USMA IN THE NEWS

eShell puts dollars and volunteers into making a "Sudden Impact" in New Orleans' Lakeview area

Times-Picayune
March 15, 2007 

The Lakeview Civic Improvement Association (LCIA) of New Orleans announced today that it will host 12 cadets from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point to lead a Spring Break volunteer cleanup and replanting project focused on green spaces in the Lakeview community. Shell put $50,000 and a commitment of employee volunteers toward the effort. 

Bari Landry, president of LCIA commented, “When we were informed by the local Army Corps office that a group of West Point cadets planned to come to our city during their spring break for a week of community service instead of heading to the beach for a week of relaxation, we immediately welcomed them with open arms and developed an action plan that would have a tangible ‘sudden impact’ on our neighborhood.” 

Local businesses provided the funds for the trees, shrubs and materials needed for the project. Local residents are providing lodging, transportation and meals for the cadets while they are here, as none of them are from the New Orleans area. 

Al Petrie, Chairman of the Green Spaces Committee for LCIA said, “Our neighborhood was always known for its beautiful neutral grounds and the destruction that occurred due to the wind and flooding from Katrina was heartbreaking. Through Operation Sudden Impact we expect to plant well over 300 trees and a large number of shrubs on Canal Boulevard, fully restore the famous sunken gardens, and remove remaining debris and dead tree stumps in that area.” 

Frank Glaviano, vice president – Production, Shell EP Americas added, “We are proud to support this important project in the Lakeview area. Revitalizing the neutral grounds in Lakeview will serve as a reminder that progress is being made and there is hope for the future. Many Shell employees and their families lived in this area and lost everything, but most importantly, we hope to encourage others active in the community to join us.”