| A Taste of New Orleans Generosity
Nurses help out Normandy residents Published in Ankeny Press Citizen Residents of the recently flooded neighborhood, which includes Normandy Drive, found a black iron pot filled with jambalaya, Hubigs deep-fried pies, a boom box playing Zydeco music, Mardi Gras bead necklaces and Zapps Cajun-style potato chips. All were courtesy of employees of East Jefferson General Hospital in New Orleans who drove 18 hours to Iowa to help those affected by the flood. Beverly Marino, a staff nurse at East Jefferson who made the trip, said she was grateful for the opportunity to give back. We know what theyre going through, Marino said, referring to the Hurricane Katrina disaster. Im glad we could be here. She said people from across the country came to Louisiana to help out in the aftermath of Katrina. East Jefferson stayed open throughout the catastrophe, despite four feet of water surrounding the hospital. You focused on what had to be done. We cared for the caregivers, she said of the emergency personnel who came to the hospital to be treated. Other East Jefferson employees who came on the trip to Iowa included Bernie Cullen, Kerry Jeanice, Layne Mistretta and Cheryl Carter. Marinos husband, Louie, also came along as the groups cook. The East Jefferson volunteers went to St. Lukes Hospital on Saturday to distribute supplies and provide food. Kecia Cowden, who works with the Iowa and federal Disaster Medical Assistance teams, said she helped in Louisiana during Katrina and got in touch with the East Jefferson employees during the flood. I think its amazing that people from that area want to give back, she said. Linda Schrock of 821 Normandy Drive said she appreciated the help. Schrock, her husband, Greg, and several friends were clearing out their home. Its incredible. The support for this whole area has been incredible, she said. The Schrocks said theyve already purchased a home on the east side of town, far away from the river. They intend to pursue a federal buyout of their home. Were going to miss this neighborhood, Linda Schrock said. |
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