New Orleans West Bank Living and Real Estate News: July 2008

I love being part of a Carnival krewe, especially one right here on the West Bank.  So I was thrilled to see a local business owner named as the 2009 Chief Choctaw at the Coronation Party held Saturday night at Timberlane Country Club in Gretna. 

John Dugas, owner of J&K Cafe and Bar in Algiers will reign over the krewe with his beautiful daughter-in-law, Rachel Dugas, at his side as the Princess.

Since the parade falls on Valentine's Day 2009, the theme will be The Mardi Gras of Love.  The new Chief and Princess were crowned with red and white headpieces after the traditional passing of the tomahawks from the 2008 royalty who reluctantly gave them up.

Also announced was the 2009 Medicine Man, Matthew Heindel.  Yep, I'm a proud mom :)

The most touching moment of the evening, however, was the presentation of the John R. Heindel Lifetime Achievement Award to New Orleans City Council President Jackie Clarkson.  Jackie has been a long time friend to the krewe (her father was one of the early members) and she was recognized for all of the support she has given Choctaw through the years.  The whoops and hollers from the crowd were loudest when she promised to bring Choctaw back to its original route starting in Algiers and she told me that she would proudly display her award in the her Council President's office for every visitor to see!

City Council President Jackie Clarkson on left, being congratulated on her award 

We are just warming up for the 2009 Mardi Gras season...Hail the Chief!

To be a part of the Krewe of Choctaw, visit their website.

Copyright 2008.  All rights reserved.  Lisa Heindel and West Bank Living.

I was lucky enough to attend the Welcome Home Troops party this past Friday at the NAS JRB New Orleans base. The celebration was held to honor all of the troops who have come and gone from the base for the past year and all of the stops were pulled out.

There were inflatables for the kids to play on, a rock climbing wall for everyone and some deliciously cold sno-balls...then there were the clowns and the visits from Dora, Diego and the mascots from both the Hornets and the Zephyrs were on hand as well.

A line of tents were set up with activities for the kids, including cookie decorating and face painting.

Our Last Hope is the name of the new band formed by members of the on base Teen Center and they kicked things off with 4 songs. What a great job, especially since they have only been together for about a month!

After Our Last Hope was finished performing, local band Chicken on the Bone took the stage, which was located in an airplane hanger, to rock out...

After their performance, the band donated a special bass guitar to the MWR guys who were responsible for coordinating the entire event.

The lovely ladies from the NAS JRB Credit Union had a booth set up with information for the troops and they were also the sponsors of the fireworks that closed out the evening.

While the patriotic tunes were playing, the explosions of color across the sky were just awesome.

Thank you to the MWR staff for inviting us to attend and allowing me to have a chance to meet so many of the troops that are serving our country. Thank you all for all that you do.

Copyright 2008.  All rights reserved. Original article at West Bank Living

New on the market and it's FABULOUS!

1488 Flamingo Road   Gretna, LA  70056

$189,900

Updated from top to bottom and better than new, this beautiful home in the Shadow Lake subdivision is sparkling clean and ready to move in.  From the 3 year old roof to the brand new floors throughout, you won't find another home in this neighborhood with so much to offer at this great price.

For more details or to schedule a showing, visit 1488 Flamingo Road.

This property exclusively marketed by West Bank Living.

Today through Saturday

The International Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo kicks off today at the Sanddollar Marina in Grand Isle, LA.  The oldest fishing tournament in the United States, the Tarpon Rodeo draws fishermen from around the country to the small town of Grand Isle.  For more information visit www.tarponrodeo.org.

Saturday

The Gretna Farmer's Market takes place under the Gretna Market on Huey P. Long Avenue between 3rd and 4th Streets in the city of Gretna.  Fresh, local produce along with art, music, jewelry and more from 8:30am to 12:30pm.  Beat the heat and get there early!

Algiers Ferry Night starts with a pre-party at the Dry Dock Cafe at 2 pm in Algiers Point.  The party continues with a 5 pm ferry ride to Canal Street and a second line parade through Woldenberg Park.  The ferry returns to Algiers at 5:45 pm for the blessing of the ferry and free Pink Ferrytinis - now that sounds like fun!  The second line will make its way along the levee to the Old Point Bar at 6:30 pm, where the fairy costume contest will take place, followed by live music at 7 pm.  Ferry Night is just another of the wonderfully unique events that take place in Algiers Point.  For more information visit www.friendsoftheferry.org

The Krewe of Choctaw will choose the 2009 Chief and Princess and introduce the royal court at the Coronation Party taking place Saturday night at Timberlane Country Club in Gretna.  Featuring a buffet dinner and open bar, here's a chance to get all dolled up and witness the passing of the tomahawk from the reigning royalty to the yet-to-be-announced monarchs.  For more information visit www.kreweofchoctaw.com.

Upcoming Events

Wednesdays on the Point concert series continues this week with Ernie Vincent & Marc Stone at Crown and Anchor Pub, 200 Pelican in Algiers Point.  The series ends on August 13th, so be sure to get out there and have some fun while it lasts.

The 25th Annual Night Out Against Crime will take place on August 5th, all over the West Bank.  What is your neighborhood doing to participate?  For more information about how to organize an event, visit National Night Out Against Crime.  This is a terrific way to spend a little time getting to know your neighbors if you are new to an area, or to get to know your long time neighbors just a little better.

This is just a sampling of the great events that happen right here on the West Bank.  Do you know about an upcoming event?  Leave a comment or send me an email with the details and I'll be happy to include it in weekly report.  Make it a great West Bank weekend!

Copyright 2008 All rights reserved. West Bank Living

(From West Bank Living) For the last couple of days I've been working with a fabulous military couple who will be relocating to the West Bank as a result of an assignment to NAS JRB New Orleans.  Their home in another state is currently on the market for sale, so they know what it's like to be the seller.

• They know that sometimes appointments aren't at the most convenient time and they may have to leave their house when they would normally be having dinner
• They know that it's a pain to be sure the beds are made and no dishes are in the sink every time they walk out the front door
• They know that buyers are not as plentiful as they were a few years ago
• They know that they are facing tough competition from the other homes in their area and price range

Imagine their disappointment when we couldn't see a home they were very interested in this week because the sellers would not allow any appointments to be made while they had out of town company.

Now, I understand that they are in the middle of entertaining guests, which is stressful enough. Making sure everyone is fed, feels comfortable in your home, has a place to sleep and planning any tourist activities is hard work. I understand that they would rather put aside the fact that their home is on the market this week.

But, what if this is THE ONE? What if this is the perfect family for their home? What if, when they are ready to  make appointments again, the buyers have already made an offer on another house? Are they willing to take that chance when turning down a showing request? Apparently so, because we tried again today to schedule a showing - sorry, no appointments until Thursday.

Gee, that's too bad, because on Thursday my buyers will be headed out of state with a contract on another house.

For professional West Bank Real Estate advice and services, contact Lisa Heindel.

From West Bank Living comes the updated information about real estate supply and demand on the West Bank of New Orleans. 

Algiers

Algiers 70131: July 2008 Real Estate Absorption Report

Algiers 70114: July 2008 Real Estate Absorption Report

Algiers Point: July 2008 Real Estate Absorption Report

English Turn: July 2008 Real Estate Absorption Report

Gretna and Terrytown

City of Gretna: July 2008 Real Estate Absorption Report

Gretna and Terrytown: July 2008 Real Estate Absorption Report

Other Great West Bank Neighborhoods

Belle Chasse: July 2008 Real Estate Absorption Report

Harvey: July 2008 Real Estate Absorption Report

Marrero: July 2008 Real Estate Absorption Report

Westwego: July 2008 Real Estate Absorption Report

For a detailed report on supply and demand in your West Bank neighborhood, contact Lisa Heindel.

Related Reading:

What Is A Real Estate Absorption Rate?

The Aurora Methodist Church in Algiers has been hosting volunteer mission groups since right after Hurricane Katrina.  Hundreds of adults and youth have made the church their home for a few nights or even a few weeks while they have helped in the clean up and recovery efforts of the city.

Today, the youth and counselors of Aurora Methodist packed up and headed out to Atlanta for their own mission trip to assist in cleaning, painting and repairing two homes for elderly Georgia residents.  This is how you change the world...

The little guy in the middle is mine and is making his first mission trip.

Wishing all of them a safe journey....

Have you planned your weekend yet?  Here are some cool events happening around town.

Summer Reading Bugmobile

Continuing to encourage kids to read all year round, the Summer Reading Bugmobile will be at the children's  wing of the West Bank Regional Library in Harvey, LA on Friday at 10:30 am.  Space is limited, so get your tickets right away or call the library at 364-2660 for more information.

Gretna Farmer's Market

Saturday, 8:30 am to 12:30 pm, featuring local produce, art, music and more.  Under the Gretna Market on Huey P. Long Avenue, between 3rd and 4th Streets in Gretna, LA.

Westwego Performing Arts Theatre

The talented kids taking part in the Jefferson Performing Arts Society's West Bank summer camp will be performing the summer musical "Once Upon A Mattress" on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the Westwego Performing Arts Theatre, 177 Sala Avenue in Westwego, LA.  Visit the JPAS website for more information and tickets.

Beyond The West Bank

The Stars and Stripes Summer continues at the National WWII Museum.  The whole family is invited to attend the museum, learn more about WWII and D-Day and kick up their heels with the Palmetto Bug Stompers from 2-4 pm.  Swing dance lessons will be held from 1-2 pm so you can learn how to strut your stuff!  Discounted admission for Louisiana residents.

Upcoming West Bank Events

Cooking Demonstration

As part of the continuing chef series, Mount Olivet church (530 Pelican Ave. in Algiers Point) will host Chef Ed Moise of Aunt Leni's Cafe on Tuesday, July 22nd at 6 pm.  It's a hands on series, with the Chef demonstrating, teaching and providing recipes.  The $35 per person cost includes drinks and dining on the great meal the Chef and attendees have prepared.

The Wednesdays on the Point concert series continues for the next few weeks, from 5:30 to 7:30 each Wednesday in Algiers Point.  Upcoming scheduled performances are:

• 7/23:  Amanda Walker & Jimmy Robinson at Dry Dock Cafe, 133 Delaronde
• 7/30: Ernie Vincent & Marc Stone at Crown and Anchor Pub, 200 Pelican
• 8/06: David & Roselyn at Gulf Pizza, 446 Pelican
• 8/13: Paul Sanchez & Friends at Old Point Bar, 545 Patterson

25th Annual National Night Out Against Crime

August 5th all around the West Bank.  The Night Out Against Crime is a chance for neighbors to gather together in support of fighting crime in their area and send a message to criminals that they are not welcome in the neighborhood.  Some West Bank communities hold block parties, complete with DJ and dancing in the streets, while others are a little more laid back with a gathering in a centrally located front yard or garage.  What is your neighborhood planning for this year?  To register your event or for more ideas, visit the National Night Out Against Crime website.

Make it a great West Bank weekend!

When buying or selling a home on the West Bank of New Orleans or relocating to the New Orleans West Bank, you deserve local expertise and advice. Lisa Heindel provides full time, professional real estate services to buyers, sellers and military transferees in Algiers, Algiers Point, Belle Chasse, Gretna, Terrytown, Harvey, Marrero, Westwego and more.

• Subscribe to West Bank Living by Email
• Featured New Orleans West Bank Homes
• Search All New Orleans West Bank Listings
• What's My Home Worth? - A Free Online Valuation of your New Orleans West Bank Home

Here's the disclaimer part:  The opinions expressed here are strictly those of the author, but you are free to share yours in the comments.  All information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

Copyright 2008.  Lisa Heindel, All rights reserved.

So what did they win?  Well, Blaine Kern's Mardi Gras World, right here on the West Bank of New Orleans, is a 2008 Nick Parent's Pick for one of the Best Museums for Teens.

Located in Algiers Point, just across the river from downtown New Orleans, Mardi Gras World offers a behind the scenes look at the creation of the beautiful floats that roll through the city during Carnival.  Tours are offered daily for both individuals and groups (reservations are required for groups of 10 or more) and include free king cake and coffee for everyone, a movie about the history of Mardi Gras and float building along with a tour of one the most interesting, art filled warehouses in the city.

Besides being the site of float building, Mardi Gras World is also a wonderful place to hold a uniquely New Orleans birthday party, with mask making, costumes to try on and a tour before blowing out the candles on the cake.  It has been the venue of choice for many Carnival Krewe Balls, local banquets and dances and the staff puts on an annual 4th of July party before the fireworks display on the river.

I recently attended the Old Algiers Annual Reunion Dance and had a chance to wander through the work area for my own little private tour even though the artists were off duty for the night.

If you are visiting New Orleans, Mardi Gras World is a quick ferry ride from Canal Street and shuttle service is available from the ferry landing.  For admission information or to book a group tour, visit the Mardi Gras World website and welcome to the West Bank!

When buying or selling a home on the West Bank of New Orleans or relocating to the New Orleans West Bank, you deserve local expertise and advice. Lisa Heindel provides full time, professional real estate services to buyers, sellers and military transferees in Algiers, Algiers Point, Belle Chasse, Gretna, Terrytown, Harvey, Marrero, Westwego and more.

• Subscribe to West Bank Living by Email
• Featured New Orleans West Bank Homes
• Search All New Orleans West Bank Listings
• What's My Home Worth? - A Free Online Valuation of your New Orleans West Bank Home

Here's the disclaimer part:  The opinions expressed here are strictly those of the author, but you are free to share yours in the comments.  All information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

Copyright 2008.  Lisa Heindel, All rights reserved.

I love porches...they are the perfect place to sit back, relax and watch the world (or at least your little part of it!) go by.  A good front porch can be hard to find if you live in an area that was built in the 60s or 70s, like many of our West Bank communities were. 

While porches are making a comeback in new construction, my favorites are still the originals that set the standard in our city.  The ones that draw you in and invite you to have a seat and visit...

Take a walk with me through historic Algiers Point, where fabulous porches abound, in all shapes, sizes and decorating styles.

For a list of extraordinary porches and the Algiers Point homes that come with them, feel free to

When buying or selling a home on the West Bank of New Orleans or relocating to the New Orleans West Bank, you deserve local expertise and advice. Lisa Heindel provides full time, professional real estate services to buyers, sellers and military transferees in Algiers, Algiers Point, Belle Chasse, Gretna, Terrytown, Harvey, Marrero, Westwego and more.

• Subscribe to West Bank Living by Email
• Featured West Bank Homes
• Search All Listings
• What's My Home Worth?

Here's the disclaimer part:  The opinions expressed here are strictly those of the author, but you are free to share yours in the comments.  All information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

Copyright 2008.  Lisa Heindel, All rights reserved.