by Nell Nolan
Most of us get one birthday, our natal day. But His Majesty King Charles III can claim two (as did his mother, beloved Queen Elizabeth II, and their forebears). There’s the actual one for Charles, Nov. 14, 1948, which may occur during inclement weather. To honor the day in better weather, June has been chosen, going back to 1748, to officially celebrate the monarch’s birthday along with the Trooping the Colour parade.
As it has done for years, the English-Speaking Union New Orleans Branch held a themed brunch in honor of His Majesty Charles. It was held at the New Orleans Country Club, where the John Parker Jazz Band purveyed scintillating sounds; the ladies’ annual Hat Contest produced Constance Cowart Young as a winner; passed appetizers and a menu of Bibb lettuce salad, grillades and grits, scrambled eggs, and peppermint ice cream in an almond tuile pleased the gussied-up assembly; and a new branch president was installed. The outgoing one, David Grissett — who now resides in New York with spouse Shauna — was in attendance and received a standing ovation for his many years of service. His new position is liaison to ESU National. During the brief business session, Bruce Gordon (with Melissa) was elected to the post. President Bruce then paid tribute to predecessor David and Shauna “who have given 11 years of their lives to ESU,” concluding with “our thanks and our love.” A further installation was that of Ben Karp as secretary. Noted as board members were brunch chair Mimi Schlesinger (with Claude), Haydee Mackey (with Kevin) and Dr. Rennie Culver. Preston Valois is the membership chair; Leonard Caruso (with Jane), the treasurer; and Claire and Henry Stahel are national patrons. Others had positions within the area organization.
Enjoying brunch and lively banter were Courtney-Anne Sarpy, Sammy Steele, Katherine de Montluzin, Terry and Rand Voorhies, Maria Elkind, Erin and John Paul Fleming, Bonnie and John Boyd, Anne Abbott, Susan Bell, and Rosemonde and Carlo Capomazza di Campolattaro. Others slated to attend were the Charles Zatarains, Beth Goddard, Laura Frances Jordan, Ben Bagert, Diane and Charles Dupin, Harold Young (with Constance), William M. Long, Jane and Austin Summer, and Ken and Naomi Mann.
Participation came through several channels, including the hat contest, toasts, singing of anthems, and a quiz that matched up names connected with the “Gilbert & Sullivan” theme of the brunch. Winners at individual tables took home the pretty parasol centerpieces inspired by the duo’s comic opera “The Mikado” and John Magill copped Best Ensemble accolades for his “Pirates of Penzance” costume.
On the eve of the brunch, a number of the ESU attendees wished Thomas Sands a hearty “Happy Birthday” as he embraced a new decade. Spouse Barbara helped orchestrate the three-generational fun that took place at their favorite restaurant, Boucherie.