The Historic Faubourg Treme Association is hosting their 2nd Annual Fundraiser this year. Last year was great. A vote was taken and it was decided we should do it again.

The October general HFTA meeting turned out to be a productive forum for addressing the issue of the Second Lines which traditionally run through the neighborhood. The organization has been working hard in the neighborhood create a cohesive forum for all residents regarding all issues pertaining to the general quality of life for everyone. Among the agenda items, this general meeting served as a forum for residents to voice and discuss concerns regarding the Second Line for Kerwin James in which two respected musicians were arrested.

Capt. Colin of the NOPD’s 1st Dist. attended the meeting as did family members of Kerwin James, the honored tuba player, for whom the most recent Second Line was hosted, as well as Second Liners themselves. Attendees spoke regarding the situation, and Jonas Nash from Councilman Carter’s office was there to lend a supportive ear from the City Council.

Capt. Colin admitted his officers could have handled the situation better and he vowed to correct the problems on their end. The general tone of the meeting was positive. Ideas were exchanged about how to make the Second Line issue accomodating to all involved, in hopes of solving this ongoing problem.

Some residents reflected on the unique, sacred, tradition of the Second Lines throughout their life in the Treme. Others voiced concerns about some second lines leaving trash behind and the after-party which sometimes completely blocks streets, raising a concern for emergency vehicles. Permits alone do not address these issues.

The permits tend to address the singular, one-day Second Lines for esteemed residents but it is unfair to try to apply the current premit ordinance to the traditional, somewhat impromptu, 6-day second lines for our local musicans.

The HFTA aims to create a singular place where these issues, and other qualtiy of life issues in Treme can be worked out to improve the neighborhood for everyone who lives in Treme or operates a businesss there or parades in the neighborhood.

The Halloween party is the only fundraiser for the HFTA and was a great success last year. The event supports the culture, architecture and history of Treme. It’s an area which is improving in many ways but has some serious issues to overcome in order to thrive.

As a property owner in Treme, I have served as an at-large member on the board of this organization over the past year. The organization is led by Naydja Bynum. Naydja is a very active member of the PRC and also is part of Women of the Storm. Naydja believes strongly in the historical importance of Treme to the City’s culture and she is working hard to create a solid, democratic, organization dedicated to revitalizating this neighborhood’s valuable cultural assets.

Come celebrate the Treme and all it represents as an iconic neighborhood to the City’s unique cultural heritage. There will be activities for kids and great music for adults and great food. Tickets for the Treme fundraiser party will be available at the door. Charbonnet-Labat Funeral Home, St. Philip at Claiborne Ave. 7-10 pm, October 31st, 2007.

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3. Halloween at B and N
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5. LGD Crime Forum