Washington's Birthday Celebration once more underway
We know the Washington's Birthday Celebration is once more underway when WBCA royalty makes the trip to Austin to invite state officials to attend. This year, they visited Gov. Rick Perry and state officials at the State Capital. They included WBCA president Robert Summers, Martha and George, Princess Pocahontas and her Chief, the Abrazo Children from the United States and Mexico , and other Celebration dignitaries.
The social whirlwind continues to build up steam as the final preparations for the Celebration are made. We did not get to attend Jamboozie as we were at the LPO concert in their beautiful new home on the LCC campus. Both events were quite successful.
The exhibit has changed at the WBCA museum at La Posada and is filled with gorgeous examples of Celebration finery. Definitely worth a visit.
The Society of Martha Washington held Media Day at the beautiful home of Mr. and Mrs. Roberto Gonzalez, where the press got their first opportunity to photograph Martha and George's official costumes.
Martha and George Washington continued the tradition of bringing a living history lesson to elementary schoolchildren.
Accompanying them are the Sons & Daughters of Liberty , a group representing characters of the time. A rotating schedule allows for a variety of schools to be visited. This year, the campuses of Bruni, Alma Pierce, Leon Daiches, Jesus Kawas, Col. Santos Benavides, Amparo Gutierrez, United Day, Julia Bird Muller, Tomas Sanchez, John. Z. Leyendecker, John Arndt, Mary Help of Christians, St. Augustine , and Kiddieland were on the tour.
Sheila Glassford presented each school with a book about George Washington, on behalf of the Society of Martha Washington.
George and Martha are portrayed this year by Federico Zuniga and Lorraine Laurel. The Sons & Daughters of Liberty include Sam Johnson as Edmund Randolph, a barrister of the period; Violeta Zertuche as Betsy Ross; Chris Glassford as Sam Appleseed, relative of Johnny Appleseed, as the caretaker of Mt. Vernon; Jennie Reed as Mistress Sally Smythe, neighbor of the Washingtons; Annabelle Hall as Deborah Champion, who disguised herself and rode 100 miles through enemy territory to deliver the payroll to General Washington; Dr. Jane Unzeitig as Lady Mary Wortley Montague, the British aristocrat whose interesting story led to George Washington immunizing his soldiers against smallpox, thus saving many lives. Dortha Jackson portrays Mistress Jackson, tutor to the Washington family children.
“Like the Clay in the Potter's Hand: An Artist's Life Remembered:” Texas A&M International University honored the late Helen Richter Watson with an exhibit of her work at the Center for the Fine and Performing Arts Art Gallery.
A talented woman who could look quite exotic, “Whitey,” as she was known, wore clothes well; her tall and slender figure seemed made for them. She loved the beauty she saw around her and captured it forever in her marvelous ceramic work. Richard Wright, Associate Professor of Art History at TAMIU, said in the brochure: “Helen Richter Watson's place in American ceramic arts of the twentieth century is secure, and her influence has been profound as both an artist and teacher.”
Her family and friends gathered to remember her and admire her work, including her sister and brother, Julia Watson Jones and Horace Watson, along with his wife Julie, their son Jonathan and his wife Deborah; Julia's children Jimmy Jones, Margaret Hopson, and Elizabeth Rubio and their children, Helen, Elizabeth, and Steeves Hopson; Jim's son Kenton Jones; and Elizabeth's husband Joe Rubio, with their children, Joe, Julia, Margaret, and Roberto.
Cousin Joe Richter introduced his fiancé Joanna Benavides. He is the son of Ginger and David Richter.
Javier Santos is a proud owner of one of Whitey's works, one of many that were on loan from private collections.
Good buddy Steve Harmon was taking photos with his fancy new digital camera. Steve is Director of Public Affairs and Information Services for TAMIU.
How proud we are of Marie Farias Rollin. She brought us the book she edited, The Fighting Padre of Zapata, and we can't wait to read it. She is finding that retirement hours fly by too fast.
The Laredo Commission for Women held a media reception to introduce the six Hall of Fame honorees. The event was held at the International Bank of Commerce.
The Commission selected Michelle García Hinojosa in the category of law enforcement; Blanca Elena Varela Nalaschi, professional military soldier; Esperanza Ayala Sanchez, education; Diana Varela Saucedo, civic volunteer; Raquel Valle-Senties, the arts; and Sister Rosemary Welsh, health.
Katrina B. Mohrer is chairwoman for the LCW. Sylvia Bird and Diana García are co-chairs for the Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame is hosted every other year in March to coincide with Women's History month and the proclamation issued by the City of Laredo . These outstanding women will be honored on March 7 at the Laredo Civic Center ballroom.
The Laredo Philharmonic Orchestra presented “ Laredo takes on the World - Wanders in Europe,” a concert presented in the beautiful new Martinez Fine Arts Building on the Laredo Community College campus. The new partnership of the LPO, LCC, and TAMIU began the LPO's 24 th season by welcoming their new conductor, Maestro Brendan Townsend, who hails from the city of Cork , Ireland .
It is a pleasure to see him exhibit such enthusiasm, energy, and humor as he coaxes the very best from the assembled orchestra members.
Dr. Fritz Gechter, brilliant pianist and faculty member of TAMIU, thrilled the audience with his talent.
Theresa Nimchan is President of the LPO.
Gabriel Castillo seems to be everywhere! Talented and hardworking, we got his flyer advertising Late Nite Catechism , the comedy presented at St. Augustine High School . Regretfully, we could not attend.
Our cute and petite young friend Yvonne La Vaude married Oscar Serafin Saenz at the La Vaude residence on Clark Boulevard in a beautiful, intimate ceremony on February 6. The ceremony was performed by Judge Oscar Martinez. The beautiful young children who greeted incoming guests included the bridegroom's son Jonathan and Katherine and Frances La Vaude, Olga's grandchildren.
Yvonne is the daughter of Olga La Vaude. Her grandmother is Mrs. Isaura Hachar.
The bride's son Bolivar de Pena gave a touching toast to his mother following the ceremony. Her other children are Daniella and Ramfies.
Olga La Vaude's great friend, Maria Louisa Marulanda Ballas, came from Houston . Her daughter Winky Jamail sang to piano and guitar accompaniment as the guests arrived.
Other guests included many members of the bridegroom's family.
We wish them happiness.
The Animal Protective Society held a lovely dinner and Installation of Officers at the International Bank of Commerce. New officers include Diana Farias, president; Marisela F. Ridgely, vice-president; Jean Ruiz, corresponding secretary; Hank Rose, treasurer; Jennie Reed and Dora Wolfe, co-historians; Jennifer and Vincent Clark, co-parliamentarians; Ali Farias, publicity, Javier Santos, reporter, Christina Farias, Volunteer Coordinator, Roslynn Hines, co-special events and Isabel Mendez, shelter director. Athena Valdez, special events co-chair and IBOC representative, presented a slide show of the group's activities during the year.
After the ceremony, books were presented to area high schools, LCC, TAMIU, and the Laredo Public Library. The books all deal with animals.
Until next month. . . .
