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President’s Report

PRESIDENT REPORT JULY 2021

Hoping everyone had a happy Fourth of July celebration. We are very grateful for those that have fought for our freedom. Independence Day is one of the best holidays both for what we celebrate and how we celebrate it. “America is hope. It is compassion. It is excellent. It is valor. “– Paul Tsongas

The heat is upon us and my best advice in dealing with the heat is to take it slow when working outdoors. Drink plenty of fluids before you venture out and take multiple breaks to cool your body temperature down. Remember if you become dizzy, nauseous, lightheaded or your heart is pounding get out of the heat immediately and seek medical attention if needed. Heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and dehydration can be life-threatening. Please be safe and if you see a neighbor in need please get involved and offered to help. We have many fragile residence in our area and helping them to bring the garbage can to the curb and back or assisting with moving landscaping debris to the curb for pick up is a great help.

Neighborhood News

“To be a good neighbor is one of life’s richest joys.” The Daily Quibble

“It’s all about being good neighbors.” Ron Pistoresi

STCA is fortunate to have Chappy Eppling spearheading beautification projects in the neighborhood. Dodge Street at Jefferson Highway is the location of the first project. The neighborhood association is working with Councilman Deano Bonano and Jefferson Parish Parkway Division Director, Bryan Parks. Trees have been trimmed and a new Live Oak was planted. A “Welcome to our Neighborhood “ sign is in the development phase. This project is being funded by Councilman Deano Bonano, so we want to extend our gratitude to him at the upcoming meetings. We want all areas of our neighborhood to be appealing. These beautification projects are essential in attracting new families and businesses. If you have recommendations on beautification projects, please submit this information at the membership table.

STCA is also discussing the possibility of fencing in a small area at Jefferson Playground for a dog park. Jefferson Highway is being resurfaced so be mindful of road construction. There is a zoning change proposal for Big Easy Blends located on Saint George Avenue. There will be a representative at the July 13, 2021 General Membership Meeting.

May 2021 Meeting Recap

The General Membership Meeting was held on Tuesday, May 11, 2021 at Jefferson Playground Golden Age Center (4100 South Dr.). This meeting address the “The State of the Parish.” Our guess speakers were Scott Walker Council at Large and Deano Bonano, our Council District 2 Representative. It was very interesting to hear about the progress Jeferson Parish is making and specifically projects that impact our neighborhood.

July 13, 2021 Meeting

The Meeting will be held at Jefferson Playground Golden Age Center, (4100 South Dr.). Doors will open at 6:30 PM and the meeting will begin promptly at 7 PM. Allen Dyess the Coordinator of Emergency Preparedness for Jefferson Parish government will be presenting on Hurricane Preparedness. There will also be a presentation by Mr. Sal LaMartina representing Big Easy Blends located on Saint George Avenue adjacent to Pecan Grove. The company is proposing a zoning change from M1 to M2. This shift would go from light manufacturing to Industrial. It is important that you come to the meeting to hear about the proposal, ask questions, and to voice your opinion because any zoning change impacts the neighborhood. We will also have JPSO represented to report on crime stats and to answer questions and propose ideas on how to help keep our neighborhood safe.

We are very grateful to all our members for wearing masks during the meetings. It is evident that we care for each other. We are asking members to continue to wear masks during the meeting except when eating and drinking to promote a safe environment for all members.

Upcoming Events

The following dates have been approved for our General Membership Meetings.

September 14, 2021.

Guest speakers: House of Representative Laurie Schlegel, and Senator Cameron Henry

October – Night Out Against Crime Party TBD

November 9, 2021

If you have a recommendation for a topic of interest for our neighborhood meetings, please let us know because we are here to meet the needs of our association. There will be a comment box available when you walk into the meeting for suggestions and/or feedback.

THERE IS STILL TIME TO RENEW OR JOIN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION!!!! BECOME A MEMBER TODAY – A SINGLE MEMBERSHIP IS JUST $10.00 AND A FAMILY MEMBERSHIP IS ONLY $20.00. JOINING IS EASY ON OUR WEBSITE suburbanterrace.org, AT MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS, OR YOU CAN MAIL YOUR MEMBERSHIP PAYMENTS TO:

STCA MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE,

304 CENTRAL AVENUE

JEFFERSON, LA 70121

THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT.

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed people can change the world. It is the only thing that ever has…..”

Stacey Spies PhD

Vice President STCA

President’s Report

Presidents Report May 2021

There is still time to renew or join your neighborhood association!!! Become a member today – a single membership is just $10 and a family membership is only $20. Joining is easy on our website at suburbanterrace.org, at membership meetings, or you can mail your membership payments to: STCA Membership Committee,

C/O 304 Central Ave., Jefferson, Louisiana 70121. Thank you for your continued support.

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed people can change the world. It is the only thing that ever has…”

STCA has been identified as the strongest civic association in the surrounding areas. It’s not because we are an affluent neighborhood; it’s because of hard work and dedication from our board members and from a membership participation. In order for us to continue our work, we need your participation. Please renew your membership even if you are unable to attend meetings.

We have experienced tumultuous storms over the past month and an increase in total rainfall this April compared to previous months. It’s been a perfect time for us to examine our yard drainage needs and to assess the status of our roof. If you are experiencing roof leaks, this would be a good time to make those repairs before hurricane season starts on June 1, 2021. If you are able, let’s support our local businesses for our needs. The STCA will be reaching out to our local businesses to update the business membership and will identify those businesses that are supporting our neighborhood association. If you know of any local businesses that may be interested in becoming a business member, please submit the names at the membership table.

NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS

Good neighbors make a huge difference in your quality of life. “I always thought I had good neighbors. It turns out I have the best neighbors in the world.” Jim Casey

We welcome a new business in our community on Jefferson Highway and Jefferson Park Avenue., Los Olanchanos, which is across the street from Subway. The restaurant serves hot Honduran food with some Mexican dishes. The owner is warm and friendly and the food has received good reviews on the Next-Door Neighbor app. We love diversity in the neighborhood and look forward to other new businesses.

STCA has begun beautification projects in the neighborhood. Dodge Street at Jefferson Highway is the location of the first project. The neighborhood association is working with Councilman Deano Bonano and the Parkway Division to trim trees, put new signage, and a garden bed with Lighting at the entrance. A 45 gallon Live Oak tree will be planted in the 2nd Median. This project is being funded by Councilman Deano Bonano, so we want to extend our gratitude to him at the May 11, 2021 meeting. Our second project involved purchasing mulch for a garden at Jefferson Playground. We thank those individuals that are tending to this garden. We want all areas of our neighborhood to be appealing. These beautification projects are essential in attracting new families and businesses. If you have recommendations on beautification projects,

please submit this information at the membership table.

MARCH 2021 MEETING RECAP

On March 9, 2021 General Membership Meeting was held at Jefferson Playground Golden age Center (4100 South Drive). Brooke Burmaster, Director of the Streets Department, was in attendance to provide an update and address concerns regarding drainage and street projects.

We were also very fortunate to have the opportunity to meet the candidates that ran for the vacant State Representative position. This vacant position was filled by Laurie Schlegel. JPSO was also present with the neighborhood crime stats from 1st and 4th district for us and answered all concerning questions from our members.

MAY 2021 MEETING

The General Membership Meeting Will be held on Tuesday, May 11, 2021 at Jefferson PlaygroundGolden Age Center (4100 South Drive). The doors open at 6:30 PM and we will start promptly at 7 PM. Prepackaged refreshments will be provided. We are very grateful to all of our members for wearing masks during the meetings. It is evident that we care for each other. We are asking members to continue to wear masks during the meeting except when eating and drinking to promote a safe environment for all members. Further guidance will be provided as restrictions continue to be lifted.

This meeting will address the “State of the Parish”. Our guest speaker will be At Large Councilman, Scott Walker and Deano Bonano, our Council District 2 Representative. We especially want to address vacant buildings in our area. One in particular is Jefferson Elementary school and Ochsner’s plan for the building. It is a challenge to minimize vacant buildings on Jefferson Highway; however, we must continue to hold public officials and business owners responsible for maintaining vacant buildings.

We will also have JPSO represented with our finest men in blue to report on crime stats and to answer questions and propose ideas on how to help keep our neighborhood safe.

UPCOMING EVENTS

The following dates have been approved for our General Membership Meetings.

July 13, 2021

September 14, 2021

October – Night Out Against Crime Event TBD

November 9, 2021

If you have a recommendation for a topic of interest for our neighborhood meetings, please let us know because we are here to meet the needs of our association. There will be a comment box available when you walk into the meeting for suggestions and/or feedback.

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

Happy Mother’s Day!

Happy Father’s Day!

Happy Fourth of July!

Stacey Spies PhD

Vice President STCA

President’s Report

January 2021

President’s Report

January 2021

JANUARY IS A MEMBERSHIP DRIVE MONTH. THERE IS STILL TIME TO RENEW OR JOIN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION!!! BECOME A MEMBER TODAY- A SINGLE MEMBERSHIP IS JUST $10 AND A FAMILY MEMBERSHIP IS ONLY $20. JOINING IS EASY ON OUR WEBSITE suburbanterrace.org OR YOU CAN MAIL YOUR MEMBERSHIP PAYMENT TO: STCA Membership Committee, c/o 304 Central Avenue, Jefferson, LA 70121. WE LOOK FORWARD TO YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT AND TO MEETING NEW MEMBERS. “ALONE, WE CAN DO SO LITTLE; TOGETHER,WE CAN DO SO MUCH”- Helen Keller

Mardi Gras is upon us and although the parades have been cancelled, we can still celebrate in spirit. It is a good time to reflect upon the symbolism of Mardi Gras. Everyone knows the colors of Mardi Gras.  Purple represents justice. Green represents faith and gold represents power. During this Mardi Gras season, let’s all draw upon our faith for a happier and healthier new year. Historically, the colors of Mardi Gras were traced back to the first Rex parade in 1872.  Purple was chosen because it is the color of royality, gold was chosen because it is a metal fitting for a king, and green was chosen because it was an acceptable color for a coat of arms. Flags have three colors and so the flag that flew over Carnival was purple, green, and gold. According to legend, Mardi Gras colors influenced the choice of colors for archrivals LSU and Tulane. 

The practice of throwing beads at Mardi Gras was inspired by Renaissance festivals prior to Lent. Revelers tossed things into the air in celebration of the coming fast.  Hopefully this Lenten season of reflection will help faciliatate healing, kindness, and understanding toward others in our community.  I am looking forward to the wonders and beauty of Spring but appreciate this time of reflection. As our community continues to grow and change, I look forward to another year of working with everyone. 

Neighborhood News

JPSO continues to give us encouraging news about our low crime rates in Old Jefferson. Please keep up the great work we do by reporting any suspicious activities and/or suspicious persons. State Representative Charles Henry resigned. There will be an election on March 20, 2021 to fill this vacancy. There are also two important millage renewals for water and sewerage: Consolidated Waterworks District No. 2 and Consolidated Sewerage District No. 1

Accomplishments by STCA in 2020:

  1. Continued with our safe streets initiative to address speeding.
  2. Hosted a successful night out against crime event.
  3. Identified areas of concern in our neighborhood and presented these concerns to our new Councilman.
  4. Have assisted JPSO in reducing crime in our area by promoting awareness and encouraging residents to report any suspicious activities/persons.
  5. Worked with code enforcement to reduce business and residential violations.
  6. Continuing efforts to maintain zoning restrictions are ongoing. We worked in collaboartion with Councilman Deano Bonano regarding rezoning a piece of property in the neighborhood. 
  7. Have encouraged and supported Jefferson Parish for maintaining the trees on Jefferson Highway and have established a committee to spearhead beautification projects within our neighborhood.
  8. Continue to assist and support the individual needs of our association members with regards to neighborhood nusiances.
  9. Added new board members to keep a fresh perspective of our neighborhood needs

November 2019 Meeting Recap

Drainage Director Mitch Theriot spoke about upgrades to the canals and pump stations. The phase I Central Ave Project was completed. The Parish has plans to update waterlines and drainage for the rest of Central Ave. 

There was also discussion about the proposed Mesa development on Cross and St. George. Through negotiations, the project was coverted from a multifamily complex to six houses thanks to Councilman Deano Bonano!

As usual, JPSO was present to discuss neighborhood incidents. Reports indicated juveniles attempting to break into cars and a car jacking in Audobon Trace on Halloween. 

We had a wonderful turkey raffle. A TREMENDOUS THANK YOU to Kim Catalano Realestate, for Donating 10 Turkeys for the giveaway. She brightened up your Thanksgiving and remind us all that this was the season to give from the heart.

January 2020 Meeting

Due to the increase in Covid-19 cases in Jefferson Parish, this meeting was cancelled to help promote the safety of our members. The STCA board continues to meet to plan for 2021. We are looking at a “plant a tree” campaign to beautify the neighborhood and to assist with drainage as the trees mature. We are also identifying other beautification projects that will add lighting and freshen-up entrance points. If you have a recommendation for an area that needs some maintenance/beautification, please send me the information.

Upcoming Events

The following dates have been approved for our General Membership Meetings.

March 9, 2021

May 11, 2021

July 13, 2021

September 14, 2021

October-Night Out Against Crime TBD

November 9, 2021

On March 9, 2021, we have Brook Burmaster Director of the Streets Department scheduled to provide an update and address concerns. We will have 2 candidates speaking for the State Representative seat: Edwin “Eddie” Connick and Laurie Schlegel. We will also reach out to see if there are other candidates for the vacant State Representative position and offer them an opportunity to speak at our meeting. 

If you have a topic that you would like addressed in the future, please let me know. This is your association and we are here to help provide the information you would like to hear about. We will keep you posted regarding the status of having in-person meetings. Safety of our membership is priority. 

Happy Mardi Gras and a Blessed Lenten Season!

Stacey Spies, Ph.D.

Vice President STCA

President’s Report

January 2021

President’s Report

January 2021

JANUARY IS A MEMBERSHIP DRIVE MONTH. THERE IS STILL TIME TO RENEW OR JOIN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION!!! BECOME A MEMBER TODAY- A SINGLE MEMBERSHIP IS JUST $10 AND A FAMILY MEMBERSHIP IS ONLY $20. JOINING IS EASY ON OUR WEBSITE suburbanterrace.org OR YOU CAN MAIL YOUR MEMBERSHIP PAYMENT TO: STCA Membership Committee, c/o 304 Central Avenue, Jefferson, LA 70121. WE LOOK FORWARD TO YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT AND TO MEETING NEW MEMBERS. “ALONE, WE CAN DO SO LITTLE; TOGETHER,WE CAN DO SO MUCH”- Helen Keller

Mardi Gras is upon us and although the parades have been cancelled, we can still celebrate in spirit. It is a good time to reflect upon the symbolism of Mardi Gras. Everyone knows the colors of Mardi Gras.  Purple represents justice. Green represents faith and gold represents power. During this Mardi Gras season, let’s all draw upon our faith for a happier and healthier new year. Historically, the colors of Mardi Gras were traced back to the first Rex parade in 1872.  Purple was chosen because it is the color of royality, gold was chosen because it is a metal fitting for a king, and green was chosen because it was an acceptable color for a coat of arms. Flags have three colors and so the flag that flew over Carnival was purple, green, and gold. According to legend, Mardi Gras colors influenced the choice of colors for archrivals LSU and Tulane. 

The practice of throwing beads at Mardi Gras was inspired by Renaissance festivals prior to Lent. Revelers tossed things into the air in celebration of the coming fast.  Hopefully this Lenten season of reflection will help faciliatate healing, kindness, and understanding toward others in our community.  I am looking forward to the wonders and beauty of Spring but appreciate this time of reflection. As our community continues to grow and change, I look forward to another year of working with everyone. 

Neighborhood News

JPSO continues to give us encouraging news about our low crime rates in Old Jefferson. Please keep up the great work we do by reporting any suspicious activities and/or suspicious persons. State Representative Charles Henry resigned. There will be an election on March 20, 2021 to fill this vacancy. There are also two important millage renewals for water and sewerage: Consolidated Waterworks District No. 2 and Consolidated Sewerage District No. 1

Accomplishments by STCA in 2020:

  1. Continued with our safe streets initiative to address speeding.
  2. Hosted a successful night out against crime event.
  3. Identified areas of concern in our neighborhood and presented these concerns to our new Councilman.
  4. Have assisted JPSO in reducing crime in our area by promoting awareness and encouraging residents to report any suspicious activities/persons.
  5. Worked with code enforcement to reduce business and residential violations.
  6. Continuing efforts to maintain zoning restrictions are ongoing. We worked in collaboartion with Councilman Deano Bonano regarding rezoning a piece of property in the neighborhood. 
  7. Have encouraged and supported Jefferson Parish for maintaining the trees on Jefferson Highway and have established a committee to spearhead beautification projects within our neighborhood.
  8. Continue to assist and support the individual needs of our association members with regards to neighborhood nusiances.
  9. Added new board members to keep a fresh perspective of our neighborhood needs

November 2019 Meeting Recap

Drainage Director Mitch Theriot spoke about upgrades to the canals and pump stations. The phase I Central Ave Project was completed. The Parish has plans to update waterlines and drainage for the rest of Central Ave. 

There was also discussion about the proposed Mesa development on Cross and St. George. Through negotiations, the project was coverted from a multifamily complex to six houses thanks to Councilman Deano Bonano!

As usual, JPSO was present to discuss neighborhood incidents. Reports indicated juveniles attempting to break into cars and a car jacking in Audobon Trace on Halloween. 

We had a wonderful turkey raffle. A TREMENDOUS THANK YOU to Kim Catalano Realestate, for Donating 10 Turkeys for the giveaway. She brightened up your Thanksgiving and remind us all that this was the season to give from the heart.

January 2020 Meeting

Due to the increase in Covid-19 cases in Jefferson Parish, this meeting was cancelled to help promote the safety of our members. The STCA board continues to meet to plan for 2021. We are looking at a “plant a tree” campaign to beautify the neighborhood and to assist with drainage as the trees mature. We are also identifying other beautification projects that will add lighting and freshen-up entrance points. If you have a recommendation for an area that needs some maintenance/beautification, please send me the information.

Upcoming Events

The following dates have been approved for our General Membership Meetings.

March 9, 2021

May 11, 2021

July 13, 2021

September 14, 2021

October-Night Out Against Crime TBD

November 9, 2021

On March 9, 2021, we have Brook Burmaster Director of the Streets Department scheduled to provide an update and address concerns. We will have 2 candidates speaking for the State Representative seat: Edwin “Eddie” Connick and Laurie Schlegel. We will also reach out to see if there are other candidates for the vacant State Representative position and offer them an opportunity to speak at our meeting. 

If you have a topic that you would like addressed in the future, please let me know. This is your association and we are here to help provide the information you would like to hear about. We will keep you posted regarding the status of having in-person meetings. Safety of our membership is priority. 

Happy Mardi Gras and a Blessed Lenten Season!

Stacey Spies, Ph.D.

Vice President STCA

January – February 2016

I hope you, your family and friends have a happy, healthy and prosperous 2016. Our next membership meeting will
be Tuesday, January 12, 2016 in the gymnasium on the 2nd floor at Jefferson Playground for 7:00 p.m. Drinks and refreshments will be on hand. We hope to discuss several topics from progress on our new website, beautification on Jefferson Highway, plans to restructure our social events and get your opinion on what you think we can do in the upcoming year to improve our association, neighborhood and discuss what projects or ideas you think this association needs to address.

January begins this association’s membership drive. We hope you will help us become the strongest, as well as the
most active civic association in Jefferson Parish by joining or renewing your membership for another year. You can also help us grow by asking your neighbors to come attend our meeting and joining with one of the largest civic associations in Jefferson parish. With over 600 members now, and hopefully more in the near future, we can improve our neighborhood and be the best in Jefferson Parish. We have worked well with our elected officials in the past and hope to continue to do so in the future. We have fought business encroachment into our neighborhood, explosive propane refilling stations, condominiums that could have threatened our levee, predatory businesses such as illegal pharmacies, worked to reduce the number of apartment complexes, illegal construction and code enforcement violations. We have worked to improved infrastructure such as drainage, streets, signage, all while working to improve the quality of life, property values, and our playgrounds and parks. We worked with our councilman to increase the footprint of Jefferson Playground while working to remove an environmentally dangerous business. We were instrumental in getting more lighting for our parks and helping to improve playground equipment. We also worked to get street lights fixed which helps along with increased police patrol to keep our neighborhood safe for all our families. I hope you will help us grow our association and improve our area by joining and encouraging your neighbors and friends to join. Invite them to a meeting so they can see what we are all about. We still have one of the lowest membership fees of all civic associations in Jefferson Parish at $10/person or $20/household and you get some of the best social events offered by any neighborhood association. Please renew or begin your membership with Suburban Terrace Civic Association today.
I was privileged to attend the inauguration of our new Parish President and Council. I look forward to working with
them for the next four years and hope we have as good or better rapport in the past. Our new Parish President, Mike
Yenni, has vowed to make our parish the best destination for new business and residents in Louisiana. I sincerely wish
him well and hope he can work with the civic community to do just that. I also wish our councilman, Paul Johnston, the best of luck and look forward to working with him again and our council at large, Cynthia Lee-Sheng and Chris Roberts.
Again, I hope to see you all at our meeting on Tuesday, January 12th for 7:00 p.m. upstairs in the gym at Jefferson
Playground.
Thank you,
Kennith J. Lassalle, President
Suburban Terrace Civic Association
suburbanterracecivicassoc@cox.net