New Waveland Café part 6

From: sirba...@hotmail.com
Subject: headed to waveland short on gas
Date: September 24, 2005

i am in ithaca we have picked up the last of the goods and wares we have for waveland. we have the entire 44 on the maps kitchen and alot of food. the one thing we are short on is gas . if anyone would like to help you can send pay pal funds to everybody...@yahoo.com

From: Hawker
Subject: headed to waveland short on gas
Date: September 25, 2005

On 9/24/2005 8:03 PM, The digits of sirba...@hotmail.com’s hands composed the following:

> the one thing we are short on is gas . if anyone would like to help you can send pay pal funds to everybody...@yahoo.com

I just sent you $200 from the main donation account. I assume that is enough to get you there.

From: Nightshade
Subject: headed to waveland short on gas
Date: September 26, 2005

My main issue now, is about, gas re-imbursement. There are issues being raised, about what to do with the “FEMA” recognition particularly in the face of Rita.

It should be noted, if the current “focalizers” care to come back... (God bless, it is certainly deserved), they face, in order to be “recognized”, a forced integration with the “Seventh-Day Adventists church (capitalization, left out, with no mistake)”.......

These are the same people that are creating all the environmental disruption, which defined our “Family”.

Our other option is to manifest, another “trusted” sponsor, for FEMA recognition.

From: Carla
Subject: headed to waveland short on gas
Date: September 26, 2005

> My main issue now, is about, gas re-imbursement. There are issues being raised, about what to do with the “FEMA” recognition particularly in the face of Rita.

Seems to me, the folks who are there and doing it are the ones who should decide.

What would FEMA “recognition” mean? What would be the advantages? The disadvantages?

What form of decision-making would be set up with any given sponsor? Will folks be able to live with whatever may be dictated, and is the trade off worth it, in order to be able to continue helping the folks who need it?

I’m sure there are more questions that would be helpful. I encourage folks who are there to council on these and many others that arise.

From: Hawker
Subject: headed to waveland short on gas
Date: September 26, 2005

> What would FEMA “recognition” mean? What would be the advantages? The disadvantages?
> What form of decision-making would be set up with any given sponsor? Will folks be able to live with whatever may be dictated, and is the trade off worth it, in order to be able to continue helping the folks who need it?

1) We counciled and decided that reimbursing gas to Groups is fine, but not individuals. Hence if a kitchen needs help getting down we can do that, but we won’t reimburse for an individual to get down.

2) Re the 7th Day Adventists. Problem solved. They were No Body loves me, Everybody Hates me I guess I’ll just leave. The Red Cross stopped supporting them, then FEMA told them they better behave or leave. Then there was a town meeting where the town showed there support for us but not them. They left. Problem solved.

3) Re FEMA. We are recognized and supported by FEMA and EOC now, no problems there. We are an official FEMA POD (Point of Distribution). No FEMA issues now other than they attach a bunch of time wasting administration with everything. However it helps us get supplies and other items we need easier and helps us coordinate our surplus as well as needs with the bigger pool as well as get help such as the Chinese Gov big tents, National Guard troops to help, extra volunteers etc. This is why we need FEMAs support.

From: -ammi...@excite.com
Subject: headed to waveland short on gas
Date: September 26, 2005

> To the CALM DONATE general medical fund http://tinyurl.com/cqdky
> To Hawkers WATER fund (it all goes to the same place)

well ... looks like i’m not gonna be able to go to the Gulf Coast in person to help out so i would like to donate what green i can. i dont have a paypal account and i never put credit card numbers out over web so is there a physical address i can send donation to? i’d be sending a money order.

From: Hawker
Subject: headed to waveland short on gas
Date: September 26, 2005

On 9/26/2005 4:23 PM, The digits of -ammit...@excite.com’s hands composed the following:

> i dont have a paypal account and i never put credit card numbers out over web so is there a physical address i can send donation to?

Well I would reconsider using CC on the web.
It’s actually more secure than using on in a store.

However I understand your reluctance. There was a mail in address but that person has left so there may be a better on now.

From: -ammi...@excite.com
Subject: headed to waveland short on gas
Date: September 26, 2005

> Well I would reconsider using CC on the web.
> It’s actually more secure than using on in a store.
> Contact Arjay directly at 828-280-6338

PS. the 1st and last time i used a credit card online was to sign up for AOL. i must have some bad luck b/c the next thing i know i’m getting charges on my card for gay porn. hehehe i’m not into hetero porn much less gay man porn. took a month to clear up and i dropped AOL since they were the ONLY charge on the card (besides the gay porno) so the security breach was theirs.

From: preac...@gmail.com
Subject: headed to waveland short on gas
Date: September 26, 2005

Don’t send your CC info through PayPal.... it is the most unsecure payment system on the Internet.... it has hacked more times than any other site.

PLUS, one of the problems I have with PP is that in order to send a payment with them they force you to sign up.... jump through their verification process (means having a vaild US checking account and CC).... and then you are allowed to send a payment.

StormPay is better.... SP has better security than PP could ever dream of having.... AND, you do not need to sign up in order to send payments.

Maybe these guys will get with the program.... SP is just as easy to set up and will bring in a hell of a lot more if pholks are not forced to sign up for an account in order to give.

From: Tommy Huckaby <littlewhiteshackofamerica@...>
Date: Tue Sep 27, 2005 12:15 pm
Subject: Green Circus update littlewhites...

Hey Friends & Family,
We are still giving away the whole store (literally) and feeding storm victims in Gulfport,Miss., but alas the local cops discovered that we are a bunch of freakin’ hippies and have given us a week to leave.

We were probably taking to much of Walmarts business by giving so much stuff away. Anyway it has been real to say the least.

Gayle was a random volunteer who found BCOC and helped in there kitchen. She joined forces with Rainbow when we came and we worked in her kitchen and she worked in ours depending on what was needed that day. The following was submitted by her to a local paper. I thought folks would think a story from the BCOC side would be interesting.
Hawker

I never visited Waveland let alone Mississippi until Sept 10th. After spending 10 days in Waveland volunteering, I have made Waveland my second home and the people my friends and distant neighbors. There are miles between us, but my heart is right there with them.

Tired of sitting and watching disaster after disaster unfold, I knew I had to physically do something other then sit by the TV watching and donating money. A former instructor for the American Red Cross and volunteer at one time, I called them asking to be reinstated to work for them. All I got was a run-a-round and lots of red tape. A friend to this day is still yet to receive word from them as to where to take her requested class before becoming a volunteer.

On the night of September 6th I told my family that I was going down to help; where, I hadn’t a clue. To my surprise they supported my decision with encouragement, “go for it Mom,” My Friends said, “You go girl.” From then I knew it was the right thing to do. My husband took out one middle seat of our conversion van and I packed it full of what I could get my hands on around the house everything from clothes to personal needs to setting up a small soup kitchen. The next day I went to the Good Samaritan for free clothing and much needed baby bottles and items.

It was all free and to add to the trip Jeff (Distinctive Signs) handed me money to help pay for gas. The day I was leaving Friday Sept 9th I went to Best Pets in Antioch wanting to buy damaged bags of pet food at a discounted price, but Steve said that he could do better then that. So he loaded up my van with new bags of pet food and also contributed to my cost of gas going down. After Steve left I leaned up against my van and cried really hard. Just typing this to you makes me want to cry all over again - I am so happy and so blessed to know such caring people. After calming down I went next store to Antioch True Value and asked if I could purchase goods at 40 to 50% off. Jim filled the cart with requested items such as tarps, matches, charcoal, nails, flash lights and batteries and oh “not to forget bug spray” he recommended. I offered to pay hoping for a discount and he wouldn’t take any money. Good Hope Charity was another place I went to to buy (resale) items, but they too would not take money after telling me to take what ever I needed and so I did; four huge bags full of baby items and new underwear for boys and girls.

On my day of departure I stopped at Sams Club and bought $500 dollars worth of fresh fruits and veggies and other needed items to take down with me - two being large bottles of 99.99% germ hand sanitizer. I am so glad I bought the hand sanitizer. I used lots of it while down there.

I was lucky to hook up a business out of Joliet, IL - Larry, owner of Bill’s Music, Ltd. They too felt the same way and had the same idea - destination unknown. We met up in Memphis, TN. From there we stayed together still not knowing where we would end up. Problem after problem with vehicles really tested everyone’s patience. I think it was God’s way of testing us. We all passed the test. Does this story sound familiar?

Our last stop to change a tire is what led us to Waveland. Asking around we were told to take Interstate 10 to 603 south to 90 west and that it would lead us right into the middle of Waveland. After a short visit to the Command Post in the Waveland Walmart parking lot we were told about this place down the road across from the police station and water tower. There we met some of the nicest people who welcomed us with open arms and plenty of water to drink for we were very thirsty. We arrived around 8pm leaving around 1 am . Those we met could have gone to bed, but instead stayed up to help us unload the three trucks and my conversion van that were packed to the very last inch of space. The drivers of the trucks had to go back to Joliet, but Courtney and I didn’t. Having not slept for 2 days, we drove north hoping to find a place close by to sleep. I called hotel and motel chains to inquire about accommodations only to learn that all rooms were taken by FEMA. It wasn’t until I made a wrong turn in Jackson did I end up at the Marriott. While inside asking about a room to no avail - Courtney was outside talking to a very nice looking thin medium height black man in a blue print shirt. After telling him our need of a room he told us to go down about 4 or 5 exits to the Red Roof Inn and that there was a room waiting for us. He said that we should ask for Brenda and that we did.

Explaining to Brenda that a man had sent us who she didn’t know, I kept pushing the issue about the room. She kept telling us that the Inn was full. Then suddenly she remembered a room that was not in service because the a/c was broken. “Does the fan work?” I asked her. We checked the room and the fan was working. A bed and a long warm cleansing shower made the room more then serviceable. It was like checking into the Ritz. Does this story sound familiar?

After a much needed rest and another round of buying fresh fruits and veggies, Courtney and I headed back down to Waveland a place we never knew existed until we got there. To drive through Waveland during the day was an experience I will never forget knowing that decaying bodies were still laying waiting to be removed. A dead dog swollen on the side of Interstate 10. As we got closer we could smell death. It was the worst smell I have ever smelled. Sewage, rotting flesh and dead sea life combined with black mold that grows rapid in the South due to the weather made it unbearable. Going down 603 there were shredded houses and mangled signs; cars everywhere in ditches which reminded me of my sons’ sand box when they would play cars and toss them all over the place. A log cabin that use to be further down on the other side of the Hwy that was a part of a vacation place. Boats on top of cars and cars on top of buildings and buildings on the side of the road reminding me of the Wizard of OZ. Nothing was in its rightful place. It wasn’t until we got back to the Waveland Market parking lot did things seem to calm down some. The smell was still there, but not as noticeable.

We set up my crafter’s tent and unpacked a few personal items. We made our rounds introducing ourselves to other volunteers and familiarizing ourselves with the what was going on. While I made my self comfortable in the kitchen that BCOC (Bastrop Christian Outreach Center, Bastrop, TX.) put together, Courtney made friends with other volunteers. Our family and friends where worried about our safety, but we didn’t feel threaten at all. We had the Florida State Troopers there to protect us 24/7. When it was time to leave and say good bye to them I cried. The Troopers became our friends and are truly wonderful and caring people just like you and I. They too hurt inside seeing the devastation.

Everyone having the same idea as we did - to leave for a destination unknown helping those in need, I feel it was God guiding us all to the Northeast corner of the Waveland Market parking lot. We all had the same idea and we all ended up in the same place destination unknown; a miracle in progress and still growing.

Together with the Rainbow Tribe and Organic Valley of Family Farms (Wisconsin) we served about 4,000 plates a day. After a couple of days, I suggested that we give our eatery a name thus christening it The NEW Waveland Cafe and now there is the Tornado Lounge because the tent made it through the winds of Rita. Here one can sit and mellow out after a long hard day of work serving up the best slushes around inviting locals to sit and visit enjoying a cold drink.

I am at home now looking forward to returning leaving about the 1st of November. Upon my return home the www.lakelandmedia.com did a news article about me and the young man we brought back with us. Notes taken by the reporter were corrected but at time of putting them to print they were mixed up so some of what was written about being in the parking lot of Walmart is not correct and also about the sea turtle and sea lion. The mistakes are okay - it was getting the point across to people up here what Waveland was and is going through.

I have been keeping in touch with the cafe and the Waveland Relief Team. They are running out of food as the number of plates being served is increasing due to people returning to their homes. One reason for this return is that their hotel and motel stay is up; FEMA only give a number of days to stay for free. People should not be returning to the toxic area, but have no choice.

We are there to feed not only the tummy, but the heart and soul of the people. Some who come pass out from exhaustion, dehydration, and hunger, while others are still shell shocked and don’t know what they are doing or why they are there. So we help them get started. We look out for each other and the people who come to us be it survivors or workers. Everyone comes for one reason or another. There is an EMT on sight - I am not sure if Dr. Rodney and his wife (a nurse) are still there, but as far as I know there is an EMT.

The problem we are faced with now is lack of supplies for our store run by the Waveland Relief Team due to dwindling donations and FOOD for the cafe to keep the people fed. Somehow there is food, not enough, but they manage. It reminds me when Jesus took the basket of bread and fish and from the little he had feed everyone.

We need more donations - contributions from anyone who is willing to help our cause. The NEW Waveland Cafe needs food to feed the people. We make three hot square meals a day with food in-between for those who need a snack. Our cafe stays open past curfew for volunteers, workers, truck drivers, police, and army. I sat in the lounge area and it is definitely a place to sit back and relax.

I would like to sum this up by saying - the people of Waveland will rebuild again and I hope that the city will be renamed NEW WAVELAND, MISSISSIPPI. And to my friends who volunteer unconditionally, I love you all. You are truly Angels doing the work of God.

Gayle Korczyk
40186 No. Donald Drive
Antioch, IL 60002
Tel 847-395-6960
Fax 847-395-6960
gaylefor...@aol.com

From: New Waveland Cafe
Subject: New Waveland Blog Post
Date: October 8, 2005

It’s the first part of a two part post telling the story of the New Waveland Cafe during Rita. Enjoy.

Phone: (828) 280-6338 (228) 224-1253
email: newwave...@yahoo.com
www.newwavelandcafe.blogspot.com
Donations: http://tinyurl.com/cqdky

From: Terry Richards
Subject: New Waveland Blog Post
Date: October 8, 2005

> It’s the first part of a two part post telling the story of the New Waveland Cafe during Rita. Enjoy.

very good story...i was 16 and about 20 miles away from Xenia on 4/04/74 and can still hear the tornado which resembled a freight train.

Heya, just thought I’d let you know tthat the New Waveland cafe was briefly shown and mentioned on MSNBC last nite. No credits (of course), but I seen y’all!

From: Hawker
Subject: Rip Calvin The Dog 1995-2005. was Re: New Waveland Blog Post
Date: October 8, 2005

On 10/8/2005 4:13 AM, The digits of New Waveland Cafe’s hands composed the following:

> It’s the first part of a two part post telling the story of the New Waveland Cafe during Rita. Enjoy.

I understand Calvin, Arjay’s loyal German Sheppard dog, died today and was buried in the woods behind Freds today with a small ceremony. Calvin was having a very hard time on this trip, and frankly, has not been himself for about a year IMHO. Apparently he succumbed to the environment and whatever virus he was being treated for before Arjay came down. I have many fond memories of Calvin going back to swimming with him as a puppy at the Missouri National in ‘95.

From: michael...@hotmail.com
Subject: Rip Calvin The Dog 1995-2005.
Date: October 8, 2005

> I understand Calvin, Arjay’s loyal German Sheppard dog, died today and was buried in the woods behind Freds today with a small ceremony.

How sad. Calvin was a good buddy of mine. I was hoping to introduce my Kaida to him sometime. I’ll miss him.

From: spiritrising
Subject: Rip Calvin The Dog 1995-2005.
Date: October 9, 2005

“Hawker” <Hawker{remo...@ashevillecommunity.org> wrote in message news:3qr6tnFgd9r3U1@individual.net...

> I understand Calvin, Arjay’s loyal German Sheppard dog, died today and was buried in the woods behind Freds today with a small ceremony.

I’m sitting here in the new Waveland Cafe cybecafe via a Tachyon sat dish. The larger crowds of earlier in the week have shrunk some, I’d guess there were under 1000 people here for dinner right now. I was talking to some Red Cross folks a little while ago that hadn’t been here yet, and they were tottally blown away and the efficiency of this relief center. You’d have to be here to really see the destruction from Katrina. Some businesses are trying to to reopen in tents next to ruined buildings. It’s a bit unreal to see folks pushing shopping carts around the Wall-less Mart here containing everything they own now, most of which they got after they arrived here with nothing but what was on the backs.

The Kiddie Village crew and Barefoot Doctor’s Academy is setting up this weekend in Washington Park in New Orleans. The city is lending this park for a new relief center. The last few days have been mostly cutting all the dead trees out of the way to make room for everything. A crew of more medical and kitchen crew is heading to New Orleans in the morning from here to help them get ready for opening day on Monday. Food Not Bombs and Seeds of Peace is also helping some, and fed the work crew clearing the park today. Everyone’s invited to the party if you happen to be in the neighborhood on Monday. (what’s left of it) Washington Park is in the upper 9th Ward, which got hit heavily by the flood. Many people are starting to return to their homes, so the new relief center is called the “Welcome Home Cafe”. The power and phones, etc... here are all still down, and probably will be for awhile still.

Much of New Orleans and Waveland is pretty toxic from all the pollutants that got released into the water from the refineries and other nasty sources. Many of us are concerned about the long term health effects on ourselves and the folks that live in this area. Many people will obviously never be the same... We’re forced to build platforms to stay up out of the worst of it.

On a sad note, Arjay’s dog Calvin died today after being very sick for awhile, and after a ceremony, is now buried nearby in the woods. :-(

[The remainder of this thread talked about the quality and security of PayPal and went on to discuss the relative merits of the then new Firefox browser and the older Mozilla.]