Kentwood Soldier Honored Posthumously

Photo Credit: Kentwood Newspaper 1968

Army PPC Charles Leo Pool was honored posthumously at the Kentwood City Hall. PFC Pool was killed in action in Vietnam on October 26, 1968. The award was presented to his parents, Mr. and Mrs Milton Pool of Tangipahoa.

The Bronze Star Medal with First Oak Leaf Cluster for heroism: The official report states, for heroism not involving serial flight.

He received the Purple Heart,  Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal. Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Campaign Ribbon,  and Combat Infantryman Badge.

He attended Dillon High School. He was funeralized on November 6, 1968. Many African American men went off to serve in Vietnam. Several men in my family served in Vietnam.  Nurturing Our Roots Television Talk Show with host Kentwood Native-Antoinette Harrell salute Army PPC Charles Leo Pool.

Source:

The Kentwood Newspaper-1968

Eric Brumfield A Role Model and Mentor

Eric Brumfield
Photo Credit: Connor LaCoste

At the young age of 15 years old, Eric experienced tragedy struck. While participating in one of the various sports that he love and gave considerable efforts, he suffered a catastrophic spinal injury that left him a quadriplegic. After such an experience, the potential for hopelessness and despair can overtake one's life. With support from family, friend, the community and my faith in God, he  gracefully persevering.

In 2014, Eric was a candidate to become a school board member of the Tangipahoa Parish School System. He didn't allow defeat in the race to stop his progress. Being defeated was not an option for Eric.  "The passion for enriching the lives of the youth in my town and surrounding communities in my driving force," said Eric. This summer marked the fourth year for the enrichment camp that Eric spearhead. I had an opportunity to visit the camp this year, I found the students very engaged in their camp activities and the camper leaders working hard with the campers.

The summer campers are striving for academic excellence, enjoying field trips and learning financial

Literacy. Eric and staff were excited about the upcoming college tour of Tuskegee University, Georgia Tech, and other colleges. Although he did not complete the coursework to attain his college degree immediately after high school. He is inspired and has enrolled in college to complete his studies that he started.

Eric didn't allow losing the election for school board member stop him from working hard provide educational opportunities for our youth. He is one of the hardest working people I know. He doesn't allow his physical challenges to stop him. The community of Kentwood appreciates all that he does for our children and our community. Eric will never know just how much he has impacted the lives of generations to come because he chose to help mentor one child.  Eric could have allowed his disability challenged to stop him. But he decided not to allow it to get in his way. He is committed to our youth in our community. 

This summer the campers went to Avery Island, Louisiana to visit the Tabasco company. Nicolette Gordon and Eric spend a lot of long hours working on exciting educational field trips for our children. They are a powerful team that is preparing our youth for greatness. 

The fact that they didn't wait for anyone else to come in and start a summer camp for the youth. They

Avery Island, Louisiana
Photo Credit: Nicolette Gordon

realized it wasn't going to happen if they didn't do it. Eric is truly a role model, and he is aware how important it is for children to have role models and mentors.

I attended my first meeting as a newly appointed board member for the Louisiana Statewide Independent Council and I had to inform the board about the work that Eric is doing in the Town of Kentwood. 

Eric wants to expose our youth to other places, cultures, travels, and food. He knows that traveling and being expose are part of educational process. Many schools in our parish do not take the children on fields trips. Eric understand the valuable learning experiences outside the classroom is important for our children. 

Kentwood After-School & Summer Enrichment Program

Today was the first day of summer camp for kids age 6-13, who is excited to learn and explore new educational adventures. The camp will offer science technology, math, creative writing, iRadio, sports, healthy living, gardening and Y.A. Know.

They're looking forward to going on educational field trips. I interviewed Eric Brumfield the Camp's Director. He said that this is the second year for the summer camp. "I wanted to see a summer camp for the kids," said Eric.  Summer camps weren't available to me as a child Eric pointed out.

We have available space for other kids, said Eric. It's not too late to register your child for summer camp.  A fee of ten dollars can register your child. The camp fees are ten dollars a week. There is a lot of great benefits to summer camp. A wide variety of activities can only help the youth enhance their educational and fun learning skills. Learning should be fun for all children.

Adult Coloring at the Council on Aging

Yvonne Hill McGray and Charles Bennett

Today I went to visit the Council on Aging in the Town of Kentwood. I met so many wonderful people with great stories to tell. From quilting to preserving vegetables and fruit. So many of them have a lifetime of experiences and stories to share with me. 

Mrs. Helen comes from a long line of quilters in her family. She asked me if I knew what rice custard is? I told her my mother use to make rice custard for dessert when I was a child. What about cornbread gravy she asked? That was my first time hearing about the cornbread dressing. I can't wait to hear her oral history stories. One of the other ladies told me she spoke french. She said her family origin traces back to Lafourche Parish, Louisiana. 

Pam Lewis
Photo Credit: Antoinette Harrell

Some were coloring to release the stresses of life. Many people think that coloring is for children, well things have changed and some adults are finding enjoyment and relaxation in coloring. Yvonne McGray introduced adult coloring to the center. At the time when she was introducing coloring in the center, it wasn't received well. "Oh no!" Yvonne said, no one in the center wanted to color, but they quickly changed their minds. Now everyone proud display books of beautiful completed artwork. 

They all have their choice of coloring supplies, ranging from coloring markers to coloring pencils. Now, some of the elders are fining joy in coloring.  Pam Lewis said it's therapy for her. She suffers with arthritis in her hands and fingers and she said that coloring helps relieve the pain. " I'm color blind," said Charles.Their beautiful adult coloring is displayed on the wall. 

The local library feature their coloring art work on display as well. Please stop by to see their coloring art display. 

Town of Kentwood Public Officials Serving Flood Victims

Mayor Irma T. Gordon
Town of Kentwood 

Thousands of residents of Tangipahoa Parish were affected by flood waters this past weekend. Tangipahoa Parish is just one of the nineteen parishes that has been declared a natural disaster area by the federal government. 

Several people loss their life and thousands loss their homes and­― all their material possessions. This past March some people who live on the North End of the Parish had to seek shelter from the flood. Tangipahoa Parish President Robby Miller said that about 5000 homes in the parish were flooded this past March. 

Today the Town of Kentwood elected officials, town employees and volunteers gave out clothes, cleaning supplies, shoes, personal items to people in need. Mayor Irma T. Gordon was there with Councilman Gary Callahan and  Chief of Police Michael Kazeronni issuing the items and water.

Photo Credit: Antoinette Harrell

I made one call to Constable Lemmie Chapman III and asked him to pick up some items to bring to the center. He didn't hesitate to come by and get the cleaning supplies. Our elected officials are truly public servants and the people of Kentwood really appreciate all the services they provide. 

All the volunteers worked so well organizing everything for the people. The community came together to help others in need. Many volunteered their time and other made donation to the town for today's distribution. The items were neatly organized on the tables outside and other donations was steadily coming in. Talking with some of the people who had loss what little they had since the last flood brought tears to my eyes. Most people are coping with the loss again months later. "What makes it a little easier is knowing that others cares!" And they're willing to help.

Town of Kentwood Elected Officials Serving the People
Photo Credit: Antoinette Harrell

Kentwood Mayor Goes Beyond the Call of Duty

There is much that can be said about Irma T. Gordon, Mayor of the Town of Kentwood. A former educator in Tangipahoa Parish School System, former councilwoman, mother, sister, and friend. She rolls up her sleeves and works hard in her community. You can find her in her office five days a week working hard to improve our town.

She puts children first and is concerned for our youth. Whatever she can do to help them, she will do. She shows the same concern for the citizens in our community. She is embarking upon the second year in office and her work is visible.

Mayor Gordon greets everyone with a warm smile and hugs. She makes everyone feel welcome and she treats everyone with respect. Born and raised in the Town of Kentwood, Louisiana., It's not that many people that she doesn't know. If there is an event taking place in town and you invite Mayor Gordon, she will do her best to attend.

Under her leadership the Town of Kentwood will see growth. Most mayors in rural towns in the Parish of Tangipahoa aren't full time employees. Mayor Gordon goes beyond the call of duty to serve our town and it's citizens. Although serving the community is nothing new to Mayor Gordon she  served as the a councilwoman for several terms, politics isn't new to her.

Emory University Student Visit the Town of Kentwood, Louisiana

A Reading Corner setup at Ebony Beauty
Supply in Kentwood, LA

Over the past three days, I have visited the communities of Roseland, Fluker, and Tangipahoa and seen first-hand the rampant poverty that affects the people who live there each and every day,"said Schoderbek. The towns are sparsely populated, and the majority of the residents lack the necessary skills for employment. The rural nature of these communities presents a serious challenge in providing them with the necessary services for community enrichment. Though the issues these areas face are extensive and deep-rooted, William is confident that with the ingenuity of creative minds, solutions can be developed to solve these problems.

While attending Bellarmine College Preparatory School in San Jose, CA., Schoderbek organized two immersion trips to the Mississippi Delta. Giving out books, clothes, gardening, assisting with setting up a Reading Center in Webb, Ms., Schoderbek, along with nine other students and two instructors joined Gathering of Hearts volunteers and co-founder Antoinette Harrell to help serve those in need. This year the students will travel to Louisiana to do immersion work in Tangipahoa Parish with great focus on the north end of the parish.

Customer at Ebony Beauty Supply borrowing a book

Once he arrived in Kentwood, Louisiana he provided tutoring to students on how to apply for scholarships, look for a university to attend. While answering all the questions for students who attend High School in Tangipahoa School District. He also assist Harrell in setting up a reading corner in Ebony Beauty Supply in Kentwood, Louisiana. The next day school supplies were donated to both O.W. Dillion Elementary School and Kentwood Magnet High School.

William enjoy giving back to the community. He understand how important it is to have community enrichment resources for the youth and the community. There isn't one community resource center on the north end of the parish. After school programs and summer enrichment programs can be the road map to help students in the community achieve their goals. Williams in now a student at Emory University in Georgia. However, he left a legacy at Bellarmine College Preparatory School.

Rochell Bates, Principal of Kentwood Magnet High School
receiving donations from Gathering of Hearts and William.

"I'm more than show I'll visit Tangipahoa Parish again," he said with a smile. I was delighted to hear that he wanted to return.
Through social media William can see the work that the student will do this year in Tangipahoa Parish.

Although William will not be join the group this year, I know he will do something this summer to help someone else.

Kentwood, Louisiana Celebrate Happy Earth Day

Kentwood Elected Officials and Town Employees
Photo Credit: Antoinette Harrell

Happy Earth day is a day to clean up and beautify your community.  We all should take part in taking care of our plant  by picking up trash and litter or perhaps plant flowers and trees. Kentwood residents met at the Kentwood Community Center ready to spruce up the town. After the residents were signed in, they were issued a plastic garbage bag, gloves, and tee shirts.

This year's Happy Earth day clean up was organized by Yolanda Callaghan a city employee for the Town of Kentwood.

Kentwood Mayor, Irma T. Gordon and several town council members joined in. Councilman Terrell Hookfin, Councilman Gary Callihan, and Councilwoman Irma Clines were there with their sleeves rolled up ready to work. Many of the town employees worked sided by side with the residents picking up litter.  Constable Lemmie Chapman III, is a strong voice in the Kentwood community picking up trash and litter on our streets and highways were there picking up trash as usually.

Constable Lemmie Chapman III
Photo Credit: Antoinette Harrell

There has been 46 environmental victories since the first earth day.  The first earth day was on April 22, 1970. 20 million people across the United States took to the street to raise awareness about our environment. Today, Kentwood residents came out to be a  part of keeping our town clean. Several children joined the Happy Earth day clean up.

It's never to early to teach children not to be a litter bug. We should teach them not to throw candy and other snack wrappers on the ground, and in our beautiful lakes and ponds that could be harmful to the wildlife. Beside having a clean community make everyone who live in the community feel good about their community. One of the main issues that the constable pointed out is the number of tires they are picking up that is being discarded on the side of the highway and streets in our community. Please beware that if you are caught throwing litter, trash and tires on the streets and highway. You will receive a ticket and may have to do community hours picking up litter.