Mid-City Neighborhood Organization

In this email:
1. Katrina Memorial Events Tonight in Mid-City
2. Security District Update
3. Upcoming “Porch Crawl” and Mid-City Mixer Info
4. MCNO Eblast Update

Katrina Memorial Events Tonight in Mid-City
Join other Mid-Citizens tonight as they honor those who helped them through Katrina and its aftermath, share their stories, and enjoy some family entertainment.

From 6:30 to 9 pm, come to the Mid-City Community Garden for a “Share Your Stories in the Garden” dinner event. With catering by Olive Branch and Crescent Pie and Sausage, this “party with a purpose” raises money for the Mid-City Community Garden and is a delicious way to reward yourself after all the hard work you have done since Katrina. Participants will gather in the garden to share Hurricane Katrina stories and offer gifts to those who helped them the most. For information, visit www.midcitycommunitygarden.com/midcity_katrina_event.jpg; to RSVP (recommended) call 251-9818 or email info@midcitycommunitygarden.com. Dinner is $10; event will be held at the garden; 516 S. Salcedo Street.

After your dinner, head up to St. Patrick’s Park, where the Mid-City Yacht Club will sponsor their monthly “Movie in the Park.” Bring the kids, bring coolers and chairs, and relax beneath the stars as we watch “Jaws.” On the fourth anniversary of Katrina, we should all celebrate the fact that we can watch a “man eating shark” instead of worrying about a “city-eating storm.” Movie starts 30 minutes after sunset (the sun sets tonight at 7:30, so plan for approximately 8pm). St. Patrick’s Park is located directly across from the Mid-City Yacht Club, which is located at 440 S Saint Patrick St.

Security District Update
After clearing significant hurdles at the city level, the Security District is ready to launch. Please attend the monthly meeting, next Monday, September 7, from 6:30-8:00pm, at Grace Episcopal (3700 Canal – next to Mandinas) for a full report. Yes, it’s Labor Day, but we hope you’ll join us for this important update.

“Porch Crawl” and Mid-City Mixer
MCNO will debut its new, yearly fundraiser, the “Mid-City Porch Crawl” this fall, tentatively scheduled for Friday, October 23 from 6-9pm. This fundraiser will take participants on a tour of five of Mid-City’s most fabulous porches (all within a few blocks of each other). At each porch, they will be fêted with drinks, food, and great companionship. More details to follow, soon.

Our next Mid-City mixer will be held Tuesday, September 22, at the Bulldog, from 5-8pm. Join us on the Bulldog’s lovely back patio for good company and MCNO member specials.

MCNO Eblast Update
Since we are preparing to re-launch our newsletter, we will be dropping back to every other week on the eblasts unless there is urgent information to share. Please remember to send your items to mcnonewswire@gmail.com.

Chow Down on Barbecue and Raise Money for Community Gardens!!!
Barbecue Rib Plate only $5.00!!!
Mid-City Community Garden Barbecue Fundraiser
Saturday, April 25th from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
514 S. Salcedo Street, New Orleans, LA 70119
www.MidCityCommunityGarden.com

Stop by for a plate of yummy barbeque on your way to Jazz Fest or come out even if you are not going. This barbecue fundraiser will help pay for more soil and plants for the Mid City Community Garden. Please RSVP to info@midcitycommunitygarden.com

Kyle Franklin from the Zulu Social Aid Pleasure Club came to the MCNO meeting last night to advertise the 1st ever Zulu Anniversary 5K Run/Walk. It will be held on May 9th 6:00 PM. It will begin and end at the Zulu Headquarters. The run will be co-hosted by the New Orleans Track Club and it looks like proceeds will go to NORD. Every registrant will receive a t-shirt and there is also a poster for sale. You won’t get a 2nd chance to be part of HISTORY! So join Zulu for this fun day!

You can get the registration form online. (You must be logged in to the Mid-City Discussion Group on Yahoo.)

Just received this invite from Domain Companies for their grand opening events on March 10th; they asked that I pass it on to area residents. I spoke to one of the Domain partners today, and he said they started moving tenants into the Preserve already and are about to start moving into the Meridian. The are 70% pre-leased at the Preserve. This was positive news.

Tuesday, March 10, 2009
1:15 PM – TOUR OF THE MERIDIAN, 750 S. Jefferson Davis Parkway
2:15 PM – TOUR OF THE PRESERVE, 4301 Tulane Avenue
(Meet at entrance on S. Alexander between Tulane & Ulloa)

3 PM – RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY AT THE PRESERVE
(Meet at entrance on S. Alexander between Tulane & Ulloa)
Please join us for live music and refreshments after the ceremony as we thank all of the community members who have helped reach this important milestone in the recovery of our city.
RSVP to Anna Koehl at BMF
email: akoehl@ontargetwithbmf.com
or call: (504) 524-3342
Please specify which events you plan to attend.

For Immediate Release: Dec. 30, 2009
Contact: Virginia Blanque (504) 416-1429

Who knew that the New Year’s Baby had elves? The Mid-City Bonfire was saved, a decades old tradition which city officials had threaten to quash this year, after a small band of Mid-Citizens dedicated themselves to finding a solution the city would approve.

The New Orleans Fire Department issued a flyer to the media and leafleted area homes for a meeting to discuss what it called “The Illegal Bonfire” at a local church on Monday, Dec. 22. Over 150 supporters of the Mid-City bonfire hooted down official’s suggestion that a safe fire was not possible and challenged the city to respect local city tradition. After Council member Shelly Midura promised a quick follow up meeting with city agencies, a small ad hoc committee of area residents met the following morning, with Council Vice President Arnie Fielkow in attendance, and produced a proposal for a revamped bonfire.

A small delegation was sent to City Hall, and won preliminary approval of city officials. The fire department imposed conditions that will change the bonfire from the event of recent years. A double row of barricades will be erected around the fire, and only the fire department will be allowed to add Christmas Trees to the fire. The ad hoc group of Mid-City residents had to produce a metal fire box and a 20×20 foot square of expensive welder’s cloth to protect the neutral ground.

The neighborhood responded by finding a donor of a firebox, the required fire-proof cloths, and organized bonfire marshals to help with the event as well as a clean-up crew of area volunteers to supplement the neighbors who have cleaned up after the event for years.

The citizens who worked frantically around the Christmas holiday to work out a compromise wish to thank the New Orleans Fire Department, the New Orleans Police Department and the Parks and Parkways Commission for their willingness to find a compromise. Also, thank you to New Orleans Roofing and Metal for volunteering to build a metal fire pit, John Cummings for your support in obtaining the necessary insurance and to the Friends of St. Patrick Park organization which agreed to request the necessary permits.

The Mid-City Bonfire Committee requests that visitors to the Bonfire observe the following:

The Mid-City Bonfire Committee Guidelines

• No Fireworks In or around bonfire
  City Ordinance No. 123-45.a
  The N.O.F.D. will extinguish the fire immediately if fireworks are tossed into the fire. If you want to see this tradition continued, no fireworks.
• Do Not Throw Items in Fire
  Only fire personnel only can place items in fire.
  If you bring a tree place it in the designated area.
• No Glass Containers
• Respect the barricades, volunteer marshals & the NOPD & NOFD
• Be Nice or Leave
  This is a family-friendly neighborhood event. Please behave accordingly.

The Old City Building Center will be holding it’s first “Fun Raiser”, Green Costume Party, at our new location: 341 N. Hennessey Street (corner of Conti St.), November 1st from 7-10pm.

Tickets can be purchased at the building Monday through Friday or on-line at mcno.org/ocbc. $25.00 per person / $40.00 a couple in advance.

We will also have tickets at the door the night of the event.

Live music; Margie Perez Band, silent auction, costume contest and more.

Please check out the PDF flier. Hope to see everyone there!!!

Grace Episcopal Church is offering two free “Food for the Soul” family unity dinners held on both Saturday September 13, 2008 and September 20, 2008.

Learn more: Download the PDF [208 KB]

What: The Preservation Resource Center’s Renovation Happy Hour
Home of : Will and Donna Tregre
Address: 4419 St. Ann (near City Park/Orleans Ave)
Time: 5:30-7:00pm (informal talk to begin at 6pm)
Cost: $5, includes refreshments

On Thursday, June 26th the popular PRC program, Renovator’s Happy Hour will feature a Mid-City Home near City Park. Husband and wife, Will and Donna Tregre, an architect and interior designer, respectively, will open their renovation in progress for viewing and an informal discussion. They have done a wonderful job maintaining the historic integrity of the house, but have updated it for modern living. A $5 admission will benefit the PRC and includes refreshments. Socializing begins at 5:30pm, with a loose presentation to begin at 6pm.

Mid City Housing Fair May 18 noon-5pm
Map of stops available at the three major tour stops and HERE

(A printable map with all stops on one page will be posted Sunday morning and copies will be available at all major tour stops.)

This Sunday, Mid City will open its houses and its hearts to welcome New Orleans residents and visitors who wish to see the progress in Mid City and learn about its attractive housing and renovation opportunities. At all three major stops, visitors can obtain a copy of the map, as well as information about the benefits of renovating an historic home and flyers listing housing and renovation-related vendors and homes for sale in Mid City (not offering Open Houses).

Doggy Dog World Dog Daycare will give half-off daycare that day to anyone presenting a copy of the map. Ruby Slipper and Bayou Coffeehouse (both listed on the map) are offering food and drink specials.

Major tour stops are:

636 S. Alexander Street
326 N. Jeff Davis Pkwy (Bayou Coffeehouse)
3438 Cleveland Street

Press release follows.
(more…)

If you have a home related business, here is an opportunity to promote it to the community and potential customers. Also if you have a restaurant or beverage outlet, you too can participate. See details below. Deadline to participate is near. Lynn McLean–Member MCNO Economic Development Committee

FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION
Monday, April 28, 2008
Contact housing@mcno.org

Mid-City Neighborhood to Hold
Housing and Renovation Fair and Tour

May 18, 11-4pm

New Orleans, Louisiana On Sunday, May 18, from 11-4pm, a Spring Housing and Renovation Fair and Tour will take place in the Mid City Neighborhood. The tour, designed to promote the Mid City Neighborhood as an attractive place to become a homeowner, will have numerous stops hosting special events, informational activities, and instructional demonstrations. Visitors will be able to pick up maps of all tour locations at participating destinations.

The Mid City Neighborhood Organization (MCNO), which is helping to coordinate the event, is currently seeking companies and individuals to participate. The only requirements for application are that participants must either live or have a business in Mid-City and the activity or information offered must be home-related. Restaurants or beverage outlets that wish to offer a related special that day can also receive mention on the map.

Companies outside Mid-City that do a substantial portion of their work in the area will be considered as well. However, participation is limited and all applicants may not be accepted.

If participants have a location where they can hold some sort of event, they will be included on the map. If they wish to provide information only, they can bring a table and set up at one the stops on the tour or optionally, have their name and address listed in a vendor directory.

Types of events/participants sought include:

• Open houses of ready-to-sell properties;
• Individuals or companies who are engaged in renovations of historic homes and would let visitors see what a “renovation in progress” looks like;
• Craftsmen and other construction professionals who talk about or demonstrate their trades. Craftsmen with knowledge of the historic building trades are especially welcome;
• Companies that sell building materials or build/manufacture homes with an historic flavor.

Participants are not required to serve refreshments or give away prizes, but these types of value-added activities will increase visitorship.

The Preservation Resource Center, MCNO, Domain Companies, and numerous housing-related professionals have already committed to participate. If you are interested in participating, please email housing@mcno.org as soon as possible, as the remaining available tour stops should fill this week.

About The Mid-City Neighborhood Organization (MCNO)

MCNO is dedicated to making its neighborhood a rewarding place to live, work and raise a family. For more information about MCNO, including additional community-oriented events and membership information, please visit www.mcno.org.

EDEN FEST: A Celebration of the Earth in the Arts, takes place this Saturday, April 19th, 12 – 5 p.m., @ 3401 Canal, at corner of Canal and Jeff. Davis Parkway, on the Canal streetcar line.

Co-organized by First Grace United Methodist Church and The Neighborhood Gallery. There will be an art gallery showing by Neighborhood Gallery artists, info. tables from Ecological Organizations, Musical, Dance and Poetry performances, including music by Fredy Omar con su banda, Crafts-people, Good Food and MUCH Family Fun (including a space walk and activities for children!).

Come on out to EDEN FEST this Saturday afternoon to celebrate the Earth in the Arts!

Contact people: Anne Daniell 504-872-9970, Jennie Hammatt-Milchenko 504-919-6706, Sandra Berry, Director, The Neighborhood Gallery 504-861-7792

MID-CITY LIBRARY FEST!!!
Sat., April 5, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
At our branch library (330 N. Carrollton, at Conti St.)

EVENTS: Crawfish boil & BBQ, Musical groups, Storyteller, Hornets bookmobile giving away kids’ books, Trivia games for all ages, Activities for kids, Booksale, Raffle items … (more details later)

Attendance at the Fest is free, with tickets sold for food, drink, and some of the activities.

This event is to raise funds for our Mid-City branch library (part of the New Orleans Public Library system)

ADD TO YOUR CALENDAR NOW — COME AND JOIN IN THE FUN ON APRIL 5th!!

OK, now that you’ve got the event on your calendar, please think about volunteering! We need help in all areas: serving food & drinks, help with kids’ activities, ticket sales, used booksale & raffles… Two-hour shifts are available (11-1, 1-3, 3-5) as well as help with setup and cleanup. Free food & drink will be provided for each shift worked. To sign up to volunteer, please contact: Stephanie Martin redstick49 [at] cox [dot] net.

Voodoo Fest has provided a hotline number for neighbors to call to report nuisance issues associated with the Voodoo Fest this weekend. The number will be manned 24 hours for the 3 days of the Festival (starting today).

The number to call is 504.658.8100

This should be used to report illegal parking, blocked driveways, and other nuisance activities (noise, litter).

As always, if there is an emergency crime issue, call 911.

Additionally, the festival organizers have agreed to expand their trash pickup to include City Park Avenue and the bayou, and will have crews that will be dedicated to those areas.

Come out and enjoy some neighborhood fun next Friday night! This is sent on behalf of The Bayou Boogaloo festival organizers:

The Mid-City Bayou Boogaloo Festival is a free music festival, held each Spring on the banks of Bayou St. John. In order to keep the festival FREE, a fundraiser will be held on Friday November 2nd @ 7pm, at Studio 3 ( 3610 Toulouse St behind the American Can).

The fundraiser is themed around the Mexican festival “Día de los Muertos” (Day of the Dead), and will celebrate with Mexican food and drinks, live music and a festival atmosphere. Current food donors include Juan’s Flying Burrito, and Tacqueria Guerrero. Admission is $40 per person, $75 per couple, and $300 to reserve a table for ten.

Online ticket purchase should be available in the next couple of days. For now, mark your calendars, line up your babysitters, tell your friends!

This press release was sent to us by Kaye Florane:

CITY PARK’S BIG BASS FISHING RODEO & FISHTIVAL

We’re coming’ back too! Yep, March 29th, 2008 will mark the return of City Park’s Big Bass Rodeo and Fishtival. This traditional and long-standing rodeo of 61 years will include a competitive fishing rodeo, food, music, educational exhibits, raffles with tons of fishing tackle prizes, silent auctions, Mardi Gras toss of fishing tackle items for kids and much more. We invite adults, children and groups to come on over and fish the rodeo. Since Hurricane Katrina’s devastating blow to City Park, numerous restorative efforts such as new pumps, a fresh water well and fish restockings by La. Dept. of Wildlife and Fisheries has once again made fishing a viable sport in the Park.

As we resurrect the Big Bass Rodeo and Fishtival, we need your help. We lost everything in the hurricane, fishing poles, gift prizes, weighing scales, you name it. Your tax-deductible donation will support this event and help the park continue making improvements for fishing and other recreational activities. We also offer several underwriting packages for businesses.

Donations can be made online at:
neworleanscitypark.com/donate.html (Be sure to type in or select fishing rodeo to dedicate funds to the rodeo. If you would like more information about donating or sponsorship, please contact Kaye Florane, Rodeo Chairman at rkflorane@cox.net.

Come on out and catch a good time (and fish)!

Mid-City Neighborhood Organization is co-sponsoring a candidate forum for the upcoming City Council At-Large election.

Date: Thursday, October 4, 2007
Time: 7:00pm
Location: Nunemaker Auditorium, 3rd Floor, Monroe Hall, Loyola University
Free parking available in the West Road Parking Garage (enter from St. Charles Ave.)
Click here to download a PDF map of Loyola Campus

Moderator: Lee Zurik, Anchor/Reporter WWL-TV

Mid-City Neighborhood Organization is co-sponsoring this event with a lot of other groups.

Tuesday, August 7, is the National Night Out. In Mid-City we know of at least four events. You’ll want to consult our zone map to make sense of these locations.

• Zone A – Mid City Yacht Club (440 S. St. Patrick) will host a Zone-wide event. St. Patrick Park is across the street so feel free to bring the kids and dogs. They will have a grill and will be cooking hot-dogs. If anyone would like to bring a side dish it would be appreciated. Contact MJ Sauer for more information mj@urbanvisionproperties.com 504-251-3045 cell
• Zone B – 200 Block of South Alexander will host a Zone-Wide event – Potluck – Contact cbgannon@bellsouth.net for more information
• Zone B – Intersection of S. St. Patrick & Palmyra for surrounding blocks – Potluck – Contact booliebumpskie@yahoo.com for more information
• Zone D – Hosted by Ms. Alene Peake, 6:30 pm 4501 Toulouse St. (Corner of N. Murat)
• Zone G – 200 Block of South Pierce Street will host a Zone-Wide event – Potluck – Contact vbviolet@aol.com for more information
• Zone M – Parkway Bakery & Tavern will host a Zone-wide event

If you are planning an event please let us know by posting a comment.

MCNO BBQ 070207

Originally uploaded by dougjoubert

Over 300 hamburgers and 100 hot dogs after things started, most neighbors who attended the Mid-City Neighborhood Organization BBQ on July 2 enjoyed a great evening of food, fun, and music.

The event, sponsored by MCNO, was free and open to Mid-City residents, attracting police and fireman, politicos, neighbors, and the occasional drop-in. A huge thanks go to those involved in the planning and coordination of the event, especially Dawn Loebig.

The BBQ took the place of the regular monthly meeting of MCNO. The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, August 6 at Grace Episcopal Church.

We’re having a big community BBQ and you’re invited!

July 2, 2007 at 6:30 PM
Grace Episcopal Church, 3700 Canal Street

We’ve been having community meetings on the first Monday of each month for quite some time now. We thought it would be a nice change of pace to have a cookout this time and not talk about the big serious issues that usually occupy us these days. We hope this will also bring out some new folks.

If you are interested in helping to organize the event, please contact Dawn Loebig at 504-495-7904.

We will also be organizing a flyer campaign to help promote this event. Stay tuned.

For tickets contact Jeannette Thompson (377-9519) or Michael Homan (377-7284)