Tag Team and High Fives

Tonight, a group of Nonprofiteers went to Just Us for Karaoke Night. It was a blast. There were about 9 of us from Hands On Gulf Coast, some folks from the East Biloxi Coordination Center, El Pueblo, Turkey Creek, Red Cross...the list goes on. One of the locals knew there were a bunch of volunteers/AmeriCorps people there and before she sang, she thanked us for coming to help. She was talking about the stream of volunteers and created a great image of us "high fiving each other as volunteers tag-teamed their way in and out of town." That's a bit more of a coordinated idea than what actually happens on the ground, but has a great deal of value.

The more I think about it, the more I like the image. We are creating an organic network of people who pick up where others left off in the Recovery work. To imagine us actually handing off the baton, high - fiving each other as our paths cross, is energizing. We could use a few more people heading into town to run with the ball just about now as our energy flags in the heat and with the upcoming third anniversary of Katrina's destruction.

Remember, high fives are free!

The Kindness of Strangers: Katrina Connections moves another step closer to widespread availability

I just received a preview of the music video for the closing credits song, "Hold On To Love" performed by Angie Ewing. She will be performing this inspirational song on several local stations and there is a potential appearance on a major morning show (Shhhh - it's still in the works! You heard it here first!)

People frequently ask me, "Is it done?" It is moving towards being available on DVD and a national distribution deal. I will keep you posted as to when and where you can see this Labor of Love. Thank you to everyone who has been patient with the production of this documentary.

Hot fun in the summertime

As you know, I am working on mold remediation for Hands On Gulf Coast in Biloxi. This work requires Tyvek suits, respirators and goggles to keep out the mold spores as we gut out the house and scrape the studs. Here is a team working in a house in Moss Point, MS. As you might imagine, it's a bit warm in all of that gear. We consider it the Mississippi Spa treatment: sweat out the toxins, a light exfoliation of your skin from removing fiberglass insulation and voila! A healthy glow!