SPUP Update #5

SPUP Update #5

by | Jun 26, 2018 | Safe Pass Underpass

Dear Community,

A lot has happened since we last spoke. You may recall that we had been communicating with local government and DOTD for permission to access/improve the roadway, LAND architecture for vegetative enhancement and LUS for lighting. We can proudly say that 2 of the 3 have been accomplished, and the third is around the corner. LUS has installed our lighting!! Crossing the SPUP at night can now be done in the light!! LAND has completed the vegetative design!! We are simply awaiting DOTD’s approval for implementing the landscaping design. During this long process we have discovered that we’re really good at getting things done for free, and can proudly report that we’ve spent zero dollars of our awarded $5000. Add that to the matching funds that we’ve received from the state, and we can say with confidence that your patience will be rewarded. We’re still interviewing local artists for the interior visual enhancement, and are researching other ways to utilize the funds, making the SPUP as bike friendly as possible.

Those interested in seeing our progress can join us on July 11th at 6pm for the 3rd annual Mickey’s ride. Ride starts at Rotary Point, encompasses Mickey’s Loop, an eight mile loop through central Lafayette. Those interested can check out ForwardLafayette’s facebook page for details.

 

Thanks,
Mark deClouet (Team Leader)

Pop Up Theatre Update #3

Pop Up Theatre Update #3

by | Jun 22, 2018 | Pop-up Theatre

Dear Community,

Here is the update for our Pop Up Kids Theatre for June 2018. Since partnering with the New Hope Development Center, I have been able to reach the target audience and bring this new type of theater as part of their summer program. They have made it easier for me and my team of volunteers to reach this audience and work through some of the logistics such as Media permission forms that have already been signed by each child that attends the summer camp; an existing web site in which we can showcase our productions; a place to store and keep our materials; and an area inside the center that we can perform the plays so we don’t have to be outside in the elements. We are very excited about this!

We have a schedule starting June 15 running from 12:30-3:30pm for our first production, which will be the book, Runaway Bunny by Margaret Wise Brown. Shows June 22, July 13 and July 20th are still being worked on. We want to tailor the production in line with each weeks subjects defined by the New Hope Center. Which are as follows:

  • Week 1 June 15th – forgiveness/respect (football)
  • Week 2 June 22nd – wisdom (football)
  • Week 3 July 13th – generosity/self-discipline (baseball)
  • Week 4 July 20th – gratitude (gymnastics/ballet)

The production of Runaway Bunny will present the topic of respect for your Mom. If you have ever read the book it is about a little bunny that wants to run away from home and explore the world but every time he tries his Mom will always be by his side, so he decides in the end to stay in her loving arms until he becomes a rabbit.

I am still working on getting AOC film warriors to video tape the show. They will probably be there for the last show.

I have collected boxes from Brown’s furniture store and have already built a boat for the first show. Carey Hamburg, a local set designer, has donated pre-built sets such as a tree stump that we can use for our backdrops. He also has donated boxes and other materials that he has collected over the years. I am very grateful for his generosity.

I am working on finishing the script for the first show. It will not be an exact wording from the book but an adaptation. I am spending some of the $2000 on paint, brushes, scissors, paper, glue, tape, sheets and refreshments, which will include cheese, fruit and 100% fruit juice. I am purchasing these items at Dollar stores to keep the costs down.

I have 3 volunteers for our first show: Michael LeBlanc, Connie Horton and Allie Rosen. I working on recruiting more people as we go along. I am working with everyone’s summer vacation schedules. This is has been a real learning experience for me. I have had some difficulties in recruiting volunteers and I hope in the future I can get a strong list of people that will want to help out. Also working on my own has been a challenge. I want to succeed at this and need to reach out to the right people!

Thank you,
Danielle Moroux (Team Leader)

MIBRARY Update #3

MIBRARY Update #3

by | Jun 21, 2018 | Musical Instrument Library

Dear Community,

The Lafayette Community M.I.Brary is set to launch on June 27, 2018 with a preview day at Clifton Chenier Center in Lafayette from 5-7PM. Check out the Facebook event here. Lafayette will soon thereafter be able to check instruments out from the Clifton Chenier Center.

We have been extremely busy obtaining final instruments and getting them repaired for launch day. To date, we have spent approximately $2000 on instruments and accessories (i.e., straps, picks, tuners, amps, etc.), but we still have over $5000 left for future growth. We have a surplus due to extra fundraising efforts and donations.

We purposely made this update brief because we’ll have so much more to share after our preview day next week. We are in the home stretch!

Ryan Cazares, O.D. (Team Leader)

SPUP Update #4

SPUP Update #4

by | Apr 9, 2018 | Safe Pass Underpass

Dear community,

The Safe-Pass-Under-Pass (SPUP) now has a estimated completion date of June 1, 2018, and now that we understand (and are completing) the processes for changing up roadway that is managed by the state. We’re working with LAND Architecture on submitting the necessary paperwork to DOTD, allowing us to do a complete vegetative enhancement to the area surrounding SPUP, and are estimating to break ground on those improvements this spring. We’re working with LUS on replacing and enhancing the lighting under the overpass. The lights that have been ordered are on back-order; however, we expect to have those installed within the next 6 weeks. As we near action on those two fronts, we’ve begun interviewing local artists who will help create a visual aesthetic that will transform the SPUP from tunnel of gloom to an inviting pathway. This enhancement is becoming available to us following the acquisition of matching funds from the state, the disposal of which (as it relates to timing) is to be determined. All-in-all, we’re excited to project a completion by this summer’s Mickey’s Loop Ride. Be well, and thanks for staying engaged.

Team Leader (Mark DeClouet)

Krewe De Canailles Final Update

Krewe De Canailles Final Update

by | Feb 23, 2018 | Krewe de Canailles

Dear Community,
Well, we did it. Mission accomplished. The first Krewe de Canailles parade went off (mostly) without a hitch! It was a great time for both the krewes and the crowds. We received a ton of positive feedback including from downtown businesses, one of which told us it was a record-breaking night for them. Walking down Jefferson St. the next day and seeing it clear of litter was a clear sign that we achieved what we set out to do.
For the sake of candor, it wasn’t all positive feedback. The most consistent critique was that it was too short but that’s an easy fix. We’re confident we made a big enough splash this first year to get more krewes on board for the next one.
And there will be a next one. We’re doing everything in our power to make sure that happens.
Oh, and some more good news – we are now an official non-profit!
From the entire Krewe de Canailles board, we are so grateful to everyone who helped make this dream of ours a reality. Seeing all of the posts, conversations, photos and videos flood social media was so encouraging. I’m not ashamed to say it made me tear up a bit.
Until next year!
Stay canailles,
Rodney Hess (Team Leader)