[StBernard] Operation Southern Comfort brings music to Gulf Coast

[Westley Annis]

Operation Southern Comfort brings music to Gulf Coast

Last Update: 12:42 am  

Volunteers send pianos to Gulf Coast 7/11/08 

(WSYR-TV) Liverpool, New York (WSYR-TV) - Almost three years have passed
since Hurricane Katrina ripped through the Gulf Coast, yet thousands of
people are still struggling to rebuild their homes and lives. 

Volunteers from Operation Southern Comfort, a local group based out of
Liverpool, have traveled to the battered region more than a dozen times.
Now, they're trying to return music to a muted area.

The sweet southern sound that surfaced its way around Chalmette was paused
when Hurricane Katrina swept through the Louisiana parish of St. Bernard.

"The lost all their pianos," said Joyce Reap, a volunteer from Operation
Southern Comfort.

That simple instrument that so many loved was washed away with many others,
leaving three in the district - and only one for eight schools to split.

"To hear a figure like that was hard to wrap your mind around," said Karen
Machell, another volunteer.

Volunteers from Operation Southern Comfort were stunned...left wondering how
students could learn, without that necessary tool.

"I know as a retired school teacher that it's the same way with the schools.
I don't know how they can get by on just one piano at this point," said
Warren Machell, who's volunteered a few times.
 
They searched around Central New York, looking for some help. Eventually
they found it in North Syracuse. Martin's Piano and Organs was going out of
business,  and offered them 12 pianos for only $3,000. 

"Right now the pianos we have will be delegated in St. Bernard Parish
according to the need. The first place they will go to, will be schools,"
Reap said.

Then they will be given to churches, community organizations and whoever
else needs them.

"To be able to sit down and make music will help bring back some normalcy,"
Machell said.

If you'd like to volunteer or donate, contact Norm Andrzejewski or Angela
Reap at the following e-mail addresses:

nandrzej at twcny.rr.com 
areap at trcsolutions.com

 

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