Mardi Gras moments

You just never know what is going to happen at a Mardi Gras Ball.

Krewe of Gemini Queen Noreen Dockendorf was called on stage Jan. 27 and serenaded with "Happy Birthday" by The Tip Tops at the Krewe of Gemini Grand Ball XVIII.

And, this from Krewe of Aesclepius member Barbara Seals, who shares a photo too: Earlier in the season at the Krewe of Aesclepius Grand Bal Masque XVII Ball, The Groove Agents called attention to newly engaged George Eure and Heather Latiolais of Austin, Texas, daughter of Shreveporters Dr. Tommy and Lisa Latiolais and niece of Seal and hubby Craig Seal.

Heather and Eure were dancing the night away when the band’s lead singer called out to them and asked when they got engaged. Eure shouted back, "Just three days ago." (He popped the question on a romantic hike to the top of a hill in Austin where the whole city was laid out before them. At the "yes" answer, Latiolais received an heirloom engagement ring.)

The band then played "Unchained Melody" just for the two of them to dance to.

Eure, who is originally from Roanoke, Va., met Latiolais when she attended Hollins University. She is now a graduate student at University of Texas, where she teaches in the French department.

... Latiolais is also the granddaughter of pharmacist Willie Seal who received the prestigious Aesclepian Award at the ball. It is presented to a longtime member of the medical community. Seal is a past president of the Pharmacist’s Association in Mississippi. He served on the Louisiana State Board of Pharmacy for 24 years and in 2000 received a Gold Certificate for 50 years as an active pharmacist.

When he owned a pharmacy, he worked with Christian Services and other agencies providing medicine for the needy at cost or below and he helped get the Northwest Louisiana Free Pharmacy off the ground here. He long volunteered with Knights of Columbus "Taste of Shreveport" to benefit Holy Angels.

After retirement, his volunteer activities include work at St. Catherine’s Food Pantry every week.

Congrats, Willie Seal!