A Toast to NO:August 25-31: 10th Anniversary of Katrina and more.....

Darlings,

A Toast to all of you and my beloved New Orleans!

Another fabulous August week has gone by. Thank God that it rained several times so my plants are happy.

Last Wednesday, I couldn't wait for my monthly Round table Luncheon at Antoine's. It was a very special that focused on Katrina 10th Anniversary.  The featured speakers, the entertainment and the setting made it to be a very memorable one.

Here is a link to the lovely article written by Sue Strachan and photos by Frank Stansbury.

Margarita Bergen's Round Table Luncheon marks an anniversary (OPEN THIS LINK) 

'Dah-ling!' Margarita Bergen's greeting is still the same after all these years.

NOLA.COM|BY SUE STRACHAN

A great photo taken by Frank Stansbury at the past Round Table Luncheon at Antoine's with the hostess, Speakers and Entertainers. Hostess Margarita Bergen, speakers Gordon Wadge, CEO of the YMCA, authors Mary Helen Lagasse, Jennifer Gremillion and  Sandy Rosenthal, founder of Levees.org  with pianist Jim Walpole, entertainers  Becky Allen and Marshall Harris.

Darlings- please put in your calendar that the next Round Table Luncheon will be on Wednesday, September 16 at noon at Antoine's It will be the annual Salute to the Cultural Arts. The directors of NOMA, LPO, CAC, Ogden Museum of Southern Art, New Orleans Opera, New Orleans Ballet and JPAS have been invited. Entertainment by  bass baritone Ivan Griffin, who has performed with the New Orleans Opera Association and the Opera Creole,  and soprano Kathleen Halm Simmons who will be accompanied on the piano by  Timothy Todd Simmons, Director of the New Orleans Opera Association . Champagne and wines compliments of Ross and sandra Herman. Reserve now at 495-9181

On Friday, I attended the lovely American Red Cross' The Power of Women's Luncheon. The keynote speaker was Hoda Kotb and her speech was inspirational, the luncheon was delicious and for a great cause. I saw so many darling friends who made it very memorable.https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152916221280870.1073742501.581200869&type=1&l=52f26510d4

That night,  I donned my cowboy hat to attend the always fun City Bark Presents "101 Donations Goes Western: Happy Tails to You " and it was lovely at the beautiful City Park’s Arbor Room. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152916500360870.1073742502.581200869&type=1&l=0db5971f5c

On Saturday, I attended the lovely 17th Annual “Chairish the Children” benefitting the Louisiana Children’s Museum. As in the past, it was a lot of fun. At this year’s event, LCM recognized five Silver Linings Honorees who have made a positive impact on the lives of young children in our community since the storm: Dr. Robert W. Becker, Leslie Jacobs, Derrick Tabb, Sarah Newell Usdin and Warner M. Williams. Congratulations!

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152918781220870.1073742503.581200869&type=1&l=0b810b04ac

On Sunday, I loved attending "Jane for a Day" at the historical Beauregard-Keyes Home across from the Ursuline Convent. The lovely soiree was sponsored by the New Orleans Jane Austen Society and featured lovely scones and canapes from the Windsor Court, Mango Rum Tea Punch from Old New Orleans Rum, dance and vocal performances from the Victorian Era going with performers in costume. I left there early and missed Arynne Fannin’s The Singing Austen, vocal performances of parlor songs of the late 18th and early 19th centuries with selections from Haydn, Mozart, and Schubert.

Darlings, this upcoming week is going to be a very busy one since there will be all of kinds of events in commemoration of the 10th anniversary of Katrina but before that . . .  

ArteFuturo Productions in collaboration with Puentes New Orleans present the final Teatro Sin Fronteras event at the Old Marquer Theater at 2400 Saint Claude Avenue on Tuesday, August 25 from 7-9 p.m. Since this series began in mid May, they have presented fifty-plus artists including musicians Margie Perez, Mariachi Jalisco, Patrice Fisher & Arpa, Tambor Garifuna and Alexis "Papo" Guevara, and tomorrow they feature the amazing guitarist and singer José Fermin Ceballos, hailing from the Dominican Republic.

On Wednesday, August 26 is the highly anticipated University Medical Center New Orleans Grand Opening Celebration. Bottom of Form

UMC New Orleans is pleased to celebrate the opening of the $1.1 billion facility with a press conference and ribbon-cutting ceremony. The event is free and open to the public, providing an opportunity for members of the community to see the new, state-of-the-art facility.  The opening will take place at 2:30 p.m. at the facility located at 2000 Canal Street (fronting on Tulane Avenue). For more information on the new medical center visit www.umcno.org 

Thursday at Twilight in City Park is presenting, on Thursday, August 27, Ten-Year Katrina Anniversary with pianist Paul Soniat. He and his guests will perform "Songs of Katrina," remembering how life was when Katrina hit, and celebrating the city's rebirth.

On August 28, the Consulate of Mexico in New Orleans is pleased to invite you to the photographic exhibition “NOVIA DEL MAR” by Mexican Artist Aura Maury from August 28-September 7. Opening Reception August 28 at 6:00 p.m. at 901 Convention Center Blvd., Suite 118.

To commemorate the 10th Anniversary of Katrina, on Saturday, August 29, Kingfish will host the Third Annual Huey P. Long 122nd Birthday Celebration and Look-a-Like Contest. Taking place the last Friday before Labor Day, contestants and guests are encouraged to wear seersucker or white linen as an homage to the populist governor, US Senator, and “favorite son.” The winner of the contest will “feel like a king” when he is awarded with a complimentary meal from Kingfish each month for a year. Chef Nathan Richard and actor/radio personality Spud McConnell will kick off the party in New Orleans style leading a second line parade. Chris McMillan, Kingfish Bartender and internationally recognized cocktail personality icon, will prepare Ramos Gin Fizz cocktails made famous by Long who employed a his own personal mixologist. Chef Richard will offer tastes from his authentic Cajun menu until 7:00pm. Birthday cake will also be served.4:00 – 7:00pm

Second line parade 5:00pm, Judging begins at 6pm at    Kingfish Restaurant - 337 Chartres Street

Two more Katrina commemorative events need to be mentioned: the annual “Katrina Artistically Remembered” event on Friday, August 28 at the Theaters at Canal Place, and the staging of Rob Florence’s play, “Katrina: The Mother-in-Law of Them All” at the Joy Theater on Friday and Saturday evenings (with a Saturday matinee).

Staged every year since the hurricane’s one-year anniversary in 2006, “Katrina Artistically Revisited” was conceived and organized by local pianist Armand St. Martin and his wife Patty Lee St. Martin. In years past authors have discussed their Katrina-related books, filmmakers and photographers have shown their films and photos of the devastation, poets have read their works and music with a Katrina theme has been performed.

This year, for the 10th anniversary, the hours of the event have been extended from 12 noon to 12 midnight on the fourth level of The Shops at Canal Place. The event is free except for several Katrina-related films that will be shown in the theaters for a small charge. Once again, as in past years, Tom Lowenberg of Octavia Books will have a table of Katrina books set up for sale, and local photographers will be displaying their photos and slide shows. For the final hours of the event films, music, poetry readings and more will take place in one of the theaters. Convenient paid parking is available in the Canal Place garage.

To read more go to http://www.katrinaartisticallyrevisited.com/Katrina_Artistically_Revisited/Welcome.html.

“Katrina: Mother-in-Law of Them All,” will be performed at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and a 2:00 matinee will be on Saturday. The play features six characters, four of whom are actors and the other two who appear as themselves. One by one they tell of their unique experiences during and after the hurricane. Veteran actress Janet Shea heads the list of stars that also includes Zeb Hollins, Troy Poplous, Sidney Smith, Rudy Rasmussen and the always versatile Troi Bechet as the late Antoinette K-Doe, former owner of the Treme lounge where the scene takes place.

For more information go to the Joy Theater website at http://www.thejoytheater.com/tickets/list. You can also read about it in the BEAUCOUP arts and entertainment magazine pullout in this Thursday's New Orleans Advocate (posted Wednesday night on the Advocate website).

Darlings, enjoy your week and take time to commemorate the 10th  anniversary of Katrina.

CALENDAR OF FUN EVENTS

For complete list of events visit La Fete News-http://myemail.constantcontact.com/lafete-news-8-24-15.html?soid=1102589984427&aid=JooJCxkEHos#fblike

lafete news 8-25-15

\\Encore's end-of-summer CLEARANCE SALE starts Tuesday, August 25

The Encore Shop
SHOP / CONSIGN / DONATE
7814 Maple St.
New Orleans, LA 70118
Phone: 504.861.9028
Hours: Tues – Sat, 11 am – 5 pm

Our end-of-summer sale is here already -- starting Tuesday, August 25 through Saturday, August 29. You will find GREAT bargains on all summer clothing marked waaaay down to move out in preparation for fall items. Summer clothes throughout the shop will be reduced as low as possible in all categories:

*lots of pants, stylish tops (linens, too)
* summer dresses - many designer label (T. Burch, Tahari, Laundry, Shoshanna)
* shoes - LOTS of sandals
* cocktail/After-5
* an abundance of larger sizes -- 16, 18 and above (Lauren, Flax, Talbots, Ellen Tracy, Zenergy)
* the Under-$10 Room is loaded

 Tuesday, August 25

Teatro Sin Fronteras

ArteFuturo Productions in collaboration with Puentes New Orleans present the final Teatro Sin Fronteras event at the Old Marquer Theater at 2400 Saint Claude Avenue on Tuesday, August 25 from 7-9pm. Since this series began in mid May, we have presented fifty plus artists including musicians Margie Perez, Mariachi Jalisco, Patrice Fisher & Arpa, Tambor Garifuna, Alexis "Papo" Guevara, and  the amazing guitarist and singer José Fermin Ceballos, hailing from the Dominican Republic.Teatro Sin Fronteras #7 on Tuesday, August 25

Old Marquer Theater from 7-9pm ,2400 Saint Claude Ave
$5 Suggested Donation at the Door -Featuring:

Odile Nicole Del Giudice, Butoh performer with a piece titled She -Maritza Mercado-Narcisse, dancer & choreographer,Rudy Mills, poet & singer
KINOVERA, short film The Shaman’s Journey-Veronica Isabel Giraldo-Puente, pop-up visual art show
José Fermin Ceballos, singer & musician-José Torres-Tama, MC & performance artist delivers excerpts from his
Cone of Uncertainty: New Orleans after Katrina performance
accompanied by violinist Denise Frazier. Special Guests: Congress of Day Laborers, Latina/o immigrant community activists

25

City of New Orleans Launches Week Long Series of Katrina 10 Panel Discussions at the 

Sheraton Hotel on Canal Street

 

NEW ORLEANS - the City of New Orleans will host a series of panel discussions at the Katrina 10 Media Center in the Sheraton Hotel located at 500 Canal Street. The discussions will highlight stories of resilience  and rebuilding from individuals, community leaders and government officials who experienced Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath. These panel discussions are open to the general public and the media.

 

For general registration click here. For media registration click here. 
A listing of Tuesday's panels are listed below and a full list of events can be found here.

http://katrina10.org/registration/ 

All panels located in the Waterbury Ballroom will be live streamed at katrina10.org/live

 

* * *

 

Forward Together: Rebuilding New Orleans from the Neighborhoods Up

New Orleans is a city of neighborhoods, and in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, citizens leaders across the city stepped up to fill leadership voids. Learn from those who have been engaged in these important discussions that led to rebuilding New Orleans from neighborhoods up.

Flozell Daniels, Jr.: President & CEO, Foundation for Louisiana (moderator)

Connie Uddo: Exec. Dir., Hike for KaTREEna and the St. Paul's Homecoming Center

Timolyn Sams Sumter: Executive Director, Neighborhoods Partnership Network

LaToya Cantrell: Councilmember, District B, City of New Orleans
Waterbury Ballroom

8am - 8:50am 

* * *

 

People-powered Change: Citizen-led Reforms and the Future of Civic Engagement
In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the failure of critical infrastructure and governing and social structures necessitated that individual residents and civic groups join together to lead the recovery efforts. Civic leaders and groups sprouted up to lead efforts to bring about widespread governmental and ethics reforms. Gain insight from the people who powered change in systems after the storm.

Flozell Daniels, Jr.: CEO & President, Foundation for Louisiana (moderator)

Sandy Rosenthal: Founder, Levees.org

Anne Milling: Founder, Women of the Storm

Erika McConduit-Diggs: President & CEO, Urban League of Greater New Orleans

Ruthie Frierson: Founder, Citizens for 1 Greater New Orleans

Michael Cowan: Chair, Ethics Review Board, City of New Orleans 

Waterbury Ballroom

9am - 9:50am

 

* * *

 

Protecting Our Past: Historic Preservation and Architecture

The post-Katrina recovery has placed significant importance on safeguarding the heritage of the City by preserving and regulating historic landmarks and historic districts which reflect elements of its cultural, social, economic, political and architectural history. This work enhances the quality of neighborhoods, strengthens the City's economic base, stimulates the tourism industry, improves property values, fosters economic development, and encourages growth.  Gain insight from officials, architects and preservationists on how they have and will continue to protect and preserve the City's past.

William Gilchrist: Director Place-Based Planning, City of New Orleans (moderator)

Elliott Perkins: Executive Director, Historic District Landmark Commission

Paula Peer: Principal, Tropolin-Peer Architects

Ray Manning: Owner & Managing Principal, Manning Architects

Scott Hutcheson: Sr. Advisor for Cultural Economy, New Orleans Mayor Landrieu

Patricia Gay: Executive Director, Preservation Resource Center of New Orleans

Rhythms I

9am - 9:50am

 

* * *

 

New Orleans Politics Post-Katrina

Politics in Louisiana has long been known for controversy and corruption.  And in addition to major indictments came major reforms. The flood also created demographic shifts that altered the political landscape.  During this panel, participants will talk about the evolution of politics in post-Katrina New Orleans.

Clancy DuBos: Chairman & Co-Owner, Gambit Communications (moderator)

Vincent Sylvain: Publisher, The New Orleans Advocate

Silas Lee: Dr. Silas Lee & Associates, & Xavier University of Louisiana

Stephanie Grace: Columnist, The New Orleans Advocate

Frank Donze: Former Staff Writer, The Times-Picayune

Waterbury Ballroom

10am - 10:50am

 

* * *

A Convention Destination Once Again

For decades, New Orleans had earned a reputation as one of the most popular convention and leisure destinations in the country.  When Hurricane Katrina struck, the New Orleans CVB was forced to cancel $2 billion in business, relocate all meetings through May 2006 and begin to overcome unprecedented brand impairment. Today, the City is once again hosting prominent corporate and association meetings, and earning myriad awards as one of the hottest leisure destinations in America.  During this discussion, Panelists include will talk about the success of their conventions and why they continue to choose New Orleans.

John Deveney: President, Deveney (moderator)

Steve Pitt: VP of Conventions & Expositions, National Automobile Dealers Association

Joy Profet: General Manager, ESSENCE Communications

Robert Kolinek: President, CEM & CMP, Helen Brett Enterprises

Pam Henry: Deputy Executive Director, Water Environment Federation

Marty Balogh: Assoc. Exec. Dir. of Meeting & Travel Group, American Bar Association

Rhythms I

10am - 10:50am

 

* * *

 

Regionalism Restated: The Power of Collaboration Post Disaster & Beyond

In the years following Katrina, regional economic development transformed itself for the betterment of Greater New Orleans. Companies who previously left the region are returning.  Economic development leaders from around Greater New Orleans will discuss what is driving this historic renaissance, where Greater New Orleans is ranked the #1 region of the decade for economic development wins in the South.

Michael Hecht: President & CEO, Greater New Orleans, Inc. (moderator)

Brenda Reine-Bertus: CEO, St. Tammy Economic Development Foundation Quentin Messer, Jr.: President & CEO, New Orleans Business Alliance

Corey Faucheux: Dir., St. Charles Parish Dept. of Economic Development & Tourism

Torri Buckles: Economic Development Dir., St. John the Baptist Parish

Jerry Bologna: Exec. Dir., Jefferson Parish Economic Development Commission

Rhythms III

10am - 10:50am

 

* * *

 

Covering Katrina: The Media's Perspective

Gain insight into what it was like reporting before, during and in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina from several of the top New Orleans-based reporters and editors who continue to bring the news each day. 

Debbie Elliot: National Correspondent, NPR News (moderator)

Camille Whitworth: Anchor, WDSU6

John Snell: Anchor, WVUE-TV

Gordon Russell: Investigations Editor, The New Orleans Advocate

Garland Robinette: Journalist & Radio Host, WWL

Mike Hoss: Anchor, WWL-TV

Waterbury

11am - 11:50am

 

* * *

 

Forward New Orleans: Driving Excellence in City Government

Forward New Orleans is a diverse coalition of community organizations united in their vision of excellence in city government. Member organizations vary in their respective missions and areas of focus, but find common ground in their belief that citizens deserve, and elected officials must deliver, a highly effective municipal government that translates into better quality of life for all citizens.  In this panel, leaders from across the coalition will explore the Forward New Orleans priorities, action plans and progress.

Mark Romig: President & CEO, New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation

Greg Rusovich: Chief Exec. Officer, Transoceanic Development

Coleman Ridley: Managing Dir., Business Council of New Orleans & the River Region

Paul Flower: President & CEO, Woodward

Rhythms II

11am - 11:50am

 

* * *

Rebuilding Homes Together: The Importance of Public-Private Partnerships

Hurricane Katrina damaged one million homes across the Gulf Region. The impact Hurricane Katrina had on New Orleans' housing stock alone was extensive: nearly 80 percent of the 184,000 homes and apartments and almost all the affordable and public housing in the city was damaged or destroyed. Leaders from non-profits and philanthropic organizations will address how thousands of homes have been built back better and more resilient.

Ellen Lee: Dir. of Housing Policy and Community Development, City of New Orleans (moderator)

Jon Skvarka: Director, Preservation Resource Center/Rebuilding

Carey Shea: Executive Director, Project Home Again

Zack Rosenberg: CEO & Co-Founder, St. Bernard Project

Jim Pate: Executive Director, New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity

Tom Darden: Executive Director, Make It Right

Waterbury Ballroom

12pm - 12:50pm

 

* * *

 

Tapping into Our Talent: Creating Pathways to Prosperity for Every Individual

Fifty-two percent of African-American men in the city are not works. The City's Economic Opportunity Strategy seeks to connect disadvantaged job seekers and businesses to new opportunities through new partnerships with local training providers, social service agencies, and community advocates.  Hear from those who are driving this program and ensuring that it will be successful now and in the future.

Jaquetta White: Reporter, The Advocate (moderator)

Janet Snow Godfrey: SVP & Chief Human Resource Officer, Ochsner Health System

Kamila Rose: Senior Director, PolicyLink Center for Infrastructure Equity

Erika McConduit-Diggs: President & CEO, Urban League of Greater New Orleans

Ashleigh Gardere: Senior Advisor for Economic Opportunity, City of New Orleans

Joan Davis: Chancellor, Delgado Community College

Matthew Causey: Participant, STRIVE

Rhythms I

12pm - 12:50pm

 

* * *

 

Creating a Culture of Preparedness

After Katrina, major improvements were made in disaster preparedness not only in federal, state and local governments, but also with non-profit, academic, faith, business and community-based organizations. Today, we are one of the most prepared cities in the nation with coordination across federal, state and local governments, hotels, major supermarkets, educational institutions, non-profit organizations, uilities and more.  Hear from various sector leaders about how they have created a culture of preparedness.

Richard Rainey: Staff Writer, Times-Picayune (more)

Ana Zorilla: CEO, Louisiana SPCA

David Worthy: New Orleans Command, The Salvation Army

Kay Wilkins: CEO, South Louisiana Region of the American Red Cross

Charles Rice: President & CEO of Entergy New Orleans, Inc., Entergy

Russ Paulsen: Exec. Dir., Community Preparedness and Resilience Services, American Red Cross

Mark Cooper: Senior Director of Global Emergency Management, Walmart Stores, Inc.

Laurie Barnett: Senior Director Outreach & Preparedness, Southwest Airlines, Southwest Airlines Communication & Outreach

Waterbury Ballroom

1pm - 1:50pm

 

* * *

Preserving Our Wetlands: Coastal Restoration for the Next 300 years

Major threats exist from coastal erosion and subsidence. Between 1932 and 2010, the New Orleans region lost 948 square miles of coastal wetlands, which is nearly 30 percent of the wetlands that buffer the region from hurricane storm surges. To respond to continued wetlands loss, the State of Louisiana has developed a $50 billion Coastal Master Plan identifying 109 potential projects to protect communities and achieve a sustainable coast.  These Panelists include will address a systematic approach to restore natural features and ecosystem processes.

John Snell: Anchor, WVUE-TV (moderator)

Chuck Perrodin: Public Information Dir., Coastal Protection & Restoration Authority

Mary Landrieu: Former Senator of Louisiana, U.S. Senate 
G. Paul Kemp: Board Member, Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority-East

John Barry: New York Times Best-Selling, Author

Steve Cochran, Environmental Defense Fund, Mississippi River Delta Campaign

Rhythms I

1pm - 1:50pm

 

* * *

 

Reducing Homelessness in New Orleans

In 2011, the City announced a Ten-Year Plan to End Homelessness and created the New Orleans Interagency Council on Homelessness to oversee its implementation. As part of its comprehensive plan to end homelessness, the City has launched a series of initiatives and has pledged to work with 63 partner agencies and service providers that make up the Continuum of Care and to collaborate with HUD, VA and the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH). Panelists include will discuss this comprehensive plan and the partnerships that are helping to reduce homelessness in New Orleans.

Earl Randall: Field Director, US Department of Housing & Urban Development (moderator)

James Kelly: Executive Director, Covenant House

Martha Kegel: Executive Director, UNITY of New Orleans

Sam Joel: Policy Advisor, Office of Mayor Mitch Landrieu

Stacy Horn Koch: Interim Exec. Dir. Atlanta Homeless Continuum of Care, Atlanta Homeless Continuum of Care

Rhythms II

1pm - 1:50pm

 

* * *

Growth in the Cultural Economy

New Orleans culture reaches beyond music, food and architecture. Organizations from a broad backgroud not only survived Katrina but also came back stronger.  During this panel, representatives from various arts and cultural rganizations will explore their journey and growth since 2005.

Jeanne Nathan: Executive Director, Creative Alliance of New Orleans (moderator)

Asante Salaam: Outreach Manager for Cultural Economy, City of New Orleans, Mayor's Office

Jenny Hamilton: Executive Director, New Orleans Ballet

James Boyd: CEO, Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra

Rhythms III

1pm - 1:50pm

 

* * *

 

Charting a new Course: Post Katrina Education Reform

Before Katrina, New Orleans public schools were among the worst performing schools in the nation. The state created the Louisiana Recovery School District (RSD) to take over the operations of chronically failing schools and give oversight to the state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE). Today, the City's graduation rate has soared from 54 percent to 73 percent of students earning their diplomas, with 65 percent of the City's African American males graduating on time.  Panelists include will explore the progress of post-Katrina education reform in New Orleans.

Danielle Dreilinger: Journalist, NOLA.com Times Picayune (moderator)

Kira Orange-Jones: Exec. Dir., Louisiana Board of Elementary & Secondary Education

Mary Landrieu: Former Senator of Louisiana, U.S. Senate

Leslie Jacobs: Founder, Educate Now!

Kathleen Blanco: Former Governor, State of Louisiana

Jay Altman: CEO and Founder, Firstline Schools

Waterbury Ballroom

2pm - 2:50pm

 

* * *

 

The MAX: Joining Forces for Recovery

Following Hurricane Katrina, the administrations from three New Orleans Catholic educational institutions collaborated to establish the MAX School of New Orleans. This committment guaranteed the post-Katrina survival of the three historically African-American Roman  Catholic High Schools in New Orleans.  Panelists include from the participating schools willl reflect on coming together in the spirit of unity and resiliency.

Vincent Sylvain: Publisher, The New Orleans Advocate

Sean Goodwin: Principal, St. Augustine High School

Cheryllyn Branche: Principal, St. Katharine Drexel Preparatory

Cheryl Brown: Assistant Principal, St. Mary's Academy

Rhythms II

2pm - 2:50pm

 

* * *

 

Driving Economic Growth to 2018 and Beyond

New Orleans is diversifying its economy, creating jobs in digital media and bioscience, and fostering an emerging environmental industry focused on coastal restoration and sustainability, while supporting foundational industries like energy, international trade, advanced manufacturing and hospitality. This growth has been guided by Prosperity NOLA - the first comprehensive development plan in New Orleans and the public-private partnership with the New Orleans Business Alliance. Industry leaders will talk about how they are driving economic growth toward 2018 and beyond.

MarkRomig: President & CEO, New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation (moderator)

Quentin Messer, Jr.: President & CEO, New Orleans Business Alliance

Michael Hecht: President & CEO, Greater New Orleans, Inc.

Henry Coaxum: Chair, NOLA Business Alliance

Rhythms III

2pm - 2:50pm

 

* * *

 

Neighborhood Clinics: Preventative Health Care in the Aftermath of Katrina

With only three of the nine hospitals remaining open after the storm, local officials and hospitals saw an opportunity to rebuild a stronger infrastructure and transform the way healthcare services are delivered. The New Orleans area now boasts world-class clinical care through new and refurbished hospital facilities and expanded access through a network of neighborhood-based community health centers. Hear from a group of medical professionals who are leading the preventative healthcare charge in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

Charlotte Parent: Director of Health, New Orleans Health Department (moderator)

Susan Todd: Executive Director, 504HealthNet

Stephenie Marshall: Exec. Dir., Daughters of Charity Health Centers of New Orleans

Joseph Kimbrell: CEO, Louisiana Public Health Institute (LPHI)

Donald Erwin: CEO, St. Thomas Community Health Center

Waterbury Ballroom

3pm - 3:50pm

 

* * *

 

Home Sweet Home: Strengthening Neighborhoods for Everyone

When the levees protecting New Orleans failed in August 2005, approximately 80 percent of the city was flooded and vast expanses of many New Orleans neighborhoods were inundated. Now, with over $1.63 billion invested in the long-term neighborhood revitalization, there is construction in every neighborhood in New Orleans. Roads, schools, community centers and libraries. Recreation centers, parks, playgrounds, pools and athletic stadiums. Police and fire stations, and hospitals and clinics. Recreation facilities alone represent a $151 million investment.  Hear from state and local leaders on the initiatives that have strengthened neighborhoods across New Orleans.

Ellen Lee: Director, Housing Policy and Community Development

Terri North: CEO & President, Providence Community Housing

Jeff Hebert: Chief Resilience Officer, New Orleans

Pat Forbes: Executive Director, Louisiana Office of Community Development

Rhythms III

3pm - 3:50pm

 

* * *

 

Expanding Our Defenses: Protecting New Orleans from a 100 Year Storm

Following Katrina, Congress authorized and funded construction of the $14.5 billion 100-year level risk reduction system, known as the Hurricane and Storm Damage Risk Reduction System (HSDRRS). The new risk reduction system is stronger and more resilient than it has ever been in the area's history, and capable of defending against a 100-year level of storm surge, also known as a storm that has a one percent chance of occurring in any given year.  The USACE and Sewerage & Water Board are constructing $2 billion in drainage improvements as part of the Southeast Louisiana Urban Flood Damage Reduction Project (SELA) in Jefferson and Orleans parishes.  The Southeast Louisiana Urban Flood Damage Reduction Project (SELA) reduces the risk of flood damages due to rainfall flooding.  These federal, state and local Panelists include will talk about the status of these new systems - from design to construction to operations and maintenance.

Paul Verkuil: Chairman, Administrative Conference of the United States (ACUS) (moderator)

Richard Hansen: New Orleans Distric Commander, USACE New Orleans District

Cedric Grant: Executive Director, Sewerage & Water Board of New Orleans

Stephen Estopinal: Manager, Survey Division, SJB Group, LLC

Waterbury Ballroom

4pm - 4:50pm

 

* * *

 

Disruptive Government: A Force for Good

Out of necessity, leaders in government pushed innovations and tough, sometimes disruptive, changes across the board. This led to an unprecedented transformation in the education system; breakthrough change with public housing and healthcare; and a complete overhaul of City Hall.  Many argue today that New Orleans has now become America's laboratory for innovation and change.  During this discussion, Panelists include will probe the ways in which government has been a force for good in post-Katrina New Orleans.

Michael Berkowitz: CEO, 100 Resilient Cities (moderator)

Kira Orange-Jones: Executive Director, Louisiana Board of Elementary & Secondary Education

Andreanecia Morris: Vice President of Homeownership & Community Development, Providence Community Housing/Greater New Orleans

Andy Kopplin: First Deputy Mayor/Chief Administrative Officer, City of New Orleans

Rhythms II

4pm - 4:50pm

 

* * *

Louisiana: Economic Impact of Recovery Spending

The state of Louisiana and City of New Orleans funded a study on the actual economic impact of the recovery in Louisiana. The purpose of the study is to provide key data demonstrating the tremendous impact of the recovery on jobs and industries, as well as other economic indicators.  During this panel, officials will provide insight into the results of the analysis.

Dek Terrell: Executive Director, LUS, and Division of Economic Development

Andy Kopplin: First Deputy Mayor/Chief Administrative Officer, City of New Orleans

Pat Forbes: Executive Director, Louisiana Office of Community Development   
Waterbury Ballroom

5pm - 5:50pm

 

Tuesday, August 25th

Roberta Brandes Gratz: We're Still Here Ya Bastards: How the People of New Orleans Rebuilt Their City

6-7:30PM-Garden District Book Shop,2727 Prytania Street

 

The aftermath of Hurricane Katrina is one of the darkest chapters is American history. A toxic combination of government neglect and socioeconomic inequality turned a crisis into a tragedy. The storm completely transformed one of the most beloved cities in America, leaving nearly 80 percent of New Orleans flooded and damaging 134,000 housing units, causing unprecedented destruction. The response to Katrina is a topic of unending debate and anger. But out of the rubble, there is hope. Watching coverage of the hurricane on television in 2005, noted urbanist and veteran journalist Roberta Brandes Gratz knew that the best chance for the city's recovery came from the people who would return to New Orleans. She also knew that she wanted to see for herself how the city would respond. Two years later, after having made several trips to the area and written several articles, Gratz bought a house in the Bywater neighborhood of New Orleans and immersed herself in the life of the city.

 

We're Still Here Ya Bastards presents an unprecedented panoramic look at New Orleans' recovery in the years following the hurricane. From the Lower Ninth Ward to the storied French Quarter, Gratz shares the stories of people who returned to their homes and have taken the rebuilding of their city into their own hands. An internationally renowned urban critic, Gratz shows how the city is recovering despite erroneous governmental policies that serve private interests rather than the public good.

 

By telling stories that are often ignored by the mainstream media, We're Still Here Ya Bastards shows the strength and resilience of a community that continues to work to rebuild New Orleans.

 

This book is available in hardcover ($27.99).

 

Roberta Brandes Gratz discusses and signs her book,We're Still Here Ya Bastards: How the People of New Orleans Rebuilt Their City.

 

If you are unable to attend, you must call the book shop to order signed books.

 

 

Event date: 

Tuesday, August 25, 2015 - 6:00pm to 7:30pm

Event address: 

Garden District Book Shop

2727 Prytania Street

New Orleans, LA 70130

Wednesday, August 26

University Medical Center New Orleans Grand Opening Celebration

UMC New Orleans is pleased to celebrate the opening of the $1.1 billion facility with a press conference and ribbon cutting ceremony. The event is free and open to the public, providing an opportunity for members of the community to see the new, state-of-the-art facility. It will be held Wednesday, August 26 at 2:30pm at the facility located at 2000 Canal Street. For more information on the new medical center visit www.umcno.org

August 27

LONGUE VUE HOUSE AND GARDENS K10: REFLECTIONS ON RENEWAL THROUGH ART OPENING RECEPTION

Join us for the opening reception for K10: Reflections on Renewal through Art and Community Exhibition 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm. The multi-faceted exhibition will highlight the recovery of Longue Vue's severely damaged eight acre-gardens, including the remarkable restoration of the original Ellen Biddle Shipman landscape, and Longue Vue's energies toward community-driven landscape restoration projects in Pontchartrain Park and Gentilly Woods.

Longue Vue took an active role in the planting of hundreds of trees, design of residential and learning gardens, redesign of the 1.8-mile main corridor, Press Drive and development of a plan to beautify and increase neighborhood connectivity. The exhibit will examine new opportunities presented by the storm. 

 Longue Vue House and Gardens,: 7 Bamboo Road, New Orleans, LA 70124.

Friday and Saturday- August 28-29

On Friday and Saturday, my darling friends and entertainers,Marshall Harris, Becky Allen and pianist Jim Walpole will be presenting at Mag 's cabaret: Living in New Orleans 

Saturday Aug 29, 2015

Saturday, August 29, 8:29 AM

Annual Wreath-Laying Ceremony at the Hurricane Katrina Memorial

5056 Canal Street

 

At 8:29 a.m. Mayor Landrieu, dignitaries, elected officials, community and civic leaders will lay wreaths at the Hurricane Katrina Memorial site where nearly 100 unclaimed or unidentified victims of Hurricane Katrina are interred. The Hurricane Katrina Memorial, a project of the New Orleans Katrina Memorial Corporation, was built in 2008 to provide a permanent memorial honoring those who lost their lives in the devastating hurricane and to lay to rest the unclaimed or unidentified victims of Hurricane Katrina. The ceremony is expected to last approximately 60 minutes.

On Saturday August 29th , President Bill Clinton, Mayor Mitch Landrieu, New Orleans residents, faith leaders, and advocates who over the last ten years helped the City recover from the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, will take part in a public commemoration and celebration of the city's resilience. Hosted by award-winning journalist Soledad O'Brien, this major event will be held on the official anniversary of Katrina's landfall, at the Smoothie King Center. Musical and cultural will include Multi-Grammy nominated R&B and jazz recording artist Ledisi; Grammy winners Rebirth Brass Band; John Boutte; Tonya Boyd Cannon, Stephanie Jordan's Big Band, Big Chief Monk Boudreaux; Warren Easton Charter High School Marching Band and Dumpstaphunk.

 

Soledad O'Brien's coverage of Hurricane Katrina for CNN won her, and CNN, a George Foster Peabody award. Her Katrina coverage was the beginning of a relationship between Soledad O'Brien and New Orleans that continues to this day, where she has produced two documentaries, sits on the board of the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra and has even adopted some of our local young women as scholarship recipients for her foundation. Today, Soledad runs her own company, the Starfish Media Group where she continues her reporting on New Orleans and her relationship with its people.

Katrina 10 Commemoration: The Power of Community is open to all city residents, but seating is limited. Tickets are free and will be provided on a first-come, first-serve basis via email through Ticketmaster or via in-person pick up at City libraries and community-based organizations. Volunteers from the Katrina 10: City-Wide Day of Service will automatically receive tickets and access to exclusive seating. Tickets for the event via Ticketmaster can be accessed through the Katrina10.org  website and volunteers can sign up for events with the Day of Service here 

A full schedule of commemorative events, as well as additional resources for the media, is available at Katrina10.org and will be updated regularly.

 

Monday, August 31 

! Must RSVP by 2 pm Tuesday.