Janet Limouze, Sylvia Bienvenu, Ruthie Heard, Barbara Larriviere, Darrell Bourque, Didi Battle and Mimi Prevost
Karen and Darrell Bourque
Spring time brings a bounty of outdoor gatherings, and Party Girl was delighted in late March when more than 200 VIPs and special guests strolled around the Houmas House Plantation gardens awaiting the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities’ 2008 Humanities Awards Ceremony. The plantation in Darrow was in full bloom, and I highly recommend the short trip for an afternoon visit. One of the event’s honorees was Darrell Bourque, a resident of St. Landry Parish, who was named Louisiana’s Poet Laureate by former Gov. Kathleen Blanco. His award was presented by Michael Sartisky, president and executive director of the Louisiana Endowment of the Humanities. Another esteemed honoree was Ellis Marsalis, the internationally acclaimed jazz pianist, professor, and patriarch of New Orleans’ renowned family of musicians. Marsalis was named Humanist of the Year; the award was presented by Henry C. Lacey, LEH board member. Keeping still for too long has never been Party Girl’s best feature, but listening to all of the nice comments about these distinguished honorees made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
Elsewhere, on March 27, Emily Marine and Mallory Chastant created their own ceremony by celebrating the opening of River Ranch’s newest retail addition, Vinyl. No, not records, but a modern sign concept place; Emily and Mallory, owners of Vinyl, provide services from printing on canvas, static cling (sounds like Party Girl’s worst nightmare) and wall covering materials. The grand opening was in conjunction with the first Rhythms on the River concert series. I saw at least 65 of their family and friends stop by to wish them well. You go girls! “We were overjoyed with the turnout of people for the grand opening,” says Emily. “We will continue to have pre-Rhythms on the River get-togethers each week.” “I like that you can walk in here, relax, and not be afraid to be creative,” notes Jim Keaty of Keaty Real Estate. Party Girl looks forward to seeing y’all again soon at Vinyl and other fabulous party spots in town!
Party On! — PG
Michael Sartisky, Ellis Marsalis, LEH Humanist of the Year, and Henry C. Lacey, LEH board member
Michael Sartisky, Endowment for the Humanities president and executive director, and Dr. Darrell Bourque, Poet Laureate of Louisiana
Emily Marine, Mallory Chastant, Easton Hebert and Mary Domingue
Joey Durel, Lynne Durel and Dr. Harold Chastant
Joey Durel, Mallory Chastant and Emily Marine
Robin Hebert, Easton Hebert, Mary Beth Perkins and Sam Perkins