On Saturday, August 27, 2005 NOBLE had scheduled its Back to School Bash. Throughout the day everyone had been watching the news intently, listening for any notice of the storm’s track or intensification. Evacuations began early, and the contra flow plan went into effect at 4:00 pm. It seemed this storm might be serious after all. At 8:30 pm one of our council members opened the doors, should anyone arrive, and around 9:00 pm I arrived to man the door as well. After deciding to lock up around 10:30 I spotted some die-hard players approaching the space from around the block and opened up again so they could have their fun before we closed up until after the storm. When I locked the doors again that night, I never imagined it would be a number of weeks before opening them again.

Throughout the day preceding the storm many members kept in touch with each other, through cell phones, which were already patchy due to busy circuits and the internet. The next time there was any solid communication, the storm had passed. Our membership that resides in the New Orleans area was far flung, checking in from places such as Texas, Illinois, Georgia, Tennessee, Northern Mississippi, Ohio and cities throughout Louisiana. Other members were trapped in the area, due to their jobs.

No one would know the condition of their homes and belongings for a while to come. When they were finally able to check on their homes the results were mixed. Some had only cosmetic damage to their homes, while others lost nearly everything they owned. Spirits remain unbroken, though, as we do what we always do: roll up our sleeves and survive. Some members have chosen to clean up and continue in New Orleans, others have chosen to relocate. While we will miss those who are moving elsewhere, we wish them all of the best in their endeavors.

During the weeks following the hurricane, our mailing list proved an invaluable resource for members and associates from around the country. It was nearly impossible to communicate by telephone. Offers poured in from around the country - donations of food, shelter, monies and information were abundant. Experiences with organizations such as FEMA and Red Cross were shared, as well as tips registering with aid agencies. Dusk Peterson, of True Tales, was tireless in his efforts to form a cohesive list of survivors. We assisted as best we could, while attempting to protect the identity of our members.

On Friday, October 14 approximately 20 members of NOBLE were reunited over dinner at a local restaurant. The conversation was much like those we have heard around town: “How did you make out?” “Where did you go?” “How is your family?” Condolences, sympathies and well wishes were shared. Above all of this, though, was a determination to return our club to its previous state. There were announcements of an upcoming clean-up and barbeque, and cheering for a tentative party planned for early November.

It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the passing of some members during the storm and evacuation. Those who were lost to the storm will be missed dearly. A memorial service will be held for them at the NOBLE Refuge once repairs have been completed.

NOBLE, like all of New Orleans, is rebuilding. We will be bigger and better than before. As New Orleans will be the product of those who return and rebuild, so will NOBLE.

**The author wished to thank Liz, his friend and fellow council member, who helped him prepare this article.**