Sunday, 29 January 2006 - 2:27 AM EST

Well....it is Saturday, January 29th, 2006.
It's been a long day.
I heard a few days ago that my good buddy, Sheebie Kimbrough ( Professor Longhair's drummer ) had passed away shortly after Katrina. He apparently had a heck of a time getting out of N.O. and saw some crazy stuff, he told a friend. He was diagnosed with lung cancer as well, and he passed away from complications stemming from pneumonia.
I was so sad when I heard this....Sheebie was just nicest little ol guy you ever met! Lots of us from New Orleans are very sad about this.
We plan to have a tribute for him during New Orleans Jazz Fest and to raise money for some sort of plaque or monument up at the little Fess park near Tipitinas at Napoleon Ave. in N.O.

We love you and miss you Sheebie!!!
I dedicate this weblog and site to the memory of Edward Sheba ( "Sheebie" ) Kimbrough. R.I.P.

Sunday, 29 January 2006 - 5:21 PM EST

I would like to thank some people for helping out!
The following people sent clothes and essentials to our New Orleans friends, a family evacuated to Dallas. The Father had emailed me that his children needed winter coats, and a few of my friends stepped up to the plate and made it happen!
A big thank you to, Dania de Prez, Augie Savage, Michael English and Rob Vandivier.

Sunday, 29 January 2006 - 5:41 PM EST

We are still trying to raise funds for New Orleans Police Lt. Brad Tollefson. He worked tirelessly side by side with the National Guard for days, rescuing people from their roofs and helping many people. After the storm, he was involved in a car accident and lost his leg. He is not able to return to work. We consider Lt. Tollefson one of the HEROES of Katrina, along with many other policemen.
I will be posting information of where to send donations for this family later on this evening.

Sunday, 29 January 2006 - 5:48 PM EST

This was an article in the New Yorker about the NOPD during Katrina. Incredible article ( incredbily long too, but informative )


http://www.newyorker.com/fact/content/?060109fa_fact

Sunday, 29 January 2006 - 9:51 PM EST

I would also like to thank Roxanne Napolitano in Greensboro, NC for all her support and help! You are a great friend, Roxanne!

Friday, 3 February 2006 - 1:27 AM EST

For anyone who would like to donate to the Lt. Brad Tollefson family ( refer to post above ), please mail your donations directly to:
Lt. Brad Tollefson
40 Aubrey Holston Rd.
Picayune, Ms. 39466-7850

Friday, 3 February 2006 - 11:08 AM EST

Hi My husband and I are the family that evacuated from New Orleans. My name is Tayisha and his name is Sam. Mrs Chen has been nothing but HELPFUL for me and my family. When I say she dosen't stop I mean she dosen't stop. So I believe her comment of saying " who says one person can't make a difference, watch her". My doorbell dosen't stop ringing from her friends that she mentioned pouring in clothes, personal items, money you name it they've done it. I am nothing but appreciative of everything that Cynthia has done for me and my family and continues to do. All I have to say is the word and it's done. She really goes out of her way to make it happen, and I ask God to bless her triple-fold and that God bless the finances to run her organization. Cynthia you have been nothing but encouraging, helpful, and God sent. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!!!!!!
And to all her friends that donated that she mentioned above may God add blessings to your life and may he pour blessings from heaven to your souls both spiritual and natural. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Friday, 3 February 2006 - 7:14 PM EST

Hi Tayisha!
It is my pleasure....your family has had their share of difficulties after Katrina, but never did they complain! Your faith and courage is inspiring....still checking into those other things for you ok?
Love & Light,
Cynthia

Monday, 6 February 2006 - 11:50 AM EST

Cindy,

Words can not express the way I feel about all the help and support you gave to me during my search for my friend Barry Cowsill in the aftermath of Katrina. So many days and nights you were right there with me looking for new avenues to search.

Our search for Barry has ended. Barry's body was found on December 27. We are told that he had drowned in the aftermath of Katrina. I am heart broken as are so many people who mourn his loss. Barry was one of a kind. He touched so many people in his life through his music, his spirit and his kindnesses. He will be sadly missed.

Thank you for your constant friendship Cindy. Your undying energy and support in the efforts to help us find Barry. Thank heavens that his sister Susan and her family made it out of NOLA safely. They have lost so very much. Their home, their belongings and most of all her dear brother.

It is my hope that those who help you to rebuild the city, its spirit and its people remember the Cowsill family and thier losses. There are so many wonderful people who suffered Katrina's wrath. I continue to pray for them and thier families. I do believe in the power of working together.

Thank you for your forever friendship my dear Cindy. God's speed my friend in your endeavors to help the people of NOLA.

AnnMarie

Wednesday, 8 February 2006 - 12:40 AM EST

Dear AnnMarie,
It is because of caring people like you that I continue to do this.
I was very sad to hear about Barry, as well as several other wonderful musicians who lost their lives in the storm. The Cowsills will always be in my heart and mind.

Your unrelentless mission to find Barry inspired me to help. You are a great friend, AnnMarie....
Thank you for your uplifting encouragement!!
I am going back to New Orleans soon....
I will keep in touch.
Your friend always,
Cindy Chen

Saturday, 11 March 2006 - 3:29 PM EST

Hey Cindy. This site is so inspirational. What a great effort you are making to help our fellow musicians who have given the world so much with their music over their lifetimes. Thank you for your beautiful spirit.

Rose

Saturday, 15 July 2006 - 4:26 AM EDT

Thank you for visiting this site, Rose! It was good to see you in Milwaukee!

Love,

Cindy

Saturday, 15 July 2006 - 4:30 AM EDT

UPDATE!!! Lt. Brad Tollefson was able to return to work at NOPD, even with his injury.....it goes to show you how dedicated he is. We wish him and his dear family all the best!! Thanks for being there for our New Orleans people, Brad!

Cynthia