From westley at da-parish.com Wed Nov 11 07:21:51 2009 From: westley at da-parish.com (Westley Annis) Date: Wed, 11 Nov 2009 06:21:51 -0600 Subject: [StBernard] MRGO causing new concerns in St. Bernard Message-ID: <163001ca62c9$8ca87800$a5f96800$@com> MRGO causing new concerns in St. Bernard Reported by: Natasha Robin, Reporter Email: nrobin at fox8tv.net Contributor: Jim Pennison, Photographer Last Update: 11/10 9:55 pm Ida's northeast wind blew water into lower St. Bernard Parish as expected. Sharon Couture's business never closed even when water surrounded her little grocery store in Shell Beach. Couture, along with every fisherman in the area though, waited on the northwest wind to blow through. That's the wind that pushes the water out. But when the wind changed direction, the water still wasn't receding as usual. Councilman Fred Everhardt and some veteran fishermen decided to take a boat ride to find out why the water was taking so long to go down. They ended up where the Army Corps had decommissioned the infamous MRGO. Everhardt says the rock structure that was put in place to close the MRGO was actually blocking the flood water from flowing out of St. Bernard. That, he says, forced the water to find an alternate route. Everhardt says, "Some of the alternate routes are much smaller canals. Our concern with that is coastal erosion. As far as that tide is running out, it's causing coastal erosion." The councilman points out that closing off the MRGO was necessary to stop the saltwater intrusion that was causing coastal erosion in the first place, but he says Ida presented yet another problem. He would like the Corps to go back to the drawing board and try to figure out a way to open up parts of the rock structure when a storm passes through so that the water can recede and people can get back to their homes. The Army Corps say it's hydrology department is looking at the conditions surrounding the rock structure. The Corps is promising more information soon. From Westley at da-parish.com Wed Nov 11 07:24:53 2009 From: Westley at da-parish.com (Westley Annis) Date: Wed, 11 Nov 2009 06:24:53 -0600 Subject: [StBernard] That 80's Musical Message-ID: <163101ca62c9$f8eef980$eaccec80$@com> Brother Martin High School Dionysians Presents "That 80's Musical" bringing us back to the music of the 80's, the time when Atari was in along with bubble skirts and blue eye shadow and everyone was trying to figure out that "Rubic's Cube". Come and enjoy a fun time with the entire family. Show times are as follows: December 4 7:30 p.m. December 5 2:30 p.m. December 6 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. December 11 7:30 p.m. December 12 Dark due to Brother Martin annual Extravaganza December 13 2:30 p.m. General Admission - $10.00 at the door one hour prior to show time For information on tickets and or purchasing an ad in the program, you may call the Brother Martin Drama Department at 504-283-1561 From Westley at da-parish.com Wed Nov 11 07:44:39 2009 From: Westley at da-parish.com (Westley Annis) Date: Wed, 11 Nov 2009 06:44:39 -0600 Subject: [StBernard] Where Do We Get These Men and Women? Message-ID: <163e01ca62cc$bc2a7530$347f5f90$@com> Where Do We Get These Men and Women? By Newt Gingrich This Veterans Day, I am reminded once again of the wonderful line at the end of the movie adaptation of James Michener's The Bridges at Toko Ri. A Navy Admiral is reflecting on the sacrifice of airmen given the mission of destroying a group of heavily defended bridges during the Korean War. The men were successful, but at the cost of their lives, leading the Admiral to famously ask: "Where do we get these men?" Today, the question is "Where do we get these men and women?" and last week, the answer was Killeen, Texas. Answer: Killeen, Texas Killeen is the home of heroes this Veterans Day; men and women who prove that our servicemen and women don't leave their bravery and selflessness behind on the battlefield. Killeen was also the site of terrorism last week; proof that we are not immune from Islamic extremism inside our borders, even on our military bases. Killeen is the home of Sgt. Kimberly Munley, a Department of Defense civilian police officer and an Army veteran. Sgt. Munley was nearby getting her car tuned-up when the 911 call came in. Without waiting for backup, she was the first law enforcement official to arrive on the scene at Fort Hood. "She Fired Until He Dropped. The Killing Ended." Much has been written about Sgt. Munley's heroism, but few have described her behavior in the heat of a confrontation with the Fort Hood shooter better than the editorial writers at the Las Vegas Review-Sun . "Could Sgt. Munley, hit in the wrist and both thighs, really be blamed if she'd ducked for cover? She didn't. From all reports, she stood her ground under fire, calmly reacquiring her sight picture, putting four rounds right where she wanted, in the advancing murderer's center of mass. She fired until he dropped. The killing ended." The Heroes Who Brought Down the Berlin Wall This Veterans Day week also marks the celebration of another set of American heroes: The men and women who put their shoulders to the Berlin Wall and pushed - until it finally fell 20 years ago this Monday. Where did we get these men and women? From all across America and everywhere freedom and human dignity are valued. For although the revolution in Eastern Europe occurred without a shot being fired, countless Americans - not to mention Britons, Germans, Poles, Czechs, Slovaks and Hungarians - sacrificed for that day. Before there was a wall in Berlin, there was the Berlin blockade in 1948, when the Communist regime in Moscow tried to literally starve West Berlin to death. President Harry S. Truman ordered an airlift to feed West Berliners and resist Soviet aggression. Seventy-one American and British servicemen lost their lives. And before there was a victory for freedom, 20 years ago this week, there were unflinching advocates for freedom in Eastern Europe like Ronald Reagan and Pope John Paul II . These are the heroes we honor today. Washington Seems More at Home with International Dictators Than America and Its Heroes "Hero" is not a word we use a lot these days. We have a media dedicated to destroying, not showcasing, greatness. We have popular culture determined to celebrate victimhood rather than heroism. And we have a regime in Washington that seems more at home with international autocrats and dictators than America and its heroes. But the inescapable fact of America is this: Ours is a country founded and defended, not by conciliation and sophisticated diplomatic gestures, but by honor, bravery and sacrifice. Our heroes are not incidental to our nationhood but an essential part of it. Why? Because America is not, contrary to what our President believes, merely a nation among nations. We are, on our best days, closer to what Ronald Reagan believed: A shining city on a hill. Take the Time Today to Thank a Veteran For His Service The heroes of our city on a hill stretch back from Killeen, Texas, through a bloody 20th Century and a great Civil War, all the way to our founding. They are the men who left a trail of blood in the snow of Northern Pennsylvania on Christmas night, 1776 . They are the men and women who serve today in Iraq and Afghanistan. So make sure you take the time today to thank a veteran for his or her service. Take the time to remember and honor a hero. Because in doing so you are answering the Navy Admiral's question at Toko Ri. Where do we get these men and women? From a nation that remains worthy of their sacrifice. Your friend, Newt Gingrich From Westley at da-parish.com Wed Nov 11 23:09:47 2009 From: Westley at da-parish.com (Westley Annis) Date: Wed, 11 Nov 2009 22:09:47 -0600 Subject: [StBernard] RNC Statement On Veterans Day Message-ID: <194b01ca634d$f97beb40$ec73c1c0$@com> RNC STATEMENT ON VETERANS DAY WASHINGTON - Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Michael Steele released the following statement today: "Since the founding of our nation, generations of brave Americans have answered the call to service. On this Veterans Day the Republican National Committee pauses to extend our heartfelt gratitude for their brave and valiant service in our Armed Forces. We honor them for their extraordinary sacrifice in defense of our country. Today I join all Americans in expressing my heartfelt gratitude to our veterans for preserving the freedoms we hold dear." ### From Westley at da-parish.com Wed Nov 11 23:10:25 2009 From: Westley at da-parish.com (Westley Annis) Date: Wed, 11 Nov 2009 22:10:25 -0600 Subject: [StBernard] Veteran's Day Message-ID: <194c01ca634e$103c59f0$30b50dd0$@com> Dear Supporter, Today is Veterans' Day - a day reserved for our country to pause and remember the men and women who have served our country and fought to protect our safety and freedom for over two centuries. Veteran's Day To commemorate the day, the NRCC has created a video to thank our veterans. Please follow this link to watch it and take a moment to remember those who have served our country with honor, fidelity, bravery, and integrity. Despite ongoing wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, many of us have forgotten what today symbolizes - it isn't just another day off from work or school. Today is a day to honor and remember the soldiers who've made great sacrifices, risked their safety, and even laid down their lives so that we can continue to enjoy the freedoms we've grown accustomed to. I hope you'll take a minute to follow this link and watch our video , and take a few moments to remember the brave men and women of the United States Military. Sincerely, Pete Sessions Pete Sessions, NRCC Chairman PS: In honor of Veterans' Day, the NRCC has created a video to thank our veterans for serving the United States with honor, fidelity, bravery, and integrity. Please follow this link to watch it and pause to remember our heroes. From Westley at da-parish.com Wed Nov 11 23:12:01 2009 From: Westley at da-parish.com (Westley Annis) Date: Wed, 11 Nov 2009 22:12:01 -0600 Subject: [StBernard] Ben Stein WE FINALLY FIGURED HIM OUT Message-ID: <194d01ca634e$49348ca0$db9da5e0$@com> JUST IN CASE YOU DID NOT ALREADY KNOW!! ________________________________ WE FINALLY FIGURED HIM OUT! By Ben Stein Why is President Barack Obama in such a hurry to get his socialized medicine bill passed? Because he and his cunning circle realize some basic truths: The American people in their unimaginable kindness and trust voted for a pig in a poke in 2008. They wanted so much to believe Barack Obama was somehow better and different from other ultra-leftists that they simply took him on faith. They ignored his anti-white, racial writings in his books. They ignored his quiet acceptance of hysterical anti-American and racial diatribes by his minister, Jeremiah Wright. They ignored his refusal to explain years at a time of his life as a student. They ignored his ultra-left record as a "community organizer," Illinois state legislator, and Senator. The American people ignored his total zero of an academic record as a student and teacher, his complete lack of scholarship when he was being touted as a scholar. Why does he still refuse to release his records? Now, the American people are starting to wake up to the truth. Barack Obama is a super likeable super leftist, not a fan of this country, way, way too cozy with the terrorist leaders in the Middle East, way beyond na?vet?, all the way into active destruction of our interests and our allies and our future. The American people have already awakened to the truth that the stimulus bill -- a great idea in theory -- was really an immense bribe to Democrat interest groups, and in no way an effort to help all Americans. Now, Americans are waking up to the truth that ObamaCare basically means that every time you are sick or injured, you will have a clerk from the Department of Motor Vehicles telling your doctor what he can and cannot do. The American people already know that Mr. Obama's plan to lower health costs while expanding coverage and bureaucracy is a myth, a promise of something that never was and never will be -- a bureaucracy lowering costs in a free society. Either the costs go up or the free society goes away. These are perilous times. Mrs. Hillary Clinton, our Secretary of State, has given Iran the go-ahead to have nuclear weapons, an unqualified betrayal of the nation. Now, we face a devastating loss of freedom at home in health care. It will be joined by controls on our lives to "protect us" from global warming, itself largely a fraud if believed to be caused by man. Mr. Obama knows Americans are getting wise and will stop him if he delays at all in taking away our freedoms. There is his urgency and our opportunity. Once freedom is lost, America is lost. Wake up, beloved America. Ben Stein is a writer, actor, economist, and lawyer living in Beverly Hills and Malibu. He writes "Ben Stein's Diary" for every issue of The American Spectator. From Westley at da-parish.com Wed Nov 11 23:20:50 2009 From: Westley at da-parish.com (Westley Annis) Date: Wed, 11 Nov 2009 22:20:50 -0600 Subject: [StBernard] Continuing our Economic Momentum Message-ID: <195101ca634f$8485d510$8d917f30$@com> Dear Friends, With the arrival of the first storm to affect Louisiana's coast this year, we took important steps to prepare for Tropical Storm Ida's landfall in the past few days. By declaring a State of Emergency over the weekend we were able to position critical supplies in areas most likely to be affected by the storm, and we initiated the state's emergency operations plan to ensure that agencies and departments across the state were working together in case of emergency. Although we were certainly spared the worst of this storm, we will continue working to ensure that those in our coastal communities receive the support they need to keep their families safe. We did welcome some great news last week, as the tax amnesty program we implemented over the past few months has collected more than $303 million in additional state revenues. As the Shreveport Times wrote, "the decision.to institute a tax amnesty program has proven wise." While the program was certainly not a silver bullet to solve our budgetary challenges, it does provide an important influx of money to help replenish our state's rainy day fund and offset some of the drastic reductions facing our health care system. Our program also collected significantly more dollars than other states that implemented similar programs, more than tripling what Oklahoma collected and generating more than seven times more than Nevada's program. Also, we continue to attract more great economic opportunities to our state. As reported by the Baton Rouge Business Report , Louisiana ranks in the top half of the country in "Site Selection magazine's list of states with the best business climates." I traveled to Lafayette to announce that Pixel Magic, a digital effects company that works in television and movies, will move to Louisiana and create 40 new jobs over the next few years. Pixel Magic chose Louisiana over many other states and countries, which shows that the commitment we made to expanding our state's entertainment industry in the past Legislative session is paying off. As KLFY wrote, "That's Great economic news." We also saw the expansion of InterMoor Inc. in St. Mary Parish that will create 320 new direct jobs and 433 new indirect jobs, and the opening of Northrop Grumman's geospatial facility in Slidell that will create 50 new jobs. Many of our state's educational leaders gathered at the Race to the Top Summit this past week as well. Race to the Top is a program that will allow our state and our students to compete for funding to strengthen our educational system. In order to achieve our goal of creating a world-class economy right here in Louisiana, education is paramount, and, as the Lafayette Daily Advertiser wrote, "Race to the Top can help Louisiana move closer to that goal." To further strengthen our commitment to improving our state's educational system, we also announced a commitment of $30 million for the construction of LSU's new business school. This funding will help LSU compete with the top business schools in the nation, and help keep our best and brightest right here in Louisiana while attracting some of the best from the rest of the nation as well. Finally, I traveled to Chalmette last week as part of the Louisiana Working Tour, and had a great time visiting with the hard-working people of St. Bernard Parish. We also welcomed the National Champion LSU Baseball team to the Governor's Mansion last week, and I had a great time meeting the student-athletes who showed the rest of the nation just one more way Louisiana is the greatest place in the world. Sincerely, Governor Bobby Jindal From Westley at da-parish.com Wed Nov 11 23:21:51 2009 From: Westley at da-parish.com (Westley Annis) Date: Wed, 11 Nov 2009 22:21:51 -0600 Subject: [StBernard] HAPPY VETERANS DAY ! Message-ID: <195201ca634f$a88bf070$f9a3d150$@com> Hope you all enjoy YOUR day ! Thanks for your service. Syl From Westley at da-parish.com Wed Nov 11 23:22:56 2009 From: Westley at da-parish.com (Westley Annis) Date: Wed, 11 Nov 2009 22:22:56 -0600 Subject: [StBernard] Shop Around St. Bernard Message-ID: <195301ca634f$cf4a26f0$6dde74d0$@com> Westley please post for me - thanks Jill Dolese Just in time for Christmas and a great gift for children. Purchase a 2010 Visiting Pet 501C Program fundraiser Calendar of animal assisted pet therapy dogs featuring our own St. Bernard canine resident Chance Dolese as the March pinup. Chance is currently participating in a "Reading to Rover" program at Joseph Davies Elementary School where he visits the 2 special education classes each Thursday with the children practicing oral reading skills by reading him stories. He also visits the other special classes for interaction with the students. Calendars are available from The LadyBug's Garden and Gifts at 609 W. Judge Perez Dr. A big Thank You to Karen, the business proprietor, for selling our calendar. Jill Dolese and Chance From Westley at da-parish.com Wed Nov 11 23:23:27 2009 From: Westley at da-parish.com (Westley Annis) Date: Wed, 11 Nov 2009 22:23:27 -0600 Subject: [StBernard] Oops! Message-ID: <195401ca634f$e1c46070$a54d2150$@com> Time to get out the dustbuster: http://tinyurl.com/yja732a From Westley at da-parish.com Wed Nov 11 23:24:37 2009 From: Westley at da-parish.com (Westley Annis) Date: Wed, 11 Nov 2009 22:24:37 -0600 Subject: [StBernard] Why can't St. Bernard do something similar? Message-ID: <195501ca6350$0b86fd50$2294f7f0$@com> http://tinyurl.com/yhwgfx3 From Westley at da-parish.com Wed Nov 11 23:35:21 2009 From: Westley at da-parish.com (Westley Annis) Date: Wed, 11 Nov 2009 22:35:21 -0600 Subject: [StBernard] PRAYER IS NEEDED Message-ID: <195901ca6351$8bb29d80$a317d880$@com> Prayer is what it's going to take? Folks, If you have not noticed....few Presidents have ever worked this hard for our country, having to deal with such hatred and ill-will. Many wonder, does he ever sleep? Only God can sustain such energy, knowledge and person. Will you please join in this prayer? Lord, We pray for optimum health, mental clarity and political prosperity for President Barack H. Obama. We pray that what he lacks in political 'experience' you make up for with supernatural wisdom and power. We also pray that when his enemies come upon him they will stumble and fall; and that your love will fill his heart to the end that 'Your will' be done through him. We pray mightily for his protection. As we plead the Blood of your son, Jesus, over him and his family. We reverently ask you to dispatch legions of angels to protect them from all hurt, harm, danger as he serves as the President of the United States of America . We thank you and praise you for answering our sincere prayers, in Jesus? precious name, AMEN All you are asked to do is keep this circulating if you are so inclined. May God bless and keep you... From Westley at da-parish.com Wed Nov 11 23:36:13 2009 From: Westley at da-parish.com (Westley Annis) Date: Wed, 11 Nov 2009 22:36:13 -0600 Subject: [StBernard] Shine Productions and The Voices Foundation show this week! Message-ID: <195a01ca6351$aa9961c0$ffcc2540$@com> The Voices Foundation and Shine Productions present: TO THE HEADWATERS November 12, 13, 14 (Thursday, Friday, Saturday) 8pm Nunez Community College Auditorium Tickets are $10 each (call 504.301.8770) >From the team that brought you An Evening with Betsy, The Altos, and the Voices of Louisiana .Join St. Bernard's own Evacuation Theatre Troupe on the trip of a lifetime as they go..."TO THE HEADWATERS." WHAT: A comic and poignant look at life on the road in a 37 foot RV. WHO: The Evacuation Theatre Troupe, a group of St. Bernard actors and educators who, in the fall of 2006, brought the story of the history and heartache of its hometown to audiences across the country. The ETT is joined by the songs and sounds of the St. Bernard Voices Chorus, under the direction of Peggy Weggener, sharing a message of hope and resiliency. Starring Barry Lemoine, Christian Bordelon, Will Schneider, Rose Marie Sand, Katie Betz and Annette Campo. Written by Barry Lemoine and Christian Bordelon and directed by Barry Lemoine. With technical genius provided by Shelley Hilton. Funded through a grant by the Arts Council of New Orleans WHEN: November 12, 13, 14 at 8 pm. WHERE: Nunez Community College Auditorium, 3700 La Fontaine Street, Chalmette, Louisiana. Tickets are $10 each - call 504.301.8770. ABOUT THE PROJECT: After losing homes, jobs and certainty post-Katrina, seven friends embarked on a trip into Louisiana Purchase territory. Their goal? To spread the word about the devastation of St. Bernard and to thank volunteers for their continued support. Through monologue, sketches and with music and sound effects from the Voices Chorus, "To the Headwaters" is both a madcap look at life on the road as well as personal reflections on loss, love, hope and home. From Chalmette High School to the Great American History Theatre in St. Paul, Minnesota, join the ETT along the Great River Road. "Christian Bordelon and William Schneider wrung every comic and touching nuance from the Evacuation Theatre Troupe's account of traveling in an RV "To the Headwaters" of the Mississippi River. Their journey included an encounter with police in Red Cloud, Nebraska; the generosity and love of the people in a small Kansas town; and the magical moment of standing in the water where the Mississippi begins." by David Cuthbert, Times Picayune For information, call Barry Lemoine 504.301.8770.