A Note from Bev

We are “in the clouds” and very excited that our cover features The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra and the new group they’re forming called Con Brio! Thanks to cover models: Famed conductor extraordinaire, Carlos Prieto, and co-chairs: Nancy Hales, Pam Ryan and Liz Caputto! We also know that one of our favorite friends, Ana Gershanik, is working on this new project. Sharon Litwin is a dynamo, works tirelessly for the LPO and tells us that exciting things are happening the first week of April. On April 2, the Con Brio Group will have its first reception at the Caputto’s home on St. Charles Avenue where the group will perfect their drumming skills. Then, on April 3, there will be a day of drumming events throughout the city, culminating with a “Purely Percussion” concert on April 4. Whew! Our arms are tired thinking about it! Visit lpomusic.com for all the details.

We are thrilled to present our second annual Debutante Snapshots, highlighting the fabulous parties given for these ladies this past year. Now that Mardi Gras is finished, they’ll have time to reminisce about how much fun they’ve had! Also, check out my entertaining column with Mary Wyatt Hines’ party that took us on a trip to Carnival in Rio, Venice and New Orleans.

Priscilla Jordan, one of our favorite decorators, takes us to the ultimate bachelor pad! He lives right on the park in a fabulous bungalow –
what a treat!

We also have What’s Hot in Gardening and Landscaping to take your yard (or window box) into spring, our first ever hair makeover featuring John Jay and a guide to gift giving along Magazine Street.

Check out our calendar for the multitude of events going on this month – especially Art in Bloom at New Orleans Museum of Art – and don’t miss The Lighthouse for the Blind Benefit chaired by Adrienne Casbarian and Katie Casbarian on March 12th.

Our hearts go out to Jane Casbarian and her entire family for the loss of a great New Orleanian and friend, Archie Casbarian of Arnaud’s Restaurant. He was a gentleman, a trailblazer and a perfectionist who really helped shape Arnaud’s into the world-class restaurant that it is today! Be sure to go to Arnaud’s and Remoulade and support all of our local restaurants that really need locals to come in during this economic downturn.

Speaking of families, Longue Vue House & Gardens, the Greater New Orleans Foundation and the Tulane University Family Business Center have teamed up to host the Third Annual Philanthropy Lecture: The Practices of Flourishing Families on Thursday, March 19 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. This free event will feature Charles Collier, Senior Philanthropic Advisor at Harvard, discussing how a family’s attitude toward and treatment of money can have a profound effect on its well-being. E-mail Shelley@gnof.org to reserve your spot!

St. Anna’s Residence, a nursing home located in the Garden District since 1850, has been hard at work adding function to their already elegant form – including the addition of private bathrooms to their private resident rooms. This is their first full-scale renovation project in 40 years! Call 523-3466 for a full tour of their transformation.

Now that Mardi Gras is over, start thinking of a way that you can volunteer to make our education system better! I want to salute the Rex Organization on their Pro Bono Publico Project that Started after Hurricane Katrina. They have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to benefit the public schools and there is a Rex member on the board of every Charter School in the city – pretty impressive. But remember, you don’t have to be a member of Rex to teach someone to read!

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