[StBernard] Packed house for meeting is good sign for Old Arabi Neighborhood Association

[Westley Annis]

Packed house for meeting is good sign for Old Arabi Neighborhood Association
Old Arabi Neighborhood Assciation meeting
Print Barry Lemoine By Barry Lemoine 
on June 25, 2014 at 6:43 AM, updated June 25, 2014 at 6:45 AM

It's always a good sign when a neighborhood association needs to put out
more chairs for its meetings.  That has been the case recently when area
residents packed The Gathering on St. Claude Avenue for this month's Old
Arabi Neighborhood Association meeting.  Speakers included Ryan Fink of the
St. Bernard Film Commission and Gillis McCloskey of the Arabi Community
Association, OANA's civic neighbor.

Fink gave a brief overview of the number of film projects taking place in
St. Bernard and insight into his role as liaison between the producers and
the parish.  Joining Fink at the meeting was Jamen O'Brien, a producer
working in the area.  O'Neil's latest project is a courtroom drama starring
Keanu Reeves and Renee Zellweger called "The Whole Truth."  O'Neil said the
beautifully restored and historic St. Bernard Parish Courthouse on Bayou
Road has been the perfect setting
for the film, and is excited to be working in the area again.  He also gave
audience members insight into the kind of jobs and economic impact that
these projects can bring to the community.

Gillis McCloskey of the newly-formed Arabi Community Association also
addressed those in attendance.  McColskey lives in the area that he jokingly
referred to as New Arabi, the area north of St. Bernard Highway. He said his
Arabi neighborhood faces a different set of challenges than Old Arabi, but
wants "to work with and learn from OANA."

Councilman Ray Lauga also spoke briefly about the upcoming Sugar Fest,
slated for October 11 from  11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the grounds of the Lebeau
Plantation in Old Arabi. Unique food vendors, artists and crafters are
encouraged to participate.  For an application or more information about
participating contact Faith Moran at the Office of Tourism at 278.4242.

Residents also had the chance to ask Lauga questions about the neighborhood
including issues like litter and blighted property. Lauga said he was aware
of the issues and said part of the problem is enforcement.  He encouraged
his neighbors to call the others leaders in parish government to make them
aware of the concerns of OANA.

OANA President Mike Pechon also used the meeting as a chance to give thanks
to everyone who participated in last month's Old Arabi Marketplace event:
Sippin into Sunset.  He said despite the bad weather, both vendors and
guests were happy with the results.  Pechon also acknowledged Board Member
Maegan Dobson for her efforts in organizing the event.

"She was the lady that made it happen," he said.

Plans are to do six of these events each year - three in the fall and three
in the spring.  Pechon also reminded those in attendance about the monthly
Seafood and Farmers Market taking place at the Aycock Barn.  The next one is
Saturday, July 12 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and features local vendors offering
a variety of fresh produce, seasonal seafood, prepared foods such as jams,
breads, and herbs, crafts, and more. The market often includes live
family-friendly entertainment,
children's activities and water fountains, and special events including
demonstrations and holiday themed activities.