September 2020
We have all had plenty of time to reflect during the shutdown. This year has given us all obstacles to overcome and the challenges have been many. The good news is our neighborhood is strong and determined to get through this together. I have seen more neighbors out exercising and wanting to have a better home life experience. There are more gardeners now than before which is exciting for our environment. We have had front porch musicians entertaining our evenings and neighbors gathering together outdoors to enjoy each other’s company. It is always comforting to me to know this is my neighborhood. It is filled with kindness and thoughtfulness for others.
We are at the height of hurricane season and should all monitor the weather closely. We are all sending our thoughts and prayers to those negatively affected by Hurricane Laura. We have been there and know the daunting days that lie ahead. There are many ways to volunteer and donate, which knowing our neighborhood we will shine. I look forward to seeing you all at the General Membership Meetings.
Neighborhood News
The road work on Central Ave at the railroad tracks has been completed and is open. Work is now starting on Karen Ave which will improve the street and curbing. The construction will affect the homes along Karen Ave, but we know this will eventually give us a well deserved makeover and we ask for everyones patiences for this much needed improvement.
Jefferson Parish schools have opened this week and I think most of our little ones are happy to see their friends and teachers. We are all hoping for the Best for our little ones in our community. We all want to feel as if we are headed in the direction of our normal lives again.
Education During a Pandemic ( written by Dr Stacey Spies)
School systems are currently being challenged to provide educational services to all students amidst a major health concern. It is very difficult to balance staff and student safety, delivering instruction and promoting a school climate that addresses the social and emotional well-being of staff and students. School systems have been provided with guidance from the Louisiana Department of Education on developing a “Strong Start Plan” for the upcoming 2020-2021 school year. The Strong Start Plan for each school district may vary depending on the human and fiscal resources available to each district. Local school districts are continuously refining their plans and have faced tough critics from their employees, students’ families and community sources.
As an outsider looking in, it’s easy to say students need to be physically in school; however, as an insider looking out, the day to day operations of a school have completely changed. Schools are not only faced with some normal day to day operational concerns, but now are faced with an unsurmountable amount of uncertainty regarding what a typical day will look like. There is so much anxiety about what will happen when the bus driver, custodian, cafeteria worker, teachers, special education service providers, administrators and other faculty are absent due to the virus or quarantining. On a normal day, it’s very difficult to fill school vacancies to assist with the daily operations. At a time like this, school employees know that substitutes will be hard to secure for these vacancies. That’s why school staff are seeking clarifications on the type of PPE being provided and ensuring that procedures and processes have been established prior to students returning on campus.
The extra time that has been given to schools to help further plan has made a difference. Teachers being heard has made a difference in school and district preparations. Let’s continue to support our schools for providing for the health and safety and social and emotional well-being of students while also providing instruction during unprecedented times. Let’s practice patience and kindness toward our teachers.
I have continued questioning officials about the plight of the abandon Jefferson Elementary School. It has been brought to my attention that they are trying to find a charter school to take over this site. Nothing has been confirmed but I am hopeful this facility will not sit vacant for a long period of time. We are hoping for the best.
Construction of new homes in our neighborhood continues and we welcome all our new residence. We encourage them and all of our neighbors to plant a new tree to help reforest our neighborhood.
THERE IS STILL TIME TO COMPLETE THE CENSUS.
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.
March 2020 Meeting Recap
We were pleased to welcome our Councilman Elect, Deano Bonano, and our Director of Code Enforcement, Aimee Vallot, to our March 10, 2020 meeting as our guest speakers. Councilman Bonano discussed his plans to improve our area. He will fight to clean up Jefferson Highway’s blighted properties and will continue to bring awareness to this problem. He is interested in bringing in new business opportunities along Jefferson Hwy. He also shared concerns with neighbors about abandoned homes left to rot in our neighborhood. Ms Vallot explained code enforcement policies and helped to answer questions and concerns about issues in our neighborhood. Many thanks to our officials for sharing their time and knowledge with us. Involvement is the only way to bring about the changes that will improve our community. Thanks to all for being there to make our neighborhood the best it can be.
JPSO was also available with the crime Stats and to answer questions. We love our men in BLUE!!!
September 2020 Meeting
Hurricane season’s peak is September 10 and we have asked our Councilman to speak to us about preparedness during the ongoing pandemic. Councilman Bonano was head of EOC (Emergency Operation Center) before becoming our Councilman and has a vast knowledge of preparedness training. I realize we are currently facing many uncertainties. Councilman Bonano will have the answers to give us a greater sense of awareness in preparing for a storm should one head our way. We have already had 2 scares and we are all hoping we will be spared.
JPSO WILL JOIN US WITH CRIME STATS.
THANKS TO ALL OF OUR SPEAKERS!
Our September 8, 2020 meeting will take place at Jefferson Playground Golden Age Center (4100 South Drive). The doors will open at 6:30 pm and the meeting will start promptly at 7:00 pm.
We appreciate any and all desserts provided by members and thank you in advance for your contributions.
Upcoming Events
October is the month in which we host our Night Out Against Crime Party. Keeping my fingers crossed that this event will take place. Please keep checking the website for updates.
November 10, 2020 is the date of our following general membership meeting and we have Mitch Theriot, Jefferson Parish Drainage Department Director, coming to speak to us about updates and plans for Drainage projects in Jefferson Parish.
If you are interested in a topic please let us know because we are here to serve and it is important we get you the information you want to know.
Prayers for all affect by H. Laura
Blessings for a Safe Labor Day
Lisa G Loup
President STCA