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Wednesday, January 31, 2007

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!

Tuesday, January 30, 2007

A taste of Mardi Gras



Shreveport Times publisher Pete Zenmiller (left), SWEPCO chief Venita McCellon-Allen and Ken Black, there with wife Helen Black, were among those getting a head start on the Washington, D.C., Mardi Gras festivities.

They gathered Thursday at the The Cambridge Club for the Shreveport-Bossier Host Group Reception for Mardi Gras participants — and some who had to regret the trip stopped by anyway for the fun fete. Festivities start Feb. 8 and the ball is Feb. 10, all at the Washington Hilton.


The club annually caters the by-invitation-only Shreveport-Bossier Congressional Reception for some 450 prior to the ball. (The Host Group gives the affair and Don and Mary Updegraff are chairpersons.)


So guests sampled goodies similar to those that award-winning Cambridge Club executive chef John Ezell created for the menu. A peek at what will be on the plates: Louisiana pate with home-made five-pepper jelly sauce, blackened alligator with okra pesto cream, grits and crawfish and grits and grillades, crab cakes with New Orleans red remoulade, duck and andouille gumbo with rice, praline brittle and, of course, King Cakes. (Now, you know why reception invitations are so sought after.)


Cambridge Club owners Greg and Patti Carey and long-time employees William Boston and Timothy Behan will also be there to oversee it all.

Monday, January 29, 2007

Royalty tables soar to new heights


Krewe of Gemini King Louis Townsend reigned over Imperial Russia at the time of the czars so his table reflected the era, complete with a Cyrillic cross and double Imperial Eagle.


Townsend had in his mind what he wanted since named king last summer and planned his entire table for the Gemini Grand Ball XVIII Saturday at Bossier Civic Center.


Marc Marcussen, of Marc Marcussen Productions, executed the design. The centerpiece was over 10 feet tall and topped with onion domes, familiar sights on Russian Orthodox churches. He softened it all with white Fiji mums, hydrangeas and orchid sprays at the base of the four gold columns that held the centerpiece aloft. (And Townsend built.)
Although some royalty did their own tables and others called on professionals, all royal tables were spectacular. (And not just the centerpieces. All royals in every krewe set tables with chargers, plates, souvenirs, napkins, bags to stash stuff in. It is all a sight to see.)

Gemini Queen Noreen Dockendorf used Faberge eggs as the central theme in planning her table. Melody Coghlan created the elaborate eggs in 60 hours.

Black and gold tables reflected the breathtakingly regal gold and black costumes. (Dockendorf had not seen her empire-waist costume, collar and train in its entirety until two days before the ball. "I cried like a baby when they pulled it out," she said.)

Duke of Texas Clayton Brakeville signed on Chad Duggan Design to plan his space. Duggan answered with tropical flowers, feathers and greenery in hot, hot hues to create the contemporary centerpieces that soared over the table and were visible throughout the ballroom.

A fun note: When the royal blue chair covers for Duke of Louisiana Cliff Poimboeuf were unfurled, they were actually blue sweatshirts! Clever touch by designer Camille Millen of Camille Millen Designs.

Record-holding captain

Gemini Captain XVIII Brad Graff is a record holder.

His royal- and Dior blue-and-green collar — 14-feet tall and 12-feet wide — is the largest and tallest collar ever worn by a Gemini captain, said Mike Moreau, a former Gemini king who has designed the krewe’s costumes for years.

With a three-dimensional design of a medieval castle on front and his family crest on back, it was a stunner. The look was completed with a replica of a "Lord of the Rings" helmet and he carried a sword.

But he marched down the ramp to "Jeremiah was a bullfrog ... Joy to the World!" (All the time, expertly balancing the collar!)

Welcome this French Tart

The ladies who lunch will love this — a French Tart. Get to know her around the first of March.

The Tart is a new tea room inspired by a French bistro, said founder Sharon McCullar, owner of the much-loved Glenwood Village Tearoom & Gift Shop. (No, she is not closing the tea room.) The eatery will be located on Edgemont off of Line Avenue near Uptown Shopping Center.

With seating only for about 40, it will provide an intimate gathering place to chat and gossip.

The eatery will offer such tasty goodies as sausage and cannelli bean cassoulet, lentil soup with vegetables and pork quenelle and chicken in calvados cream sauce. (Calvados is a French liqueur. But you knew that, didn’t you?)

And for dessert: Plum crisps with creme de cassis and chocolate Charlotte macaroons

"And to drink — mostly coffees," said McCullar. (Not just your ordinary coffee, either.)

Oh, and there will be a gift shop up front for browsing.

Friday, January 26, 2007

A change in pace

This just in via e-mail: Geraldine Zelinsky, director of public relations for The Cambridge Club, has been keeping our e-mail hot for years with her press releases, prodding us along if we didn't respond with a story pretty quickly. And, we praise her for answering telephone calls and e-mails promptly. She was good at her job.

Well, she is moving right along in a totally different direction. "I have decided to accept a unique opportunity...which allows me to pursue my life's work in complementary/alternative medicine with Aroma Pediatric, a Chicago and Shreveport-based business," she e-mailed.

No doubt Zelinksy will hardly have time to catch her breath for the company goes into production in March, creating natural products for children and family. The launch: (Will it be glittery, Geraldine?) is in March at the Natural Products Expo West, Anaheim, Calif.

She'll help out at The Cambridge through February, but Wednesday is her last official day.

We'll be seein' you around town, Geraldine.

A stitch in time for Hollywood

John Pickens, owner of John Pickens Clothiers, and his alterations department never saw actor Kevin Costner when he was in town last year filming "Mr. Brooks."

However, they did stitch up his britches.

"They brought in a ‘costume’ that was a tuxedo, vest, formal pants and jacket, and an odd pair of trousers," said Pickens.

"The costumes were all brought in all pinned up and we altered them," said Pickens.

They also outfitted a detective actor in the film with a new suit for his role.

"They brought in police uniforms and we sewed patches on them," said Pickens.

But Pickens’ relationship with Hollywood isn’t over.

For another film being shot locally, wardrobers bought four exact sets of shirts and pants for one actor.

"They had to be alike because the scene filmed was bloody and if there was a reshoot, they had to have the same clothes," said Pickens.

"It has been interesting to see how they work."

Thursday, January 25, 2007

Georgia on our minds

Georgia Washington-Blow is a familiar face and voice among the local media.

As director of public affairs for Overton Brooks VA Medical Center, she calls, brings press release, prods, pleads, cajoles to get this worthy news in the local media.

With her wide smile and gregarious personalty, she is a popular person on the scene.

She is retiring and heading home to Dixie where she grew up, the youngest of eight children of Floyd and Rosie Washington. She’ll be returning the favor of their nurturing by helping them out.

And she will complete work for a doctorate from Grambling in education leadership. (Good luck, Georgia! We’ll miss you out and about!)
But before she departs, there will be a reception for her and it is open to the public: 3 to 4:30 p.m. Friday in the VA education center. Everyone is invited. So, y’all come.

Washington-Blow signed on with the VA in 1977. Among the work accomplishments she is proudest of: "The distinction as one of the youngest service chiefs ever hired at the Medical Center!"

The inspiration of her life? "Son Brandon Blow of Houston... (who) is with the prestigious accounting firm of Grant Thornton."

Socially speaking

As winter turns to spring we are receiving press releases on enticing social events that nonprofits are putting together to raise money.

Shreveport Little Theater Guild "Night of the Stars," a major spring gala, will be held Feb. 24 at Superior Steakhouse.

They are calling Pat Reynolds "Producer." Translated: He is underwriting this social production.

The proceeds give meaningful bucks to complete the backstage area, work that starts in just a few months, said Robert Darrow, Shreveport Little Theatre’s managing/artistic director.

"Although SLT received state funding for construction of the new backstage area, it is our benefactors who make this dream possible. State funding ... is restricted to bricks and mortar and does not cover the cost of construction. Capital secured thus far will get us the ‘shell’ of the backstage structure and we will complete the interior as funding allows," said Darrow.

Organizers promise an array of glittery items for silent and live auctions. One peek: A week’s stay in a ski condo in Crested Butte that sleeps 12, with four bedrooms and three baths. (Now, wouldn’t that be wonderful!)

Libby Gleason is chairwoman and Valerie Taylor, co-chair. Guild chief is Linda Pedro.

..."Stranded in Time," the Strand Theatre’s every-other-year fund-raiser will be held Sept. 14, said Andrea Arnold, in a press release.
Theme: "World Carnivale."

It is a Mardi Gras themed-event with a different twist, said Strand executive director Danny Fogger.

There will be live and silent auctions and special tours of the underground portions of the building — tons of fun last time around.

"Our auction will be quite extensive and feature something for everyone," promised Fogger.

Wednesday, January 24, 2007

Throw me something, mistah!


Attorneys Lillian and Vernon Richie model huge glasses, part of the multitude of throws which royalty, the captain and co-captain tossed Saturday night at Krewe of Aesclepius 2007 Bal Masque XVII. "Fly Aesclepius" was a ball that took you around the world and to the moon and sun.


All krewe royalty want visitors to take home something spectacular to remember the event by, so throws are often elaborate and creative.
And people make mad dashes to get "the good ones."


Just a sampling: Captain Jim Thomas who was "flying" an airplane as part of his costume, tossed model airplanes made of balsa wood. Duke of Outback Paradise Chad Mackey, all decked out in safari ensemble, gave out a snake that slithered.


One royal threw soft cubes that looked like money and another, mini moon pies.

Tuesday, January 23, 2007

What’s cooking?

Dixie Duck with Bing Cherry Bang Bang Sauce. Seared Beef Tenderloin Medallions with Broiled Goat Cheese and Black Olive/Black Truffle Demi-Glace. Cinnamon Oatmeal Bread.

Talk about good eats!

They flowed at the $100-a-person Red Cross Culinary Classic Monday at Bossier Civic Center, Bossier City.

Although chefs from central and South Louisiana took home most of the gold, several locals participated.

And — drum roll, please — two brought home the silver.

Kenneth Harrison of Diamond Jack’s received the Silver Medal in the seafood category for Sweet Wasabi Shrimp, and Deon Spivy of the Cambridge Club won the Silver Medal for Tres Leche Cake with Fresh Berries in the dessert division.

Big winner was executive sous chef Scott McCue of Cypress Bayou Casino, Charenton, who took the Gold Medal "Best in Show Award" for his Hanna Banana dessert. (Which Krewe of Gemini Duke of Texas Clayton Brakeville deemed, "Delicious.") It was entered in Mini Buffet Chefs Entries.

Also taking top "Best of Show" honors: Silver Medal, Chef Melvin Guevara of Hollytree Country Club, Tyler, Texas, for Grilled Lamb Roulade with Pear Vanilla Demi Glaze, under entrees/meats, and Bronze Medal, Chef Eric Sibley of Varnedoe’s Carriage House, St. Francisville, for Quail Intuition under Wild Game Division.

Special notes: Top winners in all categories filled their hands with exquisite crystal bowls donated by Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry ... Shirley White created multicolored floral centerpieces for tables covered in white that made an eye-catching scene when you entered the room ... Loved the wine on the sponsor tables. Bottles of red wine in black bottles were by Little Black Dress and white wine in clear ones, Little White Dress. (Might sound cutsey, but the wine was fab!)

Monday, January 22, 2007

Mayor, wife make Mardi Gras rounds

The necks of new Shreveport Mayor Cedric Glover and wife Veronica Glover were filled with beads Saturday night as they visited the balls of the krewes of Aesclepius at Bossier Civic Center - where Bossier City Mayor Lo Walker and wife Adele Walker also held court - and Apollo at Municipal Auditorium.


The mayor shook a lot of hands and posed for pictures with such folks as Centaur Queen Jean Hoogendyk, whose hubby, former Centaur King Paul Hoogendyk, wielded the camera.

Laurie Gawelko, new development director of Shreveport Opera, also introduced herself to the Glovers. Gawelko is a pianist who wanted to get into music administration. She attended the ball with her husband, U.S. Air Force Maj. Joseph Gawelko.

Greenwood mayor makes major headlines

Gracious Greenwood Mayor Ernest Lampkins — who we often seen out and about at social events— was highlighted in a story in Sunday’s The New York Times.

This, of course, had nothing to do with any social event, but about troubling times for him as the first black mayor of Greenwood. For instance, sadly enough, two bullets were shot into his house in the dark of night while he and his family were sleeping. The story: "Yes, the Hostility Can Be Subtle. Then, One Day, It Isn’t."

It was promoted on the front page of Sunday’s editions and ran on the top half of page 16, the lead story in "National Report," with a color photo.

The gilded age

The A-list crowd who attended the 2007 Holiday in Dixie Cotillion King Mike Adams Announcement Party at the home of Cotillion Club prez Bill Broyles and wife Nancy Broyles got a hint of what the decorations will be for the April 20 event.

Theme is "A Royal Newport Cotillion in America’s Gilded Age."

A moss-bedecked shore bird centered an urn planted with an assortment of colorful flowers and spiked with pussy willow branches flowers. It was center stage on a table between the entry to the Broyles’ Spring Lake home and the refreshment table.

The arrangement — and Cotillion decorations — was inspired by homes in Newport where people living in mansions grew living topiaries, said Cotillion chief Debbie Hall. "They called them ‘green animals.’ There are swans, peacocks, a teddy bear," said Hall.

Friday, January 19, 2007

Who is the Cotillion king?

All hail Shreveport attorney Mike Adams!

He is a king!

Adams will reign over the 2007 Holiday in Dixie Cotillion. (When he is not reigning, Adams likes to jog, read, garden, cook and visit with his grandchildren.)

Adams’ name and names of all the court members were revealed Friday night at a black-tie announcement party at the Spring Lake home of Cotillion Board chief Bill Broyles and wife Nancy Broyles.

And, while you are at it, bow to Cotillion Queen 2007 Mary Katherine Bicknell. Prince Robert Poindexter and Princess Catherine Sale round out top royals. (Poindexter has a historical claim to fame: His great-great-great-great uncle George Poindexter was the second governor of Mississippi from 1819 to 1821! He formulated the code of laws still used in Mississippi, called, Poindexter’s Code, according to the prince’s biographical date.) "Awesome," we say.

The Cotillion is the top social event of each spring, when everyone puts on their very best bibs and tuckers — with each woman vying for "best dress." It is April 20 at Municipal Auditorium and you have to be a member to join them. The Cotillion’s 2007 theme: "A Royal Newport Cotillion in America’s Gilded Age."

Ahhh! A golden one.

Happy birthday, Tommy Whitehead

NATCHITOCHES — Theodosia Nolan entertains with exquisite elegance.

That is the only way to describe an intimate candlelit dinner party for eight she gave Thursday evening at Cherokee Plantation to help toast Natchitoches resident Tommy Whitehead’s 60th birthday.

There was French pate and fine champagne by a roaring fire in the sitting room as seven guests arrived. Later they sat around the dining table and dined on a creative menu of salmon and turkey, with exquisite sauces served on the side ... a beautifully presented cold casserole of artichokes, asparagus, beets, cauliflower and brussel sprouts ... An assortment of very good cheeses. For dessert: a nut cake flaming with candles for the birthday boy and, instead of more pedestrian ice cream, egg nog topped with whipped cream, presented in stemware to eat with a spoon.

Murphy Oil Company’s Nolan of El Dorado, Ark., owns Cherokee. It is so old that no one is sure of the date it was built, but late 18th or early 19th century, think experts. It is marvelously well preserved, really, a national treasure.

Nolan jetted in to Natchitoches to host the dinner, the first in a round of parties for Whitehead that will continue through the weekend and will include pals from around the world.

VIP visit

New Secretary of State Jay Dardenne will be out and about here Feb. 13.

He’ll speak to school children at Louisiana State Exhibit Museum and to Shreveport Rotary Club.

At 1:30 p.m., he will swear in the new community governing board at Spring Street Historical Museum. It was originally founded by the Shreveport Committee of the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America as a Bicentennial gift to the City of Shreveport.

Last year, it was accepted into the Secretary of State’s museum system and is now a state-run facility, said official Susan Hardtner. (The state absorbs operational costs, including salary, said an earlier Times story.)

"We are transferring the building to the state," said Hardtner, a member of the new board.

The museum’s collection remains in possession of Shreveport Committee of the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America, she said.

Other members of the prestigious governing board who will raise their right hands and promise to take care of things: Shelby Smith, Tom Ruffin, Barrie Richardson, Gary Joiner, Lennis Smith Elston, Caddo School Board member Dottie Bell, J. Pat Beaird Jr., Thomas Carmody, Margaret Green, Charlotte Walter, Hazel Ball Harris and Downtown Development Authority Chief Frank Williams.

There may be other stops on Dardenne’s agenda. "We will keep him busy all day," promised Louisiana State Exhibit Museum chief Forrest Dunn, who will be squiring the VIP around.

Wednesday, January 17, 2007

Clear as glass

Trendies across the country looking for the latest in handbags are toting see-through plastic ones, according to a front page story in the Wall Street Journal.

Labels ranging from Oscar de la Renta to Fendi to Chanel are selling clear plastic bags with prices starting at about $500, according to the story. For instance, Neiman Marcus stocked up on a $995 slouch bag by Be & D that is entirely transparent except for its leather handle.

Designers responded with the clear bags after the terrorist scare in Britain when passengers suddenly were required to tote certain carry-ons in transparent plastic bags.

None of the local stores we contacted carry the exact look, but Dillard's-Mall St. Vincent does have totes with a middle lining and clear sides for $40 to $60.

Dillard’s’ female staffers have the chic-y look.

For security reasons, the store gives them clear, handled bags, said Cynthia Taylor, assistant store manager at Dillard’s, Mall St. Vincent.

And husband Paul L. Schuetze wasn't impressed, saying he has seen them sold for $10 in Wal-Mart as backpacks for school children.

Etiquette expert Letitia Baldrige, Jacqueline’s Kennedy’s chief of staff in the White House, calls the concept "very tacky," according to the story.

So what do you say?

Has anyone out there bought one or seen one here? How do you like it?
Let us know.

Tuesday, January 16, 2007

Grand entrances




Krewe of Artemis-Springhill Captain Eric Simmons knows how to make an entrance.

Via horseback. (Shown here with Ky Allen.)

Yep, when you think you have seen it all at a Mardi Gras ball, the unexpected occurs. Simmons sat tall in the saddle as the music of "Rhinestone Cowboy" filled the auditorium for the krewe’s Grand Bal V Jan 13 at Springhill Civic Center.

Just after he dismounted, "Star Spangled Banner" began as a lady on horseback carrying the American flag entered.

It was the talk of the Krewe of Barkus & Meoux Jazz Brunch the next morning at Sam’s Town Casino & Hotel.

... Krewe of Sobek Captain Carl Pierson, a Caddo Commission member, certainly captured everyone’s attention when he made his grand appearance in pink.

He was applauded wildly at the krewe’s Grande Bal IV Jan. 12 at Riverview Hall. Not only did he wear pink tie and tails emblazoned with musical notes and instruments outlined in black sequins, but he made moves to the rhythm of jazzy music. It met the theme, "All That Jazz."

Goodbye dinner

Bishop William Friend of the Diocese of Shreveport shook a lot of hands Jan. 8 when some 500 stopped by after mass to say goodbye at the beach-themed retirement affair.

The parishioners from some 30 churches from across North Louisiana came bearing rice casseroles, cole slaw, potato salad, cakes, and tamales from Zwolle for a pot luck dinner in the cathedral’s multiroom.

"I left at 9 p.m. and there was a still a line. Definitely, he was touched," said Carol Gates, pastoral ministries coordinator at the cathedral.

"God bless you."

"I’ll miss you."

And messages in Spanish.

They were among salutations posted in the guest book.

Among those who signed in: Dominic and Lori Maniere, Bobbie Sue Shelton, Bobby and Debby Smith, Rene Davis, Tad and Carolyn McClung, Steve and Lynn Ferris, Dr. Jorge and Martha Martinez, Harold Procell, Claire Henry, Randy Tiller, Garrett Tiller, Sandra Querbes, Maria L. Murphy, Mary Ann Johnson, Marie Polk, Catherine Dunn Smith.

And, they included Elaine Gallion, the bishop’s secretary for 14 years, who has only praise to heap upon him. He was a good boss.

Friday, January 12, 2007

Wedding bells

Brandy Evans, vice president of communications for the Shreveport-Bossier Convention & Tourist Bureau, is goin’ to the chapel.

And she is goin’ to get married.

Evans and Bossier Sheriff Deputy Dominic Claiborne will marry April 28 at the Gardens of the American Rose Center Hardtner Chapel, with the reception at Klima Rose Hall. (The perfect place since it is one of the sites she touts to the press and others in her job.)

The two met about a year ago at the opening of the Shreveport Convention Center. The first date was proposed via e-mail.

"What impressed me — he invited me to attend his church. That is very important to me. He is a strong Christian man," Evans said.

The icing on the cake: When he took her to Kon Tiki on their first date, he handed her a pink rose and pulled her chair out for her.

And he is one creative guy, to boot. Since a colleague is a wood worker, he commissioned four words - "Will you marry me?" - wrapped them up and gave them to Evans at Christmas. When she opened them, he got down on his knees and formally popped the question.

Thursday, January 11, 2007

Celebrate!

Businessman Roy Cary welcomed guests Monday evening to his palatial Cross Lake area home for a party toasting new Caddo School Board Member Dottie Bell.

Cary and Lavada Palms hosted the gala affair for Bell, who was sworn in a few hours earlier.

More than 100 made their way to Cary’s columned, two-story home via a long drive and then around a circular one.

Warmed by a roaring fire, they stayed late into the night.

Shreveport Mayor Cedric Glover regretted via text message to his sister Roslyn Bryant, saying he had a meeting to attend in North Shreveport.

But Bell’s hubby, Lon Dell Bell, was by her side; ditto, her son and his family, Darrick and Chedez Kinchen, and their daughter, Krysten Kinchen.

And four of Bell’s eight siblings, all of whom grew up here: Shreveporters Lindell Anderson and Primous Howard Sr., Diana Jordan of Houston and Thomas Howard Jr. of Detroit.

Among others wishing Bell well: Morris and Beverly Johnson, George Patton, Sharon Penson, Sheryl Walter-Fuller, Diane Neal, Sam Gilliam and Wanda Mullone.

Swearing in

New Caddo School Board member Dottie Bell held a 10-year-old Bible Tuesday when Judge Carl Stewart of the 5th U.S. Court of Appeals gave her the oath of office at the Caddo School Board meeting.

There is no doubt The Book means a lot to her.

“It is the Bible I carry with me and read all the time. I don’t go anywhere without it. It goes in my car. I have certain scripture marked,” said Bell. “(Caddo District Judge) Michael Walker gave it to me. He had my name engraved on it.”

Wednesday, January 10, 2007

Party fare

What makes good party fare?

Well, stuffed eggs, according five-star party giver Martha Ann Evans.

Yep, plain old stuffed eggs.

"I serve them any time of the year, day or night for any occasion," said Evans. (She is not alone. We find them more and more at local fetes.)

The dish was among Southern-themed items on the table when Evans and her sisters hosted a 99th birthday party Jan. 7 for their mother, Martha Moore. The sisters are Mary Moore du Passage of Covington and June Frances of Dallas.

The stuffed eggs — which had completely disappeared at the end of the evening — were catered by Monjunis, as was the fab chunky guacamole and ham/biscuit sandwiches.

Bella Fresca supplied the shrimp with an unforgettable remoulade sauce. Vicki Potts supplied more Southern goodies: to-die-for divinity, pralines and chicken salad and cucumber sandwiches.

Among the guests: Katherine Tyrrell, Marion Ramsel, Mary McCord and former Shreveporters the Rev. Jane Alexander, over from Mississippi, and Bill McLeroy of Henderson, Texas. Bella Fresca owner John Cariere was working the crowd.

Tuesday, January 09, 2007

Twelfth Night party in Bossier City

Krewe of Centaur Captain Deon Behrman and Krewe of Gemini Captain Brad Graff toast the beginning of the Mardi Gras season Jan. 6 at the Twelfth Night Party at Bossier Civic Center. It was hosted by the two krewes and royalty and captains of 14 krewes were presented.

New krewe in the works

A toast to the Krewe of Atlas!

A krewe-to-be.

"We are a pre-krewe. We are in the midst of forming a new krewe. We have about 31 members," said Atlas first vice president Susan Keith, speaking at the Twelfth Night Party Saturday at Bossier Civic Center.

Atlas Captain Eddie Horton is standing by to lead the troops once the krewe is officially recognized by the Captains Council.

Let the season begin

Twelve years ago, Krewe of Aesclepius officials founded the "Bridge Closing Ceremony and Toast to the End of Mardi Gras."

Ever since, the krewes have met in the middle of the Texas Street Bridge just before midnight on Mardi Gras day to toast the season, and participate in a brief Lenten service.

A few years back, the Manno family organized a Mardi Gras Mass at St. Pius X Catholic Church where they are members. The Mannos, who participate in the Krewe of Gemini, are John and Angelina Manno, John A Manno Jr. and wife Lynne Manno and their children Mary and Jay Manno.
The church pastor, the Rev. Charles Glorioso, and its members wholeheartedly welcomed the idea.

Saturday morning, it once again officially kicked off the carnival season. It even has its very own throw, given to everyone as they walk in the church.
"We end with a religious ceremony and we thought we should start with a religious ceremony," said Manno Jr.

Both events are two very special traditions for the local celebration of carnival.

Glorioso encourages those in the congregation who are not Catholic to come forward for a blessing, while others take communion.
Afterward — King Cake, juice and coffee, supplied by the Mannos, but put together by the parishioners.

Among participants: Danny and Linda LeMoine, Dorothy Keith, Justinian King Jim Hill and wife Sandi Hill, Ed Antici, Larry Vickers, Tony Tombrello, Lillian Priest, Doug and Gail Wolvington, Sheila Robertson, Reginald Abrams, Elisa Million, Ginger Stelly, Helen Williamson, Mary Brownfield, David Laborde and Darwin Reed.

Mardi Gras jackets

Many Mardi Gras members wear Mardi Gras-themed jackets, which have become quite a seasonal uniform.

Each is different.

For instance John Manno Jr. and Angelina Manno wear ones with the traditional purple, gold and green colors.

Gemini Captain Brad Graff and wife Sally Graff’s black jackets shimmer with silver. Krewe of Justinian Duchess XIII Trudy Daniel’s white one is a work of art. Her mother, Azalea Daniel, painted a garland of flowers that rope around the jacket. They are in Mardi Gras colors, but very soft interpretations.

"It was a labor of love," said Daniel.