Much celebrating ahead
Spring seems to be bustin' out all over! The collection crews have been working overtime, clearing away all the chopped brush left from our Christmas snowfall. Little buds have tenderly poked their delicate heads out of seemingly dead branches, so we knew where to whack and watch the miracle unfold again. Our unusually cold winter is being pushed aside by the good ol' Texas sunshine, and we remember why we endure the hot summers in place of cold winters. A good choice, in our opinion.
Many Laredoans remember the late Helen Kahn Gustainis, a beauty who died before her time. Her sister Maruka has returned to Laredo , now living in their late mother's home in Del Mar Hills. She regularly hosts visiting family members as she did recently. Her former brother-in-law John Gustainis now lives in Chicago . He joined his son John, Jr., of Georgetown , Texas and daughter Lillie G. Soto of Marion , Texas and their families for a hunting trip to Laredo . Maruka had them all gather for fabulous Mexican food at her home. Tía Nena, as they call their aunt Helen Kahn Pellegrin, relished in her family members' visit. She and Josette Kahn Palacios remembered many tales of yesteryear and look to the future as the young generation gathered with their children. A wonderful evening, filled with handsome and beautiful people and many memories.
Our friends, the Deliganis family, celebrate all the seasons of life. Little Antolin Louis Deliganis, to be called “Tony,” was born in Houston to Monica and Dan, making our pal Wanda a grandmom again, to yet another boy!
“Aunt Julia” Deliganis celebrated her 99th birthday amidst her large family. She and her late husband Jimmy had the one son, Jimmy, Jr., who died, but he left her with so many beautiful and handsome grand, great-grand and great-great grandchildren. They all look after her so well. Julia is an example of keeping sharp by keeping her mind active. She still manages her many business interests.
This year is Laredo 's 250th anniversary as well as the 108th Washington's Birthday Celebration. Lots of celebrating ahead. The festivities have already started. The LEC was the scene of a ribbon-cutting kicking it all off. Mayor Betty Flores and WBCA president Tom Gates cut the big red ribbon to officially open the festivities. With them were many of the stellar characters including Martha, George, Princess Pocahontas, the Abrazo Children, and officials of all kinds. WBCA events attract gazillions of visitors to our city during the festivities, which now last nearly two weeks, unlike the first ones, which lasted only a weekend. Everyone has a good time while we honor our First President.
George and Martha have been visiting schoolchildren in past weeks, escorted by the Sons & Daughters of Liberty , sponsored by the Society of Martha Washington. They impersonate characters from Colonial times, bringing the children a living history lesson. A favorite response was, “George Washington? I thought you were dead!” Each year, the Society presents each school visited with a book.
The Women's City Club installed their new officers in an impressive ceremony at the Laredo Country Club. They gave out $165,924.12 to 50 local non-profit agencies, who were present to accept the donations.
Dr. Ray Keck and his wife Patricia were master and mistress of ceremonies.
Installed as president was Molly Martinez; president-elect, Nancy de Anda; vice-president, Sue Nolte; treasurer, Laura Gomez; recording secretary, Cindy Reyes; corresponding secretary, Estela Shea; reporter, Dee Ann Novoa; historian, Elia York; and honorary board member, Marjorie Richter.
Directors at large included Brenda García, chairman of the board; Raquel Perez, secretary of the board; Josie Guerra, parliamentarian; Jalinna Jones, nominating chair; Kayce Frye, nominating co-chair; Doris Epstein, advisor; Ana Belmares, social service chair; Fay Mainhart, ways & means chair; Ana Quesada, membership chair; and Minnie Silva, Grapevine editor.
The Lucy Meriwether DAR chapter met at the Executive Club recently, as did the Daughters of the Republic of Texas , Villa de San Agustin de Laredo Chapter. Busy ladies who revere their history. Enjoy knowing all of them.
Tedsan and Marisela Ridgley, expecting little Edward Tedsan, Jr., have been honored with baby showers in San Antonio and Laredo . The young man may have made his debut before we go to press. The large and lovely Farias home was the scene of a shower hosted by Mari's mom, aunts, and sisters, Ana Farias, Alejandra Farias, Christina Farias, Diana S. Farias, Susana F. Farias, Norma S. Hagy, and Norma Salinas. Aunt Lily S. Wright had helped host the San Antonio shower but came to Laredo for this one.
Linda Brand Deutsch was thoroughly toasted when she caught up with us as she celebrated her 65th birthday. She was honored at a dinner at Tokyo Garden at which she was surprised by the arrival of her Florida family, daughter Debbie Falic and her children Jennie, Joseph, and Sarah. Hubby Seymon and children Terri, Debbie, Mark, and Lisa hosted. The next day, her daughters and her mom Josephine Brand surprised her again with a luncheon.
