Autumn Nods
Scaling Party Heights
As sites, the Audubon Aquarium and Audubon Insectarium were lively lures for Scales & Ales after a seven-month renovation for the former building and a relocation for the latter. Folks gathered festively in early summer for a first glance at the new combined center, and then in throngs at the recent S&A gala to witness “swim and slither, fly and flit!” Also, a lot of two-legged party perambulation.
Among the many features of the event, which returned after a four-year hiatus, were the underwater VIP area décor by Mardi Gras Productions, the Glow Lounge on the Plaza by Element Event Production, bars throughout, recyclable cups, and, for entertainment, headliner Big Sam’s Funky Nation on the Abita Stage, T-Ray the Violinist, DJ Kelly Green, and late night revelry in the Butterfly Garden, Top of the Gulf, and the Great Maya Reef Tunnel. Feeding the VIP set were Dickie Brennan’s Catering, and appropriately, GW Fins, while more than 30 local restaurants served fine fare for the gala, as did six specialty bars.
Making their rounds by the river were Audubon Nature Institute President and CEO Ron Forman and spouse Sally, Heidi Guerra, Kristina Kulp, Liz Hefler, Adam and Wendy Bowen, Joey Gioe, Lindsey and Wayne Wands, C.C. and Bill Langenstein, Richard Buchsbaum and Bethaney Vincent, Sweet and Ben Dupuy, Tammy and Blaine Kern, and NOLA Gold Rugby team.
Games Bipeds Play
Presented by Louise H. Moffett Foundation and honoring Gayle Benson, a “Changemaker in Sports,” Longue Vue’s Games in the Garden were a crepuscular attraction. It was hosted by the Friends of Longue Vue, which has David Maher as president, and raised funds for LV’s Discovery Garden for children. The major sponsorship categories came from the Kabacoff Family Foundation, Visioning; Lauren Favret and Seth Schaumburg, Susan and Bill Hess, and Gail and Rene Louapre, Underwriting; and NOLA Gold Rugby, Racquet & Julep Club. Among the games people played were croquet, pickleball, table tennis and badminton. More sedentary was the seasonal raffle, including a hidden diamond ring donated by Diamonds Direct.
Lauren and Gail were event co-chairs along with David A. Briggs and Ann E. Macdonald. Meg Cahill, Adam Eversole, Ellen Frischhertz, Carol Hall, Kathy Hebert, JoAnn Letten, Jane Maher, Elena Penn and Kathy Weidner formed the committee. Significant representation came from Longue Vue’s Board of Directors, whose president is Suzanne Dumez. Seven event partners made further contributions, as did Amy Graham, director of gardens, and the Longue Vue Garden Team. Adding the social swing were Fleur de Lis Catering, Republic National’s specialty cocktails, and the Harry Hardin Quartet. Winners, all.
A Solomon Salute
Each year, a community leader who exemplifies the qualities of Hannah G. Solomon, founder of the National Council of Jewish Women, receives an award bearing her name. The Pavilion of the Two Sisters in City Park was the recent venue for the New Orleans Chapter of the National Council of Jewish Women’s Hannah G. Solomon Award Luncheon that honored Anne Skorecki Levy. A Holocaust survivor who came to the US as a 14-year-old girl, she has fought against the ravages of hate throughout her life. Lawrence N. Powell wrote a book about Anne Levy titled “Troubled Memory.”
Susan Hess chaired the luncheon that had as top names Greater New Orleans Section NCJW president Gail Naron Chalew, who opened the program, and vice president-administration Susan Greenberg. Jody Portnoff Braunig, Ina Weber Davis, Ana Gershanik, Sara Lewis, Dana Shepard, Kathy Shepard, Sue Singer, Tana Velen and Liz Yager formed the committee. Thanks tapped Barbara Greenberg and Loel Samuel for their participation. Just before the luncheon of salad, chicken with mushroom glaze, and bread pudding, Rabbi Katie Bauman offered the Hamotzi blessing over the bread.
Further features were proclamations presented to Anne Levy from council member Helena Moreno and the New Orleans City Council, U.S. Rep. Troy Carter’s office, Gov. John Bel Edwards, and the US Holocaust Memorial Museum; Cantor Rebecca Garfein’s singing of the “Star-Spangled Banner” and the “Hatikva”; and the attendance of National World War II CEO Stephen Watson and former CEO Nick Mueller; Meg Gatto of Fox 8; and Verna Landrieu, wife and mother of two New Orleans mayors, the late Moon and Mitch.
Ana Gershanik and Susan Hess were among the past Hannah Solomon recipients in attendance, as were Judy Barrasso, Julie Schwam Harris, Hugo Kahn, Ruth Kullman, Madeleine Landrieu, Diana Lewis, Madalyn Schenk and Miriam Waltzer.
From honoree Anne’s family came husband Stan Levy (who most sadly passed away the following week) and their daughters Robin Levy (with husband Bobby Garon) and Sheryl Levy, along with Anne’s siblings Lila Skorecki Millen and Adam Skorecki, and a host of loving grandchildren.