Hurricane Relief

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This is an Email we recently received from Neil Sharrow, a Cincinnati friend of New Orleans:

Between the swine flu, economic recession, Somalian pirates, North Korea, Taliban, Iran, et cetera, you don't hear much on the news any more about New Orleans. Does that mean everything is all better? NO. There are many signs of recovery: The streetcars are running, many more businesses are open, lots of musicians have returned home. Many people are in new or repaired homes, thanks in part to the countless hours of volunteer help from folks all over the country. But the recession has hit there too, and the city still isn't whole. Just check out these recent web pages:
http://www.csmonitor.com/2009/0422/p02s10-usgn.html
http://massmovementtv.blogspot.com/2009/04/4-years-after-katrina.html
http://www.mefeedia.com/entry/vlog-9th-ward-4-years-after-katrina/16444657

Some people say it was a mistake to try rebuilding the low-lying areas such as the 9th Ward, that neighborhoods that are below sea level should just be abandoned. Easy to say if you don't have an emotional connection, if it's not the neighborhood where YOU grew up and where all of your memories remain.

So why are close to 200 hard-working professionals from Cincinnati volunteering their own time for the fourth year in a row, giving up a week of vacation to swing a hammer or shovel in the middle of another hot, humid New Orleans hurricane season?

THIS IS NEW ORLEANS. With all of its problems, there is simply no other place in the world like it. Give Back Cincinnati made a five-year commitment in 2006 to return every summer and help get the Crescent City back on its feet.

If you're able, please pitch in a little bit to help offset our costs for: buses, lodging, meals, supplies etc. All contributions are tax deductible. Please go to this website: http://www.givebackcincinnati.org/v3/gbb.asp . Look through the list of volunteers and donate to the member of your choice, or just make a general donation.

Thank you for your contribution!

Neil Sharrow

NEW ORLEANS WAITS

I walk the streets of New Orleans

and stumble over cracked walkways,

shaded by moist magnolia canopies dripping in fragrance.

I walk the streets of New Orleans

And sense her wizened arrogance, sultry and not caring.

I move to the pulse of the Vieux Carre,

Intoxicating, yet toxic, a raucous spiritland of dreams and broken hearts.

I walk the streets of New Orleans,

dress up in colored beads and feather chokers,

And drink up hot desires in hurricane glasses.

I walk the streets of New Orleans

and hear her special melody, old horns and tap shoes,

tubas and washboards, streetcars and calliopes.

I walk the streets of New Orleans and breathe in her scent,

Warm tropical blossoms and hot pots of gumbo.

I walk the streets of New Orleans in my mind

While she waits, hushed for the first time,

In a grave of dirty water and indecision.

I walk the streets of New Orleans in my heart

And I wait with her.

Joani Lacy

In Memory of Sue Holmes

Written By Joe Tallarigo

Gone Is My Dream

Gone away is my dream,
to walk bourbon street with you,
god brought you home to soon,
But the cajun music still rings,
down Decatur street,
In my heart and soul, I know,
I'll see you down in New Orleans,

I'm in a state of denial,
as people down here remember your smile,
sitting here down in Margraritaville,
where one day I was hoping to chill, with you,
listening to stories, and sharing one or two,
But there's only an empty seat,
down here in New Orleans,

Songs and cards hang on the walls,
In all the bars,
you were a shining star,
and how they recall your face,
no one they can ever replace,
down here in New Orleans,

Gone away is my dream,
to walk bourbon street with you,
god brought you home to soon,
But the cajun music still rings,
down Decatur street,
In my heart and soul, I know,
I'll see you down in New Orleans,