Lafayette welcomes a fresh approach to grocery shopping ' finally! On Nov. 28, The Fresh Market requested the attendance of Party Girl and all of her friends at the VIP preview of the newest location at River Ranch. I thought the place was beautifully arranged and perfect for me, as I'm all about keeping up appearances. I hobnobbed with some of the company executives for a breakfast sampling and a sneak peak of the store on opening day. Richard and Elaine Zuschlag were shopping with their son, Blaze, giving him a few tips about eating healthy. Among the spectators that morning were Joey Durel, Pat Ottinger, Marc Mouton, Keith Patin, Dr. Ken Brown, Dr. Adrienne Stewart and Sue Kaplan, who happened to be the first in line to enter the store for the official opening. Not a bad way to start the day. Party Girl grabbed an apple and headed out. As they say: An apple a day keeps the wrinkles away!
Christmas time doesn't seem like Christmas without a tree, and luckily Lafayette has its own tree. The official city Christmas tree is located downtown in Parc Sans Souci, and Dec. 8 marked the third annual lighting of the tree at the "Twas the Light before Christmas" event, produced by Downtown Lafayette Unlimited and sponsored by AT&T. City-Parish CAO Dee Stanley, Councilman Bruce Conque, Santa and his helper "Cupid," AT&T Regional Manager Mandi Mitchell and of course Mary Guidry, president of Downtown Lafayette Unlimited, were all on hand to help light the tree. No need to liven up that crowd; the brisk weather was enough to put everyone in the Christmas spirit, and the performance of Christmas carols by the Lafayette High Choir added a boost. I think if you hurry, the Christmas tree is up until after the new year. Happy holidays to all!
We've all heard of the Southern tale set in Louisiana, Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood. I love that title, as I love sisterhood and all things divine. Recently members of Lafayette secret society the Ya-Ya Social Club gathered to celebrate Christmas at Don's Seafood Hut. These eccentric ladies all met years ago through past and present careers and all have maintained lasting friendships. It's no surprise, thanks to their Southern charm and these annual southern interludes of fun. Another reason why these friendships last a lifetime ' we all need a break from our daily routines of work and no play. They must have taken notes from Party Girl. Among the members of The Ya-Ya Social Club are Kay Smith, Bernie Dugas, Donna Wright, Jane Raggio, Karen Dugas, Claire Stegman, Bernie Tassin, Julienne Craig, Mary Gilley, Nettie Mouton, Lisa Thibodeaux, Annette Allen, Ellen Hoffpauir, Flo Castille, Peggy Connick and Evelyn Martin. Now that's a sisterhood.
Party On! ' PG