Payless Shoe Stores, Guardian Angels for The Fresh Air Fund

Since 1877, The Fresh Air Fund has been taking New Yorks' inner-city children away from their stifling, noisy city streets and bringing them to places filled with grass, water, fresh air, and a simpler way of life, in the country or at the beach, or both. The kids get "a chance to truly expand their horizons" and get away from the hustle and bustle of their cities in the horrendously hot summer months.

Payless Shoe Stores has been a Guardian Angel of sorts, and a great contributor to The Fresh Air Fund, and in a very fun way. They are selling the "Friendship Shoe." They are white canvas sneakers that come with markers, like Sharpies, and the kids (or the adults who are kids-at-heart like me!) who get them have their friends and camp counselors decorate and sign them to create one-of-a-kind momentos of their Fresh Air Fund experience. The profits from the sales of the shoes go to The Fresh Air Fund and Payless Shoe Stores have donated over $120,000 over the last two years.

As many of you know, I have a tradition of wearing an Arch Bishop Rummel Thrift Store shirt to Jazz Fest every year, along with a cache os Sharpies. The shirt is worn and decorated year after year, adding special history and nostalgia with each passing Jazz Fest. It's my favorite shirt.

Today I am going to go to http://www.payless.com/ and buy a pair of Friendship Shoes and begin a new tradition of having friends and strangers alike, decorate my shoes. This will be better than my Rummel shirt because these special sneakers will raise awareness about The Fresh Air Fund and the great work they do for inner-city youth. If decorating sneakers is not your idea of a fun thing to do, consider donating to the Fresh Air Fund. A mere $24.00 donation pays the bus fare, round-trip, for a kid to get out of the city and participate in the Fresh Air Fund Porgram. You can donate online or you can mail a check to:

The Fresh Air Fund

633 Third Avenue, 14th Floor

New York, NY 10017

For more information about The Fresh Air Fund, visit http://www.freshair.org/ - This is a great charity, one that recognizes that "the only thing more fleeting than summer is childhood."

Rob Clemenz, Founder http://www.saintsforsinners.com/

Sally Field was "Gidget" and "Norma Rae" but NOT "The Flying Nun."

Here is the UnOriginal "Flying Nun," with Sally Field in the starring role. She's a faker but we still "really, really like her." The real flying nun was Saint Mary Catherine Laboure.

Sally Field as Original "Flying Nun?" - The Truth Exposed....

We recently uncovered the truth about the "Flying Nun" and Sally Field was not her! It seems the American public was duped. The original real deal "Flying Nun" was Saint Mary Catherine Laboure'. The proof is in the pudding, or in this case, the photographs.... We have the real Flying Nun medallion at SaintsforSinners.com.

Society of St. Barbara: Basilica of Dreams: St. Francis Xavier, Dyersville, Iowa

Society of St. Barbara: Basilica of Dreams: St. Francis Xavier, Dyersville, Iowa

Our Marcel Proust-Inspired

www.SaintsforSinners.com

Questions & Answers

Interview with Dr. Paul Camarata,

Host of www.SaintCast.org on the

StarQuest Production Network (www.SQRN.com)
BIO: Dr. Paul Camarata is the host of the SaintCast, which is an ongoing, informative podcast about the Saints. Paul’s Podcasts are free and available through ITunes, www.SaintCast.org, and www.SQPN.com, the StarQuest Production Network (offering the “Best in.... Podcasting”). His 100+ podcasts have been broadcast throughout the world and his legion of followers has never, and will never, stop growing. Paul is a medical doctor specializing Neurosurgery. He makes Kansas City his home, is married to Karen, and has three children, ages 15, 17, and 20. SaintsforSinners.com is proud to have Paul as their third Marcel Proust-inspired Interview.

Hello, Dr. Camarata, thanks for joining us at the www.SaintsforSinners.com Blog It's nice to be able to turn the tables and interview you for a change. We really enjoyed the interviews you did with us on your SaintCast.

Are you ready for our Interview? Sure am. . . and thanks so much, Rob, for what you do. I've heard from so many of our listeners (at SaintCast ) who have ordered medals that have helped remind them of the holy men and women that have gone before us, that help them through difficult times. Here we go: Q: First, do feel any connection to a particular Saint? A: Yes, a few of them. Q: Which ones and what is the connection? A: Well, the first was perhaps St. Thomas More. When in high school, I saw a movie called "A Man for All Seasons." It is a film version of a play written by Robert Bolt. It tells the story of Sir Thomas More, a high placed lawyer and good friend of King Henry the VIIIth, who was killed because he stuck up for his convictions and refused to accede to the king's wish to divorce his wife and declare himself Supreme Head of the Church in England. He is a great role model for laity, studying and praying intently. He taught his daughters to read and write Latin and Greek at a time when women weren't usually educated, loving God while trying to be the best lawyer he could be. Next would be St. Francis. I was taught by the Capuchin Franciscan friars in my high school days. Their humble example and willingness to live in poverty in today's society has always been an inspiration to me. This, of course, comes from their desire to follow the ways of St. Francis of Assisi, called the little poor one of Assisi, but truly a giant of a man in his time. By the time of his death, thousands of friars had decided to abandon their "other" lives and live with him, serving the poor, living in abject poverty. He was truly a great reformer of the Church which had fallen into "disrepair." The third would be Padre Pio. Of course, people are first intrigued by his story . . . a friar who bore the wounds of Christ, that bled daily for 50 years. We are intrigued by the photos of him shown saying Mass with bleeding hands extended. Then, when you read his story . . . Wow! Here was a humble poor friar from the south of Italy, who prayed fervently and often that he would always do God's will. After awhile, he is graced with being allowed to offer his suffering for the salvation of souls in the form of the stigmata. I often think, "Man, if I saw Jesus and spoke with my Guardian Angel like Padre Pio did, it would be easy to repent and be a saint." However, this man spent hours a day in devout contemplation - some say he prayed over 30 rosaries a day. He helped predispose his soul to be able to communicate with God in a way that few of us ever do. In addition, he was blessed with the ability to read souls - people would go to Confession to him and he would enumerate all of their sins for the past few years, things that no one else knew! So, I hold him up as an example of how to go about deepening your relationship with God. Q: We are especially fond of Padre Pio as well and were in Rome for his Canonization in August, 2002. Paul, please talk about the time when you first began to feel connected to the Saints. A: As a child my parents taught me about saints, and I remember praying to St. Anthony, Joseph, and Mary, as well as St. Christopher. I remember choosing St. Peter as my confirmation saint because of his connection with St. Paul. Their Feast day is celebrated together in the Catholic Church. When my father was dying of cancer we said a lot of prayers to St. Jude, the patron saint of lost causes. I first really felt a true connection to the saints in general after Pope John Paul II died. I had a kind of 'mini-conversion' experience while watching all of the media coverage of the death of this great man, and began reading more and more about the saints. Perhaps his soul was inspiring me to change my life for the better. Q: So, they have inspired you? A: I do look to some of my favorite saints for inspiration. . . after all, that's why the Church canonizes people. The Church doesn't make them saints - it is simply saying that it is "officially" OK to now look to these holy people as examples of how to live our lives and pray for their intercession. I mean, there are saints out there who have conquered any vice that you can think of. Saints who were alcoholics, saints who were murderers, liars, even satanists. The difference is that they figured out, with the grace of God, how to straighten out their lives and get it right. Q: How many Saints do you think there are? A: Certainly there are millions and millions of people in heaven, and all of us here on earth are a part of the Communion of Saints. As far as officially recognized saints, there are, I believe, between 5 and 10,000. Q: Do you have a favorite? A: My three favorites would have to be Thomas More, Francis of Assisi, and Padre Pio. Q: Name the first 5 Saints that pop into your head: A: Thomas More, Francis of Assisi, Padre Pio, St. Lucy, Maximilian Kolbe Q: Any idea why you picked those? The first three are my favorite patrons. I just exhibited a number of relics recently at our parish church, and St. Lucy was one of those. I thought of Maximilian Kolbe because he was a very contemporary saint, and who we would like to propose as the patron saint of New Media. He was a fabulous evangelizer. Q: Yes, I remember we talked about Maximilian Kolbe when you interviewed us in New Orleans. Proposing him as the Patron of New Media sounds great. We're in! One last question: Do you recall ever saying the prayer “Saint Anthony, Anthony, come on down; something’s lost that must be found!” A: Yes, all the time. Q: OK, one more question, then: please tell us, did it work? A: More often than not, yes, indeed.

Our Interview with Bassist Extraordinaire Ivan Bodley

Our Marcel Proust Inspired SaintsforSinners.com Q & A

Questions and Answers Interview with

Renowned Bass Player Ivan Bodley

in New York City

January 25, 2009

Ivan Bodley hails from New York City and is an accomplished professional bass player. He recently shared the stage with Sting and Elvis Costello at the Creative Coalition Inaugural Ball on Monday, January 20, 2009, in Washington DC, in celebration of the Presidency of Barack Obama. Both the Huffington Post and Fox News covered the concert! Check it out on YouTube.


Ivan has strong New Orleans connections. He is a graduate of Tulane University and was one of the Champions of the greatest radio station on earth, WTUL, 91.1 FM on your dial. You can find out more about Ivan and hear his music by visiting his web site, www.funkboy.net or www.phunque.com or www.myspace.com/funkboy


We caught up with Ivan this past Sunday, January 25, 2009 and conducted this interview by phone. Here it is:

Rob Clemenz/SaintsforSinners.com:

Hello Ivan, thanks for agreeing to be interviewed for the www.SaintsforSinners.com Marcel Proust inspired Q & A. We’re honored to have you as our second guest. Let’s start by learning how you became a professional bass player. When did you first pick up a guitar?

Ivan Bodley:

I actually started late, by most standards. I was a Senior in High School. I became interested in playing guitar and wanted one so I worked at a Dude Ranch as a dishwasher so I could save up enough money to buy my first Fender bass guitar.

RC: Where did you first begin performing?

Ivan Bodley:

Hmmmm... I guess that was at my High School Talent Show. I remember playing “Message in a Bottle” by The Police. The audience liked it and I wound up winning the Talent Show.

RC: When did you first become acquainted with the age old saints?

Ivan Bodley:

Growing up, there really was no connection to the saints whatsoever. I basically grew up in a non-practicing Jewish or Atheist household. It wasn’t until I came down to New Orleans that I began to take notice of its culture the vast religious connection it conveys.

RC: When did you first become part of the SaintsforSinners.com family?

Ivan Bodley:

When did you start? I’d have to say I was pretty much in it from the getgo, the beginning, Day # 1.

RC: Yes, you have been a loyal pal for a very long time. Which medals have you worn?

Ivan Bodley:

(Laughing) None, really. Well you have the picture of me wearing the Guardian Angel but I just wore it for a short time and then passed it on, like you recommend on the web site. I’ve sent the medals to friends.

RC:

So you don’t even wear the medals!?

Ivan Bodley:

Yes and No. A year or so ago a friend gave me a saint Christopher medal, for protection during travel. I’m touring and on the road so much I keep that medal in my wallet. But it’s not one of yours.

RC: Which saints are you familiar with?

Ivan Bodley:

Aaron Neville introduced me to saint Jude long ago. That’s the first saint I became acquainted with. Paul Sanchez is the cat who introduced me to the SaintsforSinners.com Web site.

RC: How many saints do you think there are?

Ivan Bodley:

I have no idea. Hundreds, I guess.

RC:

Name 5 saints off the top of your head.

Ivan Bodley:

Michael, Christopher, Jude, Mark, Luke - go with the “Heavy Hitters!"

RC:

Since you have said you like sending the medals as gifts, what has the reaction been?

Ivan Bodley:

They appreciate the thoughtfulness; the personal component goes beyond the gift.

RC:

Comment on the line “It’s so hard to be a saint in the city.”

Ivan Bodley:

(Laughing) New York City. It’s a tough place to live. There’s lots of temptations. I identify with it.

RC:

How about this one, “I’d rather laugh with the sinners than cry with the saints.”

Ivan Bodley:

I understand that. And that’s why I like what you’re doing. Some sinning is just having some fun. You’re allowing people some redemption without forcing people to feel 100% pious. It’s admirable.

RC:

Thanks, Ivan. You get it. Who do you think wrote “the saints are the sinners who keep on trying.”

Ivan Bodley:

Don’t know, it sounds Dylanesque.

RC:>
Last Question

Did you ever say the prayer that went something like this: “Anthony, Anthony, come on down, something’s lost that can’t be found!”

Ivan Bodley:

No, Rob, can’t say that I have.

Saint Joseph's Wild Rides with Fairgrounds RaceCourse Jockey Dustin Dugas

Our “Marcel Proust Inspired” www.SaintsforSinners.com Q & A

Quick Questions & Answers Interview with

http://www.FairgroundsRaceCourse.com Apprentice Jockey Dustin Joseph Dugas

New Orleans, Lousiana

January 17, 2009

DUSTIN JOSEPH DUGAS

Dustin Dugas is a new Apprentice Jockey at the Churchill Downs Fairgrounds RaceCourse in New Orleans, Louisiana. He is 16 years old and hales from Waggaman, Louisana, where he lives with his family. Dustin was formerly racing at Louisiana Downs, where he was crowned September 2008’s Rider of the Month. As we waited to conduct this interview at the Fairgrounds, Dustin was riding “Brazen Walk” to a 2nd place finish in the 3rd race with a $2.00 “Place” ticket paying $15.40.

The Jockeys came back from the 3rd Race and we waited for Dustin to catch his breath. We noticed he watched the race on replay, shaking his head in thought as the race aired on the screen above him. The other jockeys had left the room while Dustin remained, watching the finish on his own. A few moments later, he went to get freshened up and ready to talk. We took some photos and sat down to chat. He had some extra time since he was not riding again until the 6th Race, where he would be attempting to achieve his 10th 1st Place Fairgrounds Finish aboard the Christopher McLaughlin’s Maltese Cross Stables horse, “Rhyme Royal.” After we met Dustin in the Jockey’s Chambers and sat down for a chat we explained that the reason we wanted to interview him was because we noted he wears a Saint medal on his helmet and were curious about it.

Here’s our interview:

Hello, Dustin, It’s great to meet you. SaintsforSinners.com has been a loyal fan of yours ever since we detected a Saint Medal dangling from your helmet.

Let’s get started:

1.

Q: First off, how did you get interested in horse racing:

A: We always had barrel quarter horses back when I was a kid.

2.

Q: Tell us about your first horse:

A: My first was really a pony, a paint horse. (Smiling) Her name was “Splash.” She was short and fat and I had her when I was 5, 6, 7 years old.

3.

Q: Then you got your first horse?

A: (Again Smiling Broadly) It was a big white horse named “Snowball.” After that I had my Dad’s horses.

4.

Q: When we see you in the paddock it seems there is always a saint medallion hanging from your helmet. Can you tell us about that? What Saint are you wearing on your cap while racing here at the Fairgrounds?

A: Saint Joseph.

5.

Q: What is your connection to Saint Joseph?

A: It’s my middle name. I wear it for safety.

6.

Q; Tell us when and why you first began to feel connected to Saint Joseph, ands started having him race with you.

A: I have always been wearing Saint Joseph or a Crucifix or Saint Christopher since I was kid.

7.

Q: Have they ever inspired you?

A: Yes, sir!

8.

Q: How many saints do you think there are?

A: (Laughing) I have no clue!

9.

Q: Do you have any favorites besides saint Joseph and saint Christopher?

A: Not really.

10.

Q: Let’s play a game where you name the first 5 Saints that pop into your head:

A: I only know saints Joseph and Christopher. Oh and Saint Michael.

11.

Q: Do you remember ever saying the prayer that goes something like this: “Saint Anthony, Anthony, come on down; something’s lost that must be found!”

A: No, sir.

When we finished we handed Dustin http://www.saintsforsinners.com/ medal packages, one of
saint George,
the patron of horses. It was very interesting that when the package was opened the hand-painted medallion was of a
"big white horse,"
much like Dustin's childhood friend/horse, Sonwball. We also gave Dustin 3 version of our saint Joseph the Worker medals and one was just like the medal on his helmet.

We were getting ready to leave when veteran Fairgrounds Race Course Jockey Lonnie Meche appeared and we were introduced. Asked about Dustin Dugas here is what Lonnie had to say:

“It’s nice to work with one of the upcoming stars. Dustin is always very professional. He’s quiet, he pays attention, and he listens.”

Follow Up:

On his next mount after this interview, Dustin Dugas rode Trainer Harry L. Hahn, III’s and owner Christopher McLaughlin’s “Rhyme Royal” to victory in the 6th Race. He won his 10th First Place Finish at the Fairgrounds. We were, along with his Saint Joseph, with him all the way. A two dollar bet paid $ 12.60 and a two dollar 9,2,7,8 “Superfecta” paid
$23,894.20!
We were happy to cash in our winning tickets but missed on the big Superfecta payoff.

SaintsforSinners.com would like to thank Dustin Dugas,
the Fairgrounds Race Course personnel,
and jockey
Lonnie Meche,
all for being so generous with their time as we satisfied our curiousity concerning what saint medal Dustin Dugas wears.
We also thank Saint Joseph the Worker!

Our New Edition Addition

Our Muses at ... http://www.lamuseinn.com/

& Our New Edition Addition!

We had the good fortune of getting the opportunity to talk with John and Kerry Fanning, the proprietors of La Muse Inn, a Retreat House for writers and other creative folks, located in the South of France. Kerry called www.SaintsforSinners.com because she was interested in getting a medal for her husband, John. They're spending the Christmas Holiday in the Northeast U.S. and will be sharing our hand-painted saint medal designs and serenity stories with friends and family for Christmas. Though we are technically "strangers" to each other, it seemed we "clicked" while talking and a phone call asking for some saint medal packages turned into something more, a truly serendipitious treat for us and our web site.

Kerry let me know she found our site by Googling and also that it did not come up onthe first pages and was rather "buried" in her search listings. While SaintsforSinners.com does very well on the serach result listings when a person searches for "Saints Medals," or "Hand-Painted Saint Medals" there are many areas where are web site winds up lost in the mix of hundreds or thousands of search result terms Googled. Kerry suggested that I speak to her husband about search terms and ways to improve rankings and get noticed. It was an offer not be declined and I had this fantastic chat with John, a Frenchmen speaking fluent English with a marvelous French accent (yet another added bonus!). John and I talked about the web sites, search term issues, key words, codes and file transfer protocols, among othe things. And then the conversation became more cordial in spirit and just as broad as broad can be.

John asked about the Blog, which I have been pretty "hit and miss" with about in the past. Sometimes I'm writing; othe times, it just doesn't get done. John presented great ideas and views and there was one that struck a chord. Why not try a "Proustian Questionnaire" type component and incorporate it into the Blog as a regular series? I fell in love with the idea immedaietly and today's Bolg serves as the announcement that we will be presenting our new edition additon, a "Getting to Know You" Marcel Proust Interview series, where I do an introduction and write about folks SaintsforSinners.com loves and admires, tell a bit about their life and relationship to SaintsforSinners.com, and then their answers to some basic questions about saints, saints medals, faith, hope, trust, religion, the Sacraments, just to name a few. We have such a wonderful cross section of folks in our SaintsforSinners.com family, that I think the interviews will alwasy be fresh and interesting. I've already asked two very different folks if they will be our first two interview subjects and I am so excited about the prospect of presenting life views from the people who wear and share our hand-painted saint medal designs, their reasons for doing do, their views on the topics mentioned earlier, and who know what else! This is a true work in progress.

I'd like to offer my sincere thanks to John and Kerry Fanning at www.Lamuseinn.com for offering this gem of an idea to us. For those of you who read the blog, please me know which people you'd liketo hear from and what questions you'd like asked. I'll be posting the first New Edition Addition very soon. Thnaks to all of you for helping me to create a vehicle that has certainly taken some wrong turns over the years, yet alwasy offered a scenic view that keeps me busy and learning every day. I am, indeed, blessed. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Fondly,

Rob Clemenz, Founder

www.SaintsforSinners.com

Let's Hear It For The Shelter Dogs!

Over 700 newspapers from all over the world are premeiring comic strip creator Patrick McDonnel's "Mutts" adoption series today. McDonnel wrote six related comic strips that encourage folks to consider adopting shelter dogs from shelters rather than puppy mills or pet stores. McDonnel said he was inspired by president elect Barack Obama's statement that he wanted to find a dog for his daughters at a shelter. Obama said "a lot of shelter dogs are mutts like me." Look for the "mutts" comic strip in your local paper or online at http://www.muttscomics.com/.

McDonnel's strip features two pets, "Mooch" the cat, and "Earl" the dog. It is often funny and poignant; this week it will surely be extraordinary and will heaighten awareness about the plight of shelter animals throughout the world. Visit your local shelter and bring home a four legged friend. You will be gald you did.

Two New Local Stores

We added two new local stores and will hopegully adding a store in Savannah, Georgia later in the week.

When in the French Quarter, you can visit Pamela's Living Room, Shine, Feet First, and our newest store, "Yesteryears" in the 600 block of Bourbon Street. Visit Theresa and say hello to her boss, a beautiful four legged feline who runs the place!

Saint Martin of Porres & President-elect Barack Obama: Our Racial Harmonizers

Saint Martin of Porres & President-elect Barack Obama

Our Racial Harmonizers

Saint Martin of Porres was born to parents of different races. His complexion favored his dark skinned mother, leading his father to abandon him. Martin found work as a hair stylist, but it was soon discovered he possessed great healing qualities. The rich and poor, and all those in-between flocked to him, and he quickly became a Dominican Lay Brother. He was a universal caregiver, ministering to all people, including African slaves who were brought into his homeland of Peru. Martin’s love was all-embracing; he had a great love for animals, even the rats who scurried around his home. Martin lamented that the vermin had too little to eat! Like Saint Francis of Assisi, he seemed to be able to converse with animals and he founded one of the first animal shelters. Martin is also said to have been “bi-coastal,” which meant he could be in two places at one time, quite an extraordinary feat. Equally extraordinary was his reported ability to fly. Martin was very humble; he referred to himself as “mulatto dog,” long before President-elect Barak Obama recently humbly referred to dogs as “mutts like me.” Like Barack Obama, he was respected by his peers and followers who affectionately referred to him as “Father of Charity.” He was canonized on May 6, 1962, when Barack Obabma was nearly 10 months old. Both med are revered as racial harmonizers. Pray to Saint Martin of Porres for the elimination of all forms of prejudice and ask him to gently guide our new president-elect, as he faces the momentous tasks ahead.

New Folks on Our Hall of Fame-Ous

Tres Nuevo Amigos!

We added three folks to our "Hall of Fame-Ous" yesterday:

1. One of New Orleans' "favorite sons," the horse racing afficianado, Ronnie Virgets;

2. One of our New New Orleans Saints, Tight End Jeremy Shockey (and our friend Mark Faar); and,

3. One of the greatest violinists of our time, Soozie Tyrell. We even snagged an autograph from Soozie and put that up also.

In the coming weeks, we will add another series of photographs with a well-known actor and 2 beautiful girls from New Orleans, Renee & Gabby at the "Tales of the Cocktail," in the historic Hotel Montleon and also make a fun announcement of a new partnership we entered into recently. But first we need to "let the ink dry" on the deal we were so fortunate to have had offered. It's an exciting time, even thogh the faltering economy has us a bit nervous.... But Faith & Hope trump nervousness every time so we'll be fine.

That's all for now - stay tuned ...

:o) rob

Celebrating the Feast Day of Saint Francis of Assisi

Hello all - sorry the blog has been quiet for so long - we are making lots of progress so hopefully you will start to see more posts. The Gretna Heritage Festival was fantastic and we were happily surprised our idea ended up raising money for the Louisiana SPCA! www.SaintsforSinners.com Imported Italian Saints Medallions Hand-Painted in New Orleans, Louisiana 5866 General Diaz Street, New Orleans, LA 70124 504.482.2467 (Office) 504.239.3143 (Mobil) Rock504@aol.com Rob Clemenz, Founder Ms. Ana Zorrilla , Executive Director October 6, 2008 Louisiana SPCA 1700 Mardi Gras Boulevard New Orleans, LA 70114 Reference: Donation to the Louisiana SPCA via SaintsforSinners.com Dear Ana, Please find enclosed a check for $ 211.47, which is a donation from many of the animal lovers who attended the Gretna Heritage Festival this past weekend. We sold our hand-painted Saints medallions at the Festival and tried a fund raising idea to gather donations for the SPCA. Since Saint Francis of Assisi’s Feast Day was this past Saturday, we wanted to honor him by helping the SPCA. We put a plate on our table and filled it with the old, rusty Saints medals we lost in the flood of August, 2005. When we returned to New Orleans in September, ’05, we decided we simply could not let our Saints medals just be bulldozed away, along with the rest of our house. So, we dug through the muck of our flood ravaged home until we uncovered all of our bins of thousands of Saints medals. They were very messy and dirty and seemed completely useless. But you could still tell they were Saints medals. So we let them dry in the sun and then put them all in a big bucket. And then, this past weekend, we treated our Saints medals as the tiny pieces of history that they have become. We put up a sign by our plate of ruined “flood medals,” left out an empty jar, and put the Saints medals up for sale, asking for a donation. The response was fantastic! Many Gretna Festival goers dug through the medals until they found the Saint they wanted. Others just put money in the jar and handed us a medal. We placed each “flood medal” in a clear zip locked bag and made a notation with our Sharpie markers. We hope the money we collected helps the Louisiana SPCA and the animals. Respectfully yours, Rob Clemenz, SfS Jess LiRocchi, SfS Christina E. McCarson, SfS & all the Generous Gretna Festival Goers!

A Visit to the Saint Hedwig & Nicolas Basilica in Berlin

An Outline

New Stores Carrying Hand-Painted SaintsforSinners.com Medals

Hello Everyone!

We have added some new stores and they are listed below....

Happy Mardi Gras!

rob

SaintsforSinners.com’s Retail Stores January, 2008 : RECENTLY EXPANDED! We have been expanding our retail store outlets and our hand-painted Saint medal designs are now available throughout New Orleans and Louisiana and are also available in the select boutiques in the cities and states listed below. We are always interested in hearing about cool, unique shops that our customers think should offer our line. Ask your favorite retail shop to carry SaintsforSinners.com’s hand-painted saint medal designs. Our new display cases attract traffic, keep folks in their store, and have them coming back, asking for more! Retailers, contact SaintsforSinners.com founder Rob Clemenz @ 504.239.3143. In Louisiana: NEW ORLEANS: Our First Store: Pamela’s Living Room Boutique 927 Royal Street The French Quarter New Orleans LA 70116 Tel. 504.595.8860 Say “Hi” to Pamela & Frank for us!

Shine Spa 304 Chartres Street The French Quarter New Orleans, LA 70130 Tel. 504.581.4199 Let Cindy know we said “Hello”

Plum 5430 Magazine Street Uptown New Orleans, LA 70115 504.897.3388 Ask Dannal about the latest live local music in New Orleans!

FeetFirst, Inc. 4119 Magazine Street Uptown New Orleans, LA 70115 Tel. 504.899.6800 Say “Hi” to Evie!

Little Miss Muffin Stores: Little Miss Muffin # 1 766 Harrison Avenue Lakeview New Orleans, LA 70124 504.482.8200 Ask Becky if she’s wearing her Guardian Angel.

Little Miss Muffin # 2 244 Metairie Road Old Metairie, LA 504.833.6321 Say “Hello” to Eva & Gay for us! ALEXANDRIA: Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Books & Gifts 2018 C Gus Kaplan Drive Alexandria, LA 71301 Tel. 318.443.2135 Ask for Tinsley and say “Hello”

MANDEVILLE: Blue Roof Denim 1600 West Causeway The Northshore Mandeville, LA 985.624.4680 Say “Hi” to Britney & Eden for us!

LAFAYETTE: “INBETWEENZ” 115 Arnould Blvd. Lafayette, LA 70506 Tel. 337 984 5101 Tell “J’Annine” “Hello!”

OTHER CITIES & STATES: NEW YORK ~ THE HAMPTONS: Frank Calvos Pharmacy & Boutique 106 North Main Street East Hampton, NY 631.324.3887 Ask Frank how my cousin Sue Hassleburger is doing!

NEW YORK ~ WESTCHESTER: Sherwood Forest Design 6 Oak Lane Cortlandt Manor, NY 10567 914.737.3480

LOS ANGELAS, CALIFORNIA: Holy Family Book Store 1527 Freemont Avenue Pasadena, California 91030 Tel. 626.403.6133 Let “Ann” know you’re looking for SaintsforSinners medals!

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON Duque Salon & Spa Boutique 5348 Ballard Avenue, NW Seattle, WA 98107 Tel. 206.706.7177 Say “Hey” to Lauren & Giovanna!

CHESTERFIELD, MOUSSOURI: Catholic Gifts & Books Nancy & Steve Eaton 13397 Olive Blvd. Chesterfield, MO 63005 314.469.6700 Say Hello to Nancy & Steve!

COMING SOON: Destin, Florida: Blue Roof Denim