June 1 marks the start of hurricane season. Now is the time to start preparing. It can take awhile to gather all the things needed whether you stay or evacuate.
The National Hurricane Center has a nice booklet that explains what a hurricane is.
Ready.gov has a list of items everyone should consider keeping in an emergency kit.
Recommended Items To Include In A Basic Emergency Supply Kit:
Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
Flashlight and extra batteries
First aid kit
Whistle to signal for help
Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
Local maps
Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger
Additional Items To Consider Adding To An Emergency Supply Kit:(My note: The following items are essential for preparing for a hurricane)
Prescription medications and glasses
Infant formula and diapers
Pet food and extra water for your pet
Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container
Cash or traveler's checks and change
Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container. You can use the Emergency Financial First Aid Kit (EFFAK) - PDF, 277Kb) developed by Operation Hope, FEMA and Citizen Corps to help you organize your information.(My note: If you live in an area close to beaches, rivers, etc take photo albums if evacuating and protect them in waterproof materials if staying)
Emergency reference material such as a first aid book or information from www.ready.gov.
Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person. Consider additional bedding if you live in a cold-weather climate.
Complete change of clothing including a long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes. Consider additional clothing if you live in a cold-weather climate.
Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper – When diluted nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners.
Fire Extinguisher
Matches in a waterproof container
Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, paper towels
Paper and pencil
Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children
Some additional recommendations by me:
Have a phone that can be plugged in directly to the phone jack. When the power is out, you can still get a dial tone as long as the phone lines haven't had too much damage.
Save bags from the grocery store. These can be very useful in many different ways.
If you are not evacuating, have a propane table top grill. This will be useful for boiling water and having warm meals. A charcoal grill is good as well but if your power is out for more than three days, you will have to have a lot of charcoal on hand.
Instead of a three day supply of food and water, I would recommend at the very minimum a week's supply. After Hurricane Katrina, many stores were not able to reopen. If roads and bridges are out, it could take longer than three days for state and federal emergency management to get to you.
Make sure to fill your gas tank up. I usually fill mine up when any tropical system hits the Gulf of Mexico.
The most important thing is to rely on what local officials tell you. If you live in an area that is ordered to evacuate, do so. Don't rely on bench marks from prior hurricanes. Many people on the Mississippi Gulf Coast thought they were safe when Hurricane Katrina hit because they lived in areas that didn't flood during Hurricane Camille's storm surge.
Each tropical system is different and unique. Even depressions can cause major problems if there's a great amount of rain. You need to prepare for a tropical storm or a minimal hurricane like you would if a major hurricane was making landfall.
Also, if you are under a tropical storm watch or warning, pick-up loose items outside. When squall lines come through, those items can become airborne and can damage your home.
Showing posts with label Hurricane Katrina. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hurricane Katrina. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Friday, August 27, 2010
Not Really
You really don't get used to it. You learn to cope and how to grieve and still carry on day to day. I still mourn all the people Katrina killed and the things that were destroyed. I have also found it awesome the number of people who came down to the Mississippi Gulf Coast to help us rebuild.
We don't know how many years the oil spill will affect the Gulf of Mexico and how many years tar balls and oil will continue to wash ashore. We don't the full affects of the oil spill on the marine life.
But I can still marvel at pelicans floating in the air while the sun sets. This and the smiles on family, friends, and strangers keeps me going.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Friday, August 28, 2009
My Katrina: Four Years
Looking at all the rebuilding and reconstruction that has happened since Katrina struck the Mississippi Gulf Coast four years, I can still recall the feeling of despondency at all the destruction Katrina caused. One of the hardest places to visit was the beach at Gulfport. This is where I spent a lot of my childhood and where I took my son when he was younger. These pictures are also from my brother's neighborhood.
Biloxi's beach was annihilated by Hurricane Katrina. Buildings over 150 years old were just gone. Below is the harbor master's building.
This a view from Water street in Biloxi looking toward some condominiums that have since been torn down.
Hurricane Katrina destroyed the place I work. We've since rebuilt but this is what it looked like.
The FEMA trailers helped give shelter to those who lost their homes. 65,000 homes were destroyed in Mississippi by Hurricane Katrina.
This is a photo of Bay St Louis. In front the house used to be a road. It was completely washed out by Hurricane Katrina. Bay St Louis was inundated by an estimated 24 foot storm surge. It is an estimate because many of the instruments used to determine storm surge were washed out to sea. Many feel that Katrina's storm surge was much higher.
Below are some posts I did 4 years ago:
This one was done while waiting for Katrina. It was 9 days before I could post again.
This was my first post after electricity had been restored.
This was my first trip to Biloxi after Katrina.
My first glance of where I work.
Thankful for all those who came and helped us
Sobering stats
My New World
We are still rebuilding. I made the following video last year. I hope we and those in New Orleans continue to dance and to rebuild stronger, together.
I feel so thankful. Even though it's been hard these past four years, I thank HaShem that no one in my family lost their homes, that no one I knew lost their lives, and that things have improved tremendously. I cannot describe the joy my congregation felt as we dedicated our new synagogue in May of this year and that we will be able to have our High Holy Day services in our synagogue and not at the Keesler Air Force Base chapel.
Biloxi's beach was annihilated by Hurricane Katrina. Buildings over 150 years old were just gone. Below is the harbor master's building.
This a view from Water street in Biloxi looking toward some condominiums that have since been torn down.
Hurricane Katrina destroyed the place I work. We've since rebuilt but this is what it looked like.
The FEMA trailers helped give shelter to those who lost their homes. 65,000 homes were destroyed in Mississippi by Hurricane Katrina.
This is a photo of Bay St Louis. In front the house used to be a road. It was completely washed out by Hurricane Katrina. Bay St Louis was inundated by an estimated 24 foot storm surge. It is an estimate because many of the instruments used to determine storm surge were washed out to sea. Many feel that Katrina's storm surge was much higher.
Below are some posts I did 4 years ago:
This one was done while waiting for Katrina. It was 9 days before I could post again.
This was my first post after electricity had been restored.
This was my first trip to Biloxi after Katrina.
My first glance of where I work.
Thankful for all those who came and helped us
Sobering stats
My New World
We are still rebuilding. I made the following video last year. I hope we and those in New Orleans continue to dance and to rebuild stronger, together.
I feel so thankful. Even though it's been hard these past four years, I thank HaShem that no one in my family lost their homes, that no one I knew lost their lives, and that things have improved tremendously. I cannot describe the joy my congregation felt as we dedicated our new synagogue in May of this year and that we will be able to have our High Holy Day services in our synagogue and not at the Keesler Air Force Base chapel.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Memories
Saturday will mark the 4th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. I've been thinking about the things I was doing and the feelings I had while we watching the weather reports.
BK (before Katrina), hurricanes to me were a source of fascination and wonder. They still are but now it is tempered by the knowledge of the great destructive powers hurricanes can hold.
If I remember correctly, I had my son mow the grass and at work, I started planning the times I would begin making computer backups.
I remember going out to take photos after work and there was this sense of urgency to take photos of everything along the beach front. It was an urgency I didn't heed.
Who could imagine everything being wiped away?
I remember the dreams I had before Katrina hit. Nightmares really of a red sky and howling winds. Having been through Frederick, Georges, and other hurricanes that came at night, I knew the skies are usually very dark with an eery glow. The glow seems to speak of the awesome power of the hurricane.
Little did I know the awesome power Hurricane Katrina was set to unleash upon the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
BK (before Katrina), hurricanes to me were a source of fascination and wonder. They still are but now it is tempered by the knowledge of the great destructive powers hurricanes can hold.
If I remember correctly, I had my son mow the grass and at work, I started planning the times I would begin making computer backups.
I remember going out to take photos after work and there was this sense of urgency to take photos of everything along the beach front. It was an urgency I didn't heed.
Who could imagine everything being wiped away?
I remember the dreams I had before Katrina hit. Nightmares really of a red sky and howling winds. Having been through Frederick, Georges, and other hurricanes that came at night, I knew the skies are usually very dark with an eery glow. The glow seems to speak of the awesome power of the hurricane.
Little did I know the awesome power Hurricane Katrina was set to unleash upon the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Being Prepared
Today is the start of hurricane season. It will end in November. Mississippi Emergency Management has numerous lists on preparing your home in the event of a hurricane, what to do if you are ordered to evacuate, etc, etc. The CTA will provide transportation for those who need it.
There are so many things that need to be done well before a hurricane or tropical storm threatens. Prepare for the worst and hope for the best is all anyone can do when a hurricane threatens your home.
I've been through Frederick, Elena, and others. Nothing prepared me for the devastation Hurricane Katrina caused. It wiped out sights I've seen most of my life. Being prepared for the nine days without electricity, the month of boiling water, and the problems with phone lines was the easy part.
I and so many others along the Mississippi Gulf Coast were not prepared for the emotional devastation. Even through our tears, we vowed to rebuild better and stronger. In many ways our community is so much stronger. Our communities are adopting SmartCodes so that homes can withstand hurricane force winds. Many are having to elevate their homes 20 feet above ground to meet the new flood elevation requirements.
I made the following video almost a year after Hurricane Katrina hit:
The port containers are long gone from my brother's neighborhood. The place I work has rebuilt with the exception of new offices(I'm sorta of tired of these trailers we've been renting!). The miles upon miles of debris are long gone. There are still many empty spaces. It's take awhile to rebuild 65,000 homes but we're getting the job done.
Thursday, Congregation Beth Israel moved into our new home in Gulfport. For 3 1/2 years, we've been using the meeting hall at Beauvior Methodist Church for our services. Hurricane Katrina heavily damaged our shul in Biloxi.
We danced our Torahs in on Thursday. All of us, were home at last!
Our new shul is capable of withstanding 155 mph winds. It is 12 miles inland. Our plans called for being prepared for the worst. Our hope is for the best.
There are so many things that need to be done well before a hurricane or tropical storm threatens. Prepare for the worst and hope for the best is all anyone can do when a hurricane threatens your home.
I've been through Frederick, Elena, and others. Nothing prepared me for the devastation Hurricane Katrina caused. It wiped out sights I've seen most of my life. Being prepared for the nine days without electricity, the month of boiling water, and the problems with phone lines was the easy part.
I and so many others along the Mississippi Gulf Coast were not prepared for the emotional devastation. Even through our tears, we vowed to rebuild better and stronger. In many ways our community is so much stronger. Our communities are adopting SmartCodes so that homes can withstand hurricane force winds. Many are having to elevate their homes 20 feet above ground to meet the new flood elevation requirements.
I made the following video almost a year after Hurricane Katrina hit:
The port containers are long gone from my brother's neighborhood. The place I work has rebuilt with the exception of new offices(I'm sorta of tired of these trailers we've been renting!). The miles upon miles of debris are long gone. There are still many empty spaces. It's take awhile to rebuild 65,000 homes but we're getting the job done.
Thursday, Congregation Beth Israel moved into our new home in Gulfport. For 3 1/2 years, we've been using the meeting hall at Beauvior Methodist Church for our services. Hurricane Katrina heavily damaged our shul in Biloxi.
We danced our Torahs in on Thursday. All of us, were home at last!
Our new shul is capable of withstanding 155 mph winds. It is 12 miles inland. Our plans called for being prepared for the worst. Our hope is for the best.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
We'll Be Dancing!
Tonight Congregation Beth Israel will be in our new synagogue! We will dance our Torahs in and our first services will be for Shavout. Shavuot is one of my favorite festivals because it has such special meaning for me. I've chronicled my journey into rejoining my tribe.
The Megillah of Ruth will be read. Like her, I and thousands of others have said, "Your people will be my people, and your G-d my G-d". She, I, and thousands of others have stood at Sinai and said "We will do and we will obey".
It has been at times, a struggle for our congregation. Since Hurricane Katrina, some of families have had to move away because they lost jobs, homes, or both. Through it all, we have remained a strong community committed to supporting one another and celebrating bar mitzvahs, bat mitzvahs, and the festivals together . We have persevered. We now will celebrate as a community the completion of our new home.
Chazak, Chazak, V'nitchazeik !!!
I know these are the words said at the completion of reading each of the Torah. It seems appropriate to say them today.
The Megillah of Ruth will be read. Like her, I and thousands of others have said, "Your people will be my people, and your G-d my G-d". She, I, and thousands of others have stood at Sinai and said "We will do and we will obey".
It has been at times, a struggle for our congregation. Since Hurricane Katrina, some of families have had to move away because they lost jobs, homes, or both. Through it all, we have remained a strong community committed to supporting one another and celebrating bar mitzvahs, bat mitzvahs, and the festivals together . We have persevered. We now will celebrate as a community the completion of our new home.
Chazak, Chazak, V'nitchazeik !!!
I know these are the words said at the completion of reading each of the Torah. It seems appropriate to say them today.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Shabbat Shalom!
This week's Torah portion is B'midbar. B'midbar is the wilderness. Since Hurricane Katrina, Congregation Beth Israel has been in the wilderness. We've been wandering for only close to 4 years but we are so close to being home. Tonight is the last night we'll have Kabbalat Shabbat services in the hall at Beauvior Methodist Church.
Next Thursday, we dance our Torahs into our new home. Friday, especially appropriate since it is Shavuout, we will hold our first Kabbalat Shabbat services in our new synagogue. We will no longer be in the wilderness.
Next Thursday, we dance our Torahs into our new home. Friday, especially appropriate since it is Shavuout, we will hold our first Kabbalat Shabbat services in our new synagogue. We will no longer be in the wilderness.
Don't Panic!!
Along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, we are closely monitoring a low which is slowly becoming better organized.
A lot of us feel some apprehension, me included. The scars of Hurricane Katrina go deep. But for now:
A lot of us feel some apprehension, me included. The scars of Hurricane Katrina go deep. But for now:
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Lazman Hazeh!
Sunday, we put mezzuzas on the doors in our new shul in Gulfport Mississippi. Our shul was in Biloxi but Hurricane Katrina damaged it heavily and we made the decision to rebuild further inland. May 28-31 is when we will be dedicated our new shul. Below are some pictures I took Sunday:
Rabbi Ira and Brad, Congregation Beth Israel's president, place one mezzuza on the door leading into the social hall:
Cicely, who had her bat mitzvah two weeks ago along with Rabbi Ira places one mezzuza on the rabbi's office:
Our new home from the front!
Lazman hazeh!
Rabbi Ira and Brad, Congregation Beth Israel's president, place one mezzuza on the door leading into the social hall:
Cicely, who had her bat mitzvah two weeks ago along with Rabbi Ira places one mezzuza on the rabbi's office:
Our new home from the front!
Lazman hazeh!
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
House Update
When my brother started working on my house, I was very worried that there would be a lot of other damage. The front part of the house, which lost no soffit and fascia, ended up being the side that had a lot of wood that needed to be replaced. It was like that before I bought the house. Everything looks great.
I also bought new storm doors. The storm door on the side had been damaged by Hurricane Georges in 1997. My brother and son did a great job!
Side door. I planted one little bitty rosemary plant about 9 years ago. It has grown to over 5 feet wide and is about 3 feet tall.
Front door. The rose bush I planted has been suffering from the drought Mississippi has been going through. The rain this year has helped.
Soffit and fascia look great! It makes the house look bigger!
I also bought new storm doors. The storm door on the side had been damaged by Hurricane Georges in 1997. My brother and son did a great job!
Side door. I planted one little bitty rosemary plant about 9 years ago. It has grown to over 5 feet wide and is about 3 feet tall.
Front door. The rose bush I planted has been suffering from the drought Mississippi has been going through. The rain this year has helped.
Soffit and fascia look great! It makes the house look bigger!
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Over Three Years in the Making
I've never posted pictures of the damage Hurricane Katrina caused to my home. Mostly because of embarrassment. Too many others lost everything. I was one of the lucky 3,000 homeowners on the Mississippi Gulf Coast who didn't file an insurance claim. The damages to the soffit and fascia would not have met the 3% deductible for hurricane claims. This week will be the last time my home looks like this. Lowe's delivered the supplies that I was able to finally budget for and my brothers will work this weekend to repair the damage.
I'm so excited!!
I'm so excited!!
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Gulfport Library
Since Hurricane Katrina, Gulfport Mississippi has been without it's main library. Plans are to build it further inland but a group calling itself 'We the People' wants the library to remain at its current location and the beautiful historic building to be repaired.
I ask you:
I ask you:
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Made in Mississippi
Though it seems to recede further and further from people's minds, the Mississippi Gulf Coast was devastated by Hurricane Katrina. Biloxi's Historic district took a big hit. The historic Magnolia Motel/Mardi Gras Museum still has to be repaired. Mary Mahoney's Restuarant opened within weeks. The Train and Toy Emporium re-opened soon after Katrina hit. But the little shops filled with the works of artisans and artists from Mississippi has been slow to rebuild. With one exception: the art studio of Bill Johnson. Mr. Bill has been at Croesus street for over 25 years. He is 88 years old and has been repairing his studio. He does a little painting and uses off-beat materials. He is using Styrofoam to carve coastal themes and it looks very interesting. He is also etching terra cotta tiles. His phone number is 228-435-9134.
Here he is in front of his studio working on some of the etchings:.
Some of the work he did while I talked to him:
The only proclamation on his studio:
Another interesting shop I visited was Rue Magnolia Pottery. Two sisters and a friend opened their shop in October of 2008. It is filled with fun items like belly-button mugs that have a piercing. One of the sisters creates unique ceramic jewelry while the other creates fun and colorful art pottery. Their phone number is 228-435-2828.
The sign in front of their store:
One of the pieces titled Fin-Fin. It is named after the notorious diet drug:
A lot of the pieces have vivid colors such as this star fish with a background of blue:
I liked this ceramic doll of a mother holding a child:
There are some unique creations in the pottery shop.
I was very excited about the new art co-op that opened at 626 Water Street. It hasn't been open very long. The co-op consists of photographs and artists from the Mississippi Gulf Coast and Hattiesburg. I asked permission to take photos so I'm unable to show-off some of the amazing talent in the co-op. There is everything from abstract art to Impressionistic style with everything in between.
I hope you will visit each of these places as well as some of the other businesses that have opened up shop. It is good to see this historic area coming back to life. Some of the buildings in this section were built in the 1790's and there is a lot of unique architecture.
Here he is in front of his studio working on some of the etchings:.
Some of the work he did while I talked to him:
The only proclamation on his studio:
Another interesting shop I visited was Rue Magnolia Pottery. Two sisters and a friend opened their shop in October of 2008. It is filled with fun items like belly-button mugs that have a piercing. One of the sisters creates unique ceramic jewelry while the other creates fun and colorful art pottery. Their phone number is 228-435-2828.
The sign in front of their store:
One of the pieces titled Fin-Fin. It is named after the notorious diet drug:
A lot of the pieces have vivid colors such as this star fish with a background of blue:
I liked this ceramic doll of a mother holding a child:
There are some unique creations in the pottery shop.
I was very excited about the new art co-op that opened at 626 Water Street. It hasn't been open very long. The co-op consists of photographs and artists from the Mississippi Gulf Coast and Hattiesburg. I asked permission to take photos so I'm unable to show-off some of the amazing talent in the co-op. There is everything from abstract art to Impressionistic style with everything in between.
I hope you will visit each of these places as well as some of the other businesses that have opened up shop. It is good to see this historic area coming back to life. Some of the buildings in this section were built in the 1790's and there is a lot of unique architecture.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Gollott's Seafood Market is Open!
It's been 3 1/2 years since Hurricane Katrina devastated the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Another sign of recovery and rebuilding has emerged!
For the first time since Hurricane Katrina destroyed Gollott's seafood plant and retail market, Gollott has opened it's seafood market.
There are only 7 shrimp sizes available for retail sell and a building for the market has not yet been been built. People have been coming in a steady stream and all are looking for the Gulf shrimp Gollott's Seafood is famous for.
Gollott customers are just as excited as the owners and employees.
For the first time since Hurricane Katrina destroyed Gollott's seafood plant and retail market, Gollott has opened it's seafood market.
There are only 7 shrimp sizes available for retail sell and a building for the market has not yet been been built. People have been coming in a steady stream and all are looking for the Gulf shrimp Gollott's Seafood is famous for.
Gollott customers are just as excited as the owners and employees.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Goodbye, Old Friend
The Biloxi Library on Lameuse Street was unique. It's architecture was fitting for it also housed a small museum for the pottery of George Ohr. A new museum is being built and will house the unique works of the Mad Potter of Biloxi. I used to visit the library every two weeks and check out 4-5 books. Also, I would go and look at some of the exhibits of local artists and photographers. I love books and the Mississippi Gulf Coast lost two treasures because of Hurricane Katrina. The Gulfport Library on Highway also had unique architicture and when my son was small, he loved to go there and watch the koi in the water feature in front of the library. Both places were ones I visited often. Gulfport has decided it must be torn down. A groups is fighting that decision. The demolition has already started on the Biloxi Library. The picture below is from the Harrison County Library system web-site.
Monday evening I wanted to take pictures of the area around the Vieux Marche. The picture below is of the back of the library. The space for the Ohr pottery and other exhibits were held upstairs.
As I walked up Lameuse Street and stood in front of City Hall, I felt sadness. Even after more than years, sometimes the things we lost still hit hard. The library was a refuge for me and many others. The demolition is just more reminder of how things will never be the same.
A new library will be going up in Biloxi. It will be further from any potential storm surge. The Gulfport library will be demolished as well and moved further inland. Both are a passing of a way of life that was enjoyed by many. I can only hope that the architicture of both will be unique. For now, I'll just say goodbye to my old friend.
Monday evening I wanted to take pictures of the area around the Vieux Marche. The picture below is of the back of the library. The space for the Ohr pottery and other exhibits were held upstairs.
As I walked up Lameuse Street and stood in front of City Hall, I felt sadness. Even after more than years, sometimes the things we lost still hit hard. The library was a refuge for me and many others. The demolition is just more reminder of how things will never be the same.
A new library will be going up in Biloxi. It will be further from any potential storm surge. The Gulfport library will be demolished as well and moved further inland. Both are a passing of a way of life that was enjoyed by many. I can only hope that the architicture of both will be unique. For now, I'll just say goodbye to my old friend.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
That Day
Gentry Burkes, 11 years old, wrote a song about that day, 8-29-05, when Hurricane Katrina destroyed much of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Listen. Not bad for an 11 year old.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Thanksgiving Edition
Yesterday, I held a great big pity party of one. It's been a rough couple of weeks. I had to get two new tires for my car. The last of the doctor bills have come in for my son. Because of this, I wasn't able to make the trip to New Orleans to buy a kosher turkey. Instead, our feast will consist of the traditional Thanksgiving lox. I was a pitiful sight yesterday. Today, I woke happy.
I realized overnight that it isn't the turkey that makes it Thanksgiving. It is family and friends. I realized how much I have to be thankful for. The bills will eventually get paid. I have food on the table. I have a home. I have family that love me in spite of my contentious nature. I have friends that send me emails and notifications at Facebook just when I seem to be the most down. How do they know? They're friends, they just know.
Today, this is what I'm most thankful for. I'm thankful to live in a country that offers the freedom of religion to all. I'm thankful that I live in a country that has looked past the color of a person's skin and has judged on character and elected Obama. I'm thankful that even in these difficult financial times, the United States still has a wealth that towers over all.
I'm thankful that I live in a country where some see opportunities to start new businesses. I'm thankful to live a country that is so generous. Even as people have to tighten their belts, there are news reports that food banks for the poor are seeing an increase in donations of food. I'm glad that I live in a country where people are not only being angels to children during this time but to the elderly as well. Walgreens in Biloxi has an angel tree for the elderly. I'm thankful that I live in a country where people are willing to give up their time to help their neighbors in need. I've stated many times before, after Hurricane Katrina, the Mississippi Gulf coast saw another surge. This surge was more massive and potent than Katrina's record breaking 28 feet guestimated by NOAA(it is closer to 40 feet). This surge consists of those who opened their wallets and donated record-breaking amounts. This surge consists of those who volunteered and cooked and drove the Salvation Army and Red Cross food vans. This surge consists of those who came to the Mississippi Gulf Coast and worked shoulder to shoulder with us clearing out mold infested sheet rock. It consists of those who came here and worked shoulder to shoulder with us clearing our streets one block at a time. It consists of those who came down here and are still coming over 3 years later, who are working shoulder to shoulder with us in raising up new homes. They swing their hammers with us.
This the real America. It consists of Christians, Jews, Muslims, other religions, and atheists working side-by-side to help one another. This real America also consists of the vast numbers of college-aged and high school kids who have come down and are still coming to help us rebuild.
Thank you G-d. Thank you to my family and friends. Thank you America.
I realized overnight that it isn't the turkey that makes it Thanksgiving. It is family and friends. I realized how much I have to be thankful for. The bills will eventually get paid. I have food on the table. I have a home. I have family that love me in spite of my contentious nature. I have friends that send me emails and notifications at Facebook just when I seem to be the most down. How do they know? They're friends, they just know.
Today, this is what I'm most thankful for. I'm thankful to live in a country that offers the freedom of religion to all. I'm thankful that I live in a country that has looked past the color of a person's skin and has judged on character and elected Obama. I'm thankful that even in these difficult financial times, the United States still has a wealth that towers over all.
I'm thankful that I live in a country where some see opportunities to start new businesses. I'm thankful to live a country that is so generous. Even as people have to tighten their belts, there are news reports that food banks for the poor are seeing an increase in donations of food. I'm glad that I live in a country where people are not only being angels to children during this time but to the elderly as well. Walgreens in Biloxi has an angel tree for the elderly. I'm thankful that I live in a country where people are willing to give up their time to help their neighbors in need. I've stated many times before, after Hurricane Katrina, the Mississippi Gulf coast saw another surge. This surge was more massive and potent than Katrina's record breaking 28 feet guestimated by NOAA(it is closer to 40 feet). This surge consists of those who opened their wallets and donated record-breaking amounts. This surge consists of those who volunteered and cooked and drove the Salvation Army and Red Cross food vans. This surge consists of those who came to the Mississippi Gulf Coast and worked shoulder to shoulder with us clearing out mold infested sheet rock. It consists of those who came here and worked shoulder to shoulder with us clearing our streets one block at a time. It consists of those who came down here and are still coming over 3 years later, who are working shoulder to shoulder with us in raising up new homes. They swing their hammers with us.
This the real America. It consists of Christians, Jews, Muslims, other religions, and atheists working side-by-side to help one another. This real America also consists of the vast numbers of college-aged and high school kids who have come down and are still coming to help us rebuild.
Thank you G-d. Thank you to my family and friends. Thank you America.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
A Nice Break
I've been suffering from a cold/flu since last Friday. Sneezing and coughing is no way to go through life. At least this weekend I've managed to do more than just sleep all day. Last night, I even had a nice break. I was able to go see the Robin Helzner Trio. This sample doesn't really capture the vibrancy of the trio. It was a fun show with a lot of joking. During the show, we clapped along, hummed the nigguns, and sang the choruses. We sang in English, Hebrew, Yiddish, Ladino, and even Ugandan. At the end, there was dancing in the aisles. If they come to your area, go see them.
The concert was a celebration of the recovery from Hurricane Katrina on going along the Mississippi Gulf Coast and in Louisiana. It was sponsored by the Goldring/Woldenberg Institute for Southern Jewish Living and the Covenant Foundation. Thank you!!
Y'all need to go see them if you get a chance.
The concert was a celebration of the recovery from Hurricane Katrina on going along the Mississippi Gulf Coast and in Louisiana. It was sponsored by the Goldring/Woldenberg Institute for Southern Jewish Living and the Covenant Foundation. Thank you!!
Y'all need to go see them if you get a chance.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
B'reishit
This past week has been one of celebration. Our congregation danced with our Torahs on Simchat Torah. We couldn't help but feel the specialness of this weeks parsha, b'reishit. It is fitting that the groundbreaking for our new shul should have been today. B'reishit tells of HaShem's Creation. We are moving forward from the devastation wrecked on our old shul by Hurricane Katrina. The forms and retaining wall have been created and the expected completion date is May 2009. We are facing a new beginning and it is one that is filled with hope.
It will be good when we can hold services in our new home.
Past Congregation President Steve Richer signs the retaining wall while being photographed by a photographer from the SunHerald. Rabbi Myrna Matsa is signing on the left.
The building committee worked long and hard. Because of their dedication, we will not have to worry about a mortgage. The new shul will be 5,100 sq ft, with plenty of room for expansion.
It will be good when we can hold services in our new home.
Past Congregation President Steve Richer signs the retaining wall while being photographed by a photographer from the SunHerald. Rabbi Myrna Matsa is signing on the left.
The building committee worked long and hard. Because of their dedication, we will not have to worry about a mortgage. The new shul will be 5,100 sq ft, with plenty of room for expansion.
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