Rainbow help for Katrina-displaced folks

You can't even slow us down! Well, OK, you can slow us down. But it takes a near miss by a hurricane to do it. As Rita swung farther and farther to the North and east, we started to get a bit nervous. Friday night and Saturday morning, every other aid organization in the County ran like the Mexican Army at San Jacinto. But the Hippies stood firm, tike the Texans at the Alamo, only without that massacre afterwards. We had moments when things got a bit on the panicky side, like Saturday morning when the 'net was down, and we heard a tornado warning for Waveland. (But it hit well north of here.) We had heard rumors that Rita was swinging farther north, and prepared to leave on short notice if needed, but once the computer came back online, and we had access to accurate, up-to date information, folks calmed down. Friday and Saturday we had the best weather I've seen since I've been here. I'll take wind and a bit of rain, with clouds, over that blazing sun any day! We still served 3 meals Saturday, in our newly redecorated Tornado Lounge. Fed the entire Waveland Police and Fire Departments supper, and afterwards, a Virginia State Trooper played drums with us for a while.



Civilization is a fragile thing. The storm knocked down most of our showers. Radio Free Waveland is off the air for another day or so. We had to drop all our large tents, for fear of them being damaged by high winds, so today we've had no shade, and the sun is back, off and on. The wind should mellow out enough tomorrow so we can get tents back up. Ice has been short today, and our drink kegs got temporarily reorganized out of existence in our rush to batten down, so we've been unable to mix Gatorade or juice. Water just isn't enough in this heat. But our Bastrop partners came back this afternoon, and are helping us get back to running at full capacity tomorrow.



Fillipe left Friday also, but he's preparing to deploy to Texianna. Folks will be scouting areas of need as soon as they can get in. I understand that most of the roads in Southern Louisiana are under water, but he should land somewhere in a couple-three days. We'll probably hear from him in about a week. Harrison County Emergency Operations Command wants us to stay through Thanksgiving. My lady and I have to leave Monday, though. Perhaps I can come back in a couple weeks to a month..



Radio interviews with Diamond Dave, Fillipe, and David here:

[font=&quot]http://www.indybay.org/news/2005/09/1769727.php[/font]

[font=&quot]http://www.indybay.org/news/2005/09/1769117.php[/font]

 

Good to see ya'll are holding strong Bro! If D. Dave's around say Hi! for me and ask him to get in touch please.

 

I finally got out of camp today, took a bike ride down to the beach. I had seen the pictures, heard the descriptions, but still wasn't prepared for the sight of everything south of the railroad tracks destroyed. Buildings--Substantial brick and masonry buildings--scraped down to the slab, the 2X4s that were the bases of the walls and bolted to the slab ripped off, nothing left but bolts sticking out of the concrete. No buildings standing within a half mile of the beach. Half mile to a mile inland, buildings washed off their foundations, roofs sitting atop piles of rubble (Was that pile the house that was originaly under that roof? Or did the roof come from somewhere else?) And not just here. Bay St Louis, Pass Christian, Pearlington, D"Iberville...The Works of Man on the Mississippi Gulf Coast are gone.

Cops found two more bodies near the beach while we were there.

Leaving tomorrow. Should be back by Early November.

 

Here is the lastest list of needed supplies; it's a copy of the list contained in the e-mail below. This stuff is needed not only in Waveland, but also where ever the second kitchen lands.




DO NOT send bottled water.
We have too much. DO NOT send clothing, again there is
more than enough with the exception of SOCKS,
UNDERWEAR, and functional TANK TOPS and T-SHIRTS.
Since people can't wash clothes, they need alot of
those. It is very, very hot and humid there, so please
don't send anything that you wouldn't wear in hot
weather. PLEASE DO NOT send toothbrushes or
toothpaste, we have thousands. PLEASE DO NOT send
kid's books or stuffed animals, we have too many.

YOU CAN SEND PACKAGES BY FED-X! They are doing daily
deliveries to:

NEW WAVELAND CAFE AND RELIEF CENTER
ACROSS FROM THE POLICE STATION AND WATERTOWER
HWY 90
WAVELAND, MS

Please look up the zip code
PLEASE do send the following items asap:

Bath towels, hand towels, washcloths: great need for
these, don't have to be new, just clean

Socks, all sizes
Underwear, all sizes
clean, light-weight, light-colored t-shirts and tank
tops

Bleach, all kinds of cleaning supplies, mops,
brooms, Pine-sol type stuff; laundry soap (folks are
handwashing in buckets). Buckets and big plastic totes
to keep folk's stuff out of the rain. You can pack a
plastic tote, tape it up, and ship it.

Tents and tarps (if you have access to a big tent,
please please e-mail hippiestead for a contact #) The center
needs more big, open tents to keep rain off supplies
and also smaller tents for people to live in.

Hydrogen peroxide and rubbing alcohol. Antibacterial
wipes, germ-x (waterless hand cleaners) are very, very
important in trying to keep clean w/o water.
Mouthwash.

Cream or spray for jock itch and yeast itchies (it's
hot, humid, and dirty here; lots of fungi around)

Hair ties, brushes (not combs, we have too many combs)
Sunglasses and sunscreen (people used to air
conditioned houses are living outside).

Batteries, especially D cells; you can't even get
12-volt Fans!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
these in the stores they are selling out so fast.

School and office supplies.
Current magazines.

DOG FOOD and CAT FOOD and BIRD FOOD. FLEA and TICK
powder, spray, or collars.

Somebody please send a truckload of cold coke, pepsi,
and beer



to find more information about The New Waveland Cafe please go to this page of links: http://ashevillecommunity.org/hawker/katrina/

or hear Radio interviews with Diamond Dave, Fillipe, and David
here: http://www.indybay.org/news/2005/09/1769727.php http://www.indybay.org/news/2005/09/1769117.php

The following was forwarded from ORB (Ozark Rainbow Bulletin)

---------- Forwarded message ----------




'Where we were in Waveland, Ms (just west of Bay St.
Louis, where the hurricane made landfall), a huge
storm surge came in. The amount of water in people's
houses varied according to the landforms: from about 1
1/2 feet up to about 30 feet. I would say about 90% of
the houses are either totally destroyed or now covered
in mold and hazardous to health. Most people who
stayed through the storm, or returned afterwards to
find their houses in ruins, are living in their yards
in tents and tarps and, if they're lucky, rv's and
trailers. Or else they are staying in nearby towns and
shelters and coming down to try to salvage anything
from their houses and yards.

The water ruined most of the trees and plants in town
and drove away or drowned the birds, insects, and
wildlife. Everything is brown, shattered, covered in
mud, and stinks to high heaven from decaying in the
~100 degree heat. This goes on and on and almost seems
unreal to someone from a living, vibrant place. On a
positive note, we saw a Dandelion blooming and a
Wisteria making a few flowers.

Thousands of companion animals were either lost or
abandoned. The woods and debris piles are home to many
cats, who are too traumatized to let you approach
them. Stray dogs also abound. Many of the animals are
injured, mangy, and starving. The animal rescue folks
are working their butts off trying to get them all in,
but there are so many. Efforts are being made to
re-unite animals with their owners, but some of them
are deceased or unable to take their animals to
shelters or motels. Many animals and horses trapped in
barns have drowned, but some survived and need caring
for.

Many animals are being taken to the shelter in
Hattiesburg, MS. They will be kept for 30 days in case
their people come looking for them. Then they are up
for adoption. Unfortunately, there are so many that
some will have to be euthanized. Please adopt if you
can.

Many people are staying in the devastated areas,
without city water or electricity. They don't want to
abandon their property or their family homes of
generations. Many are local farmers, fisherman, or
townspeople who can't imagine living anywhere else.
Many of them weathered Hurricane Camile in '69 and
they all say this one was much, much worse, and nobody
thought so much water could come so far inland. Don't
blame anyone for staying. They just didn't forsee the
extent of this huge storm.

The local people here have been extremely nice and
welcoming to us. They have an admirable spirit of
survival and persistance. I can't say enough about how
kind and open-hearted they have been. People are
looking after their neighbors, sharing supplies, and
doing whatever they can to help one another. Many are
feeding the stray animals.

Many of the people, of all backgrounds and economic
classes, have lost every material thing they had. The
water ruined their houses, possessions, tools,
appliances, automobiles (thousands of dead cars and
trucks are scattered everywhere). Many can't get
around except on bicycles or by walking and
hitchhiking. Most folks don't have electricty and
won't get it because the wiring in their buildings is
ruined. The power company has started running wires
down from power poles to trailers and rvs for the
lucky people who have them. There is no telephone
service, and cell phone service is being
re-established and mostly works ok in some areas;
other areas have no cell service at all. They have the
sewage treatment plant working and city water is
coming back to some places, but (as of Sunday, Sept.
17) was considered unsafe to drink.

Many people lost their jobs when businesses were
destroyed along with everything else. Unemployment,
food stamps, Red Cross, and FEMA relief money is
slowly getting to folks, which helps some, but since
there is only one store open in town (a gas
station/convenience store), there's not much to buy.

People who are lucky enough to have functioning cars
(i.e., those who left and came back afterwards) and
gas money are driving to the Walmart in Picayune,
about 25 miles away, to buy stuff or wash clothes.
Many people can't do this, however. Either they have
no car, no money, little kids they have to stay with,
or are afraid to leave their houses vulnerable to
looters.


By the way, there has been some looting but nothing on
the scale of New Orleans. The local law enforcement
has been very focused on arresting troublemakers and
getting them out of town. We personally experienced no
violence or theft while we were there, even in "bad"
neighborhoods that some folks warned us about. We left
our van open most of the time and nothing ever went
missing. I even lost my cell phone at one point and it
was returned an hour later by a little old man on a
bicycle who had nothing left but his cats.

Many different types of people showed up to help. The
Florida Highway patrol has been totally wonderful.
They are experienced with hurricane recovery and have
been very caring and sensitive. They are working
hand-in-hand with the church groups and hippies to
help people and keep things orderly. The local fire
department and police department and sheriff are doing
the same - making do with what little they have left.
Nearly all of their cars, trucks, and equipment were
destroyed too. The Red Cross came and delivered hot
meals for a few days, but now they are nowhere to be
found in Waveland and surrounding areas. The gossip is
that they are having serious administrative problems,
and while the workers are busting butt, they are being
hindered by inept beaurocracy. FEMA has finally got
some stuff moving, and they established an office in
Waveland and are distributing trailers to the many,
many homeless folks and other aid. The National Guard
is directing traffic, manning checkpoints to keep
sightseers and troublemakers out after curfew (8 pm),
distributing ice and water, and generally making
everone feel like there's some stability in the area.
The individual guardsmen and women have been very kind
and friendly to all.

Mari and I were involved in establishing the largest
independent and coalition relief center on the Gulf
Coast. We call it the New Waveland Cafe and Relief
Center. Working in a kind of creative and positive
chaos, many groups (includipendent individuals have
erected a village in the parking lot of a destroyed
shopping center. We built a cafe that serves three hot
meals a day to any and all comers for free. The food
folks are working their butts off to keep cooking,
organizing supple, and cleaning, cleaning, cleaning.
At night sometimes people play music there.

The Rainbow family folks brough buses and are running
the kitchen in conjuction with a church group called
BCOC and others, all working together. It's beautiful
how people of very different backgrounds have come
together for this.

The firemen built showers out of plastic and lumber
and set up a tanker with a generator, so folks can
have warm, clean showers. We also have a medical tent
with an EMT and MD and RN available 24/7. They sleep
right in the tent and do everything from wound care to
vaccination (tetanus and hepatitis are a concern).
They have a defibrillator and other EMT equipment. If
someone is in serious trouble they go to the mobile
hospital about 1/2 mile down the road in the Kmart
parking lot.

We have a big tent housing a free store where people
can pick up canned and boxed food, bottled water,
diapers, baby wipes, baby food, personal car items,
toys, school supplies, cleaning supplies, batteries,
etc, etc, all the stuff you need. Out back there are
pallets full of dog and cat food and pet supplies.
There are mountains of donated clothing too. These
supplies have come from all over the country and are
greatly needed and appreciated by the people.

Now, to what you can do to help.

PLEASE DO NOT: send money to Red Cross if you want to
help Waveland. They have plenty of cash to do whatever
they are doing, which I hope is somewhere else because
we're not seeing it here. DO NOT send bottled water.
We have too much. DO NOT send clothing, again there is
more than enough with the exception of SOCKS,
UNDERWEAR, and functional TANK TOPS and T-SHIRTS.
Since people can't wash clothes, they need alot of
those. It is very, very hot and humid there, so please
don't send anything that you wouldn't wear in hot
weather. PLEASE DO NOT send toothbrushes or
toothpaste, we have thousands. PLEASE DO NOT send
kid's books or stuffed animals, we have too many.

YOU CAN SEND PACKAGES BY FED-X! They are doing daily
deliveries to:

NEW WAVELAND CAFE AND RELIEF CENTER
ACROSS FROM THE POLICE STATION AND WATERTOWER
HWY 90
WAVELAND, MS 39576



PLEASE do send the following items asap:

Bath towels, hand towels, washcloths: great need for
these, don't have to be new, just clean

Socks, all sizes
Underwear, all sizes
clean, light-weight, light-colored t-shirts and tank
tops

Bleach, all kinds of cleaning supplies, mops,
brooms, Pine-sol type stuff; laundry soap (folks are
handwashing in buckets). Buckets and big plastic totes
to keep folk's stuff out of the rain. You can pack a
plastic tote, tape it up, and ship it.

Tents and tarps The center
needs more big, open tents to keep rain off supplies
and also smaller tents for people to live in.

Hydrogen peroxide and rubbing alcohol. Antibacterial
wipes, germ-x (waterless hand cleaners) are very, very
important in trying to keep clean w/o water.
Mouthwash.

Cream or spray for jock itch and yeast itchies (it's
hot, humid, and dirty here; lots of fungi around)

Hair ties, brushes (not combs, we have too many combs)
Sunglasses and sunscreen (people used to air
conditioned houses are living outside).

Batteries, especially D cells; you can't even get
these in the stores they are selling out so fast.


12-volt Fans!!!!!!!!!!!!



School and office supplies.
Current magazines.

DOG FOOD and CAT FOOD and BIRD FOOD. FLEA and TICK
powder, spray, or collars.

Somebody please send a truckload of cold coke, pepsi,
and beer ;>)


IF there's any way in the world you can get away to
volunteer, hands are desperately needed at the center.
We need folks to cook, clean, organize, and help in a
thousand ways. If you are a hard worker, go down.
Don't listen to any news reports that say folks aren't
needed. There is a curfew after 8 pm, just get there
before then, and nobody will stop or question you. The
local law enforcement folks are delighted to see us.

If you can go down: look up directions on maps.google.com. You come in on I-10 and take 43/603
down to HWY 90 in waveland/bay st. louis. 90 is open
along there but bridges are out on both the E and W
ends, so you can only get into the area by coming down
43/603. At the intersection of 43/603 and 90 there is
a national guardsman directing traffic. Go West
towards Waveland. The relief center is across from the
watertower. You'll see a big red-and-white striped
tent next to a blue-and-white one and a lot of cars.
Go to the cafe tent and talk to Felipe or Erin or RJ
or anyone in a bright green shirt. They will set you
up to help. You will be camping out in your vehicle or
tent in the parking lot. It's HOT and HUMID. But you
will be fed and there is anything you need there,
including a refrigerated truck to crash in when you
can't take in anymore. PLEASE DO NOT bring young
children or pets. If they are old enough to work hard
and help and can take the heat, you could consider it.
This place is a mess and only workers should be here.

The relief center is expected to be operating
throughout October. Please send supplies or get down
there to help as soon as possilbe. It will be the
experience of a lifetime for you.

Many thanks and blessings!

 

green circus folks in gulfport have finished their job & are leaving within a week. businesses are running & gulfport is well on it's way to recovery. the new waveland cafe will be running into nov . more updates later

 

No no! The cops figured out that Green Circus Kitchen in Gulfport are hippies. I got back from down there a week ago and Gulfport was healing - businesses opening, people going back to work. Gulfport is a lot better off than Waveland. Green Circus getting the impetus to move on has nothing to do with the New Waveland Cafe.

 

Thanks for the clarification, we fixed our post above; thought it sounded strange since Turnup said New Waveland Cafe would be running into Nov.

Talked to New Waveland Cafe and they need VOLUNTEERS!!!!!!!!
It's hot sweaty draining work. but well worth it.

They are also seeking an air conditioned RV, bus, truck, someplace where people can get out of the heat for a while.

The Tornado Lounge is now serving iced coffee smoothies & Gatoraid Arjay said.

 

Hawker posted this on AGR..

http://www.gulfcoastnews.com/GCNnewsKatrinaHancock15.htm

REAL HELP AND A TRUE MODEL OF EFFICIENCY

WAVELAND - Across from the Waveland Police Department in the Fred's parking lot is a group of people set up to feed up to 5,000 people a day. Let me repeat that....5,000 people a DAY. They have a clinic set up like a battlefield triage center. They are giving out tetanus shots and vaccinations, prescribing heart medication, fully licensed medical practitioners who have made it a life style to camp out in national parks all over America every year surviving on nothing more than the land. They subscribe to no religion or political party, they have no hierarchical structure to speak of and they don't take "no" for an answer when it comes to helping those who desperately need it. They pitched a tent, started working with a Christian organization out of Texas who were already on the ground there by the second day after Hurricane Katrina hit, and began forming what may be the most efficiently run disaster relief center on the entire Gulf Coast. And who is funding this well-oiled machine, you ask?

No one.

Meet the "Rainbow Gathering" out of Asheville, NC. A group (more like a "tribe") of PhDs, MDs, nurses and other professionals who took it upon themselves to purposely take their survival skills and their medical and professional experience into the "battle zone" with nothing more than the small amount of money they raised between themselves and a small fund raiser in their town of Asheville, North Carolina. They have been braving unbearable heat, ungodly humidity and the sheer numbers of people coming to them for help. Feeding up to 5,000 people a day can take its toll on anyone...but imagine doing so in one of the most inhospitable environments in the United States today? Even so, they have affectionately named their haven and hovel "The New Waveland Cafe". A fitting and friendly name, befitting a fitting and friendly group of people. http://www.newwavelandcafe.blogspot.com/

With little more than tents over their heads during the day, sleeping in the backs of their cars at night and pulling 16-hour shifts, Brad Stone, RJ, Scott and Hawker - along with about 30 other associates - are doing what no government or donor-funded organization has done so far....gotten organized. And I don't mean just your average organization. This is a totally non-competitive, non-hierarchical, transparent accounting, complete sharing of lessons learned each and every day group. They have a plan of attack each and every day. They have a HAM radio set up to call out to the EOC for supplies (and thanks goes out to Mike Sweeney at the EOC who has been in touch with them, getting them all the supplies they ask for! Thanks, Mike!) They teamed up with the Bastrop Christian Outreach Center, out of Bastrop, TX (http://www.bastropchristianoutreachcenter.org/) who had been on the ground there from the very first days after Hurricane Katrina struck. What is interesting here is that a Christian ministry and a secular organization who holds to no set religious beliefs have come together, joined forces and are a powerhouse of efficiency! They have been gaining momentum in caring for the people of Waveland, including getting medical supplies, but they have received very little assistance from FEMA in any way.

"The problem with FEMA," says RJ, the newly appointed Communications Department, "is that they work from the head...not the heart. It's a job to them and they don't know what it takes to work in this environment." Since the Rainbow group has for years been setting up camp in inhospitable climates, living off the land and surviving by honing their outdoor skills, they were able to set up directly on the asphalt pavement, where heat indexes rise to well over 100 degrees every day. "It's hot! We see dozens of people each and every day that are dehydrated and suffering from heat exhaustion. Water won't do in this heat, people need to replenish their electrolytes. We bought 84 boxes of emergency packets (multivitamins) with our own money. Mix this in with an eight-ounce glass of water and in about ten minutes, the person is fine again. We've gone through all of them in a matter of days and need to get more. We're used to this since we do this all the time, but these FEMA people don't have a clue. They can't manage what they don't understand."

Brad Stone (just call him "Stone") is a PhD / MD and spent $2,500 of his own money to purchase a defibrillator to have on hand, just in case. So far, the Rainbow volunteers have treated two heart attacks, provided neonatal care, wound dressings, dozens of vaccinations, tetanus shots, triage, dispensed medication and have written prescriptions for people who can then go to the Walmart, which had just opened up in Bay St Louis, to fill what the Rainbow people don't have in stock.

Even though they feel they have been hampered in their efforts to care for people, a representative meets with the EOC every morning a 9 a.m. to fill them in on what is happening. FEMA has actually inspected their "facility" and checked out their credentials. According to Stone, "Some guy from FEMA stormed in and demanded that I show him some credentials. So I showed him my medical license to practice. He said "Oh" and just left. I haven't seen him come back yet. We have been asked by the EOC to stay until Thanksgiving because we are providing such a necessary service."

Where are they in terms of this crisis, I asked? "We are in the middle of half-crisis, half-chronic problems now," says RJ. "We are working in sweltering heat with no break from it. We desperately need a van, large camper, blood mobile...something air conditioned just to get people out of the heat for even a little while. They have plenty of trailers running over at the EOC but when we ask for them, the people just give us this stare and say 'we'll try to do something.' We need camping gear to get people back to a semblance of order in their lives. When we have cots or tents, people snap them up immediately. We could use a large circus tent, trailer with AC, propane stoves, pots and pans. We also need doctors and nurses...we feel like we're working with one hand tied behind our back."

If this is what these "non-official" volunteers are doing with one hand tied behind their backs....they are certainly in the running for citizens of the year. And more importantly, showing the world what common sense and a structured plan with experience can do without having to wade through useless red tape and bureacracy.

The Rainbow Gathering, on their own and donated funds from Asheville, have sent ANOTHER fully stocked kitchen to Lake Charles, LA to help the citizens there, as well. "We have yet another fully stocked kitchen that we asked for and is being delivered down here to Waveland, too," says RJ. "We're thinking of sending it over to Pass Christian where we know there is a huge need over there, especially with the Vietnamese population there that is not being cared for." How are you going to handle all three sites, I asked. "We are getting some volunteers coming down from North Carolina to help us out, but we're gonna do this any way we can. We're not asking for a hundred doctors or nurses or volunteers because we do things a little bit different from regular organizations, but we could sure use the help."

Any medical person or volunteer wishing to donate their time to a truly outstanding cause, please contact the Rainbow Gathering's medical contact, Stone at 773-407-0854. For those who wish to get more information, donate money to help them continue on working, or volunteer to help, contact RJ at 828-280-6338.

Want to know more about the Rainbow Gathering, go to http://www.newwavelandcafe.blogspot.com/ , RJ has been posting some interesting blog entries and photos when he can.

When I investigated this group and had a chance to talk with the different members, I felt it was all important to focus an entire article on them, simply because this was the kind of effort we were expecting from the larger, more well-funded formal organizations. Since this support never materialized, even after FOUR WEEKS, it was apparent that energy and funds needed to be pushed in the direction that was doing the most good. According to Stone, the Red Cross has officially made it known that the Rainbow group's facility is now serving as the largest relief facility along the Gulf Coast by far. I can honestly say that when I got off the phone from talking to Stone, Scott, Hawker and RJ, I was singularly impressed. In addition to the fine donations sites addressed below, I will also be including the Rainbow Gathering as a truly exceptional and worthwhile donations cause, as well. As soon as I receive word that they are set up to receive donations, I will post the information immediately.

FEMA, Red Cross....take notice. THIS is how to operate. Friends reading this...help them in any way you possibly can. They deserve it!

 

Well, if anyone here is at the Cafe, then I look forward
to meeting you.

Im gonna head down Sunday, my first time going that far
down the coast since the strom hit, and volunteer.
Will stay through Monday.

Some of our tribe are getting some supplies together,
and I will be bringing them.

I have a large tent, who do I contact to give it to?

Anyway, see you folks in a few.

 

just find them,, an they will find you,, waveland cafe,,..

 

It's pretty obvious that REMA can do a lot with very little (course most of us already knew that) Had an idea today, if we can get some hippie bands to help raise funds for REMA, they'll be able to spread the Love even farther. Maybe the an air conditioned RV would show up quickly. If everyone e-mails the Dead, String Cheese, Phish and anyone you can think of, maybe they'd help. It's worth a shot.

 

Here's the latest from AGR. The folks in Waveland don't have much time to be on the internet and part of the crew is in the process of moving. Please give them a hand by distributing this info. Thanks!

Greetings from the New Waveland Cafe!


New Waveland Cafe Reconstructed after Rita
Announcing the Tornado Lounge
Please Call Before Coming Here and Don't Bring Children


FOR WIDE DISTRIBUTION


Things are running smoothly again here in Waveland after everyone
EXCEPT the New Waveland Cafe bugged out for Hurricane Rita. *Many folks


still living in tents and tarps on the toxic ground were unable to flee
and
were grateful for three hot meals a day in spite of high winds, lots of


rain, and scattered tornados.


We had to take down our large tents, but the structure we served under
for those five days--an army tent donated by China--remains standing as


the Tornado Lounge, serving ice cold smoothies all day long.
Inaugurated on Monday night after re-setting the kitchen and Cafe under
our
large tents, the Tornado Lounge serves as a mellow place for playing
music,
reading, socializing, and forgetting the day's traumas in this troubled


corner of the world.


If you plan to volunteer at the New Waveland Cafe, please call me at
(828) 280-6338. *We now have a procedure in place for plugging in an
appropriate number of volunteers for what we are doing here. *We match
your
dates and skills with our needs.


Once again, please note: *IF YOU HAVE CHILDREN, DO NOT BRING THEM HERE
UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES WHATSOEVER. *WE WILL NOT ACCEPT ANY VOLUNTEERS
WHO BRING CHILDREN. *This is a disaster zone. *The level of toxicity in


the area coupled with extreme and unrelenting heat (index at 105-115
every day) make this a graveyard for infants, small children, sick
people, and folks in not the best shape.


Only come here if you are in excellent health and physical condition.
A volunteer with our partner, BCOC, has been hospitalized with a heart
attack due to heat stroke. *Others drop every day from heat exhaustion.


We have no need whatsoever for volunteers who cannot put in a full
day's work in extreme heat. *Furthermore, we all worry about the
effects of
long-term exposure to this environment.


WE WILL NOT ALLOW YOU TO SUBJECT YOUR CHILDREN TO THESE CONDITIONS ON
OUR BEHALF.


On a side note, you should leave your dog at home, too. *I regret
bringing Calvin, a tough old road dog who is having an extremely hard
time
here even with a somewhat air conditioned bus to live in. *Other dogs
who have arrived are not happy either. *There's too much toxic mischief


for them to get into here, no water in which to cool off, no non-toxic
place to lay on the ground--in short, not a good place for dogs.


Hancock County EOC has asked the New Waveland Cafe to remain open until


Thanksgiving. *Aaron, Clovis, Stone, and I have accepted and plan to
remain. *Others will probably also stay or come and go. *Again, please
call before showing up.


I'm going to attempt to post the minutes from our 8pm Meeting every
day. *Like everything I do in communications, it depends on how much
time
I have available and how well the internet is working.


Thanks for your Continuing Support
Arjay Sutton


Phone: *(828) 280-6338
email: *newwavelandc...@yahoo.com
www.newwavelandcafe.blogspot.com
Donations: *http://tinyurl.com/cqdky


++++++++++++++++++++++++++++


This message was brought to you by Pronoid Central (c). *STILL
absolutely, positively convinced that you are out to help us.

 

(question from fayeautumn. i tend to forget that heron is already logged on. i apologize.)
you kept mentioning about "level of toxicity," will you explain more? and "we all worry about the effects of long-term exposure to this environment."
what kind of effects do you think will happen? i'm worried for all of you good people. i wish i can lend a helping hand, but at the moment, i'm expecting and very close to my due date. a happy occasion for sure. i'm just happy my husband can be down there to help, though i don't think he called first . i hope everything continues to get better. thank you for all the good you guys are doing down there.

 

sorry everyone for the confusion. i'm sure heron is getting tired of me posting using his nick. imagine all the confusion. especially the earlier comments about husband.....lol

 

The latest from Waveland:


New Waveland West Rumors
VA Highway Patrol Entertains
Need New PA Gear and Soundman (Hawker!)
Many Comings and Goings

FOR WIDE DISTRIBUTION

Howdy from the Rubble...

Deanne tells me that the Barefoot Drs Academy along with Felipe and
crew are getting ready to set up in Washington Park in New Orleans. Still
awaiting details, but the New Waveland Cafe will do everything it can
to support this effort. More as this breaking REMA news develops.

Here at the New Waveland Cafe, we've been blessed by Eli Jones and his
magical PA gear, which has come in very handy now that curfew has been
moved back to 11pm. There's been music in the cafe at night and
revolution in the air. This past evening, Jason--who comes to us courtesy of
the Virginia Commonweatlth Highway Patrol--played a smokin set on
acoustic guitar backed up up by Dr. David on drums, a guy with the word
"Herb" displayed largely on the back of his shirt on percussion, Eli Jones
on bass, and his father Jimmie Jones on lead guitar. I opened
tonight's festivities and a local man named Wes played a set as well. Tonight
was the second night Jason spent on the New Waveland Cafe Stage and we
will miss him. Today was his last shift in Waveland. Bon Voyage,
Jason. Come back soon.

Alas, Eli and his PA system have to return to medical school on Friday
morning. Both will be missed. The atmosphere is electric and it was a
joy to see folks in Waveland enjoying themselves at the show. They're
starting to come down just for the show.

So the New Waveland Cafe is now putting out the APB: WE NEED A PA
SYSTEM AND SOMEONE TO RUN IT. Also helpful: At least one guitar that plugs
into a PA system, SM 57 and 58 microphones, chords, stands. A decent
electric keyboard would also be a good thing. Drums and other
percussion instruments will also help. There's nothing like a drum circle to
bring a community together. Lots of folks just get up and join into the
jam session. If they had instruments before, they doin't have them
now. This can be nothing but a good thing for Waveland.

Let us know if you can help.

Eli is one of many difficult goings this week. We learned recently
that Leviticus, Theodora, Daniel, and Amber all have pressing committments
elsewhere. We've been through a serious chapter in one anothers' lives
here. Friends you make here are friends for life. I know how
difficult it is to leave here. Many who have left have returned. It's a
joyful reunion. Hopefully their absence will be temporary.


Organic Valley/CROPP in Wisconsin is sending several volunteers to the
the New Waveland Cafe next week. Clovis's hometown in Wisconsin has
also recently sent us its second wave of High School students
volunteering at The New Waveland Cafe as part of the YIHS program. Two of the
students from the first wave snuck into the second. One of them
facilitated our 8pm meeting two nights ago. Good kids. Hard workers. We
anticipate a third wave next week.

We've decided to expand our staff, so please call if you wish to
volunteer. It's starting to cool off outside and things are getting a little
more relaxed. But please, no children.

Beautiful Things are Happening in Waveland. I wish I had time to tell
more stories right now, but it'll have to wait. Look for a long blog
post about how everyone bugged out during Rita--except us--within the
next day or so.

Thanks for your Conitinuing Support
Arjay Sutton

Phone: (828) 280-6338
email: newwavelandcafe@yahoo.com
www.newwavelandcafe.blogspot.com
Donations: http://tinyurl.com/cqdky

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

This message was brought to you by Pronoid Central (c). STILL
absolutely, positively convinced that you are out to help us.

 

Hey Arjay, thanks for the update. Looking forward to see you guys
again soon i hope, and again and again as long as i can.

I am still high off the love i felt from all the brothers and sisters
there. Doing a beautiful thing there, and making a mark.

Keep up the good work man. Scratch ya doggy for for me.

Laters!

 

oh heron, i'm so glad you went & proud of u my brother, i so wish i could have as well,
much love & deepest respect to all who followed theyre hearts, & cared enough for strangers to give al they could & help make theyre ves just allittle safer
your doing amazing work, all of you

 

The New Orleans kitchen (Welcome Home Cafe) is up and running alongside the Barefoot Doctors in Washington Square Park. Cold weather has hit the Gulf Coast and the need for tents and warm clothes is great.

THE RELIEF KITCHENS NEED TENTS BLANKETS & WARM CLOTHES!!!!!!!!!


don't have time to post addresses and all so here's a link to links

http://welcomehome.org/rema

 

hi everyone. just got back from waveland this morning, while things are going well, there is still much to be done. while not everyone can make the trip down, there is still plenty that can be done from wherever you are. one of the biggest issues is the sanitation department decided to haul off most of the clothes we had to share in the wee hours of the morning a day or so ago. there are also people still living under tarps and there is a waiting list just to get a tent. any warm clothing, sleeping bags, blankets or tents in usable shape would be greatly appreciated. more kynd folks to help out would also be a blessing. i'll be in the lafayette, La area in a few days, anyone wanting to donate anything or would like a ride to help in waveland please pm me. i will be returning to waveland on november 15th or 16th. peace and blessings to all, and special thanks to all who have helped us in every possible way.

 

This from Arjay. Sorry took me so long to post it. I been slackin' Please note, I haven't been on the Gulf Coast for over a month.

Thu, 27 Oct 2005

FOR WIDE DISTRIBUTION

REMA Website Up
Wilma Thrashes South Florida
Welcome Home Cafe getting busier
Wish List Attached
New Waveland Cafe goes Postal

Howdy All...

Hope you've enjoyed all the news articles about our efforts on the Gulf Coast. I've been taking a well-earned but still working vacation in Florida. Much good karma and good wishes go out to the folks at Magnolia Fest, who graciously took me as a volunteer at the last minute so I wouldn't have to pay the admission fee. I did manage to put a flier in Peter Rowan's hand and talked to a lot of musicians, potential volunteers, and others about what we're doing.

As many of you probably know, Rob Savoye has set up www.REMARelief.net to house the ever-growing volume of information surrounding our various relief efforts as they blossom in many locations stricken by hurricanes this fall. Our new and improved donations page lives there as well. And yes, you can finally make a tax deductible donation to the New Waveland Cafe, thanks to the Action Hero Network and the National Institute for the Humanities.

Most recently, I've been in touch with Barry Sacharow who lives in Hollywood, FL. Barry tells me things look grim in South Florida, which took a direct hit from Wilma as a strong Cat 2 it wasn't expecting. FEMA has apparently shown the same competence it has with Katrina and Rita except that it wasn't able to put up a fence to keep media out of South Florida like it did with Rita. Barry is currently assessing how and if REMA may be of assistance. We'll know in the next couple of days if we need to put something together.

Rob tells me the Welcome Home Cafe in New Orleans continues to serve more and more people as folks return in greater numbers. We've identified at least one more potential kitchen location in New Orleans and expect this to heat up in the next week or two as the picture becomes clearer in NOLA.

I'm attaching the most current wish list for the New Waveland Cafe in Word format. I'll try to get a PDF version posted to the website.

Here is our new postal address:

New Waveland Cafe
PO Box 2631
Bay St. Louis, MS 39521

Waveland's Post Office doesn't exist anymore.

That's all for now. Stay tuned.




Thanks for Your Loving Support
Arjay sutton
New Waveland Cafe


email: newwavelandcafe@yahoo.com
www.newwavelandcafe.blogspot.com
Donations: www.REMARelief.net

Media Links:
Locals aided in Katrina relief

With the media focusing on the hurricane Katrina devastation in New Orleans, often overlooked is that other parts of the Gulf region were also hard hit by the storm.

Two local women, Terra Costello and Ty Speck, recently returned from two weeks in Mississippi where they worked at a relief kitchen in the town of Waveland in the Gulf of Mexico.

For more of this story, click on or type the URL below:

http://www.mtshastanews.com/articles/2005/10/26/news/area_news/05katrinarelief.txt

http://www.jacksonfreepress.com/comments.php?id=7565_0_9_0