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Post by Carri on Oct 18, 2005 10:26:22 GMT -5
There are a group of volunteers coming from Michigan to assist in the rebuilding process. We will be down in November.
I am curious if anyone has info on the status of OS. Is there cell phone use or should we bring two-ways to communicate to one another?
Also, we will be sleeping in the Volunteer Tent City. Are there any insects/snakes/animals that we need to take precautions for? Since most of us have never travelled to the Gulf Coast, we are completely ignorant on our temporary surroundings while we are there.
Any other info regarding the status of OS or suggestions on what we need to bring, please post here. Thank you in advance!
Carri Colombo
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Post by Scarlet on Oct 18, 2005 20:48:22 GMT -5
Carrie,
If you are in tent city I don't think you will have snakes to worry about because of all the activity ( we do have snakes of all kind) but mosquitos, fleas, gnats and chiggers are really bad in this humid climate. Thank you for coming to help. I live in Ocean Springs and was one of the fortunate since I live only a block from the beach. If I can help, e-mail me at friare@bellsouth.net.
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Post by Carri on Oct 19, 2005 5:42:53 GMT -5
Thank you Scarlet. I will save your email address and contact you w/ any other questions I may have.
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Post by OceanSprings-MS on Oct 19, 2005 7:12:16 GMT -5
Hello Carri, Thank you for wanting to come down and help our community. Here's everything you might want to know about Ocean Springs. . . Yes we have all forms of communication up and running. Land line phones (bell south) as well as cellular. We even have free phone centers in town that you can make long distance calls from. No problem with Animals, other then a stray dog or two that's been adopted by the tent people? Snakes. Not much this time of year. I really don't think you have anything to worry about there. Bugs, Well we do have bugs. But they have gotten much better now that the weather is cooler so you won't have a problem by November. You might be happy to know that 90 Percent of our stores and restaurants are open, although the lines are sometimes pretty long. Wal-Mart was a zoo last night, and if you don't go early enough (4pm - 5pm) to the restaurant you may have a 30 -40 minute wait. Bring a coat for the evenings & mornings because it does get a little cool this time of year. You may want to bring personal & comfort items for yourself. I'm not sure what they provide at the Tent City's? I've met with the group at St. Paul (even stayed the night with them this past weekend) and found them to be some of the most wonderful people I've every had the pleasure of meeting. Strangely they actually look like they were having a good time! Sort of a Big Camping Trip with purpose? Carri anything else you need to know you can post it here or write me directly at info@oceansprings-ms.com and I'll be more then happy to get you some answers. And thank you again for your efforts! Lonnie D. Root www.OceanSprings-MS.com |
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Post by Scarlet on Oct 19, 2005 8:16:38 GMT -5
Thanks Lonnie for giving Carrie all the info. I realized last night I had not answered all her questions and came back on this Am to do so. Yesterday was a bad "mind" day <g>.
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Post by OceanSprings-MS on Oct 19, 2005 9:41:06 GMT -5
I understand Scarlet.
This past 6 - 7 weeks have been a bad mind day I think!
If you have anything to add that I missed please do.
Take care,
Lonnie
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Post by Carri on Oct 19, 2005 9:58:38 GMT -5
This is all great information and helps prepare our group for the trip. I really appreciate your comments and feedback!
Thank you so much! I look forward to meeting lots of new people during our travels and really look forward to helping build your community back to normal.
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Post by OceanSprings-MS on Oct 19, 2005 10:01:13 GMT -5
Good Deal Carri
Let us know if you need anything at all.
Best of luck to you and
THANKS!
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Post by Robin Teel on Oct 19, 2005 12:01:10 GMT -5
Ya'll need to warn these folks about our
Fire ants!
Make sure ya'll wear socks and shoes while outdoors.
Watch were your standing/sitting on the ground.
The venom of the fire ants could be dangerous to folks with insect sting allergies.
Ya'll be careful!
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Post by Scarlet on Oct 23, 2005 11:33:39 GMT -5
Robin, how on earth could I forget that one since we fight them constancely in our yard.  We need to make sure they get to the beach to see the beautiful sunrises and sunsets before they leave. I keep getting questions, "why would you live in an area that is prone to so many storms?" After giving this much thought I have to always answer with , no matter where you are you are faced with some sort of threat. Tornados, Earthquakes, or fires that never give you warning but here you have warning and a choice to stay or run. What can compare to the quaint little city with such history, majestic Oaks , Cozy shops that know thier costumers and their wants and needs. Neighbors taking time to chat in the street or downtown. The beauty of the sunrise and sunset over the bay where seagulls and pelican dip in and out of the water for food sometimes grabbing a fishermans cork. Those small porpoise that grace you with an occasional appearance swiming care free always in threes. The community support for the arts, schools and home town teams. After living in huge cities and small ones over the past 40 years, I find the coast offers it all. My husband and I are glad to call Ocean Springs Home where we will remain and weather what ever is thrown our way and survive with the knowledge that over all those years of travel and working away our heart was always here in this state with family and childhood friends who had help to mold us into knowing what ever life has to offer we can be strong enough to pick up any peices and go forward. Ya'll need to warn these folks about our Fire ants! Make sure ya'll wear socks and shoes while outdoors. Watch were your standing/sitting on the ground. The venom of the fire ants could be dangerous to folks with insect sting allergies. Ya'll be careful! |
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Post by OceanSprings-MS on Oct 24, 2005 10:35:52 GMT -5
Very nice Scarlet.
That pretty much sums it up!
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Post by Carri on Oct 25, 2005 6:32:29 GMT -5
I am hoping we do get to witness the sunsets and spend time getting to know the people of Ocean Springs. I realize we will be working a lot, but I really hope we get some free time to explore the area.
These fire ants sound scary! We'll make sure we come prepared w/ the appropriate spray!
Less than 2 weeks till we leave. We officially have a group of 13 of us traveling from Michigan.
Thanks for all the input again!
Carri
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Post by Scarlet on Oct 26, 2005 8:39:15 GMT -5
Carrie, make sure to let us know your location so we can get by to meet you and your group. Thank you so much for coming. Are you the Carrie Columbo that was with Portland Public Schools in 2002 (CIM) willene
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Post by Carri on Oct 26, 2005 10:25:03 GMT -5
Actually Scarlet, I'm not. This is my first trip down to the area.
Are you familiar w/ where the volunteers are staying? I hear Tent City may not exist and that churches are taking over. Is this inside accommodations or outdoors still (at the churches)?
We're trying to find out if we need to bring tents for outdoor camping.
Thanks!
Carri
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Post by Dema Magers on Oct 26, 2005 15:44:35 GMT -5
Carri:
I'm sure the people you help will be eternally grateful. We have volunteer help cleaning out our house and we feel we can never thank them enough. We are in our 80s and not physically able to do much of this type work. We now have a problem in not finding someone to inspect the house as to mold. We don't want to rebuild until we know all of the mold is gone. If anyone out there knows who we should call to get a mold inspection, please email me at: ArkieDema@aol.com Thanks. Dema Magers
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