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Red Stick Kiwanis Club -- Participating at the Kiwanis Club of Red Stick’s 65th gala celebration on Oct. 3 at Drusilla Place were these officers, members and guests, seated, from left, Tom Gibbs, Carolyn Robinson, Cherryl Matthews, Tommy Darensbourg, Oni Watson and Gary LaBauve; standing, Matt Robinson, Gary Graham, Mark Cartwright, Levar Robinson, Don Wiseman and Kim Denson. PROVIDED PHOTO Hostesses for the Krewe of Romany queen's party are, from left, back row, Donna Lerma, Carol Nicholson, Ashley Fabre, Brandi AlJariri, Darlene Boucher, Melissa Tolson, Brenda Torrence, Brandi Babin and Terrie Cavalier; front row, Jean Sharp, Amy Crawford and Debbie Breaux.
PROVIDED PHOTO Krewe of Romany board members at its fall party are, from left, Terrie Cavalier, Carla Brown, Heather St. Germain, Kim Mitchell and Sarah Brooks. PROVIDED PHOTO Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save The Kiwanis Club of Red Stick installed its 2024-2025 officers and board members and recognized outstanding members’ achievements at its 65th annual installation and induction banquet Oct.
3 at Drusilla Place. Cherryl Matthews began her term as president and served as the evening’s mistress of ceremonies. She succeeded Don Wiseman , who served two one-year terms as club president and passed the president’s gavel and club charter to Matthews.
Installed as officers were Tommy Darensbourg , president-elect; Matt Robinson , secretary; Carolyn Robinson , assistant secretary, and Dee Green , treasurer. Phil Divincenti and Gary LaBauve will serve one-year terms on the board of directors, while Mark Cartwright , Don Runge and Oni Watson will serve two-year terms. Past International Trustee Gary Graham administered the oath of office to the new officers and directors.
Newly installed Division 8E Lt. Gov. Matt Robinson inducted three new members — Clarence Lawson , Levar Robinson and Runge.
Special “Legion of Honor” recognition was given for decades of service by longtime members: Gerard Ruth , the sole surviving charter member with 65 years of service; Bob Breaux , 50 years; Andy Dupuy , 35 years, and Tom Gibbs , life member designation with over 40 years. Gibbs shared a fond remembrance of the late Charles Donald “C. Don” Morgan Jr.
, a Kiwanian for 28 years whose selfless and legendary service for several years as chair of key fundraising projects — the annual golf classic tournament and the annual Christmas poinsettia sales program — ensured much of the club’s success over the years. Carolyn Robinson was named Kiwanian of the Year (2023-2024) for her service to the club, especially as part of the Reading Literacy Project at Cedarcrest-Southmoor Elementary School in Baton Rouge. Officers from the Baton Rouge Magnet High School Key Club gave brief reports on their award-winning service and fundraising activities during the past year.
Participating were Kim Denson , faculty adviser, and Key Clubbers Alarryal Bradley, Samia AbouAkar, Sameen Enam, Payton Cooper and Keya Chanda-Rastogi . Gathered at a party for Queen Romany LXXV Mary-Hannah Kathryn Varnado are,from left, 2025 maid Nataleigh Mincin, 2025 ball captain Heather St. Germain, Varnado, and 2025 maids Bella McGucken and Kay Frederickson.
Krewe of Romany hosts 3 parties The Krewe of Romany celebrated its queen, ball captain and new members at three recent events. The krewe's party for Queen Romany LXXV Mary-Hannah Kathryn Varnado took place Sept. 14 at the home of Travis and Ashley Fabre.
The evening was filled with "Glitz & Glam" vibes. Varnado is the daughter of Darryl and Amy Varnado. She was previously a page and maid before stepping into her new royal role.
Gathered at the Krewe of Romany's ball captain's party are, from left, 2025 Ball Captain Heather St. Germain, Queen Romany LXXV Mary-Hannah Kathryn Varnado, King Romany Brant Bennett Richard, and 2025 maids Nataleigh Mincin, Bella McGucken and Kay Frederickson. The krewe gathered Oct.
5 for a celebration honoring 2025 Ball Captain Heather Knost St. Germain. The home of Jay and Jennifer Ratelle was decorated to match the “Diamonds are Forever” theme.
Guests were greeted by the shimmering glow of diamond accents and the vibrant energy of casino games. A personalized poster, inspired by the classic film of the event's theme, showcased St. Germain and her husband, Neil St.
Germain. Shown at the Krewe of Romany's fall party are, from left, Queen Romany LXXV Mary-Hannah Kathryn Varnado, King Romany Brant Bennett Richard, 2025 Ball Captain Heather St. Germain, and 2025 maids Kay Frederickson and Nataleigh Mincin.
The Krewe of Romany gathered again on Oct. 19 for a fall party at Mike Anderson’s Side Porch in Baton Rouge to welcome its newest members. The event took on a festive “Denim and Diamonds” theme, which was reflected in the décor.
A highlight of the evening was the formal recognition of new members Terry Arikol, Dara Hughes and Marian Luzier. GFWC Lagniappe Woman’s Club -- Sherri Heart was guest speaker for the Oct. 14 meeting of the GFWC Lagniappe Woman’s Club.
Shown are, from left, Cathie Ryan, club president; Virginia McDonald, club secretary; DiAnne Blouin, hostess; and Heart. Garden Discovery -- Mark Meese presented a Garden Discoveries event, 'The Fascinating World of Creating New and Unique Plants,' at the Main Library at Goodwood on Oct. 12.
Shown are Meese, left, and Brad Holt. Magnolia Wood Garden Club -- The Magnolia Wood Garden Club held its annual fish fry at the home of Bruce and Joy Hammatt on Oct. 29.
Gathered are, seated, from left, Joy Hammatt, Suzanne Blunt, Tamara Wittenbrink, Karla Long Houston and Patty Nolan; standing, Matt Blunt, Jeff Wittenbrink, Bruce Hammatt, Earl Nolan and David Houston. COMMUNITY SUBMISSIONS GUIDELINES: The Community column runs Sundays in the Living section and accepts submissions for news of events that have taken place with civic, philanthropic, social and religious auxiliary organizations, as well as academic honors. Submissions should be sent by noon Monday to run in the upcoming Sunday column.
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