THE KATRINA COUGARS: OUR NUMBER IS 11

Thursday, Aug. 28th--Last day of Work; Superdome Day

2008-08-28T23:59:00.002-05:00

A true kaliedescope of a day.
We began Thursday with everyone looking to return to their duties in the hope that they would see their tasks to the end. The weather report called for a very hot, humid day. I anticipated our most severe day for temperature and I was not wrong. One young man told me the first time he stopped sweating was at 7:00 pm!!
But Thursday was also "evacuation" preparation day. The adults had decided on Wednesday evening that in light of the precarious situation with "Gustav" and with the tone of the people with whom we worked and were in constant contact we determined a contingency plan was necessary. This morning I arranged for a check out of our current hotel here in New Orleans for Friday afternoon and a check in at the Holiday Inn in Jackson, Mississippi on Friday night. That should get us safely away from New Orleans should a major evacuation be called for in this city.
But the last thing this city and its residents need is another hurricane. I refer you to www.nola.com for a couple of stories dealing with the third anniversary of Katrina to see how ill prepared the city's infrasturcture is in the event of such a storm.
Our work day was very successful. Work on three homes that had begun earlier in the week was completed. A group of 12 boys assisted Helping Hands by delivering a trailer load of drywall to various locations (12 x4 x w sheets). In the midst of one delivery they helped a neighbor resident move some of his new appliances into his house. A fifth group worked in a house that had been gutted but required a mold remediation substance to be sprayed on the studs before renovators could move in.
It was during our lunch break that we received a request that would bring the reality of being a resident of New Orleans to life. I was asked to put together a group to travel to a home for handicapped children to assist its custodian in barricading the windows to scure them in the vent of a hurricane. About ten of us traveled to the home and it was startling to see the building with all of its windows shielded by the time we left. We also took a few moments to go inside and chat with the youngsters, though most were non-verbal. The facility was going to be evacuated on Friday. What a task that will be!!
Our work was completed! We knew the boys and girls would be diligent in their assignments and that they would be tired from both working and practicing each day. The adults had really looked forward to surprising the entire group with the news that they were going to the Superdome to see the Saints play the Dolphins. But there was no surprise. Some of the boys had been informed beforehand and they had shared the news with others, so five months of careful planning proved to be for naught.
What a site the building is. I think the Saints lost but the game, in my mind, came second to the experience. I have been to the dome and to Montreal's Olympic Stadium; to Candlestick Park and Oakland's Coliseum as well as Kansas City's stadium, but I have never seen a facility like the Superdome. A 70,000 seat stadium with acoustics that would allow for a truly rocking time if filled with partisan fans. The air conditioning was on, but considering the outside temperature I can now imagine what it must have been like for all of those thousands of people who were 'housed' in the Superdome during the hurricane---with no AC!!
The article in today's local newspaper must have been read by at least 2 people. At one of the worksites a neighbor came by with a cooler of Gatorade for the workers and said he had read the article and wanted to thank the group for the work it was doing. At the Superdome I had just directed the students to their entrance and three of our adults made their way in another direction to their entrance. A man came forward and asked: "Are y'all the football team from Canada?" We said yes and he responded by thanking us for coming and lending a hand. Each of my interactions today concluded with: "We will pray that you will be saved from yet another disaster."
I won't have time to write tomorrow so I'll let ou in on what I know. We will depart our hotel at 2:00 pm and make our way to Baton Rouge. Just north of that city we will be joined by the bus from Archbishop Hannan--the 3rd team in the scrimmage. We will both then receive a police escort to the football stadium--not for safety reasons, rather just to ensure that we arrive on time for the game. After all this is Friday Night Football!! Livonia will have shut down as a town as of 5 pm and everyone will head for the stadium. I am looking forward to see how they approach the event. As strangers from a far away land we are quite a story. How we fare on the field is less important than how we represent our school, city and country. We will take great pains to represent all of those constituents with great pride.
I encourage you to look up www.nola.com for the article written about the team and our visit.
I will have more time to post on Saturday so keep an eye out.
God Bless,
Coach Hughes

Tuesday, August 26--New Assignments (Part 1)

2008-08-27T06:30:00.002-05:00

Another day has come and gone and it was a busy one.
Had hoped, as always, to pull out of the hotel at 7:30 am but a couple of laggards (including one who had slept in) made us a few minutes late. Just a small glitch in an otherwise smooth sailing experience.
Helping hands sent two groups of 22 persons to the hoems of individual residents and their tasks, over the next couple of days will be to paint these houses. The remaining two groups traveled to ther homes with assignments in the interior of the houses--door hanging and trim work as well as floor work.It was very warm today. Perhaps not as bad as it will be in the next day or so, but more humid than we've witnessed in the past few days. Lots of water and sunscreen.
All groups seem to be trying to come to grips with a few frustrations especially regarding the way in which an adequate amount of work can be distributed among all participants. We are hoping to see some of that resolved on Wednesday as we are going back to our same locations and we know just what our tasks will be. Lunch was abit of an issue today but the problem was solved (had some fried chicken) and Wednesday and Thursday have been looked after. Still getting lots of fruit and liquids.
All group leaders and other adults have praise for the yung people and their enthusiasm. Most of the students go at their jobs with vigour and they work well together. On my site 10 to 15 different young people did ladder work in either stripping paint or caulking. Shawn Ford, Hayden Plourde and Darryl Gonzalez worked at significants heights. The Sawyer girls were troopers.
Each evening we gather the group for a half hour reflection. The students are asked to write one sentence impressions. Listed below is a sample of some that came out of Monday's gathering:

"Today was hot, but fun. I found Jesus today while doing the clean up in the apartments. I hope the elderly folks enjoy their new homes."

"Today at the apartment complex, I saw not the direct damage of the storm, but the actual aftermath."

"I felt fulfilled after today’s work and I’m even more anxious to get more done. I look forward to meeting more people who have survived and lived through Katrina."

"It felt really rewarding to be able to go into the homes this year and be able to build something instead of break things down."

"Today was a really good day. We were able to help strip down and clean an apartment building that was abandoned after Katrina hit. I felt like my small role will eventually play a big part."

You have to be impressed with the how these young people can view what they are doing.

We met the principal of Archbishop Hannan High School this afternoon and he tells us his school community is looking forward to Friday's scrimmage. Will tell y'all later about a few of the things
he said we could expect on Friday. The coach of Newman school complimented the players on their discipline and practice approach and expressed his thanks for the work they are doing--he is a life long resident and he truly appreciates the efforts of the boys and girls. Having seen the facilities at Newman several students want to stay-- both boys and girls!!

Local newspaper reporter came by to see us tonight so there might be a column I can refer you to later on. Photo to be taken today. Might be a TV camera at practice Wed. night.

Got to go now, but will try to add a "part 2" later on.

God Bless,
Coach

Monday, Aug. 25......First Day of Work

2008-08-25T22:46:00.002-05:00

Well, the rain stopped and the heat made its way in and we went off to work today.
Mom, dad, your young'uns got up today at 6:00 am and all were on the bus t 7:30 heading out to meet any challenge awaiting them.
After an orientation at a now unused Catholic Elementary school we were divided into three groups and sent to three different sites for very different tasks. One group of seven people were assigned the task of painting the interior of a house; a second group of seven worked on hanging doors and installing baseboard in another house and the third group--45 in all were assigned to a seniors' apartment. Their task was to remove the kitchen cabinetry in as many of the suites that they could. The job entailed removing the sink, and the upper and lower cupboards--while attempting to maintain the integrity of the drywall. The organization hoped we might get all 24 rooms on one of the floors completed. And we did. We got the 24 rooms done on all FOUR floors of the building!! All the cabinetry was removed to a central spot to be later dropped out to a dumpster. I'm guessing we may have saved them about three or four days' work.
Deanna Nitsopoulis now knows how to complete baseboard at a corner using the 'coping' method.
The Sawyer girls can't wait to do some painting at home. Chelsea Plourde is now my hero--she has achieved the nickname "tank" from her teammates--a compliment--- for the work she can do.....and Katie Golobic is not far behind in the estimation of many.
Had to scold Fr. Dave today. He goes at things gung ho and then gets bumps and bruises. His workmates keep saying: "Coach, can you please talk to Fr. dave and tell him to be careful?" I told Fr. I was going to phone his mother and have her talk with him!!
Kids are getting breakfast, including fruit; lunch, including fruit and lots of hydrating fluids. Now that the rain has gone, the humidity will soon follow.
Football facility over at Newman high school was treat for the players. Nice turf field and a plaque on the field house recognizing three brothers all of whom wore #18 during their days at Newman--Cooper, Peyton and Eli Manning. Players are looking forward to going back. U of T hockey player Lyndsey Ryan took advantage of Newman's fitness/weight room. Said she had not been in anything like it. I am encouraging all non football players to come with us at least once.
Melissa and Peter are taking lots of pictures and if I get a few moments in the next couple of days I'll post some of them.
Not a great impact on our first timers just yet, but we have much more to see.
Got to get some rest. Will add more tomorrow. Good night.
God Bless,
Coach

Sunday, August 24.

2008-08-24T18:57:00.003-05:00

Well, what is left of "Faye" made it into the city this morning. The storm was downgraded to a "tropical depression"---steady rain and reduced winds. Has rained all day and expect the same tonight and perhaps most of tomorrow. We will be hearing from our "Helping Hands" organization first thing in the morning as to whether there is a possibility to work or not.

The young people were introduced to New Orleans, it's culture; it's cuisine and some of "what's now wrong with it" during our time out last evening. The group of young people I traveled with experimented with the shrimp and crawfish on the menu, while others tried the Gumbo or Jambalaya or a Po-Boy.

The walk back to the hotel via Bourbon St. showed some of the 'decadence' that seems to be defining that area in this post-Katrina era. Many of you who may have visited New Orleans in the nineties would remember jazz and blues bars. These have been replaced by Rock bars or live dancing bars. i will be curious to know how your young people describe the experience.

We had been advised to pay attention to the wind vis a vis our trip over the bridge (5 miles long) back to Slidell to attend mass. We left our hotel in a slight drizzle but the rain and wind did pick up and after just a slight sway on said bridge we arrived safely at St. Genevieve Church. The veterans of our last trip recognized some of the parishioners and were happy to renew acquaintances. We will hear later how the experience impacted on our new participants.

Most groups spent this afternoon window or legitimate shopping at a mall close to the hotel--The Riverwalk. We managed to have what will probably be our last group meal at the Orleans Cafe at dinner time. Surroundings more elegant than many in the group might be used to and several entree choices. A good opportunity!!

Got our information re Monday's itinerary. Catholic Charities has several subsidiary groups so we will be divided into two groups and will do work that is appropriate to a "rain delay".
Wake up call is at 6:00 am so all should be in lights out mode now and I'm going to join them.
Will bring you up to date on work, and football practice, tomorrow nite.
God bless,
Coach

From Decatur, Alabama

2008-08-23T07:08:00.002-05:00

God bless Fr. Dave. He turns in very early each evening and is up before sunrise, so as his 'roomy' I get to hear the shuffle of newspaper about 6:30 am. But then again posting on this blog is easier in the am than it is at night when we supervision seems to occupy a lot of our time.

What a day Thursday was!! Neither the outcome of the football game nor the treatment we received from our hosts was what we had anticipated. Upon our arrival the ladies of the Liberty-Benton Bosster club had subs, drinks and brownies for each of us and our parents.
Just prior to kick-off both teams lined up at their respective 40 yard lines and the 30 odd member band played a) the school's fight song, b) our national anthem (sung very well) and the US anthem. As head coach I was then presented with a memento of the event---a commemorative football signed by all members of the L-B team; a US flag; and a plaque certifying that the flag had been displayed in Washington in recognition of this trip--WOW!
After the game we were once fed--pizza and root beer floats by the booster club.
Then....their head coach announced that during the game a raffle had been held (the winner to get that night's game ball) and a 50/50 draw was also conducted. We were then presented with the proceeds from the raffle and half of the proceeds of the 50/50. I won't post the amount but suffice to say that even with a dollar at par it was substantial!!

Had a full team dinner last night at Lgan's Restaurant just next door to our hotel. Good food and service. Thursday was Jack Nobile's birthday so he was feted by the restaurant staff. Actually it more like he was embarassed by the staff, but his 16th was recognized. His reaction: "I'll get you guys for that."

To secretary Hudson: I have permission to make this public. Your husban informed me Friday morning that already this trip has provided him with a first--and he is 75 yrs. old. He had to not only find and choose which clothes to wear but he also had to repack thoes clothes he had worn the day before!!

Keeping an eye on the movement of the storm. Phone call from "Helping Hands" say we may be 'rained out on Monday, but this morning's weather report seems to show the storm heading to northern Louisiana. Just have to wait.

The second van left Ajax on Friday morning with Toronto firefighter Peter Andrew behind the wheel. Just outside Cincinnati they had to pull over to see if they could assist with passengers from a rollover. Pete was not confident about health/welfare of driver. Please pray that he and his family were ok.

For those who were not able to read them, you may go to www.thecourier.com and look up the two articles written by the Findlay press. Will probably be in the 'archives'.

Moms/dads: everyone is well. No tears at all from Brooke. Damon and Dawndrea are doing fine. Dwyer participants seem to be ok.

We'll arrive in New Orleans' French Quarter this afternoon. I'll post again either tonite or tomorrow morning. Have a great day.
God Bless,
Coach

First Day of Our Newest Adventure

2008-08-22T07:01:00.003-05:00

Just a quick hello to bring everyone up to date on our first day out of Ajax.
after a very uneventful trip down here to Findlay, Ohio we help[ed our hosts out in dramatic fashion by handing them a 59-13 victory.
You can access details of the game at the local paper's website--www.thecourier.com
All and and everyone are well, and the team members came out with only a few bumps and bruises and wounded pride.
I will take some more time this evening to give some more elaborate details of the attention our hosts gave to us last night.
Must go get the sleepy warriors on the bus.
God Bless,
Coach Hughes

From my son

2007-03-28T07:28:00.000-05:00

Got this from my son a few days ago about a similiar trip 10 years ago.

Over 10 years ago, a group, very much like the students from Notre Dame, went to the slums of Hartford Connecticut to help with the Habitat for Humanity effort. During some afternoons, they got off work early to bring books to a local elementary school. The library was relatively bare and the literacy rate among the kids was extremely low, considering they lived in a first world country. The group of high school students were paired up and they read for an hour to the Grade 3 elementary school kids.
On the last day of the trip, the parents of the class we had read to, threw the raggedy bunch of Canadians a going away banquet, with wonderful food, fantastic company and a many teary thank yous. One little grade 3 student came up to his reading buddy at the end of the banquet and he grabbed the high school student by the hand and motioned that he had something to whisper to him. The little man cupped his ear and asked one question; “Can I come with you?” Never before has someone so little made such a profound impact on another life.
You ask what this has to do with you own sons and daughters experience in New Orleans? It is to remind you that this trip has changed them more than might be observed on them coming home or even in the coming months. The little boy in the story whispered this in my ear over ten years ago, and there is many times that I stop and think of the child. I am twenty eight years old and I still think of that trip because of it’s effects. Your sons and daughters may not be able to put everything into words, or they may not seem any different from the experience; but I assure you that when they are twenty eight, they will remember that week in New Orleans.
No two people are alike, no two experiences are alike, but every single one of those students will leave something of theirs in New Orleans, and each of them will take something away. It will be hard for the parents and even the chaperones on the trip to fully understand, but I can assure you that the people, the work, the laughs and tears, will hold a special place within each of them. Like me they will remember that little boy whispering in their ear.
Every one of you should be proud of what you did. It takes courage to have the desire to incite change. You have changed, your chaperones have changed, but most importantly you have changed the lives of those residents from the communities you all met.

Coach Hughes Jr.

God Bless

Dottie

2007-03-21T20:44:00.000-05:00

"Thank you"! It's been said more than once by me (directed at the other adults on the trip and at the students); by you the parents (directed at me and at the other adults); and by the residents of the various communities we visited (directed at any of us in sight). But there is one other person to whom we must all direct a very hearty THANK YOU, and that is Dottie Bourgeois. Dottie, and prior to Dottie's everpresence, her daughter Darby, served as our guardian angel in many ways.

Prior to us setting out, and particularly in the week leading up to March 8th Dottie was on the phone with me almost daily. She was attending to our comfort at the Holiday Inn; she was scoping the various establishments at which we could dine and she was bartering with various owners over deals for us on meals; she visited several of the locations we were to visit to be sure of the directions and to ensure that we afforded ourselves enough time to get from point A to point B; she was present at each of the job sites every day and brought our lunches to us --- having picked them up at the central Catholic Charities location; she ferried my nephew Brian all over to ensure he had sufficient footage for the documentary he will produce; most importantly she was there whenever we needed a question answered or we were seeking advice. Not to diminish Darby's involvement...Darby was my initial contact in Louisiana and she found the Holiday Inn for us and negotiated the incredible rate and made sure that we awere all located safely on the same floor. It was when Darby could no longer give the time she had hoped that Dottie filled that void.....And Dottie did all this while being a resident of a community an hour away from our hotel!!!

Dottie is a robust redhead whose family home was in the direct line of Katrina. While the property she shares with her husband--reverently referred to as Deacon Don--did not receive structural damage, they both had to spend several weeks here in Port Perry with another daughter while all the trees and debris were cleared from their land. Her presence in our our midst gave us a daily reminder of who we were serving and the immense gratitude that was showered upon us. She knew many of the people in the various communities outside of New Orleans proper that we visited and this allowed our communication with those groups to become more personal.

Sylvia Skrepichuk will tell you of her first encounter with Dottie. Having been directed to pull into the visitors rest stop some 10 miles inside Louisiana, Sylvia exited her car to be met with a huge hug and tears from Dottie who sported a sign on the rear windshield of her car reading "Canada"! Dottie had maps for all of us; directions for the bus driver to the hotel and to his parking location; directions for us to the Catholic Charities headquarters and a REFLECTION!!

She gave each of us a copy of the reflection and Tom Partlow read it to the students as we drove into the city. I can't do it justice by describing it but at some point all participants' parents will read it. She addressed the students on the patio later that Saturday evening and gave everyone very clear and stern instructions as to which areas were safe and which were not.

Some of the extraordinary things she did for us during the week were: she made sure the groups had treats on several of the days at the worksites; she kept us all stocked with juice and milk (at her and Don's expense), she taxied Brian to a restaurant to fill a "Po-Boy" supper order on Thursday night and she added 50 pieces of fried chicken to the order; she was at the bus each morning to ensure that Jim, the driver, knew the best route to take to our locations.

And she prayed with us at each of our masses and she and Don partied with us at the Simon's house on Friday afternoon. At the conclusion of the week Sylvia and two of the students presented her with a token of our appreciation but whatever we had given her would never have repaid her for all that she did. If parents want to thank someone for the safety of their sons/daughters and for the smoothness of the trip please think of Dottie!!

Dottie is a deeply religious person and I believe the following anecdote is not an exaggeration.

In the closing scene of the broadway production of Les Miserables is a line in a song which is: "To love another person is to see the face of God." I believe that for six days Dottie saw the face of God in the 68 people in our group.

Thanks Dottie, we love you too!!!

Tales (Part One)

2007-03-20T21:33:00.000-05:00

We've been home for almost 48 hours as I write this. Everyone was exhausted when leaving the bus on Sunday night, after a 14 hour ride from Nashville. This old man chalked the fatigue up to the work, the 'few' hours of sleep each night and the fact that being on a bus with 48 teenagers for that long a stretch isn't something most adults dream of doing. But now that I've been home for two days with two good night sleeps behind me I'm wondering why I'm still so tired and I can't help but think that it's going to take MORE time to get relief from the emotional exhaustion.

These past 11 days produced some real personal stories: some from the worksite; some from inside the individual; some from dreams; and some from experiences in New Orleans itself. Some are quite humorous while others are deeply emotional. Some can be shared by me while others must come from the student him/herself, and some of these will be told on the video.

During the next few days I would like to tell you some of the stories---and these are only the ones I know of---there are, I am sure, many more. Every now and then I will also take a day and post only pictures, of which there are hundreds!!

While driving home on Sunday I spent some time stopping at various seats on the bus to talk to the kids about their personal feelings re the trip. When I stopped at Jessica Boothe's seat she said, "Sir I have to tell you about my dream last night." Right across the aisle from her was Sam Elvin and Sam said, "Yes, you've got to hear this."

Jessica said, " I woke up around four o'clock this morning because I was dreaming that I was in one of the houses that we had been working on--even when I was awake at that moment I thought I was in that house."

Sam joined in to say, "And sir I was awake at the same time and I asked Jess why she was awake. When she told me I told her I was having the same dream!"

______________________________________________________________

A couple of the students have been awakened over this past week by the response of some of the Katrina victims. Our students have been overwhelmed by the number of people who, despite their hardship, perceive themselves to 'be blessed'. More tha once they heard residents say that they 'know God has a plan for me'. I think some of our young people will come away with a different perspective of hardship and how to view it. Someone once said to me that "God will never give you more than you can handle," and I think the people to whom we spoke in Louisiana believe that! If any of the readers are familiar with the piece of work entitled "Footprints" I think it's safe to say that many of the residents would be very much believers of the sentiment in that poem.

___________________________________________________________________

Stay tuned. Tomorrow I'll fill you in our one group's excursion for Chinese food and one young lady's experience at McDonalds.....Not every event was a 'great'.

Finally. You will see that the blog title has been changed.

The new title represents the collective name the group has chosen for itself: The Katrina Cougars. And "Our number is 11" represents the number of houses that we were successful in gutting over the three and a half days of work!!!!!

In Nashville

2007-03-18T00:06:00.000-05:00

Once again it's midnight and the old man's up making sure all the babes and, yes, the chaperones are accounted for.

An uneventful departure from New Orleans this morning and a smooth ride all the way. Arrived here with an hour to spare so we hightailed it right to the arena for the hockey game.

Any of our boys or girls who have attended a pro game in Canada will tell you the live product down here is very different. Gaylord Entertainment centre holds 16,000 and tonite' game was sold out. But there was also a giveaway promotion to the first 4,000 under 12 year olds and they were also all given away. Tells you the kind of crowd. Very good seats for $15, but the organization does well on its concessions and its souvenir shops---high priced.

Good game and the kids were the stars of the show. People were watching them all night long and they became even more curious when they found out we were from Canada. It was almost as if some were saying, "Hey if I watch these kids I'll know how to act at a hockey game."

Thank you's were also afforded when people here found out what we'd been doing!!

Kids and adults did a bit more exploring of the 'strip' downtown to pick up some last minute souvenirs. Here's an idea of what was available: Bus driver bought a paiur of cowboy boots for a $170 and the salesperson informed him that buying one pair entitled him to two more free pair.
Mrs. Amurao, watch out because Willard bought a fake ID--he now has a laminated ID card identifying him as Elvis!!

Bed time since wake up call comes early. We're looking to be on the road at 7:30 here (8:30 where you are) and are keeping our fingers crossed that we can be at Notre Dame by about 10:30....say a prayer.

Good night.

The Last Day

2007-03-17T06:52:00.000-05:00

I believe that the kids found Monday to Thursday to be the highlights of the trip; after all the work is what they came for--not to say the adults did not, but the adults were able to enjoy a 'piece of history' on Friday morning, that may or may not have gone over the students' heads.

Friday had been our 'visit to schools' day and we began as we usually did with bus departure at 7:15 am. We travelled north to Slidell to join the Grade 3 students from Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School at the morning mass. We met Fr. Connor, the younger of the two priests who serve OLL Parish and he led the kids in a liturgy that we could tell kept the interest of the young ones and had them laugh every now and then. The three yound ladies who read at the various parts of the service were outstanding--they pronounced all words perfectly and their voice and tone were both 'right on'.

Mass was followed by a slide presentation from the Vice Principal, Mr. Nichols. He led us through the photos showing OLL prior to the hurricane and several shots of the state of affairs during the storm. The school was 'destroyed' in that their 2005'06 school year was spent at an alternate location. The church, on the same property, now consists of only outside walls and a bell tower. Mr. Nichols showed us an architectural drawing of the plans for the new school which they hope will commence construction in September 2008. In the meantime they occupy portable classrooms albeit on their site. This presentation was followed by a tour of the destruction to the school and the church. Some of our photos will speak more loudly than my words.

The highlight, however, for the adults occured between the mass and Mr. Nichols' presentation. We were honoured by the presence of the former Archbishop of Washington and New Orleans, Archbishop Hannan. The high school we were to visit at noon that day was named in his honour and he has been viewed by all who know him as one of the most energetic, knowledgeable and humaniatrian men one could know. Archbishop Hannan at 93 years young was described to me, prior to his arrival, as somewhat frail---if he is frail, then I want to be like him when I am 94!!!
This man is bright, humorous and a fountain of knowledge and a legend (in my mind, though I know why only now). The background to our audience with the Archbishop is that in a conversation with the Principal of OLL (Mr. Kieffer) I mentioned we were to visit Hannan High. Mr. Kieffer let it be known that the Archbishop was still alive and that it might be possible for us to meet him. I assured him that we would definitely relish this chance. On Wedenesday, while here I received a phone call from the Pastor at OLL confirming our desire but he thought it might not work because our schedule and the Arcbishop's were not coinciding. Late that afternoon the Pastor called back and asked me, "How do you know the Archbishop?" I replied that I did not know him at all. His response was that the Archbishop wanted to meet us and that he was prepared to alter his schedule and to go out of his way to meet us. Why is this event seemingly so significant? Archbishop Hannan was the Archbishop or Washington in the decade from 1955-1965 and during that time was not only a close friend of the Kennedy family but a 'behind the scenes' advisor to President Kennedy More historically significant though is that Archbishop Hannan celebrated the Mass of Burial for John F. Kennedy in 1963!! For most of the adults this encounter with the Archbishop will remain one of their highlights.

For those of us who are native Montrealers the Archbishop surprised us with another little tidbit of his life. He spoke of visiting Canada when he was younger and once while in Montreal he Visited the chapel at the Oratory on the mountain and SPOKE with Brother Andre!! The Archbishop also served as the Chaplain for the 84th Airborne Reigiment in WWII and he was delighted to hear of the excursion being coordinated by Port Perry High SChool teacher, David Robinson to visit Vimy Ridge to celebrate the 90th anniversary.

Fr. Frank, the OLL Pastor paid a particular tribute to Canada by noting that in the immediate aftermath of Katrina St Bernard Parish in the Lower 9th were in dire need of help and no one from any of the US or New Orleans agencies would give help. It was left to the RCMP who came down and leant the support they could. Fr. Frank was glad to hear that our students had been able to work in St. Bernard.

All of the above info and it's taken us only until noon on Friday!!!!!

The early afternoon took us to Covington, 30 miles west of Slidell and a visit to Archbishop Hannan High. Friday was exam day so no students were available. We spoke briefly with both the Principal and VP and presented them with our donation. Hannan High originally sat in St. Bernard Parish in New Orleans. Katrina destroyed their building so they are situated at St. Joseph's Abbey north of Covington. The traveling distance from St. Bernard to the Abbey is approximately 90 minutes one way...The commitment to catholic eduaction for some families is so great that their students make the trip every day!!

After our presentation we changed into our 'play clothes', had some 'production' photos taken and made our way further north to Abita Springs for a traditional lenten Friday evening 'crawfish boil'. Scott and Connie Simon, our hosts and leaders of the local Youth Group, conscripted a few friends to cook pot after pot of crawfish and pan after pan of catfish. Congratulations to many of our Cougars for being brave enough to try something new---Brooke claimed, "I've never had seafood" and she tried both items. The Simons live on 10 acres so the kids had fun for several hours playing volleyball, basketball and, of course, some football. The adults finally got a minute or two to sit down and soak up some rays. Even after four days of very hard work the kids had ample energy to run, jump, laugh and sing 'til 7:30. The bus ride back to the hotel brought out their dulcet tones from their favourite TV theme songs---Excedrin headache # 45,602!!

Our hosts not only provided food, fun and friendship but also lots of goodies for us, most touching of which, and perhaps ironic, was a crucifix pendent made from 'flooring nails'!! But more about the gifts later. It's 7:30 here on Saturday and we're about to go to mass out on the patio before we head home. I'll sign off now and perhaps update after the hockey game tonight.

Bidding farewell from the 'big easy'.

THE Katrina Cougars

2007-03-15T23:43:00.000-05:00

Well our work detail is over, and from now on the students will will refer to themselves as #11, representing the total number of homes they have gutted. BUT all readers must note that gutting sometimes only refers to removing drywall and ceilings, fixtures , nails etc. In Many of the homes our teams gutted included, first of all, the remaoval of all of the belongings--belongings that had been sitting in the house since August, 2005. Today, for example, one group removed a motorcycle from the living room of a house; in the same house the refrigerator was elevated some four feet off the ground and was lying sideways--it was resting on the counter at one end and on the stove at the other. That groups 'pile' today had to be 25-30 feet long and at least 10 feet high..we have photos!!

Met a group from Texas today who were working on a house just down the street from us. The group consisted of about 20 people, mostly from one extended family with the youngest being 9 and the oldest, obviously, the parents. We met three of the young ones as we gathered at the 'ice cream' truck (what a treat for one of our breaks), and the little guy said in a Texas drawl "Is it rue y'all finished eleven homes?"

Had a team supper on the patio tonight (po boy sandwiches or pizza) and then shopping time in the River walk area or the Market area. Coach Hughes opted for the Market area because that's where Cafe du Monde is with its Cafe au Lait and Beignes!!! (Mr. Cicci, I got your mug)

Thought you might like to hear a bit about a ritual our site supporter engaged in each time we completed a house:
He would gather the whole team in one room, in a semi circle and thank us for our presence and our contribution. He would then suggest that we pray. He would offer thanks from the current resident for the great work we had done; he would then offer thanks from the future homeowner, because the original may not return; he would then suggest that we breath 'new life' into the house by speaking each of our names out loud, and we would do so around the circle. He would then close by leading us in the Our Father. Avery moving ritual each time.

Moms, dads and grandparents : you need to now that your young'uns are reading the blog and are seeing your comments and they are happy---I guess it relieves the homesickness if there is any. You will also be surprised to know that it has not been very difficult to have them rise at 6:00 am each morning and be on the bus at 7:15!! I wonder if the same enthusiasm will be apparent on Monday morning. After four days on the job they are pretty quick to accept a curfew of 11:00---at the bed check tonight I found two of the boys already asleep.

A public thank you to all of the adult support that has been generously given on this trip and thanks also to the parents for trusting us with your most valuable possessions--you have no idea how proud we are to have been in their presence and to have worked side by side with them these last couple of days. I think I can speak for all of the adults when I say that your sons and daughters have been inspirations to all of us!!

I'm looking forward to Friday because there is an opportunity for us to be in the presence and to speak to a man who played a significant role in one of the most dramatic events in U.S. history.
That's the suspence. I'll wrie and send photos Friday night.

Good night y'all.

From The Kids

2007-03-15T06:15:00.000-05:00

Thought before we went out this morning I'd give you a sampling of some of the sentiments of the larger group. After each reflection Joanna Romani has asked all the participants to write A sentence----Here is what some of them have said:

" I feel that I am fulfilling my role as a Christian, and also how strong people really are and how at bad times like these we truly see the good in people." Grade 10

"Although I have never met the family of the house we are working on I feel as though I have. I feel as though I know them after having gone through their house and belongings, but most of all I feel I know their pain. And I am only at the tip of the iceberg." Anon

"I feel a great sense of joy even though I sweating tired and aching because I'm helping myself AND others." Anon

"A heart warming, eye-opening emotional roller coaster." Grade 11

The trip so far has been full of hope and humor....a lot of humor." Anon

"Excited for the next day: tired yet sense of accomplishmnet after the day; not excited at all for the last day." Anon

" During this week, I have realized how working together to help get things done can really bring people together. It forms a community where people are not too shy or afraid to ask others if they need help. You meet people that you would not even think of talking to or getting along with." Grade 10

I am tired and home sick, and I have no clue what is keeping me going. I think it's hope or the thought that I'm doing something good.....or the food!" Anon

"It was amazing to be able to recover history of the homeowners and to be able to return it to them." Anon

"Too much work, not enough time." Anon

"Today was the seatiest, most tiring, unfair and aggravating day I have ever lived in my life....ever!" Anon

" I feel as if we are not only a school coming together to help others, but we are a family coming together to help ourselves." Grade 12

" I am so tired....but GOOD tired." Anon

"When thou has tried me
I shall shine like gold." Adult

"Admiring the work and overall progress our group completed at the end of the day left a very rewarding and satisfied feeling in my heart." Anon

"I fell that we did a lot of good things for thsat house. We turned a dark, messy and smelly home into a clean, fresh opportunity to start over and improve." Grade 10

WOW

Pictures Only

2007-03-14T14:51:00.000-05:00

Day two On Work Site

2007-03-13T22:13:00.000-05:00

A few blurry eyed faces this morning as the vehicles pulled out of the parking lot at 7:30 am!!

But the excitement was present because three of the four groups believed they would 'finish' a house and group two--those who had seen their work shut down on Monday--were looking forward to the day in which they could make the same boast.

Group one went back to the Lower 9th and continued on their two story house and by four pm the house was complete. Sam Elvin spoke of being moved when she came across a bible that had been 'dried open' after so many months and the passage she was able to read was "The Lord is my sheperd there is nothing I shall want." Matt D'sousa, an ND grad from 2005, working with the same group went out to the spot where the life jacket hung and as he stood there it began to rain. Shortly thereafter the rain stopped and the sun came out. Matt spoke to us saying he interpreted that this was a sign that someone was looking down and saying thank you for the work that was brightening up that house's existence!!

Group four, now dubbing themselves the "Homewreckers", after explaining that they had initially believed they would finish today, told us that they were introduced to an 'attic' in the house and that would have to be gutted as well. They told the tale of how they emptied the waterbed with no water available in the house to assist. They found a hose--how long had that been siiting out there---and Coach Gorringe decided he would assist by suctioning to get the flow going. He wasn't sure what had been less pleasant-the water or the gas in the old days!!!
They couldn't siphon so they cut the bladder and began to empty using pots and pans..

Group three--Team Extreme--completed the work on their first house and were then delivered to the Lower Ninth. Gutting began on a house and in only five hours the house was empty of its contents and much of the walls and ceilings have been removed. Ms. Marrin is doing her best to help Damon become less fearful of 'roaches'...he's not quite there yet.

Group two also began work in the Lower Ninth--right next door to a levee. Wall to wall furnishings and possessions had to come out. But again with the zeal that has become the trademark of all the groups, #2 came within an hour of having the house fully gutted and ready for the rebuilding work--after only xix hours!! The flooring at the back of this house is very weak, in contrast to the rest of the house which by the way is more than 200 years old. At the back is the laundry room and the washroom, which used to be the outhouse and simply affixed over time to the main structure. When we remove the bathtub tomorrow we will probably be looking at the ground below.

With so many of us now working in the Lower Ninth we are getting a real look at the breadth od destruction. Almost evry house on some blocks are destroyed. Though a few have been restored and in some cases the residence back, there are many, many more to go! But we've done the math; if we continue at our curent pace we may get 9 to 12 house fully gutted by the time we stop work on Thursday.

All your yung'uns are great. We have had a word with a couple of them but nothing for you to be alerted to and nothing that might even lend to them becoming better and more mature young men and women. Several students are being interviewed for the documentary that is being filmed. Their dining is somewhat varied...some opt for the simple Subways or McDonalds while others explore the options given to them by the adults. Subway looks after us each morning with breakfast and the price is quite good.

Our reflection time has been sensitive and entertaining. These young people continue to get to know a little bit more about each other and I would think they will continue to converse when back at school next week.

That's it for tonight. Another set of adventures tomorrow. God bless.
I'm going to try to include some pictures here.

Midnight Monday

2007-03-12T23:35:00.000-05:00

I sure would like to get onto this page before this time of night, but everything is so busy.

Our first day of work today. What an eyeopener, and really emotional experience. We get the lowdown for each day at a reflection session we hold each night for an hour (starts at 8 or 8:30) out on our patio.

Four groups of 17 people were sent to locations to work. After meeting at a local church (former church that is) and listening to a truly tragic and sad story from Kathy (more later) we headed out.

Group one to Lower 9th Ward; Group two, three and four to East New Orleans (near lake Pontchartrain) and each with very different assignments.

In Lower 9th a home not attended to at all since August 2005. All goods had to be removed, walls to be torn down etc. But, job should be complete by end of Tuesday. Mrs. Sawyer, ask what Brooke's favorite part was!! Ask any of those working at that site what he/she thought of the life jacket hanging from a second floor window, or about another house in the area where the front steps now sit under the front window not the door!!

Group three given a house with a cleaned interior but needing the walls and ceilings to be torn down. That house will also be completed on Tuesday.

Group four arrived at their house to meet the owner who had visited several times but still had not seen any of her possessions removed. At first she said that did not want to keep any of the items---she was just glad that it was going to be gutted. The group started to show her certain items and she began to change her mind. Mrs. Bachmeier you can be particularly proud of Ryan ( I think). He came across a photo album that appeared to have only ruined pictures, but he found one clear picture. He took it out to the lady and she realized the picture was of her mother and it was the only one that she now had left!!! Several members of that group spoke during the reflection about the fact that this excursion was broadening their circle of friends/acquaintances.

Group two was the last to be deposited at its site. We also met the house's owner, real name is Handsome--no kidding, and he told us he has moved his family to the other side of Baton Rouge and he commutes to work each day---$150 a week on gas. He was so happy to know his house was to be readied for reconstruction. We worked at breakneck speed and had the interior goods removed and several of the walls torn down. We took a group break with an hour to go so we could plan our tasks for the final push for the day. Not five minutes into the break the ceiling in one of the bedrooms collapsed. After the arrival of two supervisors it was determined that the termite damage was too severe for us to continue and the job was stopped. The owner returned shortly thereafter tio receive that bad news. Our spirits fell with his and the impetus for work during the last 60 minutes diminished significantly. We'll get a new site tomorrow.

Several adults have expressed how impressed they are with the 'adult' approach the boys and girls are taking. Tasha Nimmo is my hero--you should have seen the gusto at which she attacked those drywall partitions and brought them down. There is no gender discrimination on the job site!! Samantha Rao has found a hero also in the supervisor whose real name is Amy, but to Sam she is Hercules!

Subway is providing some good breakfasts and lunch is nothing to give awards for but supper is on the kids and they know how to look after themselves. Adult interests are giving students several choices. After the reflection tonight the kids had a chance to go swimming and that was a big hit. Same schedule tomorrow.

I know you are looking for pictures and I'm anxious to get them out, but time is not on my side.
I have the greatest intentions, but you all know what road is paved with those. I'll try tomorrow.
Til then, have a great day ya'll.

PS: Kathy..Sadly Kathy lost everything in the hurricane,as did her mother. But more importantly her mother was dying from cancer at the time Katrina struck and she asked if she could stay in New Orleans and die in her hoem. Medical experts said no; she was evacuated and died in Memphis away from her daughter!!

PPS: When people here in NO say "Thank You" we can really sense the sincerity.

Day One (1) In The Big Easy!!

2007-03-12T00:06:00.001-05:00

It's past midnight here on Sunday night---a long, very eventful day.
But first of all. We obviously arrived in New Orleans, again safely and soundly and right on schedule: about 7 pm on Saturday. A lot to say about the trip down from Nashful but will have to wait until Monday to give more details. Only want to say that as we drove through Haittiesburg, Mississippi we thought about dropping in on Brett Favre, but not enough time. We were met at the border by our ever present, ever faithful friend and navigator, Dottie Bourgeois. She had maps, discount cards and a very thoughtful reflection for us to share with the students.
Got caught in parade traffic on Canal street but arrived at hotel in enough time for all students to see a bit of the parade and garner a few beads---no mom, none of the girls were compromised to secure the goods! A late supper, an orientation from Catholic Charities rep and then it was time to hit the sack. And it was just a little disappointing to see one student slinking into his room, from another one, at 3:15 AM!!!! We'll talk.

Sunday we were off to Slidell and mass at St. Genevieve. Picked up a take out breakfast from a local favourite--Mother's, and y'all (we learned that down here) have to as you kids how much they enjoyed the 'grits'..

Saw much more of the devastation on the way to Slidell and saw the bulldozed plot of land upon which the former St. Genevieve stood. Students were introduced to a bayou and I have to say I have never seen a group of Notre Dame students look SOOOO SHARP in the school's six years!!! Fr. Dave concelebrated mass and four of the students presented he gifts at the offertory. The music during the celebration was, in our view, a 'little bit Catholic and a little bit Southern Baptist'. It made quite an impression as the kids seem to have adopted the closing 'hymn'---"This Little Light of Mine" as our theme song.

I must spend a considerable amount of time talking about our presentation to the Parish and the interaction between our group and the parishioners but will have to wait until the morning/or after work to give you the full story. It's getting quite late now and 6:30 will come quickly. Hope also to have some photos as we have downloaded a couple of hundred to the hard drive!!!!

Keep the comments coming---
God Bless

Coach Hughes---from the home of the Saints

In Nashville

2007-03-09T22:04:00.000-05:00

Well, we made it safely and soundly. At approximately 8:30 CST we pulled into the Best Western parking lot here in Nashville, Tennessee.
Fairly uneventful trip. Crossed the border with no issues whatever and picked up our new driver, Jim, who came on board with his own portable GPS system....she even speaks!!! eg "go seven and one quarter miles and keep right."
If anyone on the bus got more than three hours sleep he/she should receive an award. We celebrated Jessica Boote's 18th birthday with an awful rendition of "Happy Birthday"; watched Tallidega Nights and while the adults struggled to get some shuteye the younguns just talked--some semblence of silence crept in around two am!

Our visit to the Country Music hall of Fame managed to keep most students' attention for perhaps thirty seconds---Brooke Sawyer being the exception. It must be noted though that prior to our visit to the Hall we had a true adventure in trying to find a 'breakfast' establihment in Nashville. According to a local police constable, on a truly beautiful motorcyle, "You can't get breakfast in Nashville"!!!

Our visit to Titan Stadium, I believe, is something everyone will remember---from the dressing room, to the field, onto the luxury boxes and finally the top row of the stadium (seats 68,000).
Our host will very gracious and friendly and wished us well!!!

Our fellow travellers arrived just before supper time, so with a reservation for 70 in hand we headed off the Market Street Brewery and Public House Restaurant.

All adults are hoping for some quiet time tonight and an opportunity to catch up on some much needed sleep before we hit the road on Saturday at about 9 am.

Stay tuned tomorrow night for an update on our last leg of this journey and some photos from today's visits!!!!!

God Bless,
Coach Hughes

Cajuns vs Acadiens

2007-02-24T21:12:00.000-05:00

The irony in the reality. Two weeks ago we hosted a 'cajun' dinner at the school to assist with the realization of our fundraising goals. In two weeks we set off for New Orleans and a week among the Cajuns of Louisiana. On Thursday, Feb. 22 I found myself driving with my wife from Halifax to the District of Clare in Southwest Nova Scotia through that area of our country where the ancestors of today's 'cajuns' began!!!
The city of Wolfville, Nova Scotia, home to Acadia University and at nearby Grand Pre the highest tides in the world, is considered to be the central location from which the French settlers were dispersed through various locations in North America in 1755. Though many settled in New England an equally large number continued their voyage and ended up in Louisiana and their desecndents are now known as Cajuns. I look forward to the opportunity to look into the phone directories in New Orleans to see if I can find surnames such as Comeau, Boudreau, Deveau, Belliveau, Saulnier (the spellings of which may have been altered through the centuries).
Enough of the history...how about some geography. There is no more snow on the ground here than at home in Port Perry, but the wind......woooah. This community of Salmon River sits less than 200 yards from the Bay of Fundy and the winds from the southwest come up at least once a day and turn what may be a pleasant 0 degree day into a bitterly cold one. In my 35 years married I have not visited this area in the wintertime...takes a death to bring us here! I have seen the Bay in the summertime with its beautiful clear blue waters. Today when one looks out one sees only dark grey, frigid looking waves.
From here to the City of Meteghan, a distance of approximately 20 kms, there are 3 Catholic churches (bilingual, but mostly French communities). There are 3 masses each week-end.....one in each of the communities with English and French language masses alternating each week-end. We attended the Saturday afternoon mass and my 28 year old son appeared to be the youngest person present!!!
There are culinary treats(?) and specialties where everyone travels--jambalaya for example in New Orleans. Here in Clare District it is Rappure, athough it's pronounced Rappi Pie. To describe it does not really do it justice. Very few 'Upper Canadians" that I have known can handle the consistency and enjoy it---certainly not on the first try. It is made with chicken, potatoes that have been wrung out to eliminate the moisture, water and chicken broth and enough pork fat to make it quite unhealthy!!! People down here eat it by the plateful and it is a complete meal in itself!! Can't describe it any other way.
What about the trip.....Well, all of our fundraisers are now at an end. On Wednesday, the 21st an intimate, by invitation only, dinner was held at Deer Creek Golf Club. Besides the paying guests, Kevin Eiben and Andre Talbot of the Argos were in attendance as well as Jason Pearson and Samantha Rao representing our group. Nikii Gelmanovski, a grade 11 student photographer rounded out the group. All attendees went home with a photo autographed by Kevin and Andre, and each of the 2 hosts took home an autographed Argo jersey. The Cougars for Katrina took home $8500!!! (photos to come later)
This last two weeks will now be devoted to the final touches including contact with schools and churches in the NO area to determine which ones will be the recipients of our funds.
Our traveling group now sits at 71 total persons and we must thank Boyer Pontiac/Buick and Enterprise Car Rental for their joint support in providing us with the necessary vans at a reasonable cost!
Finally, wait until you see the gift sent to us by the New Orleans Saints. It is something I believe we should retain at the school, in our program, as a lifelong keepsake of this excursion---I'll show it to everyone at the meeting on the 1st.
See everyone then!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Cajun Dinner Summary

2007-02-13T01:45:00.000-05:00

Friday, February 9th marked the first, and perhaps only, Cajun Dinner in support of Cougars for Katrina Relief. Approximately 160 parents, teachers, and friends of Cougar football dined on a three course meal of true cajun fare including gumbo, jambalaya and delicious bread pudding, all in an effort to raise further funds for the residents of New Orleans.

Included in the evening was a Silent Auction that included 57 items! The most popular items in terms of bids were an autographed Ricky Williams Argonaut Jersey; a Dewalt Mitre saw and two tickets to an upcoming Maple Leaf game vs the Lightning! These items may have garnered the greatest sums of money, but those Toronto Firefighter Sweatshirts and Calendars brought the most attention.

By all accounts the evening was a success. My compliments to chefs Brian and Karen from the Cajun Corner Restaurant on Queen St. East in Toronto. Drop in and say hello when you are downtown. The restaurant is just west of Carlaw!

My thanks to Frank and Rhea Baxter and her beau for their assistance at the ticket table, behind the bar and waiting tables---they all did a bit of each!

Thanks also to staff members Caroline Jover and Katrine Marrin for the bartending services.

Lastly, a very special thanks to Cougar alumni Matt D'Sousa, Lance Poole, Andrew Collymore and Chris Dahiroc for their assistance to Brian and Karen. Their willingness to give up a Friday night to give back to the school is a perfect example of being 'people for others'!!

Peter Andrew and Joanna Romani took a boat load of photos that night and I've included just a small sample. ENJOY.

Welcome

2007-02-02T23:52:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the Cougars for Katrina Relief Blog. Now that I have rejoined the ranks of the retired, happily I must admit, I am in a position to keep all interested parties up to date on the excursion to New Orleans.

At a meeting yesterday 34 boys and 14 girls were informed that they will be the young people traveling from March 8 to the 17th to New Orleans, Louisiana via Nashville to assist with rebuilding efforts after the devestation of Hurricane Katrina. This project has been in the planning stages for the past nine months and both the students and the adults who will accompany them are beginning to get excited.

The intent of my blog is to give readers day by day, blow by blow descriptions of events leading up to our departure and a first hand look at our activities at the close of each day.

Parents will be able to view their students on-line and will be able to post messages to them from home.

The second purpose of this page is to further intoduce you to the Cougar Football team, particularly its activities over the past twelve months. I will be posting photos from last May's Lung Association's Pull For Kids competition as well as some photos from our season, including some taken in Canton, Ohio.

Parents should feel free to send me photos they may have taken during the season so they may also be included.

Let the fun begin!