Nell Nolan: WWII Spirit Awards, Alliance Francaise Gala, NSDAR Luncheon | Entertainment/Life

Spirit!

Patriotism to the fore — and to the floor, that of the US Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center of The National WWII Museum New Orleans — was patent when the renowned venue, considered the city’s largest tourist attraction, held the American Spirit Awards presented by Hancock Whitney. The accolades celebrate “individuals whose work reflects the values and spirit of those who served our country during World War II.” Their selfless acts were in “the areas of leadership, service to the country or community, education, and preservation of American history.”

Several days of activity framed the American Spirit Awards with a Friday gala, presented by Hancock Whitney, as the signature celebratory event. It was arranged as a formal dinner with entertainment and an awards ceremony honoring the 2024 ASA honorees. The dress code was “Black Tie or Formal Military Attire.” Hailed as award recipients were retired Gen. U.S Army Ann E. Dunwoody, the first female four-star general in US Armed Forces; Steven Spielberg, Academy Award-winning filmmaker; and Tuskegee Airmen, pioneering pilots of World War II. They were represented by retired Lt. Col. U.S. Air Force George E. Hardy.

Suzanne T. Mestayer chaired the award selection committee that included as members, John D. Georges, John M. Hairston, Fleur C. Harlan, retired LTG USA Charles W. Hopper, John E. Koerner III, James E. Maurin, Sonia A. Perez, and W. Gray Stream. Five of them are officers on the museum’s board that has Ted Weggeland as chairman and 49 trustees. Stephen J. Watson is the museum’s president and CEO.

The gala’s décor was done by Antigua Floral, Element, and Fancy Faces, while chef Jeremie Janise and Sodexo Live! fed the flock. Noted around and about were Saints and Pelicans owner Gayle Benson with her brother, Wayne LaJaunie; Son of a Saint founder and CEO Bivian “Sonny” Lee and spouse Rosie; Holocaust survivor Anne Levy; Charles and Linda Teamer; Kirk Saduski, a producer and executive at Playtone since 1998; actor (“Masters of the Air”) Josiah Cross; Ochsner Health CEO and WWII museum trustee Pete November with Stephanie; President and CEO of Hancock Whitney John Hairston with Ann; University of New Orleans President Kathy Johnson, the first women to helm the university in its 65-year history, and Jeff Bush; and joining their above spouses, Jennifer Weggeland and Michael Mestayer.

Entertainment added another kind of spirit. That buoyancy came from Joe Everson, Robin Barnes & The Fiyabirds, and the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra.

Alliance Française Founders

A two-score celebration was called for when Alliance Française, honored the visionaries who founded the New Orleans chapter of the international organization that promotes “the French language and francophone culture.” On July 14 (and a few days before), France will hail its own national holiday, which is known as Bastille Day. New Orleanians will join in the fun from afar.

For the 40th anniversary of Alliance Française de la Nouvelle Orléans, “La Soirée” titled the reception-style socializing in The Cabildo, where food and wine pairings and music by Sabine McCall, Opera Festa Singers, and Sunset Jazz were major attractions. Consul General of France in New Orleans Rodolphe Sambou, the special guest, was accompanied by his cultural attaché, Jacques Baran. At The Cabildo, AFNO added special touches, such as a photo backdrop representing its location, “the yellow house on Jackson Avenue,” a watercolor by Berenguer Becat, and eight boards that featured the history of the chapter with two written testimonies by former executive directors Nelly Sadoun and Brigitte Gomane. Emilie Georget currently holds that post.

As guests strolled about, many on all the floors of the landmark building at Jackson Square, they turned an attentive ear to the above Opera Festa Singers, which was led by tenor Robert Wagner and featured, as the lead singer, soprano Sarah Mahoney, who just performed with the Symphony Chorus of New Orleans (founded 1981) in a solo role, and, as her “day job,” works for AFNO as the administrative coordinator. Attendees also joined in the thrills of the staycation raffle, which was donated by Hotel St. Vincent and the French restaurant, N7, for a value of $1,000.

Tributes, bien sûr, figured among the highlights and were delivered by current AFNO president Marina Schoen, Consul General Sambou, and Cecile Ginger Andry, the special honoree, who was presented with a watercolor of “the yellow house” with her on the steps. Former presidents were recognized, especially those in attendance: Cecile Andry, Louis Koerner Jr., Julia Walker, Alexandra Stafford, Christine LeBlanc and Joseph Dunn.

The purveyance came from Chez Nous, St. James Cheese Company, New Orleans School of Cooking, Café Degas and Maurice Pastries. The drinks were sponsored by BCI Bonneté (with a significant wine, “Liberation de Paris”), as well as rum-based cocktails from Roulaison Distilling Co.

Noted, and several having titles within the local French community, were Sophie Capmartin, Dianne Honore, Amy Kirk-Duvoisin, Will McGrew, Susan Maclay, Greg Lambousy, the Robert Moutons, Raymond Rathle with spouse Alexandra Stafford, Price LeBlanc with Christine, Jane Cooper, Pierre-Loic Denichou, Julien Worms, Meg Marshall, Sandra Sargent and scores more, who made “40” marvelously festive.

Daughters

The recent installation of new officers for the Spirit of ’76 Chapter National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution and Awards Luncheon occurred at Ralph’s on the Park. Gustatory pleasures were many, thanks to shrimp remoulade, City Park salad, a veal or redfish main-course choice and red velvet doberge cake. Crystal bud vases filled with mint, rosemary, sage and basil centered the tables.

Headliners included LSDAR State Regent Cheryl Gott and second vice regent Louise Ganucheau, past regent Lee Lynch, and, in new positions, Spirit of ’76 Chapter Regent Trudy Oswald and first and second vice regents Terry Olivier and Diane Ireland. Also, Rosemary Pic, Amelia Kays, Jane Duncan, Heather Lambert, Patty Muehlemann, Ann Farmer, Liz Manthey and Baby Givens.

In her new position as chapter regent, Trudy Oswald expressed how honored she was to serve. She added the importance of her new role (and that of the chapter) to “support the mission of our DAR organization to promote historic preservation, education, and patriotism.”

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Go fourth of the Fourth! Happy Independence Day!