the punch … · birthday party recap..... 5 member happy hour socials ... these events are an...
TRANSCRIPT
Copyright © 2018 Patio Planters of the Vieux Carré. All rights reserved.
THE PUNCH Vol. 61, No. 1
October 2018 – May 2019
INsIdE THIs IssUE Pictures .......................................................................................................... 2
From the President ...................................................................................... 3
Birthday Party Recap ................................................................................... 5
Member Happy Hour Socials .................................................................... 6
Past General Membership Meetings ......................................................... 6
On A Passing ................................................................................................ 7
Membership Report .................................................................................... 8
White Elephant Sale .................................................................................... 9
Holiday Home Tour 2018 ....................................................................... 10
Committee Chairs and Volunteers Needed .......................................... 12
Caroling in Jackson Square...................................................................... 13
Member Recipe ......................................................................................... 15
New Board Member Spotlight ............................................................... 16
2019 Committee Chairs ........................................................................... 17
2019 Meetings & Events ......................................................................... 18
In Memoriam ............................................................................................ 19
2019 Board of Directors .......................................................................... 21
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THE PUNCH Vol. 61, No. 2 Summer 2019
Published biannually.
Patio Planters of the Vieux Carré 1000 Bourbon Street, #270
New Orleans, LA 70116 www.PatioPlanters.net
All information to be included in THE PUNCH should be sent to: Email: [email protected]
From THE PrEsIdENT Happy Summer Members! A clear message from the survey results earlier this year was the importance of community and social events in our organization. We are all proud to call the French Quarter our home neighborhood and its residents our friends. To that end we encourage
members to attend our monthly meetings and socials and participate in our annual activities as committee members or volunteers. The monthly Happy Hour Socials have been very popular and will continue through 2019. These events are an excellent opportunity to introduce people to our organization, reintroduce existing members, and just enjoy a social setting with friends. I’d like to extend my hand to any member that wants to accompany my husband Quitman and me to any of the 2019 socials. Give me a call at 504-494-0662 or email me at [email protected] and you can join our merry band of revelers as we walk over to the socials. As we begin planning our Fall programming, we are reaching out to ask our entire membership base for assistance. We depend on volunteer support to run all our events as committee chairs, docents, ticket sellers etc. Stephen Swain will be passing the torch this year as committee chair for Secret Gardens Tour and Holiday Home Tour. Stephen has worked countless hours over the last several years finding homes and gardens to participate as well as ensuring volunteers are in place for the tours. Stephen leaves us with big shoes to fill but has promised to stay on this year to work with a new committee and
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chair. Chairing and volunteering for these events are a wonderful way to support Patio Planters and Caroling in Jackson Square. These 2 activities are the primary fundraisers in for Caroling in Jackson Square. As we face competition from other organizations hosting Home and Garden Tours, we would like to expand on the incredible tours we offer and perhaps add a new element to set us apart from other the newer tours being offered. Please contact me if you have any interest in serving as committee chair, participating in the committee or volunteering for these events. Trust me when I say that volunteering with Patio Planters is always fun (and often involves Bloody Marys’, Brandy Milk Punch and other libations delivered to volunteers during their shifts). You will meet new people, feel a sense of pride, and get to promote our wonderful neighborhood. We rarely ever ask for any volunteer shifts longer than two hours and welcome any time you have to spare. Lastly, we continue to explore options to conduct organized community events through 2019. This may include affairs such as graffiti removal with FQBA, “adopt-a-block” beautification efforts, or French Quarter sidewalk weed & grass removal. We welcome your feedback on how we can participate in existing French Quarter activities or create our own project to improve quality of life in the Vieux Carré. I look forward to seeing you at our upcoming meetings and Member Socials. As always, should you have any questions, feedback, or ideas, please contact me at [email protected] or (504) 494-0662. Red Beans and Ricely Yours,
Tracy Treadaway Patio Planters President
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BIrTHday ParTy rECaP Thank you to all who attended the Birthday Party on May 18. What a wonderful night! After many years of member Doug Barden at the helm of countless memorable Birthday Parties, yet another torch was passed to a new committee. Committee chairs Darla Nixon and Joey DiFatta chose to do something different this year with a luau theme, caterer, DJ and casual Hawaiian attire welcome. The costume contest and hula dance off were great fun!
Special thanks to our members who volunteered their time to assist with planning, setup and break down: Bobbie Vinson, Ron Canedo, Ted Nixon, Al & Susan Guillot, Quitman Gahagan, Kym Turner and Ott Howell. And as always, we appreciate our lovely hostesses who staff the welcome table: Lea Siegel and Frances Salvaggio.
The incredible centerpieces were created by member and floral designer extraordinaire Blake Aucoin. Who knew pineapples could look so lovely?!
The Board is continually working to find ways to enhance the member experience and increase attendance at our member events. We encourage ideas from members on how we can create new and exciting gatherings while respecting favorite traditions of years past.
Feedback from members has been overwhelmingly positive – especially having the event catered, the more casual attire, and laid-back atmosphere given the May heat. Several long-time members also expressed how much they enjoyed doing something new and the addition of a “spiked” punch.
Some members missed the covered dish element so moving forward we will communicate the caterer menu and encourage members who want to bring covered dishes to do so. As always, the leftovers are delivered to the hardworking NOPD 8th district.
Committee chair Joey DiFatta announced that next year’s birthday party will be a Cinco de Mayo celebration. Get your sombreros and maracas ready. There will be tequila and Bob-A-Ritas! Ole!
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mEmBEr HaPPy HoUr soCIals We are excited to continue our member Happy Hour Socials in 2019! The socials have been well attended the last year and are a wonderful opportunity for members to meet and get to know one another in an informal setting. Happy Hours are typically the last Thursday of the month from 5-7 PM unless otherwise communicated. Be on the lookout for monthly emails announcing the location. If you have an idea for a French Quarter spot, please let us know at [email protected]!
PasT GENEral mEmBErsHIP mEETINGs
Meeting Date Guest Speaker
November 2018 Mr. Bryce Scholl, Louisiana Master Gardener and member of the Master Gardeners of Greater New Orleans
January 2019 Dr. Christian Stephenson from the Mississippi State University Extension in Hancock County
February 2019 King Cake tasting and judging March 2019 Tracy Cunningham, Managing Director
of the Tennessee Williams Festival April 2019 Emily Madero, CEO of French Quarter
Festivals May 2019 Kristi Trail, Executive Director Lake
Pontchatrain Basin Foundation and Tacos-a-Go-Go with Bob-A-Ritas courtesy of Sam Poche and Barbara Richmond
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oN a PassING -By Chad Pellerin (Patio Planters Member) © 2019
As one hears that last cough and feels a colder paw,
I wonder what this Creature thought of me.
In those gazes that locked onto my eyes ... were you aware of my response?
Surely, there was power behind those stares.
As our ages passed, did I savor enough seasons, as I watched your fur turn gray?
Or, was I senseless to your pleas, or ignore your joy upon my return home?
In the time we had together, you gathered up my sighs, sending them up as prayers.
Most might have gone unnoticed, as falling leaves or fleeting clouds.
But you, my constant friend, favored my touch, and stole snuggles while I slept.
As death takes its hold on you, our silence shapes the gifts you left behind.
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mEmBErsHIP rEPorT Honorary: 7 Household Memberships: 191 Individual Memberships: 75 Household Memberships (Friend of Patio Planters): 25 Individual Memberships (Friend of Patio Planters): 14 Total 312
In an effort to encourage members doing business with other members, Patio Planters is excited to introduce the addition of the member occupation list to the 2019 Member Directory. Each member has the option to associate their occupation and place of business in the directory. This will allow fellow members the opportunity to utilize Patio Planters members’ businesses if they choose. The listing is completely voluntary and listed businesses or organizations do not represent any endorsement or sponsorship from Patio Planters. Over 20 members chose to participate in the inaugural list – we hope more will take advantage of this in 2020. Please contact [email protected] for any questions about the member directory.
Tracy Treadaway Membership Chair
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WHITE ElEPHaNT salE
2018 Results
Clothing $1,616.50 Treasures $828.01 Jewelry $2,005.50 Books $438.80 Cheer $1,444.00 Plants $514.00 Holiday/Linen $251.00 Electronics $462.00 Cakes $405.85 Auction & Donations $9,005.00 TOTAL $17,070.66
We are excited to announce our “Start of Summer Donation Drop Off”. This is a perfect time to clean out those closets, attics, garages, even the trunk of your car! Our donation drop-off days have proven successful and we have already collected some incredible items for the sale and auction. Our next donation drop-off will be Saturday, June 1st from 10:00am - 2:00pm. We will continue to additional drop off dates throughout the year leading up to the sale. We are looking for clothing, jewelry, household items and electronics. We’ll also take holiday decorations and costumes. All donations are welcome, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF, large and/or analog TV’s, encyclopedias, magazines, large, heavy pieces of furniture or medical equipment. A Patio Planters volunteer will be at the Beauregard-Keyes House (1113 Chartres Street) storage unit Saturday, June 1st from 10:00am - 2:00pm and will help unload your items. They will also have tax donations forms for you. The donation drop-off center is under the Beauregard-Keyes House (1113 Chartres Street), the first set of green doors in the driveway. You may pull up in the driveway to unload your items.
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If you are unable to make the drop off date, please contact Ron Canedo at 504-296-8036 to make an appointment to bring items to the Beauregard-Keyes House. Please leave me a voicemail with your contact information when prompted.
Ron Canedo White Elephant Sale Chair [email protected]
HolIday HomE ToUr 2018 Good news Patio Planters! After two disappointing years of rainouts, we finally had beautiful rain free day for our annual Holiday Home Tour, an important fundraiser that helps to fund our signature event, Caroling by Candlelight in Jackson Square. First, we give a very big thank you to those who opened their homes. We wouldn’t be able to hold this event without their generosity.
• Barbara Richmond and the Spring Fiesta House, 826 St. Ann Street
• Annie Irvin and Ann Masson, Beauregard-Keyes House, 1113 Chartres St.
• Joey DiFatta, 1113 Bourbon Street • Alan Santos & Michael Buckley, 1226 Dauphine Street • Bill Jacquot & Jerry Floyd, 1428 Bourbon Street • William & Denisa Means, 510 Esplanade Avenue
Secondly, I couldn’t do any of this without the help, leadership, and friendship of my co-chair, Jim Kitto.
Mary Finney did an outstanding job by researching all the properties and snagging two feature articles about two of the properties. Barbara Richmond and the Spring Fiesta House were
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featured in an impressive spread in the Inside Out, the Times-Picayune weekend magazine.
Thanks to decorating talents of Blake Aucoin and Jerry Stowe the photographs triggered an online ticket buying blitz. Another feature article in the New Orleans Advocate about 1428 Bourbon Street, the home of Bill Jacquot and Jerry Floyd, caused a huge outburst of online ticket sales again. The Advocate story was picked up by the Preservation Resource Center and featured on their Facebook page. Thanks, also, to our Internet Technology whiz kid, Quitman Gahagan, who made online ticket sales a technical and financial success! We completely sold out our 600 tickets and raised over $12,000. Doug Barden manned the book desk and sold all of our Patio Planters cookbooks. Should we print more?
Tickets were not only sold online, but also at the French Quarter Gem & Lapidary Shop, by Alan Hobden and employees, and Creole Delicacies, by Lysette Sutton and employees. On tour day we had a table on Jackson Square with ticket sellers Lea Siegel, Frances Salvaggio, Al & Susan Guillot, Quitman Gahagan and Tracy Treadaway.
Volunteer docents included Tom McGinn, Sherry Cannon, Peggy Kelly, Cheryl Canavier and Patrick McNulty, Ruby Tremont, Susan Revels, Pat Glorioso, Frank and Amanda Ingargiola, Jackie Gambel, Carolyn Goodwin, Patti Rodrigues, Dee Lynott, Gala Daftary, Darla Nixon, Phil and Renee Kurica, Robin Weiss and Bob Balmat, Frances Conner and Jo Leigh Monteverde.
If we left you out, we’re sorry! If you missed this tour, you should be sorry!
Stephen Swain
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CommITTEE CHaIrs aNd VolUNTEErs NEEdEd The following events and activities need committee chairs, committee members and volunteers:
The PUNCH Someone to manage layout and printing, articles, photos and news stories from members
Secret Gardens of the Vieux Carré Tour
Committee Chair, committee members, volunteers and Gardens to display
Fall Fiesta Committee members and volunteers to help in planning and setup of party
White Elephant Sale & Auction
Securing donations for auction, volunteers the day of
Holiday Home Tour Committee Chair, committee members, volunteers, and homes decorated for the Holidays
Caroling in Jackson Square Committee members to assist in planning and executing event, volunteers for day of event
Whatever time you can give to support these events is most appreciated. If you have any interest in leading a committee or providing your home or courtyard for the annual tours, please let us know.
Our primary civic event is Caroling in the Square which relies on the funds generated from these events. We welcome member leadership, assistance as well as new and fresh ideas to grow revenue and attendance at our events. Please email [email protected] or call Tracy at (504) 494-0662.
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CarolING IN JaCksoN sqUarE Although we’re only five months into 2019, it’s not too early to begin planning for Patio Planters’ annual holiday tradition. Bob Phelps, who has spearheaded the event for the past five years, has officially stepped down as caroling chair, leaving a meticulous checklist of the many tasks to be accomplished in preparation for this year’s December 22 event. I’m hoping that Bob’s travels will keep him close enough to New Orleans to continue to participate, and I certainly expect to call, text and email him with questions wherever he may be! Janice Foulks, who I’ve worked with to coordinate the procession for more years than I can remember, has again agreed to continue in this role. We will be recruiting additional volunteers to make sure
everything runs smoothly, particularly since I will likely be more tied to Jackson Square than in the past. Of course, we’ll still be relying on our Patio Planters village to assist with the myriad of details necessary for
success – from stage decorations to gate staffing and everything in between. We’ve had some pretty frantic times through the years shifting the event from the Square into the Cathedral, moving song books and candles, and scrambling to accommodate weather changes but fortunately, so many of you have been willing to help when needed. And, we are thankful for the option of having St. Louis Cathedral as a back-up.
Our 2018 Caroling in Jackson Square was wonderful. Let’s hope that December 22 brings great weather and smiling faces!
View from above Caroling 2018
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We’ve secured permission to use Jackson Square and will be proceeding with permits and other planning requirements in coming weeks. If you have any suggestions for improvements or would like to be involved, please email me via [email protected].
Caroling in Jackson Square is truly a pinnacle event for our city, made possible by the generosity, support and efforts of our members throughout the year. I’m truly looking forward to working together to make our 2019 Caroling in Jackson Square memorable.
Sandra Dartus
Caroling in Jackson Square Chair
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mEmBEr rECIPE From the test kitchen of Doug Barden Chicken Thighs for One* 2 Thighs Salt & Pepper 1 Tbsp canola oil 1/4 cup white wine 1 tsp thyme Baking pan Aluminum foil Flour Heat the canola oil in a frying pan. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Salt and pepper both sides of the thighs and brown in canola oil. Cook over medium high heat 2 minutes per side. Pour wine into the baking pan, add the thyme and mix well. Place the thighs in the pan skin side up, cover pan with foil and bake in a 350° oven for 35 minutes. Check to see that the chicken is cooked thru and remove from pan. Mix enough flour into pan drippings to make gravy. Serve over rice or mashed potatoes. This is a fast, easy and delicious dinner. You can substitute 1 tsp rosemary, 1 tsp oregano and 3 minced garlic cloves for the thyme and make a good approximation of Mosca's Chicken a La Grande. *Double the recipe for 2, triple it for 3 and so on. However, don't exceed 1 Tbsp of herbs or 1/2 cup wine.
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NEW Board mEmBEr sPoTlIGHT Darla Nixon – Patio Planters Secretary
My grandmother blessed me with my first memories of growing flowers when I was a young child. We would pick seeds together from her 4 o’clock bushes, then we would plant and anxiously watch them grow and eventually flower, then start the process all over again. I remember being amazed that flowers could tell the time of day and still am! I enjoy touring the patio gardens, learning
about our indigenous plants as well as socializing so this is the perfect venue for me. I am so grateful to Donna Hamsher for inviting me to attend and introducing me to the group. Another passion which I thoroughly enjoy is architecture, so my career for the last 14 years has been in real estate. I am a Realtor with the Latter & Blum Historic office in the French Quarter on Orleans Ave. I am married to Ted Nixon who is an IT engineer with Lamar Advertising and have two children Eric, 24 years old who resides in New York, and Anna 18 years old. I look forward to serving on the Board this year. Thank you!
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2019 CommITTEE CHaIrs
Membership Tracy Treadaway (504-494-0662)
Program Tracy Treadaway (504-494-0662)
Internet Technology Quitman Gahagan (504-343-2393)
Cheer & Hospitality Douglas Barden (504-528-7664) Barbara Richmond (504-586-8070)
Publicity Mary Finney (504-717-7695)
Birthday Joey DiFatta (504-554-7256) Darla Nixon (504-291-8989)
Fall Fiesta Ott Howell (504-616-8433) Barbara Richmond (504-586-8070)
Secret Garden Tours Joey DiFatta (504-554-7256) Stephen Swain (504-330-3466)
Halloween Decoration Judging Thomas McGinn (504-220-8300)
White Elephant Sale Ron Canedo (504-296-8036) Quitman Gahagan (504-343-2393) Tracy Treadaway (504-494-0662)
Christmas Brunch Celia Collins (504-388-4552) Al & Susan Guillot (504-444-2258) Douglas Barden (504-528-7664) Barbara Richmond (504-586-8070)
Christmas Decoration Judging Thomas McGinn (504-220-8300)
Holiday Home Tour Joey DiFatta (504-554-7256) Stephen Swain (504-330-3466)
Caroling in Jackson Square Sandra Dartus (504-309-7744) Janice Foulks (504-593-9566) John Hartsock (504-723-3113) Robert Phelps (504-343-5998)
The Punch Quitman Gahagan (504-343-2393) Stephen Swain (504-330-3466)
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2019 mEETINGs & EVENTs MEETINGS
General monthly meetings are held on the First Wednesday of most months at 6:30 pm and feature refreshments and guest speakers.
Meetings are held in the Barkus Room on the 2nd floor of Mary’s Ace Hardware. Entry through the parking lot door
then up the stairs (or use elevator on left). *Board meetings are held on the 3rd Monday of each month at Spring Fiesta House*
2019 2020 June 5, 2019 January 8, 2020 July 2019 (no meeting) February 5, 2020 August 7, 2019 March 4, 2020 September 4, 2019 April 1, 2020 October 2, 2019 May 6, 2020 November 6, 2019 June 3, 2020 December 2019 (no meeting) July 2020 (no meeting)
Upcoming Speakers: • June 5 – Kurt Owens, Historic New Orleans Collection on the new
Seignouret-Brulatour Building and Art of the City: Postmodern to Post-Katrina exhibition
• July – No Monthly Meeting • August 7 – Dr. Christian Stephenson, MSU Extension,
Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent
2019 PUBLIC EVENTS Secret Gardens of the Vieux Carré Tour
October 12 & 13, 2019 (12:00 pm)
Halloween Decoration Judging
October 22, 2019
White Elephant Sale & Auction
November 9, 2019 (sale 10:00 am / auction 12:00)
Holiday Decoration Judging December 17, 2019 Holiday Home Tour December 22, 2019 (1:00 pm) Caroling in Jackson Square December 22, 2019 (7:00 pm)
2019 MEMBER & GUEST EVENTS Birthday Party May 18, 2019 Fall Fiesta October 6, 2019 Christmas Brunch December 8, 2019
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IN mEmorIam Patio Planters wishes to acknowledge the loss of fellow member and friend Rick Reiners.
Rick and his partner Ralph Ruders were joyful fixtures at Patio Planters events and it was always a great pleasure to be in their company.
Rick was born and raised in New Jersey. He first visited New Orleans in the 50s and immediately fell in love with City. He would
return to visit frequently and a few years later bought a rental property on Barracks. Rick and Ralph met in New York and would visit New Orleans together. Ralph would come down frequently over the years to assist Rick in renovation of the property on Barracks. Ultimately, they decided to split their time between New York and New Orleans and purchased their condo on Esplanade over 15 years ago. They were introduced to Patio Planters by their neighbors Tom Kahler and Paula Chavas. They became active members ever since. Rick and Ralph became involved in White Elephant Sale and ran the Trash & Treasures booth. They were fixtures at the booth over the
Ralph and Rick
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years – helping shoppers find just the right thing and negotiating the best price – always with a smile and quick with a joke. Rick was a valued member of Patio Planters for many years. Our thoughts are with Ralph and Rick and their families today and always. We are grateful that Ralph continues to attend Patio Planters events when he is in New Orleans and is committed to continue to staff the Trash and Treasures Booth at WES in Rick’s memory.
CrEsCENT CITy oUTrEaCH
Many thanks to all who donated to Crescent City Outreach at the Christmas Brunch! That is the non-profit organization I set up many years ago to be able to assist homeless persons whom I encounter when out on my duties as Homeless Assistance Director for the New Orleans Police Department. It has been extremely useful to have some ready funds available when I need to get someone a state ID, a bus pass, or a pair of socks on the quick. Since I don't have time myself to think of fundraising, I really appreciate the initiative Patio Planters has taken for several years now to keep my non-profit supplied with an average of $1000 a year. It has been a wonderful blessing. B.B. St. Roman, President Crescent City Outreach, Inc. www.crescentcityoutreach.org
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2019 Board oF dIrECTors
President: Tracy Treadaway Mobile: 504-494-0662 [email protected]
Past-President: Stephen Swain Home: 504-523-7047 Mobile: 504-330-3466 [email protected]
Vice-President: Barbara Richmond Home: 504-586-8070 [email protected]
Secretary: Darla Nixon Mobile: 504-291-8989 [email protected]
Treasurer: Quitman Gahagan Home: 504-343-2393 [email protected]
Board Member: Joey DiFatta Mobile: 504-554-7256 [email protected]
Board Member: Ott Howell Home: 504-581-1318 [email protected]
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SATURDAY NOVEMBER 9, 2019
IN THE PLESSY SCHOOL YARD
CORNER OF ROYAL AND ST. PHILIP STREETS
WHITE ELEPHANT SALE BEGINS @ 10 AM
AUCTION BEGINS AT NOON
Patio Planters would like to thank
Harold's Plants for donating an orchid to every meeting. Visit Harold's Plants
at 2900 St. Claude Avenue (at the RR tracks).
504-947-7554 - Open 7 days a week, 8 am-6 pm (summer hours)
Check out their beautiful
website at haroldsplants.com
Patio Planters would also like to thank
Mary's Ace Hardware for allowing us to hold our
meetings in their Barkus Room. Mary's is your neighborhood hardware store featuring a premier house and kitchen
ware store on the second floor
Off street parking – 732 N. Rampart Street
504-529-4465
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