Pam's Party Line for June 3, 2012
BR Assembly’s debutante coterie introduced
One of the traditions of spring is the introduction of the debutante coteries to be presented later in the fall. The Baton Rouge Assembly’s 2012 debutante coterie was introduced to the wives of its members at a tea at the Baton Rouge Country Club May 23.
BR Assembly
The 16 young women will be formally presented at its annual ball Nov. 23 at the Baton Rouge River Center. They include Frances Biedenharn, daughter of Carol Biedenharn, of Jackson, Miss., and Richard Biedenharn, of Madison, Miss.; Jeanne Butler, daughter of Elizabeth and Robert Butler Jr., of St. Francisville; Anna Katherine Culotta, daughter of Nanette and Frank Culotta III; Jessica Finley, daughter of Elizabeth and Robert Finley, of Belle Chasse; Laura Caroline Folse, daughter of Julie and Scott Folse, of Prairieville; Camille Jenkins, daughter of Caroline Jenkins and Edwin Jenkins; Clare Renée Murrell, daughter of Denise Robichaux and Mark Murrell, of Bayou Goula; and Kathleen Angele Peek, daughter of Angele and Robert Peek Jr.
Also, Hanley Poché, daughter of Shannon and James Poché III; Peyton Elizabeth Rhodes, daughter of Pamela and Scot Rhodes, of Brusly; Katherine Sartain, daughter of Erica and Charles Sartain, of Dallas; Catherine Schlesinger, daughter of Mary Martha and Ronald White, and Christopher and Marjorie Schlesinger, of New Orleans; Eleanor Stone, daughter of Carter Stone and Joey Scott; Camille Williams, daughter of Marie and George Williams III; Derbigny Elizabeth Willis, daughter of Peaches and Thomas Willis; and Grace Woolf, daughter of Kerri and James Woolf II.
Visionary Partner
Later that afternoon, I joined Baton Rouge General Foundation’s Visionary Partner Society members, along with hospital and foundation board members, administrators, ambassadors and a few other special guests at a lovely soirée at the home of Penny and Chick Miller. The Millers just recently (as in weeks not months) moved back into their Bocage home following a major renovation, so of course we were all full of HGTV-type questions for our hostess.
As guests were greeted at the door by Assistant Development Director Connie Caldwell, they were given hospital bracelets with a patient’s name. The mystery was solved during a brief video presentation that had hospital employees and patients sharing — in only three words — what Baton Rouge General means to them. The patients’ stories were then shared by foundation Vice President Beth Veazey and hospital CEO Bill Holman. And, guess what, those patients were the ones whose names were on the bracelets. It was really cool.
Symphony League
The week of partying started with my buddies in the Baton Rouge Symphony League. They were getting together for their annual installation luncheon at Juban’s May 22. But before swearing in the new slate of officers, outgoing President Jan Attinger had the pleasure of presenting symphony President Alan Hopper with a check for $60,000. She also presented Susan Love with the Member of the Year award.
Susan was such an active member that she was elected as the league’s first vice president. Also taking the oath of office were President Alexis Thompson, President-elect Louann Bombet, Second Vice President Cheryl Callerame, Secretary Lisa Broussard and Treasurer Kay Kirsopp.
Open House for Opera
Several of the Symphony League ladies were also spotted at Opéra Louisiane’s second annual Open House for Opera May 24 at the home of former league President Linda Mitchell and husband Dennis. Welcoming guests with the hostess was Executive Director Leanne Clement.
The fundraiser is modeled on the salons of the 19th century, where cultural aficionados roll out the welcome mat and invite friends and patrons to their homes to enjoy and discuss art and music. Providing this evening’s musical entertainment were Opéra Louisiane 2011-2012 season favorites, soprano Ebony Preston and tenor Chauncey Packer, accompanied by pianist Louis Wendt.
Trianon
My day began with a quick stop at the Bocage Racquet Club where members of Trianon, the auxiliary to the Arc, were gathered for their annual luncheon meeting. They had just wrapped up the election of officers for 2012-2013, so my timing was perfect to grab a quick photo before running out the door to a prior commitment. Before I did, though, I got one very important piece of information. Trianon’s much-anticipated style show luncheon fundraiser has been set for Nov. 2 at the new Renaissance Hotel.
OSC Associates
My prior commitment was lunch with the Old State Capitol Associates at the Faculty Club. I had so much fun visiting with longtime friends and tablemates Harriet Babin Miller and Roy Powell Davis.
Secretary of State Tom Schedler joined us for the end-of-the-year get-together, thanking this dedicated group of volunteers for its support. “Volunteers are not paid but that doesn’t mean you’re worthless; you’re priceless!” said Schedler.
Featured speaker for the event was State Archivist Florent Hardy. He not only talked briefly about the Archives, “Louisiana’s Historical Jewelry Box,” but about events coinciding with Louisiana’s Bicentennial celebration.
Outgoing President Carol Haase introduced the new board officers: President Bernard Berry, Vice President Clif Murphy, Recording Secretary Susie Heroman, Corresponding Secretary Evelyn Davis; Treasurer Karen Zobrist; and members: Chet Coles, Darrell Cohoon, Miller and Sandra Patin, who was sporting the specially designed bracelet she won at the recent Old State Capitol gala. On a sad note, there was a moment of silence for Evelyn’s husband, longtime member Jerry Davis, who passed away May 9.
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