2003
All articles are from the St. Tammany Parish Library Newspaper Archives, and Illustrations are not available.
Slidellians spend 'An Evening in Paris'
NewspaperFebruary 27, 2003 | Times-Picayune, The (New Orleans, LA)
Author: Lisa Fitzmorris Clement | Page: 04 | Section: SLIDELL PICAYUNE | Column: Talk of the Town
855 Words | Readability: Lexile: 1330, grade level(s): >12
The Slidell Women's Civic Club presented the Krewe of Slidellians 54th annual bal masque on Saturday at the Slidell Municipal Auditorium. The theme for the festivities was "An Evening in Paris" and a shimmering bon soir it was with the krewe visiting the Fashion Houses of Paris.
The Slidell Women's Civic Club was founded in 1947 by Anita Breisacher, Blanche Carroll, Virginia Madison and Peggy Sollberger. The club is dedicated to the purpose of fostering civic, welfare, cultural and social interest in the community.
The royal affair began with the presentation of colors by the Northshore High School Junior ROTC, followed by the singing of the national anthem by Jennifer Henderson-Morris. The president of the Slidell Women's Civic Club, Adele Wimberly, welcomed guests and 2002 Royalty King and Queen Samaritan LIII Pat Massarini and Francine Wood.
Parade captain Juanita Berdine and Co-captain Sharon Hosch entered the ballroom, followed by the ball co-captains, the mother-daughter team of June and Cheryl Landry. The hostess for the royal extravaganza was Ball Captain Fay Lopez.
The presentation of the Royal Court commenced with maids and dukes being selected from various organizations and nonprofits throughout the Slidellcommunity. Each maid and duke represented a French fashion house of haute couture.
The first maid representing the house of Worth was Edith Cocran, president of the Slidell Memorial Hospital Auxiliary. She was escorted by her duke, Bruce Clement, associate administrator of business development for Slidell Memorial Hospital. The second maid representing the fashion house of Coco Chanel was Sylvia Black, president of Le Cotillion, escorted by her duke, Milton Kennedy, fire chief of St. Tammany Parish Fire Protection District 1.
The third maid representing the fashion house of Christian Dior was Mary Bishop, vice president of the Slidell Women's Republican Club escorted by her duke Dennis Caddell of the Slidell Evening Lions Club. The fourth maid representing the Cartier House of Diamonds was Slidell Councilwoman-at-large Marti Livaudais of the Rotary Club of Slidell Northshore escorted by her duke Mike Pike fund-raiser of the Slidell Heritage Park and an American Heart Association Ambassador of Goodwill.
The fifth maid representing the Lancome House of Beauty was Phylis Facio, Board of Realtors and regional manager for Prudential, escorted by her duke, Robert Allen, president of the Slidell Kiwanis. The sixth maid representing the Fashion House of Yves Saint Laurent was Gail Simmons, president of Phi Delta Kappa, escorted by her duke, John Meyer, president of the Chamale' Homeowners Association.
The royal stage was set for the arrival of the King and Queen Samaritan LIV Mayor Ben Morris and Erin Stroud. The pages for the king were the king's daughter, Becca Morris, and Mike Jackson; the pages tothe queen were her three grandchildren, Mary Elizabeth Dowden, William Dowden and Jacob Dowden.
Bob Stroud, huband of the queen, and Susie Morris, the first lady of Slidell, and wife of the king, were presented to their royal majesties. Also presented were Shannon and William Dowden, the daughter and son-in-law of the queen; Mathew Stroud Corey, the grandson of the queen; Charlene Zolz and Colin Norman, sister-in-law and brother-in-law of the queen; and Rosalee Dowden, friend of the queen.
The king received his children ,Jenny, Kristi, Becca and Patrick as well as his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Jan and Lou Houck, Louie and Molly Houck, and Carol and Anthony Jacomo, Rachel and Jessica Jacomo and Monique Therrien.
The audience enjoyed a performance along the streets of Paris by Maurice Chevalier, aka Jay Bruhn, along with street artists, Pairisienne cancan dancers, tourists, lovers, a flower lady and guests at a sidewalk cafe. The krewe recognized founding members Carroll and Breisacher and the current officers Sandi Guillory, Catherine Bankston, Juanita Berdine, Anna Merle Merritt, Sharon Hosch, Fran Pichon, Laurie Maloney and Monica Gates.
Following the tableau the court held a receiving line to welcome guests and the band Witness performed.
Participating in the regal revelry were Parish President Kevin Davis and wife, Maria; Kathy and Warren Berrault; St. Tammany Parish School Board President John Lamarque and wife, Ellen; Slidell Councilwoman at large Pearl Williams; Slidell City Councilwoman Kim Harbison; Slidell City Councilman Ray Canada; Suzanne and Bill Krieger; Nancy and Linn Barthelemy; G. Brice and Kathy Jones; Rhonda Pike; Betsy Pike; Robert Norton; Jenny, Kristi and Patrick Morris; Shannon and Bill Dowden; Slidell Police Chief Freddy Drennan and his wife, Celia; Viola Cocran; Bea and Harry Penton; Ed Livaudais; Frank Wilson and Mary Clement; Holly Broom and Chuck Holton; Grant Black, Frances Black; Allen and Kathy Little; and Fay Bruhn.
Also, Rosemary and Walter Clement; Rosita Pastoret; Naida Galloway, Jan and Lou Houck, Louie and Molly Houck, Carol and Anthony Jacomo, Racheal and Jessica Jacomo, Rosalie Dowden, Charlene Zolz and Colin Norman, Cheryl Woods, Loretta Malter, Jim Pichon, Guy Fandal, Wesley Carroll; J.C. Broom, Jerry Wood, Harold Hosch, Carl Bankston, Gordon Wimberly and Tyrone Berdine.
. . . . . . .
News about east St. Tammany social events can be sent to Lisa Fitzmorris Clement by e-mail, lfitzclem@aol.com; fax, 649-0971; or by calling 643-5852. All submissions become the property of The Times-Picayune.
Funeral Notice - SMITH
NewspaperMarch 24, 2003 | Times-Picayune, The (New Orleans, LA)
Page: 06 | Section: METRO
178 Words | Readability: Lexile: 1100, grade level(s): 8 9 10 11-12
Linda Brichtbill Smith on Friday, March 21, 2003 at her residence. Beloved wife of Martin A. Smith, Jr. Mother of Martin A. Smith, III and Valerie Elaine Smith. A special friend loved as a daughter, Leslie Parker. Sister of Joel A. Brichtbill and David B. Brichtbill. Also survived by many loving relatives and friends. She was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Church, a lifetime member of The Junior Auxiliary, an original member of the Slidell Little Theater, past president of The SlidellRepublican Women's Club and Slidell chairperson of the Gov. Dave Treen Re-election committee. She reigned as Queen Andromeda XIII of the krewe of Persus.
Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend a visitation on Tuesday, March 25, 2003 from 1:00 PM until 2:30 PM followed by a Memorial Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 345 Westester Place, Slidell, LA.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to The Little Sisters of The Poor, 4201 Woodland Dr., New Orleans, LA 70131 or Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School in Slidell, LA.
Corrections and clarifications
Newspaper April 29, 2003 | Times-Picayune, The (New Orleans, LA)
Page: 02 | Section: NATIONAL
Club has not endorsed Slidell tax: The Slidell Republican Women’s Club has not endorsed a proposal by Slidell officials for a half-cent sales tax increase to finance a major capital improvements program, as reported in some editions Saturday. As a matter of policy, club President Laura Leonard said, the group does not take positions on such matters.
Four are honored by Republican Women
NewspaperJune 15, 2003 | Times-Picayune, The (New Orleans, LA)
Author: Carol Wolfram St. Tammany bureau | Page: 10 | Section: SLIDELL PICAYUNE
409 Words | Readability: Lexile: 1300, grade level(s): 11-12
Each year, the Slidell Republican Women’s Club uses a complex mathematical point system to determine who will receive the organization’s prestigious Superior Leadership Award.
This year, the club’s 35th anniversary year, an unprecedented three-way tie resulted in the recognition of four local women: Slidell Community Playground coordinators Rene Legrand and Gina Beck, 22nd Judicial District Judge Patricia Hedges and outgoing club President Laura Leonard.
In addition to serving as a district judge, Hedges is involved in many community organizations and has received numerous awards recognizing her public service and leadership. In addition to her various community and professional responsibilities, Hedges also finds the time to mentor a student at Alton Elementary School. "Just think how this child’s life has been touched," said Beth Royer, who co-chaired the awards committee with Suzan Wilson.
Legrand and Beck, known to many in Slidell simply as "the park ladies," were recognized for their two years of dedicated service to the Slidell community spent coordinating the efforts of 4,000 volunteers in the construction of the $300,000, 20,000-square-foot Slidell Community Playground. "They presented their plan to the Slidell City Council and stood firm in their dream, never taking ‘no’ for an answer," Royer said. "We need to take lessons from these ladies."
Leonard, a full-time Realtor, has served in many capacities on the local, state and national level of the Republican Women’s organization. She also is a member of the Safe Harbor board of directors, a volunteer with the St. Tammany Literacy Assistance Program, and reads and mentors students at Bayou Woods Elementary School. "There’s so much to do. I haven’t even scratched the surface," Leonard said. "I want to be in that rocking chair and have no regrets."
Royer described the recipients as inspiring and encouraged others to aspire to do their part to improve their community. "Douglas Pagels wrote, ‘Each day brings with it the miracle of a new beginning. Many of the moments ahead will be marvelously disguised as ordinary days, but each one of us has the chance to make something extraordinary out of them,’ " Royer said.
Each honoree received a plaque and a donation to the charity of her choice.
. . . . . . .
Carol Wolfram can be reached at cwolfram@timespicayune.com or (985) 645-2857.
Caption:
PHOTO BY CAROL WOLFRAM
Slidell Republican Womens Club presented Superior Leadership Awards during the clubs recent installation banquet. Pictured from left are Co-chairwoman Beth Royer; award recipients Rene Legrand and Gina Beck, 22nd Judicial District Judge Patricia Hedges and Laura Leonard; and Co-chairwoman Suzan Wilson.
REPUBLICAN WOMEN
Slidell Republican Women’s Club members recognized recently for outstanding service during the past year were:
-- Executive board members: Laura Leonard, Mary Bishop, Betty Guillot, Susie Morris, Sandra Williams, Barbara Estopinal, Deanna Hamilton-Lamz and Cathy Palmer.
-- Committee chairwomen and co-chairwomen: Elizabeth Schneider, Winnifred Laird, Joan Thompson, Mary Dognibene, Judy Arrington, Karen Parks, Lynn Bowers, Suzan Wilson, Carole Gillio, Deborah Thompson, Kathy Jones, Judy Earle, Deborah Thompson, Juanita Brinsmade, Donna Guidry, Carol Lairmore, June Erickson, Suzan Wilson, Beth Royer and Suzan Wilson.
-- Elephant Trunk committee members, who coordinate the donation of supplies and uniforms for schoolchildren: Laura Leonard, Helen Herrmann, Jean Cefalu, Susan Carpenter, Laurel McCartney, Mel Leonard and Cathy Brogle.
-- Literacy committee: Betty Guillot, Heloise Grant, Laura Leonard, Dee Canada and Dorothy "Dottie" Strickland.
-- Telephone committee: Nancy Bell, Lynn Bowers, Barbara Estopinal, Vi Gordon, Donna Guidry, Priscilla Heaphy, Margo Holman, Joan Holmes, Cathy Palmer and Charlotte Sicard.
-- Ya-Ya Sisterhood: Joy Dunn, Carole Gillio, Winnifred Laird, Laura Leonard, Sue Rountree and Carole Segrave.
-- Elves: Bren Bishop, John Erickson, Mel Leonard, Phillip Palmer and Ed Thompson.
-- Special awards: Entertainment, Darin Guidry and Donna Guidry; special friend, state Rep. A.G. Crowe; and perfect attendance, Helen Hermann.
Donate old uniforms to Elephant’s Trunk
NewspaperAugust 3, 2003 | Times-Picayune, The (New Orleans, LA)
Author: Kelly King St. Tammany bureau | Page: 08 | Section: SLIDELL PICAYUNE
318 Words
What do you do with your child’s school uniforms once they have graduated from that school?
That was a question Deborah Thompson was asking herself after her children moved up the school ranks and she was left with a collection of perfectly good uniforms. The answer: Elephant’s Trunk.
Thompson, chairman of the ways and means committee of the Slidell RepublicanWomen’s Club, pitched her idea of recycling school uniforms for other children to the administrator at Brock Elementary.
While Thompson and Brock Principal Rose Smith worked out the logistics of the program -- asking the teachers to identify uniform shirt, pants, shoes and coat sizes and any other needs the children might have while working with the Republican Women’s Club to organize fund-raisers ranging from raffles to auctions -- a call was made to Thompson that proved all the hard work was well worth it.
"There was a child there at school in 32-degree cold in shorts. When asked, the student said he didn’t have any long pants," Thompson said.
By the end of that school day, Smith had two pairs of pants for the child. When that child hugged and thanked Thompson, she knew the program was on the right track.
During the Christmas holidays, Elephant Trunk volunteers received the names and special needs of at least a half-dozen children in every grade from Brock.
In addition to filling those holiday wishes, the Elephant Trunk team also collected a trunk full of clothes from Brock families at the end of the school year which they have since laundered and sorted in preparation for the Aug. 14 start of school.
"I even have volunteers who will mend the other clothes before we take them back," Thompson said.
Thompson said she hopes the program will expand this year to include Alton Elementary School and the Safe Harbor shelter for battered women.
For more information on the Elephant’s Trunk project, contact Thompson at 640-8434.
Community assists with school needs
NewspaperAugust 7, 2003 | Times-Picayune, The (New Orleans, LA)
Author: Carol Wolfram | Page: 01 | Section: SLIDELL PICAYUNE | Column: Tammany Talk
474 Words | Readability: Lexile: 1460, grade level(s): >12
Getting ready to go back to school was always a big deal for me.
The flip of the calendar from July to August meant exciting days ahead. Hair, or at the very least bangs, had to be trimmed. Book bags with the icon du jour had to be located and procured. And while there weren’t always new outfits -- we didn’t have school uniforms in those days -- there were always new school shoes, the shopping for which was a mother-daughter bonding experience that invariably included trips to the candy counter (back when they had candy counters) at Sears.
Who wouldn’t look forward to the start of school when it involved chocolate?
Yes, Mama was a wise, wise woman. And, yes, we were lucky.
Back-to-school blues
Because gathering the gear children need for a new school year isn’t always a jaunt to the candy counter. For some families, those who find themselves having a hard time making ends meet on any given day of the year much less those accented with the extra burden of school supply lists that include everything from school uniforms to binders, pencils, glue and paper towels, getting their children outfitted with all they need the new school year is more than trying; it’s impossible.
Luckily there are several organizations in the Slidell area that are doing everything they can to keep those parents’ back-to-school blues at bay.
A-plus neighbors
There are the members of the Slidell Republican Women’s Club who started a program called Elephant’s Trunk. Under the direction of Deborah Thompson, these women team up to recycle -- collect, launder and, if necessary, repair -- school uniforms for the children of Brock Elementary School.
Residents of the Carolyn Park Middle School community also will receive a helping hand from members of A Touch of Elegance Social and Pleasure Club. They’ll be hard at work Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon at that school, 35708 Liberty Drive, distributing school supplies to children of Carolyn Park.
And of course there is Community Christian Concern, which is collecting school supplies now for its annual distribution, which this year will be held Monday and Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 2505 Carey St. Donations still being collected (pocket folders, crayons, rulers, markers, pens, pencils, Elmer’s glue and glue sticks, pocket calculators, construction paper, paper towels, tissue, beach towels and backpacks) as are donations, $35 per child, to purchase vouchers for school uniforms from local businesses. Call 646-0357 for more details on the distribution or the voucher program.
These good neighbors, and those who support their efforts, get an A-plus for helping ensure that any anxiety Slidell’s children may be experiencing as the new school year approaches has nothing to do with whether or not they will have an outfit that actually fits on the first day of school.
. . . . . . .
Carol Wolfram can be reached at cwolfram@timespicayune.com or (985) 645-2857.
CLUBS
Newspaper September 11, 2003 | Times-Picayune, The (New Orleans, LA)
Page: 10 | Section: SLIDELL PICAYUNE
251 Words | Readability: Lexile: 1220, grade level(s): 11-12
REPUBLICAN WOMEN’S CLUB
The Slidell Republican Women’s Club recently held a candidates forum and luncheon at Pinewood Country Club.
Parish President Kevin Davis addressed the group as well as Patricia Schwarz-Core, assessor, and Barry Bagert, parish councilman.
Candidates in the Oct. 4 election for the position of clerk of court, sheriff and parish council districts in east St. Tammany participated. Each candidate presented their goals and plans for the parish. A question-and-answer session followed.
A state-level candidates forum, sponsored by the club, will be held Sept. 25.
Information about the upcoming forum or the Slidell Women’s RepublicanWomen’s Club can be obtained by contacting President Mary Bishop at 646-2848 or membership Chairwoman Suzan Wilson at 649-2144.
CLUBS
NewspaperOctober 2, 2003 | Times-Picayune, The (New Orleans, LA)
Page: 25 | Section: MANDEVILLE PICAYUNE
185 Words
GOP WOMEN MEET
Seven representatives from St. Tammany Parish joined more than 1,250 other Republican women activists from across the nation in Salt Lake City on Sept. 19-21 for the National Federation of Republican Women’s 32nd biennial convention, one of the largest national meetings of Republicans this year and the official kickoff of the 2004 political season.
Celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, the Louisiana Federation of RepublicanWomen was represented by a 36-member delegation of women from all areas of the state.
Local delegates to the convention included the presidents of three area clubs: Mary Bishop, Slidell Republican Women; Argiro Morgan, Mandeville Republican Women; and Charlotte Sinclair, Republican Professional Women of St. Tammany.
Also attending were Central Region Vice President Suzanne Crow, Delegate-at-large Bobby Bonnoitt and Alternate Delegates Elly Harper and Joanne Perer.
Both the Mandeville Club (Gold) and the Professional Women’s Club (Diamond) received national awards of merit and Charlotte Sinclair was chosen to serve on the Leadership Committee of the NFRW.
During the three-day event, attendees participated in leadership training seminars, campaign management schools and a variety of political and policy workshops.