Patio Planters

Patio Planters of the Vieux Carré
THE PUNCH
Mar-Apr, 2007 | Vol. 49, No. 2

From the President . . .

Dear Patio Planters,

Let’s just face it: Sam Poché is going to be one tough act to follow, especially after the superb encore performance that she and the Board put on the year after our world was shaken. We all really owe a great deal of gratitude to this Board for serving an extra year under very trying circumstances. Also, the Board is very aware that this membership stepped up to the plate to help ensure that Patio Planters would continue to provide the activities and public service that makes the French Quarter a fun and unique environment.

Can you imagine a December in Jackson Square without Caroling by Candlelight? Well, neither can we! So once again a profound thank you to Sam and her merry band that helped Patio Planters not only to survive, but also to succeed.

The good news is: Sam’s not going anywhere! Not only will Sam continue to serve on the Board as the immediate Past President, but, also, Sam and Leslie Perrin have agreed to serve as Chairs of the White Elephant Sale and Auction. That’s great news for all of us.

We have assembled a very able and eager Board that has already begun organizing for the year ahead. As I am sure you are aware, Patio Planters has always relied on a strong system of committees where the real efforts, not to mention the fun times, are exerted to make our meetings, parties and public events possible. Most congratulate us for the very impressive and moving Caroling by Candlelight that we give as a gift to the Quarter and the region every December (thank you John Hartsock and all our volunteers!). However, without our other fundraising activities of patio and home tours and the White Elephant Sale and Auction, we would not be able to stage the Caroling. I hope you will look over the list of the 2007 Committee Chairs and contact a Chairman to volunteer. The more the merrier!

Please check in the preceding pages of the Punch to learn our General Meeting dates, as well as our special Social and Fundraising Events. Beginning with our March General Meeting, we will begin at 6:00 PM in an effort to exit somewhat earlier. Feedback is welcome. Also, note that in July and January we are meeting the second Wednesdays to accommodate the Fourth of July and New Year’s festivities in the French Quarter. As some dates may be subject to change, please check regularly in your most recent Punch. This is your organization and we want you to help us make it work.

As we begin the slow slide toward Spring (and none too soon for some of us), we are urging those who have not done so yet to please renew your memberships and invite other new members to join us. We would certainly like you to be included in our up-to-date Membership Directory, which will be assembled soon. If you forget, you will eventually have a BRIGHT RED STAR on your address label, so you should send in your renewal NOW. Take time to indicate which committees are of interest to you, because this is an excellent time to get in while we’re organizing the fun.

As your incoming President, I am looking forward to an exciting and fun year with your indispensable help and participation. Together, with our Board and committees, we can make it happen! Are you in??? I’m in!!!

Stephen M. Swain

From the Membership Chair . . .

Please welcome the following 2007 new members:

Frank C. & Diane M. Currie
Marie A. King
Beth Landry and Bill Sailers
JoLeigh Sloane Monteverde
Karla Seymour
Lindy & Bryan Watson

Keep those cards, letters, e-mails and membership renewals coming in! We still have a few members who have not renewed for 2007, but we need you more than ever! We have not discontinued the * BRIGHT RED STAR * program on your address label, but we have sent out renewal notices. That means it's time NOW to take a minute to write that check. There is a membership renewal form in the Punch or just contact us!

Also, you will find a volunteer form in this Punch and on the web site listing our calendar for 2007. Please review it and if you feel you want to pitch in this year to help with some of our exciting events, mail it back in, or contact me.

Your renewal form will help us keep your address, phone number and e-mail address up-to-date. Any corrections should be made soon, before the next Membership Directory is printed. Don’t be left out.

Please e-mail me at PatioMembers@.aol.com or call (504) 598-2374.

Thank you,
Paula Chavis

Wine and Cheese Party Invitation . . .

The Rev. Msgr. Crosby Kern, rector of St. Louis Cathedral and a Patio Planter member, has a special invitation to all Patio Planters members:

The Old Ursuline Convent is hosting an exclusive Wine and Cheese Party for our neighbors to come view the Exhibition of the Vatican Mosaic Studio.

We wanted to make sure that the members of Patio Planters were invited.

The Wine and Cheese Reception will be held on Thursday, March 29, 2007, from 5:30 to 7:00 PM at the Old Ursuline Convent, 1100 Chartres Street. You can enter at St. Mary’s Church.

Please RSVP by March 25th by email to foulksj@bellsouth.net.

Stephen M. Swain

Important!

The March 7th meeting and all subsequent meetings will begin at a new time, 6:00 PM.

All meetings are scheduled for Le Petit Theatre at this time. Please be sure to check your latest edition of the PUNCH, as some dates may be rescheduled.

Household Tips

by Sam Poché

Spring cleaning is just around the corner. Now that Mardi Gras is over, this is a great time to clear the clutter and clean your house.

Carpet Stains: Baby wipes are miracle workers on carpet stains, from motor oil to blood, they remove almost anything.

Candle Holders: To prevent wax from melting and sticking to the inside of a votive candle holder, pour a bit of water in the holder, then place your candle on top. If you forget toe water and there*s wax stuck to your candle holder, pop it into the freezer for an hour. The wax will chip off.

Glass Shower Doors: Try something different if you have problems keeping soap scum away. Resolve carpet cleaner works beautifully. Spray it on and wipe with a sponge. Presto Cleano!!

Cast Iron Skillet: To gently and effectively clean the pan without removing the “seasoning”, wipe the excess food with a dry paper towel, then sprinkle with salt. Wipe clean with a clean paper towel. The salt acts as an abrasive and saves the “seasoning”.

Ink Stains: The best way to get out an ink stain is to put rubbing alcohol on the stain. It disappears. Do this before washing. For ink on a wall, wipe with bleach.

Stickers, Decals and Glue: To remove them from furniture, glass, plastic etc., saturate with vegetable oil and rub off.

Fresh Breath: Kiss and Irishman! Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Patio Patter

Curious Minds want to know who went where, and who is doing what!
Please keep us abreast at patiopatter@gmail.com
What comes by email, stays by email!

Don and Betty Kern took off for Costa Rica and other tropical spots right after Mardi Gras for a little R & R.

Barbara and Bob Richmond returned recently from their home in Cancun, Mexico.

Leslie Perrin and Samara Poché are heading to Vietnam, Thailand and Cambodia.

Celia and Jeff Collins had a fabulous Mardi Gras with visitors Celia's sister Carla, and cousin Bob! If you saw a family of voodoo dolls walking the streets of the French Quarter, then you spotted them!