The Voices of Louisiana The mission of the Voices Foundation is to gather stories and histories and present them through theatrical productions and educational programs that are cultural, historic, and artistic; keeping traditions alive by sharing them for the entertainment of all people. The Voices Foundation, a non profit 501c3 formed in 2006, has upheld its mission with several professional productions and ongoing scholarship programs. For information about shows, projects and scholarships, visit the links we share on this web site. From August through September of 2006, the Voices Foundation's Evacuation Theatre Troupe toured the states of the Louisiana Purchase with their original production called “The Voices of Louisiana.” This show highlights the history, hardship and humor of Louisiana. We continue to bring these voices to the forefront, and to collect stories of Louisiana residents. In conjunction with St. Bernard based production company Shine Productions, LLC ,the Voices Foundation has awarded over $5,000 to students in St. Bernard and St. Tammany parishes.

The Somewhat True History of St. Bernard (Abridged): A Love Story an original play by Barry Lemoine August 26, 27, 28 at 8pm August 29 at 3pm Nunez Community College Auditorium Tickets $12 available at P.J.'s Coffee in Chalmette or by calling 504-301-0687 St. Bernard’s Voices Foundation and Nunez Community College will present Barry Lemoine’s original play, The Somewhat True History of St. Bernard (Abridged): A Love Story at the NCC Auditorium on August 26, 27, 28 and 29. Lemoine said that the play pays tribute to the colorful characters and events that have shaped the history of the parish. “To really love a place, you have to know about it,” Lemoine said. “And as the 5th anniversary of Katrina approaches and the disaster in the Gulf continues, I thought it was important to tell a story that celebrates St. Bernard and the place we call home.” Lemoine, whose past theatre credits include An Evening with Betsy, Voices of Louisiana, and Bless Ya, Boys, will once again mesh history, humor, and heartache to tell this story. “I worked on this project last year with my theatre students at Chalmette High, and it was amazing to discover how much history there is here. A lot of us know about the Battle of New Orleans, but what about the slaughterhouse at Stockyard Landing or all of the casinos in Old Arabi? I want to bring the history alive in a fun and entertaining way.” Mary Burns, who was nominated with Lemoine for Big Easy awards for their work in An Evening With Betsy, will head the cast. “Mary is a gifted and comedic actress and one that the people of St. Bernard really relate with. It is through her eyes that many of the stories, both funny and poignant, will unfold.” And while Mary Burns will add her unique personality to the show, New York actor Ted McGuiness will return to the parish, starring as our Parish Historian, the true expert of St. Bernard history. McGuiness’ last role in St. Bernard was that of Uncle Sam in Shine Productions’ The Louisiana Pur-Chase, another romp through the pages of history. McGuiness said that he is excited to return to the parish. “I love the area and the people of St. Bernard so much. And as much as everyone here has gone through these last five years, it really is an honor to be a part of something special like this.” Joining Burns and McGuiness onstage will be some of Lemoine’s regular collaborators - members of Shine Productions resident acting troupe, Christian Bordelon and Will Schneider. The show will also include live music performed by Jude Leblanc and a video component created by St. Bernard filmmaker, Jared Serigne. Tickets are $10 in advanced and $12 at the door and can be purchased at PJ’s Coffeehouse in Chalmette or by calling 504 301 0687. Lemoine said he welcomes all residents, past and present, to come celebrate St. Bernard. “We hope to see a lot of our friends and extended families out there as we attempt to sing this love song of our hometown.”

2010 Scholarship Recipients The Voices Foundation provides a one-time scholarship reward of $500 to eligible recipients. This annual reward is funded through donations made to the Milton Sand Scholarship Fund and the Rita Stockstill O'Sullivan Scholarship Fund, as well as funds allocated by The Voices Foundation. In order to promote educational advancement and artistic public interest, these awards are be given to students who show continued public interest in the arts and are seeking attendance at a college or other educational institute. The recipients are chosen by the board members of The Voices Foundation and must meet the proper criteria. 2010 Milton Sand and Rita Stockstill-O'Sullivan Scholarship Recipients Jenna Andry, Amber Izdedepski, Kevin O'Sullivan, Canaan West, Kernesha Williams Kevin O’Sullivan , a Senior at Northshore High School, is the 2010 recipient of the Voices Foundation Rita Stockstill O’Sullivan Memorial Scholarship Award. O’Sullivan, a talented musician and writer, received the award for her involvement in the arts and the community. Kevin is an active member of creative writing and arts club, and serves as Lighting and Technical Sound Director at Northshore High. Outside of school, Kevin writes and performs original music with a local band, Soul Tree. He has participated in multiple mission trips with his church and volunteers at the Special Olympics and local soup kitchen. Kevin, a St. Tammany resident, will attend Loyola in the fall to pursue a degree in Liberal Arts. Kernesha Williams , a Senior at Chalmette High School, is the 2010 recipient of the Voices Foundation Milton Sand Memorial Scholarship Award. Williams, a talented actress and dancer, received the award for her involvement in the arts and the community. Kernesha is an active member of drama club and 4H club. Outside of school, Kernesha performs with a community dance group. She has volunteered her time planting cypress trees with the $H club and performing in Safe and Drug Free Schools public service announcements. Kernesha, a Violet resident, will attend Southern University in the fall to pursue a degree in Performing Arts Canaan West , a Senior at Chalmette High School, is the 2010 recipient of the Voices Foundation Milton Sand Memorial Scholarship Award. West, a talented musician and writer, received the award for her involvement in the arts and the community. Canaan is an active member of the C.H.S. marching and concert bands, Mu Alpha Theta, Academic Games Team, BETA club and cofounded the school’s literary magazine Magnum Opus. Outside of school, Canaan has performed with the Loyola Bourgeois Concert Band and served as emcee of community Open Mic Night. She has volunteered as a peer tutor for elementary, middle, and high school students in St. Bernard Parish. Canaan , a St. Bernard resident, will attend Brown University in the fall to pursue a degree in Psychology. Jenna Andry , a Senior at Chalmette High School, is the 2010 recipient of the Voices Foundation Milton Sand Memorial Scholarship Award. Andry, a talented musician, received the award for her involvement in the arts and the community. Jenna is an active member of Chalmette High Marching, Jazz, Pep, and Concert bands. She also participated in the Academic Games team and traveled with the team in several national competitions. Outside of school, Jenna performs at many local community events and volunteers as a peer tutor in the 21st Century Learning Program. Jenna, a Meraux resident, will attend University of New Orleans in the fall to pursue a degree in Pre-Med Biology. SERVING SAINT BERNARD: THE FOOD AND FOLKLORE Attention all current and former residents of St. Bernard Parish! The Voices Foundation, in keeping with our mission of gathering and preserving the stories of the rich traditions of our area, is seeking stories of the unique culinary history of St. Bernard. We want to know about your family and neighborhood traditions and invite you to share your stories and recipes. We'd like to hear about the traditional family dishes and folklore, especially those of Filipino, Islenos, Canary Islanders, Acadians, French, Italian, Asian, Croatian and Spanish descendants. What's your favorite dish your Mamma taught you? We'd like to know! The Voices Foundation will set up interviews at North and South shore locations in 2010. Or, send your information online by emailing rosemsand at gmail.com. These stories and recipes will be featured in a cookbook called "Serving St. Bernard," to be published in the fall of 2010.