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\u2019s 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\u2019s birthday along with the Trooping the Colour parade. <\/p>\n\n\n
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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\u2019 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 \u2014 who now resides in New York with spouse Shauna \u2014 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 \u201cwho have given 11 years of their lives to ESU,\u201d concluding with \u201cour thanks and our love.\u201d 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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. <\/p>\n\n\n
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Participation came through several channels, including the hat contest, toasts, singing of anthems, and a quiz that matched up names connected with the \u201cGilbert & Sullivan\u201d theme of the brunch. Winners at individual tables took home the pretty parasol centerpieces inspired by the duo\u2019s comic opera \u201cThe Mikado\u201d and John Magill copped Best Ensemble accolades for his \u201cPirates of Penzance\u201d costume. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
On the eve of the brunch, a number of the ESU attendees wished Thomas Sands a hearty \u201cHappy Birthday\u201d as he embraced a new decade. Spouse Barbara helped orchestrate the three-generational fun that took place at their favorite restaurant, Boucherie.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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