Diapers will be provided by APPOINTMENT ONLY every 30 mins to avoid crowds: (504)469-2570. PLEASE COME AT THE TIME ASSIGNED. Don't line up, don't come in large groups, DON'T BRING PEOPLE WITHOUT AN APPOINTMENT. FOR THE WELLNESS OF ALL, FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS, DO NOT EXPOSE YOURSELF, OR EXPOSE OTHERS. Please call for appointments: (504)469-2570.

FIDELITY BANK-

Fidelity Bank is committed to making banking easier for our clients across Southeast Louisiana. Beginning today, March 17th, 2020, through June 30th, 2020, Fidelity Bank has made the decision to waive;

Any late payments and negative credit reporting for loan clients that would have incurred fees.

All early withdrawal penalties on certificates of deposit.

In these unprecedented times, it is vital to reaffirm our commitment to our customers, clients, and community. For over 111 years, Fidelity Bank has been #hereforgood. We plan to be here for many, many more.

INFO bankwithfidelity.com/notice-details.html

UNITED WAY COVID-10 Community Response and Recovery Fund

United Way Worldwide has established a COVID-19 Community Response and Recovery Fund. This Fund will support communities struggling in the wake of the new virus, through local United Ways and the 211 network, the go-to information resource in times of crisis. Every year, 211 call specialists answer 12 million requests by phone, text chat and email to connect people with disaster, food, housing, utility, health care resources and more. There is no other network in the country that has a similar pulse on America’s needs. 

Senate passes coronavirus package as Treasury proposes rescue with emergency checks

Hispanic Complete Count Committee

U.S. Census 2020

El conteo del 2020 U.S Census (Censo Estadounidense) comienza el 12 de marzo. Cada diez años, el mayor desafío para el censo ha sido verificar que ciertas comunidades no estén representadas adecuadamente en el conteo. La comunidad hispana es una de estas comunidades. Por esta razón, el Censo de los Estados Unidos nombró el primer Comité Hispano de Conteo Completo en el estado de Louisiana. Este grupo está comprometido con la tarea de interactuar con la comunidad hispana para informar sobre la importancia de hacerse contar, sobre la seguridad de la información proporcionada a la entidad y para incrementar así los niveles de participación en el censo.

El Comité Hispano de Conteo Completo es un grupo conformado por líderes comunitarios y organizaciones interesados en el resultado de este esfuerzo. Las organizaciones locales que se han unido para apoyar el censo de 2020 en Louisiana son la Cámara de Comercio Hispana de Louisiana, Puentes New Orleans, la Fundación de Herencia Hispana (HHFNO), VIVA NOLA Magazine, Jambalaya News, Telemundo / KGLA, el Apostolado Hispano de la Arquidiócesis de Nueva Orleans y la Administración de la Parroquia de Jefferson.

El objetivo del comité es ayudar a la comunidad a comprender que el conteo tiene un gran impacto en la asignación de recursos que cada área recibe para familias y niños. Otra área de enfoque para el comité es aclarar que la información solicitada por el censo de los Estados Unidos no incluye preguntas sobre ciudadanía o estatus legal. El comité también alentará la participación al explicar que la información presentada es confidencial y no se comparte con otras instituciones federales.

“Somos conscientes de la importancia de educar y llegar a la comunidad hispana para lograr la mayor participación posible. Solo tenemos una oportunidad cada diez años para que se nos cuente, lo que determina la representación política, los fondos para educación, atención médica, infraestructura y otros programas comunitario“, dijo Mayra Pineda, presidenta y directora ejecutiva de la Cámara de Comercio Hispana de Louisiana.

El comité trabajará en una campaña de información pública, eventos de concientización y participación en varios eventos comunitarios.

Si tiene preguntas o desea obtener más información, comuníquese con Mayra E. Pineda 504-885-4262.

Krewe of Red Beans

By AnaMaria Bech

Click aqui para español- > Comparsa de Frijoles Rojos

The Krewe of Red Beans began in 2008 - and launched the first “bean parade” on Lundi Gras 2009. Each year, Krewe members begin working on their suits after Halloween passes. On the best Monday of the year (Lundi Gras, the day before Mardi Gras) they parade through the streets of the Marigny and Tremé. 150 Krewe members parade alongside thousands of “unofficial” paraders - and everyone is welcome to make their own bean suit and join in on the fun!

The idea of the Krewe of Red Beans Parade was to take inspiration from different elements of New Orleans culture: making a suit like an Indian and Second Lining like a Social Aid and Pleasure Club… and of course, to celebrate the culinary tradition of Red Beans on Monday!

Friends and friends-of-friends were recruited in 2008 and they began working on their first suits. From those first 25 members (and 1 or 2 spectators) to now three parades and around 10,000 spectators, the Krewe of Red Beans has grown into a loved Lundi Gras tradition.

Red Beans Parade - Frijoles! 2020 Lundi Gras - Krewe of Red Beans and Krewe of Mayahuel parading together in “Red Beans Parade”. The original Red Beans parade (Marigny) will be a little more Caribbean and Mexican this year, as they welcome the Krewe of Mayahuel, a Mexican folkloric krewe that celebrates Mexican traditions, and a Caribbean band created by musician Cole Williams.

Red Beans Parade - 2pm Lundi Gras Day - 725 St. Ferdinand (Marigny Opera House)

And the newest sub-krewe, Feijao (beans in Portuguese)- a “Brazilian/cajun” parade is taking off this year in Bywater. Feijao starts on Lundi Gras Day at 2pm at Bud Rips Bar. All are welcome!

Dead Beans Parade --Dead Beans was launched in 2018, and it parades near Bayou St. John with music by Panorama Brass Band and Bon Vivant! The Dead Beans wear suits inspired by any mythological or folkloric tradition that deals with death, mortality, or the afterlife, or paying homage to someone who passed. This year’s theme is mythical or extinct animals.

The Krewe of Red Beans welcomes everyone in the community who wants to participate. Just make your own costume and join one of the parades. For more information, you can email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit www.redbeansparade.com

Photography: Ryan Hodgson-Rigsbee

Acción de gracias

Acción: Hecho, acto u operación que implica actividad.

En los Estados Unidos existe el día de “Thanksgiving” que ha sido traducido, en su mayoría, a Día de Acción de Gracias. Con los agites del mundo moderno y la facilidad con la que obtenemos nuestras necesidades básicas, tomamos todo por hecho, deseamos más, estamos inconformes, y la mayoría del tiempo nos enfocamos en lo que nos hace falta.

El Día de Acción de Gracias es de gran relevancia en la cultura estadounidense, y nos sirve como una pausa para Compartir en familia y recordar todas las razones que tenemos para agradecer.

Obed es un niño de 12 años que a pesar de sus dificultades siempre se muestra agradecido. Obed, quien está bajo el cuidado de su madre, ha pasado por más de diez cirugías en el cerebro por hidrocefalia, ha pasado por una cirugía de corazón, y ahora batalla con un tumor en su pierna que será operado con urgencia.

Angélica Rivera de Colmex Construction recibió una llamada acerca de la situación de Obed y la necesidad de una rampa de acceso para su residencia. La historia de Obed la conmovió profundamente, pero fue cuando Rivera conoció en persona a Obed que su corazón le exigió acción. “Lo que más me llamó la atención de Obed cuando lo conocí fue su actitud positiva frente a la vida. A pesar de todos sus problemas y las cosas difíciles por las que ha pasado, es un niño que irradia alegría”.

Rivera y su familia inmediatamente se pusieron manos a la obra. Home Depot se sumó a los esfuerzos luego de escuchar brevemente la razón del proyecto, y donó cerca de $2,000 en materiales. El sábado pasado fue el día de la obra. “Para mi fue una sorpresa muy especial ver que todos los integrantes del equipo llegaron el sábado a ayudar”. Rivera había hecho un llamado para quienes quisieran donar su tiempo para esta causa y sin cuestionarlo, 14 integrantes de Colmex Construction, incluyendo personal de oficina, llegaron al sitio para donar su trabajo en su día libre y construir la rampa para Obed.

Acción: Una llamada, una respuesta, una visita, un compromiso, una donación, una construcción en equipo. La suma de estas acciones consiguió algo tan simple como una rampa. Para Obed, esa rampa facilita movilidad en la silla de ruedas. Para

Obed, también es de gran impacto en su vida, sentir el cariño y el apoyo de una comunidad que no lo abandona.

Obed quien se prepara para la cirugía del tumor en su pierna pronto, en este día de acción de gracias tiene un pequeño motivo más para seguir siendo esa persona positiva, que aprecia la vida y se muestra siempre agradecido.

Recordemos ser más como Obed y tener en cuenta los miles de motivos para agradecer hoy y cada día. ¿Por qué agradeces en este día?

NOLA READY

By the NOLA READY Team

Click aqui para español- > NOLA READY

Each year in New Orleans, hurricane season lasts from June to November.

Tropical weather begins with a low-pressure area of circling winds over water. A system can develop into a tropical depression, tropical storm, or a hurricane. Dangers include high winds, heavy rain, tornadoes, flooding, and power outages, which means you should insure your property for both wind and flood damage. You’re probably no stranger to these storms. Still, it’s important to make a plan with your family in case a storm comes our way. This guide offers the basics. There are extra things to consider during an emergency for seniors, young children, people with medical needs, and pet owners. Call 311 to sign up for the special needs registry if you are elderly or have medical or mobility needs. Find more information on ready.nola.gov.

SHELTER IN PLACE

Make a “home kit”

Clean & secure your property

• Remove debris from gutters • Clear debris from catch basins • Prune trees & shrubs • Bring outdoor furniture & decorations inside • Secure or bring garbage bins inside • Prepare for power & water outages • Fill bathtub with water to clean & flush toilets • Turn fridge to its lowest temperature. • Charge electronic devices. • Preserve cell phone battery life.
• If you need power for medical equipment, call 311 to register your special needs.

Stay safe & informed

• Bring pets inside. • Lock doors & windows • Close curtains & blinds. • Stay inside until officials say it’s safe. • Call 911 in an emergency. Call 311 for information. • Storms can be scary for kids. Talk about what’s happening & entertain with games & toys.

EVACUATE

Make a “go bag”

Plan your route

Know where, how & with whom you’re going. • Leave with a full tank of gas & plan that it could take four times longer than usual.

Use City-assisted evacuation if you can’t evacuate on your own

• During a mandatory evacuation, go to an evacuspot. Five of them have extra help for seniors.
• If you can’t get to an evacuspot because of medical needs, you might be eligible to be picked up from your home. Call 311. • Buses will take you to a shelter outside the area & will bring you back when it’s safe. • Bring only 1 carry-on sized bag per person. • Pets should have an ID collar, leash, medications & a carrier.

Clean & secure your property

• Remove debris from gutters & downspouts. • Clear debris from catch basins. • Prune trees & shrubs. • Bring outdoor furniture, decorations and garbage bins inside.
• 

Mardi Gras Love

By Christopher Ard

Click aqui para español- >Amor de Mardi Gras

Most people come to New Orleans to “see the Mardi Gras” and anticipate an overabundance of drinks, color, flesh, music, and food. However, for those of us who are from here, we know it’s more than that. Family, for example, is a large part of carnival. If anything, spending time with family and friends is what we’ve been doing all winter throughout the Christmas holidays…so we’re just extending the holidays by a few weeks. Carnival also marks the beginning of spring—more daylight, warmer weather—and love.

Here in the United States, we are lucky enough to celebrate carnival AND Valentine’s Day—that day set aside for love, lovers, liking, lust, longing, and several other words beginning with the letter ‘L’. So, with carnival and Valentine’s Day happening at the same time, there must be a carnival love story—and there is! Keep in mind that I’m writing this the Tuesday before Valentine’s Day, so love is on my mind.

In 1871, the Russian Grand Duke Alexei Alexandrovich Romanov was on a tour of North America. At some point in his travels he met an actress named Lydia Thompson while she was in a play singing a funny song called “If Ever I Cease to Love.” Rumor has it that Alexei fell in love with Lydia. One of his last stops on his tour was New Orleans for Mardi Gras. Miraculously, Lydia showed up in town as well. There was a new daytime Mardi Gras krewe called “Rex” that year. The city was excited to know that the Grand Duke was in town and everyone had heard the rumors of their love affair. So, throughout the parade, every band would play the song “If Ever I Cease to Love,” to put a smile on the Duke’s face.

If ever I cease to love, If ever I cease to love, May the moon be turned to green cream cheese, If ever I cease to love.

Of course, Alexei was 21 years old, so the love affair didn’t last too long. Both he and Lydia went their separate ways, but the song remained. It became the official song of Mardi Gras and has been played during every carnival season since 1872, much to the confusion of most tourists today.

In my opinion, this story captures the essence of carnival in New Orleans—excess. Carnival is great already, but now I introduced some extra information, like a Russian Duke and an actress. It’s details that aren’t really needed to have a great carnival, but it just makes it that much MORE impressive.

And that’s carnival. There’s too much drinking, too much food, too many parades, too much music, too much dancing…all in celebration of life and love. I hope you all have a great carnival season and indulge in too much of everything because, if you’re anything like me, it’ll make for an extremely relaxing and peaceful Lent.

Happy Carnival!

Are You From Here?

By Christopher Ard

Click aqui para español- >¿Eres de Aquí?

When I purchased my home in New Orleans’ 8th Ward a few years ago, my neighbors came out to meet me. They were kind and very welcoming, and eager to find out the answer to their question, “Where you from, baby?”

Now, understand that I’m a born and raised New Orleanian, so, I knew exactly what they meant. However, I also have some very distinct Native American characteristics, so I understand the confusion I cause when my response is, "I’m from here." Inevitably, hearing this response leads to “Yeah, but where you really from?”, which then leads to my answer, "The Lower 9th Ward. Tupelo Street." This answer generally satisfies most New Orleanians.

You see, the from here question isn’t really about my appearance; it’s about whether I’m a New Orleanian—a REAL New Orleanian. But what is a real New Orleanian? And if you weren’t born here, can you ever become a REAL New Orleanian?

In this article, I’ll attempt to give instructions on how to become a REAL New Orleanian. This first thing to understand: NO ONE IS REALLY FROM HERE.

We are a port city, no different than New York, London, San Francisco, or Singapore. We are constantly evolving, changing, expanding and shrinking. Without the influx of new people and ideas, we would not have jazz, shotgun houses, Spanish architecture, jambalaya, or even individuals like me who embody the variety of ethnicities that have created this city.

With that said, here is my version of what you need to do to become a New Orleanian.

You must experience a life-altering event with your community.

Hurricane Katrina dispersed most New Orleanians to every state in the nation. Nearly half a million people were scattered about the country, without a home, away from family, not knowing if everyone got out...for months. Those of us who experienced this have been linked together for the rest of our lives, much like military veterans who develop camaraderie while fighting in a war zone, or like passengers who survive a plane crash. Let me be clear, I hope you never have to experience strife while living here--a flood, a hurricane, or even a shooting--but when you do, if you do, you automatically become a New Orleanian.

Forgive us our sins.

Please ignore the current New Orleanians’ sense of ownership over our town and culture. Prior to Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans was the largest city in the country with the largest native-born population. After the hurricane, we became extremely protective of what’s left of our city. We turned our attention to symbols that weren’t too popular like the fleur-de-lis, searching for a sense of belonging or a connection to what we lost. If you want to become a REAL New Orleanian, start by accepting current New Orleanians for who they are--attitudes, cultures, beliefs, accents...all of it.

Don’t try to change us; just add to it.

Understandably, racism, sexism, poverty, the failing school system are all things that needed to change. Everything else can always be improved upon. I grew up in the Lower 9th Ward and St. Bernard. My Christmas’ dinner featured gumbo, jambalaya, shrimp stew, AND Mexican tamales. You see, we didn’t choose one or the other. We had both. Don’t move here and start a Philly cheesesteak restaurant. Mix it up! Try something new. Make us the envy of the country, not a mirror image of Brooklyn or another city.

Love us, but don’t use us.

We get it. The rest of the country is just Cleveland. The United States of Generica can be boring, repeated, capitalist, copied, and the rules are out of hand. So, you found refuge here, below sea level, with the rest of us. Real New Orleans will take you in. It’ll love every inch of you, imperfections and all. It’ll sacrifice its drainage system to your refuse, its neutral grounds to your SUVs, its balcony polls to your bike chains, all with the intent of you loving her back.

Part of that love is honoring her traditions. There’s a reason for Carnival, for Mardi Gras, and for St. Joseph’s Day. And no, it’s not so you can put more glitter on and get drunk. I’m not asking you to become Catholic, but I am asking you to temper your needs to contribute to the tourism machine. You don’t need to party every day. When you do, you neglect New Orleans. You contribute to the exploitation of her culture and the demise of everything we hold dear.

If you want New Orleans to survive, you must do the work. If you want to live somewhere simply to drink and be selfish, go someplace terrible like Las Vegas. You won’t harm a thing there. So, those are my basic instructions for becoming a REAL New Orleanian.

You see, it’s not up to me, or any other person born in New Orleans to decide whether you are FROM here. I believe some people are already born with New Orleans in them. If you’re lucky, you’ll live here at some point and let your New Orleans show.

First, we are a city of historical conformity, of tradition, of family, and of love, all of which takes work. Second, we know how to take a break every now and again, don a mask and some color, and give thanks that we live here. But this is all the opinion of a guy who was born in Metairie—take it or leave it.

Do whatcha wanna-- on Frenchmen Street!

By Christopher Ard

Click aqui para español- >¡Haz lo que te parezca En la calle Frenchmen!

It’s January in New Orleans and that means it’s time to hit the streets! Odds are, you’re going to find yourself dancing down Frenchmen Street at some point this carnival season—celebrating life. Yes, there are few streets in post-Katrina New Orleans that conjure up images of fun, laughter, jazz, and an all-around good time like Frenchmen Street. However, things at the edge of the French Quarter weren’t always so jovial.

In 1763, the countries of Europe signed the Treaty of Paris, thus ending the 7 Years War (also known as the French and Indian War). Just a year earlier, France and Spain met secretly and signed the Treaty of Fontainebleau which gave Louisiana and New Orleans to Spain. Of course, there were no cell phones or Internet back then, so news of the secret treaty finally spread in 1764.

-Overnight the French and German settlers of New Orleans became Spaniards-

Overnight the French and German settlers of Louisiana and New Orleans became Spaniards, and as such, it was expected that they now drink Catalonian wine from Spain, rather than Bordeaux wine from France. Well, this news was shocking to most residents of New Orleans, as you can imagine.

A few years passed, and Spain finally sent a new Spanish governor to Louisiana. Don Antonio de Ulloa showed up with his wife and was immediately met with resistance by the French population who did not want to be Spanish or drink Spanish wine. Ulloa wanted to stop some of the nefarious happenings in New Orleans. There was rampant smuggling happening up and down the river, so the new Spanish governor decided to shut down all of the entrances to the river except for one. The local shipping industry wouldn’t tolerate it. In 1768, 600 residents helped run Ulloa out of town in what is now called the Louisiana Rebellion of 1768—the first rebellion of European-Americans against European powers.

When news of the rebellion reached Spain, the King was furious. About a year later, Spain sent Don Alejandro O’Reilly (an Irishman) to re-establish Spanish rule. Upon his arrival, O’Reilly threw a dinner party and invited those who organized the rebellion. He promised no one would be punished. However, at the dinner party, he had them arrested. Five of the conspirators were sentenced to death by firing squad on October 26, 1769, another five were imprisoned in Cuba for two years, and another was sent to prison in France. Among those killed were Nicholas Chauvin de Lafreniere (same as in the park in Metairie).

Over the next few months, “Bloody” O’Reilly (as he was then known as) established Spanish rule in Louisiana. French flags were lowered, and Spanish flags were raised, street names were translated or changed, the currency changed to the peso—but the local population never forgot the Frenchmen whom were killed or imprisoned during the revolt.

36 years later, Bernard Marigny sold his land downriver from the French Quarter and subdivided the land. As he named the new streets for things he loved, like Craps, Love, and Good Children, there was one street he saved in honor of those men who died fighting for their freedom. Rumor has it that the execution of the Frenchmen happened nearby where Frenchmen Street meets Esplanade Avenue today.

So, this carnival, as you dance down Frenchmen Street, pour some out for those Frenchmen who stood up against government rules and regulations. Listen to some jazz—that musical art form from New Orleans that breaks all the rules. Do watcha wanna!!!—it’s tradition.

Reveillon: Just like Nochebuena, but here in New Orleans

By Christopher Ard

Click aqui para español- >Réveillon: La Nochebuena de Nueva Orleans

Pork tamales. If there’s one flavor that reminds me of Christmas, it’s that of pork tamales. Well, to be honest, gumbo is also one. There’s nothing like a hot bowl of gumbo on a cold, wet night to get me into the holiday mood.

I didn’t know it when I was younger, but my cultural background was a blessing. On the Mexican side of the family, our table was full of tamales, tortillas, beans, rice, and turkey. On the Louisiana side of the family, it was shrimp creole, oyster dressing, gumbo, and a variety of other dishes my cajun grandfather would whip up from his garden.

Yes, I was blessed with the best meals at Christmas, but little did I know, although the food was different, the tradition was the same. Long before the United States’ Christmas culture of trees, gifts, and consumerism arrived in New Orleans, French families carried on the old tradition of a Reveillon--a big dinner on Christmas Eve filled with family and friends. Sure, Christmas Day is great, but Christmas Eve is the real party!

If you’re fortunate enough to know someone with a Louisiana background, you may have been invited to one of these large meals. According to Wikipedia, within the United States, it’s something unique to New Orleans--or is it?

Just as French-American gather for Christmas Eve and stuff themselves with traditional meals, Latino families follow a similar tradition. Nochebuena is what many Spanish-speaking people call Christmas Eve.

From Spain to Colombia to Mexico, families gather together on Nochebuena to eat, attend midnight Mass, dance, and exchange gifts. While the two names for this celebration are different, the purpose is the same--to bring families together for the holiest night of the Catholic calendar.

Of course, Latinos are a diverse people. Many of us are far from home and won’t get to see our families this year and not every Latino practices Catholicism. No matter, if you find yourself in New Orleans this holiday season, you too can partake in this French, or Spanish, tradition.

Since the 1990’s, the New Orleans tourism engine has encouraged restaurants to offer Reveillon menus in order to attract tourists during the typically slow holiday period--and it’s not just on Christmas Eve.

Keep your eyes out this holiday season for Reveillon menus and specials. While you may not be able to get home this year, you can do your part to continue the tradition of gathering at Nochebuena right here in New Orleans--at least with friends over an incredible meal.

Illustrator Daniel Garcia