RRAHC News Archives 2003

Afternoon Plantation Tea

In celebration of the Louisiana Purchase Bicentennial, The River Region Arts and Humanities Council presented its 4th annual members, guest tea on Friday October 10, 2003. The Afternoon Plantation Tea with over 150 in attendance, took place at the Destrehan Plantation Old Mule Barn on River Road. Ms. Taylor's culinary arts class from the Wild Cat Kitchen provided some of the food. Students from Karen Lang's housing class at Hahnville High School served the tea. Home-schooled sisters Merisha and Robin Townsend of Chalmette provided musical entertainment. A reenactment of the Louisiana Purchase was provided courtesy of the St. John the Baptist President's office and the office of Economic Development. Betty Haydel and her tea committee took care of the details and gathered the many items for the raffles and silent auction. RRAHC Vice President Sue Friloux narrated the event. Judy Songy had the winning raffle ticket for the American Freedom Square quilt. Betty Haydel took home the Josephine Rose watercolor donated by Audrey Giardina for the silent auction. St. Charles Women's Club President Marlene Blevins, took home more than one item that she won at the tea. The 2003 Angelus Award was presented to the St. Charles Parish Historical Foundation. Accepting the award was President Marilyn Richoux. This award is given to honor a group or individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the community in the area of the arts or humanities. RRAHC Board member Sandra Chaisson nominated the Foundation for its numerous accomplishments in its short five-year existence. The preservation and restoration of the tugboat Denver, the heirloom-sewing exhibit, and the 1811 slave revolt, are currently on display at the Ormond Plantation. These are only a few of the numerous achievements by the St. Charles Parish Historical Foundation. The foundation is currently working on a museum for this area. The group also received a $500.00 check and a plaque honoring them will be on display at the Destrehan and Luling Libraries. Internationally recognized folk artist Lorraine Gendron of Hahnville crafted the Angelus award. Lorraine's 2003 creation bares a strong resemblance to Marilyn Richoux and holds a miniature likeness of Thomas Jefferson, Josephine and Napoleon complete with a horse. If you would like to become a member or supporter of the arts visit RRAHC.org website.

RRAHC receives its financial resources from members and friends through its fundraising efforts and from grants.

Since 2000, grants totaling $43,847.00 have been awarded to schools, individuals and organizations for meritorious projects.

Each year RRAHC recognizes an individual or organization for outstanding contributions to the arts & humanities in the River Parishes with the Angelus Award. A lovely plaque created yearly by artist Lorraine Gendron and a $500 stipend is awarded to the winners.

UPDATE So far this year, we have received $25,000 for the following projects in St. Charles Parish: Student field trips to La Philharmonic Orchestra Young People Concerts & NOMA.

Fun-Run Entertainment United Way Run

"Trout Fishing in America" Concert

La Philharmonic Concert Mural Project Old Destrehan H. S. Site

Grant Disbursement 2003

On January 15th at the LaPlace St. John Library President Sue Friloux and her Board of Directors for the River Region Arts and Humanities Council awarded a total of 27 grants to three-parishes. Receiving funds are recipients in St. James, St. Charles, and St. John Parishes. These grants will be used to fund a wide variety of activities in the parishes including but not limited to the purchase of books, sheet music, music instruments, art equipment, and a camcorder. Festivals, workshops, professional artists, music, dance, drama programs, and professional productions are only a few of the many things the grants will assist in bringing to the River Parish area. These events will provide activities to both enligh en and entertain parish residents. The council is a non-profit organization, which seeks to develop a wide degree of awareness of the humanities and to promote the development and encouragement of the arts and of artist in St. Charles, St. John and St. James Parishes. Grant monies are acquired through fundraisers and with the assistance of the United Way in St. Charles Parish.

To become a member or supporting patron of River Region Arts and Humanities Council go to http://RRAHC.org

2003 GRANT RECIPIENTS

Community Chorus of River Parishes Louise Broach, Director (excepting for Louise was Marilyn Richuox)
River Region Ballet, Inc. Susan Ferrara, Director (excepting for Susan was Ann Clement)
River Region Drama Guild, Inc. Henry Sorbet, Director
Destrehan High School Robert Fisher (not pictured)
St. Charles Art Guild Nancy Keisman
River Region Historical Society Angela Matherne
St. Charles Historical Foundation (awarded two grants) Joan Becnel (not pictured)
Sacred Heart of Jesus School Phyllis Hale
Luling Elementary School Danielle Clay
Norco Elementary 4-6 School Sheree Kanter (accepting for Sheree was Bob Camba)
St. James Community Theatre Rebecca Foret & Claudia Frederic
St. James School Board Office Danny Shepherd
Fifth Ward Elementary School Clara Radcliff
West St. John Elementary Darlene C. Johnson
St. John the Parish Library Margaret Carlson
St. Charles the Parish Library Margaret Carlson
West St. John Elementary Elieen Prescia
Fifth Ward Elementary Zoe O Brien
St. Joan of Arc School Helen Banquer
West St. John High School Brenda Mitchell
Ory Communication Arts Magnet Joel Baer
LaPlace Elementary Margaret Meynaud
LaPlace Elementary Anita Rodriguez & Kristina Miller
St. John Theatre Youth Division Ralph Romaguera Jr. (not pictured)
St. John Theatre Sterling Snowdy
St. Peter School Joelyn Duhe Johnson

Front seated left to right Clara Radcliff, Zoe O Brien, Kristina Miller, Anita Rodriguez, and Sterling Snowdy Standing left to right--- Darlene C. Johnson, Eileen Prescia, Brenda Mitchell, Helen Banquer, Joelyn Duhe Johnson, Margaret Carlson, Joel Baer, and Margaret Meynaud

left to right --- Claudia Frederic, Rebecca Foret, and Danny Shepherd

left to right --- Bob Camba, Angel Matherne, Marilyn Richuox, Nancy Keisman, Henry Sorbet, Ann Clement, Phyllis Hale, and Danielle Clay