NSP Write-a-thon

Over 40 writers gathered together, despite the rain, on Sunday, May 17th for the Neighborhood Story Project's fist ever write-a-thon. The day started off with introductions, some stretching, and the promise of Bar-B-Que and red velvet cupcakes to keep everyone nourished during the 3 hour writing marathon. Writers worked a variety of projectsincluding emails to friends, family, and enemies;  an overdue masters thesis; a letter to the Army Corps of Engineers; and a variety of fiction and non-fiction projects. The day was a huge success and the NSP exceeded their goal bu over $10,000! (Pictured above is Site Supervisor and NSP Co-director, Abram Himelstein, AmeriMascot Gibson Fischer, LAC Program Coordinator Sarah Fischer, and L*AC Member Kareem Kennedy)

Skit Planning Dinners

To prepare for the National Conference skit two skit-planning dinners were held. The first dinner was held at program coordinator Sarah Fischer's house and featured not only the initial planning of the skit but also, and more importantly, a homemade Italian feast. Sarah made her famous Eggplant Parmesan, pasta and red sauce, and garlic bread. The second diner was held at member Lauren Pigeon's house and while some planning was accomplished a lot of sharing about what was happening at everyone's sites and just catching up also occurred. In addition, Lauren made her infamous Oreo balls - which are delicious and addictive! Both nights provide some down time for members to relax and get together while planning for their city skit.

AmeriCorps Appreciation Mardi Gras Party

For the second year in a row Mitte and Freddie Boyer hosted an AmeriCorps Appreciation Mardi Gras Party. Freddie is a Adult Education teacher and administrator at Delgado Community College Adult Education and helps oversee three AmeriCorps members this year. Realizing how important our Corps members are to her program and how little time off they get she and her sister opened their family party to all our members. We watch the Tucks and Iris parades, hung out, and ate some delicious food.

(Back Row left to right: BJ Narcisse, Nicholas McMahon, Front Row left to right: Miriam McGinn, Michel Diecidue, Caroline Warburton, Molly Losey, Laura Klein)

Nine Times Second Line

On November 23, AmeriCorps members headed out to the 10th annual Nine Times Social and Pleasure Club second line where they experienced the excitement, music, and dancing exhibited at this Naturally 'Nawlins event. Literacy AmeriCorps first developed a relationship with Nine Times during the 2007-2008 service year when their book Coming Out the Door for the 9th Ward was chosen as the One Book One New Orleans 2007 selection. In addition, the Neighborhood Story Project, a Literacy AmeriCorps site and close friend and partner of the Literacy Alliance, published the book. Members continue to enjoy this annual event and the unique experience that is a New Orleans Second Line!