Dear Eddie,
I loved the bay, I lived there for almost 4 years. I don't really know how to get ahold of you except through these means. I miss living there. I lived at Pelican Point apartments, and I worked at Mcdonalds. The police were decent to me, and the fire department rescued me many a times from the seizures I had. I wanted to express my gratitude to you for the years that I stayed in the Bay. I'm sorry I'm not coming back. I just lost too much, its too painful, and I don't want to lose it again. Plus I want to persue a chance to be a Vet. which I can adequately do here in Jackson.. Perhaps I will return to the Bay and open up a clinic once I am certified. Keep up the good work, and tell everyone down there that I miss them and thank you..
Mcdonalds Tara (fat and sassy red head in back drive thru)

TO MAYOR EDDIE FAVRE,
I think we may be related, my Grandmother & Grandfather lived in The Bay for years, he was Octave & she was Caroline Favre, they lived on St John St. at 144, raised 5 children, he was a builder, built most of the houses on that street.

Hi Eddie....I've been wondering if you made it through the storm and how you are. I can see from your picture that you look wonderful! I know how proud you are of your friends and neighbors. Keep up the good work....Jessica

To Mayor Eddie Favre,
Sir, your graciousness in your expressed gratitude is so typical of what I experienced as a Disaster Response ARC volunteer. Even amidst your tremendous loss. Stay strong for yourself and your people. All you all are not forgotten! I was in Hattiesburg some weeks ago and we saw folk up there from your area and Waveland, Gulfport, Biloxi etc. On an afternoon off we came down that way to document photographically what was experienced. ARC volunteers are telling your stories and reminding other Americans that all of that area is going to need assistance in the building back process. I continue to tell your stories and seek out media that will keep you all in our consciousness until you are recovered! God bless and keep all!

DEAR EDDIE,
MOST OF MY YOUNG LIFE WAS SPENT DURING SUMMER VACATIONS IN BAY ST.LOUIS.WE LIVED ON HANCOCK STREET AND SWAM AND FISHED OFF ST.STANISLAUS PEIR.THOSE WERE THE BEST TIMES OF MY LIFE.WISHING YOU AND YOUR COMMUNITY THE VERY BEST AS YOU REBUILD.

Eddie,
Hi there. We too are distant cousins. My great-grandfather, Beauguard Favre,from Kiln. You are doning a GREAT job. Please hang in there and know we here are praying for you too. We did ok here in Gpt.
God Bless,
pat favre elliott

Eddie,
Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help you guys. Gary has my #... need to escape please come up to visit...Rethea

Mayor Favre,
We are located in Bay St. Louis running a PDC (private distribution center) out of the Bay Plaza and without your help....many, many, many people would have suffered. You facilitated the doors opening for thousands of people to get supplies that were vital for survival. We want to tell you publicly....THANK YOU, SIR!!!! Keep it up and May God continue to bless the works of your hands!!!!
Patricia Myrick, Michael Smith and Jessica Beane-Hattiesburg, MS and now new residents of Bay St. Louis, MS.

Mr. Mayor-

I want to tell you that it was an honor to have been involved with some small part of helping rebuild Bay St. Louis...a town I didn't even know existed before I drove into it and found "Disaster Corps" forming a volunteer camp there. I was the first volunteer to show up and camp in Big John/Jan's yard on Main Street and was really happy to be able to help get the house cleaned out. I'm still sorry I wasn't able to stay and do more. By the time I left there were several more volunteers there and Stephanie and Betsie had met with you. I was sorry I didn't get the chance to meet you, Jan (and everybody else) had only the best things to say about you and I *know* that's a great community who will be back stronger than ever. As my Governor is so fond of saying...I'll be back!

Random volunteer from California who found Bay St. Louis to be "just right" for helping.

KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK BUBBA. WE WILL MAKE IT, ONEDAY AT A TIME.

Dear Mayor Favre,
The community of Bay St. Louis holds a special place in my heart. I was among a team of four amateur radio operators providing emergency communication from September 6-13 for the Senior Center Shelter on Bookter Street across from the police and fire department. One of the Bay St. Louis heros is Arlene Johnson who managed this special need facility. She went beyond the call of duty.

I have a uncle in Bay of St. Louis who is a dentist and have two offices around the area. I came down there to visit him a couple of times and I always thought that it was a great city. Hearing that my uncles house(which was on the beach) was gone and that the same city that I came to visit is devastated. I would like to come back to a rebuilt city where my uncle use to live(lives in Florida now) and go fishing on his boat again. It broke me seeing the city almost gone.

Dear Mayor,
I have a uncle in Bay of St. Louis who is a dentist and have two offices around the area. I came down there to visit him a couple of times and I always thought that it was a great city. Hearing that my uncles house(which was on the beach) was gone and that the same city that I came to visit is devastated. I would like to come back to a rebuilt city where my uncle use to live(lives in Florida now) and go fishing on his boat again. It broke me seeing the city almost gone.

Eddie:

I kknow your deceased father, my '44 classmate at St Stanislaus, and your wonderful mother, are proud.

God bless you.

Dear Mayor Eddie- Just know we are praying for you and our friends on the coast, and know y'all are not forgotten here! Keep the faith!

Thoughts of Bay St. Louis

There is a beach that hosts a sunset and a warm and gentle breeze.
It lingers there and reminds us of days of joy and ease.
Days that we all cherished in a place that was so sweet.
Where life was soft and easy like the sand beneath our feet.
Days we filled with nothing but the need to have some fun.
To bask in God’s creation while we sat beneath the sun.
A place that was a haven from the hectic pace of life.
Where calm set in and slowly smoothed away the stress and strife.
The moss draped Oaks surrounded you underneath a clear blue sky
And lazy days to enjoy this view as time passed slowly by.
The sun still sets at the completion of each golden sun drenched day
The breeze still blows to beckon us to return again to play.
And return we will with hearts full of hope and treasured memories To the Bay that we love, to the life that we knew, to enjoy again the breeze.
Laurie Laville 2005

Mayor Favre,
I wrote that poem for my mother-in-law Anne Mestayer Laville. We lost her home on Rameneda. We went there Saturday to try and mark off the trees and save them if possible from the bulldozers that may help clear what little debris is left (second home back across from Millie's). It was heart wrenching to see the most beautiful little town in the world so devastated. But reading your message about your plans bring it back to the same charming quaintness gives me hope. God Bless you and the Bay. That which doesn't break us makes us stronger.
Laurie Kleinpeter Laville Baton Rouge, LA

Dear Mayor Favre,
My heart goes out to you and your community. I had the honor of meeting two of your citizens while I was visiting a friend in Pensacola. I met Michael and Norma Jeffries while having dinner and it was a pleasure to meet these two brave citizens of your town. They showed my friend and I pictures of the devasation, images we had not seen on television. They talked about how close your community is and everyone was looking out for each other.

While I'm saddened by the devasation, I'm also feeling privileged to met two people who had gone through so much, but were willing to spend a pleasant evening talking to two strangers.

I pray that the community of Bay St. Louis is healed quickly. God Bless you all!!
Jeanette, Havelock, NC

A boyhood paradice lost...When i was young our family lived in BaySaint louis. I'm Mike ..hello mayor Favre...our house was damaged by storm Betsy and moved to Waveland. The school was great there and had many friends. Red beans and rice i hope is still being served in the lunch room. I'd spend my summers moeing lawns and fish as much as I could.I joined the boyscouts and looked forward to the campouts. Our troop rowed up the Jorden river 50 miles to get our merit badges a trip i'll allways remember. When I saw the toltal distruction in Waveland i was in shock. Back diring storm Cameal I stood on the railroad tracks and lookd down main street andthe only thing standing was the bank valt it was a long time rebuilding down town. I don't know how to express my sadness but time seams to heal things as the rebuilding mends the wounds of nature . I wish I could be there to help in some fasion. I wish you the best Michael Bush Columbia SC

Dear Mayor Favre,

I work for Alagasco....one of the companies that worked to put gas back onto your City's gas system. The week I spent in Bay St. Louis truly changed my life. You and the people of your City are always on my mind.

The following is an article I wrote for our Company magazine about my time in your City.

God bless and I hope you enjoy the story.

Alagasco and Trussville Utilities crews adopt Bay St. Louis, Mississippi resident
By Wayne Cleghorn

Alagasco employees: Billy Wilson, Jessie Posey, Byron Searcy – Montgomery, Mike Raines, Scott Gossett, Andy McGinnis, Wayne Cleghorn – Birmingham

Trussville Utilities employees - David Duffy, Jason Webb

Close your eyes and imagine a quite little town located on a bay in Mississippi. In this town, everyone knows almost everyone else. Most residents don’t even bother to lock their doors when they leave home. They know their neighbors will be looking out for them.

Imagine large, older homes on the bay. Some of the homes are over 100 years old with 50-75’ Live Oak trees covered with Spanish moss. On the 7 blocks between the bay and the main road (Highway 90) that divides this quite, peaceful town are smaller homes. Most of these homes are close to 100 years old as well. Most are well maintained with beautiful Live Oak trees.

Now imagine a 40 foot wall of water accompanied by 150 mph sustained winds and tornadoes coming across the bay and headed for this sleepy town. The water and the winds extend an unbelievable 15 miles inland upon landfall wiping out everything in its path. When the chaos was over there was hardly a building left standing between the bay and Highway 90. This is exactly what happened in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi when Hurricane Katrina devastated the once beautiful town.

On Monday, we were surveying the area hardest hit by Katrina. We had gotten out of our trucks and were walking down the street in a state of disbelief at what we were viewing. Billy Wilson was down the street from the rest of us when we heard him call for us. He was wading through a pile of rubble that was once a home and walking toward a man trying to get his jet ski out from under a collapsed garage. You may ask yourself, “Why was he worried about a jet ski?” Well, it was about all he had left. This is how we met John Lala.

What I saw after I had made my way through the debris was someone that had a look I had never seen before. Later I realized it was the look of a man who had lost everything, including two friends that had drowned and his faith in God. I had never seen a man about to lose his very soul. John Lala was as far down as a human could be.

We quickly gathered around and came up with a way to get the Jet Ski and the trailer out of the rubble. We even loaded the Jet Ski onto the trailer. When we finished, John was incredibly thankful to us for helping him. David Duffy asked if we could pray with him. John said he would like that very much. We gathered in a circle and held hands to pray. We prayed and before “amen” was said, John began to pray. He thanked God for sending us into his life when he needed us the most. He thanked God for showing him he must continue to have faith.

We left that day promising John we would return when we could to check on him. He assured us he had an air conditioned place to sleep, 3 hot meals a day, and plenty of water. Tears streamed down his face as we walked away.

The next day, Tuesday, we returned to check on him whenever we had time. John asked if we could possibly help him move a couple of vehicles so that he could get a FEMA trailer moved onto his lot. The two vehicles had been completely under water. One was pushed up against a chain link fence and the brakes were locked up on the other. We promised to return the next day with a larger backhoe to move the vehicles.

We did return on Wednesday with David Duffy and Jason Webb from Trussville Utilities with their larger backhoe. We managed to move the two vehicles and clear off a cement pad that was once his driveway. The FEMA trailer would be set up there. We asked if there was anything else we could do for him because we had “adopted” him. He asked if we could find a wheel barrel for him to help him do more clearing on his lot. We told him we would take care of it and see him the next day.

We decided right then we would pool our money and buy John a wheel barrel at Wal-Mart in Mobile that night. Scott and Andy delivered the wheel barrel early Thursday morning. John wasn’t there when they made the delivery.

That evening around 6:00 p.m., as I was heading for home, I decided to go by and see if John was at his lot so I could say goodbye before I left. When I pulled up I saw him hauling off rubble with his new wheel barrel. When he saw me his face lit up with a big smile. I walked over to him and through tears he said, “You Alabama guys! Ya’ll must love to see me cry.” He was extremely thankful for the wheel barrel and the gesture of us buying it for him. I told John I was going home but other Alagasco crews would be checking on him.

As I drove away toward my home, with all its comforts, I looked in the rear view mirror and saw a man who had lost everything. He was smiling as tears ran down his cheeks. I wiped the tears from my eyes and headed home knowing that John Lala had changed me forever.

I love your comment that you were blessed not to have any cleanup to do! I've been saying the same when asked how we fared. Just down the road from you on N. Beach,our house and yard were also cleaned off by Katrina, but thanks to Rita, we got a front yard full of other peoples homes and memories. The City, Corps, and Red Cross workers have been phenomenal and we look forward to rebuilding our dream home again. keep up the great attitude and great work.

Hey Bubba, It your favorite RV sales person. I am honored to add you to my list of friends. I told you this before, I am amazed how positive you have stayed thru this entire disater. If you ever need a little rest, there is a place in the heart of Pa that will welcome you with open arms. Enjoy your temp home. Meg G. Pa

Hey Mr. Eddie, keep up the great work. I know you'll continue to do what's need to bring our city back. I only wish I didn't have to leave, but I suppose everything happens for a reason. My heart and prayers go out to you, Ms. Terri, Jonathan, Jamie and the rest of your family. My mother, my brother, my daughter and myself made it out safely, and we're trying to pick up the peaces. Hopefully I'll be able to return home soon.
Wali Shabazz

Mayor Favre,
I spent a week with Disaster Corps. in Bay St. Louis and was awed with the kindness of your townspeople. The beauty can still be seen thru all the devastation.
Everyday I think of the work I did, but even more the work which still needs to be done. I hope to return in early May to do what I can. I urge everyone I speak to, to help you and your town.
May God Bless and protect you all. And may all continue to build.

Mr. Mayor, your town has changed not only your lives but the lives of people all over the United States. A friend and I came to Bay St. Louis the week before Thanksgiving with Hearts with Hands from Asheville, NC and the hand of the Lord is certainly in your city. Everyone was so friendly and thankful for life in general. I will never take the attitude "out of sight, out of mind" lightly again. The stories we heard and the turn-out of workers from every state has forever changed us. We drove away most unwillingly, knowing we would be going back to our confortable homes and all the conveniences - almost like abandoning a small helpless child. We have been amazed at the heart of your people. Our prayers will be with you all.

Eddie,
It was so sad to see the Bay as I delivered supplies to Camp Katrina. My beloved "Bay" as I rememberd, was in "ruins" with hardly anything I could recognize. My heart sank as I stood and watched the residents visit Camp Katrina for supplies, food and clothing. Camp Katrina, a new name for the KMart parking lot where I had parked my car only months before, now had a new objective... An area where residents pleasurely shopped had now been converted to an area to receive survival items. This will be a scene I will never forget and will haunt me for the rest of my life. I am proud of the success I read about and pray for all of you every day. Not being a resident of the "Bay" but visited many times with Lynn & Gary, I have a great deal of pride in the rebuilding and continued regrowth. I know it will rebuild bigger and better. My heart is with you as I read the daily updates by MSNBC. May God bless you and all the leaders of the community.

Mr. Mayor,
It was perfect timing to come across your story and the messages that followed. I stayed put during Rita (yes, I'm crazy) and have worked so hard since. We in Lake Charles, LA have experienced much the same heartache as you. Most everyone has a can do attitude and are trying to rebuild as quickly as possible. After reading your story, I was struck by the similarities in people...must be a Gulf coast thing. If my spirits ever start to wane I'll just read your story again and be lifted up. I'll have Bay St. Louis in my prayers, please keep Southwest Louisiana in yours.

Mayor Farve, God bless you and the work you do each day, to move forward. My sister has met the president and many a politician. She says you are the finest leader, she has ever met. We all need heroes. I know that the Bay if full of them. Thanks for leading the pack!

Eddie, You probably don't remember me but I am Ronnie Miller's son-in-law Eddie. I am glad to see you are fine physically and seem to have pulled through OK. If you need anything, Ronnie has my number and you can call me anytime.If you need anything we are here for you, I don't know you as well as Ronnie, but a friend of his is a friend of mine...period. You need a bed and roof to escape for awhile, we got it.We went down to "the Bay" two months before the storm, glad we saw it one last time the way it was before now. Take Care and God Bless!

Dear Eddie, if I buy the stuff, will you make red beans? Miss you, Pam West

Mr. Mayor, yesterday I returned from BSL. My college daughter and I went down to help Father Tracey and all the great people at Our Lady of the Gulf. The sight of BSL is so shocking that words could not express what I saw. Tears are running down my face now as I read the other letters on this site. All expressing exactly how I felt about the town that I immediately fell in love with. I have never met such wonderful people in my life. As my daughter and I drove around the different areas of town, we thought our hearts would break by what we saw. After 5 life altering days,we reluctantly left to come home, knowing and promising to come back when we can. To Father Tracey, Jo and Kathleen in the office, Miss Ethel, Mrs. Scafidi, Mr. Tommy, Dan Quinn, Theresa Ryan, Jennifer, the entire gang of high school kids from ED White in La. and to the Scott Bridge crew, who put up the 30 foot Christmas Tree on the beach in front of OLG, we love you all. You have changed our life. God Bless you. Mr. Mayor, hang in there, your town is worth rebuilding....Merry Christmas to all.

Hi, Mayor Eddie,
Your Texas Murphys miss you! The day we heard you made it through the storm, we cried. We had been so worried. I have no doubt Bay St. Louis will triumph over this disaster. The people who live there are awesome! I've never felt so welcome in any other place I've ever visited. My family will continue to pray for you as well as the citizens of Bay St. louis

My paternal great-grandparents, who came through the Port of Mobile from Cette, France, and eventually settled in New Orleans, had the surname Favre. They pronounced it "Fahve." I am named for my grandmother, their daughter, Marie Anais. As a child, I spent summer vacations in an old home on the coast between Waveland and Bay St. Louis. The house was named Mistletoe and at the time was owned by my cousins. It blew away in Camille. Good luck with the recovery efforts!

Anais H. Graf, Baton Rouge, La.

Mayor Farve,
I would like to Thank You and the Residents of Bay St. Louis for your strength and determination to recover from this disaster. It was a pleasure working in the community knowing that our efforts where truly appreciated and not taken for granted. When a community that suffered as much as lower Hancock County can rebound and work together like you have, recovery will succeed. I applaud you and all of the residents in you efforts and wish you the best of luck. I look forward to returning to the area and see once again a thriving community rather than all of the FEMA trailers we have landscaped the streets with during our time there. Good Luck and my God Bless.

No Bankruptcy Relief for Katrina Victims
Rep. Sensenbrenner, Who Voted Against Hurricane Relief, Refuses to Hold Hearings

By Martin H. Bosworth
ConsumerAffairs.Com

September 15, 2005
Survivors of Hurricane Katrina who were hoping to avoid the weight of the new bankruptcy law may be out of luck. Representative F. James Sensenbrenner (R-WI), chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, has indicated he will not hold a hearing on waiving the law for purposes of disaster relief.

"If someone in Katrina is down and out, and has no possibility of being able to repay 40 percent or more of their debts, then the new bankruptcy law doesn't apply," Sensenbrenner said.

The new bankruptcy laws take effect Oct.17.

Thirty one Congressional Democrats had voiced support for waiving the more onerous provisions of the new law for Katrina victims "to insure that we do not compound a natural disaster with a man made financial disaster," according to a joint statement.

Sensenbrenner was one of 11 Republicans who voted against a massive relief package for Katrina victims.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Representative Sensenbrenner,

I just ran across this article on the internet. I know it is several months old but I am amazed that an American with any compassion for his fellow U.S. Citizens could take the stand you took regarding bankruptcy for Hurricane Katrina victims following this disaster. What were you thinking? Did you not see the mass devastation along the Mississippi Gulf Coast?
Let me tell you, I took the 6 1/2 hour drive from my home near Birmingham, Alabama down to Bay St. Louis, Mississippi in October 2005 to assist the City in getting their natural gas system back in operation and again in January 2006 to work at Camp Coast Care in Long Beach, MS. The things I saw, the people I met, and the stories they told have changed my life forever.
Bay St. Louis was hit with 34 feet of water and 150 mph sustained winds. Most people within 7 blocks of the bay had nothing left but a slab where their home once stood. Not only was their paperwork necessary for filing bankruptcy gone, everything they owned was gone. Can you imagine going to your home in Wisconsin and finding nothing but a foundation or a slab where you home once stood? Can you imagine looking in all directions for miles and miles and seeing the same thing?
From the article below, the answer is NO! You are obviously an intelligent, well-educated person but have you ever lived in the real world? A world where lobbyist aren't pampering to your every need. A world where people work from pay check to pay check just to make ends meet and pay bills. I would guess the answer to these questions is NO as well.
You have the audacity to sit in Washington D.C. and deny bankruptcy relief for people who now own land that looks like a war zone. You should be ashamed of yourself! I hope the banking industry lobbyist you obviously represent (instead of U.S. citizens) have taken care of you to the extent that you never have to go through what these honorable, hardworking people are now going through.
Look at yourself in the mirror. Can you look yourself in the eyes and feel good about yourself? I think your answer will be "yes" because, after all, you are also an Attorney.
Wayne Cleghorn
94 Southbend Dr.
Talladega, AL 35160
wayne.cleghorn@energen.com

We have not forgoten. You are all still in our thoughts & prayers.

You are all SURVIVORS, not victims.

I have seen Strength when most would give up, Hope that can only come from faith & Love that most of us will never know.

I used to live in South Hancock County until Hurricane Katrina; then my girl-friend and I moved to Talladega, AL. I would like to say good job Mayor Farve, thank-you to all our friends in Talladega for your help, and thank you Mr. Wayne Cleghorn for that information.

Sincerley,
Charles and Jessica
cjgufus15@yahoo.com

hello eddie,
i am coming to BSL tomorrow, and i would really like to say that you're doing a great job and i'm looking forward to helping out down there.
it'd be great if i could meet you as well

And Eddie you know you are so loved, and truly Bay St Louis and it's people are " A Place Apart" I will be sooooo glad to move home the end of March. Yipee..

jeanie

TO THE PEOPLE OF THE BAY AND THE MAYOR,
I HAD THE PRIVELEDGE OF STAYING IN YOUR TOWN DURING THE DIXIE SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT. I HAVE NEVER BEEN AROUND A MORE GRACIOUS AND CARING TOWN. YOU GUYS HAVE OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS AS YOU REBUILD YOUR LIVES. ANYTHING WE CAN DO PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO ASK. I DO NOT KNOW WHAT I COULD DO AS A SINGLE PERSON, BUT MAYOR FAVRE, KNOW THAT I WILL BE THERE AT YOUR REQUEST. GOD BLESS YOU ALL.

Mr Mayor Fevre, you have tugged the hearts of everyone. Those of us who cant travel right now have sent and continue to send all we can to help. When we can be up and ready to travel, we will be down to help wherever we are needed, doing anything! Tell the beautiful folks at Bay St Louis we are with you, and have not forgotten you! We love you. Fight for what is yours and dont let the morons at FEMA walk on anybody. They are all mini-minded minions but work right around them! with love from the north.

I just returned last night from BSL. I am a senior in high school, I'm 18, and I traveled to BSL with my youth group from Naperville, IL. This is the best spring break I have ever had. Better than any trip I could've taken to Cancun, Florida, California...anywhere. I have come back a new person. It's hard to be home knowing there's so much left to do. I truly fell in love with this small town, the people, and the work. I could have lived out of my suitcase and on MRE's for two more months if I'd needed to. It was very hard to come home. No matter how much work and progress I gave to Bay St Louis, I have come back with so much more. I can't say thanks enough to Father Tracey, Dan Quinn, Jo, Kathleen, and Mary for their hospitality, leadership, openness, help, guidance and stories. They have truly changed my lives and I can't wait to come back.

Dear Mr. Favre,
I need your help. My mom lives in Bay St. Louis and was plugging along on the reconstruction of her home. Last Thursday April 6th an inspector showed up and halted all work. He said that they were not allowed to rebuild w/out the proper permits. He claimed the house had been knocked down and they had no right to start rebuilding it. My dad tried to explain to him that it was not knocked down and the inspector started screaming at my dad and calling him a liar. My mom followed him to city hall to try show him the pictures of her house still standing and he started to scream at her and slammed his office door in her face. Now she is worried that the volunteers working on her house will not come back. She is devastated. They told her to be at City Hall Monday morning but she does not know why. This man has treated her terrible.Please, Please tell me what I should do for her . She has been in tears. Her name is Marion Brokmeier and she used to own the soon to be reopened KG's cajun seafood.

Eddie, how did St. Stanislaus fare with hurricane damage? Was the school repairable and students were able to come back? I remember the school campus was so beautiful. I have many wonderful and warm memories of Bay St. Louis-lived there in 1985-86.

Mr. Mayor,

I had the privelege of being in Bay St. Louis at the end of March this year. A group of 10 of us from the First United Methodist Church in Richmond,Ky. stayed at the Main St. Methodist Church, which along with several others, is doing a GREAT job helping the people of the area. The trip has impacted my life tremendously! We are planning many more trips in the future. This coming Monday, 5/22/06, we will be having our first meeting to begin planning another trip sometime in the fall. What kind of things can we bring? We are thinking of school books for the kids, as I remember seeing a video from one of the school principles saying that all of the books are gone. Any feedback and guidance you can give us is appreciated.

Looking forward to hearing from you. God Bless.

Dave Purvis
FUMC Richmond, Ky.

hey man, you still got dem damn short britches on?....GOOD FOR YOU!!!!....at least some politions have their people in mind

Michelle,

Unfortunately, your parents are not the only loyal and respectful Bay St. Louis residents being treated like crimnals by the building inspector. And, this treatment did not just begin since Katrina. It is a long-standing tradition here by this particular inspector, and one that the mayor will not do anything to change - at least not for the scores of residents who have met to discuss their situation with the same experiences.

I know it is of no consolation, but many families are going through the same legally enforced nightmare as your parents. And, yes, your fears are warranted. Many volunteer groups that have brought master plumbers, master electricians, and master mechanics at their own expense to Bay St. Louis have been treated just as as badly. They found out after getting here that their free rebuilding assistance to the residents of Bay St. Louis are not welcomed and will not be tolerated by the city.

You will notice that the mayor has not taken the time to even give you the courtesy of an excuse here, just like he has ignored many others who question these4 gestapo type strong-arm tactics of getting people to "do business" as the inspector wishes. I guess we have to use our imaginations, or something more tangable, as to the motives.

This blockade of skilled, licensed trades from other areas of the country has resulted in many volunteer groups relocating to Waveland and Hancock county where they are experiencing a welcome with open arms. The citizens of Bay St. Louis are being denied these free services.

What is really rich is an article I read about Mayor Favre lamenting the fact that Bay St. Louis is just not getting the monies from non-profits that Waveland and other jurisdictions are gettingby the truckloads. Duuuuhhhhh?????

People need to let the powers that be on a National level what is going on here. You cannot change it here; it is the status quo.

Dear Mr. Favre,
I'm from The Lowcountry of South Carolina and am sad to say that your plight was lost on me at the time of it's occurence due to an auto accident that I was in the week before Katrina wiped out your town. I was in ICU at the Medical University in Charleston as it hit and vaguely remember the news stories and shaking my head and thinking I had it bad, but even with two broken legs, broken jaw and broken shoulder I still had a home and family to go to when I recovered.
After a month in the hospital and alot of prayers from friends, family, and members of Christ St. Pauls Episcopal church of Younges Isl., SC I went home and started my recovery. I regret to say that I lost sight of your plight.
This past spring our youth pastor and another from Tulsa, OK got together with the pastor of The First Presbytarian church on Ulman St. and worked out a mission trip for our youth groups. I have been in construction most of my life but not very involved with the youth even though I have four grown daughters, a son and daughter in HS and another daughter in middle school and three grandchildren. I just never seemed to have time for them and I now regret that. I was asked to go on this mission trip because of my knowledge and the fact that I still don't walk well and am not working.
I went and will never regret it. I was broken hearted by the destruction that I now visited and had near forgotten. Our five groups of teens under the watch of some very capable adult volunteers did some awesome work on six different sights for some of your very appreciative residents of your once fair, and soon to be again, city.
I want y'all to know that our thought and prayers are with you and that I will never forget or make little of others problems.

Sincerely,
Pete

Michelle,

I just found the article, to which I referred that quotes Mayour Farve lamenting the lack of rebuilding support to Bay St. Louis as compared to our neighbors:

http://www.sunherald.com/mld/thesunherald/news/14744772.htm

Many here in Bay St. Louis are wondering if the mayor is really not connecting the dots betweeen the city's power hungry and abusive building inspector, who has beeen known to rip out wiring installed by "outsiders" and good samaratians, and the fleeing of skilled mechanics - and other trades, builders and much needed funds that head straight to Waveland and the County, our surrounding neighbors.

A quote from Mayor Favre in the article:

"...but the neighboring town of Waveland seems to have just about cornered the local market on national media coverage and recovery contributions.

“All of us are in the same situation, but when the national media talks about Katrina in Mississippi, most of the focus has been on Waveland,” Favre said.

End of quote.

I also found some faith-based volunteer group websites that are claiming to be "rebuilding houses in Bay St. Louis. One such site even specified that they doing so with in-training student mechanicss/electricians. I called them up to asked specifically where these houses are, just so I could verify that our building inspector is indeed letting the citizens of Bay St. Louis take advantage of volunteer mechanics. They told me they did not know where these houses, for which they are soliciting monies, are located, or even if they are in Bay St. Louis proper.

What is most apparent though is the fact that volunteer groups have gutted and cleaned up untold numbers of properties for the citizens of Bay St. Louis and elsewhere. For the past several months they have been very visible everywhere you look along the Gulf Coast. And, this has been a true God-send for without them and there labors of love, the Gulf Coast would not have progrees a small fraction of what it has to date.

To my knowledge, all of the demolition and clean-up crews have been welcomed by the city as a whole. It appears that the Bay St. Louis building inspector draws the line at "outsider" electrical, plumbing, and hvac mechanics.

Dear Mayor Favre, I was recently given the privelege to spend a week in your city helping build a Habitat for Humanity home. At first my heart was broken when I saw all the devastation...10 months after the fact. Then, I met a local man on your beach who was reading a book while his dogs played in the water. He told me that after he lost his home, he took his dogs to the beach. He told them, "Go ahead and play, the water is the same, just don't look behind you." What a wonderful attitude! I believe your quiet gentle spirit has kept your community moving forward, not looking back. I hope to return on a regular basis over the next several years. I know my efforts are just a drop in the ocean, but, many drops make a difference. May God continue to bless your recovery. I look forward to being a guest in your city again very soon.

Mayor Favre and Bay St. Louis citizens. I had the priviledge of visiting your area in the three to six months before Katrina. We seriously considered relocating to that area but my Husband could not find a comparable pay scale at that time. I have coffee cups and t-shirts from shops in town and many wonderful pictures of the homes by the Gulf. I was so in awe of your wonderful town and my heart goes out to each and everyone of you. I would love to share my pictures with the owners of those homes if anyone would be interested. Good luck and God speed in the recovery, or, I should say the rebuilding of your wonderful quaint little town.

I moved to this wonderful town of BSL 30 years ago as a teenager. I have seen this town grow over the years and what a wonderful town it was then and still is today. Our Mayor is a one of a kind and I love him dearly. He never let any of us down and continues to work hard today to push this town forward. I am still saddened today for what I see around me but thankful for all my friends and family that surrounds me. When we thought we would never make it through these rough times we are all still surviving even stronger than before. We even made it through another Crab Fest that was more wonderful this year than any other. Thanks to all the wonderful voluteers that helped us put things together with their big hearts and hands. We could not have done it without all of them. My prayers not only go out to all of BSL but to all the volunteers that gave so much and sacrificed so much to help everyone in our town. Thanks to all of you as well as to the Mayor for never letting us down when we needed him the most. I love you Eddie and Jan.
Teresa Osbourn
BSL, MS

I am a lawyer in Dallas, Texas and represented a company that built subsidized housing after Hurricane Camille in Bay St. Louis, Waveland, Gulfport, D'Iberville and another town in Miss. I cannot recall. I spent almost a year on the Coast on those projects. I got to know the people on the Coast and they were just great. Strong, determined, hard working Americans. I could not believe the devastation of Hurricane Camille and now Katrina. I have not been to the Coast since Katrina, but wonder if any of those housing authorities have any houses left. Mrs Wimbish was the Executive Director of the Housing Authority of Bay St. Louis and Fred Wagner was the inspecting architect for both Waveland and Bay St. Louis and a tremendous gentleman. I wish all the best to all the folks on the Coast and God Bless. Houston E. Holmes, Jr.

Dear Bay St. Louis,

Thanks to Fr. Tracey and all the people at OLG Catholic Church for making us from Munster, IN feel at home. Don't think your hospitality wasn't felt, Mayor. We knew you appreciated us.

Everyday that we were in Bay St. Louis and Waveland July 9-15, we were thanked by you folks--as we walked down the street, or bought things in the hardware store on Nicholson.

When I walked out of Mass one morning, a man stopped me and said, "Where you from? I want you to know that you people save us." We cried every time we thought of his kindness.

We love you. We know you would do the same for us in Indiana if something destroyed our lives. You will always have a home in Munster and we know we will always have a home in Bay St. Louis.

Can we come back next June and help out some more? This time, we won't come as volunteers, we will come as family. We promise that we will rejoice in the hope you give us.

You inspire us. You remind us of what is truly important. Our lives are forever changed for the better because of the wonderful ways you treated us. The laughter at the shrimp boil, the smile when Mr. Oliver's house on Thomas Street was done being painted, the ways you touched us give us hope.

Peace,
Mark from Saint Thomas More Church, Munster, IN

Mayor Farve:
I had the distinct pleasure of being both a resident and a public servant of Hancock Co.,and the great city of Bay St. Louis Ms.,when From March of 1978 through September of 1980 I was the Juvenile Probation Officer for the county in which capacity I had the pleasure of working with some of the areas most incredible citizens at the time The Hon. Judge Michael Haas, Sheriff Ronnie Pete,County Pros. John Genin,and so many more,My wife and I were also,for a large portion of that time the full time house parents for what was then the Welfare Dept.Group home for girls,Harbor House. My Home and place of work for two plus years was Court St.
A visit in Sept of this year confirmed what I always believed;that the good people of Bay St.Louis Ms. would persevere,and carry on,rebuilding your fine city.
I would like to commend you on the position you have taken regarding preserving the integrity of historic downtown BSL,and wish you and all citizens of both Bay St.Louis and Waveland a speedy and complete recovery. Your strength and dedication to your comunity is exemplary!

Dear Eddie,
Who knows if you ever even read this. But it is January 5, 2007 and I just returned back from my 3rd volunteer trip to Bay St Louis. I drove with my family 16 hours to volunteer. In my heart, I have adopted BSL as my home. I love my home in Naperville, IL but it just doesn't compare to the Bay. I want you to know that I think of your town everyday, and I love it with all my heart. I have made the commitment to keep coming to volunteer until the Bay is back to its old self. I'll never stop coming back. Keep up the good work, a huge part of my heart lies in BSL and always will.

Penelope, you are my new idol. I love the Bay. Maybe we should invite the Attorney General down for a visit to see how things are from the true "rebuilders" of the coast. The homeowner who rode "it" out, then mucked out whatever was left, then tried to put the pieces back together again only to have his "connected" neighbor create a "beached whale." Or... the same neighbor getting variances(over protest)that diminish the value of your property. Someone needs to be minding the coop - because the fox is out there. Yes, we are a small town - but now is not the time for a select few to get away with creating a dictatorship and lining their pockets. We have the national spotlight - let's shine it on the good and the bad.

I will always love Bay St. Louis. As a 1951 grad of
SJA, most of the people there now are not familiar to me.
from 1934 to 1953 are the Golden Years for me. Growing up in BSL was a joy. Keep up the goodd work
down there.

Noelie Dick Crosslin

It has been devestating to see my home town so leveled. I grew up there, went to SSC, and have a place in my heart that will always be warmed by thinking of the Bay. My dad was the only dentist in town for years, played golf with his buddies at PCI Golf Club and took me hunting ducks in waveland at the end of the sea wall. Mayer Favre I am retiring as a psychologist now and would like to do something to help, but I want to do what is needed. I'll contact some of the volunteer orgs. and see, or you can put me in touch with someone there to contact. Love all of you. You are truly heroes.

Hi Eddie,

I was a police officer in the Bay several years ago,'96-'98, and the last time I saw you was at Dave Stepro's wedding. I can't bring myself to visit you guys yet, I just went through a divorce and all I can remember is how happy my wife and I were when we lived there. I don't think my heart can take it yet. But I try to keep up with everything down there, and I have learned to pray again, for myself and others. Never forget there are a lot of people praying for what you guys are doing.

I have been to Mississippi 3 times to assist Katrina survivors with my church here in Ca. I worked at the Baptist Church is Waveland. I want to say the the spirit of the people of this area was one of the most uplifting, with people not complaining but saying WE SHALL REBUILD and thanking God for saving their lives. I hope to return again this year.This was my first visit to Mississippi and I was amazed at the peoples gratefulness for what little help we could provide.

i LIVED IN BSL FOR FOUR MONTHS ON JULIA STREET. LOVED IT THERE I WENT TO FIREDOGS EVERY DAY! I ALSO LIKED THE goodLIFE BAR.ITS A SHAME WHAT HAPPENED!

FEMA has a trailor on our property at 245 Sycamore St. I do not who know told FEMA to put it there. We didn"t.FEMA SAYS WE HAVE TO EVECT THE TRAILOR. What can we do?