January/February 2008

Patio Planters of the Vieux Carré
THE PUNCH
Jan-Feb, 2008 | Vol. 50, No. 1

From our President . . .

As the year 2007 winds down, as I write this, my own term as president is approaching the end of the line. Thanks to a strong, hard working Board, a superb mentor in immediate past president Sam Poché, and the contributions of all our countless volunteers, we have an organization that is better prepared to serve our members, contribute to our community and ensure our future successes. Our finances are on a much more stable basis in a very encouraging and gratifying manner.

The Autumn and early Winter are really a crunch time for Patio Planters when many of our key events transpire and we begin to grasp a better evaluation of how our year developed. I am pleased to report that things are looking up.

First of all, one of the French Quarter's most famous tag teams, Sam Poché and Leslie Perrin, with the help of our volunteer members (and you know who you are) enjoyed the most exciting and productive White Elephant Sale and Auction ever. Many of the subcommittees that make up the event like to know how much was raised. Here we go:

Auction: $7143.25
Cookbooks/journals: $307.00
Water sales: $8.00
Cakes/Coffee: $294.50
Books: 399.75
Trash and Treasures: $1020.83
Clothing: $1955.00
Plants: $622.80 (thanks for the donation, Harold Applewhite of Harold's Plants)
Baskets of Cheer: $537.00
Jewelry: $392.35
Grand Total: $12,680.48

A special thanks is in order to Adrienne Hartsock, our treasurer who participates in every event like this one, whether accepting the monies and making deposits or writing the checks for all amounts due. That is much appreciated, weary labor. Also, thanks to Heidi at Kipp's McDonogh 15.

Next up on our schedule was the Holiday Brunch, which was held at Muriel's on Jackson Square on December 9th with a larger turnout than last year. Kaye Caldwell's "Some Like It Hot" provided the musical fare that had us clapping, swaying and dancing. Marti and David Speights can really twirl to the music and they don't require much encouragement. We all sang happy birthday to Keith Revels, with wife Susan, but the highlight of the party is the annual Daisy Todd Volunteer of Year Award, which I, as president, bestowed on Debbie Mallernee. Debbie was my appointee to the Board and immediately stepped up to the plate by becoming secretary, chairing the October Secret Garden Tour and the Holiday Home Tour, the latter of which occurred the same day as the night of the caroling. For anyone who's been paying attention, you've also seen her at all the other events, pitching in. A special thank you to Debbie, but also to all our other volunteers who work all year long to make their Patio Planters a success. I would be derelict if I did not also thank Lynette Stilwell who paid for the postage to send out the invitations! Dr. Ed and Janice Foulks, Adrienne Hartsock and Barbara Richmond chaired the Brunch with committee members Celia Collins, Michael Ray Connor, Frances Salvaggio, B.B. St.Roman and Lynette Stilwell.

Next up was the Holiday Judging Contest, chaired by Sam Poché and Debbie Mallernee, aboard the little red fire engine that couldn't. Yes, we did break down towards the last of the evening, but that, fortunately, occurred in front of the spectacularly decorated home of Catherine Hill who provided us libations and treats while we waited to be rescued. Rescued? We hoofed it for the rest of the tour. We next enjoyed a warm (thank goodness) holiday welcome at the home of Barbara Bowen, where we reviewed and selected your winners:

Best Overall: Pat O'Brien's
Best Hotel: The Royal Sonesta
Best Commercial: B.E.E. Galleries
Best Window/Door: Catherine Hill
Best Balcony: Café Lafitte in Exile

Thanks also to "Santa's Quarters" and David and Carol Erath, who also own "Head to Toe" in the French Market, for providing us with $100 Gift Certificates to our winners. I presented the winners with the plaques at our 61st Annual Caroling by Candlelight in Jackson Square. The business community, especially in the form of the French Quarter Business Association, is very anxious to help us publicize this Patio Planters branded event next year. They appreciate what we do and are happy to help our event with donations and publicity.

Next up, the Holiday Home Tour, chaired by Debbie Mallernee, on December 16th from 2-4:30, was a tremendous success, having sold almost three times as many tickets this year as it did the previous year. Many thanks are in order to New Orleans Gem and Lapidary Shop at 527 St. Philip St. and to Creole Delicacies at 533 St. Ann St. for selling our tickets. Also, thanks to the homeowners who opened their homes, Colleen Salley, David & Bobbie Ann Whiddon, the Spring Fiesta organization and Lynette Stilwell. A special thanks to Msgr. Crosby Kern of St. Louis Cathedral who opened his home, the rectory, for the second year in a row, serving the refreshments. The Travel Channel and HG TV were here to promote Christmas in New Orleans and filmed this event, interviewing Debbie Mallernee. Yes, Patio Planters will be on the tube more than a dozen times! We're famous!

Next up, Caroling by Candlelight in Jackson Square, perennially chaired by the tireless John Hartsock who worked his magic, as usual, bringing us our signature event. Many tourism and media outlets requested permission, granted, to film and photograph this famous event both from on stage and from in front of the stage. The tourism, convention, retail and hospitality industries and our visitors and residents are very grateful to you, Patio Planters, for this heartwarming and beloved event. We have a new vendor, Bernard Productions, which is very excited to be a part of caroling and proved it by giving us a great bid on our sound system and stage. No one should forget the contributions of the indefatigable B.B. St. Roman, design expert extraordinaire, who did our Holiday Brunch invitations and redesigned the song sheet for caroling. making it much more New Orleans style and readable. She now has our song sheet design saved in electronic form for easy reproduction. Also, we included advertisements for many of our big time donors for the caroling event and the White Elephant Sale and Auction. We reduced our expenditures for this event in a dramatic fashion this year. Thanks, also, to SDT for the cleanup, pressure washing Jackson Square.

I have appointed a nominating committee, consisting of Craig Schexnayder, B.B. St. Roman and Lea Siegel, to select nominations for the election of our new Board next year. Please contact them if you would like to suggest candidates for nomination.

Thank you, thank you for letting me serve as your president. I relied on the advice and experience of our past presidents, our Board and volunteers, moving this organization into a new and exciting era. Thank you for your confidence and support. The future looks bright and fun for our organization and members!

Stephen M. Swain

From our Membership Chair . . .

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!

Paula Chavis

From our Program Chair . . .

Unfortunately, I was not able to attend the November meeting for the wonderful and interesting presentation by Rod Gates, horticulturist for the Royal Sonesta Hotel. Rod is very passionate about his work and we certainly appreciate his time in sharing not only fascinating information but plants as well. By the way, if you have not seen the fabulous Christmas decorations at the hotel be sure to stop by. Rod had a hand in that project too. Many thanks to Rod.

Looking toward our January meeting, we are planning a sunny program of comedy to counteract the dreary winter weather. Marcia Wall is a French Quarter resident who makes her living as a writer, photographer and comedienne. She will present a brief comedy routine and share some of her photography - all French Quarter themed of course! See you there.

For February our program will be presented by Divya Naidu who is a native of India, where she worked in art restoration and textiles for museums before moving to the United States. She is currently visiting family in India and will return to her home in Houma before our February meeting. It promises to be an interesting program.

Lyn Gladney

Our Recent Events . . .

Our White Elephant Sale and Auction

Thank you everyone for another successful White Elephant Sale & Auction. Without the sharing of energy, efforts and gifts from all of our friends and supporters, this event would never be such a success! Thank you to all of our donors who made the Auction possible. In addition to the many donations, this year we had twelve "sponsors" in the $500+ category: Capital One, Santa's Quarters, Harold's Plant Gallery, Astor Crown Plaza, Chateau Hotel, John Burke of Louisiana Caviar, Hotel Provincial, Sheraton New Orleans, Jim Walpole & MaryFlynn Thomas Musical Duet, Soniat House Hotel, Pam Fortner & Earl Bernhardt of Tropical Isle fame and New Orleans Athletic Club. BRAVO to them. And bravo to our Ace Auctioneers Robin Ruiz Wilkinson, Norman Many and Chuck Ransdell, what fun they brought to the bidding that day! The assistants to our auctioneers Kim Hunter, Frank Taylor and Brian Furness didn't go unnoticed, and we are thankful for their efforts. The auction cashiers Mary Jo Wright and Joyce "Mimi" Perrin did a great job keeping pace with the brisk sales. We couldn't have done this without the enthusiastic efforts of Betty Kern, Debbie Mallernee and Janelle Masden who put together the festive baskets of cheer. A donation from several vendors including Mary Jo Wright helped create the lovely baskets. Don & Betty Kern with assistance from John Burke, Caviar King, took charge of minding the baskets the tickets sales on the day of the sale, much thanks to them for their endless efforts. Julie Hunt, a newcomer to the group, became a mastermind behind the Cake & Coffee booth and set up the details for her, Sandy Sandona and Armella Sandona, who were ever so sweet to sell the goodies. Contributions came from several members and non-members, including Julie's Mom, Wanda McGinn and Eli Quintana. Eli, retired Harlem Globetrotter, also performed a few tricks as special entertainment for the event, and special kudos go to him. Thanks again as always to Barbara Richmond and the Sacks Thrift Avenue Crew for their effervescent efforts in being the spunkiest sales people ever! They included Lynette Stilwell, Dee Lynott, Beth Mazur, Diane Smith, Darian Conlee, Mary Adele Baus, Nina Tyler, Gail Stephenson and Joe Wilkins. Trash &Treasures was beautifully hosted by Karen Allayaud, Ralph Ruder, Rick Reiners, Sarah Morris, Hope Mazzeno, Adele Wallace, Raynette Baca and the ever present Phyllis Bruscato, we've got nothing but praise for you. The boxes were overflowing and so was your patience. Jewelry was sold by an all new group of volunteers, local artist Isabell Jacopin, Sue McCormick and Pat Glorioso, all of whom sparkled like their treasures! John Hartsock, Adrienne Hartsock and Janie Deavers deserve a mountain of thanks for the books they peddled. This year, thanks to the wonderful donation by Harold's Plant Gallery, the plant booth, manned by Lyn Gladney & Marlene Kauppinen, did a vine climbing spectacular job. Ralph Reiners worked behind the scene to get the plants selected. Jeff & Celia Collins make the set up and break down look so effortless, but we all know what a hand they deserve. Celia actually organized this from China! The "delivery and collection" crew, including Chuck Ransdell (who collected all year long), Steve Mallernee, Tom McGinn, Eric Wilkinson, Patrick Walsh, Steve Swain, Robert Armstrong, Keith Revels, Paul Juneau, Norman Many and Frank Taylor, all worked hard, thank you. Thanks to French Quarter Realty for providing food for the volunteers. And at the end of the day, what would it be without the hospitality of Bob & Samantha McRaney who from afar opened their home, which was hosted by Terry Smith and Jack Conlee who served the thirsty volunteers, you are the best! Our envelope stuffers who work behind the scenes, Betty Stanford and Joyce "Mimi" Perrine deserve recognition. More thanks to behind the scenes workers go to Debbie Mallernee and Barbara Richmond for delivering flyers. Thanks to our Treasurer, Adrienne Hartsock, and our President, Steve Swain, who are always around for back up. Thanks to Paula Chavis for inviting new members to join as they entered the gate. We sincerely thank everyone who participated, no matter how little or much, you make this worth doing!

Sam Poché and Leslie Perrin
Co-Chairs

Our Holiday Brunch

I do believe a good time was had by all! The Holiday Brunch at Muriel's on the Square was once again five beans. Everyone enjoyed listening to Kaye Caldwell's band "Some Like It Hot". There were even a few people out there on the dance floor and you know who you are. The food was excellent and the weather cooperated, so sitting out on the balcony watching the world go by was enjoyable. Of course there are always people out there who make these things possible, chairmen like Janice and Ed Foulks, Barbara Richmond and our committee of Celia Collins, Frances Salvaggio, Lynette Stilwell and Michael Ray Connor.

Adrienne Hartsock

Remembering Bebe Roberts Freeman

Patio Planters members were sad to hear that fellow member Bebe Roberts Freeman passed in November after bravely fighting cancer for several years. The following announcement appeared on the Times-Picayune website:

"FREEMAN Bebe Roberts Freeman died at her home in Starkville, Mississippi on Friday, November 2, 2007. She was the daughter of the late Billy Roberts of Meridian, Mississippi. She is survived by her mother, Mary Roberts of Flowood, Mississippi, husband of forty-one years, Harry Freeman, of Starkville, Mississippi, son, Ben Freeman, daughter-in-law, Missy Freeman, and grandson, Richard (Rick) Freeman, all of Louisville, Kentucky. Bebe was born in Meridian, Mississippi and graduated from Meridian High School. She is a graduate of Mississippi University for Women (MSCW), and holds a Master's Degree from The University of Cincinnati. Bebe was a teacher of thirty years, teaching in the public schools in Meridian, Mississippi, Luling, Louisiana, Washington, D.C., and Cincinnati, Ohio. She was a community activist, union organizer in Sacramento, California, member of American Federation of Teachers, American Association of University Women, The Oktibbeha County Chapter of the Federation of Democratic Women, and a lifetime member of the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom. Bebe lived in New Orleans for twelve years, enjoying and loving the music, second-lining and diversity, and considered this wonderful city her home. Her passion was social justice. Bebe thanks all those friends who loved and cared for her, especially Mary Roberts, her best friend, and Harry Freeman, her childhood sweetheart and life partner."

Household Tips

Home Remedies

from the Internet via Steve Swain

• Wesson Corn Oil eliminates ear mites in cats. Massage a few drops in your cat's ear, then clean with a cotton ball. Repeat daily for 3 days. The oil soothes the cat's skin, smothers the mites, and accelerates healing.

• Dawn Dishwashing Liquid kills dog fleas instantly. Add a few drops to your dog's bath and shampoo the animal thoroughly. Rinse well to avoid skin irritations.

• Bounce cures dog odors. The next time your dog comes in from the rain, wipe down the animal with Bounce or any dryer sheet. It instantly makes your dog smell springtime fresh.

• Colgate Toothpaste makes an excellent salve for burns.

• Altoids Peppermints clear up a stuffed nose. Try chewing on a couple of them before you head to the drugstore for a high-priced inhaler filled with mysterious chemicals.

• Olive oil and horseradish serve as instant relief for aching muscles. Mix 1 tblsp. of horseradish in 1 cup of olive oil. Let sit for 30 minutes, then apply as a massage oil.

• Vinegar kills bacteria and heals bruises. To kill bacteria in your sore throat, mix 1/4 cup of vinegar with 1/4 cup of honey and take 1 tablespoon six times a day. For your bruises, soak a cotton ball in white vinegar and apply it to the bruise for 1 hour. The vinegar reduces the blueness and speeds up the healing process.

• Honey works overnight as a remedy for skin blemishes. Cover the blemish with a dab of honey and place a Band-Aid over it. It kills the bacteria, keeps the skin sterile, and speeds healing.

• Alka-Seltzer cures urinary tract infections. Just dissolve two tablets in a glass of water and drink it at the onset of the symptoms. It begins eliminating urinary tract infections almost instantly-- even though it has never been advertised for this use.

• Listerine Mouthwash works as a therapy for broken blisters as well as for toenail fungus. To disinfect a broken blister, dab on a few drops. To cure toenail fungus, soak your toes in Listerine and it will leave them looking healthy again.

• Maybelline Crystal Clear Nail Polish prevents the screws in eyeglasses from loosening. Apply a small drop to the threads of the screws before tightening them.

• Formula 409 Cleaning Liquid doubles as bug killer. Spray on bees, wasps, hornets, yellow jackets, etc. Insects drop to the ground instantly.

• Elmer's Glue-All works great as a splinter remover. Pour a drop over the splinter, let dry, and peel the dried glue off the skin. The splinter sticks to the dried glue.

• Hunt's Tomato Paste cures boils. Cover the boil with the paste as a compress. The acids from the tomatoes soothe the pain and bring the boil to a head.

• Quaker Oats helps relieve arthritis pain. It's not for breakfast any more! Mix 2 cups of Quaker Oats and 1 cup of water in a bowl and warm in the microwave for 1 minute. Cool slightly and apply the mixture to your hands for soothing relief.

Patio Patter

Curious Minds want to know who went where, and who is doing what!

Please keep us abreast at patiopatter@gmail.com

Patio Planter members Stephen Swain, Norma Sandoval and Sam Poché helped member Msgr. Crosby Kern decorate St. Louis Cathedral for Christmas. Check it out!

Mary Ellen Wade, our long time former secretary, has been recovering from an illness and misses us all. She going to go to her niece's home for a while to recuperate and will return in March. She would love to hear from her friends. Her mailing address is 4625 Lightkeepers Way, #7B, Little River, SC 29566. You can reach her by phone at 910-231-2490 cell or 843-249-4439 home. She has been communicating with Nancy Dixon, who is living with her family in the Huntsville, TX, area and recuperating herself. Our prayers are with them both.