HANDS

http://www.hands.ms/index2.html
handsrelief@bellsouth.net

HANDS is a 501 (c) 3 that is funded solely through the generous donations of foundations, corporations, churches, and individuals. If you would like to make a contribution to HANDS’ relief efforts,


please contact our distribution center at 601-957-0094.
Make checks payable to:
HANDS
P.O. Box 16449
Jackson, MS 39236

HANDS, Helping Americans Needing Disaster Support, is a Mississippi faith-based non-profit founded in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. HANDS’ mission is to help rebuild, recover, renew, and restore the individuals, families, and communities devastated by Katrina and other disasters. HANDS is adapting to the changing needs during the different stages of recovery, including the distribution of supplies and clothing, coordinating cleaning and debris removal, and partnering individual families with churches and communities groups to assist in the recovery process.

Dear Friends:

In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, we have seen the horrific television footage. We have all
struggled with a sense of helplessness at the devastation and number of families left in need. I thank each and every one of you that have taken part in the recovery efforts through sending supplies, money, or volunteering your time. Without your support, the relief efforts would have suffered greatly. However, there is much more work to be done. The recovery process is just beginning. Some of you have toured the coast and seen the devastation first-hand. For those who have not, the destruction is indescribable.

Approximately 70,000 homes on the Mississippi Gulf Coast were completely destroyed, and thousands more were damaged by wind, trees, and water. While the physical destruction has been staggering, the hope and faith of the people affected has been greatly strained. Each passing day our neighbors on the coast see what you and I may catch as a glimpse hidden on the news. We believe God has raised up HANDS to bring the hope of Christ to the region through the physical rebuilding as well as emotional and spiritual support.

While this is sobering news to hear eight months post Katrina, the Mississippi,Faith-based nonprofit, HANDS (Helping Americans Needing Disaster Support), offers a brighter vision for the future.

The goal of HANDS is “to rebuild the Coast one family at a time” using a new initiative called the Family Connection Program. HANDS has gathered data on the needs of over 1,500 families, or approximately 6,300 individuals, from the devastated region, including Biloxi, Gulfport, Waveland, Pearlington, and Pass Christian. There are far too many needs to list in this letter, but none are greater than their need for a renewed spirit of hope. In the early days after the storm, many people placed their hope in their insurance companies, the government, and the nation, assuming that these groups would be able to provide enough support to help them rebuild. However, the harsh reality is that many people have gone back to their normal routines, offers of assistance have dwindled, and many Coastal residents have begun experiencing
widespread depression as they face their bleak future. We believe Jesus has called us to love our
neighbor during this time of need and the Family Connection Program is a vehicle to do just that.

The Family Connection Program offers you, your family, your church, or your business an
opportunity to take a personal hand in rebuilding the Coast. Each HANDS Sponsor Group is assigned one family, and is asked to commit one full year to developing a relationship with the family and addressing their emotional needs. Pray for them, Care for them and Share with them in their time of need. After becoming “intimately” involved in the family’s life, if there are physical or financial needs that you feel led to address, HANDS’ encourages you to do so. Each family in the Family Connection Program shares similar emotional needs, but the financial needs vary from family to family. Using detailed research data, HANDS can match each sponsor group with a family based upon the sponsor’s anticipated time and available resources.

For more information on the Family Connection Program, contact HANDS at 877-426-3703 or 601-957-0094. You can also visit their web site at www.hands.ms.

Through the Family Connection Program, HANDS is making a profound impact in the lives of many people, and I encourage you to become a part.

As Americans, we can find no greater way to promote the general welfare of our nation and our
people than a program such as this. The largest natural disaster in the history of our nation is upon us and now is the time for each of us to make a personal difference and exhibit the passion Christ has placed in our hearts to Love our Neighbor as ourselves.

HELPING AMERICANS NEEDING DISASTER SUPPORT

Presbytery Disaster Assistance

http://www.pcusa.org/katrina/

To Volunteer call:
Volunteer Village teams (866) 732-6121
Or Register online:
http://pcusa.org/pda/register/team.jsp

This organization is working throughout MS and parts of LA. The website is very well organized and will give you all the information you need to assist them in their efforts to help in the recovery effort.

Their current needs list includes

Gift cards to Lowes and Home Depot Call 1-888-728-7228 for shipping addresses
Skilled Laborers and Volunteer Teams
Village Managers (To oversee the management and function of a PDA volunteer village in the Gulf Coast, including hospitality, administration, logistics, leadership, delegation and group facilitation. Contact Camille Lopez, Volunteer Village Coordinator, clopez@ctr.pcusa.org) http://www.pcusa.org/pda/response/usa/villagemanagerneeded.htm

Position title: Field Operations Manager
Position description: To coordinate all Katrina/Rita field operations related to presbyteries, interfaith agencies, and national response team volunteers. To oversee financial accounting processes and grant development for reconstruction.
Position title: Financial Officer
Position description: To provide a system of financial management and control for Presbyterian Disaster Assistance field operations in the Gulf Coast.
Position title: Logistics and Facility Support
Position description: Enable Presbyterians to participate in recovery in the Gulf through the maintenance of equipment and well functioning villages to host volunteer work teams.

To Volunteer call:
Volunteer Village teams (866) 732-6121
Or Register online:
http://pcusa.org/pda/register/team.jsp

Fire Department Needs

6/27 - Latest from Pam for needs of the Fire Department
To make donations to the Bay Saint Louis Fire Department to relieve the expenses of operation you can help in the following ways:

Gift Cards

In the last nine months since Katrina we have found that gift cards to various vendors is the easiest way to maximize donations because our city comptroller and the fire department can be more accountable to the donor and the public with the use of the funds. There is no waiting on the charitable board to authorize the spending (sometimes up to 90-120 days) for supplies that are needed quickly, and there are no storage problems.

The following vendors are easy for us to access for various supplies:

Sam’s Wholesale Club – for the purchase of toilet paper, paper towels, office supplies and other paper goods, in bulk, for the best local prices.

Wal-Mart – for the purchase of fuel and emergency supplies.

Chevron or Shell gas cards for local fuel purchases.

Office Depot or Office Max for office supplies (much more expensive than Sam’s Club).

Anyone wishing to send the gift cards should do so in the following manner:

Mail, return receipt requested, to verify to the donor that the cards have been received, to City of Bay Saint Louis Fire Department, Attention: David Kolf, Comptroller, P.O. Box 2550, Bay Saint Louis, MS 39521-2550.

Anyone wishing to donate by check should make their check payable to City of Bay Saint Louis Disaster Relief Fund, Attention: David Kolf, Comptroller, P.O. Box 2550, Bay Saint Louis, MS 39521-2550. Be sure to indicate by letter or on the checks subject line, BSL Fire Department Operational Fund.

Anyone wishing to donate the following hard goods should have the goods shipped to the following address: Bay Saint Louis Fire Department, 310 Old Spanish Trail, Bay Saint Louis, MS 39520 Attention: Deputy Chief Pam SanFillippo.
Toilet paper
Paper towels
Cleaning/dish towels
Dishwashing liquid
Liquid car wash soap for washing vehicles
Coffee cups/paper plates
Coffee, sugar, artificial sweetener, powdered cream, stirrers
Aluminum foil
Ziplock bags, all sizes
Shower and toilet cleaners
Industrial size mops and brooms
Mop buckets
Office storage boxes
Letter size copy paper
Legal pads
First class postage stamps
You can order stamps for them through the Post Office Website. There are some really great options. You can do a subscription of either a book of 20 or a coil of 100 stamps once or twice a month for 6-12 months. You can also order singular items, such as books of 20, 40 or coils up to 10,000. WOW!
http://shop.usps.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/TopCategoriesDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10001&catalogId=10152

Any or all of these supplies and gift cards would reduce the expenses of the department’s operational budget giving the city of Bay Saint Louis more time for financial recovery of its tax base.


City of Bay St Louis
PO Box 2550
Bay St. Louis, Mississippi 39521
Attn: Pam San Fillippo
228-467-4736 (work)

General Needs According To City Officials:
See Also: http://baystlouisrelief.blogspot.com/2006/05/bay-st-louis-needs.html

FIRE -Blue and black fine point pens; 2 boxes
Sharpie fine point black markers;
letter size file folders;
4 rolls tape for Dymo Label Manager 150;
scotch tape;
legal pads,
post-it notes;
standard staples;
2 boxes letter size copy paper;
1/2 box legal size copy paper,
HP 56 and HP 57 print cartridges;
ink cartridges for CannonBC20 copy machine,
Department letterhead* and envelopes,
burn permit books* and
incident report books*.

Our Fire Department uses approximately 250 gallons of diesel per month and 250 gallons of gasoline. Any reduction in these costs would be of an enormous help to our finances.

Gift/Fuel cards should be mailed to
City of Bay Saint Louis,
Attention: David Kolf, Comptroller,
P. O. Box 2550, Bay Saint Louis, MS 39521-2550.

Please send the package "Return Receipt Requested" to verify our receipt of the cards.

For Impending Storm Season:

Tire Plug Kits (The kit includes tools and plugs and are available through any car parts store, or car repair department of any of the big box stores)
Fire Department - 20 heavy duty kits for medium size trucks
25,000# Tow Straps (These are used to move vehicles, trees and other debris)
Fire Department - 6
Jumper Cables
Fire Department - 6

We will need to issue personal care kits if needed that will include the following:
Plastic box with lid containing travel sizes of
toothpaste
deodorant soap
shampoo
shaving cream
1 ea. toothbrush
razor
comb/brush
small bottles of Avon's Skin-So-Sof
tinsect repellent
and sun screen
One face cloth
One bath towel

Any of the above items need to be shipped to
City of Bay Saint Louis
Attention Mike Cuevas
1928 Depot Way
Bay Saint Louis, MS 39520.

Recently Opened Businesses

Please join PRESTIGE TITLE for a ribbon cutting, grand opening a shrimp boil Thursday, June 22, 2006 3-5:00 PM. Located in Hancock Square (835 Hwy 90) Suite 2, in Bay St Louis, the event sounds like fun! For more information, give them a call at 228-270-0035.

OVER THE RAINBOW PRESCHOOL will celebrate its Grand Opening this Tuesday, June 13, 2006 at 5:30 PM. Come visit them and all the kids at 435 Ulman Avenue in Bay St Louis. Their phone number is 228-383-2304.

Come on out to VISION WIRELESS as they cut their blue ribbon on Friday, June 16, 2006 at 4:00 p.m. They can help with all your wireless needs at their convenient location at 606 Bluemeadow Road (next to The Stirred Up Bay Coffee Shop). For more information, call 228-469-0081.

Empty house? Come to the Ribbon Cutting at UPTOWN INTERIORS and see the possibilities. It will be held Thursday, June 1, 2006 at 4:30 PM at their new location at 837 HWY 90 in Bay St Louis near Mike Meyer's State Farm.

BANCORP SOUTH now has a branch in Bay St Louis. They are located at 1085 Hwy 90 (next to BAILEY LUMBER). Business hours are Monday through Thursday 9 AM to 4:30 PM and Friday 9 AM to 5:30 PM. Their phone number is 466-0884.

Come celebrate this Tuesday, May 23, 2006 at 4 PM at 1st FRANKLIN FINANCIAL cuts its ribbon at 295 Hwy 90 Suite 16A in Bay St Louis.
Located near TRAPANI’S, you can also give them a call at (228) 467-4800.

LATTER & BLUM is please to announce that they are back in operation in their Bay St Louis office at 1188 Hwy 90. Welcome Home!

ALL STAR TRAVEL is up and running and ready to book your summer travel plans! Call Cynthia Fontana at (228) 466-5254.

Yuki Northington announced the opening of her newest venture, SOCIAL CHAIR, located at 212 Main Street, Suite 1, next to Clay Creations, in Bay St Louis. This will be a retail division of ART & INTERIORS, INC. You can view Yuki’s work at www.yukinorthington.com or contact her at 228-467-9467 or yukinorthington@hotmail.com.

It’s swimsuit season, and BAY CITY GYM is open! Scott Brady is waiting to help you work your troubles away at 546 St John Street. Give him a call at 228-697-7819.

Just in time for Mother’s Day! Charles Boykin has reopened ADAMS LORAINE FLOWER SHOP, and he will cut the ribbon on Thursday, May 11, 2006 at 4:00 PM.
Remember Mom on Sunday, May14th and give Charles a call at 228- 467-1465.

BEST PAWN AND JEWELRY is up and running in its original location at 110 A Highway 90 in Bay St Louis. Stop by and see what’s in stock. You never know what treasures you will find. The phone number is 228-467-7777.

Everyone will be looking down for a good reason for a change now that THE SHOE DEPOT has reopened. Come shop in their new location at 873 B Hwy 90 in Bay St Louis. Their phone number is 228-467-7750. Your feet will thank you.

Looking for a place to relax after a hard day’s work? CLYDE’S is the newest Sports Bar in Bay St Louis. Located across the street from Bailey Lumber on Hwy 90, they have Happy Hour every day from 4 – 6 PM.

IT’S A RIBBON CUTTING!
Come celebrate this Thursday, May 4th at 4:00 PM at Bay St Louis’s new coffee shop, THE STIRRED UP BAY. It’s located in Zuppardo’s Shopping Center at 604 Blue Meadow.

Then, come celebrate this Friday, May 5th at 1:00 PM at FRIGO ORTHODONTICS. It’s the building with the big fish braces at 529 Ulman Avenue.

CHARLES B. BENVENUTTI, CPA, PA is back home! The Bay St Louis office opened on Monday, April 24th. Everyone was very grateful for the hospitality of Diamondhead. The office is located at 831 Hwy 90 Bay St Louis. Their mailing address remains PO Box 2639 Bay St Louis 39521. Their telephone number is 228-467-1402.

BAYTOWN PACKING AND SHIPPING is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Saturday for all your UPS shipping needs. Their location at 828 Hwy 90 (next to Los Tres Amigos) also has a wide selection of Mississippi-made furniture available. For more information, call Joe Rolfe at 228-463-1048.

Jim Barrett is happy to announce the opening of BARRETT REFRIGERATION AND AIR CONDITIONING located at 5019 Utah in Bay St Louis. Call Jim at 228-466-9272 or 228-342-0552.

RAYMOND JAMES FINANCIAL SERVICES has reopened in a new location in Bay St Louis. Corky Hadden and Linda McKinion are now located at 837 A Hwy 90. Their telephone numbers are 228-466-9888 or Toll Free at 1-888-465-9968.

CJ’s GROCERY, DELI & RESTAURANT is opening this Wednesday, May 3rd!

RUSSO’S RESTAURANT. 295 Hwy 90, #19, Bay St. Louis. For more info, call 466-5110.

MegaGate Broadband would like to welcome Brian Cameron to its Gulf Coast office, now located at 14451 Dedeaux Road. Brian has been a sales representative with MegaGate since 1999 covering Hattiesburg and Laurel. Brian, his wife, and son are now proud residents of Orange Grove. To learn more about the business and residential telecommunications services offered by MegaGate, go to www.megagate.com

BAY CITY GRILL is now serving food! Hours are Tuesday-Friday, 11am – 2pm and 5pm-8pm. Take out is available. Check it out! 136 Blaize Avenue, Bay St. Louis. 228-466-0590.

Also, SUBWAY (IN BAY ST. LOUIS) IS NOW OPEN! Same location as before: 297 Highway 90, Bay St. Louis.

Another business has been able to reopen! Aqua Pool Company. They have a new location, but are the same company. Many of their products can be used for purifying all water, not just pool water.
4/3 - ABSOLUTELY BLINDS & SHUTTERS. By appointment only: 228-469-0073.

CHARTER MORTGAGE, INC. is back in their building: 414 Hwy. 90, Bay St. Louis. 228-466-6680

THURSDAY, APRIL 6: RIBBON CUTTING AT GULF COAST I.T. SERVICES, 603 Hwy. 90, Suite 3, Bay St. Louis, at 4pm. For more information, call 228-363-1750.

Storm Season Needs

While we are in recovery we are also in preparation for the 2006 hurricane season which begins June 1. What families need most is rest, energy, and no fear. My home is so close to being repaired, but there is this underlying fear, this gnawing at your heart, that it all may be for nothing with the new hurricane season fast approaching. It's hard to convey this feeling, I don't know a better analogy at this particular moment.

We need your help, but I am in a quandry of confusion of what would be the most appropriate thing to ask for. So, here goes, my best effort to keep helping the citizens of Bay Saint Louis, at this moment is making sure that the city departments can function.

Our management staff met on Monday and the following items came up that the city needed to perform at the highest peak we can reach if another storm hits our area this season. Many of these things are small, but essential to delivering safe service by our Police, Fire and Public Works Departments.

If we have to evacuate our employee families we need gas cards in any amount that would help to mitigate travel expenses. These cards would be issued with evacuation notices only. If they were not used during the season they would be applied to the city's fuel operating costs.

We need an evacuation kit for each family that would include:
flashlight, with batteries
battery operated radio
small pieces of luggage that could carry two changes of clothes (avg. 3 people)
roll of quarters for using a laudromat
container of laundry detergent
a family personal care kit packed in a plastic shoe box with a lid that holds
1 bottle of shampoo
2 bars of deodorant soap with the plastic soap dishes
1 large tube of toothpaste
1 large size bottle of mouthwash
and in a separate plastic bag
1 bottle of tylenol or aspirin
small box of bandaids
small tube of antibiotic ointment
four-pack of toilet paper
box of tissues.

The mayor is making arrangements for our employee families to stay with other public employees in other north Mississippi cities if the need arises. We will have to find housing for approximately 30 families, other employees will be staying with other family members or friends out of the area. (I'm evacuating to Chattanooga, TN, to stay with a friend and my bag is already packed!)

To help our city departments directly we need the following in any amount, but I've put the maximum amount needed for each department. These were the things we learned the hard way that we needed after a storm, or things we lost during the storm and have not had the finances to replace because other things were deemed more necessary:

Tire Plug Kits (The kit includes tools and plugs and are available through any car parts store, or car repair department of any of the big box stores)

Fire Department - 20 heavy duty kits for medium size trucks
Public Works - 20 standard kits
Police Department - 30 standard kits
Administration - 5 standard kits

12 volt Air Compressors (This is the compressor that fits in your car's cigerette lighter)
Police Department - 30
Administration - 5

25,000# Tow Straps (These are used to move vehicles, trees and other debris)
Fire Department - 6
Public Works Department - 12
Police Department - 30

Jumper Cables
Police Department - 30
Fire Department - 6
Public Works - 6
Administration - 5

To establish safe quarters for those employees who must stay in the city as our emergency and first responders we would like to provide the following to give them some reasonable place of rest. I know that many of these items have already been sent to the citizens, but everything we have received has been distributed for immediate need and use and nothing kept back for city use:

12 adult-size sleeping bags
12 twin-size air mattresses with pumps
12 twin foldable cots (aluminum are easier to store)
24 pillows
12 sets of twin sheets
12 twin blankets
24 pillowcases

There will be more than 12 people to accomodate, there certainly were after Katrina, and they included not only city personnel, but other agencies that sent immediate relief workers. With these items we can accommodate 36 people if the need arises.

We will need to issue personal care kits if needed that will include the following:
Plastic box with lid containing travel sizes of
toothpaste
deodorant soap
shampoo
shaving cream
1 ea. toothbrush
razor
comb/brush
small bottles of Avon's Skin-So-Soft
insect repellent
and sun screen
One face cloth
One bath towel.

The reason I asked for things in the plastic boxes with lids is for storage. If things aren't used this season, you can believe that they will be used at another future date.

It may be the residual effects of the full moon, but my mood is somber, not fatal, but my gut is telling me that we are in for a rocky season. I hope tomorrow some of my normal optimism will return.

I have tried to list things that are "do-able", not everything, but a way to pick and choose how donors might like to help.
Any of the above items need to be shipped to
City of Bay Saint Louis
Attention Mike Cuevas
1928 Depot Way, Bay Saint Louis, MS 39520.

If donors would decide to help with these items and would like to send money it is imperative, to assure that the money is allocated as a donor chooses, to indicate on your check "Emergency Preparation for Employees and Families" so the monies will not be used for general fund purposes. Checks should be made out to City of Bay Saint Louis and mailed to City of Bay Saint Louis, Attention: David Kolf, Comptroller, P.O. Box 2550, Bay Saint Louis, MS 39521-2550.

Mike Cuevas, Coordinator of Donations and Volunteers

Port Townsend Sister City

http://sistercitysupport.net/


Sister City Project Family Will Be Guests at Rosewind Brunch June 11th
May 27th, 2006
George and Rayceille McCullum will be flown from Mississippi to Washington State, guests of the City of Edmonds. Back in February, the Port Townsend/ Bay St Louis Sister City Project decided to “adopt” the McCullums with the intent of rebuilding their home that had been inundated by Katrina’s storm surge along with so many other homes on the Gulf Coast. This particular home was where Rayceille McCullum was born, and her relatives lived up and down the same street. T

he hitch with the agreement to rebuild was that the Sister City Project did not have the funding base for the cost of materials, and neither did the McCullums. Retired, and in their 70’s, these two outgoing, gregarious people were housed in their FEMA trailer, (what Rayceille calls their tuna can). They could not handle their own rebuilding process without alot of volunteer help. Teaming up with a contractor from Seattle, Ben Hines, the Sister City Project managed a pitch to the City of Edmonds, also a sister city with Bay St Louis, that they, too, could “adopt” the McCullums. They said YES!! The Edmonds Mayor’s office led the effort, and they made the commitment to raise the needed $25,000 for building supplies on the promise that under Ben Hines’ supervision the Sister City volunteers would return the McCullum house to the point it could once again be occupied.

That is exactly what is on the verge of being completed. PT locals, Carla Main and husband/contractor Brad West, have been passed the baton by Ben Hines, and within the next two weeks, they will be putting the finishing touches on the interior trim and cabinet work. At least 10 other PT/BSL Sister City volunteers, along with an untold number of others through BSL church volunteers, have cooperated to get the job done. Katrina has engendered much of this type of cooperative and collaborative spirit, the energy that calls people to serve those in need. Just in time for this summer’s hurricane season, the McCullums will have a greater margin of safety being housed in something more substantial that their FEMA ‘tuna can’.

George and Rayceille, along with Ben and Aleana Hines, will be honored here, on Sunday June 11th, from 10:30-2:30pm at a potluck brunch hosted by the Sister City Project at the Rosewind Common House at Umatilla and Haines. All locals who have been down to volunteer in Bay St Louis are especially encouraged to attend, along with anyone else interested in an update on the Sister City efforts. Mid-brunch, there will be an opportunity for people to comment on the impact being a Sister City volunteer has had on their lives. For most a profound experience, it will be the first opportunity for volunteers to gather to share their stories, and for the local public to hear what has been going on for the past nine months via the Sister City exchange.

This summer, the Project is taking a break from sending volunteers down south due to the extreme heat and humidity that make working conditions there quite difficult. In place of volunteerism there, the Project is encouraging locals who wish to extend hospitality to our friends from Bay St Louis, in offering in-home stays with families or other available housing in open ADU’s, RV’s etc. There is much needed respite from the heat and intense recovery efforts that will be going on for several years as Bay St Louis rebuilds it town from the bottom up. To share some perspective on this reality, as of this month, Bay St Louis STILL does not have its own grocery store. Once the hurricane season is over and the temperatures abate, there will again be an opportunity for individuals or groups from local churches or other organizations to travel to Bay St Louis to be a part of the healing and recovery process. Going there will change your perspective, if not your life.

If you would like to learn more about the Project, please attend the June 11th brunch, or, if you have an offer of respite housing, you can call Judith at 360-385-5794 or email her at lightenup@cablespeed.com with particulars.

Port Townsend-Bay St. Louis Sister City Support Project

Port Townsend is part of an official “Sister City” relationship with Ichikawa, Japan. The goodwill missions are centered on cultural and educational exchanges.

Another type of Sister City is forming: Port Townsend with the hurricane-ravaged city of Bay St. Louis, Miss., on the Gulf Coasat about 50 miles from New Orleans.

Port Townsend volunteers responding to the Hurricane Katrina disaster have turned from delivery of supplies to helping a community start the arduous process of rebuilding.

The terrible situations left in Hurricane Katrina’s wake will last a long time. For anyone listening to the news, it has been made clear that FEMA has fallen very short of the need to care for those devastated by this storm. Many communities of varying size are still without their basic needs being addressed.

For some time, there will be a long-term need to assist evacuees and those more permanently displaced from their homes in getting adequate food, clean water, temporary shelter, and helping them to rebuild their homes, as well as other basic human needs such as clothing, household items and jobs.

If there is a gift in the disaster Katrina has been for our country, it is the collective recognition that the gap between the rich and poor is PAINFUL to witness and further tolerate. Many of us want to do SOMETHING, in addition to giving money. We want to be part of an active solution to the obvious racism and classism we see here.

This is one of the most well thought-out websites I've seen in regards to the relief effort. There is just so much information on the site that you need to go to it in order to see all they are doing, all they have done, and all they hope to do. It is just phenominal. If you live on the West Coast, please, consider supporting their effort.

BSL - you've got some friends who truly care about you here...

There is a gentleman - Ben H., who started a website http://www.nwkatrinahelp.org/ who has since joined efforts with the PT/BSL Sister City Project. This is what he wrote me of his personal efforts:

"I have been in Bay St. Louis since mid March rehabbing houses. I am associated with the SisterCity Project of Port Townsend, WA. The house I am now working on is funded by the City of Edmonds, WA. That house will be finished about mid-June and the homeowners will move in.

This is my fifth trip here usually about ten days each but this time it will be two months.
I haven't done any work in Waveland though I do have some family there. Their house was flooded to four feet. "

We will prevail.

Volunteer Perspective

The forgotten coast..!

How I got to BSL/Waveland.......I have a daughter, a junior in College. She is at Elon University in North Carolina. Right after the hurricane, her college mobilized a relief effort. One of the staff of the college was from Mississippi, not the coast, but knew many on the coast. This staff member organized the relief and went down there for a couple of days right after the storm to see what the needs were. He landed in BSL and Our Lady of the Gulf Catholic Parish. The pastor is Father Michael Tracey. At this point, he was living in his car. OLG is located on the beach in BSL, right near the railroad bridge crossing, right by the town and Main Street. There are several schools on the grounds, a church, community center, the parishes offices and Father Tracey's home and several out buildings. OLG was luckier than most since the church was made of brick and stone, the walls held. The wooden older buildings were totally lost.

Elon Uviversity got a group together, of which my daughter was one. They arrived in early October and went right to Father Tracey. They brought tents, and two trucks of supplies, for themselves and of course for the people. They cleared some land right by the church and set up camp. This entire experience touched these kids so much that they have returned many times, both as a college group and many others as individuals. This is where I came in.

My daughter and I went over Christmas break on our own. We also went back over Spring break. We organized out of Our Lady of the Gulf. This parish has had two volunteer coordinators, both of whom are VOLUNTEERS. One is named Dan Wilkins, from Atlanta area and one named Dan Quinn, from Pittsburgh. Dan Quinn is still there heading up the effort. Both of these men just got in their cars one day and landed there, and stayed. Dan Wilkins has gone back to Atlanta, but heads up an effort through his church there to send funds to OLG.

Father Michael Tracey, the pastor lost not only his house and the parish offices but also has the entire parish to worry about. The reconstruction at the parish is going very well. The walls of the church stayed up, but the inside was gutted. It is presently being repaired. The parish community center has been the center of the reconstruction and has been worked on by hundreds of volunteers, if not thousands. The Catholic Parishes around the country have "adopted" this parish and sent money and manpower. The volunteers who show up at OLG are also sent out into the community by Dan Quinn.

My daughter and I have met and stayed in touch with many of the people we have met. We have a real interest in the future of this area and its awesome people. We have been able to help people first gut and clean out their homes and now we are starting the rebuildng process. Like yourself, I'm sure, words cannot express what this entire experience has meant to us. We all went there to help the people and without knowing it they have helped us. Our last time there, third week of March, some of the stores were open and we shopped and found ourselves in stores with many other volunteers from all over the country. The owners of these little boutique stores were just floored at how much the volunteers have brought to the area. It is the volunteers who are helping the economy.

I plan on returning about the third week of June. I am not sure how long I will stay. We have been fortunate enough to be able to stay in several trailers on the OLG property. These trailers were formerly occupied by Father Tracey, who has since found an apartment and several were donated in the early days by good Samaritans from Wisconsin. However, we have just heard that several Bed and Breakfasts, in town have reopened and would welcome volunteers. We may help them get started this time, by booking a room there. My son will be going with me this time. Many of the college groups stay at the ICare, Morrell Village, in Buccaneer State Park, in Waveland. I'm sure you know of it.

Not being there day to day I wouldn't know exactly of all the needs, but it seems right now, that individual people need help with rebuilding their homes. I understand materials are hard to come by. I do know that a group of the Amish sect are helping rebuild and have committed for a four year time period. I have kept in touch with a woman who is having her house built by them on Waveland Avenue. So I would guess building supplies are a real need right now.

The only way to keep interest alive in this area is through the Media. I do know that once you go there you have a pull to return and one person brings 5 the next time they come. I am actually impressed with the volunteer effort, but of course, it is mostly church based and private groups. Nothing through the Government. Of Course, the Insurance companys are a disgrace, but nothing we all can do about them. Many across this country think this area should not be rebuilt, they think it is below sea level, which it isn't, they think it is NO, which it is not. They don't understand that this is HOME to many. Why do people stay in Ca. or like myself on the coast of Fla? The people who I have met have lived there for generations. Their Mom and family live on the next street. You are not going to get entire families to move out of there. Many feel our TAX money should not be going to these people to rebuild. What a sorry old story. If they only knew that it was private money and volunteers from all over this country who are rebuilding. I have been able to raise a small amount of money and donated it to OLG. From what I can see, not too much TAX money is going to this effort.

Thanks for your effort.

Peggy Dugan
Naples, Fla.

Insect Control and Tolerance

I just got my Campmor catalog this last week and thought I'd share some ideas that aren't so expensive to buy and just might save some peoples' sanity or skin. The only 3 things I'm going to recommend, and they don't have to come from this catalog, are: The packtowel - super light and dries fast. GREAT. The bug head cover. Bugs in your ears is the worst. Solar shower. The one I show is the largest in the catalog. Allows for more showers in a row than smaller ones. But with showers being a limited resource, this is NOT a bad thing to take along.

You can see them yourself at www.campmor.com. You can also look for them at www.sierratradingpost.com or www.rei.com. I just happen to have the campmor catalog in front of me is all.

First will be mosquito/bug clothing. It's all pretty cheap. Honest. Compared to the comfort you'll have, it's cheap.


Bug Pants. # 82171 $19.99
Bug Top # 82170 $19.99

Bug Socks # 82172 $9.99

Bug Head Cover # 81276 $4.99

Bug Repellants:

DEET Free 4 oz. # 82151 $6.99 (Left)

31% DEET 2.5 oz #84830 $8.95

Shower stuff

Solar Shower Bag # 22320 $24.99

PackTowel 27x50 #99623 $27.05

Mission From Minnesota

Bay St. Louis, MS
April 7-16
Trip leader: Alicia MasonContact:
asinglemom25@aol.com

Who can go?

Just about anyone can volunteer with us, including kids 12 and older as well as senior citizens. In fact, we encourage families to volunteer together. (If you have medical conditions or sensitivities to mold, please contact our volunteer coordinator, who will try to match you with a trip and activities that accommodate your situation.)

How long is the trip?

Most of our trips are 9 days long. We depart on a Friday evening, work Monday through Friday and return by the following Sunday evening.

How do I get there and back?

Our principal mode of transportation is a caravan of several minivans and cars. If you are able to drive your own vehicle, just let us know when you sign up. If you are organizing your own group, you can certainly arrange your own transportation.

What kind of work will I do?

Our volunteers perform a range of tasks, including:

Demolition: Removing drywall, carpet, cabinets, furniture, etc., from flooded homes.
Cleanup: Cleaning up home sites, neighborhood blocks, etc.
Reclamation: Before any demolition can take place, many families need help retrieving heirlooms (family photos, bibles, jewelry, documents, etc.) from the debris.
Home repairs: Helping residents repair roofs, walls, interiors, etc.
Cooking: With up to 30 hungry volunteers per trip, kitchen workers are much needed — and much loved!
Supply distribution: Helping distribute basic necessities (food, clothes, hygiene products, etc.) to local families.
Project management/site supervision: Every trip needs one or two individuals who will direct the flow of workers, supplies and vehicles. If you're a control freak, this is your chance to shine!
Listening: This isn't a job, but it's something many volunteers get to do — being a good listener as hurricane survivors tell about their struggle for survival since the storms.

What should I bring?

Depending on the type of work you'll be doing, you should plan on packing work clothes that you don't mind ripping or soiling. During the winter months, the weather on the gulf coast is considerably warmer than up here. Dress for warm days (60s-70s) and cool nights (30s-50s). You might also want to pack some personal items (books, mp3 player, etc.) for use on your time off. Lastly, be sure to bring some money, as we encourage volunteers to get out and see New Orleans and you may want to buy some souvenirs. For a complete packing list, please visit our Web site.

How much does it cost?

Our trips are self-funding, which means that we ask volunteers to help raise the money needed to pay for transportation, food, tools and supplies. We typically ask each volunteer to try and raise $500 by asking friends and family to sponsor them. But don't worry — if you have difficulty raising money for your trip, we'll work with you and give you some ideas for fundraising!

Needs:

Donate:
Work gloves
Bleach
Air Mattresses
Wheelbarrows, shovels
Large Trash Bags - Heavy Duty
Kitchen Utensils
Pots and Pans, Mixing Bowls
Microwaves, Toasters, Mixers
Baking Sheets
Blankets
Sheet sets
Towels
Folding Tables
Clothing - new or slightly used:
Sweatshirts and long sleeve tees (without logos)
Jeans
New underwear
New socks
$7000 - $10,000 CASH for supplies and food
NO CONTRIBUTION TOO LARGE OR TOO SMALL!!

Mail a check to:
Mission from Minnesota
P.O. Box 2195
Maple Grove, MN 55311

TO VOLUNTEER
Call our Volunteer Coordinator at 612-822-5357

K8 Company To Assist BSL

k8company! ---> http://www.cafepress.com/k8hayes

k8company!Blog ---> http://k8company.blogspot.com

k8company!Two -->http://www.cafepress.com/k8company2

k8company HANCOCK --->http://www.cafepress.com/k8cohancock

I've been a CafePress shopkeeper (or "CPer," as we call ourselves) since 2004. I got started completely by accident. What happened was that I got what I thought was an amazingly clever idea for a t-shirt slogan: "I am embracing my inner misanthrope." (Still think that's pretty clever, by golly). Why I came up with that sentiment is another, longer (although fascinating) story. Anyhoo, I (being a Web fanatic) thought there *must* be someplace on the Web that would make my t-shirt for me. And, of course, there was. I checked it out (It shall remain nameless because it SUCKED.) My sister (If you get to know me, you'll realize my sister is my closest soulmate in the entire Universe. She's also an even bigger Web fanatic than I am.) Turned me on to this site she'd heard of: Cafe Press.

And the rest is history. But wait! That doesn't explain my non-profit revelation!

So around the first of March I saw, on the Lehrer News Hour, part of a report about these two men in New Orleans (I think it was) who were receiving emergency medical care IN A TENT (with an overworked-overstressed-exhausted medical staff) for really normal, treatable things that had gotten way out of hand because of the deplorable conditions that STILL exist in the aftermath of Katrina and Rita. And I guess that was just the old straw that broke my camel's back.

So my husband and I both work our rear ends off. We have a mortgage and bills and lots of medical expenses, and blah blah blah, like just about everybody else in America now (except the 1% of the 1%, of course), so I knew I had no money to contribute and no time to go there to volunteer. But I did have k8company! my Cafe Press shop. So I decided then and there to start sending my (still not very sizable) profits to ... To what?

I began the search for a charity (why do I hate that word?). I wanted my money to go to those guys I saw on TV, to people in the Gulf region that weren't getting emergency or everyday medical care NOW. I asked friends and looked online and was told Red Cross, Salvation Army, and Charity Hospital. All good things, yes, but great big things where my money would roll around in the bottom of a big big barrel and never get to my guys in New Orleans with their STAPH infections from little cuts on their fingers.

After a frustrating search in my precious little free time I got my Democratic National Committee newsletter, and there was an article about the **Bay St. Louis Free Clinic**. And now I can say it: THE REST IS HISTORY. I contacted the Clinic, got their go-ahead and their tax-exempt ID, and On March 8, arranged with CafePress to have my commission checks sent directly to the clinic.

With the BSL Free Medical Clinic Closing, Kate is now going to donate her profits to BSL the city.

About 99% of my sales are from the Politics "Department" of my shop. My all-time bestsellers are "Impeach Bush," "Boycott Wal-Mart," and "Iraq Had Nothing To Do With 9/11." When I make a sale I get to see the person's name and where they're from. It's really exciting.

BUT I sell other things too: stuff for lovers of words, lovers of cats (yay), techno geeks and office grunts, original poetry on shirts and coasters and posters (a poetry collection book will be published soon), and stuff I call "comfy," or "komfy," which goes better with "k8company."

Thank thank thank you to KatrinaCoalition, to DesignForACause, to CafePress, and I feel like I'm accepting an academy award. Enough already!

Peace, Love, Understanding,
Kate Hayes

Coastal Community Watch

August 5
The Charrette

Some good news!

The city of Waveland hosted a series of meetings during the last week of June, bringing together residents, business owners, officials and some of the top planners and architects in the country. The intensive brain-storming sessions are called "charrettes" and their goal is to set the tone for future development in the city. Here's a quote from a Sun Herald article by Ryan Lafontaine:"Charrettes are meant to illuminate the possibilities of what can happen," said Brian Sanderson, deputy director of the Governor's Office of Recovery, which is working with local governments to identify potential funding sources. Sanderson said the meetings are intended to spark public discourse and create guidelines that will steer future building in Waveland. "Many of these ideas may not come to fruition for years and some may never happen," he said. "But, it's a way for the citizens and the local governments to set up a framework that will guide development."The final presentation of the Waveland charrette will be available soon, but meantime here's a peek at a few of the designs that came out of the meetings. :
a proposal for a market on Coleman Ave.

Who pays for all this? Most of it would be funded by savvy developers and business owners who see that preserving our community character will be a tremedous economic asset. Right now, developers from around the world are eyeing the Hancock coast, sizing it up for the future - lots of them with proven track records for building environmenally sound, family- oriented projects.

We need development and we desperately need tax dollars. Our choice now is what type of development we want to support. We can grow into a souless Destin or Gulfshores or we can be the gem of the Gulf, capitalizing on our authentic charm and heritage. Either vision is possible.

What you can do
If you don't make your voice heard now, that choice is left in the hands of a few officials. They need your input. You can start by e-mailing a short note of support and thanks to the Waveland city office. That e-mail address is mayorsoffice@mchsi.com

Thanks to all the members of the Governor's Commission who worked so hard for the citizens of Waveland and kudos to the officials and members of the community who participated.

The Bay-Waveland School Issue

Facts of the Matter

There is a parcel of property for sale on the corner of St. Charles and Old Spanish Trail in Bay St. Louis. It’s approximately 44 acres in size. This is one of the only large parcels of property in the south end of Hancock County that didn’t flood during Katrina.

A developer named Bill Shanks came up with a plan for a high quality residential development on this property. He approached Bay St. Louis city officials and community leaders with a proposal that sounded both sensitive and sensible. He received encouragement. While the city is in dire need of taxes, it doesn’t want to “sell out” to inappropriate developments. This particular situation looked like a “win-win” for both the community and the developer. He was proceeding with plans to purchase the property.

Meanwhile, three of the schools in the Bay system were damaged in the storm: North Bay Elementary, Second Street and Bay High. These buildings were covered by insurance, but according to the school board, the settlements have fallen short of what it will take to repair the buildings.

FEMA apparently will not offer funds to repair buildings more than 50% damaged. Supposedly, North Bay’s already been “condemned,” while assessments are still being made on Bay High and 2nd Street. The hitch to get the new schools? The location has to be a sizeable parcel of land that did not flood during Katrina.

The only parcel that meets FEMA’s astonishing requirements is the property on the corner of Old Spanish Trail and St. Charles. The school board is considering an eminent domain of the property. The developer has been stopped in his tracks until the matter is settled.
The school board faces some hard decisions. Can the current school buildings be repaired? If so, where are the funds going to come from? Their other option is to abide by FEMA’s guidelines and proceed with building new schools in an unpopular location.

Bay St. Louis officials are concerned about losing a major, high-quality development and the tax revenue it would generate. In addition, many of their constituents in the neighborhood are protesting. Yet the city council has no authority in this matter – the school board’s ruling on where to build the new schools will be final.

ALL parties agree on one thing: Education of our children and redevelopment of our towns are top priorities. The question is how we can best use our extremely limited resources of both money and energy.

Questions from our membership - below is a list of FAQs we've been receiving - we're submitting them to the School Board for their consideration.

Why hasn’t conventional insurance covered the repairs on the current sites? If the cost of the repairs is that much more than the settlements, is the school board considering the route of many residents and filing suit against the insurance companies?

Many of our members wonder who performed the evaluations on the current buildings and if they are finalized.

If the buildings are actually “condemned,” why are plans being made to reuse them for other purposes (for instance, Bay High would serve as a site for school district offices and the alternative school)? Who would pay for repairs then?

Why are schools in other areas being allowed to rebuild on current sites? For instance, one member pointed out that Pass High School flooded more than Bay High, yet FEMA’s allowing the buildings to be repaired and reused. Does FEMA have different standards for Hancock and Harrison counties? If so, why?

If the property in question is used for the new schools, one of the main concerns of local residents is the traffic issue. The proposed site has no easy outlet to Hwy. 90. Which roads would have to be four-laned to accommodate the increased traffic?

Other residents are disturbed about the eminent domain aspect. Can the property owner be forced to accept less money than the sale he would have made privately? If so, could the issue be taken to court by the property owner, taking up more time and money?

There are also concerns about the credibility of FEMA: Can we be certain they’ll follow through and not leave the locals picking up the tab for new schools? Would they cover other costs involved (for instance, widening of the roads, etc.)?

Why is FEMA insisting on property that didn’t flood in Katrina? According to this paranoid guideline, about one square mile of south Hancock County is “safe.” Let’s face it: If FEMA makes Katrina the new storm standard, our community will be hamstrung in all sorts of ways.
According to community leaders we’ve spoken with, the best case scenario would be if FEMA would agree to fund rebuilding the schools on their current sites. Another option would be for FEMA to relax their elevation demands so a less contentious location could be chosen.

What can you do?

You can inform yourself and participate in the process. Start going to school board meetings. If you’d like a spot on the agenda, call Ms. Favre at 467.4459. You’ll be asked to fill out a form.

As with all our local governing bodies, the school board is open and eager for constructive input and ideas. Bring an open mind and a positive attitude.

The determination to work together has been our saving grace while our community has dealt with the worst natural disaster in American history. We have a right to be proud. We work hard, we don’t whine, we help our neighbors. Together, we can find the best solution to any problem.

The Crew at Coastal Community Watch

Bay Waveland School District

New Article At End of Post
www.bwsd.org
11/8 Bay High Getting Grant Money
Coast will get $8M in grants
Money for school, accounting
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
BILOXI - The Mississippi Gulf Coast is receiving an additional $8 million in federal money as part of the Hurricane Katrina recovery effort, FEMA announced Wednesday.
"Two of these grants will rebuild school buildings and the third will help the state improve its accounting for taxpayer dollars being expended in this recovery effort," said Nick Russo, federal coordinating officer for the Mississippi recovery.
FEMA said the total cost of the three projects is $8.9 million, 90 percent coming from the federal government.
State and local sources will split the nonfederal share on the two school projects. The state will pay the 10 percent of the third project.
More than $1.03 million in FEMA funds will go to repair the social studies building and almost $1.02 million to repair the math building at Bay High School in Bay St. Louis. Officials said the projects will restore the school to its pre-disaster design, capacity and function, including required code upgrades. The project costs take into account estimated insurance proceeds and salvaged items.
MEMA will receive $5.97 million as a federal share of the $6.64 million total cost for an accounting firm to help cities, counties and eligible private nonprofit corporations make sure recovery money is being spent properly.
"These accounting oversight and compliance services are essential in enabling Mississippi to manage and audit its reconstruction efforts in an open and effective manner," said Mike Womack, MEMA's interim director.
The grants come from FEMA's Public Assistance program, which provides financial assistance to state and local governments and certain nonprofit organizations for disaster cleanup and rebuilding efforts.

8/26
Esthers an outreach organization for single mothers, connected with Stacey Cato of The Giving Circle, Inc, volunteering with TGC applicants in Waveland who are single moms. After hearing that the Waveland/Bay St Louis area school children had uniforms prior to Katrina, Esthers offered to replace these. The Giving Circle has distributed hundreds of new Khaki pants and white shirts donated by Esthers for the students of the Waveland Bay St Louis area.

From the Superintendent,Dr. Kim Stasny
8/8
All buildings took on water from the storm surge or from extensive roof damage. The waters left behind thick mud that contaminated all areas of the buildings. High humidity and temperatures exceeding a heat index of 100 degrees lasted for days after the storm. Mold and mildew grew rapidly and spread to furniture, walls, ceilings, and A/C ductwork. Mechanical equipment on every campus was damaged by the salt water, rendering them dangerous and useless.

The infrastructure for both the wide area and local area networks was destroyed. Servers were damaged beyond repair, along with most computers and monitors throughout the district. Anything made of paper became contaminated with mold and mildew and had to be disposed. Legs of desks were pitted by the salt water and began rusting immediately, sometimes adhering to the floor. Ceiling tile sagged and floor tile buckled from humidity and water. Loss of buildings and contents has been estimated at $40M. Insurance, FEMA, and MEMA will cover some costs but not all.

Grade configurations will remain the same as before the storm until rebuilding is complete.
* North Bay and Waveland Elementary Community Schools (grades K-3)
* Second Street Elementary School (grades 4 + 5)
* Bay-Waveland Middle School (grades 6 - 8)
* Bay High School (grades 9 - 12)
* Bay-Waveland Alternative School (grades 4 - 12)

By May 2006, 62% of the pre-Katrina school population had returned. The district is planning for an 80% return rate during the '06-'07 school year.
Local revenue has decreased by at least 50%, creating strained budgets and overall belt tightening.

We hope you will consider a donation amount to aid in our recovery. Please send your check or money order to the following address:

Any donation amount will aid in our recovery.

Please send your check or money order to the following address:

Katrina Relief Fund
Bay St. Louis-Waveland School District
201 Carroll Avenue
Bay St. Louis, MS 39520

If you would like to speak to someone about our efforts, please call 228-467-4439.

Where we are:

As I reflect on the past eleven months, we've accomplished many goals. The following facts may give you a snapshot of our progress.
As of August 7, 2006, our school enrollment has reached 65.5% of pre-storm numbers. Out of 2,380 students, 1,560 have returned.
Most of our students (96%) now qualify to eat free. Prior to the storm, only 60% of our students qualified.
Estimates for recovery have exceeded $40M. This includes rebuilding two elementary schools and renovating others.
Our tax base revenue is expected to be 50 to 65% less than previous years. Until families rebuild and businesses reopen, local contribution will be insufficient.
Unemployment in Hancock County has increased from 4.9% to 20.6%.
We've been able to replace 120 computers out of the 800 we lost.
We only have two cafeterias in operation. Food is transported to two campuses and students from the high school walk to the middle school to eat.

Contact Information
Telephone
228-467-4459
Postal address
201 Carroll Ave. Bay St. Louis, MS 39520
Electronic mail
Webmaster: mailto:cpurl@bwsd.org
http://katrinanetworking.blogspot.com/2005/12/box-tops-for-education.html

8/8
School was back in session for the Bay-Waveland School District Monday. Superintendent Kim Stasny said enrollment is up nearly six percent for the district since the last day of school in May. Overall enrollment is 66 percent of the total at the beginning of school last year, she said. Echo staff photo by Dwayne Bremer.
Aug 7, 2006, 16:58

Bay Catholic School

www.baycatholic.org

Bay Catholic Elementary
301 South Second St.
Bay St. Louis, MS 39520


8/25 - Updated Needs at Bottom

7/30 From WLOX
http://www.wlox.com/global/video/popup/pop_player.asp?ClipID1=877337&h1=Rebecca%20Powers%20Profiles%20Principal%20Janet%20Buras&vt1=v&at1=Promotion%209&d1=227600&LaunchPageAdTag=Promotion%209&activePane=info&playerVersion=1&hostPageUrl=http%3A//www.wlox.com/Global/category.asp%3FC%3D80298%26nav%3Dmenu40_6_13&rnd=69187617
07/18/06 --- Matt Scardino, a parent at Bay Catholic that's now called Holy Trinity, wrote to us about Principal Janet Buras. "She's done a tremendous job for our school, our community and our children. She has overcome incredible challenges since the Hurricane, her dedication and hard work is truly remarkable." So we honor Janet Buras as a South Mississippi Hero.

3/30
We have received word from the Diocese that the new school that will combine students from Our Lady of the Gulf, St. Clare, and St. Rose parishes will be called:
HOLY TRINITY CATHOLIC SCHOOL

PreK-4 Mrs. Ruth's Wish List:
If you can help in any way please send a message to: rrice@baycatholic.org

electric pencil sharpener
paper cutter
etch-a-sketches
doorstop
whiteboard erasers
4-drawer filing cabinet
googly eyes
large lacing beads


Kindergarten Mrs. Stone's Wish List:
If you can help in any way please send a message to: lstone@baycatholic.org
four-drawer file cabinet
Record Player
Prayer table
rocking chair
chart stand (Sam's has for about $20.)
Someone to supply materials and build large shelves in the closet and bathroom
I need cork squares to replace the hallway bulletin board.
The following supplies I can order:
Box 100. 24x36 white tagboard $29.59
1lb. bottles glitter $5.99 each
Colors: multi color gold
silver copper
red black
blue purple
green
Behavior pocket chart $ 17.99
Chart paper. $4.79 . I need at least 5.
We also need:
Alphabet rubber stamps Uppercase and lower case
Number rubber stamps
Ink pads various colors
Box manila file folders
White copy paper
stapler
single hole punch
scotch tape

1st Grade Mrs. LaFontaine's Wish List:
If you can help in any way please send a message to: elafontaine@baycatholic.org
Polaroid Camera
Polaroid Film
Computer Ink Cartridge (color 27)
Overhead Projector cart
Overhead Math Manipulatives (Money, Clocks, etc…)
Teacher Resource Books (Religion, English, Social Studies, Science)
Educational Videos or DVD’s
Classroom TV

6th Grade Ms. Crosby's Wish List:
If you can help in any way please send a message to: mcrosby@baycatholic.org

Classroom Jeopardy! system
Maps, books, posters, etc. dealing with Latin America or Canada
Giant-sized hurricane tracking map(s)
World map with latitude and longitude clearly visible
Classroom set of Bibles
Hooks on wall to hang maps/projector screens
Classroom incentives – bookmarks, pens, pencils, etc.
New printer
Social studies videosLiturgical/mass music CDs
Biographies/autobiographies on a 5th/6th grade reading level
balls for PE/recess
someone to periodically get balls off roof
Barnes&Noble gift card to purchase books for classroom

8/25
Modular Building For Additional Classroom Space
New Playground Surface Washed Away By Katrina
New Library Shelves
Cases Of Copy Paper
Fire Proof Filing Cabinets
Convection Oven
Floor Buffer
Floor Burnisher
VCR/DVD Combo Players
Pull Down Maps
Globes For Classrooms
Door Mats (3x5)
CD Players For Classrooms
Listening Centers For Pre K and K Classrooms

City Team Ministries

City Team Ministries
PO Box 3750
Bay St Louis, MS 39520

11/28 - Found a Slide Show of Photos
http://webdesign.timches.com/katrinarelief/photos/
This guy took photos at CityTeam's request of the work being done in LA and MS. If you scroll down the page, you'll see 2 albums of Hancock County area.

11/7 - From Debra of City Team
They are still running test. She continues to have break outs. The doctor’s have put her on bed rest. Our HR department was just there last week and it’s incredible to see that so many places have yet to be touched. Listening to the stories of the ladies who’s homes we were working in is just incredible. There is nothing like southern hospitality. I enjoy being there. I am so grateful for your faithfulness in keeping up with all the volunteer opportunities. You are a blessing.

Debra

10/21 From Pastor Bonnie
Hi all,
Thanks for your prayers.
The doc said it will be another week of bedrest before he will release me. The infection seems to be getting better as my white blood count and fever are going away. Mainly, I’m just tired and tire easily.
The Doctor said that many long term volunteers are catching staph.
So….any open sores please get them looked at before it goes into the bloodstream.
Many of the local residents came in the hospital frantically and asked me if I was “going to go home now”; they couldn’t understand why I would want to stay with all that’s happened. I just reassured them that I couldn’t go home now. . Love just doesn’t run! I came here because God asked me to come and some little bugs crawling around my blood stream are not going to stop me from helping out a while longer. : )
You all have been so gracious to be my extended family in the middle of all this. Thank you so much for caring so greatly. For the cards and flowers and just plain ole love. I truly appreciate it. It means a lot from my peers.
God bless and I’ll be praying for you too.
Bonnie
Bonnie P. Ringdahl
CityTeam Ministries, Inc.
498 Ulman Ave
Bay St. Louis, MS 39520
408.857.5059

8/25
One Year Later
One year ago, Hurricane Katrina destroyed the city of Bay St. Louis, MS. CityTeam heard the call to rush to their aid with shelter, feeding, counseling, AA meetings, case management, and rebuilding homes. CityTeam has been on the ground in Bay St. Louis helping people rebuild their lives, their city and their homes. We are still there today and it has been our joy to come along side this city and help in multiple ways – from delivery food supplies to repairing a home. We are an agency with multiple services and volunteers to provide real hope that real change is possible.
"Bay Saint Louis would not be a functioning community without this partnership with CityTeam. Their leaders recognize and meet our needs with a clarity that locals do not have yet.”
"CityTeam has helped us survive, literally, and we will be forever grateful and will always remember their impact on our lives for many generations to come."
Mayor Eddie Favre,Bay St. Louis, MS
“It has been our honor to come along side the city of Bay St. Louis and Mayor Eddie Favre and help rebuild their community after Hurricane Katrina,” said Patrick Robertson, president, CityTeam Ministries. “We are so grateful for all the donors and volunteers from across the nation that have helped us reach out to serve thousands of people who have faced devastation because of this terrible disaster. The lives of our volunteers have changed forever as they have worked long days, slept in tents and personally seen the hope of the people that have lost so much. The people of Bay St. Louis have helped us be a better organization today.”
CityTeam is currently helping to rebuild over 130 homes in Bay St. Louis. We have depleted our designated financial funds but we continue to press on. More volunteers are still needed today. Even one year after the disaster – people can still visually see how their involvement can impact lives in Bay St. Louis.
If you would like to know how you can help Call 1-888-CITYTEAM or Click the donation button. Thank you

CityTeam and WalMart
CityTeam has partnered with Wal-mart to host a “Wish-List” registry on-line so you can purchase needed household items for over a 100 families that have lost e`verything in the terrible disaster of Hurricane Katrina. CityTeam is still sending hundreds of volunteers down to Bay St. Louis to help rebuild homes and lives. Our wish is that you will visit our wish list at http://www.walmart.com/wishlist/ and select an item or two that we can bless a family with.
A set of new sheets is a special gift to a boy or girl who is coming home for the first time. Or a set of dishes so a family can eat together is necessary for them to rebuild their family unity. These are important ways in which you can partner with us to help families that have lost so much of their lives.

On this web page you can meet a few of the families and individuals that are in need and hear how they personally survived and how they are going to rebuild their lives one step at a time.
If you would like to know more about this program and how you can help – please call our headquarters at 1-888-CITYTEAM or 408-232-5600.

Thank you for being a part of this rebuilding project with us at CityTeam. Please keep your Wal-mart on-line receipt for tax purposes.

Go To Walmart.com, Upper Left Corner (Wish List) First Name - CityTeam; Last Name - Ministries; State - Mississippi; Date - August

CityTeam is audited quarterly to keep their operations as transparent as possible. Very Cool!

Needs List
Volunteers - Volunteers will have room and board provided and given assignments of where to work - no worries about being left to your own devices.

Flooring - linoleum of neutral colors, carpeting of neutral colors

Electrical - 12/3, 12/2, 10/3 cable; 150a, 200a Service Boxes, Electric Meters, 15a, 20a, 30a breakers, switches, outlets, junction boxes for NEW construction.

Construction - drywall - 1/2" 4x12 sheets, greenboard, mud, tape, taping knives, drywall knives, drywall screws, white paint - flat, with mold retardant added; any toilets (hint to those who replaced with lowflow - there's a place to take the high flow for now)

Roofing - 110mph architectural shingles; nail strips for nail guns, nail guns, tar paper, etc.

Gift Cards - gift cards are great, but there is a hitch. The prices are getting so high in the Gulf Region that many times it is cheaper to buy the stuff out of state and ship it in. Prices right now are double or triple national average. Drywall just increased by $3 a sheet. Wiring has increased $37 a roll in the last 3 months. Please consider bringing the subject up with your Federal representative, the US Attorney General, and the affected states' Attorneys General. This gouging needs to stop if the rebuilding is going to occur with any appreciable speed.

From their Website's List of Needs

Kitchen:
Pots, pans and bake ware – cookware sets
Tableware (includes dishes, glasses, and cups
Flatware
Cooking utensils
Small Kitchen appliances (includes coffeemaker, can opener, toaster)
Large Kitchen Appliances (dishwasher, oven, refrigerator, microware)
Bed Linens (sheet sets, comforter, blanket)
Washer & Dryer
Vacuum
Batteries

Home Repair Supplies:
General hand tools and power tools
Nails
Sheetrock and particle board
Lighting fixtures
Laminated Flooring material
Carpet & padding material
Adhesives, Mortar, Grout & Sealers
Electrical wiring and switches
Home Décor items – wallpaper, paint, draperies, blinds, etc.
Windows & Doors
Door hardware

General Items:

(These items are still needed for our daily distribution center)
Paper goods (napkins, paper towels, cups, etc.)
Toilet papers
Diapers
Baby supplies, formula & food
Over the counter medication
Laundry detergent
Canned food

Send to:

City Team Ministries PO Box 3750 Bay St Louis, MS 39520

They have storage space in a warehouse, so will be able to store appreciable amounts of supplies, should they need to.

Our Lady Academy Needs

http://www.ourladyacademy.com/
The latest Needs List from Our Lady Academy.

As they get more students in, their needs grow. But, that's a good thing! It means the families are coming back!Please send any gift cards or material donations to:

Our Lady Academy 222 S. Beach Blvd. Bay St. Louis MS 39520 Jeannine Y. Burch 228-332-7976 mbbjoy@juno.comPlease let us know if you wish to or plan to send anything from the list so we can mark it off and focus people on the remaining items. Thanks in advance for your help.

10/29 Update
Math Teacher
We are desperately searching for a math teacher. Mrs. Goggins and I are teaching too much; Mr. Kolodziej leaves us at Christmas. But….. we don’t want just anybody. We want a GOOD math teacher. Do you know anyone? Please help us with this. I have exhausted all my contacts.

9/9 Update
September Newsletter from Sr. Jackie
"We've come so far and yet we've just begun."
The Physical Plant:
McAuley Hall is up and running. Mercy Hall is up and running. The Commons and gym are up and running. We have obtained an occupancy permit for Johnson Hall; it is partially up and running and will be fully functional by Labor Day.
Plans for the Physical Plant:
The gym will get a complete overhaul at the end of October, after volleyball season. A new floor will be laid; new bleachers will be installed. The gym will be "down" for about three weeks. But it will be worth it!
Plans to replace St. Joseph Hall are all tied up with FEMA at this time. Need I say more?
Equipment:
Classroom equipment has begun to arrive, compliments of Re-Start, the federal program designed to get the schools up and running. The non-public schools are included in this program; this is a famous first! Fifty-one boxes of science equipment arrived two weeks ago. Mrs. Cranford thought it was Christmas; then she had to unpack and inventory everything! Her enthusiasm waned! Classroom furniture has begun to arrive. Mrs. Bartels has the unenviable task of keeping track of all of it. Textbooks are almost all here; we are waiting on just a few extra books for classes with larger enrollments than we anticipated and a few teachers' editions. Mrs. Bartels is also in charge of this. She thinks she is overworked; she is probably right!Enrollment:
We began school with 237 students. That is 18 more than we ended with last year. We are pleased with the number, but, of course, we still have a way to go to attain our pre-storm enrollment of 280.
Technology:
I know you are all missing Power School and the ability to check on your daughter's progress each evening through our Web site. I wish I had an answer to the question of "When." We are waiting for the federal Re-Start program to OK our request for computers. And, after we get approval, they must be shipped. And, after they arrive, we must get it all installed and up and running. A mind boggling task to say the least! I get a headache just thinking about it all.
Student Activities:
We began our school year at OLG Church with a challenge to each young lady to "BE" BEgin......BElieve.....BElong.......BEcome
BEgin the year with enthusiasm and a commitment to do your best.
BElieve in yourself and what you can accomplish.
BElong to the Faith Community that is OLA.
BEcome the best you can be.

OLA volleyball is off to another great start. It is just like we didn't skip a beat. The team won the Gulf Coast Classic Volleyball Tournament last week. The girls have not lost a game to a Coast team (as of 8/22, when I wrote this note). They look great! Victoria Romano and Amanda Meyers are providing wonderful senior leadership. And Mike Meyers is amazing!
The Back-To-School Dance was well attended. The luau theme was enjoyed by the students. You should have seen some of the outfits! I think a good time was had by all.
Bishop Rodi joined us on August 29th, for our Katrina anniversary remembrance. Fr. Carver officiated at our opening school liturgy.
SSC football is off to a good start. Isn't it nice to have something to do on Friday evenings?
Sign-up is complete for the 2006 Youth Legislature session . Fifty young women will represent us in Jackson. I have absolutely NO doubt that they will make us proud!
Swimming and Cross Country begins soon.
Good luck, Crescents. Good luck to our coaches, Mr. Hull and Mrs. Loftus!
Sr. Jackie

Immediately below is Sister Jackie's wish list.

The departments' wish lists follow.
file cabinets (about a dozen)
oval conference room table and chairs (to seat eight)
DVD players (about 10)
VCR players (about 10)
LCD projector (2 needed)
large screens (for each classroom -about 10)
overhead projectors (about 10)
computer tables and chairs - for about 30 computers
digital camera and photo printer

Please send notifications to: Julie Cranford at CranFam@cs.com or OLA's Email at Info@OurLadyAcademy.com
Also consider BoxTops and Labels For Education
http://katrinanetworking.blogspot.com/2005/12/collect-campbell-labels-for-hancock.htmlhttp://katrinanetworking.blogspot.com/2005/12/box-tops-for-education.html
Consider Gift Cards
http://katrinanetworking.blogspot.com/2006/02/stores-to-buy-gift-cards-through.html
OLA School Needs
Picnic tables New flagpole / New United States flag and state of Mississippi flag
English Department- Kerri Guichet:
*Just added: 2 boxes of legal size hanging file folders
25 staplers
25 pencil holders
25 pairs of scissors
25 three ring hole punch
25 desk organizers for drawers
25 standard 8-digit calculators
25 overhead projectors
25 cassette/CD players
25 heavy duty electric pencil sharpeners
black & white transparencies-designed for use in copiers
white copy paper
staples
jumbo size paper clips
highlighters
red pens
Black pens
file folders
rubber bands
white out
correction pens
printer ink for Hewlett Packard Deskjet 722C
Kleenex
hand sanitizer
pens for overhead projector
supplementary materials for teaching grammar for grades 7-8 (Teacher's Discovery catalog had some neat things)
bulletin board paper
punch-out letters for bulletin board
visuals for the walls( motivational, religious, or language arts related)
laminating machine
dry erase markers/erasers
25 VCR/DVD players
English/ Math- Millie Rutledge:
heavy duty stapler
3 hole punch
Electric pencil sharpener
dry erase markers/erasers
red pens
pencils (mechanical)
black pens
1 laptop computer
1 printer/copier/scanner/faxset of classroom scientific-calculators
board set of geometric tools: compass, ruler, protractor math manipulatives
colored markers
loose leaf paper (college ruled)
computer paper
dean ruler-metric/English
large clips for holding papers
file folders
colored pencils
1 personal calculator
paper clips
tape dispenser
1 dictionary
construction paperTV/ DVD/ VCR
Stereo
Wall calendar
desktop calendar
file cabinet
blank CD's
memory stick ( portable disk drive)
note cards
Pre-algebra test generator CD
Pre-algebra practice work sheets (skill builders)
computer desk/chair
copier for schoo
lcases of copy paper
toner for copier
Music- Joy Mehrtens:
Kurtzweil PC2 Series keyboard/stand/case
Portable piano bench
4 sections of Wenger
3-step choral risers
20 music stands
Peavy keyboard amplifiers
Reader's Digest Keyboard Music Collection
2 omnidirectional choral microphones
2 telescoping mic stands
1 regular mic stand
2 monitors speakers
1 microphone
PA system
Hymn books/ Accompaniment books for different religious denominationslap-
top computer (DVD-CD rom)
Finale (Music composition Program- PC format)
Art text booksbox-storage containers
Music Piano (ALREADY PROVIDED)
piano bench Wenger-
4 sections of standing choral risers (portable)
Visual Art
140 lb. Cold press watercolor paper1 rheem
80 lb. Drawing paper
24 prang watercolor sets
30 #6 round watercolor brushes
30 ½ inch angled flat watercolor brushes
4 pints masking fluid
30 ½ inch rulers
4 tape dispensers
4 staplers
2 three hole punch
larger paper cutter
Ceramics* Need by Nov.11000 lbs. Cone 6 stoneware claypottery tools (call for list)
Elise Deano- History
world map
Mississippi map
US map
Poster Sets: Electoral College Federal Government How a Bill Becomes a Law
Large desk calendar
Science Lab
25 microscope
Glassware: beaker
videoscope
Graduated cylinder
slides- anatomy, botany, biology
Flask
dissecting trays
Test tubes
dissecting kits
Slides
skeleton
Funnels
Bunsen burners
Mortar/pestle
iron stand-ring
stands
parkers
thermometer
Models (example) - Ear, Eye, Heart, Leafrulers
calculators
periodic table
world map
oceans of the world
topographic map
posters-charts
art/craft supplies
science videos
electrophoresis equipment
magnifying glass
compass
magnets
atomic models
lightbulb-flashlight
batteries
wiregram stain kitf
ilter paper
stethoscope-blood pressure
fossil kits
water sampling kits
inoculating loopseine nets
Cafeteria:
Commercial stove/range and hood
stainless steel cooking utensils
Freezer (ALREADY PROVIDED)
Disposable plates, utensils, napkins
ice maker
ReligionChristian CD's

Need For Baby Items

Funny how life goes on regardless of the situation, isn't it?

There are several babies being born in and around Pearlington in the coming weeks and months. I have a contact - Amy Coyne, who is willing to be the contact person to help distribute items such as:

Baby Blankets
Layettes
Clothes - infant to 6 months
Bottles
Formula
Diapers
Cribs
Changing Tables
Toys
Suckers


Her note to me:

Thanks for the follow up. We have four staff members with new babies from 1 week to four months old. We also have two who will have grandchildren within the next few weeks. All of these individuals lost all in Katrina and had much damage. Anything is much appreciated from them.

I truly appreciate your efforts and concern. They are so very appreciated.

Amy Coyne
acoyne@bwsd.org

Bay-Waveland Middle School
600 Pine Street
Bay St. Louis, MS 39520

Put the packages attn to Amy Coyne