Warm Welcomes

Tales of Troy

It was a verbal Car-nival at the Jung Hotel when Delgado Community College held is annual Roast of the Town and honored Troy Duhon, owner of Premier Automotive Group and founder of Giving Hope/NOLA. The event was described as “a real test drive on the highway to fun and laughter.” His wife, Tracy, was also geared up for the “sales team of Roasters,” who were ready to strike up a deal and hit a funny bone. Included were Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser, and with notable titles, Mike Hoss with Betty-Ann, Todd Gisclair with Amy, Wayne Skinner, Tracey Fields, and Tommy Tucker. Eric Paulsen of WWL-TV emceed. Thanked as patrons were Liberty Bank and Ochsner Health.

Attendees included friends and Blue Book supporters from the automobile industry; Delgado Chancellor Dr. Larissa Littleton-Steib (with husband Kyle Steib), who announced the community college’s efforts to establish a Center of Excellence in Motor Vehicle Technology; DCC foundation board chairman Leo Giorgio with Melanie Cannatella; and the Roy Gross family with Joe and Cheryl Georgusis. Also from the foundation’s board were Ann Duplessis with Virgil, Billy Sizeler with Jane, Mavis Early, Wayne Fontana, Ed Marshall, and Gary LaGrange. From the Port of New Orleans came commission member Joe Toomy with Joanne.

Gastronomic gratitude targeted those providing the taste treats: Galatoire’s Restaurant, MMI Culinary & 12 Seasons Catering, Lt. Gov. Nungesser (in conjunction with the Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board), and Delgado’s chef Vance Roux. (Don’t we love his surname!)

Adding social alacrity was the lively Knockaz Jazz Band, who escorted the Duhon family into the event. Later in the evening Gina Brown and Anutha Level Band became the vehicle for some smooth sounds.

Black & Gold Gala

Chromatics were to the festive fore at the Saints Practice Facility on Airline Drive when the Jefferson Chamber of Commerce had a ball. To further the name, Black & Gold Gala, the training facility was transformed with LED lighting features. Attractions were numerous and counted an open bar (thanks, Bacardi, Coca-Cola, Southern Eagle and Poured Bayeux) and purveyance by Pigeon Caterers, Inc.; a VIP gathering and lounge; music making by the Storyville Jazz Band and After Party; an array of casino games; a wine raffle of 40 bottles “valued at over $1,500”; and a 80-items auction including Saints autographed merchandise and a Hunt Slonem “White Bunny” painting.

Guests were greeted by LED performance artists, including dancers and stilt walkers, as they entered the gala. During the late hours, a gold-clad “Mirror Man” led the party pack to the dance floor with his flashy moves.

Noted within the throng were Mike Stanfield of the Saints, Rocky Weigand of Coca-Cola, Jefferson Chamber of Commerce President Ruth Lawson, parish Sheriff Joe Lopinto with Lauren, and from the Jefferson Parish Council, at-large members Scott Walker and Ricky Templet with Jennifer and Christine, and member Dominic Impastato.

By their party presence, they and dozens of others aligned with the chamber’s mission to further business growth, provide resources and enhance partnerships, all “to support a thriving community in Jefferson Parish.” They also had a lot of fun.

Coast Camaraderie

“The Louisiana Chamber of Commerce Foundation is pleased to welcome His Excellency Mr. Adama Bictogo (,) President of the National Assembly of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire.” As a sign, this was scripted in white lettering on a true-blue background and placed on an easel at the reception’s entrance. The venue was Monday | Restaurant + Bar. David St. Etienne and Kelisha Garrett are the foundation’s respective president and vice president. Former New Orleanian Jeannine B. Scott, who has lived abroad for many years and now calls Washington, D.C., home, answered to founder and principal of America to Africa Consulting.

In addition to the honoree, there were Ambasssador to the U.S from Côte d’Ivoire H.E. Ibrahima Toure, vice president of the country’s National Assembly Maurice Guikahue Kacou, the assembly’s Director of External Affairs and Inter-parliamentary Relations Ambassador Mouminatou Barry Diaby, and members of parliament Toikeusse Albert Abdallah Mabri, Pogabaha Thomas Camara and Abdoul Karim Diomande.

Also, Davon Barber of New Orleans Downtown Development District, Karl Weber of Atmos Energy, Bernard Robertson of Hackett-Robertson Group and wife Rheneisha Robertson of Covenant House with their daughter Brianna, Scott Tilton and Rudy Bazenet, Nous Foundation, and Harold E. Doley III, Lugano Group.

Others circulated, enjoying the delicious stuffed shrimp, caramelized onion tarts, paella, pasta, and catfish bites. Bananas Foster capped the menu, and florals, enhanced with baby’s breath, added nice touches. All the while, the visiting dignitaries were met with welcoming words. Some in French, the republic’s official language.

Arts Attention

The Fine Arts Club, which was founded in 1916 as an active supporter of the Isaac Delgado Museum (now the New Orleans Museum of Art), held its recent Au Revoir Luncheon at the New Orleans Country Club to cap the past club year.

Outgoing President Bette Marks installed the new slate of officers: president Cherry Bordelon, vice presidents Sonya David (first) and Amy Carbonette Cioll (second), secretaries Martha Priska (corresponding) and, in absentia, Melissa Gordon (recording), and treasurer Karen Villavaso. They were congratulated by Charlotte Bracey, Sharon Dooley, Judy Dufrene, Arthemise Gros, Darleen Landry, Lee Pitre Lynch, Joanne Mantis, Sue Stephens, Nell Tilton (complimented on her “Wanderings” exhibition at Carol Robinson Gallery) and Brenda Tureau.

Seafood gumbo started the palate pleasures and an almond tuile with peppermint ice cream finished them. All admired the Federico’s Family Florist centerpieces of pink roses and purple tulips. Of course, art was the heart of the matter and lively related chatter infused the fun.