It's Roast for Dinner!

The Dictionary defines a “Roast” as “a facetious tribute in which the honoree’s friends and acquaintances alternate short speeches of praise and insult.”

Unless of course, the one being roasted is our own Sen. Willie Mount and the Mistress of Ceremonies is Diva Sheletta Smith. And the roasters are Delores Hicks, Rep. Elcie Guillory, oh, and THE GOVERNOR. Then it’s more than just a “roast.” It’s a riotous evening and a genuine tribute!

We gathered at the Civic Center, Saturday evening, May 29, to honor “Miss Willie” at the second annual Gala and Roast for the Southwest Louisiana Center for Health Services. The evening also marked the anniversary of the SWLA Center for Health Services, which has provided North Lake Charles communities with quality medical care for 25 years. All of the proceeds from tonight’s fundraiser went back into the Center that served over 6,000 patients last year.

Roasters Dolores Hicks and Rep Elcie Guillory (still crispy from his roasting last year!) visited with Dinah Robinson, Ruby Guillory, Susan Reed, Peter Ragusa, Mayor Roach and Sen. Mount. The Senator’s mother, Mrs. “Willie Sr.” Landry visited with Shamieh and Amal Fayez, Albert Miller and Sheryl “Cookie” Lavergne. Tim Davidson visited with Mary K. Hopkins and Sadie Pohler. Nancy and Lena Roach and Barbara and Shady Patton chatted with friends as we found our tables for the evening. Lynn and Marie Hohensee congratulated Barbara Cahee. Also spotted in the crowd were Tony Mancuso, Eligha Guillory, George and Pat Swift, Mary Torbett, Daphne Oliver, Jennifer Fawvor, and Kathy and Rick Williams.

The evening began with the Presentation of Colors by the Washington-Marion Magnet High School ROTC and an invocation by Rev. Alvin Noel. Crystal Archie sang, “Flying Without Wings,” her beautiful strong voice filled the exhibition hall.

Mistress of Ceremonies Sheletta Smith promised us the evening would “shake the Lake!” As we began our meal, catered by Treasures of Marilyn, Sheletta noted that we would wait to begin the Roast until the Governor arrived. “I’m so dignified tonight. I want you proud of me!” she said with a twinkle in her eye so we knew there was mischief brewing. The Governor arrived shortly, with her husband Raymond “Coach” Blanco. They sat with Mr. and Mrs. Fayez, Mary K. Hopkins, Albert Miller, Sheryl Lavergne and Miss Willie, Sr.

We enjoyed our salads with Marilyn’s signature sweet onion dressing, our entrée of baked stuffed Cornish hen and pecan pie for dessert. Susan Reed, Peter Ragusa and I shared a table with Shady and Barbara Patton. We chatted with Barbara about her childcare center, “Baby Boutique” which is part of the “Success by Six” program.

And then the Roast began! Sheletta reappeared in a fabulous Cat Woman costume and told us, “You know her as State Sen. Willie Mount. But we know her as Cat Woman, the superhero who rescues stray cats! Leaping over kitty litter in a single bound, she rescues the kitties, feeds the kitties and then pawns the cats off on other unsuspecting friends. Ask Mary K. Hopkins! She’s got, like 12 cats at her home now. The Senator just keeps giving her cats to take care of. State Senator Cat Woman — Superhero!”

She introduced Delores Hicks, principal of Cooley Elementary who has worked with Sen. Mount for many years to support education and help area school children. But Sheletta noted, “I been working with you and the Mayor and Sen. Mount for many years now, and we STILL spell potato with an E-A-U-X!”

As the first one to roast Sen. Mount, Mrs. Hicks was in a tough spot, so she told us, “I collected the data. I did a survey of the community and asked everyone, ‘What would you say about Willie Mount?’ 99.9% said, ‘Talk about her HAIR! Her perfect hair that never moves!’ 98.9% mentioned her high energy. She is the Duracell Bunny. She has even been clocked at 64 mph on a Jet Ski! 96% agree her cooking is phenomenal. Her meringue pie is like her hair: Perfect, pretty and doesn’t move!” After the laughter subsided, Delores continued on a serious note, reminding us that the Senator is the vice chair of the Education Committee and has always supported education and educators. Her visits to area schools inspire not only the children, but also teachers, parents and the community.

Next up was Rep. Elcie Guillory who noted that,“What can you say about the one you work with and get to be with every day you are in session? What can you say? Not much. So I will end!” But then he shared with us a little secret from Baton Rouge. “I’ll tell you why Willie is so popular. When it gets around to dinnertime, she knows how to the attention of the waiter. You want to show them, Senator?” he asked her. The Senator stood and let out a piercing whistle that probably carried clear to the Sabine Pass. We loved it!

And then he told us with mock seriousness, “She’s a tough negotiator. But she is very tender. She is a champion of animals, especially cats – and one little ugly dog that she rescued and placed in the home of a well-known person in our community. For a while, Mary K. Hopkins didn’t have any shoes without holes in them!” Then he alluded to the Senator’s future when he asked, “When you go to Washington, who’s gonna take care of all the cats?” He finished with a tribute, “She is a person who loves and respects people…she has been right by my side while we fight to keep our charity hospitals. Congratulations, Senator, for the person you are. We all love you!” And we applauded as they shared a hug.

After that sweet moment, it was back to the fire. Sheletta return to the podium in a red dress and blond wig. “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery,” she told Miss Willie as the crowd roared with laugher. She did look amazingly like Miss Willie. “Well, we look enough alike, we may have had the same daddy! I think we are sisters!” We laughed till we cried — the Senator, her mother, the Governor and the distinguished guests at the head table! Sheletta said, “I gotta get dignified now. The Governor’s here!” But then she went off on a fantastically funny impromptu story, by way of introducing the Governor, that was so hilarious and quick we could barely keep up. If she was a “Diva in Training” at last year’s Roast, this year she earned her crown! Queen Diva Sheletta!

As Gov. Blanco took the podium, practically in tears from laughing so hard, she said, “Sheletta, I have never been introduced that way! That was wonderful. I’m taking you on the road with me!” (Hey – you can’t have OUR Diva!)

The Governor began her Roast. “Willie Mount goes around bragging about being the most respected and most successful woman ever to represent Southwest Louisiana as a state senator. She brags that she’s the most popular and successful woman ever to be mayor of Lake Charles. And I know how she feels. I am the most successful and popular woman ever to be Governor of Louisiana!”

She told us, “Willie and I may be successful women, and some say that’s because of our husbands. Behind every successful, self-assured woman there’s her husband who wonders what happened to the woman he married! We both have husbands who are shrinking violets. Men who have no interest in our careers. And that’s our burden to bear!”

But seriously, “I’m here tonight to pay tribute to a close personal friend of healthcare in Southwest Louisiana. We are here tonight because you have provided a solid education and solid healthcare for our people,” Governor Blanco said, addressing the health care providers in the room. “What you are doing dignifies the people you serve. What you are doing ensures that no one will be harmed or left unattended. Keep up the good work!”

The Roast concluded, but the evening continued as Frank Wesley and Barbara Hardy presented a special award of recognition to the founder of the Southwest Louisiana Center for Health Services, Milton J. Bellard Jr. As Mr. Bellard made his way to the podium, we stood and applauded his vision. Ms. Hardy noted that, “We want you to know we remember your vision and your courage.” They presented him with the Champion Award and unveiled the portrait of him that will grace the center.

In accepting the honors, Mr. Bellard told us, “They say it takes being crazy to change the world! Very few people have the privilege of seeing their dream and vision come true. Thank you. Health care is a right. So we fight for it!” He also recognized the board and staff of the center for their support and hard work through the last 25 years.

Frank Wesley then presented Sen. Mount with the “2nd Annual Milton J. Bellard Jr. Champion Award.” She accepted the honor and then it was her turn to skewer the roasters. “Governor Blanco…” she began. “Let’s see, I’m not so sure I want to roast the Governor until this legislative session is over. Don’t let this blonde hair fool you,” she told us. “The Governor rules, so I’m gonna move forward! Elcie Guillory: I could make a few jokes because he’s retiring, but he also retired from Entergy and still has a lot of clout. I want air conditioning! But Elcie, I do have a nice cat at Baton Rouge for you and I named him “Capitol” for you! Delores, my dear friend; you love shopping as much as I do. Those hats and those ‘ear-bobs’…Now, Miss Sheletta!” she continued. “She has can-do attitude. You go, Girl! I love you and I love that blonde wig!”

She concluded, “Thank you all. I’m honored and happy to be here and call each and every one of you my special friends. Health care is important and I’ll be roasted at any time for the Southwest Louisiana Health Care Center.”

After her ovation, Sheletta took the podium and called for Shady Patton, the Chair of the Gala. “Shady, come up here. I’m feeling no sense of leadership,” she teased. Shady recognized board member Richard Wilson and they presented a gavel to their board chair, Barbara Hardy. Sheletta told Barbara, “First thing you do with that gavel is rap Frank Wesley with it upside the head to get his attention!” She then turned to Shady and noted, “He’s on EVERY board in Southwest Louisiana! This man makes things happen!” She thanked Gov. Blanco, “We appreciate your presence here and my friend the Senator, moving forward together!” But Shady Patton got the last word. He presented Sheletta with a bouquet of roses, on behalf of the board, thanking her for her work as Mistress of Ceremonies. For once, she was speechless! As folks gathered for photos, hugs and laughter, City Heat began playing great tunes and the dancing began.

AND NOW FROM the “You Heard it Here First” department: The Shadow Report about the Imperial Calcasieu Museum’s Boogaloo 2004 hinted that some exciting developments were in store for the Museum. Well, now it can be told: Susan Reed has been named the new executive director of the ICM and coordinator of the Old City Hall Arts Center. Congratulations, Susan!

TUESDAY, JUNE 1, the Summer Music Festival XVII began at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church with “Flights of Fancy” by the Houston Chamber Choir. These delightful summer concerts offer a cool evening treat each Tuesday in June. Judy Mayo and Virginia Webb greeted us as we arrived at Good Shepherd. Evelyn C. Thompson, Louise Pease, Nancy Pledger, Richard Reid, Patrick Webb and Tomah Goad visited as they entered the church. Janet Pounds and John Driskoll arrived with their special guest, John’s mother, Rachel Driskoll. Mrs. Driskoll is visiting from Missouri for two months.

The Rev. John Myers welcomed the Houston Chamber Choir to Good Shepherd. The beautiful church provides the perfect venue for their choral music. Their voices reverberate throughout the rich Anglican architecture, which provides the right acoustics to their program of classic music. A special thank you must be said to Virginia and Patrick Webb for underwriting this lovely concert in memory of her father, Harry M. Hollins.

The Chamber Choir performed an eclectic program that included Rossini’s “Cum Sancto Spiritu”, Verdi’s “Ave Maria” and Aaron Copeland’s dramatic composition, “In the Beginning.” Copeland wrote “In the Beginning” in 1947 to place Genesis into a musical context. It was amazing!

They sang the somber, “Song for Athene” by John Tavener, which was sung at the funeral of Princess Diana. They performed two madrigals by Don Carlo Gesualdo. The concert concluded with two choruses from “Alice in Wonderland” by Irving Fine and two selections featuring space and flight; “Island in Space” by Kirke Mechem and “Leonardo Dreams of His Flying Machine” by Eric Whitacre.

Don’t miss the June 22, concert “”Young Artists: The Next Generation” which features performers from Houston including Lake Charles natives Laurie Robertson and Charlie Mitchell, accompanied by Fred Sahlmann. The June 29 concert features “The Jabberwocky Trio” presenting selections for flute, oboe, English horn and piano. Join us for a cool evening of summer music at Good Shepherd.

THE FINAL DOWNTOWN at Sundown for 2004 featured the fine dance music of Barry Badon and the Bayou Boys. A large crowd did not waste a minute of party time. I met “Lexie” as I entered the party. Lexie is a Shih Tzu and she had already staked out her comfy spot – on Nita Dean’s lap! Darby and Blayne Soileau found shade under Grandma Zita Sorace’s bright green umbrella, while their folks, Dawn and Alex Soileau enjoy the music. Although the sun was getting low, it was still quite hot!

Barry Badon can really stir up a crowd. He ventures off the stage during numbers and moves out among the dancers and audience as he sings. His children join him to help with the singing. It’s fun to watch! This is why we love Southwest Louisiana. Dancing in a parking lot to great music on a Friday afternoon. You have to wonder, what did we do before the invention of those great cloth folding chairs? They are everywhere during DT@SD. Some even have attached umbrellas and built-in beverage holders. Comfy, convenient and cool!

And speaking of staying cool, Ellen Rogers and Leslie Berman were selling beverage tickets for thirst-quenching. One ticket for pop, two tickets for beer. Over at Jewels Pottery, Julie Baham, her daughter, Marie Dallas, and husband, Jeff, demonstrate how to throw clay on a kick wheel to turn out pots and bowls. Julie is an art teacher at ICCS. Her students Alex and Andrew Allemond stop by to create some art. Each week, Julie helped folks at DT@SD make small plates or bowls. She fires them during the week and the budding artists pick them up the next Friday. The work of these young artists was very good, too. Fun to watch the potters at work while the band played “Love That Swamp Pop Music” and dancers jitterbugged.

Carolyn Smith had a booth nearby where she sold jewelry, jams and jellies. Diversification! At Marsha’s Cajun Bubbles you can by soap and incense. There are always face painting and balloons during Downtown @ Sundown. Bucky the Clown fashions all sorts of fun balloon toys and creatures for the kids at DT@SD. Barry Badon and the Bayou Boys play “Who Stole My Monkey” and the crowd sang along.

I notice Shelly Johnson and Monte Hurley in the crowd. Larry Whaley and Gordon Vivarttas find a table to enjoy some snacks and people watch. Suzanne Walker, Chloe and Melinda Keller visit with friends, John Caire and Jeff Cloutman. I also spot Greg Wise, Rowdy Gaudet, Eligha Guillory, Daryl Boyd and Tim Castille and his bride. Mae Ransom and Jean Brasher were dressed in patriotic style with their red, white and blue ensembles for DT@SD.

Barry Badon played “Don’t Tease Me” faster and faster as a crowd line-danced. “I’ve learned one thing about that song,” he said at the finish. “It’s hard to do that dance in flip-flops!” Politicians Al Allemond, Billie Woodard and Joey Alcede moved through the crowd shaking hands. The band played “Boogey Shoes” and “Lean on Me” as the sun sank lower and clouds gathered from the west threatening rain. And Downtown at Sundown was over for another year.